Ekucaleni Nkulunkulu wadala lizulu nemhlaba. Umhlaba wawulihlane lelingenalutfo, bumnyama babumbonye emanti nekujula kwawo; Moya waNkulunkulu abehla enyuka ahambahamba etikwemanti. Nkulunkulu watsi: “Akube khona kukhanya,” kwaba khona kukhanya. Nkulunkulu wabona kutsi kukhanya kuhle. Nkulunkulu wehlukanisa kukhanya nebumnyama. Nkulunkulu wakwetsa kukhanya watsi: “Yimini,” bumnyama wabetsa watsi: “Busuku.” Kwahlwa, kwasa: Kwaba lilanga lekucala. Nkulunkulu watsi: “Akube khona umkhatsi emkhatsini wemanti, wehlukanise emanti nemanti.” Nkulunkulu wenta umkhatsi, wehlukanisa emanti labengephansi kwemkhatsi nemanti labengetulu kwemkhatsi. Kwase kuba njalo. Nkulunkulu wawetsa lomkhatsi watsi: “Lizulu.” Kwahlwa, kwasa: Kwaba lilanga lesibili. Nkulunkulu watsi: “Emanti langephansi kwelizulu akabutsane ndzawonye, kubonakale umhlaba lowomile.” Kwase kuba njalo. Lokomile Nkulunkulu wakwetsa libito watsi: “Ngumhlaba;” nemanti labutsene ndzawonye wawetsa libito watsi: “Lwandle.” Nkulunkulu wabona kutsi loko kuhle. Nkulunkulu watsi: “Umhlaba awuvete konkhe lokumilako: lokutsela tinhlavu, netihlahla tetitselo letitsela tinhlavu letiyinhlanyelo ngetinhlobo tato.” Kwase kuba njalo. Umhlaba waveta konkhe lokumilako lokutsela tinhlavu, netihlahla tetitselo letitsela tinhlavu letiyinhlanyelo ngetinhlobo tato. Nkulunkulu wabona kutsi loko kuhle. Kwahlwa, kwasa: Kwaba lilanga lesitsatfu. Nkulunkulu watsi: “Akube khona tibane emkhatsini wesibhakabhaka tehlukanise imini nebusuku; atibe tibonakaliso tetikhatsi, netemalanga, neteminyaka. Atibe tibane temkhatsi wesibhakabhaka tikhanyisele umhlaba.” Kwase kuba njalo. Nkulunkulu wenta tibane letikhulu taba tibili: lesikhulu kutsi sibuse imini, lesincane kutsi sibuse busuku. Wenta netinkhanyeti futsi. Nkulunkulu watibeka emkhatsini wesibhakabhaka kutsi tikhanyisele umhlaba, tibuse imini nebusuku, tehlukanise kukhanya nebumnyama. Nkulunkulu wabona kutsi loko kuhle. Kwahlwa, kwasa: Kwaba lilanga lesine. Nkulunkulu watsi: “Emanti akagcwale yonkhe inhlobo yetilwane letiphilako, kundize tinyoni etikwemhlaba emkhatsini wesibhakabhaka.” Ngako-ke Nkulunkulu wadala tilwane letikhulu taselwandle nato tonkhe tinhlobo tetilwane letiphilako letigcwele emantini ngetinhlobo tato, nato tonkhe tinhlobo tetinyoni letinetimphiko. Nkulunkulu wabona kutsi loko kuhle. Nkulunkulu watibusisa watsi: “Talanani, nandze nigcwalise tilwandle, netinyoni tandze nemhlaba wonkhe.” Kwahlwa, kwasa: Kwaba lilanga lesihlanu. Nkulunkulu watsi: “Umhlaba awuvete tonkhe tinhlobo tetilwane letiphilako: tonkhe tinhlobo tetifuyo, netetilwane letihamba ngesisu, netilo tesiganga.” Kwase kuba njalo. Nkulunkulu wenta tonkhe tinhlobo: tetilo tesiganga, netetifuyo, netetilwane letihamba ngesisu. Nkulunkulu wabona kutsi loko kuhle. Nkulunkulu wase utsi: “Asente bantfu, babe ngumfanekiso wetfu, basifute; babuse etikwetinhlanti taselwandle, nasetikwetinyoni tasemoyeni, nasetikwetifuyo, nasetikwemhlaba wonkhe, nasetikwato tonkhe tilwane letihamba ngesisu netilwanyakatana.” Ngako Nkulunkulu wadala umuntfu waba ngumfanekiso wakhe; wamdala waba ngumfanekiso waNkulunkulu: wabadala, lomdvuna nalomsikati. Nkulunkulu wababusisa watsi: “Talanani, nandze, nigcwalise umhlaba, niwuncobe. Nibuse etikwetinhlanti taselwandle, nasetikwetinyoni tasemoyeni, nasetikwato tonkhe tilwane letihamba emhlabeni.” Nkulunkulu watsi: “Ase nibuke la, ngininike tonkhe tibhidvo letisemhlabeni wonkhe letimilisa inhlanyelo, nato tonkhe tihlahla letinenhlanyelo etitselweni tato, kutsi kube kudla kwenu. Kepha konkhe lokuphilako: tilwane temhlaba, nato tonkhe tinyoni tasemoyeni, netilwane letihamba ngesisu, ngikunika konkhe lokuluhlata kutsi kube kudla kwako.” Kwase kuba njalo. Nkulunkulu wakubona konkhe labesakwentile, kutsi kuhle kakhulu. Kwahlwa, kwasa: Kwaba lilanga lesitfupha. Ngako-ke kwase kupheleliswe lizulu nemhlaba, nendalo yako konkhe. Ngelilanga lesikhombisa Nkulunkulu abesawucedzile wonkhe umsebenti wakhe labewenta; wase uyaphumula. Ngako-ke Nkulunkulu walibusisa lilanga lesikhombisa, walingcwelisa; ngobe ngalo waphumula emsebentini wakhe wonkhe wekudala. Ladalwa kanjalo-ke lizulu nemhlaba. Ngesikhatsi Nkulunkulu Simakadze enta umhlaba nelizulu, kusete nakunye lokumilako emhlabeni, netibhidvo tisengakabikho, ngobe Nkulunkulu Simakadze abesengakayinisi imvula emhlabeni, kwakute umuntfu wekuwulima lomhlaba. Noko kwenyuka inkhungu, iphuma emhlabatsini, yanisela wonkhe umhlaba. Nkulunkulu Simakadze wase ubumba umuntfu ngelutfuli lwemhlabatsi, waphefumulela umoya wekuphila emakhaleni akhe; umuntfu wase uba ngumuntfu lophilako. Nkulunkulu Simakadze wahlanyela insimi yase-Edeni ngasemphumalanga; wambeka khona-ke lomuntfu labesamentile. Nkulunkulu Simakadze wamilisa emhlabatsini tonkhe tihlahla letibukekako letimnandzi; ekhatsi nensimi wamilisa sihlahla sekuphila kanye nesihlahla sekwati lokuhle nalokubi. Kwavela umfula lowageleta wanisela insimi yase-Edeni, udzabula ekhatsi nayo, bese wehlukana uba ngimifula lemine. Libito lemfula wekucala yiPhishoni; ngulona logeleta utungelete lonkhe live laseHavila, lapho kunegolide khona. Igolide yalelo live yinhle kakhulu; kunenhlaka yebhedola kanye nelitje isholamu kulelo live. Umfula wesibili yiGihoni; ngiwo logeleta utungelete lonkhe live laseKushe. Libito lemfula wesitsatfu yiThigrisi, logeletela ngasemphumalanga ye-Asiriya. Umfula wesine yiYufrathe. Nkulunkulu Simakadze wamtsatsa umuntfu wambeka ensimini yase-Edeni kutsi ayilime, ayilindze. Nkulunkulu Simakadze wamyala umuntfu watsi kuye: “Ungadla ngekutsandza kwakho tonkhe titselo letilapha ensimini; kodvwa ungasidli sitselo sesihlahla sekwati lokulungile nalokungakalungi, ngobe mhlazana usidla uyakufa nekufa.” Nkulunkulu Simakadze watsi: “Akukuhle kutsi umuntfu ahlale yedvwana. Ngitamentela umsiti lolungele yena.” Ngako-ke Nkulunkulu Simakadze wabumba ngemhlabatsi tonkhe tilwane tesiganga, netinyoni letindiza emoyeni, watiletsa kumuntfu kutsi abone kutsi utetsa njani. Lawo mabito latetsa wona tabitwa ngawo. Ngako-ke umuntfu watetsa emabito tonkhe tifuyo, netinyoni letindiza emoyeni, nato tonkhe tilwane tesiganga. Kepha Adamu akamtfolanga umsiti labelungele yena. Ngako-ke Nkulunkulu Simakadze wamehlisela umuntfu butfongo lobukhulu; walala. Nkulunkulu wase ukhipha lolunye lwetimbambo takhe wagcwalisa sikhala ngenyama. Nkulunkulu Simakadze wambumba lomsikati ngelubhambo labelukhiphe kulomdvuna, wase umyisa endvodzeni. Indvodza yatsi: “Lona-ke sewulitsambo lematsambo ami, nenyama yenyama yami. Uyawubitwa ngekutsi: ‘yindvodzakati’, ngobe utsetfwe endvodzeni.” Ngako-ke indvodza iyawushiya uyise nenina inamatsele kumfati wayo, bese baba nyamanye. Babehamba ngcunu, bobabili, lendvodza nemkayo, bate emahloni. Inyoka yayinebucili kwendlula tonkhe tilwane tesiganga labetentile Nkulunkulu Simakadze. Yatsi kumfati: “Kodvwa ngempela Nkulunkulu ushito yini kutsi: ‘Ningadli nome ngusinye nje sitselo setihlahla letisensimini’?” Umfati waphendvula inyoka watsi: “Singatidla titselo tetihlahla letisensimini, ngaphandle kwesitselo sesihlahla lesisekhatsi nensimi; Nkulunkulu utsite: ‘Ningasidli sitselo sesihlahla lesisekhatsi nensimi, ningasitsintsi nekusitsintsa, kuze ningafi.’ ” Inyoka yatsi kumfati: “Ningeke nife. Kepha Nkulunkulu uyati kutsi mhlazana nisidla, emehlo enu ayawuvuleka, bese nifanana naNkulunkulu nikwati lokuhle nalokubi.” Ngako-ke watsi umfati kube abone kutsi lesihlahla sasifanelwe kudliwa, nekutsi sasibukeka sisihle, nekutsi lesihlahla sasifanele kumhlakaniphisa umuntfu, wakha kulesihlahla wadla. Wanika nendvodza yakhe, nayo yadla. Emehlo abo bobabili ase ayavuleka, batibona kutsi bangcunu; base batfunga emacembe emkhiwa, batentela kwekuvunula. Ekupholeni kwelilanga beva Nkulunkulu Simakadze ahambahamba ensimini; bo-Adamu nemkakhe bambhacela Nkulunkulu Simakadze emkhatsini wetihlahla tensimi. Kodvwa Nkulunkulu Simakadze wabita Adamu watsi: “Ukuphi?” Waphendvula watsi: “Ngive livi lakho ensimini, ngase ngiyesaba, ngobe ngihamba ngcunu; ngabhaca.” Nkulunkulu wambuta watsi: “Ngubani losakutjele kutsi uhamba ngcunu? Sewusidlile yini lesitselo salesihlahla lengakuyala ngaso kutsi ungabosidla?” Adamu waphendvula watsi: “Ngulomfati lowanginika yena kutsi ahlale nami, nguye lona longinike lesitselo, ngase ngiyasidla.” Nkulunkulu Simakadze watsi kumfati: “Yini-ke lena lose uyentile?” Umfati watsi: “Ngikhohliswe yinyoka, ngase ngiyadla.” Nkulunkulu Simakadze watsi enyokeni: “Njengobe sewente loku, sewucalekiswe ngetulu kwato tonkhe tilwane: tonkhe tifuyo, nato tonkhe tilwane tesiganga. Sewuyawuhamba ngesisu sakho, ngesikhatsi sonkhe sekuphila kwakho udle lutfuli lwemhlabatsi. Ngitawubeka butsa emkhatsini wakho nemfati, nasemkhatsini wentalo yakho nentalo yemfati. Yona iyawufihlita inhloko yakho, wena uyawuluma sitsendze sayo.” Watsi kumfati: “Ngitakwandzisa buhlungu ekukhulelweni kwakho, bube bukhulu kakhulu; uyawutala bantfwana kabuhlungu. Kufisa kwakho kuyawubasendvodzeni yakho, yona iyakukubusa.” Ku-Adamu watsi: “Njengobe ulalele livi lemfati wakho, wasidla lesitselo salesihlahla lengakuyala ngaso ngatsi: ‘Ungasidli,’ umhlaba sewucalekisiwe ngenca yakho. Sewuyakudla kuwo kamatima onkhe emalanga ekuphila kwakho. Uyawukuvetela emanyeva nelukhula, wena uyakudla lokumila esigangeni. Uyawusebenta kamatima, ukujulukele kudla kwakho, udzimate ubuyele emhlabatsini, ngobe vele watsatfwa kuwo; njengobe ulutfuli, uyawubuyela elutfulini.” Adamu wametsa umkakhe watsi ngu-Eva, ngobe waba ngunina wabo bonkhe labaphilako. Nkulunkulu Simakadze wentela bo-Adamu nemkakhe kwekwembatsa kwetikhumba, wabembatsisa. Nkulunkulu Simakadze watsi: “Ase nibuke, Adamu sewunjengatsi, sewuyakwati lokuhle nalokubi. Angahle akhe kulesihlahla sekuphila adle, bese uphila kuze kube phakadze naphakadze.” Ngako-ke Nkulunkulu Simakadze wamcosha ensimini yase-Edeni, kutsi alime umhlabatsi labetsatfwe kuwo. Wamkhipha lo-Adamu; kwase kutsi ngasemphumalanga nensimi yase-Edeni wabeka emakherubhi kanye nenkemba lenelilangabi lephendvuphendvukako ilindze indlela leya esihlahleni sekuphila. Adamu wamati Eva, umkakhe; Eva wakhulelwa watala Khayini, watsi: “Ngitfole indvodzana ngekusitwa nguSimakadze.” Emvakwaloko watala Abela, umnakabo. Yena-ke Abela waba ngumelusi wetimvu, Khayini waba ngumlimi wemhlabatsi. Ngekuhamba kwesikhatsi Khayini waletsa umnikelo wetitselo temhlabatsi kuSimakadze. Na-Abela waletsa ematubulo etimvu takhe letikhuluphele. Simakadze wanaka Abela nemnikelo wakhe; kepha Khayini nemnikelo wakhe akazange amnake. Ngako-ke Khayini watfukutsela kakhulu; buso bakhe banyukumala, bahlwa. Simakadze watsi kuKhayini: “Utfukutseleleni? Buso bakho bunyukumaleleni? Angitsi nawenta lokulungile, uyemukeleka? Nawungenti lokulungile, sono siyakucatsamela ngasemnyango. Sifuna wena, kodvwa wena kufanele usincobe.” Khayini wase utsi ku-Abela, umnakabo: “Asambe, siye etsafeni.” Batsi kube befike etsafeni, Khayini wesukela umnakabo, wambulala. Simakadze wabuta kuKhayini watsi: “Uphi umnakenu Abela?” Watsi: “Angimati. Ngingumlindzi wemnaketfu yini mine?” Simakadze watsi kuye: “Wenteni? Livi lengati yemnakenu liyakhala kimi, lisemhlabatsini. Sewucalekisiwe emhlabatsini lekunguwona ukhamise umlomo wawo wemukela ingati yemnakenu esandleni sakho. Nawulima umhlabatsi, ngeke usakunika sivuno sawo lesihle; wena sewuyawuba ngumhambuma neluzulane emhlabeni.” Khayini watsi kuSimakadze: “Sijeziso sami singetulu kwemandla ami. Asubuke, sewuyangicosha lamuhla la emhlabatsini, ngisuke nasebukhoneni bakho, ngibe ngumhambuma neluzulane emhlabeni; kantsi futsi wonkhe lohlangana nami uyawungibulala.” Kodvwa Simakadze watsi: “Cha, akunjalo! Lowo lobulala Khayini kuyawuphindziselwa kuye kuze kube kasikhombisa.” Simakadze wabeka Khayini luphawu, khona kutewuba secwayiso sekutsi lowo lohlangana naye angambulali. Khayini wase uyesuka ebukhoneni baSimakadze wayawuhlala eveni laseNodi, ngasemphumalanga yase-Edeni. Khayini wamati umkakhe, lowakhulelwa, watala Enoki. Khayini wase wakha lidolobha laletsa ngemsa wakhe, watsi yi-Enoki. Enoki watala Iradi; Iradi waba nguyise waMehujayeli; Mehujayeli waba nguyise waMethushayeli; Methushayeli waba nguyise waLameki. Lameki watsatsa bafati lababili; libito lalomunye kwakungu-Ada, lomunye-ke anguSila. Ada watala Jabale; yena waba nguyise walabo bebahlala emathendeni, bafuye tinkhomo. Libito lemnakabo kwakunguJubale; yena-ke waba nguyise wabo bonkhe lababedlala lugitali nemntjingozi. Sila watala Thubali Khayini; yena-ke waba nguyise wabo bonkhe labakha emathulusi ngelitfusi nensimbi. DzadzewaboThubali Khayini kwakunguNama. Lameki wase utsi kubafati bakhe: “Ada naSila, lalelani livi lami; nine bafati baLameki, lalelani lengitakusho: Indvodza nayingilimata, ngitayibulala; lijaha nalingilimata, ngitalibulala. Nangabe Khayini ayawuphindziselelwa emahlandla lasikhombisa, Lameki uyawuphindziselelwa kuze kube ngemahlandla langema-77.” Adamu waphindze wamati umkakhe, watala indvodzana, wayetsa libito watsi nguSethi, ngobe abetsi: “Nkulunkulu sewungiphe lomunye umntfwana esikhundleni sa-Abela lowabulawa nguKhayini.” NaSethi watala indvodzana layetsa libito watsi ngu-Enoshi; ngaleso sikhatsi bantfu bacala kukhuleka kuSimakadze. Lona ngumlandvo wentalelwane ya-Adamu. Nkulunkulu nakadala umuntfu, wamenta waba ngumfanekiso waNkulunkulu. Wabadala lomdvuna nalomsikati, wababusisa, wabanika libito mhlazana abadala watsi bantfu. Kwatsi Adamu asaneminyaka leli-130, watala indvodzana leyamfuta, yafanana naye; wayetsa libito watsi nguSethi. Emalanga a-Adamu emvakwekutalwa kwaSethi aba ngiminyaka lengema-800, asatele emadvodzana nemadvodzakati. Adamu wafa asaneminyaka lengema-930. Kwatsi Sethi nasaneminyaka leli-105, watala Enoshi. Emvakwekutalwa kwa-Enoshi Sethi waphila iminyaka lengema-807, asatele emadvodzana nemadvodzakati. Sethi wafa asaneminyaka lengema-912. Kwatsi Enoshi nasaneminyaka lengema-90, watala Khenani. Emvakwekutalwa kwaKhenani Enoshi waphila iminyaka lengema-815, asatele emadvodzana nemadvodzakati. Enoshi wafa asaneminyaka lengema-905. Kwatsi Khenani nasaneminyaka lengema-70, watala indvodzana lekwakunguMahalaleli. Emvakwekutalwa kwaMahalaleli, Khenani waphila iminyaka lengema-840, asatele emadvodzana nemadvodzakati. Khenani wafa asaneminyaka lengema-910. Kwatsi Mahalaleli nasaneminyaka lengema-65, watala Jaredi. Emvakwekutalwa kwaJaredi, Mahalaleli waphila iminyaka lengema-830, asatele emadvodzana nemadvodzakati. Mahalaleli wafa asaneminyaka lengema-895. Kwatsi Jaredi nasaneminyaka leli-162, watala Enoki. Emvakwekutalwa kwa-Enoki, Jaredi waphila iminyaka lengema-800, asatele emadvodzana nemadvodzakati. Jaredi wafa asaneminyaka lengema-962. Kwatsi Enoki nasaneminyaka lengema-65, watala Methusela. Emvakwaloko Enoki wahamba anebudlelwane naNkulunkulu iminyaka lengema-300, watala emadvodzana nemadvodzakati. Enoki waphila iminyaka lengema-365. Enoki abehamba naNkulunkulu, wase uyanyamalala ngobe Nkulunkulu abesamtsatsile. Kwatsi Methusela nasaneminyaka leli-187, watala Lameki. Emvakwekutalwa kwaLameki, Methusela waphila iminyaka lengema-782, asatele emadvodzana nemadvodzakati. Methusela wafa asaneminyaka lengema-969. Lameki nasaneminyaka leli-182, watala indvodzana. Lendvodzana wayetsa libito, watsi nguNowa, atsi: “Lona-ke nguye lotasidvudvuta emsebentini wetfu nasekukhatsatekeni kwetfu kuwo lomhlabatsi lowacalekiswa nguSimakadze.” Emvakwekutalwa kwaNowa, Lameki waphila iminyaka lengema-595, asatele emadvodzana nemadvodzakati. Lameki wafa asaneminyaka lengema-777. Nowa wakhula waba neminyaka lengema-500 budzala, watala emadvodzana lamatsatfu: BoShemi, naHhamu, naJafethi. Kwatsi kube bantfu bacale kwandza nemhlaba wonkhe, batala tintfombi, emadvodzana aNkulunkulu atibona letintfombi kutsi tinhle; ase atikhetsela letinye emkhatsini wato atenta bafati bawo. Simakadze wase utsi: “Moya wami angeke asabenta bantfu baphile kuze kube phakadze, ngobe bantfu bayinyama, emalanga abo asayawuba ngiminyaka leli-120.” Kulawo malanga, nangasemva kwawo, kwakunetichwaga letatitalwa bantfu emhlabeni. Emadvodzana aNkulunkulu nasangene kuletintfombi tebantfu, tawatalela bantfwana. Labantfwabato bekungemachawe asendvulo labenemandla neludvumo. Simakadze wabona kutsi kukhulu kona kwemuntfu emhlabeni, nekutsi yonkhe imizindlo nemicabango yenhlitiyo yakhe mibi ngaso sonkhe sikhatsi. Simakadze watisola ngekudala kwakhe umuntfu kutsi abe khona emhlabeni, wadzabuka enhlitiyweni yakhe. Ngako Simakadze watsi: “Ngitabacitsa labantfu lengibadalile emhlabeni; yebo, bantfu, netifuyo, netilwane letihamba ngesisu, netinyoni letindiza emoyeni, ngobe sengiyatisola ngekutsi ngakwenta.” Kodvwa Nowa watfola umusa kuSimakadze. Nankhu-ke umlandvo ngaNowa. Nowa abelungile amsulwa esitukulwaneni sakhe, ahamba naNkulunkulu. Nowa abenemadvodzana lamatsatfu: BekuboShemi, naHhamu, naJafethi. Umhlaba wawonakele emehlweni aNkulunkulu; umhlaba wawugcwele budlova. Nkulunkulu wabuka umhlaba wabona kutsi wonakele, ngobe bonkhe bantfu babetiphetse ngemonakalo emhlabeni. Nkulunkulu watsi kuNowa: “Sengincume kutsi ngibacedze bonkhe bantfu; ngobe umhlaba ugcwele budlova ngenca yabo. Ngitawubabhubhisa, ngibesuse bonkhe emhlabeni. Yakha umkhumbi ngemapulangwe egofari; udzabule emakamelo kulomkhumbi, bese uwupenda ngelitiyela ngekhatsi nangephandle. Utakuwakha kanje: Budze bemkhumbi butawuba ngemamitha langaba li-133, bubanti bube ngemamitha langaba ngema-22, kuphakama kube ngemamitha langaba li-13. Wente loluphahla lwalomkhumbi lube nesikhala lesingemasentimitha langaba ngema-44, kusuka elubondzeni lwawo. Wakhe nemnyango emhlubulweni wawo. Uwakhe ube netitezi letitsatfu: lesinye sibe ngaphansi, lesinye sibesemkhatsini, lesinye sibe ngetulu. Ngitawuletsa zamcolo emhlabeni, utawufika abulale yonkhe inyama lenemoya wekuphila, lengaphansi kwelizulu. Konkhe lokusemhlabeni kutawubhubha. Kodvwa ngitakwenta sivumelwane sami nawe: Utawungena emkhunjini wena, nemadvodzana akho, nemkakho, nabomalukatana bakho. Kuto tonkhe tilwane utawungenisa lesidvuna nalesisikati kulolo nakulolo luhlobo, khona titawuphila kanye nawe. Kuto tinyoni tinhlobo ngetinhlobo tato, nakuto tifuyo tinhlobo ngetinhlobo tato, nasetilwaneni letihamba ngesisu emhlabatsini tinhlobo ngetinhlobo tato, kutawufika kuwe tibe timbili talolo nalolo luhlobo, kuze kutsi tihlale tiphilile. Utsatse tonkhe tinhlobo tekudla, utigcine; kutawuba kudla kwakho nekwato.” Nowa wakwenta konkhe layalwa nguNkulunkulu kutsi akwente. Simakadze watsi kuNowa: “Ngena emkhunjini wena nendlu yakho, ngobe sengibonile kutsi nguwe wedvwa lolungile kulesitukulwane. Kuto tonkhe tinhlobo tetilwane letihlambulukile tsatsa tibe sikhombisa letindvuna naletinsikati tibe sikhombisa, nakuto tinhlobo tetilwane letingakahlambuluki utsatse tibe timbili lesidvuna nalesisikati. Nakuto tonkhe tinhlobo tetinyoni tsatsa tibe sikhombisa letindvuna naletinsikati; khona lungetiwuphela lolo nalolo luhlobo emhlabeni. Emvakwemalanga lasikhombisa kusukela lamuhla ngitawutfumela imvula emhlabeni, emalanga langema-40 nebusuku bawo; konkhe lokuphilako lengikwentile emhlabeni ngitakubhubhisa.” Nowa wakwenta konkhe labekutjelwe nguSimakadze. Nowa abesaneminyaka lengema-600 budzala, mhlazana kufika zamcolo emhlabeni. Nowa wangena emkhunjini yena nemadvodzana akhe, nemkakhe, nebafati bemadvodzana akhe, babalekela emanti azamcolo. Kuto tonkhe tilwane letihlambulukile naletingakahlambuluki, nasetinyonini, nakuto tonkhe tilwane letihamba ngesisu, tangena ngatimbili, lesidvuna nalesisikati, tangena naNowa emkhunjini, njengobe Nkulunkulu abemtjelile. Emvakwemalanga lasikhombisa layitsela imvula yazamcolo emhlabeni. Ngemnyaka wema-600 ekuphila kwaNowa, enyangeni yesibili, mhlazana tili-17, tonkhe tiyalu temhlaba tabhoboka, emafasitelo asezulwini avuleka. Lana emhlabeni emalanga langema-40 nebusuku bawo. Ngalelo langa Nowa nemkakhe wangena emkhunjini, naboShemi, naHhamu, naJafethi, emadvodzana akhe, nebafati bawo. Bangena nato tonkhe tilwane: tonkhe tifuyo ngetinhlobo tato, nato tonkhe tilwane letihamba ngesisu ngetinhlobo tato, nato tonkhe tinyoni ngetinhlobo tato. Tangena kuNowa emkhunjini ngatimbili tako konkhe lokunemoya wekuphila. Letangena tangena kwaba ngulesidvuna nalesisikati senyama yonkhe, tangena, njengobe Nkulunkulu abetjele Nowa. Simakadze wavala umnyango. Layitsela imvula emhlabeni emalanga langema-40 nebusuku bawo; emanti akhula adzimate awuphakamisa umkhumbi, wasukuma emhlabatsini. Emanti akhula andza kakhulu emhlabeni, nemkhumbi wantanta etikwemanti. Emanti achubeka akhukhumuka, adzimate ambonya tonkhe tintsaba temhlaba naletindze kakhulu. Emanti akhukhumuka, adzimate aba ngemamitha lasikhombisa ngetulu kwetintsaba. Konkhe lokuphilako lokwakusemhlabeni kwafa: tinyoni netifuyo, netilwane tesiganga, nako konkhe lokwakugcwalise umhlaba, nebantfu bonkhe. Konkhe lokwakusemhlabeni lokwakuphefumula umoya wekuphila emakhaleni, kwafa. Simakadze wakucitsa kanjalo-ke konkhe lokwakuphila emhlabeni; wacitsa bantfu, netifuyo netilwane letihamba ngesisu, netinyoni letindiza emoyeni. Kwasala Nowa kanye nalabo abenabo emkhunjini. Emanti ahlala emhlabeni emalanga lali-150. Nkulunkulu wamkhumbula Nowa, netilwane tonkhe, kanye nato tonkhe tifuyo labenato emkhunjini. Nkulunkulu waletsa umoya waphuphutsa etikwemhlaba, emanti etja. Tiyalu temhlaba tavaleka, emafasitelo elizulu avaleka, imvula yahhamuka. Emanti aya ngekuya etja emhlabeni. Emvakwemalanga lali-150 emanti ancipha. Ngelilanga leli-17, enyangeni yesikhombisa umkhumbi watinta etikwetintsaba tase-Ararathi. Emanti achubeka nekwetja, kwadzimate kwatsi ngelilanga lekucala enyangeni yelishumi, tihloko tetintsaba tavela tabonakala. Ekupheleni kwemalanga langema-40 Nowa walivula lelifasitelo labelakhile. Watfumela lihubhulu, kodvwa alizange libuye, lazulazula kwaze kwasha emanti emhlabeni. Wase utfumela lituba kutsi liyewuhlola kutsi emanti asanciphile yini emhlabatsini. Kepha lituba lehluleka kutfola indzawo, ngisho neyekubeka lunyawo lwalo, lancandzeka labuyela kuye emkhunjini, ngobe emanti abesemanyenti emhlabeni wonkhe. Ngako welula sandla sakhe walitsatsa, walingenisa emkhunjini kuye. Walindza emalanga lasikhombisa, waphindze watfumela lituba walikhipha emkhunjini. Lituba lancandzeka lefika kuye kusihlwa liphetse licembe lesihlahla semncumo lelalisandza kukhiwa. Ngako Nowa wati kutsi emanti asetjile emhlabeni. Waphindze walindza emalanga lasikhombisa, wase utfuma lituba futsi; alizange liphindze libuye. Ngemnyaka wakhe wema-601, mhlazana lulunye enyangeni yekucala emanti abesashile emhlabeni. Nowa walususa luphahla lwemkhumbi, wahlola, wabona umhlabatsi sewomile. Mhlazana tingema-27 enyangeni yesibili umhlaba wase womile. Nkulunkulu wakhuluma kuNowa, watsi: “Phuma emkhunjini wena, nemkakho, nemadvodzana akho, nebafati bemadvodzana akho. Phuma kanye nato tonkhe tilwane letiphilako letinawe tayo yonkhe inhlobo: tinyoni, netifuyo, nato tonkhe tilwane letihamba ngesisu, khona titekwandza emhlabeni titalane tigcwalise umhlaba.” Ngako-ke Nowa waphuma nemkakhe, nemadvodzana akhe, nebafati bemadvodzana akhe. Tonkhe tilwane, ngisho naletihamba ngesisu, nato tonkhe tinyoni, konkhe lokuhamba emhlabatsini kwaphuma ngetinhlobo tako emkhunjini. Nowa wakhela Nkulunkulu lilati, watsatsa kuto tonkhe tifuyo letihlambulukile nakuto tonkhe tinyoni letihlambulukile, wanikela kuNkulunkulu umnikelo wekushiswa elatini. Nkulunkulu waliva leliphunga lelinuka lusi lolumnandzi, watsi enhlitiyweni yakhe: “Ngingeke ngiphindze ngiwucalekise umhlabatsi ngenca yemuntfu, ngobe imizindlo yenhlitiyo yemuntfu mibi kwasebusheni bakhe. Ngingeke ngiphindze ngikubhubhise konkhe lokuphilako, njengobe ngentile. “Yingci nawusekhona umhlaba, kuhlanyela nekuvuna, kucandza nekushisa, lihlobo nebusika, imini nebusuku kungeke kuncamuke.” Nkulunkulu wambusisa Nowa kanye nemadvodzana akhe, watsi kubo: “Talanani nandze, nigcwalise umhlaba. Luvalo nekwesatjwa kwenu akubesetilwaneni tonkhe temhlaba, nakuto tonkhe tinyoni letindiza emoyeni, nakuko konkhe lokuhamba ngesisu emhlabatsini, nakuto tonkhe tinhlanti telwandle. Konkhe loko kuniketelwe etandleni tenu. “Tonkhe tilwane letiphilako tiyawuba kudla kwenu; ngininika kona njengobe nganinika tibhidvo. Intfo nje, ningayidli inyama lesenengati; loko ngikusho ngobe kuphila kusengatini. Umuntfu lobulala lomunye umuntfu uyawujeziswa, nesilwane lesibulala umuntfu ngiyawusijezisa. Ngulowo nalowo uyawutilandza ngengati yalomunye. “Locitsa ingati yalomunye umuntfu, neyakhe iyawucitfwa ngulabanye bantfu, ngobe Nkulunkulu wamenta umuntfu waba ngumfanekiso wakhe. “Talanani, nandze, nigcwalise umhlaba.” Nkulunkulu wakhuluma kuNowa nemadvodzana akhe, watsi: “Ase nibuke la, mine ngimisa sivumelwane sami nani netitukulwane tenu letiyawunilandzela, kanye nato tonkhe tilwane letiphilako letinani: tinyoni, netifuyo, nato tonkhe tilwane tesiganga leniphume nato emkhunjini, ngisho nato tonkhe tilwane temhlaba. Ngimisa sivumelwane sami nani, kutsi ngeke kuphindze kubhujiswe lutfo ngemanti azamcolo, angeke aseta zamcolo kutewubhubhisa umhlaba.” Nkulunkulu wachubeka watsi: “Nalu luphawu lwesivumelwane lengisenta emkhatsini wami nani, nato tonkhe tidalwa letiphilako letinani, nato tonkhe titukulwane letitako: Ngibeka umushi wenkosazana emafini, uyawuba luphawu lwesivumelwane emkhatsini wami nemhlaba. Nangiletsa emafu etikwemhlaba bese kubonakala lomushi emafini, ngiyawukhumbula sivumelwane sami emkhatsini wami nani, nato tonkhe tilwane letiphilako, ngisho tonkhe tinhlobo tato. Emanti angeke aphindze abe nguzamcolo wekubhubhisa konkhe lokuphilako. Nakunalomushi emafini, ngiyakuwubuka bese ngikhumbula sivumelwane saphakadze emkhatsini waNkulunkulu nato tonkhe tinhlobo tetilwane letiphila emhlabeni.” Nkulunkulu wachubeka watsi kuNowa: “Lolu luphawu lwesivumelwane lesengisimise emkhatsini wami nako konkhe lokuphilako emhlabeni.” Emadvodzana aNowa laphuma emkhunjini bekuboShemi, naHhamu, naJafethi. Hhamu bekunguyise waKhenani. Bobatsatfu bekungemadvodzana aNowa; umhlaba wonkhe wagcwaliswa yintalo yabo. Nowa abengumlimi, waba wekucala kuhlanyela sivini. Wanatsa liwayini, wadzakwa, wadzimate walala ngcunu, ethendeni lakhe. Hhamu, uyise waKhenani, wabubona bungcunu beyise, wahamba wayawutjela bomnakabo lababili lababengephandle. BoShemi naJafethi batsatsa ingubo, batigubhetela emahlombe abo bobabili, bahamba nyova, bafike babumbonya bungcunu beyise. Buso babo babubheke eceleni, ngako abazange babubone bungcunu beyise. Nowa wavuka asacabukile ekudzakweni kwakhe, weva loko lokwakwentiwe yindvodzana yakhe lencane. Watsi: “Akacalekiswe Khenani, abe sigcili setigcili kubomnakabo.” Waphindze futsi watsi: “Akadvunyiswe Simakadze, iNkhosi, Nkulunkulu waShemi; Khenani akabe sigcili saShemi. Shangatsi Nkulunkulu angamandzisa Jafethi, ahlale emathendeni aShemi; Khenani abe sigcili saJafethi.” Emvakwazamcolo Nowa waphila iminyaka lengema-350. Wafa asaneminyaka lengema-950. Nati-ke titukulwane temadvodzana aNowa, boShemi, naHhamu, naJafethi, batalelwa emadvodzana emvakwazamcolo. Emadvodzana aJafethi bekuboGomeri, naMagogi, naMadayi, naJavani, naThubali, naMesheki, naThirasi. Emadvodzana aGomeri bekubo-Ashkenazi, naRifathi, naThogama. Emadvodzana aJavani bekubo-Elisha, naThashishi, nemaKhithi, nemaRodani. Bavela kulabo-ke labantfu labahamba bayawuhlala emaveni langaselwandle. Babehlala ngemindeni yabo etiveni tabo, bakhuluma tilimi tabo emaveni abo. Emadvodzana aHhamu bekuboKushe, naGibhithe, naPhuthi, naKhenani. Emadvodzana aKushe bekuboSeba, naHavila, naSabta, naRama, naSabtekha. Emadvodzana aRama bekuboSheba naDedani. Kushe waba nguyise waNimrodi. LoNimrodi waba wekucala emhlabeni kutsi abe sichwaga lesinemandla lamakhulu. Abengumtingeli lonemandla kakhulu embikwaSimakadze, ngako-ke kutsiwa: “NjengaNimrodi umtingeli labenemandla embikwaSimakadze.” Umbuso wakhe wacala ngeBhabheli, nase-Ereki, nase-Akhadi, konkhe kwakuseveni laseShinari. Kusuka lapho umbuso wakhe waze wefika e-Asiriya. Nimrodi wakha iNineve, neRehobothi Iri, neKhala, neReseni, emkhatsini weNineve neKhala; lelo bekulidolobha lelikhulu. Gibhithe watala emaLudi, nema-Anami, nemaLehabi, nemaNafethuhi, nemaPhathrusi, nemaKhasuluhi, lapho kwadzabuka khona emaFilisti nemaKhaftori. Khenani watubula ngaSidoni, welamisa ngaHethi, waba nguyise wemaJebhusi, nema-Amori, nemaGirigashi, nemaHivi, nema-Akhi, nemaSini, nema-Avadi, nemaSemari, nemaHamathi. Emvakwaloko imindeni yemaKhenani yahlakateka yandza, kangangekutsi umnyele welive lemaKhenani wawusuka eSidoni ushaye eGerari, naseGaza, naseSodoma, naseGomora, nase-Adma, naseSeboyimu uze ufike eLasha. Ngito leto-ke titukulwane taHhamu, ngemindeni yato, netilimi tato, emaveni ato, nasetiveni tato. NaShemi futsi, uyise wabo bonkhe bantfwana ba-Ebheri, umnakaboJafethi lomkhulu, watala bantfwana. Emadvodzana aShemi bekubo-Elamu, na-Ashuri, na-Aphakshadi, naLudi, na-Aramu. Emadvodzana a-Aramu bekubo-Use, naHuli, naGetheri, naMashe. Aphakshadi watala Shela; Shela watala Ebheri. Ebheri watala emadvodzana lamabili. Lomunye kwakunguPhelegi, ngobe ngesikhatsi sakhe live ladzatjulwa. Umnakabo kwakunguJokthane. Jokthane kwakunguyise wabo-Almodadi, naShelefi, naHasamavete, naJera, naHadoramu, na-Uzali, naDikila, na-Obali, na-Abimayeli, naSheba, na-Ofiri, naHavila, naJobabi. Bonkhe laba kwakungemadvodzana aJokthane. Live babehlala kulo lalisuka eMesha ngaseSefari, lize lifike eveni letintsaba ngasemphumalanga. Ngiwo lawo-ke emadvodzana aShemi, ngemindeni yawo, nangetilimi tawo, emaveni awo, nasetiveni tawo. Ngiyo-ke le imindeni yemadvodzana aNowa ngetitukulwane tawo nangetive tawo. Tive tesukela kuwo, emvakwazamcolo, tandza nemhlaba wonkhe. Umhlaba wonkhe wawukhuluma lulwimi lunye lunemagama manye etintfo. Batsi basahambahamba ngasemphumalanga, bakhandza litsafa eveni laseShinari, bafike bahlala khona. Base bakhulumisana bodvwana, batsi: “Wotani, asente titini, sitishise.” Basebentisa titini esikhundleni sematje, nelitiyela esikhundleni seludzaka. Batsi: “Wotani, sitakhele lidolobha, nembhoshongo lotawufikela ezulwini, sitentele ligama, sitekwatiwa, khona singetiwulahlekelana sisakateke nemhlaba wonkhe.” Simakadze wehla atewubona lelidolobha nalombhoshongo lowawakhiwa bantfu. Simakadze watsi: “Ase nibheke labantfu basive sinye, nelulwimi lunye; loku kusicalo saloko labatakwenta, kute labatawutsi nabatimisele kukwenta behluleke kukwenta. Wotani, sehle, siyewusanganisa lulwimi lwabo, khona bangetiwuvana.” Ngako Simakadze wabahlakata nemhlaba wonkhe, bayekela kulakha lelo dolobha. Ngako-ke wetsiwa libito kwatsiwa yiBhabheli, ngobe Simakadze wasanganisa lulwimi lwemhlaba wonkhe. Kusuka lapho Simakadze bantfu wabasakata nemhlaba wonkhe. Nati-ke titukulwane taShemi. Emvakweminyaka lemibili kwendlule zamcolo, Shemi abesaneminyaka lelikhulu, watala Aphakshadi. Emvakwekutalwa kwa-Aphakshadi, Shemi waphila iminyaka lengema-500, watala emadvodzana nemadvodzakati. Aphakshadi abesaneminyaka lengema-35, nakatala Shela. Emvakwekutalwa kwaShela, Aphakshadi waphila iminyaka lengema-403, watala emadvodzana nemadvodzakati. Shela abesaneminyaka lengema-30, nakatala Ebheri. Emvakwekutalwa kwa-Ebheri, Shela waphila iminyaka lengema-403, watala emadvodzana nemadvodzakati. Ebheri abesaneminyaka lengema-34, nakatala Phelegi. Emvakwekutalwa kwaPhelegi, Ebheri waphila iminyaka lengema-430, watala emadvodzana nemadvodzakati. Phelegi abesaneminyaka lengema-30, nakatala Rehu. Emvakwekutalwa kwaRehu, Phelegi waphila iminyaka lengema-209, watala emadvodzana nemadvodzakati. Rehu abesaneminyaka lengema-32, nakatala Serugi. Emvakwekutalwa kwaSerugi, Rehu waphila iminyaka lengema-207, watala emadvodzana nemadvodzakati. Serugi abesaneminyaka lengema-30, nakatala Nahori. Emvakwekutalwa kwaNahori, Serugi waphila iminyaka lengema-200, watala emadvodzana nemadvodzakati. Nahori abesaneminyaka lengema-29, nakatala Thera. Emvakwekutalwa kwaThera, Nahori waphila iminyaka leli-119, watala emadvodzana nemadvodzakati. Thera waphila iminyaka lengema-70, watala telamani bo-Abrama, naNahori, naHarani. Nati-ke titukulwane taThera: Thera abenguyise wa-Abrama, naNahori, naHarani. Harani abenguyise waLoti. Harani wafa kucala kuneyise, Thera; wafela eveni latalelwa kulo, i-Uri yemaKhaledi. Bo-Abrama naNahori batsatsa bafati. Libito lemka-Abrama kwakunguSarayi; libito lemkaNahori kwakunguMilkha, indvodzakati yaHarani, uyise waMilkha naJiskha. Sarayi abeyinyumba, ate bantfwana. Thera watsatsa Abrama, indvodzana yakhe, naLoti, umtukulu wakhe umsa waHarani, namalukatana wakhe Sarayi, labengumka-Abrama, umsa wakhe, wahamba nabo esuka e-Uri yemaKhaledi, bacondze eveni laseKhenani. Batsi kube befike eHarani, bakha khona. Thera wafela lapho eHarani asaneminyaka lengema-205. Simakadze watsi ku-Abrama: “Phuma eveni lakini, nasetihlotjeni takho, nasemndenini weyihlo, uye eveni lengitakukhombisa lona. Ngitakwenta ube sive lesikhulu, ngikubusise, ngente libito lakho libe likhulu, wena ube sibusiso. Ngitababusisa labakubusisako, ngibacalekise labakucalekisako. Tive tonkhe temhlaba tiyawubusiswa ngawe.” Ngako-ke Abrama wahamba, njengobe Simakadze abesamtjelile, Loti wahamba naye. Abrama abesaneminyaka lengema-75 budzala, nakasuka eHarani. Abrama watsatsa Sarayi, umkakhe, naLoti, indvodzana yemnakabo, netimphahla tabo labesebatigcogcile, netisebenti labesebatitfole eHarani; bahamba nato baya eveni laseKhenani. Batsi kube befike eveni laseKhenani, Abrama wahamba wadzabula live, waze wefika eShekhemu, ngasema-okhini aseMore. EmaKhenani abehlala kulelo live ngaleso sikhatsi. Simakadze wabonakala ku-Abrama, watsi: “Lelive ngiyawulinika titukulwane takho.” Abrama wakhela Simakadze lilati, ngobe abebonakele lapho kuye. Wesuka waya etintsabeni tangasemphumalanga neBetheli, wafike wemisa lithende lakhe khona; iBetheli beyingasenshonalanga, i-Ayi beyingasemphumalanga. Nakhona lapho wafike wakhela Simakadze lilati; wakhuleka kuSimakadze. Emvakwaloko Abrama wahamba wacondza ngaseningizimu neKhenani. Kwase kuba nendlala lenkhulu eKhenani. Ngako-ke Abrama wehlela eGibhithe; wahlala khona sikhashana, ngobe indlala yayiyinkhulu kakhulu eKhenani. Watsi nasatawufika eGibhithe, wakhuluma kumkakhe Sarayi watsi: “Ase ulalele la: Ngiyakwati kutsi ungumfati lomuhle, nalobukekako. EmaGibhithe atawutsi angakubona atsi: ‘Ngumkakhe lo,’ bese ayangibulala, wena angakubulali. Ngako-ke ubotsi ungudzadzewetfu, khona kutangihambela kahle ngisindze ngenca yakho.” Watsi Abrama nakewela umnyele angena eGibhithe, emaGibhithe akhangwa buhle balomfati. Tindvuna taFaro tatsi kube timbone, tambabata kuFaro; wase uyatsatfwa-ke uyiswa esigodlweni saFaro. Ngenca yalomfati, Abrama waphatseka kahle: Wanikwa timvu netimbuti, netinkhomo, netimbongolo letindvuna naletinsikati, nemakamela, netisebenti letidvuna naletisikati. Kepha Simakadze washaya Faro nemndeni wakhe ngetinhlupho letinkhulu ngenca yaSarayi, umka-Abrama. Ngako-ke Faro wabita Abrama, watsi kuye: “Yini lena loyente kimi? Awukangitjeli ngani kutsi lona ngumkakho? Ushitoleni kutsi ngudzadzewenu, ngaze ngamtsatsa waba ngumkami? Nangu-ke umkakho, mtsatse, uhambe naye.” Faro watfumela emancusa ku-Abrama, amhambisa kanye nemkakhe, nako konkhe labesanako. Ngako-ke Abrama wakhuphuka eGibhithe, yena nemkakhe, nako konkhe labesanako, wahamba naLoti, baya ngaseningizimu neKhenani. Abrama abesacebe kakhulu: asanemfuyo, nesiliva, negolide. Wesuka eningizimu neKhenani wacocoma ngekutfutsa, waze wefika ngaseBetheli. Waphindze wesuka lapho waya endzaweni lesemkhatsini weBetheli ne-Ayi, lapho abeke wemisa khona lithende kucala, wakha nelilati. Abrama wafike lapho wakhuleka kuSimakadze. Naye Loti, labehamba na-Abrama, abesanetimvu, netimbuti, netinkhomo kanye nemndeni wakhe netisebenti takhe. Ngako-ke lelo live lalingeke lisabenela kahle-hle, ngobe timphahla tabo tase titinyenti kangangekutsi babengabe basahlala ndzawonye. Kwavela kucabana emkhatsini webelusi baka-Abrama nebelusi bakaLoti. Ngaleso sikhatsi emaKhenani nemaPheresi abesahlala kulelo live. Ngako Abrama watsi kuLoti: “Tsine nawe sitihlobo. Ngako-ke akukafaneli kutsi sicabane ngenca yekucabana kwebelusi betfu. Angitsi uyalibona lonkhe lelive? Asehlukane. Nawukhetsa kuya ngesancele, mine ngitakuya ngesekudla; nawukhetsa kuya ngesekudla, mine ngitakuya ngesancele.” Loti watsi naphakamisa emehlo akhe, wabona litsafa lelinesihlambo semfula iJordane, linemanti lenele yonkhe indzawo, kuze kuyewufika eSowari; lalinjengensimi yaSimakadze nanjengelive laseGibhithe. Ngalesikhatsi Simakadze abesengakayibhubhisi iSodoma neGomora. Ngako-ke Loti wakhetsa lonkhe litsafa lelalinesihlambo semfula iJordane, wacondza ngasemphumalanga. Kwaba kwehlukana kwabo-ke njalo. Abrama wahlala eveni laseKhenani, Loti yena wayawuhlala emkhatsini wemiti lesetsafeni lemfula, wemisa lithende lakhe edvute neSodoma. Kepha bantfu baseSodoma babekhohlakele, bona kakhulu kuSimakadze. Kwatsi Loti nasehlukene na-Abrama, Simakadze watsi ku-Abrama: “Phakamisa emehlo akho, ubuke ngasenyakatfo, nangaseningizimu, nangasemphumalanga, nangasenshonalanga. Lonkhe lelive lolibonako ngitawulinika wena netitukulwane takho kuze kube phakadze. Titukulwane takho ngiyawutenta tibe ngangelutfuli lwemhlaba, kangangekutsi nakukhona longabala lutfuli lwemhlaba, netitukulwane takho angatibala. Sukuma, uhambe ulidzabule ekhatsi ngebudze nangebubanti balo lelive, ngobe ngitakunika lona.” Ngako-ke, Abrama walitfutsa lithende lakhe walimisa ngasetihlahleni tema-okhi eMamre, leseHebroni; wafike lapho wakhela Simakadze lilati. Emakhosi lamane: Amrafeli, inkhosi yaseShinari, na-Ariyoki, inkhosi yase-Elasare, naKhedolawomere, inkhosi yase-Elamu, naThidali, inkhosi yetive, ahloma ayawuhlasela lamanye emakhosi lasihlanu, lekwakuboBhera, inkhosi yaseSodoma, naBhisha, inkhosi yaseGomora, naShinabe, inkhosi yase-Adema, naShemebere, inkhosi yaseSeboyimu, nenkhosi yaseBhela, leyiSowari. Onkhe lamakhosi ahlangana ndzawonye eTsafeni laseSidimu, lesekwaba Lwandle Lweluswayi. Kwase kuphele iminyaka leli-12 baphansi kwenkhosi Khedolawomere; kepha emnyakeni weli-13 bamhlubuka. Ngemnyaka weli-14 weta Khedolawomere nalamanye emakhosi labenawo, balwa behlula emaRefa e-Ashtherothe Khanayimu, nemaZuzi eHhamu, nema-Emi eShave Khiriyathayimu, nemaHori entsabeni yawo iSeyiri, kwadzimate kwaba ngu-Eli Pharani ngasehlane. Base bayancandzeka, beta e-Eni Mishpati leliyiKhadeshi, balicitsa lonkhe live lema-Amaleki, nelema-Amori labehlala eHasesoni Thamari. Inkhosi yaseSodoma, neyaseGomora, neyase-Adema, neyaseSeboyimu, neyaseBhela leliyiSowari, ahloma aya kulelitsafa laseSidimu, kuyakulwa nemakhosi boKhedolawomere wase-Elamu, naThidali inkhosi yetive, na-Amrafeli waseShinari, na-Ariyoki wase-Elasare. Emakhosi lamane alwa nemakhosi lasihlanu. Litsafa laseSidimu laligcwele imigodzi yelitiyela. Ngesikhatsi emakhosi aseSodoma abaleka, agcumukela kulemigodzi, lamanye abalekela etintsabeni. Ngako-ke lamakhosi lamane atitsatsa tonkhe timphahla taseSodoma netaseGomora nemiphako yawo yonkhe, ahamba. Atsatsa naLoti labeyindvodzana yemnakabo-Abrama, njengobe abehlala eSodoma, naye bamtfumba kanye netimphahla takhe. Lomunye waphunyuka wabaleka wayawubikela Abrama, umHebheru, labehlala ngasetihlahleni tema-okhi aMamre, um-Amori, umnakabo-Eshkoli na-Aneri. Bonkhe-ke laba bebabambisene na-Abrama. Abrama watsi kube eve kutsi umntfwanemnakabo bamtfumbile, wabutsa emadvodza labetalelwe ekhaya lakhe labececeshelwe timphi. Asawonkhe abesangema-318. Abrama nalamadvodza wacosha lamakhosi lamane wadzimate wawefikisa ngakaDani. Kwatsi ebusuku wahlelembisa libutfo lakhe ngeticheme talo. Wawahlasela wawehlula, wawacosha waze wawabeka eHoba, enyakatfo neDamaseko. Watitsatsa tonkhe timphahla wabuya nato kanye naLoti netimphahla takhe nalabasikati kanye nalabanye labanyenti. Abrama asabuya ekwehluleni Khedolawomere nalamanye emakhosi labenawo, inkhosi yaseSodoma yaphuma yaya kumhlangabeta eSigodzini saseShave, lekuSigodzi Senkhosi. NaMelkhisedeki, inkhosi yaseSalema, leyayingumphristi waNkulunkulu Losetikwako Konkhe, yaletsa kuye sinkhwa neliwayini. Melkhisedeki wabusisa Abrama watsi: “Abrama akabusiswe nguNkulunkulu Losetikwako Konkhe, uMdali welizulu nemhlaba. Akabongwe Nkulunkulu Losetikwako Konkhe lonikete letitsa takho entsendzeni yesandla sakho.” Abrama wanika Melkhisedeki kwelishumi kwako konkhe. Inkhosi yaseSodoma yatsi ku-Abrama: “Buyisa bonkhe labantfu bami, wena utitsatsele letimphahla.” Kodvwa Abrama watsi enkhosini yaseSodoma: “Ngiphakamisela sandla sami, ngifunga kuSimakadze Nkulunkulu Losetikwako Konkhe, uMdali welizulu nemhlaba, kutsi ngingeke ngitsatse ngisho nelucotfo nome umchilo weticatfulo nome yini lekuyakho. Angifuni kutsi bese utsi: ‘Abrama ngimcebisile.’ Kute lengitakutsatsa ngaphandle kwaloko lokudliwe ngulamadvodza akami, nesabelo salamadvodza bengihamba nawo: bo-Aneri, na-Eshkoli, naMamre. Abatsatse sabelo sabo.” Emvakwaloko livi laSimakadze lefika ku-Abrama ngembono, latsi: “Abrama, ungesabi. Ngisihlangu sakho, umvuzo wakho utawuba mkhulu.” Kodvwa Abrama watsi: “Awu, Simakadze Nkulunkulu, utangiphani, ngobe seloku anginamntfwana? Indlalifa yami kutawuba ngu-Eliyezeri waseDamaseko.” Abrama wachubeka watsi: “Ase ubuke nje, awungiphanga ntalo, lesisebenti lesesitalelwe la endlini yami ngiso lesitawuba yindlalifa yami.” Livi laSimakadze latsi kuye: “Lowo muntfu angeke abe yindlalifa yakho, kodvwa yindvodzana yakho, lephuma elukhalweni lwakho, letawuba yindlalifa yakho.” Simakadze wamkhiphela ngaphandle watsi: “Buka etulu esibhakabhakeni ubale tinkhanyeti, nawungatibala.” Wachubeka watsi kuye: “Nentalo yakho-ke iyawuba ngako.” Abrama wakholwa nguSimakadze; ngenca yaloko Simakadze wamemukela ngekutsi ulungile. Watsi kuye: “NginguSimakadze lowakukhipa e-Uri yemaKhaledi, kutsi ngitekupha lelive libe lakho.” Kepha Abrama watsi: “Nkhosi, Simakadze, ngitakwati ngani kutsi lelive litawuba ngelami?” Wamphendvula watsi: “Ngiletsele sitfokati lesineminyaka lemitsatfu budzala, nembutikati leneminyaka lemitsatfu budzala, nesihhanca lesineminyaka lemitsatfu budzala, nelituba kanye nelizini lelivukutfu.” Konkhe loku wakuletsa, wakujuba ekhatsi. Lolo nalolo lucetu walubeka macondzana nalolunye, kodvwa tinyoni akatijubanga. Emangce ehlela etidvunjini, kepha Abrama wawacosha. Latsi nalishonako lilanga, Abrama wehlelwa butfongo lobukhulu, walala; asalele wefikelwa luvalo nekwesaba lokukhulu. Simakadze watsi ku-Abrama: “Yati ngempela kutsi situkulwane sakho siyawuba sihambi eveni lekungesilo laso; siyawuba sigcili sakulelo live, sigcilateke iminyaka lengema-400. Kodvwa ngiyawusehlulela leso sive lesiyawube sigcilata lesitukulwane sakho; emvakwaloko lesitukulwane sakho siyawuphuma sesinetimphahla letinyenti. Wena-ke utawukhula, ufe ngekuthula sewumdzala kakhulu, ungcwatjwe. Lesitukulwane siyawuphindze sibuye lapha sesingesesine, ngobe bubi ba-Amori abukapheli.” Kwatsi ngekushona kwelilanga sekumnyama, kwabonakala litiko lemlilo, nelilangabi lemlilo lendlula emkhatsini waletincetu. Ngalo lelo langa Simakadze wenta sivumelwane na-Abrama, watsi: “Lelive ngilinika situkulwane sakho, kusukela emfuleni waseGibhithe kuze kufike emfuleni lomkhulu iYufrathe, lekulive lemaKheni, nemaKhenizi, nemaKhadimoni, nemaHethi, nemaPheresi, nemaRefa, nema-Amori, nemaKhenani, nemaGirigashi, nemaJebhusi.” Sarayi, umka-Abrama, abengenamntfwana. Abenesisebenti lesasingumGibhithe lesasibitwa ngekutsi nguHagari. Sarayi watsi ku-Abrama: “Ase ubuke, Simakadze ungimile intalo. Ngena kulesisebenti sami, mhlawumbe ngitawutfola ngaso bantfwana.” Abrama walilalela livi laSarayi. Abrama asahlale iminyaka lelishumi eveni laseKhenani, Sarayi, umka-Abrama, watsatsa Hagari, sisebenti sakhe lesasingumGibhithe, wasinika Abrama kutsi sibe ngumkakhe. Abrama wangena kuHagari; Hagari wase uyakhulelwa. Watsi kube Hagari abone kutsi sewukhulelwe, wase wedzelela loSarayi. Sarayi wakhuluma ku-Abrama watsi: “Nguwe lofanele kulungisa letintfo lesetonakala. Ngimi lengakunika loHagari, kodvwa utsite kube abone kutsi sewukhulelwe, wase uyangedzelela. Simakadze akasehlulele abone kutsi ngubani lowonile emkhatsini wakho nami.” Abrama watsi kuSarayi: “Lalela la, Hagari sisebenti sakho, uphetfwe nguwe. Mphatse njengekubona kwakho.” Sarayi wase umphatsa ngelulaka loHagari, wadzimate Hagari wabaleka. Ingilosi yaSimakadze yakhandza Hagari ngasesicojeni semanti, ehlane, endleleni leya eShuri, yatsi: “Hagari, sisebenti saSarayi, uphumaphi? Uyaphi?” Waphendvula watsi: “Ngibalekela Sarayi, umphatsi wami.” Ingilosi yaSimakadze yatsi kuye: “Ncandzeka, buyela kuSarayi, umphatsi wakho, ufike utitfobe ngaphansi kwakhe.” Ingilosi yaSimakadze yachubeka yatsi: “Intalo yakho ngitayandzisa kakhulu kangangekutsi kute loyawuba nemandla ekuyibala.” Ingilosi yachubeka yatsi kuye: “Ase ubuke nje, sewukhulelwe, utawutala indvodzana uyetse libito utsi ngu-Ishmayeli, ngobe Simakadze ukuvile kuhlupheka kwakho. Uyawuba ngumuntfu lonjengembongolo yesiganga, aphambane naye wonkhe umuntfu, bonkhe bantfu baphambane naye. Uyawuhlala ngekuchukulutana netihlobo takhe.” Ngako-ke wase wetsa loSimakadze lowakhuluma kuye watsi: “UnguNkulunkulu longibonako,” ngobe watsi: “Kambe ngabe ngibone Nkulunkulu ngabuye ngaphilela kutsi ngikhulume ngaloko?” Ngiko nje lomtfombo losemkhatsini weKhadeshi neBheredi ubitwa ngekutsi yiBheri Lahayi Rohi lokusho kutsi: “Umtfombo waLophilako Longibonako.” Hagari watalela Abrama indvodzana; Abrama wayetsa libito watsi ngu-Ishmayeli. Abrama abesaneminyaka lengema-86, mhlazana Hagari amtalela Ishmayeli. Kwatsi Abrama nasaneminyaka lengema-99 budzala, Simakadze wabonakala kuye watsi: “NginguNkulunkulu Somandla; hamba entsandvweni yami, ube msulwa. Ngitakwenta sivumelwane sami nawe ngikwandzise kakhulukati.” Abrama wakhotsamisa buso bakhe, batsintsa phansi, Nkulunkulu watsi kuye: “Nasi-ke sivumelwane sami nawe: Uyawuba nguyise wetive letinyenti. Libito lakho lingeke lisaba ngu-Abrama, kodvwa selitawuba ngu-Abrahama, ngobe sengikwente uyise wetive letinyenti. Ngitakupha intalo lenyenti, ngikwente tive letinyenti, labanye kuto bayawuba ngemakhosi. “Ngiyawumisa sivumelwane sami nawe nentalo yakho, emvakwakho, etitukulwaneni ngetitukulwane, kube sivumelwane saphakadze. Ngiyawuba nguNkulunkulu wakho naNkulunkulu wetitukulwane takho emvakwakho. Lelive lewusihambi kulo ngiyawulinika wena netitukulwane takho emvakwakho. Lonkhe lelive laseKhenani liyawuba letitukulwane takho, libe lifa lato phakadze naphakadze, mine ngiyawuba nguNkulunkulu wato.” Nkulunkulu wase utsi ku-Abrahama: “Wena-ke, sewuyawugcina lesivumelwane sami, wena nentalo yakho emvakwakho, tonkhe titukulwane tayo. Naku-ke kwekugcina sivumelwane sami lekufanele ukwente wena kanye nentalo yakho emvakwakho: Bonkhe labadvuna niyawubasoka. Niyawusoka; loko kuyawuba luphawu lwesivumelwane sami nani. Losanemalanga lasiphohlongo atelwe, niyawumsoka: Bonkhe labadvuna kuto tonkhe titukulwane tenu, ngisho nabo bonkhe labatalelwe kakho nalabatsengwe ngemali yakho etihambini tetive letingesito takini. Lowo lotalelwe endlini yakho nalotsengiwe, bonkhe kufanele basokwe. Ngako-ke lesivumelwane siyawubasemtimbeni wenu, kube sivumelwane saphakadze. Wonkhe lomdvuna longakasoki uyawuncunywa esiveni sakubo, ngobe wephule sivumelwane sami.” Nkulunkulu watsi ku-Abrahama: “Ungabe usambita umkakho ngekutsi nguSarayi, kodvwa ubosale utsi nguSara. Ngiyawumbusisa, ngikunike indvodzana ngaye. Ngiyawumbusisa, abe ngunina wetive. Kuyawuvela kuye emakhosi etive.” Abrahama wakhotsamisa buso bakhe, batsintsa phansi, wahleka, akhuluma yedvwana enhlitiyweni atsi: “Konje kungenteka yini kutsi indvodza itale umntfwana seyineminyaka lelikhulu budzala? Kona kungenteka yini kutsi Sara atale umntfwana asaneminyaka lengema-90?” Abrahama waphumisela watsi kuNkulunkulu: “Kube mane Ishmayeli abengemukeleka kuwe.” Kepha Nkulunkulu watsi: “Cha, Sara, umkakho, utakutalela indvodzana, uyetse libito utsi ngu-Isaka. Ngitawumisa sivumelwane sami naye nentalo yakhe kube sivumelwane saphakadze. Ngisivile sicelo sakho nga-Ishmayeli. Naye ngitambusisa ngimente achume andze kakhulu. Utawuba nguyise wetikhulu letili-12, ngimente abe sive lesikhulu. Kepha ngiyawumisa sivumelwane sami na-Isaka, latakutalela yena Sara ngaso lesikhatsi ngemnyaka lotako.” Watsi kube Nkulunkulu acedze kukhuluma na-Abrahama, wamshiya, wenyuka. Ngalo lelo langa Abrahama watsatsa Ishmayeli, indvodzana yakhe, nabo bonkhe lababetalelwe kakhe, nabo bonkhe lababetsengwe ngemali yakhe; bonkhe labadvuna lababekakhe wabasoka, njengobe Nkulunkulu abemtjelile. Abrahama abesaneminyaka lengema-99 budzala, mhlazana asokwa. Ishmayeli indvodzana yakhe abesaneminyaka leli-13 budzala, mhlazana asokwa. Bo-Abrahama nendvodzana yakhe, Ishmayeli, basokwa langa linye bobabili. Bonkhe labadvuna lababesemndenini wakhe lababetalelwe kakhe nalabo lababetsengwe ngemali yakhe kubetive basokwa kanye naye. Simakadze wabonakala ku-Abrahama ngasema-okhini aMamre, ahleti ngasemnyango welithende lakhe ngesikhatsi sekushisa kwelilanga. Abrahama watsi nakaphakamisa emehlo, wabona emadvodza lamatsatfu eme embikwakhe. Watsi kube awabone, wesuka emnyango welithende lakhe wagijima wawahlangabeta, wafike wakhotsama, watsi: “Banumzane, nangitfole umusa emehlweni enu, ningayendluli inceku yenu. Ase nginiletsele liyakana lemanti nitewugeza tinyawo tenu, bese niphumula la emtfuntini walesihlahla. Ngitawulandza lucetwana lwesinkhwa, khona nitewudla kucala ningakahambi, njengobe naku senifike ekhaya lenceku yenu.” Ngako-ke batsi kuye: “Kulungile, yenta njengobe sewushito.” Abrahama waphutfuma ethendeni kuSara, watsi: “Sheshisa utsatse emabinta lamatsatfu afulaha uyibhuce, wente emacebelengwane.” Abrahama wagijima waya etinkhomeni, wafike wakhetsa litfole lelihle lelikhuluphele, walinika sisebenti, naso saphutfuma salilungisa. Watsatsa emasi, nelubisi, nalenyama yelitfole leyase ilungisiwe, wakubeka embikwawo; yena wema eceleni kwawo phansi kwesihlahla ngesikhatsi asadla. Ambuta atsi: “Uphi Sara, umkakho?” Wawaphendvula watsi: “Usethendeni.” Simakadze watsi kuye: “Impela ngitawubuya kuwe ngemnyaka lotako ngasona lesikhatsi, Sara umkakho utawuba nendvodzana.” Sara wakuva loko, ngobe abesemnyango welithende emvakwa-Abrahama, alalele. Kepha bo-Abrahama naSara bese babadzala kakhulu, naSara abengasayi esikhatsini. Sara watihlekela nje, wadzimate watsi: “Manje sengimdzala kangaka, nenkhosi yami seyigugile, utsi ngingabe ngisaba nayo lenjabulo?” Simakadze watsi ku-Abrahama: “Uhlekeleni Sara, atsi: ‘Ngitawutala umntfwana sengimdzala kangaka?’ Kukhona yini lokungamehlula Simakadze? Njengobe sengishito, ngitawubuya la kuwe ngemnyaka lotako. Sara utawuba nendvodzana.” Kodvwa Sara waphika ngenca yekwesaba watsi: “Angikahleki.” Kepha waphendvula watsi: “Cha, vele uhlekile.” Lamadvodza esuka lapho ahamba asalibhekise eSodoma, Abrahama wawaphekeletela, entela kuwakhombisa indlela. Simakadze wase utsi: “Kodvwa ngingamfihlela yini Abrahama loku lengitakwenta? Phela, Abrahama utawuba sive lesikhulu lesinemandla, tonkhe tive temhlaba tiyawubusiswa ngaye. Cha, ngeke, ngobe Abrahama ngimkhetsile kutsi ayale emadvodzana akhe netitukulwane takhe emvakwakhe, kutsi bagcine intsandvo yaSimakadze ngekwenta lokuhle nalokulungile. Khona-ke Simakadze uyawunika Abrahama loko lametsembisa kona.” Simakadze waphindza wakhuluma ku-Abrahama, watsi: “Njengobe kunekukhala lokukhulu ngeSodoma neGomora, nesono sabo simatima kakhulu, ngitakwehla ngiyewubona kutsi ngabe bente njengekusho kwesikhalo lesifike kimi yini. Nangabe akunjalo, ngitakwati.” Ngako-ke lamadvodza esuka lapho acondza ngaseSodoma; kepha Abrahama wasala embikwaSimakadze. Abrahama wasondzela kuSimakadze watsi: “Uyawubabhubhisa ngempela yini labalungile kanye nalababi? Nangabe-ke kulelidolobha kukhona labalungile labangema-50, utawulibhubhisa yini? Ungete walisindzisa yini ngenca yalaba labalungile labangema-50? Akube khashane nawe kwenta intfo lenje! Ungababhubhisi labalungile kanye nalababi, bese labalungile baba njengalabangakalungi! Akube khashane nawe loko. Angeke yini umehluleli wemhlaba wonkhe ente kulunga?” Simakadze wamphendvula watsi: “Nangikhandze bantfu labalungile labangema-50 eSodoma, yonkhe leyo ndzawo ngiyawuyisindzisa ngenca yabo.” Abrahama waphindze wakhuluma futsi, watsi: “Ngiyacolisa kuba nesibindzi sekukhuluma neNkhosi yami, mine lengilutfuli nemlotsa. Nakwenteka babe ngema-45, utalibhubhisa yini ngenca yalaba labasilele?” Simakadze waphendvula watsi: “Ngingeke ngilibhubhise, nangikhandze kutsi labalungile bangema-45.” Abrahama waphindze wakhuluma kuye futsi, watsi: “Ase ngitsi-ke kutfolakala kutsi labalungile bangema-40.” Wamphendvula watsi: “Nakukhona labangema-40 labalungile, ngingeke ngilibhubhise.” Abrahama watsi: “Ngicela kutsi iNkhosi ingatfukutseli ngekutsi ngisakhuluma. Nakwenteka-ke kutfolakala labalungile bangema-30?” Wamphendvula watsi: “Ngingeke ngilibhubhise, nangikhandza kutsi labalungile bangema-30.” Abrahama watsi: “Ngiyacolisa kuba nesibindzi sekuchubeka ngikhulume neNkhosi. Ase ngitsi-ke ukhandza labalungile bangema-20?” Wamphendvula watsi: “Ngingeke ngilibhubhise, nangikhandza labalungile bangema-20.” Abrahama watsi: “Ngicela kutsi iNkhosi ingatfukutseli ngobe sengitawukhuluma kwekugcina-ke manje. Ase ngitsi-ke ukhandza labalungile balishumi?” Wamphendvula watsi: “Ngenca yalabalungile labalishumi ngingeke ngilibhubhise.” Watsi kube acedze kukhuluma na-Abrahama, Simakadze wase uyahamba; Abrahama wabuyela ethendeni lakhe. Natifika eSodoma letingilosi letimbili, Loti abehleti esangweni lalowo muti. Watsi kube atibone, Loti wasukuma watihlangabeta; watikhotsamela, watsi kuto: “Makhosi, ngiyanicela kutsi niphambuke nitewungenisa endlini yenceku yenu kulobusuku balamuhla, khona nitewugeza tinyawo tenu. Kusasa ngeluvivi seningahamba niye lapho niya khona.” Kodvwa taphendvula tatsi: “Cha, sitawuhlala lapha ngaphandle.” Kepha Loti watincenga kakhulu letingilosi, tadzimate taphambuka taya tangenisa endlini kakhe. Watentela lidzili, watibhakela sinkhwa lesite imbiliso, tadla. Kepha tatsi tisengakalali, onkhe emadvodza alomuti waseSodoma, lamadzala nalamancane, ayitungeleta lendlu. Amemeta Loti atsi: “Aphi lamadvodza langenise lapha kakho kuyo lentsambama? Wakhiphe uwaletse la, khona sitewulala nawo!” Loti waphuma waya kuwo, wavala umnyango emvakwakhe, watsi: “Ngiyanincenga, bomnaketfu, kutsi ningayenti lentfo lembi kangaka. Ase nilalele la, nginemadvodzakati lamabili langazange asalale nemuntfu lomdvuna. Angimane nginiletsele wona, nente lenikutsandzako kuwo. Kepha ningenti lutfo kulamadvodza, ngobe angenise endlini kami.” Kepha atsi kuye: “Khwesha wena mchamuki-ndzini, sewufuna kuba ngumehluleli wetfu! Wena-ke sesitakuphatsa matima kakhulu kunawo.” Bafuca Loti bamcindzetela betama kwephula sivalo. Kepha lamadvodza lamabili aveta tandla tawo, advonsa Loti amngenisa endlini kuwo, avala umnyango. Ashaya lamadvodza labesemnyango ngebumphumphutse onkhe lawo labengaphandle kwendlu, lamancane nalamadzala, kangangekutsi abatse ayawufuna umnyango angete awutfola. Lamadvodza lamabili atsi kuLoti: “Nangabe bakhona labanye bantfu lonabo, labanjengebakhwenyana, nemadvodzana, nemadvodzakati nome ngangubani lokulelidolobha, bakhiphe lapha, ngobe lendzawo sesitayibhubhisa, ngesizatfu sekutsi sikhalo ngalabantfu balapha sesikhulu kakhulu kuSimakadze; ngako Simakadze usitfume kutsi siteyibhubhisa.” Ngako-ke Loti waphuma waya kubakhwenyana bakhe lababetawutsatsa emadvodzakati akhe, wefike watsi: “Sheshisani siphume, ngobe Simakadze sewutayibhubhisa lendzawo.” Kepha bamtsatsa njengemuntfu lonamako nje. Ekuseni kuseluvivi tingilosi tamgcugcuta Loti tatsi: “Vuka, utsatse umkakho nemadvodzakati akho lamabili lakhona la, ningahle nehlelwe ngulesijeziso salelidolobha.” Kepha Loti wabina; ngako-ke ngobe Simakadze waba nesihawu kuye, lamadvodza lamabili ababamba ngetandla, yena nemkakhe kanye nemadvodzakati akhe abakhiphela ngaphandle kwalelidolobha. Atsi kube abakhiphele ngaphandle, lomunye wawo watsi: “Balekani nitewusindza! Ningasabuki nasemuva, ningemi ndzawo kulelitsafa. Balekani nicondze ngasetintsabeni, ningahle nehlelwe ngulesijeziso.” Loti waphendvula watsi: “Cha, Nkhosi, akungabi njalo. Inceku yakho itfole umusa emehlweni akho, wayentela sihawu lesikhulu ngekusindzisa imphilo yayo; kodvwa ngingeke ngikwati kubalekela etintsabeni, ngobe lesijeziso singahle singijubele ngembili, bese ngiyafa. Ase ubuke naliya lidolobha ngesheya, kumalula kubalekela kulo ngobe lisedvutane, futsi lincane. Ngicela kubalekela kulelidolobha lelincane, khona ngitewusindza.” Yatsi kuye: “Yebo-ke naloko ngiyakwemukela. Ngingeke ngilibhubhise lelidolobha lokhuluma ngalo. Phangisa-ke ubalekele khona; ngobe ngingeke ngente lutfo ungakefiki khona.” Ngako-ke, njengobe Loti watsi lelidolobha lincane, lase letsiwa ngekutsi yiSowari. Watsi Loti nakefika eSowari, lilanga lase liphuma. Simakadze wanisa imvula yesibabule nemlilo, iphuma ezulwini, kwana etikweSodoma neGomora. Wawabhubhisa lawo madolobha kanye nalo lonkhe lelo tsafa, nebantfu bawo bonkhe, nako konkhe lokwakumile emhlabatsini. Kepha umkaLoti wabuka emuva, wagucuka masinyane waba yinsika yeluswayi. Abrahama wavuka ekuseni kuseluvivi waya kulendzawo lapho abehlangene naSimakadze khona. Wabuka entansi ngaseSodoma neGomora, ematsafeni angakhona. Wabona intfutfu yalelo live yenyuka njengemusi wenkhehlewane yemlilo. Ngako-ke Nkulunkulu nakabhubhisa lamadolobha alawo matsafa, wakhumbula Abrahama ngekutsi akhiphe Loti ekubhujisweni kwalamadolobha, Loti labehlala kuwo. Njengobe Loti bekesaba kuhlala eSowari, waphuma wayawuhlala etintsabeni yena nemadvodzakati akhe lamabili; likhaya labo kwaba ngumgedze. Lendvodzakati yaLoti yematubulo yakhuluma kulena lencane, yatsi: “Babe wetfu semdzala, kantsi futsi kulelive kute indvodza lengalala natsi njengobe bonkhe bantfu benta. Kota, sitewunatsisa babe liwayini, bese silala naye, sentele kutatitfolela bantfwana kubabe.” Kulobo busuku uyise bamnatsisa liwayini, wadzakwa. Litubulo lakhe langena kuye, lalala neyise. Loti akazange asamuve nekutsi wangena nini waphuma nini engutjeni, ngobe bekadzakwe kakhulu. Ngakusasa lelitubulo latsi kulona lomncane: “Awuboni-ke, mine ngilele naye babe ebusuku bayitolo, asiphindze simnatsise futsi nalamuhla bese uyangena nawe ulale naye, sentele kutitfolela bantfwana kubabe.” Ngako-ke baphindza bamnatsisa uyise nakubo lobo busuku wadzakwa. Lona lomncane wahamba wafike walala neyise. Loti akamvanga nakangena nome asaphuma, ngobe bekadzakwe kakhulu. Ngako-ke omabili emadvodzakati aLoti akhuleliswa nguyise. Litubulo lakhe latala indvodzana, layetsa libito latsi nguMowabi. Unguyise wemaMowabi alamuhla. Lencane nayo yatala indvodzana, yayetsa libito yatsi nguBhenani. Unguyise wema-Amoni alamuhla. Abrahama wesuka kulelo live waya eveni laseNegevu, eningizimu naseKhenani. Wafike wahlala emkhatsini weKhadeshi neShuri; wahlalahlala eGerari. Wafike lapho watsi: “Sara ngudzadzewetfu.” Ngako-ke Abimeleki, inkhosi yaseGerari, yatfumela kutsi kulandvwe Sara. Kodvwa Nkulunkulu weta ku-Abimeleki ngeliphupho ebusuku watsi kuye: “Wena utakufa ngenca yalomfati lomtsetse, ngobe ungumfati walendvodza.” Abimeleki abesengakaze wangena kuye, ngako-ke wase utsi: “Nkhosi, utasibhubhisa yini nalesive lesite licala? Kantsi akasho yini Abrahama kutsi ngudzadzewabo? Naye lomfati utsite ngumnakabo. Loku ngikwente ngenhlitiyo lemhlophe, tandla tami atinacala.” Nkulunkulu wamphendvula ephusheni watsi: “Yebo, ngiyati kutsi loku ukwente ngenhlitiyo lemhlophe, futsi ngimi lokuvimbile kutsi ungoni kimi, ngako angikakuvumeli kutsi umtsintse. Manje-ke, mncandzekise lomfati walendvodza, ngobe ingumphrofethi; itakuthandazela bese uyaphila. Kodvwa nawungamncandzekisi, ubovele wati kutsi utakufa, wena nebantfu bakho.” Ngako-ke ekuseni ngeluvivi Abimeleki wavuka, wabita tonkhe tindvuna takhe, waticocela ngako konkhe loko; nato tesaba kakhulu. Abimeleki wabita Abrahama wambuta watsi: “Yini lena lose uyente la kitsi? Ngikone ngani, kutsi ungaze uletsele mine kanye nembuso wami lesono lesikhulu kangaka? Utenteleni letintfo bewungakafaneli kutenta?” Abimeleki wachubeka watsi: “Bewucabangani, nawenta lentfo?” Abrahama wamphendvula watsi: “Ngikwente ngobe ngicabange ngatsi: ‘Akukho kwesaba Nkulunkulu kulendzawo, ngako batangibulala ngenca yalomfati wami.’ Ngaphandle kwaloko nje, vele ungudzadzewetfu, ngobe uyindvodzakati yababe, kodvwa hhayi yamake; kodvwa noko ungumkami. Nkulunkulu nangikhipha endlini yababe kutsi ngizulazule, ngatsi kuSara: ‘Naku-ke lengicela ungentele kona: Yonkhe indzawo lapho sifika khona, ubobatjela ngami utsi: “Ungumnaketfu.” ’ ” Abimeleki watsatsa timvu, netinkhabi, netisebenti letidvuna naletisikati, watipha Abrahama, wabuyisela Sara endvodzeni yakhe. Abimeleki watsi: “Buka la, nali live lami, yakha lapho utsandza khona.” Wagucukela kuSara watsi: “Umnakenu sengimnike emasiliva layinkhulungwane; loku kufakaza kubo bonkhe laba kutsi awunacala, kute lokubi lokwentile.” Abrahama wathandaza kuNkulunkulu. Nkulunkulu waphilisa Abimeleki, nemkakhe, netisebenti letisikati kuze bonkhe batale bantfwana. Phela Simakadze abesavale tonkhe titalo tebemndeni waka-Abimeleki ngenca yaSara, umka-Abrahama. Simakadze wabusisa Sara njengobe abeshito. Simakadze wentela Sara loko abemetsembise kona. Sara wakhulelwa, watalela Abrahama indvodzana ngesikhatsi lesasikhonjwe nguNkulunkulu. Abrahama abesamdzala kakhulu. Abrahama wayetsa libito watsi ngu-Isaka lendvodzana yakhe labeyitalelwe nguSara. Abrahama wayisoka indvodzana yakhe lengu-Isaka seyinemalanga lasiphohlongo budzala, njengobe Nkulunkulu abemyalile. Abrahama abesaneminyaka lelikhulu budzala, ngesikhatsi kutalwa indvodzana yakhe Isaka. Sara watsi: “Nkulunkulu ungiphe luhleko, bonkhe labayivako lendzaba bayawuhleka njengami.” Wachubeka watsi: “Ngubani nje labengahle asho ku-Abrahama kutsi Sara uyawuse amunyise bantfwana? Noko sengimtalele indvodzana ebudzaleni bakhe.” Umntfwana wakhula, kwatsi mhlazana alunyulwa Abrahama wenta lelikhulu lidzili. Ngalelinye lilanga Sara wabona indvodzana yaHagari, umGibhithe, labeyitalele Abrahama, yeyisa Isaka, indvodzana yakhe. Ngako-ke wase utsi ku-Abrahama: “Sicoshe lesigcilikati nalendvodzana yaso, ngobe indvodzana yalesigcilikati akufanele ibe yindlalifa kanye nendvodzana yami Isaka.” Loku kwamkhatsata kakhulu Abrahama, ngobe bekuphatselene nalendvodzana yakhe. Kodvwa Nkulunkulu watsi ku-Abrahama: “Ungakhatsateki ngenca yalomfana nangenca yalesigcilikati sakho. Loko lokushiwo nguSara kuwe kwente njengobe akutjelile, ngobe titukulwane takho tiyawubitwa nga-Isaka. Ngiyakwenta sive nangendvodzana yesigcilikati sakho, ngobe nayo iyintalo yakho.” Ngakusasa ekuseni Abrahama wavuka kuseluvivi, watsatsa sinkhwa nesigubhu semanti wakwetjatsisa Hagari, wamnika nemntfwana wabahambisa. Wahamba-ke Hagari azulazula ehlane laseBherisheba. Atsi kube aphele lamanti esigujini, wabeka umntfwana ngaphansi kwalesinye sihlahla. Wase uhamba libanga lemjikijelo, wayawuhlala khona acabanga atsi: “Ngingeke ngikumele kubuka umntfwanami afa.” Asahleti phansi afulatsele lomfana, tehla tinyembeti, wakhala kabuhlungu. Nkulunkulu wakuva kukhala kwalomfana; ingilosi yaNkulunkulu yakhuluma isezulwini, yatsi kuHagari: “Hagari, uhlushwa yini? Ungesabi, ngobe Nkulunkulu sewulivile livi lalomfana lapho akhona. Sukuma, utsatse lomntfwana, umgone, ngobe ngitakumenta abe sive lesikhulu.” Nkulunkulu wawavula emehlo aHagari, wabona sicobho semanti, waya kuwo wafike wagcwalisa sigubhu ngemanti, wanatsisa lomntfwana. Nkulunkulu waba naye lomntfwana. Wakhula, akhulela ehlane, waba yingcweti kutebutjoki. Ngesikhatsi ahlala ehlane lasePharani, unina wamtsatsela umfati labengumGibhithe. Ngaso leso sikhatsi Abimeleki waya ku-Abrahama ahamba naPhikoli, indvuna yemabutfo akhe, wafike watsi: “Nkulunkulu unawe kuko konkhe lokwentako. Ngako ase ufunge la kimi embikwaNkulunkulu kutsi ungeke ungiyenge mine, nebantfwabami, netitukulwane tami, kepha ngekwemusa wami lengiwente kuwe, wente nakimi nakulo lelive lokhosele kulo.” Abrahama watsi: “Ngiyafunga.” Abrahama wase ubeka sikhalo sakhe ku-Abimeleki macondzana nemtfombo wemanti lowawuchwagwe tisebenti ta-Abimeleki. Abimeleki watsi: “Hhawu, nami ngiyayicabuka nje lendzaba. Angati kutsi kwentiwe ngubani loko, nawe awuzange sewungitjele, kantsi futsi angizange sengive ngako.” Abrahama wase upha Abimeleki timvu netinkhabi, benta sivumelwane bobabili. Abrahama wakhetsa emazinyane etimvu lamasikati lasikhombisa emhlambini wakhe. Abimeleki wabuta Abrahama watsi: “Usho kutsini ngalokukhetsa lamazinyane etimvu lamasikati lasikhombisa?” Abrahama waphendvula watsi: “Yemukela lamazinyane lasikhombisa etimvu la esandleni sami, kube bufakazi bami kutsi lomtfombo wembiwa ngimi.” Ngako-ke leyo ndzawo yabitwa ngekutsi yiBherisheba; ngobe ngulapho benta khona sifungo bobabili. Batsi kube basente lesivumelwane eBherisheba, bo-Abimeleki nendvuna yakhe, Phikoli, besuka kuleyo ndzawo babuyela eveni lemaFilisti. Abrahama wahlanyela sihlahla selitamariske eBherisheba. Wadvumisa Simakadze, Nkulunkulu waphakadze. Abrahama wahlala eveni lemaFilisti sikhatsi lesidze. Emvakwaloko Nkulunkulu wavivinya Abrahama, watsi kuye: “Abrahama! Ye, Abrahama!” Waphendvula watsi: “Ngilapha, Nkhosi!” Nkulunkulu watsi: “Tsatsa Isaka, indvodzana yakho, leyodvwana naloyitsandzako, uye eveni laseMoriya, wente umhlatjelo ngayo entsabeni lengitakulayela yona.” Ngakusasa ekuseni ngeluvivi, Abrahama wavuka, wabophela imbongolo yakhe, watsatsa tisebenti takhe taba timbili kanye nendvodzana yakhe Isaka. Wakabha tinkhuni temhlatjelo labetawufike awushise, besuka bahamba baya kuleyo ndzawo Nkulunkulu labemlayele yona. Ngelilanga lesitsatfu Abrahama watsi uphakamisa emehlo, wayibona indzawo isesekhashane. Abrahama wase ukhuluma kuletisebenti takhe watsi: “Hlalani la nalembongolo, mine nalomfana sisaya lapha kuyawukhonta, sitawubuya sibuye la kini.” Abrahama watsatsa tinkhuni temhlatjelo wekushiswa, watetfwesa Isaka, umsa wakhe, yena waphatsa umlilo nemukhwa esandleni sakhe. Bahamba bobabili ndzawonye. Isaka watsi kuyise Abrahama: “Babe!” Wasabela watsi: “Ngilapha, ndvodzana yami.” Isaka wabuta watsi: “Ngiyatibona tinkhuni nemlilo, kepha liphi lizinyane lemvu yemhlatjelo?” Abrahama waphendvula watsi: “Ndvodzana yami, Nkulunkulu utatibonela yena lizinyane lemhlatjelo wekushiswa.” Ngako-ke bachubeka solomane bahamba bobabili. Batsi kube befike kulendzawo Nkulunkulu labemlayele yona, Abrahama wakha lilati walungisa tinkhuni, wabopha Isaka, umsa wakhe, wambeka etinkhunini etikwelilati. Abrahama welula sandla sakhe, watsatsa umukhwa asatawuhlaba umsa wakhe. Kepha ingilosi yaSimakadze yambita isezulwini yatsi: “Abrahama! Ye, Abrahama!” Wasabela watsi: “Ngilapha.” Yatsi: “Ungacali ubeke sandla kulomfana, futsi ungenti lutfo kuye; ngobe manje sengiyati kutsi uyamesaba Nkulunkulu, ngekutsi awukangigodleli indvodzana yakho lekukuphela kwayo.” Abrahama watsi uphakamisa emehlo uyacalata, wabona emvakwakhe kunesihhanca, sibanjwe ngetimphondvo esihlahleni. Abrahama wahamba wayawutsatsa lesihhanca, wase unikela ngaso, saba ngumhlatjelo esikhundleni sendvodzana yakhe. Ngako-ke Abrahama wetsa leyo ndzawo libito, watsi: “Simakadze uyatibonela.” Nalamuhla lendzawo bantfu basayibita ngekutsi: “Simakadze uyatibonela entsabeni.” Ingilosi yaSimakadze yaphindze yamemeta Abrahama kwesibili isezulwini, yatsi, “Nali livi laSimakadze litsi: ‘Ngitifunga mine kutsi njengobe wente loku, wangete wayigodla indvodzana yakho yekuphela, ngiyakukubusisa impela, ngandzise titukulwane takho tibe ngangetinkhanyeti tesibhakabhaka nangangesihlabatsi selugu lwelwandle. Titukulwane takho tiyakwehlula emadolobha etitsa tato. Tive tonkhe temhlaba tiyawubusiswa ngetitukulwane takho, ngobe ulalele livi lami.’ ” Abrahama wancandzeka wabuyela etincekwini takhe, bahambisana sebabuyela eBherisheba, lapho Abrahama afike wakha khona. Emvakwaloko Abrahama wabikelwa kwatsiwa: “Phela Milkha sewutalele umnakenu Nahori bantfwana: Litubulo lakhe ngu-Uzi, elanywe nguBuzi, umnakabo, bese kuta Khemuweli, uyise wa-Aramu, elanywe nguKhesede, naHazo, naPhildashi, naJidilafe, naBethuweli.” Bethuweli watala Rebheka. Laba-ke labasiphohlongo Milkha wabatala kuNahori, umnakabo-Abrahama. Ngetulu kwaloko umfati lomunye waNahori lekwakutsiwa nguRewuma watala boTheba, naGahamu, naThahashi, naMakha. Sara waphila iminyaka leli-127. Sara wafela eKhiriyathi Abha, lekuyiHebroni, eveni laseKhenani. Abrahama wakhalela umkakhe, Sara. Abrahama wasishiya sidvumbu semkakhe, wesuka waya kumaHethi, wefika watsi: “Ngisihambi nemchamuki la emkhatsini wenu. Ngicela ningitsengisele indzawo yekungcwaba, khona ngitewungcwaba lesidvumbu semkami.” EmaHethi aphendvula Abrahama atsi: “Ase usilalele, mnumzane, wena usikhulu lesinemandla la emkhatsini wetfu. Lomkakho ungamngcwaba nome ngangukuliphi kulamathuna etfu. Kute la emkhatsini wetfu longete akunika lithuna nome akuphatamise ekungcwabeni lomkakho.” Abrahama wasukuma wewakhotsamela lamaHethi, lekwakubantfu bakuleyo ndzawo. Watsi kubo: “Nanitsandza kutsi ngimngcwabe, esuke embikwami, ngisiteni ningicelele ku-Efroni, umsa waSowari, kutsi angitsengisele umhume wakhe waseMakhaphela, lesekugcineni kwensimi yakhe. Ngicela angitsengisele ngentsengo lefanele, utewuba wami ube yindzawo yekungcwaba.” Efroni labehleti emkhatsini wemaHethi waphendvula Abrahama eva onkhe emaHethi labengena esangweni lelidolobha, watsi: “Cha, nkhosi yami, asungilalele: Ngiyakunika lensimi kanye nalomhume lokuyo, ngikunika embikwebantfu bakitsi, ngitsi: Lomkakho mngcwabe khona.” Abrahama wabakhotsamela bantfu bakulelo live. Wakhuluma ku-Efroni embikwalabo bantfu, watsi: “Ase ungilalele, ngitakunika intsengo yalensimi, ngicela uyemukele kimi, khona ngitawungcwaba khona umkami.” Efroni waphendvula Abrahama watsi: “Nkhosi yami, asungilalele: Lesicakwana singabita lemashekheli esiliva langema-400. Pho, kuyini loko kuwe nakimi? Mngcwabe kuyo leyo ndzawo lomkakho.” Bo-Abrahama na-Efroni bavumelana. Abrahama wase ukalela Efroni isiliva labesavele akhulume ngayo embikwemaHethi. Kwaba ngemashekheli esiliva langema-400, lekwakusilinganiso lesasisemtsetfweni webatsengisi bangaleso sikhatsi. Ngako-ke insimi ya-Efroni leyayiseMakhaphela ngasemphumalanga neMamre, leyayinemhume nato tonkhe tihlahla letatikuyo, yonkhe leyo ndzawo, yetfulwa ku-Abrahama embikwemaHethi, nabo bonkhe lababesesangweni lalelo dolobha. Emvakwaloko Abrahama wangcwaba umkakhe Sara emhumeni wensimi yaseMakhaphela, ngasemphumalanga neMamre, eHebroni, eveni laseKhenani. Lensimi kanye nemhume emaHethi akunika Abrahama kutsi kube yindzawo yakhe yekungcwaba. Abrahama abesamdzala kakhulu ngeminyaka. Simakadze abembusisile etintfweni tonkhe. Abrahama wakhuluma nenceku yakhe lenkhulu ekhaya lakhe, leyayiphetse konkhe labenako, watsi: “Beka sandla sakho ngaphansi kwelitsanga lami. Ngitekufungisa Simakadze longuNkulunkulu welizulu nemhlaba, kutsi ungacali utsatsele indvodzana yami umfati emkhatsini wemadvodzakati emaKhenani, lengihleti emkhatsini wawo. Kodvwa ubohamba ubuyele eveni lakitsi lemdzabu, nasetihlotjeni takitsi, ufike umtsatsele khona Isaka, umsa wami, umfati.” Lenceku yatsi kuye: “Nangabe lentfombi ingavumi kungilandzela ite nami kulelive, ngibobe sengenta njani? Ngiboyitsatsa yini lendvodzana yakho ngincandzeke nayo ngiyibuyisele kulelo live lakini?” Abrahama watsi kuyo: “Caphela ungacali uyibuyisele emuva lendvodzana yami. Simakadze, Nkulunkulu welizulu, lowangitsatsa endlini yababe, naseveni lakitsi lemdzabu, wakhuluma kimi waphindze wangetsembisa ngesifungo watsi: ‘Lelive ngiyawulinika titukulwane takho,’ utawutfuma ingilosi kutsi ikuhambele embili. Wena-ke, lomsa wami uyawumtsatsela intfombi kuleyo ndzawo ute nayo la. Kodvwa nangabe lentfombi ayifuni kukulandzela, utawube sewukhululekile kulesifungo. Intfo nje, ungayibuyiseli indvodzana yami kulelo live.” Ngako-ke lenceku yabeka sandla sayo ngaphansi kwelitsanga la-Abrahama, inkhosi yayo, yafunga kuye ngalendzaba. Lenceku yatsatsa emakamela lalishumi emkhatsini wemakamela enkhosi yayo, yahamba netinhlobonhlobo tetipho letiphuma enkhosini yayo. Yesuka yaya eMesophothamiya edolobheni lakaNahori. Yefika entsambama yakanekisa ngaphandle kwelidolobha, yagucisa emakamela eceleni kwesicobho, ngesikhatsi labakha ngaso emanti labasikati. Lenceku yathandaza yatsi: “Simakadze, Nkulunkulu wenkhosi yami, ngicela ungiphe imphumelelo lamuhla, ukhombise umusa wakho enkhosini yami Abrahama. Naku manje sengime la eceleni kwalesicobho, lapho kukha khona emadvodzakati ebantfu bakulelidolobha. Akutsi kuleyo ntfombi lengitawutsi kuyo: ‘Ngicela ubeke phansi imbita ngitewunatsa,’ yona-ke itsi: ‘Natsa, ngitawunatsisa wena kanye nemakamela akho,’ ngicela kutsi leyo kube ngiyo-ke loyimisele Isaka, inceku yakho. Ngiyawukwati ngaloko-ke kutsi ukhombise umusa enkhosini yami.” Watsi asengakacedzi nje kuthandaza, kwase kuchamuka Rebheka labetalwa nguBethuweli, umsa waMilkha, umkaNahori, umnakabo-Abrahama. Rebheka weta etjetse imbita yemanti ehlombe lakhe. Lentfombi yayiyinhle, ibukeka, iyintfombi, ingazange seyilale nemuntfu lomdvuna. Yewukela esicojeni, yakhelela, yagcwalisa imbita yayo ngemanti, yakhuphuka. Lenceku yagijima yaya kuyo iyihlangabeta, yafike yatsi: “Ngicela sewumane unginatsise emantana nje la embiteni yakho.” Yaphendvula yatsi: “Natsa, nkhosi yami.” Yaphangisa yetfula imbita, yanatsisa lenceku. Yatsi kube icedze kuyinatsisa, yatsi: “Ngitawunatsisa nalamakamela akho, aze enele onkhe.” Ngako-ke, yashesha yatfululela lamanti enkelebheni, yagijima yaya kukha lamanye esicojeni, yawanatsisa onkhe lamakamela enceku. Lendvodza yayibukisisa lentfombi, ibindzile, ifundzisisa kahle nome Simakadze abeyiphumelelisa indlela yayo, nome cha. Yatsi kube icedze lentfombi kunatsisa emakamela, lendvodza yatsatsa indandatho yegolide leyayinesisindvo sencenye yelishekheli yayifaka ekhaleni lalentfombi; yatsatsa emajiva egolide labenesisindvo semashekheli lalishumi yawegabisa lentfombi emikhonweni, yatsi: “Ase ungitjele kutsi wena utalwa ngubani? Singayitfola yini indzawo lena ekhaya kini, simane siyewufihla inhloko lenemehlo?” Lentfombi yaphendvula yatsi: “Mine ngiyindvodzakati yaBethuweli, umsa waMilkha naNahori.” Yachubeka yatsi: “Sinetjani lobunyenti bemakamela kanye nendlu leyenele kutsi ningangenisa khona.” Lendvodza yase iyakhotsama, yakhuleka kuSimakadze yatsi: “Akabongwe Simakadze, Nkulunkulu wenkhosi yami Abrahama, longakayekeli kukhombisa umusa wakhe nekwetsembeka kwakhe enkhosini yami Abrahama. Mine-ke Simakadze ungihole endleleni, waze wangingenisa endlini yetihlobo tenkhosi yami.” Lentfombi yagijima, yaya kubendlu yenina, yafike yabatjela ngako konkhe loko. Rebheka abenemnakabo, anguLabani. Labani waphuma wagijima waya kuyo lendvodza, ngasesicojeni. Watsi nakabona indandatho ekhaleni kanye nemabhengela emikhonweni yadzadzewabo, watsi nakeva emavi aRebheka, dzadzewabo, atsi: “Lendvodza ikhulume kimi,” waya kuyo. Wayikhandza ime eceleni kwemakamela madvutane nesicobho. Wafike watsi: “Ngena, wena lobusiswe nguSimakadze, umeleni ngaphandle? Ngobe indzawo sengiyilungisile endlini, ngisho nendzawo yemakamela imbala.” Ngako-ke lendvodza yeta, yangena endlini. Labani wakhumula lamakamela, wawafaka esibayeni wawanika kudla, adla. Wanika lendvodza emanti ekugeza tinyawo tayo, nalamadvodza abehamba nawo ageza tinyawo tawo. Kwase kuletfwa kudla, kwabekwa embikwayo kutsi itekudla. Kodvwa yona yatsi: “Ngingeke ngidle, ngingakayikhulumi indzaba lengite ngayo.” Labani watsi: “Khuluma phela.” Ngako-ke yatsi: “Mine ngiyinceku ya-Abrahama. Simakadze uyibusise kakhulu inkhosi yami, injinge kakhulu. Simakadze uyibusise ngemihlambi yetimvu netinkhomo, isiliva negolide, tisebenti letidvuna naletisikati, emakamela kanye netimbongolo. Sara, inkhosikati yenkhosi yami, watalela inkhosi yami indvodzana, asamdzala kakhulu. Inkhosi yami seyinike lendvodzana yayo konkhe lenako. Inkhosi yami yangifungisa yatsi: ‘Ungayitsatseli indvodzana yami umfati kuletintfombi taseKhenani, kulelive lengihleti kulo. Kodvwa ubohamba uye elusendvweni lwaketfu esiveni sakitsi, uyitsatsele khona indvodzana yami umfati.’ Ngabuta enkhosini yami ngatsi: ‘Nangabe ayivumi kuta nami lentfombi, ngibobe sengenta njani?’ “Yangiphendvula yatsi: ‘Simakadze lengihamba embikwakhe utawutfumela ingilosi yakhe ihambe nawe, akuphumelelise endleleni yakho. Indvodzana yami uyawuyitsatsela umfati esiveni sakitsi, elusendvweni lwaketfu. Nawuye esiveni sakitsi, uyawube sewuyakhululeka-ke kulesifungo sakho; nome befike bala kukunika lentfombi, uyawukhululeka-ke kulesifungo sakho.’ “Nangifika esicojeni lamuhla, ngitsite: ‘Simakadze, Nkulunkulu wenkhosi yami, Abrahama, nakuyintsandvo yakho, ngiphumelelise kuloluhambo lwami. Njengobe ngime la, eceleni kwalesicobho semanti, akutsi intfombi letewukha emanti nangitsi kuyo: “Ngicela unginatsise emantana ngalembita yakho,” yona itsi kimi: “Natsa wena, ngitawube senginatsisa nalamakamela akho,” kube ngiyo-ke intfombi Simakadze layimisele indvodzana yenkhosi yami.’ Ngitsite ngisengakacedzi nje kuthandaza ngenhlitiyo, kwachamuka Rebheka etjetse imbita yemanti. Wewukela esicojeni wefike wakha emanti. Ngase ngitsi kuye: ‘Ngicela unginatsise.’ Waphangisa wetfula imbita yakhe, watsi: ‘Natsa wena kucala, ngitawube senginatsisa nalamakamela akho futsi.’ Nganatsa-ke, wase unatsisa nemakamela ami futsi. Ngase ngiyambuta ngitsi: ‘Wena uyindvodzakati yabani?’ Wangiphendvula watsi: ‘Ngiyindvodzakati yaBethuweli, umsa waMilkha naNahori.’ Ngako-ke ngase ngimfaka lendandatho ekhaleni lakhe ngamegabisa nalamajiva emikhonweni yakhe. Ngase ngikhotsamisa inhloko yami, ngakhuleka kuSimakadze, ngimbonga yena longuNkulunkulu wenkhosi yami Abrahama, ngobe angihole ngendlela lekungiyo sibili kutsi ngitewutsatsa lendvodzakati yesihlobo senkhosi yami itewuba ngumfati wendvodzana yayo. Manje-ke, njengobe nine nitinini tenkhosi yami, ngitjeleni, nanitsandza kuvelana nayo ngekwetsembeka. Naningatsandzi, ngitjeleni, khona phela ngitekwenta loko lokufanele ngikwente.” BoLabani naBethuweli baphendvula batsi: “Lendzaba le iphuma kuSimakadze. Tsine kute lesingakusho. Nangu Rebheka embikwakho; mtsatse, uhambe naye ayekuba ngumfati wendvodzana yenkhosi yakho, njengobe Simakadze asakhulumile.” Yatsi kube ikuve loko inceku ya-Abrahama, yakhotsama yakhuleka kuSimakadze. Lenceku yakhipha tintfo tesiliva netegolide, netingubo, yatipha Rebheka. Yaphindze yapha umnakabo nenina tintfo letingemagugu. Lenceku kanye nemadvodza beyihamba nawo badla, banatsa, bahlala khona busuku bonkhe. Nabavuka ngakusasa ekuseni lenceku yatsi: “Ngikhululeni, ngibuyele enkhosini yami.” UmnakaboRebheka nenina batsi: “Ase ihlalahlale natsi lentfombatane emalangana langacishe abe lishumi. Emvakwaloko nitawube seniyahamba-ke.” Kepha inceku yatsi kubo: “Ningangibambeleli, ngobe Simakadze uyiphumelelisile indzaba yami. Ngikhululeni ngiye enkhosini yami.” Base batsi: “Ake sibite lentfombatana sitewuva kuyo.” Babita Rebheka, bambuta batsi: “Utawuhamba nayo yini lendvodza?” Waphendvula watsi: “Yebo, ngitawuhamba nayo.” Bamhambisa-ke Rebheka, dzadzewabo, kanye nemongi wakhe. Wahamba nenceku ya-Abrahama kanye nemadvodza leyayihamba nawo. Bambusisa Rebheka batsi kuye: “Hamba kahle, dzadzewetfu. Shangatsi ungaba ngunina wetinkhulungwane tetinkhulungwane; shangatsi intalo yakho ingawancoba emadolobha etitsa tayo.” Rebheka netimphekeleteli takhe batilungisela bagibela emakamela, bahamba nalendvodza. Yamtfola kanjalo-ke Rebheka lendvodza. Isaka abephuma eBheri Lahayi Royi, ngobe abehlala eNegevu. Waphuma entsambama waya esigangeni ayewudla ematsambo engcondvo khona; watsi uphakamisa emehlo wabona kuchamuka emakamela eta ngakuye. Rebheka watsi uphakamisa emehlo akhe, wabona Isaka, wase uyehlika ekameleni. Wabuta kulenceku watsi: “Ngubani leya ndvodza lesihlangabetako?” Inceku yaphendvula yatsi: “Yinkhosi yami.” Ngako-ke watsatsa iveyili yakhe watimbonya. Lenceku yafike yalandzisa Isaka ngako konkhe leyase ikwentile. Isaka watsatsa Rebheka wamfaka ethendeni lakabo lapho kwake kwahlala unina khona, watsatsa Rebheka wamenta umkakhe, Isaka wamtsandza umkakhe. Ngako-ke Isaka wadvudvuteka emuva kwebuhlungu bekufelwa ngunina. Abrahama watsatsa lomunye umfati, lekwakunguKethura. Yena-ke wamtalela boZimrani, naJokshane, naMedani, naMidiyani, na-Ishbaki, naShuwa. Jokshane watala boSheba naDedani. KuDedani ngulapho kwavela khona ema-Ashuri, nemaLethushi, nemaLewumi. Emadvodzana aMidiyani bekubo-Efa, na-Eferi, naHanoki, na-Abida, naElda. Bonkhe laba kwakubantfwana baKhetura. Abrahama wakunika Isaka konkhe labenako. Kodvwa emadvodzana alabanye bafati bakhe wabapha tipho, watsi asaphila nje wawasusa kulendvodzana yakhe Isaka, wawabhekisa ngasemphumalanga nelive. Abrahama waphila iminyaka leli-175. Abrahama wafa asamdzala kakhulu asenelisekile emphilweni; walandzela bokhokho bakhe. Bo-Isaka na-Ishmayeli, emadvodzana akhe, amngcwaba emhumeni waseMakhaphela, ensimini ya-Efroni, umsa waSowari, umHethi, emphumalanga naseMamre. Lensimi ngulena leyatsengwa ngu-Abrahama kumaHethi. Wangcwatjwa khona lapho-ke Abrahama, kanye nemkakhe Sara. Emvakwekufa kwa-Abrahama, Nkulunkulu wayibusisa lendvodzana yakhe lengu-Isaka. Isaka wacaba eBheri Lahayi Royi. Nati-ke titukulwane taka-Ishmayeli, umsa wa-Abrahama, lamtala kuHagari, sisebenti saSara lesasingumGibhithe: Emadvodzana a-Ishmayeli ngekwelamana kwawo bekunguNebayothi, litibulo lakhe, naKhedari, na-Adbeli, naMibsamu, naMishma, naDuma, naMasa, naHadadi, naThema, naJeturi, naNafishi, naKhedema. Ngiwo lawo-ke emadvodzana a-Ishmayeli nemabito awo labetsa ngawo imiti netikanekiso tawo; babetikhulu tetive letili-12. Ishmayeli waphila iminyaka leli-137, wafa; walandzela bokhokho bakhe. Titukulwane ta-Ishmayeli takha kusukela eHavila kuya eShuri, lemalunga naseGibhithe, kuya ngase-Asiriya. Takha, tatsi cekelele takhweshelana netihlobo tato; tatihlaselana naletihlobo tato. Nati-ke titukulwane taka-Isaka, umsa wa-Abrahama: Abrahama watala Isaka. Isaka watsi nasaneminyaka lengema-40 watsatsa Rebheka, indvodzakati yaBethuweli, um-Aramu wasePhadani Aramu, dzadzewabo Labani, um-Aramu. Isaka wathandazela umkakhe kuSimakadze, ngobe abeyinyumba. Simakadze wawuphendvula umthandazo wakhe; Rebheka, umka-Isaka, wakhulelwa. Wakhulelwa emaphahla. Atsi asengakatalwa agudlulana kamatima esiswini sakhe, wadzimate watsi: “Loku kwentekelani kimi?” Ngako-ke wayawubuta kuSimakadze. Simakadze wamphendvula watsi: “Esiswini sakho kunetive letimbili. Utawutala tive letitakwehlukana tinhlobo letimbili. Lesinye sive siyawuba nemandla kunalesinye, lomdzala akhonte lomncane.” Kwatsi nakufika emalanga akhe ekubeleka, wabeleka emaphahla. Lekucala laphuma libovana, lilihwanca wonkhe umtimba, njengengubo yeboya. Baletsa batsi ngu-Esawu. Emvakwekuphuma kwalomnakabo, sandla salona lomunye lolandzelako saphuma sibambe sitsendze sa-Esawu, ngako-ke bametsa ngekutsi nguJakobe. Isaka abesaneminyaka lengema-60 nabatalwako. Labafana bakhula. Esawu waba ngumtingeli lonelikhono, angumuntfu wasematsafeni, kantsi Jakobe yena abesithuli ahlala ekhaya. Isaka abetsandza Esawu, ngobe abedla inyama yenyamatane labeyitingela; kepha Rebheka abetsandza Jakobe. Ngalelinye lilanga Jakobe abepheke siphuphe, kwase kufika Esawu aphuma etsafeni, alambe kakhulu. Esawu watsi kuJakobe: “Maye, ngilambile! Ngicela sewumane ungiphe lesiphuphe.” Ngako-ke libito lakhe kwatsiwa ngu-Edomu. Kodvwa Jakobe watsi: “Ngitsengisele lifa lakho lebutubulo, kucala.” Esawu watsi: “Sengitakufa, linalusito luni kimi lelifa?” Jakobe watsi: “Funga kimi kucala.” Ngako-ke wafunga, kwaba kulitsengisa kwakhe kuJakobe lifa lakhe lebutubulo. Jakobe wase unika Esawu lesiphuphe. Esawu wadla, wanatsa, wasukuma wahamba. Esawu waledzelela kanjalo lifa lebutubulo bakhe. Kwase kwaba khona lenye indlala eveni, kungesiyo lena leyaka yaba khona ngetikhatsi tabo-Abrahama. Isaka-ke wase uyesuka uya eGerari ka-Abimeleki, inkhosi yemaFilisti. Simakadze wabonakala ku-Isaka watsi: “Ungehleli eGibhithe. Ubohlala eveni lengitakukhombisa lona. Hlalahlala kulelive, ngitawuba nawe ngikubusise, ngobe onkhe lamave ngitawuwanika wena netitukulwane takho. Ngitasifeza setsembiso sami lengasenta kuyihlo Abrahama. Titukulwane takho ngiyawutandzisa tibe ngangetinkhanyeti tesibhakabhaka. Onkhe lamave ngiyakuwanika titukulwane takho. Tive tonkhe temhlaba tiyawubusiswa ngetitukulwane takho, njengobe Abrahama wangihlonipha, wagcina imiyalo yami, nemitsetfo yami, netimiso tami.” Ngako-ke Isaka wahalala eGerari. Kwatsi nakabutwa ngemadvodza aleyo ndzawo ngemfati wakhe, yena watsi ngudzadzewabo. Abengeke avume kutsi ngumkakhe, ngobe abesaba emadvodza aleyo ndzawo kutsi angahle ambulale ngenca yaRebheka. Phela Rebheka abemuhle, abukeka. Isaka wahlala sikhatsi lesidze kuleyo ndzawo. Ngalelinye lilanga Abimeleki, inkhosi yemaFilisti, yatsi ihlola ngelifasitelo, yabona Isaka anga Rebheka, umkakhe. Ngako-ke Abimeleki wabita Isaka wambuta watsi: “Kantsi vele ngumkakho yini lo! Kepha ukwentelani lokuhambe utsi ngudzadzewenu?” Isaka wamphendvula watsi: “Kungobe bengicabanga ngitsi: ‘Ngingahle ngife ngenca yaRebheka!’ ” Abimeleki watsi kuye: “Yini-ke lena lose uyente la kitsi? Buka-ke, ngobe lenye indvodza beyingahle ilale naye kalula nje lomkakho; ngaleyo ndlela bewutawube sewusiletsele licala.” Ngako-ke Abimeleki wabayala bonkhe bantfu bakhe watsi: “Lowo lotsintsa lendvodza nome lomkayo utawubulawa.” Isaka walima kulelo live, kulowo mnyaka wavuna ngalokuphindvwe kalikhulu, ngobe Simakadze wambusisa, waceba, wachubeka wanotsa, waze waba yinjinga lenkhulu. Abenetimphahla letinyenti, imihlambi yetimvu, netinkhomo, anemuti lomkhulu, netisebenti letinyenti, kangangekutsi emaFilisti adzimate aba nemona ngaye. Ngako emaFilisti ase atigcibedzela ngemhlaba tonkhe ticobho letatimbiwe tisebenti ta-Abrahama asekhona; phela, Abrahama bekunguyise wa-Isaka. Abimeleki wakhuluma ku-Isaka, watsi: “Suka, uhambe la eveni letfu; ngobe sewunemandla kakhulu kunatsi.” Isaka wesuka lapho, wahamba waya eSigodzini saseGerari, lapho afike wahlala khona. Isaka waphindze watimba ticobho temanti letatimbiwe ngu-Abrahama, uyise asekhona; ngobe phela emaFilisti abetigcibedzela emvakwekufa kwa-Abrahama. Leticobho Isaka watetsa emabito letatetsiwe ngawo nguyise. Kepha tatsi tisebenti ta-Isaka natimba esigodzini, takhandza sicobho lesasinemanti lamnandzi. Belusi baseGerari bacabana nebelusi ba-Isaka, batsi: “Lamanti ngewetfu!” Ngako lesicobho wasetsa libito watsi yi-Eseki, ngobe baphikisana naye ngaso. Bemba lesinye futsi sicobho. Naso baphikisana ngaso futsi, ngako wasetsa watsi yiSitna. Wesuka lapho wayakumba lesinye sicobho, sona-ke abazange baphikisane ngaso, ngako wasetsa watsi yiRehobothi, atsi: “Njengobe Simakadze sewusentele indzawo, sitakwandza sibe tinjinga kulelive.” Isaka wesuka lapho, waya eBherisheba. Simakadze wabonakala kuye ngabona lobo busuku, watsi: “NginguNkulunkulu weyihlo Abrahama; ungesabi, ngobe nginawe, ngiyakukubusisa ngandzise titukulwane takho ngenca yenceku yami Abrahama.” Ngako Isaka wakha lilati lapho, wakhuleka kuSimakadze, wemisa lithende lakhe khona lapho. Tisebenti ta-Isaka tase timba sicobho khona lapho. Abimeleki wesuka eGerari, waya ku-Isaka ahamba na-Ahuzathi, umeluleki wakhe, naPhikoli, indvuna yemabutfo akhe. Isaka watsi kubo: “Niteleni la kimi, kantsi niyangitondza, futsi nine nangicosha nasemkhatsini wenu?” Bamphendvula batsi: “Manje sekusikhanyele kutsi Simakadze unawe. Ngako-ke sitsi: Akube nesifungo emkhatsini wakho natsi. Asente sivumelwane nawe, sekutsi ungeke usentele lokubi, njengobe natsi singakakuphatsi kabi nje; sikuphetse kahle, sakuhambisa ngekuthula. Sekuyakhanya kutsi Simakadze ukubusisile.” Isaka wase ubentela lidzili; badla banatsa. Ekuseni kuseluvivi ngakusasa bavuka benta sivumelwane lomunye kulomunye, basibeka luphawu ngesifungo. Isaka wabavalelisa, bahamba ngekuthula. Ngalo lelo langa tisebenti ta-Isaka teta kuye tamtjela ngesicobho letase tisimbile tatsi: “Sesiwatfolile emanti.” Lesicobho wasetsa watsi yiSheba; ngako-ke libito lalelo dolobha sekwaba yiBherisheba kuze kube ngulamuhla. Kwatsi Esawu nasaneminyaka lengemashumi lamane, watsatsa umfati, libito lakhe bekunguJudithi, indvodzakati ya-Beri, umHethi; wabuye watsatsa naBhasemathi, indvodzakati ya-Eloni, umHethi. Labalukatana bayenta yaba lusizi imphilo yabo-Isaka naRebheka. Kwatsi Isaka asamdzala kakhulu, emehlo akhe asafiphele angasaboni kahle. Watfumela wabita Esawu, indvodzana yakhe lendzala, wafike watsi kuye: “Msawami!” Wasabela watsi: “Ngilapha, babe.” Isaka watsi: “Manje sengimdzala, angilati lilanga lami lekuhamba emhlabeni. Manje-ke, tsatsa tinsungulo nebutjoki bakho, uhambe uye etsafeni, uyekungitingelela inyamatane, ungilungisele kudla lokumnandzi, ungiletsele kona ngitewudla, bese ngiyakubusisa, ngingakafi.” Rebheka bekalalele ngesikhatsi Isaka akhuluma nemsa wakhe, Esawu. Ngako watsi kube Esawu ahambe aye etsafeni kuyewutingela inyamatane atewuyiletsa kuyise, Rebheka watsi kuJakobe, indvodzana yakhe: “Ngive uyihlo akhuluma nemnakenu Esawu atsi: ‘Ngiletsele inyama yenyamatane ungilungiselele kudla lokumnandzi, kuze ngitekudla, ngikubusise embikwaSimakadze, ngisengakafi.’ Manje-ke, ndvodzana yami, lalela emavi ami, wente lengikushoko. Hamba uye etimbutini ungilandzele emazinyane lamabili lakhuluphele, kuze ngitewulungiselela uyihlo kudla lokumnandzi. Utawube sewukumikisa kuyihlo kutsi adle, khona atekubusisa asengakafi.” Kepha Jakobe watsi kuRebheka, unina: “Ingani Esawu, umnaketfu, ulihwanca, mine ngibusheleleti. Babe angahle angiphatse ngesandla, bese ngitfolakala ngingulonebucili, esikhundleni sekutsi angibusise angicalekise.” Unina watsi kuye: “Ndvodzana yami, leso sicalekiso asehlele kimi; wena yenta loko lengikutjela kona, hamba ungilandzele lamazinyane.” Wahamba, wafike wawatsatsa wawaletsa kunina. Unina walungiselela Isaka kudla lokumnandzi. Rebheka watsatsa timphahla letincono kakhulu ta-Esawu letatisendlini kabo, watembatsisa Jakobe. Wamembatsisa letikhumba temazinyane etimbuti etandleni takhe nasentsanyeni yakhe, lapho abeshelela khona. Watsatsa lokudla lokumnandzi nesinkhwa labesasentile wakunika indvodzana yakhe Jakobe. Jakobe waya kuyise wafike watsi: “Babe.” Wamphendvula watsi: “Yebo, msawami. Ungubani wena?” Jakobe wamphendvula watsi: “Ngingu-Esawu, litubulo lakho; sengikwentile konkhe longitfume kona, babe. Vuka, utekudla inyama yenyamatane, bese uyangibusisa.” Kepha Isaka watsi kulomsa wakhe: “Hhawu, ndvodzana yami, washesha kangaka kuyitfola, wente njani?” Jakobe waphendvula watsi: “Kungobe Simakadze, Nkulunkulu wakho, ungiphumelelisile.” Isaka watsi kuJakobe: “Sondzela ngitekuphatsa, msawami, ngiteba neliciniso kutsi unguye sibili yini Esawu, indvodzana yami, nome cha.” Nembala Jakobe wasondzela ku-Isaka. Isaka welula sandla wamphatsa watsi: “Livi lona laJakobe, kodvwa tandla ta-Esawu.” Akazange ati kutsi nguJakobe, ngobe tandla takhe tatineboya njengetandla ta-Esawu. Ngako-ke wase uyambusisa. Waphindze wambutisisa watsi: “Unguye ngempela yini Esawu?” Jakobe wamphendvula watsi: “Nginguye.” Isaka watsi: “Ngisondzetele inyama yenyamatane yakho, msawami, ngitekudla ngikubusise.” Wamsondzetela, wadla. Wamniketa neliwayini, walinatsa. Emvakwaloko uyise Isaka watsi kuye: “Sondzela, ndvodzana yami, ungange.” Wasondzela, wamanga. Watsi nakaliva liphunga letimphahla takhe, wambusisa watsi: “Awu, liphunga lendvodzana yami linjengeliphunga lasetsafeni, litsafa lelabusiswa nguSimakadze. Shangatsi Nkulunkulu angakunika ematolo asezulwini, avundzise nemasimi akho, akuphe inala yemabele neyeliwayini. Shangatsi tive tingasebenta wena, nemindeni ikukhotsamele. Ube yinkhosi kubomnakenu, emadvodzana enyoko akukhotsamele. Akacalekiswe lokucalekisako, abusiswe lokubusisako.” Kwatsi acedza nje Isaka kubusisa Jakobe, naJakobe asandza kusuka nje ku-Isaka, uyise, watseleka Esawu, umnakabo, aphuma ekutingeleni. Naye walungisa kudla lokumnandzi wakumikisa kuyise. Wafike watsi kuye: “Ngicela asale avuka babe, adle inyama yenyamatane layilungiselwe yindvodzana yakhe, khona atekuyibusisa.” Uyise, Isaka, wambuta watsi: “Ungubani wena?” Wamphendvula watsi: “Ngingumsa wakho, Esawu, litubulo lakho.” Isaka wetfuka wachachatela kamatima wonkhe umtimba watsi: “Kantsi ngubani lona loletse inyama yenyamatane lapha kimi, ngayidla yonkhe ungakefiki wena, ngase ngiyambusisa? Ngempela utawubusiswa yena.” Watsi Esawu nakeva lamavi eyise, wakhala kakhulu, wadzimate watsi kuyise: “Babe, nami ngibusise.” Isaka wamphendvula watsi: “Umnakenu ufike wangiyenga, watsatsa sibusiso sakho.” Esawu watsi: “Utsi aketsiwanga kahle yini kutsi kutsiwe nguJakobe? Ngobe loku sekwesibili angiphamba. Wacale watsatsa lifa lebutubulo bami, manje-ke sewutsatse sibusiso sami.” Wachubeka Esawu wabuta uyise watsi: “Awukangibekeli yini sakami sibusiso?” Isaka wamphendvula watsi: “Asubuke nje, sengimente waba yinkhosi yakho, ngimnike bonkhe bomnakabo kutsi babe tisebenti takhe. Ngimuphe inala yemabele neyeliwayini. Pho, wena ngingabe ngisakwentelani, ndvodzana yami?” Esawu watsi kuyise: “Babe, sekukuphela kwato letibusiso bewunato yini, awunaso yini lesinye sibusiso? Babe, nami ngibusise!” Esawu wadzatimula wakhala. Wamphendvula uyise, Isaka, watsi: “Umuti wakho ungeke ube nemvundvo, uyawuba khashane nematolo elizulu. Uyawuphila ngenkemba yakho, usebente umnakenu, kodvwa kuyawutsi nawudlubulundzela, uyawulephula lijoko lakhe entsanyeni yakho.” Esawu wamtondza Jakobe ngenca yesibusiso labesitsatse kuyise, wadzimate watsi enhlitiyweni yakhe: “Emalanga ekulilela babe asayasondzela, emvakwawo Jakobe, umnaketfu, ngitambulala.” Kodvwa Rebheka watsi kube atjelwe ngaloku Esawu, indvodzana yakhe lendzala, labesatimisele kukwenta, Rebheka wabita Jakobe, indvodzana yakhe lencane, wayitjela watsi: “Lalela la, umnakenu Esawu utidvudvuta ngekutsi utakubulala. Ngako-ke, ndvodzana yami, lalela livi lami: Baleka masinyane uye kamnaketfu Labani eHarani; ufike uhlalahlale khona, kuze kuphole kutfukutsela kwemnakenu. Nangabe kutfukutsela kwakhe sekutse gogololo, asakukhohliwe naloku lokwente kuye, ngiyakutfumela ngikulandze. Ngesaba kulahlekelwa ngini nobabili ngalanga linye.” Rebheka watsi ku-Isaka: “Ngidziniwe kuphila ngenca yalabalukatana baka-Esawu labatsatsa kumaHethi. Nangabe naJakobe angatsatsa umfati emkhatsini walamaHethi, lafanana nalawa lengihleti nawo, kungaba ncono ngimane ngife lokungenani!” Isaka wabita Jakobe, wambusisa wamyala watsi: “Ungamtsatsi umfati kulamaKhenani. Hamba uye eMesophothamiya ekhabonyoko, kaBethuweli, utitsatsele khona umfati emadvodzakatini aLabani, malume wakho. Shangatsi Nkulunkulu Somandla angakubusisa akuchumise, akwandzise, udzimate ube tive letinyenti. Shangatsi angakunika sibusiso sa-Abrahama, wena kanye netitukulwane takho, uze ulitsatse libe lakho lelive losihambi kulo kwamanje, Nkulunkulu lalinika Abrahama!” Ngako-ke Isaka wahambisa Jakobe wamyisa eMesophothamiya kaLabani umsa waBethuweli, um-Aramu, umnakaboRebheka, unaboJakobe na-Esawu. Esawu weva kutsi Isaka abesabusise Jakobe, wabuye wamhambisa watsi akaye eMesophothamiya, kutsi ayewutsatsa khona umfati. Esawu weva nekutsi Isaka abesayale Jakobe watsi: “Ungamtsatsi umfati kulamaKhenani.” Weva nekutsi Jakobe abebahloniphile boyise nenina ngekutsi ahambe aye eMesophothamiya. Esawu watsi kube abone kutsi emadvodzakati emaKhenani abengamjabulisi uyise, wesuka wayawutsatsa Mahalathi wamenta umkakhe etikwalabafati labenabo. Mahalathi abengudzadzewaboNebayothi, indvodzakati ya-Ishmayeli, umsa wa-Abrahama. Jakobe wesuka eBherisheba waya eHarani. Wefika endzaweni lengcwele wahlala khona busuku, ngobe lilanga lase lishonile. Watsatsa lelinye lematje akuleyo ndzawo wacamela etikwalo, walala. Wabhudza abona liladi limiswe emhlabatsini, laze lefika ezulwini, wabona tingilosi taNkulunkulu tehla tenyuka ngalo. Simakadze abeme etikwalo; wakhuluma naye watsi: “NginguSimakadze, Nkulunkulu weyihlo Abrahama, naNkulunkulu wa-Isaka. Lelive lolele kulo ngiyawulinika wena kanye netitukulwane takho. Titukulwane takho tiyawuba ngangelutfuli lwemhlaba. Uyakwandza nemhlaba wonkhe wenabele enshonalanga, nasemphumalanga, nasenyakatfo, naseningizimu. Tonkhe tive temhlaba tiyawubusiswa ngawe nangetitukulwane takho. Ukhumbule kutsi ngitawuba nawe ngikulondvolote nome uyaphi, ngikubuyise kulo lelive. Ngobe ngingeke ngikushiye ngingakakwenti loku lesengikwetsembise kona.” Jakobe waphaphama ebutfongweni, watsi: “Kantsi Simakadze ukulendzawo, bengingakwati-ke loku.” Wefikelwa kwesaba, watsi: “Maye, lendzawo iyesabeka! Ngempela lendzawo iyindlu yaNkulunkulu. Leli lisango lasezulwini.” Ngako-ke Jakobe wavuka ekuseni kuseluvivi, walitsatsa lelitje abecamele kulo, walimisa laba luphawu lwesikhumbuto, watsela emafutsa etikwalo. Lendzawo wayetsa libito watsi yiBetheli, kodvwa ekucaleni lelidolobha lalibitwa ngekutsi yiLuzi. Jakobe wase wenta sifungo, watsi: “Nangabe Nkulunkulu atawuba nami angilondvolote kuloluhambo lwami, anginike kudla, netimphahla tekwembatsa, ngembatse, ngidzimate ngibuyele ngekuthula ekhaya ketfu, khona-ke Simakadze uyawuba nguNkulunkulu wami. Lelitje lengilimise la, kutsi libe sikhumbuto, litawuba yindlu yaNkulunkulu. Kuko konkhe langipha kona ngiyakumnika kwelishumi.” Jakobe wachubeka neluhambo lwakhe waya eveni lebantfu bangasemphumalanga. Watsi asahamba, adzabula imimango, wakhandza sicobho semanti situngeletwe ngimihlambi lemitsatfu yetimvu ilele eceleni kwaso. Lemihlambi yayitewunatsiswa kuso leso sicobho. Kwakunelitje lelikhulu lekwakumbonywe ngalo. Yayitsi lemihlambi ingaphelela, belusi bese bayaligicita balisuse lelitje, banatsise lemihlambi, babuye balibuyisele. Jakobe wabuta labelusi watsi: “Ye bomnaketfu, niphumaphi?” Bamphendvula batsi: “Siphuma kaHarani.” Wababuta futsi watsi: “Niyamati yini Labani, umsa waNahori?” Bamphendvula batsi: “Yebo, siyamati.” Watsi: “Usaphila yini?” Batsi: “Yebo, usaphila. Nanguya nje naRakheli, indvodzakati yakhe, eta netimvu takhe.” Jakobe watsi: “Njengobe kusesemini lenkhulu kangaka nyalo, kusengakabi sikhatsi sekutsi letimvu tibutsiswe ndzawonye, anitinatsisi ngani, bese niyakutidlisa eluhlateni?” Bamphendvula batsi: “Singeke phela sicale ingakapheleli yonkhe lemihlambi bese kugicitwa lelitje, kungukhona-ke sitinatsisa letimvu.” Watsi asakhuluma nje Jakobe, kwase kufika Rakheli netimvu teyise, ngobe bekunguye labetelusa. Jakobe watsi kube ambone loRakheli, indvodzakati yaLabani, malume wakhe, abone netimvu takaLabani, wesuka waya kulelitje, wafike waligicita, wase uyatinatsisa timvu takamalume wakhe, Labani. Jakobe wanga Rakheli, wakhala ngenca yenjabulo. Jakobe watjela Rakheli watsi: “Mine ngisihlobo seyihlo, ngitalwa nguRebheka.” Rakheli wagijima wayawutjela uyise. Watsi kube Labani ayive lendzaba yemshana wakhe, wagijima wamhlangabeta, wafike wamgona wamanga, wamngenisa endlini. Jakobe watekela Labani yonkhe indzaba yakhe. Labani watsi kuye: “Ngempela ulitsambo lami nengati yami.” Jakobe wahlala lapho inyanga yonkhe. Labani wakhuluma kuJakobe, watsi: “Njengobe usinini sami, pho, kufanele yini kutsi ungisebentele mahhala? Ngitjele kutsi ufuna ngikuholele ngani.” Labani abenemadvodzakati lamabili, lendzala bekunguLeya, lencane kunguRakheli. Leya abenemehlo lamahle latsambile, kodvwa Rakheli abeme kahle, amuhle. Jakobe abetsandza Rakheli, ngako-ke watsi: “Ngitakusebentela iminyaka lesikhombisa, nawunganginika Rakheli, indvodzakati yakho lencane, ibe ngumkami.” Labani watsi: “Kuncono mane ngimnike wena kunekutsi ngimnike nome ngubani nje, sale uhlala nami la ekhaya.” Ngako-ke Jakobe wamsebentela iminyaka lesikhombisa loRakheli, noko kuJakobe leminyaka lengaka kwaba shangatsi ngemalangana nje, ngobe phela abemtsandza kakhulu. Jakobe wakhuluma kuLabani, watsi: “Sengisicedzile sikhatsi sami, sale unginika umkami ngingene kuye.” Ngako-ke, Labani wamema bonkhe bantfu bakuleyo ndzawo, wenta lidzili. Kodvwa kwatsi ngalobo busuku Labani watsatsa indvodzakati yakhe, Leya, wayingenisa kuJakobe. Jakobe wamati Leya. Labani wakhipha Zilpha, labesisebenti sakhe, kutsi atewuba sisebenti saLeya. Ekuseni ngakusasa Jakobe kwangukhona abona kutsi nguLeya. Jakobe waya kuLabani wafike watsi: “Yini lena longenta yona? Kantsi bengingasebenteli Rakheli yini? Manje ungilutseleni?” Labani wamphendvula watsi: “Kulelive akwentiwa kutsi kwendziswe lomncane kucala lomdzala angakendzi. Ase ume kuphele leliviki lemshado, sitawube sesiyakunika futsi nalona lomunye, nawungasebenta leminye iminyaka lesikhombisa.” Jakobe wenta njalo, walicedza leliviki lemshado. Labani wase umnika Rakheli, indvodzakati yakhe, kutsi abe ngumkakhe. Labani wakhipha Bilha labesisebenti sakhe kutsi atewuba sisebenti saRakheli. Ngako Jakobe wangena kuRakheli. Wamtsandza kakhulu kunaLeya. Jakobe wasebentela Labani leminye futsi iminyaka lesikhombisa. Watsi kube abone Simakadze kutsi Leya uyaliwa, wavula sitalo sakhe; kepha Rakheli waba yinyumba. Leya wakhulelwa, watala indvodzana, wayetsa libito watsi nguRubeni, ngobe abetsi: “Simakadze ukubonile kuhlupheka kwami, manje indvodza yami seyitangitsandza.” Waphindza wakhulelwa, watala indvodzana, watsi: “Njengobe Simakadze evile kutsi ngiyaliwa, uphindze wangipha lenye indvodzana.” Wayetsa libito watsi nguSimeyoni. Waphindze futsi wakhulelwa, watala lenye indvodzana, watsi: “Manje-ke indvodza yami seyitawunamatsela kimi, ngobe sengiyitalele emadvodzana lamatsatfu.” Ngako-ke libito layo kwaba nguLevi. Waphindze wakhulelwa futsi, watala indvodzana, watsi: “Manje-ke ngitamdvumisa Simakadze.” Ngako-ke wayetsa libito watsi nguJuda, wase uyema kutala. Watsi kube Rakheli abone kutsi akamtaleli Jakobe bantfwana, waba nesikhwele ngadzadzewabo. Watsi kuJakobe: “Ngiphe bantfwana, ngaphandle kwaloko ngitakufa!” Jakobe watfukutselela Rakheli, wadzimate watsi: “Kantsi mine nginguNkulunkulu yini, longuyena avale sitalo sakho?” Rakheli waphendvula Jakobe watsi: “Nasi sisebenti sami lesinguBilha, ngena kuso, kuze atengitalela, khona nami ngitewuba nebantfwana ngaye.” Ngako wamnika Bilha, sisebenti sakhe, kutsi abe ngumkakhe. Jakobe wangena kuBilha, walala naye. Bilha wakhulelwa, watalela Jakobe indvodzana. Rakheli watsi: “Nkulunkulu ungehlulele, waliva nelivi lami, wangipha indvodzana.” Ngako-ke wayetsa libito layo watsi nguDani. Waphindze Bilha, sisebenti saRakheli, wakhulelwa, watalela Jakobe indvodzana yesibili. Rakheli watsi: “Ngekubambana lokunemandla ngibambene nadzadzewetfu ngamehlula.” Wayetsa libito watsi nguNaftali. Watsi kube abone Leya kutsi sewumile kutala, watsatsa Zilpha, sisebenti sakhe, wasinika Jakobe kutsi sibe ngumkakhe. Zilpha sisebenti saLeya, watalela Jakobe indvodzana. Leya watsi: “Yinhlanhla lenhle,” ngako wayetsa libito watsi nguGadi. Zilpha, sisebenti saLeya, saphindze selamisa ngendvodzana yesibili. Leya watsi: “Maye, ngiyajabula! Nyalo labasikati sebayawutsi ngibusisekile.” Ngako wayetsa libito watsi ngu-Asheri. Ngesikhatsi kuvunwa kolo, Rubeni watsi uyahamba, watfola umutsi wentalo ensimini, wawumikisa kuLeya, unina. Ngako Rakheli watsi kuLeya: “Ngicela sewumane ungiphe lomunye walomutsi wentalo lotfolwe yindvodzana yakho.” Leya watsi kuRakheli: “Wena nanyalo awukeneliswa kutsi wena sewugovuke nendvodza yami? Nyalo sewufuna kutsatsa nalomutsi lengiwutfolelwe yindvodzana yami?” Rakheli waphendvula Leya watsi: “Ungamane ulale nayo kulobusuku balamuhla, nawungamane nje ungiphe lomutsi wendvodzana yakho.” Entsambama nakabuya etsafeni Jakobe, wahlangabetwa nguLeya. Wafike watsi kuJakobe: “Ubota utewulala nami lamuhla, ngobe ngikucashe ngemutsi wentalo lotfolwe yindvodzana yami.” Ngako-ke wavele wayawulala naye kulobo busuku. Nkulunkulu wawuva umthandazo waLeya. Leya wakhulelwa, watalela Jakobe indvodzana yesihlanu. Leya watsi: “Nkulunkulu unginike umvuzo wami, ngobe indvodza yami ngayinika sisebenti sami.” Lendvodzana wayetsa libito watsi ngu-Isakhari. Leya waphindze wakhulelwa futsi. Watalela Jakobe indvodzana yesitfupha. Leya watsi: “Nkulunkulu unginike sipho lesihle. Manje indvodza yami seyitawubambelela kimi, ngobe sengiyitalele emadvodzana lasitfupha.” Ngako wayetsa libito watsi nguZebuloni. Emvakwaloko Leya watalela Jakobe indvodzakati, wayetsa libito watsi nguDina. Nkulunkulu wakhumbula Rakheli, wawuva umthandazo wakhe, wasivula sitalo sakhe. Rakheli wakhulelwa, watala indvodzana, watsi: “Nkulunkulu sewulisusile lihlazo lami.” Wayetsa libito watsi nguJosefa, atsi: “Shangatsi Simakadze angangengetela lenye indvodzana.” Watsi Rakheli asatele Josefa, Jakobe watsi kuLabani: “Ase ungikhulule, ngihambe ngibuyele ekhaya kitsi naseveni lakitsi. Sale unginika bafati bami, nebantfwabami lengikusebentele ngabo ngitewuhamba, ngobe nawe uyawati umsebenti lengikwentele wona.” Labani watsi kuye: “Ase ngisho naku: Sengifundzile, futsi sengiyile ngeva kubemanga kutsi Simakadze ungibusise ngenca yakho. Shano liholo lakho, ngitakunika.” Jakobe watsi kuye: “Nawe matfupha uyati kutsi ngikusebentele kanjani, nekutsi timphahla takho tandze kanganani tiseluswa ngimi. Leto letimbalwa lewawunato ngisengakefiki setandze kakhulu. Simakadze ukubusise kuyo yonkhe indzawo lapho bengifika khona. Kodvwa-ke manje mine ngitayisebentela nini indlu yami?” Labani wambuta watsi: “Ufuna ngikuholele ngani?” Jakobe wamphendvula watsi: “Angiwufuni umholo. Ngitawuchubeka ngikwelusele lomhlambi wakho, nawungasemukela nasi sicelo sami: Ase ngiyibhidle ekhatsi lemihlambi yakho. Ngitawukhetsa kuyo tonkhe timvu letinemibala naletingemacabhacabha kanye nemazinyane lamnyama, ngikhetse tonkhe timbuti letinemibala naletinemacabhacabha; ngito-ke letitawuba ngumholo wami. Ngako kwetsembeka nekulunga kwami ngiko lokuyawungifakazela, nase uta ngemuso utewuhlola umholo wami. Nawukhandza imbuti lengenamabala nalengesiwo emacabhacabha nemvu lengemnyama kuleti takami kuyawukhanya kutsi ngitebile.” Labani waphendvula watsi: “Kulungile! Akube njengekusho kwakho.” Kodvwa ngalo lelo langa Labani watikhetsa tonkhe timphongo letinemibala naletimacabhacabha, tonkhe letinalokumhlophe nemazinyane lamnyama, watinika emadvodzana akhe kutsi ateluse, watsatsa luhambo lwemalanga lamatsatfu kusuka kuJakobe. Jakobe wachubeka wayelusa imihlambi yaLabani leyayisasele. Jakobe watsatsa imizaca leyayisemanti yetihlahla telibhabhabhulomu, ne-alimondi, nepleni, wayebula wayenta imishi, yasala yaba mhlophe. Lemizaca wayibeka embikwaletimvu etinkelebheni, lapho tatinatsa khona, ngobe tatekhwelwa natiye kuyewunatsa. Tekhwelelwa etikwayo lemizaca, temitsa, tatala emazinyane lanemibala, nalangemacabhacabha, nalanemishi. Jakobe wakhetsa onkhe lamazinyane labetelwe; lemihlambi yeluphawu lwaLabani wayibhekisa ngakulamazinyane. Umhlambi wakhe wawakha ngalendlela wawehlukanisa nemihlambi yaLabani. Kwakutsi njalo nje letifuyo naseticinile setekhwelwa, Jakobe abeke lemizaca kuletinkelebha tekunatsa embikwalomhlambi entele kutsi titekwemitsela eceleni kwalemizaca. Kodvwa abengayibeki lemizaca embikwaletifuyo letatiwombile. Ngako-ke Labani wagcina asasalelwe nguletiwombile todvwa, kwatsi leticinile taba taJakobe. Jakobe wagcina asanjinge kakhulu, waba nemihlambi lemikhulu, netincekukati, netinceku, nemakamela, netimbongolo. Jakobe weva emadvodzana aLabani akhuluma atsi: “Jakobe sewutsetse konkhe lobekukwababe. Sewunjinge ngaletimphahla tababe.” Jakobe wabona kutsi buso baLabani babungasamjabuleli njengakucala. Simakadze wakhuluma kuJakobe watsi: “Hamba ubuyele eveni lakini, lapho watalelwa khona, ngitawuba nawe.” Ngako-ke Jakobe wabita boRakheli naLeya kutsi bete kuye emadlelweni, lapho abelusele khona imfuyo yakhe. Wafike wakhuluma kubo watsi: “Sengibonile kutsi buso beyihlo abusangijabuleli njengakucala, kodvwa Nkulunkulu wababe abenami. Nani niyati kutsi uyihlo ngimsebentele ngawo onkhe emandla ami. Kodvwa uyihlo sewungiphambile ngekutsi agucule liholo lami ngalokuphindvwe kalishumi, noko Nkulunkulu akamvumeli kutsi ente lokubi kimi. Utsite nakatsi: ‘Liholo lakho kutawuba nguletimacabhacabha todvwa,’ umhlambi wonkhe wesuka watala letimacabhacabha. Nome asatsite: ‘Liholo lakho kutawuba nguletinemishi,’ umhlambi wonkhe wesuka watala letinemishi todvwa. Nkulunkulu uyitsatse kanjalo-ke imfuyo yeyihlo wayinika mine. “Kwatsi ngesikhatsi tekhwelwa letimbuti ngabhudza, ngatsi ngiyabuka ngabona letiphongo letekhwela letimbutikati kutsi tatinemishi, timacabhacabha, naletimabalabala. Ingilosi yaNkulunkulu yangibita ephusheni yatsi: ‘Jakobe!’ Ngasabela ngatsi: ‘Ngilapha.’ Yakhuluma kimi yatsi: ‘Buka la, tonkhe letiphongo letekhwela letimbutikati tinemishi, timacabhacabha, timabalabala; ngobe sengikubone konkhe lokwentiwa nguLabani kuwe. NginguNkulunkulu waseBetheli, lapho wagcoba khona litje ngemafutsa, walenta sikhumbuto, wafunga kimi. Sukuma-ke manje, utfutse kulelive, ubuyele eveni lakini, lapho kunenkhaba yakho khona.’ ” BoRakheli naLeya baphendvula batsi: “Pho, sisenaso yini sabelo nome lifa lekungeletfu endlini yababe? Kambe asisesibo bafokati yini? Ngobe sewatsengisa ngatsi, nemali layitfola ngatsi sewayidla wayicedza. Yonkhe ingcebo letsetfwe nguNkulunkulu kubabe ngeyetfu nebantfwabetfu. Ngako-ke, yenta loko Nkulunkulu lakukhulume kuwe.” Jakobe wesuka lapho wagibelisa bantfwabakhe nebafati bakhe emakameleni, wayichuba yonkhe imfuyo yakhe kanye nako konkhe kwakhe labekuholile eMesophothamiya, wancandzeka wabuyela kuyise, Isaka, eveni laseKhenani. Labani abengekho ayewuhhula timvu takhe, Rakheli weba tithico takabo. Jakobe wamnyenyela Labani, umSiriya, ngobe akazange amtjele kutsi utawuhamba. Wabaleka nako konkhe labenako, wewela umfula iYufrathe, emabombo awabhekise ngasetintsabeni takaGileyadi. Watsi kube Labani atjelwe ngelilanga lesitsatfu kutsi Jakobe akasekho ubalekile, watsatsa bomnakabo wamlandzela amcosha ngemuva, kwadzimate kwaphela emalanga lasikhombisa, waze wamkhandza etintsabeni takaGileyadi. Kodvwa Nkulunkulu weta wakhuluma ngeliphupho kuLabani, umSiriya, watsi: “Ucaphele ungakhulumi lokuhle nome lokubi kuJakobe.” Labani wamkhandza Jakobe. Jakobe abemise lithende lakhe kuleto tintsaba takaGileyadi, naLabani kanye nabomnakabo naye wakanekisa kuto leto tintsaba. Labani wafike wakhuluma kuJakobe, watsi: “Seyini-ke lena lose uyentile, unginyenyeleleni ngekuhamba nemadvodzakati ami kungatsi bafati lobatfumbe emphini? Uhambeleni ngekunyenya? Awukangitjeli ngani, khona phela ngitekukhipa ngekujabula, nangekuhlabela, nangelugubhu, nangelihabhu? Awukangivumeli ngani kutsi ngivalelise emadvodzana nemadvodzakati ami ngekuwanga? Ibulima-ke lentfo loyentile. Nginawo emandla ekukulimata; kodvwa Nkulunkulu weyihlo ukhulume kimi itolo ebusuku ephusheni watsi: ‘Ucaphele, ungakhulumi lokuhle nome lokubi kuJakobe.’ Nyalo-ke njengobe sewuhamba ukhumbule bakini, utebeleni letithico tami?” Jakobe waphendvula Labani, watsi: “Kungobe ngesabile kutsi ungahle ungemuke lamadvodzakati akho. Kodvwa lowo loyawukhandza tithico takho kuye akafe nekufa. Phenya la emkhatsini wetfu ukhombe lokukwakho lokukimi ukutsatse bonkhe bantfu babuka.” Phela Jakobe abengati kutsi letithico tatebiwe nguRakheli. Ngako-ke Labani waya ethendeni laJakobe, nelaLeya, nasethendeni letisebenti letisikati letimbili; kodvwa akatitfolanga tithico. Waphuma ethendeni laLeya waya ethendeni laRakheli. Rakheli bekatsetse letithico watifihla ngaphansi kwesihlalo selikamela, wahlala etikwato. Labani, watiphumphutsa lonkhe lithende laRakheli, wangete watitfola. Rakheli watsi kuyise: “Shangatsi inkhosi yami ingete yangitfukutselela ngekutsi ngingeke ngiphakame embikwayo, ngobe ngisesikhatsini.” Labani waphenya, wanyakulula, kodvwa akazange atitfole letithico. Jakobe watfukutsela wagcwala kokana, watsetsisa Labani watsi: “Siphi-ke siphambuko sami? Sono sami siphi, kutsi bewungaze ungitfungatse kangaka? Njengobe sewuphenye watinyakulula kangaka letimphahla tami, tiphi-ke temndeni wakho? Tibeke la embikwabo bonkhe labantfu babuka kutsi kube ngibo lababehluleli emkhatsini wakho nami. Ngicedze iminyaka lengema-20 ngihleti nawe. Timvu takho netimbuti takho atizange setiphunte, angizange sengidle kwasasihhanca sakho. Ngisho naleti letatidliwe tilwane tesiganga ngangingatiletsi kuwe, kodvwa ngangivele ngitenane ngetami. Nawe wawuvele utifune kimi letebiwe emini nome ebusuku. Emini bengibhadliswa lilanga, ebusuku ngishushwe lichwa, ngiphelelwe nabutfongo. Bengihleti nawe iminyaka lengemashumi lamabili, emadvodzakati akho ngiwasebentele iminyaka lelishumi namine, timphahla takho ngatelusa iminyaka lesitfupha, nakhona lapho wangidlelela umholo wami ngekuwugucula emahlandla lalishumi. Kube Nkulunkulu wababe, naNkulunkulu wa-Abrahama, lokwesaba kwa-Isaka, abengekho ngakimi, ngineliciniso kutsi ngabe ungicoshile ngahamba mahhala ngite lutfo. Kodvwa Nkulunkulu ukubonile kuhlupheka kwami nemsebenti wetandla tami, wase uyakwekhuta kulobusuku bayitolo.” Labani waphendvula Jakobe watsi: “Lamadvodzakati lawa ngami, nalabantfwana bami, nalemihlambi yami, nako konkhe loku lokubonako kwami. Kodvwa kute lengingabuye ngikwente ngalamadvodzakati nalabantfwabawo lababatele. Lokuncono kota sente sivumelwane, wena nami, kube bufakazi emkhatsini wetfu sobabili.” Ngako-ke Jakobe watsatsa litje walimisa kutsi libe sikhumbuto. Jakobe wakhuluma kulamadvodza labehamba nawo watsi ababutse ematje. Nembala awabutsa enta ngawo sivivane, badla ndzawonye badlela eceleni kwaso. Labani wasetsa watsi yiJega Sahadutha; kodvwa Jakobe wasetsa watsi yiGaledi. Labani wakhuluma kuJakobe watsi: “Lamuhla lesivivane sibufakazi emkhatsini wakho nami.” Ngako-ke wasetsa watsi yiGaledi. Lelinye libito laso watsi yiMispa, ngobe abetsi: “Shangatsi Simakadze angasigcina sobabili nome sesehlukene. Nawuwaphatsa kabi lamadvodzakati ami nome sewutsatsa labanye bafati ngaphandle kwawo nome ungabonwa ngumuntfu, kodvwa ubokhumbula kutsi Nkulunkulu ungufakazi emkhatsini wetfu sobabili.” Labani wachubeka wakhuluma kuJakobe, watsi: “Buka nasi sivivane nalelitje lelisikhumbuto lengikubeke embikwetfu sobabili. Lesivivane asibe bufakazi, nalelitje kube ngulona bufakazi, bekutsi ngingeke ngendlule lesivivane nalelitje ngewelele ngakuwe, nawe futsi ungeke wendlule lesivivane nalelitje wewelele ngakimi kutakwenta bubi. Nkulunkulu wa-Abrahama naNkulunkulu waNahori, utakwehlulela emkhatsini wetfu.” Ngako-ke Jakobe wafunga ngaNkulunkulu weyise Isaka, wagomela kutsi utasigcina lesetsembiso. Jakobe wanikela ngemhlatjelo etikwentsaba, wase umema lamadvodza kutsi atewudla sinkhwa. Adla ahlala busuku bonkhe kuleyo ntsaba. Labani wavuka ngakusasa ekuseni ngetingweti, wanga batukulu bakhe nemadvodzakati akhe, wababusisa, wancandzeka wabuyela ekhaya kakhe. Jakobe wachubeka nendlela yakhe, tingilosi taNkulunkulu tamhlangabeta. Jakobe watsi kube atibone letingilosi watsi: “Lesi sikanekiso saNkulunkulu!” Wetsa leyo ndzawo libito watsi yiMahanayimu. Jakobe watfumela tigijimi ku-Esawu umnakabo, eveni laseSeyiri, kulaka-Edomu. Watibamba ngendlebe watsi: “Nitawufika enkhosini yami, Esawu, niyitjele nitsi: ‘Inceku yakho, Jakobe, itsi: Seloku ngahamba bengisolo ngihleti kaLabani, kuze kube ngulamuhla. Nginetinkhabi, netimbongolo, netimvu, netimbuti netisebenti letidvuna naletisikati. Sengitfumele ligama enkhosini yami kutsi kumbe ngingatfola umusa ngemukeleke.’ ” Titfunywa tabuya kuJakobe, tafike tatsi: “Simkhandzile umnakenu Esawu; naye sewuyeta utekuhlangabeta, uta nemadvodza langemakhulu lamane.” Jakobe wesaba kakhulu waba neluvalo. Wehlukanisa labantfu abehamba nabo, wabenta emacembu lamabili, kanjalo nemihlambi yetimvu, neyetimbuti, neyetinkhomo kanye neyemakamela nako wakwenta njalo. Loku abekwenta acabanga atsi: “Nangabe Esawu efika ahlasela lelinye licembu, leli lelinye-ke lelisasele lisengabaleka.” Jakobe wase uyathandaza watsi: “Nkulunkulu wababemkhulu Abrahama, naNkulunkulu wababe wami Isaka! Simakadze, wena wakhuluma kimi watsi: ‘Ncandzeka ubuyele eveni lakini, nasetihlotjeni takho, mine ngitakwentela lokuhle.’ Umusa wakho awukangifaneli nako konkhe kwetsembeka kwakho lokubonakalise kimi, inceku yakho, akukangifaneli. Ngobe lomfula iJordane ngawewela ngiphetse ludvondvolo lwami lodvwa, manje senginemacembu lamabili. Ngicela kutsi umane ungephule esandleni semnaketfu Esawu, ngobe ngiyamesaba, kutsi angahle angihlasele abulale bantfwana kanye nabonina. Kodvwa wena wakhuluma kimi watsi: ‘Ngiyawukwentela lokuhle, ngandzise nentalo yakho ibe ngangesihlabatsi sangaselwandle, ingete yabaleka ngenca yebunyenti.’ ” Jakobe wacitsa busuku bonkhe kuleyo ndzawo, wakhetsela Esawu, umnakabo, sipho etifuyweni takhe, wakhetsa timbutikati letingemakhulu lamabili, netiphongo letingemashumi lamabili, netimvukati letingemakhulu lamabili, netihhanca letingemashumi lamabili, nemakamela lasengwako langemashumi lamatsatfu kanye nemankhonyane awo, netinkhomati letingemashumi lamane, netinkunzi letilishumi, netimbongolo letinsikati letingemashumi lamabili, naletindvuna letilishumi. Tonkhe letifuyo watehlukanisa emkhatsini, taba ngimihlambi leyehlukene, ngulowo nalowo umhlambi wabasesandleni senceku yakhe letsite. Watiyala letinceku takhe watsi: “Hambani ngembili kwami, nishiyelane imikhawu yemabanga latsite, emikhatsini yemihlambi yenu.” Inceku yekucala wayiyala watsi: “Nawuhlangana na-Esawu, umnaketfu, akubuta atsi: ‘Wena uwakabani? Uyaphi? Ngetabani letifuyo lotichubako?’ ubotsi: ‘Tenceku yakho Jakobe. Utitfumele njengesipho enkhosini yakhe Esawu. Naye, Jakobe, usilandzela ngemuva.’ ” Wachubeka wayiyala kanjalo futsi neyesibili, neyesitsatfu, nato tonkhe letinceku lebetichuba lemihlambi atsi: “Ngiko loko-ke leniyakukhuluma ku-Esawu, nanihlangana naye. Nibotsi: ‘Yebo, Jakobe inceku yakho, ita ngemuva, iyangilandzela.’ ” Jakobe abecabanga atsi uyatincengela ngaletipho ngekutitfumela kucala, khona kutawutsi nakahlangana naye, abe asamcolele. Ngako-ke letipho takhe tahamba embili, yena Jakobe wasala ngemuva esikanekisweni, wabucitsa khona busuku. Ngabona lobo busuku Jakobe wavuka watsatsa bafati bakhe bobabili, netincekukati takhe letimbili, nebantfwabakhe labalishumi namunye, wabeweta etubukweni lemfula iJabhoki. Bonkhe wabewetela ngesheya kwemfula nako konkhe labenako, kodvwa yena wasala ngemuva. Kwase kufika indvodza labambana nayo, kwadzimate kwadzabuka kusa. Yatsi kube ibone lendvodza kutsi iyehluleka kuphunyula kuJakobe, yase imtsintsa enyongeni. Inyonga yaJakobe yenyela solomane tibambene etulu nalendvodza. Lendvodza yatsi: “Ngiyekele ngihambe, ngobe sekuyasa.” Jakobe watsi: “Ngingeke ngikuyekele uhambe ungakangibusisi.” Yabuta yatsi: “Ngubani libito lakho?” Waphendvula watsi: “NginguJakobe.” Lendvodza yatsi: “Libito lakho lingeke lisaba nguJakobe, kodvwa sewutawuba ngu-Israyeli, ngobe ubambene naNkulunkulu nebantfu, wajinge wancoba.” Jakobe wabuta watsi: “Wena-ke ungubani libito lakho?” Yaphendvula yatsi: “Ufunelani kwati libito lami?” Yase iyambusisa. Jakobe lendzawo wayetsa libito watsi: “yiPheniyeli,” lokusho kutsi: “Ngibonene naNkulunkulu buso nebuso, noko umphefumulo wami waphephiswa.” Jakobe wesuka ePheniyeli nakuphuma lilanga, asahamba achuta ngenca yenyonga yakhe. Ngako-ke kuze kube ngulamuhla titukulwane taka-Israyeli atiwudli umsipha wenyonga, ngobe ngiwo lowo msipha lowatsintfwa kuJakobe. Jakobe watsi uphakamisa emehlo, wabona Esawu eta nemadvodza akakhe langemakhulu lamane. Wehlukanisa bantfwabakhe emkhatsini waLeya, naRakheli netincekukati tabo letimbili. Tincekukati nebantfwabato, bahamba embili, kwalandzela Leya nebantfwabakhe, kwagcina Rakheli naJosefa. Jakobe wahamba embikwabo bonkhe, wakhotsamela emhlabatsini kasikhombisa, wadzimate wefika kumnakabo. Kodvwa Esawu wagijima wamhlangabeta, wafike wamgona ngemikhono, wamanga. Bakhala bobabili. Esawu watsi uyabuka wabona bafati nebantfwana, wabuta watsi: “Bobani laba lohamba nabo?” Jakobe wamphendvula watsi: “Laba-ke bantfwana Nkulunkulu layiphe bona inceku yakho.” Letincekukati-ke tase tita nebantfwabato tafike takhotsama nato. NaLeya wasondzela kanye nebantfwabakhe bafike bakhotsama, ekugcineni-ke kwasondzela Josefa naRakheli, nabo bafike bakhotsama. Esawu wabuta watsi: “Usho kutsini ngato tonkhe leticumbi lebengihambe ngihlangana nato?” Jakobe waphendvula watsi: “Ngicondze kutsi ngizuze umusa enkhosini yami, ngemukeleke.” Kodvwa Esawu waphendvula watsi: “Cha, mnaketfu, nami senginalokunyenti; tigcinele wena loko lonako kube kwakakho.” Jakobe watsi: “Cha, mnaketfu, ngiyacela nangabe ngemukele umusa emehlweni akho semukele lesipho sami; ngobe kimi kubona buso bakho kunjengekubona buso baNkulunkulu, kakhulu nje ngobe nawe sewungemukele ngemoya lomuhle. Ngicela usitsatse lesipho lonikwa sona, ngobe Nkulunkulu ube nemusa kimi, wadzimate wangipha konkhe lengikudzingako.” Ngenca yekuncenga kwaJakobe wagcina asasemukele. Esawu watsi: “Asitilungisele kuhamba, mine ngitawuhamba embikwakho.” Jakobe waphendvula watsi: “Inkhosi yami seyibabonile bantfwana kutsi bancane, timvu netinkhomo ngiyatincenekela ngobe tiyamunyisa. Natishuciswa ngemjako lilanga lonkhe, titakufa. Ngicela umane wena uhambe embili, mine ngitawusale ngishuca ngincengancenga nalabantfwana. Inkhosi yami ngitayikhandza e-Edomu.” Esawu watsi: “Kuncono ngishiye lamanye kulamadvodza lengite nawo ete kanye nani.” Kodvwa Jakobe waphendvula watsi: “Ngiyabonga. Kodvwa loko bekungakadzingeki, kuphela kutsi ngitfole umusa emehlweni enkhosi yami.” Ngalona lelo langa Esawu wahamba wabuyela e-Edomu. Kodvwa Jakobe wahamba waya eSukhothi. Wefika lapho watakhela indlu, wakha nesibaya setinkhomo takhe. Ngako-ke lendzawo wayetsa libito watsi yiSukhothi. Jakobe wahamba kahle waze wefika ngekuphepha edolobheni laseShekhemu yaseKhenani, nakaphuma eMesophothamiya. Wemisa lithende lakhe madvutane nelidolobha. Lendzawo lafike wamisa kuyo lithende lakhe wayitsenga emadvodzeni aHamori, uyise waShekhemu, wayikhiphela tinhlavu tesiliva letatilikhulu. Wakha lilati lapho waletsa libito watsi: yi-Eli Elohe Israyeli. Ngalelinye lilanga, Dina, indvodzakati yaJakobe layitala kuLeya, wavakashela lamanye emantfombatana akuleyo ndzawo labengemaKhenani. Shekhemu, umsa waHamori umHivi, labesikhulu saleyo ndzawo, watsi nakambona, wamtsatsa wayakumdlwengula, wamhlazisa. Inhlitiyo yakhe yanamatsela kuDina, wayitsandza lentfombatana, ngako wayisoma. Shekhemu wakhuluma kuyise, Hamori, watsi: “Ngicela ungitsatsele lentfombi, ngifuna kuyiteka ibe ngumkami.” Jakobe weva kutsi Shekhemu ungcolise indvodzakati yakhe; kodvwa akazange akhulume lutfo, kwaze kwabuya emadvodzana akhe labengekho asekweluseni. Hamori, uyise waShekhemu, wahamba wayawukhuluma naJakobe. Atsi emadvodzana aJakobe nakefika eva ngaloku, eva buhlungu atfukutsela agcwala kokana, ngobe Shekhemu abente sento lesibi lesiphambene nesive saka-Israyeli ngekudlwengula lendvodzakati yaJakobe. Leyo kwakuyintfo lengentiwa nje vele ka-Israyeli. Hamori wefika kuJakobe watsi: “Shekhemu, indvodzana yami, utsandze intfombi yakakho. Ngiyakucela kutsi umane umnike yona ayiteke ibe ngumkakhe. Yendziselanani natsi: nisendzisele tintfombi tenu nani nititsatsele bafati etintfombini tetfu. Ningakha kulelive letfu nihlale kanye natsi, ningahlala nome ngukuphi lapho nitsandza khona, ningasebenta ngekukhululeka nome kukuphi, nome nitisikele yenu indzawo.” Shekhemu wakhuluma kuyise waDina kanye nebanakabo watsi: “Ngicela nimane ningihawukele, ngitaninika nome ngabe yini leniyifunako. Ningabita lapho nitsandza khona ngelilobolo kanye nesipho, ngitakukhipha, kuphela nje naningivumele kutsi ngiteke lentfombi.” Njengobe Shekhemu abesangcolise Dina, dzadzewabo lamadvodzana aJakobe, wona aphendvula boShekhemu neyise Hamori ngebucili, atsi: “Ngeke sesikwente-ke loko! Dzadzewetfu singeke simnike indvodza lengakasoki, ngobe phela loko kulihlazo lapha kitsi. Singavuma kuphela, nangabe nani ningalingisa tsine, nisoke bonkhe labadvuna benu. Nase nente njalo-ke, singendziselana nani, sihlale emkhatsini wenu, sibe sive sinye nani. Kodvwa nangabe asivumelani kuloko, sitamtsatsa lodzadzewetfu sihambe naye, sisuke kulendzawo.” Lesiphakamiso semukeleka kuboHamori nemsa wakhe Shekhemu. Lelijaha lelibaluleke kakhulu ekhaya kubo alicitsanga sikhatsi, lavele lasokwa ngekushesha, ngobe beliyitsandza kakhulu lendvodzakati yaJakobe. Ngako-ke Hamoni nemsa wakhe Shekhemu bancandzeka baya enkhundleni yakubo esangweni lelidolobha, bafike bamemetela kutakhamiti tabo batsi: “Labantfu balungile, asibavumele kutsi bakhe bahlale ngekukhululeka kulelive letfu. Lelive lingasenela tsine nabo. Singawateka emadvodzakati abo, nabo bateke emadvodzakati etfu. Kodvwa lamadvodza ayavuma kutsi angahlala natsi sibe sive sinye nabo kuphela nasingenta naku: kutsi sisoke bonkhe labadvuna betfu sibe njengawo. Kepha nitsi tifuyo tawo kanye nako konkhe kwawo kungeke yini kube kwetfu? Ngako-ke asivume, kuze atekwakha emkhatsini wetfu.” Tonkhe takhamiti telidolobha tasemukela siphakamiso saHamori naShekhemu. Ngako-ke bonkhe labadvuna basokwa. Kwatsi ngelilanga lesitsatfu basokile, basesebuhlungwini, emadvodzana lamabili aJakobe, lekwakubomnakaboDina, boSimeyoni naLevi, batsatsa tinkemba tabo. Banyenya, bangenela lelidolobha, bafike babulala bonkhe labadvuna. Bahlahlela Hamori naShekhemu, indvodzana yakhe, ngenkemba. Batsatsa Dina, dzadzewabo, endlini kaShekhemu bahamba naye. Emvakwekubulawa kwalabantfu, lamanye emadvodzana aJakobe eta kulelidolobha afike akhipha sibhongo sekungcoliswa kwadzadzewabo baze baphanga lelidolobha. Batsatsa imihlambi yetimvu, netimbuti, netinkhomo, netimbongolo, nako konkhe lokwakungekhatsi nangaphandle kwelidolobha, nasemaphandleni. Bahamba nato tonkhe timphahla, batfumba bonkhe labasikati nebantfwana, batsatsa konkhe lokwakusetindlini. Jakobe wakhuluma kuboSimeyoni naLevi watsi: “Manje seningiletsele luhlupho, seningibangele kutsi ngitondzeke lapha kulabantfu bakulendzawo, kumaKhenani nakumaPheresi. Mine nginemadvodza lambalwa, ngako nabangahlangana bangihlasele bonkhe kanyekanye, bangangibhubhisa kanye nemndeni wami.” Kodvwa bamphendvula batsi: “Besingeke sivume kutsi dzadzewetfu entiwe ingwadla.” Nkulunkulu wakhuluma kuJakobe watsi: “Suka lapha, ukhuphuke uye eBetheli uyewuhlala khona; ungakhele lilati lapho mine Nkulunkulu ngabonakala kuwe ngesikhatsi ubalekela Esawu, umnakenu.” Ngako-ke Jakobe wakhuluma emndenini wakhe nakubo bonkhe lababekakhe, watsi: “Lahlani tonkhe tithico tebetive leninato, nitihlambulule, nembatse tingubo letihlobile. Sitawusuka la siye eBetheli, lapho ngitawufika ngakhe khona lilati laNkulunkulu, lowangiva wangiphendvula ngesikhatsi sekuhlupheka kwami, nalowaba nami yonkhe indzawo lapho ngangihamba khona.” Ngako-ke base batinika Jakobe tithico tebetive lababenato kanye nemacici lababewafake etindlebeni tabo. Jakobe wakumbela ngaphansi kwesihlahla se-okhi edvute neShekemu. Ngako-ke base bayesuka boJakobe nemadvodzana akhe. Bantfu balamadolobha abesedvutane behlelwa kwesaba lokukhulu lobekuvela kuNkulunkulu, abazange babacoshe ngemuva. Jakobe nabo bonkhe bantfu labehamba nabo wefika eLuzi, leseyatiwa ngekutsi yiBetheli eveni laseKhenani. Wafike wakha lilati lapho. Lendzawo wayetsa libito watsi yi-Eli Betheli ngobe ngukhona lapho Nkulunkulu atibonakalisa kuye ngesikhatsi abalekela umnakabo. Debhora, sisebenti saRebheka, wafa wangcwatjwa ngaphansi kwesihlahla se-okhi eningizimu neBetheli, ngako-ke Jakobe lendzawo wayetsa libito watsi yi-Aloni Bhakhuthi. Waphindze futsi Nkulunkulu watibonakalisa kuJakobe ngesikhatsi asabuyile eMesophothamiya, wambusisa. Nkulunkulu watsi kuJakobe: “Libito lakho nguJakobe, kodvwa kusukela nyalo sewutawubitwa ngekutsi ungu-Israyeli.” Ngako-ke Nkulunkulu wametsa ngekutsi ngu-Israyeli. Nkulunkulu wachubeka watsi kuye: “NginguNkulunkulu, Somandla. Tala, wandze ube sive. Tive letinyenti titawuphuma kuwe, ube ngukhokho wemakhosi. Ngikunika lelive, lona leli lengalinika bo-Abrahama na-Isaka ngiyawuphindze ngilinike titukulwane takho nasufile wena.” Nkulunkulu wase uyesuka kuleyo ndzawo bekakhulumela kuyo, wamshiya wenyuka. Kwase kutsi lapho akhuluma khona naNkulunkulu Jakobe wemisa litje lesikhumbuto, walitsela ngeliwayini nangemafutsa. Jakobe wayetsa lendzawo Nkulunkulu abebonakale kuye khona watsi yiBetheli. Jakobe nemuti wakhe batfutsa eBetheli, batsi basesekhashane ne-Efratha, Rakheli wafikelwa sikhatsi sekubeleka; wahelwa kamatima. Kodvwa asahelwa kamatima umbelekisi wamdvudvuta watsi: “Ungesabi, Rakheli, sewutfole lenye indvodzana.” Kwatsi nasafa wetsa loluswane lwakhe watsi nguBhenoni, kodvwa uyise wametsa libito watsi nguBhenjamini. Rakheli wafa wangcwatjwa eceleni kwemgwaco loya e-Efratha, lendzawo leseyatiwa ngekutsi yiBhetlehema. Jakobe wemisa litje lesikhumbuto kuleyo ndzawo, kuze kube ngulamuhla seloku lisakhombisa lelitje lapho kunelithuna laRakheli khona. Israyeli wesuka lapho wemisa lithende lakhe ngesheya kweMigdala Ederi. Israyeli asahleti kuleyo ndzawo, Rubeni walala nenina lomncane, Bhilha, lomunye webafati beyise. Israyeli wakuva loko. Asawonkhe emadvodzana aJakobe abelishumi namabili. Emadvodzana aLeya bekuboRubeni, litubulo laJakobe, bese kuba nguSimeyoni, naLevi, naJuda, na-Isakhari, naZebuloni. Emadvodzana aRakheli bekuboJosefa naBhenjamini. Emadvodzana aBhilha, sisebenti saRakheli, bekuboDani naNaftali. Emadvodzana aZilpha, sisebenti saLeya, bekuboGadi na-Asheri. Ngiwo lawa-ke emadvodzana aJakobe lawatalelwa eMesophothamiya. Jakobe wahamba waze wefika ekhaya leyise, Isaka, eMamre ngaseKhiriyathi Abha leseyatiwa ngekutsi iHebroni, lapho kwakuhlala khona Abrahama na-Isaka. Isaka wafa asaneminyaka leli-180. Wafa asamdzala kakhulu, walandzela bokhokho bakhe. Wangcwatjwa bo-Esawu naJakobe, emadvodzana akhe. Nati-ke titukulwane taka-Esawu lobitwa ngekutsi ngu-Edomu. Esawu watsatsa bafati etintfombini temaKhenani: Ada, indvodzakati ya-Eloni, umHethi, na-Oholibama, indvodzakati ya-Ana, umsa waSibeyoni, umHivi, naBhasemathi, indvodzakati ya-Ishmayeli, dzadzewabo Nebayothi. Ada watalela Esawu Elifazi, Bhasemathi watala Rehuweli. Oholibama watala Jewushe, naJalamu, naKhora. Ngiwo lawa-ke emadvodzana a-Esawu lawatalelwa aseseveni laseKhenani. Esawu wesuka lapho watsatsa bafati bakhe, nemadvodzana, nemadvodzakati akhe, nabo bonkhe bendlu yakhe, netinkhomo takhe tonkhe, nayo yonkhe imfuyo yakhe, nayo yonkhe imphahla yakhe labeyitfole aseseKhenani; wesuka kumnakaboJakobe, waya kulelinye live. Sizatfu lesamenta ehlukane nemnakabo kutsi bobabili bese banetimphahla letinyenti kakhulu. Live labebahlala kulo lalingabe lisabenela bobabili. Ngako-ke Esawu, labekatiwa ngekutsi ngu-Edomu, wahlala eveni letintsaba eSeyiri. Nati-ke titukulwane taka-Esawu, uyise wema-Edomu, esifundzeni saseSeyiri. Emadvodzana a-Esawu bekubo-Elifazi lamtala ku-Ada, umkakhe, naRehuweli, umsa waBhasemathi, umka-Esawu. Emadvodzana a-Elifazi bekubo-Themani, na-Omari, naSefo, naGatamu, naKhenazi. Umsa wa-Esawu, Elifazi, abenemfati lomunye lomncane, lekwakutsiwa nguThimna. Yena-ke wamtalela indvodzana lekwakutsiwa ngu-Amaleki. Ngulawo-ke emadvodzana a-Ada, umka-Esawu. Emadvodzana a-Rehuweli bekuboNahathi, naZera, naShama, naMiza. Ngulabo-ke batukulu baBhasemathi, umka-Esawu. Oholibama, umka-Esawu, labeyindvodzakati ya-Ana, aphindze abe ngumtukulu waSibeyoni, watalela Esawu nankha emadvodzana: boJewushe, naJalamu, naKhora. Nati-ke tive letadzabuka ku-Esawu. Emadvodzana a-Elifazi, litubulo la-Esawu, bekutikhulu bo-Themani, na-Omari, saSefo, naKhenazi, naKhora, naGatamu, na-Amaleki. Ngito-ke tikhulu letadzabuka ku-Elifazi, eveni lase-Edomu. Ngulawo-ke emadvodzana a-Ada. Emadvodzana aRehuweli, umsa wa-Esawu, labetikhulu bekubo-Nahathi, naSera, naShama, naMiza. Ngito leto-ke tikhulu letadzabuka kuRehuweli eveni lase-Edomu. Ngulawo lamanye emadvodzana aBhasemathi, umka-Esawu. Emadvodzana a-Oholibama, umka-Esawu, bekutikhulu boJewushe, naJalamu, naKhora. Ngito leto-ke tikhulu letatalwa ngu-Oholibama, indvodzakati ya-Ana, umka-Esawu. Ngulawo-ke emadvodzana netikhulu ta-Esawu; Esawu bekungu-Edomu. Emadvodzana aSeyiri, umHori, takhamiti temdzabu kulelo live, bekuboLotani, naShobali, naSibeyoni, na-Ana, na-Dishoni, na-Eseri, naDishani. Ngito leto-ke tikhulu temaHori letatingemadvodzana aSeyiri, kulaka-Edomu. Emadvodzana aLotani bekuboHori naHemami. Thimna bekungudzadzewaboLotani. Emadvodzana aShobali bekubo-Alvani, naManahati, na-Ebali, naShefo, na-Onamu. Sibeyoni abenemadvodzana lamabili bo-Aya, na-Ana. Ngulo-Ana lowatsi eluse timbongolo teyise, Sibeyoni, watfola manzana ehlane. Bantfwana ba-Ana bekuboDishoni, na-Oholibama labeyindvodzakati. Emadvodzana aDishoni bekubo-Hemdani, na-Eshbani, naJithrani, naKherani. Emadvodzana a-Eseri bekuboBilhani, naZavani, na-Akhani. Emadvodzana aDishani bekubo-Use na-Arani. Tikhulu temaHori bekuboLotani, naShobali, naSibeyoni, na-Ana, naDishoni, na-Eseri, naDishani. Leti-ke kwakutikhulu temaHori eveni laka-Edomu. Lawa ngemabito emakhosi labebusa eveni laka-Edomu kusengakabusi inkhosi ka-Israyeli: Bela, umsa waBheyori, waba yinkhosi ka-Edomu; inhlokodolobha yakhe bekuyiDinihabha. Kwatsi kube kufe Bela, kwase kubekwa Jobabi, umsa waZera. Inhlokodolobha yakhe bekuyiBhosra. Kwatsi kube kufe Jobabi, kwase kubekwa Hushamu welive lemaThemani. Kwatsi kube kufe Hushamu, kwase kubekwa Hadadi, umsa waBedadi. Bedadi ngulona lowancoba emaMidiyani eveni lakaMowabi. Inhlokodolobha yakhe bekuyi-Avithi. Kwatsi kube kufe Hadadi, kwase kubekwa Samla waseMasreka. Kwatsi kube kufe Samla, kwase kubekwa Shawula waseRehobothi ngasemfuleni. Kwatsi kube kufe Shawula, kwase kubekwa Bhali Hanani, umsa wa-Akbori. Kwatsi kube kufe Bhali Hanani, kwase kubekwa Hadadi. Inhlokodolobha yakhe bekutsiwa yiPhawu, kantsi umkakhe bekunguMehethabeli, indvodzakati yaMatredi, indvodzakati yaMe Zahabe. Emabito etikhulu letatidzabuka ku-Esawu, imindeni yato netindzawo tato bekuboThimna, na-Alva, naJethethi, na-Oholibama, na-Ela, naPhinoni, naKhenazi, naThemani, naMibsari, naMagdiyeli, na-Iramu. Ngito leti-ke tikhulu taka-Edomu netindzawo lapho tatihlala khona, eveni lelalilifa lato. Esawu abenguyise wema-Edomu. Jakobe wachubeka wahlala eKhenani, live lapho bekuhlala khona uyise. Lona-ke ngumlandvo wesitukulwane saJakobe. Josefa, labesaneminyaka leli-17, abelusa timvu netimbuti kanye nabomnakabo bekutalwa nguBilha, naZilpha, bafati beyise. Josefa abeletsa umbiko kuyise ngaloko lokubi lababekwenta. Israyeli abetsandza kakhulu Josefa kunawo onkhe emadvodzana akhe, sizatfu kwakukutsi wamtala asamdzala kakhulu. Ngako-ke wamtfungela ingubo lendze leyayinemikhono lemidze kantsi futsi ihlotjisiwe. Batsi kube bomnakabo babone kutsi uyise umtsandza kakhulu kunabo bonkhe, base bayamtondza loJosefa, kangangekutsi babengasamkhulumisi kahle. Ngalelinye lilanga Josefa wabhudza; watsi nakabatjela labomnakabo, bamtondza kakhulu futsi. Watsi kubo: “Ase nilalele naku lengikubhudzile. Ngibhudze sibopha titfungo ekhatsi nensimi, sitfungo sami sasukuma sema satsi mpo, leti tenu tase titungeleta lesi sami tasikhotsamela.” Labomnakabo bambuta batsi: “Usho kutsi wena utawuba yinkhosi ubuse etikwetfu?” Bachubeka bamtondza kakhulu ngenca yemaphupho akhe nenkhulumo yakhe. Josefa waphindze wabhudza, wabatjela watsi: “Ase nginitjele nali lelinye liphupho. Ngibhudze lilanga, nenyana, netinkhanyeti leti-11 tingikhotsamela.” Kwatsi nakalitjela boyise nabomnakabo leliphupho, uyise wamtsetsisa watsi kuye: “Yini lena loyibhudzako wena? Ucabanga kutsi mine, nenyoko, nabomnakenu, sitakuta sitekukhotsama la kuwe?” Bomnakabo baba nemona, kodvwa uyise wawagcina engcondvweni yakhe lamaphupho. BomnakaboJosefa bahamba baya eShekhemu bayakwelusa timvu netimbuti teyise. Israyeli wakhuluma kuJosefa, watsi: “Angitsi bomnakenu belusele eShekhemu? Kota-ke ngitekutfuma kubo.” Waphendvula watsi: “Kulungile, babe.” Uyise watsi: “Hamba-ke uyewuhlola kutsi bomnakenu basekahle yini, nekutsi timvu tisaphephile yini, bese uyabuya-ke utengitjela.” Wamtfuma esuka esigodzini saseHebroni. Josefa wahamba waze wefika eShekhemu. Abesazulazula kuleyo ndzawo ngesikhatsi abona indvodza letsite leyambuta yatsi: “Ufunani lapha?” Josefa wayiphendvula watsi: “Ngifuna bomnaketfu. Ngicela mane ungilayele lapho belusele ngakhona.” Lendvodza yatsi: “Sebatfutsile lapha. Ngabeva bakhuluma batsi baya eDothani.” Josefa wabalandzela, wabakhandza khona eDothani. Kodvwa bona bambona asesekhashane eta kubo, watsi asengakefiki, bavumelana ngekutsi bambulale. Bakhuluma bodvwana batsi: “Nanso phela inkunzi yemaphupho ita. Wotani simbulale, sidvumbu sakhe sisilahle kuleminye yalemigodzi. Sitabe sesitsi ubulewe tilwane tesiganga. Sitase sibone kutsi lamaphupho akhe atawugcinwa yini.” Rubeni watsi nakuva lokuvumelana kwabo, wetama kumsindzisa ngekutsi atsi: “Cha, asisumbulala. Asimhholokoshisele kulomgodzi lolapha ehlane, singayicitsi ingati yakhe.” Phela Rubeni abecondze kumkhipha kulomgodzi bese umbuyisela kuyise. Josefa watsi nakefika kubomnakabo, bamkhumula lengubo yakhe leyayihlotjisiwe inemikhono lemidze. Bambamba bamhholokoshisela emgodzini lowawute emanti. Bahlala phansi badla. Batsi basadla babona ludvwendvwe lwema-Ishmayeli luchamuka kaGileyadi lwehlela eGibhithe. Emakamela abo abetfwele tinandzisi tekudla nemakha. Juda wakhuluma kubomnakabo watsi: “Kusitani kutsi simbulale lomnaketfu bese sifihla lengati yakhe? Wotani, sitemtsengisa kunankha ema-Ishmayeli, singambulali; empeleni, ungumnaketfu, uyinyama yenyama yetfu, nengati yengati yetfu.” Bomnakabo bamvumela. Kwatsi nase kwendlula bahwebi bemaMidiyani, Josefa bamkhipha kulomgodzi, bamtsengisa kulama-Ishmayeli ngetinhlavu tesiliva letatingemashumi lamabili. Ema-Ishmayeli ahamba naye aya eGibhithe. Rubeni watsi ubuyela kulomgodzi wakhandza Josefa angasekho, wadzabula timphahla takhe. Waya kubomnakabo wafike watsi: “Umfana akasekho! Pho, mine ngitawutsini?” Batsatsa ingubo yaJosefa, babulala siphongo, benya lengubo engatini yaso. Base bayitfumela kuyise nemlayeto lowawutsi: “Naku lesikutfolile. Ase ubukisise kutsi akusiyo ingubo yendvodzana yakho yini.” Wavele wayibona kutsi ngiyo, watsi: “Ngiyo! Silwane lesibi simdlile Josefa, indvodzana yami; udzatjulwe waba ticucwana.” Jakobe wadzabuka wadzimate wadzabula timphahla takhe, wavunula emasaka, walilela lendvodzana yakhe emalanga lamanyenti. Onkhe emadvodzana akhe ase eta kuye atekumdvudvuta. Kodvwa wala kudvudvutwa watsi: “Ngiyawuze ngehle ngiye endzaweni yalabafile, lapho kunendvodzana yami khona, seloku ngililela indvodzana yami.” Ngako-ke uyise wachubeka walila. Lena eGibhithe, emaMidiyani afike atsengisa Josefa kuPhotifari, lomunye wetiphatsimandla taFaro; loPhotifari abeyindvuna yetingadzi tesigodlo. Ngaso leso sikhatsi Juda wesuka kubomnakabo wayawuhlala naHira, indvodza yase-Adulamu. Asekhona lapho wabonana nentfombi yemKhenani leyayibitwa ngekutsi nguShuwa, wayiteka, yakhulelwa, yatalela Juda indvodzana, wayetsa libito watsi ngu-Era. LomkaJuda waphindze wakhulelwa, wamtalela lenye futsi indvodzana, wayetsa libito watsi ngu-Onani. Waphindza lenye futsi indvodzana, wayetsa libito watsi nguShela. BoJuda babeseKhesibi ngesikhatsi italwa lendvodzana. Juda watsatsela Era, litubulo lakhe, umfati labebitwa ngekutsi nguThamari. Kodvwa Era, litubulo laJuda, watiphatsa kabi embikwaSimakadze. Ngako-ke Simakadze wambulala. Juda wase utsi ku-Onani, umnakabo-Era: “Ngena lomfelokati wemnakenu, wente lokufanele njengemkhula wakho, utalele umufi bantfwana.” Kodvwa Onani, njengobe abati kutsi utabe utalele umnakabo, inhlanyelo yakhe abeyicitsela phansi njalo nje nakalala nalomkhula wakhe. Simakadze watfukutsela ngaleso sento sa-Onani, ngako naye wambulala. Juda wakhuluma kumalukatana wakhe, Thamari, watsi: “Ncandzeka ubuyele kini, ekhaya leyihlo, uhlale khona ungumfelokati kuze kukhule Shela, indvodzana yami.” Loko abekusho ngobe abesaba kutsi naye angahle afe njengabomnakabo. Ngako-ke Thamari wahamba wabuyela ekhaya kubo, wayawuhlala khona. Emvakwesikhatsi lesidze umkaJuda, indvodzakati yaShuwa, wafa. Kwatsi kube kuphele sikhatsi sekulila, Juda naHira wase-Adulamu benyuka baya kubagundzi betimvu eThimna. Lomunye watjela Thamari watsi: “Uyihlotala uyakhuphuka uya eThimna kuyewugundza timvu takhe.” Ngako-ke Thamari wakhumula inzilo yakhe, watimbonya ngendvwangu wase uhlala esangweni lase-Enayimu, emgwacweni lophambukela eThimna. Abesati kutsi Shela abesakhulile, kodvwa abesengakanikwa kutsi amteke. Watsi nakambona Juda, wacabanga kutsi yingwadla, ngobe abetimbonye buso. Waphambuka waya kuye wafike watsi: “Kota ngitewulala nawe.” Abengati kutsi lowo kwakungumalukatana wakhe. Thamari watsi: “Wena utanginikani nangilala nawe?” Waphendvula watsi: “Ngitakunika lizinyane lembuti lelisemhlambini wami.” Thamari watsi: “Kulungile-ke, unganginika sibambiso, uze ungitfumelele lelo zinyane.” Juda wabuta watsi: “Sibambiso sini lengingakunika sona?” Wamphendvula watsi: “Indandatho leneluphawu lwakho, nentsambo yakho, neludvondvolo lwakho lolusesandleni sakho.” Wamnika. Wangena, walala naye; Thamari wakhulelwa. Wesuka lapho Thamari wahamba, wayisusa leveyili, wembatsa inzilo yakhe yebufelokati. Juda wase utfumela lomngani wakhe Hira wase-Adulamu, kutsi amikise lelizinyane abuye nalesibambiso kulomfati, kodvwa akazange amtfole. Wabuta kulamadvodza aleyo ndzawo, watsi: “Iphi lengwadla beyilapha endleleni ngase-Enayimu?” Baphendvula batsi: “Kute ingwadla leke yaba khona lapha.” Wancandzeka wabuyela kuJuda wafike watsi: “Ngehlulekile kuyitfola lengwadla, nemadvodza aleyo ndzawo atsi kute ingwadla leke yaba khona lapho.” Juda wamphendvula watsi: “Yiyekele itigcine leto tintfo, singaze sibe yinhlekisa kubantfu. Ngetamile kuyitfumelela lelizinyane, kodvwa wena wehlulekile kuyitfola.” Emvakwetinyanga letintsatfu wabikelwa Juda kwatsiwa: “Thamari, malukatana wakakho ugwadlile, manje nje sewutetfwele.” Juda waphendvula watsi: “Mkhipheni, nimshise aze afe.” Kwatsi kube akhishelwe ngaphandle, watfumela livi kuyisetala lelitsi: “Umnikati waletimphahla nguye longitfolise lesisu. Ngiyakucela kutsi utibukisise ubone kutsi tabani letimphahla: indandatho leneluphawu lwakhe, nalentsambo, naloludvondvolo.” Juda watibona letimphahla kutsi takhe wase utsi: “Akanacala lomakoti. Ngimi lengingawufezanga umsebenti wami ngekutsi ngimnike indvodzana yami Shela.” Juda akazange aphindze alale naye futsi. Watsi nasabeleka, kwatfolakala kutsi esiswini sakhe kunemaphahla. Watsi nasabeleka, lelinye lakhipha umkhono, umbelekisi walibamba walibekisa, walegabisa lucotfo lolubovu, wase utsi: “Nali lelitelwe kucala.” Kodvwa lawufinyeta lomkhono walo, kwase kuphuma umnakabo kucala. Lombelekisi wase utsi: “Sewuphuma ngekufohla!” Ngako-ke wametsa libito watsi nguPheresi. Emvakwakhe lomnakabo waphuma seloku agabe lolo lucotfo lolubovu esandleni, wametsa libito watsi nguZera. Ema-Ishmayeli ehla naye Josefa aya eGibhithe, efike amtsengisa kuPhotifari, siphatsimandla saFaro lesasiyindvuna yetingadzi tesigodlo. Simakadze waba naJosefa wamphumelelisa kuko konkhe. Josefa abehlala kalomnumzane waseGibhithe. Nalomnumzane wabona kutsi Simakadze abenaJosefa nekutsi Simakadze abekwenta kuchume konkhe lokuke kwaphatfwa tandla taJosefa. Ngako-ke Josefa wazuza umusa kuPhotifari; wambeka kutsi abe yindvuna yakhe leyengamele likhaya lakhe nayo yonkhe imphahla yakhe. Kusukela ngalelo langa labekwa ngalo kwengamela likhaya laPhotifari netimphahla takhe, Simakadze walibusisa lelikhaya lalomGibhithe ngenca yaJosefa. Sibusiso saSimakadze sasisetikwako konkhe Photifari labenako ekhaya nasemasimini. Ngako-ke Photifari wakuyekelela etandleni taJosefa. Abengasahlupheki ngalutfo ngaphandle kwekudla labekudla. Josefa abemuhle, alikhwa. Ngekuhamba kwesikhatsi umkaPhotifari wafisa Josefa, waze waphahluka watsi kuye: “Lala nami.” Kodvwa Josefa wala, watsi: “Lalela la, inkhosi yami kute lesahlupheka ngako lapha ekhaya, ngobe konkhe ikubeke esandleni sami. Inkhosi ingilinganise nayo kulelikhaya, futsi kute lengigodlele kona ngaphandle kwakho, ngobe ungumkayo. Pho, ngingabenta kanjani lobubi lobungaka, ngone kuNkulunkulu?” Kwala nome lomfati ambekele siye amcela onkhe emalanga, kodvwa akazange avume Josefa kulala naye, ngisho nekutsi ahlale naye imbala. Kodvwa kwatsi ngalelinye lilanga Josefa asesendlini enta umsebenti wakhe, netisebenti tasendlini tingekho, lomfati wadvumela Josefa wambamba ngengubo yakhe, watsi: “Lala nami!” Kodvwa Josefa wanyomula lengubo wabaleka wamshiya nayo, waphuma kulendlu. Watsi kube abone lomfati kutsi Josefa sewuphunyulile, wamshiya nalengubo wabaleka waphuma, wamemeta lamadvodza lasebenta kulendlu watsi kuwo: “Ase nibheke! LomHebheru uletselwe kudlala ngatsi la. Ungingenele ekamelweni wangibamba afuna kulala nami. Ngesuka mine ngahlaba inyandzaleyo. Utsite kube eve kutsi ngihlaba umkhosi, wabaleka washiya nayi ingubo yakhe, waphuma la endlini.” Lengubo wayigcina lomfati, kwaze kwefika indvodza yakhe. Yatsi kube ifike indvodza yakhe, wayitjela leyo ndzaba ngalokufananako, watsi: “Lesigcili semHebheru, losiletse la, emkhatsini wetfu, singene seta kimi satawudlala ngami. Kodvwa ngitsite kube ngihlabe inyandzaleyo, sabaleka sashiya nayi ingubo yaso, saphuma la endlini.” Lomfati wagcina ngekutsi: “Singiphatse kanjena-ke lesigcili sakho.” Lendvuna yatfukutselela Josefa kamatima. Yamtsatsa yamfaka ejele, lapho efike wahlala khona kanye netiboshwa tenkhosi, Faro. Ngesikhatsi Josefa asesejele, Simakadze wajinge waba naye, wamentela umusa, wamupha kutsandzeka emehlweni emgcinijele. Umgcinijele wabeka tonkhe tiboshwa ngaphansi kwesandla saJosefa; yonkhe imisebenti leyayentiwa ejele yabekwa ngaphansi kwesandla saJosefa. Umgcinijele akazange aphindze ahlupheke ngaloko lokwakungaphansi kwesandla saJosefa, ngobe Simakadze abenaye, futsi konkhe labekwenta Josefa Simakadze abekuphumelelisa. Emvakwesikhashana umphatsi lomkhulu wetitja tenkhosi yaseGibhithe nempheki lomkhulu wetinkhwa tayo bona kuFaro, inkhosi yaseGibhithe. Faro watitfukutselela totibili letiphatsimandla takhe: indvuna yebatseli beliwayini nendvuna yebapheki, wase ubavalela esitokisini, endlini yendvuna yetingadzi kulelo jele lapho kwakunaJosefa khona. Indvuna yelijele yetfula Josefa kubo kutsi abanakekele, wabanakekela. Bahlalisana sikhatsi lesidze basejele. Ngalobunye busuku bobabili basejele babhudza, umphatsi wetitja lomkhulu wabhudza lakakhe liphupho, nembhaki lomkhulu wabhudza lakakhe; tinchazelo tawo tatehlukene. Josefa nakefika kubo ekuseni, wakhandza kutsi bobabili bakhatsateke kakhulu. Ngako-ke Josefa watibuta letiphatsimandla taFaro letatinaye ejele, watsi: “Buso benu bubukeka bukhatsatekile lamuhla kwenteke njani?” Bamphendvula batsi: “Sobabili sibhudzile, futsi kute nalongachaza kutsi asho kutsini lamaphupho etfu.” Josefa wabaphendvula watsi: “Kantsi tinchazelo temaphupho atiphumi kuNkulunkulu yini? Ase ningitjele kutsi nibhudzeni.” Ngako-ke lomphatsi wetitja lomkhulu walandzisa Josefa watsi: “Mine ngibhudze ngibona umvini unemagala lamatsatfu. Kutsite nakuhluma emacembe, kwase kuchakaza timbali, emagelebisi ase ayavutfwa. Bengiphetse indzebe yaFaro esandleni sami, ngase ngitsatsa lamagelebisi ngiwahlutela endzebeni yaFaro, ngayitsatsa ngayibeka esandleni saFaro.” Josefa watsi kuye: “Nayi-ke inchazelo yalo: Emagala lamatsatfu amele emalanga lamatsatfu. Emvakwemalanga lamatsatfu Faro utakukhulula ejele, akubuyisele emsebentini wakho. Utawuphindze ube ngumphatsi weliwayini laFaro njengobe wawuvele unguye. Kodvwa ngicela umane ungikhumbule nasekukumele kahle konkhe, ungihawukele ngekungiveta kuFaro, kuze angikhiphe nami ejele. Empeleni ngebiwa eveni lemaHebheru; kunjalo nje nakhona lapha eGibhithe kute lengikwentile lokubangele kutsi ngifakwe lapha ejele.” Kwatsi kube indvuna yebabhaki betinkhwa ibone kutsi inchazelo yaleliphupho ibe yinhle, yase itsi kuJosefa: “Nami ngibhudzile: Ngibhudze ngetfwele titja letitsatfu tekuphatsa tinkhwa. Kulesitja lesingetulu bekukhona tonkhe tinhlobo tekudla lokuphekiwe kwaFaro, kodvwa kwefika tinyoni takudla konkhe loko kudla bekusesitjeni, takudla takucedza ngikwetfwele.” Josefa wamphendvula watsi: “Nayi-ke inchazelo: Letitja letitsatfu timele emalanga lamatsatfu. Emvakwemalanga lamatsatfu, Faro utakukhipha lapha ejele akugwebe intsambo! Utakulengisa elugodvweni, tinyoni tidle sidvumbu sakho.” Emvakwemalanga lamatsatfu, Faro wagubha lusuku lwakhe lwekutalwa. Wenta lidzili, wentela tonkhe tisebenti takhe. Umphatsi wetitja kanye nempheki lomkhulu wetinkhwa wabakhipha ejele; babasemkhatsini wetisebenti nabo. Wabuyisela umphatsi wetitja lomkhulu emsebentini wakhe, kuze aphindze abe ngumphatsi weliwayini laFaro, kodvwa umpheki lomkhulu wetinkhwa wamlengisa entsanjeni. Konkhe kwaya njengobe Josefa abechazile. Noko lomphatsi wetitja akazange amkhumbule Josefa; wamkhohlwa. Kwatsi sekuphele iminyaka lemibili legcwele, Faro wabhudza eme eceleni kwemfula iNayili. Wabona tinkhomati letisikhombisa letatibukeka kahle tikhuluphele tichamuka, tikhuphuka emfuleni, tefike tadla emhlangeni. Kwatsi kusenjalo kwakhuphuka letinye futsi emfuleni, nato tisikhombisa; tona-ke tatibukeka kabi tondze tingimikhehlekhehle, tema elusentseni lwemfula eceleni kwaleti letinye. Leti letondzile tesuka tadla leti letisikhombisa letikhuluphele. Faro wase uyaphaphama. Waphindze wabuyela walala. Wabhudza lelinye futsi liphupho. Wabhudza abona tibhuluja letisikhombisa letatitikhulu tibhaceka eluhlangeni lunye. Emvakwato, kwase kubhaceka tikhutu letisikhombisa kungatsi tihangulwe ngumoya wasemphumalanga. Letikhutu tamita letibhuluja; Faro wase uyaphaphama, nalapho wakhandza kutsi abebhudza. Ngakusasa ekuseni umphefumulo wakhe wakhatsateka kakhulu kangangekutsi wadzimate wabita tonkhe tangoma taseGibhithe kanye nabo bonkhe bosiyazi bakhona. Batsi kube befike, Faro wabalandzisa lamaphupho akhe, kodvwa kwabate ngisho namunye lowaba nemandla ekumchazela ngawo. Lomphatsi lomkhulu wetitja taFaro wakhuluma kuFaro watsi: “Sengiyakhumbula tiphosiso tami lamuhla. Ngesikhatsi inkhosi itfukutselele tisebenti tayo, yafaka mine nendvuna yebapheki betinkhwa ejele lelisendlini yendvuna yetingadzi. Ngabusuku bunye sobabili sabhudza, lelo nalelo phupho lalinenchazelo yalo. Sasinalomunye umHebheru labesemncane asisebenti sendvuna yabogadzi. Satsi nasimtjela lamaphupho etfu, wasinika inchazelo yalelo nalelo phupho. Nangempela konkhe kwenteka njengobe abesitjelile: Mine ngabuyiselwa emsebentini wami, yena wajutjelwa intsambo.” Ngako Faro watfumela kutsi kulandvwe Josefa; wakhishwa masinyane ejele. Watsi kube ahhule silevu, agcoke letinye timphahla, wase uletfwa kuFaro. Faro wakhuluma kuJosefa watsi: “Ngibhudzile, kodvwa kute nome munye lonemandla ekungichazela ngaleliphupho. Kodvwa sengivile kutsi wena utsi ungalandziswa ngeliphupho, ulichaze njengobe linjalo.” Josefa waphendvula watsi: “Akusimi, nkhosi, kodvwa nguNkulunkulu lotawunika Faro inchazelo lengiyo.” Faro wase ulandzisa Josefa utsi: “Ngibhudze ngime elusentseni lwemfula iNayili, kwase kuchamuka tinkhomati letisikhombisa, tibukeka kahle, tikhuluphele, tikhuphuka emfuleni, tadla emhlangeni. Kutsite kusenjalo kwachamuka letinye letisikhombisa emvakwato, tona tatitimbi, tondze lengingazange sengikubone lapha kuleli laseGibhithe. Leti letondzile tesuka tadla leti tekucala betitinhle tikhuluphele. Kodvwa kutsite nome setitidlile kwangete kwabonakala, ngobe betisolo tinjalo nje, tondze tingimikhehlekhehle. Ngase ngiyaphaphama. Ngaphindze ngabhudza futsi: Ngabhudza ngibona tibhuluja letisikhombisa tibhaceka eluhlangeni lunye. Kutsite kusenjalo kwase kubhaceka tikhutu letimbi letibunile, kungatsi tihangulwe ngumoya wasemphumalanga. Letikhutu tesuka tamita letibhuluja letisikhombisa. Sengititjele tonkhe tangoma, kodvwa kute nasinye lesibe nemandla ekunginika inchazelo.” Josefa wakhuluma kuFaro watsi: “Omabili lamaphupho aFaro, asho intfo yinye. Nkulunkulu wembulele Faro ngaloko latakwenta. Tinkhomati letinhle letisikhombisa timele iminyaka lesikhombisa, kanjalo futsi naletibhuluja letisikhombisa timele iminyaka lesikhombisa; kokubili kuchaza intfo yinye. Tinkhomati letisikhombisa letimbi kantsi tondzile letalandzela, tona-ke timele iminyaka lesikhombisa, kanjalo futsi netikhutu letihangulwe ngumoya wasemphumalanga: Timele iminyaka lesikhombisa yendlala. Kunjengobe ngishito kuFaro, Nkulunkulu wembulele Faro ngaloko latakwenta. Kutawufika iminyaka lesikhombisa yenala lenkhulu eveni lonkhe laseGibhithe. Kodvwa emvakwayo kutawulandzela leminye iminyaka lesikhombisa yendlala lenkhulu, yonkhe inala iyawukhohlakala eGibhithe; indlala italigubudzela lonkhe live. Inala ingeke iphindze ikhunjulwe eveni, ngenca yendlala letawulandzela, ngobe itawuba matima kakhulu. Lokuphindzaphindzeka kwaleliphupho laFaro kuchaza kutsi loku kumiswe nguNkulunkulu, futsi Nkulunkulu utakwenta masinyane. “Ngako-ke Faro akakhetse indvodza lecaphelako, nalecotfo, ayibeke yengamele lonkhe live laseGibhithe. Akachubeke Faro abeke tindvuna kuyo yonkhe imimango yalelive. Letindvuna tibotsatsa incenye yesihlanu yesivuno kulo lonkhe laseGibhithe, ngaleminyaka yenala lenkhulu. Tibutse konkhe lokudla ngaleminyaka yenala lesikhombisa letako, konkhe tikwente ngeligama nangemandla aFaro, tikubutsele emadolobheni lokudla, bese tiyakulondvolota. Lokudla-ke kutawugcinelwa lelive kutsi kudliwe ngesikhatsi sendlala letakwembesa iGibhithe yonkhe, kuze live lingabhubhi ngenca yendlala.” Lesiphakamiso semukeleka kuFaro nakuto tonkhe tindvuna takhe. Faro wakhuluma kuletindvuna takhe watsi: “Kodvwa singamtfolaphi umuntfu lofana nalona, lonaMoya waNkulunkulu?” Faro wase utsi kuJosefa: “Njengobe Nkulunkulu akukhombise konkhe loku, angiboni kutsi ukhona umuntfu locaphelako nalocotfo kwendlula wena. Ngako ngitakubeka wengamele live lami; bantfu bami batakwenta konkhe lokushoko. Mine ngitaba mkhulu kunawe ngesihlalo sebukhosi kuphela.” Wachubeka Faro watsi: “Sengikubekile kutsi wengamele lonkhe live laseGibhithe.” Faro wakhipha indandatho yakhe esandleni sakhe, wayifaka esandleni saJosefa; wamembatsisa ingubo yelineni lecolisakele, wamegabisa buhlalu begolide entsanyeni. Wamekhweta encoleni yakhe yesibili. Bogadzi bakhe bahamba embikwakhe, bamemeta batsi: “Khweshani! Khweshani!” Wambeka kanjalo-ke kutsi engamele lonkhe laseGibhithe. Ngetulu kwaloko Faro wakhuluma kuJosefa watsi: “NginguFaro; ngaphandle kwakho kute umuntfu lotawuphakamisa sandla sakhe nome lunyawo lwakhe lapha kuleli laseGibhithe.” Faro wetsa Josefa libito watsi nguSafenathi Phaneya; wamendzisela Asenathi, indvodzakati yaPhotifera, umphristi wase-Oni. Ngako-ke Josefa waphuma wahamba kulo lonkhe laseGibhithe. Josefa abesaneminyaka lengemashumi lamatsatfu nakacala kusebenta ngaphansi kwaFaro. Wesuka kuFaro walihamba lonkhe laseGibhithe. Kwatsi ngeminyaka lesikhombisa yenala, live laba nesivuno lesikhulu. Konkhe lokudla kweminyaka lesikhombisa yenala Josefa wakubutsela emadolobheni. Lelo nalelo dolobha eGibhithe kwaba yindzawo yekugcina kudla, nasekuvuniwe emasimini lasedvutane nalo. Josefa wasigcina sonkhe ngebunyenti baso lesivuno lesasingangetihlabatsi taselwandle, wadzimate wakuyekela nekusibala, ngobe sasingeke sisabaleka. Yatsi isengakefiki iminyaka yendlala, Josefa abesanemadvodzana lamabili labesawatalelwe ngu-Asenathi, indvodzakati yaPhotifera, umphristi wase-Oni. Lona wekucala Josefa wametsa libito watsi nguManase, ngobe ngaloko abesho kutsi: “Nkulunkulu ungente ngakhohlwa konkhe kuhlupheka kwami nemndeni waketfu.” Lona wesibili Josefa wametsa libito watsi ngu-Efrayimu, ngaloko abesho kutsi: “Nkulunkulu ungiphe bantfwana eveni lekuhlupheka kwami.” Yaphela-ke iminyaka lesikhombisa yenala eveni laseGibhithe, kwacala iminyaka yendlala, njengobe abeshito Josefa. Kwaba nendlala emaveni onkhe, kodvwa kulo lonkhe laseGibhithe kwakusekhona kudla. Yatsi kube indlala yembese lonkhe live, baseGibhithe bahamba bayawukhala kuFaro bamtjela kutsi sebabulawa yindlala. Faro wabaphendvula watsi: “Hambani niye kuJosefa, nente konkhe latanitjela kona.” Ngako-ke yatsi kube indlala yandze nalo lonkhe live, Josefa wativula tonkhe tingungu takhe watsengisela baseGibhithe kudla, ngobe indlala yase ilikhungetse lonkhe laseGibhithe. Ngetulu kwaloko, wonkhe umhlaba weta eGibhithe kutawutsenga kudla kuJosefa, ngobe lendlala yase ikhungetse wonkhe umhlaba. Watsi kube eve Jakobe kutsi kunekudla lokutsengisako eGibhithe, wakhuluma kumadvodzana akhe watsi: “Yini nilibale kubukana emehlweni nje? Ngivile kutsi kunekudla le eGibhithe. Hambani niyesitsengela khona, singaze sife sibulawe yindlala.” Ngako-ke bomnakaboJosefa labalishumi behlela eGibhithe kuyawutsenga kudla. Kodvwa Jakobe akazange amvumele Bhenjamini, labelama Josefa, kutsi ahambe nabo, ngobe phela abesaba kutsi angahle naye avelelwe yingoti. Ngako emadvodzana a-Israyeli ahamba kanye nalabanye batsengi kuyawutsenga kudla, ngobe lendlala yase ilikhungetse lonkhe laseKhenani. Ngaleso sikhatsi Josefa abesangundvunankhulu walo lonkhe live. Kwakunguye labetsengisela bonkhe bantfu kudla. Batsi bomnakaboJosefa nabefika, bamkhotsamela, babhekise buso babo phansi. Kodvwa Josefa wababona kanye nje kutsi bomnakabo, noko watsalalisa nje wenta shangatsi akabati, wabaphatsa njengetihambi wakhuluma kubo ngelulaka, wababuta watsi: “Niphumaphi?” Bamphendvula batsi: “Siphuma kulela laseKhenani, sitewutsenga kudla.” Nome Josefa abebabona labomnakabo, kodvwa bona babengamboni. Josefa wawakhumbula emaphupho akhe ngabo, wase utsi kubo: “Nine nitinhloli, nitewuhlola tikhala leningalingenela ngato lelive letfu.” Bamphendvula batsi: “Cha, nkhosi, tinceku takho titewutsenga kudla. Singemadvodzana andvodza yinye; sitinceku takho letetsembekile, asisito tinhloli.” Wabaphendvula watsi: “Cha, nitele kutawuhlola tikhala leningalingenela ngato lelive letfu.” Batsi: “Nkhosi, tinceku takho tingemadvodzana lalishumi namabili andvodza yinye, eveni laseKhenani. Lomncane kunatsi sonkhe usele nababe ekhaya, lona lomunye-ke akasekho.” Josefa wabaphendvula watsi: “Kunjengobe ngishito kutsi nitinhloli. Nitawuvivinywa kanjena-ke: Ngifunga Faro, ngitsi ningeke nikhululeke kutsi nihambe, ningakamletsi la umnakenu lomncane. Lomunye emkhatsini wenu kufanele amlandze, nine labanye nitawuvalelwa esitokisini kuze kubonakale kahle kutsi kuliciniso yini loko lenikushoko. Nakungenjalo, ngiyanisola, ngifunga Faro, kutsi nine nitinhloli.” Wabavalela esitokisini emalanga lamatsatfu. Ngelilanga lesitsatfu Josefa wakhuluma nabo watsi: “Mine ngingumuntfu lowesaba Nkulunkulu, yentani naku kuze nitewuphila. Naningemadvodza letsembekile, shiyani munye la esitokisini, laba labanye bahambe bayewutsatsa lokudla bakumikise emakhaya enu, ngobe naku indlala ibhokile. Kufanele nite naye la kimi lomnakenu lomncane. Ngako-ke nitabe senikhombise ngempela kutsi benikhuluma liciniso, futsi ningeke nisabulawa.” Bakuvuma loko. Bakhuluma bodvwana batsi: “Ase nibheke-ke manje sesiyavuna ngalobubi lesabenta kumnaketfu Josefa. Satsi sesikubona kukhatsateka kwemphefumulo wakhe, nasincenga, satsalalisa sangete samlalela. Ngiko nje sesikulenhlupheko manje.” Rubeni wakhuluma watsi: “Angitsi nganitjela kutsi ningamlimati lomfana. Kodvwa nangete nangilalela. Manje sekumele sitilandze ngaleyo ngati yakhe.” Babengati kutsi Josefa abeluva lolulwimi lwabo, ngobe kwakukhona labemhumushela. Josefa wesuka kubo wayawukhala. Watsi kube acedze kukhala, asakwati kukhuluma kahle, wabuya weta kubo, wafike watsatsa Simeyoni wambopha embikwabo. Josefa wayala kutsi bagcwaliselwe kudla emasakeni abo, nemali yalowo nalowo wabo ibuyiselwe esakeni lakhe, banikwe nemiphako yeluhambo lwabo. Konkhe loko kwentiwa. BomnakaboJosefa bayikhweta-ke imitfwalo yabo etimbongolweni tabo, besuka bahamba. Kwatsi lapho befike baphumula khona, lomunye wabo watsi uvula esakeni lakhe atewupha imbongolo yakhe, wakhandza imali yakhe emlonyeni welisaka lakhe. Wakhuluma kubomnakabo watsi: “Imali yami ibuyiselwe nayi emlonyeni welisaka lami.” Tinhlitiyo tabo takhatsateka kakhulu ngaloko, badzimate bakhulumisana batsi: “Yini lena lasentele yona Nkulunkulu?” Batsi nabefika kuyise Jakobe eveni laseKhenani bamlandzisa ngako konkhe lokwabehlela, batsi: “Lendvodza lengundvunankhulu kulela laseGibhithe yakhuluma natsi ngelulaka, yasitsatsa njengetinhloli telive labo. Kodvwa samphendvula satsi: ‘Asisito tinhloli, singemadvodza letsembekile. Singemadvodzana andvodza yinye lali-12. Lenye ayisekho, lencane kakhulu isekhaya kubabe, eveni laseKhenani.’ Lendvodza lengundvunankhulu isiphendvule yatsi: ‘Naku lengitanihlola ngako kutsi netsembekile: Lomunye wenu utawusala nami, laba labanye benu bahambe bamikise kudla emakhaya, ngobe naku indlala ibhokile. Niboletsa lomnakenu lomncane lapha kimi. Ngitawubona ngaloko-ke kutsi nine ningemadvodza letsembekile, anisito tinhloli. Ngitabe sengiyaninika-ke futsi lomnakenu nani nihambe nikhululekile kulelive; kutsi ningakha, nitsenge, nitsengise ngekutsandza.’ ” Base bakhumula emasaka abo, kwaba ngulowo nalowo watfola imali yakhe emlonyeni welisaka lakhe. Bona neyise befikelwa kwesaba nekudvumala lokukhulu. Uyise wakhuluma kubo watsi: “Maye mine bo! Bonkhe bantfwabami bayangiphelela; Josefa akasekho, naSimeyoni akasekho, kodvwa manje senifuna kutsatsa naBhenjamini. Mine konkhe nje kuyangihlanekela.” Rubeni waphendvula uyise watsi: “Nangabe Bhenjamini angikambuyisi, ubobulala lamadvodzana ami lamabili. Myekelele etandleni tami, ngitambuyisa kuwe.” Kodvwa Jakobe watsi kuye: “Indvodzana yami angiyivumeli kutsi uhambe nayo, yewukele eGibhithe. Umnakabo ufile, nguye yedvwa losasele. Nakungahle kwenteke avelelwe yingoti nisesendleleni, ngitakufa ngibulawe buhlungu ebudzaleni bami.” Indlala yadlanga kakhulu eveni. Kwatsi sebakudle konkhe kudla lababekutsenge eGibhithe, uyise wakhuluma kubo watsi: “Hambani njalo niyesitsengela lokunye kudla.” Kodvwa Juda wamphendvula watsi: “Leya ndvodza yasiyalisisa yatsi: ‘Ningeke ningibone ngisho nekungibona, naningeti naye lomnakenu.’ Nawungasivumela kutsi sihambe nemnaketfu, kulungile, sitawuhamba siyekutsengela lokudla. Kodvwa nawungasivumeli kutsi sihambe naye, singeke sewuke, ngobe lendvodza yakhuluma yatsi: ‘Ningeke ningibone ngisho nekungibona, naningeti naye lomnakenu.’ ” Israyeli watsi: “Ningiphatseleni kabuhlungu kangaka ngekutjela lendvodza kutsi ukhona lomunye umnakenu?” Baphendvula batsi: “Lendvodza yasibutisisa, yabuta konkhe ngatsi nangemndeni wakitsi yatsi: ‘Uyihlo usaphila yini? Ninaye yini lomunye umnakenu?’ Natsi-ke sasiphendvula imibuto yakhe. Besingati ngani tsine kutsi utawube sewutsi: ‘Yehlani naye lomnakenu’?” Juda wakhuluma kuyise, Israyeli, watsi: “Mkhulule lomfana, ngihambe naye, sitewushesha sihambe, kutewubate lotawubulawa yindlala. Mine ngitawuba sibambiso sakhe ngemphilo yami; nangabe ngingakabuyi naye la kuwe, licala laloko ngitawuletfwala ngize ngife. Kube asikabambeleleki nje, ngabe sesihambe saze sabuyela nakabili.” Israyeli, uyise, wakhuluma kubo watsi: “Nangabe kufanele kube njalo-ke, hambani netipho letititselo telikhetselo talelive, nitifake emasakeni enu, nifike nitiphe lendvodza leniyishoko: nitsatse litsantana lebhalisamu, neleluju lwetinyosi, nelemakha, nelemure, nelemaphisitakhiwo, nelema-alimondi. Nibophatsa imali yekutsenga, niyiphatse ngalokuphindvwe kabili, nincandzekise nalemali leyabuyiswa ifakwe emilonyeni yemasaka enu; mhlawumbe yafakeka ngesiphosiso. Hambani nalomnakenu niyewukhombisa lendvodza. Shangatsi Nkulunkulu Somandla anganipha umusa ebusweni balowo muntfu, anikhululele umnakenu nibuye kanye naye naBhenjamini. Kepha-ke mine nangemukwa bantfwabami, ngiyemukwa.” Ngako-ke lamadvodza esuka lapho atsatsa sipho, nemali seyiphindvwe kabili, batsatsa naBhenjamini bahamba naye baya eGibhithe bafike bakhulekela kuJosefa. Watsi kube Josefa ababone bahamba naBhenjamini, watjela indvuna yetisebenti tasendlini kakhe watsi: “Tsatsa lamadvodza uwangenise endlini kami, bese uyahlaba ulungise kudla, ngobe atakudla kanye nami emini.” Sisebenti senta njengobe Josefa abeshito; satsatsa lamadvodza sawangenisa endlini kaJosefa. BomnakaboJosefa besaba kakhulu, ngobe babengeniswe endlini kaJosefa, badzimate batsi: “Singeniswe lapha ngenca yalemali leyabuyiselwa emasakeni etfu nasite lapha kwekucala. Wentele kutsi atesituma, asitfumbe asente tigcili takhe, asemuke naletimbongolo tetfu.” Ngako bahamba baya kulendvuna yetisebenti tendlu yaJosefa, bakhuluma nayo beme emnyango, batsi: “Manje nkhosi, ngesikhatsi site lapha kwekucala sitewutsenga kudla, satsi lapho sefika saphumula khona, savula emasaka etfu sonkhe sakhandza kutsi emilonyeni yawo kunalemali besitewutsenga ngayo, iphelele. Ngako sesibuye nayo. Sehle nalenye futsi imali kutewutsenga ngayo kudla. Asati kutsi ngubani lona labeyibuyisele lemali lapha emasakeni etfu.” Lendvuna yabaphendvula yatsi: “Cha, kulungile, ningesabi. Nkulunkulu wenu, longuNkulunkulu weyihlo, uniphile lomcebo emasakeni enu. Mine ngayitfola inkhokhelo yenu.” Yase ibakhiphela Simeyoni, yabaletsela yena. Lendvuna yawatsatsa lamadvodza yawangenisa endlini kaJosefa, yawanika emanti, ageza tinyawo tawo, yabe seyipha netimbongolo tawo kudla. Lamadvodza abe asalungisa tipho tawo alungela kutetfula kuJosefa nakefika emini, njengobe abesavile kutsi abetakudla kanye nawo. Watsi kube efike ekhaya Josefa, bomnakabo base bangenisa tipho lababemphatsele tona batetfula kuye, bamkhotsama. Wababuta imphilo watsi: “Linjani likhehla lelinguyihlo, lenakhuluma ngalo, lisaphila yini?” Baphendvula batsi: “Inceku yakho lengubabe, isaphila.” Bamkhotsamela, bamshayela sihlutfu. Watsi Josefa nakaphakamisa emehlo, wabona Bhenjamini, umntfwanakabo, labelamana naye emhlane, watsi: “Nguye lona yini lomnakenu lomncane lenangitjela ngaye? Shangatsi Nkulunkulu angaba nemusa kuwe, ndvodzana yami!” Josefa washesha waphuma, ngobe inhlitiyo yakhe yefikelwa buhlungu, wafuna indzawo lesitsele, wangena khona wakhala. Asagezile buso bakhe, waphindze waphuma; waticinisa watsi: “Phakelani kudla.” Josefa bamphakela yedvwa, nabomnakabo babaphakela bodvwana, nalamaGibhithe labedla nawo aphakelwa odvwana, ngobe phela emaGibhithe abekutsatsa ngekutsi kutehlisa kudla nemaHebheru. BomnakaboJosefa bahlaliswa etafuleni, ngekwelamana kwabo: litubulo ngebudzala balo nelitfunjana ngebuncane balo, bonkhe babebheke ngakuJosefa. Batsi nabakubona loko bomnakaboJosefa babukana bodvwana, bamangele. Batsi nabanikwa kudla kwasetafuleni laJosefa, kwakaBhenjamini kwaphindvwa kahlanu kunekwabo bonkhe. Ngako-ke badla, banatsa, bajabula kanye naye. Josefa wase utjela lendvuna yetisebenti watsi: “Gcwalisani emasaka alamadvodza ngekudla lokulingene nekutsi bangakwetfwala, emlonyeni walelo nalelo saka laleyo ndvodza ufake leyo mali yayo letsenge ngayo. Emlonyeni welisaka lelitfunjana ufake indzebe yami yesiliva kanye naleyo mali lekutsengwe ngayo kudla.” Indvuna yenta njengobe yayitjelwe nguJosefa. Ekuseni ngakusasa, lamadvodza akhululeka ahanjiswa wona kanye netimbongolo tawo. Atsi kube aphume edolobheni asengakahambi nelibanga nje, Josefa watfumela indvuna yetisebenti takhe watsi: “Phutfuma uwalandzele lamadvodza, utsi ungawakhandza ufike uwabute utsi: ‘Nentiwa yini kubonga lokuhle ngalokubi? Seniyibeleni indzebe yesiliva yenkhosi yami? Angitsi ngiyo lena lenatsa ngayo, ibuye yembule ngayo konkhe lokufihlakele? Nine nigange kakhulu.’ ” Yatsi kube iwakhandze endleleni lendvuna, yafike yakhuluma lawo mavi. Lamadvodza aphendvula atsi: “Usho kutsini-ke, mnumzane, nawukhuluma kanje? Siyafunga kutsi besingeke siyente tsine intfo lenjalo. Nalemali lesayikhandza emasakeni etfu, siphindze sabuya nayo nasiphuma eKhenani. Pho, besingayeba kanjani isiliva negolide endlini yenkhosi yakho? Nakwenteka uyikhandza kulomunye wetfu, lowo utakufa, tsine-ke sibe tigcili tenkhosi yami.” Yatsi: “Akube njengobe nishito kutsi lowo letfolakala kuye utawuba sigcili sami, nine labanye ningeke nibe nacala.” Kwaba nguleyo naleyo ndvodza yehlisa umtfwalo wayo masinyane, yavula lisaka layo. Wafuna acala ngalomdzala waze wagcina ngalomncane. Indzebe yesiliva yaze yatfolakala esakeni laBhenjamini. Besuka badzabula tingubo tabo ngenca yekudzabuka, kwaba ngulowo nalowo wekhweta umtfwalo wakhe embongolweni yakhe, bancandzeka sebabuyela edolobheni. Watsi kube Juda nabomnakabo befike endlini kaJosefa, bamkhandza naye asekhona. Bakhotsama phansi embikwakhe. Josefa watsi kubo: “Yini-ke lena leseniyentile? Utsi benati nje kutsi umuntfu lokulesikhundla sami angabona timfihlakalo ngemlingo?” Juda waphendvula watsi: “Kute lesingahle sikusho kuwe, nkhosi yami. Singakhulumani nje? Singaphikani nje? Nkulunkulu sewulembulile licala letfu. Sonkhe sesitigcili tenkhosi yami, tsine sonkhe kanye nalona lekutfolakale kuye indzebe.” Josefa watsi: “Cha, ngingeke ngikwente loko! Sigcili sami kutawuba ngulona lekutfolakale kuye indzebe. Kodvwa nine labanye hambani ngekuthula niye kuyihlo.” Juda wasondzela kuJosefa watsi: “Ngiyakuncenga, nkhosi yami, kutsi sengimane ngikhulume nawe inhlitiyo yami yonkhe. Ngicela ungangicansukeli, nome ulingana naFaro matfupha. Kucala inkhosi yami yabuta tinceku tayo yatsi: ‘Ninaye yini uyihlo nome umnakenu?’ Sayiphendvula satsi: ‘Sinaye babe, semdzala kakhulu, ukhona nemnaketfu losemncane, lamtala ebudzaleni bakhe, umnakabo akasekho. Senguye kuphela losasele esiswini senina. Uyise umtsandza kakhulu.’ Inkhosi yatsi etincekwini tayo: ‘Mletseni la kimi ngitembona ngemehlo.’ Sakhuluma enkhosini yami satsi: ‘Lomfana angeke ehlukane neyise, ngobe nangenta njalo, uyise angafa.’ Kodvwa watjela tinceku takho watsi: ‘Ngaphandle kwekutsi nite nemnakenu lomncane, ningeke niyitfole imvume yekubonana nami.’ “Satsi nasincandzeka sibuyela emuva kubabe, sefike samtjela onkhe emavi akho. Ngesikhatsi babe asatsi: ‘Hambani futsi niyewusitsengela kudlanyana,’ satsi kuye: ‘Singeke siye lapho, nasingahambi naye lomnaketfu lomncane. Nasimshiya, singeke siyitfole imvume yekubonana nalenkhosi.’ Inceku yakho, lengubabe, yatsi: ‘Nani niyati kutsi Rakheli umkami, wangitalela emadvodzana lamabili kuphela. Lomunye sewangishiya, kungahle kube nje waklejuklejulwa tilwane tesiganga waba ticucwana. Kusukela ngalelo langa angizange ngiphindze ngimbone. Nangabe nalona senimtsatsa lapha kimi, bese wehlelwa yingoti endleleni, ngitawufa ngibulawe buhlungu, ngobe vele sengimdzala.’ “Ngako-ke, nkhosi yami, nangifika kubabe, inceku yakho, ngingeti naye lomfana, kantsi imphilo yakhe ibophene kangaka neyakhe, nakabona kutsi lomfana akekho, anganhlakayeka afe. Ngaloko tsine, tinceku takho, sitawube sibangele inceku yakho, lengubabe, kutsi ife kabuhlungu ebudzaleni bayo. Ngetulu kwaloko mine ngatidzela ematsambo ngaba sibambiso kubabe, ngatsi kuye: ‘Nangingabuyi nalomfana kuwe, licala laloko litawubasemahlombe ami ngize ngiyekufa.’ Ngako-ke ngiyakuncenga kutsi kumane kusale mine ngibe sigcili sakho, ukhulule lomfana ahambe nabomnakabo abuyele ekhaya. Ngingancandzeka kanjani ngiye kubabe, nangabe ngingeti naye lomfana? Ngingeke ngikumele kubona buhlungu lobungaka behlela babe ngibukile.” Josefa wehluleka kutibamba embikwetisebenti takhe, ngako watsi: “Abakhishwe bonkhe la endlini.” Ngako-ke kwakungasekho muntfu ngesikhatsi atjela bomnakabo kutsi ungubani. Wakhala kakhulu, kwadzimate kweva nemaGibhithe, kanye nebendlu yakaFaro. Josefa watjela bomnakabo watsi: “Phela mine nginguJosefa; babe usaphila yini?” Kodvwa bomnakabo abazange bakhone kumphendvula, ngobe babesetfuke kakhulu. Josefa wakhuluma kubo watsi: “Ngicela, senisondzele la.” Nembala basondzela, watsi kubo: “NginguJosefa, umnakenu, lenamtsengisa eGibhithe. Kodvwa ningakhatsateki futsi ningahlupheki ngekutsi nangitsengisa la. Empeleni nguNkulunkulu lowangitfumela kutsi ngite kulendzawo. Abentela kutsi nginendvulele ngekuta lapha ngitewusindzisa timphilo tebantfu. Kusengumnyaka wesibili lona indlala ikhungetse umhlaba; kusasele leminye iminyaka lesihlanu kungalinywa kungavunwa. Ngako nguNkulunkulu lowatsi anginendvulele ngekuta lapha, kuze anilondvolote nibe yinsali emhlabeni, nisindziswe kube kukhululwa lokukhulu. “Ngako-ke, akusini lenangitfumela la, kodvwa nguNkulunkulu. Sewungente ngaba nguyise waFaro, nenkhosi yendlu yakhe, nembusi etikwelive lonkhe laseGibhithe. “Sheshani nibuyele kubabe nifike nimtjele nitsi: ‘Josefa, indvodzana yakho, utsi: Nkulunkulu ungente ngaba yinkhosi eveni laseGibhithe lonkhe; shesha wehle ute kimi ungalibali. Utawuhlala eveni laseGosheni, ubesedvute nami, wena nebantfwabakho, nebatukulu bakho, nemihlambi yakho yetimvu, neyetinkhomo, nako konkhe lonako. Ngitaninakekela kahle nanilapho, ngobe kusasele iminyaka lesihlanu yendlala. Angifuni kutsi wena nendlu yakho nako konkhe nife nibulawe yindlala.’ ” Josefa wachubeka watsi: “Manje, seniyabona-ke ngisho nawe, Bhenjamini, niyabona kutsi nginguJosefa. Nibotjela babe kutsi sengaba mkhulu kanganani lapha eGibhithe, nimtekele nangako konkhe lenikubonile. Sheshani nilandze babe, ehle ete la.” Wase ugaca imikhono entsanyeni yaBhenjamini wakhala; naBhenjamini wakhalela entsanyeni yaJosefa. Bonkhe labomnakabo wabanga, akhala; emvakwaloko bonkhe labomnakabo base bakhuluma naye. Kwatsi lendzaba nayibikwa kuFaro kutsi bomnakaboJosefa laba labefikile, Faro netiphatsimandla takhe bajabula kakhulu. Faro wakhuluma kuJosefa watsi: “Tjela labomnakenu kutsi ababophele imitfwalo yabo etimbongolweni tabo bahambe baye eveni laseKhenani, balandze uyihlo nemindeni yabo bete la kimi. Ngitabanika lokuhle kakhulu la eGibhithe bahlale benabe ngekutsandza kwabo. Ubatjele batsatse tincola talapha eGibhithe, batekwetfwala ngato bantfwababo, nebafati babo, neyihlo, bete nabo. Bangahlupheki ngekushiya emagugu abo emuva, ngobe konkhe lokuhle kakhulu kwalapha eGibhithe kutawuba kwabo.” Emadvodzana a-Israyeli enta njengobe abetjeliwe. Josefa wabanika tincola njengekuyala kwaFaro, wabanika nemiphako yendlela. Kwaba ngulowo nalowo wamnika ingubo yekushintja; kodvwa Bhenjamini wamnika tinhlavu tesiliva letingemakhulu lamatsatfu netingubo letisihlanu tekushintja. Uyise wamtfumelela timbongolo letatilishumi letatitfwele tintfo letinhle taseGibhithe, netimbongolo letinsikati letatetfwele kudla, netinkhwa, nemiphako yeyise labetayidla nasehla eta eGibhithe. Wase uyabahambisa labomnakabo, batsi nase besuka wabayala watsi: “Ningabohambe nilwa endleleni.” Besuka-ke bahamba babuyela kuyise Jakobe eKhenani. Bafike bamtjela batsi: “Josefa usaphila! Ungumbusi etikwalo lonkhe live laseGibhithe.” Jakobe wamane waphela emandla nje, wacale wangete wabakholwa. Kodvwa kwatsi sebamtjele yonkhe inkhulumo yaJosefa layikhulume kubo, asabone netincola letatitfunyelwe nguJosefa kutsi titemetfwala, umoya waJakobe, uyise, wavuseleleka. Israyeli wakhuluma watsi: “Sengenelisekile kutsi Josefa, indvodzana yami, uyaphila. Angehle ngiyekumbona, ngingakafi.” Ngako Israyeli watsatsa konkhe labenako wahamba, waze wefika eBherisheba, lapho efike wanikela iminikelo kuNkulunkulu wa-Isaka, uyise. Nkulunkulu wakhuluma ku-Israyeli embonweni ebusuku, watsi: “Jakobe! Ye Jakobe!” Waphendvula watsi: “Ngilapha!” Watsi: “NginguNkulunkulu, Nkulunkulu weyihlo. Ungesabi kwehlela eGibhithe, ngiyawukwenta ube sive lesikhulu khona. Ngitawuba nawe ngehle ngiye eGibhithe, ngiyawuphindze ngenyuke nawe ngikubuyise futsi; Josefa cobo lwakhe nguye loyawuvala emehlo akho ekufeni kwakho ngetandla takhe.” Jakobe wesuka eBherisheba; emadvodzana akhe agibelisa uyise, nebantfwabawo, nebafati bawo etincoleni lababetitfunyelelwe nguFaro kutsi titewubetfwala. Bahamba netinkhomo tabo netimphahla tabo lababetitfole baseseveni laseKhenani. Labaya eGibhithe kwakunguJakobe nentalo yakhe yonkhe: emadvodzana akhe, nemadvodzana awo, nemadvodzakati akhe, nemadvodzakati emadvodzana akhe; tonkhe titukulwane takhe wefika nato eGibhithe. Nankha ema-Israyeli langena eGibhithe naJakobe: Rubeni bekulitubulo lakhe. Emadvodzana aRubeni bekuboHanoki, naPhalu, naHesroni, naKhami. Emadvodzana aSimeyoni bekuboJemuweli, naJamini, na-Ohade, naJakhini, naSohari, naShawule, indvodzana leyatalwa ngumfati labengumKhenani. Emadvodzana aLevi bekuboGeshoni, naKhohati, naMerari. Emadvodzana aJuda bekubo-Era, na-Onani, naShela, naPheresi, naZera; kodvwa Era na-Onani bafela eveni laseKhenani. Emadvodzana aPheresi bekubo-Hesroni naHamule. Emadvodzana a-Isakhari bekuboThola, naPhuwa, naJashubi, naShimroni. Emadvodzana aZebuloni bekuboSeredi, na-Eloni, naJaleli. Lawa-ke ngemadvodzana aLeya, lawatalela Jakobe eMesophothamiya ngaphandle kwaDina. Asawonkhe emadvodzana nemadvodzakati aLeya abengema-33. Emadvodzana aGadi bekuboSefoni, naHagi, naShuni, na-Esboni, na-Eri, na-Arodi, na-Areli. Emadvodzana a-Asheri bekuboJimna, naJishuwa, naJishvi, naBheriya, naSera labengudzadzewabo. Emadvodzana aBheriya bekuboHebere naMalkhiyeli. Lawa-ke kwakungemadvodzana aZilpha, Labani lamnika Leya, indvodzakati yakhe. Watalela Jakobe bantfu lababeli-16. Emadvodzana aRakheli, umkaJakobe, bekuboJosefa naBhenjamini. Eveni laseGibhithe Josefa watalelwa boManase na-Efrayimu; lamtalela bona Asenathi, indvodzakati ya-Photifera, umphristi wase-Oni. Emadvodzana aBhenjamini bekuboBela, naBekheri, na-Ashbeli, naGera, naNamani, na-Ehi, naRoshe, naMuphimi, naHuphimi, na-Adi. Lawo-ke kwakungemadvodzana aRakheli lawatalela Jakobe; wamtalela bantfu lababeli-14. Indvodzana yaDani bekunguHushimu. Emadvodzana aNaftali bekuboJasiyeli, naGuni, naJeseri, naShilemi. Lawo-ke kwakungemadvodzana aBilha, Labani lamnika Rakheli, indvodzakati yakhe. Sebabonkhe kwakubantfu labasikhombisa. Sebabonkhe bantfu bekutalwa nguJakobe labaya eGibhithe babengema-66, ngaphandle kwabomalukatana bakakhe. Emadvodzana aJosefa latalelwa eGibhithe aba mabili; ngako-ke bantfu bemndeni wakaJakobe labehlela eGibhithe babengema-70 sebabonkhe. Jakobe watfumela Juda embili kuJosefa kutsi atewubahlangabeta eGosheni. Bahamba baze befika eGosheni. Josefa wagibela incola yakhe waphikelela khona eGosheni, wayawuhlangabeta uyise Israyeli. Watsi achamuka nje, Josefa wambona uyise watigaca entsanyeni yakhe, wakhalela kuye sikhatsi lesidze. Israyeli watsi kuJosefa: “Cha, sengingafa-ke manje, ngobe sengibubonile buso bakho, futsi sengiyati kutsi usaphila.” Josefa wakhuluma kubomnakabo kanye nemndeni wonkhe weyise, watsi: “Kufanele ngenyuke ngiye kuFaro ngimatise kutsi bomnaketfu nemndeni wababe labebaseKhenani, sebefikile, bete kimi. Ngitawufike ngimtjele kutsi nine nibelusi betinkhomo, nifuyile, ngimtjele nekutsi nite nayo yonkhe imihlambi yenu, netimvu, netinkhomo, nako konkhe leninako. Nasanibita-ke Faro abuta atsi: ‘Yini umsebenti wenu?’ nibomphendvula nitsi: ‘Tinceku takho tibelusi betinkhomo kusukela ebusheni bato kuze kube ngunyalo, tsine nabobabe betfu.’ Nanimlandzise kanjalo, utanivumela kutsi nakhe lapha eGosheni.” Phela Josefa abesho loku, ngobe emaGibhithe abewubukela phansi umsebenti wekwelusa. Ngako-ke Josefa wahamba wayawubikela Faro, watsi: “Babe, nabomnaketfu, netimvu tabo, netinkhomo tabo, nako konkhe labanako sebefikile baphuma eKhenani, sebaseGosheni.” Emkhatsini wabomnakabo wakhetsa baba sihlanu wayawubetfula kuFaro. Inkhosi Faro yababuta yatsi: “Yini umsebenti wenu?” Bamphendvula batsi: “Sibelusi, njengobe nabobabe babengibo. Sitfutsele kulelive, ngobe eKhenani indlala seyibhoke kangangobe sekuze kuphele nemadlelo alemfuyo yetfu. Siyakucela kutsi mane usivumele sikhosele eGosheni.” Faro wakhuluma kuJosefa watsi: “Uyihlo nabomnakenu bete kuwe. Lonkhe lelive laseGibhithe lisetandleni takho. Babeke bakhe endzaweni lencono kakhulu, abakhe eGosheni. Nakukhona labanelikhono lekwelusa emkhatsini wabo, babeke babe tindvuna tebelusi bemfuyo yami.” Josefa wabe sewungenisa Jakobe, uyise, wametfula kuFaro. Jakobe wakhulekela kuFaro amfisela tibusiso. Faro wabuta Jakobe watsi: “Sewuneminyaka lemingakhi budzala?” Jakobe wamphendvula watsi: “Iminyaka yami yekuzulazula seyili-130. Leminyaka lembalwa inebulukhuni emphilweni yami. Noko ngisengakabi mdzala ngefika eminyakeni yabokhokho ekuzulazuleni kwabo.” Jakobe wase ubusisa Faro, wavalelisa, waphuma. Josefa wabeka uyise nabomnakabo wabakhela eveni lelincono laseGibhithe, endzaweni levundze kakhulu, eceleni kwelidolobha laka-Ramsesi, njengobe abeyalwe nguFaro. Josefa wapha uyise kudla, wapha nabomnakabo, nemndeni weyise; kwaya ngebunyenti babo. Kudla kwaphela yonkhe indzawo; ngobe indlala yase ibhoke kakhulu eveni laseGibhithe nelaseKhenani, ngako-ke bantfu balamba. Josefa wase ubutsela ndzawonye yonkhe lemali leyayingene ngekutsengiswa kwekudla eveni laseGibhithe nelaseKhenani. Yonkhe lemali wayiletsa endlini yaFaro. Yatsi kube iphele yonkhe imali eveni laseGibhithe nelaseKhenani, onkhe emaGibhithe eta kuJosefa afike atsi: “Siphe kudla! Ungasiyekela nje kodvwa sibulawe yindlala embikwakho? Yonkhe imali yetfu seyiphelile.” Josefa wabaphendvula watsi: “Letsani tinkhomo tenu, nitsenge ngato, ngitaninika-ke kudla, nangabe imali yenu seyiphelile.” Ngako-ke baletsa tinkhomo tabo batinika Josefa, batsenga ngato. Josefa wabanika kudla bonkhe labeta kutawushintjisa ngemahhashi, nangetimvu, nangetimbuti, nangetinkhomo, nangetimbongolo. Wonkhe lowo mnyaka waphela seloku abanika kudla ngekutsi bakuntjintjise ngetifuyo. Watsi kube uphele lowo mnyaka, beta kuye ekucaleni kwemnyaka lolandzelako, bafike batsi: “Singeke sikufihle loku, nkhosi, kutsi imali yetfu yonkhe seyiphelile, nekutsi imfuyo yetfu ngeyakho. Kute lesingabe sisakunika kona manje, ngaphandle kwemitimba yetfu nemasimi etfu. Utasiyekela nje sibulawe yindlala embikwakho tsine nelive letfu? Sitsengisele kudla ngatsi nangemasimi etfu. Tsine nelive letfu sitawuba tigcili taFaro. Siphe kudla kuze siphunge indlala, singafi; usiphe nenhlanyelo sitewuhlanyela emasimini etfu.” Ngako-ke Josefa walitsenga lonkhe live laseGibhithe, ngobe onkhe emaGibhithe atsengisa ngawo onkhe emasimi awo, ngenca yekubhokelwa yindlala. Live lonkhe laba laFaro. Bonkhe bantfu baba tigcili taFaro kusukela ngale kwelive kuze kubesekugcineni ngale kwelive laseGibhithe. Live langalitsenganga kwaba lebaphristi kuphela; ngobe baphristi babephila ngesabelo sekudla lababesinikwa nguFaro. Ngako-ke abalitsengisanga live labo. Josefa wase ukhuluma kubantfu watsi: “Lalelani-ke, kusukela lamuhla nine nelive lenu senginitsengele Faro. Nansi-ke inhlanyelo yenu, hlanyelani emasimini. Nanivunako, incenye yesihlanu yesivuno nitawuyetfula kuFaro, bese kutsi tincenye letine esihlanwini tibe tenu netemindeni yenu.” Bamphendvula batsi: “Utisindzisile timphilo tetfu. Usiphetse ngesandla lesihle, nkhosi. Sitaba tigcili taFaro.” Ngako-ke Josefa wakwenta kwaba ngumtsetfo lomile welive laseGibhithe, kuze kube ngulamuhla, kutsi Faro anikwe incenye yesihlanu yesivuno. Live lebaphristi lodvwa lelasala langete ladliwa nguFaro. Ngako ema-Israyeli ahlala eGibhithe akha eveni laseGosheni; achuma, anotsa, andza kakhulu. Jakobe wahlala eveni laseGibhithe iminyaka leli-17. Iminyaka yekuphila kwaJakobe yaba li-147. Watsi nasatakufa, wabita indvodzana yakhe Josefa, watsi kuyo: “Nangemukeleka kuwe, beka sandla sakho ngaphansi kwelitsanga lami, wetsembise ngesifungo kimi kutsi ungeke ungingcwabe lapha eGibhithe. Ngifuna kungcwatjwa lapho kwangcwatjwa khona bobabe. Ubongetfwala, ungikhiphe eGibhithe ngiyekungcwatjwa lapho kwangcwatjwa khona bobabe.” Josefa wamphendvula watsi: “Ngiyawukwenta loko njengobe ushito.” Jakobe wase utsi: “Funga kimi kutsi uyawukwenta loko.” Wafunga kuye. Israyeli wabonga akhotsama embhedzeni wakhe. Emvakwaloko Josefa wabikelwa kutsi uyise uyagula. Ngako-ke Josefa wesuka watsatsa emadvodzana akhe omabili boManase na-Efrayimu, waya nawo kuyise. Wase uyabikelwa Jakobe kwatsiwa: “Indvodzana yakho, Josefa, seyifikile itekuvusela.” Israyeli waticinisa abuyisa emandla akhe, wavuka wahlala ngetibunu embhedzeni. Jakobe wakhuluma kuJosefa watsi: “Nkulunkulu Somandla wabonakala kimi eLuzi, eveni laseKhenani wangibusisa, watsi kimi: ‘Lalela la, ngitakwandzisa ngikwente ube tive letinyenti, lelive ngiliphe titukulwane takho emvakwakho. Liyawuba lato phakadze naphakadze.’ ” Wachubeka watsi: “Lamadvodzana akho lamabili lowawatalelwa lapha eveni laseGibhithe ngisengakafiki mine, nguwona awami. Efrayimu naManase batawuba bami, njengobe Rubeni naSimeyoni babami. Bantfwana lotawubatala emvakwabo batawuba bakho, hhayi bami; lifa labo liyawubitwa ngemagama alaba bomnakabo. Loku ngikwenta ngenca yekudzabuka lengaba nako nangifelwa ngunyoko Rakheli, ngisesendleleni ngisuka eMesophothamiya sengitawufika e-Efratha, eveni laseKhenani. Ngamngcwaba e-Efratha.” Manje leyo ndzawo seyibitwa ngekutsi yiBhetlehema. Israyeli nakabona emadvodzana aJosefa, wabuta watsi: “Bakabani labafana?” Josefa waphendvula uyise watsi: “Ngemadvodzana ami, Nkulunkulu langiphe wona ngisekuleli laseGibhithe.” Israyeli watsi: “Ase uwaletse, khona ngitewabusisa.” Emehlo a-Israyeli abengasaboni kahle, ngenca yebudzala, abesafifiyela. Ngako Josefa wawasondzeta kuye. Jakobe wawanga, wawagaca ngemikhono. Israyeli wakhuluma kuJosefa watsi: “Ngangingasacabangi kutsi ngiyawuphindze ngibubone buso bakho, kodvwa Nkulunkulu sewungivumele kutsi ngikubone, ngaze ngabona ngisho nebantfwabakho futsi.” Josefa wase uyawesusa emadvodzana akhe emadvolweni aJakobe, wakhotsama abhekise buso bakhe phansi. Josefa wawatsatsa omabili wawabeka emaceleni a-Israyeli: Efrayimu angesancele, Manase ngesekudla. Kodvwa Israyeli welula sandla sakhe sangesekudla wasibeka etikwa-Efrayimu, nome abengulomncane; sandla sakhe sangesancele waselula wasibeka etikwaManase, labelitubulo. Jakobe wabe sewubusisa Josefa, watsi: “Shangatsi Nkulunkulu wabobabe, lowakhontwa bo-Abrahama na-Isaka, yena loNkulunkulu longihole kuyo yonkhe imphilo yami, kwaze kwaba ngulamuhla, angababusisa labafana. Shangatsi lengilosi leyangiphephisa kuto tonkhe tingoti ingababusisa labafana. Shangatsi bangabitwa ngelibito lami, nangelibito labobabe Abrahama na-Isaka. Shangatsi bangandza, babe banyenti emhlabeni.” Watsi kube Josefa abone kutsi uyise ubeke sandla sakhe sekudla etikwenhloko ya-Efrayimu, wakhubeka. Watsatsa sandla seyise sekudla etikwa-Efrayimu kuze asibeke etikwenhloko yaManase. Wakhuluma kuyise watsi: “Cha, phela babe, lona nguyena alitubulo, beka sandla sakho sekudla etikwakhe.” Kodvwa uyise wala, watsi: “Ngiyati, ndvodzana yami, ngiyati. Naye utaba sive, naye futsi utaba mkhulu. Kodvwa nome kunjalo, lona lomncane utawuba mkhulu kunaye, netitukulwane takhe tiyawuba tive letinkhulu.” Wababusisa ngalelo langa atsi: “Ema-Israyeli nakabusisa ayawubita emabito enu atsi: ‘Shangatsi Nkulunkulu angakwenta ufanane nabo-Efrayimu naManase.’ ” Wambeka kanjalo-ke Efrayimu kutsi abe ngetulu kwaManase. Israyeli wakhuluma kuJosefa watsi: “Manje sengitawufa, kodvwa Nkulunkulu utawuba nani, aphindze anibuyisele eveni labokhokho benu. Lelicele lentsaba iShekhemu lengalitsatsa ngenkemba yami nangebutjoki bami kuma-Amori, ngengeta ngekulinika wena, hhayi bomnakenu.” Jakobe wabita onkhe emadvodzana akhe wakhuluma nawo, watsi: “Buyani la kimi nonkhe, ngitenitjela lokutanehlela ngemuso. “Hlanganani ndzawonye, nive, nine madvodzana aJakobe; nilalelisise ku-Israyeli, uyihlo. “Rubeni, wena ulitubulo lami, nemandla ami, ngabona ngawe kutsi nami ngiyindvodza. Uyingcwele ngesitfunti nengcwele ngemandla. Njengobe uyaluka njengemanti nje, kodvwa utawulahlekelwa kuba yingcwele kwakho, ngobe walala nenyoko lomncane, wangcolisa umbhedze wami. “Simeyoni naLevi nine ningematse nelulwimi, tinkemba tenu tekususa lutfutfuva. Shangatsi ngingete ngatingena tindzaba tenu, ngingeke ngihlanganyele nani, ngobe nitsi ningatfukutsela nibulale bantfu ngebudlova benu, nigawule imisipha yetinkhomo. Intfukutselo yenu ayicalekiswe, ngobe iyesabeka; nelulaka lwenu lucalekiswe, ngobe lunelunya. Niyawusakateka nalo lonkhe lakaJakobe, nicitseke nalo lonkhe laka-Israyeli. “Juda, bomnakenu bayakukudvumisa. Titsa takho uyawutibamba ngentsamo; emadvodzana eyihlo ayawukukhotsamela. Juda ufanana neliwundlu lelibhubesi, ndvodzana yami, usukile enyamataneni loyibulele wabuyela esikhundleni sakho, waguca, walala njengelibhubesi nanjengelibhubesikati, ngubani nje longahle akucale? Bukhosi bungeke busuke esandleni saJuda. Titukulwane takhe tiyawubusa njalonjalo, tive tiyakwetfula kuye timlalele. Uyawuba nenala, bantfu bayawubopha timbongolo tabo emivinini, nematfole etimbongolokati tabo emivinini lemihle. Bayawugeza tingubo tabo ewayinini, netembatfo tabo ewayinini lelibovu sangati. Emehlo abo ayawuba bovu ngenca yeliwayini, ematinyo abo ayawuba mhlophe ngenca yelubisi. “Zebuloni uyakwakha elusentseni lwelwandle; lusentse lwakakhe luyawuba sikhumulo semikhumbi, umnyele wakakhe ubeseSidoni. “Isakhari uyimbongolo lengumkhehlekhehle leyalala emkhatsini wemitfwalo. Watsi kube abone kutsi lendzawo yekuphumula yinhle, nekutsi lelive lihle, wase uyagobondzela entela kwetfwala ngelihlombe, waphoceleka kutsi asebente njengesigcili. “Dani uyawumelela emalungela ebantfu bakhe, bayawufanana naletinye tive taka-Israyeli. Dani uyawuba yinyoka eceleni kwemgwaco, abe yinyoka lenesihlungu eceleni kwendlela, lehlalela kuluma titsendze telihhashi, kuze umgibeli walo awe nyova. “Simakadze, ngilindzele insindziso yakho. “Gadi uyawuhlaselwa libutfo letigebengu, kodvwa yena uyawuticosha. “Live laka-Asheri liyawuba nesivuno lesikhulu. Kudla kwalo kuyawufanela emakhosi. “Naftali unjengenyamatane lekhululekile; ukhuluma emavi lamnandzi. “Josefa uligala lelitselako lemvini, ligala lelitsela ngasemtfonjeni wemanti, emagala akhe ayakhula acance lubondza. Titsa takhe timhlasela ngalokwesabekako, timcoshe ngebutjoki nangemicibisholo. Kodvwa butjoki bakhe buhlala bucinile, imikhono yakhe iciniswa tandla taLonemandla waJakobe, nguMelusi loliDvwala laka-Israyeli. NguNkulunkulu weyihlo lokusitako. NguNkulunkulu Somandla lotakubusisa ngetibusiso tangetulu ezulwini, nangetibusiso temfuyo netebantfwana. Tibusiso teyihlo tinemandla kunetibusiso letiphuma etintsabeni taphakadze, tendlula ngisho nenala yasetintsabeni. Shangatsi tonkhe letibusiso tingehlela etikwaJosefa nasebuntini lakhe lowehlukaniswa kubomnakabo. “Bhenjamini uyimphisi lebefutelako; ekuseni uchwaga lakuphangile, entsambama akwabe loko lakuphangile.” Tonkhe leti tive taka-Israyeli letili-12. Ngiwo lawa-ke emavi lakhulunywa nguyise asabavalelisa bonkhe ngamunye ngulowo amnika sibusiso lesifanele yena. Jakobe wabe sewuyabayala utsi: “Sekusele kancane ngilandzele bokhokho. Ngicela ningingcwabe kubokhokho emhumeni losensimini ya-Efroni, umHethi. Lomhume usensimini yaseMakhaphela, emphumalanga neMamre, eveni laseKhenani. Abrahama wawutsenga kanye nensimi ku-Efroni, umHethi, kutsi ube yindzawo yekungcwaba. Abrahama naSara, umkakhe, bangcwatjwa khona; Isaka naRebheka, umkakhe, bangcwatjwa khona; naLeya ngamngcwaba khona. Lensimi nalomhume lokuyo kwatsengwa kumaHethi.” Watsi kube Jakobe acedze kuwayala emadvodzana akhe, wabuyela walala wafa, walandzela bokhokho bakhe. Josefa watijika etikweyise, wakhala, amanga. Josefa wayala tisebenti takakhe nabochwephesha bekomisa tidvumbu kutsi batsatse sidvumbu seyise bayesomisa ngemitsi kuze singaboli; ngempela sidvumbu sa-Israyeli somiswa ngemitsi. Lesidvumbu sasetjentwa emalanga langema-40 lekwakusikhatsi lesasidzingeka ekufezeni lowo msebenti. EmaGibhithe azilela Israyeli emalanga langema-70. Kwatsi kube kuphele emalanga ekuzila, Josefa wakhuluma etindvuneni taFaro kutsi tiyewumbika kuFaro, watsi: “Ngicela ningibike kuFaro kutsi: Babe wangifungisa asengakafi watsi: ‘Sengitakufa, uze ungisite ungingcwabe ethuneni lami lengalimba eveni laseKhenani.’ Manje-ke, ngicela kutsi angivumele Faro, ngiyewungcwaba babe, ngitawuphindze ngibuye.” Faro wamphendvula watsi: “Hamba uyewungcwaba uyihlo njengobe akufungisa.” Ngako-ke Josefa wenyuka wayawungcwaba uyise. Waphekeletelwa ngito tonkhe tisebenti taFaro, netikhulu taFaro, netikhulu telive laseGibhithe, kanye nemndeni waJosefa, nabomnakabo, nemndeni wonkhe weyise. Kwasala bantfwana labancane babo netifuyo kulaseGosheni. Wenyuka ngetincola kanye nebagibeli bemahhashi; kwaba sicumbi lesikhulu. Batsi nabefika ka-Athadi ebaleni lekubhulela emabele ngesheya kwe-Jordane, bakhala kabuhlungu. Josefa wenta imisimeto yekulila emalanga lasikhombisa. Kwatsi kube emaKhenani, takhamiti takulelo live, bakubone lokulila, ebaleni laka-Athadi, atsi: “Maye, lokulila kwemaGibhithe kubuhlungu bo!” Ngako-ke, lendzawo yetsiwa libito ngekutsi yi-Abela Misrayimu; ingesheya kwemfula iJordane. Ngako emadvodzana aJakobe enta njengobe abewayalile. Emadvodzana aJakobe ametfwala uyise ambuyisela eveni laseKhenani, amngcwaba emhumeni wensimi yaseMakhaphela, ngasemphumalanga yeMamre. Lomgedze watsengwa kanye nensimi ngu-Abrahama ku-Efroni, umHethi, kutsi ube yindzawo yekungcwaba. Watsi kube Josefa angcwabe uyise, wancandzeka wabuyela eGibhithe, ahamba kanye nabomnakabo nabo bonkhe labehambe nabo. Kwatsi kube bomnakaboJosefa babone kutsi uyise sewufile, bakhuluma bodvwana batsi: “Kungahle kwenteke kutsi Josefa usasibambele emagcubu, afune kutenanela ngako konkhe lokubi lesamenta kona.” Ngako-ke batfumela kuJosefa batsi: “Babe wasinika lomyalo ngaphambi kokufa kwakhe watsi: ‘Nibohamba niye kuJosefa nifike nitsi: Mine yihlo ngicela ubatsetselele laba bomnakenu ngalobubi lababenta kuwe, ngobe bakona.’ Sesiyakucela-ke kutsi usitsetselele kulobubi lesabenta kuwe, tsine tinceku taNkulunkulu weyihlo.” Josefa wakhala nakeva lomlayeto. Bomnakabo befika kuJosefa bamkhotsama, batsi: “Sesilapha tsine tinceku takho.” Kodvwa Josefa wakhuluma kubo watsi: “Ningesabi. Ngingeke ngitibeke endzaweni yaNkulunkulu. Nine nanitimisele lokubi ngami; kodvwa Nkulunkulu loko wakugucula kwaba ngulokuhle, entela kutsi ngalesikhatsi kusindziswe bantfu labanyenti, bangabulawa yindlala. Ngako-ke ningesabi. Nine nebantfwabenu ngitaniphatsa ngetandla letifutfumele.” Ngalenkhulumo wabanika siciniseko, tinhlitiyo tabo tadvudvuteka. Josefa wachubeka wahlala eGibhithe, yena nemndeni weyise. Wakhula waze waba neminyaka leli-110 budzala, wase uyafa. Josefa wakhula, wadzimate wabona bantfwana ba-Efrayimu nebatukulu bakhe; wabona nebantfwana baMakhire, umsa waManase; Josefa wabafaka emndenini wakhe. Josefa wakhuluma kubomnakabo, watsi: “Sengitakufa; kodvwa ngiyati kutsi Nkulunkulu utawuba nani anikhiphe kulelive, anibuyisele eveni labetsembisa lona bo-Abrahama, na-Isaka, naJakobe.” Josefa wabafungisa bomnakabo, emadvodzana a-Israyeli, watsi: “Ngetsembiseni kutsi Nkulunkulu nanikhumbula atenikhipha la, niyawuhamba nawo ematsambo ami.” Ngako-ke Josefa wafela eGibhithe asaneminyaka leli-110, sidvumbu sakhe somiswa ngemitsi, kuze singaboli, sabe sesiyalondvolotwa. Nankha-ke emabito emadvodzana aka-Israyeli laya eGibhithe ahamba neyise Jakobe, nguleyo naleyo ndvodzana beyihamba nemndeni wakayo: bekuboRubeni, naSimeyoni, naLevi, naJuda, na-Isakhari, naZebuloni, naBhenjamini, naDani, naNaftali, naGadi, na-Asheri. Sewuwonkhe umndeni wakaJakobe wawubantfu lababengema-70. Phela Josefa abesavele aseGibhithe. Ngekuhamba kwesikhatsi boJosefa, nabomnakabo, nalo lonkhe lelo butfo labo, lafa laphela. Kodvwa titukulwane tabo, ema-Israyeli, tatalana, tandza, taba nemandla kakhulu, kangangobe live laseGibhithe lase ligcwele tona. Kwase kubekwa inkhosi lensha eGibhithe, leyayingati lutfo ngaJosefa. Yacaphelisa bantfu bayo, yatsi: “Bukani la, lama-Israyeli asandza kakhulu lapha eveni letfu, kantsi futsi anemandla kakhulu kunatsi, asayingoti kitsi. Ase siwabuke ngalamanye emehlo, sente lisu, funa andze kakhulu, ngobe nakungesuka imphi, angahle asite letitsa tetfu, bese ayabaleka kulelive.” Ngako-ke emaGibhithe agcilata ema-Israyeli ngekuwabekela tindvuna letatiwashayela njengetinkhabi, tiwahlupha ngekuwetfwesa imitfwalo lematima. Ema-Israyeli akhela boFaro iPhithomu neRamsesi lekwakutingungumadolobha. Kodvwa kuwahlupha nekuwacindzetela lama-Israyeli kwawenta andza kakhulu, andza nalo lonkhe live. EmaGibhithe acala kuwesaba ema-Israyeli. Ngako-ke emaGibhithe asebentisa sive sema-Israyeli ngesihluku; imphilo yawo ayenta yababa ngekuwagcilata kamatima: awabhucisa ludzaka, awafolomisa netitini, awentisa yonkhe inhlobo yemisebenti yasemasimini. Kuko konkhe labekwenta emaGibhithe asebentisa ema-Israyeli kamatima. Inkhosi yaseGibhithe yakhuluma kuboShifra naPhuwa, labo bekubabelekisi bebafati bemaHebheru, yatsi: “Nanibelekisa bafati bemaHebheru, kubotsi luswane nalungumfana nilubulale, kodvwa naluyintfombatane ningalubulali.” Kodvwa babelekisi besaba Nkulunkulu, ngako abazange bawente lomyalo wenkhosi, babengatibulali letinswane letibafana. Ngako-ke inkhosi yababita lababelekisi, yababuta yatsi: “Nikwentelani loku? Anitibulali ngani letinswane letibafana?” Babelekisi bayiphendvula inkhosi batsi: “Bafati bemaHebheru abafanani nebafati bemaGibhithe. Bafati bemaHebheru banemandla, babeleka masinyane umbelekisi asengakefiki.” Ngako-ke Nkulunkulu waba nemusa kulababelekisi. Ema-Israyeli andza kakhulu, adlanga kuba nemandla. Njengobe lababelekisi bamesaba Nkulunkulu, yena wabapha imiti. Ngako-ke Faro wayala bonkhe bantfu bakhe, watsi: “Lonkhe luswane lwemHebheru lolungumfana lubotsi nalutalwa nilugcumukisele emfuleni iNayili, kodvwa luswane loluyintfombatane niboluyekela luphile.” Ngaso leso sikhatsi kwesuka indvodza yesive sakaLevi yateka umfati wesive sakubo. Lomfati wakhulelwa, watala indvodzana, watsi kube abone indlela lolwaluluhle ngayo loluswane, walufihla lwaze lwaba netinyanga letintsatfu. Kodvwa lwatsi kube lufike esigabeni sekungafihleki, wase ulufaka esitjeni lesaselukwe ngelikhwane, wasihuca ngalokusalibumba nangelitiyela, kuze singangenwa ngemanti. Walufaka ekhatsi loluswane, wase ulubeka emhlangeni elusentseni lwemfula iNayili. Dzadzewabo loluswane wema bucalu, entela kubuka kutsi kutakwentekani kulo. Kwase kufika indvodzakati yaFaro itewugeza lapha kulomfula; timphekeleteli tayo tatihamba tigudla lusentse lwemfula. Yatsi nayisibona lesitja sisekhatsi emhlangeni, yatfuma imphekeleteli yayo yatsi asilandvwe. Lendvodzakati yaFaro yatsi nayisivula lesitja, yakhandza kuneluswane lwemfana, lukhala. Yaluhawukela, yase itsi: “Lolu ngulolunye lwetinswane temaHebheru.” Dzadzewabo loluswane wakhuluma kulendvodzakati yaFaro, watsi: “Ngingakufunela yini umfati longumHebheru atekumunyisela loluswane?” Indvodzakati yaFaro yatsi: “Ngingabonga, hamba.” Ngako-ke lentfombatana yagijima yalandza unina waloluswane. Indvodzakati yaFaro yakhuluma kulonina, yatsi: “Ngitsatsele nangu umntfwana ungimunyisele yena, mine ngitakuholela.” Ngako lomake walutsatsa loluswane walumunyisa. Watsi nasakhulakhulile lomntfwana, wamtsatsa wammikisa kulendvodzakati yaFaro. Lendvodzakati yaFaro yamfaka esiswini sayo, waba ngumntfwanayo, yatsi: “Njengobe ngimkhiphe emantini, ngitametsa ngitsi nguMosi.” Kwatsi nasakhulile Mosi, wahamba wavakashela bantfu besive sakubo, emaHebheru; wabona indlela lababephocelelwa ngayo kutsi bente umsebenti lomatima. Wabona umGibhithe ashaya lomunye wesive sakubo, umHebheru. Mosi wacalata ngala nangala, watsi kube abone kutsi kute lombonako, wabulala lomGibhithe; wammbela esihlabatsini. Ngakusasa wabuyela futsi wabavakashela; wabona emadvodza lamabili emaHebheru alwa odvwa. Wakhuluma kulona lekwakunguyena onile, watsi: “Umshayelani lomuntfu wakini, longumHebheru?” Lendvodza yaphendvula yatsi: “Ngubani losakwente indvuna nemehluleli wetfu wena? Sewufuna kungibulala nami njengalomGibhithe lombulele itolo?” Mosi wetfuka, wesaba kakhulu, amangaliswa kutsi kantsi lendzaba beseyatiwa. Watsi kube Faro ayive lendzaba, wafuna Mosi, amfunela kumbulala. Kodvwa Mosi wabaleka eveni laFaro wayawuhlala eveni lakaMidiyani. Ngalelinye lilanga, Mosi ahleti eceleni kwesicobho, kwase kufika emantfombatana lasikhombisa emphristi wakaMidiyani. Lamantfombatana abetewugcwalisa emanti emikhunjini, khona kutewunatsiswa imihlambi yetimvu neyetimbuti teyise. Kwase kufika labanye belusi bawacosha lamantfombatana, kodvwa Mosi wesuka wawalamlela lamantfombatana ngekunatsisa lomhlambi wawo. Atsi nakefika ekhaya kuyise, Rehuweli, watsi: “Lamuhla kwentiwe yini kutsi nisheshe kangaka kubuya?” Amphendvula atsi: “Kukhona umGibhithe losivikele kubelusi, wadzimate wasikhelela nemanti ekunatsisa umhlambi.” Wawabuta watsi: “Uphi kepha lomGibhithe? Nimshiyeleni? Hambani nimlandze ete lapha ekhaya atewutfola lokudliwako.” Ngako Mosi wavuma kuhlala ekhaya kalendvodza. Rehuweli wamendzisela intfombi yakakhe lekwakunguSiphora. Watala indvodzana, Mosi wayetsa libito watsi nguGeshomu, ngobe abetsi: “Ngisihambi kulelive.” Emvakweminyaka leminyenti Faro waseGibhithe wafa. Ema-Israyeli abubula ngalokugcilatwa kwawo, akhala kuNkulunkulu acela lusito. Kukhala kwawo kwenyuka kwefika kuNkulunkulu. Nkulunkulu wakuva kububula kwawo, wase uyasikhumbula sivumelwane sakhe lasenta ku-Abrahama, naku-Isaka, nakuJakobe. Ngako Nkulunkulu wababuka bantfwana baka-Israyeli, wabanaka. Kwatsi ngalelinye lilanga Mosi eluse umhlambi wetimvu netimbuti teyisetala, Jethro, labengumphristi wakaMidiyani, asachuba lomhlambi weyisetala ayakuwelusela ngesheya kwelihlane, wadzimate wefika eHorebe, intsaba yaNkulunkulu. Ingilosi yaSimakadze yabonakala kuye iselangabini lemlilo ekhatsi nekhatsi esihlahleni. Watsi uyabuka, wabona lesihlahla sivutsa kodvwa singashi. Mosi wakhuluma watsi: “Ase ngiphambuke ngitewubona lesihlahla kutsi, njengobe naku siyavutsa, asishi ngani?” Simakadze watsi kube abone kutsi Mosi uyaphambukela kutewubona, wamemeta watsi: “Mosi! Ye Mosi!” Mosi wasabela watsi: “Ngilapha!” Nkulunkulu watsi: “Ungasasondzeli, khumula tincabule takho, ngobe lendzawo lome kuyo ingumhlabatsi longcwele. NginguNkulunkulu wabokhokho bakho: Nkulunkulu wa-Abrahama, naNkulunkulu wa-Isaka, naNkulunkulu waJakobe.” Mosi wambonya buso bakhe, ngobe esaba kubukana naNkulunkulu. Simakadze wakhuluma watsi: “Sengikubone ngempela kuhlushwa kwebantfu bami labaseGibhithe. Sengikuvile nekukhala kwabo ngekucindzetelwa nguletindvuna tabo temisebenti. Ngiyakwati kuhlupheka kwabo. Ngako-ke sengehlile kutebakhulula esandleni semaGibhithe nekubakhipha eveni laseGibhithe, ngibayise eveni lelibanti nalelivundzile, lelinelubisi neluju lwetinyosi. Lelive liyindzawo yemaKhenani, nemaHethi, nema-Amori, nemaPheresi, nemaHivi, nemaJebhusi. Sengikuvile kukhala kwebantfu bami, sengikubonile nalokucindzetelwa kwabo ngemaGibhithe. Kota ngitekutfumela kuFaro, kutsi uyewukhulula bantfu bami, emadvodzana a-Israyeli, ubakhiphe eveni laseGibhithe.” Mosi wakhuluma kuNkulunkulu, watsi: “Ngingubani mine kutsi ngingaya kuFaro, ngiyewukhipha ema-Israyeli eGibhithe?” Nkulunkulu watsi: “Mine, ngitawuba nawe. Nasi-ke sibonakaliso loyawubona ngaso kutsi ngimi lona lokutfumile: Kuyawutsi nase ubakhiphile bantfu bami eGibhithe, bese niyeta nifike ningikhonte kulentsaba.” Mosi wakhuluma kuNkulunkulu, watsi: “Nangifika kuma-Israyeli ngitsi kubo: ‘Nkulunkulu waboyihlomkhulu ungitfume kini,’ bese bangibuta batsi: ‘Ngubani libito lakhe?’ ngiyawubaphendvula ngitsini?” Nkulunkulu watsi kuMosi: “Nginguye Lenginguye. Nguloko loyawubatjela kona baka-Israyeli, utsi: ‘Nginguye ungitfumile.’ ” Nkulunkulu waphindze watsi kuMosi: “Ubokhuluma kuma-Israyeli utsi: ‘Simakadze, Nkulunkulu wabokhokho benu, naNkulunkulu wabo-Abrahama, naNkulunkulu wa-Isaka, naNkulunkulu waJakobe, ungitfume kini.’ Leli-ke libito lami phakadze naphakadze, tonkhe titukulwane tiyawungibita kanjalo. Hamba uhlanganise baholi bema-Israyeli ndzawonye ukhulume kubo utsi: ‘Simakadze, Nkulunkulu waboyihlomkhulu, Nkulunkulu wabo-Abrahama, na-Isaka, naJakobe, ubonakele kimi, watsi: “Sengikubonile konkhe lokwentiwa ngemaGibhithe kini. Sengincumile kutsi ngitanikhipha ekuhluphekeni kwenu kwaseGibhithe nginimikise eveni lemaKhenani, nemaHethi, nema-Amori, nemaPheresi, nemaHivi, nemaJebhusi, live leligcwele lubisi, neluju lwetinyosi.” ’ “Bantfu bami batakulalela loko lokushoko. Wena-ke nebaholi bema-Israyeli nitawube seniya kuFaro, inkhosi yaseGibhithe, nifike nitsi: ‘Simakadze, Nkulunkulu wemaHebheru uhlangene natsi. Sicela kutsi usikhulule sitsatse luhambo lwemalanga lamatsatfu siye ehlane, kuze siyekwenta umhlatjelo kuSimakadze longuNkulunkulu wetfu.’ Ngiyati kutsi Faro, inkhosi yaseGibhithe, angeke anivumele ngaphandle kwekutsi avunyiswe sandla lesinemandla. Ngiyakwelula sandla sami ngishaye iGibhithe ngetinhlupheko letinyenti lengiyawutenta kuyo. Emvakwaloko-ke uyawube sewuyanivumela kutsi nihambe. “Ngiyakwenta emaGibhithe kutsi anihloniphe anentele sisa, kuze kutsi nase niphuma, ningahambi ningakaphatsi lutfo. Wonkhe longumfati wem-Israyeli uyawucela kumakhelwane wakhe, acele nome ngukumuphi umfati lohlala ekhaya kakhe kutsi amuphe timphahla tekwembatsa kanye nemihlobiso yesiliva neyegolide. Emadvodzana kanye nemadvodzakati enu ayawuhamba nato letintfo; niyakuwaphundla kanjalo-ke emaGibhithe.” Mosi waphendvula Nkulunkulu watsi: “Ngitawutsini, nangitawutsi ngiyabatjela labantfu bangete bangikholwa bangangilaleli nekungilalela bangitjele batsi: ‘Nkulunkulu akaze abonakale kuwe’?” Simakadze wambuta watsi: “Yini lena lesesandleni sakho?” Waphendvula watsi: “Yindvuku.” Simakadze watsi: “Yijike phansi.” Mosi wayijika phansi, yagucuka lendvuku yaba yinyoka. Mosi wayibalekela. Simakadze watsi kuMosi: “Yelula sandla sakho uyibambe ngemsila.” Ngako Mosi welula sandla sakhe wayibamba ngemsila, yagucuka yaba yindvuku futsi esandleni sakhe. Simakadze wachubeka watsi: “Uyakwenta loko-ke embikwema-Israyeli kuze akukholwe kutsi Simakadze, Nkulunkulu waboyihlomkhulu, Nkulunkulu wa-Abrahama, na-Isaka, naJakobe, utibonakalisile kuwe.” Simakadze wachubeka wakhuluma kuMosi watsi: “Faka sandla sakho esifubeni sakho.” Mosi wenta njalo; watsi uyasikhipha sandla, saphuma sesinebulephelo, sesimhlophe njengangcocwane. Nkulunkulu wase utsi: “Phindza futsi usifake esifubeni sakho sandla sakho.” Mosi waphindza futsi wasifaka esifubeni; watsi uyasikhipha, saphuma sesite bulephelo, sesifana nemtimba wakhe wonkhe. Nkulunkulu wachubeka watsi: “Nabangakukholwa nome bangasikholwa lesibonakaliso sekucala, lesi sesibili sitawubenta bakukholwe. Nangabe abatikholwa totimbili letibonakaliso bangakwemukeli naloko lokushoko, ubokha emanti emfuleni iNayili uwatsele emhlabatsini lowomile. Lamanti ayawugucuka abe yingati.” Kodvwa Mosi watsi kuSimakadze: “Awu, Simakadze! Mine angisilo libeka ekukhulumeni; ngiyehluleka kukhuluma kahle seloku ngaba khona, nanyalo seloku ngicalile kukhuluma nawe. Ngikhuluma nginamule, kantsi futsi ngiyangingita.” Simakadze watsi kuye: “Ngubani lowanika umuntfu umlomo? Ngubani lowenta umuntfu abe simungulu, nome sihhulu? Ngubani lowenta umuntfu abone nome abe yimphumphutse? Akusimi yini, mine Simakadze? Hamba nyalo! Ngiyawukusita nase ukhuluma, ngikutjele kutsi utawukhuluma utsini.” Kodvwa Mosi waphendvula watsi: “Awu, Nkhosi! Ngicela umane utfume lomunye.” Nkulunkulu watfukutselela Mosi kakhulu, watsi: “Unjani-ke umnakenu Aroni longumLevi? Ngiyati kutsi ulibeka ekukhulumeni. Empeleni sewusendleleni utekuhlangabeta, utawujabula kakhulu enhlitiyweni yakhe nakakubona. Wena-ke ubokhuluma naye umtjele onkhe emagama lofanele kuwasho. Ngiyawunisita nobabili ekukhulumeni, nginitjele kutsi kufanele nenteni. Nguye lotakukhulumela kubantfu, abe ngumlomo wakho, wena ube njengaNkulunkulu kuye. Kodvwa ubotsatsa lendvuku yakho uhambe nayo utakwenta ngayo imimangaliso.” Mosi wabuyela kuJethro, uyisetala, watsi kuye: “Ngicela umane ungivumele ngibuyele eGibhithe, ngiyewuhlola bantfu bakitsi kutsi basekhona yini labasaphila.” Jethro wamvumela, wamvalelisa kahle watsi: “Hamba, ngikufisela inhlanhla lenhle.” Mosi asekaMidiyani, Simakadze abeke wakhuluma watsi: “Ncandzeka ubuyele eGibhithe, ngobe bonkhe labo bebafuna kukubulala sebafile.” Ngako Mosi watsatsa umkakhe nemadvodzana akhe wabagibelisa embongolweni, wahamba wabuyela eGibhithe. Esandleni sakhe Mosi abephetse lendvuku yaNkulunkulu. Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Nase ubuyele eGibhithe, ucaphele kutsi uyente embikwaFaro yonkhe lemimangaliso lengikunike emandla ekuyenta. Kodvwa ngiyawuyenta ibe lukhuni inhlitiyo yaFaro, ngako angeke asivumele sive sami kutsi sihambe. Ubokhuluma kuFaro utsi: ‘Simakadze utsi: Israyeli litubulo lami. Ngikutjelile ngatsi: “Khulula indvodzana yami kuze ingikhonte,” kodvwa wena walile kuyikhulula. Ngako-ke ngitawubulala indvodzana yakho yematubulo.’ ” Kwatsi asesendleleni leya eGibhithe, ahleti ethendeni aphumula, Simakadze wafuna kubulala Mosi. Siphora watsatsa litje lelikhaliphako wajuba lijwabu lendvodzana yakhe, walidzaceka etinyaweni taMosi watsi: “Impela wena ungumyeni wami wengati.” Ngaloko Nkulunkulu wase uyamyekela loMosi emvakwekuba Siphora asatsite: “Wena ungumyeni wami wengati” ngekwelisiko lekusoka. Simakadze wakhuluma ku-Aroni, watsi: “Hamba uye ehlane uyewuhlangabeta Mosi.” Ngako-ke Aroni wahamba waya kuyawuhlangabeta Mosi entsabeni yaNkulunkulu, wafike wamanga. Ngako Mosi watjela Aroni konkhe Simakadze labemtfume kona, wamlandzisa nangaletimangaliso abemnikete tona kutsi atente. BoMosi na-Aroni bahamba bafike bahlanganisa bonkhe baholi bema-Israyeli. Aroni wabatjela konkhe Nkulunkulu labekukhulumile kuMosi. Mosi wabakhombisa naletibonakaliso labetinikwe nguNkulunkulu. Ngako bakholwa. Batsi kube beve kutsi Simakadze ubanakile nekutsi abesakubonile kuhlupheka kwabo, bakhotsamisa tinhloko tabo bakhonta Simakadze. Emvakwaloko boMosi na-Aroni bahamba baya kuFaro, bafike batsi: “Simakadze longuNkulunkulu wema-Israyeli utsi: ‘Khulula sive sami sihambe, siyewungentela sibhimbi sekungidvumisa ehlane.’ ” Faro wabuta watsi: “Ungubani yena lowo Simakadze, kutsi mine ngingalalela livi lakhe, ngikhulule ema-Israyeli kutsi ahambe? Angimati lowo Simakadze, futsi ngingeke ngisikhulule sive sema-Israyeli kutsi sihambe.” BoMosi na-Aroni bamphendvula batsi: “Nkulunkulu wemaHebheru uhlangene natsi. Sivumele kutsi sitsatse luhambo lwemalanga lamatsatfu, siye ehlane, siyewunikela ngemhlatjelo kuSimakadze longuNkulunkulu wetfu; ngobe nasingakwenti loko, utasishaya ngesifo lesingelapheki nome asibulale ngemphi.” Kodvwa lenkhosi yaseGibhithe yatsi kubo: “Nine Mosi, nawe Aroni, labantfu nibayekeliseleni umsebenti wabo? Buyelani emsebentini wenu nine.” Wachubeka Faro watsi: “Ase nibuke nje, labantfu sebanyenti kakhulu lapha eveni. Nyalo senibayekelisa lemitfwalo yabo!” Ngalo lelo langa Faro wanika tindvuna nebashayeli bakakhe imitsetfo yemisebenti, watsi: “Labantfu ningabobe nisabaletsela tjani bekufoloma titini, njengobe benenta. Kodvwa babosale sebatifunela bona tjani. Kodvwa nome kunjalo, lesitoko sabo setitini lekufanele batifolome ngelilanga singehliswa, ngobe mncane kakhulu lomsebenti labawentako; bayavilapha, ngiko nje balibele kukhonona ngekutsi: ‘Sikhulule siyewunikela ngemhlatjelo kuNkulunkulu wetfu.’ Wengetele umsebenti lomnyenti lamadvodza atewusebenta angacedzi, kuze ayekele lokulibala ngemanga.” Ngako-ke bashayeli netindvuna takakhe tabuyela kuma-Israyeli, tafike tatsi kuwo: “Utsi Faro: ‘Ngingeke ngisaninika tjani bekufoloma. Tifuneleni nine tjani nome ngukuphi lapho ningabutfola khona; kodvwa sitoko semsebenti wenu singeke sincishiswe.’ ” Ngako-ke ema-Israyeli asakateka nalo lonkhe live laseGibhithe afunana netjani. Bashayeli bawo betama kuwacindzetela, batsi: “Cedzani umsebenti wenu wesitoko selilanga ngelilanga, kufanane nje nangesikhatsi tjani nisabuletselwa.” Tindvuna tema-Israyeli letatibekwe bashayeli baFaro tabhanjabulwa tabutwa kutsi: “Kuye ngani kutsi ningasenti sitoko semsebenti wekufoloma titini itolo nome lamuhla njengawo onkhe emalanga?” Tindvuna tema-Israyeli takhala, tashuca taya kuFaro, tafike tatsi: “Hhawu, nkhosi! Utiphatselani kanjena letinceku takho? Tinceku takho atisanikwa nakunikwa tjani, kodvwa kusajinge kutsiwe: ‘Folomani titini.’ Tinceku takho tiyabhanjabulwa, kantsi licala likulabantfu bakho.” Faro wabaphendvula watsi: “Niyavilapha! Anifuni kusebenta! Ngiko nilibele kutsi: ‘Sicela mane sihambe siyewunikela ngemihlatjelo kuSimakadze.’ Ncandzekani nibuyele emsebentini wenu! Akunatjani nitabuniketwa la, kodvwa kusafuneka nente leso sitoko setitini lenanisenta nisaletselwa tjani.” Tindvuna tema-Israyeli tavele tabona kutsi tisenhluphekweni nakutsiwa: “Akufanele lesitoko setitini sehle kulelinani benilifoloma nisaletselwa tjani.” Tatsi tindvuna natisuka lapho kuFaro, tahlangana naboMosi na-Aroni lababevele bemele tona. Takhuluma kuboMosi na-Aroni tatsi: “Shangatsi Simakadze angakubona loko lesenikwentile, anijezise, ngobe senente liphunga letfu lenyanyeka kuFaro nakutiphatsimandla takhe. Senibahlomisile kuze kutsi basibulale kalula.” Mosi wabuyela kuSimakadze, watsi: “Awu, Simakadze, ubaphatselani ngesihluku labantfu bakho? Wangitfumelani la? Seloku ngicalile kuya kuFaro kuyewukhuluma egameni lakho, ubaphatse ngesihluku labantfu. Kute nelusito lolwentile kubalamulela kulenhlupheko.” Simakadze watsi kuMosi: “Utawubona-ke nyalo lengitakwenta kuFaro. Utabakhulula bantfu bami bahambe ngenca yesandla lesinemandla; yebo, ngenca yesandla sami lesinemandla uyawubacosha besuke eveni lakhe.” Nkulunkulu wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “NginguSimakadze. Ngabonakala ku-Abrahama, naku-Isaka, nakuJakobe kutsi nginguNkulunkulu Somandla, kodvwa angizange ngibatise lelibito lami lelingcwele, Simakadze. Ngaphindze ngenta sivumelwane sami kanye nabo, ngabetsembisa kutsi ngiyawubanika live laseKhenani, lapho babehlala khona njengetihambi. Ngikuvile, futsi, kububula nekukhala kwesive sami ema-Israyeli lagcilatwe ngemaGibhithe; ngisikhumbulile sivumelwane sami. Ngako-ke tjela ema-Israyeli utsi: ‘NginguSimakadze; ngitanikhulula kulokugcilatwa kwenu ngemaGibhithe. Ngengalo yami leyelulekile nangetento temandla lengiyawubajezisa ngato ngiyawunephula kubo. Ngitanenta nibe sive sami, mine ngibe nguNkulunkulu wenu. Nine-ke niyawungati kutsi nginguSimakadze longuNkulunkulu wenu lowanikhipha ngaphansi kwelijoko laseGibhithe. Ngitaningenisa eveni njengobe ngafunga ngekuphakamisa tandla kutsi ngitalinika bo-Abrahama, na-Isaka, naJakobe. Ngitanipha lona libe live lenu. NginguSimakadze.’ ” Mosi wawatjela loko ema-Israyeli, kodvwa akazange amlalele, ngobe umoya wawo wawephulwe sihluku nekugcilatwa kwawo. Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Hamba utjele Faro, inkhosi yaseGibhithe, kutsi akakhulule ema-Israyeli aphume kulelive lakhe.” Kodvwa Mosi waphendvula Simakadze, watsi: “Ingani ema-Israyeli akangilaleli; pho, Faro angangilalela kanjani? Angisilo libeka ekukhulumeni.” Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi na-Aroni, watsi: “Tjelani ema-Israyeli naFaro, inkhosi yaseGibhithe, kutsi nginitfume kutsi nihole ema-Israyeli aphume eGibhithe.” Laba-ke baholi betive tabo: Emadvodzana aRubeni, labelitubulo la-Israyeli: bekuboHanoki, naPhalu, naHesroni, naKhami; leyo-ke bekungimindeni yakaRubeni. Emadvodzana aSimeyoni bekuboJemuweli, naJamini, na-Ohadi, naJakhini, naSohari, naShawula, indvodzana yemKhenanikati; leyo-ke bekungimindeni yakaSimeyoni. Lawa ngemabito emadvodzana aLevi: bekuboGeshoni, naKhohati, naMerari; leyo-ke bekungimindeni yakaLevi. Levi waphila wadzimate waba neminyaka leli-137 budzala. Emadvodzana aGeshoni, ngemindeni yayo, bekuboLibni naShimeyi. Emadvodzana aKhohati bekubo-Amramu, naJisihari, naHebroni, na-Uziyeli. Khohati waphila wadzimate waba neminyaka leli-133 budzala. Emadvodzana aMerari bekuboMahali naMushi. Leyo-ke bekungimindeni yakaLevi kanye netitukulwane tayo. Amramu watsatsa Jokhebedi, labengudzadzewaboyise; wamtalela Aroni naMosi. Amramu waphila wadzimate waba neminyaka leli-137 budzala. Emadvodzana aJisihari bekuboKhora, naNefegi, naZikhri. Emadvodzana a-Uziyeli bekuboMishayeli, na-Elsafani, naSithri. Aroni watsatsa Elisheba, indvodzakati ya-Aminadabi, dzadzewaboNasoni. Wamtalela Nadabi, na-Abihu, na-Eleyazare, na-Ithamari. Emadvodzana aKhora bekubo-Asiri, na-Elkhana, na-Abiyasafa; leyo-ke bekungimindeni yakaKhora. Eleyazare, umsa wa-Aroni, watsatsa indvodzakati yaPhutiyeli; wamtalela Finehasi. Ngito leti-ke tinhloko tetindlu temaLevi ngemindeni yato. Bo-Aroni naMosi ngibo lakhuluma kubo Simakadze, watsi: “Khiphani sive sema-Israyeli onkhe eveni laseGibhithe.” Ngibo lababekhuluma naFaro, inkhosi yaseGibhithe, kutsi akakhulule sive sema-Israyeli siphume eGibhithe. Mhlazana Nkulunkulu akhuluma kuMosi aseveni laseGibhithe, watsi: “NginguSimakadze. Tjela Faro, inkhosi yaseGibhithe, konkhe loko lengikutjela kona.” Kodvwa Mosi waphendvula Nkulunkulu watsi: “Nawe uyati kutsi angisilo libeka ekukhulumeni; pho, Faro angangilalela kanjani?” Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Buka la, wena ngitakwenta ufane naNkulunkulu kuFaro; Aroni, umnakenu, yena abe ngumphrofethi wakho. Wena utawutjela Aroni konkhe loko lengikuyale ngako; yena-ke utabe sewutjela Faro kutsi akhulule sive sami, ema-Israyeli, siphume eveni lakhe. Kodvwa ngitayenta ibe lukhuni inhlitiyo yaFaro, nome ngingaze ngente tibonakaliso netimangaliso letinyenti la eveni laseGibhithe. Faro angeke anilalele, ngako-ke ngiyakwehlisela sandla sami eGibhithe, ngiyijezise kabuhlungu, ngikhiphe sive sami, bantfwana baka-Israyeli, eGibhithe. EmaGibhithe ngulapho ayawungati khona kutsi nginguSimakadze, nase ngelule sandla sami ngikhulula ema-Israyeli emkhatsini wawo.” BoMosi na-Aroni benta njengobe babeyalwe nguSimakadze. Mosi abesaneminyaka lengema-80, kantsi Aroni abesaneminyaka lengema-83, nabakhulumisana naFaro. Simakadze wakhuluma kuboMosi na-Aroni, watsi: “Faro nakatsi: ‘Ase nente ummangaliso lotanifakazela,’ ubotsi ku-Aroni: ‘Tsatsa indvuku yakho uyijike phansi embikwaFaro, itawugucuka ibe yinyoka.’ ” Ngako-ke boMosi na-Aroni baya kuFaro befike benta njengobe Nkulunkulu abebayalile. Aroni wajika indvuku yakhe phansi embikwaFaro netiphatsimandla takhe, indvuku yagucuka yaba yinyoka. Faro wabita tihlakaniphi kanye nalabalumbako bakakhe. Nabo labalumbi baseGibhithe bakwenta loko ngemilingo yabo. Nabo batijika phansi tindvuku tabo, tagucuka taba tinyoka. Kodvwa indvuku ya-Aroni yatimita tonkhe leti letinye tindvuku. Inhlitiyo yaFaro yajinge yaba lukhuni, akazange abalalele, njengobe Simakadze abeshito. Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Inhlitiyo yaFaro seyilukhuni, uyala kukhulula labantfu kutsi bahambe. Hamba uye kuFaro ekuseni ngesikhatsi aya emfuleni iNayili, ubommela elusentseni lwayo. Uboyiphatsa lendvuku leyagucuka yaba yinyoka. Ubokhuluma kuye utsi: ‘Simakadze, Nkulunkulu wemaHebheru, ungitfume kuwe watsi ngibofike ngitsi: “Khulula sive sami sihambe, khona sitewungikhonta ehlane;” kodvwa kuze kube ngumanje usengakakwenti loko lengikutjela kona. Utsi-ke Simakadze: “Loku lengitakwenta ngiko lokutakwenta wati kutsi nginguSimakadze.” Ngitawushaya lamanti emfula iNayili ngalendvuku lesesandleni sami, bese-ke onkhe lamanti ayagucuka aba yingati. Tonkhe tinhlanti titakufa, bese lomfula unuka luvundze kangangobe emaGibhithe atakwehluleka ngisho nekunatsa emanti awo.’ ” Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Khuluma ku-Aroni utsi: ‘Tsatsa indvuku yakho uyengamise yonkhe imifula, nemisele yayo, netitiba tayo, netitiba tekwakhiwa la eGibhithe. Lamanti atawugucuka abe yingati, lonkhe live laseGibhithe, ngisho nasetitjeni letentiwe ngetigodvo naletentiwe ngematje.’ ” BoMosi na-Aroni benta njengobe babeyalwe nguSimakadze. Aroni waphakamisa indvuku yakhe embikwaFaro netiphatsimandla takhe washaya emanti emfula iNayili. Onkhe emanti lakuyo agucuka aba yingati. Tinhlanti temfula tafa, iNayili yanuka luvundze kangangekutsi emaGibhithe ehluleka kuwanatsa emanti ayo. Live lonkhe laseGibhithe lagcwala ingati. Labalumbi baseGibhithe nabo bakwenta loko ngemilingo yabo. Ngako-ke inhlitiyo yaFaro yachubeka yaba lukhuni kakhulu, akazange akulalele loko babemtjela kona, kwaya njengobe Simakadze abeshito. Faro wancandzeka wabuyela esigodlweni sakhe; akazange akunake ngisho nakancane loko. Onkhe emaGibhithe agubha emanti elusentseni lwemfula iNayili, ngobe emanti ayo abengasanatseki. Kwendlula emalanga lasikhombisa Simakadze awashayile emanti emfula iNayili. Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Hamba uye kuFaro umtjele kutsi Simakadze utsi: ‘Khulula sive sami sihambe, khona sitekungikhonta. Nawala kusikhulula, live lakho lonkhe ngitalishaya ngetigogodvolo. Umfula iNayili utawugcwala tigogodvolo, tize tenyukele ngisho nasesigodlweni sakho, nasekamelweni lakho lekulala, nasembhedzeni wakho, nasetindlini tetiphatsimandla takho, nakutakhamiti takho, nakubohhavini bakho, nasetitjeni tenhlama. Letigogodvolo tiyawugcumela etikwakho, nasetikwebantfu bakho, nasetikwetiphatsimandla takho tonkhe.’ ” Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Tjela Aroni utsi: ‘Yelula sandla sakho lesinendvuku usibhekise ngasemifuleni, nasemachaphotini, nasetitibeni wente tigogodvolo tiphumele ngaphandle emhlabatsini eveni laseGibhithe.’ ” Ngako-ke Aroni wayengamisa etikwemanti aseGibhithe. Tigogodvolo taphuma tananabuka nalo lonkhe live laseGibhithe. Nalabalumbi benta njalo ngemilingo yabo; tigogodvolo batikhiphela emhlabatsini eveni laseGibhithe. Faro wabita boMosi na-Aroni; befika, watsi kubo: “Thandazani kuSimakadze nimcele kutsi esuse letigogodvolo la kimi nakulesive sami. Ngitawube sengiyabakhulula labantfu benu bahambe, khona batawunikela imihlatjelo kuSimakadze.” Mosi waphendvula Faro watsi: “Anginike wena emandla nelilungelo lekungibekela sikhatsi lengingakuthandazela ngaso wena netiphatsimandla takho kanye nesive sakho, kutsi tiphele letigogodvolo lapha emkhatsini wenu nasetindlini tenu, tisale emfuleni iNayili kuphela.” Faro wamphendvula watsi: “Kusasa.” Mosi watsi: “Kulungile, nkhosi, kutakwenteka njengobe ufuna, kuze wati kutsi kute lofanana naSimakadze longuNkulunkulu wetfu. Letigogodvolo titawusuka kuwe, nasetindlini takho, nasetiphatsimandleni takho, nasesiveni sakho. Titawusala emfuleni iNayili kuphela.” BoMosi na-Aroni besuka kuFaro bahamba. Mosi wafike wathandaza kuSimakadze amcela kutsi esuse letigogodvolo letase titseleke etikwaFaro. Simakadze wenta njengesicelo saMosi. Tafa tonkhe tigogodvolo letatisetindlini, nasetibuyeni, nasemasimini. EmaGibhithe atibutsisa ndzawonye taba tincumbi letinkhulu. Lonkhe live lanuka luboti. Kodvwa Faro watsi kube abone kutsi tigogodvolo setifile, wenta inhlitiyo yakhe yaba lukhuni, njengobe abevele ashito Simakadze. Faro akazange abalalele boMosi na-Aroni kutsi batsini. Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Khuluma ku-Aroni utsi: ‘Yelula indvuku yakho ushaye lutfuli lwemhlabatsi ngalendvuku yakho, lonkhe lutfuli lwelive laseGibhithe lutawugucuka lube timbuzulwane.’ ” Bavele bakwenta loko. Aroni welula sandla sakhe, washaya lutfuli lwemhlabatsi ngendvuku yakhe; lonkhe lutfuli lwagucuka lwaba timbuzulwane letahlasela bantfu netilwane. Lonkhe lutfuli lwemhlabatsi eGibhithe lwagucuka lwaba timbuzulwane. Labalumbako benta butsi bekwenta imilingo; kodvwa behluleka kwenta timbuzulwane. Letimbuzulwane tahlasela bantfu kanye nemfuyo. Labalumbako bakhuluma kuFaro batsi: “Ngumuno waNkulunkulu-ke lo!” Kodvwa inhlitiyo yaFaro yaba lukhuni; akazange akunake lokwakushiwo boMosi na-Aroni, njengobe abevele ashito Simakadze. Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Vuka ekuseni ngeluvivi, umele Faro nakaya emfuleni, ufike kuye utsi: ‘Simakadze utsi: Khulula bantfu bami bahambe, khona batewungikhonta. Nawungabakhululi bantfu bami kutsi bahambe, ngitawutfumela libulo letibawu kuwe, nakutiphatsimandla takho, nasesiveni sakho, nasetindlini takho. Tindlu temaGibhithe tiyawugcwala tibawu, tembese ngisho nelive lawo lonkhe. Kodvwa live laseGosheni, lapho kuhlala khona sive sami, ngitaliphephisa; bangeke bahlaselwe tibawu, khona utekwati kutsi mine, Simakadze, ngikhona kulelive. Ngitakwenta umehluko emkhatsini wesive sami nesive sakho. Lesishayo sitakwenteka kusasa loku lokusako.’ ” Simakadze wavele wakwenta loko. Watfumela lifu letibawu esigodlweni saFaro, nasetindlini tetiphatsimandla takhe, naseveni lonkhe laseGibhithe. Tibawu talibhubhisa live lonkhe laseGibhithe. Faro wase ubita boMosi na-Aroni; befika, watsi kubo: “Hambani niyewunikela imihlatjelo kuloNkulunkulu wenu, kodvwa ningaphumi kulo lelive.” Mosi wamphendvula watsi: “Cha, kungeke kulunge loko, ngobe leminikelo yetfu yemihlatjelo itawuba sikhubekiso nesicefe kubantfu baseGibhithe. Nasinikela ngemihlatjelo lesinengiso emehlweni abo, bangahlala kanjani bangasigcobi ngematje? Kufanele sitsatse luhambo lwemalanga lamatsatfu siye ehlane, kuze sinikele ngemihlatjelo kuSimakadze, longuNkulunkulu wetfu, njengobe yena asiyalile.” Faro watsi: “Ngitanikhulula-ke kutsi nihambe niye ehlane niyewunikela ngemihlatjelo kuSimakadze, longuNkulunkulu wenu. Kepha noko ningaboya khashane kakhulu. Ngicela mane ningincusele nami.” Mosi wamphendvula watsi: “Nangisuka nje lapha, ngitawuthandaza kuSimakadze kutsi kusasa ekuseni atisuse letibawu lapha kuwe, nakuletiphatsimandla takho, nasesiveni sakho. Kodvwa kubobe awusiyengi futsi ngekutsi ube sewuyabalela labantfu kutsi bayewunikela imihlatjelo kuSimakadze.” Mosi wesuka kuFaro wahamba wayawuthandaza kuSimakadze. Simakadze waphendvula Mosi ngekumnika leso sicelo sakhe. Watisusa letibawu kuFaro, nakuletiphatsimandla takhe, nasesiveni sakhe; akusalanga ngisho nome sinye nje sibawu. Kodvwa Faro waphindze wenta inhlitiyo yakhe yaba lukhuni, wangete wabavumela kutsi bahambe. Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Hamba uye kuFaro ufike utsi: ‘Simakadze, longuNkulunkulu wemaHebheru, utsi: Khulula bantfu bami kutsi bahambe bayewungikhonta. Nangabe wala ungabavumeli bahambe, ngitakushaya kamatima ngekukutfumelela sifo kuto tonkhe tifuyo takho: emahhashi, netimbongolo, nemakamela, netinkhomo, netimvu, netimbuti. Ngitakwenta umehluko emkhatsini wetinkhomo tema-Israyeli netemaGibhithe. Kute nome sinye silwane lesitakufa lesisema-Israyeli.’ ” Simakadze wemisa sikhatsi watsi: “Kusasa Simakadze utakwenta loku lapha eveni.” Ngakusasa Simakadze wakwenta loko abetsite utakwenta. Tonkhe tifuyo temaGibhithe tafa; kodvwa kute nome sinye sifuyo sema-Israyeli lesake safa. Faro watfumela kuyawuhlola, wakhandza kute ngisho nasinye nje silwane sema-Israyeli lesasifile, noko wenta inhlitiyo yakhe yaba lukhuni, wangete wabakhulula kutsi bahambe. Simakadze wase ukhuluma kuMosi naku-Aroni, watsi: “Cuphani ngetandla emabinta emlotsa etiko, Mosi awusakate etulu emoyeni, embikwaFaro abuka. Lomlotsa utawuba njengelutfuli lolucolisakele usibekele lonkhe live laseGibhithe, bese kutsi lapho ufika khona uvete ematfumba lakhamisile emitimbeni yebantfu neyetilwane.” Ngako base bacaphuna umlotsa etiko, bema embikwaFaro, Mosi wawusakata emoyeni, kwase kuvumbuka ematfumba laba tilondza letivulekile kubantfu nasetilwaneni. Labalumbi behluleka kuma embikwaMosi, ngobe kwakutse minci ematfumba emitimbeni yabo nakuwo onkhe emaGibhithe. Kodvwa Simakadze wenta inhlitiyo yaFaro yaba lukhuni, akazange afune kubalalela; kwaya njengobe Simakadze abetjele Mosi. Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Ubovuka ekuseni ngeluvivi, uye kuFaro ufike kuye utsi: ‘Simakadze, longuNkulunkulu wemaHebheru, utsi: Khulula bantfu bami bahambe bayekungikhonta. Ngobe manje letishayo ngitatitfumelela kuletiphatsimandla takho nakubantfu bakho ngicedze ngendlulele kuwe imbala, khona utekwati kutsi kute lofanana nami emhlabeni wonkhe jikelele. Kube sandla sami bengisiphakamisele etikwakho ngesifo lesingelapheki, ngabe seniphele nya. Kodvwa noko kuze kube manje ngisakuphephisile, khona ngitekukhombisa emandla ami, nekutsi libito lami litewudvunyiswa emhlabeni wonkhe. Noko nanyalo seloku usatikhukhumeta ngetulu kwebantfu bami, awukabavumeli kutsi bakhululeke bahambe. Asulalele-ke, kusasa ngaso lesikhatsi ngitakwehlisa sangcotfo lesikhulu lesingazange sehle, seloku iGibhithe yaba khona. Nyalo-ke tfumela kutsi tonkhe tifuyo nako konkhe lokusetsafeni kulandvwe kutewukhoseliswa, ngobe sangcotfo sitakwehlela etikwabo bonkhe bantfu netifuyo letisetsafeni letingakakhoseliswa, kufe konkhe.’ ” Letinye tiphatsimandla taFaro tefikelwa kwesaba ngalamavi abesakhulunywe nguSimakadze, taphutfuma tabutsa tigcili tato netifuyo tato. Kodvwa letinye tato atizange tiwanake emavi aSimakadze; ngako tigcili tato netifuyo tato tatiyekelela ngaphandle tangete tatikhoselisa. Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Phakamisela sandla sakho etulu, sangcotfo sitakwehlela etikwalo lonkhe live laseGibhithe: etikwebantfu, nasetikwetifuyo, nasetikwetilimo tonkhe emasimini aseGibhithe.” Mosi waphakamisela indvuku yakhe etulu. Simakadze watfumela kudvuma, nesangcotfo, nembane kwehlela emhlabeni, Simakadze wehlisela sangcotfo eveni laseGibhithe; kwehla sangcotfo lesikhulu, kwaphambana nemibane. Kwaba sihhuhhula lesikhulu lesasingazange sesibe khona seloku yaba khona iGibhithe. Sangcotfo sehlela etikwalo lonkhe live laseGibhithe, savitsita konkhe lokwakungephandle, bantfu netifuyo. Savitsita tonkhe tilimo letatisemasimini, saphundla tonkhe tihlahla. Sangcotfo asizange sehle eveni laseGosheni, lapho kwakuhlala khona ema-Israyeli. Faro watfumela kutsi kubitwe boMosi na-Aroni; bafika, watsi kubo: “Cha, sengiyabona kutsi ngonile, Simakadze akoni lutfo. Ngimi nesive sami labonile. Thandazani kuSimakadze. Manje sesidziniwe ngulokudvuma nalesangcotfo. Ngitanikhulula nihambe, akusafuneki nihlale lapha.” Mosi wakhuluma kuye watsi: “Ngitawutsi ngingaphuma la edolobheni, bese ngiphakamisa tandla tami ngithandaze kuSimakadze; lokudvuma kutawukhawula nalesangcotfo siphele, kuze wati kutsi umhlaba ngewaSimakadze. Kodvwa ngiyati kutsi wena netiphatsimandla takho nisengakamesabi Simakadze longuNkulunkulu.” Iflekisi nebhali kwavitsiteka kwaphela nya; phela ibhali yase ivutsiwe, kantsi iflekisi yayisashakata. Kodvwa kolo nesipelite akuvitsitekanga, ngobe kuvutfwa kamuva. Mosi wesuka kuFaro, waphumela ngephandle kwelidolobha, waphakamisa tandla takhe athandaza kuSimakadze, kudvuma nesangcotfo kwancamuka, imvula yaphakamisa. Kodvwa Faro watsi kube abone kutsi imvula nesangcotfo kanye nekudvuma sekukhawulile, waphindze wona; yena netiphatsimandla takhe benta tinhlitiyo tabo taba lukhuni. Ngako-ke inhlitiyo yaFaro yayilukhuni, wangabe asabakhulula bantfwana baka-Israyeli kutsi bahambe; kwaya njengobe abevele ashito Simakadze ngemlomo waMosi. Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Hamba uye kuFaro, ngobe ngiyente yaba lukhuni inhlitiyo yakhe neyetiphatsimandla takhe, kuze ngitekwenta letibonakaliso tami emkhatsini wabo, khona nitekwati kutjela bantfwabenu nebatukulu benu kutsi emaGibhithe ngake ngawenta tilima kanjani ngekwenta letibonakaliso tami emkhatsini wawo. Nonkhe niyawungati kutsi nginguSimakadze.” Ngako-ke boMosi na-Aroni bahamba baya kuFaro, bafike kuye batsi: “Simakadze, longuNkulunkulu wemaHebheru, utsi: ‘Kutawuze kube ngunini seloku wala kutitfoba kimi? Khulula bantfu bami bahambe, khona batewungikhonta. Nawuchubeka wala, ungabakhululi bantfu bami, ngitakuletsela sikhonyane la eveni lakho kusasa lolokusako. Sitawuba sinyenti kangangekutsi sitawusibekela wonkhe umhlaba wakho, kungasabonakali nemhlabatsi. Sitawudla konkhe lokusindze esangcotfweni, ngisho netihlahla letisele tesiganga leticala kuhluma futsi. Sitawugcwala etigodlweni takho, nasetindlini tetiphatsimandla takho, netebantfu bakho baseGibhithe. Ngisho nabokhokho bakho abazange basibone lesinje solomane befika kulelive kuze kube ngunyalo.’ ” Mosi waphuma kuFaro, wahamba. Tiphatsimandla taFaro takhuluma kuye, tatsi: “Kutawuze kube ngunini lomuntfu aluhlupho? Khulula labantfu bahambe, bayewukhonta Simakadze longuNkulunkulu wabo. Awuboni yini kutsi lelive laseGibhithe liyabhubha?” Ngako boMosi na-Aroni baphindze babuyiswa kuFaro, wakhuluma kubo, watsi: “Hambani niyewukhonta Simakadze longuNkulunkulu wenu. Kodvwa empeleni bobani laba lenitawuhamba nabo?” Mosi wamphendvula watsi: “Sitawuhamba sonkhe: kutawuhamba labasha betfu nalabadzala betfu. Sitawuhamba nemadvodzana etfu, nemadvodzakati etfu, netimvu tetfu, netimbuti tetfu, netinkhomo tetfu; ngobe kufanele sibe nemkhosi wekudvumisa Simakadze.” Faro wakhuluma kubo, watsi: “Ngifunga Simakadze ngitsi ngingeke nginikhulule kutsi nihambe nebafati nebantfwabenu! Kuyakhanya kutsi nine nenta lisu lebuphekula. Cha! Lokungenani akuhambe nine madvodza niyewukhonta loSimakadze wenu, ngobe empeleni nguloko lenikufunako.” Bakhishwa embikwaFaro. Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Phakamisa tandla takho etikwelive laseGibhithe uletse sikhonyane. Sitawufike sidle yonkhe intfo lemilako lesele kulesangcotfo.” Ngako Mosi waphakamisa indvuku yakhe etikwelive laseGibhithe. Simakadze wakhulula umoya wasemphumalanga kutsi uphephetse eveni lonkhe lelo langa nebusuku balo. Kwatsi kusa, wabe sewusitselile sikhonyane. Sefika silifu, sasibekela lonkhe live laseGibhithe. Sasingazange sesibe khona sikhonyane lesingaka, futsi sasingeyiwuphindza sibe khona. Sasibekela wonkhe umhlaba, kwadzimate kwaba mnyama khwishi. Sadla konkhe lokwakusindze esangcotfweni; sadla tonkhe titselo tetihlahla. Kute lokuluhlata lokwasala etihlahleni nakuto tonkhe tilimo, eveni lonkhe laseGibhithe. Faro washesha wabita boMosi na-Aroni, wafike watsi kubo: “Ngonile kuSimakadze, longuNkulunkulu wenu, ngona nakini. Ngiyacela-ke nyalo kutsi ningitsetselele kube kanye nje; ningithandazele kuSimakadze longuNkulunkulu wenu, kutsi asisuse la kimi lesishayo lesibulalako.” Mosi waphuma kuFaro wayawuncusa kuSimakadze. Simakadze wagucula umoya wasemphumalanga, waba ngumoya lophuma enshonalanga. Lomoya waphephula lesikhonyane wasitsatsa wasilahlela eLwandle Lolubovu. Kute nome sinye sikhonyane lesasala eveni lonkhe laseGibhithe. Kodvwa Simakadze wenta inhlitiyo yaFaro yaba lukhuni, wangete wawakhulula ema-Israyeli kutsi ahambe. Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Phakamisela sandla sakho etulu esibhakabhakeni, khona kutewuba nebumnyama lobutsintsekako eveni lonkhe laseGibhithe.” Mosi waphakamisela sandla sakhe etulu esibhakabhakeni, kwaba nebumnyama lobulicinsi, lobasibekela lonkhe live laseGibhithe emalanga lamatsatfu. EmaGibhithe ehluleka kubonana, futsi kwabate umuntfu lowase waphuma lapho ahlala khona kulawo malanga lamatsatfu. Kodvwa ema-Israyeli abenekukhanya lapho abehleti khona. Faro wabita Mosi, wafike watsi kuye: “Hambani niyewukhonta Simakadze; nihambe nebafati benu nebantfwana benu. Intfo nje nishiye timvu, netimbuti, netinkhomo tenu.” Mosi waphendvula Faro watsi: “Kufanele usivumele sibe nemihlatjelo yekushiswa lesitayentela Simakadze, longuNkulunkulu wetfu. Cha, kufanele sihambe netifuyo tetfu; kute nome sinye sifuyo lesitawusala ngemuva. Phela kufanele sihambe naletifuyo siyewukhonta Simakadze, ngobe asati kutsi sitamkhonta ngatiphi, siyawukwati sesifike khona le.” Simakadze wenta inhlitiyo yaFaro yaba lukhuni, akazange abakhulule kutsi bahambe. Faro wakhuluma kuMosi watsi: “Suka la embikwami! Ngingaphindzi ngikubone futsi! Mhlazana ngakubona, kuyawuba kufa kwakho!” Mosi waphendvula watsi: “Ushito kahle. Awuseyiwuphindza ungibone futsi la embikwakho.” Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Ngisetakwehlisela sinye nje sishayo etikwaFaro neliGibhithe lonkhe. Emvakwaloko utanikhulula kutsi nihambe, empeleni utanicosha niphume niphele kulendzawo. Tjela ema-Israyeli kutsi nguleyo naleyo ndvodza nome umfati, akacele kubomakhelwane bakhe babaphe imihlobiso yekugaba, yesiliva neyegolide.” Simakadze wenta ema-Israyeli kutsi ahlonishwe ngemaGibhithe. Ngetulu kwaloko Mosi waba mkhulu kutiphatsimandla taFaro nakumaGibhithe onkhe. Mosi wakhuluma kuFaro, watsi: “Simakadze utsi: ‘Ekhatsi nebusuku ngitawuhamba ngilidzabule ekhatsi live laseGibhithe, onkhe ematubulo langemadvodzana alapha eGibhithe atakufa, kusukela etubulweni laFaro losesihlalweni sebukhosi kuze kube ngusetubulweni lesigcilikati lesisilako, kufe nawo onkhe ematubulo etifuyo. Kutawuba nesililo lesikhulu lesingazange sesibe khona eveni laseGibhithe, futsi singeke siphindze sibe khona lesifana naso. Kodvwa emkhatsini wema-Israyeli kute nasinye sifuyo nome umuntfu lokutawuhhongelwa ngisho yinja, khona utekwati kutsi mine, Simakadze, ngenta umehluko emkhatsini wemaGibhithe nema-Israyeli.’ ” Mosi wephetsa inkhulumo yakhe ngekutsi: “Tonkhe tiphatsimandla takho tiyawukuta tikhotsame embikwami, tingincenge titsi: ‘Wena, nalabantfu labakulandzelako, hambani la.’ Emvakwaloko-ke ngiyawuvele ngihambe.” Mosi waphuma atfukutsele abila, washiya Faro. Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Faro utawujinge ale kukulalela, khona ngitewuchubeka nekwenta leminye imimangaliso eveni laseGibhithe.” BoMosi na-Aroni babeyenta embikwaFaro yonkhe lemimangaliso, kodvwa Simakadze wayenta yaba lukhuni inhlitiyo yaFaro; abejinge achubeke nekwala kukhulula ema-Israyeli kutsi aphume eGibhithe. Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi naku-Aroni baseseGibhithe, watsi: “Lenyanga kufanele ibe yinyanga yekucala emnyakeni wenu. Yendlulisela lomlayeto esiveni sonkhe sema-Israyeli kutsi ngelilanga lelishumi kulenyanga, nguleyo naleyo ndvodza kufanele ikhetsele umndeni wayo lizinyane. Nangabe umndeni umncane kakhulu kutsi ungeke ulicedze lelizinyane, ungalidla ndzawonye namakhelwane wawo, kuye ngebunyenti bebantfu balowo mndeni. Lelizinyane lenu kufanele kube ngulelite sici, libe nemnyaka munye budzala; nilehlukanise nemhlambi wetimvu nome wetimbuti. Niyawuligcina kuze kube lilanga leli-14 kuyo lenyanga kusihlwa, mhlazana sonkhe sive sema-Israyeli sitawahlaba lamazinyane. Lengati ibobhocwa etinsikeni temnyango nangetulu kwawo kuleyondlu lekuyawube kudlelwa kuyo. Kulobo busuku inyama ibokosiwa idliwe kanye nemibhidvo lebabako kanye nesinkhwa lesite imbiliso. Lenyama ningayidli iluhlata nome iphekiwe, kodvwa niboyidla yosiwe yonkhe, kanye nenhloko yayo, nemilente yayo, nekwangekhatsi kwayo. Lenyama niboyidla ningalishiyeli likusasa; nakukhona lesele, niboyishisa. Nibotsi niyidla, nibe tinkhalo tenu tiboshiwe, netinyawo tenu tiseticatfulweni, nendvuku ibe isesandleni; niyidle ngekushesha. Lelo-ke liPhasika lekudvumisa Simakadze. “Ngalobo busuku ngiyawuhamba ngidzabule emkhatsini welive laseGibhithe ngishaye onkhe ematubulo lamadvuna aseGibhithe ebantfu newetifuyo, ngehlulele tonkhe tithico taseGibhithe; nginguSimakadze! Lengati iyawuba luphawu kini, kuletindlu lenitawube ningekhatsi kwato. Nangibona lengati, ngiyakwengca, lesishayo singeke sehlele kini nangijezisa emaGibhithe. Lelilanga liyawuba sikhumbuto kini, niyawuligcina libe lilanga lemkhosi kuSimakadze. Tonkhe titukulwane tenu tiyawulenta libe lilanga lemkhosi kuze kube ngunini nanini.” Simakadze wachubeka watsi: “Sinkhwa lesinembiliso ningabosidla kuze kuphele emalanga lasikhombisa; nibodla sinkhwa lesite imbiliso kuphela. Ngelilanga lekucala niboyisusa yonkhe imbiliso etindlini tenu, ngobe lotawudla lokufakwe imbiliso emkhatsini welilanga lekucala kuze kube lilanga lesikhombisa, utawuncunywa emkhatsini wesive sema-Israyeli. Ngelilanga lekucala nangelilanga lesikhombisa niyawuba nemhlangano longcwele. Kufanele kubete lowenta umsebenti kulawo malanga, kodvwa ningakulungisa kudla lenitakudla. LoMkhosi Wesinkhwa Lesingenambiliso niyawuhlala njalo niwenta, ngobe kungalo lelo langa lengakhipha ngalo tive tenu eGibhithe. Lelilanga niyawuligcina titukulwane ngetitukulwane. Kuyawuba nguwona msimeto wenu longeke uphele nome uguculwe. Kusukela kusihlwa ngelilanga leli-14 lenyanga yekucala kuze kube kusihlwa ngelilanga lema-21 ningasidli sinkhwa lesinembiliso. Kuyawuze kuphele emalanga lasikhombisa imbiliso ingatfolakali etindlini tenu; lowo loyawutfolakala kutsi udle lokufakwe imbiliso, uyawuncunywa esiveni sema-Israyeli, nome ngabe wekutalwa, nome ngabe wekuhamba kulelo live. Ningakudli lokufakwe imbiliso, yonkhe indzawo lapho nihlala khona nibodla sinkhwa lesite imbiliso.” Mosi wase ubita bonkhe baholi baka-Israyeli, wakhuluma kubo watsi: “Ngulowo nalowo mndeni awutikhetsele liwundlu ulihlabele liPhasika, utsatse sitfungo sehisophu usenye engatini lesemgezelweni bese uyibhoca etinsikeni temnyango emaceleni nasetulu kwawo kuleyondlu lapho uhleti khona. Kufanele kungabikho muntfu lophumako kuleyondlu kuze kube ngusekuseni. Kutawutsi Simakadze nadzabula live, atewubulala emaGibhithe, abone ingati etinsikeni nasetulu eminyango yenu, bese uyendlula angayivumeli ingilosi yekufa kutsi ingene etindlini tenu inibulale. Lemiyalo niyawuyigcina nine netitukulwane tenu kuze kube nguphakadze naphakadze. Lomkhosi niyawuchubeka kuwenta nome seningenile eveni Simakadze laninika lona njengobe abetsembisile. Nangabe bantfwana benu banibuta batsi: ‘Niwentelani lomkhosi?’ niyawubaphendvula nitsi: ‘Lona ngumhlatjelo weliPhasika wekudvumisa Simakadze, ngobe watengca tindlu tema-Israyeli eGibhithe, ngesikhatsi Simakadze abulala ematubulo emaGibhithe, tsine wasiphephisa.’ ” Ema-Israyeli aguca phansi akhotsama. Ahamba-ke ema-Israyeli ayawukwenta njengobe abeyalwe nguSimakadze ngaMosi na-Aroni. Ekhatsi nebusuku Simakadze wabulala onkhe ematubulo eveni laseGibhithe: kusukela esigodlweni etubulweni laFaro lelaliyindlalifa yakhe, kuye etubulweni lesiboshwa lesisejele, nasematubulweni etifuyo. Kulobo busuku Faro, netiphatsimandla takhe, nemaGibhithe onkhe bavuka; kwaba nekukhala nekulila lokukhulu eveni lonkhe laseGibhithe, ngobe kute umuti lowawungenamuntfu lofile. Ngabo lobo busuku Faro wabita boMosi na-Aroni; befika, watsi kubo: “Hambani la! Sukani emkhatsini webantfu bami, ngisho nine nawo onkhe ema-Israyeli. Hambani niyewukhonta Simakadze njengekucela kwenu. Hambani nemihlambi yenu yetimvu, neyetimbuti, neyetinkhomo, nisuke nihambe la. Ningibusise nami.” EmaGibhithe akhutsalela kugcugcutela ema-Israyeli kutsi aphume eGibhithe ngekushesha, atsi: “Natsi sitakufa sonkhe, naningahambi nine.” Ngako bantfu bagcwalisa titja ngenhlama leyayite imbiliso batigocotela ngetimphahla tabo tekwembatsa batetjatsa emahlombe. Ema-Israyeli enta njengobe abeyalwe nguMosi, ngobe ase ayicelile imihlobiso yegolide, neyesiliva, kanye nekwekwembatsa. Simakadze wenta emaGibhithe kutsi atsambele ema-Israyeli ngekutsi awaphe konkhe labekucela. Ema-Israyeli awaphanga kanjalo-ke emaGibhithe. Ema-Israyeli aphuma eRamsesi; ahamba aze efika eSukhothi. Emadvodza labekhona lapho ahamba ngetinyawo abengaba ti-600 000 ngaphandle kwebafati nebantfwana. Bahamba nenhlanganisela lenkhulu yebantfu betive ngetive, nemihlambi lemikhulu yetimbuti neyetimvu, kanye neyetinkhomo. Benta tinkhwa letite imbiliso ngenhlama lababesuke nayo eGibhithe, ngobe bakhishwa ngendluzula bangabe basasitfola nesikhatsi sekutilungiselela ingcamu imbala. Ema-Israyeli abesahlale eGibhithe iminyaka lengema-430. Tonkhe letive tema-Israyeli taphuma eveni laseGibhithe mhlazana kuhlangana leminyaka lengema-430. Kwakubusuku Simakadze lalindzela ngabo kuze abakhiphe eGibhithe; ngako-ke lobo busuku behlukaniselwa Simakadze kutsi ema-Israyeli onkhe alindzele ngabo titukulwane ngetitukulwane. Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi naku-Aroni, watsi: “Lena-ke ngimitsetfo lecondzene neliPhasika: Kufanele kubete wetive lolidlako; kodvwa sonkhe sigcili lesidvuna lenisitsengile singalidla, nangabe senisisokile. Kufanele kubete wekuhamba nome sisebenti lesicashiwe lesilidlako. Konkhe lokudla kweliPhasika kufanele kudliwe kuphelele kuleyondlu, kungaphunyelwa nako ngephandle; lingephulwa nome linye litsambo. Sonkhe sive sema-Israyeli kufanele siwugubhe loMkhosi. Nangabe kunewetive lowakhe emkhatsini wenu lofisa kuwugcina naye lomkhosi, kufanele bonkhe labadvuna labasendlini yakhe basokwe. Naye-ke angalidla, ngobe sewuyawutsatfwa njengewekutalwa. Longakasoki akufanele alidle leliPhasika. Niyawuba nemtsetfo munye nine ma-Israyeli ekutalwa nalabo labangumsinsi wekumbelwa labakhe emkhatsini wenu.” Onkhe ema-Israyeli akwenta konkhe loko labetjelwe kona nguSimakadze ngaboMosi na-Aroni. Simakadze wawakhipha ngalo lelo langa ema-Israyeli eGibhithe ngetive tawo. Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Nikela kimi ngako konkhe kwematubulo. Konkhe lokuvula sitalo kuma-Israyeli, nome kwebantfu nome kwesifuyo, kwami.” Mosi wakhuluma kubantfu, watsi: “Nibolikhumbula lelilanga leniphume ngalo eGibhithe, endlini yebugcili, ngobe Simakadze unikhiphe ngesandla sakhe lesinemandla kulendzawo. Ningasidli sinkhwa lesifakwe imbiliso. Lamuhla kulenyanga ya-Abibi niyaphuma lapha eGibhithe. Lomkhosi niyakuwugubha ngayo lenyanga, yonkhe iminyaka, Simakadze nase aningenisile eveni lemaKhenani, nelemaHethi, nelema-Amori, nelemaHivi, nelemaJebhusi. Live, leligcwele lubisi neluju lwetinyosi, Simakadze wafunga ngalo kubokhokho benu kutsi uyakunipha lona. Niyakudla sinkhwa lesite imbiliso emalanga lasikhombisa; ngelilanga lesikhombisa kufanele kube nemkhosi wekudvumisa Simakadze. Sinkhwa lesite imbiliso niyakusidla emalanga lasikhombisa. Kufanele nibete sinkhwa lesinembiliso, ingabonakali ngisho nekubonakala imbiliso eveni lenu lonkhe. Ngalelo langa lemkhosi kufanele kutsi ngulowo nalowo atjele indvodzana yakhe atsi: ‘Lomkhosi ngiwugubha ngenca yaloko Simakadze langentela kona mhlazana ngiphuma eGibhithe.’ Lomkhosi uyawufanana nesibonakaliso lesiboshelwe esandleni sakho nesikhumbuto lesinanyatsiselwe ebuntini lakho. Loko kuyawunikhumbuta kutsi umtsetfo waSimakadze niwati ngenhloko nikhulume ngawo, ngobe Simakadze wanikhipha eGibhithe ngesandla sakhe lesinemandla. Lomkhosi seniyakuwugubha yonkhe iminyaka ngesikhatsi sawo.” “Simakadze utaningenisa eveni lemaKhenani lanetsembisa lona nine nabokhokho benu, wacinisa setsembiso sakhe ngekufunga. Nakanipha lelive, niyawulehlukanisela Simakadze litubulo lelingumfana. Onkhe ematubulo etifuyo letidvuna ayakuba ngewaSimakadze. Litubulo lembongolo niyawulihlenga ngelizinyane; nangabe anilihlengi, niyawulephula intsamo yalo. Onkhe ematubulo labafana niyakuwahlenga. Nangabe indvodzana yakho ibuta itsi: ‘Nikwentelani loku?’ uboyiphendvula utsi: ‘Simakadze wasebentisa sandla sakhe lesinemandla kusikhipha eGibhithe, lapho sasitigcili khona. Ngesikhatsi Faro enta inhlitiyo yakhe iba lukhuni, ala kusikhulula kutsi sihambe, Simakadze wabulala onkhe ematubulo ebantfu baseGibhithe kanye newetifuyo taseGibhithe. Ngiko nje nginikela kuSimakadze onkhe ematubulo lamadvuna; kodvwa onkhe emadvodzana langematubulo ngiyawahlenga.’ Lelisiko liyawufanana nesibonakaliso lesiboshelwe esandleni sakho, kube luphawu ebuntini lakho; ngobe Simakadze wasikhipha eGibhithe ngesandla sakhe lesinemandla.” Ngesikhatsi Faro akhulula sive sema-Israyeli, Nkulunkulu akawahambisanga ngendlela lejubako leyayidzabula eveni lemaFilisti. Nkulunkulu wacabanga watsi: “Angifuni kubahambisa ngalendlela, ngobe nase kufanele babhekane nemphi, bangahle bajikise tingcondvo bese babuyela eGibhithe.” Esikhundleni saloko, Nkulunkulu sive sema-Israyeli wasihola ngendlela lendze lejika ehlane lelingaseLwandle Lolubovu, sive sema-Israyeli saphuma eGibhithe sihleleke njengemphi. Mosi watsatsa ematsambo aJosefa wahamba nawo, ngobe abebafungisile bantfwana baka-Israyeli kutsi babowatsatsa. Abekhulume kubo watsi: “Nkulunkulu uyakuta anisite; nalifika lelo langa nibowatsatsa lamatsambo ami nihambe nawo.” Batfutsa eSukhothi bemisa e-Ethamu, emnyeleni welihlane. Emini Simakadze abehamba embikwabo ngensika yelifu abakhombisa indlela, bese kutsi ebusuku ahambe embikwabo ngensika yemlilo kuze abakhanyisele indlela, khona batewuhamba busuku nemini. Njalo nje emini insika yelifu yayiba sembikwabo, nasebusuku insika yemlilo yayingesuki embikwabo. Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Tjela ema-Israyeli kutsi akancandzeke ayekumisa embikwePhi Hahirothi emkhatsini weMigdoli neLwandle Lolubovu. Afanele emise eceleni kwelwandle abhekane ngco naBhali Sefoni. Faro utawucabanga kutsi sive sema-Israyeli sesididekile, sivinjetelwe lihlane. Ngitakwenta inhlitiyo yaFaro ibe lukhuni, bese uyanicosha, kodvwa ngiyawutentela ludvumo, ngincobe Faro nemabutfo akhe. EmaGibhithe ayawuhlala ati kutsi mine nginguSimakadze.” Ema-Israyeli enta njalo. Kwatsi Faro, inkhosi yaseGibhithe, nabikelwa kutsi ema-Israyeli asahambile, Faro netiphatsimandla takhe bagucula umcondvo wabo. Batsi: “Hawu, yini lena lesesiyentile? Sesiyekele ema-Israyeli ahamba! Sesilahlekelwe tigcili!” Faro walungisa incola yakhe yemphi kanye nemabutfo akhe. Watsatsa tincola temphi telikhetselo letatingema-600 nato tonkhe letinye tincola temphi taseGibhithe, kwaba nguleyo naleyo yabekelwa tindvuna. Simakadze wenta inhlitiyo yaFaro yaba lukhuni. Faro waphuma nemphi yakhe wacosha ema-Israyeli labesaphumile ahamba ngesibindzi. Emabutfo emaGibhithe labenemahhashi, netincola temphi, nebagibeli bato acosha ema-Israyeli, awakhandzanisa lapho abemise khona ngaseLwandle Lolubovu eceleni kwePhi Hahirothi embikweBhali Sefoni. Ema-Israyeli atsi ayabuka abona Faro etile nemphi yakhe asondzela, ase efikelwa kwesaba lokukhulu. Atikhalela kuSimakadze. Atsi kuMosi: “Kungobe bekute yini emathuna lena eGibhithe lokutsi uze usikhiphe usiletse sitewufela lapha ehlane? Yini lena losentele yona? Usikhipheleni le eGibhithe? Asizange sikutjele yini siseseGibhithe satsi: ‘Hlukana natsi, usiyekele sigcilatwe ngemaGibhithe lokungenani’? Bekuyawuba ncono kube mane wasiyekela sagcilatwa ngemaGibhithe kunekutsi sitewufela lapha ehlane.” Mosi wabaphendvula watsi: “Ningesabi, manini sibindzi, nicine, nitawubona kusindzisa kwaSimakadze latanentela kona lamuhla. LamaGibhithe leniwabonako lamuhla aniseyiwuphindze niwabone futsi. Simakadze utanilwela; nine thulani nje.” Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Ukhalelani kimi? Tjela ema-Israyeli kutsi akachubekele embili. Phakamisa indvuku yakho uyengamise etikwelwandle. Emanti atakwehlukana ekhatsi, kuze sive sema-Israyeli sewele lwandle sihamba emhlabatsini lowomile. Tinhlitiyo temaGibhithe ngitente taba lukhuni kangangekutsi atanilandzela, kodvwa ngitatentela ludvumo ngekuncoba Faro, nemabutfo akhe, lanemahhashi netincola temphi. EmaGibhithe ayawungati kutsi mine nginguSimakadze, nase ngiwancobile ngisho naFaro nemphi yakhe, netincola takhe temphi nebagibeli bemahhashi akhe imbala.” Ingilosi yaNkulunkulu leyayihamba embikwesive sema-Israyeli yakhwesha nyova, yema ngemuva kwaso; nayo lensika yelifu yesuka embikwabo yema emvakwabo, yabasemkhatsini wesive saseGibhithe nesive sema-Israyeli. Lelifu laba bumnyama esiveni saseGibhithe, kodvwa laba kukhanya esiveni sema-Israyeli ngabo bonkhe lobo busuku. Sive semaGibhithe nesive sema-Israyeli atizange tihlangane. Mosi welula sandla sakhe wasengamisa etikwelwandle, Simakadze wakhweshisa emanti elwandle ngemoya lonemandla wasemphumalanga lowahhusha busuku bonkhe. Wenta lwandle lwaba ngumhlabatsi lowomile; emanti ehlukana ekhatsi. Sive sema-Israyeli sewela Lwandle Lolubovu sihamba emhlabatsini lowomile, emanti aba tindvonga ngesekudla nangesancele sabo. EmaGibhithe acosha ema-Israyeli awalandzela, angena ekhatsi nelwandle ngemahhashi awo onkhe, netincola tawo temphi kanye nebashayeli bato. Kwatsi kuseluvivi, Simakadze wabuka phansi asensikeni yemlilo neyelifu abuka imphi yemaGibhithe, emabutfo aseGibhithe wawasanganisa. Wenta kutsi emasondvo etincola temphi abhajwe adzimate ahamba matima. EmaGibhithe atsi: “Asibaleke sisuke la kuma-Israyeli, ngobe Simakadze uyawalwela.” Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Yelula sandla sakho usengamise etikwelwandle, khona lamanti atewukwehlela atseleke etikwemaGibhithe, nasetikwetincola tawo temphi kanye nasetikwebagibeli bawo bemahhashi.” Ngako Mosi welula sandla sakhe wasengamisa etikwelwandle, emanti abuyela endzaweni yawo nakudzabuka kusa; emaGibhithe atsi ayabaleka emanti awakhukhula. Simakadze wawatsintsitsela ekujuleni kwelwandle onkhe emaGibhithe. Emanti abuya ambonya tincola temphi, nebagibeli bemahhashi, nawo onkhe emabutfo aFaro labecosha ema-Israyeli. Kute nome munye lowasindza. Kodvwa ema-Israyeli wona abewele emhlabatsini lowomile elwandle, futsi nemanti ajinge achubeka kuma tindvonga ngesekudla nangesancele. Kungalelo langa-ke lapho Simakadze asindzisa ema-Israyeli esandleni semaGibhithe. Ema-Israyeli abona tidvumbu temaGibhithe elugwini lwelwandle. Atsi ema-Israyeli nabona emandla lamakhulu Simakadze labewakhombise ngekubhubhisa emaGibhithe, acalela phansi kwesaba Simakadze nekubeka litsemba lawo kuye nakuMosi, inceku yakhe. Mosi nema-Israyeli bahlabela kuSimakadze nansi ingoma, batsi: “Ngiyawuhlabela kuSimakadze, ngobe uphakanyiswe kakhulu, lihhashi nemgibeli walo ukujikijele elwandle. Simakadze uyingoma yami, nemandla ami, yena sewuyinsindziso yami. Nguye longuNkulunkulu wami, ngiyawudvumisa yena. Yena unguNkulunkulu wabobabemkhulu, ngiyawudvumisa bukhulu bakhe. Simakadze ngumnikati wemphi; nguSimakadze libito lakhe. Tincola temphi taFaro nemabutfo akhe ukujikijele ekhatsi elwandle, tiphatsimandla takhe letikhetsiwe utiphonse eLwandle Lolubovu. Emanti elwandle abasibekela, bacwila bashona phansi njengelitje. “Sandla sakho sangesekudla, Simakadze, siphakeme ngemandla. Sandla sakho sangesekudla, Simakadze, sipitjite sitsa, sasibulala. Ngekuphakama kwemandla akho ubacitsile labemelene nawe, intfukutselo yakho levutsako uyitfululele kubo, yabalumeka njengetibi. Ngekufutsa kwemakhala akho emanti elwandle ancwabelana ndzawonye, yebo, ema aba tindvonga. Kujula kwelwandle kwacina njengemgcwaco. “Sitsa satsi: ‘Ngitawubacosha ngize ngibakhandze. Ngitawutehlukanisela ngaloko lengikudle kubo, ngititike ngako; ngitawukhipha inkemba yami ngibabhubhise.’ Kodvwa wena, Simakadze, uphefumule kwaba kanye, lwandle lwabamita, bacwila sincane selitje naligcumukela emantini lanemandla. “Ngubani lonjengawe, Simakadze, emkhatsini wabo bonkhe bonkulunkulu? Ngubani lofanana nawe ngebungcwele bakho lobumangalisako? Ngubani lonebukhosi lobesabekako ente imimangaliso nemisebenti yemandla njengawe? Welule sandla sakho sangesekudla, umhlaba wabamita. “Sive sakho losisindzisile uyawusihola ngemusa; yebo, uyawusicondzisa ngemandla akho, usimikise endzaweni yakho lengcwele. Tive nativa loko, tiyawutfutfumela ngekwesaba, emaFilisti ayawufikelwa luvalo. Tikhulu taka-Edomu tiyakwesaba, tichwaga takaMowabi titfutfumele, takhamiti taseKhenani tiphele emandla, behlelwe kutfutfumela neluvalo. Ngenca yamandla emkhono wakho, bayawutfomeka, banganyakati nakancane; kuze kwendlule sive sakho, yebo, kuze kwendlule sive sakho, lowasitsenga ebugcilini, Simakadze. Uyawubangenisa ubahlanyele entsabeni yakho, indzawo leyakhetfwa nguwe, Simakadze, kutsi ibe likhaya lakho, indzawo lengcwele, Simakadze, lowayakha ngetandla takho. Simakadze uyawubusa phakadze naphakadze.” Emahhashi aFaro, netincola takhe temphi kanye nebagibeli bakhe bemahhashi batseleka ekhatsi elwandle, Simakadze wase uyawayekela emanti, abuyela etikwabo abasibekela; kodvwa ema-Israyeli ewela lwandle, ahamba emhlabatsini lowomile. Miriyamu, umphrofethikati, labengudzadzewabo-Aroni, watsatsa umntjingo wawudlala ahlabela, bonkhe labasikati baphuma bamlandzela nabo baphetse tingubhu, bagidza. Miriyamu wabahlabelela watsi: “Hlabelani kuSimakadze, ngobe uphakanyiswe kakhulu, lihhashi nemgibeli walo ukujikijele elwandle.” Kusuka lapho eLwandle Lolubovu, Mosi wahola ema-Israyeli balibangisa ehlane laseShuri. Kwaphela emalanga lamatsatfu basehlane bangawatfoli emanti. Bahamba baze bafika endzaweni lekutsiwa yiMara, lapho bawakhandza khona emanti. Kodvwa behluleka kuwanatsa, ngobe abebaba. Ngiko nje lendzawo yabitwa ngekutsi yiMara. Bantfu basola Mosi, bambuta batsi: “Sitawunatsani?” Mosi wakhala kuSimakadze; Simakadze wamkhombisa sigojwana. Mosi wasitsatsa wasijika ekhatsi kulamanti; emanti ajika aba mnandzi. Basekuleyo ndzawo Simakadze wabanika umtsetfo nemsimeto wabo; wabavivinya khona lapho futsi. Wakhuluma kubo watsi: “Naningilalela, nigcina livi lami, mine Nkulunkulu wenu, nente loko lokulungile, nigcine nemiyalo yami, ngingeke nginijezise ngaletifo lengatehlisela etikwemaGibhithe. Mine nginguSimakadze longumphilisi wenu.” Bahamba baze befika e-Elimu, lapho kwakunemitfombo leli-12 netihlahla telisundvu letatingema-70; befika bemisa lapho edvute nemanti. Sonkhe sive sema-Israyeli sesuka e-Elimu. Kwatsi ngelilanga leli-15 enyangeni yesibili siphumile eGibhithe, sefika ehlane laseSini, emkhatsini we-Elimu neSinayi. Sonkhe sive sema-Israyeli sakhonona sisola boMosi na-Aroni ehlane. Sakhuluma kubo satsi: “Sifisa shangatsi ngabe Simakadze wamane wasibulalela khona le eGibhithe, ngobe phela lapho besitihlalela phansi ngasemabhodweni, bese sidla inyama nekudla ngekutsandza kwetfu. Kodvwa nisiletse lapha ehlane kutewusibulala ngendlala sonkhe lesive.” Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Lalela la! Ngitanehlisela imvula yesinkhwa lesivela ezulwini. Onkhe emalanga ekuseni bantfu kufanele baphume bayewutibutsela kudla lokwanele lilanga lonkhe. Ngalendlela-ke ngitawube ngiyabavivinya kutsi batawuyilandzela yini imiyalo yami nome cha. Ngelilanga lesitfupha babotilungiselela kubutsa kudla lokulingene emalanga lamabili.” Ngako-ke boMosi na-Aroni bakhuluma kuma-Israyeli onkhe, batsi: “Lamuhla kusihlwa nitawukwati kahle kutsi nguSimakadze lowanikhipha eveni laseGibhithe. Kusasa ekuseni nitawubona inkhatimulo yebukhona baSimakadze, ngobe ukuvile kukhonona kwenu ngaye. Tsine besiyini nje kutsi ningakhonona ngatsi?” Mosi wachubeka watsi: “Simakadze utanipha inyama kusihlwa, ekuseni aniphe sinkhwa lesenele, ngobe sewukuvile kukhonona kwenu. Tsine siyini nje? Phela anikhononi ngatsi, kodvwa nikhonona ngaSimakadze.” Mosi wakhuluma ku-Aroni, watsi: “Khuluma kubo bonkhe labantfu ubatjele utsi: ‘Sondzelani embikwaSimakadze, ngobe ukuvile kukhonona kwenu.’ ” Watsi Aroni asakhuluma kubo, bagucuka babuka ngasehlane babona inkhatimulo yebukhosi baSimakadze ibonakala efini. Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi watsi: “Ngikuvile kukhonona kwebantfu baka-Israyeli. Batjele utsi: ‘Kusihlwa nitawudla inyama, ekuseni nibe nenala yesinkhwa. Nitawukwati-ke kutsi mine nginguSimakadze longuNkulunkulu wenu.’ ” Kusihlwa kwefika lifu letigwaca, lasibekela yonkhe inkambu; ekuseni kwalala ematolo yonkhe indzawo ngasenkambu. Atsi kube ahamuke ematolo, kwasala emacebelengwane lamancane phansi lapho ehlane; kwakucolisakele kutintfwatfwasi letifanana nesitfwatfwa. Atsi ema-Israyeli kube akubone loko, akhuluma abutana odvwana atsi: “Yini lena?” ngobe abengati kutsi kuyini. Mosi wabaphendvula, watsi: “Sinkhwa lenisiphiwe nguSimakadze kutsi nisidle. Ngiko loko Simakadze lakhulume ngako, atsi: ‘Ngulowo nalowo akatibutsele loko lokungamenelisa, lekungemalitha langaba mabili umuntfu amunye, kulowo nakulowo mndeni.’ ” Ema-Israyeli enta njalo; lamanye abutsa kwaba kunyentana, lamanye abutsa kwaba kuncane. Batsi nase bakukala ngesikali lesingemalitha labengaba mabili, bakhandza kutsi lobekabutse kakhudlwana akasalelwanga lutfo, nalobekabutse kancane akazange eswele. Ngulowo nalowo bekabutse loko bekakudzinga. Mosi wakhuluma kubo watsi: “Akubete loshiyela likusasa lokudla.” Kodvwa abazange bamlalele Mosi; labanye lokudla bakushiyela likusasa. Kwatsi kusa, lokudla kwabe sekuphetfuka tibungu, kunuka bumunyu; Mosi wabatfukutselela. Onkhe emalanga ekuseni lowo nalowo watibutsela loko abekudzinga kuphela. Lalitsi lingaphakama lilanga, bese kuyancibilika. Ngelilanga lesitfupha babutsa kudla kwemalanga lamabili, emalitha labengaba mane umuntfu amunye. Bonkhe baholi bema-Israyeli beta kuMosi, bafike bamlandzisa ngalendzaba, wase ukhuluma kubo utsi: “Simakadze uyale watsi: ‘Kusasa lilanga lekuphumula, liSabatha lelingcwele kuSimakadze. Yosani loko lenifuna kukosa, nipheke loko lenifuna kukupheka. Lokusele nikushiyele likusasa.’ ” Ngako benta njengobe Mosi abebayalile ngekutsi lokunye bakubekele likusasa, akuzange kuphetfuke tibungu, akunukanga nebumunyu. Mosi wakhuluma kubo watsi: “Kudleni lamuhla, ngobe lamuhla liSabatha kuSimakadze. Ningeke nikutfole etsafeni. Kudla niyakukubutsa emalanga lasitfupha, kodvwa ngelilanga lesikhombisa, lekuliSabatha, kuyawubate.” Ngelilanga lesikhombisa labanye bantfu baphuma bayawubutsa, kodvwa abazange batfole lutfo. Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi watsi: “Kuyawuze kube ngunini nala kugcina imiyalo nemitsetfo yami? Bukani la! Mine Simakadze ngininike liSabatha, ngiko nje ngelilanga lesitfupha ngitaboninika kudla lokwanele emalanga lamabili. Ngulowo nalowo kufanele ahlale endlini kakhe angaphumi, ngalelilanga lesikhombisa.” Ngako-ke bantfu baphumula ngelilanga lesikhombisa. Ema-Israyeli lokudla akwetsa libito atsi “yimana.” Kwakufanana nenhlanyelo lencane lemhlophe, kunambitseka njengemicatsane leyentiwe ngeluju. Mosi wakhuluma watsi: “Simakadze ukhulume watsi: ‘Nibolondvolota imana lengagcwala emalitha langaba mabili, niyilondvolotele titukulwane tenu, kuze tibone kudla lenganondla ngako ehlane, nanginikhipha eveni laseGibhithe.’ ” Mosi wakhuluma ku-Aroni watsi: “Tsatsa lijeke, ufake emalitha langaba mabili emana, uyibeke embikwaSimakadze, kuze ilondvolotelwe titukulwane tetfu.” Aroni wenta njengobe Mosi abeyalwe nguSimakadze. Wayibeka embikwelibhokisi lesivumelwane, khona itawulondvoloteka kahle. Ema-Israyeli aphila ngekudla imana iminyaka lengema-40, adzimate efika eveni lelalakhelwe bantfu; adla imana adzimate efika emnyeleni welive laseKhenani. Lesilinganiso lesasisemtsetfweni sasingemalitha labengaba ngema-20. Sonkhe sive sema-Israyeli satfutsa ehlane laseSini sachubachubeka, kwaya ngekuyalwa kwaso nguSimakadze. Semisa eRefidimu, kodvwa kwakute emanti ekunatsa. Ngako-ke sive sasola Mosi satsi: “Siphe emanti ekunatsa.” Mosi wabaphendvula watsi: “Ningilwiselani? Nimlingelani Simakadze?” Kodvwa bantfu bomela emanti, bakhonona kuMosi batsi: “Yeyi wena! Wawusikhiphelani lena eGibhithe? Kantsi tsine nebantfwabetfu netifuyo tetfu wawusikhiphela kutsi utesibulala ngekoma la?” Ngako-ke Mosi wakhala kuSimakadze watsi: “Ngitabatsini nje labantfu? Sebasezingeni lekutsi bangangigcoba ngematje nome ngangunini.” Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi watsi: “Tsatsa labanye bebaholi bema-Israyeli, uhambe nabo embikwebantfu. Ubophatsa indvuku yakho lowashaya ngayo umfula, iNayili. Ngitakuma embikwakho edvwaleni leNtsaba iHorebe. Ubolishaya lelidvwala; emanti atawuphuma kulo, bese bantfu bayanatsa.” Mosi wenta njalo embikwebaholi bema-Israyeli. Lendzawo wayetsa libito watsi “yiMasa neMeribha”, ngobe ema-Israyeli alwa, alinga Simakadze ngesikhatsi atsi: “Simakadze usenatsi yini nome cha?” BaseseRefidimu, ema-Amaleki efika atewuhlasela ema-Israyeli. Mosi wakhuluma kuJoshuwa watsi: “Sikhetsele emadvodza uhambe nawo uyekulwa nema-Amaleki. Mine ngitakwenyuka kusasa ngiye esicongweni seligcuma, ngiphetse indvuku Nkulunkulu langitjela kutsi ngiyiphatse.” Joshuwa wavele wenta njengobe abetjelwe nguMosi, wahamba wayakulwa nema-Amaleki; Mosi wakhuphuka nabo-Aroni naHure, benyuka baya esicongweni seligcuma. Abetsi Mosi nakaphakamise tandla takhe, ema-Israyeli ehlule ema-Amaleki, atsi nakatehlisa tandla takhe, ema-Amaleki ehlule ema-Israyeli. Kodvwa yatsi imikhono yaMosi naseyidzinwa iba nensindze, bo-Aroni naHure bamletsela litje kutsi ahlale etikwalo, bona bamphakamisela imikhono yakhe lomunye ngakulomunye umkhono; ngako imikhono bayiphakamisa kwaze kwashona lilanga. Joshuwa wancoba; wawashaya wawabhuca ngenkemba ema-Amaleki. Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Kubhale phansi encwadzini loku kube ngumlandvo ngalemphi, kuze kube sikhumbuto. Utjele Joshuwa kutsi ema-Amaleki ngifuna kuwacotfula aphele nya emhlabeni.” Mosi wakha lilati waletsa libito watsi: “Lolu luphawu lwewungincobela kwaSimakadze.” Mosi wachubeka watsi: “Ngobe tandla taphakanyiselwa kuSimakadze wasipha kuncoba. Simakadze uyawuchubeka nekulwa nema-Amaleki titukulwane ngetitukulwane.” Jethro, uyisetala waMosi, labengumphristi wakaMidiyani, weva ngako konkhe Nkulunkulu labekwentele Mosi kanye nesive sakhe ema-Israyeli, kutsi Simakadze wabakhipha kanjani eGibhithe. Weta kuMosi ahamba naSiphora, umkaMosi, labesambuyisele ekhaya kuyise nemadvodzana akhe Mosi lamabili. Lenye Mosi wayetsa libito watsi nguGeshomu, atsi: “Ngisihambi eveni lengingalati.” Lenye wayetsa libito watsi ngu-Eliyezeri atsi: “Nkulunkulu wabobabe ube lusito lwami wangiphephisa kutsi Faro angangibulali.” Jethro weta nemkaMosi nemadvodzana akhe lamabili lapho Mosi abemise khona entsabeni yaNkulunkulu lesehlane. Jethro abesalitfumele livi kuMosi kutsi uta nemkakhe nebantfwabakhe. Ngako Mosi waphuma wayakumhlangabeta, wafike wamkhotsamela, wamanga. Babutana imphilo, base bangena ethendeni laMosi. Mosi walandzisa uyisetala ngako konkhe Simakadze lakwenta kuFaro nemaGibhithe kuze akhulule sive sema-Israyeli. Wamlandzisa nangebumatima labahlangabetana nabo endleleni, nekutsi Simakadze wabasindzisa kanjani kubo. Jethro wajabula kakhulu nasalandziswe ngako konkhe lokuhle ema-Israyeli labekwentelwe nguSimakadze, nekuwakhulula kwakhe esandleni semaGibhithe. Watsi: “Akadvunyiswe Simakadze lonikhulule esandleni semaGibhithe naFaro, nalophephise sive sakhe ekugcilatweni ngemaGibhithe! Nyalo-ke sengiyati kutsi Simakadze mkhulu kunabo bonkhe labanye bonkulunkulu, ngobe ema-Israyeli uwakhulule ekugcilatweni ngesihluku ngemaGibhithe.” Jethro, uyisetala waMosi, waletsa umnikelo wekushiswa naleminye imihlatjelo yekunikelwa kuNkulunkulu. Aroni wahamba kanye nebaholi bema-Israyeli; bakhonta ngekudla kudla lokungcwele kanye naJethro, uyisetala waMosi, embikwaNkulunkulu. Ngakusasa Mosi wahlala esihlalweni sekwehlulela bantfu, alamula lababecabene nalababenemibango. Bantfu babema tindvwendvwe kusukela ekuseni kuze kushone lilanga. Watsi kube Jethro abone konkhe Mosi labekwentela bantfu, wakhuluma kuye watsi: “Yini lena lobentela yona labantfu? Utibulalelani ngekwenta lomsebenti wedvwana, nebantfu beme la kusukela ekuseni kuze kushone lilanga seloku bamele kusitwa nguwe.” Mosi wamphendvula watsi: “Kufanele ngikwente loku, ngobe bantfu beta kimi batewufuna intsandvo yaNkulunkulu. Nangabe kukhona labacabene ngako, bantfu beta kimi, bese-ke mine ngiyabalamula; ngibatjele imitsetfo nemiyalo yaNkulunkulu.” Uyisetala waphendvula watsi: “Ayikalungi lendlela losebenta ngayo. Wena nalabantfu nitibulala ngemsebenti; ngobe lomsebenti lowentako mkhulu kakhulu kunawe kutsi ungawenta wedvwana. Tsatsa nali livi leseluleko sami, Nkulunkulu utawuba nawe. Kufanele wena ube lincusa lebantfu kuNkulunkulu, emacala abo uwaletse kuye. Bafundzise imiyalo nemitsetfo yaNkulunkulu, ubachazele kutsi kufanele baphile njani batiphatse njani. Ngetulu kwaloko khetsa emadvodza lafanele, naletsembekile, lesaba Nkulunkulu, nalengatsengeki, uwabeke abe baholi: betinkhulungwane, nebemakhulu, nebema-50, nebemashumi. Akube ngawo lafanele kuba behluleli ngato tonkhe tikhatsi. Tindzaba nemacala lamatima bangawaletsa kuwe, kodvwa wona afanele atijubele emacala abo lamancane. Ngako ngalendlela utakwetfwala kamalula, lamadvodza etfwalisane nawe. Nawenta loku, njengobe Nkulunkulu akuyala, ungeke wetfwale kamatima, nebantfu labete la batawubuyela ngekushesha emakhaya abo, emacala abo asakhulunyiwe nabo benelisekile.” Mosi wawutsatsa njengobe unjalo lomyalo weyisetala. Wakhetsa emadvodza lafanele emkhatsini wesive sonkhe sema-Israyeli. Wawabeka aba baholi betinkhulungwane, nebemakhulu, nebema-50, nebemashumi. Behlulela tindzaba tebantfu ngato tonkhe tikhatsi: Emacala lamatima bawaletsa kuMosi, kodvwa lamancane ancunywe ngibo. Mosi wavalelisa uyisetala; Jethro wahamba wabuyela eveni lakubo. Ngelilanga lekucala lenyanga yesitsatfu seloku sive sema-Israyeli saphuma eGibhithe, sefika ehlane laseSinayi. Satsi kube sisuke eRefidimu, sahamba saze sefika ehlane laseSinayi; ngulapho sefika semisa khona, sabukana nentsaba. Mosi wakhuphuka waya kuNkulunkulu. Simakadze asetulu entsabeni wambita watsi: “Ubokhuluma esiveni saJakobe, ema-Israyeli, utsi: ‘Nakubona kambe loko lengakwenta kumaGibhithe, nekutsi nganetfwala njani ngemaphiko elusweti nganiletsa kimi. “ ‘Ngako-ke naniyawulilalela livi lami nigcine nesivumelwane sami, niyawuba ligugu lami emkhatsini wato tonkhe tive; ngobe wonkhe umhlaba wami. Niyawuba ngumbuso webaphristi, nibe sive lesingcwele.’ Ngulawo-ke emavi lotawufike uwakhulume esiveni saka-Israyeli.” Ngako Mosi wehla wafike wabita bonkhe baholi besive, onkhe lamavi nalemiyalo labeyitfole kuSimakadze wakwetfula kubo. Sonkhe sive saphendvula ngalivi linye, satsi: “Konkhe lokushiwo nguSimakadze siyawukwenta.” Mosi wahamba wayawubikela Simakadze. Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Ngitakwehla ngibesefini lelimnyama, khona bantfu batewungiva nangikhuluma nawe, bese bayakwetsemba njalo.” Mosi wase ukutjela Simakadze konkhe lokwakukhulunywe bantfu. Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Buyela kubantfu ubatjele kutsi batihlambulule lamuhla nakusasa, bageze tingubo tabo; ngemhlomunye babe sebalungele, ngobe ngalelo langa ngitakwehlela entsabeni iSinayi bonkhe bantfu babuka. Kufanele ujube umnyele lotungeleta intsaba iSinayi, bantfu ubatjele utsi: ‘Caphelani ningenyuki kuya entsabeni, ningawutsintsi ngisho nemnyele wayo; lowo loyawutsintsa lentsaba uyawubulawa. Lowo muntfu kufanele angatsintfwa ngesandla, kodvwa agcotjwe ngematje nome adutjulwe ngebutjoki. Loko niyawukwenta nome ngabe silwane nome ngumuntfu, nimbulale afe.’ Nakukhala licilongo likhala sikhatsi lesidze, bonkhe bantfu kufanele benyuke bete la entsabeni.” Mosi wehla entsabeni waya kubantfu, wafike wabahlambulula, base bageza tingubo tabo. Mosi wakhuluma kubantfu watsi: “Tilungiseleleni lilanga langemhlomunye, ningalali nalomsikati.” Ekuseni ngelilanga lesitsatfu kwaba nekudvuma nemibane, lifu lelimnyama labonakala etikwentsaba, kwase kuvakala licilongo lelakhala kakhulukati. Bonkhe bantfu lapha enkambu betfuka batfutfumela ngenca yekwesaba. Mosi wabahola bantfu waphumela nabo ngaphandle kwenkambu kuyawuhlangabeta Nkulunkulu; bafike bema ngaphansi kwalentsaba. Yonkhe leNtsaba iSinayi yasibekelwa lifu, ngobe Simakadze abesehlele etikwayo ngemlilo. Intfutfu yenyuka njengentfutfu yembutfuma yemlilo; yonkhe intsaba yatamatama. Kukhala kwelicilongo kwaya ngekuya kwandza. Mosi wakhuluma, Nkulunkulu wamphendvula ngelivi. Simakadze wehlela esicongweni seNtsaba iSinayi, wabita Mosi kutsi akenyuke ete kuye; nembala Mosi wenyuka. Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi watsi: “Yewuka uyekwecwayisa labantfu kutsi bangawengci umnyele kutewubuka mine Simakadze; ngobe nabangenta njalo, linyenti labo litakufa. Ngisho nebaphristi labatakuta basondzele la kimi kufanele batihlambulule kucala, ngaphandle kwaloko ngitawubajezisa.” Mosi wakhuluma kuSimakadze, watsi: “Bantfu bangeke bakhone kwenyuka bete lapha eNtsabeni iSinayi, ngobe wena usiyalile watsi: ‘Jubani umnyele utungelete lentsaba; niyingcwelise.’ ” Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi watsi: “Yewuka ulandze Aroni, ukhuphuke naye ete la; kodvwa ucaphele baphristi nebantfu bangawengci lomnyele kuta kimi, mine Simakadze, ngobe nabawengca, ngitabajezisa.” Ngako Mosi wehla waya kubantfu, wafike wabatjela konkhe labekutjelwe nguSimakadze. Nkulunkulu wakhuluma nankha emavi, watsi: “NginguSimakadze Nkulunkulu wenu lowanikhipha eGibhithe, eveni lebugcili. “Ungabi nalomunye nkulunkulu ngaphandle kwami. “Ungatenteli sithico, nome umfanekiso walokusezulwini etulu, nome walokusemhlabeni phansi nome walokusemantini ngaphansi kwemhlaba. Ungasikhotsameli nome usikhonte, ngobe mine Simakadze, Nkulunkulu wakho, nginguNkulunkulu lonesikhwele. Labo labangitondzako sijeziso sami ngesono saboyise ngisehlisela ngisho nakubantfwana babo besitukulwane sesitsatfu nesesine. Kodvwa labangitsandzako nalabagcina imiyalo yami ngibehlisela umusa wami longapheli etinkhulungwaneni tetitukulwane netitukulwane tabo. “Ungaliphatsi ngelite libito laSimakadze Nkulunkulu wakho; ngobe Simakadze uyawumbeka licala lowo lophatsa libito lakhe ngelite. “Khumbula liSabatha, uligcine libe ngcwele. Umsebenti wakho uyakuwenta emalanga lasitfupha, kodvwa lilanga lesikhombisa liSabatha kuSimakadze Nkulunkulu wakho. Ngalelo langa kufanele ungasebenti wena, nendvodzana yakho, nendvodzakati yakho, nesisebenti sakho lesidvuna, nome lesisikati, ngisho netinkhomo takho, nesihambi lesingenise kakho. Ngemalanga lasitfupha Simakadze wadala lizulu nemhlaba, nelwandle nako konkhe lokukuko, waphumula ngelilanga lesikhombisa. Ngako-ke Simakadze walibusisa walingcwelisa lelilanga leliSabatha. “Hlonipha uyihlo nenyoko, khona tinsuku takho titakwandza kulelive lengikunika lona. “Ungabulali. “Ungaphingi. “Ungebi. “Ungafakazi emanga ngamakhelwane wakho. “Ungayihawukeli indlu yamakhelwane wakho. “Ungamhawukeli nemkakhe, nesisebenti sakhe lesidvuna nome lesisikati, netinkhomo takhe, netimbongolo takhe, nome yini lanayo.” Batsi bantfu nabakuva lokudvuma nekukhala kwelicilongo babona nemibane nentfutfu yembese intsaba, bonkhe bantfu betfuka batfutfumela ngenca yekwesaba, bema bucalu. Bakhuluma kuMosi batsi: “Khuluma wena kitsi, sitakuva; siyesaba kutsi nakungakhuluma Nkulunkulu kitsi, sitakufa.” Mosi wakhuluma kubantfu watsi: “Ningesabi; Nkulunkulu utele kutewunivivinya, khona nitewuhlala nimesaba, kuze ningoni.” Kodvwa bantfu bajinge bema bucalu ngesikhatsi Mosi asondzela efini lelimnyama, lapho kwakunaNkulunkulu khona. Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Tjela ema-Israyeli kutsi ngitsi: ‘Nani ngekwenu nitibonele kutsi ngikhulume kini ngisezulwini. Ningatenteli tithico tesiliva nome tegolide ningibhice nato, bese nikhonta tona njengobe nikhonta mine. Ngenteleni lilati ngemhlaba, etikwalo ninikele umnikelo wekushiswa nemnikelo wekuthula, ngetimvu nangetinkhomo. Yonkhe indzawo lapho ngiyawukwenta kutsi libito lami lidvunyiswe khona, ngiyawuta kini nginibusise. Nanilenta ngematje lilati, ningalakhi ngematje lacotiwe; ngobe naniwacota lamatje, nitawube niyayingcolisa lenkonzo yami. Ningalakhi lilati lelinetitebhisi letenyukela kulo; ngobe nanenta njalo, nitawube nembula bungcunu benu kulo.’ ” “Ema-Israyeli wanike nansi imiyalo lelandzelako: Nawutsenga sigcili lesingumHebheru, siyakukusebentela iminyaka lesitfupha. Ngemnyaka wesikhombisa uyawusikhulula, ngaphandle kwenkhokhelo. Nangabe seta singenamfati, kufanele sihambe singenamfati; nangabe seta sesinemfati, kufanele sihambe nemkaso. Nangabe umtsengi waso asinike umfati, sabe sesitala emadvodzana nemadvodzakati, lomfati nebantfwana akusibo baso, bemtsengi waso. Sona sifanele sihambe sodvwana. Kodvwa nangabe lesigcili sikhuluma ngewaso umlomo sitsi: ‘Ngiyamtsandza umtsengi wami, nemkami, nebantfwabami, angifuni kukhululeka,’ ngako umtsengi waso kufanele asitsatse asimikise kuNkulunkulu endzaweni yekukhonta. Utawumenta eme eceleni kwemnyango nome kwensika yemnyango, abhobose indlebe yaso ngelusungulo. Sesiyawumsebentela simkhonte imphilo yaso yonkhe. “Nangabe indvodza itsengisa indvodzakati yayo kutsi ibe sigcili, akukafaneli sikhululwe njengetigcili letidvuna. Nangabe lendvodzakati itsengiswe endvodzeni lefuna kuyenta umkayo kodvwa lendvodza ingeneliswa ngiyo, lendvodza kufanele ivume kutsi ihlengwe lendvodzakati. Lendvodza ayinalo lilungelo lekuyitsengisa kumuntfu wetive, ngobe ayiketsembeki kulendvodzakati. Nangabe lendvodza ikhetsa lesigcilikati isikhetsela indvodzana yaso, kufanele loyise asitsatse njengendvodzakati yakhe. Nangabe indvodza itsatsa lomunye umfati, kufanele ingasehlisi sabelo salomfati wekucala macondzana nekudla nekwekwembatsa kanye nemalungelo akhe ebufati. Nangabe lendvodza ayitifezi letimfanelo letintsatfu kulomfati, akakhululeke ahambe ngaphandle kwekutsengwa.” “Umuntfu loshaya lomunye umuntfu ambulale, naye kufanele abulawe. Kodvwa nangabe abengakacondzi kumbulala ngekumlalela endleleni, kodvwa kube nguNkulunkulu lomyekelele wawela esandleni sakhe, angabaleka ayewubhaca endzaweni lengitayikhetsa kutsi kube yindzawo yekukhosela. Kodvwa nangabe umuntfu ahlasele lomunye umuntfu wambulala ngemabomu, nome asabaleke wayawukhosela elatini lami, nibomsusa kulo nimbulale. “Loshaya uyise nome unina kufanele abulawe. “Lotfumba lomunye umuntfu entele kumtsengisa nome kumenta sigcili kufanele abulawe. “Localekisa uyise nome unina kufanele abulawe. “Nangabe emadvodza atsite ayalwa, bese lenye ishaya lenye ngelitje nome ngesibhakela, kodvwa ingete yafa, ilimale nje ilale phansi, kodvwa emvakwaloko isukume ihambe ngekudvondvolotela ngendvuku, lena lemshayile ingeke ibe nelicala. Intfo nje, kufanele ikhiphe inkhokhelo yesikhatsi sayo, iyinakekele ize iphile. “Nangabe indvodza ishaye sigcili nome sigcilikati sayo ngendvuku safa khona lapho, kufanele ihlawuliswe; kodvwa nangabe lesigcili selulame ngelilanga linye nome mabili, akukafaneli ijeziswe, ngobe phela lesigcili siyimphahla yayo lendvodza. “Nangabe emadvodza atsite ayalwa alimata umfati lotetfwele, wadzimate wonakalelwa sisu, kodvwa yena wangete walimala ndzawo, lona lomlimatile kufanele ahlawuliswe. Inhlawulo itakuya ngekutsi indvodza yalomfati ijubeni; kuye ngekutsi behluleli bona bayayemukela yini leyo nhlawulo. Kodvwa nangabe lomfati ulimele, kufanele kwenanwe kuphila ngekuphila, liso ngeliso, litinyo ngelitinyo, sandla ngesandla, lunyawo ngelunyawo, kushiswa ngekushiswa, linceba ngelinceba, umvimba ngemvimba. “Nangabe umuntfu ashaye liso lesigcili nome lesigcilikati sakhe laze lalimala langabe lisabona, kufanele asikhulule sihambe, ngenca yaleliso. Nangabe usishaye wasikhipha litinyo lesigcili nome lesigcilikati, kufanele asikhulule kube yinkhokhelo yaso yalelitinyo.” “Nangabe inkhomo ihlabe umuntfu wafa, kufanele igcotjwe ngematje ibulawe, inyama yayo ingadliwa; kodvwa umnikati kufanele angajeziswa. Kodvwa nangabe inkhomo beyinemkhuba wekuhlabana, nemnikati wayo wacwayiswa ngaloko, kodvwa wangete wayifundzisa, nakwenteka-ke ihlaba umuntfu afe, lenkhomo iyawugcotjwa ngematje ibulawe; nemnikati wayo kufanele abulawe. Nakwenteka lomnikati avunyelwa kutsi akhiphe yonkhe inhlawulo yekuhlenga kuphila kwakhe, kufanele akhokhe yonkhe leyo nhlawulo lefunekako. Nangabe lenkhomo igwaze umfana nome intfombatane, lendzaba iyawulungiswa ngawo lowo mtsetfo. Nangabe lenkhomo igwaze sigcili lesidvuna nome lesisikati safa, umnikati wayo uyawukhipha tinhlavu tesiliva letingaba ngema-30, yona igcotjwe ize ife. “Nangabe umuntfu ashiye umgodzi lovulekile nome embe washiya lomgodzi ungakavalwa, bese kugcumkela kuwo inkhomo nome imbongolo, kufanele akhiphe inkhokhelo yalesifuyo. Lemali kufanele ayinike umnikati, lomhlawuli asale asatsatsa lesilwane sibe sakhe. Nangabe inkhomo yalomunye umuntfu ihlabe lenye inkhomo yayibulala, kufanele labanikati baletinkhomo batsengise lena lephilako behlukaniselane lentsengo ngalokulinganako; ngalokufananako kufanele behlukaniselane lenyama yalena lefile. “Kodvwa nangabe bekwatiwa kutsi lenkhomo beyivele inemkhuba wekuhlabana, nemnikati wangete wayivalela, kufanele ayenane ngalenye lephilako, lomhlawuli atsatse lena lefile ibe yakhe.” “Nangabe umuntfu ebe inkhomo nome imvu bese uyayibulala uyayitsengisa, kufanele akhiphe inkhokhelo yalenkhomo ibe tinkhomo letisihlanu, inkhokhelo yemvu ibe timvu letine. Nangabe lisela libanjwe ligcekeza lashaywa laze lafa, lowo lolibulele akanacala lengati; kodvwa nangabe loko kwenteke emvakwekuphuma kwelilanga, uyawuba nelicala lengati. “Lisela kufanele likhiphe inhlawulo; kodvwa nangabe lite, kufanele litsengiswe, khona kutewutfolakala inhlawulo yaloko lelikwebile. “Nangabe lesilwane lelisebile lelisela sitfolakale kulo sisaphila, nome yimbongolo, nome yimvu, liyawukwenana ngalokuphindvwe kabili. “Nangabe umuntfu atsite aselusile tinkhomo, taphunyuka tangena ensimini tadla emabele ebantfu, kufanele akhiphe kudla kwakhe kube yinkhokhelo yalamabele ladliwe. “Nangabe umuntfu atsite uyababela ensimini nome efusini lakhe, kwaphunyuka lomlilo washisa emabibi nome emabele alomunye nome yonkhe insimi yalomunye, kufanele lokudla akukhiphele inkhokhelo lephelele. “Nangabe umuntfu avumile kulondvolotela lomunye imali nome letinye nje tintfo, bese letintfo tiyebiwa la endlini, lelisela nalitfolakele litawutenana ngalokuphindvwe kabili. Kodvwa nangabe lelisela alikatfolakali, lomuntfu bekalondvolote letimphahla kufanele aletfwe embikwaNkulunkulu, lapho atawufike afungiswe kutsi akayebi yini lemphahla. “Nangabe kukhona kubangisana ngetimphahla nome ngetinkhomo, nome ngetimbongolo, nome ngetimvu, nome ngekwekwembatsa, nome ngabe yini lelahlekile, ngulowo nalowo atsi kwakhe, leyontfo kufanele iletfwe embikwaNkulunkulu. Lona lotawulahlwa nguNkulunkulu ngelicala, lenkhokhelo utayenana ngalokuphindvwe kabili. “Nangabe umuntfu avume kulomunye kutsi asiselwe imbongolo, nome inkhabi, nome imvu, nome ngusiphi nje sifuyo, bese lesifuyo siyafa, nome siyalimala, nome sitfunjwe, kubete nafakazi, lowo muntfu kufanele aye embikwaSimakadze afunge kutsi lesifuyo asikebiwa nguye. Nangabe lesifuyo akasebi, lomnikati kufanele alale ngelinceba, lomlahlekelwa angakhishiswa lutfo. Kodvwa nangabe lesifuyo sebiwe kuye lomlahlekelwa akhona, kufanele akhiphe inkhokhelo kulomnikati. Nangabe lesifuyo sidliwe tilwane, lomlahlekelwa kufanele aletse leticucu taso tibe bufakazi. Akukafaneli lomlahlekelwa akhiphe inkhokhelo, nangabe lesifuyo sidliwe tilwane le etsafeni. “Nangabe umuntfu eboleka sifuyo kulomunye, bese siyalimala nome siyafa, angekho lomnikati waso, lomeboleki utawuyikhipha ngalokuphelele inkhokhelo yaso. Kodvwa nangabe loko kwenteka akhona lomnikati waso, lona loyebolekile akukafaneli ayikhiphe inkhokhelo yaso. Nangabe besicashiwe, tindleko tekucashwa kwaso titawuba yinkhokhelo yaso.” “Nangabe indvodza iwunga intfombi lengaketsembisi, idzimate ilale nayo, kufanele lendvodza iyilobole bese iyayiteka. Nangabe uyise uyala kutsi iyitsatse iyiteke, kufanele lendvodza ikhiphe letindleko letifanele lentfombi, itinike uyise walentfombi. “Umfati longumtsakatsi kufanele nimbulale, ningamvumeli kutsi aphile. “Wonkhe umuntfu lolala nesilwane uyawubulawa. “Lonikela imihlatjelo esithicweni anganikeli kuSimakadze, nimbulale. “Ningacali nisiphatse kabi nome nisigcilate sihambi, ngobe nani nake naba tihambi eveni laseGibhithe. Ningamphatsi dlephu umfelokati nome intsandzane. Nanibahlupha, bese bakhala kimi, mine ngiyawukuva kukhala kwabo; intfukutselo yami iyawunivutsela, nginibulale ngenkemba. Bafati benu bayawuba bafelokati, nebantfwabenu babe tintsandzane. “Nanebolekise ngemali kulomunye webantfu bami labamphofu labahlala nani, ningalingisi umbolekisi ngekukhokhisa intalo. Nawutsetse ingubo yamakhelwane yaba sibambiso, uboyibuyisela kuye lilanga lisengakashoni; ngobe nguko kodvwa latembesa ngako. Angabuye alale ngani nje ngaphandle kwayo? Nakakhala kimi acela lusito, mine ngiyakuva, ngobe nginguNkulunkulu lonesihawu. “Ungakhulumi kabi ngaNkulunkulu, ungamcalekisi umholi wesive sakho. “Ungayekeli kunikela ngesivuno sakho semabele neseliwayini nasekuvunwa. “Ungiphe litubulo lemadvodzana akho. Ungiphe nematubulo etinkhomo newetimvu takho. Libotsi litubulo lingahlala nenina emalanga lasikhombisa bese ungipha lona ngelilanga lesiphohlongo. “Niyawuba bantfu labehlukaniselwe mine; ngako-ke akukafaneli niyidle inyama yesifuyo lesibulewe tilwane tesiganga, niyawuyilahla, idliwe tinja.” “Ungatandzisi tindzaba letingemanga. Ungatihlanganisi nemuntfu lomubi ngekumfakazela. Ungalilandzeli linyenti lelenta lokubi; nawenta bufakazi ecaleni, ungawephuli umtsetfo ngekuvumelana nelinyenti. Ungakhetsi muntfu nakutekwa licala lalomphofu. “Nawuhlangana nenkhomo nome imbongolo yesitsa sakho ilahlekile, yikhawule uyibuyisele kuso. Nawubona imbongolo yemuntfu lokutondzako ipatalaliswa ngumtfwalo, ungamshiyi, kodvwa msite ekuyisukumiseni nasekuyetfwaliseni kahle. “Umuntfu lomphofu ungamlahli ngelicala ngalokungasimtsetfo. Ungacali kubeka licala ngemanga. Umuntfu lote licala nalolungile ungambulali, ngobe loyawukwenta njalo uyakubulawa ngimi. Ungadizelwa, ngobe kudizelwa kwenta bantfu bavaleke emehlo bangete babone, kuphambukise labacotfo ekukhulumeni liciniso. “Ungasiphatsi kabi sihambi; nawe uyati kutsi utiva unjani nangabe usihambi, ngobe nani nake naba tihambi eGibhithe.” “Uyawulima insimi yakho uyivune iminyaka lesitfupha; kodvwa ngemnyaka wesikhombisa uyawuyiphumuta ungayilimi, ungavuni lutfo loluhlume kuyo, kuze kutsi labaphuyile besive sakho badle kuyo, lokusele kuyo kudliwe tilwane tesiganga. Uyawukwenta njalo nasesivinini sakho kanye nasensimini yakho yemincumo. “Uyawusebenta emalanga lasitfupha, kodvwa ngelilanga lesikhombisa ungasebenti, kuze kutsi tifuyo takho, netigcili letitalelwe kakho, kanye nebetive labasebenta kakho batewuphumula. “Kulalele konkhe loku lengikushito kuwe. Ungawadvumisi emabito alabanye bonkulunkulu, ungawaphatsi ngisho nangemlomo wakho.” “Uyawungidvumisa ngekugubha imikhosi lemitsatfu ngemnyaka. Ubogubha uMkhosi Wesinkhwa Lesingenambiliso. Ngenyanga lengu-Abibi, lenaphuma ngayo eGibhithe, uyakudla sinkhwa lesingenambiliso kuze kuphele emalanga lasikhombisa, njengobe ngakuyala. Kufanele kubete lovela embikwami angakaphatsi lutfo etandleni. “Ubogubha uMkhosi Wesivuno ngesivuno setilinga tekucala tensimi yakho. “Ubogubha uMkhosi Wekubutsa ekupheleni kwemnyaka, nase ubutsa sivuno lesititfukutfuku takho. Yonkhe iminyaka, katsatfu ngemnyaka, bonkhe labadvuna bafanele bete kutewukhonta mine, iNkhosi Simakadze. “Unganikeli kimi ngengati yemhlatjelo nangemnikelo nome wani lonembiliso. Emafutsa aletilwane lasele natinikelwa kulemigubho kufanele angahlali kuze kube ngungakusasa ekuseni. “Tilinga letinhle tetilimo takho tekwendvulelisa ubotiletsa endlini yaSimakadze longuNkulunkulu wakho. “Ungalipheki lizinyane lemvu nome lembuti elubisini lwenina.” “Ngitawutfumela ingilosi ihambe ngembili kwenu inilondvolote nisahamba, inifikise endzaweni lenginilungiselele yona. Yilaleleni, niyihloniphe, ningayivukeli; ngobe ingeke initsetselele naniyivukela, ngobe libito lami likuyo nje. Kodvwa nangabe nililalelisisa kahle livi layo nente konkhe lengikushoko, ngiyawuba sitsa setitsa tenu ngilwe nalabalwa nani. Lengilosi yami iyawuhamba ngembili kwenu iningenise eveni lema-Amori, nelemaHethi, nelemaPheresi, nelemaKhenani, nelemaHivi, nelemaJebhusi, mine-ke ngibacotfule baphele nya. Ningabakhotsameli bonkulunkulu babo, ningabakhonti, ningayenti nemikhuba yabo yekukhonta. Bonkulunkulu babo nibobabhidlita kanye netinsika tabo tematje. Nanikhonta mine Simakadze longuNkulunkulu wenu, ngitawunibusisa ngekudla nangemanti, ngikususe konkhe kugula kwenu. Kute umfati lotawuphunyelwa sisu nalotawuba yinyumba eveni lenu, ngitanipha imphilo lendze. “Bantfu labaphambene nani ngitabenta besabe; ngibente badzidzeke bonkhe bantfu labalwa nani, ngente netitsa tenu tonkhe tinibalekele. Ngiyawutfumela bomanyovu embikwenu; ngibo labayawunicoshela letitsa tenu letingemaHivi, nemaKhenani, nemaHethi. Ngingeke ngitikhiphe tonkhe ngamnyaka munye; ngobe nangingenta njalo, lelive litawube seliba sikhotsa, netilwane tesiganga tandze bese tiba yingoti kini. Esikhundleni saloko letitsa tenu ngitatikhipha kancane kancane, nize nitsi ningandza, bese niyalitsatsa-ke lonkhe live. Iminyele yenu ngitayibeka isuke eLwandle Lolubovu kuye eLwandle lwemaFilisti, kuye ehlane, kuze kufike emfuleni. Takhamiti talelive ngiyawutinikela esandleni senu, niyawubacitsa nibakhiphele ngephandle. Ningasenti sivumelwane nabo, ngisho nabonkulunkulu babo imbala. Ningabavumeli kutsi bakhelane nani eveni lenu, ngobe phela bangahle banente none kimi ngekukhonta labonkulunkulu babo; loko kuyakwenta lugibe kini.” Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Yenyuka, ukhuphukele kuSimakadze, wena, na-Aroni, naNadabi, na-Abihu kanye nebaholi bema-Israyeli labangema-70 nikhotsame nikhonte nisesekhashane. Wena-ke Mosi, ubosondzela kuSimakadze, kodvwa laba labanye bangacali basondzele kimi. Bantfu kufanele bangenyuki nawe.” Mosi wahamba wafike wabatjela yonkhe imiyalo nemitsetfo yaSimakadze. Bonkhe bantfu baphendvula kanyekanye batsi: “Onkhe emavi lawakhulumile Simakadze siyakuwenta.” Mosi wawabhala phansi onkhe emavi aSimakadze. Wavuka ekuseni ngeluvivi wakha lilati phansi kwentsaba, ngematje lali-12, labemele tive tema-Israyeli. Watfuma emajaha etive tema-Israyeli, anikela iminikelo yekushiswa, ngemihlatjelo ngetinkunzana taba ngiminikelo yekuthula kuSimakadze. Mosi watsatsa incenye yalengati wayifaka emigezelweni, lenye yayo wayinyenyeta etikwelilati. Wase utsatsa incwadzi yesivumelwane, wayifundza, bonkhe bantfu balalela, bakhuluma batsi: “Konkhe lokushiwo nguSimakadze siyawukwenta sikulalele.” Mosi wase utsatsa lengati leyayisemigezelweni wanyenyeta ngayo labantfu, akhuluma atsi: “Lena yingati yesivumelwane Simakadze lasente nani macondzana nalamavi.” Mosi na-Aroni, naNadabi, na-Abihu kanye nebaholi bema-Israyeli lababengema-70 benyuka baya entsabeni, bafike babona Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli. Ngaphansi kwetinyawo takhe kwabonakala lokwakufanana nendlela yelitje lesafire lelalingumbala loluhlata njengesibhakabhaka. Nkulunkulu akazange abatsintse, baholi besive sema-Israyeli; babona Nkulunkulu. Banatsa, badla ndzawonye. Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Yenyuka ukhuphukele kimi entsabeni uhlale khona; ngitakunika tibhelekeca tematje letinemiyalo lengiyibhalele kutsi ibe ngimiyalo yebantfu.” Mosi kanye nemsiti wakhe labenguJoshuwa batilungiselela; benyuka baya eNtsabeni yaNkulunkulu. Mosi wakhuluma kulabaholi, watsi: “Ase nisimele la, size sibuye futsi. Aroni naHure batawusala nani. Nakukhona lonesikhalo, akaye kubo.” Mosi wenyuka intsaba iSinayi, lifu layisibekela yonkhe intsaba. Inkhatimulo yaSimakadze yahlala etikweNtsaba iSinayi, lifu layembesa kwaze kwaphela emalanga lasitfupha; kwatsi ngelilanga lesikhombisa Simakadze wamemeta Mosi asekhatsi efini. Ema-Israyeli lenkhatimulo yaSimakadze leyayembese leNtsaba ayibona ayifanisa nemlilo locotfulako. Mosi wangena kulelifu, wenyuka waya entsabeni. Wahlala lapho emalanga langema-40 kanye nebusuku bawo. Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Khuluma esiveni saka-Israyeli kutsi asingiletsele umnikelo, ukhishwe ngibo bonkhe bantfu labanenhlitiyo levumako, wena uwemukele egameni lami. Leminikelo lotawuyemukela kufanele kube ngulena: yigolide, nesiliva, nelitfusi, nensontfo leluhlata njengesibhakabhaka, nalebukhwebeletane, nalebovu ngalokutopele, nendvwangu yelineni lecolisakele, neboya bembuti, netikhumba tetihhanca letishukiwe taguculwa taba bovu, netikhumba temahhashi aselwandle, netingodvo temgamba, nemafutsa ekukhanyisa tibane, netinongo temafutsa ekugcobisa, netemphepho lenuka kamnandzi, nematje e-oniksi, nalamanye ematje laligugu ekufakwa esidziyeni nasesembatfweni sesifuba semPhristi Lomkhulu. Labantfu kufanele bangentele indlu lengcwele, khona ngitawuhlala emkhatsini wabo. Nawakha lendlu lengcwele nato tonkhe timphahla tayo, ubokwenta konkhe ngendlela lengitakukhombisa yona.” “Kufanele bangakhele libhokisi lesivumelwane ngemgamba: budze balo bube ngemasentimitha langaba li-110, bubanti bube ngemasentimitha langaba ngema-66, kuphakama kube ngemasentimitha langaba ngema-66. Ulembese ngegolide lecengekile ngekhatsi nangephandle; ulephetse ngegolide. Utakwakha emajiva egolide ekuletfwala lekufanele ashayelwe kulo etinyaweni talo, abe mane, abe mabili nganhlanye, nanganhlanye abe mabili. Ubenta timboko tekuletfwala tibe temgamba, bese utembesa ngegolide. Letimboko utifake ekhatsi kulamajiva lasetinhlangotsini talelibhokisi; tisetjentiswe ekwetfwaleni lelibhokisi. Tiyawuhlala ekhatsi emajiveni alelibhokisi, tingakhishwa kulo. Ekhatsi kwalelibhokisi ubofaka letibhelekeca tematje letimbili lengitakunika tona. “Simbonyo salo lesisihlalo semusa, usente ngegolide lecengekile: budze baso bube ngemasentimitha langaba li-110, bubanti bube ngemasentimitha langaba ngema-66. Uyawukwenta emakherubhi lamabili ngegolide legcotjiwe uwabetsele lelinye likherubhi libe ngala, lelinye libe ngale. Yenta lelinye likherubhi libe ngale ngekugcineni kwesihlalo semusa, lelinye libe ngala ekugcineni, bese kuba yintfo yinye nesimbonyo. Lamakherubhi kufanele avule emaphiko awo engamele lesihlalo semusa abukane, abheke lesihlalo semusa. Letibhelekeca tematje letimbili ubotifaka ekhatsi kulelibhokisi, bese ulimbonya ngalesihlalo semusa. Ngitawuhlangana nawe lapho, ngikhulume nawe ngisetikwalesihlalo semusa emkhatsini walamakherubhi lamabili lasetikwelibhokisi. Ngulapho ngitakunika khona yonkhe imitsetfo yami yesive sema-Israyeli.” “Ubenta litafula ngemapulango emgamba: budze balo bube ngemasentimitha langaba ngema-88, bubanti bube ngemasentimitha langaba ngema-44, kuphakama kube ngemasentimitha langaba ngema-66. Ubolembesa ngegolide lecengekile, ulephetse ngegolide. Lapha emaceleni wakhe emaphetselo lanebubanti besandla, alitungelete ndzawo tonkhe, bese uwahlobisa ngelugebhezi lwegolide. Lelitafula ubolentela emajiva egolide lamane, lamajiva uwabophele emakoneni omane alemilente yalo. Lamajiva ekufaka letimboko tekwetfwala kufanele abesedvute nemaphetselo alelitafula. Uyakwenta timboko ngemgamba, utembese ngegolide, lelitafula liyakwetfwalwa ngato. Ubenta emapulede, netindzebe, nemajeke, netindishi temnikelo wewayini; tonkhe letintfo kufanele tentiwe ngegolide lecengekile. Etikwalelitafula kufanele ubeke sinkhwa lesinikelwe kimi, lekufanele sibesembikwami ngaso sonkhe sikhatsi.” “Yenta lutsi lwetibane ngegolide lecengekile; sibunu salo nesicu salo nako kwentiwe ngegolide legcotjiwe. Imihlobiso yalo ibe njengetimbali letisengimidvumba nalesetichakazile, ukwente kube sikhatsa sinye nalolutsi. Kuboba nemagala lasitfupha esicwini salo, lamatsatfu abe nganhlanye, nalamatsatfu abe nganhlanye. Lelo nalelo gala kufanele libe nemihlobiso lemitsatfu lenesimo setimbali te-alimondi, letinye tibe nguletisengimidvumba, letinye tibe ngulesetichakazile. Lolutsi lwetibane kufanele lube nemihlobiso lemine leyentiwe yaba njengetimbali te-alimondi, letisengimidvumba nalesetichakazile. Ngako kusho kutsi kutawuba nalesengumdvumba ngaphansi kwemagala lamabili ekucala lesuka esicwini, kulandzele lenye lesengumdvumba ngaphansi kwemagala lamabili lalandzelako, kanjalo nakulawo lamabili ekugcina. Leto totintsatfu titawucondzana nalamagala lasitfupha. Letimbali letisengimidvumba, nalamagala, nelutsi lwesibane kufanele kube sikhatsa sinye segolide lecengekile legcotjiwe. Yenta tibane letisikhombisa kulesicu utimise titewukhanyisa ngembili kwalesicu. Tijubantsambo netitsebe talo utente ngegolide lecengekile. Ubosebentisa igolide lecengekile lengemakhilogremu langaba ngema-35, nawakha lolutsi lwetibane nako konkhe lokuhambisana nalo. Ucaphele kutsi letintfo utakha ngaleyo ndlela lengakukhombisa yona entsabeni.” “Lingekhatsi lelithende lekukhontela ubolakha ngetindvwangu letilishumi. Ubotenta ngemitiya yelineni leyephotselwe ngalokucolisakele nangensontfo leluhlata njengesibhakabhaka, nangalebukhwebeletane, nangalebovu ngalokutopele, loko ngukuhlobise ngemakherubhi; kube ngumsebenti wengcweti lenebuciko. Leyo naleyo ndvwangu ibe ngemamitha langaba li-14 budze, nemamitha langaba mabili bubanti; tonkhe letindvwangu tilingane. Ubotihlanganisa ngekutitfungela ndzawonye letisihlanu, naleti letinye letisihlanu utente njalo. Wente tinkintjo ngendvwangu leluhlata njengesibhakabhaka tibesemaphetselweni aleyo naleyo ndvwangu leseyihlanganisiwe. Yenta tinkintjo letingema-50 endvwangwini yekucala, wente njalo futsi nakulena yesibili, tinkintjo ticondzane njengekulandzelana kwato. Yenta emahhuka egolide langema-50, wentele kuhlanganisa letindvwangu, lithende lekukhontela libe yintfo yinye. “Tindvwangu tekumbonya lelithende lekukhontela ubotenta ngeboya betimbuti, setitonkhe letindvwangu kufanele tibe li-11. Tonkhe letindvwangu ubotenta tilingane, iyinye ibe ngemamitha langaba li-15 budze, ibe ngemamitha langaba mabili bubanti. Letisihlanu utihlanganise ngekutitfungela ndzawonye, naleti letisitfupha nato tibe yintfo yinye. Lena yesitfupha uyigoce ngekuyiphindza kabili ngembili kwalelithende. Ubofaka tinkintjo letingema-50 emaphetselweni aleyo naleyo ndvwangu. Wakhe emahhuka ngelitfusi abe ngema-50, bese letindvwangu utihlanganisa ngalamahhuka, khona lithende litawuba yintfo yinye. Lengisa sigamu salendvwangu lenye ngemuva kwalelithende lekukhontela. Budze bekugabanca kwayo kulelithende bube ngemasentimitha langaba ngema-50 ngala nangale, loko lokusele kuyawugabanca ngetulu kulenge emihlubulweni yelithende kwentele kulembesa. “Ubenta simbonyo salelithende ngetikhumba tetihhanca letishukiwe taguculwa taba bovu, nesetikhumba temahhashi aselwandle etulu kwato letihhanca. “Ubentela lelithende lekukhontela tinsikabhaluko temgamba, letitakuma tilisimise lithende lekukhontela. Nguleyo naleyo nsikabhaluko ibe nebudze lobungemamitha langaba mahlanu, nebubanti lobungemasentimitha langaba ngema-66, tibe netiphongwana letifananako khona titewuhlanganiseka ngato. Tonkhe letinsikabhaluko talelithende lekukhontela kufanele tentiwe njalo. Ubenta tinsikabhaluko letingema-20 ngaseningizimu yelithende lekukhontela, nemaseko esiliva langema-40 abe ngaphansi kwetinsikabhaluko, abe mabili ngaphansi kwaleyo naleyo nsikabhaluko, entelwe kubamba tisimiso tayo letimbili. Nangasemhlubulweni wesibili longasenyakatfo nakhona wente tinsikabhaluko letingema-20, kanye nemaseko esiliva langema-40, abe mabili ngaphansi kwaleyo naleyo nsikabhaluko. Lingemuva lelithende lekukhontela lelingasenshonalanga lona ubolentela tinsikabhaluko letisitfupha. Emakona langemuva kwelithende lekukhontela ubowentela tinsikabhaluko letimbili. Tinsikabhaluko kufanele tibhancwe kusukela phansi, kuze kuyewufika etulu kuhlanganiswe kulelijiva lekucala. Totimbili letinsikabhaluko letenta lamakona lamabili kufanele tentiwe njalo. Ngako-ke kusho kutsi kufanele kube tinsikabhaluko letisiphohlongo nemaseko ato esiliva lali-16, lamabili ngaphansi kwaleyo naleyo nsikabhaluko. “Ubenta emakabha abe li-15 ngemgamba, lasihlanu abe ngewetinsikabhaluko letisemhlubulweni welithende, lasihlanu abe ngewetinsikabhaluko kulomunye umhlubulo, lasihlanu abe ngewetinsikakhaluko ngemuva ngasenshonalanga. Lelikabha lelisemkhatsini lelibhukula lensikabhaluko kufanele lisuke ngale ekugcineni lize lifike ngale ekugcineni. Tinsikabhaluko ubotembesa ngegolide, ushayele kuto emajiva egolide ekufaka lamakabha; nawo kufanele embeswe ngegolide. Lelithende lekukhontela kufanele ulakhe ngaleyo ndlela lengakukhombisa yona entsabeni. “Ubenta indvwangu ngemitiya yelineni leyephotselwe ngalokucolisakele nangensontfo leluhlata njengesibhakabhaka, nalebukhwebeletane, nalebovu ngalokutopele. Uboyihlobisa ngemakherubhi, lentiwe yingcweti lenebuciko. Uboyilengisa etinsikeni temgamba letine letembeswe ngegolide tafakwa emahhuka lamane egolide, tasinyiswa etikwemaseko esiliva lamane. Lendvwangu uboyikhaceka kulamahhuka lavalekako laseluphahleni, bese uletsa lelibhokisi lesivumelwane lelinetibhelekeca letimbili tematje, ulifake ngemuva kwalendvwangu. Lendvwangu itakwehlukanisa indzawo lengcwele endzaweni lengcwelengcwele. Lesihlalo semusa utakwembonya ngaso libhokisi lesivumelwane kulendzawo lengcwelengcwele. Ngaphandle kwendvwangu beka litafula ngasenyakatfo kwelithende, ubeke lutsi lwesibane ngaseningizimu libhekane nalelitafula. “Emnyango walelithende ubenta sivalo sendvwangu ngalokuluhlata njengesibhakabhaka, nangalokubukhwebeletane, nangalokubovu ngalokutopele, usente nangemitiya yelineni leyephotselwe yacolisakala; konkhe loko kube ngumsebenti wengcweti yetekuhlobisa. Yenta emahhuka egolide alendvwangu. Lendvwangu uyentele tinsika temgamba letisihlanu letembeswe ngegolide; leti-ke ubotibumbela emaseko elitfusi lasihlanu.” “Ubenta lilati ngemgamba, libe nemihlubulo lelinganako: budze balo libe ngemamitha langaba mabili nemasentimitha langema-20, bubanti libe ngemamitha langaba mabili nemasentimitha langema-20, nekuphakama libe ngulelingaba yimitha nemasentimitha langema-30. Lamakona lamane ubowenta abe netimphondvo lapha ngetulu, tihlangane tibe yintfo yinye nelilati, konkhe loku ubokwembesa ngelitfusi. Ubolentela emabhodo ekucitsa umlotsa, ulentele nemafosholo, nemigezelo, netindishi, netintsi tekuhloma inyama, nemakesi; tonkhe letitja ubotenta ngelitfusi. Ubolentela umhlobiso welitfusi losasisefo, etikwawo ubokwenta emajiva lamane elitfusi emakoneni awo omane. Ubowuvunulisa ngaphansi kwalomtsandvo welilati loselukhalweni lwelilati. Lelilati ubolentela timboko ngemgamba, uyembese ngelitfusi. Uyawutifaka emajiveni ngala nangala kwelilati njalo nje naletfwalwako. Lelilati ubolenta ngemapulango libe nemhubhe, ulakhe ngaleyo ndlela lengakukhombisa yona entsabeni.” “Lelithende lekukhontela ubolibiyela ngesibuya; lesibuya ubosakha ngetindvwangu telineni lecolisakele. Ngaseningizimu lesibuya kufanele sibe nebudze lobungemamitha langaba ngema-46, sibe netinsika letingema-20 letimiswe emasekweni elitfusi langema-20, letinsika tibe nemahhuka nemigcala yesiliva. Kufanele kwentiwe njalo futsi nangasemhlubulweni longasenyakatfo; lesibuya sibe nebudze lobungemamitha langaba ngema-46, letindvwangu tesibuya kufanele tilengiswe etinsikeni letingema-20 letimiswe emasekweni elitfusi langema-20. Letinsika tibe nemahhuka nemigcala yesiliva. Ngasenshonalanga kufanele kube nesibuya setindvwangu lesingemamitha langaba ngema-23 budze, letinsika tisinyiswe emasekweni lalishumi. Bubanti balesibuya ngembili kwaso, ngasemphumalanga, kufanele bube ngemamitha langaba ngema-23. Kulenga kwato letindvwangu ngala kwemnyango kufanele kube ngemamitha langaba sitfupha nemasentimitha langema-60 bubanti, tihhukwe etinsikeni letintsatfu letisinyiswe emasekweni lamatsatfu. Nangale kwemnyango kufanele kulenge tindvwangu letingemamitha langaba sitfupha nemasentimitha langema-60 bubanti, tihhukwe etinsikeni letintsatfu letisinyiswe emasekweni lamatsatfu. Lomnyango wesibuya kufanele ube nesivalo lesentiwe ngendvwangu yelineni lecolisakele lehlotjiswe nangensontfo leluhlata njengesibhakabhaka, nalebukhwebeletane, nalebovu ngalokutopele; kube ngumsebenti wengcweti yetekuhlobisa, bubanti balendvwangu bube ngemamitha langaba yimfica. Kufanele ihhukwe etinsikeni letine letisinyiswe emasekweni lamane. Tonkhe tinsika letitungelete lesibuya kufanele tibe nemigcala yesiliva nemahhuka esiliva, emaseko ato entiwe ngelitfusi. Lesibuya kufanele sibe nebudze lobungemamitha langaba ngema-46, nebubanti lobungemamitha langaba ngema-23, nekuphakama kwetindvwangu lokungemamitha langaba mabili nemasentimitha langema-20. Letindvwangu kufanele tentiwe ngemitiya yelineni leyephotselwe yacolisakala, emaseko ato letinsika entiwe ngelitfusi. Tonkhe timphahla letitawusetjentiswa kulelithende ekukhonteni ngisho netiphunti talelithende kanye netesibuya kufanele kwentiwe ngelitfusi.” “Uyale ema-Israyeli kutsi akakuletsele emafutsa lacengekile ekukhanyisa tibane lentiwe ngemncumo. Letibane kufanele tihlale tikhanya. Aroni nemadvodzana akhe kufanele balinakekele lelithende lekuhlangana ngekulikhanyisa kusukela kusihlwa kuze kube ngusekuseni; lolutsi lwetibane kufanele lubekwe ngaphandle kwendvwangu lesembikwelibhokisi lesivumelwane, lapho ngikhona khona. Lomtsetfo kufanele wentiwe ngema-Israyeli titukulwane ngetitukulwane.” “Ubobe sewubita umnakenu, Aroni, kanye nemadvodzana akhe boNadabi, na-Abihu, naEleyazare, na-Ithamari, ubehlukanise nema-Israyeli, ngobe ngifuna babe baphristi bekungikhonta. Ubotfungela umnakenu, Aroni, tembatfo letingcwele tebuphristi; ngito letitamnika sitfunti nekuhlonipheka. Tjela bonkhe bantfu labanelikhono lekutfunga, lengibaphe kuhlakanipha, kutsi bafanele bentele Aroni tembatfo tebuphristi kuze angikhonte njengemphristi. Tembatfo lekumele batente ngunati: sembatfo sesifuba, sidziya, nemjiva, nengubo lete umkhono lehlotjisiwe, nemshuculo wenhloko, nelucotfo. Letembatfo letingcwele batawutentela umnakenu Aroni kanye nemadvodzana akhe, kuze bangikhonte njengebaphristi. Letingcweti tibosebentisa imitiya yelineni leyephotselwe ngalokucolisakele, nensontfo leluhlata njengesibhakabhaka, nalebukhwebeletane, nalebovu ngalokutopele, nemicwana yegolide. “Kufanele bente sidziya ngensontfo leluhlata njengesibhakabhaka, nalebukhwebeletane, nalebovu ngalokutopele, naleyigolide kanye nangemtiya welineni lecolisakele. Lesidziya sitawuba nemichilo lemibili ngala nangale yekusibophela nekusihlanganisa emahlombe. Nalelibhande lelelukiwe leliselukhalweni kufanele libe yintfo yinye nalesidziya, lentiwe ngemicwana yegolide, nangensontfo lebukhwebeletane, naleluhlata njengesibhakabhaka, nalebovu ngalokutopele kanye nangemitiya yelineni leyephotselwe ngalokucolisakele. Ubotsatsa ematje lamabili e-oniksi, uwabhale ngekucopha emabito emadvodzana a-Israyeli lali-12, ngekwelamana kwawo, lasitfupha kulelitje lelinganhlanye, nalasitfupha kulelitje lelinganhlanye. Funa umuntfu lonelikhono lekubhala ngekucopha lamatje lamabili, acophe emabito emadvodzana aka-Israyeli; lamatje abowahlobisa ngegolide lapha emaphetselweni. Lamatje ubowafaka kulemichilo lebophela lesidziya emahlombe. Aroni utabowagaca emahlombe lamabito emadvodzana aka-Israyeli njalo nje naketa kimi, kuze kube sikhumbuto. Ubenta imiphetfo yegolide ibe mibili, nemigaco yegolide lecengekile lephotsene njengentsambo leyelukiwe, bese uyibophela emiphetfweni.” “Ubenta sembatfo sesifuba ngebungcweti lobukhulu, sibe ngesekwehlulela kwemPhristi Lomkhulu; njengesidziya sibe nalokuyigolide, nalokubukhwebeletane, nalokuluhlata njengesibhakabhaka, nalokubovu ngalokutopele kanye nemitiya yelineni lecolisakele. Kufanele siphindvwe kabili, khona sitewuba sikhwama lesilingene ndzawo tonkhe, budze baso bube ngemasentimitha langaba ngema-22, nebubanti lobungemasentimitha langaba ngema-22. Unamatsisele kuso imigca lemine yematje laligugu; emgceni wekucala unamatsisele isadiyusi, nethophazi, nerubhi; emgceni wesibili unamatsisele simaragidu, nesafire, nedayimani; emgceni wesitsatfu unamatsisele ihiyakinte, ne-agathe, ne-amethiste; emgceni wesine unamatsisele ikhrisolithe, ne-oniksi, nejasiphi. Lamatje kufanele ephetfwe ngegolide. Kufanele kube nematje lali-12, ngulelo nalelo litje libe nelibito lendvodzana ya-Israyeli; ngulelo nalelo litje libekwe luphawu ngekusikwa kwelibito lesive setive letili-12 taka-Israyeli. Lesembatfo sesifuba kufanele usentele imigaco yegolide lecengekile lephotsene njengentsambo leyelukiwe. Lesembatfo sesifuba kufanele usentele emajiva lamabili egolide, uwacoboshele kulamakona lamabili langetulu. Uyawubophela lemigaco lemibili yegolide kulamajiva lamabili lasemakoneni alesembatfo sesifuba. Letinye tihloko talemigaco kufanele utibophele kulemiphetfo lemibili, ngalendlela titawuba ngembili emichilweni yemahlombe yalesidziya. Ubenta emajiva lamabili egolide uwatfungele kulamakona lamabili langentansi ngaphansi kulesembatfo sesifuba, ngekhatsi macondzana nesidziya. Wente lamanye emajiva lamabili egolide uwatfungele ngaphansi kulemichilo lemibili yesidziya ngembili kwaso, eceleni kwemtfungo, ngetulu kwalelibhande lelelukwe kahle. Bopha lamajiva lasesembatfweni sesifuba uwahlanganise nalamajiva esidziya ngentsambo leluhlata njengesibhakabhaka. Loko kutakwenta sembatfo sesifuba sibe ngetulu kwelibhande singaceki. “Ngesikhatsi Aroni angena endzaweni lengcwele utabokwembatsa lesembatfo sesifuba lesinemabito emadvodzana aka-Israyeli, khona atawubokhumbuleka njalo nje kuSimakadze. Kulesembatfo sesifuba sekwehlulela ubofaka i-Urimu neThumimu, kubesetikwenhlitiyo ya-Aroni sonkhe sikhatsi nangena ebukhoneni baNkulunkulu. Kanjalo-ke Aroni uyawuphatsa letehlulelo tema-Israyeli etikwenhlitiyo yakhe nasembikwaNkulunkulu.” “Umjiva wonkhe longetulu kwalesidziya kufanele wentiwe ngendvwangu leluhlata njengesibhakabhaka. Lomjiva kufanele ube nembobo yekufaka inhloko; lembobo kufanele yephetfwe ngekugocotwa, bese iyatfungwa khona ingetiwudzabuka. Emphetfweni wawo ngaphansi kufanele uwuhlobise ngemahananandza entiwe ngensontfo leluhlata njengesibhakabhaka, nalebukhwebeletane, nalebovu ngalokutopele atungelete lomphetfo, kube netinsimbi tegolide emkhatsini wawo. Kufanele kube nelihananandza lilandzelwe yinsimbi yegolide wonkhe umphetfo wemjiva. “Aroni kufanele embatse lomjiva njalo nje nakakhonta njengemphristi, nangena endzaweni lengcwele eme embikwaSimakadze nome aphuma, letinsimbi titabovakala tikhala, khona angetikufa. “Yenta ngcwengcwe wegolide lecengekile bese ubhala ngekucopha nankha emagama: ‘Kwehlukaniselwe Nkulunkulu’. Longcwengcwe ubombophela ngembili kulomshuculo wenhloko ngentsambo leluhlata njengesibhakabhaka. Aroni kufanele akufake ebuntini lakhe, khona atekutsatsa onkhe emaphutsa esive sema-Israyeli lababe nawo, khona iminikelo yabo itekwamukeleka, nome ngabe bebonile ekunikeleni ngayo. “Ingubo ya-Aroni lengenamkhono uboyitfunga ngendvwangu yelineni lecolisakele, nalomshuculo wenhloko uwente ngendvwangu yelineni lecolisakele kanye nelibhande lekufanele lihlotjiswe. “Ubenta tingubo letingenamkhono nemabhande, nemishuculo yenhloko, wentele emadvodzana a-Aroni, khona atewuba nesitfunti ahlonipheke. Letimphahla ubotembatsisa umnakenu Aroni nemadvodzana akhe. Ubobagcoba ngemafutsa emncumo, ungehlukanisele bona babe ngcwele bangene esigabeni sekungikhonta njengebaphristi. “Kufanele ubentele imibekelo yelineni kusukela elukhalweni kuze kufike ematsangeni, khona batewufihla bungcunu babo. Aroni nemadvodzana akhe kufanele batifake njalo nje nabaya ethendeni lekuhlangana nome beta kutekungikhonta elatini endzaweni lengcwele, khona bangetiwubulawa ngenca yekona ngebungcunu babo. “Lona-ke ngumyalo wa-Aroni netitukulwane takhe kuze kube phakadze naphakadze.” “Naku lofanele ukwente nawunikela bo-Aroni nemadvodzana akhe kulenkonzo yekuba baphristi: Ubotsatsa inkunzana, netihhanca letimbili letingenasiyela. Sebentisa sinkhwa lesite imbiliso, nemipotongwane lete imbiliso lahlanganiswe nemafutsa, kanye nemacebelengwane lagcotjiswe ngemafutsa; konkhe loko kwentiwe ngemphuphu yakolo lecolisakele. Konkhe loko ukufake esitjeni ukunikele kimi kanye nalenkunzana naletihhanca letimbili. “Uboletsa bo-Aroni kanye nemadvodzana akhe bete ekungeneni kwelithende lekuhlangana, bese ubageza ngemanti. Ubobe sewembatsisa Aroni ngaletembatfo takhe tebuphristi: ingubo lete imikhono, nesidziya, nemjiva longetulu kwesidziya, nesembatfo sesifuba kanye nelibhande. Ubomfaka lomshuculo wenhloko, ucoboshele kuwo loluphawu lwebungcwele lolungungcwengcwe lobhalwe kutsi: ‘Kwehlukaniselwe Nkulunkulu’. Ubotsatsa lamafutsa emgcobo, uwatsele enhloko yakhe, umgcobe ngawo. “Ubobe sewuletsa emadvodzana akhe, uwagcokise letingubo letingenamkhono, uwabophe ngemabhande etinkhalweni tawo, uwafake nemishuculo etinhloko. Utamgcoba kanjalo-ke Aroni kanye nemadvodzana akhe. Bona netitukulwane tabo bayawuba baphristi bami phakadze naphakadze. “Ubobe sewuletsa lenkunzana embikwalelithende lekuhlangana, Aroni nemadvodzana akhe bayawube sebabeka tandla tabo etikwenhloko yayo. Lenkunzana uboyihlabela embikwaSimakadze, ekungeneni kwelithende lekuhlangana. Ubotsatsa litsantana lalengati ngemuno ulibhoce etimphondvweni telilati; lengati lesele uyitsele esisekelweni selilati. Emvakwaloko tsatsa onkhe lamanoni lembese kwangekhatsi, nemanoni lambonye sibindzi, nemanoni lembese tinso totimbili kanye nato, bese ukushisela etikwelilati. Kodvwa inyama yalenkunzana, nesikhumba sayo, nemswane wayo ukushisele ngephandle kwenkambu, ngobe kungumnikelo wesono. “Tsatsa lesinye setihhanca, bo-Aroni nemadvodzana akhe babeke tandla tabo etikwalenhloko yaso. Sihlabe, utsatse ingati yaso uyifafate ndzawo tonkhe kutungeleta lilati. Usisike ngekusihlahlela sibe ticucu; ugeze kwangekhatsi kwaso kanye nemilente yaso, ukubeke ndzawonye neticucu, nenhloko yaso. Sonkhe lesihhanca usishisele etikwelilati sibe ngumnikelo wekushiswa kuSimakadze. Lelo liphunga lelinuka lusi lolumnandzi kuSimakadze, umnikelo lowentiwa ngemlilo kuSimakadze. “Ubotsatsa lesinye setihhanca, bo-Aroni nemadvodzana akhe babeke tandla tabo etikwenhloko yaso. Sihlabe, utsatse litsantana lengati yaso ubhoce lihwandza lendlebe ya-Aroni yangesekudla, uphindze ubhoce emahwandza etindlebe tangesekudla temadvodzana a-Aroni, uphindze ubhoce netitfupha tangesekudla, uphindze ubhoce naboqukulu bangesekudla, lengati letawusala uboyifafata ndzawo tonkhe kutungeleta lilati. Ubotsatsa lengati leselatini kanye nemafutsa emgcobo ufafate bo-Aroni nemadvodzana akhe kanye netingubo tabo; ngaloko bo-Aroni nemadvodzana akhe batawube sebanikelwe kimi kanye netingubo tabo. “Kulesihhanca ubosika konkhe lokungemanoni: umsila, nemanoni lasetibilinini, nemanoni lambonye sibindzi, nemanoni lambonye tinso totimbili kanye nato letinso, nemlente wangesekudla; ngobe lesihhanca semgcobo. Kulesitja lesinetinkhwa letite imbiliso letisembikwaSimakadze, ubotsatsa sinkhwa sibe sinye, nempotongwane munye wesinkhwa lesinemafutsa, nelicebelengwane libe linye. Konkhe lokudla kwetfule etandleni ta-Aroni nasetandleni temadvodzana akhe, bakujikitisele kimi njengemnikelo lojikitiselwe kuSimakadze. Ubobe sewuyakutsatsa kubo ukushisele etikwemnikelo wekushiswa loselatini. Lelo liphunga lelinuka lusi lolumnandzi kuSimakadze, umnikelo lowentiwa ngemlilo kuSimakadze. “Ubotsatsa umganga walesihhanca sekugcotjwa kwa-Aroni uwujikitisele kuSimakadze; kube ngumnikelo wekujikitiswa. Lomganga-ke usabelo sakho. “Kufanele ungehlukanisele umganga lonikelwe ngekujikitiswa, nemlente lonikelwe ngekujikitiswa; yebo, wona lowo mganga nemlente lonikelwe ngekujikitiswa ngesikhatsi kugcotjwa bo-Aroni kanye nemadvodzana akhe. Loko kutawuhlala kusabelo sa-Aroni nemadvodzana akhe ngesimiso saphakadze kuma-Israyeli. Njalo nje nakwentiwa umnikelo wekuthula, umganga nemlente kuyawuba kwebaphristi. Leso-ke sipho sebantfu labasinika mine, Simakadze. “Tembatfo ta-Aroni letingcwele tiyawuba temadvodzana akhe, nasafile; ayawutembatsa nasagcotjiwe. Indvodzana ya-Aroni leyawumlandzela itsatse inkonzo yebuphristi iyawutembatsa emalanga lasikhombisa, nayita kutewukhonta endzaweni lengcwele lesethendeni lekuhlangana. “Ubotsatsa lenyama yesihhanca semgcobo wa-Aroni nemadvodzana akhe uyiphekele endzaweni lengcwele. Bo-Aroni nemadvodzana akhe baboyidla kanye nesinkhwa lesisesitjeni, ekungeneni kwelithende lekuhlangana. Loko bekukwemsimeto wenhlawulo nabagcotjwa, banikelwa, kubodliwa ngibo bodvwana; longesiye umphristi angakudli, ngobe kungcwele. Nakwenteka lenyama yemgcobo, nome sinkhwa kusala kuze kube ngakusasa ekuseni, ubobe sewukushisa ngemlilo loku lokulibhadlela. Akukafaneli kudliwe, ngobe kungcwele. “Lemisimeto yemgcobo uboyenta ku-Aroni nakumadvodzana akhe njengobe ngikuyalile, iyawutsatsa emalanga lasikhombisa. Onkhe emalanga ubonikela ngenkunzi ibe ngumnikelo wetono, khona titawutsetselelwa; ngekwenta njalo utawuhlambulula lilati, uligcobe ngemafutsa ulingcwelise bese uyalinikela. Loku ubokwenta onkhe lamalanga lasikhombisa. Lelilati litawuba ngcwele ngalokuphelele; lowo nome loko lokulitsintsako kutawulinyatwa ngemandla ebungcwele balo.” “Naku-ke lotawunikela ngako elatini njalo ngemalanga onkhe: Uyawunikela emazinyane etimvu lamabili lanemnyaka munye budzala. Lizinyane lelinye utabolinikela ekuseni, lelinye ulinikele entsambama nakushona lilanga. Lelizinyane lelitabonikelwa ekuseni libohambisana nemphuphu yakolo locolisakele leyikhilogremu yinye, lebhicwe nelitha yinye yemafutsa emncumo. Utsele ilitha yinye yeliwayini ibe ngumnikelo wesinatfo. Niyawunikela leli lelinye lizinyane entsambana kanye nalowo mnikelo walokutinhlavu nemnikelo wawo wesinatfo njengasekuseni. Lelo liphunga lelinuka lusi lolumnandzi kuSimakadze, umnikelo lowentiwa ngemlilo kuSimakadze. “Kuyawuhlala kungumnikelo wekushiswa titukulwane ngetitukulwane, wentiwe ekungeneni kwelithende lekuhlangana embikwaSimakadze; kulapho ngitabohlangana khona nebantfu bami, ngikhulume kuwe. Ngitabohlangana lapho nema-Israyeli; lendzawo bese ingcweliswa yinkhatimulo yami. “Lelithende lekuhlangana nelilati ngitawukungcwelisa; bo-Aroni nemadvodzana akhe ngitabehlukanisela inkonzo yekuba baphristi. Ngitawuhlala emkhatsini wema-Israyeli, ngibe nguNkulunkulu wabo. Bayawukwati kutsi nginguSimakadze longuNkulunkulu wabo, lowabakhipha eveni laseGibhithe, ngentela kuhlala emkhatsini wabo. NginguSimakadze longuNkulunkulu wabo.” “Ubenta lilati ngemgamba, libe lekushisela imphepho. Kufanele libe nemihlubulo lelinganako: libe ngemasentimitha langaba ngema-45 imihlubulo, nemasentimitha langaba ngema-90 kuphakama. Timphondvo temakona alo omane kufanele tibe yintfo yinye nalo. Kufanele uyembese ngegolide lecengekile yomine imihlubulo, ngetulu nangaphansi kanye netimphondvo talo; ulephetse ngegolide ndzawo tonkhe. Yenta emajiva egolide ekuletfwala abe mabili, uwashayele ngaphansi kwemphetfo emihlubulweni ngala nangale, lapho nitawufaka khona timboko tekuletfwala. Letimboko ubotenta ngemgamba, utembese ngegolide. Lelilati ubolibeka embikwendvwangu levimbele libhokisi lesivumelwane lelinesihlalo semusa etikwalo, lapho ngitabohlangana nawe khona. “Aroni utaboshisa imphepho lenuka kamnandzi, njalo nje ekuseni nakalungisa letibane. Aroni kufanele aphindze akwente loko njalo nje embikwaSimakadze entsambana, nakakhanyisa tibane; lomnikelo wemphepho uyakwentiwa kuSimakadze njalo nje titukulwane ngetitukulwane. Ungacali unikele etikwalo ngemphepho lengemukeleki, nome umnikelo wekushiswa nome umnikelo walokutinhlavu, ungacali utsele umnikelo weliwayini etikwalo. Kanye ngemnyaka Aroni abenta inkonzo yekubuyisana kuSimakadze, ayentele etimphondvweni totine telilati; leyo nkonzo yekuhlawulela tono ngemnikelo wengati, iyakwentiwa njalo nje kanye ngemnyaka. Loko niyawukwenta titukulwane ngetitukulwane. Lelilati kufanele libe ngcwele lehlukaniselwe mine, Simakadze.” Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Nawenta lubalo lwema-Israyeli, ngulowo nalowo kufanele akhiphe inhlawulo yemphilo yakhe ngesikhatsi ubabala, khona angetikwehlelwa sishayo, nasangene elubalweni. Ngulowo nalowo muntfu lowewelela kulabo lesebabaliwe kufanele akhiphe imali lekalwe nalejutjwe ngalokusemtsetfweni, lowo mnikelo awukhiphe kimi. Wonkhe longenile kulolubalo losukela eminyakeni lengema-20 budzala kuye etulu kufanele awukhiphe lomnikelo waSimakadze. Lonjingile akufanele akhokhiswe ngetulu, nalophuyile akukafaneli akhokhiswe ngaphansi kwalemali, lekuyinhlawulo yetimphilo tenu kuSimakadze. Lemali leyinhlawulo uboyibutsa kuma-Israyeli, uyisebentise ekuchubeni nasekusekeleni inkonzo yelithende lekuhlangana. Lemali ngeyekuhlenga timphilo tabo, khona mine, Simakadze, ngitabokhumbula kuphephisa sive saka-Israyeli.” Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Yenta umgezelo welitfusi, kanye netibunu tawo letilitfusi, ube wekugezela. Ubowubeka emkhatsini welithende lekuhlangana nelilati, utsele emanti kuwo. Aroni nemadvodzana akhe kufanele bageze kuwo tandla netinyawo tabo. Ngaphambi kwekuba bangene ethendeni lekuhlangana nome nabasondzela elatini kutewufeza inkonzo yabo yekushisa umnikelo ngemlilo kuSimakadze, kufanele bageze kulamanti. Nabangakagezi batakufa. Kufanele bageze tandla tabo netinyawo tabo, khona bangetikufa. Lona ngumyalo nemtsetfo labatawugcina bona netitukulwane tabo kuze kube phakadze naphakadze.” Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Tsatsa tinongo leticolisakele, emakhilogremu langaba sitfupha emure lemanti, nemakhilogremu langaba matsatfu esinamoni lenuka kamnandzi, nemakhilogremu langaba matsatfu ekalamu, nemakhilogremu langaba sitfupha ekhasiya; konkhe kukalwe ngesikalo lesisemtsetfweni. Ubengeta emalitha langaba mane emafutsa emncumo, bese wakha ngato emafutsa langcwele emgcobo, lahlanganiswe aba ngemakha, uwente njengengcweti yalomsebenti. Ubowasebentisa ekugcobiseni ngawo lelithende lekuhlangana, nelibhokisi lesivumelwane, nelitafula, netimphahla letihambisana nalelitafula, nelutsi lwetibane, netimphahla letihambisana nalolutsi lwetibane, nelilati lekushisa imphepho, nelilati lekushisa iminikelo, netimphahla letihambisana nalelilati, nemgezelo kanye nesibunu sawo. Tonkhe letimphahla ubotinikela, khona titewuba ngcwele ngalokuphelele; loko lokutitsintsako kutawulinyatwa bungcwele bato. Ubogcoba bo-Aroni nemadvodzana akhe babe ngcwele, khona batewungikhonta njengebaphristi bami. Ubokhuluma kuma-Israyeli utsi: ‘Lamafutsa ami langcwele emgcobo niyakuwasebentisa kuto tonkhe titukulwane tenu. Akukafaneli atselwe emitimbeni yebantfu nje, futsi kufanele ningawakhi lamanye ngaletilinganiso talawa; angcwele, futsi nibowatsatsa ngekutsi vele angcwele. Nangabe kungaba khona lowakha lafana nawo nome awasebentise kulomunye longesiye umphristi, uyawuncunywa esiveni sakubo.’ ” Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi atsi: “Tsatsa sikalo lesilinganako kuto tonkhe letinongo letimnandzi: sitakathi, ne-onkha, negalibhanume, nemakha lacengekile. Tihlanganise ndzawonye njengengcweti yalomsebenti, utente tibe yimphepho yemakha lanongwe ngeluswayi, khona itawuba ngulehlantekile nalengcwele. Lenye yayo uboyisila icolisakale, bese uyifaka ethendeni lekuhlangana uyifafate embikwelibhokisi lesivumelwane, lapho ngihlangana khona nawe. Lemphepho uboyiphatsa uyente ibe ngcwele. Ningacali nente imphepho ngayo lendlela nangaletilinganiso; kini itawuba ngcwele, inikelwe kuSimakadze. Lowo lowenta emakha lafanana nawo uyawuncunywa esiveni sakubo.” Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Bheka, ngitikhetsele Besaleli, umsa wa-Uri, lotalwa nguHure, wesive sakaJuda; ngamgcwalisa ngaMoya waNkulunkulu. Ngimuphe likhono nekuhlakanipha, nelwati emisebentini yonkhe yebungcweti: kutsi akwati kwenta tinhlobonhlobo temihlobiso ngegolide, nesiliva, nelitfusi, nekucopha nekufaka ematje laligugu, nekubata lugodvo, nekwenta nome ngabe ngumuphi umsebenti webungcweti. Ngetulu kwaloko ngikhetse na-Oholiyabi, umsa wa-Ahisamaki, wesive sakaDani, kutsi asebente naye. Bonkhe laba labanelikhono nabo ngibengetele, khona batewukwati kwenta loku lengikuyale ngako: lithende lekuhlangana, nelibhokisi lesivumelwane, nesihlalo semusa, netimphahla tonkhe telithende, nelitafula, netimphahla letihambisana nalo, nelutsi lwetibane lolwentiwe ngegolide lecengekile, netimphahla letihambisana nalo, nelilati lemphepho, nelilati lemnikelo wekushiswa kanye netimphahla letihambisana nalo, nemgezelo, nesibunu sawo, netembatfo letihlotjiswe kahle ta-Aroni, umphristi, kanye netemadvodzana akhe tekutsi batembatse nabenta inkonzo yabo yebuphristi, nemafutsa emgcobo, nemphepho lenuka kamnandzi yendzawo lengcwele. Konkhe loku bafanele bakwente njengobe ngikuyalile.” Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Khuluma kuma-Israyeli utsi ngitsi: ‘Gcinani emaSabatha ami, loku kuyawuba luphawu emkhatsini wenu nami titukulwane ngetitukulwane, kuze nati kutsi nginguNkulunkulu wenu loningcwelisako. Kufanele nigcine liSabatha ngobe lingcwele kini; wonkhe umuntfu longaligcini kufanele abulawe. Lowo losebenta ngalelo langa kufanele ancunywe kubantfu bami. Niyawusebenta emalanga lasitfupha, kodvwa lilanga lesikhombisa liSabatha lekuphumula, lingcwele kuSimakadze; wonkhe umuntfu losebentako ngalo kufanele abulawe. Ngako-ke ema-Israyeli leliSabatha kufanele aligcine titukulwane ngetitukulwane kube sivumelwane saphakadze naphakadze. Liluphawu lwaphakadze naphakadze emkhatsini wema-Israyeli nami, kutsi ngemalanga lasitfupha Simakadze wadala lizulu nemhlaba, kwatsi ngelilanga lesikhombisa waphumula emsebentini wakhe.’ ” Watsi kube Nkulunkulu acedze kukhuluma naMosi eNtsabeni yaseSinayi, wase umnika letibhelekeca letimbili tematje temiyalo, lapho umuno wakhe Nkulunkulu wawubhale khona imiyalo nemitsetfo. Batsi kube bantfu babone kutsi Mosi sewutsetse sikhatsi lesidze angasehli entsabeni, babutsana ndzawonye beta ku-Aroni bakhuluma kuye batsi: “Kota, usentele nkulunkulu lotawuhamba embikwetfu, ngobe phela asati kutsi sekwente njani kulendvodza lenguMosi leyasikhipha eveni laseGibhithe.” Aroni wakhuluma kubo watsi: “Khumulani lamacici egolide lasetindlebeni tebafati benu, netemadvodzana enu, netemadvodzakati enu, niwaletse lapha kimi.” Ngako bonkhe bantfu bakhipha emacici abo etindlebeni tabo, bawaletsa ku-Aroni. Wawatsatsa wawancibilikisa, wase ubumba litfole lelidvuna legolide. Bantfu bamemeta batsi: “Israyeli! Nangu-ke nkulunkulu wakho lowakukhipha eveni laseGibhithe!” Watsi kube Aroni akubone loku, wase wakha lilati embikwalelitfole, wamemetela watsi: “Kusasa kutawuba nesibhimbi sekudvumisa Simakadze.” Ngakusasa bavuka ekuseni ngeluvivi baletsa iminikelo yekushiswa kanye neminikelo yekuthula. Bantfu bahlala phansi, badla, banatsa, basukuma badlala. Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi watsi: “Ncandzeka wewuke, ngobe labantfu bakho lowabakhipha eveni laseGibhithe sebonakele. Sebaphambuke ngekushesha kuloko lengabayala ngako; sebancibilikise igolide benta litfole lelidvuna. Balikhotsamela balikhonta, badzimate batsi: ‘Israyeli! Nangu-ke nkulunkulu wakho lowakukhipha eveni laseGibhithe.’ ” Simakadze wachubeka wakhuluma kuMosi watsi: “Sengibabonile labantfu kutsi basive lesinentsamo lelukhuni. Ngako-ke ase ungiyekele kutsi lulaka lwami lutewubahashula lubabhubhise. Wena-ke ngitakwenta ube sive lesikhulu.” Kodvwa Mosi wancenga Simakadze longuNkulunkulu wakhe watsi: “Hhawu Simakadze, lulaka lwakho lusivutselelani lesive sakho lowasikhipha eveni laseGibhithe ngesandla sakho lesinemandla lamakhulu? Pho, kudzingeke ngani kutsi emaGibhithe abe asatsi: ‘Wabakhipha ngebucili eGibhithe wabe sewubabulala ngekubacitsa ebusweni bemhlaba baphelela etintsabeni bonkhe’? Mane uluyekele lulaka lwakho loluvutsako, ucole, ungasehliseli imbhubhiso lesive sakho. Khumbula Abrahama, na-Isaka, na-Israyeli, tinceku takho, lowafunga kuto ngelibito lakho watetsembisa, watsi: ‘Ngiyawunandzisa, titukulwane tenu tibe ngangetinkhanyeti tesibhakabhaka. Lelive lenginitsembisa lona ngiyawulipha titukulwane tenu, liyawuba ngelabo phakadze naphakadze.’ ” Ngako Simakadze wagucula umcondvo wakhe, wangabe asababhubhisa bantfu bakhe. Mosi wancandzeka, wehla entsabeni, etfwele tibhelekeca tematje letimbili letatibhalwe imiyalo ndzawo totimbili ngemuva nangembili. Letibhelekeca tematje tatibatwe nguNkulunkulu, tabhalwa nguye ngekuticopha ngesandla sakhe. Joshuwa watsi kube eve bantfu bamemeta, wakhuluma kuMosi watsi: “Kunemsindvo wemphi enkambu.” Mosi waphendvula watsi: “Loko akufanani nemsindvo wekuncoba nome kukhala kwekwehlulwa, kodvwa ngiva kungumsindvo wekuhlabela.” Watsi kube Mosi asondzele enkambu, abone lelitfole nebantfu bagidza, watfukutsela wabilelana. Letibhelekeca labetetfwele watilahla phansi, tephukela khona lapho phansi kwentsaba. Watsatsa lelitfole lelase lakhiwe, walishisa ngemlilo, waligaya, lacolisakala laba yimphuphu, walibhuca ngemanti, watsi onkhe ema-Israyeli akalinatse. Wakhuluma ku-Aroni watsi: “Labantfu benteni kuwe, uze ubaholele kulesono lesikhulu kangaka?” Aroni waphendvula watsi: “Ungangitfukutseleli, nkhosi yami, nawe uyati kutsi labantfu babutsambele kanjani bubi. Ngobe bakhulume kimi batsi: ‘Sentele nkulunkulu, lotawuhamba embikwetfu; ngobe asati kutsi sekwente njani kulendvodza lenguMosi leyasikhipha eGibhithe.’ Mine ngatsi kubo: ‘Wonkhe lonegolide akayiletse lapha kimi.’ Ngako banginika igolide, ngayifaka emlilweni, kwase kuphuma nali litfole lelidvuna.” Mosi wabona kutsi bantfu sebangumhlambi kazelusile, ngobe Aroni abesabayekelele batentela matsandza, batihlazisa ngisho nasembikwetitsa tabo. Mosi wema esangweni lenkambu wamemeta watsi: “Lowo longakuSimakadze akete lapha kimi.” Onkhe emadvodzana aLevi abutsana ndzawonye eta kuye. Wakhuluma kuwo watsi: “Simakadze longuNkulunkulu wa-Israyeli utsi: ‘Ngulowo nalowo emkhatsini wenu akatsatse inkemba yakhe, angene ngalelisango adzimate ayewuphuma ngale, ahambe abulala bomnakabo, nebangani bakhe, nabomakhelwane bakhe.’ ” EmaLevi enta njengekusho kwaMosi, abulala emadvodza labengaba ti-3 000 ngalelo langa. Mosi wakhuluma kumaLevi watsi: “Lamuhla senitehlukanisele Simakadze ngentsengo yekubulala lowo nalowo indvodzana yakhe nemnakabo. Ngako-ke lamuhla sewunibusisile.” Ngakusasa Mosi wakhuluma kubantfu, watsi: “Nente sono lesikhulu lesesabekako. Kodvwa sengitakwenyuka ngiye kuSimakadze entsabeni; mhlawumbe nginganentela inhlawulo yekubuyisana kuSimakadze ngalokona kwenu.” Ngako Mosi wancandzeka wabuyela kuSimakadze, wafike watsi: “Labantfu sebatentele sono lesikhulu lesesabekako. Sebente nkulunkulu ngegolide base bayamkhonta. Kodvwa ngiyakucela umane ubatsetselele; nangabe awubatsetseleli, kuncono nami wesule libito lami encwadzini yakho loyibhalile.” Simakadze wamphendvula watsi: “Ngulowo lowonile kimi lengiyakwesula libito lakhe encwadzini yami. Hamba-ke uyewuhola labantfu ubayise kulendzawo lengikhulume ngayo kuwe, ingilosi yami itawuhamba embikwakho. Kodvwa siyeta sikhatsi lapho ngitawubajezisa ngenca yekona kwabo.” Ngako Simakadze watfumela sifo kubantfu, ngobe babecindzetele Aroni kutsi ababumbele litfole legolide. Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Tfutsa kulendzawo wena nebantfu lobakhiphe eveni laseGibhithe, niye eveni lengafunga ngetsembisa kulinika Abrahama, na-Isaka, na-Jakobe, ngatsi: ‘Lelive ngiyawulipha titukulwane tenu.’ Ngitawutfumela ingilosi yami ihambe embikwenu ngikhiphe emaKhenani, nema-Amori, nemaHethi, nemaPheresi, nemaHivi, nemaJebhusi. Hambani niye kulelive leligcwele lubisi neluju lwetinyosi; kodvwa mine ngingeke ngihambe nani ngenca yebulukhuni benhloko yenu; ngingahle nginibhubhise nonkhana endleleni.” Batsi kube bantfu beve onkhe lamavi labuhlungu, bakhala bonkhe, bayikhumula imihlobiso yabo. Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Khuluma kulama-Israyeli utsi ngitsi: ‘Nine nibantfu labanenhlitiyo lelukhuni; nangingake ngihambe nani umzuzu ube munye nje, nginganibhubhisa niphele nya. Khumulani lemihlobiso yenu, khona ngitanitjela kutsi ngitakwentani ngani!’ ” Ngako batsi kube batfutse eNtsabeni iSinayi abaphindzanga bayegabe imihlobiso futsi. Mosi abevame kumisa lithende ngephandle kwenkambu, abelibita ngekutsi lithende lekuhlangana. Ngulowo nalowo labefuna kubuta intsandvo yaSimakadze abevele aphumele ngaphandle kwenkambu ethendeni lekuhlangana. Abetsi Mosi nakaya kulo, bonkhe bantfu bavuke, beme eminyango yemathende abo bambuke aze ayewungena kulo. Abetsi Mosi angangena kulo, bese kwehla insika yelifu, ifike ime ekungeneni kwalelithende lekuhlangana, bese-ke Simakadze ukhuluma naMosi. Bonkhe bantfu babetsi bangayibona lensika yelifu ime ekungeneni kwelithende lekuhlangana bakhotsame, bakhonte, ngulowo nalowo emnyango welithende lakhe. Simakadze abekhuluma naMosi buso nebuso, njengemuntfu akhuluma nemngani wakhe. Mosi nasabuyele enkambu, lelibhungu lelalingumsiti wakhe, lelalinguJoshuwa, umsa waNuni, lalisala lingesuki kulelithende lekuhlangana. Mosi wakhuluma kuSimakadze, watsi: “Wena watsi kimi: ‘Khipha labantfu,’ kodvwa awuzange ungilayele kutsi utangitfuma nabani. Yebo, washo kona kimi watsi: ‘Ngiyalati libito lakho, futsi uzuze umusa emehlweni ami.’ Ngako-ke, nangabe ngizuze umusa emehlweni akho, ngiyakucela kutsi ungikhombise tindlela takho, kuze wena ngikwati kahle, ngichubeke kuzuza umusa emehlweni akho. Ukhumbule futsi kutsi labantfu basive sakho.” Simakadze wamphendvula watsi: “Ngiyawuhamba nawe, ngikuphe kuphumula.” Mosi waphendvula watsi: “Nangabe ungeke uhambe natsi, ungacali usitfutse lapha. Nawungahambi natsi, kutawubonakala kanjani kutsi ngizuze umusa emehlweni akho, mine nalesive sakho? Kuhamba kwakho nami nalesive sakho ngiko lokufanele kusente sehluke emkhatsini wetive tonkhe temhlaba.” Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Ngitakwenta loku lokushito, ngobe uzuze umusa emehlweni ami, futsi ngikwati kahle.” Mosi wakhuluma watsi: “Ngicela ungikhombise inkhatimulo yebukhosi bakho.” Simakadze waphendvula watsi: “Ngitakwenta kutsi inkhatimulo yebuhle bami bendlule embikwakho ngimemetele libito lami, Simakadze. Ngimentela umusa lowo lengimentela umusa, ngimhawukele lowo lengimhawukelako. Kodvwa ungeke ububone buso bami, ngobe kute umuntfu longabona buso bami abuye aphile. Buka la: kunendzawo lapha ngakimi, lapho utakuma khona, etikwalelidvwala. Nakwendlula inkhatimulo yami, ngitakufaka lapha emkhocweni walelidvwala, ngikumbonye ngesandla sami ngesikhatsi ngendlula. Ngitabe sengiyasisusa lesandla sami, ungibone lingemuva, kodvwa buso bami ungeke ububone.” Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Bata tibhelekeca letimbili tematje letifanana naleta takucala. Ngitawubhala kuto wona lawo mavi labesetibhelekeceni tekucala lowatiphihlita. Tilungiselele likusasa ekuseni, wenyuke ute lapha eNtsabeni iSinayi, utewutetfula lapha kimi esicongweni sentsaba. Ungeti namuntfu, futsi kubete umuntfu lobonakala kulentsaba yonkhe. Timvu, netimbuti, netinkhomo tingeluselwa phansi kwayo lentsaba.” Ngako-ke Mosi watibata letibhelekeca letimbili tematje, tafanana netekucala; wavuka lokwa ngeluvivi ngakusasa wenyuka iNtsaba iSinayi aphetse leto tibhelekeca letimbili ngetandla takhe, njengobe Simakadze abemyalile. Simakadze wehla ngelifu wema naye khona lapho, wamemeta libito laSimakadze. Simakadze wendlula embikwakhe wamemeta watsi: “Simakadze, Simakadze, Nkulunkulu lonesihawu nemusa; uyephuta kutfukutsela andze ngemusa nangekwetsembeka, ubentela umusa labatinkhulungwane, atsetselele emaphutsa, nalokubi, netono. Kodvwa ngingeke ngihlale ngingamjezisi lonelicala; ngijezisa bantfwana nebatukulu ngetono tebatali babo, kuze kufikele esitukulwaneni sesitsatfu nesesine.” Mosi washeshisa wakhotsamisa inhloko yakhe akhonta. Wakhuluma watsi: “Simakadze, nangabe ngizuze umusa emehlweni akho, ngicela kutsi uhambe natsi, nome sisive lesinenhloko lelukhuni. Tsetselela kona netono tetfu, usente sibe lifa lakho.” Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Ngenta sivumelwane-ke manje. Ngitakwenta imimangaliso embikwaso sonkhe sive sakho, lengazange seyentiwe emhlabeni nome ngukusiphi sive. Tonkhe tive lohlala emkhatsini wato tiyawubona tintfo letinkhulu letitakwentiwa ngimi, mine Simakadze, ngobe ngitanentela tintfo letesabekako emehlweni ato. Lalelani lemiyalo lengininika yona lamuhla. Ngitatidvungulula ngitikhiphe kulelive tonkhe letive: ema-Amori, nemaKhenani, nemaHethi, nemaPheresi, nemaHivi, nemaJebhusi. Nicaphele ningenti sivumelwane nebantfu labakulelive leniya kulo, ngobe loko kungahle kube lugibe kini. Emalati abo nibowabhidlita, nephule tinsika tawo tematje, nibhidlite konkhe kwalo-Ashera longunkulunkulukati wabo. “Ningamkhonti lomunye nkulunkulu, ngobe loSimakadze lobitwa ngekutsi nguSikhwele unguNkulunkulu lonesikhwele. Ningenti ngisho nesivumelwane nalabantfu balelo live, ngobe nabagwadla ngekukhonta letithico tabo, banikele umhlatjelo kuto, batanimema bese nidla leminikelo yemihlatjelo yabo. Emadvodzana enu ningawatsatseli bafati emadvodzakatini abo, ngobe uma labantfu sebaphinga nome bagwadla ngekukhonta letithico tabo, nalamadvodzana enu atawudvonseleka kuloko. “Ningatenteli bonkulunkulu lababatwe ngensimbi. “Ubowugcina uwugubhe uMkhosi Wesinkhwa Lesingenambiliso. Uyakudla sinkhwa lesite imbiliso emalanga lasikhombisa njengobe ngakuyala. Ubokwenta kusukela kulelo langa lelimisiwe ngenyanga ya-Abibi, lenaphuma ngayo eveni laseGibhithe. “Onkhe ematubulo labafana ngewami, ngisho ematubulo lamadvuna etifuyo: tinkhomo, netimvu kwami. Litubulo lelidvuna lembongolo uyawulihlenga ngekunikela lizinyane lemvu esikhundleni salo; nangabe awulihlengi, ubolephula intsamo. Onkhe emadvodzana langematubulo uyakuwahlenga. “Kufanele kubete lovela embikwami angakaphatsi lutfo etandleni. “Uyawusebenta emalanga lasitfupha, kodvwa ngelilanga lesikhombisa uyawuphumula, ngisho nangesikhatsi sekulima nesekuvuna. “Ubowugubha uMkhosi Wekuvuna Kolo, lokunguMkhosi Wemaviki. Ubowugubha neMkhosi Wekubutsa ekupheleni kwemnyaka. “Katsatfu ngemnyaka bonkhe labadvuna bakho bayawutibonakalisa eNkhosini lenguSimakadze, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli. Ngobe ngiyawucitsa tive embikwakho ngandzise neminyele yakho; kute loyawuhawukela live lakho, ngetikhatsi tekwenyuka kwakho katsatfu ngemnyaka nawuyekutibonakalisa kuSimakadze, longuNkulunkulu wakho. “Unganikeli kimi ngengati yemhlatjelo nangemnikelo nome wani lonembiliso. Kubete inyama yemhlatjelo weliPhasika leyawusala ibe libhadlela. “Tilinga letinhle kakhulu temasimi akho tekwendvulelisa ubotiletsa endlini yaSimakadze longuNkulunkulu wakho. “Ungalipheki lizinyane lembuti nome lemvu elubisini lwenina.” Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Wabhale lamavi, ngobe lesivumelwane lesengisente nawe nema-Israyeli sisime kulamavi.” Mosi wahlala naSimakadze emalanga langema-40 nebusuku bawo; abengadli anganatsi. Wawabhala kuletibhelekeca tematje emavi alesivumelwane, laba ngimiyalo lelishumi. Ngesikhatsi Mosi ehla eNtsabeni iSinayi abephetse letibhelekeca letimbili tematje tinemiyalo lelishumi; abengati kutsi sikhumba sebuso bakhe siyakhatimula, ngobe phela abekhulume naNkulunkulu. Watsi kube Aroni nawo onkhe ema-Israyeli babone Mosi kutsi sikhumba sebuso bakhe siyakhatimula, besaba kusondzela kuye. Kodvwa Mosi wababita, abita Aroni nebaholi bonkhe; bancandzeka babuyela kuye, Mosi wakhuluma nabo. Emvakwaloko onkhe ema-Israyeli asondzela kuye, wase uwanika lemiyalo labeyinikwe nguSimakadze eNtsabeni iSinayi. Watsi kube Mosi acedze kukhuluma kubo, wabe sewumbonya buso bakhe ngendvwangu. Njalo nje Mosi abetsi nakangena ebukhoneni baSimakadze, lendvwangu ayisuse, aze aphume. Abetsi angaphuma, awatjele ema-Israyeli konkhe labetfunywe kutsi akwente. Ema-Israyeli abebona kutsi buso baMosi buyakhatimula, ngako Mosi abebumbonya ngendvwangu lobuso bakhe, aze aphindze angene kuyawukhuluma naSimakadze. Mosi wasihlanganisa sonkhe sive sema-Israyeli, wakhuluma kuso watsi: “Naku-ke Simakadze laniyale ngako kutsi nikwente: Kufanele nente imisebenti yenu emalanga lasitfupha, kodvwa lilanga lesikhombisa nilingcwelise kube liSabatha, lilanga lekuphumula, lilanga lelinikelwe kuSimakadze. Losebenta ngalelo langa kufanele abulawe. Ningawubasi ngisho nemlilo emitini yenu ngelilanga leSabatha.” Mosi wakhuluma kuso sonkhe sive sema-Israyeli, watsi: “Naku-ke Simakadze laniyale ngako kutsi nikwente: Tsatselani Simakadze umnikelo kuloko leninako. Wonkhe lonenhlitiyo levumako akaletse umnikelo kuSimakadze: umnikelo wegolide, newesiliva, newelitfusi, newensontfo leluhlata njengesibhakabhaka, nalebukhwebeletane, nalebovu ngalokutopele, newendvwangu yelineni lecolisakele, neweboya bembuti, newetikhumba tetihhanca letishukiwe taguculwa taba bovu, newetikhumba temahhashi aselwandle, newetingodvo temgamba, newemafutsa ekukhanyisa tibane; newetinongo temafutsa ekugcobisa, newemphepho lenuka kamnandzi, newematje e-oniksi, nawelamanye ematje laligugu ekuhleliswa esidziyeni nasesembatfweni sesifuba semPhristi Lomkhulu.” “Onkhe emadvodza lanelikhono lasemkhatsini wenu kufanele ente naku Simakadze latsite akwentiwe: lithende lekukhontela, nelithende lalo, nesimbonyo salo, nemahhuka alo, netinsikabhaluko talo, nemakabha alo, netinsika talo, nemaseko alo; libhokisi lesivumelwane, netimboko talo, nesimbonyo salo lesisihlalo semusa, nendvwangu levimbe libhokisi lesivumelwane; litafula netimboko talo, nako konkhe lokuhambisana nalo, nesinkhwa sebukhona; lutsi lwetibane kanye netimphahla letihambisana nalo, netibane kanye nemafutsa ekukhanyisa tibane; nelilati lemphepho, netimboko talo, nemafutsa ekugcoba, nemphepho lenuka kamnandzi, nendvwangu lelengiswa ekungeneni kwelithende lekukhontela; nelilati lemnikelo wekushiswa, nemhlobiso walo welitfusi losasisefo, netimboko talo, netimphahla letihambisana nalo, nemgezelo nesibunu sawo, netindvwangu tesibuya, netinsika taso, kanye nemaseko ato, nendvwangu lelengiswa emnyango wesibuya, netiphunti, netintsambo telithende lekukhontela netesibuya; netembatfo letihlotjiswe kahle letisetjentiswa ekukhonteni endzaweni lengcwele, lekutembatfo letingcwele ta-Aroni, umphristi, kanye netembatfo temadvodzana akhe labatisebentisa nabenta inkonzo yabo yebuphristi.” Onkhe ema-Israyeli esuka kuMosi, ahamba. Ngulowo nalowo lonelikhono kanye nabo bonkhe labatsintseka etinhlitiyweni nasemoyeni wabo baletsa umnikelo kuSimakadze wekutsi usetjentiswe ethendeni lekuhlangana nasekukhonteni kanye nasekwelukeni tembatfo letingcwele. Beta bonkhe lababenetinhlitiyo letivumako, labadvuna nalabasikati: baletsa tonkhe tinhlobo temhlobiso, letatentiwe ngegolide, baletsa ticobosho temhlobiso, nemacici, netindandatho, nebuhlalu bekwegaba. Bonkhe baletsa igolide yabo, kwaba ngumnikelo wekujikitiswa kuSimakadze. Bonkhe labo lababenensontfo leluhlata njengesibhakabhaka, nalebukhwebeletane, nalebovu ngalokutopele, nendvwangu yelineni lecolisakele, neboya bembuti, netikhumba tetihhanca letishukiwe taguculwa taba bovu, netikhumba temahhashi aselwandle, bakuletsa. Bonkhe labo lababenemandla ekunikela ngesiliva nangelitfusi bakuletsa, kwaba ngumnikelo kuSimakadze, bonkhe lababenemgamba lewawungaba lusito bakuletsa. Bonkhe labasikati lababenelikhono lekwephotsa baletsa insontfo leluhlata njengesibhakabhaka, nalebukhwebeletane, nalebovu ngalokutopele, netindvwangu telineni lecolisakele. Bonkhe labasikati lababenetinhlitiyo letitsintsekile lababenelikhono bephotsa boya betimbuti. Baholi baletsa ematje layi-oniksi nalamanye ematje laligugu kutsi atewufakwa esidziyeni nasesembatfweni sesifuba, netinongo, nemafutsa ekukhanyisa, newekugcoba, newemphepho lenuka kamnandzi. Onkhe ema-Israyeli, labadvuna nalabasikati, lababenetinhlitiyo letivumako tekunikelela wonkhe lomsebenti, Simakadze labeyale Mosi kutsi awente, bakuletsa kuSimakadze, kwaba ngumnikelo wesihle. Mosi wakhuluma kuma-Israyeli, watsi: “Simakadze ukhetse Besaleli umsa wa-Uri, lotalwa nguHure, wesive sakaJuda. Nkulunkulu umgcwalise ngaMoya wakhe; wamupha likhono, nekuhlakanipha, nelwati emisebentini yonkhe yebungcweti, kutsi akwati kwenta tinhlobonhlobo temihlobiso ngegolide, nangesiliva, nangelitfusi, nekusika ematje, nekubata lukhuni, nekwenta nome ngabe ngumuphi umsebenti webungcweti. Simakadze uphe yena na-Oholiyabi, umsa wa-Ahisamaki, wesive sakaDani, kutsi bakwati kufundzisa labanye bantfu. Ubaphe likhono lekutsi bakwati kwenta yonkhe inhlobo yemisebenti leyentiwa ngetandla, tingcweti, nebahlobisi, nebeluki betindvwangu letelukwe ngensontfo leluhlata njengesibhakabhaka, nalebukhwebeletane, nalebovu ngalokutopele, kanye nangemitiya yelineni lecolisakele. Bayakwati kwenta yonkhe inhlobo yemsebenti, kantsi futsi bonkhe sebanebungcweti.” “BoBesaleli, na-Oholiyabi, nawo onkhe emadvodza lanelikhono laphiwe nguNkulunkulu bungcweti nekuhlakanipha ekwakheni lendzawo lengcwele, kufanele bawente wonkhe lomsebenti njengobe Simakadze ashito.” Mosi wabita Besaleli, na-Oholiyabi, nawo onkhe emadvodza labenelikhono nalabephiwe nguSimakadze bungcweti nekuhlakanipha nalabetimisele kuwenta lomsebenti. Batsatsa kuMosi tonkhe timphahla tekwakha indzawo lengcwele. Letimphahla nguleto letatinikelwe ngema-Israyeli, wona abechubeka aletsa iminikelo kuMosi onkhe emalanga ekuseni. Ngako-ke nguleyo naleyo ndvodza leyayinelikhono lekusebenta leyayakha indzawo lengcwele, yasukuma phansi yashiya umsebenti wayo, yaya kuMosi yafike yatsi: “Labantfu sebaletse umnikelo lomnyenti kakhulu kunalowo lodzingekile emsebentini lobekatsite Simakadze awentiwe.” Ngako-ke Mosi wakhipha lomyalo kutsi akumenyetelwe esiveni sonkhe lesasisenkambu simemetelo lesitsi: “Sale kubate muntfu loletsa umnikelo, indvodza nemfati, ningabe nisatsintsa lutfo lwendzawo lengcwele,” ngobe loko bebakuletsile kwase kwenele kwaze kwendlula kutsi kungawucedza wonkhe lomsebenti. Onkhe emadvodza labenelikhono emkhatsini walababenta lomsebenti welithende lekukhontela balakha ngetindvwangu letilishumi. Tatentiwe ngelineni lecolisakele nangensontfo leluhlata njengesibhakabhaka, nalebukhwebeletane, nalebovu ngalokutopele, tase tihlotjiswa ngemakherubhi lentiwe yingcweti lenebuciko. Tonkhe letindvwangu tatilingana: iyinye budze yayingemamitha labengaba li-12, bubanti bungemamitha labengaba mabili. Batitfunga ngekuhlanganisa letisihlanu taba yindvwangu yinye, naleti letinye letisihlanu batenta njalo. Benta tinkintjo ngendvwangu leluhlata njengesibhakabhaka lapha emaphetselweni aleyo naleyo ndvwangu leseyihlanganisiwe. Batfungela tinkintjo letingema-50 kulenye; baphindze batfungela letinye futsi taba ngangato, tacondzana nato njengekulandzelana kwato. Base benta emahhuka egolide langema-50 ekuhlanganisa letindvwangu; ngako-ke lithende lekukhontela laba yintfo yinye. Base benta simbonyo selithende lekukhontela ngetindvwangu letili-11 letatentiwe ngeboya betimbuti. Letindvwangu letili-11 tatilingana: iyinye indvwangu budze bayo babungemamitha labengaba li-13, bubanti bungemamitha labengaba mabili. Batitfunga bahlanganisa letisihlanu taba yindvwangu yinye, kwase kutsi leti letisitfupha nato tahlanganiswa taba yindvwangu yinye. Batfungela tinkintjo letingema-50 emaphetselweni alendvwangu lesekugcineni ngala. Baphindze batfungela tinkintjo letingema-50 emaphetselweni alendvwangu lesekugcineni ngale. Benta emahhuka elitfusi langema-50 ekuhlanganisa letindvwangu, khona atekwenta lithende yintfo yinye. Benta naletinye timbonyo letimbili, lesinye sasentiwe ngetikhumba tetihhanca letatishukwe taguculwa taze taba bovu, nalesinye saba ngetemahhashi aselwandle. Totimbili tatentelwe kuba simbonyo selithende lekuhlangana. Babata tinsikabhaluko letatema tasimisa lelithende lekukhontela, batenta ngesihlahla semgamba. Leyo naleyo yayinebudze lobabungemamitha labengaba sihlanu, bubanti bungemasentimitha labengaba ngema-66, aba netiphongwana letimbili tekuhlanganiswa. Tonkhe tinsikabhaluko talelithende lekukhontela tentiwa njalo. Babata tinsikabhaluko letingema-20 ngaseningizimu yelithende lekukhontela, kanye nemaseko esiliva langema-40 ngaphansi kwaleto tinsikabhaluko, emaseko lamabili ngaphansi kwaleyo nsikabhaluko ekusimisa letiphongwana. Babata tinsikabhaluko letingema-20 ngasenyakatfo yelithende lekukhontela kanye nemaseko elisiliva langema-40, emaseko lamabili ngaphansi kwaleyo naleyo nsikabhaluko. Lingemuva lelithende lekukhontela lelingasenshonalanga balentela tinsikabhaluko letisitfupha. Benta tinsikabhaluko letimbili emakoneni ngasemuva. Letinsikabhaluko letimbili betibhanciwe kusukela phansi kuze kuyewufika etulu kuhlanganiswe kulelijiva. Tinsikabhaluko letimbili letatibhanciwe kwakwakhiwe ngato emakona omabili ngalokufananako. Ngako-ke bekunetinsikabhaluko letisiphohlongo nemaseko esiliva lali-16; emaseko lamabili abengaphansi kwaleyo naleyo nsikabhaluko. Babata emakabha emgamba lali-15, lasihlanu aba ngewetinsikabhaluko letisemhlubulweni welithende lekukhontela, lasihlanu aba ngewetinsikabhaluko temhlubulo lobhekene nawo, nalawa lasihlanu aba ngewetinsikabhaluko letisemhlubulweni longasenshonalanga ngemuva. Lelikabha lelisemkhatsini lavundliswa lase lishayelwa kuletinsikabhaluko, lesuka ngala laze layawufika ngale. Letinsikabhaluko batembesa ngegolide, bashayela kuto emajiva egolide ekufaka lamakabha awo. Nemakabha abembeswe ngegolide. Benta indvwangu ngemitiya yelineni leyayephotselwe yacolisakala, nangensontfo leluhlata njengesibhakabhaka, nalebukhwebeletane, nangalebovu ngalokutopele, bayihlobisa ngemakherubhi, lentiwe yingcweti lenebuciko. Bakha tinsika temgamba letine letatembeswe ngegolide, taba tekulengisa lendvwangu, batifaka emahhuka egolide. Base bakha emaseko lamane esiliva ekusimisa letinsika. Umnyango walelithende lekuhlangana bawentela sivalo sendvwangu ngalokuluhlata njengesibhakabhaka, nangalokubukhwebeletane, nangalokubovu ngalokutopele, basenta nangemitiya yelineni leyayephotselwe yacolisakala; konkhe loko kwaba ngumsebenti wengcweti yetekuhlobisa. Benta tinsika temgamba letatisihlanu nemahhuka ato; tihloko tetinsika nemakabha bakwembesa ngegolide. Benta nemaseko ato lasihlanu ngelitfusi. Besaleli wakha libhokisi lesivumelwane ngemgamba: budze babungemasentimitha labengaba li-110, bubanti babungemasentimitha labengaba ngema-66, nekuphakama kwakungemasentimitha labengaba ngema-66. Ngekhatsi nangaphandle walembesa ngegolide lecengekile; walephetsa ngegolide emaceleni. Wenta emajiva lamane wawakhela emilenteni yalo; lamabili aba nganhlanye, nalamabili aba nganhlanye. Wenta timboko tekuletfwala ngemgamba, nato watembesa ngegolide, watifaka ekhatsi kwalamajiva ngala nangale kwalelibhokisi kutsi letfwalwe ngato. Simbonyo salo lesisihlalo semusa wasenta ngegolide lecengekile; budze babungemasentimitha labengaba li-110, bubanti babungemasentimitha labengaba ngema-66. Wenta emakherubhi lamabili ngegolide legcotjiwe, lelinye laba ngala, lelinye laba ngale ngekugcineni kwesihlalo semusa. Wawenta aba yintfo yinye nesimbonyo. Lamakherubhi abebhekene, abuka leso simbonyo, avule timphiko tawo engamele sihlalo semusa. Besaleli wenta litafula ngemapulango emgamba; budze balo babungemasentimitha labengaba ngema-88, nebubanti lobabungemasentimitha labengaba ngema-44, nekuphakama lekwakungemasentimitha labengaba ngema-66. Walembesa ngegolide lecengekile, walifaka igolide emaphetselweni alo. Wenta emaphetselo labetungeleta lelitafula anebubanti lobungangesandla. Wenta emajiva egolide lamane ekuletfwala, wawabophela emakoneni alo omane, emilenteni yalo. Lamajiva ekufaka timboko tekuletfwala abefakwe eceleni kwelugebhezi emaphetselweni alelitafula. Wakha timboko tekuletfwala ngemgamba, watembesa ngegolide. Wakha ngegolide lecengekile titja talelitafula: emapulede alo, netindzebe talo, nemajeke alo, netindishi tekuphatsa liwayini lemnikelo. Besaleli wenta lutsi lwetibane ngegolide lecengekile. Wenta sibunu salo nesicu salo ngegolide legcotjiwe. Imihlobiso yalo yaba njengetimbali letisengimidvumba nalesetichakazile, wakwenta kwaba sikhatsa sinye nalolutsi. Lwalunemagala lasitfupha esicwini salo, abematsatfu ngala nangale. Ngulelo nalelo gala lalinemihlobiso lemitsatfu lenesimo setimbali te-alimondi, letinye taba nguletisengimidvumba letinye taba ngulesetichakazile. Lolutsi lwetibane walwenta lwaba nemihlobiso lemine letentiwa taba njengetimbali te-alimondi, letisengimidvumba nalesetichakazile. Wenta kwaba nalesengumdvumba ngaphansi kwemagala lamabili ekucala lesuka esicwini, kwalandzela lenye lesengumdvumba ngaphansi kwemagala lamabili lalandzelako, kanjalo nakulawo lamabili ekugcina. Leto totintsatfu tacondzana nalamagala lasitfupha. Letimbali letisengimidvumba, nalamagala, nalolutsi lwetibane kwaba sikhatsa sinye segolide lecengekile legcotjiwe. Wenta tibane talolutsi taba sikhombisa, wenta tijubantsambo tato netitsebe tato ngegolide lecengekile. Lutsi lwetibane nako konkhe lokuhambisana nalo wakwenta ngegolide leyayinesisindvo lesasingemakhilogremu labengaba ngema-35. Besaleli wenta lilati lekushisela imphepho; walenta ngemgamba, laba nemihlubulo lelinganako ndzawo tonkhe. Belingemasentimitha labengaba ngema-45 budze, nemasentimitha labengaba ngema-45 bubanti, nemasentimitha labengaba ngema-90 kuphakama. Timphondvo talo totine taba yintfo yinye nalelilati. Yonkhe imihlubulo yalo netimphondvo talo wakwembesa ngetulu nangaphansi ngegolide lecengekile. Walephetsa ngegolide ndzawo tonkhe. Wenta emajiva egolide ekuletfwala aba mabili, wawashayela ngaphansi kwemphetfo emihlubulweni ngala nangale, lapho babetawufaka khona timboko tekuletfwala. Letimboko watenta ngemgamba, watembesa ngegolide. Besaleli wakha nemafutsa emgcobo longcwele nemphepho lecolisakele lenuka kamnandzi, lekwaba ngumsebenti wengcweti kutekuthakwa kwemakha. Besaleli wakha lilati lekushisa iminikelo; walakha ngemgamba. Lelilati lalinemihlubulo lelinganako: budze lalingemasentimitha labengaba ngema-220, nebubanti lobabungemasentimitha labengaba ngema-220, nekuphakama lingemasentimitha labengaba li-130. Wenta emakona lamane aba netimphondvo lapha ngetulu, watihlanganisa taba yintfo yinye nelilati; konkhe loko kwembeswa ngelitfusi. Tonkhe timphahla letihambisana nalelilati watakha ngelitfusi, taba nguleti: emabhodo ekucitsa umlotsa, nemafosholo, nemigezelo, netintsi tekuhloma inyama, nemakesi. Wakha umhlobiso welitfusi losasisefo, wawakha ngekuwuvunulisa ngaphansi kwalomtsandvo welilati loselukhalweni lwalo. Wakha emajiva lamane ekwetfwala lelilati, wawakhela emakoneni omane. Wakha timboko ngemgamba, watembesa ngelitfusi, wafaka letimboko kulamajiva ngala nangale kwelilati. Lelilati lalakhiwe ngemapulango, lingekhatsi lalo lingumhubhe. Besaleli wakha umgezelo kanye nesibunu sawo, kokubili wakwembesa ngelitfusi; wakwakha ngetibuko tebafati lababekhonta ekungeneni kwelithende lekuhlangana. Sibuya selithende lekuhlangana Besaleli wasakha ngetindvwangu letatilenga, takhiwe ngemitiya yelineni lecolisakele. Ngaseningizimu lesibuya sasingemamitha labengaba ngema-46 budze. Lesibuya sasinetinsika letatingema-20, timiswe emasekweni elitfusi langema-20, emahhuka nemigcala yetinsika leyayentiwe ngesiliva. Nangasenyakatfo lesibuya sasinjalo: sasingemamitha labengaba ngema-46 budze, letindvwangu tatilengiswe etinsikeni letingema-20 letimiswe emasekweni elitfusi labengema-20; emahhuka nemigcala yetinsika yayentiwe ngesiliva. Ngasenshonalanga wenta sibuya setindvwangu lesasingemamitha labengaba ngema-23 budze, tindvwangu taso talengiswa etinsikeni letilishumi etikwemaseko lalishumi; emahhuka nemigcala yato yayentiwe ngesiliva. Ngasemphumalanga lapho kwakunelisango ngakhona bubanti besibuya baba ngemamitha labengaba ngema-23. Kulenga kwaletindvwangu ngala kwemnyango wakwenta kwaba ngemamitha labengaba sitfupha nemasentimitha labengaba ngema-60 bubanti, tihhukwe etinsikeni letintsatfu letisinyiswe emasekweni lamatsatfu. Nangale kwemnyango bekulenga tindvwangu letatingemasentimitha labengaba ngema-60 bubanti; tatilengiswe etinsikeni letintsatfu letatisinyiswe emasekweni lamatsatfu. Tonkhe letindvwangu letatitungelete lesibuya tatakhiwe ngemitiya yelineni lecolisakele. Emaseko aletinsika abengewelitfusi, kodvwa emahhuka aletinsika nemigcala yato bekukwesiliva, netihloko taletinsika betembeswe ngesiliva. Tonkhe letinsika talesibuya tatinemigcala yesiliva. Indvwangu yesivalo emnyangeni wesibuya yayakhiwe ngemitiya yelineni lecolisakele, ihlotjiswe ngensontfo lenembala loluhlata njengesibhakabhaka, nalobukhwebeletane, nalobovu ngalokutopele, loko kwaba ngumsebenti wengcweti yetekuhlobisa. Lendvwangu yayingemamitha labengaba yimfica bubanti, nemamitha labengaba mabili kuphakama, ilingana naletindvwangu talesibuya. Yayilengiswe etinsikeni letine letatisinyiswe emasekweni lamane; konkhe kwakwentiwe ngelitfusi. Kodvwa emahhuka aletinsika, nalemigcala yato bekukwesiliva, netihloko taletinsika tatembeswe ngesiliva. Tonkhe tiphunti telithende lekukhontela kanye netesibuya salo tatentiwe ngelitfusi. Nalu luhla lwebungako betintfo letatisetjentiswa ekwakheni lithende lekukhontela laSimakadze, lapho kwakuhlala khona tibhelekeca tematje letimbili letatibhalwe imiyalo lelishumi. Mosi wayala kutsi loluhla lwetimphahla lubhalwe ngemaLevi labephetfwe ngu-Ithamari, umsa wa-Aroni, umphristi. Besaleli, umsa wa-Uri, lotalwa nguHure, wesive sakaJuda, wakwenta konkhe loko Simakadze labekushito kuMosi. Umsiti wakhe kwakungu-Oholiyabi, umsa wa-Ahisamaki, wesive sakaDani. Yena-ke abengumbati, nemsunguli wemihlobiso, nemhlobisi ngensontfo leluhlata njengesibhakabhaka, nalebukhwebeletane, nalebovu ngalokutopele, nangemitiya yelineni lecolisakele. Igolide yonkhe leyayisetjentiswe ekwakheni lithende lelingcwele leyayinikelwe, yayinesisindvo lesasingemakhilogremu labengaba yinkhulungwane, ngesikalo lesisemtsetfweni. Sisindvo sesiliva leyayikhishwa ngulabo lababebalwa sasingemakhilogremu labengaba ti-3 430 ngekwesikalo lesisemtsetfweni. Ngulowo nalowo labengene elubalweni abekhipha sikalo lesisemtsetfweni, kusukela eminyakeni lengema-20 budzala kuye etulu: kwakungemadvodza lati-603 550 lebengenele lolubalo. Isiliva lenesisindvo lesasingemakhilogremu labengaba ti-3 400 yasetjentiswa ekwakheni emaseko lalikhulu elithende lelingcwele kanye newendvwangu yalo. Isiliva yalelo nalelo seko yayinesisindvo lesasingemakhilogremu labengaba ngema-34. Isiliva leyasala yayingemakhilogremu labengaba ngema-30, Besaleli wayisebentisa ekwakheni emahhuka etinsika, nasekwembeseni tihloko taletinsika kanye nemigcala yato. Litfusi lelalinikelwe kuSimakadze lalinesisindvo lesasingemakhilogremu labengaba ti-2 425. Litfusi walisebentisa ekwakheni emaseko elisango alelithende lekuhlangana, nelilati lelitfusi kanye nemhlobiso walo losasisefo, kanye nako konkhe lokwakuhambisana nalo, nemaseko elisango lesibuya netiphunti tonkhe telithende lekukhontela kanye netiphunti letatitungeleta sibuya. Batfunga tembatfo letihlotjiswe kahle tebaphristi ngensontfo leluhlata njengesibhakabhaka, nalebukhwebeletane, nalebovu ngalokutopele, lekwakufanele batembatse nabakhonta endzaweni lengcwele. Batfunga tembatfo letingcwele ta-Aroni, njengobe Simakadze abeyale Mosi. Benta sidziya ngemtiya welineni lecolisakele nangensontfo leluhlata njengesibhakabhaka, nalebukhwebeletane, nalebovu ngalokutopele, naleyigolide. Bakha ngcwengcwe ngegolide, base bamsika imicwana yekwelukwa kanye nemitiya yelineni lecolisakele nensontfo leluhlata njengesibhakabhaka, nalebukhwebeletane, nalebovu ngalokutopele, umsebenti wengcweti lenebuciko. Sidziya basenta saba nemichilo lemibili ngala nangale yekusibophela nekusihlanganisa emahlombe. Lelibhande lelalelukiwe ngebungcweti leliselukhalweni balenta laba yintfo yinye nalesidziya, lentiwa ngemicwana yegolide, nensontfo lebukhwebeletane, naleluhlata njengesibhakabhaka, nalebovu ngalokutopele, nemitiya yelineni lecolisakele, njengobe Simakadze abeyale Mosi. Benta ematje e-oniksi bawahlelisa bawephetsa ngegolide emaceleni, bawabhala ngekucopha emabito emadvodzana aJakobe. Lamatje bawanamatsisela emichilweni yemahlombe yalesidziya, njengobe Simakadze abeshito kuMosi. Lamatje aba sikhumbuto ngemadvodzana aJakobe. Batfunga sembatfo sesifuba ngebungcweti lobabusetjentiswe ekutfungeni sidziya; basitfunga ngalokuyigolide, nangalokubukhwebeletane, nangalokubovu ngalokutopele, nangemitiya yelineni lecolisakele, siphindvwe kabili sisikhwama. Imihlubulo yaso yayilingana ndzawo tonkhe, umunye wawungemasentimitha labengaba ngema-22 budze, nemasentimitha labengaba ngema-22 bubanti. Banamatsisela kuso imigca lemine yematje laligugu; emgceni wekucala banamatsisela isadiyusi, nethophazi, nerubhi; emgceni wesibili banamatsisela simaragidu, nesafire, nedayimani; emgceni wesitsatfu banamatsisela ihiyakinte, ne-agathe, ne-amethiste; emgceni wesine banamatsisela ikhrisolithe, ne-oniksi, nejasiphi. Onkhe bawanamatsisela, base bawephetsa ngegolide. Kulelo nakulelo litje kulawa lali-12 bekubhalwe ngekucopha libito lendvodzana yaJakobe. Ngulelo nalelo litje labekwa luphawu ngekucoshwa kwelibito lesive setive letili-12 taka-Israyeli. Sembatfo sesifuba basentela imigaco leyayephotselwe njengentsambo leyelukiwe yegolide lecengekile. Bephetsa ngemicu lemibili yegolide, base batfungela emajiva lamabili egolide emakoneni lamabili langetulu esembatfweni sesifuba. Lemigaco lemibili yegolide bayibophela kulamajiva lamabili lasemakoneni esembatfo sesifuba. Letinye tihloko talemigaco batibophela kulemiphetfo lemibili, ngalendlela taba ngembili emichilweni yemahlombe. Benta emajiva lamabili egolide bawatfungela emakoneni lamabili langaphansi kulesembatfo sesifuba, ngekhatsi macondzana nesidziya. Benta lamanye emajiva lamabili egolide, bawatfungela ngaphansi kulemichilo lemibili yesidziya, ngembili kwaso, eceleni kwemtfungo, ngetulu kwalelibhande lelelukwe kahle. Babopha emajiva esembatfo sesifuba bawahlanganisa nemajiva esidziya ngentsambo leluhlata njengesibhakabhaka, loko kwenta kutsi sembatfo sesifuba sibe ngetulu kwelibhande, singaceki. Konkhe loko kwentiwa njengobe Simakadze abeyale Mosi. Umjiva wonkhe longetulu kwalesidziya welukwa ngendvwangu leluhlata njengesibhakabhaka. Imbobo yekufaka inhloko yephetfwa ngekugocotwa yatfungwa, khona ingetiwudzabuka. Emphetfweni wawo ngaphansi bahlobisa ngekutsi batungeletise emahananandza lentiwe ngemtiya welineni lecolisakele nangensontfo leluhlata njengesibhakabhaka, nalebukhwebeletane, nalebovu ngalokutopele. Bakha tinsimbi tegolide lecengekile, batitfungela emphetfweni wangaphansi kulomjiva tatungeleta, tabasemkhatsini walamahananandza. Insimbi yalandzelwa lihananandza wonkhe umphetfo wemjiva, kuze kukhontwe ngawo, njengobe Simakadze abeyale Mosi. Bo-Aroni nemadvodzana akhe babelukela babatfungela tingubo letingenamkhono ngendvwangu yelineni lecolisakele, nemishuculo yenhloko, netincotfo tayo, nemibekelo yendvwangu yelineni lecolisakele, nelibhande lelelukwe ngemtiya welineni lecolisakele, nangensontfo leluhlata njengesibhakabhaka, nalebukhwebeletane, nalebovu ngalokutopele; bakuhlobisa, njengobe Simakadze abeyale Mosi. Benta ngcwengcwe ngegolide lecengekile, umhlobiso longcwele, base babhala kuye ngekucopha emagama latsi: “Kwehlukaniselwe Nkulunkulu.” Longcwengcwe bambophela emshuculweni ngentsambo leluhlata njengesibhakabhaka; konkhe loko bakwenta njengobe Simakadze abeyale Mosi. Bawenta bawucedza wonkhe umsebenti wekwakha lithende lekukhontela, lekulithende lekuhlangana. Ema-Israyeli akwenta konkhe Simakadze labeyale Mosi kutsi kwentiwe. Baletsa kuMosi lithende lekukhontela nako konkhe lokuhambisana nalo: lithende, nemahhuka, netinsikabhaluko, nemakabha, netinsika, nemaseko; nesimbonyo setikhumba tetihhanca letishukiwe taguculwa taba bovu; nesimbonyo setikhumba temahhashi aselwandle letishukwe kahle; nendvwangu levimbe libhokisi lesivumelwane; libhokisi lesivumelwane lelalinetibhelekeca tematje, netimboko talo, nesihlalo semusa; litafula nako konkhe lokuhambisana nalo nesinkhwa sebukhona; lutsi lwetibane lwegolide lecengekile netibane talo, nalokuhambisana nalo, kanye nemafutsa ekukhanyisa; lilati legolide, nemafutsa emgcobo, nemphepho lenuka kamnandzi, nendvwangu yelisango lelithende; lilati lelitfusi, nemhlobiso walo welitfusi losasisefo, netimboko talo, nato tonkhe timphahla letihambisana nalelilati; nemgezelo nesibunu sawo; netindvwangu tesibuya, netinsika, nemaseko ato, nendvwangu yemnyango wesibuya, netintsambo taso, netiphunti taso; netimphahla tonkhe telithende lekukhontela, lithende lekuhlangana, netembatfo letihlotjiswe kahle letisetjentiswa ekukhonteni endzaweni lengcwele, lekutembatfo letingcwele ta-Aroni, umphristi, kanye netembatfo temadvodzana akhe, labatisebentisa nabenta inkonzo yabo yebuphristi. Ema-Israyeli enta konkhe njengobe Mosi abeyalwe nguSimakadze. Mosi wakuhlola konkhe wakubukisisa, wabona kutsi kwentiwe njengobe abelayelwe nguSimakadze. Ngako-ke Mosi wase uyababusisa. Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Ngelilanga lekucala enyangeni yekucala ubomisa lithende lekukhontela, lekulithende lekuhlangana. Ekhatsi kwalo ubobeka libhokisi lesivumelwane lelinemiyalo lelishumi, bese ulivimba ngendvwangu embikwalo. Ubongenisa lelitafula, uhlelise kahle konkhe loko lokufanele kubekwe etikwalo. Ubongenisa nalolutsi lwetibane, bese ufaka letibane lapha kulo. Lilati legolide lekushisela imphepho ubolibeka embikwalelibhokisi lesivumelwane, ulengise lendvwangu ekungeneni kwalelithende lekukhontela. Embikwelithende lekukhontela ubobeka lilati lekushisela umnikelo. Emkhatsini welithende lekuhlangana nelilati ubobeka umgezelo, uwugcwalise ngemanti. Sibuya ubosakha, ufake nendvwangu ilenge emnyango waso. “Lithende lekukhontela kanye nako konkhe lokuhambisana nalo ubobe sewuyakunikela ngekukugcoba ngemafutsa langcwele, kutawuba ngcwele. Emvakwaloko lelilati lemnikelo wekushiswa nako konkhe lokuhambisana nako ubokugcoba ngemafutsa ukunikele kutawube sekuba ngcwele ngalokuphelele. Umgezelo kanye nesibunu sawo nako ubokugcoba ngemafutsa ukunikele kube ngcwele. “Uboletsa Aroni nemadvodzana akhe ekungeneni kwelithende lekuhlangana, ubatjele bafike batihlambulule lapho. Ubogcokisa Aroni ngetembatfo tebuphristi, bese uyamgcoba abe ngcwele, khona atewungikhonta njengemphristi. Uboletsa nalamadvodzana akhe nawo uwagcokise tingubo tawo letingenamkhono. Nawo lamadvodzana ubowagcoba, njengobe ugcobe uyise, khona nawo atewungikhonta njengebaphristi. Lomgcobo utawubenta babe baphristi titukulwane ngetitukulwane.” Mosi wakwenta konkhe loko njengobe Simakadze abemyalile. Ngako-ke ngelilanga lekucala enyangeni yekucala emnyakeni wesibili baphumile eGibhithe lithende lekukhontela lemiswa laphela. Mosi walakha lithende lekukhontela: wabeka emaseko alo, wemisa tinsikabhaluko talo netinsika talo, wafaka nemakabha alo. Wase uyakumbonya konkhe loko ngetimbonyo leto letehlukene, njengobe Simakadze abemyalile. Watsatsa tibhelekeca tematje letimbili watifaka ebhokisini lesivumelwane. Wafaka letimboko kulamajiva alo, wase ulimbonya ngesihlalo semusa. Libhokisi lesivumelwane walifaka ekhatsi ethendeni lekukhontela, walengisa indvwangu yekulifihla livalekile, njengobe Simakadze abemyalile. Litafula walifaka ekhatsi ethendeni lekuhlangana ngasenyakatfo, ngaphandle kwendvwangu, wabeka etikwalo sinkhwa sebukhona, njengobe Simakadze abemyalile. Wabeka lutsi lwetibane ethendeni lekuhlangana ngaseningizimu macondzana nelitafula, wase ukhanyisa letibane embikwaSimakadze, njengobe Simakadze abemyalile. Lelilati legolide walibeka ethendeni lekuhlangana embikwayo lendvwangu, wase ushisa lemphepho lenuka kamnandzi, njengobe Simakadze abemyalile. Indvwangu wayilengisa ekungeneni kwelithende lekukhontela, kwase kutsi embikwalendvwangu wabeka lilati lekushisela umnikelo. Etikwalo wanikela ngemnikelo wekushiswa, nangemnikelo walokutinhlavu, njengobe Simakadze abemyalile. Wabeka umgezelo emkhatsini welithende lekuhlangana nelilati, wawugcwalisa ngemanti ekugeza. Mosi, na-Aroni, nemadvodzana akhe babegezela kuwo tandla tabo netinyawo njalo nje nabangena ethendeni lekuhlangana nome nabasondzela elatini, njengobe Simakadze abeyale Mosi. Mosi wakha sibuya, satungeleta lithende lekukhontela nelilati ndzawo tonkhe, walengisa indvwangu emnyango wesibuya. Ngako-ke Mosi wawucedza wonkhe umsebenti. Lifu lasibekela lithende lekuhlangana, inkhatimulo yaSimakadze yagcwalisa lithende lekukhontela. Loko kwenta kutsi Mosi ehluleke kungena ethendeni lekuhlangana, ngobe lifu lase lilisibekele. Lithende lekukhontela lase ligcwele inkhatimulo yaSimakadze. Lalitsi lelifu lingaphakama, ema-Israyeli atfutse ayekucaba embili. Abengatfutsi nangabe lelifu lingakesuki etikwalelithende lekukhontela. Kulo lonkhe luhambo lwabo lifu laSimakadze emini lalibonakala etikwalelithende lekukhontela, kutsi ebusuku libe ngumlilo lovutsako etikwalo, onkhe ema-Israyeli abuka. Simakadze asethendeni lekuhlangana, wabita Mosi wakhuluma kuye watsi: “Tjela sive sema-Israyeli imitsetfo lekufanele siyigcine nasiletsa imihlatjelo yekushiswa kuSimakadze. “Nangabe umuntfu anikela ngesilwane kutsi sibe ngumhlatjelo, kufanele kube yinkunzana nome yimvu nome yimbuti. Nangabe anikela ngesilwane kutsi sibe ngumnikelo wekushiswa, kufanele aletse inkunzana lengenasiyela. Kufanele ayinikelele ekungeneni kwelithende lekuhlangana, khona Simakadze atewumemukela. Lowo muntfu uyawubeka sandla sakhe etikwenhloko yalomnikelo wekushiswa, khona-ke utawube sewuyemukelwa egameni lakhe kutsi umentele inhlawulo yekubuyisana. Lenkunzana utawube sewuyayihlaba embikwaSimakadze, bese-ke baphristi labangemadvodzana a-Aroni, batsatsa lengati bayinikela kuSimakadze bayifafate yonkhe emngcengcemeni welilati ndzawo tonkhe lapha ekungeneni kwelithende lekuhlangana. Utawube sewuyayihlinza lenkunzana, bese uyayihlahlela ibe ngemacatsa. Emadvodzana a-Aroni, umphristi, alungise tinkhuni letisetikwelilati bese ayatokhela. Emadvodzana a-Aroni, baphristi, babowahlela lamacatsa kanye nenhloko nemanoni alomhlatjelo etikwetinkhuni letisetikwelilati. Lomuntfu kufanele ageze loku kwangekhatsi nemilente; umphristi bese ushisa wonkhe lomhlatjelo etikwelilati. Loku kungumnikelo wekushiswa, umnikelo lowentiwa ngemlilo, liphunga lelinuka lusi lolumnandzi kuSimakadze. “Nangabe anikela ngemvu nome ngembuti kutsi ibe ngumnikelo wekushiswa, kufanele kube sihhanca nome siwewe lesingenasiyela. Utawube sewusibulalela ngasenyakatfo yelilati embikwaSimakadze; emadvodzana a-Aroni, baphristi, lengati atawube asayifafata emngcengcemeni welilati ndzawo tonkhe. Lomuntfu utawutsi angayibulala ayihlahlele, umphristi bese uhlela onkhe lamacatsa, nenhloko kanye nemanoni ayo etikwetinkhuni letivutsako letiselatini. Lomuntfu kufanele ageze loku kwangekhatsi kwayo nemilente yayo; umphristi bese ushisa wonkhe lomhlatjelo etikwelilati. Loku kungumnikelo wekushiswa, umnikelo lowentiwa ngemlilo, liphunga lelinuka lusi lolumnandzi kuSimakadze. “Nangabe umuntfu anikela ngetinyoni kutsi tibe ngumhlatjelo wekushiswa, kufanele kube lituba nome lizini lelivukutfu. Umphristi utalinikela elatini ngekutsi ashwile lenhloko yalo bese uyishisela etikwelilati. Lengati yalo ayiphomphisele eceleni kwelilati. Abosusa ingingila nekwangekhatsi kwayo akulahle ngasemphumalanga nelilati, lapho kulahlwa khona umlotsa. Utalibamba ngetimphiko totimbili alidzabule ekhatsi ngaphandle kwekuhluphula timphiko talo, bese ulishisa lonkhe etikwetinkhuni letivutsako letiselatini. Loku kungumnikelo wekushiswa, umnikelo lowentiwa ngemlilo, liphunga lelinuka lusi lolumnandzi kuSimakadze.” “Nangabe umuntfu aletsa kuSimakadze umnikelo walokutinhlavu, kufanele kube yimphuphu lecolisakele. Kufanele afake emafutsa emncumo kanye nemphepho, bese ukuletsa kumadvodzana a-Aroni labaphristi. Umphristi utawukha libinta lemphuphu kanye nemafutsa emncumo, nemphepho yawo yonkhe akushisele etikwelilati kube sikhumbuto, umnikelo lowentiwa ngemlilo, kube liphunga lelinuka lusi lolumnandzi kuSimakadaze. Yonkhe lemphuphu lesele itawuba ya-Aroni nemadvodzana akhe; ingcwele, ngobe itsetfwe ekudleni bekunikelwe ngemlilo kuSimakadze. “Nangabe uletsa umnikelo walokutinhlavu longumpotongwane lophekiwe, kufanele kube ngulote imbiliso, lowentiwe ngafulaha wabhicwa nemafutsa emncumo nome-ke kube ngimicatsane legcotjiswe ngalawo mafutsa. “Nangabe lomnikelo walokutinhlavu utfoswa ngelikesi, kufanele wentiwe ngafulaha lobhicwe nemafutsa emncumo kodvwa kubete imbiliso lefakwako. Kufanele uhleshulwe ube ticucu bese utselwa ngemafutsa. Lowo-ke ngumnikelo walokutinhlavu. “Nangabe lomnikelo walokutinhlavu uphekwe ngelibhodo, kufanele wentiwe ngafulaha nemafutsa emncumo. Uboletsa kuSimakadze lomnikelo walokutinhlavu lowentiwe ngaleto tintfo, uwetfule kumphristi kucala, yena-ke utawumikisa elatini. Umphristi utawutsatsa licashana lawo libe sikhumbuto bese ulishisela elatini, kube ngumnikelo lowentiwa ngemlilo, liphunga lelinuka lusi lolumnandzi kuSimakadze. Incenye yawo lesele iyawuba sabelo sa-Aroni nemadvodzana akhe; ingcwele kakhulu ngobe itsetfwe emnikelweni lowentiwa ngemlilo kuSimakadze. “Konkhe lokutinhlavu lokunikelwa kuSimakadze akuyiwufakwa imbiliso; ningacali nikufake imbiliso nome luju lwetinyosi kuloko lokunikelwa kuSimakadze ngemlilo. Niyawukuletsa kuSimakadze njengemnikelo losivuno sekwendvulelisa, kodvwa ngeke sishiselwe elatini kutsi sibe liphunga lelinuka lusi lolumnandzi kuye. Wonkhe umnikelo wenu walokutinhlavu nibowuvanga ngeluswayi. Ningacali nilushiye luswayi lwesivumelwane saNkulunkulu eminikelweni yenu yalokutinhlavu. Kufanele niyifake luswayi yonkhe iminikelo yenu. Nawuletsa umnikelo walokutinhlavu wesivuno sekwendvulelisa kuSimakadze, ubonikela ngako kulukhotse. Ubengeta emafutsa emncumo kanye nemphepho; lowo ngumnikelo walokutinhlavu. Umphristi uyawushisa incenye yalokutinhlavu ibe sikhumbuto, ayishise kanye nemafutsa, nemphepho; loko-ke ngumnikelo lowentiwa ngemlilo kuSimakadze.” “Nangabe kukhona lonikela ngenkhomo kutsi ibe ngumnikelo wekuthula, kufanele kube yinkunzana nome sitfokati lesingenasiyela, awetfule embikwaSimakadze. Lowo muntfu uyawubeka sandla sakhe etikwenhloko yalomnikelo wakhe, bese uwubulalela ekungeneni kwelithende lekuhlangana. Emadvodzana a-Aroni labaphristi ayawufafata ngalengati emngcengcemeni walelilati alitungelete ndzawo tonkhe. Emnikelweni wekuthula utawuletsa umhlatjelo lowentiwa ngemlilo kuSimakadze: emanoni lembese kwangekhatsi kanye nemanoni lahlanganisa loku kwangekhatsi, netinso totimbili, nemanoni lakuto, nemanoni lembese sibindzi, nalawo latawusuka kanye nato. Emadvodzana a-Aroni atawushisa konkhe loko elatini kanye neminikelo yekushiswa etikwetinkhuni temlilo. Kungumnikelo lowentiwa ngemlilo, liphunga lelinuka lusi lolumnandzi kuSimakadze. “Nangabe yimvu nome yimbuti lena lesetjentiswa emnikelweni wekuthula, ingaba yindvuna nome ibe yinsikati, kodvwa kufanele kube ngulengenasiyela. Nangabe umuntfu anikela ngemvu, kufanele ayetfule kuSimakadze, bese ubeka sandla sakhe etikwenhloko yalomnikelo, ayibulalele embikwelithende lekuhlangana. Emadvodzana a-Aroni ayawufafata lengati emngcengcemeni walelilati alitungelete ndzawo tonkhe. Kulomnikelo wekuthula kufanele aletse umhlatjelo lowentiwa ngemlilo kuSimakadze: emanoni nemsila wonkhe ngekunona kwawo usikwe ekugcineni kwemgogodla, nemanoni alokungekhatsi, netinso totimbili, nemanoni lakuto nasematsebeni, nemanoni lembese sibindzi latawusuka kanye netinso. Umphristi utakushisela etikwelilati njengekudla, kube ngumnikelo lowentiwa ngemlilo kuSimakadze. “Nangabe umuntfu anikela ngembuti, kufanele ayetfule kuSimakadze, uyawubeka sandla sakhe etikwenhloko yayo ayibulalele embikwelithende lekuhlangana. Emadvodzana a-Aroni atawube asafafata lengati emngcengcemeni walelilati alitungelete ndzawo tonkhe. Kulomnikelo naku-ke latakunikela kube ngumnikelo lowentiwa ngemlilo kuSimakadze: emanoni lembese kwangekhatsi nawo onkhe lanamatsele kuko, netinso totimbili, nemanoni lakuto nasematsebeni, nemanoni lembese sibindzi, nalawo latawusuka kanye netinso. Umphristi utawube sewushisa konkhe loku elatini kube ngumnikelo wemlilo, liphunga lelinuka lusi lolumnandzi. Onkhe emanoni ngewaSimakadze. Lona kutawuba ngumtsetfo wetitukulwane ngetitukulwane tenu, nome ngukuphi lapho niyawuhlala khona: kubete lodla emanoni nengati.” Simakadze wayala Mosi watsi: “Tjela sive sema-Israyeli utsi: ‘Nangabe umuntfu onile wephula nome ngangumuphi wemiyalo yaSimakadze, angakacondzi, kufanele ahambe ngalemitsetfo. “ ‘Nangabe kona umphristi logcotjiwe waze wehlisela lelo cala lakhe esiveni, uyawuletsa inkunzana lengenasiyela ayinikele ibe ngumhlatjelo wesono sakhe kuSimakadze. Lenkunzana uyayiletsa ekungeneni kwelithende lekuhlangana, abeke sandla etikwenhloko yayo, bese uyibulalela khona lapho embikwaSimakadze. Umphristi logcotjiwe uyawube sewutsatsa lengati yalenkunzana, angene nayo ethendeni lekuhlangana. Uyakwenya umuno wakhe kulengati, bese uyifafata embikwaSimakadze embikwendvwangu lengcwele, kuze kube kasikhombisa. Lenye ingati umphristi uyayibhoca etimphondvweni telilati lemphepho lenuka kamnandzi embikwaSimakadze ngekhatsi kwelithende lekuhlangana. Incenye yalengati uyayitsela emasekweni elilati lemnikelo wekushiswa lelisekungeneni kwelithende lekuhlangana. Kulenkunzana yemhlatjelo wesono uyawasusa onkhe emanoni lembese kwangekhatsi kanye nalawo lahlangene nako, netinso totimbili, nemanoni lakuto nalasematsebeni, nemanoni lembese sibindzi kanye nalawo layawusuka kanye netinso. Umphristi uyawutsatsa lamanoni alenkhomo awashisele elatini leminikelo yekushiswa, njengobe enta nakashisa umnikelo wekuthula. Kodvwa uyawutsatsa sikhumba sayo, nenyama yayo yonkhe, nenhloko yayo, nemilente yayo, nekwangekhatsi kwayo, nemswane wayo. Yonkhe lenkunzana uyawuyitsatsa aphumele nayo ngaphandle kwenkambu endzaweni lehlantekile ngekwemtsetfo, lapho kucitfwa khona umlotsa, afike akushisele khona ngemlilo wetinkhuni, etikwendvundvuma yemlotsa. “ ‘Nangabe kone sonkhe sive saka-Israyeli, saba nelicala lekwephula umyalo waSimakadze, singakacondzi, nome sive besingakakucapheli loko, noko sinelicala. Siyawutsi singabona kutsi sonile, bese siletsa inkunzana lengenasiyela itewuba ngumhlatjelo wesono; iyakwetfulwa embikwelithende lekuhlangana. Baholi besive bayawubeka tandla tabo etikwenhloko yayo embikwaSimakadze, bese ibulawelwa khona lapho embikwaSimakadze. Umphristi logcotjiwe uyawutsatsa lenye yalengati angene nayo ethendeni lekuhlangana, bese wenya umuno wakhe kulengati, ayifafate embikwaSimakadze embikwendvwangu kuze kube kasikhombisa. Lenye ingati uyayibhoca etimphondvweni telilati lelisembikwaSimakadze ethendeni lekuhlangana. Incenye yalengati lesele uyayitsela esisekelweni selilati lemnikelo wekushiswa ekungeneni kwelithende lekuhlangana. Onkhe lawo manoni ayo uyawatsatsa awashisele elatini. Uyakwenta njalo nakulenkunzana njengobe entile ngaleyo nakenta ngayo umhlatjelo wesono; umphristi uyawubentela kanjalo-ke inhlawulo yekubuyisana naSimakadze, bese bayatsetselelwa. Lenkunzana uyawube sewuyayitsatsa, aphumele nayo ngaphandle kwenkambu afike ayishisele khona, njengobe entile nakashisa umnikelo wekucala. Lona-ke ngiwo umhlatjelo wekususa sono sesive sonkhe. “ ‘Nangabe kone umholi, waba nelicala lekwephula umyalo waSimakadze longuNkulunkulu wakhe, angakacondzi, bese uyatiswa kutsi wonile, uyawuletsa siphongo lesingenasiyela sibe ngumnikelo wakhe wesono. Uyawubeka sandla sakhe etikwenhloko yalembuti, bese uyibulalela lapho kubulawelwa khona tonkhe tilwane temhlatjelo wekushiswa embikwaSimakadze. Lowo ngumnikelo wesono. Umphristi uyakwenya umuno wakhe kulengati yalesilwane, bese uyibhoca etimphondvweni telilati leminikelo yekushiswa, lena lenye ingati ayitsele esisekelweni selilati. Uyawushisa onkhe lamanoni awashisele elatini, njengobe enta nakashisa emanoni emnikelo wekuthula; umphristi uyawumentela kanjalo-ke umholi inhlawulo yekubuyisana naSimakadze, bese lomholi uyatsetselelwa sono sakhe. “ ‘Nangabe kone umuntfu nje, abe nelicala lekwephula lomunye wemiyalo yaSimakadze, angakacondzi, uyawutsi angatiswa kutsi wonile, bese uletsa imbutikati lengenasiyela ibe ngumnikelo waleso sono lasentile. Uyawubeka sandla sakhe etikwenhloko yalomnikelo wesono, bese uyibulalela lapho kubulawelwa khona tonkhe tilwane temhlatjelo wekushiswa. Umphristi uyakwenya umuno wakhe kulengati yalesilwane, bese uyibhoca etimphondvweni telilati lemihlatjelo yekushiswa, lena lenye ingati lesele ayitsele esisekelweni selilati. Uyawube sewukhipha onkhe emanoni ayo, njengobe enta nakukhishwa emanoni kuletilwane temnikelo wekuthula. Umphristi uyawube sewuwashisela elatini, khona kutawuba liphunga lelinuka lusi lolumnandzi kuSimakadze, uyawumentela kanjalo-ke inhlawulo yekubuyisana naSimakadze, bese-ke lomuntfu uyatsetselelwa sono sakhe. “ ‘Nangabe lomuntfu aletsa imvu, kufanele kube ngulensikati lengenasiyela. Kufanele abeke sandla sakhe etikwenhloko yayo, bese uyayibulala njengemnikelo wesono, ayibulalele lapho kubulawelwa khona tonkhe tilwane temnikelo wekushiswa. Umphristi uyakwenya umuno wakhe kulengati yalesilwane, bese uyibhoca etimphondvweni telilati lemnikelo wekushiswa, lena lenye ingati ayitsele esisekelweni selilati. Uyawube sewukhipha onkhe emanoni, njengobe kwentiwa nakukhishwa onkhe emanoni kulemvu yemnikelo wekuthula; umphristi uyawushisela etikwelilati kulomnikelo lowentiwa ngemlilo kuSimakadze. Umphristi uyawumentela kanjalo-ke inhlawulo yekubuyisana naSimakadze, bese-ke lomuntfu uyatsetselelwa sono sakhe.’ ” “ ‘Nangabe umuntfu onile ngekutsi atsi afunwa ngumtsetfo kutsi atewufakaza ecaleni, kepha angabe asafakaza ngaloko lakubonile nome lakuvile, kufanele ajeziselwe lelo cala lakhe. “ ‘Nangabe umuntfu kwenteka angakacondzi atsintsa nome yini lengcolile ngekwemtsetfo, njengesidvumbu sesilwane lesingcolile, nome sifuyo, nome silwanyakatana, naye sewungcolile, sewunelicala. “ ‘Nangabe umuntfu kwenteka angakacondzi atsintsa nome yini yemuntfu lengcolile, levamisile kumngcolisa umuntfu, unelicala laloko, nasakubonile loko lakwentile. “ ‘Nangabe kwenteka umuntfu wafunga ngekunganaki, kwenta lokuhle nome lokubi, njengobe umuntfu afunge nome ngayini angakacabangisisi nome abengakanaki, noko unelicala, nasakubonile loko lakwentile. “ ‘Nangabe umuntfu anelicala ngalokunye kwaloku lokubaliwe, kufanele avume lesono asho nekutsi usente kanjani. Inhlawulo yaso kufanele kube lizinyane lelisikati, lemvu nome lembuti, kube ngumhlatjelo wesono kuSimakadze. Umphristi utamentela inhlawulo yekubuyisana kuSimakadze ngesono sakhe. “ ‘Nangabe lomuntfu angeke akhone kukhipha lizinyane lemvu, uyawuletsa ematuba lamabili nome emazini lamabili elivukutfu kuSimakadze, kube yinhlawulo yesono: linye libe ngumnikelo wesono, lelinye libe ngumnikelo wekushiswa. Utawaletsa kumphristi, loyawucale anikele ngaloko lokungumnikelo wesono. Uyalishwila intsamo kodvwa angayihluphuli inhloko, bese ufafata lengati yalo emhlubulweni welilati. Incenye yalengati kufanele iphomphiselwe esisekelweni selilati. Lona-ke ngumnikelo wesono. Leli lelinye lesibili liyawuba lemnikelo wekushiswa, njengobe kusho umtsetfo. Umphristi uyawumentela kanjalo-ke inhlawulo yekubuyisana naSimakadze, bese-ke lomuntfu uyatsetselelwa sono sakhe. “ ‘Nangabe lomuntfu angeke akhone kukhokha ematuba lamabili nome emazini lamabili elivukutfu, kufanele aletse imphuphu lengaba yikhilogremu kutsi itewuba ngumnikelo wesono. Kufanele angayifaki emafutsa emncumo nome imphepho, ngobe ingumnikelo wesono. Uyayiletsa kumphristi, loyawufike acaphune libinta lesandla kube sikhumbuto, bese uwushisela elatini etikweminikelo yemlilo leyetfulwe kuSimakadze; lowo-ke ngumnikelo wesono. Umphristi uyawumentela kanjalo-ke umuntfu inhlawulo yekubuyisana naSikmakadze, nome sono sakhe ngabe saluphi luhlobo, uyawube sewuyatsetselelwa. Loku lokusele kufanele kube sabelo semphristi, njengobe kunjalo emnikelweni walokutinhlavu.’ ” Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Nangabe umuntfu ona ngekwephula munye walemiyalo lengcwele yaSimakadze angakacondzi, kufanele ahlawule kuSimakadze ngesihhanca lesingenasiyela. Bungako balesihhanca buyawubonwa nguwe ngekwesilinganiso sendzawo lengcwele; lowo-ke ngumnikelo loyinhlawulo yelicala. Kufanele abuyisele konkhe loko lehlulekile kukwenta macondzana nemiyalo lengcwele aphindze engete kwesihlanu. Loko uyawukunika umphristi, yena-ke uyawube sewunikela ngalesihhanca lesingumnikelo welicala. Uyawumentela kanjalo-ke inhlawulo yekubuyisana naSimakadze; lowo muntfu uyawube sewuyatsetselelwa. “Nangabe umuntfu ona ngekutsi ephule lomunye wemitsetfo yaSimakadze, nome abengati, unelicala, kufanele ahlawule. Kufanele ahlawule kumphristi, ngesihhanca lesingenasiyela. Bungako baso buyawukalwa nguwe njengesimiso semnikelo welicala. Umphristi uyawumentela kanjalo-ke inhlawulo yekubuyisana naSimakadze; lowo muntfu uyawube sewuyatsetselelwa licala lakhe lalente angakacondzi. Lowo-ke ngumnikelo loyinhlawulo yelicala; empeleni abenelicala kuSimakadze.” Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi watsi: “Nangabe umuntfu ona, futsi angetsembeki kuSimakadze ngekutsi entele makhelwane wakhe bucili, nome ngekutsengiselana, nome ngekumhumusha, nome ngani, nome asatfole lokwakulahlekile, akuphike aze afungele lite, nome-ke one ngekwenta nome ngabe yini lembi umuntfu langahle one ngayo, uyawuba nelicala lekona. Kufanele abuyisele leyontfo layitfole ngekuyeba, nome layitfole ngebucili, nome layiniketiwe kutsi ayigcine, nome lebekulahlekile wakutfola, nome ngabe ufungele emanga, uyawukhokha inhlawulo lephelele, aphindze engete kwesihlanu ngetulu, akubuyisele kumnikati ngelilanga laletsa ngalo umnikelo wakhe welicala. Uyawube sewuletsa kumphristi lowo mnikelo welicala kuSimakadze, ube sihhanca lesingenasiyela, kube nguleso lesilingene kube ngumnikelo welicala. Umphristi uyawumentela kanjalo-ke inhlawulo yekubuyisana naSimakadze, lowo muntfu uyawutsetselelwa konkhe lakonile.” Simakadze wayala Mosi watsi: “Nika Aroni nemadvodzana akhe nansi imitsetfo lelandzelako lecondzene nemnikelo wekushiswa: Umnikelo wekushiswa uyawubekwa etikwelilati uhlale khona busuku bonkhe, nemlilo kufanele uhlale uvutsa busuku bonkhe kuze kuse. Umphristi uyawufaka umjiva wakhe lowentiwe ngendvwangu yelineni lecolisakele, nelibhuluko langaphansi lelentiwe ngendvwangu yelineni lecolisakele, bese ususa lomlotsa wemnikelo wekushiswa loshiswe elatini, awucitse eceleni kwalo lelilati. Uyawube sewukhumula letimphahla, afake letinye timphahla, acitse nalomlotsa ngaphandle kwenkambu endzaweni lehlantekile ngekwemtsetfo. Lomlilo losetikwelilati kufanele uhlale uvutsa; ungacali ucime. Onkhe emalanga ekuseni umphristi kufanele engete tinkhuni, alungise umnikelo wekushiswa etikwalo, ashise lamanoni emnikelo wekuthula. Lomlilo kufanele uhlale uvutsa lapha etikwelilati, ungacali ucime.” “Lena-ke ngimitsetfo yeminikelo yalokutinhlavu. Emadvodzana a-Aroni kufanele etfule umnikelo walokutinhlavu kuSimakadze embikwelilati. Umphristi uyawucaphuna libinta lafulaha wakolo lobhicwe nemafutsa nemphepho yonkhe yemnikelo walokutinhlavu, akushisele elatini kube sikhumbuto, liphunga lelinuka lusi lolumnandzi kuSimakadze. Lokuyawusala lapho kuyawudliwa bo-Aroni nemadvodzana akhe. Kuyawudliwa kungakafakwa imbiliso, kudlelwe endzaweni lengcwele; kufanele kudlelwe esibuyeni selithende lekuhlangana. Akuyiwuphekwa ngembiliso. Loko ngibanikele kutsi kube sabelo sabo kuleminikelo leletfwe kimi kutsi ishiswe ngemlilo; kungcwelengcwele, njengawo umnikelo wesono nemnikelo welicala. Loko sekuyawuba simiso etitukulwaneni nasetitukulwaneni kutsi onkhe emadvodza ekutalwa ngu-Aroni kube ngiwo ladla kudla lokunikelwe ngemlilo kuSimakadze kutsi kube sabelo sawo. Konkhe lokukutsintsako kuyawuba ngcwele.” Simakadze wachubeka wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Lena ngiminikelo leyawuletfwa ngu-Aroni nemadvodzana akhe kuSimakadze ngelilanga lekugcotjwa kwabo: ngufulaha lonesisindvo losingaba yikhilogremu yinye, lokusilinganiso semnikelo walokutinhlavu wemalanga onkhe, incenye ibe yasekuseni, nalenye incenye ibe yasentsambama. Kufanele ibhicwe nemafutsa, bese iphekwa ngelikesi; uyente ibe tincetu leticotjiwe; kube ngumnikelo walokutinhlavu, kube liphunga lelinuka lusi lolumnandzi kuSimakadze. Loku sekuyawuba simiso setitukulwane ngetitukulwane: kutsi situkulwane sa-Aroni lesiyawukhonta singumphristi logcotjiwe esikhundleni sakhe siyawunikela ngawo. Leyo mphuphu iyawushiswa yonkhe, ibe ngumnikelo kuSimakadze. Ngako-ke wonkhe umnikelo walokutinhlavu wemphristi uyawushiswa wonkhe. Kute incenye leyawudliwa.” Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Tjela Aroni nemadvodzana akhe utsi: ‘Umnikelo wesono uyawuhlatjelwa embikwaSimakadze lapho kuhlatjelwa khona umnikelo wekushiswa; kungumnikelo longcwelengcwele. Umphristi lonikela ngalomhlatjelo uyakuwudla asendzaweni lengcwele, esibuyeni selithende lekuhlangana. Umuntfu nome yini letsintsa inyama yalesilwane kuyawuba ngcwele. Nangabe ingati yalesilwane semhlatjelo ichaphateleke emphahleni nome engutjeni, kufanele igezelwe endzaweni lengcwele. Lembita bekuphekwe ngayo lenyama kufanele ibulawe; kodvwa nangabe bekulibhodo lelitfusi, kufanele ligezisiswe ngemanti. Nome ngubani lomdvuna welusendvo lwebaphristi angawudla lomnikelo; ungcwelengcwele. Kodvwa nangabe kuletfwa umnikelo wesono ethendeni lekuhlangana, ingati yawo letawuhlawulela sono endzaweni lengcwele, lowo mnikelo akukafaneli udliwe; kufanele ushiswe.’ ” “ ‘Lena-ke ngimitsetfo lecondzene neminikelo yemacala, ngiminikelo lengcwelengcwele: Silwane lesingulomnikelo kufanele sibulawelwe lapho kubulawelwa khona tilwane letiletselwe kuba ngiminikelo yekushiswa, nengati yaso kufanele ifafatwe emngcengcemeni welilati ndzawo tonkhe. Onkhe emanoni aso kufanele anikelwe elatini: emanoni emsila, nemhlehlo, netinso totimbili, nemanoni lakuto nalasematsebeni, nemanoni onkhe lembese sibindzi layawusuka kanye netinso. Umphristi uyawushisa onkhe lamanoni elatini abe ngumnikelo lowentiwa ngemlilo embikwaSimakadze. Kungumnikelo welicala. Bonkhe labadvuna lababemndeni webaphristi bavunyelwe kuwudla lomnikelo. Kufanele udlelwe endzaweni lengcwele; ungcwelengcwele. “ ‘Indlela yekuphatfwa kwemnikelo welicala kanye nemnikelo wesono iyawufanana. Inyama iyawuba yalowo mphristi lowenta inhlawulo yekubuyisana. Sikhumba semnikelo wekushiswa siyawuba salowo mphristi. Wonkhe umnikelo walokutinhlavu lophekwe kuhhavini, nome ngelibhodo, nome ngelikesi, uyawuba walowo mphristi. Kodvwa yonkhe iminikelo yalokutinhlavu lebhicwe nemafutsa nome lengakabhicwa nawo, yawo onkhe emadvodzana a-Aroni, ngako kufanele ehlukaniselane yona.’ ” “ ‘Lena-ke ngimitsetfo lecondzene neminikelo yekuthula lenikelwa kuSimakadze. Nangabe umuntfu enta umnikelo wekubonga, uyawuletsa lomhlatjelo kanye nemipotongwane lete imbiliso lebhicwe nemafutsa, nemicatsane lebhicwe nemafutsa nemacebelengwane laphekwe ngemphuphu lecolisakele lete imbiliso lebhicwe nemafutsa. Ngetulu kwalomnikelo wakhe wekuthula layawubonga ngawo uyawuletsa umpotongwane lonembiliso. Uyawuletsa lolo nalolo luhlobo lwemnikelo umpotongwane ube munye, kube ngumnikelo kuSimakadze; loko kwemphristi lofafata lengati yemnikelo wekuthula. Inyama yalesilwane kufanele idliwe ngalelo langa lenikelwe ngalo; akukafaneli ibekelwe likusasa. “ ‘Nangabe umuntfu aletsa umnikelo wekufeza setsembiso nome umnikelo wesihle, kufanele udliwe ngalelo langa lawunikela ngalo; nakukhona lokusele, kungaphindze kudliwe futsi nangakusasa. Nangabe lenyama yemhlatjelo seyize yalala kabili, kufanele ishiswe yonkhe ngemlilo. Nangabe leyo nyama yemnikelo wakhe wekuthula seyidliwa ngelilanga lesitsatfu, lomnikati wawo angeke asemukeleka kanye nemnikelo wakhe. Lomnikelo utawuba sinengiso, nalowo lowudlako uyakwetfwala licala. Nangabe leyo nyama kwenteka itsintsana nome ngayini lengcolile ngekwemtsetfo, akukafaneli idliwe, kodvwa kufanele ishiswe. “ ‘Lowo lohlantekile ngekwemtsetfo yena angayidla, kodvwa nakukhona longcolile ngekwemtsetfo lodla lenyama yemnikelo wekuthula kuSimakadze, kufanele lowo muntfu ancunywe esiveni sakubo. Nangabe umuntfu atsintsa lokungcolile ngekwemtsetfo, kungaba kungcola kwemuntfu nome silwane lesingcolile nome ngayini lengcolile nalenengekako, bese udla inyama yemnikelo wekuthula kuSimakadze, kufanele lowo muntfu ancunywe esiveni sakubo.’ ” Simakadze wachubeka wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Khuluma esiveni sema-Israyeli utsi: ‘Ningawadli emanoni enkhomo, newemvu, newembuti. Ningawadli emanoni esilwane lesitifele nome lesibulewe tilwane tesiganga, kodvwa emanoni angasetjentiswa kulokunye. Umuntfu loyakudla emanoni alesilwane lesinikelelwe umnikelo wekushiswa kuSimakadze, kufanele ancunywe esiveni sakubo. Nome ngukuphi lapho niyawuhlala khona, aniyikuyidla ingati yetinyoni nome yetilwane. Nome ngubani loyakudla ingati, lowo muntfu kufanele ancunywe esiveni sakubo.’ ” Simakadze wachubeka wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Khuluma esiveni sema-Israyeli utsi: ‘Lowo lonikela ngemnikelo wekuthula kufanele aletse incenye yawo ibe ngumhlatjelo wakhe kuSimakadze. Kufanele ayiletse yena matfupha ngetandla takhe kuSimakadze kutsi kube ngumnikelo lowentiwa ngemlilo. Utawuletsa emanoni alesilwane kanye nemganga waso, kuze kutsi lomganga utewujikitiswa ube ngumnikelo wekujikitiswa kuSimakadze. Umphristi uyawushisa lamafutsa etikwelilati, kodvwa lomganga uyawuba wa-Aroni kanye nemadvodzana akhe. Umlente wesekudla weminikelo yekuthula uyawuyetfula kulowo mphristi kutsi kube sabelo sakhe. Indvodzana ya-Aroni lenikela ngalengati nalamanoni emnikelo wekuthula iyawutsatsa umlente wesekudla kutsi ube sabelo sayo. Umganga lojikitiswako nalomlente wesekudla lonikelwe kumphristi ngiwutsetse esiveni sema-Israyeli ngawunika Aroni nemadvodzana akhe kutsi kube sabelo sabo titukulwane ngetitukulwane.’ ” Loko kwaba sabelo sa-Aroni nemadvodzana akhe lesatsatfwa emnikelweni lowawuletfwe kuSimakadze, mhlazana bagcotjwa kutsi bakhonte Simakadze njengebaphristi. Ngalelo langa labagcotjwa ngalo Simakadze wayala ema-Israyeli kutsi abanike loko kube tabelo tabo. Loko kwamiswa kutsi kube ngumtsetfo wetitukulwane ngetitukulwane tabo. Ngiyo lena-ke imitsetfo lecondzene neminikelo yekushiswa, neminikelo yalokutinhlavu, neminikelo yesono, neminikelo yelicala, neminikelo yemgcobo kanye neminikelo yekuthula, Simakadze layinika Mosi entsabeni yaseSinayi, mhlazana ayala ema-Israyeli kutsi anikele ngeminikelo yawo kuSimakadze, ehlane laseSinayi. Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Tsatsa bo-Aroni nemadvodzana akhe ubemise ekungeneni kwelithende lekuhlangana, uletse tembatfo tabo tebuphristi, nemafutsa emgcobo, nenkunzi yemnikelo wesono, netihhanca letimbili, nelibhasikidi lelinetinkhwa letingenambiliso, bese ubutsa sonkhe sive sema-Israyeli usihlanganise ndzawonye ekungeneni kwelithende lekuhlangana.” Mosi wenta njengobe Simakadze abemyalile kutsi akwente, satsi kube sonkhe sive sibutsane ndzawonye ekungeneni kwelithende lekuhlangana, wakhuluma kuso watsi: “Loku lese ngikwenta nguloko Simakadze langiyale kutsi ngikwente.” Mosi wasondzeta Aroni nemadvodzana akhe, wafike wabageza ngemanti. Wase wembesa Aroni ingubo lete imikhono, wambopha ngelibhande elukhalweni. Wamembatsisa umjiva, nesidziya, wambopha elukhalweni ngelibhande lelihlotjisiwe. Wamfaka sembatfo sesifuba, nalesembatfo sesifuba wasifaka i-Urimu neThumimu. Wamfaka umshuculo wenhloko kwatsi etikwawo ngembili wafaka ngcwengcwe wegolide, umchele longcwele; kwaya njengobe Simakadze abeyale Mosi. Mosi watsatsa emafutsa emgcobo wagcoba ngawo lithende lekukhontela nako konkhe lokwakungekhatsi kwalo, wakungcwelisa. Wakha incenye yalamafutsa wawafafata kasikhombisa etikwelilati, agcoba lilati nako konkhe lokuhambisana nalo kanye nemgezelo nesibunu sawo, wakungcwelisa. Watsela incenye yalamafutsa emgcobo etikwenhloko ya-Aroni, amgcoba, amnikela kuSimakadze kuze abe ngcwele. Emvakwaloko, Mosi wasondzeta emadvodzana a-Aroni ngembili wawagcokisa tembatfo tawo tebuphristi, wawabopha ngemabhande etinkhalweni tawo, wabophela imishuculo yawo etinhloko tawo, njengobe Simakadze abemyalile. Mosi wase uletsa inkunzi yemnikelo wesono, Aroni nemadvodzana akhe babeka tandla etikwenhloko yayo. Mosi wayihlaba lenkunzi, wase utsatsa lenye ingati yayo wenya umuno wakhe kuyo, wabhoca timphondvo telilati kutsi alihlambulule. Lena lenye ingati lesele wayitsela esisekelweni selilati, walingcwelisa ngekulentela inhlawulo yekubuyisana kuSimakadze. Mosi watsatsa onkhe emanoni labesetibilinini, nemanoni labembonye sibindzi, netinso totimbili, nemanoni lakuto, wakushisela elatini. Titfo talenkunzi letatisele, sikhumba, nenyama, nemswane wayo wakushisela ngaphandle kwenkambu; kwaya njengobe Simakadze abeyale Mosi. Emvakwaloko Mosi waletsa lesihhanca lesingumnikelo wekushiswa, Aroni nemadvodzana akhe babeka tandla tabo etikwenhloko yaso. Mosi wasihlaba wase ufafata ngengati yaso ndzawo tonkhe kutungeleta lilati. Watsi kube Mosi asicobe sibe ngemacatsa, wase ushisa lenhloko yaso, nemacatsa kanye nemanoni aso. Wageza loku kwangekhatsi nemilente yaso, wase usishisa sonkhe elatini. Lomnikelo kwaba ngumnikelo wekushiswa, liphunga lelinuka lusi lolumnandzi, umnikelo lowentiwa ngemlilo kuSimakadze, njengobe Simakadze abeyale Mosi. Mosi wase uletsa lesinye sihhanca lesasisekugcoba baphristi; ngako Aroni nemadvodzana akhe babeka tandla tabo etikwenhloko yaso. Mosi wase uyasibulala, watsatsa lenye yalengati wabhoca ngayo lihwandza lendlebe ya-Aroni yangesekudla, nesitfupha sangesekudla, naqukulu wangesekudla. Wasondzeta emadvodzana a-Aroni ngembili, nawo wawabhoca ngalengati emahwandzeni etindlebe tawo tangesekudla, nasetitfupheni tawo tangesekudla kanye nakuboqukulu bangesekudla. Ingati leyayisele, Mosi wayitsela ndzawo tonkhe atungeleta lilati. Watsatsa lamanoni, nalomsila lononile, nemanoni lasetibilinini, nalambonye sibindzi, netinso totimbili kanye nemanoni lakuto, nemlente wangesekudla. Watsatsa libhasikidi lekuphatsa sinkhwa lesingenambiliso embikwaSimakadze, wakhipha umpotongwane wesinkhwa lesingenambiliso, nempotongwane wesinkhwa lesinemafutsa, nelicebelengwane linye, wakubeka etikwalamanoni nasetikwemlente wangesekudla. Konkhe lokudla wakwetfula etandleni tabo-Aroni nemadvodzana akhe, base bayakujikitisa kutsi kube ngumnikelo wekujikitiswa kuSimakadze. Mosi watsatsa lokudla kubo wakushisela elatini, etikwemnikelo wekushiswa, waba ngumnikelo wekugcotjwa lowentiwa ngemlilo, kwaba liphunga lelinuka lusi lolumnandzi kuSimakadze. Mosi wase utsatsa umganga waso wawujikitisa njengemnikelo wekujikitiswa embikwaSimakadze; loko kwaba sabelo saMosi kuleso sihhanca semgcobo. Mosi wakwenta konkhe loko njengobe abeyalwe nguSimakadze. Mosi watsatsa lenye incenye yemafutsa emgcobo kanye nengati leyayisetikwelilati, wafafata ngayo bo-Aroni nemadvodzana akhe netimphahla tabo. Wabanikela kanjalo-ke bo-Aroni nemadvodzana akhe kanye netembatfo tabo kuSimakadze. Mosi wakhuluma ku-Aroni nemadvodzana akhe watsi: “Tsatsani lenyama niyekuyiphekela ekungeneni kwelithende lekuhlangana, bese niyidlela khona lapho kanye naleso sinkhwa lesisekhatsi kulelo bhasikidi leminikelo yemgcobo, njengobe Simakadze ashito. Konkhe lokusala lapho, inyama nesinkhwa, nibokushisa. Ningesuki lapho ekungeneni kwelithende lekuhlangana, kuze kuphele lawo malanga lasikhombisa emgcobo wenu; ngobe umgcobo wenu uyawutsatsa emalanga lasikhombisa. Simakadze usiyale kutsi sente loku lesikwente lamuhla khona kutewuba yinhlawulo yenu yekubuyisana naSimakadze. Kufanele nihlale ekungeneni kwelithende lekuhlangana, imini nebusuku, kuze kuphelele emalanga lasikhombisa, nente loko Simakadze latsite nikwente. Lomyalo lengininika wona nami lengiwunikwe nguSimakadze nibowenta, khona ningetikufa.” Ngako-ke bo-Aroni nemadvodzana akhe bakwenta konkhe Simakadze labekukhulume ngaMosi kutsi bakwente. Ngelilanga lesiphohlongo sekuphele inkonzo yemgcobo, Mosi wabita Aroni nemadvodzana akhe kanye nebaholi bema-Israyeli. Wakhuluma ku-Aroni watsi: “Tsatsa inkunzana lengenasiyela nesihhanca lesingenasiyela utekunikela kuSimakadze: inkunzana ibe ngumnikelo wesono, sihhanca sibe ngumnikelo wekushiswa. Tjela lesive sema-Israyeli kutsi sitsatse imbuti letawuba ngumnikelo wesono, neliguca lenkhomo lelinemnyaka munye budzala kanye nelizinyane lemvu lelinemnyaka munye budzala, kokubili kungabi nasiyela kube ngumnikelo wekushiswa; inkhomo nesihhanca kube ngumnikelo wekuthula. Kufanele kube ngumhlatjelo wenu kuSimakadze kanye nemnikelo walokutinhlavu lokubhicwe nemafutsa. Loku kufanele nikwente, ngobe Simakadze utawubonakala kini lamuhla.” Konkhe loko latsi Mosi akuletfwe, bakuletsa ekungeneni kwelithende lekuhlangana, sonkhe sive sasondzela sema embikwaSimakadze. Mosi wakhuluma kubo watsi: “Simakadze uniyale kutsi konkhe loku nikwente, khona kutawubonakala inkhatimulo yakhe kini.” Wachubeka watsi ku-Aroni: “Sondzela elatini unikele umnikelo wakho wesono kanye nemnikelo wakho wekushiswa, utentele wena nesive sonkhe inhlawulo yekubuyisana naSimakadze. Letsa lomnikelo wesive, usentele inhlawulo yekubuyisana naSimakadze, njengobe Simakadze ashito.” Aroni waya elatini, wafike wabulala lenkunzana leyayiyemnikelo wesono sakhe. Emadvodzana akhe amletsela ingati, wenya umuno wakhe, wayifafata etimphondvweni telilati; lena lenye wayitsela esisekelweni selilati. Emanoni netinso totimbili kanye nemanoni lakuto, nemanoni lembese sibindzi wakushisela elatini, njengobe Simakadze abelayele Mosi. Inyama nesikhumba wakushisela ngaphandle kwenkambu. Wabulala nesilwane semnikelo wakhe wekushiswa. Emadvodzana akhe amnika ingati, wase uyifafata ndzawo tonkhe kutungeleta lilati. Aphindza amnika umnikelo wekushiswa, sitfo ngesitfo, ngisho nenhloko yaso imbala, konkhe wakushisela etikwelilati. Wase ugeza loku kwangekhatsi kanye nemilente, nako wakushisela etikwelilati kanye nemnikelo wekushiswa. Emvakwaloko Aroni wase uletsa umnikelo wesive sonkhe. Watsatsa imbuti leyayitewunikelelwa lesive wayibulala, wayinikela elatini, kwaba ngumnikelo wesono sesive sonkhe, njengobe abentile emnikelweni wesono labecale ngawo. Wase uletsa umnikelo wekushiswa, nawo wawunikela alandzela leyo mitsetfo yakhona leyayibekiwe. Wanikela ngemnikelo walokutinhlavu, wacupha libinta ngesandla walishisela elatini. Phela loku kwakwentiwa ekwengeteni umnikelo wekushiswa wasekuseni. Wabulala inkhomo kanye nesihhanca, kwaba ngumnikelo wekuthula wesive sonkhe. Emadvodzana akhe amnika ingati, wayifafata ndzawo tonkhe kutungeleta lilati. Aphindza amnika emanoni alenkhomo, newalesihhanca, nemsila waso lononile, nemhlehlo, netinso totimbili, nemanoni lakuto, nemanoni lembese sibindzi; abuye abeka emanoni etikwemganga, Aroni wawashisela etikwelilati. Imiganga nemlente wangesekudla Aroni wakujikitisa embikwaSimakadze, kwaba ngumnikelo wekujikitiswa, njengobe Mosi abeshito. Aroni wasiphakamisela tandla takhe sive, wasibusisa. Wase uyehla, nasacedze kunikela umnikelo wesono, newekuthula, newekushiswa. BoMosi na-Aroni bangena ethendeni lekuhlangana, batsi nase baphuma, babusisa sive, inkhatimulo yebukhosi baSimakadze yabonakala kubo bonkhe bantfu. Kwachamuka umlilo usuka kuSimakadze wacedza lomnikelo wekushiswa kanye nemanoni labesetikwelilati. Satsi kube sive sikubone loku, samemeta sakhotsamisa nebuso baso, sawela phansi. BoNadabi na-Abihu, emadvodzana a-Aroni, batsatsa titja tabo temphepho, ngulowo nalowo wafaka umlilo esitjeni sakhe watsela nemphepho, banikela kuSimakadze. Kodvwa lowo mnikelo wawungesingcwele, ngobe Simakadze abengakabatfumi kutsi banikele ngawo. Masinyane kwachamuka umlilo kuSimakadze wabadla, bafela khona lapho, ebukhoneni bakhe Simakadze. Mosi wakhuluma ku-Aroni watsi: “Simakadze abesho kona loku-ke ngesikhatsi atsi: ‘Ngiyawutibonakalisa ngingcwele kulabo labasedvute nami; ngiyawukhatimuliswa embikwabo bonkhe bantfu.’ ” Kodvwa Aroni wathula. Mosi wabita boMishayeli na-Elsafani, emadvodzana a-Uziyeli, labenguyise lomncane wa-Aroni, wakhuluma kubo watsi: “Wotani lapha nitewutsatsa tidvumbu tabomnakenu nitisuse lapha endzaweni lengcwele, nitikhiphele ngaphandle kwenkambu.” Beta-ke batsatsa letidvumbu batibamba ngetembatfo tato, batetfwala bafike batibeka ngaphandle kwenkambu, njengobe Mosi abeshito. Mosi wakhuluma ku-Aroni nemadvodzana akhe bo-Eleyazare na-Ithamari, watsi: “Tinwele tenu ningatiyekeli tingemahlutse, kantsi netimphahla tenu akufuneki nitidzabule. Funa nitsi niyakwenta loko nife, nelulaka lwaNkulunkulu lwehlele sive sonkhe. Kodvwa ema-Israyeli wona avumelekile kutsi abazilele labazalwane babo lababulewe ngumlilo lophume kuSimakadze. Ningaphumi lapho ekungeneni kwelithende lekuhlangana, funa nife; ngobe emafutsa emgcobo waSimakadze asetikwenu.” Ngako bavele benta njengobe Mosi abeshito. Simakadze wakhuluma ku-Aroni, watsi: “Wena nemadvodzana akho aniyikulinatsa liwayini nome tjwala nome yini ledzakisanako, nanitakuya ethendeni lekuhlangana, ngobe nanike nakwenta loko, niyawufa. Lomtsetfo kufanele ugcinwe titukulwane ngetitukulwane. Kufanele nente umehluko emkhatsini walokungcwele nalokungengcwele, nemehluko emkhatsini walokuhlantekile ngekwemtsetfo nalokungcolile ngekwemtsetfo. Kufanele nifundzise sive sema-Israyeli yonkhe imitsetfo Simakadze lasinike yona ngaMosi.” Mosi wakhuluma ku-Aroni nakumadvodzana akhe lamabili labesasele, bo-Eleyazare na-Ithamari, watsi: “Tsatsani lomnikelo walokutinhlavu losele kuleminikelo leyentiwe ngemlilo kuSimakadze, lesinkhwa lesingenambiliso nisidlele eceleni kwelilati, ngobe lomnikelo ungcwele kakhulu. Ngako nibowudlela endzaweni lengcwele; loko kusabelo sakho nesemadvodzana akho emnikelweni lowentiwa kuSimakadze ngemlilo. Simakadze wangiyala kanjalo-ke. Kodvwa umganga lojikitiswako nemlente lonikelwe niyakuwudlela endzaweni lehlantekile ngekwemtsetfo, nine nemadvodzana nemadvodzakati enu, ngobe kusabelo senu nesemadvodzana enu eminikelweni yekuthula lenikelwe sive sema-Israyeli. Umlente lonikelwe nalomganga lojikitiswako bayakuwuletsa kanye nemafutsa emnikelo lowentiwa ngemlilo lojikitiswako kube ngumnikelo wekujikitiswa kuSimakadze. Uyakuba wenu newemadvodzana enu ube sabelo senu saphakadze naphakadze, njengobe Simakadze ashito.” Mosi wabutisisa ngembuti yemnikelo wesono; watsi nakatfola kutsi seyishisiwe, wabatfukutselela bo-Eleyazare na-Ithamari, emadvodzana a-Aroni labesasele, wadzimate wakhuluma kubo watsi: “Anikawudleli ngani endzaweni lengcwele lomnikelo wesono? Lomnikelo ungcwele kakhulu, futsi unikelwe kini, khona kutewususwa sono sesive ngekwenta umsimeto wekutsetselelwa kwetono taso embikwaSimakadze. Njengobe ingati yayo ingazange iletfwe ngekhatsi kwendzawo lengcwele, bekufanele niwudlele endzaweni lengcwele lomhlatjelo, njengobe nginiyalile.” Aroni waphendvula Mosi watsi: “Lamuhla bantfu baletse iminikelo yabo yesono neminikelo yabo yekushiswa embikwaSimakadze, kantsi nami bengehlelwe nguletintfo letinje; kube bengiwudlile lomnikelo wesono lamuhla, bekutakwemukeleka yini loko emehlweni aSimakadze?” Nakuva loko Mosi, weneliswa. Simakadze wakhuluma kuboMosi na-Aroni, watsi: “Tjelani ema-Israyeli nitsi: ‘Kuto tonkhe tilwane letiphilako emhlabeni ningadla nati: Tonkhe tilwane letinetinselo letehlukene naletihlabulako. Kodvwa leti letihlabulako kuphela naletehlukanisa tinselo kuphela ningabotitsintsa. Likamela liyahlabula, kantsi alehlukanisi tinselo; lona-ke lingcolile kini. Imbila iyahlabula, kodvwa ayehlukanisi tinselo; nayo ingcolile kini. Umgwaja uyahlabula, kodvwa awehlukanisi tinselo; ungcolile kini. Ningayidli ingulube. Ingcolile, ngobe nome tinselo tayo tehlukene, kodvwa ayihlabuli. Letilwane ningatidli, futsi ningatsintsi ngisho netidvumbu tato, ngobe tingcolile kini. “ ‘Ningatidla tonkhe tilwane letihlala elwandle nasemifuleni letinetimphiko tekuntjweza netincwencwe. Kodvwa tonkhe tilwane letihlala elwandle nasemifuleni letite timphiko tekuntjweza netincwencwe kufanele tingadliwa; yebo, tonkhe leto tilwane tisinengiso kini. Leto tilwane tonkhe nititsatse ngekutsi tisinengiso kini. Ningacali nitidle, ngisho netidvumbu tato tisinengiso kini. Ningacali nidle nome ngangusiphi silwane lesihlala emantini lesite timphiko tekuntjweza netincwencwe, ngobe sisinengiso kini. “ ‘Nati-ke tinyoni lekungakafaneli kutsi nitidle, ngobe tisinengiso: lusweti, nelingce, nengculungculu, nanhloyile, nalohheya ngetinhlobo takhe; nemahhwabayi, ngetinhlobo tawo, nenshi, nenkovazana, nenkanku, naloklebe ngetinhlobo takhe; nemswelele, nesahhukulu, nemphishamanti, nesikhova, nemfuketi, nelivuba, nelilanda, nadvoye, namatalatingwenya ngetinhlobo takhe, natsekwane, nelilulwane. “ ‘Tonkhe tilwanyakatana letinetimphiko letihamba ngetinyawo letine kufanele tibe sinengiso kini. Tikhona, noko, tilwane letinetimphiko, letihamba ngetinyawo letine leningatidla: nguleto letigcumagcuma emhlabatsini ngemilente lengemancondvo. Tintsetse leningatidla nguleti: sikhonyane ngetinhlobo taso, nemaboni ngetinhlobo tawo, nemadziya ngetinhlobo tawo, nemahhwele ngetinhlobo tawo. Tonkhe letilwanyakatana letinetimphiko naletinabutela phansi ngetinyawo letine tingcolile ngekwemtsetfo. “ ‘Nati-ke tilwane letingcolile nome letiyawuningcolisa; wonkhe lotsintsa tidvumbu tato uyawuba ngulongcolile kuze kuhlwe. Lowo lowetfwala tidvumbu tato uyawuhlanta tingubo takhe abe ngulongcolile kuze kuhlwe. Tonkhe tilwane letehlukanisa tinselo tingayidzabuli kabili kantsi atihlabuli kufanele titsatfwe ngekutsi tingcolile; lowo lotsintsa tidvumbu tato uyawuba ngulongcolile. Tonkhe tilwane letihamba ngetidladla letine tingcolile kini; lowo lotsintsa tidvumbu tato uyawungcola kuze kuhlwe. Lowo lowetfwala tidvumbu tato kufanele ahlambulule timphahla takhe, ngobe tingcolile; utawuhlala angcolile kuze kuhlwe. Tingcolile kini. “ ‘Nati-ke tilwane letingcolile kini letihamba emhlabeni: nguchakidze, neligundvwane, netibankhwa ngetinhlobo tato, nentfulo, naholoholo, nachamu, nelunwabu. Leto-ke tingcolile kini, tonkhe tilwane letihamba ngesisu. Wonkhe lotsintsa tidvumbu tato uyawuba ngulongcolile kuze kuhlwe. Yonkhe intfo lekuwele kuyo nome ngusinye saletilwane nasifile, leyontfo iyawuba ngulengcolile: nome ngabe leyontfo yentiwe ngelukhuni nome ngendvwangu yemasaka, konkhe lokusetjentiselwa nome yini, kufanele kwenyiwe emantini; kuyawuba ngulokungcolile kuze kuhlwe, emvakwaloko-ke bese kuyahlanteka. Nangabe lesinye saletilwane siwela esitjeni selibumba, leso sitja kufanele siphihlitwe; konkhe lokukuso kuyawuba ngulokungcolile. Konkhe kudla lebekungekhatsi kwaso lebekufanele kudliwe, nako kutawube sekuba ngulokungcolile, kanjalo konkhe lokunatfwako bekungekhatsi nako sekuyawuba ngulokungcolile. Nangabe sidvumbu saso nome ngusiphi siwela nome etikwani, leyontfo itawuba ngulengcolile ngekwemtsetfo: kungaba litiko nome yimbita yekupheka, kufanele kubhidlitwe, ngobe kungcolile ngekwemtsetfo kini, futsi kutawuhlala kungcolile kini, noko umtfombo nome sicobho nome umfula wemanti uyawuhlala uhlantekile. Kodvwa wonkhe lotsintsa lesidvumbu salesilwane uyawuba ngulongcolile. Nangabe sidvumbu saso siwela etikwenhlanyelo, leyo nhlanyelo iyawuhlala seloku ihlantekile. Kodvwa nangabe lenhlanyelo imanti bese-ke sidvumbu sesiwela etikwayo, itawuba ngulengcolile kini. “ ‘Nangabe silwane lenivunyelwe kusidla sesifile, lowo lotsintsa sidvumbu saso uyawuba ngulongcolile kuze kuhlwe. Lowo lodla ingcuba yaso kufanele ageze timphahla takhe, utawuba ngulongcolile kuze kuhlwe, nalowo lotsintsa leso sidvumbu uyawuba ngulongcolile kuze kuhlwe. “ ‘Sonkhe silwane lesihamba ngesisu emhlabeni sisinengiso; akukafaneli sidliwe. Kufanele ningasidli silwane lesihamba ngesisu nome lesihamba ngemilente lemine nome leminyenti, leso silwane sisinengiso kini. Ningacali nitingcolise ngaletilwane letihamba ngesisu; nicaphele ningatingcolisi ngato, ningangcoliswa nangito. Mine nginguSimakadze longuNkulunkulu wenu; tehlukaniseleni mine, nibe ngcwele, ngobe nami matfupha ngingcwele. Ningatingcolisi nganome ngusiphi silwane lesihamba ngesisu. Yebo, nginguSimakadze lowanikhipha eGibhithe kutsi ngitewuba nguNkulunkulu wenu; ngako-ke banini ngcwele njengobe nami ngingcwele. “ ‘Lena-ke ngimiyalo nemitsetfo macondzana netilwane, netinyoni, nako konkhe lokuphilako lokuhlala emantini, nato tonkhe tilwane letihamba ngesisu. “ ‘Ngiyo letawunenta nikwati kwehlukanisa tilwane letingcolile naletihlantekile, nehlukanise nasemkhatsini wetilwane letiphilako lekufanele tidliwe netilwane letiphilako lekungakafaneli tidliwe.’ ” Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Khuluma kuma-Israyeli utsi: ‘Nangabe umfati akhulelwa bese utala indvodzana, utawuba ngulongcolile ngekwemtsetfo emalanga lasikhombisa, njenganakaye esikhatsini usuke angcolile. Ngelilanga lesiphohlongo lijwabu lalomfana lotelwe liyawujutjwa. Lomfati kufanele ahlale esikhundleni, kuze kuphele emalanga lengema-33, kuze ahlambuluke ekopheni kwakhe. Akukafaneli atsintse lutfo lolungcwele nome aye endzaweni lengcwele, kuze kuphele emalanga akhe ekuhlanjululwa. Kodvwa nangabe atele intfombatana, utawuba ngulongcolile kuze kuphele emaviki lamabili, njenganakaye esikhatsini. Emvakwaloko kufanele ahlale esikhundleni, kuze kuphele emalanga langema-66, kuze ahlambuluke ekopheni kwakhe. “ ‘Nangabe sekwendlule lamalanga akhe ekuhlanjululwa nome utele umfana nome intfombatana, kufanele aye kumphristi ekungeneni kwelithende lekuhlangana aletse lizinyane lemvu lelinemnyaka munye libe ngumnikelo wekushiswa, nelivukutfu nome lituba, libe ngumnikelo wesono. Umphristi utakunikela loku kube yinhlawulo yekubuyisana kuSimakadze, ngaloko utawuhlanjululwa ekopheni kwengati yakhe. Lena-ke ngimitsetfo lemacondzana nemfati lobeleke umfana nome intfombatana. “ ‘Nangabe ehluleka kutfola lizinyane lemvu, kufanele aletse emavukutfu lamabili nome ematuba lamabili lasemancane, lelinye libe lemnikelo wekushiswa, lelinye libe lemnikelo wesono. Umphristi utawumentela inhlawulo yekubuyisana kuSimakadze, utawube sewuyahlambuluka.’ ” Simakadze wakhuluma kuboMosi na-Aroni, watsi: “Nangabe umuntfu avuvukile nome anelidzengedla nome anelichashata lelimhlophe esikhunjeni sakhe bese kuyagucuka kuba sabulephelo kufanele aletfwe ku-Aroni, umphristi, nome kulomunye wemadvodzana akhe, longumphristi. Lomphristi kufanele ahlolisise lelichashata lelisesikhunjeni salomuntfu. Nangabe lunwele lolukulo selugucuke lwaba mhlophe, nalo lelichashata seligubhile, kusuke sekusifo lesisabulephelo. “Nangabe umphristi asamhlolisisile, kufanele asho kutsi ungcolile ngekwemtsetfo. Nangabe lelichashata lelisesikhunjeni sakhe limhlophe, kodvwa kubonakala kutsi alikagubhi esikhunjeni nelunwele lolukulo lungakagucuki lwaba mhlophe, umphristi utawutsatsa lomuntfu amehlukanise kulabanye emalanga lasikhombisa. Ngelilanga lesikhombisa umphristi utamhlolisisa, nabona kutsi seloku linjalo lelichashata alikagucuki, kantsi futsi lisengakagubhi landza, utawuphindze amgcine lapho emalanga lasikhombisa futsi. Ngelilanga lesikhombisa umphristi kufanele amhlolisise futsi, nangabe lelichashata selifiphele langete landza nesikhumba, umphristi utametfula ngekwemtsetfo kutsi uhlobile; bekumane kukucubuka nje. Lomuntfu kufanele ageze tingubo takhe; uhlambulukile. Kodvwa nangabe lelichashata liphindze landza esikhunjeni sakhe emvakwekutibonakalisa kwakhe kumphristi kutsi atsatfwe njengemuntfu lohlambulukile, kufanele aphindze atibonakalise kumphristi futsi. Umphristi kufanele amhlolisise, nangabe lelichashata selandze nesikhumba, utametfula kutsi ungcolile; loko kusifo lesisabulephelo. “Nangabe umuntfu ahlaselwa sifo lesisabulephelo, kufanele aletfwe kumphristi. Umphristi utamhlolisisa, nangabe kunelichashata lelimhloshana esikhunjeni sakhe lese lidzimate lagucula lunwele lwaba mhlophe, kuphindze kube nesilondza lesinebovu, leso sifo sisabulephelo lesitsatsa sikhatsi lesidze singapholi, umphristi kufanele atise bantfu kutsi ungcolile, angamehlukanisi nebantfu, ngobe vele sewungcolile. “Nangabe umphristi abona kutsi loko lokusabulephelo kwandza nemtimba wakhe wonkhe kusukela etulu enhloko kuye elunyaweni ngaphansi, lomphristi kufanele amhlolisise; nangabe loko lokusabulephelo kwembese wonkhe umtimba, lomuntfu utametfula kutsi uhlantekile. Kodvwa nangabe kuvela silondza lesinebovu, utawuba ngulongcolile. Nangabe umphristi asibona lesilondza lesinebovu, utawumetfula kutsi ungcolile, lesilondza lesinebovu singcolile, ngobe sisabulephelo. Nangabe lesilondza sigucuka siba mhlophe, kufanele aye kumphristi. Umphristi kufanele amhlolisise; nangabe lesilondza sesigucuke saba mhlophe, umphristi utawumetfula ngekwemtsetfo kutsi sewuhlantekile, ngobe vele uhlantekile. “Nangabe umuntfu anelitfumba esikhunjeni sakhe bese liyaphola, lapho belikhona khona kube nelidzengedla lelimhlophe nome lichashata lelicwebetelako kantsi libovu sakubamhlophe, kufanele atibonakalise kumphristi. Umphristi utamhlolisisa; nakabona kutsi ligubhile, neboya lobukulo sebumhlophe, utawumetfula ngekwemtsetfo kutsi ungcolile; kusifo lesisabulephelo lesesichume kulesibati selitfumba. Kodvwa nangabe umphristi utsite uyamhlolisisa wakhandza kutsi kute boya lobumhlophe kulo kantsi nalelichashata alikagubhi futsi selinyamalele, umphristi kufanele lomuntfu amehlukanise nebantfu kuze kuphele emalanga lasikhombisa. Nangabe lelichashata landza nesikhumba, umphristi kufanele atise bantfu kutsi ungcolile; kusifo lesisabulephelo. Kodvwa nangabe lelichashata lingagucuki futsi lingandzi, lihleli nje lisibati selitfumba, kufanele umphristi ametfule ngekwemtsetfo kutsi uhlantekile. “Nangabe umuntfu ashe esikhunjeni sakhe kwabe sekuvela silondza lesibovu sakubamhlophe nome sabamhlophe kulenyama lebovu leshile, umphristi kufanele asihlolisise. Nangabe loboya lobukuso bugucuke baba mhlophe, kubonakala futsi kutsi sesigubhile, loko kusuke sekusabulephelo sebumilele kulesilondza sekusha, umphristi utawukusho kutsi ungcolile; unesifo lesisabulephelo. Kodvwa nangabe umphristi utsite uyasihlolisisa, wakhandza kutsi kute boya lobumhlophe kulesilondza, kantsi asikagubhi, futsi sesifiphele, kufanele umphristi amehlukanise nebantfu, kuze kuphele emalanga lasikhombisa. Ngelilanga lesikhombisa umphristi kufanele amhlolisise, nangabe sandza nemtimba, kufanele umphristi asho kutsi ungcolile; kusifo lesisabulephelo. Nangabe lesilondza singakagucuki, sangete sandza nesikhumba kodvwa sashwaca lesilondza sekusha, kufanele umphristi asho kutsi uhlantekile; bekusibati nje sekusha. “Nangabe lomdvuna nome lomsikati anesilondza enhloko nome esilevini, umphristi kufanele asihlolisise lesilondza; nangabe siyagubha, neboya lobukuso bumtfubi kantsi buncane, lowo muntfu umphristi kufanele asho kutsi ungcolile; ngumbandzama, sifo sasenhloko nome sasesilevini. Kodvwa, nangabe umphristi utsite uyasihlolisisa, wakhandza kutsi asikagubhi nekutsi kute neboya lobumnyama kuso, lomphristi kufanele lomuntfu amehlukanise kulabanye, kuze kuphele emalanga lasikhombisa. Ngelilanga lesikhombisa umphristi asihlolisise futsi, nangabe asikandzi, neboya lobumtfubi abukho kuso kantsi asikagubhi, kufanele ahhulwe kusale lendzawo lenesilondza; umphristi utawube sewumehlukanisa kulabanye bantfu, abe yedvwana kuze kuphele emalanga lasikhombisa. Ngelilanga lesikhombisa umphristi utawuphindze asihlolisise lesilondza; nangabe singakandzi nemtimba wonkhe saze sagubha, umphristi asho kutsi uhlantekile. Kufanele ageze timphahla takhe, utawube sewuyahlanteka. Kodvwa nangabe lesilondza sandza nemtimba kantsi bese kutsiwe uhlambulukile ngekwemtsetfo, kufanele umphristi aphindze amhlolisise, atsi nakakhandze kutsi siyandza, asho kutsi ungcolile, futsi akadzingi nekuhlolisisa kutsi loboya bumtfubi yini; lomuntfu ungcolile. Kodvwa nangabe utsite uyahlolisisa, wakhandza kutsi asikagucuki, neboya lobumnyama lobukuso sebukhulile, kusho kutsi leso silondza sesipholile; uhlambulukile, nemphristi kufanele asho kutsi uhlantekile. Nangabe lomdvuna nome lomsikati anemachashata lacwebetelako esikhunjeni sakhe, kufanele umphristi amhlolisise. Nangabe amhlophe, kutawube kukucubuka lokungesiyo ingoti emtimbeni; lowo muntfu uhlantekile. “Nangabe indvodza icotfukelwe tinwele tayo yase iba yimphandla, ihlantekile. Nangabe tinwele tayo ticotfuka ngembili elukhakhayini bese iba nemphandla lehlangana nebuso, ihlantekile. Kodvwa nangabe kuvumbuka silondza lesibovu sakubamhlophe kulemphandla lesetulu enhloko nome ebuntini, loko kusabulephelo lobuvumbuka enhloko nome ebuntini. Umphristi kufanele ayihlolisise; nangabe lesilondza sibovu sakubamhlophe njengebulephelo, kusho kutsi lendvodza inalokusabulephelo; ngako ingcolile. Umphristi utakusho kutsi ingcolile ngenca yaleso silondza lesisenhloko. “Umuntfu lonalokusabulephelo kufanele agcoke emanikiniki, tinwele atiyekele tingemahlutse angatikami, ambonye umlomo wangetulu, akhale atsi: ‘Ngingcolile, ngingcolile!’ Utawuhlala angcolile yingci nakasenaloku lokusabulephelo; kufanele ahlaliswe yedvwana ethendeni lelingaphandle kwenkambu.” “Nangabe kunesifo lesisasikhuntsa emphahleni leyentiwe ngensontfo nome leyelukwe ngemtiya welineni, nome endvwangwini leyentiwe ngensontfo, nome ngemtiya welineni nome esikhunjeni nome ngabe yini lenye leyentiwe ngesikhumba, nangabe-ke lelibala liluhlatana nome libovana endvwangwini nome kulesikhumba leselukiwe nome lesephotselwe, loko kulibala lelisasikhuntsa lekufanele likhonjiswe umphristi. Umphristi utawutsi angalihlolisisa lelibala, bese lengubo uyayikhipha emkhatsini webantfu ihlale iyodvwana, kuze kuphele emalanga lasikhombisa. Ngelilanga lesikhombisa utawuphindze ayihlolisise; nangabe lelibala selandzile kulendvwangu nome kulemitiya yalendvwangu nome kulesikhumba nome kulentfo leyentiwe ngesikhumba nome ngangukuphi, loko kusasikhuntsa lesitsatselwanako; leyo ngubo ingcolile. Kufanele ayishise leyo ngubo, nome imicu nome umtiya nome insontfo, nome intfo yesikhumba nome yentiwe ngani, lapho kubonakale lelobala khona; ngobe phela loko kusasikhuntsa lesitsatselwanako lekufanele kushiswe. Kodvwa nangabe umphristi utsite uyahlolisisa, wakhandza kutsi lelibala alikandzi nalengubo nome lemicu nome insontfo nome sikhumba nome ngabe yini-ke leyontfo, utawushaya umtsetfo kutsi loko lokunalelibala kugezwe, bese ukwehlukanisa kubantfu, kuze kuphele emalanga lasikhombisa. Leyontfo itawutsi ingagezwa, umphristi aphindze ayihlolisise; nangabe lelo bala alikagucuki nome alikandzi, leyo mphahla ingcolile. Ifanele kushiswa ngemlilo, nome lelibala lingekhatsi nome lingephandle kwalendvwangu. “Kodvwa nangabe umphristi utsite uyayihlolisisa, wakhandza kutsi lelibala laloko lokusasikhuntsa lisukile ngesikhatsi igezwa, kufanele akapulute lendzawo lapho bekunelibala khona kulendvwangu nome kulemicu nome kulesikhumba. Kodvwa nangabe lelibala liphindze libonakala kuleyo ndvwangu nome kulemicu nome kulesikhumba nome yentiwe ngani-ke loko, kutawube kusho kutsi loko lokusasikhuntsa kusasebenta; loko lokunalokusasikhuntsa kufanele kushiswe emlilweni. Lendvwangu nome lemicu nome lesikhumba nome ngabe yentiwe ngani-ke lapho kunyamalele khona lelibala kutawuhlanteka emvakwekugezwa kwesibili. “Lena-ke ngimitsetfo lecondzene nalokusasikhuntsa nakusengutjeni, nome emphahleni leyentiwe ngensontfo, nome emicwini yengubo nome emphahleni yesikhumba nome ngayentiwe ngani-ke. Niyawuyisebentisa ekwehlukaniseni nasekuphawuleni lokungcolile nalokuhlantekile.” Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Lena ngimitsetfo yekuhlanjululwa kwemuntfu lonalokusabulephelo nakaletfwa kumphristi: Umphristi utawuphumela ngaphandle kwenkambu ayewumhlolisisa. Nangabe ukhandze kutsi lesigulane sesiphilisiwe kuloku lokusabulephelo, umphristi utawukhipha umyalo kutsi kuletfwe tinyoni letimbili letiphilako kanye netinkhuni temsedari, nemtiya lobovu ngalokutopele, nehisophu, kwentelwe lowo lotewuhlanjululwa. Umphristi utawube sewuyala kutsi kubulawe lenye yaletinyoni, ibulawelwe eludziweni lolusemantini lageletako. Utawube sewutsatsa lena lephilako kanye naletinkhuni temsedari, nalomtiya lobovu ngalokutopele, nehisophu, akwenye engatini yalena lebulawelwe emantini lageletako. Kufanele afafate lesigulane kasikhombisa, bese umetfula kutsi uhlambulukile, akhulule nalenyoni lephilako, itindizele iye esigangeni. “Umuntfu lohlanjululwako kufanele ageze timphahla takhe, ahhule tonkhe tinwele, ageze umtimba wakhe emantini, bese uyahlambuluka-ke. Emvakwaloko angancandzeka abuyele enkambu, ahlale ngaphandle kwelithende lakhe kuze kuphele emalanga lasikhombisa. Ngelilanga lesikhombisa kufanele ahhule tonkhe tinwele enhloko yakhe, ashefe silevu, nemashiya, nako konkhe lokusatinwele. Kufanele ageze tingubo takhe tekwembatsa kanye nemtimba wakhe, utawuhlambuluka. “Ngelilanga lesiphohlongo kufanele aletse emazinyane emvu lamabili lamadvuna nalelisikati lelinemnyaka munye budzala, onkhe angabi nasiyela, aletse nemalitha langaba sikhombisa emphuphu lecolisakele lehlanganiswe nemafutsa kube ngumnikelo walokutinhlavu, aletse nemafutsa langaba yincenye yelitha. Umphristi lowenta lenkonzo yekuhlambulula uyawuletsa kuSimakadze lomuntfu lotewuhlanjululwa amletse kanye naletintfo ekungeneni kwelithende lekuhlangana. “Umphristi utawutsatsa linye lalamazinyane lamadvuna alinikele njengemnikelo welicala kanye nemafutsa langaba yincenye yelitha, awetfule kutsi kube ngumnikelo wekujikitiswa embikwaSimakadze. Kufanele lelizinyane lemvu alibulalele endzaweni lapho kwentelwa khona umnikelo wesono kanye nemnikelo wekushiswa endzaweni lengcwele. Umnikelo welicala, njengemnikelo wesono, ngekwemphristi, ngobe ungcwele kakhulu. Umphristi utawube sewutsatsa litsantana lengati yemnikelo welicala, abhoce lihwandza lendlebe yangesekudla yalowo lotewuhlanjululwa, nesitfupha sakhe sangesekudla, naqukulu wangesekudla. Umphristi utawutsatsa libinta lemafutsa awatsele entsendzeni yesandla sakhe sangesancele, acwilise umuno wakhe wangesekudla, afafate incenye yalamafutsa kasikhombisa embikwaSimakadze. Lamafutsa lasele entsendzeni yesandla sakhe, lamanye awo umphristi utawabhoca endlebeni yangesekudla, nasesitfupheni sangesekudla, nakuqukulu wangesekudla salowo lotewuhlanjululwa, etikwengati yemnikelo welicala. Lawa lajinge asala entsendzeni yesandla semphristi, kufanele awesulele enhloko yalona lohlanjululwako, amentele inhlawulo yekubuyisana kuSimakadze. “Umphristi kufanele ente umhlatjelo wemnikelo wesono, entele lona lotewuhlanjululwa inhlawulo yekubuyisana, khona atewuhlanjululwa ekungcoleni kwakhe. Emvakwaloko utawuhlaba lomnikelo wekushiswa, bese umphristi ukunikela elatini kanye nemnikelo walokutinhlavu, amentele inhlawulo yekubuyisana, utawube sewuyahlambuluka. “Kodvwa, nangabe angeke akhone ngobe aphuyile, kufanele atsatse lizinyane lelidvuna litewuba ngumnikelo welicala litewujikitiswa, khona litewuba yinhlawulo yekubuyisana kwakhe naSimakadze, aletse nemphuphu lengaba ngemalitha lamabili lebhicwe nemafutsa kube ngumnikelo walokutinhlavu kanye nemafutsa langaba yincenye yelitha, nematuba lamabili nome emavukutfu lamabili lasemancane, loko langakhona kukwenta; lelinye litawuba lemnikelo wesono, lelinye libe lemnikelo wekushiswa. “Ngelilanga lesiphohlongo kufanele akuletse kumphristi ekungeneni kwelithende lekuhlangana embikwaSimakadze khona kutemhlambulula. Umphristi utawutsatsa lelizinyane lemnikelo welicala kanye nemafutsa langaba yincenye yelitha. Umphristi utawube sewuyakunikela kube ngumnikelo wekujikitiswa embikwaSimakadze. Utawuhlaba lelizinyane lemvu lelingumnikelo welicala, bese utsatsa ingati yalo uyibhoca ehwandzeni lendlebe yangesekudla, nasesitfupheni sangesekudla, nakuqukulu wangesekudla salowo lotewuhlanjululwa. Umphristi utawube sewutsatsa lamanye emafutsa awatsele entsendzeni yesandla sangesancele, bese ufafata ngenkhotsa yangesekudla sakhe, lamafutsa lasesandleni sangesancele, awafafate kasikhombisa embikwaSimakadze. Umphristi uyakwesulela incenye yalamafutsa lasesandleni sakhe ehwandzeni lendlebe yangesekudla yalowo lotewuhlanjululwa, nasesitfupheni sakhe sangesekudla, nakuqukulu wakhe wangesekudla, endzaweni lapho kubhocwe khona ingati yesono. Umphristi lamafutsa lasala lapha esandleni sakhe utawabhoca enhloko yalowo lotewuhlanjululwa, kuze amentele inhlawulo yekubuyisana kuSimakadze. Nangabe lomuntfu angakhona, utawube sewunikela linye lalamavukutfu lamabili lasemancane. Umuntfu utawunikela ngaloko langakhona kukunikela, linye libe ngumnikelo wesono, lelinye libe ngumnikelo wekushiswa kanye nemnikelo walokutinhlavu. Ngako-ke umphristi utakwentela lowo lotewuhlanjululwa inhlawulo yekubuyisana kuSimakadze.” Lona-ke ngumtsetfo locondzene nesifo salokusabulephelo kulowo longeke akhone kukhokha loko lokucondzene nekuhlanjululwa kwakhe. Simakadze wakhuluma kuboMosi na-Aroni, watsi: “Niyawutsi naningena eveni laseKhenani, lengininika lona libe lenu, bese ngishaya indlu ngesikhuntsa, umniyo walendlu kufanele ahambe ayewubikela umphristi, afike atsi: ‘Ngibone sikhuntsa lena endlini yami.’ Umphristi kufanele akhiphe umlayeto kutsi konkhe lokungekhatsi kulendlu akukhishwe, yena asengakefiki kuteyihlola, kutawubate lapha endlini lekungahle kubitwe ngekutsi kungcolile. Emvakwaloko umphristi utawungena ahlolisise lendlu. Utawube sewuhlolisisa lesikhuntsa lesiselubondzeni lwalendlu, nangabe lesikhuntsa sitigojana letiluhlatana nome letibovana letibholeke kulolubondza, umphristi kufanele aphume kuleyondlu avale umnyango wayo, kuze kuphele emalanga lasikhombisa. Ngelilanga lesikhombisa umphristi utawubuyela atewuhlolisisa lendlu. Nangabe lesikhuntsa sesandze nalo lonkhe lolubondza lwalendlu, kufanele akhiphe umtsetfo kutsi lamatje lasanalesifo afutwe kulendlu alahlwe endzaweni lengcolile lengaphandle kwelidolobha. Kufanele lingekhatsi lonkhe lelubondza lwalendlu luhwaywe, kutsi loko lokuhwaywe kulo kubutfwe kuyewulahlwa endzaweni lengcolile ngekwemtsetfo, lengaphandle kwelidolobha. Kufanele kuchitjelwe leyo ndzawo ngalamanye ematje, yonkhe indlu ibhadvwe ngeludzaka lolusha. “Nangabe lesifo siphindze sivela kulendlu emvakwekube lamatje asake adzilitwa kwahwaywa nalolubondza lwaphindze lwabhadvwa kabusha, umphristi kufanele angene kulendlu atewuhlolisisa lesifo; nangabe akhandza kutsi lesifo sesandzile futsi kulendlu, kusuke kusifo sesikhuntsa lesitsatselwanako, leyondlu ingcolile. Kufanele leyondlu idzilitwe, ematje ayo, neludzaka lwayo, netingodvo tayo, neluphahla lwayo; konkhe kubutfwe kuyewulahlwa ngaphandle kwelidolobha endzaweni lengcolile ngekwemtsetfo. “Lowo longena kuleyondlu ngesikhatsi isavaliwe utawuba ngulongcolile kuze kuhlwe. Lowo lolala kuleyondlu kufanele ageze timphahla takhe, nalowo lodlela kuyo kufanele ageze timphahla takhe. “Kodvwa nangabe umphristi utsite nakahlolisisa, wakhandza kutsi lesifo asikandzi nalolubondza emvakwekwakhiwa kabusha, kufanele ayetfule kutsi ihlambulukile, ngobe phela lesifo sesiphelile. Kuze ahlambulule lendlu, kufanele atsatse tinyoni letimbili, netinkhuni temsedari, nemtiya lobovu ngalokutopele kanye nehisophu, bese ubulala lenye yaletinyoni, ayibulalele eludziweni lolusemantini lageletako. Utawube sewutsatsa letinkhuni temsedari, nehishophu, nalomtiya lobovu ngalokutopele kanye nalenyoni lephilako, akwenye engatini yalena lebulewe, kanye nasemantini lageletako, afafate lendlu kasikhombisa. Lendlu utayihlambulula asebentisa lengati yalenyoni, nalamanti lageletako, nalenyoni lephilako, naletinkhuni temsedari, nehisophu kanye nemtiya lobovu ngalokutopele. Utawube sewukhiphela lenyoni lephilako ngaphandle kwelidolobha, ayiyekele itindizele iye esigangeni. “Uyakuyenta kanjalo-ke inhlawulo yekuhlanjululwa kwendlu. Leyondlu iyawuhlambuluka.” Lena-ke ngimitsetfo lecondzene nalokusabulephelo, netifo tesikhumba letitsatselwanako, nelukhwekhwe, nalokusasikhuntsa setimphahla nesetindlu, nekuvuvuka, nekucubuka, nemachashata lamhlophe, lekufanele ubone wati ngako kutsi intfo ingcolile ngekwemtsetfo nome ihlambulukile yini. Lena-ke ngimitsetfo yalokusabulephelo netifo tesikhumba letitsatselwanako kanye nalokusasikhuntsa. Simakadze wakhuluma kuboMosi na-Aroni, watsi: “Khuluma esiveni sema-Israyeli utsi kuso: ‘Nangabe indvodza inalokuvutako, loko lokuvutako kungcolile. Ngulowo-ke umtsetfo wekungcola, nome ngabe lokuvuta kuyachubeka nome sekuncamukile, vele seyingcolile. Wonkhe umbhedze lelala kuwo nako konkhe lehlala kuko lendvodza, kutawungcola, nome ngubani lotsintsa lombhedze wayo, kufanele ageze timphahla takhe ngemanti, aphindze ageze nemtimba wakhe, abe ngulongcolile kuze kuhlwe. Lowo lohlala lapho bekuhleti khona leyo ndvodza, kufanele ageze timphahla takhe nemtimba wakhe ngemanti, abe ngulongcolile kuze kuhlwe. Lowo lotsintsa leyo ndvodza levutelwako, kufanele ageze timphahla takhe nemtimba wakhe ngemanti, abe ngulongcolile kuze kuhlwe. Nangabe lendvodza legulako ikhafulela umuntfu lohlantekile ngematse, lomuntfu kufanele ageze timphahla takhe nemtimba wakhe ngemanti, abe ngulongcolile kuze kuhlwe. Tonkhe tihlalo lahlala kuto nakagibele, titawuba nguletingcolile. Bonkhe labo labake batsintsa nome yini leke yaba ngaphansi kwakhe, nabo batawuba ngulabangcolile kuze kuhlwe. Bonkhe labo labatsintfwa ngulendvodza ingakagezi tandla, kufanele bageze timphahla tabo nemitimba yabo ngemanti, babe ngulabangcolile kuze kuhlwe. Ludziwo lolutsintfwe ngulendvodza, kufanele lubhidlitwe, nangabe kusitja selugodvo kufanele sihlanjululwe ngemanti. “ ‘Nangabe lendvodza levutelwako seyiphilile, kufanele ihlale emalanga lasikhombisa ekuhlanjululwa kwayo, igeze timphahla tayo nemtimba wayo emantini lageletako, itawube seyiyahlambuluka. Ngelilanga lesiphohlongo kufanele itsatse ematuba lamabili nome emazini emavukutfu lamabili ite embikwaSimakadze ekungeneni kwelithende lekuhlangana, ifike iwetfule kumphristi. Umphristi kufanele anikele lelinye libe ngumnikelo wesono, leli lelinye libe ngumhlatjelo wekushiswa. Ngaleyo ndlela umphristi uyakwentela leyo ndvodza inhlawulo yekubuyisana kuSimakadze ngekuvutisa kwayo. “ ‘Nangabe indvodza ishaye litubuko, kufanele igeze wonkhe umtimba wayo ngemanti, ihlale ingcolile kuze kuhlwe. Yonkhe imphahla leyentiwe ngendvwangu nome ngesikhumba lesitselwe ngulesidvodza, kufanele kugezwe, kutawungcola kuze kuhlwe. Nangabe indvodza ilele nemfati kwase kuchitseka sidvodza, bobabili bafanele bageze imitimba yabo ngemanti, babe ngulabangcolile kuze kuhlwe.’ ” “ ‘Nangabe lomsikati aye esikhatsini, kungcola kwakhe kuyawumtsatsa emalanga lasikhombisa. Lowo lomtsintsako utawuhlala angcolile kuze kuhlwe. Konkhe lalala kuko nalahlala kuko asesekulesimo, kutawungcola. Wonkhe lotsintsa intfo labekalele kuyo, kufanele ageze timphahla takhe nemtimba wakhe, ahlale angulongcolile kuze kuhlwe. Lowo lotsintsa nome ngabe yini leyo labehleti etikwayo, kufanele ageze timphahla takhe nemtimba wakhe, ahlale angulongcolile kuze kuhlwe. Yonkhe intfo lake wahlala kuyo, nome ngumbhedze, nome ngabe sihlalo lake wahlala kuso, lowo lositsintsako utawungcola kuze kuhlwe. Nangabe indvodza ilala naye, nayo itawutselelwa lokungcola kwasesikhatsini. Itawuhlala ingcolile kuze kuphele emalanga lasikhombisa. Umbedze lelala kuwo lendvodza nawo utawungcola. “ ‘Nangabe lona lomsikati achubeka kopha kuze kwendlule emalanga lavamise kopha ngawo, utawuchubeka nekungcola kuze kuphele kopha kwaleyo nyanga. Wonkhe umbhedze lalala kuwo nome yini lahlala etikwayo, nayo itawuchubeka ibe ngulengcolile, yingci nakasachubeka nekopha. Wonkhe umuntfu lotsintsa leto tintfo latitsintsile, utawungcola; kufanele ageze timphahla takhe nemtimba wakhe ngemanti, abe ngulongcolile kuze kuhlwe. Kodvwa nangabe asahlambululekile kulokopha kwakhe, uyawutibalela yena emalanga lasikhombisa emvakwaloko uyawube sewuhlambulukile. Ngelilanga lesiphohlongo uyawutsatsa ematuba lamabili nome emazini lamabili emavukutfu awaletse kumphristi ekungeneni kwelithende lekuhlangana. Umphristi utawunikela lelinye libe ngumnikelo wesono, lelinye libe ngumnikelo wekushiswa. Ngaleyo ndlela umphristi uyawumentela inhlawulo yekubuyisana kuSimakadze ngekungcola kwakhe kwekopha. “ ‘Kufanele uwehlukise kanjalo-ke ema-Israyeli etintfweni letingabenta bangcole, kuze bangafeli ekungcoleni kwabo ngekwedzelela lithende lami lekukhontela nome indzawo yami lengcwele lesemkhatsini wabo. “ ‘Lena ngimitsetfo lecondzene nendvodza levutisako, nalengcoliswe kucitseka kwesidvodza, neyemfati nakasesikhatsini, nalecondzene nendvodza nome nalomsikati lovuta bovu, nalecondzene nendvodza lelala nalomsikati longcolile.’ ” Kwatsi kube kufe emadvodzana lamabili a-Aroni ngesizatfu sekutsi banikela kuSimakadze ngemlilo longengcwele, Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi watsi: “Tjela Aroni, umnakenu, kutsi angangeni nome ngunini emvakwendvwangu lesendzaweni lengcwelengcwele, embikwesihlalo semusa lesisebhokisini lesivumelwane funa afe, ngobe ngivela ngisefini lelisetikwesihlalo semusa. “Angakangeni endzaweni lengcwelengcwele kufanele ete nenkunzana yemnikelo wesono kanye nesihhanca semhlatjelo wekushiswa. “Ngaphambi kwekutsi Aroni angene endzaweni lengcwelengcwele, kufanele atigeze ngemanti bese ugcoka letembatfo tebuphristi: ingubo lengcwele yelineni lete umkhono, nelibhuluko langaphansi lelineni, nelibhande laselukhalweni kanye nemshuculo wenhloko. “Aroni uyakwemukela esandleni sema-Israyeli tiphongo letimbili temnikelo wesono nesihhanca sinye semnikelo wekushiswa. Aroni utawunikela ngalenkunzana ibe ngumhlatjelo wesono, atentele yena nemndeni wakhe inhlawulo yekubuyisana kuSimakadze. Emvakwaloko Aroni kufanele atsatse letiphongo letimbili atetfule kuSimakadze ekungeneni kwelithende lekuhlangana. Utawube sewenta tinkatho tibe timbili, lenye ibe yaSimakadze lenye kutsiwe ya-Azazeli. Aroni utawunikela ngalembuti lekhetseke ngenkatho kutsi ibe yaSimakadze, ayinikele ibe ngumnikelo wesono. Lembuti ledliwe yinkatho kutsi ibe ya-Azazeli itawuletfwa iphila embikwaSimakadze, kwentiwe ngayo inhlawulo yekubuyisana kuSimakadze ngekutsi iyekelwe iye ehlane ibe ngeya-Azazeli. “Aroni kufanele anikele ngalenkunzana lekufanele ibe ngumhlatjelo wesono sakhe, ente inhlawulo yekubuyisana kwakhe nekwemndeni wakhe kuSimakadze, bese uyayibulala-ke. Emvakwaloko utawube sewutsatsa sitja semlilo lesigcwele emalahle lavutsako latsetfwe elatini lelisembikwaSimakadze, Aroni atsatse nemabinta lamabili esandla emphepho lenuka kamnandzi nalecolisakele, bese ukungenisa endzaweni lengcwelengcwele, ngale kwendvwangu. Lemphepho utawube sewuyifaka emlilweni embikwaSimakadze, lentfutfu itawube seyibhunya ize isitselise sihlalo semusa selibhokisi lesivumelwane, khona angetikufa. Kufanele enye umuno wakhe kulengati yalenkunzana, bese uyifafata ngemuno etikwesihlalo semusa; aphindze ayifafate kasikhombisa embikwesihlalo semusa. “Emvakwaloko uyawube sewubulala lembuti kutsi itewuba ngumnikelo wesono sesive sonkhe, bese ungenisa lengati yayo ngale kwendvwangu ente njengobe entile ngengati yenkunzi, afafate ngayo etikwesihlalo semusa nasembikwaso. Ngaleyo ndlela uyakwentela indzawo lengcwelengcwele inhlawulo yekubuyisana ngenca yekungcola kwebantfu baka-Israyeli ngekwemtsetfo nangenca yekona kwabo nato tonkhe tono tabo, alentele njalo nelithende lekuhlangana lelihlala emkhatsini wabo, litungeletwe kungcola kwabo ngekwemtsetfo. Kufanele kubete lobasethendeni lekuhlangana kusukela ngesikhatsi Aroni nakangena endzaweni lengcwelengcwele kuyawukwenta inhlawulo yekubuyisana kuSimakadze kuze kube sikhatsi sekuphuma kwakhe, asente kuSimakadze inhlawulo yekubuyisana kwakhe nekwemndeni wakhe kanye nekwesive sonkhe sema-Israyeli. Uyawuphuma ete elatini embikwaSimakadze ente inhlawulo yekubuyisana kwelilati kuSimakadze. Uyawutsatsa lenye yalengati yalenkunzi nalenye yalengati yembuti ayibeke etimphondvweni tonkhe telilati. Ingati uyawuyifafata ngemuno wakhe kasikhombisa kulelilati atelihlambulula ekungcoleni kwema-Israyeli, alehlukanisele Simakadze libe ngcwele.” “Uyawutsi Aroni angacedza kwenta inhlawulo yekubuyisana kwendzawo lengcwelengcwele nekwelithende lekuhlangana nekwelilati, bese uletsa lembuti lephilako, abeke tandla takhe etikwenhloko yayo ativume tonkhe tiphambuko tesive saka-Israyeli, nabo bonkhe bubi babo, netono tabo, akubeke enhloko yalembuti. Lembuti uyawube sewuyayikhulula kutsi iye ehlane ihanjiswe nguleyo ndvodza lebekelwe lowo msebenti. Leyo mbuti iyakwetfwala tonkhe leto tono tabo iye nato ehlane kalashameshame, lembuti iyawuyichuba leyo ndvodza iyimikise eveni lelingenalutfo. “Aroni uyawube sewubuyela ethendeni lekuhlangana, afike akhumule letembatfo takhe leticolisakele labetigcoke nakayewungena endzaweni lengcwelengcwele, atishiye khona lapho. Utawutigeza umtimba ngemanti, agezele endzaweni lengcwele, bese ugcoka letimphahla takhe temihla ngemihla. Emvakwaloko utawuphuma atinikelele yena nesive sonkhe ngemnikelo wekushiswa, ente kuSimakadze inhlawulo yekubuyisana kwakhe nekwesive sonkhe. Emanoni emnikelo wesono uyawashisela etikwelilati. Lendvodza lekhululele lembuti lesesulelo kufanele igeze timphahla tayo nemtimba wayo ngemanti, emvakwaloko seyingancandzeka ibuyele enkambu ngekhatsi. Inkunzi nalembuti yeminikelo yesono, ingati yayo lengeniswe endzaweni lengcwelengcwele kuyawukwenta inhlawulo yekubuyisana kuSimakadze kufanele kutsatfwe kukhishelwe ngaphandle kwenkambu; tikhumba tato, nenyama yato, nekwangekhatsi kwato kushiswe ngemlilo. Lowo lobekashisa loku kufanele ageze timphahla takhe nemtimba wakhe ngemanti, emvakwaloko sekangangena ngekhatsi enkambu.” “Lona-ke ngumtsetfo lekufanele niwugcine titukulwane ngetitukulwane: Ngelilanga lelishumi enyangeni yesikhombisa ema-Israyeli, nebetive labasemkhatsini wenu kufanele bazile, bangadli, bangasebenti, ngobe ngalelo langa nitakwentela inhlawulo yekubuyisana kuSimakadze, khona nitewuhlambuluka etonweni tenu nibe msulwa embikwaSimakadze. Lelo lilanga lekuphumula, kufanele nizile, ningadli, ningasebenti. Lomtsetfo uyawuhlala ukhona titukulwane ngetitukulwane. UMphristi Lomkhulu logcotjwe ngalokufanele nalobekwe kulandzela uyise, nguye loyawukwenta inhlawulo yekubuyisana kuSimakadze. Uyawugcoka letembatfo tebuphristi, ente kuSimakadze inhlawulo yekubuyisana kwendzawo lengcwelengcwele nekwelithende lekuhlangana, nekwelilati, nekwebaphristi kanye nekwesive sonkhe. Lomtsetfo kufanele ugcinwe, wentiwe titukulwane ngetitukulwane. Inhlawulo yekubuyisana kuSimakadze iyakwentiwa kanye ngemnyaka, yentelwe tonkhe tono tema-Israyeli.” Konkhe kwentiwa njengobe Simakadze abeyale Mosi. Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi watsi: “Khuluma ku-Aroni nakumadvodzana akhe nakuwo onkhe ema-Israyeli, utsi: ‘Naku-ke Simakadze layale kutsi kwentiwe: Wonkhe um-Israyeli lobulala inkhomo nome lizinyane lemvu nome imbuti, akubulalele ngekhatsi nome ngaphandle kwenkambu, angakakuletsi ekungeneni kwelithende lekuhlangana kutsi atewukunikela kuSimakadze ethendeni lekukhontela embikwaSimakadze, lowo muntfu unelicala lekucitsa ingati. Kufanele ancunywe esiveni sakubo, ngobe sewucitse ingati. Loku lokucondvwe ngulomtsetfo kutsi sive sema-Israyeli siletse kuSimakadze leto tilwane besitibulala esigangeni. Manje sesitawutiletsa kumphristi, ekungeneni kwelithende lekuhlangana tinikelwe kuSimakadze njengemhlatjelo wekuthula. Umphristi utawufafata ingati elatini laSimakadze ekungeneni kwelithende lekuhlangana, ashise lamanoni, kube liphunga lelinuka lusi lolumnandzi kuSimakadze. Kufanele bangasakuphindzi kunikela imihlatjelo yabo kuletithico letisatimbuti, labaphinga nato. Loku kutawuba ngumtsetfo wetitukulwane ngetitukulwane.’ “Khuluma kubo utsi: ‘Wonkhe um-Israyeli nome wetive lohlala nani lonikela ngemnikelo wekushiswa nome ngemhlatjelo, kodvwa angawuletsi ekungeneni kwelithende lekuhlangana kutewunikela ngawo kuSimakadze, lowo muntfu kufanele ancunywe esiveni sakubo. “ ‘Wonkhe umIsrayeli nome wetive lohlala nani lodla ingati, ngiyawumelana naye ngimncume esiveni sakubo. Phela kuphila kwemtimba kusengatini; mine ngininike ingati kutsi ifeze inkonzo yekuhlenga timphilo tenu etikwelilati. Ngobe yingati lefeza inkonzo yekubuyisana nekuhlenga imphilo. Ngako-ke nine ma-Israyeli, ngitsi kini: Ningacali niyidle ingati, kanjalo nabo futsi betive lebahlala emkhatsini wenu bangacali bayidle ingati. “ ‘Wonkhe um-Israyeli nome wetive lohlala nani lotingela inyamatane nome inyoni ledliwako, kufanele aphomphise yonkhe lengati yayo, bese uyigcibedzela ngemhlaba, ngobe phela kuphila kwenyama nome yasiphi silwane kusengatini yaso. Ngiko nje ngitsite kuma-Israyeli kufanele angayidli ingati nome yasiphi silwane, ngobe kuphila kwesilwane, nome ngusiphi, kusengatini yaso. Lowo loyidlako kufanele ancunywe. “ ‘Wonkhe um-Israyeli nome wetive lohlala nani, lodla lokutfolakale kutifele nome kudzatjulwe tilwane tesiganga, kufanele ageze timphahla takhe nemtimba wakhe ngemanti, abe ngulongcolile kuze kuhlwe; utawube sewuyahlambuluka. Kodvwa nangabe akatigezi timphahla takhe nemtimba wakhe ngemanti utawuba nelicala.’ ” Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Khuluma kuma-Israyeli utsi: ‘NginguSimakadze, Nkulunkulu wenu. Ningayenti imikhuba yaseGibhithe, lapho nase nahlala khona, futsi aniyikwenta njengaloku benta eveni laseKhenani, lapho nginimikisa khona. Ningacali niyente lemikhuba yabo. Hloniphani imitsetfo yami, nicaphele kulandzela timiso tami. NginguSimakadze longuNkulunkulu wenu. Gcinani, nihambe, ngetimiso nemitsetfo yami, ngobe lowo loyihloniphako uyawuphila ngayo. NginguSimakadze. “ ‘Ungalali nesinini sakho. NginguSimakadze. “ ‘Ungamhlazisi uyihlo ngekulala nenyoko, ungumake wakho, ungalali naye. “ ‘Ungalali nemkayihlo, loko kutawuhlazisa uyihlo. “ ‘Ungalali nadzadzewenu, nome ayindvodzakati yeyihlo nome ayindvodzakati yenyoko, nome watalwa kulelo khaya nome watalelwa kulenye indzawo. “ ‘Ungalali nendvodzakati yendvodzana yakho nome yendvodzakati yakho; loko kuyakuhlazisa. “ ‘Ungalali nendvodzakati yemkayihlo, letelwe nguyihlo; ingudzadzewenu. “ ‘Ungalali nadzadzewaboyihlo; usinini sakho sengati ngeyihlo. “ ‘Ungalali nadzadzewabonyoko, ngobe usinini sakho sengati ngenyoko. “ ‘Ungamhlazisi umnakaboyihlo ngekulala nemkakhe; ungunyoko. “ ‘Ungalali namalokatana wakho. Ungumkandvodzana yakho, ngako ungalali naye. “ ‘Ungalali nemkhula wakho, loko kungahlazisa lomnakenu. “ ‘Ungalali nemfati kanye nendvodzakati yakhe. Ungalali ngisho nendvodzakati yendvodzana yakhe nome nendvodzakati yendvodzakati yakhe; batinini takhe tengati. Kubi loko. “ ‘Dzadzewabomkakho ungamtsatsi njengemfati loyimbangi, udzimate ulale naye umkakho asaphila. “ ‘Ungasondzeli kulomsikati utewulala naye, kantsi usangcoliswe kubasesikhatsini. Ungalali nemkamakhelwane wakho utingcolise ngaye. Unganikeli ngemntfwanakho kutsi abe ngumhlatjelo kuMoloki, ngobe kufanele ningalihlambalati libito laNkulunkulu wenu. NginguSimakadze. Ungalali nalomdvuna kube shangatsi ulele nalomsikati; loko kusinengiso. Ungalali nesilwane, utingcolise ngaso. Lomsikati angabotinikela esilwaneni kutsi silale naye; loko kuhlanekela tintfo. “ ‘Ningatingcolisi nome nganguyiphi yaletindlela, ngobe naletive lengitatikhipha lapho niya khona titingcolise kanjalo. Ngisho nelive imbala selangcoliseka; ngako ngalijezisela leso sono salo, lelive lavele latihlanta leto takhamiti talo. Kodvwa nine kufanele nitigcine timiso tami nemitsetfo yami. Ema-Israyeli nome betive labahlala emkhatsini wenu bangacali bente ngisho nome kunye kwaletintfo letisinengiso, ngobe tonkhe letintfo tatentiwa bantfu lababehlala kulelive lenitawungena kulo, lase liyangcola. Uma nike nalingcolisa lelive, litanihlanta njengobe latihlanta letive betihlala kulo. Lowo lowenta letintfo letisinengiso kufanele ancunywe esiveni sakubo. “ ‘Gcinani lemiyalo yami, ningayilandzeli lemikhuba nemasiko lababewenta nisengakafiki. Ningatingcolisi ngayo. NginguSimakadze, Nkulunkulu wenu.’ ” Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Khuluma kulo lonkhe libandla lema-Israyeli, utsi: ‘Banini ngcwele, ngobe mine Simakadze, Nkulunkulu wenu, ngingcwele. Nguloyo naloyo kufanele ahloniphe unina neyise, agcine emaSabatha ami. NginguSimakadze, Nkulunkulu wenu. “ ‘Ningagucuki bese nikhonta tithico nome nitentele bonkulunkulu lababunjwe ngensimbi. NginguSimakadze, Nkulunkulu wenu. “ ‘Naninikela umhlatjelo wekuthula kuSimakadze, wunikeleleni kutsi nemukeleke. Kufanele udliwe ngalona lelo langa lonikelwe ngalo nome ngakusasa kwalo; loko lokusele kwaze kwaba lilanga lesitsatfu kuyawushiswa ngemlilo. Nase kudliwa ngelilanga lesitsatfu, sekusinengiso, ngeke kwemukeleke. Wonkhe lokudlako uyawuba nelicala, ngobe uhlambalate lokungcwele lokukwaSimakadze. Lowo muntfu kufanele ancunywe esiveni sakubo. “ ‘Nanivuna sivuno selive lenu, aniyiwuvuna eminyeleni yemasimi enu, ningakhwimiti ngisho nekukhwimita emvakwekuvuna kwenu. Aniyiwubuyela ensimini yenu yemagelebisi kuyawukhwimita, ningawabutsi nemagelebisi lawele phansi nakuvunwako, niwashiyele labamphofu nemihambima. NginguSimakadze, Nkulunkulu wenu. “ ‘Ningebi, ningakhohlisani. Ningacalelani emanga. Ningalifungeli lite libito lami, ningalihlambalati libito laNkulunkulu wenu. NginguSimakadze. “ ‘Ungamebeli makhelwane wakho; ungawubambi umholo wesisebenti kuze kube ngakusasa. Ungasicalekisi sihhulu, futsi ungayetsiyi imphumphutse, kodvwa uyakwesaba Nkulunkulu wakho. NginguSimakadze. “ ‘Ungehluleli ngekukhetsa, ngekulahla lomphofu ngelicala uvune lomkhulu, kodvwa mehlulele ngekulunga makhelwane wakho. Ungahambi unyundzela bantfu bakini; ungamelani nekuphila kwamakhelwane wakho, nginguSimakadze. “ ‘Ungamtondzi umnakenu enhlitiyweni yakho; yekhuta makhelwane wakho ungamgegi, funa wetfwale licala kanye naye. Ungatibuyiseleli nome ube nemagcubu nebantfwana bebantfu bakini, kodvwa uyawutsandza makhelwane wakho njengobe utitsandza wena. NginguSimakadze. “ ‘Uyawugcina imiyalo yami. Awuyiwuvuma kutsi tinkhomati takho tekhwelwe tinkunzi talolunye luhlobo. Awuyiwuhlanyela ensimini yakho tinhlobo letimbili letehlukene. Ungembatsi lutfo lolwentiwe ngetinhlobo letimbili temtiya. “ ‘Nangabe indvodza ilala nengcuce yesigcili, isengakahlengwa futsi isengakakhululeki, kuyawuba licala, bayawujeziswa. Noko abayiwubulawa, ngobe lentfombatana beyisengakakhululeki. Lendvodza kufanele iletse sihhanca kuSimakadze ekungeneni kwelithende lekuhlangana, sibe ngumnikelo wayo welicala kuSimakadze. Umphristi uyawumentela inhlawulo yekubuyisana kuSimakadze ngalesihhanca semnikelo welicala embikwaSimakadze, leso sono sakhe siyawutsetselelwa. Naningena eveni bese nihlanyela nome nguluphi luhlobo lwesihlahla lesitselako, caphelani ningasidli sitselo saso, kuze kuphele iminyaka lemitsatfu, ngobe asikavumeleki leso sihlahla. Ngemnyaka wesine tonkhe titselo taso tiyawube setingcwele, setingumnikelo wekudvumisa kuSimakadze. Kodvwa ngemnyaka wesihlanu ningatidla titselo taso. Ngaleyo ndlela sivuno senu siyawukwandza. NginguSimakadze, Nkulunkulu wenu. “ ‘Ningayidli inyama lesenengati kuyo, ningabi tangoma nome labenta imilingo. Ningatihhuli tinwele tenu etinhlafunweni tenu nasetilevini tenu nikhombise kutsi nizilile. Ningatigati imitimba yenu nentele labafile nome nitibeke timphawu ngekutisika imitimba yenu; nginguSimakadze. “ ‘Ungahlazisi indvodzakati yakho ngekuyenta ingwadla, funa live lonkhe ligcwale bugwadla nako konkhe kungcola. Nibogcina liSabatha lami, nihloniphe indzawo yami lengcwele; nginguSimakadze. “ ‘Ningayi kuyawukhendla kulabanemadloti nome kuyawuphengula etangomeni; ngobe nanenta loko, niyawuba ngulabangcolile. NginguSimakadze, Nkulunkulu wenu. “ ‘Niyawutitfoba embikwalasebakhulile, nibahloniphe, nidvumise Nkulunkulu wenu. NginguSimakadze. “ ‘Ungamhluphi umuntfu longumchamuki lohleti nawe eveni lakini. Umchamuki lohlala eveni lakini ubomphatsa njengemuntfu wakini. Umtsandze njengobe utitsandza wena, ngobe nani nake naba tihambi eveni laseGibhithe. NginguSimakadze. “ ‘Ningenti bucili nanilinganisa budze nome sisindvo nome bunyenti. Nibosebentisa tilinganiso tebudze, netesisindvo kanye netebunyenti letisemtsetfweni. NginguSimakadze, Nkulunkulu wenu, lowanikhipha eGibhithe. Nibogcina yonkhe imiyalo yami nemitsetfo yami niyilandzele. NginguSimakadze.’ ” Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi watsi: “Khuluma esiveni sema-Israyeli utsi: ‘Wonkhe um-Israyeli nome wetive lohlala nani lonikela ngemntfwana wakhe akhonte Moloki, kufanele abulawe. Sive sonkhe siyawumbulala ngekumgcoba ngematje. Buso bami ngiyawubufulatselisa kulowo muntfu ngimncume esiveni sakubo, ngobe phela ngekunikela ngebantfwabakhe kuMoloki ungcolise indlu yami lengcwele, wahlambalata libito lami lelingcwele. Nangabe sive sivala emehlo aso singabuki ngesikhatsi lomuntfu anikela ngemntfwanakhe kuMoloki, sehluleke nekumbulala, ngiyawubufulatselisa buso bami kulowo muntfu kanye nasemndenini wakhe kanye nakulabo labamlandzelako ngekugwadla nekuphinga kwakhe naMoloki, angihlubuka. “ ‘Ngiyawubufulatselisa buso bami kulowo muntfu locela lusito kulabaphansi agwadle nabo ngekubalandzela; yebo, lowo muntfu ngiyawumncuma esiveni sakubo. Tigcineni nibe ngcwele, ngobe mine nginguSimakadze, Nkulunkulu wenu. Gcinani imitsetfo yami, niyilandzele, ngobe ngimi loningcwelisako. “ ‘Umuntfu localekisa uyise nome unina, kufanele abulawe, ngobe sewucalekise uyise nome unina; ingati yakhe iyawubasetikwakhe. “ ‘Nangabe indvodza iphinga nemfati walenye indvodza, nome yamakhelwane wayo, bobabili, lesiphingi nalesiphingikati, kufanele babulawe. Nangabe indvodza ilala nemkayise, seyimhlazisile uyise. Bobabili, lendvodza nalomfati, kufanele babulawe; ingati yabo iyawubasetikwabo. Nangabe indvodza ilala namalokatana wayo, bobabili kufanele babulawe. Loku labakwentile kuphambene nemvelo; ingati yabo iyawubasetikwabo. Nangabe indvodza ilala nendvodza njengobe yenta nayilele nalomsikati, bobabili bente intfo lesinengiso. Kufanele babulawe, ingati yabo iyawubasetikwabo. Nangabe indvodza ishada nendvodzakati kanye nenina walendvodzakati, loko kubi. Lendvodza kanye nabo kufanele bashiswe ngemlilo, khona kungetikuba khona lokusinengiso emkhatsini wenu. Nangabe indvodza ilala nesilwane, kufanele ibulawe, nalesilwane sibulawe. Nangabe lomsikati etama kulala nesilwane, bulalani lomsikati kanye nalesilwane. Kufanele babulawe; ingati yabo iyawubasetikwabo. “ ‘Nangabe indvodza ishada nadzadzewabo, ngeyise nome ngenina, balalane, loko kulihlazo. Kufanele bancunywe emehlweni ebantfu bakubo. Seyihlazise dzadzewabo, ngako iyawuba nelicala laloko. Nangabe indvodza ilala nalomsikati asesesikhatsini, lendvodza seyembule kopha kwalona lomsikati, kantsi-ke vele naye sewukugwabulile loko kopha kwakhe. Bobabili kufanele bancunywe esiveni sakubo. “ ‘Ungalali nadzadzewabonyoko nome dzadzewaboyihlo, ngobe loko kungahlazisa sihlobo sakho sengati; nobabili niyawuba nelicala. Nangabe indvodza ilala nadzadzewaboyise, seyihlazise umkhwenyewabo. Bayawuba nelicala, bafe bangenamntfwana. Nangabe indvodza ishada nemkamnakabo umnakabo asaphila, leso sento sekungcola, ihlazise umnakabo. Bangeke bamtfole umntfwana. “ ‘Gcinani yonkhe imitsetfo yami niyilandzele, khona lelive lapho nginimikisa khona kutsi niyewuhlala kulo lingeke linihlante. Ningacali nente lawo masiko aleto tive lengitatikhipha nisengakangeni. Tingicunulile ngalawo masiko ato. Kodvwa nine nganetsembisa kutsi lelo live labo, leligcwele lubisi neluju lwetinyosi liyawuba lenu, ngiyakunipha lona libe lifa lenu. NginguSimakadze, Nkulunkulu wenu, lonehlukise kuletinye tive. Ngako-ke kufanele niwente umehluko emkhatsini wetilwane letihlantekile naletingcolile ngekwemtsetfo, nasemkhatsini wetinyoni letihlantekile naletingcolile ngekwemtsetfo. Ningatingcolisi nome ngangusiphi silwane nome yinyoni nome ngayini lehamba emhlabatsini, leto lenginehlukanisele tona kutsi tingcolile kini. Kufanele nibe ngcwele kimi, ngobe mine, Simakadze, ngingcwele, ngitehlukanisele nine emkhatsini wetive tonkhe kutsi nibe sive sami. “ ‘Indvodza nome lomsikati losangoma nome longumtsakatsi nibombulala. Labo nibobagcoba ngematje baze bafe; ingati yabo iyawubasetikwabo.’ ” Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Khuluma kubaphristi, emadvodzana a-Aroni, utsi kubo: ‘Akukafaneli kutsi umphristi atingcolise ngekwemtsetfo ngekutsi kube khona lakwentako nakungcwatjwa sihlobo sakhe, ngaphandle kwekutsi lona lofile usinini lesisondzele kakhulu njengenina nome uyise, nome umsa wakhe, nome indvodzakati yakhe, nome umnakabo, nome dzadzewabo labesengakendzi labehlala naye encike kuye, ngobe ate indvodza; lowo-ke angatingcolisa ngaye. Akukafaneli atingcolise ngenca yekufa kwalahlobene naye ngemshado. “ ‘Baphristi abafanele bahhule tinwele, nome basinge tilevu, nome basike imitimba yabo bakhombise kutsi bazilile. Kufanele babe ngcwele embikwaNkulunkulu wabo, bangalihlambalati libito laNkulunkulu wabo, ngobe ngabo labaletsa umnikelo lowentiwa ngemlilo kuSimakadze, sinkhwa saNkulunkulu wabo; ngako-ke kufanele babe ngcwele. Bafanele bangayishadi ingwadla nome umfati lolahlwe yindvodza yakhe; yebo, baphristi bangcwele kuNkulunkulu wabo. Ma-Israyeli, batiseni kutsi bangcwele, ngobe banikela ngekudla kwaNkulunkulu wenu. Bangcwele ngobe mine, Simakadze, lenginingcwelisako ngingcwele. Nangabe indvodzakati yemphristi itingcolisa ngekugwadla, ihlazisa uyise, iyawushiswa ngemlilo ize ife. “ ‘UmPhristi Lomkhulu logcotjwe enhloko ngemafutsa, emkhatsini webanakabo, wangcweliselwa kutsi agcoke tembatfo tebuphristi, akayiwutiyekela tinwele tenhloko yakhe tingemahlutse, nome aklebhule kwekwembatsa kwakhe. Akayiwungena endlini lenesidvumbu; yebo, angatingcolisi nome kungeseyise nome kungesenina, akayiwusuka nekusuka endzaweni lengcwele yaNkulunkulu wakhe, nome ayihlazise, ngobe bungcwele bemgcobo wemafutsa aNkulunkulu busetikwakhe. NginguSimakadze. Uyawushada nentfombi lengazange seyilale nalomdvuna. Akayiwushada nemfelokati nome nemfati lowehlukene nendvodza yakhe nome umfati longcoliswe bugwadla, kodvwa uyawushada nentfombi yesive sakubo lengazange ilale nalomdvuna, khona angeyiwungcolisa bantfwabakhe besive sakubo. NginguSimakadze lomngcwelisako.’ ” Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Tjela Aroni utsi: ‘Etitukulwaneni takho kute namunye lonesici loyawusondzela atewunikela ngekudla kwaNkulunkulu wakhe. Kute lonesici loyawusondzela: loyimphumphutse nome lochutako, nome lonebuso lobungakapheleli, nome lonetitfo temtimba letichwalile, nome lonemilente netinyawo netandla letichwalile, nome lonelichubu, nome lomfishane kakhulu, nome lonemasoli, nome lonesifo sesikhumba, nome lonesilondza lesivuta bovu, nome lonemasendze lalimele. Kuyawubate esitukulwaneni sa-Aroni lonesici nome ngesaluphi luhlobo loyawusondzela atewunikela ngesinkhwa saNkulunkulu wakhe. Lowo muntfu angakudla kudla lokungcwelengcwele kwaNkulunkulu wakhe kanye nekudla lokungcwele; kodvwa ngenca yesici sakhe akayiwusondzela endvwangwini nome elatini kutsi ahlazise indzawo yami lengcwele. NginguSimakadze lobangcwelisako.’ ” Ngako-ke Mosi wakhuluma ku-Aroni, nakumadvodzana akhe, nakuso sonkhe sive saka-Israyeli, abatjela konkhe loko. Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Tjela Aroni nemadvodzana akhe kutsi bayihloniphe iminikelo lengcwele lenikelwe kimi ngema-Israyeli, khona bangetiwulihlambalata libito lami lelingcwele. NginguSimakadze. Nangabe lomunye wetitukulwane letitako, ngesikhatsi asangcolile ngekwemtsetfo, kwenteka asondzela eceleni kweminikelo lengcwele, lenikelwe ngema-Israyeli kuSimakadze, lowo muntfu kufanele ancunywe ebukhoneni bami. NginguSimakadze. “Nangabe lomunye wesitukulwane sa-Aroni anesifo sesikhumba nome analokuvuta emtimbeni, kufanele angawudli umnikelo longcwele aze ahlantwe. Utawuba ngulongcolile nakwenteka atsintsa lokungcoliswe sidvumbu nome ngumuntfu lonalokuvutako, nome kwenteka atsintsa nome yini intfo lehuma ngesisu imngcolise, nome ngubani lomngcolisako nome ngabe kungcola kwaluphi luhlobo. Lowo lotsintsa nome yini yaletintfo, utawuba ngulongcolile kuze kuhlwe. Kufanele angadli lutfo lweminikelo lengcwele ngaphandle kwekutsi ageze umtimba wakhe ngemanti. Nakushona lilanga, utawuhlanteka; emvakwaloko sangatidla leto tintfo letingcwele, ngobe phela tikudla kwakhe. Kufanele angayidli ingcuba nome lokuklejulwe tilwane tesiganga, ngobe loko kutamngcolisa. NginguSimakadze. “Baphristi kufanele bayigcine yonkhe imitsetfo lengibanika yona, khona bangetiwuba nelicala bafe ngenca yekungangihloniphi. NginguSimakadze lobangcwelisako. “Umuntfu longesilo lilunga lemndeni wemphristi akukafaneli adle lutfo lolungcwele, ngisho nesivakashi nome sisebenti semphristi imbala. Kodvwa nangabe umphristi atsenga sigcili njengemphahla yakhe yemali, lesigcili singadla kulokungcwele, nome ngulesitalelwe kulowo mndeni naso singadla kulokungcwele. Nangabe indvodzakati yemphristi ishada nome ngubani longesiye umphristi, ayikafaneli kudla nome yini lengcwele. Kodvwa nangabe lendvodzakati iba ngumfelokati nome ilahlwe yindvodza isengakabi nabo bantfwana bese ibuyela ekhaya kubo njenganayiseyinsha, ingakudla loko kudla kweyise. Kodvwa lowo lote lilungelo akukafaneli akudle. “Nakwenteka umuntfu adla umnikelo longcwele ngesiphosiso, kufanele ahlawule kumphristi, engete incenye yawo yesihlanu. Baphristi akukafaneli bayiphatse ngalokungakafaneli iminikelo lengcwele lenikelwe ngema-Israyeli kuSimakadze ngekutsi bawavumele adle iminikelo lengcwele, ngobe ngaloko utawaletsela licala lelitawudzinga kuhlawulwa. NginguSimakadze, lobangcwelisako.” Simakadze wachubeka wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Tjela Aroni nemadvodzana akhe kanye nesive sonkhe sema-Israyeli, utsi: ‘Nome ngangubani wesive sema-Israyeli nome wetive losemkhatsini wenu nakaletsa umnikelo wekushiswa kuSimakadze wekufeza setsembiso nome umnikelo wesihle, kufanele niletse lokudvuna lokute siyela kukhetfwe etinkhomeni, nome etimvini, nome etimbutini, khona kutawukwemukelwa egameni lenu. Ningakuletsi lokunesiyela, ngobe kungeke kwemukeleke kutsi kubesesikhundleni senu. Nangabe umuntfu aletsa umnikelo wekuthula kuSimakadze kutsi atewufeza setsembiso sakhe nome umnikelo wesihle, leso silwane kufanele sibete sici, khona sitekwemukeleka. Unganikeli kuSimakadze ngesilwane lesingaboni, nome lesilimele, nome lesichwalile, nome lesinetilondza, nome lesinetinsumphe, nome lesinetilondza letivuta luhluti. Ningacali ninikele ngaletilwane letinjena elatini kutsi tibe ngumnikelo lowentiwa ngemlilo kuSimakadze. Noko ninganikela ngenkhomo nome ngemvu lechwalile kutsi ibe ngumnikelo wesihle, kodvwa ingeke yemukeleke nayinikelelwa kufeza setsembiso. Akukafaneli ninikele kuSimakadze ngesilwane lesinemasendze lahuzukile, nome lapitjitekile, nome laphakuliwe nome lasikekile. Ningacali nikwente loko eveni lenu. “ ‘Ningacali ninikele ngetilwane letinjalo, ningatemukeli natiletfwa betive, nangabe batinikelela kutsi tibe kudla kwaNkulunkulu wenu. Tingeke temukeleke esikhundleni senu, ngobe tichwalile futsi tinetici.’ ” Simakadze wachubeka wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Nakutelwe linkhonyane, nome lizinyane lemvu, nome lembuti, litawuhlala nenina emalanga lasikhombisa. Kusukela ngelilanga lesiphohlongo, selingemukeleka kutsi libe ngumnikelo lowentiwa ngemlilo kuSimakadze. Aniyiwunikela ngenkhomo nelinkhonyane layo, nome ngemvu nelizinyane layo, nome ngembuti nelizinyane layo kokubili ngalanga linye. Naninikela umhlatjelo wekubonga kuSimakadze, nibowunikelela kutsi wemukeleke esikhundleni senu. Kufanele udliwe wonkhe ngalona lelo langa, ningashiyi lutfo lwawo kuze kubesekuseni. NginguSimakadze. “Niyawugcina imiyalo yami niyente. NginguSimakadze. Ningalihlambalati libito lami lelingcwele. Sonkhe sive sema-Israyeli siyawungidvumisa sitsi ngingcwele. NginguSimakadze loningcwelisako, nalowanikhipha eGibhithe kutsi abe nguNkulunkulu wenu. NginguSimakadze.” Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Tjela sive sema-Israyeli utsi: ‘Lena-ke ngimikhosi yami lengiyimisile, lekufanele ema-Israyeli ayatise kutsi ingcwele. Ninemalanga lasitfupha leningasebenta ngawo nente umsebenti wenu, kodvwa lilanga lesikhombisa liSabatha lekuphumula, lilanga lekukhonta. Akukafaneli nente nome ngumuphi umsebenti lapho nihlala khona. Lelo liSabatha laSimakadze. Lena ngimikhosi lemiswe nguSimakadze, imikhosi lengcwele, yemihlangano yekukhonta, leniyawuyimemetela ngesikhatsi lesimiselwe yona.’ ” “ ‘LiPhasika laSimakadze liyawucala kugujwa kusukela nakudzabuka kusa ngelilanga leli-14 enyangeni yekucala. Ngelilanga leli-15 kuleyo nyanga kuyawucala uMkhosi waSimakadze weSinkhwa Lesingenambiliso; kuyawuze kuphele emalanga lasikhombisa nidla sinkhwa lesingenambiliso. Ngelilanga lekucala lalomkhosi niyawuba nemhlangano longcwele, ningenti lutfo lolungumsebenti wenu. Kuwo onkhe lamalanga lasikhombisa niyawuletsa umnikelo lowentiwa ngemlilo kuSimakadze. Kanjalo nangelilanga lesikhombisa niyawuba nemhlangano longcwele, ningatsintsi lutfo lolungumsebenti.’ ” Simakadze wachubeka wakhuluma kuMosi watsi: “Tjela sive sema-Israyeli utsi: ‘Naningena kulelive lengitaninika lona, niyawutsi nanivuna sivuno salo, bese niletsa kumphristi sitfungo emkhatsini wetitselo talokutinhlavu tekucala ekuvuneni, yena uyawusijikitisa embikwaSimakadze, khona atewusemukela egameni lenu. Umphristi uyawusijikitisa ngelilanga lelilandzela liSabatha. Ngalelo langa leniyawujikitisa ngalo sitfungo emvakweliSabatha kufanele ninikele kuSimakadze umhlatjelo wekushiswa, ube lizinyane lemvu lelite siyela, kanye nemnikelo walokutinhlavu longemakhilogremu langaba mabili afulaha lobhicwe nemafutsa. Lowo ngumnikelo lowentiwa ngemlilo kuSimakadze, liphunga lelinuka lusi lolumnandzi kuSimakadze. Niyakuwunikela kanye nemnikelo weliwayini longagcwala lilitha linye. Aniyikukuluma kudla lokusha kuze kufike lelo langa lekuletsa loko kudla kuNkulunkulu wenu. Lona kuyawuba ngumkhosi leniyakuwenta titukulwane ngetitukulwane, nome kukuphi lapho niyawuhlala khona.’ ” “ ‘Kusukela ngelilanga lelilandzela liSabatha, mhlazana niletsa sitfungo lesingumnikelo wekujikitiswa, nibobala emaviki lagcwele lasikhombisa. Niyawubala emalanga langema-50 kuze kuyewuba lilanga lelilandzela liSabatha, bese niletsa kuSimakadze umnikelo wesivuno lesisha. Nome ngukuphi lapho nihlala khona, niyawuletsa tinkhwa letimbili letentiwe taba ngemakhilogremu langaba mabili afulaha lobhakwe nembiliso, tibe ngumnikelo wekujikitiswa wetitselo tekucala kuSimakadze. Lesinkhwa niyawusiletsa kanye nemazinyane lamadvuna etimvu lasikhombisa lanemnyaka munye budzala langenasiyela, nenkunzana yinye netihhanca letimbili, tibe ngumnikelo wekushiswa kuSimakadze kanye naleminikelo yato yalokutinhlavu, neminikelo yetinatfo, umnikelo lowentiwa ngemlilo, liphunga lelinuka lusi lolumnandzi kuSimakadze. Niyawunikela ngesiphongo sinye kube ngumnikelo wesono, nemazinyane lamabili emvu lanemnyaka munye budzala, kube ngumnikelo wekuthula. Umphristi uyawukujikitisa kanye nesinkhwa setitselo tekucala, kube ngumnikelo wekujikitiswa kuSimakadze nalamazinyane emvu lamabili, ayawuba ngcwele kuSimakadze, abe sabelo salomphristi. Niyawumemetela ngalona lelo langa, nibe nemhlangano longcwele ningenti lutfo lolungumsebenti. Lowo-ke ngumyalo yonkhe indzawo leniyawuhlala kuyo titukulwane ngetitukulwane. “ ‘Nanivuna tivuno temasimi enu, aniyiwuvuna nize nifike eminyeleni yemasimi enu, aniyiwubutsa ngisho nemikhwimito emvakwekuvuna kwenu. Niyawushiyela labamphofu nemihambima. NginguSimakadze, Nkulunkulu wenu.’ ” Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Shano kuma-Israyeli utsi: ‘Ngelilanga lekucala enyangeni yesikhombisa niyawuba nelilanga lekuphumula, umkhosi loyawumenyetelwa ngekukhaliswa kwemacilongo, umhlangano longcwele. Aniyikwenta lutfo lolungumsebenti, niyawuletsa umnikelo lowentiwa ngemlilo kuSimakadze.’ ” Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Ngelilanga lelishumi lalenyanga yesikhombisa kuyawuba Lilanga Lenhlawulo Yekubuyisana kuSimakadze. Kini lelo langa kuyawuba lemkhosi longcwele. Niyawutitfoba ngekutsi niletse umnikelo lowentiwa ngemlilo kuSimakadze. Ngalelo langa aniyiwutsintsa lutfo lolungumsebenti, ngobe kuLilanga Lenhlawulo Yekubuyisana kuSimakadze lekutsi nibuyisane ngenhlawulo kuSimakadze longuNkulunkulu wenu. Ngobe wonkhe longakaze atitfobe ngalelo langa, uyawuncunywa esiveni sakubo. Nome ngubani loyawutsintsa umsebenti ngalelo langa ngiyawumbhubhisa, angabikho esiveni sakubo. Aniyiwuphatsa msebenti ngalelo langa: Ngumtsetfo waphakadze loyawugcinwa titukulwane ngetitukulwane, nome ngukuyiphi indzawo lapho niyawube nihlala khona. Lelo kuyawuba liSabatha kini lekuphumula leniyawutitfoba ngalo; ngelilanga lemfica kuleyo nyanga kusukela nakuhwalalako kuze kube ngunakuhwalalako ngelilanga lelishumi kuyo leyo nyanga, niyawulitsatsa ngekutsi lilanga lekuphumula lelimcoka, ningenti lutfo.” Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Shano kubantfwana baka-Israyeli utsi: ‘Ngelilanga leli-15 kulenyanga yesikhombisa, emalanga lasikhombisa ngeweMkhosi Wemadlangala kuSimakadze wenu. Ngelilanga lekucala ngumkhosi longcwele, aniyikwenta lutfo lolungumsebenti. Emalanga lasikhombisa niyawube niletsa umnikelo lowentiwa ngemlilo kuSimakadze, ngelilanga lesiphohlongo niyawuba nemkhosi longcwele niletse umnikelo lowentiwa ngemlilo kuSimakadze; lowo ngumgidvo lomkhulu lapho ningayiwusebenta lutfo khona. “ ‘Leyo-ke ngimikhosi lemisiwe nguSimakadze leniyawuyimemetela esiveni kutsi iyawuba tikhatsi temihlangano lengcwele yekumikisa iminikelo leyentiwa ngemlilo kuSimakadze; iminikelo yekushiswa neminikelo yalokutinhlavu, nemihlatjelo, neminikelo yetinatfo, ngulowo nalowo mnikelo ngelilanga lelicondzene nawo. Ngaphandle kweliSabatha laSimakadze nangaphandle kwetipho tenu kanye naleminye nje iminikelo lenitentela yona ngetetsembiso neminikelo yenu yesihle leniyinikela kuSimakadze. “ ‘Ngelilanga leli-15 lenyanga yesikhombisa, nase nibutse sonkhe sivuno selive lenu, niyawugcina lomkhosi waSimakadze emalanga lasikhombisa. Lilanga lekucala liyawuba lekuphumula, kodvwa nangelilanga lesiphohlongo ningenti lutfo. Ngelilanga lekucala niyawutsatsa titselo tetihlahla letihle, nemagala etihlahla telisundvu, nemagala etihlahla letinemacembe latibhelekeca, neminyetane yasetihlanjeni nijabule kuSimakadze, longuNkulunkulu wenu, kuze kuphele emalanga lasikhombisa. Niyawuligcina libe lilanga lemkhosi kuSimakadze emalanga lasikhombisa ngemnyaka; kungumyalo wenu titukulwane ngetitukulwane, leniyakuwugcina ngenyanga yesikhombisa. Niyawuhlala emadlangaleni emalanga lasikhombisa, bonkhe lababewutalwa baka-Israyeli bayawuhlala emadlangaleni, kuze titukulwane tenu tati kutsi ngenta sive sema-Israyeli kutsi sihlale emadlangaleni, mhlazane ngibakhipha eveni laseGibhithe. NginguSimakadze, Nkulunkulu wenu.’ ” Wabetfulela kanjalo-ke Mosi bantfwana baka-Israyeli imitsetfo yemikhosi leyemiswa nguSimakadze. Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Tjela ema-Israyeli kutsi akakuletsele emafutsa lacengekile ekukhanyisa tibane laphehlwe etitselweni temncumo. Letibane kufanele tihlale tikhanya njalo tingacimi. Njalo nje entsambama Aroni utabotikhanyisa tihlale tikhanya embikwaSimakadze kuze kuse, ethendeni lekuhlangana ngaphandle kwendvwangu lesembikwelibhokisi lesivumelwane. Lomtsetfo uyawugcinwa wentiwe titukulwane ngetitukulwane. Aroni uyawuhlela kahle letibane, atimise etikwelutsi lwegolide lecengekile atikhanyise onkhe emalanga embikwaSimakadze.” “Uyawupheka tinkhwa letili-12 tafulaha; sinkhwa sisinye siyakwentiwa ngemalitha langaba mane nencenye. Uyawutimisa tinhlu letimbili, luhlu lulunye lube netinkhwa letisitfupha etikwelitafula legolide lecengekile embikwaSimakadze. Etikwalolo nalolo luhlu lwato uyawubeka imphepho lengakabhicwa nalutfo, ibe sikhumbuto lesiyawumela sinkhwa lesingumnikelo lowentiwa ngemlilo kuSimakadze. Onkhe emaSabatha Aroni uyawubeka lesinkhwa embikwaSimakadze, emelele sive sonkhe sema-Israyeli, kube sivumelwane saphakadze. Siyawuba sa-Aroni nesemadvodzana akhe. Bayawusidlela endzaweni lengcwele, ngobe ngusona sabelo sabo lesingcwelengcwele eminikelweni leyentiwa ngemlilo kuSimakadze, kube simiso saphakadze naphakadze.” Indvodzana yemfati longum-Israyeli labendze endvodzeni lengumGibhithe yesuka yangena emkhatsini wesive saka-Israyeli yacabana nem-Israyeli enkambu. Lendvodzana yemfati longum-Israyeli yahlambalata libito laSimakadze ngekulicalekisa; bayitsatsa bayiletsa kuMosi. Unina bekunguShelomithi, indvodzakati yaDibri wesive sakaDani. Lendvodzana bayibopha, base balindzela kutsi intsandvo yaNkulunkulu itawutsini kubo ngayo. Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi watsi: “Mkhipheleni ngaphandle kwenkambu lomhlambalati, bese kutsi bonkhe laba labamvile babeke tandla etikwenhloko yakhe, sive sonkhe simtselekele simgcobe ngematje. Shano kuma-Israyeli utsi: ‘Nome ngubani loyakwetfuka Nkulunkulu wakhe, uyakwetfwala licala lesono sakhe. Lowo lohlambalata libito laSimakadze uyawubulawa. Sive sonkhe siyawumgcoba ngematje. Yebo, nome lomuntfu wetive nome angum-Israyeli wengati, kodvwa nahlambalata libito laSimakadze, uyawubulawa. “ ‘Lowo lobulala lomunye umuntfu, naye uyawubulawa. Lowo lobulala sifuyo salomunye umuntfu kufanele asenane. Umtsetfo utsi imphilo ihlawulwa ngemphilo. “ ‘Nangabe umuntfu alimate makhelwane wakhe, naye kufanele entiwe njalo: nangabe amephule litsambo, nelakhe liyakwephulwa, liso ngeliso, litinyo ngelitinyo. Njengobe naye alimatile, kufanele naye alinyatwe. Lowo lobulala sifuyo kufanele asihlawule, kodvwa lowo lobulala umuntfu naye kufanele abulawe. Niyawuba nemtsetfo munye nonkhe, umuntfu wetive nome wekutalwa. NginguSimakadze, Nkulunkulu wenu.’ ” Mosi wakhuluma esiveni sema-Israyeli, bamkhiphela ngaphandle kwenkambu lomhlambalati, bamtselekela bamgcoba ngematje. Ngako-ke ema-Israyeli enta njengobe Simakadze abeyale Mosi. Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi asentsabeni yaseSinayi, watsi: “Tjela sive sema-Israyeli utsi: ‘Naningena eveni lengininika lona, lelive kufanele ligcinele Simakadze liSabatha. Emasimi enu niyakuwalima iminyaka lesitfupha, niyawutsena tivini tenu, nivune netilimo tenu iminyaka lesitfupha. Kodvwa ngemnyaka wesikhombisa emasimi enu kufanele abe neliSabatha lekuphumula, liSabatha kuSimakadze. Aniyikukuvuna lokuyawutimilela, ngisho nemvini longakanakekelwa imbala aniyikuwuvuna. Emasimi enu ayawuba nemnyaka wekuphumula. Nome emasimi ayawube angakalinywa, kodvwa loko lokuyawumila kuwo kulowo mnyaka weSabatha kuyawuba kudla kwenu: nine matfupha, netisebenti tenu letidvuna naletisikati, nemcashwa wenu kanye nesihambi lesihleti emkhatsini wenu, netifuyo tenu, netilwane tesiganga letisemafusini enu. Konkhe lokutimilele kulawo masimi kuyawudliwa.’ ” “ ‘Niyawubala iminyaka lesikhombisa niyiphindze kasikhombisa, nase kuhlangene kube ngiminyaka lengema-49. Ngelilanga lelishumi enyangeni yesikhombisa niyawushaya licilongo; yebo, ngalo lelo langa lekubuyisana niyawuvakalisa licilongo eveni lenu lonkhe. UMnyaka Wema-50 niyakuwungcwelisa nimemetele inkhululeko eveni lonkhe nakuto tonkhe takhamiti takhona. Kuyawuba nguMkhosi wekugubha iMinyaka Lengema-50 kini, ngulowo nalowo uyawuncandzeka abuyele kuleyo ndzawo bekungeyakhe, iphindze ibe yakhe nesitukulwane sakhe. LoMnyaka Wekubuyiselwa uyawuba ngumkhosi wekugubha iMinyaka Lengema-50 kini; ngalowo mnyaka aniyiwuhlanyela, futsi aniyiwuvuna lutfo kuloko lokutimilele, nome nivune umvini longakanakekelwa. Lowo nguMnyaka Wema-50 lekufanele ube ngcwele kini; nibodla loko lenikutsetse emasimini. “ ‘Ngalowo Mnyaka Wema-50 bonkhe bantfu bayawubuyela etindzaweni lebekuvele kulifa labo. Nanitsengiselana ngendzawo nebantfu bakini, ningadlelelani. Intsengo yaleyo ndzawo iyawumiswa incike ekutseni sekusele iminyaka lemingaki kufike umkhosi weMinyaka Lengema-50. Nangabe kusele iminyaka leminyenti, intsengo yayo iyawuba yinkhulu; kodvwa nangabe sekusele iminyaka lembalwa, intsengo yayo iyawuba yincane, ngobe empeleni intfo lakutsengisela yona ngulesivuno. Ningadlelelani, kodvwa yesabani Nkulunkulu wenu. NginguSimakadze, Nkulunkulu wenu.’ ” “ ‘Ngako-ke hambani ngetimiso tami nilalele imitsetfo yami, khona nitawuphila ngekuphepha kulelive. Umhlaba uyawutsela titselo tawo, nidle nesutse, nihlale kulo niphephile. “ ‘Ningabuta nitsi: “Pho, sitawudlani ngemnyaka wesikhombisa, nasingalimi singavuni lutfo loludliwako?” Ngemnyaka wesitfupha ngiyawunehlisela tibusiso tenala yesivuno sekudla lokuyakwenela iminyaka lemitsatfu. Niyawutsi nihlanyela ngemnyaka wesiphohlongo, nibe nisadla kudla lokudzala kuze kuvunwe kudla kwemnyaka wemfica.’ ” “ ‘Indzawo aniyiwuyitsengisa siphelane, ngobe phela lelive ngelami, nine nitihambi nebacashi bami. “ ‘Kulo lonkhe lelive lekungelenu lowo longumniyo uyawuba nelilungelo lekuyihlenga leyo ndzawo. Nangabe um-Israyeli kwenteka aphuya kangangekutsi aphoceleke kutsi atsengise lendzwawo yakhe, sinini sakhe sengati siyawuphutfuma siyitsenge lendzawo beseyitsengisiwe. Nangabe ate sinini sengati lesingamhlengela lendzawo ngekuyitsenga, kodvwa nakwenteka anotsa abe nako lokwenele kuyihlenga, uyawubala intsengo yayo, kuye ngekutsi kusele mingaki iminyaka kufike lowo Mnyaka Wema-50, uMnyaka Wekubuyiselwa, akhiphe kulomuntfu labeyitsengise kuye imali lelingene leminyaka lebeyisasele; lapho-ke angaphindze abuyele kuleyo, iphindze ibe yakhe. Kodvwa nangabe ehluleka kutfola lokwenele kuyihlenga lendzawo layitsengisile, iyawuba ngeyemtsengi kuze kufike uMnyaka Wekubuyiselwa. Ngalowo mnyaka lendzawo iyawubuyiselwa kumnikati wayo. “ ‘Nangabe umuntfu atsengise ngendlu leyakhiwe edolobheni lelitungeletwe lubondza, uyawuba nelilungelo lokuphindze ayihlenge ngekuyitsenga umnyaka ungakapheli ayitsengisile. Nangabe lomniyo kwaze kwaphela umnyaka angakayihlengi lendlu lekulelidolobha lelitungeletwe lubondza, itawube seyiba ngeyalomtsengi wayo netitukulwane takhe; ingeke iphindze ibuyele kulomniyo nome sekufike uMnyaka Wekubuyiselwa. Kodvwa tindlu letisemadolobheni late lubondza tiyawuhlengwa ngendlela lenjengeyekuhlengwa kwendzawo; nato tiyawuhlengwa ngeMnyaka Wekubuyiselwa. EmaLevi wona ayawuba nelilungelo lekuhlenga tindlu tawo nome ngunini kulawo madolobha lasesandleni sawo. Ngako-ke indlu lengeyemaLevi iyawuhlengwa, nayitsengiswe kulawo madolobha lasesandleni sawo, kufanele ibuyiselwe kuwo ngeMnyaka Wekubuyiselwa, ngobe letindlu letisemadolobheni emaLevi tawo kuso sive sema-Israyeli. Kodvwa emadlelo langewemadolobha awo akayiwuze atsengiswe, ngobe lifa lawo laphakadze.’ ” “ ‘Nangabe lomunye emkhatsini wenu aba mphofu ehluleke nekutondla, msiteni njengobe bewungamsita losihambi nome losisebenti sesikhashana, kuze achubeke ahlale emkhatsini wenu. Ungambiti intalo, kodvwa yesaba Nkulunkulu wakho, kuze lomnakenu atewuhlala nawe. Ungameboleki imali wentele kumbita intalo, kantsi futsi ungamtsengiseli kudla ngentalo wentele kutfola inzuzo. NginguSimakadze, Nkulunkulu wenu, lowanikhipha eveni laseGibhithe kutaninika lelive laseKhenani, nekutsi ngibe nguNkulunkulu wenu.’ ” “ ‘Nangabe lomunye wenu aba mphofu bese utitsengisa yena kuwe, awuyiwumenta akusebentele njengesigcili. Kufanele atsatfwe njengesisebenti lesicashiwe nome sisebenti sesikhashana lesisemkhatsini wenu akusebentele kuze kube nguMnyaka Wekubuyiselwa. Kulowo mnyaka yena nebantfwabakhe kufanele bakhululwe, bese ubuyela emndenini wakubo emhlabeni waboyisemkhulu. Njengobe ema-Israyeli atinceku tami lengatikhipha eGibhithe, kufanele angatsengiswa njengetigcili. Kufanele ningawabusi ngelulaka, kodvwa yesabani Nkulunkulu wenu. Tigcili netigcilikati tenu tiyawutfolakala kuletive lenakhelene nato; tigcili ningatitsenga kuleto tive. Ningatitsenga tigcili nakulabo betive labahambisana nani nakuleyo mindeni lesemkhatsini wenu letalelene eveni lenu, babe timphahla tenu. Letigcili ningatishiyela bantfwabenu tibe lifa labo; nabatsandza bangatenta tibe tigcili tabo siphelane. Kodvwa umnakenu longum-Israyeli awuyikumbusa ngelulaka. Ningabusani lomunye etikwalomunye. “ ‘Nangabe wetive nome sisebenti sesikhashana lesisemkhatsini wenu kwenteka sinjinga, bese kutsi lomnakenu loseceleni aba mphofu aze atitsengise kulona wetive losemkhatsini wenu, nome asatitsengisile, unalo lilungelo lekuhlengwa. Lomunye wabomnakabo angamhlenga, nome malume wakhe, nome umzala wakhe, nome ngusiphi-ke sihlobo sakhe sengati, nome naye nasanjingile angatihlenga. Bayawubonisana nalowo labemtsengile kusukela ngalowo mnyaka latitsengisa ngawo kuze kube nguMnyaka Wekubuyiselwa. Intsengo yekukhululwa kwakhe iyakuya ngaleminyaka asehleti nemtsengi wakhe kube shangatsi abe sisebenti lesicashiwe kuleyo minyaka. Nangabe kusalele iminyaka leminyenti, kufanele akhokhe inhlawulo yakhe lelingene leminyaka lesele. Nangabe sekusele iminyaka lembalwa kufike uMnyaka Wekubuyiselwa, kufanele babonisane nemtsengi wakhe ngentsengo yakhe lekufanele ayikhiphe. Kufanele atsatfwe njengemuntfu lobekacashiwe yonkhe leminyaka, kubukisiswe nekutsi lomnikati wakhe akamphatsi kabi ngesihluku yini. Nome ngabe akahlengwa nangayinye yaletindlela, kodvwa kufanele yena nemndeni wakhe akhululwe ngeMnyaka Wekubuyiselwa, ngobe kimi phela sive sema-Israyeli tinceku, yebo, tinceku tami lengatikhipha eveni laseGibhithe. NginguSimakadze, Nkulunkulu wenu.’ ” “ ‘Ningatenteli nkulunkulu nome sithico lesibatwe ngelitje, nome umfanekiso waluphi luhlobo lobatwe ngelitje eveni lenu kutsi nitewukhotsama embikwawo. NginguSimakadze, Nkulunkulu wenu. Gcinani emaSabatha ami niyihloniphe nendzawo yami lengcwele. NginguSimakadze. “ ‘Nanihamba ngetimiso tami nilalele, nemiyalo yami niyente, ngiyawunitfumelela imvula ngesikhatsi sayo, nemhlaba uninike sivuno lesihle, netihlahla tesiganga titsele titselo tato. Sivuno siyawuba sikhulu kangangekutsi niyawuchubeka nivune, kuze kushaye sikhatsi sekukha emagelebisi. Nekukha emagelebisi kuyawuchubeka kuze kushaye sikhatsi sekuhlanyela. Yebo, niyawudla konkhe kudla lenikufunako, niphindze nihlale ngekuthula eveni lenu. “ ‘Lelive ngiyawulipha kuthula, nicambalale ngekukhululeka ningesatjiswa lutfo. Tonkhe tilwane letiyingoti kini ngiyawutisusa kulelo live, kungabikho timphi eveni lenu. Titsa tenu niyawuticosha niticotfule ngenkemba. Labasihlanu benu bayawuba nemandla ekwehlula likhulu lato, nelikhulu lenu liyawuba nemandla ekwehlula titsa leti-10 000; yebo, titsa tenu niyawutehlula niticotfule ngenkemba. Ngiyawunibusisa, nginiphe bantfwana labanyenti, nandze; sivumelwane lengisenta nani ngiyawusigcina ngisifeze. Sivuno senu siyawuba sinyenti kangangekutsi niyawuze nisilahle lesi sanyakenye, nentele kwekhweta lesi salonyaka. Ngiyawuhlala emkhatsini wenu ngisethendeni lekukhontela, ngingesuki kini. Ngiyawuhamba emkhatsini wenu ngibe nguNkulunkulu wenu, nine nibe sive sami. Mine nginguSimakadze, Nkulunkulu wenu, lowanikhipha eGibhithe, kuze ningabe nisaba tigcili temaGibhithe. Ngephula tikeyi telijoko lenu, nganenta nahambela etulu nikhululekile.’ ” “ ‘Nangabe ningangilaleli, ningayenti yonkhe lemiyalo yami, ningatilandzeli netimiso tami, ningayenti nemitsetfo yami, nehluleke nekuyifeza lemiyalo yami ngekuphambana nesivumelwane sami, ngiyawunijezisa nganaku: Ngiyawunehlisela kutfutfumela lokwesabekako, netifo letingelapheki, nemikhuhlane lephumphutsekisa emehlo, nginente nihusheke. Niyawulima nihlanyelele lite, ngobe titsa tenu tiyawunehlula tidle konkhe loko kudla. Buso bami buyawumelana nani, bese nehlulwa titsa tenu, tona leto letinitondzako tiyawunibusa, nani nibaleke, ngisho nome seningasacoshwa ngumuntfu. “ ‘Nanichubeka ngekungangilaleli nome sekunehlele konkhe loku, sijeziso senu ngiyawusikhulisa siphindvwe kasikhombisa. Ligcabho lenu lelinenkhani ngiyawulifohlota; sibhakabhaka senu ngiyawusenta sibe njengensimbi, sibete imvula; umhlaba ngiyakuwomisa ube lukhuni njengelitfusi. Konkhe kusebenta kwenu kamatima kungeke kunibuyisele lutfo, ngobe emasimi enu angeke abe nesivuno, netihlahla tingeke titsele titselo. “ ‘Nanichubeka kumelana nami nale nekungilalela, lokuhlupheka kwenu ngiyawukuphindza kasikhombisa kuye ngaleto tono lenitentile. Ngiyawunitfumelela tilwane tesiganga, tidle bantfwabenu netinkhomo tenu, nize nibe mbalwa, kangangekutsi ngisho nemigwaco yenu iyawubate bantfu. “ ‘Emvakwalesijeziso nanichubeka nekungangilaleli ngekungakwemukeli kucondziswa ngimi ngekutsi nijinge nimelane nami, nami-ke sengiyawumelana nani ngekunivisa buhlungu ngalokuphindvwe kasikhombisa ngenca yetono tenu. Ngiyawuniletsela imphi itenijezisa ngekwephula kwenu sivumelwane. Niyawutsi nanihlangana emadolobheni enu etindzaweni tekuphepha, bese nginihlasela ngetifo letingelapheki, nivele niphoceleke kutinikela etitseni tenu. Umtfombo wesinkhwa ngiyakuwujuba kangangekutsi bafati labalishumi bayawuhlanganyela hhavini munye kupheka sonkhe sinkhwa labanaso. Bayawukwenetisana ngalelo lite labayawube banalo. Niyawudla, kodvwa ningeke nesutse. “ ‘Nangabe etikwako konkhe loku seloku aningilaleli, nichubeka nekumelana nami, ngiyawunigucukela ngentfukutselo yami ngimelane nani, sijeziso ngisente sibe buhlungu ngekusiphindza kasikhombisa. Niyawudla inyama yemitimba yemadvodzana nemadvodzakati enu. Ngiyawubhidlita tindzawo tenu tekukhontela, ngidzilite nemalati enu etimphepho, tidvumbu tenu ngitibutsisele ndzawonye etikwetithico tenu letite imphilo naletiwile; umphefumulo wami uyawunicansukela. Emadolobha enu ngiyakuwenta abe tindzala, netindzawo tenu tekukhontela ngitente tibe lihlane, kantsi neliphunga lelinuka lusi lelimnandzi leminikelo yenu yekushiswa ngingeke ngilemukele. Live lenu ngiyawuliphundla, kuze kutsi netitsa tenu letingena kulo timangale ngalo. Ngiyawunisakatela kuletinye tive, nginicoshe ngenkemba yami. Live lenu liyawuphundleka nemadolobha enu abe tindzala. Live liyawuba nesikhatsi senjabulo ngeminyaka yemaSabatha ngalesikhatsi lisaphundlekile nani nisahleti eveni letitsa tenu; live liyawuphumula libe nesikhatsi lesimnandzi ngeminyaka yemaSabatha. Ngaso sonkhe lesikhatsi live lenu lisaphundlekile liyawuba nekuphumula lelalingazange selibe nako ngesikhatsi semaSabatha enu nisahlala kulo. “ ‘Labo benu labayawube basasele bangakafi kulawo mave labayawube batfunjelwe kuwo, ngiyawukwenta tinhlitiyo tabo tibe nekwesaba kangangekutsi ngisho nemsindvo welicembe lelipheshulwa ngumoya liyawubenta babaleke batephule, kube shangatsi babalekela imphi. Bayawukuwa nome kungekho lobacoshako. Bayawugilana bawe, lomunye etikwalomunye, kube shangatsi babalekela imphi, nome kungekho lobacoshako. Ngako-ke aniyikuba nawo emandla ekuma embikwetitsa tenu. Niyawufela emkhatsini webantfu betive, live letitsa tenu liyawunidla linicedze. Labo benu labayawube basasele bangakafi eveni letitsa tabo, bayawukondza babe tincotfo ngenca yetono tabo, nangenca yetono taboyise bayawukondza besabeke. “ ‘Kodvwa nabavuma tono tabo netaboyise ekungihlubukeni kwabo nasekumelaneni nami kwabo, lokungukona kwangenta ngaze ngabayisa eveni letitsa tabo, nangabe netinhlitiyo tabo letingakasoki titfobeka bayikhipha nenkhokhelo yesono sekuhlubuka kwabo, ngiyawusikhumbula sivumelwane sami naJakobe, sivumelwane sami na-Isaka, sivumelwane sami na-Abrahama, ngilikhumbule live. Lelo live bayawulifulatsela lisale litijabulisa ngemaSabatha alo ngesikhatsi liselihlane bangekho kulo. Bayawukhipha inkhokhelo yetono tabo, ngobe bayilahlile imitsetfo baticansukela netimiso tami. Kodvwa nome kunjalo, nasebaseveni letitsa tabo, ngingeke ngibadvube, futsi ngingeke ngibacansukele kangangekutsi ngize ngibabhubhise baphele nya, ngephule sivumelwane sami nabo. NginguSimakadze, Nkulunkulu wabo. Kodvwa ngenca yabo ngiyawusikhumbula sivumelwane sami nabokhokho babo, lengabakhipha eveni laseGibhithe embikwato tonkhe tive kutsi ngitewuba nguNkulunkulu wabo. NginguSimakadze.’ ” Leti-ke timiso, nemiyalo, nemitsetfo Simakadze layenta entsabeni yaseSinayi emkhatsini wakhe nesive sema-Israyeli ngesandla saMosi. Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Tjela sive sema-Israyeli utsi: ‘Nangabe umuntfu ente setsembiso ngebantfu kuSimakadze ngekunika intsengo lelingene bona, lomdvuna loneminyaka lesemkhatsini kwalengema-20 kuya kulengema-60 budzala, kuyawuba tinhlavu tesiliva letingaba ngema-50 ngekwesilinganiso lesisemtsetfweni. Nangabe lomuntfu amsikati, inhlawulo yakhe kuyawuba tinhlavu tesiliva letingaba ngema-30. Nangabe lomuntfu uneminyaka lesihlanu kuya kulengema-20 budzala, nakangulomdvuna, inhlawulo yakhe kuyawuba tinhlavu tesiliva letingaba ngema-20, kantsi nakamsikati, inhlawulo yakhe kuyawuba tinhlavu tesiliva letingaba lishumi. Nangabe lomuntfu unenyanga atelwe kuya eminyakeni lesihlanu budzala, inhlawulo yakhe nakangulomdvuna, kuyawuba tinhlavu tesiliva letingaba sihlanu, kantsi nakamsikati, kuyawuba tinhlavu tesiliva letingaba tintsatfu. Nangabe lomuntfu aneminyaka lengema-60 kuya etulu budzala, nakangulomdvuna, inhlawulo yakhe kuyawuba tinhlavu tesiliva letingaba li-15, kantsi nakangulomsikati, kuyawuba tinhlavu tesiliva letingaba lishumi. “ ‘Nangabe lomuntfu amphofu kakhulu angakhoni kukhokha lenhlawulo loyibitako, lomuntfu kufanele aletse umuntfu kumphristi lotawubala inhlawulo yakhe lengakhonwa ngulowo muntfu. “ ‘Nangabe wetsembise ngesilwane lesingemukeleka kutsi sibe ngumnikelo kuSimakadze, leso silwane lesesinikwe Simakadze sesiyawuba ngcwele. Akukafaneli enane silwane lesihle ngalesibi, nome lesibi ngalesihle; nangabe asenana ngalesinye silwane, leso lenana ngaso naleso lesenanwako totimbili tiyawuba ngcwele. Nangabe kwetsenjiswe ngesilwane lesingcolile, lesingemukeleki kuSimakadze kutsi sibe ngumnikelo, lomuntfu kufanele amikise lesilwane kumphristi, lokunguyena atawuhlolisisa simo saso kutsi sihle nome sibi. Inhlawulo yaso iyawuba nguleyo lejutjwe ngumphristi ngekwesimo saleso silwane. Nangabe umniyo afuna kusihlenga, uyakwengeta incenye yesihlanu yenhlawulo yaso. “ ‘Nangabe umuntfu anikela ngendlu yakhe kutsi ibe ngcwele kuSimakadze, umphristi uyawuyihlolisisa kutsi ilungile yini nome cha. Leyo nhlawulo lebalwa ngumphristi ngalelo langa kuyawuma yona. Nangabe lomuntfu lonikela lendlu asafuna kuyihlenga, kufanele engete incenye yesihlanu yenhlawulo yayo, bese lendlu iphindze iba ngeyakhe. “ ‘Nangabe umuntfu anikela ngencenye yemhlaba wemndeni wakhe kuSimakadze, inhlawulo yawo iyawubalwa isuselwa entsengweni yenhlanyelo lehlanyelwa kulowo mhlaba lekutinhlavu tesiliva letingaba lishumi kuleso nakuleso sisindvo sebhali lesingemakhilogremu langaba ngema-20. Nangabe anikela ngensimi yakhe kusukela ngalowo Mnyaka Wekubuyiselwa, inhlawulo yayo iyawuba ngulephelele. Kodvwa nangabe anikela ngensimi yakhe emvakwaloMnyaka Wekubuyiselwa, umphristi uyawubala inhlawulo ayinciphise kuye ngeminyaka lesasele kutsi kufike uMnyaka Wekubuyiselwa. Nangabe lomuntfu lonikele lensimi asafuna kuyihlenga futsi, kufanele engete incenye yesihlanu yenhlawulo, bese-ke lensimi iphindze iba ngeyakhe. Kodvwa nakangafisi kuyihlenga lensimi nome asayitsengisele lomunye umuntfu, ingeke iphindze ihlengeke. Kutawutsi lensimi nase ikhululekile ngeMnyaka Wekubuyiselwa, iyawuba ngcwele kuSimakadze njengensimi leseyinikelwe kuye, ibe ngeyebaphristi. “ ‘Nangabe umuntfu anikela kuSimakadze ngensimi layitsengile, lengesilo lifa lemndeni wakubo, umphristi uyawubala inhlawulo yayo kuye ngeminyaka lesele kuze kufike uMnyaka Wekubuyiselwa, lomuntfu uyawukhipha inhlawulo yayo ngalona lelo langa, bese yehlukaniselwa Simakadze. NgeMnyaka Wekubuyiselwa leyo nsimi iyawuphindze ibuyiselwe kulomnikati lebeyitsengwe kuye, kulifa lakhe. “ ‘Yonkhe inhlawulo iyawubasemtsetfweni, kusetjentiswe silinganiso sasendzaweni lengcwele. “ ‘Kufanele kubete lonikela ngelitubulo lesilwane, ngobe phela lona vele laSimakadze: nome lenkhomo, nome lemvu, laSimakadze. Nangabe litubulo kusilwane lesingcolile ngekwemtsetfo, umuntfu angalihlenga ngaleyo nhlawulo lesemtsetfweni, engete kulo incenye yesihlanu yenhlawulo yalo. Nangabe angalihlengi, kufanele litsengiswe ngalelo nani lalo lese libaliwe. “ ‘Kodvwa kufanele kubete umuntfu lotawutsengisa nome lotawuhlenga loko lesekunikelwe kuSimakadze, nome kungumuntfu, nome kusilwane, nome kungumhlaba lolifa lakhe. Konkhe loko sekuyawuhlala kukwaSimakadze kungcwelengcwele. Umuntfu lonikelwe ekufeni kuSimakadze akayiwuhlengwa; kufanele abulawe. “ ‘Konkhe kwelishumi kwako konkhe lokulinywako kwetilimo nome kwetitselo kwaSimakadze; kungcwele kuSimakadze. Nangabe umuntfu afisa kuhlenga kwelishumi kwakhe, kufanele engete incenye yesihlanu yako enhlawulweni yako. Konkhe kwelishumi emhlambini wetinkhomo netimvu, ngisho sonkhe silwane selishumi lesendlula ngaphansi kwendvuku yemelusi, siyawuba ngcwele kuSimakadze. Lomnikati akayiwutiphambanisa leto tilwane, khona kutewukhetseka leto letinesici. Nakwenteka enana lesilwane ngalesinye, totimbili letilwane, lesenaniwe nalekwenanwa ngaso tiyawuba taSimakadze, futsi atiyiwuhlengwa.’ ” Ngiyo lena-ke imiyalo yesive sema-Israyeli Simakadze layinika Mosi entsabeni yaseSinayi. Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi asethendeni lekuhlangana eHlane laseSinayi ngelilanga lekucala, enyangeni yesibili, emnyakeni wesibili ema-Israyeli aphuma eGibhithe, watsi: “Yentani lubalo lwaso sonkhe sive saka-Israyeli, lusendvo ngelusendvo, nemindeni ngemindeni, nibabhalise ngetindlu taboyise onkhe emadvodza ngemabito awo, ngayinye ngayinye, kusukela kulasebaneminyaka lengema-20 kuya etulu, onkhe emadvodza aka-Israyeli lase angalungela kuya emphini, wena na-Aroni niyakuwabala ngeticheme tawo. Kulowo nalowo mndeni niyawucela munye loyinhloko lemelele lowo mndeni kutsi anisite. Lawa-ke ngemabito emadvodza lenitawusitana nawo kulomsebenti: “Emndenini wakaRubeni kuyawuba ngu-Elisuri, umsa waShedewuri. Emndenini wakaSimeyoni kuyawuba nguShelumiyeli, umsa waSurishadayi. Emndenini wakaJuda kuyawuba nguNasoni, umsa wa-Aminadabi. Emndenini waka-Isakhari kuyawuba nguNethaneli, umsa waSuwari. Emndenini wakaZebuloni kuyawuba ngu-Eliyabe, umsa waHeloni. Kumadvodzana aJosefa: Emndenini waka-Efrayimu kuyawuba ngu-Elishama, umsa wa-Amihudi; emndenini wakaManase kuyawuba nguGamaliyeli, umsa waPhedasuri. Emndenini wakaBhenjamini kuyawuba ngu-Abidani, umsa waGideyoni. Emndenini wakaDani kuyawuba ngu-Ahiyezeri, umsa wa-Amishadayi. Emndenini waka-Asheri kuyawuba nguPhagiyeli, umsa wa-Okrani. Emndenini wakaGadi kuyawuba ngu-Eliyasafa, umsa waDehuweli. Emndenini wakaNaftali kuyawuba ngu-Ahira, umsa wa-Enani.” Laba-ke ngibo lababekhetsiwe kutsi babe baholi emindenini yabo. Babebaholi bemindeni yaka-Israyeli. BoMosi na-Aroni batsatsa lamadvodza labesakhetsiwe, base babita sonkhe sive ngelilanga lekucala enyangeni yesibili. Bonkhe bantfu babhalisa, ngulowo nalowo wabhalisa ngeyisemkhulu, kwabhaliswa emabito awo onkhe emadvodza kusukela kulabeneminyaka lengema-20 kuya etulu, ngayinye ngayinye, njengobe Simakadze abeyale Mosi. Bonkhe babalelwa eHlane laseSinayi: Titukulwane takaRubeni, litubulo la-Israyeli, tema kanje: Onkhe emadvodza kusukela kulabesaneminyaka lengema-20 kuya etulu, labesangalungela kuya emphini abhaliswa ngemabito awo, ngayinye ngayinye, njengekutalana kwawo, lusendvo ngelusendvo nangemindeni yawo. Bunyenti besive sakaRubeni baba ti-46 500. Titukulwane takaSimeyoni tema kanje: Onkhe emadvodza kusukela kulabesaneminyaka lengema-20 kuya etulu, labesangalungela kuya emphini abhaliswa ngemabito awo, ngayinye ngayinye, njengekutalana kwawo, lusendvo ngelusendvo nangemindeni yawo. Bunyenti besive sakaSimeyoni baba ti-59 300. Titukulwane takaGadi tema kanje: Onkhe emadvodza kusukela kulabesaneminyaka lengema-20 kuya etulu, labesangalungela kuya emphini abhaliswa ngemabito awo, ngayinye ngayinye, njengekutalana kwawo, lusendvo ngelusendvo nangemindeni yawo. Bunyenti besive sakaGadi baba ti-45 650. Titukulwane takaJuda tema kanje: Onkhe emadvodza kusukela kulabesaneminyaka lengema-20 kuya etulu, labesangalungela kuya emphini abhaliswa ngemabito awo, ngayinye ngayinye, njengekutalana kwawo, lusendvo ngelusendvo nangemindeni yawo. Bunyenti besive sakaJuda baba ti-74 600. Titukulwane taka-Isakhari tema kanje: Onkhe emadvodza kusukela kulabesaneminyaka lengema-20 kuya etulu, labesangalungela kuya emphini abhaliswa ngemabito awo, ngayinye ngayinye, njengekutalana kwawo, lusendvo ngelusendvo nangemindeni yawo. Bunyenti besive saka-Isakhari baba ti-54 400. Titukulwane takaZebuloni tema kanje: Onkhe emadvodza kusukela kulabesaneminyaka lengema-20 kuya etulu, labesangalungela kuya emphini abhaliswa ngemabito awo, ngayinye ngayinye, njengekutalana kwawo, lusendvo ngelusendvo nangemindeni yawo. Bunyenti besive sakaZebuloni baba ti-57 400. Kumadvodzana akaJosefa: Titukulwane taka-Efrayimu tema kanje: Onkhe emadvodza kusukela kulabesaneminyaka lengema-20 kuya etulu, labesangalungela kuya emphini abhaliswa ngemabito awo, ngayinye ngayinye, njengekutalana kwawo, lusendvo ngelusendvo nangemindeni yawo. Bunyenti besive saka-Efrayimu baba ti-40 500. Titukulwane takaManase tema kanje: Onkhe emadvodza kusukela kulabesaneminyaka lengema-20 kuya etulu, labesangalungela kuya emphini abhaliswa ngemabito awo, ngayinye ngayinye, njengekutalana kwawo, lusendvo ngelusendvo nangemindeni yawo. Bunyenti besive sakaManase baba ti-32 200. Titukulwane takaBhenjamini tema kanje: Onkhe emadvodza kusukela kulabesaneminyaka lengema-20 kuya etulu, labesangalungela kuya emphini abhaliswa ngemabito awo, ngayinye ngayinye, njengekutalana kwawo, lusendvo ngelusendvo nangemindeni yawo. Bunyenti besive sakaBhenjamini baba ti-35 400. Titukulwane takaDani tema kanje: Onkhe emadvodza kusukela kulabesaneminyaka lengema-20 kuya etulu, labesangalungela kuya emphini abhaliswa ngemabito awo, ngayinye ngayinye, njengekutalana kwawo, lusendvo ngelusendvo nangemindeni yawo. Bunyenti besive sakaDani baba ti-62 700. Titukulwane taka-Asheri tema kanje: Onkhe emadvodza kusukela kulabesaneminyaka lengema-20 kuya etulu, labesangalungela kuya emphini abhaliswa ngemabito awo, ngayinye ngayinye, njengekutalana kwawo, lusendvo ngelusendvo nangemindeni yawo. Bunyenti besive saka-Asheri baba ti-41 500. Titukulwane takaNaftali tema kanje: Onkhe emadvodza kusukela kulabesaneminyaka lengema-20 kuya etulu, labesangalungela kuya emphini abhaliswa ngemabito awo, ngayinye ngayinye, njengekutalana kwawo lusendvo ngelusendvo nangemindeni yawo. Bunyenti besive sakaNaftali baba ti-53 400. Ngiwo lawa-ke emadvodza labalwa nguMosi na-Aroni kanye nebaholi bema-Israyeli lababeli-12, ngulowo nalowo emele umndeni wakubo. Onkhe ema-Israyeli kusukela kulabesaneminyaka lengema-20 kuya etulu, labesangalungela kuya emphini abhaliswa ngemabito awo, ngayinye ngayinye, njengekutalana kwawo, lusendvo ngelusendvo nangemindeni yawo. Bunyenti bawo asawonkhe aba ti-603 550. Sive sema-Levi sona asizange sibhaliswe kanye naleti letinye tive. Simakadze abekhulume kuMosi, watsi: “Sive semaLevi ungasifaki elubalweni kanye nesive sonkhe sema-Israyeli. Esikhundleni saloko, beka emaLevi kutsi aphatse lelithende lesivumelwane nako konkhe lokukulo lokuhambisana nalo. Kufanele etfwale lelithende nato tonkhe timphahla letihambisana nalo; yebo, kufanele alinakekele, ente inkonzo kulo, akambe emathende awo alitungelete. Njalo nje nangabe lithende lekukhontela selitfutsa, ngemaLevi lekufanele alehlise; kanjalo, nome selimiswa, ngemaLevi lekufanele alimise. Lowo longesiye umLevi loyawusondzela eceleni kwalelithende uyawubulawa, afe. Ema-Israyeli ayawumisa emathende awo ngeticheme, ngulowo nalowo esichemeni sakhe lesinesiboniso sebuve baso. EmaLevi wona emathende awo ayakuwamisa awatungeletise lithende lesivumelwane, khona lulaka lwami lungetikwehlela etikwesive sema-Israyeli. Kuyawuba ngumsebenti wemaLevi kunakekela nekuphatsa lithende lesivumelwane.” Ngako sive sema-Israyeli senta konkhe Simakadze layala ngako Mosi kutsi kwentiwe. Simakadze wakhuluma kuboMosi na-Aroni, watsi: “Ema-Israyeli kufanele akambe bucamama atungelete lithende lekuhlangana, ngulowo nalowo esichemeni semndeni wakhe ngaphansi kwesiboniso sebuve baso. “Ngasemphumalanga kufanele kukambe ticheme tenkambu lenesiboniso sebuve bakaJuda. Umholi wesive sakaJuda nguNasoni, umsa wa-Aminadabi. Sicheme saso saba ti-74 600. “Sive saka-Isakhari siyawukamba eceleni kwaso. Umholi wesive saka-Isakhari nguNethaneli, umsa waSuwari. Sicheme saso saba ti-54 400. “Sive sakaZebuloni siyawukamba eceleni kwaso. Umholi wesive sakaZebuloni ngu-Eliyabe, umsa waHeloni. Sicheme saso saba ti-57 400. “Asawonkhe emadvodza eticheme tenkambu yakaJuda aba ti-186 400. Ngiwo latawuphuma ahambe kucala. “Ngaseningizimu kutawuba neticheme tenkambu lenesiboniso sebuve bakaRubeni. Umholi wesive sakaRubeni ngu-Elisuri, umsa waShedewuri. Sicheme saso saba ti-46 500. “Sive sakaSimeyoni siyawukamba eceleni kwaso. Umholi wesive sakaSimeyoni nguShelumiyeli, umsa waSurishadayi. Sicheme saso saba ti-59 300. “Sive sakaGadi siyawukamba eceleni kwaso. Umholi wesive sakaGadi ngu-Eliyasafa, umsa waDehuweli. Sicheme saso saba ti-45 650. “Asawonkhe emadvodza eticheme tenkambu yakaRubeni aba ti-151 450. Nase kuhanjwa ngiwo latawulandzela. “Lithende lekuhlangana kanye nenkambu yemaLevi kuyawumiswa emkhatsini wetinkambu. Bayawutfutsa emathende ngulowo nalowo endzaweni yakhe ngaphansi kwesiboniso sebuve bakhe. “Ngasenshonalanga kutawuba yinkambu yeticheme tesiboniso sebuve baka-Efrayimu. Umholi wesive saka-Efrayimu ngu-Elishama, umsa wa-Amihudi. Sicheme saso saba ti-40 500. “Sive sakaManase siyawukamba eceleni kwaso. Umholi wesive sakaManase nguGamaliyeli, umsa waPhedasuri. Sicheme saso saba ti-32 200. “Sive sakaBhenjamini siyawukamba eceleni kwaso. Umholi wesive sakaBhenjamini ngu-Abidani, umsa waGideyoni. Sicheme saso saba ti-35 400. “Asawonkhe emadvodza eticheme tenkambu yaka-Efrayimu aba ti-108 000. Nase kuhanjwa ayakulandzela abe ngesitsatfu. “Ngasenyakatfo kutawuba yinkambu yeticheme takaDani. Umholi wesive sakaDani ngu-Ahiyezeri, umsa wa-Amishadayi. Sicheme saso saba ti-62 700. “Sive saka-Asheri siyawukamba eceleni kwaso. Umholi wesive saka-Asheri nguPhagiyeli, umsa wa-Okrani. Sicheme saso saba ti-41 500. “Sive sakaNaftali siyawukamba eceleni kwaso. Umholi wesive sakaNaftali ngu-Ahira, umsa wa-Enani. Sicheme saso saba ti-53 400. “Asawonkhe emadvodza eticheme tenkambu yakaDani aba ti-157 600. Nase kuhanjwa bayawulandzela babe bekugcina, ngaphansi kwesiboniso sebuve babo.” Onkhe lawa ngema-Israyeli labalwa ngemindeni yawo. Onkhe lawa labesetinkambu ngeticheme tawo aba ti-603 550. EmaLevi akabalwanga kanye nema-Israyeli, kwaya njengobe Simakadze abeyale Mosi. Ngako-ke ema-Israyeli akwenta konkhe Simakadze labeyale Mosi kutsi akwente. Akamba onkhe ngulowo nalowo ngaphansi kwesiboniso sebuve bakhe; baphuma bahamba. Wonkhe umuntfu wangena emndenini wakhe naselusendvweni lwakubo. Leti titukulwane taka-Aroni naMosi ngesikhatsi Simakadze akhuluma naMosi eNtsabeni iSinayi. Emabito emadvodzana a-Aroni ngulawa: NguNadabi litubulo, na-Abihu, na-Eleyazare, na-Ithamari. Ngiwo lawo-ke emabito emadvodzana a-Aroni labebaphristi lababegcotjiwe, babegcotjelwe kutsi bakhonte enkonzweni yebuphristi, kodvwa boNadabi na-Abihu bawa phansi bafa embikwaSimakadze ngesikhatsi banikela ngemlilo lowawungengcwele eHlane laseSinayi. Babete emadvodzana; ngako-ke Eleyazare na-Ithamari baba baphristi ngesikhatsi sonkhe sekuphila kweyise, Aroni. Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Letsa sive semaLevi usetfule ku-Aroni, umphristi, kutsi sitemsita. Kufanele emaLevi ente imisebenti letsite entele yena kanye nesive sonkhe sema-Israyeli ethendeni lekuhlangana nakakhonta ethendeni. Kufanele aphatse tonkhe timphahla tasethendeni lekuhlangana, afezele ema-Israyeli timfanelo tawo ngekukhonta endzaweni lengcwele. Uyawunikela emaLevi ku-Aroni nakumadvodzana akhe njengemnikelo wakhe lophelele lovela esiveni saka-Israyeli. Uyawubeka Aroni nemadvodzana akhe kutsi bente imisebenti yebuphristi. Wonkhe umuntfu, ngaphandle kwabo, loyawusondzela eceleni kwalendzawo lengcwele uyawubulawa.” Simakadze wachubeka wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Sive semaLevi ngisikhetse emkhatsini wato tonkhe tive tema-Israyeli esikhundleni sematubulo awo onkhe lavula sitalo semadvodzakati ema-Israyeli. EmaLevi ngewami, ngobe onkhe ematubulo ngewami. Mhlazana ngishaya onkhe ematubulo aseGibhithe, ngatehlukanisela onkhe ematubulo aka-Israyeli, ebantfu newetifuyo. Ayawuba ngewami. NginguSimakadze.” Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi aseHlane laseSinayi, watsi: “Bala emaLevi, lusendvo ngelusendvo nangemindeni yawo. Bala bonkhe labadvuna kusukela kulabanenyanga budzala kuya etulu.” Ngako Mosi wawabala njengekusho kwelivi laSimakadze. Lawa-ke, ngemabito emadvodzana akaLevi: boGeshoni, naKhohati, naMerari. Lawa-ke ngemabito emadvodzana akaGeshoni: boLibni, naShimeyi, lusendvo ngelusendvo. Emadvodzana aKhohati lusendvo ngelusendvo emabito ngemabito: bekubo-Amramu, naJisihari, naHebroni, na-Uziyeli. Lawa-ke ngemadvodzana aMerari, lusendvo ngelusendvo: boMahali, naMushi. Bonkhe babe ngimindeni yemaLevi, lusendvo ngelusendvo. Lusendvo lwakaGeshoni bekungemaLibni nemaShimeyi: leyo-ke bekungimindeni yemaGeshoni. Sibalo sabo bonkhe labadvuna kusukela kulababenenyanga budzala kuya etulu saba ti-7 500. Lusendvo lwemaGeshoni lwemisa ngasenshonalanga emvakwelithende lekukhontela. Umholi wetinsendvo temaGeshoni kwaba ngu-Eliyasafa, umsa waLayeli. Umsebenti wemaGeshoni ethendeni lekuhlangana kuyawuba kunakekela lithende lekukhontela, nelithende, netimbonyo talo, nendvwangu lesemnyango welithende lekuhlangana, netindvwangu tasesibuyeni, nendvwangu lesekungeneni kwesibuya lesitungelete indzawo lengcwele, nelilati, netindophi, nako konkhe lokuhambisana nako. Khohati watala nati tinsendvo: ema-Amramu, nemaJisihari, nemaHebroni, nema-Uziyeli; leto-ke bekutinsendvo temaKhohati. Sibalo semaKhohati onkhe lamadvuna kusukela kulababenenyanga budzala kuya etulu saba ti-8 600. Umsebenti wawo bekukunakekela indzawo lengcwele. Tinsendvo temaKhohati takamba ngaseningizimu nendzawo lengcwele. Umholi wemindeni yemaKhohati, lusendvo ngelusendvo, bekungu-Elisafani, umsa wa-Uziyeli. Umsebenti wawo bekukunakekela libhokisi lesivumelwane, nelitafula, nelutsi lwetibane, nemalati, naletinye tintfo letisetjentiswa enkonzweni yebuphristi endzaweni lengcwele, nendvwangu, nako konkhe lokuhambisana nako. Umholi lomkhulu wemaLevi bekungu-Eleyazare, umsa wa-Aroni, umphristi. Wakhetselwa kutsi engamele bonkhe labo babenakekela indzawo lengcwele. Merari watala nati tinsendvo: emaMahali nemaMushi; leto-ke bekutinsendvo temaMerari. Sibalo sabo bonkhe labadvuna kusukela kulababenenyanga budzala kuya etulu saba ti-6 200. Umholi wemindeni yemaMerari bekunguSuriyeli, umsa wa-Abihayili; bebatawukamba ngasenyakatfo kwelithende lekukhontela. EmaMerari akhetselwa inkonzo yekunakekela tinsikabhaluko telithende lekukhontela, nemakabha, netinsika, nemaseko, nako konkhe lokuhambisana nako, nako konkhe lokusetjentiswa kanye nako, kanye netinsika taso sonkhe sibuya, nemaseko ato, netikhonkhwane telithende, netindophi. Mosi, na-Aroni nemadvodzana akhe bebafanele bakambe ngasemphumalanga nendzawo lengcwele, lapho kuphuma lilanga ngakhona, embikwelithende lekuhlangana. Bona babekelwa inkonzo yekunakekela indzawo lengcwele egameni lema-Israyeli. Wonkhe umuntfu, ngaphandle kwawo, lobekasondzela eceleni kwayo abefanele abulawe, afe. Onkhe emaLevi labalwa nguMosi na-Aroni njengekusho kwaSimakadze ngetinsendvo tawo, bonkhe labebabadvuna kusukela kulababenenyanga budzala kuya etulu, nababalwa sebabonkhe baba ti-22 000. Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi watsi: “Bala onkhe ematubulo lamadvuna ema-Israyeli kusukela kulabanenyanga budzala kuya etulu, wente luhla lwemabito awo. Ngitsatsele emaLevi esikhundleni sawo onkhe ematubulo esive sema-Israyeli, netinkhomo temaLevi esikhundleni sematubulo onkhe etifuyo tema-Israyeli. NginguSimakadze.” Ngako Mosi wawabala onkhe ematubulo esive saka-Israyeli njengobe Simakadze abeshito. Sibalo sawo asawonkhe ematubulo lamadvuna kusukela kulababenenyanga budzala kuya etulu, lababhaliswa ngemabito abo, baba ti-22 273. Simakadze wachubeka wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Ngitsatsele emaLevi esikhundleni sawo onkhe ematubulo esive sema-Israyeli kanye nematubulo etifuyo tawo, ninikele ngetifuyo temaLevi esikhundleni sematubulo etifuyo taka-Israyeli. EmaLevi ayawuba ngewami. NginguSimakadze. Njengobe ematubulo ema-Israyeli endlula emaLevi ngema-273, kufanele uwahlenge lamatubulo langetulu. Uyawukhipha emagremu esiliva langaba ngema-55 litubulo lilinye njengekwesimiso lesisemtsetfweni, endzaweni lengcwele, lesingemagremu langaba li-12. Lemali yenhlawulo uboyinika Aroni nemadvodzana akhe.” Ngako-ke Mosi wabutsa yonkhe leyo mali yenhlawulo kulabo bebengca sibalo lesasihlengwe ngemaLevi. Kuwo onkhe ematubulo ema-Israyeli wabutsa isiliva leyayingaba ngemakhilogremu lali-15 nemagremu langema-500 njengesimiso lesisemtsetfweni endzaweni lengcwele. Lemali yenhlawulo Mosi wayinika Aroni nemadvodzana akhe, njengobe abeyalwe livi laSimakadze. Simakadze wakhuluma kuboMosi na-Aroni, watsi: “Bala emaKhohati langemaLevi lusendvo ngelusendvo nangemindeni yawo. Bala onkhe emadvodza kusukela kulasaneminyaka lengema-30 kuya kulengema-50 budzala, labo lase bangena enkonzweni yekukhonta ethendeni lekuhlangana. Umsebenti walamaKhohati ethendeni lekuhlangana bekukunakekela tintfo letingcwelengcwele. “Nase kufanele kutfutfwe inkambu, bo-Aroni nemadvodzana akhe kufanele bangene ekhatsi ethendeni lekukhontela, betfule lendvwangu lesembikwelibhokisi lesivumelwane, bese baliphutsa ngayo. Batawube sebaphindze balembonya ngesikhumba lesishukiwe selihhashi laselwandle, ngetulu bendlale indvwangu leluhlata njengesibhakabhaka, bafake timboko talo endzaweni yato. “Ngetulu kwelitafula lesinkhwa sekubekwa embikwaSimakadze kufanele bendlale indvwangu leluhlata njengesibhakabhaka, bese etikwalo babeka emapulede, netitja temphepho, netindishi, netindzebe temnikelo wekunatfwa; kufanele nesinkhwa sekubekwa embikwaSimakadze sihlale sikhona etikwalo. Etikwako konkhe loku kufanele bendlale indvwangu lebovu ngalokutopele, bese kumbonywa ngesikhumba lesishukiwe selihhashi laselwandle, bafake timboko talo endzaweni yato. “Bayawutsatsa indvwangu leluhlata njengesibhakabhaka baphutse lolutsi lwetibane tekukhanyisa, kanye netibane talo, nentsambo yalo, netijubantsambo, netitsebe, netindzebe temafutsa. Batakugocotela kanye naletintfo letihambisana nalo ngesikhumba lesishukiwe semahhashi aselwandle, bakufake eluhlakeni lwekwetfwala. “Etikwelilati legolide kufanele bendlale indvwangu leluhlata njengesibhakabhaka, bese bambonya loko ngesikhumba lesishukiwe semahhashi aselwandle, bafake timboko talo endzaweni yato. Kufanele batsatse tonkhe letintfo letisetjentiswa ekukhonteni endzaweni lengcwele, batigocote ngalendvwangu leluhlata njengesibhakabhaka, bakumbonye ngesikhumba semahhashi aselwandle, bese bakubeka eluhlakeni lwekwetfwala. Kufanele besuse umlotsa elatini lelitfusi, bese bendlala indvwangu lebukhwebeletane etikwalo. Bayawubeka etikwayo tonkhe titja letisetjentiswa enkonzweni yelilati: emakesi, netintsi tenyama, nemafosholo, nemigezelo yekunyenyeta, nato tonkhe titja taselatini. Etikwalo bese bendlala sikhumba lesishukiwe semahhashi aselwandle, bafake timboko talo endzaweni yato. Nase bacedzile bo-Aroni nemadvodzana akhe kumbonya indzawo lengcwele nato tonkhe timphahla tayo, nenkambu yonkhe seyilungele kusuka ihambe, emaKhohati kufanele kube ngiwo letfwalako, kodvwa angatitsintsi letintfo letingcwele, funa afe. “Ngito leto tintfo tasethendeni lekuhlangana letifanele kwetfwalwa ngemaKhohati. “Eleyazare, indvodzana ya-Aroni, umphristi, nguye lotawuphatsa emafutsa etibane, nemphepho lenuka kamnandzi, neminikelo yafutsi yalokutinhlavu, nemafutsa emgcobo, abe liso etikwalo lonkhe lithende lekukhontela nako konkhe lokukulo, ngisho etikwayo yonkhe indzawo lengcwele nako konkhe lokukuyo.” Simakadze wakhuluma kuboMosi na-Aroni, watsi: “Caphelani kutsi tinsendvo tesive semaKhohati tingapheli emkhatsini wemaLevi, kodvwa niwaphatse ngendlela yekutsi aphile angafi, nakasondzela eceleni kwetintfo letingcwelengcwele. Bo-Aroni nemadvodzana akhe kufanele bangene endzaweni lengcwele bawabele ngulowo nalowo inkonzo nemsebenti locondzene naye. Kodvwa emaKhohati akukafaneli kutsi angene abuke tintfo letingcwele ngisho nangesikhashana nje, funa afe.” Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Bala futsi emaGeshoni, lusendvo ngelusendvo nangemindeni yawo. Bala onkhe emadvodza kusukela kulasaneminyaka lengema-30 kuya kulengema-50 budzala lase bangena enkonzweni yekukhonta ethendeni lekuhlangana. Lena-ke yinkonzo yelusendvo lwemaGeshoni nabenta imisebenti yabo betfwala lemitfwalo: Batakwetfwala tindvwangu telithende lekukhontela, nelithende lekuhlangana, kanye netimbonyo talo letingetulu tesikhumba lesishukiwe semahhashi aselwandle, netindvwangu letisekungeneni kwelithende lekuhlangana, netindvwangu tesibuya, nendvwangu lesekungeneni kwesibuya lesitungeleta lithende lekukhontela nelilati, netintsambo tato, nato tonkhe timphahla letisetjentiswa ekukhonteni, babuye bente konkhe lokudzinga kwentiwa macondzana nato. Yonkhe inkonzo yemaGeshoni itakwentiwa ngekuyala kwa-Aroni nemadvodzana akhe, nako konkhe lokufanele bakwetfwale nalokufanele bakwente. Nine-ke nibone kutsi bakwenta konkhe yini labatjelwe kona. Lena-ke yinkonzo yelusendvo lwakaGeshoni ethendeni lekuhlangana, umsebenti batakuwenta ngaphansi kwesandla sa-Ithamari, indvodzana ya-Aroni, umphristi.” “Bala emaMerari, lusendvo ngelusendvo nangemindeni yawo. Bala bonkhe labadvuna kusukela kulabaneminyaka lengema-30 budzala kuya kulengema-50, laba lase bangena enkonzweni yekukhonta ethendeni lekuhlangana. Lena-ke ngimisebenti lekufanele bayente: kufanele betfwale tinsikabhaluko tendzawo lengcwele, nemakabha, netinsika kanye nemaseko ato, netinsika letitungeleta sibuya, nemaseko ato, netikhonkhwane telithende, netintsambo, nato tonkhe timphahla nalokunye lokuhambisana nako. Nguleyo naleyo ndvodza uyibhalise eceleni kwelibito laleyo mphahla lekufanele iyetfwale. Lena-ke yinkonzo yemindeni yemaMerari ethendeni lekuhlangana ngaphansi kwesandla sa-Ithamari, indvodzana ya-Aroni, umphristi.” BoMosi, na-Aroni, nebaholi besive babala emaKhohati, lusendvo ngelusendvo nangemindeni yawo. Onkhe emadvodza kusukela kulabeneminyaka lengema-30 budzala kuya kulengema-50, laba lase bangena enkonzweni yekukhonta ethendeni lekuhlangana, abalwa, lusendvo ngelusendvo, aba ti-2 750. Ngibo bonkhe-ke laba netinsendvo temaKhohati labebatawukhonta ethendeni lekuhlangana. Bo-Mosi na-Aroni bawabala njengekuyalwa kwaMosi nguSimakadze. EmaGeshoni abalwa, lusendvo ngelusendvo nangemindeni yawo. Onkhe emadvodza kusukela kulabeneminyaka lengema-30 budzala kuya kulengema-50, laba lase bangena enkonzweni yekukhonta ethendeni lekuhlangana, abalwa, lusendvo ngelusendvo nangemindeni yawo, aba ti-2 630. Ngibo bonkhe lababetinsendvo temaGeshoni lababekhonta ethendeni lekuhlangana. BoMosi na-Aroni bababala njengekuyalwa kwaMosi nguSimakadze. EmaMerari abalwa, lusendvo ngelusendvo nangemindeni yawo. Onkhe emadvodza kusukela kulabeneminyaka lengema-30 budzala kuya kulengema-50, laba lase bangena enkonzweni yekukhonta ethendeni lekuhlangana, abalwa, lusendvo ngelusendvo aba ti-3 200. Ngibo bonkhe-ke lababetinsendvo temaMerari. BoMosi na-Aroni bawabala njengekuyalwa kwaMosi nguSimakadze. Ngako boMosi, na-Aroni, nebaholi bema-Israyeli bawabala onkhe emaLevi, lusendvo ngelusendvo nangemindeni yawo. Asawonkhe emadvodza labeneminyaka lengema-30 budzala kuya kulengema-50, laba lase bangena enkonzweni yekukhonta ethendeni lekuhlangana, aba ti-8 580. Kwaya njengekuyalwa kwaMosi nguSimakadze kutsi ngulowo nalowo ente umsebenti wakhe lowawucondzene naye kutsi awente. Ngako-ke bonkhe babalwa njengobe Simakadze abeyale Mosi. Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Yala ema-Israyeli uwatjele kutsi wonkhe umuntfu lonesifo salokusabulephelo nome lonekuvuta nome kwaluphi luhlobo, nome longcole ngenca yesidvumbu latsintsene naso, akacoshwe akhishelwe ngephandle kwenkambu. Bonkhe bantfu labanjalo, lomdvuna nome lomsikati, kufanele bakhishelwe ngephandle kwenkambu, khona bangetikuyingcolisa lenkambu yabo lapho ngihleti khona emkhatsini wabo.” Ema-Israyeli awulalela lomyalo; abakhiphela ngephandle kwenkambu, njengobe Mosi abeyalwe nguSimakadze. Simakadze wachubeka wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Tjela ema-Israyeli utsi: ‘Nangabe indvodza nome umfati ona nome ngaluphi luhlobo lwekungetsembeki kuSimakadze, lowo muntfu uyawuba nelicala, ngako kufanele avume sono sakhe lasentile, bese ukhipha inhlawulo lephelele ngaloko kona kwakhe, engete incenye yako yesihlanu, ayinike lowo lamonile. Kodvwa nangabe lomuntfu asafile ate nesihlobo sakhe sengati lapho lenhlawulo ingakhishwa khona, uyawuyiletsa kuSimakadze ibe yemphristi, kuletfwe nesihhanca kutsi sibe yinhlawulo yekubuyisana leyentelwe yena lamonile. Yonkhe iminikelo lengcwele letsite leyawunikelwa ngema-Israyeli kuSimakadze iyawuba yalowo mphristi leyetfulwe kuye. Tonkhe tintfo latingcwelisile umuntfu tiyawuba takhe; konkhe umuntfu lakunike umphristi kuyawuba kwalowo mphristi.’ ” Simakadze wachubeka wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Tjela ema-Israyeli utsi: ‘Nangabe umfati wendvodza eduka ngekungetsembeki endvodzeni yakhe ngekulala nalenye indvodza, kodvwa loko kube kufihlakale emehlweni endvodza yakhe, nalesento singete satfolakala, kantsi vele sewutingcolisile, kubete nafakazi lomlahlako ngobe angakabanjwa elucotjeni, nangabe umoya wesikhwele ungena enhlitiyweni yendvodza yakhe imsole lomkayo kantsi vele ungcolile, nome-ke imsole kantsi akangcoli, lendvodza kufanele itsatse umkayo iye naye kumphristi. Kufanele iphatsele lomfati wayo umnikelo loyimphuphu yebhali lengemalitha langaba mabili. Kufanele ingawatseli emafutsa etikwayo nome ingayifaki nemphepho etikwayo, ngobe phela loko kungumnikelo walokutinhlavu lonikelelwa sikhwele. Lomnikelo wentelwe kutsi liciniso liphumele ebaleni. “ ‘Lomphristi utawusondzeta lomfati ammise embikwaSimakadze. Utawuchubeka atsele litsantana lemanti langcwele embiteni, bese ufaka kuwo litsantana lemhlabatsi wesiyilo salelithende lekukhontela. Utawutsi umphristi angemisa lomfati embikwaSimakadze, bese umtfukulula tinwele takhe afake etandleni talomfati umnikelo walokutinhlavu lekungewesikhumbuto sesikhwele, lomphristi utawube aphetse lamanti lababako laletsa sicalekiso. Lomphristi utawube sewufungisa lomfati ngekukhuluma lamavi atsi: “Nangabe kute indvodza lolele nayo, waphambuka, watingcolisa ngekuphinga kantsi usesesandleni salendvodza yakho, shangatsi lamanti esicalekiso angete akulimata. Kodvwa nangabe uphambukile usesesandleni salendvodza yakho watingcolisa ngekushenda nalenye indvodza,” bese umphristi ufungisa lomfati ngesicalekiso atsi kuye: “Shangatsi Simakadze angenta bantfu bakini bakucalekise, baphindze bakusole. Shangatsi angashwaphanisa ematsanga akho, akhukhumukise nesisu sakho. Shangatsi lamanti laletsa lesicalekiso angangena emtimbeni wakho khona atewukhukhumukisa lesisu sakho ashwaphanise nematsanga akho.” “ ‘Lomfati uyawuphendvula atsi: “Amen, akube njalo.” “ ‘Umphristi uyawube sewubhala leticalekiso encwadzini legocotwako, aphindze lombhalo awugezele kulamanti lababako lasembiteni. Utawube sewunatsisa lomfati lamanti lababako laletsa sicalekiso; lamanti esicalekiso atawutsi angangena kuye avete buhlungu lobesabekako. Umphristi utawutsatsa lomnikelo walokutinhlavu wesikhwele etandleni talomfati awujikitise embikwaSimakadze, bese uwubeka etikwelilati. Umphristi utawube sewutsatsa lelibinta lemnikelo walokutinhlavu wemphuphu kube ngumnikelo wesikhumbuto, awushise elatini; emvakwaloko-ke, sanganatsisa lomfati lamanti. Nangabe lomfati utingcolisile wangete wetsembeka endvodzeni yakhe, waphinga nalenye indvodza, lamanti esicalekiso lanatsiswe wona ngumphristi atawutsi angangena kuye amvetele buhlungu lobukhulu: abe nebunyumba, abe nesinye lesikhipha tisu, abe sicalekiso emkhatsini wesive sakubo. Kodvwa nangabe lomfati angakatingcolisi angenacala, angeke alimale, kantsi futsi utawuchubeka atale bantfwana. “ ‘Lona-ke ngumtsetfo locondzene nesikhwele, nangabe umfati aphambukile watingcolisa ngekulala nalenye indvodza, asesesandleni sendvodza yakhe, nome-ke nangabe lendvodza ifikelwa ngumoya wesikhwele, ngobe imsola lomkayo. Iyawummikisa embikwaSimakadze, bese umphristi ufeza wonkhe lomtsetfo kuye lomfati. Indvodza ingeke ibe nelicala ngaloko, kodvwa umfati uyawutetfwalela licala lakhe.’ ” Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Tjela sive sema-Israyeli utsi: ‘Nome ngubani lomdvuna nome lomsikati, loyakwenta setsembiso sekuba ngumNaziri ngekutehlukanisela Simakadze, uyakwehlukana neliwayini netjwala. Akasayikuyinatsa iviniga leyentiwe ngeliwayini nome-ke nganguluphi luhlobo lwetjwala. Akukafaneli anatse nesinatfo semagelebisi, angasawadli ngisho nemagelebisi nome ngulomisiwe nome ngulamanti. Ngaso sonkhe sikhatsi sakhe sekutehlukanisela Simakadze akayikudla lutfo loluvela esihlahleni semvini, ngisho nenhlanyelo nome sikhumba semagelebisi. “ ‘Ngaso sonkhe leso sikhatsi sakhe sekutehlukanisela Simakadze, akayikutihhula tinwele takhe. Uboshwe sifungo sakhe sekutidzela atinikele kuSimakadze ngalokuphelele abe ngulongcwele kuSimakadze; uyawutiyekela tonkhe tinwele takhe tikhule tibe tindze. Ngawo onkhe lawo malanga layawube atehlukanisela ngawo Simakadze akayiwusondzela edvute nesidvumbu, nome kunguyise, nome kungunina, nome kungumnakabo, nome kungudzadzewabo, nakwenteka bafa, akafaneli kutingcolisa ngaloko, ngobe umgcobo wekutehlukanisela Nkulunkulu uyawube usesetikwenhloko yakhe. Ngaso sonkhe sikhatsi sekutehlukanisela uyawuba ngcwele kuSimakadze. “ ‘Nangabe umuntfu afa ngekutumeka eceleni kwakhe, ngaloko kungcole tinwele takhe lasanikele ngato, uyawuhhula inhloko yakhe ngelilanga lekuhlanjululwa kwakhe, lekulilanga lesikhombisa. Kuyawutsi ngelilanga lesiphohlongo uyawuletsa ematuba lamabili nome emavukutfu lamancane lamabili kumphristi amnyango welithende lekuhlangana. Umphristi-ke uyawunikela linye libe ngumnikelo wesono, lelinye libe lemnikelo wekushiswa, amentele inhlawulo yekubuyisana, ngobe wonile ngenca yaleso sidvumbu. UmNaziri uyawutehlukanisela inhloko yakhe ngalona lelo langa lekuhlanjululwa, atehlukanisele Simakadze ngawo onkhe lawo malanga ekutehlukanisela kwakhe, aletse lizinyane lemvu lelidvuna lelinemnyaka munye budzala libe lemnikelo welicala; noko sikhatsi sekucala asiyikubalwa, ngobe kutehlukanisela kwakhe kwangcoliseka. “ ‘Lona-ke ngumtsetfo wemNaziri, nasekuphele sikhatsi sakhe sekutehlukanisela: Uyawuletfwa embikwemnyango welithende lekuhlangana, bese unikela ngesipho sakhe kuSimakadze: lizinyane lemvu lelidvuna lelinemnyaka munye budzala, lingabi nasici, libe lemnikelo wekushiswa, nelizinyane lemvu lelisikati lelinemnyaka munye budzala, lelingenasici, libe lemnikelo wesono, nesihhanca sinye lesingenasici, sibe ngumnikelo wekuthula. Uyawunikela nangelibhasikidi linye letinkhwa letingenambiliso, nangemacebelengwane lentiwe ngafulaha lobhicwe nemafutsa emncumo, nangemicatsane legcotjiswe ngemafutsa emncumo, bese wengeta nangemnikelo wakhe walokutinhlavu neweliwayini. “ ‘Umphristi-ke uyakukuletsa embikwaSimakadze, anikele ngemnikelo wesono nangemnikelo wekushiswa, anikele nangalesihhanca sibe ngumhlatjelo wemnikelo wekuthula kuSimakadze, kanye nalelibhasikidi letinkhwa letingenambiliso; umphristi uyawunikela nemnikelo walokutinhlavu newekunatfwa. LomNaziri-ke uyawube sewuyatihhula tinwele takhe enhloko yakhe ahhulele emnyango welithende lekuhlangana, atsatse letinwele tenhloko yakhe lengcwele atifake emlilweni longaphansi kwemnikelo wekuthula. “ ‘Umphristi uyawutsatsa siphanga lesibilisiwe sesihhanca, asibhice nelicebelengwane linye lelingenambiliso lelisebhasikidini nemcatsane munye, awubeke etandleni temNaziri, nase acedze kuhhula tinwele tekutehlukanisela. Umphristi uyakukujikitisa, ente umnikelo wekujikitiswa embikwaSimakadze; kusabelo lesingcwele semphristi kanye nemnikelo wemganga lojikitiswako, nemlente lonikelwe. Emvakwaloko-ke lomNaziri sekangalinatsa liwayini. Lona-ke ngumtsetfo wemNaziri lowenta sifungo. Umnikelo wakhe kuSimakadze uyakuya njengekwetsembisa kwakhe njengemNaziri ngetulu kwaloko langakhona kunikela ngako. Kufanele agcwalise sifungo sakhe lasentile njengekwemtsetfo wemNaziri.’ ” Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Shano ku-Aroni nakumadvodzana akhe utsi sive saka-Israyeli niyawusibusisa kanjena: “ ‘Shangatsi Simakadze angakubusisa akugcine. Shangatsi Simakadze angakhanyisa buso bakhe kuwe, abe nemusa kuwe. Shangatsi Simakadze angaphakamisela buso bakhe ngakuwe, akuphe nekuthula.’ “Bayawulibita kanjalo-ke libito lami kuso sive saka-Israyeli, mine-ke ngiyawusibusisa.” Watsi kube Mosi acedze kumisa lithende lekukhontela, waligcoba ngemafutsa, walinikela kanye nato tonkhe timphahla letihambisana nalo. Waphindze wagcoba lilati nato tonkhe titja talo. Baholi lababetinhloko tetive tema-Israyeli labo lababephetse nakwentiwa lubalo, baletsa iminikelo. Baletsa iminikelo yabo kuSimakadze: tincola letisitfupha letimbonyiwe, netinkhabi letili-12, incola iyinye yayiphuma kubaholi lababili, inkhabi iyinye yayiphuma kumholi munye; konkhe loku bakunikela embikwelithende lekukhontela. Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi watsi: “Yemukele leminikelo, khona itawusetjentiswa ethendeni lekuhlangana. Yinike emaLevi njengekwesidzingo salowo nalowo muntfu emsebentini wakhe.” Ngako Mosi watsatsa letincola naletinkhabi wakunika emaLevi. EmaGeshoni wawanika tincola letimbili netinkhabi letine njengekwesidzingo semsebenti wawo; kwatsi emaMerari wawanika tincola letine netinkhabi letisiphohlongo njengekwesidzingo semsebenti wawo. Onkhe abeholwa ngu-Ithamari, indvodzana ya-Aroni, umphristi. Kodvwa Mosi akawanikanga lutfo emaKhohati, ngobe phela wona bekufanele letintfo letingcwele atetfwale emahlombe awo. Latsi kube lelilati ligcotjwe ngemafutsa, baholi baletsa iminikelo yabo yekulinikela, bayibeka embikwalo. Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Akunikele umholi munye ngelilanga linye, aletse lowo mnikelo wakhe wekunikelwa kwelilati.” Lowaletsa umnikelo wakakhe ngelilanga lekucala kwaba nguNasoni, umsa wa-Aminadabi, wesive sakaJuda. Umnikelo wakhe kwakulipulede lesiliva lelalinesisindvo lesasingaba yikhilogremu nencenye, nendishi yesiliva yekunyenyeta lenesisindvo lesasingemagremu labengaba ngema-800, kokubili kwaya ngekwesilinganiso lesisemtsetfweni, kokubili kwakugcwele fulaha abhicwe nemafutsa, kutsi kutewuba ngumnikelo walokutinhlavu; ingwembe yegolide lenesisindvo lesasingemagremu labengaba li-110, igcwele imphepho; inkunzana, nesihhanca, nelizinyane lemvu lelidvuna lelinemnyaka munye budzala, kwaba kwemnikelo wekushiswa; siphongo semnikelo wesono; tinkunzana letimbili, netihhanca letisihlanu, netiphongo letisihlanu, nemazinyane lamadvuna etimvu lasihlanu lanemnyaka munye budzala, kutsi kutewuba ngumnikelo wekuthula. Kwaba ngulowo-ke umnikelo waNasoni, umsa wa-Aminadabi. Ngelilanga lesibili Nethaneli, umsa waSuwari, umholi wesive saka-Isakhari, waletsa umnikelo wakakhe. Umnikelo wakhe kwakulipulede lesiliva lelalinesisindvo lesasingaba yikhilogremu nencenye, nendishi yesiliva yekunyenyeta lenesisindvo lesasingemagremu labengaba ngema-800, kokubili kwaya ngekwesilinganiso lesisemtsetfweni, kokubili kwakugcwele fulaha abhicwe nemafutsa, kutsi kutewuba ngumnikelo walokutinhlavu; ingwembe yegolide lenesisindvo lesasingemagremu labengaba li-110, igcwele imphepho; inkunzana, nesihhanca, nelizinyane lemvu lelidvuna lelinemnyaka munye budzala, konkhe kwaba kwemnikelo wekushiswa; siphongo semnikelo wesono; tinkunzana letimbili, netihhanca letisihlanu, netiphongo letisihlanu, nemazinyane lamadvuna etimvu lasihlanu lanemnyaka munye budzala, kutsi kutewuba kwemnikelo wekuthula. Kwaba ngulowo-ke umnikelo waNethaneli, umsa waSuwari. Ngelilanga lesitsatfu Eliyabe, umsa waHeloni, umholi wesive sakaZebuloni, waletsa umnikelo wakakhe. Umnikelo wakhe kwakulipulede lesiliva lelalinesisindvo lesasingaba yikhilogremu nencenye, nendishi yesiliva yekunyenyeta lenesisindvo lesasingemagremu labengaba ngema-800, kokubili kwaya ngekwesilinganiso lesisemtsetfweni, kokubili kwakugcwele fulaha abhicwe nemafutsa, kutsi kutewuba ngumnikelo walokutinhlavu; ingwembe yegolide lenesisindvo lesasingemagremu labengaba li-110; igcwele imphepho; inkunzana, nesihhanca, nelizinyane lemvu lelidvuna lelinemnyaka munye budzala, kwaba kwemnikelo wekushiswa; siphongo semnikelo wesono; tinkunzana letimbili, netihhanca letisihlanu, netiphongo letisihlanu, nemazinyane lamadvuna etimvu lasihlanu lanemnyaka munye budzala, kutsi kutewuba ngumnikelo wekuthula. Kwaba ngulowo-ke umnikelo wa-Eliyabe, umsa waHeloni. Ngelilanga lesine Elisuri, umsa waShedewuri, umholi wesive sakaRubeni, waletsa umnikelo wakakhe. Umnikelo wakhe kwakulipulede lesiliva lelalinesisindvo lesasingaba yikhilogremu nencenye, nendishi yesiliva yekunyenyeta lenesisindvo lesasingemagremu labengaba ngema-800, kokubili kwaya ngekwesilinganiso lesisemtsetfweni, kokubili kwakugcwele fulaha abhicwe nemafutsa, kutsi kutewuba ngumnikelo walokutinhlavu; ingwembe yegolide lenesisindvo lesasingemagremu labengaba li-110, igcwele imphepho; inkunzana, nesihhanca, nelizinyane lemvu lelidvuna lelinemnyaka munye budzala, kwaba kwemnikelo wekushiswa; siphongo semnikelo wesono; tinkunzana letimbili, netihhanca letisihlanu, netiphongo letisihlanu, nemazinyane lamadvuna etimvu lasihlanu lanemnyaka munye budzala, kutsi kutewuba ngumnikelo wekuthula. Kwaba ngulowo-ke umnikelo wa-Elisuri, umsa waShedewuri. Ngelilanga lesihlanu Shelumiyeli, umsa waSurishadayi, umholi wesive sakaSimeyoni, waletsa umnikelo wakakhe. Umnikelo wakhe kwakulipulede lesiliva lelinesisindvo lesasingaba yikhilogremu nencenye, nendishi yesiliva yekunyenyeta lenesisindvo lesasingemagremu labengaba ngema-800, kokubili kwaya ngekwesilinganiso lesisemtsetfweni; kokubili kwakugcwele fulaha abhicwe nemafutsa, kutsi kutewuba ngumnikelo walokutinhlavu; ingwembe yegolide lenesisindvo lesasingemagremu labengaba li-110 igcwele imphepho; inkunzana, nesihhanca, nelizinyane lemvu lelidvuna lelinemnyaka munye budzala, kwaba kwemnikelo wekushiswa; siphongo semnikelo wesono; tinkunzana letimbili, netihhanca letisihlanu, netiphongo letisihlanu, nemazinyane lamadvuna etimvu lasihlanu lanemnyaka munye budzala, kutsi kutewuba ngumnikelo wekuthula. Kwaba ngulowo-ke umnikelo waShelumiyeli, umsa waSurishadayi. Ngelilanga lesitfupha Eliyasafa, umsa waDehuweli, umholi wesive sakaGadi, waletsa umnikelo wakakhe. Umnikelo wakhe kwakulipulede lesiliva lelinesisindvo lesasingaba yikhilogremu nencenye, nendishi yesiliva yekunyenyeta lenesisindvo lesasingemagremu labengaba ngema-800, kokubili kwaya ngekwesilinganiso lesisemtsetfweni, kokubili kwakugcwele fulaha abhicwe nemafutsa, kutsi kutewuba ngumnikelo walokutinhlavu; ingwembe yegolide lenesisindvo lesasingemagremu labengaba li-110, igcwele imphepho; inkunzana, nesihhanca, nelizinyane lemvu lelidvuna lelinemnyaka munye budzala, kwaba kwemnikelo wekushiswa; siphongo semnikelo wesono; tinkunzana letimbili, netihhanca letisihlanu, netiphongo letisihlanu, nemazinyane lamadvuna etimvu lasihlanu lanemnyaka munye budzala, kutsi kutewuba ngumnikelo wekuthula. Kwaba ngulowo-ke umnikelo wa-Eliyasafa, umsa waDehuweli. Ngelilanga lesikhombisa Elishama, umsa wa-Amihudi, umholi wesive saka-Efrayimu, waletsa umnikelo wakakhe. Umnikelo wakhe kwakulipulede lesiliva lelinesisindvo lesasingaba yikhilogremu nencenye, nendishi yesiliva yekunyenyeta lenesisindvo lesasingemagremu labengaba ngema-800, kokubili kwaya ngekwesilinganiso lesisemtsetfweni, kokubili kwakugcwele fulaha abhicwe nemafutsa, kutsi kutewuba ngumnikelo walokutinhlavu; ingwembe yegolide lenesisindvo lesasingemagremu labengaba li-110, igcwele imphepho; inkunzana, nesihhanca, nelizinyane lemvu lelidvuna lelinemnyaka munye budzala, kwaba kwemnikelo wekushiswa; siphongo semnikelo wesono; tinkunzana letimbili, netihhanca letisihlanu, netiphongo letisihlanu, nemazinyane lamadvuna etimvu lasihlanu lanemnyaka munye budzala, kutsi kutewuba ngumnikelo wekuthula. Kwaba ngulowo-ke umnikelo wa-Elishama, umsa wa-Amihudi. Ngelilanga lesiphohlongo Gamaliyeli, umsa Phedasuri, umholi wesive sakaManase, waletsa umnikelo wakakhe. Umnikelo wakhe kwakulipulede lesiliva lelinesisindvo lesasingaba yikhilogremu nencenye, nendishi yesiliva yekunyenyeta lenesisindvo lesasingemagremu labengaba ngema-800, kokubili kwaya ngekwesilinganiso lesisemtsetfweni, kokubili kwakugcwele fulaha abhicwe nemafutsa, kutsi kutewuba ngumnikelo walokutinhlavu; ingwembe yegolide lenesisindvo lesasingemagremu labengaba li-110, igcwele imphepho, inkunzana, nesihhanca, nelizinyane lemvu lelidvuna lelinemnyaka munye budzala, kwaba kwemnikelo wekushiswa; siphongo semnikelo wesono; tinkunzana letimbili, netihhanca letisihlanu, netiphongo letisihlanu, nemazinyane lamadvuna etimvu lasihlanu lanemnyaka munye budzala, kutsi kutewuba ngumnikelo wekuthula. Kwaba ngulowo-ke umnikelo waGamaliyeli, umsa waPhedasuri. Ngelilanga lemfica Abidani, umsa waGideyoni, umholi wesive sakaBhenjamini, waletsa umnikelo wakakhe. Umnikelo wakhe kwakulipulede lesiliva lelinesisindvo lesasingaba yikhilogremu nencenye, nendishi yesiliva yekunyenyeta lenesisindvo lesasingemagremu labengaba ngema-800, kokubili kwaya ngekwesilinganiso lesisemtsetfweni; kokubili kwakugcwele fulaha abhicwe nemafutsa, kutsi kutewuba ngumnikelo walokutinhlavu; ingwembe yegolide lenesisindvo lesasingemagremu labengaba li-110, igcwele imphepho; inkunzana, nesihhanca, nelizinyane lemvu lelidvuna lelinemnyaka munye budzala, kwaba kwemnikelo wekushiswa; siphongo semnikelo wesono; tinkunzana letimbili, netihhanca letisihlanu, netiphongo letisihlanu, nemazinyane lamadvuna etimvu lasihlanu lanemnyaka munye budzala, kutsi kutewuba ngumnikelo wekuthula. Kwaba ngulowo-ke umnikelo wa-Abidani, umsa waGideyoni. Ngelilanga lelishumi Ahiyezeri, umsa wa-Amishadayi, umholi wesive sakaDani, waletsa umnikelo wakakhe. Umnikelo wakhe kwakulipulede lesiliva lelinesisindvo lesasingaba yikhilogremu nencenye, nendishi yesiliva yekunyenyeta lenesisindvo lesasingemagremu labengaba ngema-800, kokubili kwaya ngekwesilinganiso lesisemtsetfweni, kokubili kwakugcwele fulaha abhicwe nemafutsa, kutsi kutewuba ngumnikelo walokutinhlavu; ingwembe yegolide lenesisindvo lesasingemagremu labengaba li-110, igcwele imphepho; inkunzana, nesihhanca, nelizinyane lemvu lelidvuna lelinemnyaka munye budzala, kwaba ngumnikelo wekushiswa; siphongo semnikelo wesono; tinkunzana letimbili, netihhanca letisihlanu, netiphongo letisihlanu, nemazinyane lamadvuna etimvu lasihlanu lanemnyaka munye budzala, kutsi kutewuba ngumnikelo wekuthula. Kwaba ngulowo-ke umnikelo wa-Ahiyezeri, umsa wa-Amishadayi. Ngelilanga leli-11 Phagiyeli, umsa wa-Okrani, umholi wesive saka-Asheri, waletsa umnikelo wakakhe. Umnikelo wakhe kwakulipulede lesiliva lelinesisindvo lesasingaba yikhilogremu nencenye, nendishi yesiliva yekunyenyeta lenesisindvo lesasingemagremu labengaba ngema-800, kokubili kwaya ngekwesilinganiso lesisemtsetfweni, kokubili kwakugcwele fulaha abhicwe nemafutsa, kutsi kutewuba ngumnikelo walokutinhlavu; ingwembe yegolide lenesisindvo lesasingemagremu labengaba li-110, igcwele imphepho; inkunzana, nesihhanca, nelizinyane lemvu lelidvuna lelinemnyaka budzala, kwaba kwemnikelo wekushiswa; siphongo semnikelo wesono; tinkunzana letimbili, netihhanca letisihlanu, netiphongo letisihlanu, nemazinyane lamadvuna etimvu lasihlanu lanemnyaka munye budzala, kutsi kutewuba ngumnikelo wekuthula. Kwaba ngulowo-ke umnikelo waPhagiyeli, umsa wa-Okrani. Ngelilanga leli-12 Ahira, umsa wa-Enani, umholi wesive sakaNaftali, waletsa umnikelo wakakhe. Umnikelo wakhe kwakulipulede lesiliva lelinesisindvo lesasingaba yikhilogremu nencenye, nendishi yesiliva yekunyenyeta lenesisindvo lesasingemagremu labengaba ngema-800, kokubili kwaya ngekwesilinganiso lesisemtsetfweni, kokubili kwakugcwele fulaha abhicwe nemafutsa, kutsi kutewuba ngumnikelo walokutinhlavu; ingwembe yegolide lenesisindvo lesasingemagremu labengaba li-110, igcwele imphepho; inkunzana, nesihhanca, nelizinyane lemvu lelidvuna lelinemnyaka munye budzala, kwaba kwemnikelo wekushiswa; siphongo semnikelo wesono; tinkunzana letimbili, netihhanca letisihlanu, netiphongo letisihlanu, nemazinyane lamadvuna etimvu lasihlanu, lanemnyaka munye budzala, kutsi kutewuba ngumnikelo wekuthula. Kwaba ngulowo-ke umnikelo wa-Ahira, umsa wa-Enani. Lena-ke ngiminikelo yebaholi besive saka-Israyeli yekunikela lilati nase ligcotjwe ngemafutsa, seyiyonkhe yema kanje: emapulede esiliva labeli-12, netindishi tesiliva tekunyenyeta letili-12, netingwembe tegolide letili-12. Ngulelo nalelo pulede lalinesisindvo lesasingaba yikhilogremu nencenye, nguleyo naleyo ndishi yesiliva yekunyenyeta yayinesisindvo lesasingemagremu labengaba ngema-800. Setitonkhe tindishi tesiliva tatinesisindvo lesasingemakhilogremu labengaba ngema-28 ngekwesilinganiso lesisemtsetfweni. Letingwembe tegolide letili-12 iyinye igcwele imphepho yayinesisindvo lesasingemagremu labengaba li-110, ngekwesilinganiso lesisemtsetfweni. Setitonkhe letingwembe tegolide tatinesisindvo lesasingaba yikhilogremu nemagremu langema-320. Setitonkhe tifuyo letatitawushiswa kulomnikelo kwaba tinkunzana letili-12, netihhanca letili-12, nemazinyane etimvu lamadvuna lali-12 lanemnyaka munye budzala, kanye neminikelo yalokutinhlavu. Kwasetjentiswa tiphongo letili-12 emnikelweni wesono. Setitonkhe tifuyo temhlatjelo wemnikelo wekuthula kwaba tinkunzana letingema-24, netihhanca letingema-60, netiphongo letingema-60, nemazinyane etimvu lamadvuna langema-60 lanemnyaka munye budzala. Konkhe loko kwakukwemnikelo wekunikelwa kwelilati nase ligcotjwe ngemafutsa. Ngesikhatsi Mosi angena ethendeni lekuhlangana kuyawukhuluma naSimakadze, weva livi likhuluma naye liphuma esihlalweni semusa lesasisetikwelibhokisi lesivumelwane emkhatsini wemakherubhi lamabili. Bakhulumisana. Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Tjela Aroni utsi: ‘Ngesikhatsi ulumeka letibane letisikhombisa, kufanele tikhanyise lendzawo lesembikwelutsi lwetibane.’ ” Aroni wavele wakwenta loko; wemisa letibane, takhanyisa lendzawo lesembikwelutsi lwetibane, njengobe Simakadze abeshito kuMosi. Lolutsi lwalwakhiwe ngegolide legcotjiwe, kusukela esibunu salo kuze kube ngusetimbalini talo. Lolutsi lwalwakhiwe ncamashi ngendlela Mosi labeyilayelwe nguNkulunkulu. Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Yehlukanisa emaLevi emkhatsini wesive sema-Israyeli, bese uyawahlambulula. Kufanele uwahlambulule kanje: Wafafate ngemanti ekuhlambulula, bese ahhula wonkhe umtimba, ageze timphahla tawo, atawube asayahlanteka. Akatsatse inkunzana nemnikelo wayo walokutinhlavu kwafulaha lobhicwe nemafutsa, bese utsatsa inkunzana yesibili letawuba yemnikelo wesono. Uyakwetfula emaLevi embikwelithende lekuhlangana, bese uhlanganisa sonkhe sive sema-Israyeli. Uyakwetfula lamaLevi kuSimakadze, bese sive sema-Israyeli sibeka tandla taso etikwawo. Aroni uyawube sewetfula lamaLevi kuSimakadze abe ngumnikelo wekujikitiswa wesive sema-Israyeli, kuze alungele kwenta umsebenti waSimakadze. EmaLevi atawutsi angabeka tandla tawo etinhloko taletinkunzana, wena-ke bese unikela lenye ibe ngumnikelo wesono, lena lenye ibe ngumnikelo wekushiswa kuSimakadze kutekwenta inhlawulo yekubuyisana kwemaLevi naSimakadze. “LamaLevi uyakuwemisa embikwabo-Aroni nemadvodzana akhe, bese uyawetfula njengemnikelo wekujikisiswa kuSimakadze. Uyakuwehlukanisa kanjalo-ke emaLevi emkhatsini wesive sema-Israyeli; lamaLevi atawuba ngewami. Emvakwaloko-ke emaLevi ayawungena ayekwenta inkonzo yawo ethendeni lekuhlangana, nase uwahlambululile wawetfula njengemnikelo wekujikitiswa. Bona bangema-Israyeli lekufanele nginikwe wona ngalokuphelele. Ngititsatsele wona kutsi abe ngewami esikhundleni sematubulo onkhe latalwa ngiso sonkhe sive sema-Israyeli. Onkhe ematubulo lamadvuna esive sema-Israyeli, ebantfu nome etilwane ngewami. Ngesikhatsi ngibulala onkhe ematubulo eGibhithe ngatehlukanisela wona. Ngititsatsele emaLevi esikhundleni sawo onkhe ematubulo esive saka-Israyeli. Emkhatsini waso sonkhe sive sema-Israyeli emaLevi ngiwaphe bo-Aroni nemadvodzana akhe kutsi abe tipho tabo, ente inkonzo ethendeni lekuhlangana egameni lesive sonkhe sema-Israyeli nekutsi asentele inhlawulo yekubuyisana sitewuvikeleka esijezisweni lesingahle sisehlele, nakwenteka sisondzela endzaweni lengcwele.” Ngako-ke boMosi, na-Aroni, nesive sonkhe sema-Israyeli bavele bakwenta konkhe loko kumaLevi; bakwenta kuwo njengobe Simakadze abeyale Mosi. EmaLevi atihlambulula, ageza netimphahla tawo. Aroni wawetfula aba ngumnikelo wekujikitiswa kuSimakadze, wawentela nenhlawulo yekubuyisana, wawahlambulula. Emvakwaloko emaLevi eta kutakwenta umsebenti wawo ethendeni lekuhlangana ngephansi kwa-Aroni nemadvodzana akhe. Bakwenta kumaLevi konkhe loko Simakadze abeyale Mosi macondzana nawo. Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Nangu umtsetfo locondzene nemaLevi: Onkhe emaLevi kusukela eminyakeni lengema-25 budzala kuye etulu ayakuyingenela lenkonzo yawo ethendeni lekuhlangana, kodvwa kusukela eminyakeni lengema-50 budzala ayawutsatsa umhlalaphansi, angabe asasebenta, kodvwa noko angasita labanakabo ekwenteni inkonzo yelithende lekuhlangana. Wona ngekwawo akufanele ayente leyo nkonzo. Uyakwenta njalo-ke, nawunika emaLevi inkonzo yawo.” Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi eHlane laseSinayi ngenyanga yekucala, emnyakeni wesibili kusukela ema-Israyeli aphuma eGibhithe, watsi: “Ema-Israyeli akagubhe uMkhosi weliPhasika ngaleso sikhatsi lesimisiwe. Akaligubhe ngaleso sikhatsi lesimisiwe, kusihlwa ngelilanga leli-14 kuyo lenyanga; kulandzelwe yonkhe leyo mitsetfo nemiyalo lemacondzana nalo.” Ngako Mosi watjela sive sema-Israyeli kutsi akagubhe umkhosi weliPhasika; avele akwenta loko eHlane laseSinayi kusihlwa ngelilanga leli-14 enyangeni yekucala. Ema-Israyeli akwenta konkhe loko njengobe Simakadze abeyale Mosi. Noko labanye babo abazange bawugubhe lomkhosi, ngobe babengcolile ngekwemtsetfo, ngekutsi babetsintse sidvumbu. Ngako beta kuMosi na-Aroni ngalo lelo langa bafike batsi: “Sesingcolile ngenca yekutsintsa sidvumbu, kodvwa kuya ngani kutsi tsine sikhishwe sivinjelwe kutsi siletse umnikelo waSimakadze kanye nalamanye ema-Israyeli ngaleso sikhatsi lesesimisiwe?” Mosi wabaphendvula watsi: “Ase nime, ngize ngitfole umyalo waSimakadze ngani.” Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Tjela ema-Israyeli utsi: ‘Nangabe lomunye wenu nome wetitukulwane tenu angcole ngenca yekutsintsa sidvumbu nome aseluhambeni khashane, kodvwa noko angaligubha lelo Phasika laSimakadze. Kufanele bona baligubhe ngelilanga leli-14 enyangeni yesibili kusihlwa. Kufanele baligubhe ngekudla lizinyane lemvu, nesinkhwa lesite imbiliso kanye netibhidvo letibabako. Kufanele kubete labakushiyela likusasa, kantsi nematsambo alo bangawephuli. Nabagubha loMkhosi weliPhasika, kufanele bayente yonkhe imitsetfo yalo. Kodvwa nakwenteka lomunye ayekela kuwugubha loMkhosi weliPhasika, kantsi akasiye longcolile ngekwemtsetfo futsi akekho ekuhambeni, lowo muntfu uyawuncunywa esiveni sakubo, ngobe phela akawuletsi umnikelo waSimakadze ngaleso sikhatsi lesijutjiwe. Lowo muntfu uyawulitfwala lelo cala lesono sakhe. “ ‘Umuntfu wetive lohlala emkhatsini wenu lofuna kuwugubha loMkhosi weliPhasika, naye angachubeka awugubhe alandzele leyo mitsetfo nemiyalo. Niyawuba nayo yona leyo mitsetfo kubetive nakubemdzabu.’ ” Ngelilanga lekumiswa kwelithende lekukhontela, lifu lalimbonya. Kusukela kusihlwa kwaze kwaba ngusekuseni lelifu lelalisetikwelithende lekukhontela, lalifanana nemlilo. Lalivamise kwenta njalo nje ngekutsi lelifu lilimbonye, bese kutsi ebusuku lifanane nemlilo. Kwakutsi nangabe lifu liphakama etikwelithende, ema-Israyeli atfutse, litsi lapho lima khona, ema-Israyeli nawo emise khona. Ema-Israyeli abetfutsa ngekuyalwa nguSimakadze, ngalokufananako abemisa nase kusho Simakadze. Babengatfutsi kuleyo nkambu, nangabe lelifu seloku lisetikwelithende lekukhontela. Nangabe lelifu lihleti etikwelithende lekukhontela emalanga lamanyenti, ema-Israyeli abelalela umyalo waSimakadze, angatfutsi. Ngaletinye tikhatsi lelifu lalike libesetikwelithende lekukhontela emalanga lambalwa; abetsi Simakadze angawatjela kutsi akeme, bese ayemisa atsi angawatjela kutsi akahambe, vele atfutse. Ngaletinye tikhatsi lelifu lalihlala etikwelithende kusukela kusihlwa kuze kube ngusekuseni, litsi lingaphakama ekuseni, batfutse futsi. Babechubeka bahambe nase kuphakeme lelifu nome ngusemini nome ngusebusuku. Kwakutsi lelifu nalihleti etikwalelithende lekukhontela emalanga lamabili nome inyanga nome umnyaka, ema-Israyeli abechubeka kuhlala lapho, angatfutsi; kodvwa lalitsi lingaphakama, nawo vele atfutse. Simakadze abetsi angawatjela kutsi akeme, nawo eme, atsi angawatjela kutsi akahambe vele nawo ahambe, alalela umyalo waSimakadze ngesandla saMosi. Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Yakha emacilongo lamabili esiliva legcotjiwe; lamacilongo ayawusetjentiswa ekubiteni sive nasekudzilitweni kwemathende nase kutfutfwa. Nakushaywa lamacilongo lamabili, sive sonkhe siyawubutsana kuwe ekungeneni kwelithende lekuhlangana. Kodvwa nakukhala linye licilongo kuphela, kuyawubutsana kuwe baholi bodvwa, lekungutona tinhloko tetive tema-Israyeli. Licilongo nalikhala tikhawu letimfisha kwekucala, tonkhe tive letingasemphumalanga tiyawuphuma tihambe. Licilongo nalikhala tikhawu letimfisha kwesibili, tonkhe tive letingaseningizimu tiyawuphuma tihambe. Ngako-ke emathende ayawudzilitwa, nangabe licilongo likhala tikhawu letimfisha, kodvwa nangabe kubitwa sive sonkhe, liyawukhala tikhawu letindze. Lamacilongo ayawushaywa ngemadvodzana a-Aroni, baphristi. “Lomyalo uyakwentiwa sive sema-Israyeli kuto tonkhe titukulwane. Naniyakulwa imphi eveni lenu nihlaselwa titsa tinivimbetela, niyawukhalisa licilongo ngetikhawu tekuhlaba inyandzaleyo. Mine, Simakadze, Nkulunkulu wenu ngiyakunikhumbula nginisite, bese ngiyanephula etitseni tenu. Nangemikhosi yenu yekujabula, ngemkhosi wekwetfwasa kwenyanga lensha nangaleminye imikhosi yekukhonta, niyawushaya emacilongo, nanetfula iminikelo yenu yekushiswa neminikelo yenu yekuthula lenguyona iyawuba sikhumbuto senu embikwaNkulunkulu wenu. Mine nginguSimakadze Nkulunkulu wenu.” Mhlazana tingema-20, enyangeni yesibili, emnyakeni wesibili, lifu lelalisetikwelithende lesivumelwane laphakama. Sive sema-Israyeli satfutsa eHlane laseSinayi, siphuma ngeticheme taso. Lifu lahamba laze layakuma eHlane lasePharani. Babecala kutfutsa bayalwa nguSimakadze ngemlomo waMosi. Ticheme tesive sakaJuda tatfutsa kucala ngetigaba taso ngaphansi kwesiboniso sebuve baso. Umholi wato bekunguNasoni, umsa wa-Aminadabi. Umholi wesicheme sesive saka-Isakhari bekunguNethaneli, umsa waSuwari. Umholi wesicheme sesive sakaZebuloni bekungu-Eliyabe, umsa waHeloni. Kwase kufutwa lelithende lekukhontela, emadvodzana akaGeshoni newakaMerari labenguwona etfwala lithende, aphuma ahamba. Kwase kulandzela ticheme tesive sakaRubeni ngetigaba taso ngaphansi kwesiboniso sebuve baso. Umholi waso bekungu-Elisuri, umsa waShedewuri. Umholi wesive sakaSimeyoni bekunguShelumiyeli, umsa waSurishadayi. Umholi wesicheme sesive sakaGadi bekungu-Eliyasafa, umsa waDehuweli. Kwase kulandzela sicheme sesive semaKhohati lesasingusona setfwala tintfo letingcwele. Sona sasitsi sifika sikhandze lithende lekukhontela selakhiwe laphelela. Kwase kulandzela ticheme tesive saka-Efrayimu ngetigaba taso ngaphansi kwesiboniso sebuve baso. Umholi waso bekungu-Elishama, umsa wa-Amihudi. Umholi wesive sakaManase bekunguGamaliyeli, umsa waPhedasuri. Umholi wesive sakaBhenjamini bekungu-Abidani, umsa waGideyoni. Ekugcineni kwase kulandzela tigaba teticheme tesive sakaDani ngaphansi kwesiboniso sebuve baso letaba sivikelo sema-Israyeli ngemuva. Umholi waso bekungu-Ahiyezeri, umsa wa-Amishadayi. Umholi wesive saka-Asheri bekunguPhagiyeli, umsa wa-Okrani. Umholi wesicheme sesive sakaNaftali bekungu-Ahira, umsa wa-Enani. Loko-ke bekungukona kuhleleka kwekuphuma kwema-Israyeli ngekweticheme tawo, njalo nje nakatfutsa. Mosi wakhuluma kuHobabi, umsa waRehuweli, umMidiyani, uyisetala waMosi, watsi: “Tsine sesiyatfutsa lapha, sesiya eveni latsi Simakadze utasinika lona. Hamba kanye natsi, sitakuphatsa kahle, ngobe Simakadze ema-Israyeli uwetsembise tintfo letinhle.” Hobabi waphendvula watsi: “Cha, ngingeke ngihambe nani; sengibuyela eveni lakitsi nasesiveni sakitsi.” Mosi wamncenga atsi: “Mane ungasishiyi; wena phela uyati lapho kufanele simise khona kutsi ngusehlane; wena ungasisita ube liso letfu. Nawungahamba natsi, siyawuhlephunelana nawe konkhe lokuhle Simakadze layakusipha kona.” Satsi sive sema-Israyeli nasisuka eNtsabeni yaSimakadze, satsatsa emalanga lamatsatfu sihamba. Libhokisi lesivumelwane saSimakadze lalihamba embikwabo ngawo onkhe lawo malanga lamatsatfu, libabukela indzawo lapho kwakufanele baphumule khona. Babetsi njalo nje nabatfutsako, lifu laSimakadze libesetikwabo emini. Kwakutsi njalo nakuphuma libhokisi lesivumelwane, Mosi atsi: “Phakama Simakadze, uhlakate titsa takho, ubacoshe labo labakutondzako.” Kwakutsi njalo nalima lelibhokisi, atsi: “Buya Simakadze, buya etigidzigidzini temindeni yaka-Israyeli.” Sive sacala sasola Simakadze ngenca yetinhlupheko taso; watsi kube asive, lulaka lwakhe lwabavutsela. Watfumela umlilo lowavutsa emkhatsini wabo, waze washisa nalababesemaphetselweni enkambu. Batsi kube bantfu bakhale kuMosi, wase uthandaza kuSimakadze, umlilo wacima. Ngako-ke lendzawo yabitwa ngekutsi iThabera, ngobe umlilo waSimakadze wavutsa emkhatsini wabo. Kukhona bantfu betive lababesemkhatsini wema-Israyeli, lababekhala ngekukhanuka inyama. Nawo ema-Israyeli akhala, atsi: “Ngubani lotasipha inyama sitekudla? Sesikhumbule eGibhithe lapho sasidla khona inhlanti mahhala, sasidla emaselwa, nemajoti, nashaladi na-anyanisi, negalikhi. Kodvwa nyalo sesilahlekelwe lutsandvo lwekudla. Kute kudla lapha, ngaphandle kwalemana!” Imana yayifanana nenhlanyelo lencane lemhlophe, kufanane nemanafu. Bantfu babehamba bayewubutsa, bese bayakusila esigayweni setandla nome etjeni lekusila. Babekupheka ngelibhodo nome bente ngako emacebelengwane. Kwakunambitseka njengekudla lokuphekwe ngemafutsa emncumo. Ngesikhatsi kwehla ematolo ebusuku enkambu, nemana yayehla kanye nawo. Mosi weva bantfu emindenini yonkhe balila, ngulaba nalaba emnyango welithende labo. Simakadze watfukutsela wabilelana; naMosi waphatseka kabi emoyeni ngaloko. Wabuta kuSimakadze watsi: “Inceku yakho uyiletseleleni lokuhlupheka? Ngenteni lembi kuwe, kutsi ungaze ungeleke ngalomtfwalo wabo bonkhe labantfu? Bemitfwa ngimi yini bonkhe labantfu? Batalwa ngimi yini, kutsi ungaze ungitjele kutsi angibagone ngemikhono njengesidzandzane nasiphetse luswane, ngize ngiyewubangenisa eveni lowaletsembisa bokhokho babo ngesifungo? Ngingayitsatsaphi nje inyama lengenela bonkhe labantfu? Bayangikhalela batsi: ‘Siphe inyama sitekudla.’ Anginawo emandla ekwetfwala bonkhe labantfu, ngobe bangumtfwalo lomatima kakhulu lapha kimi. Nangabe utangiphatsa kanjena, ngiyacela kutsi usale sewungibulala khona manje nje, nangizuze umusa ebusweni bakho, khona ngingasayiwuphindze ngibone lusizi lwami.” Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Letsa baholi bema-Israyeli labangema-70 lobatiko kutsi babaholi netiphatsimandla emkhatsini walabantfu. Baletse lapha ethendeni lekuhlangana, kutsi batekuma lapha kanye nawe. Ngitakwehla ngitewukhuluma nawe lapho, ngitsatse lokunye lokukwaMoya lokukuwe ngikunike bona. Batakusita ekwetfwaleni umtfwalo walesive kanye nawe, khona ungetikwetfwala wedvwa. Tjela labantfu utsi: ‘Tihlambululeni nitilungiselele likusasa; kukhona inyama lenitayidla kusasa kona loku. Simakadze univile nanikhala nitsi: “Ngubani longasipha inyama sitekudla? Sasincono eGibhithe.” Manje-ke Simakadze utanipha inyama, futsi vele nitayidla. Ningeke niyidle lilanga linye, nome lamabili, nome lasihlanu, nome lalishumi nome langema-20, kodvwa niyakuyidla inyanga yonkhe, ize iphume nangemakhala, inenyanyise, ngobe senimlahlile Simakadze losemkhatsini wenu, nakhala kuye natsi: “Empeleni saphumelani khona lena eGibhithe?” ’ ” Kodvwa Mosi wakhuluma watsi: “Naku lapha ngihola emadvodza lati-600 000, lahamba ngetinyawo, kodvwa ujinge utsi: ‘Ngitawubanika inyama labatayidla inyanga yonkhe!’ Beyingabenela yini inyama kube bekungahlatjwa yonkhe imihlambi yetimvu, netimbuti, netinkhomo? Betingabenela yini tona tinhlanti tonkhe telwandle lebetingabanjelwa bona?” Simakadze waphendvula Mosi watsi: “Sandla saSimakadze sifishane yini? Utase ubone-ke kutsi loku lengikushoko kutakwenteka ngempela yini kuwe, nome cha!” Ngako-ke Mosi waphuma wayawutjela sive konkhe labekutjelwe nguSimakadze. Wahlanganisa bonkhe baholi lababengema-70, wabemisa batungeleta lithende lekukhontela. Simakadze wase uyehla asekhatsi efini, wakhuluma naye. Wase utsatsa lokunye kwaMoya lokwakukuMosi, wakubeka etikwalabaholi labangema-70. Watsi kube Moya ahlale etikwalabaholi, baphrofetha, kodvwa abazange baphindze baphrofethe. Lababili balabaholi labangema-70, bo-Eldadi neMedadi, bona babesele enkambu, bangakayi ethendeni lekuhlangana. Nabo behlelwa nguMoya baphrofetha. Kwaphuma lelinye lijaha lagijima layawubikela Mosi, lafike latsi: “Bo-Eldadi naMedadi bayaphrofetha lena enkambu.” Joshuwa, umsa waNuni, labengumsiti waMosi kusukela ebusheni bakhe, wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Nkhosi yami, Mosi, bathulise!” Mosi wamphendvula, watsi: “Unemona yini ngami? Ngifisa shangatsi sonkhe sive saSimakadze ngabe sibaphrofethi nekutsi Simakadze abeke Moya wakhe kuso.” Mosi nabo bonkhe baholi besive sema-Israyeli bancandzeka babuyela enkambu. Masinyane Simakadze wakhuphula umoya lomkhulu ngaselwandle waletsa tigwaca leteta tindizela phansi kuphakama lokungaba limitha linye kusuka emhlabatsini, tacondza ngasenkambu tichamuka ngenhla nangentasi, tatungeleta inkambu; kusuka ngala kwato kuya ngale kwakungaba luhambo lwelilanga linye ngetinyawo. Ngalelo langa bantfu basukuma bagola letigwaca lonkhe lilanga nebusuku balo, ngisho nangakusasa kwakhona, kute noko lowagola ngaphansi kwemakhilogremu labengaba yinkhulungwane. Bateneka ngephandle kwenkambu. Kwatsi naleyo nyama yabo isegcwele umlomo, bangakayihlafuni nekuyihlafuna, lulaka lwaSimakadze lwabavutsela wabashaya ngesifo lesimatima. Ngako-ke libito laleyo ndzawo kwabe sekutsiwa yiKhibrothi Hathava, ngobe lapho ngulapho bangcwaba bantfu lababehahela kudla. Sive satfutsa eKhibrothi Hathava, sahamba saze semisa eHaserothi, lapho sefika sahlala khona. BoMiriyamu na-Aroni bakhuluma kabi ngaMosi, bamsola kutsi abetsetse umfati labengumKushe. Phela Mosi bekashade umfati labengumKushe. Babekhuluma batsi: “Kambe ngabe Simakadze ukhulume ngaMosi kuphela yini? Akakhulumi yini nangatsi futsi?” Simakadze wakuva loko. Mosi bekangumuntfu lotfobekile kwendlula wonkhe umuntfu labekhona emhlabeni. Masinyane Simakadze wakhuluma kuboMosi, na-Aroni, naMiriyamu, watsi: “Phutfumani nobatsatfu nite kimi ethendeni lekuhlangana.” Baphuma bobatsatfu. Simakadze wehla ngensika yelifu, wema emnyango welithende lekuhlangana; wabita boMiriyamu na-Aroni bobabili, basondzela. Simakadze watsi kubo: “Lalelani la kimi: Nakunemphrofethi lapha emkhatsini wenu, ngimi Simakadze lengitibonakalisa ngemibono kuye ngikhulume naye ngemaphupho. Kodvwa angenti njalo kulenceku yami Mosi. Kuyo yonkhe indlu yami wetsembekile. Kuye ngikhuluma umlomo nemlomo, ngikhulume ebaleni, ngingabi ngigega liguma; ubukana nesimo saSimakadze. Nine-ke nisitsatsaphi lesibindzi lesingaka sekukhuluma kabi ngenceku yami, Mosi?” Lulaka lwaSimakadze lwabavutsela; wase uyahamba. Latsi lisuka nje lelifu ethendeni lekuhlangana, Miriyamu wabe asamhlophe hhu lokusabulephelo wonkhe umtimba, asamhlophe njengesitfwatfwa. Aroni wagucukela kuMiriyamu, wamkhandza asatse hhu wonkhe umtimba. Aroni watsi kuMosi: “Hhawu, nkhosi, mane ungasijezisi ngalesono setfu lesisente ngebulima. Mane umente angabi njengeluswane lolutelwe lufile ngekutsi inyama yakhe ibe njengaledlovotekile kwasesiswini senina.” Mosi wakhala kuSimakadze atsi: “Mphilise Nkulunkulu, ngiyakuncenga.” Simakadze watsi kuMosi: “Kube bekakhafulelwe nguyise ebusweni bakhe bekangetiletfwala yini lelihlazo lakhe emalanga lasikhombisa? Akavalelwe ngephandle kwenkambu ahlale khona emalanga lasikhombisa, kutawutsi emvakwaloko bese niyamngenisa-ke.” Ngako-ke Miriyamu wavalelwa ngephandle kwenkambu emalanga lasikhombisa. Sive sonkhe asizange sichubeke nekutfutsa, waze wabuyiswa. Emvakwaloko sive satfutsa eHaserothi sayakumisa eHlane lasePharani. Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Tfumela lamanye emadvodza kutsi ayewuhlola lelive laseKhenani lengilipha ema-Israyeli. Tfumela umholi abe munye kuleso nakuleso sive.” Ngako-ke Mosi wenta njengobe abeyalwe nguSimakadze, wabatfuma aseseHlane lasePharani. Onkhe lamadvodza abebaholi bema-Israyeli. Nankha-ke emabito awo: Esiveni sakaRubeni kwakunguShamuwa, umsa waZakhuri; esiveni sakaSimeyoni kwakunguShafati, umsa waHori; esiveni sakaJuda kwakunguKhalebi, umsa waJefune; esiveni saka-Isakhari kwakungu-Igali, umsa waJosefa; esiveni saka-Efrayimu kwakunguHosheya, umsa waNuni; esiveni sakaBhenjamini kwakunguPhaliti, umsa waRafu; esiveni sakaZebuloni kwakunguGadiyeli, umsa waSodi; esiveni sakaManase, lekwakusive sakaJosefa, kwakunguGadi, umsa waSusi; esiveni sakaDani kwakungu-Amiyeli, umsa waGemali; esiveni saka-Asheri kwakunguSethuri, umsa waMikhayeli; esiveni sakaNaftali kwakunguNahibi, umsa waVofisi; esiveni sakaGadi kwakunguGewuweli, umsa waMakhi. Ngiwo lawa-ke emabito alamadvodza latfunywa nguMosi kutsi ayewuhlola lelo live. Mosi wetsa Hosheya, umsa waNuni, libito, watsi nguJoshuwa. Mosi nabatfuma kutsi baye kuyawuhlola lelo live laseKhenani, wakhuluma kubo, watsi: “Khuphukani, ningene ngaseningizimu nelive laseKhenani nize niyewufika etintsabeni. Hlolisisani kutsi lelo live linjani, nekutsi labantfu labahlala kulo bacinile yini nome babutsakatsaka, nekutsi bambalwa yini nome banyenti. Bahlala eveni lelinjani? Lihle yini nome libi? Bahlala emadolobheni lanjani? Lamadolobha abo akabiyelwe yini ngetibondza nome abiyelwe atinqaba? Umhlaba walo unjani? Uvundzile yini nome awukavundzi? Tikhona yini tihlahla nome atikho? Nibetama ngawo onkhe emandla enu kutsi niphatse titselo talo lelive!” Bekusikhatsi sekuvutfwa kwemagelebisi ekucala emnyakeni. Benyuka, bafike balihlola lonkhe lelo live kusukela eHlane laseSini kuze kuyewufika eRehobu, edvute nemsaho, iHamathi. Benyuka badzabula iNegevu, lekuyiningizimu yelive laseKhenani, baze befika eHebroni, lapho kwakuhlala khona bo-Ahimani, naSheshayi, naThalmayi, titukulwane ta-Anaki. IHebroni yayakhiwe iminyaka lesikhombisa ngaphambi kweSowani yaseGibhithe. Batsi nabefika eSihosheni sase-Eshikholi, bajuba ligala lelalinesikhehle semagelebisi. Lababili babo baletfwala ngekuletjatsa ngelubhoko emkhatsini wabo, bengeta ngemahananandza nangemakhiwa. Leyo ndzawo yetsiwa ngekutsi Sihosha sase-Eshikholi, ngobe ngulapho tinhloli tema-Israyeli tajuba khona sikhehle semagelebisi. Ekupheleni kwemalanga langema-40 babuya ekuhloleni kwabo live. Befika kuboMosi, na-Aroni kanye nesive sonkhe sema-Israyeli eKhadeshi, eHlane lasePharani. Befika bababikela kanye nesive sonkhe, badzimate babakhombisa netitselo talelo live. Betfula umbiko kuMosi, batsi: “Sihambile saya kulelive lositfume kutsi siyekulihlola; sakhandza kutsi, vele live leligcwele lubisi neluju lwetinyosi. Nati nje letinye titselo talo. Kodvwa bantfu labahlala kulelive banemandla, nemadolobha akhona atinqaba kantsi futsi makhulu kakhulu. Sabona ngisho netitukulwane ta-Anaki khona lapho. Ema-Amaleki ahlala eningizimu nelive; emaHethi, nemaJebhusi, nema-Amori wona ahlala eveni letintsaba, emaKhenani ahlala ngaselwandle, nangasemfuleni iJordane.” Khalebi wababindzisa bonkhe bantfu embikwaMosi, wakhuluma watsi: “Asikhuphuke siyewulidla lelive, ngobe vele singakhona kulincoba.” Kodvwa lamadvodza labenyuke naye akhuluma atsi: “Singeke sikhone kulwa nalabantfu; bacinile kunatsi.” Ngako basakata umbiko lomubi esiveni sema-Israyeli ngalelive bebayewulihlola. Bakhuluma, batsi: “Lelive lesidzabule kulo silihlola, lilive lelidla bantfu labahlala kulo. Bonkhe labantfu lesibabonile kulo badze kakhulu. Size sabona ngisho nemaNifilu, emadvodzana a-Anaki layintalelwane yemaNifilu. Sitibone singangetintsetse kubo, nabo futsi basibona singangato.” Kubo lobo busuku bonkhe bantfu bakhihla lesikhulu sililo. Onkhe ema-Israyeli asola boMosi na-Aroni atsi kubo: “Kube samane safela eGibhithe nome ehlane. Simakadze usiletseleni kulelive kutsi sitewubulawa bese kutfunjwa bafati betfu nebantfwabetfu? Kungete kwaba ncono yini kutsi sincandzeke sibuyele eGibhithe?” Bakhuluma bodvwana batsi: “Asikhetse umholi, sincandzeke sibuyele eGibhithe.” BoMosi na-Aroni bakhotsamisa buso babo embikwesive sonkhe sema-Israyeli lesasihlangene lapho. Joshuwa, umsa waNuni, naKhalebi, umsa waJefune, lababehambe nalamadvodza labeyewuhlola lelive, badzabula timphahla tabo, bakhuluma kulesive sonkhe sema-Israyeli, batsi: “Lelive silihambe lonkhe, silihlola; salikhandza kutsi lihle kakhulu. Nangabe Simakadze asitfokotela, utasihola, siyewungena kulelive leligcwele lubisi neluju lwetinyosi, asiphe lona. Musani kuhlubuka Simakadze, futsi ningabesabi nalabantfu balelive, ngobe sitabagwinya. Sivikelo sabo sesihambile, kodvwa Simakadze unatsi. Ningabesabi.” Sonkhe sive savele satimisela kubagcoba ngematje. Kwase kubonakala inkhatimulo yaSimakadze ethendeni lekuhlangana; onkhe ema-Israyeli ayibona. Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Labantfu batawuchubeka nekungedzelela kuze kube ngunini? Batakwala kukholwa ngimi kuze kube ngunini, etikwaletibonakaliso temimangaliso lengitente kubo? Ngitawubashaya ngesifo sitekubabhubhisa, kodvwa wena ngitakwenta ube nguyise wesive lesitawuba sikhulu sibe nemandla kunabo.” Mosi wakhuluma kuSimakadze, watsi: “EmaGibhithe atakuva ngaleyontfo. Lesive wasikhipha emkhatsini wawo ngemandla akho. Loko ayakukutjela letive letakhe kulelive. Nabo labantfu bakulesive sebevile kutsi wena, Simakadze, usemkhatsini walesive nekutsi wena, Simakadze, ubonakala kuso buso nebuso; lifu lakho lihlala etikwabo, nekutsi emini uhamba embikwabo ngensika yelifu, bese kutsi ebusuku uhambe embikwabo ngensika yemlilo. Nawusibulala ngasikhatsi sinye lesive sonkhe, tonkhe letive letiwuvile lombiko ngawe tiyawutsi: ‘Simakadze wehlulekile kungenisa lesive sakhe eveni labefunge kutsi utasingenisa kulo; wababulalela ehlane bonkhe.’ Ngako-ke ngicela kutsi Simakadze akhombise emandla akhe, njengobe asho, watsi: ‘Simakadze uyephuta kutfukutsela andze ngemusa, atsetselele sono nekuhlubuka. Noko lonelicala akamshiyi angakamjezisi; yena ujezisa bantfwana ngesono saboyise situkulwane sesitsatfu nesesine.’ Njengobe wena, Simakadze, unelutsandvo lolukhulu, tsetselela sono salabantfu njengobe bewusolo ubatsetselela, kusukela besuka eGibhithe kuze kube ngunyalo.” Simakadze wamphendvula watsi: “Sengibatsetselele, njengobe ucelile. Kodvwa ngiyetsembisa ngitsi ngifunga kuphila kwami nenkhatimulo yami legcwele umhlaba wonkhe, kute nome munye walabantfu lababona inkhatimulo yami netibonakaliso letiyimimangaliso lengatenta eGibhithe nasehlane kodvwa bangete bangilalela, bangilinga emahlandla lalishumi, kute namunye wabo loyawulibona lelive lengafunga ngalo kuboyisemkhulu kutsi ngitabanika lona. Kute namunye lotalibona kulabo labangedzelela. Kodvwa njengobe inceku yami Khalebi anemoya lowehlukile futsi ungilandzela ngenhlitiyo yakhe yonkhe, ngitamngenisa kulelive laya kulo, nebatukulu bakhe bayawulidla libe lifa labo. Njengobe ema-Amaleki nemaKhenani ahlala kulesigodzi, ncandzeka kusasa ucondze ngasehlane ngemgwaco lobheke ngaseLwandle Lolubovu.” Simakadze wakhuluma kuboMosi na-Aroni, watsi: “Kutawuze kube ngunini lesive lesikhohlakele singisola? Sengikuvile kusola kwalama-Israyeli lakhononako. Ngako-ke batjele utsi: ‘Simakadze utsi: Ngifunga kuphila kwami kutsi ngitakwenta kini tona kanye leto tintfo benginive nitisho. Nitakufa, tidvumbu tenu tigcwale lonkhe lelihlane, nonkhe nine lenineminyaka lengema-20 kuya etulu nangenela lubalo, nangisola nekungisola. Kute nome munye wenu loyawungena kulelo live lengalifungela ngekuphakamisa sandla kutsi kutawuba likhaya lenu, ngaphandle kwaboKhalebi, umsa waJefune, kanye naJoshuwa, umsa waNuni. Bantfwabenu lenakhuluma ngabo natsi batawubulawa batfunjwe, mine-ke ngitabangenisa futsi balati lelive lenilalile. Kodvwa nine nitawufela lapha ehlane. Bantfwabenu batawuba belusi khona lapha, kuze kuphele iminyaka lengema-40, bahlupheka ngenca yekungetsembeki kwenu, kuze kufe newekugcina wenu. Niyawuhlupheka kuze kuphele iminyaka lengema-40 ngenca yetono tenu, umnyaka umele lilanga linye lalawo langema-40, lenawacitsa nihlolisisa lelive, kuze nati kahle kutsi kuyini kumelana kwenu nami.’ Mine, Simakadze, sengikhulumile, futsi ngitakwenta loko kuso sonkhe lesive lesonakele lesihlanganele kumelana nami. Batawuhlangana nesiphetfo sabo lapha kulelihlane, baphelele khona.” Ngako lamadvodza labetfunywe nguMosi kuyawuhlola lelive ase abuya afaka umoya wekusola kuso sonkhe sive ngalombiko wawo lomubi ngalelive, yebo, lamadvodza lafike asakata lomoya wekusola ngekuletsa umbiko lomubi ngalelive, ashaywa ngesifo afa, embikwaSimakadze. Emkhatsini walamadvodza laya kuyawuhlola lelive kwasala boJoshuwa, umsa waNuni, naKhalebi, umsa waJefune. Watsi kube Mosi awabikele onkhe ema-Israyeli loko, akhala kakhulukati. Ekuseni ngeluvivi ngakusasa enyukela etulu acondza eveni letintsaba, afike atsi: “Sonile, sitakuya eveni Simakadze lasetsembisa lona.” Mosi wakhuluma watsi: “Pho, nentelani lokungawulaleli umyalo waNkulunkulu? Loku ngeke kuphumelele! Ningacali nenyuke, ngobe Simakadze akekho emkhatsini wenu. Titsa tenu titawunehlula, ngobe ema-Amaleki nemaKhenani atawuhlangana nani lapho. Njengobe nisukile kuSimakadze, naye angeke abe nani, ngako nitakuwa ngelusiko lwenkemba.” Noko bajinge benyukela etulu eveni letintsaba, nome Mosi kanye nelibhokisi lesivumelwane lalingakesuswa enkambu. Ema-Amaleki nemaKhenani labehlala kulelo live letintsaba ehla atewubahlasela, abehlula abacosha, adzimate ababeka eHoma. Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Khuluma kuma-Israyeli utsi: ‘Nase ningene eveni lenginipha lona kutsi libe likhaya lenu, nibobe seniletsa iminikelo leyentiwa ngemlilo kuSimakadze, ibe yetinkhomo, nome yetimbuti, nome yetimvu, kube liphunga lelinuka lusi lolumnandzi kuSimakadze. Kungaba ngumnikelo wekushiswa, nome umhlatjelo wekugcwalisa setsembiso lesitsite, nome umnikelo wesihle, nome iminikelo yemikhosi. Lowo loletsa umnikelo wakhe utawuletsa kuSimakadze umnikelo walokutinhlavu ngemalitha langaba mabili afulaha lobhicwe nemafutsa emncumo langaba yilitha. Lungisa liwayini lelingaba yilitha ngelizinyane lemvu, libe ngumnikelo wekushiswa nome wemhlatjelo, kutsi liwayini libe ngumnikelo wesinatfo. Nawunikela ngesihhanca, bhica fulaha wemnikelo walokutinhlavu longemakhilogremu langaba mabili labhicwe nemafutsa emncumo langaba yilitha nencenye, kunikelwe kanye neliwayini lelingaba yilitha nencenye, kube ngumnikelo wesinatfo. Kunikele kube liphunga lelinuka lusi lolumnandzi kuSimakadze. Nawulungisa inkunzana kutsi ibe ngumnikelo wekushiswa nome ibe ngumhlatjelo wesetsembiso lesitsite nome semnikelo wekuthula kuSimakadze, uyawuyiletsa kanye nemnikelo walokutinhlavu kube ngufulaha longemalitha langaba sitfupha nencenye lobhicwe nemafutsa emncumo langemalitha langaba mabili, kanye neliwayini lelingemalitha langaba mabili, lemnikelo walokunatfwako kube ngumnikelo lowentiwa ngemlilo, liphunga lelinuka lusi lolumnandzi kuSimakadze. “ ‘Kutabonikelwa kanjalo-ke, nakunikelwa ngenkunzi, nome ngesihhanca, nome ngelizinyane lemvu nome lembuti. Ngulowo nalowo mnikelo ubowentela loko kuye ngebunyenti bawo. Wonkhe um-Israyeli wekutalwa kufanele ente njalo nakaletsa umnikelo lowentiwa ngemlilo, kube liphunga lelinuka lusi lolumnandzi kuSimakadze. Nakwenteka nome ngunini wetive lohlala emkhatsini wenu, nome kukwesikhashana nome sikhatsi lesidze, aletsa umnikelo lowentiwa ngemlilo, kube liphunga lelinuka lusi lolumnandzi kuSimakadze, naye kufanele ente njengobe nani nenta. Sive siyawuba nemtsetfo lofananako: wenu kanye newebetive labahlala emkhatsini wenu. Leso-ke simiso setitukulwane ngetitukulwane. Nine nebetive niyawufanana embikwaSimakadze. Imitsetfo nemiyalo yenu iyawusebenta ngalokufananako kini nakubetive labasemkhatsini wenu.’ ” Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Khuluma kuma-Israyeli utsi: ‘Nase ningene eveni lenginipha lona, kufanele nehlukanisele Simakadze sabelo sakhe, nanidla sinkhwa salelo live. Kufanele sinkhwa setilinga tenu tekwendvulelisa nisetfule njengemnikelo wesivuno senu sekucala ekubhuleni kwenu. Tonkhe titukulwane tenu seniyawunikela kuSimakadze umnikelo wetivuno tenu tekwendvulelisa. “ ‘Nangabe kwenteka nona ngesiphosiso ngekungayigcini lemiyalo Simakadze layinika Mosi, konkhe loko Simakadze laniyala ngako ngaMosi kusukela mhlazana Mosi acala kuniyala kuye embili titukulwane ngetitukulwane, nakwenteka-ke nona ngesiphosiso, nangabe sive sonkhe besingati, kufanele sive sinikele ngenkunzana yinye ibe ngumnikelo wekushiswa, liphunga lelinuka lusi lolumnandzi kuSimakadze, kanye nemnikelo walokutinhlavu, nemnikelo walokunatfwako, kanye nesiphongo sinye kube ngumnikelo wesono. Umphristi uyakwenta inhlawulo yekubuyisana kwesive sonkhe sema-Israyeli siyawube sesiyatsetselelwa, ngobe sone ngesiphosiso, futsi sitsite ngekona kwaso sasesiletsa kuSimakadze umnikelo lowentiwa ngemlilo kanye nemnikelo wesono. Sonkhe sive sema-Israyeli kanye nebetive labahlala emkhatsini waso bayawutsetselelwa, ngobe sonkhe lesive sone ngesiphosiso. “ ‘Kodvwa nangabe kone umuntfu munye ngesiphosiso, uyawuletsa sibhutatana lesinemnyaka munye budzala, sibe ngumnikelo wesono. Umphristi uyawukwentela lowo muntfu lowone ngesiphosiso inhlawulo yekubuyisana naSimakadze. Nase amentele leyo nhlawulo yekubuyisana naSimakadze, lowo muntfu uyawube sewuyatsetselelwa. Lowo mtsetfo wekona ngesiphosiso uyawusebenta ngalokufananako, nome ngabe kone um-Israyeli wekutalwa nome ngabe wetive. “ ‘Kodvwa umuntfu lowona ngemabomu, nome angewemdzabu nome angewetive, uyawuba nelicala lekungahloniphi Simakadze, uyawuncunywa esiveni sakubo. Njengobe lomuntfu wedzelele livi laSimakadze, wephula lomunye wemitsetfo yakhe ngemabomu, kufanele ancunywe; licala lakhe libe setikwakhe.’ ” Atsi ema-Israyeli asesehlane, kwatfolakala indvodza itfota tinkhuni ngelilanga leliSabatha. Labo labayikhandza itfota tinkhuni bayitsatsa bayimikisa kuMosi na-Aroni nesive sonkhe, bayivalela esitokisini, ngobe kwakungakakhanyi kahle kutsi kufanele kwentiweni kuyo. Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Lendvodza kufanele ife. Sive sonkhe kufanele siyigcobe ngematje, siyigcobele ngephandle kwenkambu.” Ngako-ke sive sayitsatsa sayikhiphela ngephandle kwenkambu, sayigcoba ngematje yaze yafa, njengobe Simakadze abeyale Mosi. Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Khuluma kuma-Israyeli, utsi: ‘Kuto tonkhe titukulwane tenu letiyawulandzela kufanele nente timvakaza emiphetfweni yetingubo tenu ngelucotfo loluluhlata njengesibhakabhaka. Niyawutsi nanitibuka letimvakaza, bese nikhumbula yonkhe imiyalo yaSimakadze, niyilalele, khona ningetiwuba tingwadla ngekudvonswa tinkhanuko tetinhlitiyo tenu netemehlo enu. Niyawukhumbula kulalela yonkhe imiyalo yami, nibe ngulabehlukaniselwe Nkulunkulu wenu. NginguSimakadze, Nkulunkulu wenu lowanikhipha eGibhithe, kutsi ngibe nguNkulunkulu wenu. NginguSimakadze, Nkulunkulu wenu.’ ” Khora, umsa wa-Jisihari, lotalwa nguKhohati, umsa waLevi, nemaRubeni latsite, boDathani na-Abiramu, emadvodzana a-Eliyabe, kanye na-Oni, umsa waPhelethi, bedzelela, bavukela Mosi. Babutsa bantfu labanyenti labebatiwa esiveni sonkhe, kwaba ngema-Israyeli labengema-250, lababengubona bakhetsiwe batinhloko. Babutsana ndzawonye bahlasela boMosi na-Aroni, batsi kubo: “Senihambe kakhulu! Sonkhe lesive singcwele, bonkhe ngamunye ngamunye wabo, futsi naNkulunkulu unabo. Nine-ke nitiphakamiselani etikwalesive saSimakadze?” Kwatsi Mosi nakakuva loko, wawa phansi ngebuso. Watsi kuKhora nalesicumbi labesihola: “Ekuseni kusasa Simakadze utasikhombisa kutsi ngubani longewakhe nekutsi ngumuphi longcwele, utamsondzeta edvute naye. Lowo muntfu latikhetsele yena uyawumenta abesedvute naye. Wena Khora, nabo bonkhe balandzeli bakho niyakwenta kanje: Niyawutsatsa titja temphepho, bese kutsi kusasa ekuseni nifake kuto umlilo nemphepho embikwaSimakadze. Lowo Simakadze latamkhetsa nguye loyawube angcwele. Nine maLevi senitiphakamise kakhulu.” Mosi wachubeka watsi kuKhora: “Lalelani, nine maLevi. Akukanenelisi yini lokutsi Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli watehlukanisela nine kuso sonkhe sive sema-Israyeli, wanenta nabasedvute naye kutsi nente inkonzo ethendeni laSimakadze, nime embikwesive, nisikhonte? Unisondzetile nine nawo onkhe emaLevi edvutane naye, kodvwa nyalo senifuna buphristi futsi. Kuphambene naSimakadze kutsi wena nalabalandzeli bakho nihlangane ngekududana kanje. Ngubani yena lo-Aroni kutsi ningemelana naye nine?” Mosi wabe sewutfumela kutsi kuyewubitwa boDathani na-Abiramu, emadvodzana a-Eliyabe, kodvwa bona batsi: “Singeke site! Akukakwenelisi lokutsi wasikhipha eveni lelivundzile leligcwele lubisi neluju lwetinyosi, wasiletsela kutesibulala lapha ehlane? Nyalo ufuna kulibala kutibusa la etikwetfu? Ngetulu kwaloko awukasimikisi eveni leligcwele lubisi neluju lwetinyosi, nelifa lemasimi netivini. Ucabanga kutsi lamadvodza langaka ungawenta timphumphutse? Singeke site.” Mosi watfukutsela wabila, watsi kuSimakadze: “Ungawemukeli umnikelo wabo. Angizange ngitsatse ngisho imbongolo kubo, futsi angikoni ngisho nome munye wabo.” Mosi watsi kuKhora: “Wena nebalandzeli bakho bonkhe nimele nibonakale embikwaSimakadze kusasa lolokusako, na-Aroni uyawube akhona lapho. Wonkhe umuntfu kufanele aphatse sitja sakhe semphepho afake kuso imphepho anikele kuSimakadze. Kutakuba titja letingema-250 setitonkhe. Wena na-Aroni kufanele nani ninikele ngetitja tenu.” Ngako wonkhe umuntfu watsatsa sitja sakhe wafaka umlilo nemphepho kuso, bema kanye naboMosi na-Aroni ekungeneni kwelithende lekuhlangana. Watsi kube Khora ahlanganise bonkhe labalandzeli bakhe, lababemelene naMosi, embikwelithende lekuhlangana, inkhatimulo yaSimakadze yabonakala kuso sonkhe sive sema-Israyeli. Simakadze wakhuluma kuboMosi na-Aroni, watsi: “Khweshani kulesicumbi kuze ngisicedze masinyane.” Kodvwa boMosi na-Aroni bawa phansi ngebuso bakhotsama, batsi: “Awu Nkulunkulu! Nkulunkulu wemimoya yebantfu bonkhe, kungatsi ngekona kwemuntfu munye bese utfukutselela sonkhe sive?” Simakadze watsi kuMosi: “Tjela sive sikhweshe emathendeni aboKhora, naDathani, na-Abiramu.” Mosi wasukuma waya kuboDathani na-Abiramu, nebaholi bema-Israyeli bamlandzela. Wasiyala sonkhe sive, watsi: “Khweshani emathendeni aletigangi leti! Ningatsintsi lutfo etintfweni tabo, funa nani nikhukhulwe kanye netono tabo.” Ngako sive sakhwesha emathendeni aboKhora, naDathani, na-Abiramu. BoDathani na-Abiramu bese baphumile emathendeni abo, beme eminyango yawo nebafati babo nebantfwababo. Mosi wakhuluma watsi: “Niyawukwati ngaloku-ke kutsi nguSimakadze longitfumile; akusho kutsi ngitentela ingcondvo yami nje: Nangabe labantfu batifela njengabo bonkhe bantfu nome babulawe sifo nje lesivamise kubulala bantfu, kuyawube kusho kutsi angikatfunywa nguye Simakadze. Kodvwa nangabe Simakadze aveta intfo lensha lengazange seyenteke, umhlaba uvule umlomo wawo ubamite kanye nako konkhe lokungekwabo, bashobele phansi, baye endzaweni yalabafile beva, niyawube seniyati-ke kutsi labantfu bedzelele Simakadze.” Kwatsi acedza nje kulisho lelo, umhlaba labebeme kuwo boDathani na-Abiramu wachekeka tindvonga, wakhamisa umlomo wawo, wabamita kanye nemindeni yabo, nawo onkhe emadvodza labebalandzeli baKhora, nako konkhe lokwakukwawo. Bashobela phansi endzaweni yalabafile beva, nato tonkhe timphahla tabo, umhlaba wabasibekela, babhubha bangaphindzi baba khona emkhatsini wesive. Ekukhaleni kwabo onkhe ema-Israyeli labesedvutane abaleka, amemeta atsi: “Umhlaba utasimita natsi futsi.” Umlilo lowaphuma kuSimakadze wadla onkhe lamadvodza labengema-250 labekashisa imphepho. Simakadze watsi kuMosi: “Tjela Eleyazare, umsa wa-Aroni, umphristi, kutsi akatsatse letitja atisuse lapha elangabini, bese usakata lamalahle emlilo khashane, ngobe letitja tingcwele, tona letitja talabantfu labalahlekelwe kuphila kwabo ngenca yekona kwabo. Gcobani letitja temphepho tibe bongcwengcwe bekumbonya lilati, ngobe tanikelwa kuSimakadze tase tiba ngcwele. Setiyawuba secwayiso esiveni sema-Israyeli.” Ngako Eleyazare, umphristi, watsatsa letitja telitfusi letatinikelwe ngulabo labebashisiwe, tagcotjwa tentiwa simbonyo selilati, njengobe Simakadze amlayela ngaMosi. Loko kwaba sikhumbuto esiveni sema-Israyeli kutsi wonkhe umuntfu longesiye umphristi, longesiyo intalelwane ya-Aroni, akayiwusondzela ashise imphepho embikwaSimakadze. Loyakwenta njalo uyawubona saKhora nesebalandzeli bakhe. Kwatsi ngakusasa sive sonkhe sema-Israyeli sabasola boMosi na-Aroni sitsi: “Senibulele bantfu baSimakadze.” Kwatsi lesicumbi sisahlanganele kumelana naMosi na-Aroni, satsi sijikela ngasethendeni lekuhlangana, masinyane sabona lifu lilisibekela kwase kubonakala inkhatimulo yaSimakadze. BoMosi na-Aroni base baya embikwelithende lekuhlangana, Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Sukani emkhatsini walabantfu, kuze ngibabhubhise ngekushesha.” Bobabili bakhotsama babhekisa tinhloko tabo phansi. Mosi wakhuluma ku-Aroni, watsi: “Tsatsa sitja sakho semphepho ufake kuso emalahle lavutsako aselatini, bese ufaka imphepho, uphutfume kulesive masinyane usentele inhlawulo yekubuyisana naSimakadze, ngobe lulaka lwakhe seluphumile, sifo sesiphindze sicalele phansi.” Ngako Aroni naye watsatsela etulu njengekusho kwaMosi, waphutfuma emkhatsini walesicumbi, sabe sesingenile sesibacalile sifo, watsela imphepho kulesitja sakhe wabentela inhlawulo yekubuyisana naSimakadze. Wema emkhatsini walabafile nalabaphilako, sifo sancamuka. Sibalo salabo lababulawa nguleso sifo besiti-14 700, ngaphandle kwalabo labafa ngenca yaKhora. Satsi kube sincamuke lesifo, Aroni wancandzeka wabuyela kuMosi embikwelithende lekuhlangana. Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Khuluma kuma-Israyeli akunike tindvuku letili-12, yinye kuleso nakuleso sive lephuma kumholi waso. Bhala libito laleyo naleyo ndvodza endvukwini yayo. Endvukwini yakaLevi ubobhala libito la-Aroni, ngobe kufanele kube nendvuku yalowo nalowo mholi waleso sive. Letindvuku ubotibeka embikwelibhokisi lesivumelwane ethendeni lekuhlangana, lapho ngihlangana nani khona. Indvuku yalowo lengimkhetsile itawuhluma, ngitakucedza kanjalo kusola kwalama-Israyeli lakhononako.” Ngako Mosi wakhuluma kuma-Israyeli, nebaholi bawo bamnika letindvuku letili-12, leyo naleyo ndvuku imele umholi wesive, nendvuku ya-Aroni yayisemkhatsini wato. Letindvuku Mosi watitsatsa watibeka embikwaSimakadze embikwelibhokisi lesivumelwane lelalisethendeni lebufakazi. Ngelilanga lelilandzelako Mosi wangena ethendeni lebufakazi, kulelibhokisi lesivumelwane, wakhandza kutsi indvuku ya-Aroni, leyayimele sive semaLevi, yayingakahlumi kuphela kodvwa yaze yaba nemidvumba yachakaza yatsela titselo tema-alimondi. Ngako Mosi watsatsa tonkhe letindvuku embikwaSimakadze watiletsa kuma-Israyeli. Atibuka, kwaba ngulowo watsatsa yakakhe. Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Buyisela indvuku ya-Aroni uyibeke embikwelibhokisi lesivumelwane, igcinelwe kutsi ibe secwayiso kulabahlubukako. Loko kutawucedza kungisola nekumelana kwabo nami, khona bangetikufa.” Mosi wenta njengobe abeyalwe nguSimakadze. Sive sema-Israyeli sakhuluma kuMosi, satsi: “Sitakufa! Silahlekile! Silahleke sonkhe! Nangabe lowo losondzela eceleni kwelithende laSimakadze atakufa, ngabe kusho kutsi sitakufa sonkhe yini?” Simakadze wakhuluma ku-Aroni, watsi: “Wena, nemadvodzana akho, nemndeni weyihlo kufanele netfwale bubi lobuphambene nendzawo lengcwele; wena-ke nemadvodzana akho niyakwetfwala tono leticondzene nebuphristi benu. Letsa bomnakenu labangemaLevi esiveni seyihlo batewuhlangana nawe bakusite ngesikhatsi wena nemadvodzana akho nikhonta ethendeni lebufakazi. Kufanele babe ngaphansi kwakho bente umsebenti wonkhe welithende, kodvwa bangasondzeli etimphahleni tendzawo lengcwele nome elatini. Nakwenteka basondzela, bona nani nitakufa. Kufanele batihlanganise nani banakekele lithende lekuhlangana, nayo yonkhe imisebenti yalo; kufanele kubete losondzela kini lapho nikhona khona nine. “Nine kufanele ninakekele indzawo lengcwele kanye nelilati, khona intfukutselo yaSimakadze ingetiwuphindza yehlele sive sema-Israyeli. Mine matfupha ngikhetse labazalwane bakho labangemaLevi emkhatsini wema-Israyeli kutsi babe sipho kini, banikelwe kuSimakadze kutsi bente umsebenti welithende lekuhlangana. Kodvwa wena nemadvodzana akho niyawukhonta njengebaphristi kuko konkhe lokukwaselatini nangekhatsi kwendvwangu. Ngininika inkonzo yebuphristi njengesipho. Lowo longakafaneli loyawusondzela eceleni kwalelilati, uyawubulawa.” Simakadze wakhuluma ku-Aroni, watsi: “Mine ngikubeka kutsi uphatse iminikelo leletfwe kimi, yonkhe iminikelo lengcwele lenginikwa yona ngema-Israyeli, mine ngiyinika wena nemadvodzana akho kutsi ibe sabelo sakho titukulwane ngetitukulwane. Itawuba ngeyenu incenye yaleminikelo lengcwelengcwele lengayiswa emlilweni. Kuto tonkhe tipho labatiletsa kimi njengeminikelo lengcwelengcwele, nome ingeyalokutinhlavu nome yesono nome yelicala, leyo ncenye lengcwele kakhulu yakho nemadvodzana akho. Uyakuwudla njengentfo lengcwelengcwele; wonkhe lomdvuna uyakuwudla. Kufanele uwutsatse ube ngcwele. “Ngetulu kwaloko, konkhe lokubekwe kwehlukaniswa neminikelo yekujikitiswa yesive sema-Israyeli lesikunikela kimi kutawuba kwenu. Ngikupha wena nemadvodzana akho kanye nemadvodzakati akho kube sabelo sakho titukulwane ngetitukulwane. Wonkhe umuntfu lohlantekile ngekwemtsetfo emndenini wakho angakudla. “Ngikupha sonkhe sivuno lesihle setilinga lesinikelwa kuSimakadze kulowo nalowo mnyaka: semafutsa emncumo, neseliwayini kanye nesakolo. Tonkhe titselo tekucala letivutsiwe tako konkhe lokusensimini yabo, labakunikela kuSimakadze, tiyawuba takho. Bonkhe bantfu labahlantekile ngekwemtsetfo ekhaya lakho bangakudla. “Konkhe lokunikelwe kuSimakadze ka-Israyeli kutawuba kwakho. “Sitselo sekucala sesitalo sakho, nome semuntfu nome sesifuyo, lesinikelwe kimi, sitawuba sakho. Kodvwa kufanele ulihlenge litubulo lemuntfu lelingumfana, kanjalo futsi nelitubulo lelidvuna lesilwane lesingcolile ngekwemtsetfo. Kufanele kutsi angaba nenyanga budzala, bese niyawahlenga ngaleyo ntsengo yesihlengo setinhlavu tesiliva letisihlanu ngekwesilinganiso lesisemtsetfweni. “Kodvwa ningabolihlenga litubulo lenkhomo nome lemvu, nome lembuti, ngobe kungcwele. Ingati yawo kufanele ifafatwe elatini bese kushiswa emanoni awo, kutsi kutewuba ngumnikelo lowentiwa ngemlilo, kube liphunga lelinuka lusi lolumnandzi kuSimakadze. Inyama yawo kufanele ibe yakho, njengemganga wemnikelo wekujikitiswa, nemlente wesekudla ube wakho. “Konkhe lokwehlukaniselwe eceleni eminikelweni lengcwele lenikelwe ngema-Israyeli kuSimakadze ngikupha wena nemadvodzana akho nemadvodzakati akho, kutsi kube ngusona sabelo sakho titukulwane ngetitukulwane. Kusivumelwane saphakadze seluswayi kuSimakadze, kutsi sibe sakho nesebantfwabakho.” Simakadze wakhuluma ku-Aroni, watsi: “Wena uyawubate lifa eveni labo, kantsi uyawubate nesabelo njengabo. Ngimi lengisabelo sakho nelifa lakho esiveni sonkhe sema-Israyeli.” “Konkhe kwelishumi ngikupha emaLevi kuma-Israyeli, kutsi kube lifa lawo kulowo msebenti lawentako asakhonta kulomsebenti wabo ethendeni lekuhlangana. Kusukela manje ema-Israyeli kufanele angasondzeli edvutane nelithende lekuhlangana, ngaphandle kwaloko atawutetfwalela wona umvuzo wekona kwawo, afe. NgemaLevi layawukwenta umsebenti welithende lekuhlangana etfwale bubi lobuphambene nalo. Lesi kutawuba simiso lesingeyiwuphindze siguculwe titukulwane ngetitukulwane letitako. Bangeke balinikwa lifa kuma-Israyeli. Esikhundleni saloko, emaLevi ngiwapha kutsi lifa lawo kube kwelishumi kwaloko lokunikelwe ngema-Israyeli kuSimakadze. Ngiko nje ngitsite kuwo: ‘Bona bangeke babe nelifa kuma-Israyeli.’ ” Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Khuluma kumaLevi utsi: ‘Nanemukela kuma-Israyeli kwelishumi lokulifa lenu lenginipha lona, nani kufanele ninikele kwelishumi kwaloko kwelishumi kube ngumnikelo waSimakadze. Lomnikelo wenu uyawutsatfwa njengalokutinhlavu lokusandza kuhhudlwa nome inkhovu yeliwayini lephuma etjeni lekuhluta emagelebisi. Ngaleyo ndlela nani nitawunikela umnikelo wekwelishumi kuSimakadze, niwutsatse kuko konkhe kwelishumi lenikwemukela kuma-Israyeli. Kuko kona loko kwelishumi kufanele ninikele sabelo saSimakadze ngekusinika Aroni, umphristi. Kufanele ninikele sabelo saSimakadze kube nguloko lokuhle kakhulu, nalokungcwelengcwele kuko konkhe leninikwe kona.’ “Khuluma kumaLevi utsi: ‘Naninikela loko lokuhle kakhulu, loko kuyawutsatfwa njengemphumela wekudla lokuhhudliwe nome inkhovu yeliwayini lephume etjeni lekuhluta emagelebisi. Nine nemindeni yenu ningakudla-ke konkhe loko lokusalako, ningakudlela nome ngabe nikuyiphi indzawo, ngobe loko kungumholo wenu ngemsebenti leniwentako ethendeni lekuhlangana. Njengobe nitawunikela ngalokuhle kakhulu kwako, ningeke nibe nelicala ngaloko; ngako-ke ningeke niyingcolise iminikelo lengcwele yema-Israyeli, futsi ningeke nife ngalelo cala.’ ” Simakadze wakhuluma kuboMosi na-Aroni, watsi: “Lesi-ke sekuyawuba simiso semtsetfo lomiswe nguSimakadze: Tjela sive sema-Israyeli kutsi siletse litfokati lelibovu lelingenasiyela nasici, lekungazange sekubekwe lijoko entsanyeni yalo. Niyawulinika Eleyazare, umphristi, liyawukhishelwa ngephandle kwenkambu lihlatjelwe embikwakhe. Eleyazare-ke, umphristi, uyawube sewutsatsa ingati yalo ngemuno wakhe, afafate kasikhombisa ngalengati yalo abhekise ngasembikwelithende lekuhlangana. Lelitfokati liyawube seliyashiswa-ke embikwakhe, kushiswe sikhumba salo, nenyama yalo, nengati yalo, nemswane walo. Umphristi-ke uyawutsatsa umsedari, nehisophu, nendvwangu lebovu ngalokutopele, akujike emlilweni etikwalelitfokati lelishiswako. Lomphristi-ke uyawube sewugeza tingubo takhe, nemtimba wakhe ngemanti, emvakwaloko-ke sekangangena enkambu, abe ngulongcolile ngekwemtsetfo kuze kuhlwe. Lomuntfu longuyena ashise lelitfokati kufanele naye ageze tingubo takhe kanye nemtimba wakhe ngemanti, abe ngulongcolile kuze kuhlwe. “Kuyawutsi umuntfu lohlantekile kube nguyena abutsa lomlotsa walelitfokati ayewulahla ngephandle kwenkambu endzaweni lehlobile ngekwemtsetfo, uhlaliswe lapho, uhlalele kutsi sive sema-Israyeli siwusebentise emantini ekuhlambulula nasitewugeza sono ngawo. Lomuntfu longuyena abutse lomlotsa walelitfokati kufanele naye ageze timphahla takhe abe ngulongcolile kuze kuhlwe. Lesimiso siyakwentiwa ngabo bonkhe baka-Israyeli kanye nebetive labasemkhatsini wenu, titukulwane ngetitukulwane.” “Umuntfu loyawutsintsa sidvumbu nome ngabe sabani uyawuba ngulongcolile ngekwemtsetfo emalanga lasikhombisa. Uyawutigeza yena ngemanti ngelilanga lesitsatfu nangelesikhombisa, bese-ke uba ngulohlantekile. Kodvwa nakangatigezi yena ngelilanga lesitsatfu nangelesikhombisa, angeke ahlanteke. Nome ngubani lotsintsa sidvumbu, nome sabani, angakaze atihlambulule, uyawube wedzelela lithende laSimakadze. Lowo muntfu kufanele ancunywe esiveni sakubo, ngobe emanti ekuhlambulula angakaze afafatwe etikwakhe, ngako ungcolile; kungcola kwakhe kusesekuye. “Lona-ke ngumtsetfo lomacondzana nemuntfu lofele ethendeni lakhe. Nome ngubani loyawungena kulo nalobekasuke akulo lelithende, uyawuba ngulongcolile ngekwemtsetfo emalanga lasikhombisa. Tonkhe titja lebetingakambonyisiseki taciniswa ngesidekiselo tiyawuba nguletingcolile. “Nangabe umuntfu utsite asebaleni watsintsa sidvumbu semuntfu lofe ngekugwazwa, nome lofe ngesifo lesetayelekile, nome lotsintsa litsambo laso, nome lithuna, uyawuba ngulongcolile ngekwemtsetfo emalanga lasikhombisa. “Macondzana nalabangcolile ngekwemtsetfo uyawutsatsa umlotsa wemnikelo wesono utsele kuwo emanti lahlobile esitjeni. Kuyawutsi umuntfu lohlantekile ngekwemtsetfo atsatse ihisophu ayenye kulamanti, bese ufafata lelithende nako konkhe lokusekhatsi kanye nalabantfu bebakhona lapho. Kufanele afafate bonkhe labake batsintsa litsambo lemufi, nome sidvumbu semuntfu lobulewe nome lotifele, nome-ke lithuna. Lona lohlantekile kufanele afafate lowo longcolile ngelilanga lesitsatfu nangelesikhombisa; ngaleli lesikhombisa uyawube asamhlambulula. Lona lotewuhlanjululwa kufanele ageze timphahla takhe tekwembatsa kanye nemtimba wakhe ngemanti, uyawuba ngulohlambulukile ngabona lobo busuku. “Kodvwa nangabe lomuntfu longcolile angatihlambululi yena, kufanele ancunywe esiveni sakubo, ngobe uhlambalate indzawo lengcwele yaSimakadze. Emanti ekuhlambulula akaze afafatwe etikwakhe, ungcolile. Lesi-ke simiso sabo lesiyawuhlala sentiwa titukulwane ngetitukulwane. “Lomuntfu lobafafata ngemanti ekuhlambulula kufanele naye ageze timphahla takhe tekwembatsa, nalowo lotsintsa lamanti ekuhlambulula uyawuba ngulongcolile kuze kuhlwe. Yonkhe intfo letsintfwe ngumuntfu longcolile nayo iyawuba ngulengcolile, nalowo loyawutsintsa leyontfo uyawuba ngulongcolile kuze kuhlwe.” Ngenyanga yekucala sonkhe sive sema-Israyeli sefika eHlane laseSini, sefike semisa eKhadeshi. Miriyamu wafela khona lapho, wangcwatjwa. Kwakute emanti kuleyo ndzawo, ngako bantfu babutsana ndzawonye basola boMosi na-Aroni. Balwa naMosi batsi: “Kube mane savele safa kanye nebanaketfu ngesikhatsi bafela embikwaSimakadze. Nisiletseleni lesive saSimakadze kulelihlane lelinje? Nentele kutsi tsine kanye naletifuyo tetfu sitewufela lapha! Nasikhiphelani lena eveni laseGibhithe nasiletsa lapha kulelive lelibi kangaka? Lelive alinakudla, namakhiwa, namagelebisi; lite nemahananandza. Kute ngisho nemanti nje ekunatsa!” BoMosi na-Aroni besuka emkhatsini walesive bacondza ekungeneni kwelithende lekuhlangana. Bafike bawa phansi ngebuso, bakhotsama. Inkhatimulo yebukhona baSimakadze yabonakala kubo. Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Tsatsa lendvuku, bese-ke wena na-Aroni, umnakenu, nibutsela sonkhe sive ndzawonye. Khuluma kulelidvwala, embikwaso sibuka, litawube selikhipha emanti. Uyawukhipha emanti kulelidvwala, kuze sonkhe sive kanye netifuyo taso sinatse kulo.” Ngako Mosi watsatsa indvuku ebukhoneni baSimakadze, njengobe abetjeliwe. Yena na-Aroni bahlanganisa sonkhe sive embikwalelidvwala, Mosi watsi kubo: “Lalelani-ke, nine mahlubuka, sinikhokhele yini emanti kulelidvwala?” Ngako Mosi waphakamisa sandla sakhe washaya lelidvwala kabili ngalendvuku, emanti ampompota kulelidvwala, banatsa bona bonkhe kanye netifuyo tabo. Kodvwa Simakadze wabatsetsisa boMosi na-Aroni, watsi: “Njengobe ningakangikholwa kangangekutsi nize ningingcwelise, ningihloniphe embikwalesive sema-Israyeli, anisenawusihola lesive nize nisifikise eveni lengisiphe lona.” Lawo kwakungemanti aseMeribha, lapho sive sema-Israyeli sefike salwa khona naSimakadze, nalapho ativeta kubo khona angulongcwele. Mosi watfumela tigijimi kusuka eKhadeshi, taya enkhosini yaka-Edomu, tafike tatsi: “Umnakenu Israyeli utsi wena uyabati bonkhe bulukhuni lobusehlele. Bobabemkhulu behlela eveni laseGibhithe, sahlala lapho sikhatsi lesidze. Bantfu baseGibhithe basigcilata kanye nabobabe betfu, kodvwa satsi kube sikhale kuSimakadze, wakuva kukhala kwetfu wase utfumela ingilosi, wasikhipha eveni laseGibhithe. “Nyalo-ke sesilapha eKhadeshi, edolobhaneni lelisemnyeleni welive lakho. Sicela kwendlula sidzabule ekhatsi nelive lakho. Singeke sihambe emasimini nome etivinini takho, singeke sinatse ngisho nemanti emitfonjeni yakho. Sitawuhamba ngemgwaco lomkhulu sicondze, singaphambukeli ngesekudla nome ngesancele, size siphumele ngale kwalelive lakho.” Kodvwa Edomu waphendvula, watsi: “Ningeke nengce lapha; naningake nilokotse, siyawuphuma sinihlasele ngetikhali.” Ema-Israyeli aphendvula, atsi: “Sitawuhamba ngemgwaco lomkhulu, nangabe tifuyo tetfu natsi sinatse emitfonjeni yenu, sitanikhokhela. Tsine sifuna kumane sendlule nje ngetinyawo, hhayi lokunye.” Baphindza baka-Edomu baphendvula, batsi: “Asifuni kutsi nendlule.” Base bayaphuma baka-Edomu babesukela ngalenkhulu imphi nalenemandla. Njengobe baka-Edomu bawalela ema-Israyeli kutsi endlule eveni labo, ema-Israyeli abe asayancandzeka, esuka kubo. Sonkhe sive sema-Israyeli sesuka eKhadeshi sayawufika eNtsabeni iHori. SebaseNtsabeni iHori, eceleni kwemnyele waka-Edomu, Simakadze wakhuluma kuboMosi na-Aroni, watsi: “Aroni sewutakuya kulabafile bakubo, ngako akasoze angene eveni lengilinike ema-Israyeli, ngobe nine nobabili aningihloniphanga ngasemantini aseMeribha. Bita bo-Aroni nendvodzana yakhe, Eleyazare, ukhuphukele nabo eNtsabeni yaseHori. Khumula Aroni tembatfo takhe utembatsise indvodzana yakhe, Eleyazare, ngobe Aroni sewutawunishiya abuyele kubakubo, utawufike afele kuyo.” Mosi wenta njengobe Simakadze abemtjelile: Wakhuphukela nabo eNtsabeni yaseHori embikwesive sonkhe sibuka. Mosi wakhumula Aroni tembatfo takhe watembatsisa indvodzana yakhe Eleyazare. Aroni wafela khona lapho etulu entsabeni. Bo-Mosi na-Eleyazare behla entsabeni. Sonkhe sive saka-Israyeli satsi kube sive kutsi Aroni sewufile, samlilela emalanga langema-30. Yatsi kube inkhosi yemaKhenani, yase-Aradi, leyayihlala eNegevu, eningizimu nelive laseKhenani, ive kutsi ema-Israyeli abeta ngemgwaco wase-Atharimu, yavele yawahlasela, yaphindze yatfumba lamanye awo. Israyeli wenta sifungo kuSimakadze, watsi: “Nawungahle usinikele lesive etandleni tetfu, sitasincoba sibhubhise nemadolobha aso.” Simakadze wakulalela waba neluvela ngema-Israyeli, wawanika emaKhenani. Ema-Israyeli abhubhisa onkhe emaKhenani kanye nemadolobha awo; ngako-ke leyo ndzawo yetsiwa libito kwatsiwa yiHoma. Ema-Israyeli ahamba kusukela eNtsabeni iHori ngendlela leya eLwandle Lolubovu, entela kugega lelive lase-Edomu. Kodvwa bantfu baba nenhlitiyo lencane endleleni; basola Nkulunkulu naMosi batsi: “Nasikhiphelani eGibhithe kuze sitewufela lapha ehlane? Kute kudla! Kute nemanti! Siyakwenyanya lokudla lokungenamsoco!” Simakadze wase ubatfumelela tinyoka letatinesihlungu; taluma labantfu, labanyenti babo bafa. Bantfu beta kuMosi, bafike batsi: “Sonile ngekukhuluma kabi ngaSimakadze nangawe. Thandaza kuSimakadze kutsi esuse letinyoka lapha kitsi.” Ngako-ke Mosi wabathandazela labantfu. Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Yenta inyoka lenesitfoze yelitfusi uyiphanyeke etulu elugodvweni; wonkhe labesalunywe yinyoka, utawutsi angayibuka aphile.” Ngako Mosi wakha inyoka ngelitfusi, wase uyiphanyeka etulu elugodvweni. Kwatsi wonkhe labesalunywe yinyoka watsi nabuka lenyoka yelitfusi, waphila. Ema-Israyeli atfutsa lapho ahamba ayawumisa e-Obothi. Esuka e-Obothi afike emisa e-Iye Abharimu, ehlane lelibhekene neMowabi, ngasemphumalanga. Atfutsa lapho ayawumisa eSihosheni saseZeredi. Esuka lapho emisa ngase-Anoni ehlane leliseveni lema-Amori. I-Anoni isemnyeleni weMowabi, emkhatsini welakaMowabi nelaka-Amori, ngiko nje incwadzi yetimphi taSimakadze itsi: “... lidolobha laseWahebi, esifundzeni saseSufa netihosha; umfula i-Anoni, nemacele etihosha lehlela edolobheni lase-Ari, ehlele nangasemnyeleni welive lakaMowabi.” Kusuka lapho bachubekela eBheyeri, emtfonjeni lapho Simakadze akhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Butsa lesive sibuye ndzawonye, mine ngitasinika emanti.” Ngaso sona leso sikhatsi ema-Israyeli ahlabela ingoma atsi: “Geletisa emanti, wena mtfombo! Sitakwemukela ngekuhlabela, umtfombo lowembiwa ngemakhosi wembiwa nabaholi, wembiwa ngetindvuku tebukhosi, kanye nangemizaca yawo.” Esuka lapho kulelo hlane aya eMathana, esuka eMathana aya eNahaliyeli, esuka eNahaliyeli aya eBamothi, esuka eBamothi aya esigodzini sakaMowabi, ngaphansi kwentsaba iPhisga leyengamele lihlane. Sive saka-Israyeli satfumela titfunywa kuSihoni, inkhosi yema-Amori, satsi: “Sicela kwendlula sidzabule lelive lakho. Singeke siphambukele emasimini nome esivinini nome sinatse emanti kunome ngumuphi umtfombo. Sitawuhamba ngemgwaco wenkhosi size siphumele ngale kwelive lakho.” Kodvwa Sihoni wala kutsi bendlule badzabule live lakhe. Wahlanganisa emabutfo akhe onkhe, wawahlomisa wawavivisa awacondzise ehlane kuyawulwa nema-Israyeli. Watsi nakefika eJahasi, walwa nema-Israyeli. Ema-Israyeli alwa naye amehlula, adla live lakhe kusukela e-Anoni kuya eJabhoki, kuze kugcine ngaseveni lema-Amoni, ngobe iminyele yawo yayakhiwe, itinqaba. Ema-Israyeli awatfumba onkhe emadolobha ema-Amori, awadla aba ngewawo kanye neHeshboni netabelo tayo tonkhe. IHeshboni bekulidolobha laSihoni, inkhosi yema-Amori, leyayike yalwa nalenkhosi leyayingeyemaMowabi, yatsatsa lonkhe live layo kuze kuyewugcina e-Anoni. Ngiko nje timbongi titsi: “Wotani eHeshboni, lidolobha lenkhosi Sihoni! Alakhiwe kabusha, yebo, aliphindze livuswe, lakhiwe. “KuleHeshboni kwase kuphuma umlilo, lilangabi lelidolobha laSihoni. Lashisa i-Ari yakaMowabi, takhamiti tasetintsabeni, e-Anoni. Nako kini, sive sakaMowabi! Nibhujisiwe nine sive sakaKhemoshi! Uyekelele emadvodzana akhe, aba bakhoseli; kwatsi emadvodzakati akhe aba titfunjwa taSihoni, inkhosi yema-Amori. “Kodvwa sesibancobile, iHeshboni ibhujiswe yonkhe indlela kuze kuyewufika eDiboni. Sibabhubhise saze sayawufika eNofa, kuze kufike eMedeba.” Ngako ema-Israyeli ahlala eveni lema-Amori. Watsi kube Mosi atfumele tinhloli eJazeri, ema-Israyeli atfumba lonkhe lelo dolobha kanye netabelo talo, acosha lawo ma-Amori labelapho. Ema-Israyeli ajika enyuka ngemgwaco locondza eBhashani; kwase kutsi Ogi, inkhosi yaseBhashani, waphuma kanye nemabutfo akhe onkhe, wayawuhlasela ema-Israyeli emphini yase-Edreyi. Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Ungamesabi, ngobe yena kanye nemabutfo akhe onkhe, nelive lakhe, sengimnikele etandleni takho. Yenta kuye kona loko lowakwenta kuSihoni, inkhosi yema-Amori, labebusa eHeshboni.” Ngako ema-Israyeli abulala Ogi kanye nemadvodzana akhe, naso sonkhe sive sakhe, kwabate ngisho namunye lowasindza. Ase ayalidla lelo live lakhe. Sive sema-Israyeli sesuka lapho sacondza ematsafeni akaMowabi, sefike semisa emathende ngesheya kwemfula iJordane malungana neJerikho. Watsi kube Bhalaki, umsa waSiphori, abone konkhe lekwase kwentiwe sive sema-Israyeli esiveni sema-Amori, Mowabi watfutfumela ngenca yebunyenti bawo. Yebo, Mowabi watfutfumela ngenca yema-Israyeli. BakaMowabi bakhuluma nebaholi bakaMidiyani, batsi: “Lesicumbi sebantfu sitawudla konkhe lesinako, njengenkhomo idla luhlata lwesiganga.” Ngako Bhalaki, umsa waSiphori, labeyinkhosi yakaMowabi ngaleso sikhatsi, watfumela tigijimi kutsi tiyewumbitela Bhalamu, umsa waBheyori, labesePhethori ngasemfuleni iYufrathe, eveni laka-Amawu; tafike tatsi kuye: “Kunesive lesaphuma eGibhithe lesesigcwele umhlaba wonkhe, manje sesize semisa nalapha eceleni kwelive lami. Manje kota utengicalekisela lesive, ngobe sinemandla kakhulu kunami; kumbe ngingakhona kusehlula ngisikhiphe lapha eveni lami. Ngiyati kutsi lababusiswa nguwe bayabusiseka, nalabo labacalekiswa nguwe bayacalekiseka.” Ngako-ke baholi bakaMowabi nebakaMidiyani besuka bahamba baphatsa imali yekuphengula. Batsi nabefika kuBhalamu, bafike bamtjela loko bebakutfunywe nguBhalaki. Bhalamu wabaphendvula watsi: “Lalani lapha kulobusuku, kusasa ngitanibuyela nemphendvulo levela kuSimakadze.” Ngako labaholi bakaMowabi balala kaBhalamu. Nkulunkulu wefika wabuta Bhalamu, watsi: “Ngakabani lamadvodza lalele lapha kakho?” Bhalamu waphendvula Nkulunkulu, watsi: “Bhalaki, umsa waSiphori, inkhosi yakaMowabi, utfumele kimi umbiko lotsi: ‘Kunesive lesaphuma kulela laseGibhithe lesigcwele umhlaba wonkhe. Ngako wota utengicalekisela sona, kumbe ngingakhona kusehlula ngisicoshe kulelive lami.’ ” Kodvwa Nkulunkulu wakhuluma kuBhalamu, watsi: “Ungacali uhambe nawo. Ungasibeki sicalekiso kuleso sive leso, ngobe sabusiswa.” Ngakusasa ekuseni Bhalamu wavuka watjela labaholi lababetfunywe nguBhalaki, watsi: “Hambani nibuyele eveni lakini, Simakadze walile kutsi ngihambe nani.” Ngako labaholi bakaMowabi babuyela kuBhalaki, bafike bamtjela batsi: “Bhalamu walile kuta natsi.” Waphindza Bhalaki watfumela labanye baholi lababemcoka, baba banyenti kakhulu kunalaba bekucala. Befika kuBhalamu batsi: “Bhalaki, umsa waSiphori, utsi: ‘Akubete lutfo lolukuvimbelako kutsi ute kimi, ngobe ngiyakukukhokhela kahle kakhulu nome ungangibitani; kota ungicalekisele lesive.’ ” Kodvwa Bhalamu wabaphendvula, watsi: “Ngisho nome Bhalaki abenganginika sigodlo sakhe sigcwele isiliva negolide, ngingeke sengente lutfo lolukhulu nome loluncane loluphambene nemyalo waSimakadze Nkulunkulu wami. Hlalani nani kulobusuku njengalaba bakucala, ngize ngati kutsi yini lenye Simakadze latangitjela yona.” Ngalobo busuku Nkulunkulu wefika kuBhalamu, watsi: “Njengobe lamadvodza akulandzile, hamba nawo, kuphela wente loko lengikutjela kona.” Bhalamu wavuka ekuseni wabophela imbongolo yakhe, wahamba nalabaholi bakaMowabi. Simakadze wamtfukutselela kakhulu nasahamba, ingilosi yaSimakadze yammela endleleni imvimbela. Bhalamu abegibele imbongolo yakhe, ahamba netinceku takhe letimbili. Imbongolo yatsi kube ibone lengilosi ime endleleni, yelule inkemba yayo iyiphetse ngesandla, yaphambuka endleleni yacondza esigangeni. Bhalamu wayishaya, ayibuyisela endleleni. Ingilosi yaSimakadze yachubeka yayakuma emngcingweni wendlela leyayijuba emkhatsini wetivini letimbili, kume tibondza emaceleni ngala nangala. Imbongolo yatsi kube ibone ingilosi yaSimakadze, yagudla lubondza yahhudla umbala waBhalamu kulolubondza. Bhalamu waphindza wayishaya futsi. Ingilosi yaSimakadze yaphindza yachubekela ngembidlana, yefika yema emngcengcemaneni wendlela, lapho bekute khona ngisho nendzawana nje yekujikela ngesekudla nome ngesancele. Imbongolo yatsi kube ibone lengilosi yaSimakadze, yalala phansi, Bhalamu asetulu kuyo; watfukutsela wabila, wayishaya ngalendvuku yakhe. Simakadze wase uvula umlomo walembongolo, yakhuluma kuBhalamu yatsi: “Kodvwa ngenteni kuwe kutsi ungaze ungishaye kuze kube katsatfu?” Bhalamu wayiphendvula watsi: “Ungente silima! Kube bengiphetse inkemba esandleni sami, ngabe ngiyakubulala khona nyalo.” Imbongolo yaphendvula Bhalamu, yatsi: “Angisiyo yini imbongolo yakho lohlala ngekuyigibela njalo nje, kuze kube ngulamuhla? Ngake ngakwenta yini loku kuwe?” Bhalamu watsi: “Cha.” Simakadze wase uvula emehlo eBhalamu, wayibona lengilosi yaSimakadze ime endleleni yelule inkemba yayo. Ngako watitfoba, wawa phansi ngebuso. Ingilosi yaSimakadze yambuta yatsi: “Uyishayeleni lembongolo yakho kuze kube katsatfu? Ngite lapha kutewuncandza wena, ngobe lendlela yakho inengoti embikwami. Lembongolo beyibona mine ingibalekele kulamahlandla lamatsatfu. Kube beyingangibalekeli, ngabe wena sengikubulele nyalo, kodvwa yona bengitayishiya iphila.” Bhalamu wakhuluma kulengilosi yaSimakadze, watsi: “Ngonile, bengingaboni kutsi ume endleleni kutewuncandza mine. Nangabe-ke akukujabulisi lokuhamba kwami, ngitawuncandzeka.” Ingilosi yaSimakadze yakhuluma kuBhalamu, yatsi: “Hamba nalamadvodza, kodvwa ukhulume kuphela loko lengitakutjela kona.” Ngako Bhalamu wahamba nalabaholi bakaBhalaki. Watsi kube eve Bhalaki kutsi Bhalamu sewuyeta, waphuma wayawumhlangabeta edolobheni lakaMowabi lelise-Anoni, lekungumnyele lokhashane kakhulu welive lakhe. Bhalaki wakhuluma naBhalamu, watsi: “Angikatfumeli yini tigijimi kuwe kutsi tikulandze masinyane? Awuketi ngani kimi? Bewucabanga kutsi anginalutfo yini lwekukukhokhela?” Bhalamu waphendvula watsi: “Sengikhona, kepha nginawo yini mine emandla ekukhuluma lutfo ngaphandle kwaloko lengikutjelwa nguNkulunkulu?” Ngako Bhalamu wahamba naBhalaki, baya eKhiriyathi Husothi. Bhalaki wenta umhlatjelo ngetinkhomo netimvu, lenye inyama wayinika Bhalamu nalabaholi lababehamba naye. Ngakusasa ekuseni Bhalaki watsatsa Bhalamu, benyukela etulu eBhamothi Bhali, lapho afike wabona kahle incenye yalesive. Bhalamu wakhuluma kuBhalaki, watsi: “Ngakhele emalati lasikhombisa, ungilungiselele tinkunzi letisikhombisa netihhanca letisikhombisa.” Bhalaki wakwenta konkhe loko lekwakufunwe nguBhalamu, bobabili base banikela ngenkunzi nesihhanca kulelo nakulelo lilati. Bhalamu wakhuluma kuBhalaki, watsi: “Mani lapha eceleni kwemnikelo wakho, mine ngisaphambuka; ngisafuna kuhlola kutsi Simakadze utawuhlangabetana yini nami. Loko langembulela kona nawe ngitakwatisa.” Asakushito loko, wase ukhuphukela egcumeni lelingenatihlahla. Nkulunkulu wahlangabetana naye, naBhalamu watsi kuye: “Sengilungise emalati lasikhombisa, etikwalelo nalelo lati nginikele ngenkunzi nesihhanca.” Simakadze wabeka emavi emlonyeni waBhalamu, watsi: “Ncandzeka uye kuBhalaki, ufike umtjele lelivi.” Ngako-ke wancandzeka wamkhandza aseme eceleni kwemnikelo wakhe kanye nebaholi bakaMowabi. Bhalamu wakhuluma umlayeto wakhe, watsi: “Bhalaki wangisusa e-Aramu, inkhosi yakaMowabi, etintsabeni letingasemphumalanga, watsi: ‘Kota utengicalekisela Jakobe, ungijivazele Israyeli.’ Ngingabacalekisa kanjani labo labangakacalekiswa nguNkulunkulu? Ngingabajivaza kanjani labo labangakajivazwa nguSimakadze? Ngiyababona loku ngilapha esicongweni sentsaba lesilidvwala. Yebo, ngiyababona loku ngilapha etulu ekuphakameni, ngibasinga umkhanya. Ngababona basive lesitihlalela sodvwa, sitehlukanise naletinye tive. Ngubani longabala lutfuli lwaJakobe, nome abale incenye yesive saka-Israyeli? Angimane ngife kufa kwalolungile, shangatsi nesiphetfo sami singaba njengesabo.” Bhalaki wakhuluma kuBhalamu, watsi: “Yini lena lese uyente kimi? Ngikuletse lapha kutsi utewucalekisa letitsa tami, kodvwa kute lokwentile; esikhundleni saloko utibusisile.” Bhalamu waphendvula watsi: “Kantsi akukafaneli yini ngikhulume loko lokubekwe nguSimakadze emlonyeni wami?” Bhalaki wakhuluma kuye, watsi: “Kota la sihambe nawe siye kulenye indzawo, khona utawubabona; noko utawubona incenye yabo, hhayi bonkhe. Utawube sewungicalekisela bona.” Ngako wamtsatsa wahamba naye baya etsafeni laseSofimu, etulu esicongweni sentsaba iPhisga, wefika lapho wakha emalati lasikhombisa, wanikela ngenkunzi nangesihhanca etikwalelo nalelo lati. Bhalamu wakhuluma kuBhalaki, watsi: “Mani lapha eceleni kwemnikelo wakho, mine ngisetawuhlangana naSimakadze lapha.” Simakadze wahlangana naBhalamu, wamtjela emavi lekufanele awakhulume, watsi: “Ncandzeka, uye kuBhalaki uyewumtjela lelivi.” Ngako-ke wancandzeka waya kuye, wamkhandza eceleni kwemnikelo wakhe, eme nebaholi bakaMowabi. Bhalaki wambuta watsi: “Utsiteni Simakadze?” Bhalamu wakhuluma umlayeto wakhe, watsi: “Sukuma, Bhalaki, ulalele, ngive kahle wena, msa waSiphori. Nkulunkulu akasiye umuntfu kutsi angacala emanga, futsi akasiyo indvodzana yemuntfu legucukako engcondvweni yayo. Uyakhuluma yini angabe asenta? Uyetsembisa yini angabe asasifeza setsembiso sakhe? Nginikwe umyalo wekutsi ngibusise, yena sewubusisile, mine ngingabe ngisakugucula loko. “Kute emashwa latakwehlela Jakobe, Israyeli angeke abe nelusizi. Simakadze Nkulunkulu wabo, unabo; kumenyetwa nekudvunyiswa kweNkhosi kusemkhatsini wabo. Nkulunkulu lowabakhipha eGibhithe, ubalwela ngemandla lanjengewenyatsi. Kute longaloya Jakobe, kute longaphengula Israyeli; kuyawukhulunywa ngaJakobe nanga-Israyeli kutsiwe: ‘Bukani lokwentiwe nguNkulunkulu!’ Lesive sivuka njengelibhubesi lelisikati, siphakame njengenkunzi yelibhubesi, lelingaphumuli lingakayidli layicedza inyamatane leliyibambile, linatse nengati yaleto tinyamatane lelitibulele.” Bhalaki wakhuluma kuBhalamu, watsi: “Njengobe awukabacalekisi, lokungenani ungababusisi.” Bhalamu waphendvula, watsi: “Angikakutjeli yini kutsi kufanele ngikhulume loko lengikutjelwa nguSimakadze?” Bhalaki wakhuluma kuBhalamu, watsi: “Kota, sihambe nawe, siye kulenye indzawo, mhlawumbe kungahle kumjabulise Nkulunkulu, akuvumele kutsi ungicalekisele lesive ukuleyo ndzawo.” Bhalaki watsatsa Bhalamu, bobabili benyukela esicongweni sentsaba iPheyori leyengamele lihlane. Bhalamu wakhuluma watsi: “Ngakhele emalati lasikhombisa lapha, ungilungisele tinkunzi letisikhombisa netihhanca letisikhombisa.” Bhalaki wenta njengekusho kwaBhalamu, wanikela inkunzi nesihhanca kulelo nakulelo lilati. Ngaleso sikhatsi Bhalamu bese ati kahle kutsi kuyamjabulisa Simakadze nakabusisa lesive sema-Israyeli, ngako akazange aphindze afune letinye tibonakaliso njengakucala, kodvwa wesuka wabheka ngasehlane. Bhalamu watsi uyabuka wabona ema-Israyeli emisile, sive ngesive, Moya waNkulunkulu wehlela etikwakhe, walayetela watsi: “Umlayeto waBhalamu, umsa waBheyori, umlayeto walowo lonemehlo labona kahle konkhe. Umlayeto walowo lova emavi aNkulunkulu, lowo lobona umbono waSomandla, lowo lokhotsamako, lonemehlo lavulekile. Maye mahle emathende akho, sive sakaJakobe, emakhaya lapho uhlala khona, Israyeli! “Njengemifula lenemanti, nanjengetivandze letiseceleni kwemfula; nanjengenhlaba lehlanyelwe nguSimakadze, nanjengemisedari ngasemantini emfula, emanti atawugeleta asuka etimbiteni takhe, nenhlanyelo yakhe itfole emanti lamanyenti. “Inkhosi yabo iyawuba yinkhulu kuna-Agagi, nembuso wabo uyawuphakanyiswa. Nkulunkulu wabakhipha eveni laseGibhithe, unjengenyatsi lenemandla kubo. Bayakudla tive letititsa tabo, bephule ematsambo ato abe timvutfu, bagwaze leto tive ngetikhali. Njengelibhubesi bayahoshoba bacambalale phansi, yebo, nanjengelibhubesi lelisikati, ngubani nje longacala abavuse? “Ababusiswe labo labakubusisako, bacalekiswe labo labakucalekisako!” Lulaka lwaBhalaki lwamvutsela kamatima Bhalamu, washaya tandla takhe, watsi kuye: “Ngikulandzele kutsi utewucalekisa titsa tami, kodvwa wena sewutibusise kwaze kwaba katsatfu. Nyamalala nyalo ubuyele ekhaya lakho; bengitsi ngitakubonga ngesibongo lesihle, kodvwa Simakadze ukwalele kutsi utfole lesibongo.” Bhalamu watsi kuBhalaki: “Angititjelanga yini letigijimi lewawutitfumele kimi, ngatsi kuto: ‘Ngisho nome ngabe Bhalaki anganginika sigodlo sakhe sigcwele isiliva negolide, bengingeke ngitentele lutfo lolusuka kimi, lokuhle nome lokubi, lokuphambene nemyalo waSimakadze. Ngitakusho kuphela loko lokushiwo nguSimakadze.’ ” “Sengiyancandzeka ngibuyela eveni lakitsi, kodvwa kota lapha ngikutjele kutsi yini letakwentiwa ngulesive kulesive sakho kulamalanga letako.” Walayetela, watsi: “Umlayeto waBhalamu, umsa waBheyori, umlayeto walowo lonemehlo labona kahle konkhe. Umlayeto walowo lova emavi aNkulunkulu, lowo lonelwati loluvela kuLosetikwako Konkhe, lowo lobona umbono waSomandla, lowo lokhotsamako, lonemehlo lavulekile. “Ngiyambona, noko, hhayi nyalo; ngibuke kuye, noko, akekho edvute. Inkhanyeti iyawuvela kuJakobe, intfonga yebukhosi iyawumila ka-Israyeli, uyawupitjita tinhloko tesive sakaMowabi, tinkhakhayi tawo onkhe emadvodza akaShethi. Edomu uyawuncotjwa; Seyiri, sitsa sakhe, naye uyawuncotjwa, kodvwa Israyeli uyawukhula abe nemandla. Umbusi uyawuvela kuJakobe abhubhise bonkhe lababesele nakuhlaselwa lelo dolobha.” Bhalamu wabona Amaleki, wase ubeka umlayeto wakhe, watsi: “Amaleki waba wekucala etiveni tonkhe, kodvwa, noko ekugcineni uyawubhubha.” Waphindza wabona emaKheni, wase ubeka umlayeto wakhe utsi: “Emakhaya akho avikelekile, sidleke sakho sakhelwe edvwaleni. Noko nine maKheni niyawubhujiswa ngesikhatsi nitfunjwa ngu-Ashuri.” Walayetela futsi watsi: “Awu! Ngubani nje longaphila, Simakadze nase acala kwenta loku? Imikhumbi iyawuchamuka elusentseni lwelwandle eKhithimu, imncobe Ashuri na-Ebheri, noko, naye uyawubhujiswa.” Bhalamu wesuka wancandzeka wabuyela eveni lakubo, naBhalaki watsatsa yakhe indlela. Ngesikhatsi sive sema-Israyeli siseseShithimu, emadvodza acala kungenela kulalana nalabasikati besive semaMowabi. Laba labasikati bawamema lamadvodza kutsi ete atekwenta umhlatjelo kubonkulunkulu babo. Lamadvodza adla, akhotsama, akhonta labonkulunkulu bemaMowabi. Ngako sive sema-Israyeli sahlanganyela ekukhonteni Bhali wasePheyori. Lulaka lwaSimakadze lwabavutsela. Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Tsatsa bonkhe baholi balesive, ubabulale, bese ubeneka emini kubona wonkhe umuntfu embikwaSimakadze, khona kutewutsi lulaka lolwesabekako lwaSimakadze lungetiwusivutsela lesive saka-Israyeli.” Mosi wakhuluma nebaholi baka-Israyeli, watsi: “Ngulowo nalowo wenu kufanele abulale onkhe emadvodza esive sakabo lahlanganyele ekukhonteni Bhali wasePheyori.” Lenye indvodza yem-Israyeli yeta nalomsikati umMidiyani yamngenisa ethendeni layo, Mosi abuka, nesive sonkhe sema-Israyeli sisalila ekungeneni kwelithende lekuhlangana. Watsi kube akubone loko Finehasi, umsa wa-Eleyazare, umsa wa-Aroni, umphristi, washiya sonkhe lesive, watsatsa sikhali ngesandla sakhe, walandzela lendvodza yem-Israyeli waze wayawungena ethendeni layo. Wafike wabagwaza bobabili, sikhali sangena kulom-Israyeli saze sayawuphumela ngale kulona lomsikati. Lesishayo lesasihlasele ema-Israyeli sakhawula, kodvwa labesebafile ngaso bese bati-24 000. Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Finehasi, umsa wa-Eleyazare, lotalwa ngu-Aroni, umphristi, sewukuncandzile kutfukutsela kwami ngitfukutselela sive sema-Israyeli, ngobe nguye yedvwa emkhatsini wabo lobe nenshisekelo yekugcina ludvumo lwami; ngiko nje ngingakasicedzi ngelulaka sive sema-Israyeli. Ngako-ke mtjele kutsi sengenta sivumelwane sekuthula naye. Yena netitukulwane takhe batawuba nesivumelwane sebuphristi baphakadze naphakadze, ngobe waba nenshisekelo yekugcina ludvumo lwami, wenta inhlawulo yekubuyisana kwesive sonkhe sema-Israyeli nami.” Libito lalom-Israyeli lowabulawa kanye nemMidiyani lomsikati bekunguZimri, umsa waSalu, umholi wemndeni wakaSimeyoni. Libito lalona lomsikati bekunguKhozibi, indvodzakati yaSuri, sikhulu semndeni lotsite wesive semaMidiyani. Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Sive semaMidiyani niyawusiphatsa njengetitsa nisibulale, ngobe naso saniphatsa njengetitsa, ngesikhatsi siniyenga ngalendzaba yasePheyori, nangenca yadzadzewabo, Khozibi, labeyindvodzakati yemholi wesive semaMidiyani. Khozibi nguye lona lowafa ngekubulawa, nakufika lesishayo sasePheyori.” Emvakwaleso sishayo Simakadze wakhuluma kuboMosi na-Eleyazare, umsa wa-Aroni, umphristi, watsi: “Yentani lubalo lwaso sonkhe sive sema-Israyeli ngemindeni yaso, kusukela kulabaneminyaka lengema-20 budzala kuya etulu, bonkhe lasebangalungela kungenela imphi esiveni saka-Israyeli.” Ngako-ke, ematsafeni akaMowabi, ngesheya kweJordane, malungana neJerikho, boMosi na-Eleyazare, umphristi, bakhuluma nesive batsi: “Yentani lubalo lwawo onkhe emadvodza kusukela kulabaneminyaka lengema-20 budzala kuya etulu, njengobe Simakadze ayale Mosi.” Nankha-ke ema-Israyeli laphuma eGibhithe: Titukulwane takaRubeni, litubulo la-Israyeli, lusendvo ngelusendvo kwaba ngemaHanoki labetalwa nguHanoki, nemaPhalu labetalwa nguPhalu, nemaHesroni labetalwa nguHesroni, nemaKhami, labetalwa nguKhami. Leto-ke bekutisendvo takaRubeni. Lababalwa babeti-43 730. Umsa waPhalu bekungu-Eliyabe. Emadvodzana a-Eliyabe bekuboNemuweli, naDathani, na-Abiramu. BoDathani na-Abiramu bebangulabaholi labavukela Mosi na-Aroni; bebangulabanye bebalandzeli baKhora nabavukela Simakadze. Umhlaba wakhamisa wabagwinya bonkhe naKhora, balandzeli bakhe labafa ngesikhatsi umlilo ubhubhisa emadvodza langema-250, baba luphawu lwesecwayiso. Noko intalelwane yaKhora ayizange ife iphele. Titukulwane takaSimeyoni lusendvo ngelusendvo kwaba ngemaNemuweli labetalwa nguNemuweli, nemaJamini labetalwa nguJamini, nemaJakhini labetalwa nguJakhini, nemaZera labetalwa nguZera, nemaShawula labetalwa nguShawula. Leto-ke bekutinsendvo takaSimeyoni. Lababalwa babeti-22 200. Titukulwane takaGadi lusendvo ngelusendvo kwaba ngemaSefoni labetalwa nguSefoni, nemaHagi labetalwa nguHagi, nemaShuni labetalwa nguShuni, nema-Ozni labetalwa ngu-Ozni, nema-Era labetalwa ngu-Era, nema-Arodi labetalwa ngu-Arodi, nema-Areli labetalwa ngu-Areli. Leto-ke bekutinsendvo takaGadi. Lababalwa babeti-40 500. Bo-Era na-Onani bekungemadvodzana aJuda, kodvwa afela eKhenani. Titukulwane takaJuda lusendvo ngelusendvo kwaba ngemaShela, labetalwa nguShela, nemaPheresi, labetalwa nguPheresi, nemaZera, labetalwa nguZera. Titukulwane takaPheresi lusendvo ngelusendvo kwaba ngemaHesroni labetalwa nguHesroni, nemaHamuli labetalwa nguHamuli. Leto-ke bekutinsendvo takaJuda. Lababalwa babeti-76 500. Titukulwane taka-Isakhari lusendvo ngelusendvo kwaba ngemaThola labetalwa nguThola, nemaPhuwa labetalwa nguPhuwa, nemaJashubi labetalwa nguJashubi, nemaShimroni labetalwa nguShimroni. Leto-ke bekutinsendvo taka-Isakhari. Lababalwa babeti-64 300. Titukulwane takaZebuloni lusendvo ngelusendvo kwaba ngemaSeredi labetalwa nguSeredi, nema-Eloni labetalwa ngu-Eloni, nemaJaleli labetalwa nguJaleli. Leto-ke bekutinsendvo takaZebuloni. Lababalwa babeti-60 500. Titukulwane takaJosefa lusendvo ngelusendvo kusukela kuboManase na-Efrayimu tatime kanje: Titukulwane takaManase lusendvo ngelusendvo kwaba ngemaMakhire labetalwa nguMakhire, Makhire kwakunguyise waGileyadi, emaGileyadi abetalwa nguGileyadi. Leti-ke bekutinsendvo takaGileyadi: ema-Iyezeri labetalwa ngu-Iyezeri, nemaHelekhi labetalwa nguHelekhi, nema-Asriyeli labetalwa ngu-Asriyeli, nemaShekhemu labetalwa nguShekhemu, nemaShemida labetalwa nguShemida, nemaHeferi labetalwa nguHeferi. Selofehadi, umsa waHeferi, abete emadvodzana, abenemantfombatana odvwana lekwakuboMahala, naNowa, naHogila, naMilkha, naThisa. Leto-ke bekutinsendvo takaManase. Lababalwa babeti-52 700. Titukulwane taka-Efrayimu lusendvo ngelusendvo kwaba ngemaShuthela labetalwa nguShuthela, nemaBekheri labetalwa nguBekheri, nemaThahani labetalwa nguThahani. Leti-ke bekutinsendvo takaShuthela: ema-Erani labetalwa ngu-Erani. Leto-ke bekutinsendvo taka-Efrayimu. Lababalwa babeti-32 500. Leti-ke ngito titukulwane takaJosefa lusendvo ngelusendvo. Titukulwane takaBhenjamini lusendvo ngelusendvo kwaba ngemaBela labetalwa nguBela, nema-Ashbeli labetalwa ngu-Ashbeli, nema-Ahiramu labetalwa ngu-Ahiramu nemaShufamu labetalwa nguShufamu, nemaHufamu labetalwa nguHufamu. Titukulwane takaBela tekutalwa ngu-Adi naNamani kwaba nguleti: ema-Adi labetalwa ngu-Adi, nemaNamani labetalwa nguNamani. Leto-ke bekutinsendvo takaBhenjamini. Lababalwa babeti-45 600. Titukulwane takaDani lusendvo ngelusendvo kwaba ngemaShuhamu labetalwa nguShuhamu. Leti-ke bekutinsendvo takaDani. Bonkhe babengemaShuhamu. Lababalwa babeti-64 400. Titukulwane taka-Asheri lusendvo ngelusendvo kwaba ngemaJimna labetalwa nguJimna, nemaJishvi labetalwa nguJishvi, nemaBheriya labetalwa nguBheriya. Titukulwane takaBheriya lusendvo ngelusendvo kwaba ngemaHebere labetalwa nguHebere, nemaMalkhiyeli labetalwa nguMalkhiyeli. Asheri abenendvodzakati leyayinguSera. Leto-ke bekutinsendvo taka-Asheri. Lababalwa babeti-53 400. Titukulwane takaNaftali lusendvo ngelusendvo kwaba ngemaJasiyeli labetalwa nguJasiyeli, nemaGuni labetalwa nguGuni, nemaJeseri labetalwa nguJeseri, nemaShilemi labetalwa nguShilemi. Leto-ke bekutinsendvo takaNaftali. Lababalwa babeti-45 400. Asawonkhe emadvodza esive saka-Israyeli labalwa abeti-601 730. Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Lelive litakwabiwa libe lifa labo, kuye ngebunyenti balawo mabito labhalisiwe. Sive lesinebantfu labanyenti usabele lifa lelikhulu, sive lesinebantfu labambalwa usabele lifa lelincane. Nguleso naleso sive siyawukwabelwa lifa laso kuye ngebunyenti balawo mabito labhalwe phansi. Ucaphelisise kutsi lelive labiwa ngenkatho. Nguleso naleso sive siyawukwabelwa ngangekwemabito aboyisemkhulu ngekwebuve baso. Ngulelo nalelo lifa liyakwabiwa ngenkatho nalahlukaniselwa sive lesinyenti nalesincane.” Lawa-ke ngemaLevi labalwa ngetinsendvo tawo: emaGeshoni, labetalwa nguGeshoni, nemaKhohati labetalwa nguKhohati, nemaMerari labetalwa nguMerari. Naleti bekutinsendvo temaLevi: emaLibni, nemaHebroni, nemaMahali, nemaMushi, nemaKhora. Khohati abenguyisemkhulu wa-Amramu. Umka-Amramu bekunguJokhebedi, umtukulu waLevi lowatalelwa emndenini wemaLevi baseseGibhithe. Jokhebedi watalela Amramu bo-Aroni, naMosi kanye naMiriyamu, dzadzewabo. Aroni abenguyise waboNadabi, na-Abihu, na-Eleyazare, na-Ithamari. BoNadabi naAbihu ngulaba labafa ngesikhatsi banikela ngemlilo longengcwele. Onkhe emaLevi lamadvuna kusukela kulabenenyanga budzala kuya etulu abeti-23 000. Wona akazange abalwe kanye nema-Israyeli lamanye, ngobe wona akemukeliswanga sabelo selive. Tonkhe letinsendvo tabalwa nguMosi na-Eleyazare, umphristi, ngesikhatsi kubalwa ema-Israyeli ematsafeni akaMowabi, ngesheya kweJordane, malunga neJerikho. Kwabate ngisho yinye indvodza leyabalwa kulawa lababalwe nguMosi na-Aroni umphristi elubalweni lwekucala lolwalwentiwe eHlane laseSinayi. Kungobe Simakadze abetjele ema-Israyeli kutsi nakanjani atawufela ehlane, ngako kwabate nome munye lowasala ngaphandle kwaboKhalebi, umsa waJefune, naJoshuwa, umsa waNuni. Emadvodzakati aSelofehadi, umsa waHeferi, umsa waGileyadi, umsa waMakhire, umsa waManase, abewelusendvo lwakaManase, umsa waJosefa. Emabito alamadvodzakati bekuboMahala, naNowa, naHogila, naMilkha, naThisa. Asondzela ekungeneni kwelithende lekuhlangana ema embikwaMosi, na-Eleyazare, umphristi, nebaholi besive sonkhe, atsi: “Babe wetfu wafela ehlane. Abengesiye lomunye webalandzeli baKhora, labadudana ngekuhlubuka Simakadze; wafela sono sakhe, washiya kute emadvodzana. Pho, kwentiwa yini libito lababe lingaveli elusendvweni ngobe abete indvodzana? Sinikeni sabelo emkhatsini wetihlobo tababe.” Ngako Mosi wayitsatsa lendzaba yawo wayimikisa kuSimakadze. Simakadze watsi kuye: “Kuliciniso loku lokushiwo ngemadvodzakati aSelofehadi. Kufanele uwanike sabelo sawo etihlotjeni teyise, aniketwe lifa leyise. Tjela ema-Israyeli utsi: ‘Nangabe indvodza ifa, ishiye kute indvodzana, imphahla nelifa layo alendluliselwe endvodzakatini yayo. Nangabe ite ngisho nendvodzakati, lifa layo linikeni banakabo. Nangabe ite banakabo, lifa layo linikeni bomnakaboyise. Nangabe uyise abete banakabo, lifa linikeni sihlobo lesisedvutane elusendvweni lwayo kutsi litewuba laso. Loku kufanele kube ngumtsetfo wema-Israyeli, njengobe Simakadze ayala Mosi.’ ” Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Yenyukela eNtsabeni i-Abarimu utewubuka lelive lengiliphe ema-Israyeli. Utawutsi ungalibona nawe bese uya kubakini, njengemnakenu Aroni, ngobe ngesikhatsi bantfu bangihlubuka ngasemantini eHlane laseSini, nani nobabili nangihlubuka lapho nangete nawulalela umyalo wami, ngekunganginiki kwenu ludvumo lwekungingcwelisa embikwabo kulawo manti.” Lawo bekungemanti aseMeribha, eKhadeshi, eHlane laseSini. Mosi wakhuluma kuSimakadze, watsi: “Shangatsi Simakadze, Nkulunkulu wemimoya yebantfu bonkhe, angabeka lenye indvodza ibe ngumholi emkhatsini walesive, iphume ingene embikwaso, isihole ngekusikhipha nekusingenisa, kuze sive saSimakadze singafani netimvu letingenamelusi.” Ngako-ke Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Tsatsa Joshuwa, umsa waNuni, indvodza lenaMoya, umbeke sandla. Mmise embikwa-Eleyazare, umphristi, nesive sonkhe, umbeke embikwaso. Mnike lamanye emagunya nemandla akho, kuze sive sonkhe sema-Israyeli sitawumlalela simhloniphe. Utakuma embikwa-Eleyazare, umphristi, lotamtsatsela tincumo latitfole nge-Urimu kuSimakadze. Ngekukhuluma kwakhe yena nesive sonkhe sema-Israyeli bayawuphuma baphindze bangene njengekuyala kwakhe.” Mosi wenta njengobe abeyalwe nguSimakadze. Watsatsa Joshuwa, wammisa embikwa-Eleyazare, umphristi, kanye nesive sonkhe. Wabeka tandla takhe etikwakhe, wamnika sikhundla, njengobe Simakadze abeyale Mosi. Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Yala sive sema-Israyeli utsi: ‘Caphelani kutsi niletse kimi ngesikhatsi lesimisiwe kudla lokungumnikelo wami lowentiwa ngemlilo, kube liphunga lelinuka lusi lolumnandzi kimi.’ Shano kubo utsi: ‘Lona ngumnikelo lowentiwa ngemlilo leniyakuwetfula kuSimakadze: emazinyane lamabili lanemnyaka munye budzala langenasiyela, kube ngumnikelo loshiswa onkhe emalanga. Niyawunikela linye lizinyane ekuseni, leli lelinye nilinikele nakushona lilanga, libe nemnikelo walokutinhlavu lokuyikhilogremu yinye yafulaha wakolo lobhicwe nemafutsa emncumo langaba yilitha yinye. Lona ngumnikelo loshiswa onkhe emalanga, lowamiswa entsabeni yaseSinayi kube liphunga lelinuka lusi lolumnandzi, umnikelo lowentiwa ngemlilo kuSimakadze. Uyawuhambisana nemnikelo wesinatfo lesingaba yilitha yinye ngelizinyane linye. Kuyawutselwa kuSimakadze umnikelo wesinatfo lesinemandla endzaweni lengcwele. Niyawunikela leli lelinye lizinyane nakushona lilanga kanye nemnikelo walokutinhlavu nemnikelo wesinatfo lofanana newasekuseni. Lowo-ke ngumnikelo lowentiwa ngemlilo, kube liphunga lelinuka lusi lolumnandzi kuSimakadze.’ ” “ ‘Ngelilanga leliSabatha yentani umnikelo ngemazinyane lamabili lanemnyaka munye langenasiyela, niwanikele kanye nemnikelo wawo wesinatfo nemnikelo walokutinhlavu longemalitha langaba mane nencenye yafulaha lobhicwe nemafutsa. Lowo-ke kuyawuba ngumnikelo wekushiswa wemaSabatha onkhe ngetulu kwalona loshiswa onkhe emalanga kanye nemnikelo wawo wesinatfo.’ ” “ ‘Ngelilanga lekucala enyangeni niyakwetfula kuSimakadze umnikelo wekushiswa wetinkunzana letimbili, nesihhanca sinye, nemazinyane lamadvuna etimvu lasikhombisa, lanemnyaka munye budzala, nalangenasiyela. Inkunzana iyinye iyawuba nemnikelo walokutinhlavu longemalitha langaba sitfupha nencenye afulaha lobhicwe nemafutsa; nalesihhanca sibe nemnikelo walokutinhlavu longemalitha langaba mane nencenye yafulaha lobhicwe nemafutsa, lizinyane lemvu lilinye libe nemnikelo walokutinhlavu longaba yikhilogremu yafulaha lobhicwe nemafutsa. Lowo-ke ngumnikelo wekushiswa, kube liphunga lelinuka lusi lolumnandzi, umnikelo lowentiwa ngemlilo kuSimakadze. Inkunzana iyinye iyawuba nemnikelo wesinatfo lesingemalitha langaba mabili eliwayini, nesihhanca sibe neliwayini lelingaba yilitha nencenye; lizinyane lilinye liyawuhambisana neliwayini lelingaba yilitha. Lona-ke ngumnikelo wekushiswa lekufanele wentiwe njalo ekwetfwaseni kwenyanga. Ngetulu kwemnikelo wekushiswa lovamile lohambisana nemnikelo wesinatfo, imbuti yinye lendvuna kufanele inikelwe kuSimakadze ibe ngumnikelo wesono.’ ” “ ‘Ngelilanga leli-14 lenyanga yekucala kuyawuba liPhasika laSimakadze. Ngelilanga leli-15 kulenyanga kufanele kube nesibhimbi. Niyawudla sinkhwa lesingenambiliso emalanga lasikhombisa. Ngelilanga lekucala niyawuba nemhlangano longcwele ningatsintsi lutfo lolungumsebenti. Niyakwetfula kuSimakadze umnikelo lowentiwa ngemlilo, umnikelo wekushiswa wetinkunzana letimbili, nesihhanca sinye, nemazinyane lamadvuna etimvu lasikhombisa lanemnyaka munye budzala, onkhe abe ngulangenasiyela. Inkunzana niyawuyilungisa kanye nemnikelo walokutinhlavu longemalitha langaba sitfupha nencenye yafulaha lobhicwe nemafutsa; lesihhanca sibe nemalitha langaba mane nencenye; lilinye lizinyane kulawa lasikhombisa kube ngemalitha langaba mabili. Niyakwengeta nangembuti yinye lendvuna kube ngumnikelo wesono lotanentela inhlawulo yekubuyisana kuSimakadze. Loko nikwente ngetulu kwaleminikelo yekushiswa leyentiwa njalo nje ekuseni. Ngaleyo ndlela niyakwenta umnikelo wekudla lowentiwa ngemlilo onkhe emalanga, kuze kuphelele lamalanga lasikhombisa, kube liphunga lelinuka lusi lolumnandzi kuSimakadze. Uyakwengetelwa ngetulu kwalomnikelo wekushiswa lowentiwa onkhe emalanga kanye nemnikelo wawo wesinatfo. Ngelilanga lesikhombisa niyawuba nemhlangano longcwele ningatsintsi lutfo lolungumsebenti.’ ” “ ‘Ngelilanga letitselo tekucala ekuvuneni, ngeMkhosi Wekuvuna, nanetfula kuSimakadze umnikelo walokutinhlavu letinsha, niyawuba nemhlangano longcwele ningatsintsi lutfo lolungumsebenti. Niyakwetfula umnikelo wekushiswa wetinkunzana letimbili, nesihhanca sinye, nemazinyane lamadvuna etimvu lasikhombisa lanemnyaka munye budzala, kube liphunga lelinuka lusi lolumnandzi kuSimakadze. Inkunzana iyinye kufanele ibe nemnikelo walokutinhlavu longemalitha langaba sitfupha nencenye afulaha lobhicwe nemafutsa; lesihhanca sibe nemalitha langaba mane nencenye, lilinye lizinyane kulawa lasikhombisa kufanele libe nemalitha langaba mabili. Niyakwengeta nangembuti yinye lendvuna lekunguyona iyawunentela inhlawulo yekubuyisana kuSimakadze. Leyo-ke niyawuyenta kanye neminikelo yayo yesinatfo, ngetulu kwalena leshiswa onkhe emalanga neminikelo yayo yalokutinhlavu. Nicaphelisise kutsi letifuyo atinasiyela ngempela yini.’ ” “ ‘Ngelilanga lekucala lenyanga yesikhombisa niyawuba nemhlangano longcwele, ningatsintsi lutfo lolungumsebenti. Lilanga lenu lekushaya emacilongo. Niyakwenta umnikelo wekushiswa ngenkunzana yinye nesihhanca sinye, nemazinyane etimvu lamadvuna lasikhombisa, lanemnyaka munye budzala, nalangenasiyela. Loko-ke liphunga lelinuka lusi lolumnandzi kuSimakadze. Lenkunzana niyawuyinikela kanye nemnikelo walokutinhlavu lokungemalitha langaba sitfupha nencenye afulaha lobhicwe nemafutsa; lesihhanca sibe nemalitha langaba mane nencenye; lizinyane lilinye kulawa lasikhombisa libe nemalitha langaba mabili. Niyakwengeta nangembuti yinye lendvuna kube ngumnikelo wesono lotanentela inhlawulo yekubuyisana kuSimakadze. Lena-ke ngulengetulu kwaleminikelo leshiswa ekucaleni kwenyanga, kanye neminikelo leshiswa onkhe emalanga kanye neminikelo yayo yalokutinhlavu neyesinatfo, njengobe kubalelwe. Ngiminikelo leyentiwa kuSimakadze ngemlilo, liphunga lelinuka lusi lolumnandzi.’ ” “ ‘Ngelilanga lelishumi lalenyanga yesikhombisa niyawuba nemhlangano longcwele; ningadli, ningasebenti. Niyakwetfula umnikelo wekushiswa ngenkunzana, nesihhanca, nemazinyane etimvu lamadvuna lasikhombisa lanemnyaka munye budzala, onkhe abete siyela, kube liphunga lelinuka lusi lolumnandzi kuSimakadze. Lenkunzana niyawuyetfula kanye nemnikelo walokutinhlavu lokungemalitha langaba sitfupha nencenye afulaha lobhicwe nemafutsa, lesihhanca sibe nemalitha langaba mane nencenye; linye lizinyane kulawa lasikhombisa libe nemalitha langaba mabili. Nengete nangembuti yinye lendvuna lengumnikelo wesono, ngetulu kwalomnikelo wesono wekwenta inhlawulo yekubuyisana kuSimakadze, nalomnikelo wemalanga onkhe wekushiswa kanye nemnikelo wawo walokutinhlavu, neminikelo yayo yesinatfo.’ ” “ ‘Ngelilanga leli-15 lenyanga yesikhombisa niyawuba nemhlangano longcwele, ningatsintsi lutfo lolungumsebenti. Niyakwenta lomkhosi kuSimakadze emalanga lasikhombisa. Niyakwetfula kuSimakadze umnikelo lowentiwa ngemlilo, kube liphunga lelinuka lusi lolumnandzi kuSimakadze, umnikelo wekushiswa wetinkunzana letili-13, netihhanca letimbili, nemazinyane lamadvuna lali-14 etimvu lanemnyaka munye budzala, onkhe angabi nasiyela. Iyinye inkunzana kuleti letili-13 niyente kanye nemnikelo walokutinhlavu lokungemalitha langaba sitfupha nencenye afulaha lobhicwe nemafutsa; sisinye sihhanca kuleti letimbili sibe nemalitha langaba mane nencenye; lilinye lizinyane kulawa lali-14 libe nemalitha langaba mabili. Niyakwengeta ngembuti yinye lendvuna lengumnikelo wesono, ngetulu kwalomnikelo wekushiswa lowentiwa onkhe emalanga kanye nemnikelo wawo walokutinhlavu newesinatfo. “ ‘Ngelilanga lesibili niyawulungisa tinkunzana letili-12, netihhanca letimbili, nemazinyane lamadvuna etimvu lali-14 lanemnyaka munye budzala, onkhe abe ngulangenasiyela. Letinkunzana, naletihhanca, nalamazinyane nibokwentela iminikelo yako yalokutinhlavu neyesinatfo, njengobe kubalelwe. Nibengeta nangembuti lendvuna ibe ngumnikelo wesono ngetulu kwalomnikelo wekushiswa lowentiwa onkhe emalanga kanye nemnikelo wawo walokutinhlavu kanye neminikelo yesinatfo yayo. “ ‘Ngelilanga lesitsatfu niyawulungisa tinkunzi letili-11, netihhanca letimbili, nemazinyane lamadvuna etimvu lali-14, lanemnyaka munye budzala, onkhe angabi nasiyela. Letinkunzi, naletihhanca, nalamazinyane nibotilungisela kanye neminikelo yako yalokutinhlavu neyesinatfo, njengobe kubalelwe. Nibengeta nangembuti lendvuna lengumnikelo wesono ngetulu kwalomnikelo wekushiswa lowentiwa onkhe emalanga kanye nemnikelo wawo walokutinhlavu newesinatfo. “ ‘Ngelilanga lesine niyawulungisa tinkunzi letilishumi, netihhanca letimbili, nemazinyane lamadvuna etimvu lali-14 lanemnyaka munye budzala, onkhe angabi nasiyela. Letinkunzi, naletihhanca, nalamazinyane, niyakukulungisa kanye neminikelo yako yalokutinhlavu neyesinatfo, njengobe kubalelwe. Nibengeta ngembuti yinye lendvuna ibe ngumnikelo wesono ngetulu kwalomnikelo wekushiswa lowentiwa onkhe emalanga kanye nemnikelo wawo walokutinhlavu newesinatfo. “ ‘Ngelilanga lesihlanu niyakulungisa tinkunzi letiyimfica, netihhanca letimbili, nemazinyane lamadvuna etimvu lali-14 lanemnyaka munye budzala, onkhe angabi nasiyela. Letinkunzi, naletihhanca, nalamazinyane, niyakukulungisa kanye neminikelo yako yalokutinhlavu neyesinatfo njengobe kubalelwe. Nibengeta ngembuti yinye lendvuna ibe ngumnikelo wesono ngetulu kwalomnikelo wekushiswa lowentiwa onkhe emalanga nemnikelo wawo walokutinhlavu newesinatfo. “ ‘Ngelilanga lesitfupha niyakulungisa tinkunzi letisiphohlongo, netihhanca letimbili, nemazinyane lamadvuna etimvu lali-14 lanemnyaka munye budzala, onkhe angabi nasiyela. Letinkunzi, naletihhanca, nalamazinyane, niyakukulungisa kanye neminikelo yako yalokutinhlavu neyesinatfo, njengobe kubalelwe. Nibengeta ngembuti yinye lendvuna ibe ngumnikelo wesono ngetulu kwalomnikelo wekushiswa lowentiwa onkhe emalanga neminikelo wawo walokutinhlavu newesinatfo. “ ‘Ngelilanga lesikhombisa niyawulungisa tinkunzi letisikhombisa, netihhanca letimbili, nemazinyane lamadvuna etimvu lali-14 lanemnyaka munye budzala, onkhe angabi nasiyela. Letinkunzi, naletihhanca, nalamazinyane niyakulungisa kanye neminikelo yako yalokutinhlavu neyesinatfo, njengobe kubalelwe. Nibengeta ngembuti yinye lendvuna kube ngumnikelo wesono, ngetulu kwalomnikelo wekushiswa lowentiwa onkhe emalanga nemnikelo wawo walokutinhlavu newesinatfo. “ ‘Ngelilanga lesiphohlongo niyawuba nemhlangano longcwele; ningatsintsi lutfo lolungumsebenti. Niyakwetfula umnikelo lowentiwa ngemlilo, kube liphunga lelinuka lusi lolumnandzi kuSimakadze, umnikelo wekushiswa wenkunzi yinye, nesihhanca sinye, nemazinyane lamadvuna etimvu lasikhombisa lanemnyaka munye budzala, onkhe angabi nasiyela. Lenkunzi, nalesihhanca, nalamazinyane lasikhombisa niyakulungisela iminikelo yako yalokutinhlavu neyesinatfo, njengobe kubalelwe. Nibengeta ngembuti yinye lendvuna kube ngumnikelo wesono, ngetulu kwalomnikelo wekushiswa lowentiwa onkhe emalanga nemnikelo wawo walokutinhlavu newesinatfo. “ ‘Ngetulu kweminikelo yenu yesetsembiso neyesihle, niyakwentela Simakadze ngetikhatsi temikhosi yenu leminikelo lelandzelako: iminikelo yenu yekushiswa, neminikelo yenu yalokutinhlavu, neminikelo yenu yesinatfo kanye neminikelo yenu yekuthula.’ ” Mosi wawatjela ema-Israyeli konkhe loko Simakadze abemtfume kona. Mosi wakhuluma nebaholi betive tema-Israyeli, watsi: “Nankhu umyalo waSimakadze: Nangabe umuntfu enta sincumo kuSimakadze nome ente sifungo sekutibopha ngesetsembiso, kufanele angawephuli emavi akhe, kodvwa ente konkhe lakukhulumile. “Nangabe intfombi lesesekhaya leyise yenta sincumo kuSimakadze nome yatibopha ngesetsembiso, uyise ayive nayenta lesincumo nome lesetsembiso, kodvwa angete asho lutfo kuyo, tonkhe tincumo tayo netetsembiso tayo tiyawukuma. Kodvwa nangabe uyise ayalela ngesikhatsi asasiva lesincumo sayo isisho, leso sincumo sayo nome setsembiso sayo letibophe ngaso ngeke sime; Simakadze uyakuyikhulula, ngobe yalelwe nguyise. “Nangabe intfombi yenta sincumo isengakashadi, nome isente ngekusheshisa nome ngemabomu, nome yetsembisa kungatenti letinye tintfo, bese iyashada, indvodza yayo ikuve loko kodvwa ingasho lutfo, tincumo tayo netetsembiso tayo titawukuma. Kodvwa nangabe indvodza yayo iyalela kutsi ifeze leso sincumo sayo nayitjelwa ngaso, akukabhekeki kutsi lentfombi isifeze. Simakadze uyakuyikhulula. “Umfelokati nome umfati lowehlukene nendvodza yakhe kufanele afeze tonkhe tincumo takhe latentile, nako konkhe kwetsembisa kwakhe kuyawuba sibopho kuye. “Nangabe umfati lohlala nendvodza yakhe enta sincumo nome sifungo atibophe ngesetsembiso ngekufunga, indvodza yakhe imuve nakasenta ingasho lutfo kuye, ingete yamalela, leso sincumo sakhe nesetsembiso sakhe latibophe ngaso siyawukuma sinjalo. Kodvwa nangabe indvodza yakhe imalela kutsi atifeze leto tetsembiso netincumo takhe ngesikhatsi iva ngato, leto tetsembiso netincumo takhe latishito ngemlomo wakhe atiyikuma. Indvodza yakhe itawube itente lite, Simakadze uyakumkhulula kuto. Indvodza yemfati iyawutinyembenya nome iticinise tincumo temfati wayo latentile nome-ke ngusiphi sifungo lasentile kutsi angatenti tintfo letitsite. Kodvwa nangabe indvodza yakhe ingasho lutfo kuye ngaso emalanga ngemalanga, kusho kutsi iyavumelana nesincumo nome setsembiso latibophe ngaso. Iyavuma ngekuthula ingasho lutfo ngato kuye nayitjelwa ngato. Kodvwa nangabe seyiphikisana nato emvakwesikhatsi seyitjeliwe ngato, ngiyo leyakwetfwala lelo cala lalomfati wayo.” Lena-ke ngimiyalo Simakadze layiniketa Mosi macondzana nebudlelwane emkhatsini wendvodza nemfati wayo, nasemkhatsini weyise nentfombi yakakhe lesengakendzi. Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Khiphela sive saka-Israyeli sibhongo esiveni sakaMidiyani, bese-ke uyafa.” Ngako Mosi wakhuluma esiveni saka-Israyeli, watsi: “Hlomisani lamanye emadvodza emkhatsini wenu atilungiselele kulwa nemaMidiyani, alungele kuchuba imphindziselo yaSimakadze kubo. Tfumelani libutfo leliyinkhulungwane yemadvodza kuleso nakuleso sive saka-Israyeli.” Ngako kwaphuma emadvodza labeti-12 000, labehlomele kulwa imphi, kuleso nakuleso sive ka-Israyeli kwaphuma inkhulungwane yinye. Mosi wabatfumela emphini. Kwaphuma inkhulungwane esiveni sisinye, wabakhipha naFinehasi, umsa wa-Eleyazare, umphristi. Yena-ke watsatsa tintfo endzaweni lengcwele, watsatsa nemacilongo lababetawukhombisa ngawo indlela. EmaMidiyani bawahlasela bawashaya bawacotfula onkhe emadvodza, njengekusho kwaSimakadze kuMosi. Babulala ngisho nemakhosi lasihlanu akaMidiyani, bo-Evi, naRekhemu, naSuri, naHure, naReba. Babulala ngisho naBhalamu, umsa waBheyori, ngelusiko lwenkemba. Ema-Israyeli ahlasela emaMidiyani atfumba bafati bawo kanye nebantfwana, nemfuyo yawo yonkhe, nekudla kwawo, nato tonkhe timphahla. Bashisa onkhe emadolobha, lapho bekuhlala khona emaMidiyani, bashisa netinkambu tawo. Batfumba tonkhe timphahla tekwembatsa, nekudla, nebantfu, netifuyo. Baletsa imphango nebatfunjwa kuMosi na-Eleyazare, umphristi, nakulo lonkhe libandla lema-Israyeli enkambu yabo ematsafeni akaMowabi, edvute nemfula iJordane macondzana neJerikho. BoMosi na-Eleyazare, umphristi, nebaholi besive bahamba bayawubahlangabeta ngephandle kwenkambu. Mosi wabatfukutselela labaholi bemphi, baholi betinkhulungwane nebemakhulu labancandzeka emphini. Wababuta watsi: “Nibayekele bonkhe yini labasikati nangete nababulala? Ngibo laba labalandzela teluleko taBhalamu, bekungubona bashushisi labebacondze kwedukisa ema-Israyeli kutsi ahlubuke kuSimakadze kulentfo leyenteka ePheyori, kuze lulaka lwehlele sive saSimakadze. Bulalani bonkhe bafana, nibulale bonkhe labasikati labake balala nemuntfu lomdvuna, kodvwa nitishiyele tonkhe tintfombi letingazange setilale nemuntfu lomdvuna. “Nonkhe nine lenibulele umuntfu nome lenitsintse sidvumbu nifanele nihlale ngephandle kwenkambu, kuze kuphele emalanga lasikhombisa. Ngelilanga lesitsatfu nelesikhombisa kufanele nitihlambulule kanye nalabo lenibatfumbile. Niyawuhlanta tonkhe timphahla tekwembatsa nako konkhe lokwentiwe ngesikhumba, nome ngeboya betimbuti nome yini lokubatiwe.” Eleyazare, umphristi, wakhuluma kulamabutfo labebuya emphini, watsi: “Loko ngulokufunwa ngumtsetfo Simakadze lawunika Mosi: Igolide, nesiliva, nelitfusi, nensimbi, nemfimfi, nemtfofu, nako konkhe lokungamelana nemlilo kufanele kufakwe emlilweni, khona kutewuhlanteka. Kodvwa nako kuyadzinga kutsi kuhlanjululwe ngemanti enhlambuluko. Konkhe lokungasha emlilweni kufanele kufakwe kulawo manti ekuhlambulula. Ngelilanga lesikhombisa niyawugeza timphahla tenu, bese niba ngulabahlambululekile. Emvakwaloko-ke seningangena enkambu.” Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Wena na-Eleyazare, umphristi, nebaholi bemindeni yesive kufanele nibale bonkhe labantfu nalemfuyo letfunjiwe. Lemphango niyawuyehlukanisa nabele onkhe emabutfo labehlanganyele emphini naso sonkhe-ke sive. Kulamabutfo labekayile emphini niyakwehlukanisela Simakadze kube kunye lokusibongo senu emakhulwini lasihlanu: ebantfu, newetinkhomo, newetimbongolo, newetimvu, kanye newetimbuti. Niyawutsatsa lesibongo encenyeni yabo nisinike Eleyazare, umphristi, sibe sabelo saSimakadze. Encenyeni yema-Israyeli niyakwehlukanisa kunye emashumini lasihlanu: ebantfu, newetinkhomo, newetimbongolo, newetimvu, newetimbuti, nome-ke aletinye nje tilwane. Niyakukunika emaLevi lekunguwona anakekela tintfo tasendzaweni lengcwelengcwele.” Ngako boMosi na-Eleyazare, umphristi, benta njengobe Simakadze abeyale Mosi. Imphango leyasala kuloko lokwakutfunjiwe leyatsatfwa ngemabutfo kwaba timvu letiti-675 000, netinkhomo letiti-72 000, netimbongolo letiti-61 000, netintfombi letiti-32 000 letatingazange setilale nemuntfu lomdvuna. Incenye yeliphakelo lalamabutfo labekaye emphini kwaba timvu letiti-337 500, sabelo saSimakadze saba timvu letingema-675; tinkhomo taba ti-36 000, sabelo saSimakadze saba tinkhomo letatingema-72; timbongolo taba ti-30 500, sabelo saSimakadze saba timbongolo letatingema-61; bantfu baba ti-16 000, sabelo saSimakadze saba ngema-32 ebantfu. Mosi waniketa Eleyazare lesibongo lebesisabelo saSimakadze, njengobe Mosi abeyalwe nguSimakadze. Lencenye leyayingeyema-Israyeli Mosi labeyehlukanise kulena yemabutfo, lena yesive yaba timvu letiti-337 500; netinkhomo letiti-36 000, netimbongolo letiti-30 500; nebantfu labati-16 000. Kulencenye yesive Mosi wehlukanisa kunye kuwo onkhe ema-50 ebantfu newetilwane, njengobe Simakadze abemyalile; wakuniketa emaLevi labenguwona anakekela indzawo lengcwelengcwele yaSimakadze. Baholi lababehola emabutfo emphi, labo labebahola tinkhulungwane nemakhulu, baya kuMosi, bafike batsi: “Tinceku takho setiwabalile emabutfo letiwaholako, kute nalinye lelilahlekile. Ngako sesiletse umnikelo kuSimakadze, tintfo tegolide lesititfumbile: emabhengela, nemigaco, netindandatho letitimphawu, nemacici, netingcibe. Sitetentela inhlawulo yetfu yekubuyisana kuSimakadze.” BoMosi na-Eleyazare, umphristi, batemukela letintfo tegolide nato tonkhe tintfo tebuchwephesha. Yonkhe igolide leyaletfwa baholi betinkhulungwane nebemakhulu, leyemukelwa boMosi na-Eleyazare bayetfula kuSimakadze yayinesisindvo lesasingemakhilogremu labengaba li-190. Ngulelo nalelo butfo latitsatsela sabelo salo emphangweni. BoMosi na-Eleyazare, umphristi, bayemukela legolide kulabaholi betinkhulungwane nebemakhulu, bayimikisa ethendeni lekuhlangana, kwaba sikhumbuto sema-Israyeli embikwaSimakadze. EmaRubeni nemaGadi labenemihlambi lemikhulu yetinkhomo, netimvu, netimbuti abona ematsafa aseJazeri naseGileyadi kutsi abelungele kuba ngemadlelo. Ngako baya kuboMosi na-Eleyazare, umphristi, kanye nebaholi besive, bafike batsi: “I-Atharothe, neDiboni, neJazeri, neNimra, neHeshboni, ne-Eleyale, neSebamu, neNebo, kanye neBheyoni, live Simakadze lalincoba walinika sive sema-Israyeli, lilungele kuba ngemadlelo, kantsi tinceku takho tinemihlambi yetifuyo.” Bachubeka batsi: “Nangabe sizuze umusa emehlweni enu, lelive alabelwe tinceku tenu kube sabelo sato. Ningaseweti umfula iJordane.” Mosi waphendvula lamaGadi nemaRubeni, watsi: “Nisho kutsi nine ningasala lapha, abe emabutfo akini lenishuca nawo ayekulwa imphi? Niwacedzelani emandla ema-Israyeli kutsi angeweleli ngesheya eveni Simakadze lawaphe lona? Naboyihlo benta njalo, nangibatfuma eKhadeshi Bhaneya kutsi bayewuhlola live. Ngemva kwekwewelela eSihosheni sase-Eshikholi kuyewubuka live, bawacedza emandla ema-Israyeli kutsi angangeni eveni Simakadze lawaphe lona. Ngalelo langa intfukutselo yaSimakadze yavutsa, waze wafunga watsi: ‘Njengobe bangazange bangilandzele ngenhlitiyo yonkhe, kute namunye wemadvodza, kusukela kulaneminyaka lengema-20 kuya etulu, laphuma eGibhithe layawulibona lelive lengaletsembisa ngekufunga ku-Abrahama, na-Isaka, naJakobe; kute namunye ngaphandle kwaKhalebi, umsa waJefune, umKhenizi, naJoshuwa, umsa waNuni, ngobe bona baphikelela balandzela Simakadze ngayo yonkhe inhlitiyo yabo.’ Intfukutselo yaSimakadze yavutsela sive sema-Israyeli, wasenta sazulazula ehlane iminyaka lengema-40, saze safa saphela sonkhe leso situkulwane lesasente lokubi embikwaSimakadze. “Nani-ke, ntalelwane yetoni, nime kuleyo ndzawo yaboyihlo, nentela kutsi Simakadze asitfukutselele kakhulu kunakucala sive sema-Israyeli. Nanijika ningamlandzeli, utawuphindze asishiye sonkhe futsi lesive ehlane, nine-ke nitawuba sisusa sekubhujiswa kwaso.” Beta kuye, bafike batsi: “Sifuna kwakhela tifuyo tetfu tibaya, sakhe nemadolobha lapha, kuze kutewuhlala khona bafati betfu nebantfwabetfu. Kodvwa tsine silungele kutsi sihlome sihambe embili kwema-Israyeli, size siwafikise eveni lawo. Ngaleso sikhatsi bafati betfu nebantfwabetfu batawube bahleti emadolobheni lavikelekile, kuze bavikeleke baphephe kulabantfu balelive. Singeke sibuyele emakhaya etfu, sive sema-Israyeli singakatfoli sabelo saso. Singeke semukele lifa kanye naso ngesheya kweJordane, ngobe phela tsine lifa letfu sesilemukele ngalapha ngasemphumalanga kweJordane.” Mosi wakhuluma kubo, watsi: “Nangabe nitawukwenta loko, nihlomele imphi embikwaSimakadze, nangabe nonkhe nitawuhloma newelele ngesheya kweJordane embikwaSimakadze, aze aticoshe tonkhe titsa takhe embikwakhe, litawutsi lelive lingatfunjwa embikwaSimakadze, bese niyancandzeka nikhululeke kulesibopho senu naSimakadze nasesiveni sonkhe sema-Israyeli. Lelive-ke seliyawuba sabelo senu embikwaSimakadze. Kodvwa naningakwenti loko, niyona kuSimakadze, futsi-ke nibociniseka-ke kutsi salakutjelwa sibona ngemopho. Bafati benu nebantfwabenu bakheleni emadolobha, netifuyo tenu nitakhele tibaya; kodvwa nibokwenta loko lenikwetsembisile.” EmaGadi nemaRubeni akhuluma kuMosi, atsi: “Tsine, tinceku takho, sitakwenta njengekusho kwenkhosi yetfu. Bantfwabetfu, nebafati betfu, nemihlambi yetifuyo tetfu kutawusala kulamadolobha aleli lakaGileyadi. Kodvwa tinceku takho, onkhe emadvodza lahlomele kuyakulwa emphini, atakwewela ayekulwa embikwaSimakadze, njengobe inkhosi yetfu isho.” Ngako-ke Mosi wanika imiyalo ngabo ku-Eleyazare, umphristi, nakuJoshuwa, umsa waNuni, nakubaholi betive tema-Israyeli. Wakhuluma watsi kubo: “Nangabe emaGadi nemaRubeni, onkhe emadvodza lahlomele imphi, ewelela nani ngesheya kweJordane embikwaSimakadze, nitawutsi lelive nase nilitfumbile, bese nibanika live lakaGileyadi kutsi libe labo. Kodvwa nabangaweli kanye nani bahlomile, kufanele bemukele sabelo sabo kanye nani eKhenani.” EmaGadi nemaRubeni aphendvula atsi: “Tinceku takho titakwenta njengobe Simakadze ashito. Sitakwewela sihlomile embikwaSimakadze siye eKhenani, kodvwa live lelilifa letfu lesilidlile litawuba mshiya ngalo kweJordane.” Ngako-ke Mosi emaGadi nemaRubeni nencenye yesive sakaManase, umsa waJosefa, wawabela live lembuso wakaSihoni, inkhosi yema-Amori, nelaka-Ogi, inkhosi yaseBhashani, lonkhe lelo live nemadolobha alo nemave lakhelene nalo. EmaGadi akha emadolobha iDiboni ne-Atharothe, ne-Aroyeri, ne-Atrothe Shofani, neJazeri, neJogbeha, neBhethi Nimra, neBhethi Haramu, aba ngemadolobha lavikelekile, akha netibaya temihlambi yawo. EmaRubeni akha emadolobha iHeshboni, ne-Eleyale, neKhiriyathayimu, kanye neNebo, neBhali Meyoni, lawo magama aguculwa, neSibima. Bawetsa emabito lamasha lamadolobha labawakha kabusha. Titukulwane takaMakhire, umsa waManase, tahamba taya kaGileyadi, talihlasela, talidla, tawacosha onkhe ema-Amori labekalapho. Ngako-ke live lakaGileyadi Mosi waliniketa emaMakhire, titukulwane takaManase, akha khona lapho. Jayire, umtukulu waManase, watfumba takhiwo tabo, watetsa libito watsi ngemaHavothi Jayire. Kwatsi Noba yena watfumba iKhenathi kanye netabelo letatitungelete lelo dolobha, watetsa ngelibito lakhe watsi yiNoba. Leti-ke tigaba teluhambo lwesive sema-Israyeli, nasiphuma eGibhithe ngetive taso ngaphansi kwesandla saboMosi na-Aroni. Ngekuyala kwaSimakadze Mosi wabhala onkhe emabito etindzawo lapho babefike bemise khona. Nalu-ke luhambo lwaso ngetigaba talo: Sive sema-Israyeli sesuka eRamsesi ngelilanga leli-15 lenyanga yekucala emnyakeni, lilanga lelilandzela liPhasika, ngenyanga yekucala. Baphuma ngesibindzi nangetigi emehlweni awo onkhe emaGibhithe abuka. EmaGibhithe abengcwaba ematubulo awo onkhe labeshaywe nguSimakadze emkhatsini wawo; ngobe Simakadze abebehlulele bonkhe bonkulunkulu bawo. Ema-Israyeli esuka eRamsesi emisa eSukhothi. Esuka eSukhothi ayawumisa e-Ethamu, emnyeleni welihlane. Esuka e-Ethamu ancandzeka aya ePhi Hahirothi, ngasemphumalanga kweBhali Sefoni, emisa embikweMigdoli. Esuka ePhi Hahirothi, adzabula lwandle ekhatsi ewelela ehlane, atsi kube ahambe emalanga lamatsatfu eHlane lase-Ethamu, emisa eMara. Esuka eMara aya e-Elimu, lapho bekunemitfombo leli-12 netihlahla temasundvu letatingema-70, emisa khona lapho. Esuka e-Elimu emisa ngaseLwandle Lolubovu. Esuka ngaseLwandle Lolubovu emisa eHlane laseSini. Esuka eHlane laseSini emisa eDofkha. Esuka eDofkha emisa e-Alushi. Esuka e-Alushi emisa eRefidimu, lapho kwakute khona emanti ekunatfwa bantfu. Esuka eRefidimu emisa eHlane laseSinayi. Esuka eHlane laseSinayi emisa eKhibrothi Hathava. Esuka eKhibrothi Hathava emisa eHaserothi. Esuka eHaserothi emisa eRitma. Esuka eRitma emisa eRimoni Pheresi. Esuka eRimoni Pheresi emisa eLibna. Esuka eLibna emisa eRisa. Esuka eRisa emisa eKhehelatha. Esuka eKhehelatha emisa eNtsabeni iSheferi. Esuka eNtsabeni iSheferi emisa eHarada. Esuka eHarada emisa eMakhelothi. Esuka eMakhelothi emisa eThahathi. Esuka eThahathi emisa eThera. Esuka eThera emisa eMithka. Esuka eMithka emisa eHashmona. Esuka eHashmona emisa eMoserothi. Esuka eMoserothi emisa eBhene Jakani. Esuka eBhene Jakani emisa eHori Hagidigadi. Esuka eHori Hagidigadi emisa eJotbatha. Esuka eJotbatha emisa e-Abrona. Esuka e-Abrona emisa e-Esiyoni Geberi. Esuka e-Esiyoni Geberi emisa eKhadeshi, eHlane laseSini. Esuka eKhadeshi emisa eNtsabeni iHori, emnyeleni we-Edomu. Ngekuyala kwaSimakadze Aroni, umphristi, wenyukela eNtsabeni iHori, lapho wafike wafela khona ngelilanga lekucala enyangeni yesihlanu ngemnyaka wema-40 ema-Israyeli aphuma eGibhithe. Aroni abesaneminyaka leli-123 budzala ngesikhatsi afela eNtsabeni iHori. Inkhosi yase-Aradi leyayingumKhenani, ihlala eningizimu nelive laseKhenani, yeva kutsi sive sema-Israyeli siyeta. Ema-Israyeli esuka eNtsabeni iHori emisa eSalmona. Esuka eSalmona emisa ePhunoni. Esuka ePhunoni emisa e-Obothi. Esuka e-Obothi emisa e-Iye Abarimu, emnyeleni wakaMowabi. Esuka e-Iyimu emisa eDiboni Gadi. Esuka eDiboni Gadi emisa e-Alimoni Diblathayimu. Esuka e-Alimoni Diblathayimu emisa etintsabeni tase-Abarimu, edvute neNebo. Esuka etintsabeni tase-Abarimu, emisa ematsafeni akaMowabi, edvute nemfula iJordane malungana neJerikho. Ematsafeni akaMowabi emisa edvute nemfula iJordane kusuka eBhethi Jeshimothi kuya e-Abela Shithimu. Ematsafeni akaMowabi edvute nemfula iJordane malungana neJerikho, Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi watsi: “Khuluma kuma-Israyeli utsi: ‘Nanewela iJordane ningena eKhenani, niboticosha nitikhiphe tonkhe letive lenitatikhandza khona. Nibotibhubhisa tonkhe letitfombe tato, netithico tato letibatiwe kanye netindzawo tato letiphakeme tekukhontela. Lelive nibolidla libe lenu nihlale kulo, ngobe nginiphe lona kutsi libe lenu. Lelive nibolabelana ngenkatho kulolo nakulolo lusendvo. Sive lesinebantfu labanyenti nibabele lifa lelikhulu, kanjalo nakulabo labasive lesincane nibabele lelincane. Nome ngabe yini labayitfole ngenkatho kuyawuba kwabo. Lelive nibolabelana ngekwetive tenu. “ ‘Kodvwa nangabe letive lenitikhandze kulelo live anikaticoshi natikhipha, leto lenitivumele kutsi tihlale tiyawuba ngemazubela emehlweni enu tibe ngemanyeva emihlubulweni yenu. Tiyawuba luhlupho kini kulelo live leniyawuhlala kulo. Mine ngiyawukwenta kini loko lengitimisele kukwenta kubo.’ ” Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Yala ema-Israyeli utsi kuwo: ‘Naningena eKhenani, live lenitakwabelwa lona kutsi libe lifa lenu, litawuba naleminyele lena: Ngaseningizimu litawufaka liHlane laseSini kugudla umnyele waka-Edomu. Ngasemphumalanga, umnyele utawucala ngaseningizimu ngasekugcineni kweLwandle Lweluswayi, wewelele ngesheya eningizimu yemsaho longuFecela, i-Akrabhimu, wendlule uye eHlane laseSini ucondze eningizimu yeKhadeshi Bhaneya. Utawushaya ucondze eHasari Adari uze ufike e-Asmoni, lapho utawufike ujike khona, ucondze emfudlaneni waseGibhithe uhambelane nawo ugcine eLwandle. “ ‘Umnyele wenu ngasenshonalanga kutawuba lugu lweLwandle Lolukhulu. Kuyawuba ngulowo-ke umnyele ngasenshonalanga. “ ‘Umnyele wenu ngasenyakatho utawuhamba usuke eLwandle Lolukhulu ucondze eNtsabeni iHori, usuke eHori ucondze eLebo Hamathi. Lomnyele utawuhamba ucondze eSedadi, uchubekele eZifroni ugcine eHasari Enani. Kutawuba ngulowo-ke umnyele wenu ngasenyakatfo. “ ‘Umnyele wenu ngasemphumalanga utawuhamba usuke eHasari Enani uze ufike eShefamu. Umnyele utawucondza eningizimu, kusukela eShefamu kuya eRibla ngasemphumalanga ye-Ayini, uchubeke ugudle emacele ngasemphumalanga yeLwandle iKhinerethi. Lomnyele utakwewuka ugudle iJordane ugcine ngeLwandle Lweluswayi. “ ‘Ngiyo lena-ke iminyele yelive lenu kuyo yonkhe leyo mihlubulo yalo.’ ” Ngako Mosi wakhuluma kuma-Israyeli, watsi: “Lelive nitakwabelana ngenkatho kutsi libe lifa lenu. Simakadze uyale kutsi labelwe tive letiyimfica kanye nencenye yesive, ngobe imindeni yesive sakaRubeni, nesive sakaGadi, nencenye yesive sakaManase seyilemukele lifa lato. Letive letimbili nencenye setilemukele lifa lato, ngasemphumalanga yemfula iJordane, malungana neJerikho kubheka ngasemphumalanga.” Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Nankha-ke emabito alamadvodza latawunabela lelive kutsi libe lifa lenu: bo-Eleyazare, umphristi, naJoshuwa, umsa waNuni. Beka umholi waleso naleso sive kutsi asisite ekwabeni lelive lelilifa lenu. Nankha-ke emabito abo: “Khalebi, umsa waJefune, wesive sakaJuda; Shemuweli, umsa wa-Amihudi, wesive sakaSimeyoni; Elidadi, umsa waKhisloni, wesive sakaBhenjamini; Bukhi, umsa waJogli, umholi labephuma esiveni sakaDani; Haniyeli, umsa wa-Efodi, umholi labephuma esiveni sakaManase, umsa waJosefa; Khemuweli, umsa waShifthani, umholi labephuma esiveni saka-Efrayimu, umsa waJosefa; Elisafani, umsa waPhanaki, umholi labephuma esiveni sakaZebuloni; Phaltiyeli, umsa wa-Azani, umholi labephuma esiveni saka-Isakhari; Ahihudi, umsa waShelomi, umholi labephuma esiveni saka-Asheri; Phedaheli, umsa wa-Amihudi, umholi labephuma esiveni sakaNaftali.” Kwaba ngiwo lawa-ke emabito emadvodza Simakadze lawanika umsebenti wekwabela ema-Israyeli lifa lawo lekwakulive laseKhenani. Ematsafeni akaMowabi ngaseJordane macondzana neJerikho, Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Yala ema-Israyeli kutsi abele emaLevi lawo madolobha latawuhlala kuwo kuleso sabelo lesitawuba ngesawo ema-Israyeli. Wabeleni nalawo madlelo latungelete lawo madolobha. Ngako atawuba nemadolobha latawuhlala kuwo abe nemadlelo, lapho atawukhotsisa khona tifuyo tawo. “Bubanti balawo madlelo latungelete lawo madolobha lenitakuwanika emaLevi butawuba ngemamitha langaba ngema-450 kusuka elubondzeni lwelidolobha. Ngephandle kwelidolobha niyawulinganisa indzawo lelibanga lelingemamitha langaba ngema-900 ngasemphumalanga, nalengemamitha langaba ngema-900 ngaseningizimu, nalengemamitha langaba ngema-900 ngasenshonalanga, nalengemamitha langaba ngema-900 ngasenyakatfo, lidolobha libesemkhatsini. Lendzawo iyawuba ngemadlelo alawo madolobha awo. “Kulamadolobha, leniwabela emaLevi, lasitfupha atawuba ngewekukhoselisa umuntfu lobulele lomunye umuntfu. Ngetulu kwawo nibowabela lamanye langema-42, lokusho kutsi asawonkhe emadolobha lekufanele niwabele wona atawuba ngema-48 kanye nemadlelo awo. Lamadolobha lenitawanika emaLevi kulelive lelabelwe ema-Israyeli kufanele alingane nalelo live laleso naleso sive ngebukhulu nangebuncane baso: Tsatsani emadolobha lamanyenti kuleso sive lesikhulu, kodvwa nitsatse emadolobha lambalwa kuleso sive lesincane.” Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Khuluma kuma-Israyeli utsi: ‘Naniwela iJordane, ningena eKhenani, khetsani lamanye emadolobha kutsi atewuba ngemadolobha enu ekukhosela, lapho kungabalakela khona umuntfu, nangabe abulele lomunye umuntfu angakacondzi. Ayawuba tindzawo tekukhosela ekubalekeleni umphindziseli, khona kutewutsi lona lobulele angetikufa asengakalitfoli litfuba lekutsi licala lakhe litekwe ebandla. Lamadolobha lasitfupha nitawakhetsela kutsi abe ngewekukhosela. Lamatsatfu atawuba ngala kweJordane, lamatsatfu abe ngale ngesheya kweJordane eKhenani. Lamadolobha lasitfupha atawuba yindzawo yekukhoselisa ema-Israyeli, nebetive, nome ngubani umuntfu lohlala emkhatsini wabo, khona kutewutsi lowo lobulele umuntfu ngesiphosiso atewubalekela khona ayewukhosela. “ ‘Nangabe umuntfu ashaye lomunye umuntfu ngensimbi, wafa, lowo lomshayile ungumbulali; lombulali uyawubulawa. Nome-ke nangabe umuntfu anelitje esandleni sakhe lelingabulala umuntfu, bese kuyenteka ushaya umuntfu ambulale ngalo, lowo lomshayile ungumbulali; lombulali uyawubulawa. Nome-ke nangabe umuntfu aphetse intfo leyentiwe ngelukhuni lengambulala umuntfu, bese kuyenteka ushaya umuntfu ambulale ngayo, lowo lomshayile ungumbulali; lombulali uyawubulawa naye. Umphindziseli losihlobo sengati semufi nasihlangana nalombulali, siyawumbulala. “ ‘Nangabe umuntfu atondza lomunye, adzimate ambulale ngekumchilitela phansi nome ambulale ngekumjikijela ngentfo acondze kumbulala, nembala afe, nome atfukutsele wamshaya wambulala ngesibhakela, lowo muntfu uyawubulawa; ungumbulali. Umphindziseli losihlobo semufi utawutsi angahlangana nalombulali ambulale. “ ‘Kodvwa nakwenteka ngaphandle kwekutfukutsela umuntfu wachilita lomunye nome wamjikijela ngentfo angakacondzi, nome wamshaya angaboni, ngelitje lelingambulala, nembala afe, kantsi abengesiso sitsa sakhe futsi abengakacondzi kumlimata, libandla kufanele lehlulele emkhatsini wakhe nalomphindziseli losihlobo semufi, lilandzele lemitsetfo. Libandla kufanele livikele lona lonelicala lekubulala kulomphindziseli losihlobo semufi ngekutsi lincandzekise lombulali, abuyele edolobheni lekukhosela, lapho abebalekele khona. Kufanele ahlale lapho, kuze kufe umphristi lomkhulu, labegcotjwe ngemafutsa langcwele. “ ‘Kodvwa nangabe lombekwacala kwenteka aphumela ngephandle kwalelidolobha lekukhosela labalekele kulo, bese lomphindziseli losihlobo semufi ukhandza lombulali ngephandle kwalelidolobha, lomphindziseli angambulala futsi angabi nacala ngaloko kumbulala kwakhe. Umbulali kufanele ahlale kulelo dolobha lekukhosela, kuze kufe umPhristi Lomkhulu; emvakwekufa kwemPhristi Lomkhulu sangancandzeka abuyele endzaweni lesabelo sakhe. Lena-ke nguyona mitsetfo yenu lenitawuhamba ngayo titukulwane ngetitukulwane. “ ‘Umuntfu lobulala lomunye umuntfu naye uyawubulawa njengembulali ngebufakazi babofakazi. Kodvwa kute umuntfu loyawubulawa ngebufakazi bemuntfu munye. Ningayemukeli inhlawulo yekuhlenga kuphila kwembulali, lofanele kufa. Lowo kufanele afe. Ningayemukeli inhlawulo yemuntfu lobalekele edolobheni lekukhosela ngekutsi nimvumele kutsi abuyele ayewuhlala eveni lakhe, umPhristi Lomkhulu asengakafi. Ningalingcolisi lelive lenikulo. Kucitsa ingati kuyalingcolisa live, nenhlawulo yekubuyisana naSimakadze ingeke yentelwe live, lapho kucitselwe khona ingati, ngaphandle kwengati yalowo lobulele. Ningalingcolisi lelive, lapho nine nami sihlala khona, ngobe mine, Simakadze, ngihlala emkhatsini wema-Israyeli.’ ” Baholi bemindeni yelusendvo lwakaGileyadi, umsa waMakhire, umsa waManase, lababebetinsendvo tebatukulwane taJosefa, beta bakhuluma embikwaMosi nebaholi, lababetinhloko temindeni yema-Israyeli. Batsi: “Ngesikhatsi Simakadze ayala inkhosi yami kutsi lelive ulabele ngenkatho kuma-Israyeli kutsi kube lifa lawo, wayala kutsi lifa lemnaketfu Selofehadi linikwe emadvodzakati akhe. Ake sitsi bashada nemadvodza aletinye tive taka-Israyeli, loko kutawusho kutsi lelo lifa labo litawutsatfwa lingabe lisaba ngilo lifa labokhokho betfu, bese liba lalawo madvodza labashade nawo. Ngaloko-ke kusho kutsi incenye yalelo lifa lelabelwe tsine itawube seyiyatsatfwa. Nakufika umnyaka wekubuyiselwa ka-Israyeli, lifa labo litakwengetelwa kuleso sive lashade kuso, nalelo lifa labo litawutsatfwa lingabe lisaba lifa labokhokho betfu.” Mosi watsi kube ayalwe nguSimakadze, wabe sewetfula nankhu umlayeto kuma-Israyeli, watsi: “Loko lokushiwo sive setitukulwane taJosefa kungiko ngempela. Naku-ke lokungumyalo waSimakadze macondzana nemadvodzakati aSelofehadi: Angashada nome ngangubani lamtsandzako yingci nakungewelusendvo lwesive seyise. Kute lifa lelingumhlaba lekuyawuphiwana ngalo ka-Israyeli lisuke kulesinye sive liye kulesinye sive, ngobe wonkhe um-Israyeli uyawuligcina lelo live lalitfola kubokhokho bakhe. Indvodzakati lenelifa lelilive kuso sonkhe sive sema-Israyeli kufanele ishade nemuntfu welusendvo lwesive seyise, kuze kutsi wonkhe um-Israyeli atewuba nelifa laboyise. Kute lifa lelilive leliyakwendluliswa lisuswe kulesinye sive liye kulesinye sive, ngobe nguleso naleso sive siyawutigcinela lifa laso.” Ngako emadvodzakati aSelofehadi enta loko Simakadze layala Mosi kutsi kwentiwe. Emadvodzakati aSelofehadi, boMahala, naThisa, naHogila, naMilkha, naNowa, ashada nabomzala bawo lababetihlobo teyise. Ashada etinsendvweni tetitukulwane taManase, umsa waJosefa, kwase kutsi lifa labo lajinge ladliwa belusendvo lwesive sabo. Ngiyo lena-ke imiyalo nemitsetfo yaSimakadze layinika ema-Israyeli ngesandla saMosi ngesikhatsi asemise ematsafeni akaMowabi ngaseJordane ngesheya kwemfula iJordane malungana neJerikho. Lawa-ke ngemavi aMosi lawakhuluma kuso sonkhe sive sema-Israyeli basesehlane ngasemphumalanga nemfula iJordane, e-Arabha, macondzana neSufi, emkhatsini wePharani neThofeli, neLabani, neHaserothi, neDizahabi. Kutsatsa emalanga lali-11 kuhamba usuka eHorebe uye eKhadeshi Bhaneya, nawuhamba ngemgwaco weNtsaba iSeyiri. Ngemnyaka wema-40, ngelilanga lekucala enyangeni yeli-11, kusukela baphuma eGibhithe, Mosi wakhuluma kuma-Israyeli konkhe loko Simakadze labemyale ngako kutsi awatjele kona, lokumacondzana nawo. Loko wakwenta emvakwekuba asehlule Sihoni, inkhosi yema-Amori, leyayibusa eHeshboni. Emphini yase-Edreyi abehlule Ogi, inkhosi yaseBhashani, leyayibusa e-Ashtarothe. Ngasemphumalanga nemfula iJordane, eveni lakaMowabi, Mosi wacala wawufundzisa lomtsetfo. Wakhuluma watsi: “Simakadze Nkulunkulu wetfu ukhulume kitsi siseseHorebe, watsi: ‘Senihleti kakhulu kulentsaba. Tfutsani, nichubekele etintsabeni tema-Amori, nakuto tonkhe leto tive letisedvutane, tase-Arabha, naletisetintsabeni, naletingaphansi kwetintsaba ngasenshonalanga, naletiseNegevu, lekuyiningizimu yelive, naletigudla lwandle, eveni lemaKhenani kuya kulaseLebanoni, kufike ngisho nasemfuleni lomkhulu iYufrathe. Libukeni-ke lonkhe lelo live lenginiphe lona. Ngenani kulo nilidle lelive Simakadze lafunga ngalo kutsi utalipha bokhokho benu bo-Abrahama, na-Isaka, naJakobe, kanye netitukulwane tabo letiyawuvela emvakwabo.’ ” “Ngaleso sikhatsi ngakhuluma kini, ngatsi: ‘Ningumtfwalo losindza kakhulu kimi kutsi ngiwetfwale ngedvwa. Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu sewunandzisile manje, senibanyenti kakhulu, senize naba ngangetinkhanyeti tesibhakabhaka. Shangatsi Simakadze, Nkulunkulu waboyihlomkhulu, anganandzisa ngetinkhulungwane letiphindziwe, anibusise njengobe etsembisa! Kodvwa ngingatetfwala kanjani tinkinga tenu, nemitfwalo yenu, nemibango yenu, mine ngingedvwa? Khetsani emadvodza lahlakaniphile, nalanekucondza, nalatiwako kuleso nakuleso sive, ngitawube sengiyawabeka kutsi anengamele.’ “Nani nangiphendvula natsi: ‘Loko loncoma kukwenta kuhle.’ Ngako ngatsatsa labaholi betive tenu, emadvodza lahlakaniphile nalahloniphekile, ngawabeka kutsi anengamele, abe tindvuna tetinkhulungwane, netemakhulu, netema-50, netemashumi, nekutsi abe tiphatsimandla taletive tenu. “Labaholi ngabayala ngaso leso sikhatsi ngatsi: ‘Hlolisisani imibango yalabanakenu, bese nehlulela ngekungakhetsi, nome licala lisemkhatsini wema-Israyeli nome lisemkhatsini wema-Israyeli newetive. Ningacali nehlulele ngekukhetsa; lalelani lomkhulu nalomncane ngalokufananako. Ningesabi muntfu, ngobe kwehlulela kwaNkulunkulu. Licala lelilukhuni kini niboliletsa lapha kimi, ngitekuliva.’ Ngaleso sikhatsi nganitjela konkhe lebenifanele kukwenta.” “Satfutsa eHorebe, njengobe Simakadze Nkulunkulu wetfu abesiyalile, sacondza ngasetintsabeni, eveni lema-Amori, sadzabula lonkhe lelo hlane lelesabekako lesenilibonile, saze sefika eKhadeshi Bhaneya. Ngase ngitsi kini: ‘Senifikile eveni letintsaba, live lema-Amori, lesiliphiwa nguSimakadze Nkulunkulu wetfu. Libukeni-ke lelive leniliphiwe nguSimakadze Nkulunkulu wenu. Khuphukelani kulo niyekulidla lelo live, njengobe natjelwa nguSimakadze Nkulunkulu waboyihlomkhulu. Ningesabi, ningalahlekelwa nalitsemba.’ “Nonkhe neta kimi, nafike natsi: ‘Asitfumele emadvodza ayesihlolela lelive, bese aletsa umbiko macondzana nendlela lekufanele sihambe ngayo, kanye nemadolobha lesitawakhandza khona.’ “Lomcondvo wabonakala umuhle kimi; ngako ngavele ngakhetsa emadvodza lali-12 emkhatsini wenu, yaba yinye kuleso nakuleso sive. Esuka akhuphukela eveni letintsaba efika eSihosheni sase-Eshikholi, asihlolisisa. Lamadvodza akha letinye tetitselo talelo live atiphatsa, eta nato lapha kitsi; afike asibikela atsi: ‘Lelive lasinika lona Simakadze Nkulunkulu wetfu lihle kakhulu.’ “Kodvwa noko nabe seniyala kukhuphuka; nahlubuka, nangawulaleli umyalo waSimakadze Nkulunkulu wenu. Nakhonona emathendeni enu, natsi: ‘Simakadze uyasenyanya; kungako nje asikhipha eveni laseGibhithe, abentela kutasinikela etandleni tema-Amori kutsi atesibhubhisa. Siyaphi nje? Labanaketfu sebasesabisile, batsi: “Bantfu bakhona bacinile, kantsi futsi badze kunatsi; emadolobha abo makhulu, futsi atinqaba, netibondza tawo tiphakeme taze tatsintsa sibhakabhaka. Sabona ngisho nemadvodzana a-Anaki khona lapho.” ’ “Ngase ngitsi kini: ‘Ningesabi; nabo ningabesabi. Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu, lohamba embikwenu, utanilwela njengobe enta eGibhithe embikwenu nibuka, kanjalo nasehlane futsi. Nabona lapho kutsi Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu wanetfwala kanjani, njengababe etfwele indvodzana yakhe, kuyo yonkhe indlela nahamba naze nefika kuyo lendzawo.’ Kodvwa najinge nangete nametsemba Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu, labehamba embikwenu, ngemlilo ebusuku nangelifu emini. Loko abekwentela kunifunela tindzawo lapho ningemisa khona, nekutsi anikhombise indlela lekufanele nihambe ngayo.” “Watsi kube Simakadze eve loko kusola kwenu, watfukutsela waze wafunga watsi: ‘Kute nome munye umuntfu walesitukulwane lesibi loyakulibona lelive lelihle lengafunga ngalo kutsi ngiyakulinika bokhokho benu, ngaphandle kwaKhalebi, umsa waJefune. Yena-ke uyakulibona, nginike yena netitukulwane takhe live lapho lunyawo lwakhe belunyatsele khona, ngobe walandzela Simakadze ngenhlitiyo yakhe yonkhe.’ Simakadze wangitfukutselela ngenca yenu, waze watsi kimi: ‘Nawe ungeke ungene kulo. Kodvwa umsiti wakho, Joshuwa, umsa waNuni, utawungena kulo. Mkhutsate, ngobe utawuhola lama-Israyeli kutsi alidle.’ “Labo bantfwana benu labasebancane lenitsite batawutfunjwa, bona labo labasengakakwati kwehlukanisa lokuhle kulokubi, batawungena kulelo live. Ngitabapha lona, nabo batalidla. Kodvwa nine bantfu, ncandzekani, nicondze ngasehlane ngendlela leya eLwandle Lolubovu. “Nine naphendvula natsi: ‘Sonile kuSimakadze. Sitawukhuphuka siyekulwa, njengobe Simakadze asiyalile.’ Ngako-ke nonkhe nahloma, nicabanga kutsi kutawuba malula kukhuphukela kulelive letintsaba. “Kodvwa Simakadze wakhuluma kimi, watsi: ‘Batjele utsi: “Ningakhuphuki kuyakulwa, ngobe mine ngingeke ngibe nani. Titsa tenu titakunehlula.” ’ Ngabe sengiyanitjela, kodvwa anizange nifune kungilalela. Nahlubuka ngekungawulaleli umyalo waSimakadze, ngekutiphakamisa kwenu nachubeka nashuca, nakhuphukela eveni letintsaba. Ema-Amori, labehlala kuleto tintsaba, aphuma anihlasela, anicosha anitselekela njengelibulo letinyosi, anishaya anilahla phansi kusukela eSeyiri kuze kuyewufika eHoma. Nabuya lapho nakhala kuSimakadze, kodvwa akazange akunake loko kukhala kwenu, wasuke watsalalisa nje.” “Ngako-ke nahlala eKhadeshi emalanga lamanyenti, nacitsa sikhatsi lesidze nilapho. “Sesuka lapho sancandzeka sacondza ehlane, ngendlela leya eLwandle Lolubovu, njengobe Simakadze abevele ashito kimi kucala. Sacitsa sikhatsi lesidze sizulazula, situngeleta live letintsaba taseSeyiri. “Simakadze wase ukhuluma kimi utsi: ‘Senihambe sikhatsi lesidze seloku nitungeleta lelive letintsaba, manje-ke sale nijikela ngasenyakatfo. Nika labantfu nansi imiyalo utsi: “Senitalidzabula ekhatsi lelive lebanakenu, titukulwane ta-Esawu, letihlala eSeyiri. Batawunesaba, kodvwa nibocaphela. Ningabachukuluti kutsi baze balwe nani, ngobe ngingeke ngininike, ngisho nalokuncane kwalelive labo, ngisho nekwekubeka lunyawo lwenu imbala. Ngilinike Esawu lelive letintsaba iSeyiri, kutsi libe lakhe. Kufanele nibakhokhele ngesiliva konkhe kudla kwabo lenikudlako, nemanti abo leniwanatsako.” ’ “Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu unibusisile ngayo yonkhe imisebenti yenu yetandla leniyentako. Uninakekele ngesikhatsi nisahamba nidzabula lelihlane lelikhulukati. Kuyo yonkhe leminyaka lengema-40 Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu abesolomane anani, anizange seneswele lutfo. “Ngako sahamba sendlula labanaketfu labatitukulwane taka-Esawu, lababehlala eSeyiri. Sawushiya umgwaco i-Arabha lochamuka e-Elathi nase-Esiyoni Geberi; sahamba ngemgwaco welihlane lakaMowabi. Simakadze wakhuluma kimi, watsi: ‘Ningawahlaseli emaMowabi, futsi ningawachukuluti kutsi aze alwe, ngobe ngingeke ngininike, ngisho nencenye nje yelive lawo. I-Ari yona ngiyiphe titukulwane taLoti kutsi ibe yato.’ ” Ema-Emi abehlala lapho. Lesi bekusive lesasinemandla, kantsi sasisinyenti; sasisidze njengema-Anaki. Naso sasatiwa kutsi singemaRefa njengawo ema-Anaki; kodvwa emaMowabi abesibita ngekutsi ngema-Emi. EmaHori abehlala eSeyiri, kodvwa titukulwane taka-Esawu tawacosha. Tawabhubhisa onkhe emaHori labelapho, kwabe sekuhlala tona kuleyo ndzawo yawo, njengobe ema-Israyeli enta eveni lanikwa lona nguSimakadze kutsi alidle. “Simakadze wakhuluma watsi: ‘Khuphukani manje newele umfudlana iZeredi.’ Savele sewela. Kwendlula iminyaka lengema-38 kusukela esikhatsini sekusuka eKhadeshi Bhaneya. Ngaleso sikhatsi lonkhe lelo butfo lemadvodza aleso situkulwane abesafe aphela, njengobe Simakadze abefungile. Sandla saSimakadze sachubeka kumelana nabo, baze bafa bonkhe baphela enkambu. “Kwatsi kube kufe ekugcina kulawo madvodza, emkhatsini walabo bantfu, Simakadze wakhuluma kimi, watsi: ‘Lamuhla nitakwewelela ngesheya kwe-Ari lekungumnyele welive lakaMowabi. Nase nifike esiveni sema-Amoni, ningawachukuluti futsi ningawakhubi, ngobe ngingeke ngininike, ngisho nencenye nje yalelive lawo kutsi libe lifa lenu, ngobe phela ngalipha titukulwane taLoti kutsi libe lifa lato.’ ” Lelo bekutsiwa live lemaRefa labehlala kulo kucala; kodvwa ema-Amori abewabita ngekutsi ngemaZamzumi. Bekusive lesasinemandla, kantsi futsi sasisinyenti, futsi sisidze njengema-Anaki, kodvwa Simakadze wawabhubhisa. Kwefika ema-Amoni acosha lamaRefa, kwase kwakha wona kulelo live. Simakadze bekatentele njalo titukulwane taka-Esawu letatihlala eSeyiri, ngesikhatsi abhubhisa emaHori, lawacosha kulelo live, kwabe sekwakha tona kuze kube ngulamuhla. Ema-Avi labakhe emadolobheni lagudla lwandle kuze kuyewufika eGaza, wona-ke abhujiswa ngemaKhrethe labechamuka eKhrethe. Lelive lase lidliwa ngulawo maKhrethe. “Sukumani, nihambe nidzabule Sihosha sase-Anoni. Bukani la, indzawo yaSihoni, um-Amori, inkhosi yaseHeshboni, nelive lakhe, ngikwetfule etandleni tenu. Mhlaseleni nidle lelive lakhe. Kusukela lamuhla ngitawucala kwenta tonkhe tive temhlaba tinesabe titfutfumele ngani. Nativa kukhulunywa ngani, tiyawukwesaba tikhatsateke kakhulu ngani.” “Ngako ngatfumela titfunywa ngesikhatsi siseseHlane laseKhedemothi, taya enkhosini Sihoni, eHeshboni, ngatsi tibofike tikhulume ngemavi ekuthula titsi: ‘Sicela kwendlula sidzabule lelive lakho. Sitawuhamba ngemgwaco, singeke siphambukele ngesekudla nome ngesancele. Sitsengisele kudla, khona sitekudla, usitsengisele nemanti sitewunatsa; konkhe usitsengisele ngesiliva. Sicela mane usivumele kutsi sendlule ngetinyawo, njengobe kwenta titukulwane taka-Esawu letihlala eSeyiri, nanjengobe kwenta emaMowabi lahlala e-Ari, size sewelele ngesheya kweJordane, eveni lasinika lona Simakadze Nkulunkulu wetfu.’ “Kodvwa Sihoni, inkhosi yaseHeshboni, akazange asivumele kutsi sendlule sidzabule live lakhe, ngobe Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu wenta umoya wakhe waba lukhuni nenhlitiyo yakhe yaba nenkhani; loko wakwentela kutsi atekumnikela etandleni tenu, njengobe kunjalo lamuhla. “Simakadze wakhuluma kimi, watsi: ‘Buka la, Sihoni nelive lakhe sengimnikele kuwe. Cala manje kumncoba, khona utekulidla lelive lakhe.’ “Sihoni nemabutfo akhe waphuma atewusihlasela emphini yaseJahasi, Simakadze Nkulunkulu wetfu wamnikela kitsi, samncoba yena nemadvodzana akhe kanye nesive sakhe sonkhe. Ngaleso sikhatsi sawatsatsa onkhe emadolobha akhe, sawabhubhisa onkhe, nemadvodza, nebafati, nebantfwana. Akuzange kusale ngisho namunye. Kodvwa tifuyo nalesasikutfumbe emadolobheni lesasiwancobile sakutfutsa sahamba nako. Kusukela e-Aroyeri lesemngcengcemeni weSihosha sase-Anoni, kanye nekusuka edolobheni lelisesikhunjini semfula, kuze kuyewufika eGileyadi kwabate ngisho nalinye lidolobha lelaba ngetulu kwemandla etfu. Simakadze Nkulunkulu wetfu wawanikela kitsi onkhe. Kodvwa asizange sisondzele eveni lema-Amoni: nome eceleni kugudla umfula iJabhoki, nome ngasemadolobheni laseveni letintsaba, nome ngukuphi-ke lapho Simakadze Nkulunkulu wetfu abesiyale kutsi singayi khona.” “Sesuka lapho senyuka ngemgwaco locondza eBhashani; Ogi, inkhosi yaseBhashani, waphuma kanye nemabutfo akhe onkhe atesihlasela emphini e-Edreyi. Kodvwa Simakadze wakhuluma kimi, watsi: ‘Ungamesabi, ngobe yena kanye nemabutfo akhe onkhe, nelive lakhe, sengimnikele etandleni takho. Yenta kuye kona loko lowakwenta kuSihoni, inkhosi yema-Amori, labebusa eHeshboni.’ “Ngako Simakadze Nkulunkulu wetfu, wanikela Ogi, inkhosi yaseBhashani, kanye nabo bonkhe bantfu bakhe etandleni tetfu. Sabagwaza bonkhe, kwangete kwasala ngisho namunye lowasindza. Ngaleso sikhatsi sawatfumba onkhe emadolobha akhe; kute ngisho nalinye kulamadolobha labengema-60 lelasala sangete salitfumba kuso sonkhe leso sifundza sase-Agobhu, embusweni wa-Ogi, inkhosi yaseBhashani. Onkhe lamadolobha abetinqaba ngekwawo, anetibondza letiphakeme nemasango laveletelwa ngemishudvo yensimbi, kanye nalamanye emadolobha lamanyenti kakhulu labete tibondza. Sawabhubhisa sawacedza onkhe, njengobe senta kuSihoni, inkhosi yaseHeshboni; sabhubhisa onkhe emadolobha, nemadvodza, nebafati nebantfwana. Kodvwa tonkhe tifuyo nalokunye lokwakuyimphango sakwetfwala, sahamba nako. “Ngako lelive salitsatsa ngaso leso sikhatsi esandleni semakhosi lamabili ema-Amori, ngesheya emphumalanga nemfula iJordane, kusuka eSihosheni sase-Anoni, kuze kuyewufika eNtsabeni iHemoni.” INtsaba iHemoni emaSidoni ayibita ngekutsi yiSiriyoni, kantsi ema-Amori wona ayibita ngekutsi yiSeniri. “Salidla lonkhe live laka-Ogi, inkhosi yaseBhashani: emadolobha lasentsabeni, netifundza takaGileyadi naseBhashani, kuze kuyewufika emadolobheni aseSalekha nase-Edreyi lekungemadolobha embuso wa-Ogi eBhashani.” Kwase kusele Ogi, inkhosi yaseBhashani, kuphela kuleyo nsali yesive semaRefa. Umbhedze wakhe wawentiwe ngensimbi, budze ungemamitha labengaba mane, bubanti ungemamitha labengaba mabili. Ungatfolakala eRabha, edolobheni lema-Amoni. “Lelive salidla kanjalo-ke ngaleso sikhatsi. Indzawo lesukela enyakatfo yase-Aroyeri ngaseSihosheni sase-Anoni nencenye yelive letintsaba takaGileyadi kanye nemadolobha alo ngakwabela emaRubeni nemaGadi. Lenye incenye yelive lakaGileyadi neBhashani yonkhe, umbuso wa-Ogi, ngisho sonkhe sifundza sase-Agobhu ngayabela incenye yesive sakaManase. “IBhashani yayatiwa ngekutsi live lakaRefa. Jayire, umsa waManase, watsatsa sonkhe sifundza sase-Agobhu, kuze kuyewufika emnyeleni wemaGeshuri nemaMakhathi. Leyo ndzawo wayetsa ngaye; kuze kube ngulamuhla iBhashani yatiwa ngekutsi yiHavothi Jayire. “IGileyadi ngayabela Makhire. Sive sakaRubeni nesakaGadi ngatabela live lakaGileyadi, kuze kuyewufika eSihosheni sase-Anoni, ekhatsi nesihosha kwaba ngumnyele, kanye nasemfuleni iJabhoki, umnyele wesive sema-Amoni. Ngasenshonalanga lelive labo lalihamba lize liyewufika emfuleni iJordane, e-Arabha, lalisuka eKhinerethi lize liyewufika eLwandle lwase-Arabha, Lwandle Lweluswayi, ngaphansi kwemacele asePhisga. “Ngaso leso sikhatsi ngabe sengiyaniyala, ngatsi: ‘Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu uniphe lelive kutsi nilidle. Nonkhe nine mabutfo emphi lenihlomele kulwa, hambani embikwetive tema-Israyeli, newelele ngesheya kwemfula. Kodvwa bafati benu, nebantfwabenu, netifuyo tenu -- njengobe ngiyati kutsi ninetifuyo letinyenti -- kutawusala kulamadolobha lenginiphe wona, aze Simakadze anike banakenu lendzawo lesasele, njengobe enta nakini, nabo futsi sebalitsetse lelo live Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu labanika lona lelingesheya kwemfula iJordane. Emvakwaloko-ke nonkhe seningabuyela emuva, nguloyo naloyo aye eveni lakhe lengimabele lona.’ “Ngaso leso sikhatsi ngayala Joshuwa, ngatsi: ‘Nawe utibonele ngewakho emehlo konkhe loko Simakadze Nkulunkulu wakho lakwentile kulamakhosi lamabili; utakwenta njalo-ke kuyo yonkhe lemibuso lenisetakwewelela kuyo. Ningayesabi, ngobe Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu nguye lotanilwela.’ ” “Ngaphindze ngancusa Simakadze ngaleso sikhatsi, ngatsi: ‘Hawu! Nkhosi Simakadze, sewucalile kukhombisa inceku yakho bukhulu bakho nesandla sakho lesinemandla. Ngumuphi nje nkulunkulu losezulwini nome losemhlabeni longenta lemisebenti nalemimangaliso yemandla loyentako? Ngicela kwewela ngiyewubona lelive lelihle lelingesheya kweJordane, live lelihle letintsaba, kanye neLebanoni.’ “Kodvwa ngenca yenu Simakadze wangitfukutselela, wangabe asangilalela nekungilalela, watsi kimi: ‘Sekwenele! Ungaphindze ukhulume kimi ngalendzaba. Yenyuka uye esicongweni sentsaba iPhisga, ubukisise ngasenshonalanga, nangasenyakatfo, nangaseningizimu kanye nangasemphumalanga; lelive ulibukisise ngemehlo akho, ngobe wena ungeke usawewela umfula iJordane. Kodvwa yala Joshuwa, umcinise umkhutsate, ngobe nguye lotakuhola lesive asewetele ngesheya kwemfula; nguye futsi lotabenta badle lelive lolibonako.’ “Ngako sahlala esihosheni, macondzana nelidolobha laseBhethi Pheyori.” “Lalelani sive sema-Israyeli imiyalo nemitsetfo lesengitanifundzisa yona. Hambani ngayo, khona nitewuphila ningene eveni nilidle, live Simakadze, Nkulunkulu wabokhokho benu, lanipha lona. Ningacali nengete lutfo kulamavi lenginiyala ngawo, futsi ningaphunguli lutfo kuwo, kodvwa gcinani lemiyalo yaSimakadze Nkulunkulu wenu lengininika yona. Natibonela ngemehlo enu loko lokwentiwa nguSimakadze eBhali Pheyori. Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu wababhubhisa bonkhe labo bantfu bakini lababelandzela Bhali wasePheyori, kodvwa nonkhe nine lenabambelela kuSimakadze Nkulunkulu wenu nisaphila nalamuhla. “Nginifundzise yonkhe imiyalo nemitsetfo, njengobe Simakadze Nkulunkulu wami angitfumile kutsi ngente, kuze nihambe ngayo nakulelo live leniyakungena kulo niyekulidla. Ngako yigcineni niyicaphelisise, ngobe loko kuyawuba kuhlakanipha nekucondza kwenu emehlweni aleto tive letiyakuva ngayo yonkhe lemiyalo, bese titsi: ‘Impela lesive lesikhulu sisive lesihlakaniphile nalesinekucondza.’ “Ngusiphi nje lesinye sive lesikhulu lesinabonkulunkulu labasedvute naso, njengaSimakadze Nkulunkulu wetfu lohlala asedvute natsi njalo nje nasithandaza kuye? Ngusiphi nje lesinye sive lesikhulu kangangekutsi singaba nemiyalo nemitsetfo lelungile njengawo wonkhe lomtsetfo lenginifundzise wona lamuhla? Caphelani-ke nilindze kahle imiphefumulo yenu, ningaze nikhohlwe nguletintfo lenitibone ngemehlo enu nome nitiyekele tiphunyuke enhlitiyweni yenu yingci nanisaphila. Niyakutifundzisa bantfwabenu nebantfwana bebantfwabenu. Khumbulani lilanga lenema ngalo embikwaSimakadze Nkulunkulu wenu ngesikhatsi akhuluma kimi eHorebe atsi: ‘Hlanganisa sonkhe sive sibutsane la embikwami. Ngifuna kutsi sive kahle emavi ami, khona sitewufundza kungihlonipha, yingci nasisaphila kulomhlaba sibuye sifundzise nebantfwabaso.’ “Nasondzela edvute nema ngephansi kwentsaba naloku yayivutsa emalangabi emlilo lowawufikela esibhakabhakeni, unemafu lamnyama nentfutfu leyesabekako. Simakadze wakhuluma asekhatsi emlilweni, nakuva kudvuma kwemavi, kodvwa anizange nisibone simo sakhe, kwakulivi nje. Wetfula kini sivumelwane sakhe semiyalo lelishumi laniyala kutsi nihambe ngayo, wase uyibhala phansi etibhelekeceni letimbili tematje. Simakadze wangikhombisa ngaleso sikhatsi kutsi nginifundzise imiyalo nemitsetfo lekufanele nihambe ngayo kulelive lelingesheya kweJordane, lenewelela kulo kuyakulidla.” “Ngako-ke ticaphelisiseni nine, ngobe anibonanga simo salutfo mhlazana Simakadze akhuluma nani asemlilweni entsabeni yaseHorebe. Caphelani ningoni ngekutentela tithico letibatiwe, titfombe nome taluphi luhlobo lwendvodza nome lwemfati, nome lokufanana nesilwane nome ngangusiphi lapha emhlabeni, nome lokufanana neluhlobo lwanome nganguyiphi inyoni lendiza emoyeni, nome ngangusiphi silwane lesihuma ngesisu emhlabatsini, nome nganguyiphi inhlanti lesemantini ngaphansi kwemhlaba. Nicaphele ningatikhonti tinkhanyiso lenitibona esibhakabhakeni njengelilanga, nenyanga, netinkhanyeti. Ningacali niwungeke ngekutikhotsamela nikhonte leto tintfo Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu latabela tonkhe tive ngephansi kwelizulu. Kodvwa nine, Simakadze wanikhipha eGibhithe, emlilweni lomkhulu loncibilikisa insimbi, kutsi nitekuba sive lesilifa lakhe, njengobe senaba ngilo nje. “Simakadze wangitfukutselela ngenca yenu, waze wafunga kutsi ngingeke ngisawewela umfula iJordane ngingene eveni lelihle Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu lanipha kutsi libe lifa lenu. Ngitawufela kulelive ngingeke ngiwewele umfula iJordane, kodvwa nine seniyakwewelela ngesheya niyekudla lelive lelihle. Caphelani ningasikhohlwa sivumelwane saSimakadze Nkulunkulu wenu lasenta nani. Ningatenteli sithico nome saluphi luhlobo Simakadze Nkulunkulu lanalele kutsi nisente. Ngobe Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu ungumlilo locotfulako, unguNkulunkulu lonesikhwele. “Nase nitelene nandza naba nebantfwana kanye nebantfwana bebantfwabenu, senihleti sikhatsi lesidze kulelo live, ningacali nome ngekutentela tithico nome taluphi luhlobo. Loko kuyawuba kubi emehlweni aSimakadze Nkulunkulu wenu, kumente atfukutsele. Ngibita lizulu nemhlaba kutsi kungifakazele lamuhla kutsi naningangilaleli, niyawunyamalala masinyane emhlabeni. Ningeke nikhonse kulelo live lelingesheya kwemfula iJordane lenewelela kuyawulidla. Niyawubhujiswa niphele. Simakadze uyawunisakatela etiveni letinye, bayawuba yingcosana benu labayawusala kuleto tive Simakadze layakube anisakatele kuto. Kuleto tive niyawukhonta tithico letentiwe bantfu ngetingodvo nangematje, letingaboni naletingeva, naletingadli, naletingakwati kunuka. Kodvwa khona lapho nanifuna Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu, niyawumtfola nanimfunisisa ngenhlitiyo yenu yonkhe nangemphefumulo wenu wonkhe. Naniselusizini senehlelwe ngito tonkhe letintfo, kuyawutsi emvakwaloko nibuyele kuSimakadze Nkulunkulu wenu, nimlalele. Ngobe Simakadze, Nkulunkulu wenu, unguNkulunkulu lonemusa, angeke anishiye nome anibhubhise nome akhohlwe sivumelwane sakhe lasenta naboyihlomkhulu, lasicinisa kubo ngesifungo. “Phenyisisani ngalokwenteka emalangeni akadzeni nisengakatalwa, kusukela ngelilanga Nkulunkulu ladala ngalo umuntfu emhlabeni; phenyisisani kusukela ngale kwemazulu kuye ngale kwawo. Intfo lenkhulu kangaka yake yenteka yini nome intfo lenjengayo yake yevakala yini? Sikhona sive lesake saliva liphimbo laNkulunkulu likhuluma emlilweni, njengani, sachubeka saphila? Sikhona yini sithico lesake setama kutikhetsela sive emkhatsini waletinye tive ngetivivinyo, nangetibonakaliso letimangalisako, nangetimangaliso, nangemphi, nangesandla lesinemandla, nangengalo leyelulekile nome ngetento letinkhulu naletimangalisako, njengato tonkhe letintfo Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu latenta kini eGibhithe emehlweni enu nibuka? “Letintfo natikhonjiselwa kutsi nati kutsi Simakadze unguNkulunkulu; ngaphandle kwakhe kute lomunye. Wanenta neva livi lakhe asezulwini kutsi atenicondzisa kahle. Emhlabeni wanikhombisa umlilo wakhe, naweva emavi akhe aphuma emlilweni. Ngobe wabatsandza boyihlomkhulu, wakhetsa titukulwane tabo emvakwabo, wanikhipha eGibhithe ngebukhona bakhe nangemandla akhe lamakhulu, wacosha tive letinkhulu naletinemandla kunani, nisengakefiki, kuze aniletse kulelo live lato; walipha nine, laba lifa lenu, njengobe lingilo nje lamuhla. “Ngako khumbulani ningaphindzi nikhohlwe kusukela lamuhla kutsi Simakadze unguNkulunkulu, ezulwini etulu nasemhlabeni phansi. Kute lomunye. Gcinani timiso takhe nemiyalo yakhe lengininika yona lamuhla, kuze kulungele nine nebantfwabenu, khona nitewuphila siphelane kulelo live Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu lanipha lona.” Mosi wabe sewumisa emadolobha lamatsatfu ngasemphumalanga kwemfula iJordane, lapho bekungakhosela khona nome ngubani lobulele umuntfu ngesiphosiso, angakacondzi. Lowo muntfu abengabaleka akhosele kulelinye lalamadolobha aphephise imphilo yakhe angabe asabulawa. Lamadolobha bekuyiBheseri, ehlane letintsaba, yona yaba yebakaRubeni, neRamothi kulaseGileyadi, yona yaba yebakaGadi, iGolani leseBhashani, yona yaba yebakaManase. Lona ngumtsetfo Mosi lawetfula embikwesive sema-Israyeli. Lena ngimilayeto, nemiyalo, nemitsetfo Mosi labanika yona nabaphuma eGibhithe, sebaseSihosheni saseBhethi Pheyori ngasemphumalanga kweJordane, eveni lakaSihoni, inkhosi yema-Amori, labebusa eHeshboni, wancotjwa nguMosi nema-Israyeli nabaphuma eGibhithe. Balidla live lakhe nelive la-Ogi, inkhosi yaseBhashani, lamakhosi lamabili esive sema-Amori ngasemphumalanga kwemfula iJordane. Lelive lalisuka e-Aroyeri emngcengcemeni weSihosha sase-Anoni, lize liyewufika eNtsabeni iSiyoni, leyo yiHemoni, lifake ekhatsi lonkhe live lase-Arabha ngasemphumalanga kweJordane, kuze kuyewufika eLwandle lwase-Arabha, ngaphansi kwemacele asePhisga. Mosi wabita sonkhe sive sema-Israyeli wakhuluma kuso, watsi: “Lalelani, ma-Israyeli, timiso nemitsetfo lengininika yona lamuhla. Yifundzeni nibe neliciniso kutsi nitayilalela niyilandzele. Simakadze Nkulunkulu wetfu wasenta natsi sivumelwane eHorebe. Yebo, Simakadze akasentanga nabobabe betfu leso sivumelwane, kodvwa wasenta natsi tsine lesisaphila lamuhla. Simakadze wakhuluma nani buso nebuso asemlilweni etikwentsaba. Ngaleso sikhatsi mine ngema emkhatsini waSimakadze nani kuze ngimementele livi laSimakadze kini, ngobe nine benesaba umlilo anizange nenyukele entsabeni. “Simakadze watsi: ‘NginguSimakadze Nkulunkulu wakho lowakukhipha eGibhithe, eveni lebugcili. “ ‘Ungabi nalabanye bonkulunkulu ngaphandle kwami. “ ‘Ungatenteli sithico lesinesimo salokusezulwini etulu, nome salokusemhlabeni phansi, nome emantini ngaphansi kwemhlaba. Ungasikhotsameli nome usikhonte; ngobe mine, Simakadze Nkulunkulu wakho, nginguNkulunkulu lonesikhwele, ngijezisa bantfwana ngesono saboyise esitukulwaneni sesitsatfu nesesine kulabo labangitondzako, kodvwa ngentela lutsandvo kuto titukulwane letitinkhulungwane talabangitsandzako bagcine imiyalo yami. “ ‘Ungalisebentiseli lite libito laSimakadze Nkulunkulu wakho, ngobe Simakadze angeke ahlale angambeki licala lowo lolisebentisa ngelite libito lakhe. “ ‘Gcina liSabatha ngekulenta libe ngcwele, njengobe Simakadze akuyala. Uyawusebenta emalanga lasitfupha, wente wonkhe umsebenti wakho, kodvwa lilanga lesikhombisa liSabatha kuSimakadze Nkulunkulu wakho. Awuyikuwenta umsebenti, wena, nendvodzana yakho, nendvodzakati yakho, nenceku yakho, nencekukati yakho, nenkhabi yakho, nembongolo yakho, nome ngusiphi setifuyo takho, newetive lokakho, khona inceku yakho nencekukati yakho batewuphumula, njengawe. Khumbula kutsi nawe bewusigcili eGibhithe nekutsi Simakadze Nkulunkulu wakho wakukhipha lapho ngesandla lesinemandla nemkhono lowelulekile. Ngako-ke Simakadze Nkulunkulu wakho ukuyalile kutsi uligcine liSabatha. “ ‘Hlonipha uyihlo nenyoko, njengobe Simakadze Nkulunkulu wakho akuyala, khona utewuphila sikhatsi lesidze kuze kukuhambele kahle eveni Simakadze Nkulunkulu wakho lakupha lona. “ ‘Ungabulali. “ ‘Ungaphingi. “ ‘Ungebi. “ ‘Ungafakazi emanga ngamakhelwane wakho. “ ‘Ungamkhanuki umfati wamakhelwane wakho. Ungayihawukeli ngisho nendlu yamakhelwane wakho, nemhlaba wakhe, nesisebenti sakhe lesidvuna nome lesisikati, nenkhabi yakhe, nembongolo yakhe, nome ngabe seyini-ke yamakhelwane wakho.’ “Lena-ke ngimiyalo Simakadze laninika yona akhuluma ngeliphimbo lelikhulu kini nonkhe, yena akhuluma asekhatsi emlilweni, etulu entsabeni efini nasebumnyameni lobulicinsi; kute lokunye lakwengeta. Wayibhala etibhelekeceni letimbili tematje, wase unginika tona.” “Natsi naniliva lelivi likhuluma ebumnyameni, intsaba isavutsa umlilo, onkhe emadvodza labaholi betive tenu netikhulu tenu teta kimi. Nafike natsi: ‘Simakadze Nkulunkulu wetfu usikhombise inkhatimulo yakhe nebukhosi bakhe, neliphimbo lakhe silive ekhatsi emlilweni. Lamuhla sesibonile kutsi kantsi umuntfu angajinge aphile nome Nkulunkulu akhuluma naye. Kodvwa-ke manje sifelani? Lomlilo lomkhulu kangaka utasishisa usicedze, futsi sitakufa nangabe sichubeka kuliva leliphimbo laSimakadze Nkulunkulu wetfu. Kwase kwenteka yini kutsi umuntfu lobhubhako eve liphimbo laNkulunkulu lophilako likhuluma emlilweni, njengatsi, abuye aphile? “ ‘Sondzela wena uyekuva konkhe loko Simakadze Nkulunkulu wetfu lakushoko. Tsine sitawutjelwa nguwe loko Simakadze lakutjela kona, natsi sitawulalela sikwente loko.’ “Simakadze waniva nanikhuluma kimi, wase ukhuluma kimi utsi: ‘Ngikuvile loku lokukhulunywe ngulabantfu kuwe. Konkhe loko labakukhulume kuwe kulungile kuhle. Yebo, shangatsi tinhlitiyo tabo tingatsambela ekungesabeni, bagcine imiyalo yami ngaso sonkhe sikhatsi, khona kutawubahambela kahle bona nebantfwababo kuze kube phakadze! Hamba ubatjele bancandzeke babuyele emathendeni abo. Kodvwa wena hlala nami lapha, khona ngitekunika yonkhe imiyalo yami, netimiso tami, nemitsetfo yami lekufanele uyifundzise kutsi bayilandzele eveni lengibanika lona kutsi libe labo.’ “Ngako caphelani kwenta loko Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu laniyale ngako kutsi nikwente; ningacali nijikele ngesekudla nome ngesancele. Hambani endleleni Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu laniyale kutsi nihambe ngayo, khona nitewuphila nichume, netinsuku tenu tandze eveni lelitawuba lenu.” “Lena ngimiyalo, netimiso, nemitsetfo Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu langiyale ngayo kutsi nginifundzise yona kutsi niyigcine eveni lenitakwewela iJordane newelele kulo kutsi libe lenu, khona kutewutsi nine, nebantfwabenu, nebantfwababo emvakwabo batekwesaba Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu, yingci nanisagcina tonkhe timiso nemiyalo lengininika yona, khona nitewuva bumnandzi bekuphila imphilo lendze. Lalelani, ma-Israyeli, nicaphelisise kutsi niyalalela, khona kutanihambela kahle nekutsi nandze kakhulu kulelo live leligcwele lubisi neluju lwetinyosi, njengobe Simakadze Nkulunkulu waboyihlo anetsembisa. “Lalelani, ma-Israyeli, Simakadze Nkulunkulu wetfu nguye yedvwana longuSimakadze. Tsandza Simakadze Nkulunkulu wakho, ngayo yonkhe inhlitiyo yakho, nangawo wonkhe umphefumulo wakho, nangawo onkhe emandla akho. Lemiyalo lengininika yona lamuhla kufanele ibesetinhlitiyweni tenu. Niyakuyinamatsisela etingcondvweni tebantfwabenu, nikhulume ngayo nanihleti emakhaya, nome nihamba endleleni, nome nilala nome nivuka. Niyakuyibophela ibe timphawu etandleni tenu nasemabuntini enu. Niyakuyibhala etinsikeni teminyango yetindlu tenu nasemasangweni enu.” “Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu utawutsi anganingenisa eveni lafunga ngalo kuboyihlo, Abrahama, na-Isaka, naJakobe kutsi utanipha lona, lelo live linemadolobha lamakhulu lanotsile leningazange niwakhe, tindlu letigcwele tonkhe tinhlobo tetintfo letinhle leningazange nite nato, nemitfombo leningazange niyimbe, netivini, nemasimi etitselo temncumo leningazange nitihlanyele, nitawutsi ningadla nesutse, nicaphele kutsi ningamkhohlwa Simakadze lowanikhipha eGibhithe, eveni lebugcili. Yesabani Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu, nikhonte yena yedvwa, nifunge ngelibito lakhe. Ningatilandzeli letinye tithico, lekutithico taletive letinihacile; ngobe Nkulunkulu wenu, losemkhatsini wenu, nguNkulunkulu lonesikhwele; nentfukutselo yakhe itanivutsela inishise inicedze niphele nya kulelive. “Ningamlingi Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu njengobe nenta eMasa. Cinisekani kutsi niyayigcina imiyalo yaSimakadze Nkulunkulu wenu kanjalo futsi nato timiso laninike tona. Yentani lokulungile nalokuhle ebusweni baSimakadze, khona kutanihambela kahle, nitsi ningangena nilitsatse lelive lelihle Simakadze laletsembisa ngesifungo kubokhokho benu, nicitse tonkhe titsa tenu embikwenu, njengobe Simakadze asho. “Etikhatsini letitako indvodzana yakho iyawutsi nayibuta itsi: ‘Isho kutsini lemiyalo, naletimiso, nalemitsetfo Simakadze Nkulunkulu wetfu lasiyala kutsi siyigcine?’ uyawuphendvula utsi: ‘Sasitigcili taFaro eGibhithe, kodvwa Simakadze wasikhipha eGibhithe ngesandla sakhe lesinemandla. Satibonela tsine ngewetfu emehlo Simakadze enta tibonakaliso netimanga letesabekako naletinkhulu eGibhithe kuFaro nasemndenini wakhe wonkhe. Kodvwa wasikhipha lapho wasiletsa lapha, wasipha lelive laletsembisa ngekufunga kwakhe kubokhokho betfu. Simakadze wasiyala kutsi sihloniphe tonkhe letimiso nekutsi sesabe Simakadze Nkulunkulu wetfu, kuze sihlale sichuma njalo, njengobe kunjalo nalamuhla. Nasinakekela kutsi sihloniphe wonkhe lomtsetfo nalemiyalo embikwaSimakadze Nkulunkulu wetfu, njengobe asiyalile, loko kutawuba kulunga kwetfu.’ ” “Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu utaningenisa eveni lenitawuhlala kulo libe lenu. Utawucosha embikwenu letive letinyenti letikulo: emaHethi, nemaGirigashi, nema-Amori, nemaKhenani, nemaPheresi, nemaHivi, nemaJebhusi, tive letisikhombisa letinkhulu naletinemandla kunani. Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu letive utawutsi angatinikela etandleni tenu, nitehlule, niboticedza tiphele nya. Ningenti sivumelwane nato, ningabi namusa kuto. Ningendziselani nato. Emadvodzakati enu ningavumi kutsi ashade nemadvodzana ato, nemadvodzana enu ningavumi kutsi ashade nemadvodzakati ato, ngobe ayawuhlubukisa lamadvodzana enu angabe asangilandzela, awente akhonte labanye bonkulunkulu, intfukutselo yaSimakadze bese iyanivutsela, inibhubhise ngekushesha. Naku-ke lenitakwenta kuto: Bhidlitani emalati ato, nephule netinsikamatje tato lekutsiwa tingcwele, nijube tinsika tato tabo-Ashera losithicokati sabo, nishise netithico tato ngemlilo. Ngobe nine nisive lesingcwele saSimakadze Nkulunkulu wenu. Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu unikhetse emkhatsini wato tonkhe tive letisebusweni bemhlaba, kutsi nibe sive sakhe, sive lesiligugu lelingelakhe. “Simakadze akazange anitsandze waze wanikhetsa ngobe nisive lesinyenti kwendlula letinye, ngobe vele nanisive lesincane kunato tonkhe. Kodvwa kwaya ngekutsi Simakadze wanitsandza wasigcina sifungo sakhe lasenta kubokhokho benu kutsi anikhiphe ngesandla lesinemandla, wanihlenga eveni lebugcili, nasemandleni aFaro, inkhosi yaseGibhithe. Yatini-ke kutsi Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu unguNkulunkulu; unguNkulunkulu lowetsembekile losigcinako sivumelwane sakhe selutsandvo kuto titukulwane letitinkhulungwane kulabo labamtsandzako bagcine imiyalo yakhe, kodvwa labo labamtondzako uyawuphindzisela kubo yena matfupha ngekubabhubhisa; angeke alibale kuphindzisela kubo babukile labo labamtondzako. Ngako-ke caphelani nilandzele imiyalo, netimiso, nemitsetfo lengininika yona lamuhla.” “Naniyilandzela lemitsetfo, niyinakekela ngekuyenta njengobe injalo, naye Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu utasigcina setsembiso sakhe selutsandvo kini, njengobe afunga kuboyihlomkhulu. Utanitsandza, anibusise, anandzise nibe banyenti. Utasibusisa sitselo sesisu senu, netilimo telive lenu, nakolo wenu, neliwayini lenu lelisha, nemafutsa enu, nemankhonyane etinkhomo tenu, nemazinyane emihlambi yenu kulelive lafunga ngalo kuboyihlomkhulu kutsi utawunipha lona. Niyawubusiswa kwendlula tonkhe tive; kute lomdvuna nome lomsikati longeyiwutala umntfwana, ngisho netifuyo tenu tingeke tibe tinyumba. Simakadze utanigcina aniphephise kuto tonkhe tifo. Angeke anijezise ngetifo letesabekako lenatibona eGibhithe, kodvwa uyakubajezisa ngato labo labanitondzako. Kufanele nibhubhise tonkhe leto tive Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu lataninika tona. Ningatihawukeli ningabakhonti ngisho nabonkulunkulu bato, ngobe loko kuyawuba lugibe kini. “Encenye etinhlitiyweni tenu nitsi: ‘Letive tinemandla kakhulu kunatsi; singaticosha kanjani lapha sitikhiphe?’ Cha, ningatesabi, khumbulani kahle kutsi Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu wentani kuFaro naseveni lonkhe laseGibhithe. Natibonela nine ngewenu emehlo timangaliso letinkhulu netibonakaliso, nesandla lesinemandla leseluliwe, Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu lanikhiphe ngaso. Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu utakwenta njalo kuto tonkhe tive lenitesabako nyalo. Ngetulu kwaloko Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu utawutfumela kutfutfumela nekwesaba emkhatsini wato, kuze kutsi ngisho nalabo labasasele banibhacele nabo babhujiswe. Ningabesabi, ngobe Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu, losemkhatsini wenu, unguNkulunkulu lomkhulu nalowesabekako. Tonkhe letive letisembikwenu Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu utatikhipha kancane kancane. Ningeke nivunyelwe kutsi niticitse tonkhe tiphele ngasikhatsi sinye, ngobe phela kungabe sekwandza tilwane tesiganga emkhatsini wenu. Kodvwa Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu letive utatinikela esandleni senu, atisanganise kakhulu tize tibhujiswe. Emakhosi ato utawanikela esandleni senu, nine niwabhubhise, emabito awo aphele emhlabeni. Kute loyakuba nemandla ekumelana nani; niyakuwabhubhisa. Tithico tato niyakutishisa ngemlilo. Ningacali nihawukele isiliva negolide lekuto, ningatitsatseli loko, ngobe nitawubanjwa lugibe lwato, ngobe loko kusinengiso kuSimakadze Nkulunkulu wenu. Ningacali niletse loko lokusinengiso etindlini tenu, funa nani nehlukaniswe nibekwe eceleni, khona nitewubhujiswa njengako. Kufanele nitenyanye letithico, ngobe setivele tehlukaniselwe kubhujiswa.” “Caphelani kutsi nilandzela yonkhe imitsetfo lengininika yona lamuhla, khona nitewuphila, nandze, ningene nilidle lelive Simakadze laletsembisa ngesifungo kubokhokho benu. Khumbulani kutsi Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu wanihola njani kuyo yonkhe indlela yenu ehlane kuleminyaka lengema-40, wanitfobisa wanivivinya, khona atewukwati lenanikucondzile enhlitiyweni yenu nekutsi nitayigcina yini imiyalo yakhe, nome cha. Wanitfobisa, wanenta nalamba, wabe sewunondla ngemana, lenaningayati nekuyati nine naboyihlo benu, wentela kunifundzisa kutsi umuntfu akaphili ngesinkhwa sodvwa kodvwa nangawo onkhe emavi laphuma emlonyeni waSimakadze. Timphahla tenu atizange tiguge, netinyawo tenu atizange tivuvuke kuleminyaka lengema-40. Yatini-ke etinhlitiyweni tenu kutsi njengobe indvodza iyicondzisa ibuye iyijezise indvodzana yayo, kanjalo Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu uyanicondzisa abuye anijezise. Gcinani imiyalo yaSimakadze Nkulunkulu wenu, nihambe etindleleni takhe nimhloniphe. Ngobe Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu uniyisa eveni lelihle: live lelinemifula netitiba temanti, netiyalu letigeleta etihosheni nasetintsabeni; live lelinakolo, nebhali, nemivini, nemakhiwa, nemahananandza, nemafutsa emncumo, neluju lwetinyosi; live lapho singeke sesweleke khona sinkhwa, ningeke neswele lutfo; live lapho emadvwala akhona ayinsimbi, lapho ningemba khona litfusi etintsabeni talo. Nase nidlile nesutsa, dvumisani Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu ngalelive lelihle laniphe lona.” “Caphelani-ke kutsi ningamkhohlwa Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu ngekungagcini imiyalo yakhe, nemitsetfo yakhe kanye netimiso takhe lengininika tona lamuhla. Ngaphandle kwaloko niyawutsi nase nidle nesutsa, nakha netindlu letinhle, natinta, nemihlambi yetifuyo tenu seyandzile, nesiliva yenu negolide yenu seyandzile, nako konkhe leninako sekwandzile, inhlitiyo yenu bese iyakhukhumala, nize nikhohlwe Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu, lowanikhipha eGibhithe, eveni lebugcili. Wanihola nadzabula ekhatsi lihlane lelikhulukati nalelesabekako, live lelomile nalelite emanti, lelinetinyoka letinesihlungu nabofecela. Wanitfululela emanti edvwaleni lelilukhuni. Wanipha imana kutsi nitewudla ehlane, intfo boyihlo lababengazange sebayati, entela kunitfobisa anivivinye, khona kutawutsi ekugcineni kunihambele kahle. Wena ungatitjela utsi: ‘Ngemandla ami netikhwepha temikhono yami letingikhitsitele wonkhe lomcebo.’ Kodvwa khumbula Simakadze Nkulunkulu wakho, ngobe nguye lokunika emandla ekukhitsita lomcebo, abuye agcizelele sivumelwane sakhe lasenta ngesifungo kuboyihlo njengalamuhla. “Nanike nakhohlwa Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu nalandzela labanye bonkulunkulu nabakhonta naze nakhotsama kubo, ngiyanecwayisa lamuhla kutsi nakanjani niyawubhujiswa. Naningamlaleli Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu, nani niyawubhujiswa njengato letive Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu latibhubhisa embikwenu.” “Lalelani-ke, ma-Israyeli! Manje senitakwewela iJordane ningene niyewucosha letive letinyenti naletinemandla kunani, letinemadolobha lamakhulu lanetibondza letindze letifikela esibhakabhakeni. Labantfu banemandla, kantsi futsi badze, bangema-Anaki. Niyabati labo bantfu futsi nise neva ngabo kutsiwa: ‘Ngubani longamelana nema-Anaki?’ Kodvwa banini nesiciniseko lamuhla kutsi Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu nguye lohamba embikwenu njengemlilo locotfulako. Utababhubhisa, abehlule embikwenu nibuka. Nitawubakhipha nibacedze ngekushesha, njengobe Simakadze anetsembisa. “Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu uyawutsi angaticosha embikwenu, nine-ke ningabosho enhlitiyweni yenu nitsi: ‘Simakadze ungiletse lapha ngitewudla lelive libe lami ngenca yekulunga kwami.’ Cha, akunjalo; kuye ngebubi baletive kutsi Simakadze aticoshe embikwenu. Akukayi ngekulunga kwenu nome ngebucotfo benu kutsi nihambe niyekudla lelive lato; kodvwa kuye ngebubi baletive kutsi Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu aticoshe embikwenu, kuze kufezeke loko lakufungela kubokhokho benu bo-Abrahama, na-Isaka, naJakobe. Condzisisani-ke kutsi akukayi ngekulunga kwenu kutsi Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu aniphe lelive lelihle kutsi nilidle libe lenu, ngobe nine nisive lesinenhloko lelukhuni. “Khumbulani loku ningakhohlwa kutsi Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu namcansula kanjani ehlane. Kusukela ngelilanga lenaphuma ngalo eGibhithe kuze kube ngulesikhatsi lenifike ngaso lapha seloku animlaleli Simakadze. Naluvusa lulaka lwaSimakadze eHorebe, naluvusa waze watfukutsela wafuna kunibhubhisa anicedze nonkhe. Ngesikhatsi ngenyukela etulu entsabeni kuyawukwemukela tibhelekeca tematje lekwakutibhelekeca tesivumelwane Simakadze lasenta nani, ngahlala entsabeni emalanga langema-40 nebusuku lobungema-40; ngangingadli kudla, nginganatsi manti. Simakadze wanginika tibhelekeca letimbili tematje letatibhalwe ngumuno waNkulunkulu. Yayibhalwe kuto yonkhe imiyalo yaSimakadze layimemetela kini emlilweni etikwentsaba ngalelo langa lemhlangano. Ekupheleni kwalamalanga langema-40 nebusuku lobungema-40, Simakadze wanginika letibhelekeca letimbili tematje, lekwakutibhelekeca tesivumelwane. “Simakadze wangitjela watsi: ‘Yewuka ngekushesha, ngobe labantfu bakho lowabakhipha eGibhithe sebonakele. Sebahlubuke ngekushesha kuloko lengabayala ngako, futsi sebatibumbele sithico.’ “Simakadze wakhuluma kimi, watsi: ‘Sengibabonile labantfu kutsi basive lesinenhloko lelukhuni ngempela! Ase ungiyekele, khona ngitewubabhubhisa ngesule nelibito labo ngaphansi kwelizulu. Wena ngitakwenta ube sive lesinemandla nalesikhulu kunabo.’ “Ngako ngancandzeka ngehla entsabeni leyayisavutsa umlilo. Letibhelekeca letimbili tematje tatisetandleni tami. Ngatsi nangibuka, ngabona kutsi senonile kuSimakadze Nkulunkulu wenu; senitentele sithico senu, nasibumba saba nesimo selitfole. Nase nisheshe niyaphambuka endleleni Simakadze labeniyale kutsi nihambe ngayo. Ngako ngatsatsa letibhelekeca letimbili tematje ngatilahla phansi, tabhidlika, taba ticucu embikwenu nibuka. “Ngaphindza ngatitfoba ngakhotsama kuSimakadze futsi emalanga langema-40 nebusuku lobungema-40; ngangingadli kudla nginganatsi nemanti, ngenca yato tonkhe tono lenase nitentile, ngekwenta lokubi kuSimakadze, ngaloko namcunula, wase uyatfukutsela. Ngesaba intfukutselo nelulaka lwaSimakadze, ngobe watfukutsela waze wafuna kunibhubhisa anicedze nonkhe. Kodvwa Simakadze waphindza wangilalela. Simakadze watfukutselela kubhubhisa Aroni amcedze, kodvwa nangaleso sikhatsi ngamncusela futsi na-Aroni. Ngaphindza ngatsatsa leyontfo yenu lesono, litfole lenase nilentile, ngalishisa emlilweni. Ngaligaya laba yimphuphu lecolisakele njengelutfuli, ngatsela lolutfuli kulomfula lowawugeleta, wehla kulentsaba. “Naphindze natfukutselisa Simakadze eThabera, naseMasa kanye naseKhibrothi Hathava. “Ngesikhatsi Simakadze anikhipha eKhadeshi Bhaneya watsi: ‘Hambani nenyuke niyekulidla lelive lenginiphe lona.’ Kodvwa nine anizange niwulalele umyalo waSimakadze, nangete namkholwa, nangete nalilalela ngisho nelivi lakhe. Nine anizange nimlalele Simakadze, seloku ngacala kunati. “Ngawa phansi ngakhotsamisa buso bami embikwaSimakadze kuwo onkhe lamalanga langema-40 nebusuku lobungema-40, ngobe Simakadze abetsite utanibhubhisa. Ngathandaza kuSimakadze ngatsi: ‘Hawu, Somandla, Simakadze, ungasibhubhisi sive sakho lesilifa lakho lowalihlenga ngemandla akho lamakhulu, wasikhipha eGibhithe ngesandla lesinemandla. Khumbula tinceku takho bo-Abrahama, na-Isaka, naJakobe. Ungabunaki buhlongandlebe balesive, nebubi baso, nesono saso. Nakungenjalo, lesive lowasikhipha kuso sitawutsi: “Kungobe Simakadze wehluleka kubangenisa kulelive labebatsembise lona, kantsi futsi kungobe abebatondza, ngako wabakhiphela kutawubabulalela ehlane.” Empeleni basive sakho lesilifa lakho, lowalikhipha ngemandla akho lamakhulu nangengalo yakho leyelulekile.’ ” “Ngaleso sikhatsi Simakadze wakhuluma kimi, watsi: ‘Bata tibhelekeca letimbili tematje letifanana naleta takucala, bese wenyuka nato uta lapha kimi etulu entsabeni. Yakha nelibhokisi ngemapulango. Mine ngitawubhala kuletibhelekeca tematje wona lawo mavi labebhalwe etibhelekeceni tekucala lowatiphihlita. Utawube sewutifaka kulelo bhokisi.’ “Ngako lelo bhokisi ngavele ngalakha ngemgamba, ngabata naleto tibhelekeca letimbili tematje, tafanana netekucala, ngenyuka ngaya etulu entsabeni ngiphetse leto tibhelekeca letimbili ngetandla tami. Simakadze wabhala kuto kona loko labekubhale kwekucala, imiyalo lelishumi labeyikhulume kini entsabeni, emlilweni, ngelilanga lemhlangano. Simakadze wase unginika tona. Ngabe sengiyancandzeka, ngehla, ngabeka letibhelekeca tematje ebhokisini lesivumelwane lengase ngilentile, njengobe Simakadze abengiyalile, namanje tisekhona lapho.” Ema-Israyeli esuka emitfonjeni yemaJakani ahamba aya eMosera. Ngulapho Aroni afela khona wangcwatjwa. Eleyazare, indvodzana yakhe, wabe sewuba ngumphristi esikhundleni sakhe. Esuka lapho emisa eGudgoda, abesendlulela eJotbatha eveni lelinemifula. Ngaso leso sikhatsi Simakadze wehlukanisela sive semaLevi kutsi umsebenti waso kube kwetfwala libhokisi lesivumelwane saSimakadze, nekuma embikwaSimakadze sikhonte siphimisele tibusiso egameni lakhe, njengobe sisenta nalamuhla. Ngiko nje emaLevi angenaso sabelo nome lifa emkhatsini wabomnakabo. Simakadze ulifa lawo, njengobe Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu awatjela. “Ngahlala entsabeni emalanga langema-40 nebusuku bawo, njengobe ngangente njalo kwekucala; Simakadze waphindza wangilalela futsi nangaleso sikhatsi. Bekungesiyo intsandvo yakhe kutsi anibhubhise. Wakhuluma kimi watsi: ‘Sukuma wehle uyewuhola lesive sitewuhamba singene silidle lelive lengafunga ngalo kubokhokho baso kutsi ngiyawubapha lona.’ ” “Manje-ke, ma-Israyeli, yini lokufunwa nguSimakadze Nkulunkulu wenu kini ngaphandle kwekutsi nesabe Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu, nihambe etindleleni takhe tonkhe, nimtsandze nimkhonte Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu ngenhlitiyo yenu yonkhe, nangemphefumulo wenu wonkhe, nigcine nemiyalo yaSimakadze kanye netimiso takhe lengininika tona lamuhla kutsi tibe lusito kini? “Emazulu ngewaSimakadze Nkulunkulu wenu, ngisho nemazulu lasetulu kakhulu imbala; nemhlaba nako konkhe lokukuwo kwakhe. Noko Simakadze lutsandvo lwakhe walwenta lwanamatsela kubokhokho benu, wabatsandza, wanikhetsa nine titukulwane tabo, ngetulu kwato tonkhe tive, njengobe kunjalo lamuhla. Ngako-ke, sokani tinhlitiyo tenu, ningaphindzi nibe netinhloko letilukhuni. Ngobe Simakadze longuNkulunkulu wenu nguNkulunkulu wabonkulunkulu, neNkhosi yemakhosi, nguNkulunkulu lomkhulu, nalonemandla nalowesabekako; akakhetsi, kantsi futsi akadizelwa. Uyabavikela labo labatintsandzane nebafelokati; nesihambi uyasitsandza asiphe kudla nekwekwembatsa. Kufanele nibatsandze labo labatihambi, ngobe nani nake naba tihambi eveni laseGibhithe. Yesabani Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu, nimkhonte. Bambelelani kuye nitsatse tifungo tenu egameni lakhe. LoNkulunkulu nguye loludvumo lwenu, nguye lowanentela leto tintfo letinkhulu netimangaliso letesabekako, lenatibonela nine ngewenu emehlo. Bokhokho benu labehla baya eGibhithe babengema-70 sebabonkhe, kodvwa manje Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu sewunente nandza naba ngangetinkhanyeti tesibhakabhaka.” “Niyawutsandza Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu nente konkhe lafuna kutsi nikwente, nilalele timiso takhe, nemitsetfo yakhe kanye nemiyalo yakhe ngaso sonkhe sikhatsi. Khumbulani-ke lamuhla kutsi bekungini, hhayi bantfwabenu, labakubona nalabakuva kujeziswa nekucondziswa nguSimakadze Nkulunkulu wenu: bukhosi bakhe, nesandla sakhe lesinemandla kanye nengalo yakhe leyelulekile, tibonakaliso latenta netintfo latenta ekhatsi esigodlweni saseGibhithe kuFaro, inkhosi yaseGibhithe, naseveni lakhe lonkhe; kutsi wentani emabutfweni aseGibhithe, nasemahhashini awo, nasetincoleni tawo, ngekutsi akudvungulule ngemanti eLwandle Lolubovu ngesikhatsi emaGibhithe anicosha, aphela onkhe atsi nya. Bekungini, hhayi bantfwabenu, lababona kutsi wanentelani ehlane naze nefika lapha, nekutsi wentani kuboDathani na-Abiramu, emadvodzana a-Eliyabe, labengumRubeni, ngesikhatsi umhlaba ukhamisa, onkhe ema-Israyeli abuka, wabagwinya bona kanye nemindeni yabo, nemathende abo, nako konkhe lokuphefumulako lokwakungekwabo. Kodvwa ngini lenatibonela ngewenu emehlo tonkhe tintfo letinkhulu letentiwa nguSimakadze.” “Niboyigcina yonkhe imiyalo lengininika yona lamuhla, khona nitewucina nilidle lelive leningena kulo kutsi nitewulenta libe lenu, nekutsi nitewuphila imphilo lendze kulelo live leligcwele lubisi neluju lwetinyosi, Simakadze lafunga ngalo kubokhokho benu kutsi utalinika bona kanye netitukulwane tabo. Ngobe lelive leningena kulo kutsi nilidle libe lenu alifanani nelive laseGibhithe, lapho niphuma khona. Lapho nanihlanyela khona inhlanyelo yenu, bese ninisela ngemisele njengengadze yetibhidvo. Kodvwa lelive leningena kulo kuyawulidla live letintsaba netihosha temifula, yebo, live lelinemvula. Leli live Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu lalinakekelako; emehlo aSimakadze Nkulunkulu wenu akesuki kulo, kusukela ekucaleni kwemnyaka kuze kube ngusekupheleni kwawo. “Nangabe niyayilalela imiyalo lengininika yona lamuhla, nitsandze Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu, nimkhonte ngayo yonkhe inhlitiyo yenu, nangawo wonkhe umphefumulo wenu, uyawunipha imvula eveni lenu ngesikhatsi sayo, imvula yekucala neyekugcina, kuze nibutse kahle kudla kwenu, neliwayini lenu, kanye nemafutsa enu. Uyawuhlumisa tjani emadlelweni enu, kuze tinkhomo tenu titewudla kahle, nani niyawudla nesutse. “Caphelani-ke kutsi tinhlitiyo tenu tingayengeki bese niyaphambuka nikhonte labanye bonkulunkulu nikhotsamele bona. Ngobe lulaka lwaSimakadze luyawunivutsela, avale emazulu kuze kungabikho mvula lenako, nemhlaba ubete sitselo, nani nibhubhe niphele kulelo live lelihle Simakadze lanipha lona. “Lamavi ami niyakuwagcina etinhlitiyweni tenu, niwanamatselise nasetingcondvweni tenu, niyakuwabophela abe luphawu etandleni tenu, abe ngimihlobiso yemabunti enu. Niyakuwafundzisa bantfwabenu nikhulume ngawo nanihleti emakhaya, nome nihamba endleleni, nome nilala, nome nivuka. Wabhaleni etinsikeni teminyango yetindlu tenu nasemasangweni enu, khona kutawutsi emalanga enu newebantfwana benu atewuba madze kulelo live Simakadze lafunga ngalo kubokhokho benu kutsi uyawubanika lona, yingci sibhakabhaka nasisengetulu kwemhlaba. “Nangabe ninakekela kahle yonkhe lemiyalo lengininika yona, ngekutsi nitsandze Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu, nihambe etindleleni takhe tonkhe, nibambelele kuye, Simakadze utatikhipha aticoshe tonkhe letive letisembikwenu, nilidle nalelo live lelinetive letinkhulu naletinemandla kunani. Yonkhe indzawo lapho niyawunyatsela khona iyawuba live lenu: Kusukela ehlane kuze kube nguseLebanoni, nekusuka emfuleni iYufrathe kuze kube nguseLwandle Lwasenshonalanga. Kute umuntfu loyawuba nemandla ekumelana nani. Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu uyakwenta bantfu batfutfumele ngani banesabe eveni lonkhe leniyawunyatsela kulo, njengobe anetsembisa. “Bukani la, ngibeka embikwenu sibusiso nesicalekiso. Kuyawuba sibusiso kini, naniyilalela imiyalo yaSimakadze Nkulunkulu wenu lengininika yona lamuhla. Kuyawuba sicalekiso kini, naningayilaleli imiyalo yaSimakadze Nkulunkulu wenu, niphindze niphambuke endleleni lenginiyale ngayo lamuhla, bese nilandzela labanye bonkulunkulu leningazange senibati. Ngesikhatsi Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu aniletsa kulelive leningena kulo kutsi nitewulidla, tibusiso niyawutimemetela eNtsabeni iGerizimu, ticalekiso nitimemetele eNtsabeni i-Ebhali. Letintsaba leti tingesheya kweJordane ngasenshonalanga kwemgwaco loya lapho kushona ngakhona lilanga, eceleni kwetihlahla letikhulu taseMore, eveni lalawo maKhenani labehlala e-Arabha esigodzini saseGilgali. Senitayewela iJordane nitewudla lelive Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu lanipha lona. Niyawutsi ningalidla nasenihleti kulo, nicaphele kutsi nitigcina tonkhe timiso nemitsetfo lengiyibeka lapha embikwenu lamuhla.” “Leti-ke timiso nemitsetfo lekufanele niyilalelisise, nase nikulelive Simakadze Nkulunkulu wabokhokho benu laniphe lona kutsi libe lenu, niyakuyigcina yingci nanisaphila kulelo live. Nibotibhubhisa tonkhe letindzawo letisetulu etintsabeni, nasemagcumeni, nangaphansi kwato tonkhe tihlahla letiluhlata, lapho letive lenitemuka lelive betikhontela khona bonkulunkulu bato. Niyakuwadzilita emalati ato, nibhidlite tinsikamatje tato letitsi tingcwele, nishise naletinsika ta-Ashera wabo ngemlilo, nigawule naletithico tato, nesule emabito ato kuleto tindzawo. “Aniyikumkhonta Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu ngendlela yabo. Kodvwa nine niyawufunisisa indzawo leyawukhetfwa nguSimakadze Nkulunkulu wenu leyawubasemkhatsini wato tonkhe tive tenu, lapho ayawubeka khona Libito lakhe, ahlale khona. Ngukuleyo ndzawo-ke lapho niyakuya khona, nimikise iminikelo yenu yekushiswa nemihlatjelo, nekwelishumi kwenu, netipho tenu leto lenincume ngato kutsi nitatiletsa, neminikelo yenu yesihle kanye nematubulo enu etinkhomo netimvu. Ngulapho-ke lapho niyawudlela khona nine nemindeni yenu, nijabule embikwaSimakadze ngako konkhe lenabeka sandla senu kuko, ngobe Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu anibusisile. “Aniyikwenta njengobe senta lamuhla lokutsi wonkhe umuntfu atentele njengekubona kwakhe nisengakefiki endzaweni yekuphumula, nasefeni Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu lanipha lona. Kodvwa niyakwewela iJordane nakhe kulelive Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu lanipha lona kutsi libe lifa lenu, uyawunipha kuthula kuto tonkhe titsa tenu letinitungeletile, nihlale ngekuphepha. Kuleyo ndzawo-ke Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu layakuyikhetsa ibe yakhe, niyawuletsa khona konkhe lenginiyale ngako: iminikelo yenu yekushiswa, nemihlatjelo yenu, nekwelishumi kwenu, netipho tenu letimcoka kanye nayo yonkhe iminikelo yenu yelikhetselo lenanetsembisa ngayo kuSimakadze. Tfokotani kuSimakadze Nkulunkulu wenu, nine nemadvodzana nemadvodzakati enu, netisebenti tenu letidvuna naletisikati, nemLevi lohlala kulelo dolobha lenu, njengobe yena ate sabelo nome lifa lelingelakhe. Nicaphele ninganikeli iminikelo yenu yekushiswa kunome nguyiphi indzawo leniyitsandzako. Niyakuyinikela kuphela kuleyo ndzawo Simakadze latayikhetsa emkhatsini walesinye setive tenu, ngulapho niyawutigcinela khona tonkhe letintfo lenginiyala ngato. “Noko ningahlaba nidle inyama kunome ngukuliphi lalamadolobha enu, kuye ngekutsandza kwenu nangesibusiso saSimakadze Nkulunkulu wenu laninike sona. Longcolile nome lohlantekile ngekwemtsetfo bobabili bangadla ngalokufananako inswephe nome inyamatane. Kodvwa kufanele ningayidli ingati; niyakuyicitsela phansi emhlabatsini njengemanti. Aniyikudlela emadolobheni enu kwelishumi kwenu kwalokutinhlavu, nome kweliwayini lelisha, nome kwemafutsa, nome kwematubulo emihlambi yenu yetinkhomo, neyetimbuti, neyetimvu, nome ngabe seyini-ke lenetsembisele kwephana ngayo, neminikelo yenu yesihle, netipho tenu letimcoka. Kodvwa niyawutidlela embikwaSimakadze Nkulunkulu wenu endzaweni leyawukhetfwa nguSimakadze Nkulunkulu wenu, nine nemadvodzana enu, nemadvodzakati enu, netisebenti tenu letidvuna naletisikati, kanye nemaLevi lahlala emadolobheni enu. Niyawujabula embikwaSimakadze Nkulunkulu wenu kuko konkhe leniyawukwenta. Caphelani kutsi ningawalibali emaLevi, yingci nanisahlala kulelo live lenu. “Nangabe Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu asalandzisile lelive lenu, njengobe anetsembisa lona, bese nikhanuka inyama nitsi: ‘Ngikhanuka inyama,’ niyakuyidla niyesutse njengekutsandza kwenu. Nangabe indzawo Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu layikhetsele kubeka Libito lakhe ikhashane kakhulu kunani, ningahlaba emihlambini Simakadze laniphe yona, njengobe senginiyalile, nidlele emadolobheni enu kuye ngekutsandza kwenu. Niyakuyidla njengobe beningadla inswephe nome inyamatane. Longcolile nome lohlantekile ngekwemtsetfo bobabili bangadla ngalokufananako. Kodvwa nibocaphela kutsi ningayidli ingati, ngobe ingati ikuphila, akufanele nidle kuphila kanye nenyama. Kufanele ningayidli ingati; niyakuyicitsela phansi emhlabatsini njengemanti. Aniyikuyidla, khona kuyawunihambela kahle nine kanye nebantfwabenu emvakwenu, ngobe niyakube nenta lokuhle emehlweni aSimakadze. “Kodvwa niyawutsatsa tintfo tenu letingcwelisiwe nako konkhe lenetsembise kutsi niyawunikela ngako niye endzaweni leyawukhetfwa nguSimakadze. Niyakwetfula iminikelo yenu yekushiswa elatini laSimakadze Nkulunkulu wenu, inyama nengati kokubili. Ingati yemihlatjelo yenu kufanele icitselwe emaceleni elilati laSimakadze Nkulunkulu wenu, kodvwa lenyama ningatidlela. Caphelani kutsi niyilalele yonkhe lemiyalo lengininika yona, kuze kutenihambela kahle ngaso sonkhe sikhatsi, nine nebantfwabenu emvakwenu, ngobe nitawube nenta lokuhle nalokwemukelekile emehlweni aSimakadze Nkulunkulu wenu.” “Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu utaticedza letive letisembikwenu leniyawutivimbetela nidle live lato. Kodvwa nase niticoshile nahlala eveni lato, nase tiphelile embikwenu, caphelani ningabhajwa elugibeni lwekubuta ngabonkulunkulu bato, nitsi: ‘Letive tibakhonta njani bonkulunkulu bato? Natsi sitakwenta njengato.’ Aniyikumkhonta Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu ngendlela yato, ngobe tona natikhonta bonkulunkulu bato, tenta tonkhe tintfo letenyanyekako naletisinengiso kuSimakadze. Tona tize tishise nemadvodzana nemadvodzakati ato emlilweni njengemihlatjelo kulabonkulunkulu bato. “Caphelani kutsi niyakwenta konkhe loko lenginiyala ngako; ningengeti, ninganciphisi.” “Nangabe umphrofethi nome umphuphi wemaphupho achamuka emkhatsini wenu bese umemetela sibonakaliso nome simangaliso kini, nangabe lesibonakaliso nome lesimangaliso lakhulume ngaso sesenteka, bese utsi: ‘Asilandzele labanye bonkulunkulu leningazange senibati, sikhonte bona,’ ningacali niwalalele emavi alowo mphrofethi nome lowo mphuphi wemaphupho. Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu uyanivivinya kutsi atfole kahle kutsi niyamtsandza yini Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu ngayo yonkhe inhlitiyo yenu nangawo wonkhe umphefumulo wenu. Niyawulandzela yena Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu, nimesabe, nigcine imiyalo yakhe nilalele nelivi lakhe; niyawukhonta yena ninamatsele kuye. Kodvwa lowo mphrofethi nome lowo mphuphi wemaphupho uyawubulawa, ngobe unifundzise kutsi nihlubuke Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu lowanikhipha eGibhithe, wanihlenga eveni lebugcili; yebo, abetama kuniphambukisa endleleni Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu laniyala kutsi nihambe ngayo. Niyakukukhipha kanjalo-ke lokubi lokumila emkhatsini wenu. “Nangabe umnakenu, nome indvodzana yakho, nome indvodzakati yakho, nome umkakho lomtsandzako, nome umnganakho lomkhulu akuwunga ngasense atsi: ‘Asambe siyewukhonta labanye bonkulunkulu,’ leningazange senibati nine naboyihlo, bonkulunkulu betive lenakhelene nato, letisedvutane naletikhashane, kusuka ngala kwelive kuye ngale, ungacali umvumele, futsi ungamlaleli. Ungabi naluvelo ngaye. Ungamphephisi, futsi ungamvikeli. Nome kanjani lowo kufanele nimbulale, afe. Sandla sakho kufanele sibe sekucala ekumbulaleni, bese kulandzela letinye-ke tandla tesive sonkhe. Mgcobeni ngematje aze afe, ngobe wetame kunigudlula kuSimakadze Nkulunkulu wenu lowanikhipha eGibhithe, eveni lebugcili. Israyeli wonkhe uyakuva esabe, kute nome munye emkhatsini wenu loyawuphindze ayente leyontfo lembi. “Naniva kushiwo loko ngalelinye lalamadolobha Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu lanipha wona kutsi nihlale kuwo, kutsi sekuvele bantfu lababi emkhatsini wenu baphambukisa bantfu balelo dolobha labo babedukise batsi: ‘Asambe siyewukhonta labanye bonkulunkulu,’ leningazange senibati, kufanele loko nikuhlolisise, nikuphenyisise kahle. Nangabe kutfolakala kuliciniso kutsi lentfo lesinengiso yentiwe emkhatsini wenu, kufanele nibabulale ngenkemba bonkhe labahlala kulelo dolobha. Nilibhubhise lonkhe lelo dolobha, bantfu balo kanye netifuyo talo. Butsani konkhe loko lokuphangwe kulo nikubutsele ndzawonye enkhundleni yelidolobha, nilishise lonkhe lelo dolobha kanye nemphango yalo kube ngumnikelo wekushiswa samuku kuSimakadze Nkulunkulu wenu. Liyawusala litindzala phakadze naphakadze, aliseyiwuphindze lakhiwe kabusha. Kute nome yinye yaleto tintfo letilahliwe lekufanele titfolakale etandleni tenu, kuze Simakadze atewugucuka ekutfukutseleni kwakhe lokwesabekako. Uyakunentela umusa abe nesihawu kini, anandzise, njengobe afunga kuboyihlomkhulu, ngobe phela nimlalele Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu, nagcina yonkhe imiyalo yakhe lengininika yona lamuhla, nenta lokulungile embikwakhe.” “Nine nibantfwana baSimakadze Nkulunkulu wenu. Ningatisiki nome nihhule lingembili letinhloko tenu ngenca yalabafile, ngobe nisive lesingcwele saSimakadze Nkulunkulu wenu. Kuto tonkhe tive letisebusweni bemhlaba, Simakadze ukhetse nine kutsi nibe sive lesiligugu lakhe.” “Ningadli lutfo lolusinengiso. Nati-ke tilwane leningatidla: yinkhomo, nemvu, nembuti, nenyamatane, nenswephe, nelincala, nemphala, nelingcina, neliwula, neligoga. Ningatidla tonkhe tilwane letehlukanisa tinselo kabili naletihlabulako. Noko kuleto letihlabulako nome kuleto letinetinselo letehlukene ningete nalidla likamela, nemgwaja, nembila. Nome tihlabula, kodvwa tinetinselo letingakehlukani, tingcolile kini ngekwemtsetfo. Nehhontji ingcolile kini, nome inetinselo letehlukene, noko ayihlabuli. Akukafaneli niyidle inyama yato, futsi ningatitsintsi ngisho netidvumbu tato. “Kuto tonkhe tilwane letihlala emantini, ningatidla tonkhe leto letinetimphikwana tekuntjweza netincwencwe. Kodvwa konkhe lokute timphikwana tekuntjweza netincwencwe ningacali nikudle; ngekwemtsetfo kungcolile kini. “Ningayidla nome nguyiphi inyoni lehlantekile. Kodvwa leti ningacali nitidle: lusweti, nelingce, nelingce lelimnyama, nanhloyile lobovu, nanhloyile lomnyama, nalohheya wekufuywa nome waluphi luhlobo, nelihhwabayi nome laluphi luhlobo, sikhova, nesahhukulu, nenkhankhu, naloklebe nome waluphi luhlobo, nenkovazana, nesikhova lesikhulu, nesikhova lesimhlophe, nesikhova sasehlane, nenkwazi, nemphishamanti, nagilonki, namatalatingwenya nome waluphi luhlobo, natsekwane, nelilulwane. “Tonkhe tilwanyakatana letindiza tibe libulo tingcolile kini ngekwemtsetfo, ningatidli. Kodvwa niyawutidla tonkhe tilwane letihlantekile letinetimphiko. “Ningacali nidle lutfo lenilukhandze lutifele. Loko ningakupha umuntfu wetive lohlala kunome ngukuliphi lalamadolobha enu; yena-ke angakudla nome nine nikutsengisele lomunye wetive. Kodvwa nine nisive lesingcwele kuSimakadze Nkulunkulu wenu. “Ningalipheki lizinyane lembuti elubisini lwenina.” “Yehlukanisani kwelishumi kwaso sonkhe sivuno, umnyaka ngemnyaka. Niyawudla kwelishumi kwenu kwalokutinhlavu, nekweliwayini lelisha, nekwemafutsa, nekwematubulo etinkhomo netimvu, netimbuti embikwaSimakadze Nkulunkulu wenu endzaweni layawuyikhetsela kubeka Libito lakhe, kuze nitewufundza kuhlonipha Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu ngaso sonkhe sikhatsi. Kodvwa nangabe leyo ndzawo ikhashane, kantsi Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu unibusisile futsi ningeke nikhone kwetfwala loko kwelishumi kwenu, ngobe phela lendzawo letawukhetfwa nguSimakadze kutsi kubekwe Libito lakhe kuyo ikhashane kakhulu, ngako shintjiselanani kwelishumi kwenu ngemali, bese nitsatsa leyo mali niyimikisa kuleyo ndzawo Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu latayikhetsa. Ngaleyo mali niyawutsenga nome ngabe yini leniyitsandzako: tinkhomo, nome timvu, nome liwayini, nome sinatfo lesifakwe imbiliso, nome ngabe yini leniyifisako. Wena nendlu yakho uyawudla lapho utfokote embikwaSimakadze Nkulunkulu wakho. “Ningawakhohlwa emaLevi lahlala emadolobheni enu, ngobe wona akanaso sabelo nome lifa. Njalo nje ekupheleni kweminyaka lemitsatfu niyawuletsa konkhe kwelishumi lokusivuno salowo mnyaka nikulondvolote emadolobheni enu, kuze kutsi emaLevi late sabelo nome lifa lekungelawo, nebetive, netintsandzane, nebafelokati labahlala emadolobheni enu bangeta batekudla besutse, kuze Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu anibusise kuko konkhe lenikwentako.” “Ekupheleni kwayo yonkhe iminyaka lesikhombisa kufanele nitesule tikwelede talabo labanikweledako. Loku kuyakwentiwa kanje: Wonkhe umbolekisi kufanele asesule sikwelede umnakabo longum-Israyeli lanaso kuye. Angeke aphindze asihambele sikwelede sakhe kumnakabo longum-Israyeli, ngobe phela sikhatsi saSimakadze sekwesula tikwelede sesimenyetelwe. Ungamhambela sikwelede umuntfu wetive, kodvwa kufanele ukwesule konkhe lokweledwa kona ngumnakenu. “Noko akufanele kube nalomphofu emkhatsini wenu, ngobe kulelive Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu lanipha lona kutsi nilidle libe lifa lenu utanibusisa kakhulu ngemcebo, nangabe kambe nimlalela kuko konkhe Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu, futsi ninakekela nilandzele yonkhe lemiyalo lengininika yona lamuhla. Ngobe Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu utanibusisa njengobe etsembisile, niyakwebolekisa etiveni letinyenti, kodvwa nine ningeke neboleke lutfo kunome ngukusinye sato. Niyawubusa tive letinyenti, kodvwa kute nome sinye lesiyakunibusa. “Nangabe kukhona lomphofu emkhatsini webanakenu nome ngukuliphi lalamadolobha alelive Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu lanipha lona, ningacali nibe nelunya nekwemana kumnakenu lomphofu. Kepha nine niyakwephana nimeboleke ngekukhululeka nangesihle nome ngabe yini layidzingako. Nicaphele kutsi ningawufukameli lomcabango lomubi lotsi: ‘Umnyaka wesikhombisa lekungumnyaka wekwesulwa kwetikwelede sewusondzele,’ nize nikhombise inhlitiyo lembi kumnakenu lonesidzingo ngekungamniki lutfo. Ngobe angahle akhale ngani kuSimakadze, bese-ke nine nitfolakala ninelicala lesono. Mupheni ngaphandle kwenhlitiyo lebubulako nalenemagcubu; ngobe ngenca yaloko Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu uyawunibusisa emsebentini wenu wonkhe nakuko konkhe lenikwenta ngetandla tenu. Bantfu labamphofu bayawuhlala bakhona njalo nje eveni. Ngako-ke ngiyaniyala ngitsi banini ngulabephanako kubomnakenu, nakulabamphofu, nalabeswele eveni lenu.” “Nangabe umnakenu longumHebheru, indvodza nome umfati, atsengiswa kuwe, abotsi angakusebentela iminyaka lesitfupha, ngemnyaka wesikhombisa umkhulule ahambe. Nawumkhulula ungacali umhambise yabayaba. Muphe ngekukhululeka, umkhetsele emihlambini yakho, umkhiphele nasengungwini yekudla, kanye nasetjeni lakho lekuhluta liwayini. Uyawumupha ngangekubusiswa kwakho nguSimakadze Nkulunkulu wakho. Khumbula kutsi nawe wake waba sigcili eGibhithe, Simakadze Nkulunkulu wakho wakuhlenga. Nguko nje ngikunika lomyalo lamuhla. “Kodvwa nangabe lesigcili sakho sitsi kuwe: ‘Angifuni kusuka lapha kuwe,’ ngesizatfu sekutsi sitsandza wena kanye nemndeni wakho, futsi siphatseke kahle lapha kakho, ubobe sewutsatsa lusungulo ubhobosele lihwandza lalendlebe yaso etikwesivalo; sesiyakuba sigcili sakho size sife. Uyakwenta njalo nakuso sigcilikati sakho. Ungakutsatsi ngekutsi kuyintfo lematima kakhulu kukhulula sigcili sakho, ngobe kukusebentela kwaso kuleminyaka lesitfupha kulingana nalokuphindvwe kabili lebekungentiwa sisebenti lesicashiwe. Simakadze Nkulunkulu wakho uyakukubusisa kuko konkhe lokwentako.” “Simakadze Nkulunkulu wakho uyakumehlukanisela onkhe ematubulo lamadvuna etinkhomo netimvu kanye netimbuti. Ungawabopheli ematubulo etinkhomo takho futsi ungawahhuli ematubulo etimvu takho. Yonkhe iminyaka wena nemndeni wakho uyawutidlela embikwaSimakadze Nkulunkulu wakho kuleyo ndzawo leyawukhetfwa nguye. Nangabe sifuyo sichwalile, sichuta nome siyimphumphutse, nome sinesiyela lesibi kabi, ungacali usente umhlatjelo kuSimakadze Nkulunkulu wakho. Uyakusidlela edolobheni lakho. Bonkhe, labangcolile ngekwemtsetfo nalabahlantekile, bangasidla, kube shangatsi badla inswephe nome inyamatane. Kodvwa ungaboyidla ingati; uboyicitsa phansi emhlabatsini njengemanti.” “Njalo nje ngenyanga ya-Abibi nibowugcina niwugubhe uMkhosi weliPhasika laSimakadze Nkulunkulu wenu, ngobe ngayo lenyanga wanikhipha ebusuku eGibhithe. Niyakwenta umhlatjelo weliPhasika kuSimakadze Nkulunkulu wenu ngesilwane leniyawusitsatsa emihlambini yenu yetimvu nome yetinkhomo, niwentele endzaweni Simakadze layakuyikhetsela kubeka Libito lakhe. LeliPhasika ningalidli kanye nesinkhwa lesinembiliso. Kuyawuze kuphele emalanga lasikhombisa solomane nidla sinkhwa lesite imbiliso, sinkhwa selusizi, ngobe naphuma ngekuphutfuma lokukhulu eGibhithe. Loko kuyakwenta kutsi nihlale nilikhumbula njalo lilanga lenaphuma ngalo eGibhithe, yonkhe imphilo yenu. Kufanele kubete lotfolakala anembiliso eveni lenu kuwo onkhe lawo malanga lasikhombisa. Kubete inyama yemhlatjelo lowentiwe ebusuku belilanga lekucala, leyawusala kuze kuse. “Ningacali nente umhlatjelo weliPhasika kunome ngukuliphi lidolobha Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu layawunipha lona, ngaphandle kwaleyo ndzawo layakuyikhetsela kubeka Libito lakhe. Umhlatjelo weliPhasika niyakuwentela khona lapho kusihlwa nakushona lilanga ngemgubho wekuphuma kwenu eGibhithe. Leyo nyama niyakuyosa niyidlele kuleyo ndzawo leyawukhetfwa nguSimakadze Nkulunkulu wenu, bese kutsi ekuseni nincandzeke niye emakhaya enu. Niyawudla sinkhwa lesite imbiliso kuze kuphele emalanga lasitfupha, bese kutsi ngelilanga lesikhombisa nente umhlangano kuSimakadze Nkulunkulu wenu, ningatsintsi lutfo lolungumsebenti.” “Niyawubala emaviki lasikhombisa kusukela ekucaleni kwekuvunwa kwalokutinhlavu. Niyakube senigubha uMkhosi Wemaviki, lekunguMkhosi Wekuvuna Kolo, kuSimakadze Nkulunkulu wenu ngekuletsa iminikelo yesihle ngangekwesibusiso Simakadze Nkulunkulu lanibusise ngaso. Niyawujabula embikwaSimakadze Nkulunkulu wenu endzaweni layakuyikhetsela kubeka Libito lakhe, kujabule nine, kanye nemadvodzana nemadvodzakati enu, netigcili netigcilikati tenu, nemaLevi lakulamadolobha enu, nebetive, netintsandzane, nebafelokati labahlala kanye nani. Nibokhumbula kutsi nani nake naba tigcili eGibhithe, ngako tilandzeleni ngekunakekela letimiso.” “Niyawugubha uMkhosi Wemadlangala emalanga lasikhombisa emvakwekucedza kwenu kuvuna kolo nemagelebisi. Niyawujabula eMkhosini wenu nine, nemadvodzana nemadvodzakati enu, netigcili kanye netigcilikati tenu, nemaLevi, nebetive, netintsandzane, nebafelokati labahlala emadolobheni enu. LoMkhosi niyakuwugubha emalanga lasikhombisa kuSimakadze Nkulunkulu wenu kuleyo ndzawo Simakadze layakuyikhetsa. Ngobe Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu uyawunibusisa kuto tonkhe tivuno tenu nakuyo yonkhe imisebenti yetandla tenu, nekujabula kwenu kuyawuphelela. “Onkhe emadvodza esive sakini kufanele ete katsatfu ngemnyaka atetibonakalisa kuSimakadze Nkulunkulu wenu kuleyo ndzawo Simakadze latayikhetsa: eMkhosini Wesinkhwa Lesingenambiliso, naseMkhosini Wemaviki, naseMkhosini Wemadlangala. Kufanele kubete indvodza leyawuta itetibonakalisa kuSimakadze ingakaphatsi lutfo. Ngulowo nalowo akaletse sipho lesifanele sibusiso lasemukele kuSimakadze Nkulunkulu wenu.” “Khetsani behluleli kanye netindvuna tetinkhundla taleso naleso sive kuwo onkhe emadolobha enu Simakadze Nkulunkulu lanipha wona. Ngibo labayakwehlulela ngekungakhetsi. Kufanele ningawephuli umtsetfo, futsi ningabakhetsi bantfu. Akukafaneli nemukele umdizo, ngobe uphumphutsekisa emehlo alabahlakaniphile, uphambukise nemavi alabalungile. Niyawulandzela umtsetfo wona wodvwa, nehlulele ngebucotfo bodvwa, kuze niphile nilidle lelive Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu lanipha lona. “Aniyikumisa ngisho nayinye insika ya-Ashera welugodvo eceleni kwelilati lenilakhele Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu, ningayimbeli nimise ngisho nensikalitje lekutsiwa ingcwele, ngobe nguloko Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu lakutondzako.” “Ninganikeli kuSimakadze Nkulunkulu wenu umhlatjelo wenkhomo, nome wemvu, nome wembuti lechwalile nome lenesiyela, ngobe loko kusinengiso kuSimakadze. “Nangabe kulamadolobha Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu latanipha wona niva kutsi kukhona indvodza nome lomsikati lowenta intfo lesinengiso kuSimakadze ngekwephula sivumelwane sakhe, ngekukhonta nangekunikela kulabanye bonkulunkulu, ngekukhotsama kubo, nome elangeni, nome enyangeni, nome etinkhanyetini tesibhakabhaka, lekuyintfo lephambene nemiyalo yami, loko kwaze kwabikwa nakini, leyo ndzaba niboyihlolisisa niyiphenyisise. Nakwenteka kutfolakala kutsi vele ikhona intfo lembi kanjalo leyentiwe ka-Israyeli, lowo muntfu, indvodza nome umfati lowente loko lokubi, mletseni emasangweni enu, bese nimgcoba ngematje aze afe. Umuntfu uyawubulawa ngebufakazi bebantfu lababili nome labatsatfu, kodvwa kute umuntfu loyawubulawa ngebufakazi bemuntfu munye kuphela. Bofakazi ngibo labayawucala kucala kumgcoba ngematje nakabulawa, sive sonkhe bese siyalandzela-ke. Niyawukukhipha kanjalo-ke lokubi lokumila emkhatsini wenu. “Nakukhona emacala lamatima kutsi ngeke atekwe etinkhundleni tenu, njengalawa lacondzene nekubulala, nemibango, kanye nekuhlaselana, lawo macala-ke niyakwenyuka nawo niwamikise kuleyo ndzawo Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu layakuyikhetsa. Nibohamba niye kubaphristi labangemaLevi nakumehluleli loyawube asesikhundleni ngaleso sikhatsi, nifike nihlolisise kahle kubo. Ngibo labayawukhipha sincumo. Nine-ke niyakwenta loko labayanitjela kona kuleyo ndzawo Simakadze latayikhetsa. Nibocaphela kutsi nente konkhe loko labanitjela kona. Niyawulandzela lowo mtsetfo labanifundzisa wona netincumo labaninika tona. Ningacali niphambuke nakancane ngesekudla nome ngesancele kuloko labanitjela kona. Umuntfu longamhloniphi umehluleli nome umphristi loma kuleyo ndzawo akhonte Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu kufanele abulawe. Niyawukukhipha kanjalo-ke lokubi lokumila emkhatsini wesive sema-Israyeli. Sonkhe sive siyawutsi singeva sesabe, bese siyahlonipha singaphindzi sedzelele.” “Niyawutsi ningangena kulelive Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu lanipha lona kutsi libe lenu nakhe kulo, niyawube senitsi: ‘Natsi asitibekele inkhosi njengaletive tonkhe lesakhelene nato,’ nibocaphela-ke kutsi nibeka leyo nkhosi Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu layikhetsako. Kufanele leyo nkhosi ikhetfwe emkhatsini webanakenu. Ningacali nibeke wetive kutsi abe yinkhosi yenu, kantsi akasiye um-Israyeli wengati. Leyo nkhosi futsi akukafaneli ifune kuba nemahhashi lamanyenti langewayo, nome yente bantfu badzimate bancandzeke babuyele eGibhithe kuyawulandza lamanye, ngobe phela Simakadze wanitjela watsi: ‘Ningaphindzi nincandzeke nihambe ngaleyo ndlela futsi.’ Akukafaneli iteke bafati labanyenti, ngobe loko kuyakwedukisa inhlitiyo yayo. Akukafaneli icokelele ndzawonye umcebo lomnyenti. “Nase itsatsa sihlalo sebukhosi bayo, kufanele itibhalele yona encwadzini legocotwako, incwadzi yalomtsetfo lotsatfwe kulena yebaphristi labangemaLevi. Kufanele ihlale kuyo iyifundze onkhe emalanga ekuphila kwayo, khona itewufundza kwesaba Simakadze Nkulunkulu wayo, ibuye ilandzelisise ngekucophelela onkhe emavi alomtsetfo naletimiso, ingacali iticabange kutsi yona incono kunebanakabo, bese iyaphambuka emtsetfweni, iye ngesekudla nome ngesancele. Nayilandzelisisa onkhe emavi alomtsetfo naletimiso, yona nemadvodzana ayo batawubusa sikhatsi lesidze ka-Israyeli.” “Baphristi labangemaLevi, bona ngempela besive semaLevi, akukafaneli babe nesabelo nome lifa kanye nesive sema-Israyeli. Bona bayawuphila ngeminikelo leyentiwa ngemlilo kuSimakadze, ngobe loko ngukona kulifa labo. Bayawubate lifa emkhatsini wabomnakabo; Simakadze nguyena alifa labo, njengobe abetsembisa. “Sabelo sebaphristi emihlatjelweni yetinkhomo nome yetimvu leyawuletfwa bantfu kuyawuba siphanga, nemihlatsi, nekwangekhatsi. Kufanele nibanike loko lokusivuno setilinga, taloko lokutinhlavu, neseliwayini lelisha, nesemafutsa lamasha, kanye neboya bekucala lenibuhhule etimvini tenu. Ngobe Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu ubakhetsile bona kanye netitukulwane tabo emkhatsini wato tonkhe tive tenu kutsi batewuma bakhonte ngelibito laSimakadze ngaso sonkhe sikhatsi. “Nangabe umLevi atfutsa kulelinye lalamadolobha enu aka-Israyeli, bese uta ngekutimisela kulendzawo Simakadze layakuyikhetsa, angakhonta ngelibito laSimakadze Nkulunkulu wakhe njengawo onkhe emaLevi akubo embikwaSimakadze. Kufanele abe nesabelo lesilingana nesalabanye, nome ngabe kukhona imali layitfolile ngekutsengisa timphahla temndeni wakhe.” “Nase ningena kulelive Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu lanipha lona, ningacali nifundze kulingisa imikhuba lenengekako yaleto tive talapho. Kubete emkhatsini wenu loyawutfolakala anikela ngendvodzana nome ngendvodzakati yakhe ngekuyengcisa emlilweni, kubete nalobhulako nome losangoma, nome lohumusha tigameko, angenele butsi, nome alumbe, nome wemimoya lemibi, nome lophengulako, nome lokhuluma nalabafile. Wonkhe umuntfu lowenta letintfo usinengiso kuSimakadze, ngako-ke ngenca yalentintfo letisinengiso Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu tonkhe letive uyawutikhipha aticoshe nisengakefiki nine. Kufanele nibe msulwa embikwaSimakadze Nkulunkulu wenu.” “Letive lenitatemuka lelive tiyabalalela labo lababhulako nalabaphengulako; kodvwa nine Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu akanivumeli kutsi nikwente loko. Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu uyawunivusela umphrofethi lonjengami emkhatsini wabomnakenu. Kufanele nimlalele. “Ngobe nguloko lenakucela kuSimakadze Nkulunkulu wenu eHorebe mhlazana wemhlangano nanitsi: ‘Sicela kutsi singabe sisaliva leliphimbo laSimakadze Nkulunkulu wetfu, singawubuki nalomlilo lomkhulu kangaka, ngobe sitakufa.’ Simakadze wakhuluma kimi, watsi: ‘Loko labakushoko kuhle. Ngiyawubavusela umphrofethi lofanana nawe emkhatsini wabomnakabo. Ngiyawufaka emavi ami emlonyeni wakhe, uyawube sewubatjela konkhe loko lengimyala ngako. Nangabe kukhona longawalaleli lamavi ami lakhulunywa ngulowo mphrofethi ngelibito lami, ngimi-ke matfupha loyawubhekana naye lowo muntfu. Kodvwa umphrofethi lotenta shangatsi ukhuluma ngelibito lami loko lengingakasho kutsi akakukhulume, nome umphrofethi lokhuluma ngelibito lalabanye bonkulunkulu, lowo kufanele abulawe.’ “Nine-ke ningasho nitsi: ‘Pho, singati kanjani kutsi lelivi alikakhulunywa nguSimakadze?’ Nangabe loko lokushiwo ngulowo mphrofethi ngelibito laSimakadze kungenteki nome kungabi liciniso, kuyawuvele kubonakale kutsi lowo mlayeto akusiwo lovela kuSimakadze. Lowo mphrofethi abetikhulumela nje; ngako ningamesabi.” “Utawutsi Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu angatibhubhisa letive letikulelive Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu lanipha lona kutsi libe lenu, nitsi ningatidvudvula nitikhiphe, bese nakha kulamadolobha ato nasetindlini tato, niyakube senitehlukanisela nine emadolobha lamatsatfu latabasemkhatsini welive Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu lanipha lona kutsi libe lenu. Yakhani imigwaco leya kuwo, bese nilehlukanisa tigaba letitsatfu lelive Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu lanipha lona kutsi libe lifa lenu, khona kutawutsi lowo lobulele umuntfu abalekele khona. Lena-ke yindzaba yemuntfu lobulele lomunye wase ubalekela khona kuyawusindzisa kuphila kwakhe, lowo lobulele makhelwane wakhe angakacondzi, futsi lobekangesiso sitsa sakhe. Ase ngitsi nangu umuntfu uhamba namakhelwane wakhe uya ehlatsini kuyawukabha tinkhuni, bese utsi uphakamisa lizembe atewujuba sihlahla, kuphunyuke lelizembe lishaye lomakhelwane afe khona lapho, lowo muntfu angabaleka ayewukhosela kulelinye lalawo madolobha, kuze atewusindzisa kuphila kwakhe. Ngaphandle kwaloko umphindziseli losihlobo sengati semufi lofuna kumbulala, kungenteka amcoshe aze amkhandze, nangabe libanga lilidze kakhulu, bese uyambulala, nome ngabe abengakafaneli kubulawa, ngobe lomakhelwane wakhe amfele ngesiphosiso. Ngikusho ngaleso sizatfu-ke kutsi kufanele nitehlukanisele nine emadolobha lamatsatfu. “Nangabe Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu alandzisa lelive lenu, njengobe etsembisa ngesifungo kubokhokho benu, bese unipha lonkhe lelive labetsembisa lona, ngobe nimlandzele nagcina yonkhe lemiyalo lengininika yona lamuhla, yekutsandza Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu nekuhamba ngemiyalo yakhe ngaso sonkhe sikhatsi, niyawuvele nengete ngetulu lamanye emadolobha lamatsatfu. Loko nibokwenta khona kutewutsi ingati lete licala ingetiwucitselwa lite eveni lenu, Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu lanipha lona kutsi libe lifa lenu, kuze nani ningabi nacala lekucitsa ingati. “Kodvwa nangabe umuntfu atondza makhelwane wakhe aze amlalele endleleni, amshaye ambulale, bese ubalekela kulelinye lalamadolobha, baholi belidolobha lakhe bayawumlandza, bambuyisele edolobheni lakhe, bese bamnikela kulowo mphindziseli losihlobo sengati semufi atembulala. Lowo muntfu ningamhawukeli. Kufanele kukhishwe kuphele ka-Israyeli kucitsa ingati lengenacala, khona kutawunihambela kahle.” “Ungatikhweshisi tikhonkhwane temnyele wamakhelwane wakho, nawe lowatikhandza setifakwe ngulabo labefika kucala kunawe kulelo live Simakadze Nkulunkulu wakho lakupha lona kutsi libe lakho.” “Bufakazi bemuntfu munye abukeneli kutsi kungaze kulahlwe ngabo umbekwacala. Indzaba kufanele ibe nabofakazi lababili nome labatsatfu. Nangabe fakazi wemanga avukela umuntfu amlahle ngelicala lelibi, labantfu lababili lababangako kufanele beme embikwaSimakadze embikwebaphristi nebehluleli bangaleso sikhatsi. Behluleli kufanele bayihlolisise lendzaba, kepha nangabe lofakazi atfolakala kutsi unemanga ngekunika bufakazi lobungemacebo ngemnakabo, ngako kufanele bente kuye loko abecondze kukwenta kumnakabo. Niyawukukhipha kanjalo-ke lokubi lokumila emkhatsini wenu. Labanye bantfu bayawutsi bangeva ngaloko bese bayesaba, leyontfo ingaphindzi yentiwe emkhatsini wenu. Ningabi nasihawu: kuphila ngekuphila, liso ngeliso, litinyo ngelitinyo, sandla ngesandla, lunyawo ngelunyawo.” “Naniya emphini niyawulwa netitsa tenu bese nibona emahhashi ato, netincola tato, nemphi yato iyinkhulu kakhulu kunalena yenu, ningatesabi, ngobe Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu lowanikhipha eGibhithe uyawuba nani. Nase niphuma niya emphini, umphristi uyakuya ngembili akhulume nemphi yonkhe, atsi: ‘Lalela, Israyeli, lamuhla uya emphini kuyakulwa netitsa takho. Ungabi ligwala wesabe; ungatfutfumeli, uphaphuleke embikwato. Ngobe Simakadze Nkulunkulu wakho nguye lohamba nawe kuyakulwa naletitsa takho akuphe nekuncoba.’ “Baholi bayawukhuluma kulemphi yonkhe, batsi: ‘Kukhona yini lowakhe indlu lensha labesengakayinikeli? Lowo akancandzeke aye ekhaya, funa afele emphini, bese inikelwa ngulomunye umuntfu. Kukhona yini umuntfu lohlanyele sivini lesisha labesengakacali kudla titselo taso? Lowo akancandzeke abuyele ekhaya, funa afele emphini, bese letitselo taso tidliwa ngulomunye umuntfu. Kukhona yini lowetsembise kushada nentfombi labesengakayishadi? Lowo akancandzeke abuyele ekhaya, funa afele emphini, bese lentfombi yakhe ishadwa ngulomunye umuntfu.’ “Baholi batawuchubeka bakhulume, batsi: ‘Kukhona yini indvodza leyesabako nome lenebugwala? Leyo ayincandzeke ibuyele ekhaya, khona bomnakabo bangetiwungenelwa bugwala nabo.’ Baholi bayawutsi bangacedza kukhuluma kulamabutfo emphi, bayawube sebabeka tindvuna tawo. “Nanikhuphuka kuyawuhlasela lidolobha, nibocale nibabekise phansi tikhali tabo labo bantfu labakulo. Nangabe bavumile, bavula emasango abo, bonkhe bantfu labakulelo dolobha niyawubenta tigcili, nibagcilate. Nangabe bayala kubeka phansi tikhali tabo kodvwa balwe nani, niyawubavimbetela kulelo dolobha. Uyawutsi Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu angaletfula etandleni tenu, bese nibulala onkhe emadvodza lakulelo dolobha. Kuyawutsi bafati, nebantfwana, netifuyo, nako konkhe lokunye lokukulo lelo dolobha nititsatsele kona kube yimphango yenu. Ningayisebentisa leyo mphango yetitsa tenu Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu lanipha yona. Niyakuwaphatsa kanjalo-ke onkhe emadolobha lakhashane nani langesiwo aletive letisedvutane nani. “Noko kulamadolobha aletive Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu lanipha wona kutsi abe lifa lenu, akubete nome kunye lenikushiya kuphila. Nibotibhubhisa tiphele tonkhe leto tive: emaHethi, nema-Amori, nemaKhenani, nemaPheresi, nemaHivi, nemaJebhusi, njengobe Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu aniyala. Ngaphandle kwaloko titawunifundzisa kutsi nilandzele tonkhe leto tintfo letinengekako letitentako natikhonta tithico tato, bese niyona kuSimakadze Nkulunkulu wenu. “Nanivimbetela lidolobha sikhatsi lesidze, nilwela kutsi nilitfumbe, ningacali nitibhubhise tihlahla talo ngekutigawula ngemazembe, ngobe phela ningatidla titselo tato. Ningatigawuli. Kambe ngabe tihlahla tesiganga tibantfu yini nato kutsi nitivimbetele? Noko, tihlahla lenitatiko kutsi atitseli titselo letidliwako ningatigawula, bese nitisebentisa ekwakheni tintfo tekuvimbetela lelo dolobha lelilwa nani lize liwe.” “Nangabe kutfolakala sidvumbu semuntfu lobulewe, sitfolakale esigangeni, kulelo live Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu lanipha lona kutsi libe lenu, kungatiwa nekutsi ubulewe ngubani, baholi benu nebehluleli benu bayawuphuma bayewulinganisa libanga lekusuka kuleso sidvumbu kuya emadolobheni lasedvutane naso. Baholi-ke balelo dolobha lelisedvute kakhulu naleso sidvumbu bayawutsatsa litfokati lelingazange selisetjentiswe, lekungazange sekubekwe lijoko entsanyeni yalo, balidvonse baye nalo esihosheni lesingazange sesilinywe nome kuhlanyelwe lutfo kuso, lapho kunemfula logeletako. Bayawufika kuleso sihosha bephule intsamo yalelitfokati. Baphristi-ke, emadvodzana aLevi, bayawusondzela ngembili, ngobe Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu ubakhetsile kutsi bakhonte baphindze baphumisele tibusiso egameni laSimakadze, bakhiphe netincumo tawo onkhe emacala embango kanye newekuhlaselana. Bonkhe-ke baholi balelo dolobha lelisedvute kakhulu naleso sidvumbu bayawugezela tandla tabo etikwalelo tfokati lelephulwe intsamo yalo esihosheni, bamemetele batsi: ‘Tandla tetfu atikayicitsi lengati, nemehlo etfu akakuboni nakwenteka loku. Yemukela lenhlawulo yekubuyisana yesive sakho saka-Israyeli lowasihlenga wena, Simakadze, ungasibeki licala lengati sive sakho ngalomuntfu longenacala.’ Lelo cala lengati liyawube selentiwe inhlawulo yekubuyisana. Niyakutihlangula kanjalo-ke ecaleni lekucitsa ingati lengenacala, njengobe niyakube senente lokulungile emehlweni aSimakadze.” “Naniya emphini kuyakulwa netitsa tenu, Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu atinikele etandleni tenu kutsi nititfumbe, bese emkhatsini waletitfunjwa ubona intfombi lenhle, udvonseleke kuyo, ungayitsatsa uyente umfati wakho. Uyakuyiletsa ekhaya kini bese ihhula inhloko yayo, ijube netingalo tayo, bese itibeka eceleni naletimphahla beyitembetse nayitfunjwa. Uyawutsi-ke nase inenyanga ihleti lapha endlini yakho ililela uyise nenina, bese uyangena-ke kuyo ube yindvodza yayo nayo ibe ngumkakho. Nangabe awujabuli kahle ngayo, yikhulule iye lapho itsandza kuya khona. Ungayitsengisi nome uyiphatse njengesigcili, njengobe sewuyihlazisile.” “Nangabe indvodza inebafati lababili, bese itsandza lona lomunye kwendlula lona lomunye, bobabili bese batubula ngebafana kodvwa litubulo lekucala kube ngelalomfati losaliwakati, lendvodza nase ibhala incwadzi yelifa lalamadvodzana ayo, akukafaneli itsatse lamalungelo ebutubulo iwanike lena letalwa ngulentsandvokati yayo esikhundleni salelitubulo layo sibili lelitalwa ngulesaliwakati. Kufanele iyemukele lendvodzana letalwa ngulesaliwakati sayo kutsi ilitubulo ngekuyinika sabelo sayo lesiphindvwe kabili kuko konkhe lenako. Leyo ndvodzana nguyona iluphawu lwekucala lwemandla eyise. Lilungelo lebutubulo layo.” “Nangabe umuntfu anendvodzana lenenkhani kantsi futsi ayiva, lengabahloniphi boyise nenina, lengabalaleli ngisho nome sebayijezisa, boyise nenina bayakuyitsatsa lendvodzana yabo, bayimikise kubaholi enkhundleni yalelo dolobha labo. Bayawufika batjele baholi batsi: ‘Lendvodzana yetfu inenkhani, kantsi futsi ayiva. Ayifuni kusilalela nekusihlonipha. Ilishinga nesidzakwa.’ Onkhe emadvodza alelo dolobha ayawuyigcoba ngematje ize ife. Niyawukukhipha kanjalo-ke lokubi lokumila emkhatsini wenu. Sonkhe sive sema-Israyeli siyawuva ngaloko sesabe kakhulu.” “Nangabe umuntfu anikwe sigwebo sentsambo, bese uyabulawa, sidvumbu sakhe siphanyekwe elugodvweni, akukafaneli leso sidvumbu sakhe sisale silenga kulolugodvo busuku bonkhe. Caphelani kutsi nimngcwabe ngalelo langa, ngobe wonkhe lolengiswa elugodvweni ungaphansi kwesicalekiso saNkulunkulu. Ningalingcolisi lelo live Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu lanipha lona kutsi libe lifa lenu.” “Nangabe ubona inkhabi nome imvu yemnakenu ilahleka, ungayitsalaliseli, kodvwa caphela kutsi uyayikhawula uyibuyisele kuye. Nangabe lomnakenu akahlali edvute nawe, nome awumati kutsi ungubani, yitsatse uye nayo kakho, uyigcine adzimate efike seloku ayifuna, bese uyamnika. Ubenta njalo-ke nome ngabe ukhandza imbongolo yemnakenu nome libhantji lakhe nome ngabe yini lemlahlekele. Ungakutsalaliseli loko. “Nawubona imbongolo nome inkhabi yemnakenu iwele emgwacweni ungacali uyitsalalisele. Msite kutsi ayisukumise. “Lomsikati akukafaneli embatse timphahla temuntfu lomdvuna, kanjalo futsi nalomdvuna akufanele embatse timphahla talomsikati, ngobe lowenta loko usinengiso kuSimakadze Nkulunkulu wenu. “Nawukhandza sidleke senyoni eceleni kwemgwaco nome sisesihlahleni nome phansi, nalonina afukamele lamacandza nome emazini, ungamkhokheli lonina kanye nalamazini akhe. Lamazini wona ungawakhokhela, kodvwa lonina umyekele asuke, khona kutakuhambela kahle ube nemphilo lendze. “Nawakha indlu lensha, ubocaphela kutsi wakhe lutsango lolutawutungeleta luphahla lwakho, khona indlu yakho ungetiyehlisela licala lengati ngekutsi kube khona longahle awe kuyo. “Ungatihlanyeli tinhlobo letimbili tenhlanyelo esivinini sakho; nawenta njalo, ngeke kungcole tilimo takho kuphela, kodvwa ngisho netitselo titawungcola. “Ungayibopheli inkhabi nembongolo ejokeni linye. “Ungayembatsi imphahla yensontfo leyelukwe yahlanganiswa nelineni. “Sembatfo losembatsako emakoneni aso omane ubositfungela timvakaza.” “Nangabe indvodza ishade nentfombi, yatsi nayilala nayo yangabe isayitsandza, bese iyayihlambalata iyinike libito lelibi itsi: ‘Ngishade nalentfombi, kodvwa ngitsite nangingena kuyo, ngakhandza kutsi sekwabate buntfombi,’ kuyakube sekutsi uyise nenina walentfombi bakhiphe intfo letawukhombisa timphawu tekutsi abeyintfombi lomntfwanabo kubaholi balelo dolobha. Uyise walentfombi uyawukhuluma kulabaholi atsi: ‘Lendvodzakati yami ngiyinike lendvodza kutsi ishade nayo; kodvwa manje ayisayitsandzi. Manje seyiyihlambalatile yatsi: “Lendvodzakati yakho beyingasenabo buntfombi.” Kodvwa nalu luphawu lwebuntfombi bayo.’ Batali bayo batakweneka lengubo lenengati embikwalabaholi balelo dolobha. Baholi bayawutsatsa lendvodza bayijezise. Bayawuyihlawulisa tinhlavu tesiliva letili-100, batinike uyise walentfombi, ngobe inike intfombi yem-Israyeli ligama lelibi. Lendvodzakati iyawujinge ibe ngumkayo lendvodza. Lendvodza akukafaneli iyilahle yingci nayisaphila. “Kodvwa nangabe kuliciniso kutsi akasiyo intfombi, kantsi futsi kute nebufakazi bekusekela kutsi iyintfombi, lendvodzakati batayitsatsa bayekuyibeka emnyango wendlu yeyise, lapho takhamiti titawufike tiyigcobele khona ngematje ize ife, ngobe ihlazise Israyeli wonkhe, ngekuvula sibaya seyise isesekhaya kubo. Niyawukukhipha kanjalo-ke lokubi lokumila emkhatsini wenu. “Nangabe indvodza itfolakala ilele nemfati walenye indvodza, bobabili bayawubulawa, lendvodza nalomfati. Niyawukukhipha kanjalo-ke lokubi lokumila emkhatsini wesive saka-Israyeli. “Nakwenteka edolobheni indvodza ihlangana nentfombi leseyetsenjiswe ngulenye indvodza, bese ilala nayo, niyawubatsatsa bobabili nibayise enkhundleni yalelo dolobha, nibagcobe ngematje baze bafe. Lentfombi ifela kutsi beyingekhatsi edolobheni kodvwa ayizange imemete, ihlabe inyandzaleyo; lendvodza yona ifela kutsi idlwengule intfombi lebeseyetsenjiswe ngulenye indvodza. Niyawukukhipha kanjalo-ke lokubi lokumila emkhatsini wenu. “Kodvwa nangabe indvodza itsite ingaphandle kwelidolobha yahlangana nentfombi leseyetsenjiswe ngulenye indvodza, bese iyayidlwengula, ngulendvodza kuphela lekufanele ife. Ningenti lutfo kulentfombi, ngobe kute sono leyisentile lesiyenta ifanelwe kufa. Lelicala lifanana naleli lekutsi umuntfu angahlasela abulale makhelwane wakhe, ngekutsi lendvodza ihlangene nalentfombi ngaphandle esigangeni, kungenteka kube lentfombi imemetile, yahlaba inyandzaleyo, kodvwa kwabate loyisitako. “Nangabe kwenteka indvodza ihlangana nentfombi lengaketsembisi, bese iyayidlwengula, bese bayabanjwa, lendvodza kufanele ihlawule kuyise walentfombi ngetinhlavu tesiliva letingema-50. Lendvodza kufanele iyishade lentfombi, ngobe seyiyonile. Akukafaneli yehlukane nayo, yingci lendvodza nayisaphila. “Indvodza akukafaneli ishade nemkayise, ingawungcolisi umbhedze weyise.” “Kute indvodza lephakuliwe nome lenempipi lojutjiwe leyawungena ebandleni laSimakadze. Kute umuntfu lotelwe ngalokungekho emtsetfweni nome situkulwane sakhe kuze kube selishumi, labayawungena ebandleni laSimakadze. “Kute um-Amoni, nome umMowabi, nome titukulwane tawo kuze kube selishumi, loyawungena ebandleni laSimakadze, ngobe abazange banihlangabete ngesinkhwa nangemanti eluhambeni lwenu nanisuka eGibhithe; kodvwa bacasha Bhalamu, umsa waBheyori, wasePhethori, kulaseMesophothamiya kutsi anicalekise. Kodvwa noko Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu akazange afune kulalela Bhalamu, wagucula lesicalekiso saba sibusiso kini, ngobe Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu uyanitsandza. Ningacali nisente nabo sivumelwane sekuthula nekuvana nabo, yingci nanisaphila. “Ningamtondzi um-Edomu, ngobe ungumnakenu. Ningamtondzi umGibhithe, ngobe nani nake nahlala nitihambi eveni lakubo. Bantfwana babo besitukulwane sesitsatfu bangahle bangene ebandleni laSimakadze.” “Nangabe nikambele kuyakulwa netitsa tenu, nibokhwesha kuko konkhe lokungcolile ngekwemtsetfo. Nangabe lenye indvodza emkhatsini wenu ingcoliswe kushaya litubuko ebusuku, kufanele iphume enkambu iyewuhlala ngephandle, kodvwa nase liyawushona, ingageza emantini. Kutawutsi nakushona lilanga, lendvodza incandzeke ingene enkambu. “Kufanele nibe nendzawo ngephandle kwenkambu lapho kutabotsi njalo nanifuna kuya ngephandle niye khona. Nibotiphatsela intfo yekumba, khona niyawutsi nase nitikhululile, nimbe umgodzi wekugcibedzela lamangcoliso enu. Ngobe Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu wehla enyuka emkhatsini wenu enkambu, entela kunivikela nekwetfula titsa tenu etandleni tenu. Inkambu yenu kufanele ibe ngcwele, khona angetiwukhandza lutfo lolubi emkhatsini wenu, aze ancandzeke anifulatsele.” “Nangabe sigcili sibalekele kini, ningasibuyiseli kumnikati waso. Niyawusihlalisa emkhatsini wenu, sihlale nome ngukuliphi lidolobha lesitsandza kuhlala kulo. Ningasicindzeteli. “Kute um-Israyeli lomdvuna nome lomsikati loyawuba yingwadla yasethempelini kuso sonkhe sive sema-Israyeli. Aniyikuletsa imali yengwadla lensikati nome lendvuna endlini yaSimakadze Nkulunkulu wenu kutsi itekwenta ngayo setsembiso nome ngabe sani, ngobe Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu ubenyanya bobabili. “Umnakenu ungamkhokhisi intalo, nome ngemali, nome ngekudla, nome ngabe yini lengakhokhelwa intalo. Umuntfu wetive ungamkhokhisa intalo, kodvwa umnakenu longum-Israyeli ungamkhokhisi, kuze Simakadze Nkulunkulu wakho akubusise kuko konkhe lobeka sandla sakho etikwako kulelo live longena kulo kutsi libe lakho. “Nawenta setsembiso kuSimakadze Nkulunkulu wakho, ungephutisi kutsi usifeze, ngobe Simakadze Nkulunkulu wakho uyakusibita kuwe kutsi usikhiphe, bese uba nelicala lesono. Kodvwa nawutibamba ekwenteni setsembiso, ungeke ube nelicala. Konkhe loke wakuphumisela ngemlomo wakho bani neliciniso kutsi uyakwenta, ngobe wente setsembiso sakho ngekukhululeka kuSimakadze Nkulunkulu wakho, wasenta ngewakho umlomo. “Nawungena esivinini samakhelwane wakho, ungawadla onkhe emagelebisi lowafunako, kodvwa ungafaki ngisho nalinye ebhasikidini lakho. Nawungena ensimini yakolo kamakhelwane wakho, ungawakha ematimba ngetandla takho, kodvwa ungacali ufake lisikela kuleto tinhlanga takhe letisemile.” “Nangabe indvodza ishada nemfati, bese kutsi emvakwaloko incuma kutsi ayisamtsandzi ngesici lesitsite, ingambhalela incwadzi yesehlukaniso imnike yona, bese iyamkhipha ekhaya layo, imcoshe. Nangabe lomfati utsite nasesukile kulelikhaya, wase ushada nalenye indvodza, nayo iphindze futsi ingete yamtsandza, ingambhalela incwadzi yesehlukaniso imnike yona imkhiphe ekhaya layo, imcoshe, nome lendvodza yakhe yesibili ife, lendvodza yakhe yekucala leyehlukana naye ngekwemtsetfo akukafaneli ivunyelwe kutsi iphindze imshade emvakwekuba asahlazisiwe, loko kuyakuba sinengiso emehlweni aSimakadze. Ungacali kwenta kutsi lonakale live Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu lanipha lona kutsi libe lifa lenu.” “Nangabe indvodza isandza kushada, akufanele ihanjiswe kuya emphini nome-ke yetfweswe lomunye umsebenti, nome ngumuphi. Kufanele ikhululeke ihlale ekhaya layo, kuze kuphele umnyaka wonkhe solo ijabulisa umfati wayo lesandza kumshada. “Naweboleka umuntfu intfo letsite, ungawatsatsi ematje akhe ekusila, ngisho nembokodvo yinye, kutsi kube sibambiso, ngobe loko kusho kutsatsa kuphila kwakhe kutsi kube sibambiso. “Nangabe umuntfu ubanjwe atfumba lomunye um-Israyeli, amphatse njengesigcili nome amtsengise, lowo longumtfumbi kufanele abulawe. Niyakukukhipha kanjalo-ke lokubi lokumila emkhatsini wenu. “Naniguliswa sifo lesisabulephelo, nibocaphela kutsi nenta njengobe baphristi, labangemaLevi, baniyala. Nibokulandzela nikucaphelisise konkhe loko lengibayale ngako kutsi bakwente. Khumbulani loko lokwentiwa nguSimakadze Nkulunkulu wenu kuMiriyamu endleleni ngesikhatsi seniphumile eGibhithe. “Naweboleka umuntfu intfo letsite, ungacali uyewungena endlini yakhe kuyawutsatsa loko latakunika kona kube sibambiso. Mani ngephandle aze lomeboleki ete naso kuwe leso sibambiso. Nangabe lowo muntfu umphofu, leso sibambiso sakhe singalali ngakuwe; uyawusibuyisela kuye sembatfo sakhe nakushona lilanga kuze alale ngaso. Uyawukubonga kakhulu, loko kubalelwe kuwe njengesento lesihle embikwaSimakadze Nkulunkulu wakho. “Ungamcindzeteli umuntfu lomcashile ngenca yekutsi umphofu futsi weswele, nome ngabe ngumnakenu um-Israyeli nome ngabe wetive lohlala kulelinye lalamadolobha enu. Uyakumkhokhela wonkhe umholo wakhe onkhe emalanga lingakashoni lilanga, ngobe phela weswele, naye wetsembe kusebentisa wona. Ngaphandle kwaloko uyawukhala ngawe kuSimakadze, bese uba nelicala lesono. “Boyise abayiwubulawa ngenca yebantfwana babo, nebantfwana futsi abayiwubulawa ngenca yaboyise babo; ngulowo muntfu uyawutifela yena ngesono sakhe. “Ningabadleleli betive nome tintsandzane emalungelo langewabo nome nitsatse sembatfo semfelokati sibe sibambiso salakwebolekile. Khumbulani kutsi benitigcili eGibhithe, Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu wanephula kulelo live; ngiko nje nginiyala kutsi nikwente loku. “Nanivuna ensimini, bese kusala lokunye ngesiphosiso, ningabobe nisancandzeka kuyawukukhwimita. Nibosale nikushiyela tindzindzi netintsandzane kanye nebafelokati, kuze Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu anibusise kuyo yonkhe imisebenti yetandla tenu. Nanihhohlota titselo temncumo etihlahleni tawo, ningaphindzi kwesibili kuyawuhhohlota leto letisele emagaleni ato. Loko lokusele kushiyeleni tindzindzi netintsandzane kanye nebafelokati. Nanivuna emagelebisi etivinini tenu, ningabuyeli kuto kuyawukhwimita. Loko lokusele kushiyeleni tindzindzi, netintsandzane kanye nebafelokati. Khumbulani kutsi nani nanitigcili eGibhithe; ngiko nje nginiyala kutsi nikwente loku.” “Nangabe emadvodza abanga lokutsite, kufanele akumikise enkantolo, behluleli bayekulijuba lelo cala, bavikele longenacala balahle lonelicala. Nangabe lona lonelicala kufanele ashaywe, umehluleli uyakumlalisa phansi ashaywe embikwakhe leyo mivimba layifanele, kodvwa akukafaneli amnike imivimba lengetulu kwalengema-40. Nangabe ushaywe imivimba lengetulu kwaleyo, lowo mnakenu uyawube sewuhlazekile kini. “Ungayifaki sifonyo inkhabi, nayibhula kolo.” “Nangabe emadvodza latelamani ahlala khaya linye, bese kufa lenye yawo ingakayitali indvodzana, lomfelokati akukafaneli atsatfwe ngulomunye umuntfu wangaphandle, ngaphandle kwemuntfu walowo mndeni. Umnakabomufi kufanele amngene amtsatse amente umfati wakhe, afeze umsebenti wemkhula wakhe kulomfati. Indvodzana yekucala iyawutsatsa libito lemufi, kuze kutsi libito lakhe lingapheli ka-Israyeli. “Noko nangabe indvodza ingafuni kungena lomfati wemnakabo, lomfelokati uyawuhamba aye kubaholi enkhundleni, afike atsi: ‘Umkhula wami akafuni kwenta umsebenti wakhe, akafuni kuvusa libito lemnakabo lapha ka-Israyeli.’ Labaholi balelo dolobha bayakuyibita bakhulume nayo lendvodza. Nangabe solomane iyachubeka itsi: ‘Angifuni kumngena,’ lomfelokati utawube sewusondzela kulomkhula wakhe embikwebaholi, afike kuye akhiphe lenye yetincabule kulomkhula wakhe, aphindze amkhafulele ebusweni atsi: ‘Naku-ke lokufanele kwentiwa endvodzeni leyala kuvusela umnakabo indlu.’ Indlu yakaleyo ndvodza iyakwatiwa esiveni saka-Israyeli kutsi Yindlu Lengenancabule.” “Nangabe kulwa emadvodza lamabili, bese umfati walena lenye uyaphutfuma kuyakwelekelela lendvodza yakhe, ngekutsi abambe emasendze alena lenye indvodza, uyawujuba sandla sakhe, ungabi nasihawu naye. “Akukafaneli ube netisindvo letehlukene, letisindzako naletilula, esikhwameni sakho. Akukafaneli ube netilinganiso letehlukene, lesikhulu nalesincane, endlini yakho. Kufanele ube netisindvo netilinganiso letikahle naletisemtsetfweni, khona utewuphila sikhatsi lesidze eveni Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu lanipha lona. Ngobe Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu uyamtondza umuntfu lowenta letintfo, nome ngangubani lowenta tintfo ngekungetsembeki.” “Khumbulani kutsi entani kini ema-Amaleki ngesikhatsi nisesendleleni niphuma eGibhithe. Ngesikhatsi senikhatsele nidziniwe, ahlangabetana nani endleleni abahlasela ababulala bonkhe labo bebahambela emuva. Akazange amesabe Nkulunkulu. Uyawutsi Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu anganipha kuthula, kutsi hhamu kuhlaselwa nguletitsa tenu letinitungeletile kulelive lanipha lona kutsi nilidle libe lifa lenu, niyawulesula libito la-Amaleki lingaphindzi likhunjulwe ngaphansi kwemtfunti welilanga. Ningakhohlwa.” “Nase ningenile eveni Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu lanipha lona kutsi libe lifa lenu, nalidla nase niyatinta kulo, kufanele nitsatse tilinga tato tonkhe tivuno temhlaba wenu, Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu lanipha wona, bese nitifaka ebhasikidini. Niyawube seniya endzaweni Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu latayikhetsa kutsi ibe yindzawo yekubeka Libito lakhe, nifike kumphristi loyawube alapho ngaleso sikhatsi nitsi: ‘Lamuhla ngifakaza kuSimakadze Nkulunkulu wakho kutsi sengifikile eveni Simakadze lafunga ngalo kubokhokho betfu kutsi utasipha lona.’ “Umphristi uyawube sewutsatsa lelibhasikidi esandleni sakho alibeke phansi embikwelilati laSimakadze Nkulunkulu wakho. Uyawube sewuyamemetela embikwaSimakadze Nkulunkulu wakho, utsi: ‘Khokho wami abengum-Aramu labezulazula. Wehlela eGibhithe anebantfu labambalwa wahlala khona, waze wandza waba sive lesikhulu, nalesinemandla, nalesinyenti kakhulu. Kodvwa emaGibhithe asiphatsa kabi, asivisa buhlungu, asentisa imisebenti lematima. Sakhala kuSimakadze, Nkulunkulu wabobabemkhulu, Simakadze wakuva kukhala kwetfu, wakubona kuhlupheka kwetfu, nekushikashikeka kwetfu, kanye nekucindzetelwa kwetfu. Ngako Simakadze wasikhipha eGibhithe ngesandla lesinemandla, nangengalo leyelulekile, ngekutfutfumelisa lokukhulu nangetibonakaliso nangetimangaliso. Wasiletsa kulendzawo wasipha lelive leligcwele lubisi neluju lwetinyosi. Manje-ke sengetfula titselo tekucala temhlaba, wena, Simakadze, longiphe wona.’ “Uyawubeka lelibhasikidi embikwaSimakadze Nkulunkulu wakho, ukhotsame embikwakhe. Ngako nine nemaLevi nebetive labahlala emkhatsini wenu niyakujabula ngako konkhe lokuhle Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu laniphe kona nine kanye nemindeni yenu. “Niyawutsi nase nicedzile kwehlukanisa kwelishumi kwato tonkhe tivuno temhlaba wenu ngemnyaka wesitsatfu, lekunguwona mnyaka wekwelishumi, niyawukunika emaLevi, tindzindzi, netintsandzane, nebafelokati, kuze badle besutse emadolobheni enu. Niyawube senikhuluma kuSimakadze Nkulunkulu wenu, nitsi: ‘Sengikukhiphile konkhe lokungcwele lokusabelo lobekusendlini yami, sengikunike emaLevi, netindzindzi, netintsandzane, nebafelokati, njengobe wangiyala. Angikaphambuki emiyalweni yakho, futsi angikakhohlwa ngisho munye wayo. Kute nakunye lokusabelo lesingcwele lengikudlile ngesikhatsi ngisalila, futsi kute nakunye kwako lengikususile ngesikhatsi ngisengcolile; yebo, kute nakunye kwako lengikunikele kulabafile. Ngimlalele Simakadze Nkulunkulu wami. Ngikwente konkhe longiyale ngako kutsi ngikwente. Buka phansi usezulwini endzaweni yakho yekuhlala lengcwele. Busisa sive sakho sema-Israyeli kanye nelive lowasipha lona, njengobe waletsembisa ngesifungo kubokhokho betfu, live leligcwele lubisi neluju lwetinyosi.’ ” “Lamuhla Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu uyaniyala kutsi nitigcine tonkhe letimiso nalemitsetfo. Kufanele niyicaphelisise ngayo yonkhe inhlitiyo yenu, nangawo wonkhe umphefumulo wenu. Lamuhla netsembisile natsi Simakadze unguNkulunkulu wenu, nekutsi niyawuhamba endleleni yakhe, nigcine timiso takhe, nemiyalo yakhe kanye nemitsetfo yakhe, nekutsi futsi niyawumlalela. Lamuhla naSimakadze sewetsembisile kutsi nisive sakhe, niligugu lakhe latitsengele lona njengobe etsembisa, nekutsi niyawugcina yonkhe imiyalo yakhe. Wetsembisile kutsi uyakunenta nidvunyiswe, nidvume, nihlonishwe ngetulu kwato tonkhe tive latentile Nkulunkulu wenu, njengobe etsembisa.” Mosi kanye nebaholi bema-Israyeli bakhuluma esiveni sonkhe, batsi: “Yigcineni yonkhe lemiyalo lengininika yona lamuhla. Mhlazana newela umfula iJordane ningena eveni Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu lanipha lona, niyawumisa ematje lamakhulu, bese niwahuca ngemcakaco lomhlophe. Niyawubhala kuwo onkhe emavi alomtsetfo, nase newele nangena kulelive Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu lanipha lona, live leligcwele lubisi neluju lwetinyosi, njengobe Simakadze Nkulunkulu waboyihlomkhulu anetsembisa. Niyawutsi ningewela umfula iJordane, bese nimisa lamatje, niwembele eNtsabeni i-Ebhali, njengobe sengishito lamuhla, bese niwahuca ngemcakaco lomhlophe. Lilati laSimakadze Nkulunkulu wenu niyawulakha khona lapho, lilati lematje. Aniyikuwacopha ngelishizolo lensimbi. Lilati laSimakadze Nkulunkulu wenu niyakulakha ngematje esiganga langakacotwa, lasuka esigangeni, ngulapho niyawunikelela khona umhlatjelo wekushiswa kuSimakadze Nkulunkulu wenu. Niyakuyinikelela lapho iminikelo yekuthula, niyidle nijabule embikwaSimakadze Nkulunkulu wenu. Niyakuwabhala kahle ngalokucacile onkhe emavi alomtsetfo, niwabhala kulamatje leniwagcumekile.” Mosi kanye nebaphristi labangemaLevi bakhuluma kuwo onkhe ema-Israyeli, batsi: “Thulani, sive sema-Israyeli, nilalele kahle! Lamuhla senisive saSimakadze Nkulunkulu wenu. Lalelani Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu, nilandzele yonkhe imiyalo yakhe netimiso takhe lengininika tona lamuhla.” Ngalona lelo langa Mosi wayala sive watsi: “Niyakutsi nase newelele ngesheya kweJordane, tive letiyakuma eNtsabeni iGerizimu tibusise sive sonkhe kuyawuba bakaSimeyoni, nebakaLevi, nebakaJuda, nebaka-Isakhari, nebakaJosefa kanye nebakaBhenjamini. Letive leti ngito futsi letiyakuma naseNtsabeni i-Ebhali tikhulume ticalekiso: sive sakaRubeni, nesakaGadi, nesaka-Asheri, nesakaZebuloni, nesakaDani kanye nesakaNaftali. Sive sakaLevi siyawukhuluma siphakamise livi laso kuwo onkhe ema-Israyeli sitsi: “ ‘Ucalekisiwe umuntfu lobata sitfombe nome ente sithico, intfo lesinengiso kuSimakadze, umsebenti wengcweti yetekubata ngetandla, akubeke ngasense endzaweni lesitsekile.’ “Bonkhe bantfu bayawuphendvula batsi: ‘Amen.’ “ ‘Ucalekisiwe umuntfu lowedzelela uyise nome unina.’ “Bonkhe bantfu bayawuphendvula batsi: ‘Amen.’ “ ‘Ucalekisiwe umuntfu lotfutsa akhweshise sikhonkhwane semnyele wamakhelwane wakhe.’ “Bonkhe bantfu bayawuphendvula batsi: ‘Amen.’ “ ‘Ucalekisiwe umuntfu lohola imphumphutse ayedukise endleleni.’ “Bonkhe bantfu bayawuphendvula batsi: ‘Amen.’ “ ‘Ucalekisiwe umuntfu logodla emalungelo kuto tindzindzi, nakuto tintsandzane kanye nakubafelokati.’ “Bonkhe bantfu bayawuphendvula batsi: ‘Amen.’ “ ‘Ucalekisiwe umuntfu lolala nemkayise, ngobe uhlambalata licansi leyise.’ “Bonkhe bantfu bayawuphendvula batsi: ‘Amen.’ “ ‘Ucalekisiwe umuntfu lolala nesilwane nome ngangusiphi.’ “Bonkhe bantfu bayawuphendvula batsi: ‘Amen.’ “ ‘Ucalekisiwe umuntfu lolala nadzadzewabo, indvodzakati yeyise nome yenina.’ “Bonkhe bantfu bayawuphendvula batsi: ‘Amen.’ “ ‘Ucalekisiwe umuntfu lolala neninatala.’ “Bonkhe bantfu bayawuphendvula batsi: ‘Amen.’ “ ‘Ucalekisiwe umuntfu lobulala makhelwane wakhe ngasense.’ “Bonkhe bantfu bayawuphendvula batsi: ‘Amen.’ “ ‘Ucalekisiwe umuntfu lotsatsa umdizo, khona atewubulala umuntfu longenacala.’ “Bonkhe bantfu bayawuphendvula batsi: ‘Amen.’ “ ‘Ucalekisiwe umuntfu longawemukeli emavi alomtsetfo ngekutsi awente.’ “Bonkhe bantfu bayawuphendvula batsi: ‘Amen.’ ” “Nanimlalela ngalokuphelele Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu, nigcine yonkhe imiyalo yakhe lengininika yona lamuhla, Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu uyakuniphakamisa ngetulu kwato tonkhe tive temhlaba. Tonkhe letibusiso tiyakwehlela etikwenu tinilandzele, nanilalela Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu. “Niyakubusiswa emadolobheni enu, nibusiseke nasemasimini enu. “Sitselo sesisu senu siyawubusiswa, nesivuno selive lenu, nemazinyane etifuyo, nemankhonyane emihlambi yenu, nemazinyane etimvu tenu newetimbuti tenu. “Libhasikidi lenu liyawubusiswa kanye nendishi yenu yekubhucela inhlama. “Niyawubusiswa naningena, nibusiswe nome niphuma. “Simakadze uyakwenta kutsi titsa tenu letinivukelako nitehlule. Tiyawuviva titenihlasela, tita ngayinye indlela; kodvwa nase niticosha, tiyawubaleka ngetindlela letisikhombisa. “Simakadze uyakwehlisela sibusiso etikwetincolobane tenu nasetikwako konkhe leniyawukwenta ngetandla tenu. Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu uyawunibusisa kulelo live lanipha lona. “Simakadze utanenta nibe sive sakhe lesingcwele, njengobe anetsembisa ngesifungo, nanigcina imiyalo yaSimakadze Nkulunkulu wenu, nihambe ngetindlela takhe. Tive tonkhe temhlaba tiyawubona kutsi nibitwa ngelibito laSimakadze, bese tiyanesaba. Simakadze uyawunipha inala yemnotfo lomkhulu nibe nebantfwana, andzise nemihlambi yetifuyo tenu kanye netitselo temhlaba wenu kulelo live lafunga ngalo kubokhokho benu kutsi utanipha lona. “Simakadze uyawuvula emazulu, incolobane yakhe yengcebo, anise imvula eveni lenu ngesikhatsi lesifanele, abusise yonkhe imisebenti yetandla tenu. Niyakwebolekisa etiveni letinyenti, kodvwa nine aniyikweboleka ngisho nakusinye sato. Simakadze uyawunenta nibe yinhloko ningabi ngumsila. Naniyigcinile yonkhe lemiyalo yaSimakadze Nkulunkulu wenu, lena lenginiyala ngayo lamuhla, niyilandzele ngekucophelela, niyakuhlala njalo nibaholi, aniyiwuze nibe ngaphansi. Ningaphambuki ngisho nakumunye nje walemiyalo lengininika yona lamuhla, ngesekudla nome ngesancele ngekulandzela labanye bonkulunkulu nikhonte bona.” “Kodvwa nangabe ningamlaleli Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu, ningayilandzeli ngekucophelela yonkhe lemiyalo yakhe netimiso takhe lengininika tona lamuhla, tonkhe leticalekiso tiyawukwehlela etikwenu tinehlule: “Niyawucalekiswa emadolobheni, nicalekiswe nasemasimini enu. “Libhasikidi lenu nendishi yenu yekubhucela inhlama kuyawucalekiswa. “Intalo yesisu sakho iyawucalekiswa, nesivuno selive lakho, nemankhonyane emihlambi yetinkhomo takho, nemazinyane emihlambini yetinkhomo takho, nemazinyane emihlambini yetimvu takho. “Uyawucalekiswa nawungena, ucalekiswe nome uphuma. “Simakadze uyakwehlisela ticalekiso etikwakho, nekudzidzeka, nekusoleka kuko konkhe loyawubeka sandla sakho etikwakho, uze ubhubhe uphele masinyane ngenca yebubi lobentile ngekutsi umshiye. Simakadze uyawunishaya ngesifo lesibulalanako, aze anicedze kulelo live leningena kulo kuyakulidla. Simakadze uyawunishaya ngetifo letibulalanako naletingelapheki, nangemikhuhlane kanye nangekushisa lokucacabukisa sikhumba; uyakunitfumelela somiso semoya loshisako nesikhutsa. Letintfo tiyakunihlasela niphele nya. Sibhakabhaka lesingetulu kwetinhloko tenu siyawufanana nelitfusi, bese kutsi umhlaba longaphansi kwetinyawo tenu ufanane nensimbi. Simakadze uyawugucula imvula yelive lenu ibe yintfutfu nelutfuli, kuyakwehla esibhakabhakeni uze uphele. “Simakadze uyakunenta nehlulwe titsa tenu. Niyakuta kuto nitetihlasela ngendlela yinye, kodvwa niyawubaleka seninhlanhlatsela niphume ngetindlela letisikhombisa; niyawuba yintfo yekwesatjiswa emkhatsini wayo yonkhe imibuso emhlabeni. Tidvumbu tenu tiyawuba kudla kwato tonkhe tinyoni tesiganga netilwane temhlaba; kuyawubate nalotetfusako. Simakadze uyakunishaya ngematfumba aseGibhithe, nangetimila, nangetilondza letincincako, nangelukhwekhwe lolulumako leningasoze nelapheke kuto. Simakadze uyakunishaya ngekuhlanya, nangebumphumphutse, nangekusangana kwengcondvo. Kuyawutsi emini kala bha, niphumphutse indlela njengemphumphutse ebumnyameni. Aniyiwuphumelela kuko konkhe lenikwentako, imihla ngemihla niyawube nicindzetelekile, niphangwe, kubete nalonephulako. “Uyakushaywa ngekutsi wetsembise intfombi kusuke lenye indvodza iyidlwengule. Uyawukwakha indlu, kodvwa ungahlali kuyo. Uyawulima sivini, kodvwa ungafinyeleli ekudleni emagelebisi aso. Inkhabi yakho iyawugwazwa emehlweni akho, kodvwa wena awuyikudla lutfo lwayo. Imbongolo yakho iyawutsatfwa kuwe ngendluzula ingaphindzi ibuyiselwe kuwe. Imvu yakho iyawuphiwa sitsa sakho, kute naloyakukusindzisa. Emadvodzana nemadvodzakati enu ayawutsatfwa aniketelwe kuletinye tive, nine niyawugugelwa ngemehlo solomane niwagolotele imihla ngemihla, ningasenamandla ngisho newekuphakamisa sandla. Sive leningasati siyawufika sidle titselo nesivuno selive lenu. Aniyikuba nalutfo, kodvwa niyawucindzetelwa ngelulaka onkhe emalanga ekuphila kwenu. Loko leniyawukubona ngemehlo enu kuyawunihlanyisa. Simakadze uyawushaya emadvolo enu nemilente yenu ngematfumba labuhlungu nalangeke elapheke, layawubhidlika kusukela esitsendzeni selunyawo kuyewufika etinweleni tenhloko. “Simakadze uyawunicosha kanye nenkhosi yenu lenitibekele yona, niye esiveni leningasati nine kanye naboyihlomkhulu. Ngulapho niyawufike nikhonte labanye bonkulunkulu khona, bonkulunkulu labentiwe ngetigodvo nangematje. Niyawuba yintfo leshacisa lugogo, nentfo yekwedzelelwa neyekuphukutwa emkhatsini wato tonkhe tive leniyawube nisakatelwe kuto nguSimakadze. “Niyawuhlanyela inhlanyelo lenyenti kabi emasimini enu, kodvwa niyawuvuna sivuno lesincane, ngobe sikhonyane siyawutidla tonkhe leto tilimo. Niyawuhlanyela tivini nitihlakule, kodvwa aniyikulinatsa liwayini lato, nemagelebisi ato aniyikuwabutsa, ngobe ayawudliwa ngumgundatjani. Niyawuba netihlahla temncumo yonkhe indzawo kulelive lenu, kodvwa aniyikuwasebentisa emafutsa ato, ngobe letitselo tato tiyawuhhohloka. Niyawuba nemadvodzana nemadvodzakati, kodvwa akayiwuhlala nani, ngobe ayawutfunjwa. Emabulo esikhonyane ayawusibekela tonkhe tihlahla tenu netivuno telive lenu. “Betive labahlala emkhatsini wenu bayawukhula ngetulu kwenu baye ngekuya benyuka, kodvwa nine niyawushona phansi, niye ngekuya, nehle. Bayawuba nemali yekuneboleka, kodvwa nine nibete leningabeboleka yona; bayawuba tinhloko, kodvwa nine niyawuba ngumsila. “Tonkhe leticalekiso tiyawunehlela, tinilandzele tize tinehlule tinibhubhise, ngobe anizange nimlalele Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu ngesikhatsi aniyala kutsi niyigcine imiyalo kanye netimiso takhe. Tiyakuba sibonakaliso nesimangaliso kini nasetitukulwaneni tenu phakadze naphakadze. Njengobe ningazange nimkhonte Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu ngenjabulo nangekutsakasa ngesikhatsi senu senala, ngako-ke ekulambeni nasekomeni, ekudzikiteni nasebuphuyeni benu niyawukhonta titsa tenu Simakadze latitfumele kini. Uyakunetfwesa lijoko lensimbi etintsanyeni tenu, aze anibhubhise. “Simakadze uyawuletsa sive lesiyawumelana nani, lesisuka khashane, emaphetselweni emhlaba sinihlwitse njengelusweti lolundizako, sive lesikhuluma lulwimi leningalwati, sive lesesabekako nalesinelunya, lesingabahloniphi bantfu labadzala nalesingenamunyu nebantfwana. Letitsa tiyawushwabudzela tifuyo tenu letisetincane, netitselo telive lenu, nize nibhubhe. Atiyikunishiyela mabele neliwayini lelisha, nemafutsa, nome nguliphi litfole lenkhomo nome lizinyane lemvu nome lembuti, nize nibhujiswe. Tiyawuvimbetela onkhe emadolobha lasaseveni lenu, kuze kuwe naletibondza letindze lenetsembele kuto. Tiyawuvimbetela onkhe emadolobha laseveni lenu Simakadze Nkulunkulu lanipha lona. “Ngenca yekuhlushwa leniyawuletselwa kona titsa tenu ngesikhatsi tinivimbetela niyakudla titselo tetisu tenu, inyama yemadvodzana nemadvodzakati enu Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu lanipha wona. Ngisho nendvodza lenesisa neluvelo kakhulu kunani nonkhe iyawuba neliso lelibi kumnakabo nakumfati wayo lemtsandzako nakubantfwabayo labayawube basasele basaphila, ngobe ibashiyile. Ingeke iphe ngisho namunye licashana nje lalenyama yebantfwabayo leyiyawube iyidla. Sizatfu kuyawube sekunguloko kuphela lokuyawube kusasele ngenca yekuhlushwa titsa tenu ngesikhatsi tivimbetele emadolobha enu onkhe. Kanjalo nemfati lonesisa neluvelo kunani nonkhe, loneluvelo nesihawu kangangekutsi angeke asaze alubeke lunyawo lwakhe emhlabatsini, uyawuvundza indvodza yakhe layitsandzako nemadvodzana nemadvodzakati akhe, nesidzandzane sakhe lesiphuma esiswini sakhe nebantfwabakhe labatele, ngobe ahlose kubadla ngasense ngesikhatsi sekuvinjetelwa nekujabhiswa leniyakwehliselwa kona titsa tenu emadolobheni enu. “Naningawalandzeli ngekunakekela onkhe emavi alomtsetfo labhalwe kulencwadzi, ningalihloniphi nalelibito lenkhatimulo lebabatekako, lelitsi: Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu, Simakadze uyawunehlisela tinhlupho letesabekako, atehlisele ngisho nakubantfwabenu tinhlupho letimatima naletingapheli, letibuhlungu nekugula lokungenawuncamuka. “Uyakwehlisela kini tonkhe tifo taseGibhithe lenanitesaba kakhulu, tiyawunamatsela kini tingesuki. Ngetulu kwaloko Simakadze uyakwehlisela kini yonkhe inhlobo yemikhuhlane netehlakalo ngisho naletingakabhalwa kulencwadzi yemtsetfo, nize nibhubhe niphele nya. “Nine lenanibanyenti ngangetinkhanyeti tesibhakabhaka niyawusala seniyingcosana, ngobe ningakamlaleli Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu. Njengobe kwamjabulisa Simakadze kutsi aniphumelelise nandze nibe banyenti ngesibalo, kuyawumjabulisa futsi kutsi anibhidlite ninciphe nize niphele. Niyawuzishulwa kulelo live leningena kulo kutsi libe lenu. “Simakadze uyakunisakatela emkhatsini wato tonkhe tive, kusuka ngala kwemhlaba kuye ngale kwawo. Lapho-ke niyawukhonta labanye bonkulunkulu labentiwe ngelugodvo, nangelitje, leningazange senibati nine ngisho nabokhokho benu imbala. Emkhatsini waleto tive aniyikuba nako kuthula nendzawo yekuphumuta tinyawo tenu. Lapho Simakadze uyakuninika khona ingcondvo leshisekelako nemehlo lakhatsele ngekulangatelela, nenhlitiyo ledzangele. Niyawuhlala netfuka tanya siphelane, nigcwale kwesaba busuku nemini ningenasiciniseko ngelikusasa lemphilo yenu. “Ekuseni niyawufisa kungatsi ngabe kusebusuku, ebusuku nifise kungatsi ngabe ngusekuseni, ngenca yeluvalo loluyawube lusetinhlitiyweni tenu nangenca yaloko leniyawube nikubona ngemehlo enu. Simakadze uyawunincandzekisa ngemikhumbi nibuyele eGibhithe, ngendlela lengangetsembise kutsi ningeke niphindze nibuyele ngayo. Lapho-ke niyawutinikela nine matfupha kutsi nibe yindali etitseni tenu kutsi tinitsenge nibe tigcili netigcilikati tato, kodvwa kute loyawunitsenga.” Lawa-ke ngemavi esivumelwane Simakadze layala ngawo Mosi kutsi asente nesive saka-Israyeli eveni lakaMowabi, kwengetela kuleso sivumelwane lasenta nabo baseseNtsabeni iHorebe. Mosi wawabita onkhe ema-Israyeli, wakhuluma kuwo watsi: “Nani matfupha natibonela loko Simakadze lakwenta kuFaro eGibhithe, nakuto tonkhe tiphatsimandla takhe kanye naseveni lakhe lonkhe. Natibonela nine ngewenu emehlo leto tivivinyo letinkhulu netibonakaliso letinkhulu netimangaliso; kodvwa kuze kube ngulamuhla Simakadze akakaniniki ingcondvo lecondzako nemehlo labonako nome tindlebe letivako. Kuyo yonkhe leminyaka lengema-40 lenganginihola ngayo ehlane, timphahla tenu atizange tiguge, netincabule tenu atizange tiguge etinyaweni tenu. Anizange senidle sinkhwa, aninatsanga naliwayini, nome lesinye sinatfo lesivutjelwa. Ngakwenta kuze ningati kutsi nginguSimakadze Nkulunkulu wenu. “Natsi nanifika kulendzawo, Sihoni, inkhosi yaseHeshboni, na-Ogi, inkhosi yaseBhashani, baphuma kutekulwa natsi, kodvwa sabehlula. Sadla live labo salinika sive sakaRubeni nesakaGadi kanye nencenye yesive sakaManase kutsi libe labo. Yilandzeleni ngekucophelela yonkhe lemininingwane yalesivumelwane, khona nitewuchuma ninotse kuko konkhe lenikwentako. “Lamuhla nonkhe nime lapha embikwaSimakadze Nkulunkulu wenu: baholi benu, netikhulu tenu, nalabadzala benu, netindvuna tenu, nawo onkhe emadvodza esive sema-Israyeli, kanye nebantfwabenu, nebafati benu, nebetive labahlala etinkanjini tenu banitfotele tinkhuni banikhelele nemanti, nime lapha, nimele kungena esivumelwaneni naSimakadze Nkulunkulu wenu lasenta nani lamuhla ngesifungo, lacinisa ngaso lamuhla kutsi nine nisive sakhe, nekutsi yena unguNkulunkulu wenu, njengobe anetsembisa nanjengobe afunga kuboyihlomkhulu, bo-Abrahama, na-Isaka, naJakobe. Ngenta lesivumelwane, nesifungo saso, hhayi nani kuphela, lenime natsi lamuhla lapha embikwaSimakadze Nkulunkulu wetfu, kodvwa ngisho nakulabo labangekho kanye natsi lapha lamuhla. “Nani ngekwenu niyati kutsi sasiphila kanjani siseseGibhithe nekutsi sadzabula njani kumave ngemave endleleni nasita lapha. Natibonela nine titfombe tabo letinengekako, kanye netithico tabo telugodvo, netematje, netesiliva, netegolide. Caphelisisani kutsi kubete indvodza nome umfati, nome umndeni, nome sive emkhatsini wenu lamuhla, lonenhlitiyo lephambukako kuSimakadze Nkulunkulu wetfu kutsi ahambe ayewukhonta bonkulunkulu baleto tive. Caphelisisani kutsi kubete imphandze lembi emkhatsini wenu lengahle ivete shevu lobabako. “Nangabe umuntfu lonjalo eva emavi alesifungo utincengela yena sibusiso kuye ngako angacabanga atsi: ‘Ngitawuphepha nome ngingachubeka ngitihambele ngeyami indlela.’ Loko kuyawehlisela sicalekiso emhlabatsini lomanti nakulowomile. Simakadze akayiwuze avume kumcolela, intfukutselo yaSimakadze nelulaka lwakhe luyakumvutsela lowo muntfu. Tonkhe ticalekiso letibhalwe kulencwadzi tiyawukwehlela etikwakhe. Simakadze uyawulesula libito lakhe emhlabeni. Simakadze uyawumkhipha umkhuphulwane kuto tonkhe tive tema-Israyeli, amehlukanisele tehlakalo macondzana nato tonkhe ticalekiso tesivumelwane letibhalwe kulencwadzi yemtsetfo. “Bantfwabenu labayawunilandzela etitukulwaneni letitako nebetive labayawube bavela emaveni lakhashane, bayawutibona letigemegeme letehlela kulelive; netifo Simakadze latehlisela kulo. Live lonkhe liyawuba luswayi lolungenamsebenti lolubhadlako nesibabule. Kute lokuyawuhlanyelwa, kute lokuyawumila, kute nakunye lokuluhlata lokuyawuhluma kulelo live. Kuyawufanana nekubhujiswa kweGomora neSodoma, i-Adma neSeboyimu, Simakadze lakubhubhisa ngalolulaka lolwesabekako. Tonkhe tive tiyawubuta titsi: ‘Simakadze wakwentelani loku kulelive? Siyini sizatfu salolulaka loluvutsa kangaka?’ “Imphendvulo iyawutsi: ‘Kungobe lesive salahla sivumelwane saSimakadze, Nkulunkulu waboyisemkhulu, sivumelwane lasenta nabo ngesikhatsi abakhipha eGibhithe. Lesive saphambuka sakhonta labanye bonkulunkulu, sakhotsama bona, bonkulunkulu lesingazange sesibati, Simakadze langazange asilayele bona. Ngako-ke, lulaka lwaSimakadze lwavutsela lelive labo kamatima, lase lehlelwa ngito tonkhe leticalekiso letibhalwe kulencwadzi. Ngekuvutsa kwentfukutselo nangebumatima belulaka lwakhe Simakadze wabasiphula eveni labo waya wayawubatsela kulelinye live, njengobe kunjalo nje lamuhla.’ “Tintfo letifihlakele taSimakadze Nkulunkulu wetfu, kodvwa tintfo letembuliwe tiphiwe tsine kanye nebantfwana betfu kuze kube phakadze, kuze sitekwenta onkhe emavi labhalwe kulencwadzi yalomtsetfo.” “Nangabe tonkhe letibusiso naleticalekiso lesengitichazile tinehlela, bese niyawakhumbula lamavi ami nome nisemkhatsini watiphi tive Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu latawube anisakatele kuto, nangabe nine nebantfwabenu seniyabuyela kuSimakadze Nkulunkulu wenu nimlalele ngayo yonkhe inhlitiyo yenu, nangawo wonkhe umphefumulo wenu, nente njengako konkhe lenginiyale ngako lamuhla, Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu uyawunibuyisela tonkhe tibusiso tenu, anihawukele aphindze anibutse kuto tonkhe leto tive, lapho abenisakatele khona. Nome ngabe abenisakatele etiveni letikhashane ekugcineni kwemhlaba ngaphansi kwelizulu, khona lapho Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu uyawuphindze anibutsele ndzawonye anibuyise. Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu uyawunibuyisela eveni labokhokho benu, niyawulidla libe lenu. Uyawuniphumelelisa nibe sive lesikhulu nalesinotse kakhulu kunabokhokho benu. Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu uyawusoka tinhlitiyo tenu netinhlitiyo tetitukulwane tenu, kuze nitsandze yena ngayo yonkhe inhlitiyo yenu, nangawo wonkhe umphefumulo wenu, niphile. Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu uyakwehlisela tonkhe leticalekiso etikwetitsa tenu letinitondzako naletinihluphako. Niyawuphindze nilalele Simakadze nilandzele yonkhe imiyalo yakhe lengininika yona lamuhla. Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu uyawube sewuyaniphumelelisa kuko konkhe lenikwentako ngetandla tenu, nakubantfwana benu, nalokutelwe kwetifuyo tenu, nasesivunweni semhlaba wenu, Simakadze uyawuphindze ajabule ngani anente niphumelele, njengobe abejabula ngaboyihlomkhulu. Loko-ke kuyakwenteka nanilalela Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu, nigcine yonkhe imiyalo yakhe netimiso takhe njengobe tibhalwe kulencwadzi yemtsetfo, niphendvukele kuSimakadze wenu, ngayo yonkhe inhlitiyo yenu, nangawo wonkhe umphefumulo wenu. “Lomyalo lengininika wona lamuhla awulukhuni kakhulu kini, futsi awukho ngetulu kwenu. Awukho etulu esibhakabhakeni, kutsi seningaze nibute nitsi: ‘Ngubani lotakwenyukela ezulwini ayekusetfulela wona asiletsele, khona sitewulalela siwuhloniphe?’ Futsi awukho ngesheya kwelwandle, kutsi seningaze nibute nitsi: ‘Ngubani lotakwewela lolwandle ayewusitsatsela asichazele wona, kuze siwulalele siwuhloniphe?’ Yebo, livi lisedvute nani lisemilonyeni yenu nasetinhlitiyweni tenu kuze nililalele. “Bukani: Lamuhla ngibeka embikwenu kuphila nentfutfuko, kufa nekubhubha. Ngiyaniyala lamuhla kutsi nitsandze Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu, nihambe endleleni yakhe, nigcine imiyalo yakhe, netimiso takhe, nemitsetfo yakhe, lapho-ke niyawuphila nandze, bese Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu uyanibusisa kulelo live leningena kulo kutsi libe lenu. “Kodvwa nanijikisa tinhlityo tenu ningete namlalela, nidvonseleke ekukhotsameleni labanye bonkulunkulu, ngiyanitjela lamuhla ngitsi: Nakanjani niyawubhubha. Aniyikuphila sikhatsi lesidze kulelo live lenewela iJordane ningena kulo kutsi nilidle. “Lamuhla ngibita lizulu nemhlaba kutsi kube ngufakazi kini kutsi ngibeke embikwenu kufa nekuphila, tibusiso neticalekiso. Ngako khetsani kuphila, kuze niphile nine kanye nebantfwabenu, kuze nitsandze Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu, nive liphimbo lakhe, ninamatsele kuye. Simakadze uyimphilo yenu, futsi uyakuninika iminyaka leminyenti kulelo live lalifungela kulinika bokhokho benu, bo-Abrahama, na-Isaka, naJakobe.” Mosi wesuka lapho wakhuluma nankha emavi esiveni sonkhe sema-Israyeli, watsi: “Manje sengimdzala sengineminyaka leli-120, futsi angisakhoni kuchubeka ngibe ngumholi wenu. Simakadze ukhulume kimi, watsi: ‘Ungeke uwewele umfula iJordane.’ Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu, yena matfupha, uyawuhamba embikwenu ewele kucala kunani. Uyawubhubhisa letive embikwenu, nine niyawudla live lato. Joshuwa-ke naye uyawuhamba embikwenu, ewele kucala kunani, njengobe Simakadze ashito. Simakadze uyakwenta kuto loko lakwenta kuboSihoni na-Ogi, emakhosi ema-Amori, lawabhubhisa kanye nelive labo. Simakadze uyawutinikela kini, nine niyawukwenta kuto konkhe lenginiyale ngako kutsi nikwente. Cinani nime, nibe nesibindzi. Ningatesabi futsi ningatfutfumeli ngato, ngobe Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu uhamba nani; angeke anishiye, futsi angeke aniyekele.” Mosi wabe sewubita Joshuwa, wakhuluma kuye embikwaso sonkhe sive sema-Israyeli, watsi: “Cina ume sibindzi, ngobe kufanele uhambe nalesive uye eveni Simakadze lafunga ngalo kubokhokho baso kutsi utasipha lona, kufanele usabele lelive libe lifa laso. Simakadze, yena matfupha, uhamba embikwakho, futsi uyawuba nawe; angeke akushiye futsi angeke akuyekele. Ungesabi; ungalahlekelwa litsemba.” Ngako-ke Mosi wawubhala phansi lomtsetfo, wase uwunika baphristi, emadvodzana aLevi, labetfwala libhokisi lesivumelwane saSimakadze, nabo bonkhe baholi besive saka-Israyeli. Mosi wase uyabayala utsi: “Njalo nje ekupheleni kweminyaka lesikhombisa, ngemnyaka wekwesulwa kwetikwenede, ngesikhatsi seMkhosi Wemadlangala, ngesikhatsi onkhe ema-Israyeli atewutibonakalisa kuSimakadze Nkulunkulu wenu endzaweni latayikhetsa, lomtsetfo niyakuwufundza embikwawo eva. Hlanganisani sonkhe sive, emadvodza, nebafati, nebantfwana kanye nebetive labahlala emadolobheni enu, khona batewulalela bafundze nekwesaba Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu. Nibowalandzela ngekucophelela lokukhulu onkhe lamavi alomtsetfo. Bantfwababo, labangawati lomtsetfo, kufanele bawulalele bafundze nekwesaba Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu, yingci nanisehleti kulo lelive lenitakwewela iJordane kuyawulidla.” Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Manje lilanga lakho selisondzele. Bita Joshuwa ute naye ethendeni lekuhlangana, lapho ngitamnikela khona imiyalo nangimbeka.” Ngako boMosi naJoshuwa beta ethendeni lekuhlangana. Simakadze wabonakala ethendeni asensikeni yelifu. Lensika yelifu yema ekungeneni kwelithende lekuhlangana. Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Wena sewutawuhamba uyewuphumula nabokhokho bakho, emvakwekufa kwakho lesive siyawugwadla nabonkulunkulu betive takulelo live lesiyawungena kulo. Siyawungishiya, sephule nesivumelwane lengasenta naso. Ngalelo langa ngiyawubatfukutselela ngibashiye. Ngiyawubafihlela buso bami, bayawubhubha. Bayawukwehlelwa tigemegeme netinhlupho letinyenti, ngalelo langa bayawutibuta batsi: ‘Letigemegeme atikasehleli ngobe Nkulunkulu angasekho kitsi yini?’ Nakanjani buso bami ngiyawubufihla ngalelo langa, ngenca yabo bonkhe bubi babo lababentile ngekugucukela kulabanye bonkulunkulu. “Manje tibhalele phansi lengoma uyifundzise sive sema-Israyeli, usihlabelelise yona, khona itewuba bufakazi bami kubo. Ngitawutsi ngingabangenisa kulelive leligcwele lubisi neluju lwetinyosi, live lengaletsembisa ngesifungo kubokhokho babo, futsi batsi bangadla besutse, banotse, bayawube sebaphambukela kulabanye bonkulunkulu babakhonte, bangilahle mine, bephule nesivumelwane sami. Kuyawutsi tigemegeme letinyenti netinhlupho nakwehlela etikwabo, lengoma iyawubalahla ngebufakazi bayo, ngobe titukulwane tabo tingeke tiyikhohlwe. Ngiyakwati loko labacabanga kukwenta, ngisho nome basengakangeni kulelo live lengabetsembisa lona ngesifungo.” Ngako Mosi wayibhala phansi leyo ngoma ngalona lelo langa, wabe sewuyifundzisa ema-Israyeli. Simakadze wanika lowo myalo kuJoshuwa, umsa waNuni, watsi: “Cina ube nesibindzi, ngobe nguwe lotawungenisa ema-Israyeli eveni lengabetsembisa lona ngesifungo, mine matfupha ngiyawuba nawe.” Watsi kube Mosi acedze kubhala encwadzini emavi alomtsetfo kusukela ekucaleni kuze kube ngusekugcineni, wabe sewunika lomyalo kumaLevi labenguwona etfwala libhokisi lesivumelwane saSimakadze, watsi: “Tsatsani leNcwadzi yeMtsetfo niyibeke eceleni kwelibhokisi lesivumelwane saSimakadze Nkulunkulu wenu, iyawuhlala lapho ibe ngufakazi lonilahlako. Ngobe ngiyanati kutsi nibantfu labatsandza kangakanani kuhlubuka nekucinisa tinhloko. Njengobe benitsandza kangaka kuhlubuka Simakadze ngisaphila kanye nani, niyakumhlubuka kakhulu kangakanani-ke nase ngifile. Hlanganisani lapha embikwami bonkhe baholi betive tenu kanye nato tonkhe tiphatsimandla tenu, kuze ngitewukhuluma lamavi kubo beva, ngibite lizulu nemhlaba kutsi kube bufakazi kubo. Ngobe ngiyati kutsi emvakwekufa kwami nakanjani niyawuba babi kakhulu, nize niphambuke nakulendlela lenginiyale kutsi nihambe ngayo. Kulamalanga letako, nitakwehlelwa tigemegeme letimbi, ngobe niyakwenta bubi embikwaSimakadze nimtfukutselise ngaloko tandla tenu letikwentile.” Mosi wabe sewucamba emavi alengoma, wawasho onkhe ngenhloko kusukela ekucaleni kuye ekugcineni. Sive sonkhe saka-Israyeli sasilalele. “Lalelani, mazulu, ngitawukhuluma. Vani, wena mhlaba, emavi emlomo wami. Imfundziso yami ayehle njengemvula, emavi ami ahhohloke njengematolo; yebo, njengemabhudlo etjanini lobuluhlata, nanjengemvula lenkhulu etikwalokumilile. Ngiyawumemetela Libito laSimakadze, kudvunyiswe bukhulu baNkulunkulu wetfu. “Yena uLidvwala, imisebenti yakhe iphelele; yebo, netindlela takhe tonkhe tilungile. Nkulunkulu lowetsembekile longakwenti lokubi, ucotfo akakhetsi muntfu. Bonile kuye, batindlisamahloni. Ngako-ke abasesibo bantfwana bakhe, kodvwa situkulwane lesesigwegwile, nalesintsamo yaso ishwilekile. Kungabe lena nguyona ndlela yini lenibonga ngayo kuSimakadze, nine sive lesilibele nalesingakahlakaniphi? Akusiyena yini longuyihlo, uMdali wenu, lowo lowanenta wanibumba? “Khumbulani tikhatsi tasemandvulo, cabangani ngetitukulwane lese tendlula kadzeni. Buta kuboyihlo, batakunitjela, nakubo labadzala, batawunichazela. Ngesikhatsi Losetikwako Konkhe abela tive emafa ato, mhlazana ehlukanisa tive ngetive wemisa iminyele yetive, kwaya ngebungako bemadvodzana a-Israyeli. Ngobe sabelo saSimakadze sive sakhe, Jakobe losabelo lesilifa lakhe. “Eveni lelisehlane, lapho amtfola khona, esikhotseni kalashameshame, wamvikela wamnakekela; wamlondvolota njengenhlavu yeliso lakhe, njengelusweti lolunyakatisa sidleke salo, lundizele etikwemazini alo, lwendlale timphiko talo, kuze luwabambe ngato, luwetfwale ngetingwabha talo. NguSimakadze kuphela lowamhola; kwakute namunye nkulunkulu wetive labenaye. “Wamgibelisa eticongweni etindze temhlaba, wamondla ngetitselo tesiganga. Wamkhuluphalisa ngeluju lwemadvwala nangemafutsa asemifantfwini, ematjeni emlilo. Wamkhuluphalisa ngemasi nangelubisi lwemhlambi yetinkhomo netimbuti, nangemazinyane lakhuluphalisiwe etimvu netimbuti, nangetihhanca telikhetselo taseBhashani, nangetinhlavu letikhetsekile takolo. Wanatsa liwayini lelimnandzi kakhulu lelibovu. “Jeshuruni wazimuka wakhahlela; wesutsa kudla, wesuleka, watamasa. Wamfulatsela Nkulunkulu lowamenta, walala Lidvwala lelinguMsindzisi wakhe. Bamenta waba nesikhwele ngabonkulunkulu babo betive; bamtfukutselisa ngaleto tithico tabo letinengekako. Benta imihlatjelo emadimonini langasiye Nkulunkulu, bonkulunkulu labangazange sebaze babati, bonkulunkulu lababesandza kuvela nje, bonkulunkulu boyihlo labebangazange sebabesabe. Nalilahla Lidvwala lelaba nguyihlo kini, namkhohlwa Nkulunkulu lowanitala. “Simakadze wakubona loko, wabalahla, ngobe abetfukutseliswe ngemadvodzana nemadvodzakati akhe. Watsi: ‘Ngiyawubufihla buso bami kubo, ngibone kutsi siphetfo sabo kutawuba yini. Ngobe basitukulwane lesigwegwile, bantfwana labangaketsembeki. Bangenta ngaba nesikhwele ngalokungesiye nkulunkulu. Bangitfukutselisa ngetithico tabo letingenamsebenti. Ngiyawubenta babe nemona ngalabo labangesiso sive. Ngiyawubatfukutselisa ngesive lesingenakucondza. Ngobe umlilo uphembeke ngentfukutselo yami, umlilo lovutsa ufike phansi ekujuleni endzaweni yalabafile. Uyawudla umhlaba kanye netivuno tawo, ulumeke umlilo etisekelweni tetintsaba. “ ‘Ngiyawubutsisa tehlakalo etikwabo ngibafumbe ngemicibisholo yami. Ngiyawubahlasela ngendlala lephundlako, namashaya acotfule wetifo letibulalanako, kanye netijeziso letibulalako. Ngiyawubahlasela ngetidladla tetilwane tesiganga, nangesihlungu setindlondlo letintjuma elutfulini. Esitaladini inkemba iyawubenta babe ngulabangenabantfwana. Emakhaya abo kuyawubusa luvalo. Emajaha netintfombi kuyawubhubha, emakhehla netinswane kuphele. Ngatsi ngiyawubasakata, ngesule nekukhunjulwa kwabo etingcondvweni tebantfu. Kodvwa ngakwesaba kucolosha kwesitsa, funa sitsa singacondzisisi kahle, bese sitsi: “Sandla sami sincobile akukentiwa nguSimakadze konkhe loku.” ’ “Basive lesite ingcondvo, kute kubo kwehlukanisa lokubi nalokuhle. Kube mane bebangahlakanipha, bakucondze loku, bakhanyelwe kutsi siphetfo sabo sitakuba yini! Kodvwa indvodza yinye ingawacosha kanjani emadvodza layinkhulungwane, nome-ke lamabili acoshe emadvodza latinkhulungwane letilishumi, ngaphandle kwekutsi Lidvwala labo libatsengisile, ngaphandle kwekutsi Simakadze ubanikele kubo? Ngobe lidvwala labo alifanani neLidvwala letfu, ngisho netitsa tetfu tiyakuvuma loko. Umvini wabo uphuma emvinini waseSodoma nasemasimini aseGomora. Emagelebisi abo agcwele shevu, netitfungo tabo ticuketse kubaba. Liwayini labo lisihlungu setinyoka, sihlungu lesibulalako semfeti. “Loku angikakugcini yini esilulwini, ngakubeka luphawu etingungwini tami? Kuphindzisela kwami; ngimi loyawutibuyiselela. Ngesikhatsi lesikahle lunyawo lwabo luyawushelela. Lilanga labo lekuhlupheka selisedvute, kubhujiswa kwabo kuyabahlasela.” Simakadze uyawusehlulela sive sakhe. Unesihawu etincekwini takhe, nase abone kutsi emandla ato aphelile, sekute namunye losasele, sigcili nome lokhululekile. Uyawutsi: “Manje sebaphi bonkulunkulu babo, lelo lidvwala lababephephele kulo. Sebaphi bonkulunkulu labadla emanoni emihlatjelo yabo, banatsa liwayini leminikelo yabo yekunatsa? Abavuke batenisita! Ababe sivikelo senu, banivikele! “Bonani-ke manje kutsi Ngimi leNginguye, kute lomunye nkulunkulu ngaphandle kwami. Ngiyisa ekufeni, ngibuyise ekuphileni; ngilimatile ngiyawuphilisa futsi. Kute longakhulula lutfo esandleni sami. Ngiphakamisela sandla sami ezulwini, ngimemetele ngitsi: ‘Njengobe ngiphila kuze kube phakadze, nangilola inkemba yami lekhaliphako ngiyibambe ngesandla sami nangehlulela, ngiyakuphindzisela etitseni tami, ngitiphindzisele kulabo labangitondzako. Imicibisholo yami ngiyakuyenta idzakwe yingati, ngesikhatsi inkemba yami idla inyama, ingati yalabagwaziwe nalabatfunjiwe, tinhloko tebaholi betitsa.’ ” Jabulani nine tive kanye nesive sakhe, ngobe uyawutiphindzisela ngengati yetinceku takhe. Uyawutiphindzisela etitseni takhe, ente inhlawulo yekubuyisana nelive lakhe nesive sakhe. Mosi weta naJoshuwa, umsa waNuni, wawakhuluma onkhe emavi alengoma sive sonkhe silalele. Watsi Mosi kube acedze kukhuluma onkhe emavi alengoma kuma-Israyeli, wakhuluma kubo watsi: “Wafakeni etinhlitiyweni tenu onkhe lamavi lenginitjela wona lamuhla, khona niyekuyala ngawo bantfwabenu kutsi bawahloniphe ngekucophelela onkhe emavi alomtsetfo. Lamavi akusiwo emavi lalite kini, akuphila kwenu. Niyawuphila ngawo sikhatsi lesidze kulelo live lenewela iJordane kuyakulidla.” Ngalona lelo langa Simakadze wakhuluma kuMosi, watsi: “Yenyukela etintsabeni tase-Abarimu eNtsabeni iNebo leseveni lakaMowabi, lemacondzana neJerikho, ubuke iKhenani ngesheya, live lengilipha sive saka-Israyeli kutsi libe laso. Lapho-ke kuleyo ntsaba lotayekhwela ngulapho uyawufela khona, uye kubakini, njengemnakenu Aroni lowafela eNtsabeni iHori, waya kubakubo. Loko kungenca yekutsi nine nobabili anizange netsembeke kimi embikwesive saka-Israyeli emantini aseMeribha Khadeshi, eHlane laseSini; kungobe anizange nibuphakamise bungcwele bami kuma-Israyeli. Ngako, lelive utalibonela khashane; ngeke usangena kulelive lengilipha sive saka-Israyeli.” Lesi sibusiso Mosi, umuntfu waNkulunkulu, labusisa ngaso ema-Israyeli ngaphambi kwekufa kwakhe. Wakhuluma watsi: “Simakadze wachamuka eSinayi, kwasa kitsi nakavela eSeyiri, wakhanya aseNtsabeni iPharani. Wefika achamuka etinkhulungwaneni talabangcwele, weta kuvutsa umlilo ngasesandleni sakhe sangesekudla. Ngempela nguwe lotsandza lesive; bonkhe labangcwele basesandleni sakho. Bakhotsama etinyaweni takho bonkhe. Kuwe bemukela tifundvo, umtsetfo lesawunikwa nguMosi, lifa lesive sakaJakobe. Simakadze waba yinkhosi yakaJeshuruni ngesikhatsi baholi besive bahlangene netive taka-Israyeli. “Shangatsi Rubeni angaphila angete afa, nesive nemadvodzana akhe angete aba mbalwa.” NgaJuda wakhuluma watsi: “Vani, Simakadze, kukhala kwa-Juda; umletse esiveni sakhe. Ngetandla takhe uvikela indlela yakhe. Awu, bani ngumsiti wakhe etitseni takhe.” NgaLevi wakhuluma watsi: “IThumimu yakho ne-Urimu yakho ngeyalowo muntfu lowamtsandza. Wamvivinya eMasa; wamelana naye emantini aseMeribha. Wakhuluma ngeyise nenina watsi: ‘Anginandzaba nabo.’ Akazange abanake bomnakabo, wabatsalalisela bantfwabakhe. Kodvwa walilindza livi lakho, wasilondvolota nesivumelwane sakho. Uyawufundzisa imiyalo yakho kuJakobe, nemitsetfo yakho ku-Israyeli. Ushisa imphepho embikwakho, neminikelo yekushiswa yonkhe elatini lakho. Simakadze, busisa lonkhe likhono lakhe, imisebenti yetandla takhe ikujabulise. Gwaza tinkhalo talabo labamvukelako, ushaye titsa takhe uticedze, tingaphindzi tivuke.” NgaBhenjamini wakhuluma watsi: “Lotsandzekako waSimakadze akahlale aphephile kuye, ngobe uyamvikela lilanga lonkhe, uhlala emhlane wakhe.” NgaJosefa wakhuluma watsi: “Simakadze akabusise live lakhe ngematolo laligugu asezulwini nangemanti lajulile langaphansi kwemhlaba. Akalibusise ngalokuncono kakhulu lokuvetwa lilanga, nangetivuno letinhle tenyanga. Akalibusise ngetipho telikhetselo tetintsaba tasendvulo, nangenala yemagcuma aphakadze. Akalibusise ngetipho letikhetsekile temhlaba, nangekugcwala kwawo. Akalibusise nangekutsandzeka kulowo lohlala esihlahleni lesivutsako. Sibusiso asehlele etikwenhloko yaJosefa, yebo, etikwelibunti lakhe lowo lowehlukaniswa nabomnakabo. Litubulo lakhe lenkunzi linebukhosi, timphondvo takhe tenyatsi. Ngaletimphondvo uyawudvungulula tonkhe tive kanyekanye, kuze kufike emaphetselweni emhlaba. Banjalo baka-Efrayimu, batinkhulungwane tetinkhulungwane. Banjalo nabakaManase, batinkhulungwane.” NgaZebuloni wakhuluma watsi: “Jabula Zebuloni, ekuphumeni kwakho, nawe, Isakhari, emathendeni akho. Bayakubitela tive entsabeni yabo banikele khona lapho imihlatjelo yekulunga; batitapele enaleni yetilwandle nasemnotfweni lofihlwe esihlabatsini.” NgaGadi wakhuluma watsi: “Ubusisiwe lowo lowandzisa umbuso waGadi! Gadi uhlala lapho njengelibhubesi, udzabula umkhono, yebo, nelukhakhayi. Watikhetsela live lelihle kakhulu, ngobe sabelo semholi sasigciniwe. Yena weta kubaholi besive, yebo, akanye nebaholi baka-Israyeli, wafeza kulunga kwaSimakadze kanye netimiso taSimakadze.” NgaDani wakhuluma watsi: “Dani liwundlu lelibhubesi, leligcume laphuma eBhashani.” NgaNaftali wakhuluma watsi: “Naftali weneliswe kutsandvwa, ugcwele tibusiso taSimakadze. Uyakudla live lelingasenshonalanga, nelive lelingaseningizimu nelwandle lwaseGalile.” Nga-Asheri wakhuluma watsi: “Lobusiseke kakhulu kumadvodzana onkhe ngu-Asheri. Uyawutsandvwa bomnakabo, ageze tinyawo takhe ngemafutsa. Imicabo yemasango akho iyawuba ngeyensimbi neyelitfusi, nemandla akho alingane nemalanga akho. “Kute lonjengaNkulunkulu, Jeshuruni, logibela emazulu kuze atewusita wena, agibele nemafu ngebukhosi bakhe. Nkulunkulu waphakadze siphephelo sakho, ngaphansi ngimikhono yaphakadze. Uyawucosha titsa takho embikwakho, akhulume atsi: ‘Tibhubhise!’ Ngako Israyeli uyawuhlala aphephile, umtfombo waJakobe uvikelekile, eveni lemabele neleliwayini lelisha, lapho emazulu ehlisela khona ematolo. Ubusisiwe wena, Israyeli! Ngubani lofanana nawe, sive lesisindziswe nguSimakadze? Nguye losihlangu sakho nemsiti wakho, nenkemba yakho yeludvumo. Titsa takho tiyawutiletsa kuwe, wena uyakutigcobagcoba tindzawo tato letiphakeme.” Mosi wesuka ematsafeni akaMowabi, wekhwela iNtsaba iNebo, waya esicongweni sasePhisga macondzana neJerikho. Simakadze wamkhombisa lonkhe live: kusukela kulakaGileyadi kuze kufike kulakaDani, lonkhe lakaNaftali, live laka-Efrayimu nelakaManase, lonkhe live lakaJuda kuze kuyewufika elwandle lwasenshonalanga, naseNegevu, eningizimu yakaJuda, kanye naso sonkhe leso sifundza kusuka eSihosheni saseJerikho, lidolobha letihlahla temasundvu, kuze kuyewufika kulaseSowari. Simakadze wase ukhuluma kuye utsi: “Leli-ke ngilo lelive lengaletsembisa ngesifungo kubo-Abrahama, na-Isaka, naJakobe, mhlazana ngitsi: ‘Ngiyawulipha titukulwane takho.’ Ngentela kutsi ulibone ngemehlo akho, kodvwa wena ungeke wewele kuyawungena kulo.” Mosi, inceku yaSimakadze, wafela khona lapho kulakaMowabi, njengobe Simakadze abeshito. Wamngcwabela kulakaMowabi esihosheni lesibhekene neBhethi Pheyori, kodvwa kuze kube ngulamuhla kute lowatiko kutsi lidliza laMosi likuphi. Mosi abesaneminyaka leli-120 budzala ngesikhatsi afa, noko emehlo akhe abengakacundzeki, kantsi futsi nasemtimbeni abesecinile. Sive saka-Israyeli salilela Mosi ematsafeni akaMowabi emalanga langema-30, kwaze kwaphela leso sikhatsi sekukhala nekulila. Joshuwa, umsa waNuni, abesagcwaliswe ngaMoya wekuhlakanipha, ngobe Mosi abeke wabeka tandla takhe etikwakhe. Ngako-ke sive sema-Israyeli samlalela senta loko Simakadze labeyale Mosi kutsi sikwente. Kusukela ngaleso sikhatsi kute umphrofethi lowaphindza wavela ka-Israyeli waba njengaMosi lobekatiwa nguSimakadze buso nebuso, lowenta tonkhe leto tibonakaliso netimangaliso Simakadze lamtfuma kutsi atente eGibhithe kuFaro nakuto tonkhe tiphatsimandla takhe kanye naseveni lakhe lonkhe. Kute namunye umuntfu lowase waba nemandla lamakhulu kangaka nome ente imisebenti leyesabekako leyentiwa nguMosi embikwaso sonkhe sive sema-Israyeli. Emvakwekufa kwaMosi, inceku yaSimakadze, Simakadze wakhuluma naJoshuwa, umsa waNuni, labengumsiti waMosi, watsi: “Mosi, inceku yami, ufile. Ngako-ke wena kanye naso sonkhe lesive sema-Israyeli tilungiseleleni kwewela umfula iJordane, niye eveni lengilinika sive sema-Israyeli. Ngiyakuninika yonkhe indzawo, lapho tinyawo tenu tiyawunyatsela khona, njengobe ngetsembisa Mosi. Live lenu liyawujuba ngelihlane ligudle iLebanoni kuye emfuleni lomkhulu iYufrathe, lidzabule live lemaHethi, kudzimate kufike eLwandle Lolukhulu ngasenshonalanga. Kute namunye loyawukhona kumelana nawe, tonkhe tinsuku tekuphila kwakho. Ngiyakuba nawe, njengobe nganginaye naMosi. Ngingeke ngikushiye, futsi ngingeke ngikulahle. “Cina, ube nesibindzi, ngobe utawuhola lesive kutsi siyekudla lelive lengaletsembisa boyisemkhulu ngesifungo kutsi ngitabapha lona libe lifa labo. Intfo nje, wena cina kakhulu, ube nesibindzi. Caphela, uyilalele yonkhe imitsetfo lowayinikwa nguMosi, inceku yami. Ungaphambuki kuyo, ngesekudla nome ngesancele, khona-ke uyakuphumelela nome ngukuphi lapho uya khona. Emavi alencwadzi yemtsetfo angesuki emlonyeni wakho; uyawucabangisisa ujule kuwo busuku nemini, kuze ukhone kukwenta konkhe loku lokubhalwe kuwo; khona-ke uyawuphumelela kube kuhle kuwe. Angikakuyali yini? Cina ube nesibindzi. Ungetfuki, futsi ungaphelelwa ngemandla, ngobe Simakadze Nkulunkulu wakho uyakuba nawe nome ngukuphi lapho uya khona.” Ngako Joshuwa wayala baholi besive, watsi: “Hambani nidzabule ekhatsi nalenkambu, nimemetele esiveni sonkhe, nitsi: ‘Tilungiseleleni kudla kwenu. Emvakwemalanga lamatsatfu kusukela lamuhla nitakwewelela ngesheya kweJordane ningene eveni, live Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu lanipha lona kutsi libe lenu.’ ” Joshuwa wakhuluma esiveni sakaRubeni, nesakaGadi, kanye nencenye yesive sakaManase, watsi: “Khumbulani umyalo waMosi, inceku yaSimakadze, laninika wona watsi: ‘Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu sewuniphile lelive kutsi libe yindzawo yenu yekuphumula.’ Bafati benu nebantfwabenu, netifuyo tenu kungahlala kulelive Mosi laninika lona ngasemphumalanga kweJordane, kodvwa nine nonkhe madvodza emphi lenihlomile, kufanele newele iJordane embikwebanakenu. Kufanele nibasite banakenu, adzimate Simakadze abaphe kuphumula nabo, njengobe aniphile nani, baze balidle lelive Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu labapha lona. Emvakwaloko-ke nine seningancandzeka nibuyele eveni lelisabelo senu, ngesheya kweJordane, kubheka ngasemphumalanga, live lenalinikwa nguMosi, inceku yaSimakadze.” Baphendvula Joshuwa, batsi: “Konkhe losiyale ngako kutsi sikwente, sitakwenta, kantsi nome kukuphi lapho usitfuma khona sitakuya. Njengobe naMosi sasimlalela ngalokuphelele, nawe sitakulalela sikuhloniphe. Kuphela nje, Simakadze Nkulunkulu wakho akabe nawe, njengaloku abenaye naMosi. Nome ngabe ngubani loyawumelana nemavi akho, nome umyale kutsi enteni, nangabe uyala kukulalela, uyawubulawa. Kuphela nje, cina ume sibindzi!” Joshuwa, umsa waNuni, wase utfumela tinhloli letimbili ngasense kusuka eShithimu, watsi: “Hambani niyewuhlola lela live, ikakhulu lidolobha laseJerikho.” Ngako-ke tahamba tefika khona, tangenisa endlini kaRahabi, ingwadla, tahlala khona. Inkhosi yaseJerikho yatjelwa, kwatsiwa: “Kukhona emadvodza aka-Israyeli lasatfumbelete adzimate efika la kulobusuku; atewuhlola lelive.” Ngako inkhosi yaseJerikho yavele yatfumela livi kuRahabi, yatsi: “Khipha lawo madvodza langenise endlini kakho, ngobe etele kutawuhlola lonkhe lelive.” Rahabi abesawatsetse lamadvodza wawafihla. Ngako watsi: “Yebo, kona lamadvodza efikile lapha kami, kodvwa angikawati kutsi abephumaphi. Kutsite kusihlwa nakuhwalala, nasekutawuvalwa emasango, lamadvodza aphuma ahamba. Angiwati kutsi aphume ashonaphi. Phutfumani niwacoshe. Ningahle niwabambe.” Empeleni Rahabi abewatsetse lamadvodza wawafihla etulu eluphahleni emabibini etinhlanga teflekisi labetibeke eluphahleni ngabolonina. Ngako-ke letitfunywa tagijima, talandzela letinhloli, tehla ngemgwaco locondza ngasematubukweni eJordane. Tatsi kube tiphume, emasango avalwa. Tatsi tinhloli tisengakalali, Rahabi wenyuka waya kuto eluphahleni, wafike wakhuluma kuto, watsi: “Ngiyati kutsi Simakadze uniphe lelive. Sonkhe sehlelwe kwesaba lokukhulu ngani, kantsi futsi tonkhe tive letakhile kulelive setingenwe ngemanti emadvolweni, ngenca yekwesaba nine. Sivile kutsi Simakadze walomisa kanjani Lwandle Lolubovu embikwenu ngesikhatsi niphuma eGibhithe, nekutsi nentani kuSihoni na-Ogi, emakhosi lamabili ema-Amori, lenawabhubhisa ngelusiko lwenkemba ngasemphumalanga kwemfula iJordane. Satsi kube sikuve loko, tinhlitiyo tetfu tashona phansi, kwabate namunye lowasala anesibindzi emkhatsini wetfu ngenca yenu, ngobe Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu nguye longuNkulunkulu ezulwini etulu, nasemhlabeni phansi. Manje-ke ngitsi fungani lapha kimi ngaSimakadze kutsi njengobe nami nginiphetse kahle, nani niyakungiphatsa kahle mine nemndeni wababe, ninginike luphawu lwesiciniseko, sekutsi nase nisihlasela, ningeke nimbulale babe, namake, nabomnaketfu, nabodzadzewetfu kanye nemindeni yabo, kodvwa nisephule ekufeni.” Letinhloli tamnika siciniseko, tatsi: “Imphilo yenu siyibambisa ngemphilo yetfu. Nangabe nine ningeke nitjele muntfu ngalomsebenti lesite ngawo, siyakuniphatsa kahle nangekwetsembeka ngesikhatsi Simakadze asinika lelive.” Wabakhipha ngentsambo efasitelweni, ngobe indlu yakhe yayakhelwe elubondzeni lwelidolobha, abehlala elubondzeni. Watiyalisisa watsi: “Hambani nicondze ngasetintsabeni, funa laba labanicoshako bahlangane nani. Nibobhaca khona, kudzimate kuphele emalanga lamatsatfu, baze bancandzeke. Emvakwaloko bese niyahamba-ke.” Lamadvodza akhuluma atsi: “Singeke sibopheleke kulesifungo losifungise sona, ngaphandle kwekutsi wente naku: Nase silingenela lelive lenu, wena ubobopha lentsambo lebovu efasitelweni losikhiphe ngalo. Uyihlo, nenyoko, nabomnakenu, nabo bonkhe bemndeni weyihlo, ubobacocela ndzawonye lapha endlini yakho. Lowo loyawuphumela ngaphandle kwendlu yakho, aye esitaladini, ingati yakhe iyawubasetikwakhe, tsine siyawubate licala. Ngulowo nalowo muntfu losendlini yakho kanye nawe, ingati yakhe iyawubasetikwetfu, nangabe uke watsintfwa nje. Kodvwa nangabe uyibhabata lendzaba, singeke sibopheleke kulesifungo lowasifungisa sona.” Rahabi waphendvula watsi: “Ngiyavuma, akube njengobe nisho nine.” Ngako wase uyatihambisa letinhloli, tahamba. Wase ubopha lentsambo lebovu kulelo fasitelo. Letinhloli tesuka tahamba tacondza etintsabeni, tafike tabhaca khona emalanga lamatsatfu, baze bancandzeka laba bebaticosha, ngobe bese batifune yonkhe indlela bangete batitfola. Letinhloli letimbili tehla etintsabeni setincandzeka, tewela tabuyela kuJoshuwa, umsa waNuni, tafike tamlandzisa yonkhe indzaba nangako konkhe lokwativelela. Letinhloli takhuluma kuJoshuwa, tatsi: “Ngempela Simakadze lonkhe lelive ulinikele etandleni tetfu; bonkhe bantfu bakulelive bayatfutfumela ngatsi.” Ngakusasa ekuseni Joshuwa nesive sonkhe sema-Israyeli bavuka kuseluvivi, besuka eShithimu bacondza eJordane, lapho bafike bakamba khona bangakeweleli ngesheya. Emvakwemalanga lamatsatfu baholi bahamba badzabula inkambu, bamemetela esiveni, batsi: “Nibotsi ningabona libhokisi lesivumelwane saSimakadze Nkulunkulu wenu letfwelwe baphristi labangemaLevi, bese niyatfutsa etindzaweni tenu nililandzele. Niyawube seniyayati-ke indlela lefanele nihambe ngayo, ngobe anizange senihambe ngalendlela ngaphambili. Kodvwa ningacali nisondzele edvute nalelibhokisi lesivumelwane, nibolilandzela ngemuva libanga lelingaba likhilomitha.” Joshuwa wakhuluma esiveni, watsi: “Tihlambululeni, nitilungiselele likusasa, ngobe kusasa Simakadze utakwenta tintfo letimangalisako emkhatsini wenu.” Joshuwa wakhuluma kubaphristi, watsi: “Tsatsani libhokisi lesivumelwane, newele kucala embikwebantfu.” Ngako balitsatsa lelibhokisi lesivumelwane, bahamba embikwebantfu. Nkulunkulu wakhuluma kuJoshuwa, watsi: “Lamuhla wena ngitakuphakamisa embikwaso sonkhe sive saka-Israyeli, kuze sati kutsi njengobe nganginaye Mosi, nawe ngiyawuba nawe. Utawutjela baphristi labetfwele libhokisi lesivumelwane, utsi: ‘Nibotsi nanifika elusentseni lwemanti emfula iJordane, nime, ningene, bese niyema ekhatsi emfuleni iJordane.’ ” Joshuwa wakhuluma esiveni saka-Israyeli, watsi: “Wotani la nitewuva kutsi Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu utsini.” Joshuwa wachubeka watsi: “Nitakwati kanjena-ke kutsi Nkulunkulu lophilako usemkhatsini wenu nekutsi nakanjani utawucosha tive letinyenti embikwenu: emaKhenani, nemaHethi, nemaHivi, nemaPheresi, nemaGirigashi, nema-Amori kanye nemaJebhusi. Ase nibuke, libhokisi lesivumelwane seNkhosi yemhlaba wonkhe litawungena eJordane kucala kunani lihamba embikwenu. Khetsani emadvodza lali-12 etiveni taka-Israyeli, indvodza yinye kuleso nakuleso sive. Kutawutsi tinyawo tebaphristi labetfwele lelibhokisi lesivumelwane saSimakadze, iNkhosi yemhlaba wonkhe, natinyatsela emanti emfula iJordane, emanti emfula iJordane atakuma angete ageleta, lamanti lachamuka ngenhla atakuma abe yindvundvuma.” Kwatsi sive nasitfutsa emathende aso kutsi sitekwewela iJordane, baphristi lababetfwele libhokisi lesivumelwane bahamba embikwaso. IJordane ihlala igcwele nakuvunwako, kodvwa kwatsi kube baphristi lababetfwele libhokisi lesivumelwane befike eJordane tinyawo tabo titsintse lusentse lwemanti emfula, emanti labechamuka ngenhla kwabo ema tindvonga angabe asageleta. Ema aba tindvonga letindze letaze tefika edolobheni lekwakutsiwa yi-Adamu ngaseSarethani, kwatsi lawa labegeleta abheke entansi elwandle lwase-Arabha, Lwandle Lweluswayi, ancamuka. Ngako sive sonkhe sewela malungana neJerikho. Baphristi lababetfwele libhokisi lesivumelwane saSimakadze bema ekhatsi eJordane batsi zica, emhlabatsini lowomile, sonkhe sive sema-Israyeli sewela iJordane sihamba emhlabatsini lowomile, saze saphelela sonkhe. Kwatsi kube sonkhe sive sema-Israyeli sicedze kwewela umfula iJordane, Simakadze wakhuluma kuJoshuwa, watsi: “Khetsani emadvodza lali-12, kube yindvodza yinye kuleso nakuleso sive, niwatjele atsatse ematje lali-12 ekhatsi nemfula iJordane, akhuphuke nawo lapho bekume khona baphristi, awetfwale ayekuwabeka phansi lapho nitawumisa khona lamuhla kusihlwa.” Joshuwa wabita emadvodza lali-12 labesawakhetsile ka-Israyeli, yinye kuleso nakuleso sive. Joshuwa wakhuluma kuwo, watsi: “Hambani embikwelibhokisi lesivumelwane saSimakadze Nkulunkulu wenu, ningene ekhatsi nemfula iJordane, ngulowo nalowo wenu atsatse litje aletjatse ehlombe, kuye ngelinani letive tonkhe tema-Israyeli, loko kube luphawu emkhatsini wenu. Kuyawutsi bantfwabenu nababuta, batsi: ‘Lamatje lawa asho kutsini?’ bese niyabatjela kutsi emanti eJordane ema angete ageleta, ngesikhatsi kwewela libhokisi lesivumelwane saSimakadze. Latsi nalewela iJordane, emanti ema angete ageleta. Lamatje ayawuba sikhumbuto esiveni sema-Israyeli phakadze naphakadze.” Ngako ema-Israyeli enta njengobe abeyalwe nguJoshuwa. Atsatsa ematje lali-12 ekhatsi nemfula iJordane, kwaya ngelinani letive tema-Israyeli, njengobe Simakadze abeyale Joshuwa. Awatsatsa akhuphuka nawo aya endzaweni, lapho ema-Israyeli emisa khona, bawabeka phansi khona lapho. Joshuwa wemisa lamatje lali-12 labesekhatsi neJordane, lapho bekume khona baphristi lababetfwele libhokisi lesivumelwane; asekhona lapho nalamuhla loku. Baphristi lababetfwele libhokisi lesivumelwane babemile ekhatsi nemfula iJordane, kwaze kwaphela konkhe loko Simakadze labekutjele Joshuwa kutsi akutjele sive; ngiko loko-ke Mosi labekutjele Joshuwa. Sive saphutfuma sewela ngekushesha, satsi nase sewele sonkhe saphelela, libhokisi lesivumelwane saSimakadze nebaphristi bakhuphukela ngesheya bonkhe bantfu babuka. Emadvodza esive sakaRubeni nesakaGadi nencenye yesive sakaManase akhuphuka nawo ahlomile ahamba embikwesive sonkhe sema-Israyeli, njengobe Mosi abebalayele. Emadvodza labengaba ti-40 000 labehlomele imphi endlula embikwaSimakadze ewelela ematsafeni aseJerikho ayakulwa imphi. Ngalelo langa Simakadze waphakamisa Joshuwa embikwaso sonkhe sive sema-Israyeli, sive samhlonipha Joshuwa imphilo yakhe yonkhe, njengobe sasimhlonipha naMosi. Simakadze wakhuluma kuJoshuwa, watsi: “Tjela baphristi labetfwele libhokisi lesivumelwane kutsi bakhuphuke emfuleni iJordane.” Ngako Joshuwa wabita baphristi, watsi: “Khuphukani emfuleni iJordane.” Baphristi bakhuphuka emfuleni betfwele libhokisi lesivumelwane saSimakadze. Batsi nabatsi catsatsa ngesheya, emanti emfula iJordane abuyela ageleta, agola tintsetse njengakucala. Ngelilanga lelishumi enyangeni yekucala, sive sakhuphuka emfuleni iJordane sayawumisa eGilgali ngasemnyeleni waseJerikho longasemphumalanga. Joshuwa wawemisa eGilgali ematje lali-12 lababewatsetse emfuleni iJordane. Wakhuluma kuma-Israyeli, watsi: “Ngesikhatsi lesitako titukulwane tenu natibuta kuboyise titsi: ‘Lamatje lawa asho kutsini?’ niyakutitjela nitsi: ‘Israyeli wewela iJordane ahamba emhlabatsini lowomile.’ Ngobe Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu wawomisa umfula iJordane embikwenu, naze newela nonkhe naphelela. Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu wenta eJordane kona loko lakwenta eLwandle Lolubovu, ngesikhatsi alomisa embikwetfu, saze sewela sonkhe saphelela. Wakwenta loko kuze tonkhe tive temhlaba tati kutsi sandla saSimakadze sinemandla, nekutsi nani nihlale nimesaba Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu phakadze naphakadze.” Atsi kube onkhe emakhosi ema-Amori ngasenshonalanga neJordane kanye nawo onkhe emakhosi emaKhenani elugwini lwelwandle eve kutsi Simakadze wayomisa kanjani iJordane embikwema-Israyeli saze sewela sonkhe, angenwa ngemanti emadvolweni, akaphindzanga aba nesibindzi sekubhekana nema-Israyeli. Ngaleso sikhatsi Simakadze wakhuluma kuJoshuwa, watsi: “Bata imikhwa yematje, uphindze usoke onkhe ema-Israyeli.” Ngako Joshuwa wabata imikhwa yematje, wasoka ema-Israyeli eGibeyathi Haralothi. Sizatfu sekutsi Joshuwa asoke ema-Israyeli kwaba ngunasi: Bonkhe laba labaphuma eGibhithe, bonkhe labadvuna lababengangenela imphi, bafela ehlane endleleni baphuma eGibhithe. Bonkhe labo bantfu labaphuma babesokile, kodvwa bonkhe labo lababetalelwe ehlane kuloluhambo lwekusuka eGibhithe babengakasoki. Ema-Israyeli abesahambe azula ehlane iminyaka lengema-40, aze afa onkhe emadvodza labengangenela imphi laphuma eGibhithe, ngobe phela abengazange alalele Simakadze. Empeleni Simakadze abefungile kutsi angeke alibone lelo live labeletsembise boyise kutsi utasipha lona, live leligcwele lubisi neluju lwetinyosi. Ngako waveta emadvodzana abo esikhundleni sabo, kwaba ngiwo-ke lawa lasokwa nguJoshuwa. Abesolomane angakasokwa, ngobe vele akazange asokwe endleleni. Satsi kube sisokwe sonkhe sive, sahlala enkambu kwaze kwaphola. Simakadze wakhuluma kuJoshuwa, watsi: “Lamuhla ngiligocotile ngalisusa lonkhe lihlazo laseGibhithe kini.” Ngako-ke lendzawo yabitwa ngekutsi yiGilgali kuze kube ngulamuhla. Entsambama ngelilanga leli-14 enyangeni, atsi ema-Israyeli asemise eGilgali, ematsafeni aseJerikho, agubha umkhosi weliPhasika. Ngelilanga lelilandzela leliPhasika, ngalona lelo langa, adla sivuno salelo live: sinkhwa lesingenambiliso kanye nalokutinhlavu lokwakukhantingiwe. Ngalelo langa imana yancamuka kwehla, ema-Israyeli nase adle sivuno salelo live; akazange aphindze abe nemana. Kodvwa ngalowo mnyaka badla lekwakusivuno selive laseKhenani. Joshuwa nasasedvute neJerikho watsi uphakamisa emehlo, wabona indvodza ime embikwakhe ihoshule inkemba yayo iyiphetse ngesandla sayo. Joshuwa wasondzela kuyo wayakuyibuta, wafike watsi: “Ukanye natsi yini nome umelene natsi?” Yaphendvula yatsi: “Cha, kodvwa ngite lapha njengendvuna yemphi yaSimakadze.” Joshuwa wawa phansi ngebuso emhlabatsini, akhotsama, wayibuta watsi: “Ingabe inkhosi yami inamlayeto muni leyiwunika inceku yayo?” Indvuna yemphi yaSimakadze yaphendvula, yatsi: “Khumula tincabule takho, ngobe lendzawo lome kuyo ingcwele.” Joshuwa wenta njengobe atjeliwe. IJerikho yayivalisisiwe ngenca yesive sema-Israyeli. Bekungaphumi muntfu, kungangeni muntfu. Simakadze wakhuluma kuJoshuwa, watsi: “Buka la, iJerikho sengiyetfule esandleni sakho, yona nenkhosi yayo kanye nemabutfo ayo. Wena nemabutfo akho onkhe hambani nitungelete lelidolobha kanye. Loko niyawukwenta emalanga lasitfupha. Uboba nebaphristi labasikhombisa labaphetse emacilongo lasikhombisa lentiwe ngetimphondvo temvu; babohamba embikwalelibhokisi lesivumelwane. Ngelilanga lesikhombisa lelidolobha nibolitungeleta emahlandla lasikhombisa, baphristi bona bashaye lamacilongo. Nitawutsi ningeva bawashaya badvonsa sikhatsi lesidze, bonkhe bantfu bamemete kakhulukati; lubondza lwalelidolobha lutakuwa, bantfu bese bangena ngekhatsi, ngulowo nalowo lapho angakhona khona.” Ngako Joshuwa, umsa waNuni, wabita baphristi wakhuluma kubo, watsi: “Tsatsani libhokisi lesivumelwane saSimakadze, bese kutsi baphristi labasikhombisa baphatse emacilongo lasikhombisa embikwalo.” Wakhuluma esiveni watsi: “Chubekani! Hambani nitungelete lidolobha, tingadzi letihlomile tihambe embili, ngembili kwelibhokisi lesivumelwane saSimakadze.” Watsi kube Joshuwa akhulume esiveni, baphristi labasikhombisa baphatsa emacilongo lasikhombisa lentiwe ngetimphondvo tetimvu, bawaphatsa embikwaSimakadze bachubeka, bashaya emacilongo abo, kwatsi libhokisi lesivumelwane saSimakadze labalandzela ngemuva. Emadvodza labehlomile ahamba embikwebaphristi labashaya emacilongo, kwatsi tingadzi tangemuva talandzela libhokisi lesivumelwane. Ngaso sonkhe lesikhatsi emacilongo abekhala. Kodvwa Joshuwa sive sonkhe abesiyale, watsi kuso: “Ningacali nimemete ningasho lutfo, kuze kube lilanga lengitanitjela ngalo kutsi nimemete, nitawube seniyamemeta-ke!” Ngako Joshuwa wenta kutsi libhokisi lesivumelwane saSimakadze litungelete lidolobha kanye ngelilanga. Emvakwaloko bantfu babebuyela enkambu bayewulala khona. Joshuwa wavuka ekuseni ngeluvivi ngakusasa, baphristi batsatsa libhokisi lesivumelwane saSimakadze. Baphristi labasikhombisa lababephetse emacilongo lasikhombisa lentiwe ngetimphondvo tetimvu beta ngembili, bahamba embikwelibhokisi lesivumelwane saSimakadze, bahamba bashaya lamacilongo. Lamadvodza labehlomile abehamba embikwabo, leti letinye tingadzi tatihamba ngemuva kwelibhokisi lesivumelwane saSimakadze, lamacilongo abechubeka ashaywa. Ngako-ke nangelilanga lesibili bahamba batungeleta lidolobha kanye, baphindze bancandzeka babuyela enkambu. Loku bakwenta kwaze kwaphela emalanga lasitfupha. Ngelilanga lesikhombisa bavuka ekuseni ngeluvivi, bahamba batungeleta lidolobha emahlandla lasikhombisa, njengobe babevele benta; kodvwa ngalelo langa lidolobha balitungeleta kasikhombisa. Ngesikhatsi sebatungeleta kwesikhombisa, nebaphristi sebashaya kakhulu emacilongo, Joshuwa watjela sive sonkhe, watsi: “Memetani kakhulu! Ngobe Simakadze sewuninikile lelidolobha. Lidolobha kanye nako konkhe lokukulo kufanele kunikelwe kuSimakadze kubhujiswe. NguRahabi kuphela, ingwadla, lotawusindza kanye nabo bonkhe labanaye endlini kakhe, ngobe watifihla tinhloli lesasititfumile. Kodvwa nine khweshani kuletintfo letinikelwe kutsi titewubhujiswa, kuze ningetikutidvonsela kubhujiswa ngenca yekutitsatsela letinye tato. Nanenta loko, nitawube nidvonsela inkambu yema-Israyeli ekubhujisweni, niyiletsele kufa. Yonkhe igolide, nesiliva kanye netintfo letentiwe ngelitfusi nangensimbi tehlukaniselwe Simakadze, ngako kufanele timikiswe endlini yakhe yengcebo.” Atsi kube emacilongo akhale kakhulu, sive sonkhe samemeta kakhulu. Satsi kube sive sonkhe sive kukhala kwelicilongo, samemeta, lubondza lwelidolobha lwahhihlikela phansi; ngako nguleyo naleyo ndvodza yangena yacondza ekhatsi, balidla lidolobha. Babhubhisa konkhe lokwakungekhatsi kwelidolobha, emadvodza nebafati, labancane nalabadzala, tinkhomo, netimvu, netimbongolo, ngelusiko lwenkemba. Joshuwa wakhuluma kulamadvodza lamabili labeyewuhlola live, watsi: “Hambani niye kulendlu yalengwadla, nifike niyitsatse yona kanye nebemndeni wayo, njengobe nifungile kuyo.” Ngako letinsizwa letimbili letatitinhloli tangena, tafike tatsatsa boRahabi, neyise, nenina, nabomnakabo, nabo bonkhe lababenaye, netihlobo takhe tonkhe. Bafike babashiya ngaphandle eceleni kwenkambu yema-Israyeli. Lonkhe lidolobha nako konkhe lokusekhatsi bakushisa ngemlilo; kodvwa isiliva, negolide, netitja telitfusi netensimbi bakufaka endlini yengcebo yaSimakadze. Joshuwa wasindzisa Rahabi, ingwadla, nemndeni wakhe kanye nabo bonkhe lababenaye, ngobe watifihla tinhloli letatitfunyelwe nguJoshuwa eJerikho. Nalamuhla loku uhleti emkhatsini wema-Israyeli. Ngaso leso sikhatsi Joshuwa wakhipha sifungo lesimatima, watsi: “Wonkhe lowetama kuvusa lelidolobha, iJerikho, uyawucalekiswa embikwaSimakadze: “ ‘Uyawufelwa yindvodzana lelitubulo lakhe, nakabeka leto tisekelo talo; afelwe ngumntfwanakhe losemncane, nakafaka emasango alo.’ ” Ngako Simakadze waba naJoshuwa kuko konkhe, ludvumo lwakhe lwandza nalo lonkhe live. Kodvwa ema-Israyeli ona, atsatsa tintfo lokwakufanele tibhujiswe. Akhani, umsa waKhami, umsa waZabdi labenguZimri, umsa waZera, wesive sakaJuda, watsatsa letinye tato. Ngako lulaka lwaSimakadze lwasivutsela sive sema-Israyeli. Joshuwa wabe sewutfumela emadvodza aseseJerikho kutsi aye e-Ayi, lesedvute neBhethi Aveni, emphumalanga neBetheli, wabatjela watsi: “Yenyukani niyewuhlola lelive.” Ngako lamadvodza enyuka ayawuhlola i-Ayi. Kwatsi nasebabuyile, befika kuJoshuwa batsi: “Asikho sidzingo sekutsi bonkhe bantfu benyuke kuyakulwa ne-Ayi. Tfumela emadvodza lati-2 000 nome lati-3 000 kuyakuyidla, ungabakhatsati bonkhe bantfu ngekuya khona, ngobe bambalwa bantfu labakuleyo ndzawo.” Ngako kwakhuphuka emadvodza labengaba ti-3 000; kodvwa ehlulwa ngemadvodza ase-Ayi, labulala emadvodza langema-36 aka-Israyeli. Bawacosha ema-Israyeli bawesusa esangweni lelidolobha bayakuwangenisa eShebarimu, bawagwazela emaceleni etintsaba. Tinhlitiyo tesive sema-Israyeli natikubona loku, tashona phansi, taphelelwa ngemandla. Joshuwa wadzabula tembatfo takhe, wawa ngebuso phansi embikwelibhokisi lesivumelwane saSimakadze, kwaze kwaba kusihlwa. Nebaholi baka-Israyeli benta njalo, batitsela ngelutfuli enhloko. Joshuwa watsi: “Awu! Somandla Simakadze, lesive useweteleni umfula iJordane kutsi utekusinikela etandleni tema-Amori kutsi atekusibhubhisa? Maye, kube simane seneliswa kuhlala ngale ngesheya kweJordane! Awu! Simakadze, kodvwa ngingatsini nje, njengobe sive sema-Israyeli sesicoshwe titsa taso? EmaKhenani kanye naletinye tive takuletive titakuva ngaloku, bese tiyasivimbetela tilitsanyele liphele nya libito letfu emhlabeni. Utakwenta njani-ke ngeLibito lakho lelikhulu kangaka?” Simakadze wakhuluma kuJoshuwa, watsi: “Sukuma! Uweleni ngebuso bakho lapho phansi? Baka-Israyeli bonile; basephulile sivumelwane sami lengabayala ngaso kutsi basigcine. Batsetse letinye tetintfo bekufanele tibhujiswe; bebile, bacale emanga, letintfo labatebile batihlanganise netimphahla tabo. Nguko nje baka-Israyeli bangeke bakhone kumelana netitsa tabo; bayafulatsela babaleke, ngobe vele bona sebacalekisiwe. Angisayikuphindza ngibe nani, ngaphandle kwekutsi nibulale konkhe lokusemkhatsini wenu lokunikelwe ekubhujisweni. “Hamba uyewungcwelisa lesive, ubatjele utsi: ‘Tingcwelisiseni nine ngekwenu, nitilungiselele likusasa,’ ngobe nguloko Simakadze Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli lakushoko, utsi: ‘Loko lokufanele kubhujiswa kusemkhatsini wenu, sive sema-Israyeli. Ngeke nikhone kumelana netitsa tenu ningakakukhiphi. “ ‘Ekuseni tiletseni nine, sive ngesive. Leso sive lesiyawutsatfwa nguSimakadze siyakuta ngembili, umndeni ngemndeni; lowo mndeni loyawutsatfwa nguSimakadze uyakuta ngembili, likhaya ngelikhaya; lelo khaya leliyawutsatfwa nguSimakadze liyakuta ngembili, umuntfu ngemuntfu. Loyo loyawutfolakala analetintfo lekufanele tibhujiswe uyawubulawa ngemlilo kanye nako konkhe lokungekwakhe. Ngobe wephule sivumelwane saSimakadze, wenta intfo lelihlazo esiveni saka-Israyeli.’ ” Ekuseni ngakusasa Joshuwa waletsa ema-Israyeli ngembili, sive ngesive; kwatsatfwa sive sakaJuda. Lusendvo ngelusendvo lwesive sakaJuda lweta ngembili, kwatsatfwa umndeni wakaZera. Lusendvo lwakaZera waluletsa ngembili, umndeni ngemndeni; kwatsatfwa Zabdi longuZimri. Joshuwa waletsa umndeni wakhe ngembili, indvodza ngendvodza; kwaze kwatsatfwa Akhani, umsa waKhami, umsa waZabdi longuZimri, umsa waZera, wesive sakaJuda. Joshuwa wakhuluma ku-Akhani, watsi: “Ndvodzana yami, nika Simakadze ludvumo, ukhulume liciniso kuNkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, uvume kuye. Ngitjele kutsi wenteni, ungafihli lutfo kimi.” Akhani waphendvula watsi: “Liciniso! Ngonile kuSimakadze Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli. Naku lengikwentile: Ngatsi nangibuka imphango, ngabona ingubo lenhle yaseBhabhulona, kanye netinhlavu tesiliva letingemakhilogremu langaba mabili, nelucetu lwegolide lolungaba yincenye yekhilogremu, lengakuhawukela, ngase ngiyakutsatsa. Tonkhe letintfo ngitimbele phansi ngekhatsi ethendeni lami, lesiliva yona ingaphansi kwato.” Ngako Joshuwa watfumela tigijimi, taya ethendeni, tatikhandza tifihlwe ethendeni, lesiliva imbelwe ngaphansi. Tatitsatsa letintfo lapha ethendeni, tatiletsa kuJoshuwa nakuso sonkhe sive saka-Israyeli; tatendlala embikwaSimakadze. Ngako Joshuwa naso sonkhe sive saka-Israyeli, batsatsa Akhani, umsa waZera, nesiliva, nengubo, nalolucetu lwegolide, nemadvodzana nemadvodzakati akhe, netinkhomo netimbongolo takhe, netimvu takhe, nelithende lakhe, nako konkhe labenako, bakuyisa eSihosheni sase-Akhori. Joshuwa watsi: “Usiletseleleni lembhubhiso? Simakadze utayiletsa kuwe imbhubhiso lamuhla.” Ngako-ke onkhe ema-Israyeli amgcoba ngematje kanye nako konkhe kwakhe, base bayakushisa-ke. Etikwa-Akhani babutsisa indvundvuma lenkhulu yematje, lesolomane isesekhona lapho nalamuhla loku. Ngako Simakadze wagucuka ekutfukutseleni kwakhe lokwesabekako. Ngako-ke leyo ndzawo seyabitwa ngekutsi Sihosha sase-Akhori kusukela ngalelo langa. Ngako Simakadze wagucuka ekutfukutseleni kwakhe lokwesabekako. Simakadze wakhuluma kuJoshuwa, watsi: “Ungesabi; ungaphelelwa nangemandla. Tsatsa onkhe emabutfo akho uhambe nawo, wenyuke uyewuhlasela i-Ayi. Ngobe inkhosi yase-Ayi, nesive sayo, nelidolobha layo, nelive layo ngikunikele esandleni sakho. Uyakwenta kuyo i-Ayi nenkhosi yayo njengobe wenta kuyo iJerikho nenkhosi yayo, ngaphandle kwekutsi khona ningatitsatsela imphango netifuyo. Linyonyobeleni lelidolobha, nilihlasele, nilichamukela ngemuva.” Ngako Joshuwa waphuma kanye nayo yonkhe imphi yakhe, ayewuhlasela i-Ayi. Wakhetsa emadvodza latingwazi aba ti-30 000, wawakhipha ebusuku, wawayala watsi: “Lalelani kahle. Kufanele lelidolobha nilihlasele ngekulinyonyobela ngemuva. Ningayi khashane nalo. Kufanele nonkhe nihlale niciphile. Mine-ke kanye nabo bonkhe labatawube bahamba nami sitalisukela lelidolobha, atawutsi emadvodza akhona natsi ayasisukela, njengobe enta nakucala, siwabalekele. Batasicosha, baze baphume bonkhe edolobheni, ngobe batawutsi: ‘Bayasibalekela, njengobe base benta nakucala.’ Ngako tsine sitawutsi singababalekela, nine bese niyavuka ngemva kwabo nilitsatse lelidolobha. Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu utalinikela etandleni tenu. Nitawutsi ningalidla lelidolobha, bese niyalishisa. Yentani loko Simakadze laniyale ngako. Nankho-ke umyalo wami lengininika wona.” Ngako Joshuwa wabakhipha, baya endzaweni lapho bafike babhaca khona emkhatsini weBetheli ne-Ayi, enshonalanga ne-Ayi. Joshuwa wacitsa lobo busuku nebantfu enkambu. Ekuseni ngakusasa Joshuwa wabutsa emabutfo, wase uhlela baholi besive kanye nesive sema-Israyeli, bawahola bacondza nawo e-Ayi. Onkhe lawo mabutfo labehamba nawo enyuka acondza edolobheni efike emisa embikwalo ngasenyakatfo ne-Ayi, kwaba nesihosha emkhatsini wabo nelidolobha i-Ayi. Joshuwa abetsetse emadvodza labengaba ti-5 000, wawabhacisa emkhatsini weBetheli ne-Ayi, kuya ngasenshonalanga nelidolobha. Bemisa emabutfo etindzaweni tawo onkhe, lawo labesenkambu ngasenyakatfo nelidolobha, kwatsi lawo labebhacisiwe aba ngasenshonalanga kwalo. Ngalobo busuku Joshuwa wehlela esihosheni. Kwatsi inkhosi yase-Ayi nayikubona loko, yona kanye nawo onkhe emadvodza elidolobha, ashesha aphutfuma ekuseni ngeluvivi kuyawuhlasela ema-Israyeli endzaweni letsite lephakeme yengama i-Arabha. Kodvwa beyingati kutsi kukhona lababebhace emvakwelidolobha. Joshuwa kanye nemabutfo akhe aka-Israyeli benta shangatsi bayabaleka bacondza ngasehlane. Ngako bonkhe bantfu e-Ayi babutfwa kwatsiwa ababacoshe; kwatsi basacosha Joshuwa nemabutfo akhe, baphuma bonkhe edolobheni. Kute nome yinye indvodza leyayisele e-Ayi nome eBetheli, lengaphumanga kuyawucosha baka-Israyeli. Lamadvodza ase-Ayi alishiya lelidolobha livulekile, lingenamuntfu, acoshana nema-Israyeli. Simakadze wase ukhuluma kuJoshuwa utsi: “Yelula sikhali sakho lesisesandleni sakho usibhekise ngase-Ayi, ngobe lelidolobha ngitalinikela esandleni sakho.” Ngako Joshuwa welulela sikhali sakhe lesasisesandleni sakhe ngasedolobheni i-Ayi. Watsi nje kube asiphakamise, lamabutfo labebhacile avumbuka masinyane alisukela lidolobha, angena kulo ngekushesha alitsatsa, ase alilumeka ngemlilo. Lamadvodza ase-Ayi atsi abuka emuva kwawo, abona kubhunya lenkhulu intfutfu lefika esibhakabhakeni, sekusha lidolobha lawo; nawo akazange abe nelitfuba lekuphunyula abalekele nome ngukuphi, ngobe lamabutfo aJoshuwa abebaleka acondze ngasehlane, abese ayawagucukela abhekana nawo awahlasela. Kwatsi kube Joshuwa nawo onkhe ema-Israyeli abone kutsi lamabutfo labebhacile asalitsetse lidolobha, abona nalentfutfu leyayibhunya isuka kulelidolobha icondze etulu, ase ayagucuka ahlasela lamadvodza ase-Ayi. Lamabutfo labebhacile nawo aphuma edolobheni endlulela kulemphi ahlasela laba base-Ayi; ngako abahlanganisa ekhatsi, kwaba yimphi yema-Israyeli ngemuva nangembili. Baka-Israyeli babashaya babacotfula, kwangete kwaphunyula muntfu. Kodvwa lenkhosi yase-Ayi bayitsatsa iphila, bayimikisa kuJoshuwa. Baka-Israyeli batsi kube bacedze kubulala onkhe lamadvodza ase-Ayi labesesigangeni ehlane, lapho babewacoshe bawabeka khona, batsi kube bawagwaze bawacedze onkhe, ema-Israyeli ancandzeka abuyela e-Ayi, afike abulala labo lababesele kuyo. Ngalelo langa kwafa ti-12 000, emadvodza nebafati, bonkhe kubantfu base-Ayi. Joshuwa akazange asehlise sandla sakhe lesasiphakamise sikhali, baze bababulala bonkhe lababese-Ayi. Kodvwa ema-Israyeli atitsatsela tifuyo nemphango yakulelidolobha, njengobe Simakadze abeyale Joshuwa. Ngako Joshuwa wayishisa i-Ayi, wayenta yaba yindvundvuma yetimvitsi taphakadze, kuze kube ngulamuhla solomane kwakhala libhungane kuleyo ndzawo. Joshuwa lenkhosi yase-Ayi wayilengisa esihlahleni, wayishiya khona lapho kwaze kwahlwa. Kwatsi nakushona lilanga, Joshuwa wayala bantfu kutsi abetfule sidvumbu sayo esihlahleni, basijike ekungeneni kwelisango lelidolobha. Babutsisa lenkhulu indvundvuma yematje etikwalesidvumbu, leseloku yahlala kuze kube ngulamuhla. Joshuwa wefika eNtsabeni i-Ebhali, wakha lilati laSimakadze Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, njengobe Mosi, inceku yaSimakadze, abeyale baka-Israyeli. Walakha njengaloku lokwakubhaliwe encwadzini yemtsetfo waMosi, kwakulilati lematje labengakacotwa, lapho kwakungazange sekusetjentiswe lithulusi lensimbi. Banikelela etikwalo kuSimakadze iminikelo yekushiswa nemihlatjelo yekuthula. Kwatsi khona lapho embikwesive sema-Israyeli Joshuwa wabhala etjeni umtsetfo waMosi labewubhalile. Bonkhe baka-Israyeli, betive nebemdzabu ngalokufananako, nebaholi babo, netindvuna tabo, netikhulu, babeme ngala nangala kwelibhokisi lesivumelwane saSimakadze, bonkhe babheke ngakulaba babeletfwele, baphristi lababengemaLevi. Incenye yesive yayime embikweNtsaba iGerizimu, lenye ime embikweNtsaba i-Ebhali, njengobe Mosi, inceku yaSimakadze, abebayalile ngaphambili, ngesikhatsi enta umlayeto wekubusisa sive sema-Israyeli. Emvakwaloko Joshuwa wafundza onkhe emavi alowo mtsetfo, tibusiso neticalekiso letikuwo, njengobe kubhaliwe konkhe encwadzini yemtsetfo. Kwabate ngisho nalinye livi laloko Mosi labeyale ngako Joshuwa lalishiya wangete wasifundzela sive saka-Israyeli sonkhe sihlangene, bafati, nebantfwana kanye nebetive lababehlala emkhatsini wabo. Kwatsi kube onkhe emakhosi langasenshonalanga kwemfula iJordane eve ngaletintfo, labo labaseveni letintsaba nangasematsafeni langasenshonalanga, kugudla lusentse lweLwandle Lolukhulu kuze kuyewufika eLebanoni, emakhosi emaHethi, nema-Amori, nemaKhenani, nemaPheresi, nemaHivi, nemaJebhusi, ahlangana akha imphi yekuhlasela Joshuwa kanye nema-Israyeli. Kodvwa satsi sive saseGibeyoni kube sive kutsi Joshuwa kanye nema-Israyeli wentani eJerikho nase-Ayi, sakha licebo: Sahamba njengetitfunywa letichuba timbongolo letetfwele imitfwalo ngemasaka lasagugile nangemadlelantfongeni lamadzala lasadzabuka abuye achitjelwa. Lamadvodza etinyaweni tawo abefake tincabule letindzala letase tichitjelwe, abembetse netimphahla letase tigugile. Tonkhe tinkhwa letatingimiphako yawo tase tomile, tikhuntsile. Esuka acondza kuJoshuwa enkambu leyayiseGilgali, afike atsi kuye nakulamadvodza aka-Israyeli: “Siphuma eveni lelikhashane kakhulu; yentani sivumelwane natsi.” Emadvodza aka-Israyeli akhuluma kulamaHivi, atsi: “Kodvwa mhlawumbe nakhelene nje natsi. Singasenta kanjani sivumelwane nani?” LamaHivi akhuluma kuJoshuwa, atsi: “Sitinceku takho.” Kodvwa Joshuwa wawabuta watsi: “Nibobani nine? Niphumaphi?” EmaHivi aphendvula atsi: “Tinceku takho tiphuma eveni lelikhashane kakhulu, ngobe sivile ngeludvumo lwaSimakadze Nkulunkulu wenu. Sivile imibiko ngaye nangako konkhe lakwenta eveni laseGibhithe, nako konkhe lakwenta kulamakhosi lamabili ema-Amori ngasemphumalanga kweJordane, boSihoni, inkhosi yaseHeshboni, na-Ogi, inkhosi yaseBhashani, labebusa e-Ashtarothe. Baholi betfu nabo bonkhe labahlala eveni letfu basitfumile, batsi: ‘Tsatsani imiphako yendlela yenu, nihambe niyewuhlangabeta baka-Israyeli nitsi kubo: “Sitinceku tenu; yentani sivumelwane natsi.” Letinkhwa tetfu tatishisa ngesikhatsi sitipakisha, sisesuka ekhaya ngelilanga lesaphuma ngalo kuta lapha kini. Kodvwa manje asenibuke kutsi setome kanjani taze takhuntsa. Lamadlelantfongeni etfu eliwayini abemasha, kodvwa ase niwabuke nyalo kutsi asadzabuke kanjani. Naletingubo tetfu netincabule tetfu setigugile ngenca yebudze balendlela.’ ” Emadvodza aka-Israyeli ayihlola lemiphako yawo, kodvwa akazange abute lutfo kuSimakadze. Joshuwa wavuma wase wenta sivumelwane sekuthula nawo sekutsi bawayekele aphile, nebaholi besive basicinisa ngekufunga. Kwaphela emalanga lamatsatfu basentile lesivumelwane nemaGibeyoni, baka-Israyeli beva kutsi abomakhelwane babo, ahlala edvute nawo. Ngako ema-Israyeli ashuca aya khona, kwatsi ngelilanga lesitsatfu atseleka emadolobheni awo iGibeyoni, neKhefira, neBherothi, neKhiriyathi Jeyarimu. Kodvwa ema-Israyeli akazange awahlasele, ngobe baholi baka-Israyeli bebafunge sifungo kuwo ngaSimakadze Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli. Inhlangano yonkhe yema-Israyeli yakhonona ngebaholi bayo, kodvwa baholi bayiphendvula, batsi: “Sifunge kuwo ngaSimakadze, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, singeke sibatsintse nyalo. Naku lesitakwenta kuwo: Sitawayekela aphile, kuze lulaka lungasehleli ngekutsi sephule sifungo setfu lesasenta kuwo.” Baholi bachubeka batsi: “Wayekeleni aphile, kodvwa niwente abandze tinkhuni, akhelele nemanti, akhelele sonkhe sive.” Ngako ema-Israyeli abalalela baholi. Joshuwa wase ubita emaGibeyoni, wakhuluma kuwo, watsi: “Nisiyengeleni natsi: ‘Sihlala khashane kabi nani,’ kantsi nisho nje nakhelene natsi? Manje-ke senicalekisiwe: Anisayikuyekela kuba tisebenti, nibe babandzi betinkhuni nebakheleli bemanti bendlu yaNkulunkulu wami.” Aphendvula Joshuwa atsi: “Tinceku takho tatjelwa kahle kamhlophe kutsi Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu wamyala kanjani Mosi, inceku yakhe, kutsi aninike lonkhe lelive nekutsi acitse tonkhe tive letikulo embikwenu. Ngako sesabela timphilo tetfu ngenca yenu, ngiko nje sente lesento. Manje sesisesandleni sakho. Yenta kitsi loko lokubonakala kukuhle kuwe.” Ngako Joshuwa wawasindzisa esiveni sema-Israyeli, akazange awabulale. Ngalelo langa wenta emaGibeyoni aba babandzi betinkhuni nebakheleli bemanti besive sonkhe sema-Israyeli nelilati laSimakadze endzaweni lekhetfwe nguSimakadze. Nguloko labangiko kona ngisho nalamuhla loku. Adoni Sedeki, inkhosi yaseJerusalema, yeva kutsi Joshuwa sewulitsetse lase-Ayi, walibhubhisa lonkhe, wenta kuyo i-Ayi nasenkhosini yalo njengobe enta eJerikho nasenkhosini yayo, weva nekutsi bantfu baseGibeyoni sebente sivumelwane sekuthula nesive sema-Israyeli, futsi sesibomakhelwane. Adoni Sedeki nebantfu bakhe betfuka kakhulu ngaloko, ngobe iGibeyoni bekungulona dolobha lelibalulekile njengalelinye lemadolobha ebukhosi, lona lalilikhulu kunelase-Ayi, nemadvodza alo bekutingwazi letatiwako. Ngako Adoni Sedeki, inkhosi yaseJerusalema, wancenga boHohamu, inkhosi yaseHebroni, naPhiramu, inkhosi yaseJamuthi, naJafiya, inkhosi yaseLakhishi, naDebiri, inkhosi yase-Egloni, watsi: “Yenyukani ningisite, sihlasele iGibeyoni, ngobe seyente sivumelwane sekuthula naJoshuwa nesive saka-Israyeli.” Ngako-ke lamakhosi lasihlanu ema-Amori, inkhosi yaseJerusalema, neyaseHebroni, neyaseJamuthi, neyaseLakhishi, neyase-Egloni, ahlanganisa emabutfo awo awahlela ase ayashuca enyukela eGibeyoni, ayihlasela. EmaGibeyoni atfumela livi kuJoshuwa enkambu leyayiseGilgali, atsi: “Ungatilahli tinceku takho. Phutfuma ute kitsi masinyane utesisindzisa, sisite, ngobe onkhe emakhosi ema-Amori asahlangene ngatsi; onkhe emakhosi elive letintsaba asihlasele.” Ngako Joshuwa washuca esuka eGilgali kanye nayo yonkhe imphi yakhe, nato tonkhe tingwazi takakhe. Simakadze wakhuluma kuJoshuwa, watsi: “Ungabesabi, ngibanikele esandleni sakho. Kute namunye wabo loyawukhona kumelana nawe.” Emvakwekushuca busuku bonkhe kusuka eGilgali, Joshuwa wabetfusa. Simakadze wabatsela ngeluvalo, besaba ema-Israyeli. Ema-Israyeli awehlula ema-Amori, awancoba ngelusiko lwenkemba emphini yaseGibeyoni, abacosha abenyusa ngendlela yaseBhethi Horoni, abaphetse abagwaza kwaze kwabase-Azekha, naseMakheda. Ema-Amori atsi asehla abalekela baka-Israyeli, ehla ngemgwaco losuka eBhethi Horoni uye e-Azekha, Simakadze wehlisa ematje lamakhulu esangcotfo, awehlisela etikwawo. Linyenti lema-Amori labulawa ngulamatje kunalabo labafa ngekugwazwa ngema-Israyeli. Ngelilanga Simakadze lanikela ngalo ema-Amori kubaka-Israyeli, Joshuwa wakhuluma kuSimakadze embikwawo onkhe ema-Israyeli, watsi: “Wena langa mani, mani etikweGibeyoni, ungahambi; nawe nyanga, mani etikwesihosha sase-Ayaloni unganyakati.” Ngako lilanga lema langete lanyakata, nenyanga yema yangete yahamba, sive saze satiphindzisela etitseni taso. Loku kubhaliwe encwadzini yaJashari. Lilanga lema ekhatsi nesibhakabhaka langete lahamba, kwaze kwaphela lilanga linye. Akuzange sekube nelilanga lelinjengalelo langa, lapho Simakadze alalela umuntfu khona. Ngempela Simakadze abesilwela sive sakhe saka-Israyeli! Emvakwaloko Joshuwa wancandzeka nayo yonkhe imphi yema-Israyeli, babuyela enkambu eGilgali. Lamakhosi lasihlanu ema-Amori abesabalekile, ayakutifihla emgedzeni lowawuseMakheda. Kwatsi kube abikelwe Joshuwa kutsi lamakhosi lasihlanu abesatfolakele abhace emgedzeni waseMakheda, watsi: “Gicitelani ematje lamakhulu emnyango walomgedze, bese nibeka balindzi kutsi bawalindze. Kodvwa nine ningemi, chubekani niticoshe letitsa tenu kusukela kuleto letingasemuva, ningativumeli kubuyela emadolobheni ato, ngobe Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu sewutinikele etandleni tenu.” Ngako Joshuwa nema-Israyeli ababulala abacedza, kwacishe kwangete kwasala muntfu, kodvwa labo labambalwa labasala babalekela emadolobheni abo latinqaba. Yonkhe imphi yabuyela iphephile enkambu kuJoshuwa eMakheda; kwabate namunye lokhuluma lutfo loluphambene nema-Israyeli. Joshuwa watsi: “Vulani umnyango wemgedze, nikhiphe lawo makhosi lasihlanu niwaletse lapha kimi.” Ngako bawakhipha emgedzeni lamakhosi lasihlanu: inkhosi yaseJerusalema, neyaseHebroni, neyaseJamuthi, neyaseLakhishi kanye neyase-Egloni. Batsi kube bawaletse kuJoshuwa lamakhosi, Joshuwa wabutsa onkhe emadvodza aka-Israyeli, wakhuluma etindvuneni temabutfo labekahambe nato, watsi: “Wotani lapha ninyatsele etintsanyeni talamakhosi.” Ngako teta ngembili tanyatsela etintsanyeni talamakhosi. Joshuwa wakhuluma kuto, watsi: “Ningesabi, ningapheli emandla. Cinani, nibe nesibindzi. Ngiko kona loku Simakadze latakwenta kuto tonkhe titsa tenu leniyakulwa nato.” Ngako Joshuwa wawagwaza lamakhosi wawabulala, wase uwalengisa etihlahleni letisihlanu, kwaze kwahlwa. Kwatsi nakushona lilanga, Joshuwa wabatfuma batetfula letidvumbu etihlahleni, batijika kulomgedze labebhace kuwo lamakhosi. Emnyango wawo babeka tingcuzuma tematje lasolomane ahlala lapho kuze kube ngulamuhla. Ngalelo langa Joshuwa wahlasela wadla iMakheda. Wahlasela lidolobha layo nenkhosi yakhona; wabagwaza bonkhe, kwabate namunye lowaphunyula. Washiya kute muntfu. Wenta enkhosini yaseMakheda njengobe enta enkhosini yaseJerikho. Joshuwa nawo onkhe emabutfo aka-Israyeli besuka eMakheda bacondza eLibna, bafike bayihlasela. Simakadze waniketela lelo dolobha kanye nenkhosi yalo etandleni tema-Israyeli. Lidolobha nabo bonkhe labakulo Joshuwa wabagwaza, bafa; kwabate ngisho namunye lowaphunyula. Wenta enkhosini yalo njengaloku enta enkhosini yaseJerikho. Ngako Joshuwa naso sonkhe sive saka-Israyeli besuka eLibna befika eLakhishi, wacondzana nayo; wafike wahlela emabutfo akhe, wahlasela iLakhishi. Simakadze waniketela iLakhishi kuma-Israyeli, Joshuwa wayidla ngelilanga lesibili. Lidolobha nabo bonkhe labakulo Joshuwa wabagwaza, bafa, njengobe abentile nakulo lidolobha laseLibna. Horamu, inkhosi yaseGezeri, abekhuphuke nemphi yakhe naye atsi utewusita baseLakhishi, kodvwa Joshuwa wabehlula yena nemphi yakhe yonkhe; kwabate ngisho namunye lowaphunyula. Joshuwa kanye nawo onkhe ema-Israyeli wesuka eLakhishi, wachubekela e-Egloni, wemisa macondzana nayo, wahlela emabutfo akhe wayihlasela. I-Egloni bayincoba ngalona lelo langa bayicedza ngelusiko lwenkemba; boJoshuwa babulala bonkhe lababekulo lelo dolobha njengobe babentile naseLakhishi. Joshuwa kanye nayo yonkhe imphi yakhe wesuka e-Egloni wachubekela eHebroni wayakuyihlasela. Bahlasela lelidolobha, balingenela balicedza ngelusiko lwenkemba, lona kanye nenkhosi yalo, nemiti yalo nabo bonkhe lababekulo. Kwabate ngisho namunye umuntfu lowaphunyula kulo njengase-Egloni, balibhubhisa nako konkhe kwalo. Joshuwa kanye nawo onkhe ema-Israyeli bagucukela eDebiri, balihlasela nalo. Badla lelidolobha, batfumba inkhosi yalo nemiti yalo, bonkhe labo bantfu babagwaza, bafa. Babulala bonkhe lababekulelo dolobha bangete bashiya lutfo. Benta eDebiri nasenkhosini yayo njengobe benta kubaseLibna nasenkhosini yayo kanye naseHebroni. Ngako Joshuwa wasincoba sonkhe leso sifundza, ngisho nelive letintsaba imbala, nelaseNegevu, lekuyiningizimu yelive, nematsafa langasenshonalanga, nemacele etintsaba kanye nawo onkhe emakhosi akhona. Kwabate ngisho namunye lowasindza. Wabhubhisa bonkhe bantfu bakuleto tindzawo, njengobe Simakadze Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli abeshito. Joshuwa wabancoba kusukela eKhadeshi Bhaneya kuze kuyewufika eGaza, nekusukela kuso sonkhe sifundza saseGosheni kuze kuyewufika eGibeyoni. Onkhe lawo makhosi kanye nemave awo Joshuwa wawancoba ngemkhankhaso munye, ngobe Simakadze Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli abewalwela ema-Israyeli. Joshuwa wabe sewuyancandzeka-ke kanye nawo onkhe ema-Israyeli, babuyela enkambu leyayiseGilgali. Watsi kube Jabini, inkhosi yaseHasori, akuve loku, watfumela livi kuJobabi, inkhosi yaseMadoni, nasenkhosini yaseShimironi neyase-Akshafu, kanye nasemakhosini angasenyakatho labakhe etintsabeni, nase-Arabha, eningizimu neKhinerethi, nangasematsafeni eNafothi Dori ngasenshonalanga. Watfumela nakumaKhenani emphumalanga nasenshonalanga, kuma-Amori, nakumaHethi, nakumaPheresi, nakumaJebhusi eveni letintsaba, nakumaHivi ngaphansi kweHemoni esifundzeni saseMispa. Bonkhe baphuma nemabutfo abo kanye nemahhashi netincola, baba yimphi lenkhulukati leyayiyinyenti ingangesihlabatsi saselwandle. Onkhe lamakhosi ahlangana ndzawonye emisa ngaseMantini aseMeromu kutekulwa nema-Israyeli. Simakadze wakhuluma kuJoshuwa, watsi: “Ungabesabi, ngobe ngalesikhatsi kusasa bonkhe ngitawubaniketela kuma-Israyeli kutsi ababulale. Kufanele lamahhashi niwajube imisipha yemilente, bese nishisa letincola tabo.” Ngako Joshuwa nemphi yakhe yonkhe wabahlasela masinyane ngaseMantini aseMeromu, Simakadze wabaniketela esandleni sema-Israyeli. Ema-Israyeli abehlula abacosha, aze abashonisa eSidoni Lenkhulu, naseMisrefothi Mayimu, naseSihosheni saseMispa ngasemphumalanga, kwaze kwabate nome munye lowaphunyula. Joshuwa wenta kubo kona loko labetjelwe nguSimakadze kutsi akwente: Wajuba imisipha yemilente yemahhashi abo, washisa netincola tabo. Ngaleso sikhatsi Joshuwa wagucuka watfumba iHasori, wagwaza inkhosi yakhona ngenkemba. IHasori bekuyinhlokodolobha yayo yonkhe lemibuso. Bonkhe bantfu lababelapho badliwa lusiko lwenkemba. Joshuwa wababhubhisa bonkhe, wangete washiya ngisho nakunye lokuphefumulako, wase ushisa iHasori ngemlilo. Joshuwa wawadla onkhe lamadolobha alawo makhosi, nemakhosi awo wawacedza ngelusiko lwenkemba. Wawabhubhisa onkhe, njengobe Mosi, inceku yaNkulunkulu, abemyalile. Noko ema-Israyeli akazange awashise lamadolobha labesetintsabeni, ngaphandle kweHasori leyashiswa nguJoshuwa. Ema-Israyeli atitsatsela yonkhe imphango kanye netifuyo talamadolobha; kodvwa bonkhe bantfu babacedza ngelusiko lwenkemba, baze baphela bonkhe, kwabate ngisho namunye lowasala aphila. Njengobe Simakadze abeyale Mosi, inceku yakhe, kanjalo naMosi wayala Joshuwa, naJoshuwa wakwenta loko. Kute lakushiya angakakwenti kuko konkhe loko Simakadze abeyale Mosi kutsi akwente. Ngako Joshuwa walidla lonkhe lelo live: Live letintsaba, yonkhe iNegevu, lekuyiningizimu yelive, sonkhe sifundza saseGosheni, nematsafa langasenshonalanga, i-Arabha, nelive laka-Israyeli letintsaba kanye nematsafa alo, kusuka eNtsabeni iHalaki, levele ngaseSeyiri, kuya eBhali Gadi eSihosheni saseLebanoni, ngaphansi kweNtsaba iHemoni. Watfumba onkhe emakhosi, wawahlasela, wawabulala. Joshuwa wawahlasela onkhe lawo makhosi sikhatsi lesidze. Ngaphandle kwemaHivi labehlala eGibeyoni, kute nome linye lidolobha lelenta sivumelwane sekuthula nema-Israyeli; onkhe ehlulwa ngema-Israyeli awadla. Ngobe kwaba nguSimakadze matfupha lowenta tinhlitiyo talamadolobha taba lukhuni ngekutsi tihlasele ema-Israyeli, entela kutsi atekuwabhubhisa onkhe, aphele ngaphandle kwemusa, njengobe Simakadze abeyale Mosi. Ngaleso sikhatsi Joshuwa wahamba wayawubhubhisa ema-Anaki eveni letintsaba: kusukela eHebroni, naseDebiri, nase-Anabu, nakulo lonkhe live letintsaba lakaJuda, nakulo lonkhe live letintsaba ka-Israyeli. Joshuwa wawabhubhisa onkhe kanye nemadolobha awo. Kute ema-Anaki lasala akhona eveni laka-Israyeli; insali yawo yabaseGaza, naseGathi, nase-Ashdodi. Ngako Joshuwa walidla lonkhe live, konkhe kwaya njengobe Simakadze abelayele Mosi; wase uyalaba, kwaba nguleso sive wasinika sabelo saso. Live latfola kuphumula kuleto timphi. Lawa-ke ngemakhosi elive lancotjwa ngema-Israyeli nelive lawo lelalingasemphumalanga neJordane alidla, kusukela eSihosheni sase-Anoni kuya eNtsabeni iHemoni, kanye nayo yonkhe i-Arabha kuye ngasemphumalanga kwayo: Sihoni, inkhosi yema-Amori, labebusa eHeshboni. Abebusa kusukela e-Aroyeri emngcengcemeni weMsaho wase-Anoni, kusukela ekhatsi nawo, kuye eMfuleni iJabhoki, lekungumncele wema-Amoni. Lelive lalifaka ekhatsi incenye yelive lakaGileyadi. Waphindze wabusa emphumalanga ne-Arabha kusukela eLwandle iKhinerethi kuye eLwandle lwase-Arabha, lekuLwandle Lweluswayi, kuye eBhethi Jeshimothi, kwemuke kuye ngaseningizimu emaceleni eNtsaba iPhisga. Ema-Israyeli aphindza ancoba Ogi, inkhosi yaseBhashani, lomunye wemaRefa ekugcina labebusa i-Ashtarothe ne-Edreyi. Abebusa etikweNtsaba iHemoni, neSalekha, neBhashani yonkhe, kuze kufike emnyeleni wesive sakaGeshuri, neMakha kanye nencenye yakaGileyadi kuye emnyeleni waSihoni, inkhosi yaseHeshboni. BoMosi, inceku yaSimakadze, kanye nema-Israyeli bawancoba lawo makhosi lamabili. Mosi, inceku yaSimakadze, live walinika sive sakaRubeni, nesakaGadi kanye nencenye yesive sakaManase kutsi kube sabelo sato. Lawa-ke ngemakhosi elive Joshuwa kanye nema-Israyeli labawancoba ngasenshonalanga neJordane, kusuka eBhali Gadi eSihosheni saseLebanoni kuye eNtsabeni iHalaki, levela ngaseSeyiri, live lawo Joshuwa walabela tive tema-Israyeli, kwaba lifa lato kwaya ngekuhleleka kwetive. Lelive lalifaka ekhatsi live letintsaba, ematsafa langasenshonalanga, ne-Arabha, nemacele etintsaba, nelihlane kanye neNegevu, lekuyiningizimu yelive, lekwakungemave emaHethi, nema-Amori, nemaKhenani, nemaPheresi, nemaHive kanye nemaJebhusi: inkhosi yaseJerikho yaba yinye, inkhosi yase-Ayi, eceleni kweBetheli, yaba yinye, inkhosi yaseJerusalema yaba yinye, inkhosi yaseHebroni yaba yinye, inkhosi yaseJamuthi yaba yinye, inkhosi yaseLakhishi yaba yinye, inkhosi yase-Egloni yaba yinye, inkhosi yaseGezeri yaba yinye, inkhosi yaseDebiri yaba yinye, inkhosi yaseGederi yaba yinye, inkhosi yaseHoma yaba yinye, inkhosi yase-Aradi yaba yinye, inkhosi yaseLibna yaba yinye, inkhosi yase-Adulamu yaba yinye, inkhosi yaseMakheda yaba yinye, inkhosi yaseBetheli yaba yinye, inkhosi yaseThaphuwa yaba yinye, inkhosi yaseHeferi yaba yinye, inkhosi yase-Afeki yaba yinye, inkhosi yase-Lasharoni yaba yinye, inkhosi yaseMadoni yaba yinye, inkhosi yaseHasori yaba yinye, inkhosi yaseShimironi Meroni yaba yinye, inkhosi yase-Akshafu yaba yinye, inkhosi yaseThanaki yaba yinye, inkhosi yaseMegido yaba yinye, inkhosi yaseKhedeshi yaba yinye, inkhosi yaseJokneyamu, eKhameli, yaba yinye, inkhosi yaseDori, eNafothi Dori, yaba yinye, inkhosi yaseGoyimu, eGilgali, yaba yinye, inkhosi yaseThisa yaba yinye. Kwaba ngemakhosi langema-31 asawonkhe. Kwatsi Joshuwa nasamdzala, asakhulile nangeminyaka, Simakadze wakhuluma kuye, watsi: “Sewumdzala kakhulu, kantsi kusenetifundza letinkhulu lekufanele titsatfwe. “Nali-ke lelive lelisasele: tonkhe tifundza temaFilisti netemaGeshuri, kusukela eMfuleni iShihori, emphumalanga neGibhithe, kuye eveni la-Ekroni ngasenyakatfo, lonkhe libalwa ngekutsi lemaKhenani, live lebabusi bemaFilisti labasihlanu eGaza, nase-Ashdodi, nase-Ashkeloni naseGathi, kanye nase-Ekroni kulema-Avi; kusukela eningizimu, kulo lonkhe live lemaKhenani, nekusukela eMeyara yemaSidoni kuze kube nguse-Afeki, emnyeleni welive lema-Amori, nelive lemaGebali; nayo yonkhe iLebanoni ngasemphumalanga, kusukela eBhali Gadi, ngaphansi kweNtsaba iHemoni, kuye eLebo Hamathi. “Tonkhe takhamiti tetifundza tetintsaba kusuka eLebanoni kuye eMisrefothi Mayimu, lokusho kutsi, onkhe emaSidoni, mine matfupha ngitatikhipha embikwema-Israyeli. Wena-ke lelive ubolabela ema-Israyeli ngenkatho, libe live lawo njengobe ngikuyalile. Ubolaba kube lifa, ulabele letive letiyimfica nencenye yesive sakaManase.” Incenye yesive sakaManase, nesive sakaRubeni, nesakaGadi tona tase tisemukele sabelo lesilifa lato kuMosi, watinika live lelingasemphumalanga neJordane njengobe yena, labeyinceku yaSimakadze, abesatabele. Live labo lalisuka e-Aroyeri emngcengcemeni weMsaho wase-Anoni, nasedolobheni lelisemkhatsini weMsaho, lalifaka sonkhe sibebesi semmango waseMedeba kuze kuyewufika eDiboni, nawo onkhe emadolobha aSihoni, inkhosi yema-Amori, labebusa eHeshboni, kuze kuyewufika emnyeleni wema-Amoni. Laliphindze lifake ekhatsi iGileyadi, nelive lesive sakaGeshuri nesakaMakha, nayo yonkhe iNtsaba iHemoni, nalo lonkhe laseBhashani, kuze kuyewufika eSalekha; lokusho kutsi ngiwo wonkhe umbuso wa-Ogi eBhashani, labeke wabusa e-Ashtarothe nase-Edreyi, labenguyena asesele angulomunye webekugcina besive semaRefa. Mosi abesincobile wabe sewutsatsa lelive laso. Kodvwa ema-Israyeli akazange atidvungulule atikhiphe letive takaGeshuri nesakaMakha, ngako-ke tachubeka tahlala emkhatsini wema-Israyeli, kwaze kwaba ngulamuhla. Kodvwa sive sakaLevi Mosi akazange asabele lifa ngesizatfu sekutsi iminikelo leyentiwa ngemlilo kuSimakadze, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, ilifa lakaLevi, njengobe abemtsembisile. Nali-ke live Mosi lalabela sive sakaRubeni, lusendvo ngelusendvo: Live kusuka e-Aroyeri emngcengcemeni weMsaho wase-Anoni, nekusuka edolobheni lelisemkhatsini weMsaho, lifake ekhatsi sonkhe sibebesi semmango waseMedeba, kuye eHeshboni kanye nawo emadolobha ayo labesetulu esibebesini labefaka ekhatsi iDiboni, neBhamothi Bhali, neBhethi Bhali Meyoni, neJahasi, neKhedemothi, neMefathi, neKhiriyathayimu, neSibima, neSerethi Shahari, egcumeni lelikuleso sihosha, neBhethi Pheyori, nemacele ePhisga, neBhethi Jeshimothi, nawo onkhe lamanye emadolobha labesesibebesini nakuwo wonkhe umbuso waSihoni, inkhosi yema-Amori, labebusa eHeshboni. Mosi wayincoba lenkhosi kanye nebabusi baseMidiyani: bo-Evi, naRekhemu, naSuri, naHure, naReba, lababetihlanganise naSihoni, lababehlala kulelo live. Ngetulu kwalabo lababebulewe emphini, ema-Israyeli abebulele agwaza Bhalamu, umsa waBheyori, labesangoma. Umnyele wemaRubeni kwakungumfula iJordane. Lamadolobha kanye nemiti yawo kwaba lifa lemaRubeni, lusendvo ngelusendvo. Nali-ke live Mosi lalabela sive sakaGadi, lusendvo ngelusendvo: Kwaba live laseJazeri, nawo onkhe emadolobha akaGileyadi, nencenye yelive lema-Amoni kuze kuyewufika e-Aroyeri, eceleni kweRabha; nekusukela eHeshboni kuye eRamathi Mispa naseBhetonimu, nekusuka eMahanayimu kuye eveni laseDebiri, nasetihosheni eBhethi Haramu, naseBhethi Nimra, naseSukhothi, naseSafoni nawo wonkhe umbuso waSihoni, inkhosi yaseHeshboni, ngasemphumalanga neJordane, live lelenyuka liyewugcina ngeLwandle lwaseKhinerethi. Lamadolobha kanye nemiti yawo kwaba lifa lesive sakaGadi, lusendvo ngelusendvo. Nali-ke live Mosi lalabela incenye yesive sakaManase, lokusho incenye yemindeni yetitukulwane takaManase, lusendvo ngelusendvo: Live lelisuka eMahanayimu lifaka ekhatsi yonkhe iBhashani, nawo wonkhe umbuso wa-Ogi, inkhosi yaseBhashani, nayo yonkhe imiti yaJayire lebeyiseBhashani, emadolobha langema-60, nencenye yaseGileyadi, ne-Ashtarothe, ne-Edreyi, emadolobha a-Ogi, inkhosi yaseBhashani. Lelo-ke laba ngeletitukulwane taMakhire, umsa waManase, incenye yemadvodzana aMakhire, lusendvo ngelusendvo. Leli-ke lifa Mosi labelabile ngesikhatsi asesematsafeni akaMowabi ngesheya kweJordane, emphumalanga neJerikho. Kodvwa sive semaLevi Mosi akazange asabele lifa, ngobe Simakadze, Nkulunkulu waka-Israyeli, ulifa laso, njengobe abesetsembisile. Leti-ke tindzawo ema-Israyeli labelwa tona taba lifa lawo eveni laseKhenani, lekwatsi Eleyazare, umphristi, naJoshuwa, umsa waNuni, nebaholi betive taka-Israyeli bawabela tona. Lamafa abiwa ngenkatho etiveni letiyimfica nencenye, njengobe Simakadze abeshito ngaMosi. Mosi letive letimbili nencenye abesatabele lifa lato ngasemphumalanga neJordane; kodvwa akazange emaLevi awabele lifa emkhatsini wato, ngobe emadvodzana aJosefa abesative letimbili: sive sakaManase, nesaka-Efrayimu. EmaLevi akazange abelwe live, kodvwa abelwa emadolobha lapho abetawuhlala khona, abelwa nemadlelo etifuyo tawo. Ngako-ke ema-Israyeli abelana live, kwaya njengobe Mosi abeyalwe nguSimakadze. Emadvodzana akaJuda aya kuJoshuwa eGilgali, Khalebi, umsa waJefune, umKhenizi, wafike watsi: “Uyati kutsi Simakadze watsini ngawe nami, kuMosi, inceku yaNkulunkulu, eKhadeshi Bhaneya? Ngangineminyaka lengema-40 budzala ngesikhatsi Mosi, inceku yaNkulunkulu, angitfuma eKhadeshi Bhaneya kutsi ngiyewuhlola live. Ngamletsela umbiko lowetsembekile ngaloko lengakubona, kodvwa bomnaketfu lengangenyuke nabo benta tinhlitiyo tesive tatfutfumela, tashona phansi ngenca yekwesaba. Noko, mine ngalandzela Simakadze Nkulunkulu wami ngayo yonkhe inhlitiyo yami. Ngako, ngalelo langa Mosi wafunga kimi, watsi: ‘Live lapho lunyawo lwakho luke lwanyatsela khona liyawuba lifa lakho kanye nelebantfwabakho phakadze naphakadze, ngobe wena ulandzele Simakadze Nkulunkulu wami ngayo yonkhe inhlitiyo yakho.’ “Manje, njengobe Simakadze etsembisa, ungigcinile ngaphila iminyaka lengema-45 seloku Simakadze akukhuluma loko kuMosi, ngesikhatsi ema-Israyeli azulazula ehlane. Ngako-ke naku lamuhla ngineminyaka lengema-85 budzala! Nalamuhla seloku emtimbeni ngitiva ngisacine njengobe nganginjalo mhlazana Mosi angitfuma. Namanje ngitiva ngicine kangangekutsi nemphi ngisengayiphuma njengobe ngangingenta nangaleso sikhatsi. Manje nginike nali live letintsaba, Simakadze langetsembisa lona ngalelo langa. Nawe cobo lwakho wativela ngaleso sikhatsi kutsi ema-Anaki abekhona lapho nekutsi emadolobha awo abemakhulu futsi atinqaba, kodvwa, ngekusitwa nguSimakadze, ngitawadvungulula ngiwacoshe njengobe Simakadze asho.” Ngako Joshuwa wabusisa Khalebi, umsa waJefune, wamabela iHebroni, yaba lifa lakhe. Kusukela ngalelo langa iHebroni yaba yaKhalebi, umsa waJefune, umKhenizi, ngobe walandzela Simakadze, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, ngayo yonkhe inhlitiyo yakhe. IHebroni yayetsiwe nga-Abha, yabitwa ngekutsi yiKhiriyathi Abha. Abha abeyindvodza leyayidvume kakhulu esiveni sema-Anaki. Live laba nekuphumula, netimphi taphela. Live lelasikelwa sive sakaJuda, lusendvo ngelusendvo, lalehla licondze eningizimu emnyeleni waka-Edomu liye eHlane laseSini, ngasekugcineni eningizimu. Umnyele walo wangaseningizimu wawusuka esikhunjini lesasingasekugcineni ngaseningizimu yeLwandle Lweluswayi, wewelele eningizimu neMsaho longuFecela, wendlulele eSini uye eningizimu yaseKhadeshi Bhaneya. Wawendlula eHesroni, wenyukele e-Adari, ujike uye eKhakha. Wawendlula ucondze e-Asmoni, uhlangane neMfudlana waseGibhithe, ugcine elwandle. Kwaba ngulowo-ke umnyele wabo wangaseningizimu. Umnyele wangasemphumalanga bekuLwandle Lweluswayi, kuze kuyewufika ekungeneni kwemfula iJordane. Umnyele wangasenyakatfo wawucala esikhunjini selwandle, ekungeneni kwemfula iJordane, wenyuke ucondze eBhethi Hogla, uchubekele enyakatfo yaseBhethi Arabha, ucondze eTjeni laBohani, umsa waRubeni. Umnyele wawenyuka ucondze eDebiri, eSihosheni sase-Akhori, ugucukele ngasenyakatfo eGilgali, lebhekene neMsaho wase-Adumimu eningizimu neMsaho. Wawuchubeka ugudle eManti ase-Eni Shemeshi, uze ufike e-Eni Rogeli. Wawenyuka uye eSigodzini sendvodzana yaHinomu, kugudla iningizimu yelicele lelidolobha lemaJebhusi, lekutsiwa yiJerusalema. Wawusuka lapho ukhwele etulu esicongweni seligcuma ngasenshonalanga neSigodzi sakaHinomu ngasekugcineni kweSigodzi semaRefa, enyakatfo. Kusuka esicongweni saleligcuma umnyele wawuhamba ucondze ngasemtfonjeni wemanti aseNefithowa, uphumele emadolobheni eNtsaba i-Efroni, wewuke ucondze eBhala, lekuyiKhiriyathi Jeyarimu. Wawube sewuyajika ucondza enshonalanga, usuke eBhala uye eNtsabeni iSeyiri, uhambe ugudle licele lelingasenyakatfo neNtsaba iJeyarimu, lekuyiKhesaloni, uchubeke wewuke uye eBhethi Shemeshi, wewelele eThimna. Wawuhamba ucondze eceleni kweligcuma lelingasenyakatfo ne-Ekroni ujikele eShikheroni, wendlule ugudle iNtsaba iBhala ufike eJabniyeli. Umnyele wawugcina elwandle. Umnyele wangasenshonalanga kwakulusentse lweLwandle Lolukhulu. Ngiyo lena-ke iminyele leyayitungeleta sive sakaJuda, lusendvo ngelusendvo. Ngekulandzela umyalo waSimakadze, Joshuwa wabela Khalebi, umsa waJefune, indzawo letsite kaJuda, iKhiriyathi Abha, lekuyiHebroni. Abha bekungukhokho wa-Anaki. Kusukela eHebroni Khalebi wesuka wacosha lama-Anaki lamatsatfu: boSheshayi, na-Ahimani, naThalmayi, titukulwane ta-Anaki. Wesuka lapho wahlasela takhamiti letatihlala eDebiri, leyayike yatiwa ngekutsi yiKhiriyathi Seferi. Khalebi wakhuluma watsi: “Lowo lotawuhlasela ehlule iKhiriyathi Seferi, ngitamnika indvodzakati yami, Akhisa, kutsi ashade nayo.” Othniyeli, umsa waKhenazi, umnakaboKhalebi, wayihlasela wayehlula; ngako-ke Khalebi wamnika indvodzakati yakhe, Akhisa, kutsi ashade nayo. Ngalelinye lilanga Akhisa wefika ku-Othniyeli wamncenga kutsi ayewucela insimi kuyise, Khalebi. Watsi Akhisa nakehla embongolweni, Khalebi wambuta watsi: “Akhisa, ngingakwentelani?” Akhisa waphendvula watsi: “Ase umane ungisite ngentfo yinye. Njengobe sewungabele indzawo eNegevu, iningizimu nelive lakaJuda, ase umane ungiphe naletiyalu temanti.” Ngako Khalebi wabe sewumnika letiyalu letatingenhla naletatingentansi. Lesi-ke sabelo sesive sakaJuda, lusendvo ngelusendvo: Emadolobha langaseningizimu yelive lakaJuda, kuya emnyeleni waka-Edomu, kwaba ngulawa: KwakuyiKhabsiyeli, ne-Ederi, neJaguri, neKhina, neDimona, ne-Adada, neKhedeshi, neHasori, ne-Ithnani, neZifu, neThelemu, neBheyalothi, neHasori Hadatha, neKheriyothi Hesroni, lekuyiHasori, ne-Amamu, neShema, neMolada, neHasari Gada, neHeshmoni, neBhethi Pheleti, neHasari Shuwali, neBherisheba, neBhisiyothiya, neBhala, ne-Iyimu, ne-Esemu, ne-Eltholadi, neKhesili, neHoma, neSikilagi, neMadmana, neSansana, neLebayothi, neShilhimu, ne-Ayini, neRimona, lekwaba ngemadolobha langema-29 akanye nemiti yawo. Ematsafeni kwaba ngulawa: Kwakuyi-Eshtayoli, neSora, ne-Ashna, neZanowa, ne-Eni Ganimu, neThaphuwa, ne-Enamu, neJamuthi, ne-Adulamu, neSokho, ne-Azekha, neSharayimu, ne-Adithayimu, neGedera, nome-ke iGederothayimu, lekwaba ngemadolobha lali-14 akanye nemiti yawo. KwakuyiSanani, neHadasha, neMigdali Gadi, neDileyani, neMispa, neJokthiyeli, neLakhishi, neBhoskhathi, ne-Egloni, neKhabhoni, neLahamasi, neKhitlishi, neGederothi, neBhethi Dagoni, neNama, neMakheda, lekwaba ngemadolobha lali-16 akanye nemiti yawo. KwakuyiLibna, ne-Etheri, ne-Ashani, ne-Jifta, ne-Ashna, neNesibu, neKheyila, ne-Akzibi, neMaresha, lekwaba ngemadolobha layimfica akanye nemiti yawo. I-Ekroni yaba kanye netabelo nemiti leyitungeletile; emphumalanga ne-Ekroni, yonkhe indzawo yase-Ashdodi, kanye nemiti yawo. I-Ashdodi yaba kanye netabelo nemiti leyitungeletile; iGaza yaba kanye netabelo nemiti leyitungeletile, kuze kuyewufika emfudlaneni waseGibhithe nelusentse lweLwandle Lolukhulu. Eveni letintsaba: Kwaba yiShamiri, neJathiri, neSokho, neDana, neKhiriyathi Sana, lekuyiDebiri, ne-Anabu, ne-Eshtemoya, ne-Animu, neGosheni, neHoloni, neGilo, lekwaba ngemadolobha lali-11 akanye nemiti yawo. Kwakuyi-Arabu, neDuma, ne-Eshani, neJanumi, neBhethi Thaphuwa, ne-Afekha, neHumtha, neKhiriyathi Abha, lekuyiHebroni, neSiyori, lekwaba ngemadolobha layimfica akanye nemiti yawo. KwakuyiMayoni, neKhameli, neZifu, neJutha, neJezreyeli, neJokdeyamu, neZanowa, neKhayini, neGibeya, neThimna, lekwaba ngemadolobha lalishumi akanye nemiti yawo. KwakuyiHalhuli, neBhethi Suri, neGedori, neMarathi, neBhethi Anothi, ne-Elthekoni, lekwaba ngemadolobha lasitfupha nemiti yawo. KwakuyiKhiriyathi Bhali, lekuyiKhiriyathi Jeyarimu, neRabha, lekwaba ngemadolobha lamabili nemiti yawo. Ehlane: Kwaba yiBhethi Arabha, neMidini, neSekhakha, neNibshani, Lidolobha Leluswayi, ne-Eni Gedi, lekwaba ngemadolobha lasitfupha akanye nemiti yawo. Juda akazange akhone kuwacosha emaJebhusi labehlala eJerusalema; nalamuhla loku emaJebhusi seloku ahlala ndzawonye nesive sakaJuda. Live lelalisabelo saJosefa lalisuka eJordane malungana neJerikho, ngasemphumalanga netiyalu taseJerikho, lenyuke lidzabule lihlane licondze eveni letintsaba laseBetheli. Lelive lalisuka eBetheli, licondze eLuzi, lewelele ngesheya kwelive lema-Akhi, e-Atharothe, lehlele ngasenshonalanga eveni lesive semaJafulethi, kuze kuyewufika esifundzeni saseBhethi Horoni Lengentasi, lendlulele eGezeri, ligcine elwandle. Ngako-ke Manase na-Efrayimu, titukulwane taJosefa, tabelwa lelo lifa. Leli-ke bekulive lebaka-Efrayimu, lusendvo ngelusendvo: Umnyele wesabelo sabo wawusuka e-Atharothe Adari ngasemphumalanga, ucondze enhla neBhethi Horoni Lengenhla, uchubeke uze ufike elwandle. Wawusuka eMikmethathi ngasenyakatfo, ujikele ngasemphumalanga ucondze eThanathi Shilo, ushaye edvute nayo, ucondze eJanoha ngasemphumalanga. Wawusuka eJanoha ucondze e-Atharothe naseNara, utsintse eJerikho, uphumele ngale eJordane. Kusuka eThaphuwa lomnyele wawucondza ngasenshonalanga emfudlaneni iKhana, ugcine elwandle. Leso-ke kwaba sabelo sesive saka-Efrayimu, lusendvo ngelusendvo. Sasifaka ekhatsi onkhe emadolobha kanye nemiti yawo leyayehlukaniselwe sive saka-Efrayimu kanye nesabelo sesive sakaManase. Atizange tikhone kuwacosha emaKhenani labehlala eGezeri; nalamuhla loku emaKhenani seloku ahlala ndzawonye nesive saka-Efrayimu, kodvwa asetjentiswa kamatima. Nali-ke live lelabelwa sive sakaManase, labelitubulo laJosefa; lelabelwa Makhire, litubulo laManase. Makhire abengukhokho webakaGileyadi, labemukele iGileyadi neBhashani, ngobe Makhire abeyingwazi ledvumile. Ngako lesabelo saba salabanye besive sakaManase, lusendvo ngelusendvo: lwaka-Abiyezeri, nelwakaHeleki, nelwaka-Asriyeli, nelwakaShekhemu, nelwakaHeferi, nelwakaShemida. Leti-ke bekunguletinye titukulwane letidvuna takaManase, umsa waJosefa, lusendvo ngelusendvo. Selofehadi, umsa waHeferi, umsa waGileyadi, umsa waMakhire, umsa waManase, abete emadvodzana anemadvodzakati kuphela, emabito awo kuboMahala, naNowa, naHogla, naMilkha, naThisa. Lamadvodzakati ahamba aya ku-Eleyazare, umphristi, naJoshuwa, umsa waNuni, nalabanye baholi, afike atsi: “Simakadze wayala Mosi kutsi asinike sabelo setfu emkhatsini walabomnaketfu.” Ngako Joshuwa wawanika lifa lawo kanye nabomnakaboyise, njengokuyalwa nguSimakadze. Sabelo saManase saba tindzima letilishumi, ngaphandle kweGileyadi neBhashani emphumalanga neJordane, ngobe emadvodzakati esive sakaManase emukela sabelo kanye nemadvodzana akhe. Live lakaGileyadi bekulalawa lamanye emadvodzana akaManase. Live lakaManase laliksuka e-Asheri licondze eMikmethathi emphumalanga neShekhemu. Umnyele walo wawusuka lapho ucondze ngaseningizimu, ufake ekhatsi sive lesasihlala e-Eni Thaphuwa. Live laseThaphuwa laba laManase, kodvwa iThaphuwa yona ngekwayo emnyeleni waManase bekungeyesive saka-Efrayimu. Lomnyele wawuchubeka wehlele ngaseningizimu emfudlaneni iKhana. Ngaseningizimu nalomfudlana bekunemadolobha aka-Efrayimu labesemkhatsini wemadolobha akaManase; kodvwa umnyele wakaManase wawuhamba ngenhla kwalomfudlana ngasenyakatho, uze uyekuma elwandle. Live lelalingaseningizimu bekungelaka-Efrayimu, bese kutsi ngasenyakatfo kube lakaManase. Live lakaManase lalihamba ligcine ngelwandle, lisikelane nelaka-Asheri ngasenyakatfo, laka-Isakhari libe ngasemphumalanga. Emkhatsini welaka-Isakhari nelaka-Asheri lakaManase lalineBhethi Shani, neJibleyamu, nesive saseDori, nase-Eni Dori, naseThanaki, naseMegido, ndzawonye kanye nemiti leyayitungelete lawo madolobha. Noko sive sakaManase asizange sikhone kuwadla lamadolobha, ngobe emaKhenani abetimisele kuhlala kuleso sifundza. Noko kwatsi kube ema-Israyeli akhule acine ngemandla, awehlula lamaKhenani, ase ayawacindzetela kutsi awasebentele, kodvwa akazange awakhiphe onkhe. Sive sakaJosefa sakhuluma kuJoshuwa, satsi: “Tsine usisikeleleni sabelo sinye, lekuyindzawo yinye, kutsi kube lifa letfu? Tsine sisive lesinyenti kakhulu, naSimakadze usibusise kakhulu wasenta saba banyenti.” Joshuwa wabaphendvula, watsi: “Nangabe nibanyenti kakhulu, nangabe futsi nalelive letintsaba laka-Efrayimu lilincane kini, yenyukelani ehlatsini nilihhehle lonkhe, khona nitewutitfolela indzawo khona eveni lemaPheresi nelemaRefa.” Sive sakaJosefa saphendvula, satsi: “Lelive letintsaba aliseneli, nemaKhenani onkhe lahlala kulelo tsafa anetincola tetinsimbi, bonkhe lababeseBhethi Shani netabelo tayo kanye nalabaseSigodzini saseJezreyeli.” Kodvwa Joshuwa wakhuluma emndenini waJosefa, kubo-Efrayimu naManase, watsi: “Vele, nibanyenti, kantsi futsi ninemandla. Ningeke nibe nesabelo sinye kuphela, kodvwa ninikwa nalelive letintsaba lelinemahlatsi. Lihhehleni lonkhe lelihlatsi nitsatse yonkhe leyo ndzawo ibe yenu, kuze kuyewufika lapho ligcina khona; nome emaKhenani anetincola tetinsimbi kantsi acinile, kodvwa nine ningawadvungulula niwacitse.” Sonkhe sive sema-Israyeli sahlangana ndzawonye eShilo semisa lithende lekuhlangana khona lapho. Ema-Israyeli abesalincobile lonkhe live, kodvwa bekusasele tive letisikhombisa letatisengakabelwa lifa lato. Ngako Joshuwa wakhuluma kuma-Israyeli, watsi: “Nitawuma kuze kube ngunini ningacali kudla lelive Simakadze Nkulunkulu waboyihlo lanipha lona? Khetsani emadvodza lamatsatfu kuleso nakuleso sive. Ngitawatfuma kutsi ayewuhlola lelive, abhale phansi, alichaze kutsi linjani, njengekwabelwa kwaleso naleso sive. Atawube asayabuya eta kimi. Lelive kufanele nilisike tigaba letisikhombisa. Sive sakaJuda kufanele sihlale endzaweni yaso eningizimu, bese kutsi sive sakaJosefa naso sibesendzaweni yaso enyakatfo. Nitawutsi ningacedza kubhala inchazelo ngaletindzawo letisikhombisa talelive, bese nikuletsa lapha kimi, mine-ke ngitawube senginentela inkatho embikwaSimakadze Nkulunkulu wetfu. EmaLevi wona, angeke asitfole sabelo emkhatsini wenu, ngobe kukhonta kwabo kwebuphristi embikwaSimakadze kusabelo sabo. BakaGadi nebakaRubeni nencenye yesive sakaManase bona sebalemukele lifa labo ngasemphumalanga neJordane. Mosi, inceku yaSimakadze, wabanika lona.” Atsi lamadvodza asacala loluhambo lwawo kuyawudvweba libalave laleyo ndzawo, Joshuwa wawayala watsi: “Hambani niyewuhlola lelive, nibhale phansi inchazelo yalo. Nitawube seniyabuya nita kimi, mine-ke ngitawube senginentela inkatho lapha eShilo embikwaSimakadze.” Ngako lamadvodza ahamba alidzabula ekhatsi lonkhe lelo live. Abhala phansi inchazelo yalo encwadzini legocotwako, lidolobha ngelidolobha, tigaba letisikhombisa; ancandzeka abuyela kuJoshuwa enkambu leyayiseShilo. Joshuwa wabe sewuwentela inkatho eShilo embikwaSimakadze, lelive wabe sewulabela ema-Israyeli ngekwetive tawo. Inkatho yakhomba sive sakaBhenjamini, lusendvo ngelusendvo. Live lesabelwa lona lalisemkhatsini wesive sakaJuda nesakaJosefa, lema kanje: Noko sive sakaManase asizange sikhone kuwadla laNgasenyakatho umnyele wawusuka eJordane, wendlule ngaseceleni laseJerikho lelingasenyakatfo, ucondze enshonalanga, eveni letintsaba, wendlule uye ehlane laseBhethi Aveni. Kusuka lapho wawewelela eceleni lelingaseningizimu yeLuzi, lekuyiBetheli, wehlele e-Atharothi Adari egcumeni leningizimu yeBhethi Horoni Lengentansi. Wawusuka egcumeni lelibhekene neBhethi Horoni ngaseningizimu, lomnyele ujikele eningizimu ugudle ngasenshonalanga wendlulele eKhiriyathi Bhali, lekuyiKhiriyathi Jeyarimu, lidolobha lesive sakaJuda. Lona bekungumhlubulo wangasenshonalanga. Emhlubulweni wangaseningizimu lomnyele wawusuka elusentseni lweKhiriyathi Jeyarimu ngasenshonalanga, uphumele emtfonjeni wemanti aseNefithowa. Lomnyele wawehla ucondze ngentansi kweligcuma lelibhekene neSigodzi sakaBheni Hinomu, enyakatfo neSigodzi semaRefa. Wawuchubeka wewukele eSigodzini sakaHinomu, ugudle licele lelingaseningizimu yelidolobha lemaJebhusi, uze ufike kulase-Eni Rogeli. Wawujikela ngasenyakatfo, ucondze e-Eni Shemeshi uchubeke uye eGelilothi, lebhekene neMsaho wase-Adumimu, uze wehlele eTjeni laBohani, umsa waRubeni. Wawendlula ucondze enyakatfo eceleni laseBhethi Arabha, wehlele e-Arabha. Wawuhamba ucondze enyakatfo eceleni leBhethi Hogla, wendlulele esikhunjini lesingasenyakatfo neLwandle Lweluswayi, ekungeneni kwemfula iJordane ngaseningizimu. Lona-ke bekungumnyele lowawungaseningizimu. IJordane yayingumnyele longasemhlubulweni wangasemphumalanga. Ngiyo lena-ke iminyele leyayikhombisa sabelo sesive sakaBhenjamini, lusendvo ngelusendvo. Sive sakaBhenjamini lusendvo ngelusendvo, sasinalamadolobha lalandzelako: BekuyiJerikho, neBhethi Hogla, ne-Emeki Khesisi, neBhethi Arabha, neSemarayimu, neBetheli, ne-Avimu, nePhara, ne-Ofra, neKhefari Amoni, ne-Ofni, neGeba. Kwaba ngemadolobha lali-12 akanye nemiti yawo. BekuyiGibeyoni, neRama, neBherothi, neMispa, neKhefira, neMosa, neRekhemu, ne-Iripheyeli, neTharala, neSela, ne-Helefu, lidolobha lemaJebhusi, lekuyiJerusalema, neGibeya, neKhiriyathi. Kwaba ngemadolobha lali-14 akanye nemiti yawo. Leli-ke kwaba lifa lelabelwa sive sakaBhenjamini, lusendvo ngelusendvo. Inkatho yesibili yacondzana nesive sakaSimeyoni, lusendvo ngelusendvo. Live lesabelwa lona lalisekhatsi eveni lakaJuda. Lalifaka ekhatsi: IBherisheba, nome iSheba, neMolada, neHasari Shuwali, neBhala, ne-Esemu, ne-Eltholadi, neBhethuweli, neHoma, neSikilagi, neBhethi Makhabothi, neHasari Susimu, neBhethi Lebayothi, neSharuheni. Kwaba ngemadolobha lali-13 akanye nemiti yawo. Bekuyi-Ayini, neRimona, ne-Etheri, ne-Ashani. Kwaba ngemadolobha lamane akanye nemiti yawo, nayo yonkhe imiti leyayitungelete lamadolobha, kuze kuyewufika eBhalathi Bheri, lekwakuyiRama yaseNegevu, iningizimu nelive. Kwaba ngulelo-ke live lelaba sabelo sesive sakaSimeyoni, lusendvo ngelusendvo. Lifa lesive sakaSimeyoni latsatfwa esabelweni sakaJuda, ngobe live lakaJuda lalilikhulu kunabo. Ngako-ke sive sakaSimeyoni sabelwa lifa eveni lakaJuda. Inkatho yesitsatfu yacondzana nesive sakaZebuloni, lusendvo ngelusendvo: Umnyele welive labo wawuhamba uze ufike eSaridi. Wawusuka lapho ucondze enshonalanga, eMarala, ufike eDabheshethi, wendlulele emfudlaneni lowawusedvute neJokneyamu. Wawusuka eSaridi ucondze emphumalanga ucondzane nekuphuma kwelilanga eveni laKhislothi Thabori, uhambe ucondze eDabherathi, wenyuke ucondze eJafiya. Wawuchubeka ucondze emphumalanga eGathi Heferi, nase-Ethi Kasini; wawufike wendlule iRimoni ujikele eNeya. Lapho-ke umnyele wawugega ngasenyakatfo ucondze eHanathoni, ugcine eSihosheni saseJifta Eli. Wawufaka ekhatsi iKhathathi, neNahalali, neShimironi, neJidala, neBhetlehema. Kwaba ngemadolobha lali-12 akanye nemiti yawo. Lamadolobha nemiti yawo aba lifa lelabelwa sive sakaZebuloni, lusendvo ngelusendvo. Inkatho yesine yacondzana nesive saka-Isakhari, lusendvo ngelusendvo. Live laso lalifaka ekhatsi: IJezreyeli, neKhesulothi, neShunemu, neHafarayimu, neShiyoni, ne-Anaharathi, neRabhithi, neKhishiyoni, ne-Ebesi, neRemethi, ne-Eni Ganimu, ne-Eni Hada, neBhethi Phasesi. Umnyele wawugudla iNtsaba iThabori neShahasima, neBhethi Shemeshi ugcine eJordane. Kwaba ngemadolobha lali-16 akanye nemiti yawo. Lamadolobha kanye nemiti yawo kwaba lifa lelabelwa sive saka-Isakhari, lusendvo ngelusendvo. Inkatho yesihlanu yacondzana nesive saka-Asheri, lusendvo ngelusendvo. Live laso lalifaka ekhatsi: IHelkathi, neHali, neBheteni, ne-Akshafu, ne-Alameleki, ne-Amadi, neMishali. Ngasenshonalanga lomnyele wawugudla iKhameli neShihori Libnathi. Wawusuka lapho ujikele ngasemphumalanga ucondze eBhethi Dagoni, ufike kaZebuloni naseSihosheni sase-Jifta Eli, ucondze enyakatfo eBhethi Emeki, naseNeyiyeli, wendlulele eKhabuli, ngesancele. Wawuhamba ucondze e-Abdoni, naseRehobu, naseHamoni, naseKhana, uze ufike eSidoni Lenkhulu. Umnyele wawube sewujikela ngaseRama, ucondze eThire, lidolobha leliyinqaba, bese ujikela ngaseHosa, uphumele elwandle esifundzeni saseMahalabi nase-Akzibi, nase-Uma, nase-Afeki, naseRehobu. Kwaba ngemadolobha langema-22 akanye nemiti yawo. Lamadolobha kanye nemiti yawo kwaba lifa lelabelwa sive saka-Asheri, lusendvo ngelusendvo. Inkatho yesitfupha yacondzana nesive sakaNaftali, lusendvo ngelusendvo: Umnyele wabo wawusuka eHelefu esihlahleni lesikhulu saseSananimu, wendlule e-Adami Nekhebi, neJabniyeli ucondze eLakhumu, uze uyewungena eJordane. Lomnyele wawujika ucondze ngasenshonalanga udzabule ekhatsi i-Aznothi Thabhori, uze uphumele eHukhoki. Wawufike ugudle emnyeleni wakaZebuloni ngaseningizimu, bese kutsi ngasenshonalanga ugudle umnyele waka-Asheri, ngasemphumalanga kube ngumfula iJordane. Emadolobha latinqaba kwaba yiSidimu, neSeri, neHamathi, neRakhathi, neKhinerethi, ne-Adama, neRama, neHasori, neKhedeshi, ne-Edreyi, ne-Eni Hasori, neJironi, neMigdali Eli, neHoremu, neBhethi Anathi, neBhethi Shemeshi. Kwaba ngemadolobha lali-19 akanye nemiti yawo. Lamadolobha kanye nemiti yawo kwaba lifa lelabelwa sive sakaNaftali, lusendvo ngelusendvo. Inkatho yesikhombisa yacondzana nesive sakaDani, lusendvo ngelusendvo. Lelive lalifaka nati tindzawo: Kwaba yiSora, ne-Eshtayoli, ne-Iri Shemeshi, neShalbimu, ne-Ayaloni, ne-Jithila, ne-Eloni, neThimna, ne-Ekroni, ne-Eltheke, neGibhethoni, neBhalathi, neJehudi, neBhene Bheraki, neGathi Rimoni, neMe Jakhoni, neRakhoni, kanye nalendzawo lebhekene neJopha. Kodvwa sive sakaDani saba nenkinga kutsi silidle lelive laso, ngako senyuka sayakuhlasela iLeshemu, sayidla, sayicedza ngenkemba, sayitfumba. Sahlala eLeshemu sase siyetsa libito ngakhokho waso satsi yiDani. Lamadolobha kanye nemiti yawo kwaba lifa lelabelwa sive sakaDani, lusendvo ngelusendvo. Batsi kube bacedze kwaba lelive ngekwetigaba talo, baka-Israyeli banika Joshuwa, umsa waNuni, sabelo lesilifa lakhe emkhatsini wabo, njengobe Simakadze abeyalile. Bamnika lidolobha labelicelile, iThimnathi Sera, liseveni letintsaba ka-Efrayimu. Walakha lelidolobha, wase uhlala kulo. Lawa-ke ngemave, Eleyazare, umphristi, naJoshuwa, umsa waNuni, nebaholi betive taka-Israyeli, labawaba ngenkatho eShilo embikwaSimakadze, ekungeneni kwelithende lekuhlangana. Kwaba kucedza kwabo-ke kwabelana live. Simakadze wakhuluma kuJoshuwa, watsi: “Tjela ema-Israyeli kutsi akakhetse lamanye emadolobha ekukhosela, njengobe ngasho ngaMosi, kuze kutsi nakukhona lobulele umuntfu ngesiphosiso angakacondzi, abalekele khona, atewusindza kulowo longumphindziseli, losihlobo sengati salowo lambulele. “Utawutsi nakabalekela kulelinye lalamadolobha afike eme esangweni lalelo dolobha alandzise yonkhe indzaba yakhe embikwabandlancane walelo dolobha. Kufanele lobandlancane amngenise ngekhatsi, bese umnika indzawo yekuhlala naye. Nangabe lona longumphindziseli, losihlobo sengati salowo lambulele, amcosha, lobandlancane akufanele anikele lomkhoseliswa kulomphindziseli, ngobe phela ubulele lomakhelwane wakhe ngesiphosiso angakacondzi, kantsi futsi abengesiso sitsa sakhe ngaphambili. Lomkhoseliswa kufanele ahlale kulelo dolobha, lize licala lakhe litekwe ngulelo bandla, kuze kufe nalomPhristi Lomkhulu labephetse ngaleso sikhatsi. Emvakwaloko-ke sangancandzeka abuyele ekhaya kakhe kulelo dolobha labaleka kulo.” Ngako base bakhetsa iKhedeshi yaseGalile eveni letintsaba kulakaNaftali, neShekhemu, eveni letintsaba kulaka-Efrayimu, neKhiriyathi Abha, lekuyiHebroni, eveni letintsaba kulakaJuda. Ngasemphumalanga kweJordane ngesheya kweJerikho ehlane, esibebesini setintsaba, bakhetsa iBheseri, esiveni sakaRubeni, neRamothi kulakaGileyadi, esiveni sakaGadi, neGolani kulaseBhashani, esiveni sakaManase. Nakwenteka um-Israyeli nome wetive lohlala emkhatsini wabo abulala lomunye umuntfu ngesiphosiso angakacondzi, abengabalekela kulamadolobha lakhetsiwe, angabe asabulawa ngulomphindziseli, losihlobo sengati salowo lambulele, licala lakhe lisengakatekwa ebandla. Baholi bemindeni yemaLevi beta ku-Eleyazare, umphristi, nakuJoshuwa, umsa waNuni, nakubaholi bemindeni yaletinye tive taka-Israyeli, eShilo eKhenani, bafike batsi: “Simakadze wayala ngaMosi kutsi kufanele sinikwe emadolobha lesitawuhlala kuwo, abe nemadlelo etifuyo tetfu.” Njengobe Simakadze abeshito, ema-Israyeli anika emaLevi nankha emadolobha lalandzelako kanye nemadlelo awo, kutsi kube sabelo sawo: Inkatho yekucala yaba yemaKhohati, lusendvo ngelusendvo. EmaLevi labesitukulwane sa-Aroni, umphristi, abelwa emadolobha lali-13 esiveni sakaJuda, nesakaSimeyoni, nesakaBhenjamini. Letinye titukulwane takaKhohati tabelwa emadolobha lalishumi etinsendvo tesive saka-Efrayimu, nesakaDani, nencenye yesive sakaManase. Titukulwane takaGeshoni tabelwa emadolobha lali-13 etinsendvo tesive saka-Isakhari, nesaka-Asheri, nesakaNaftali, nencenye yesive sakaManase eBhashani. Titukulwane takaMerari, lusendvo ngelusendvo, temukela emadolobha lali-12 esive sakaRubeni, nesakaGadi, nesakaZebuloni. Ngako ema-Israyeli abela emaLevi lamadolobha akanye nemadlelo awo, njengobe Simakadze abeyale ngaMosi. Kusukela esiveni sakaJuda nesakaSimeyoni abelwa nankha emadolobha lalandzelako, lamadolobha abelwa titukulwane taka-Aroni lekwakungulomunye wemindeni yemaKhohati lekwakungemaLevi, ngobe inkatho yekucala yayicondzene nato: Banikwa iKhiriyathi Abha, lekwakuyiHebroni, kanye nemadlelo labeyitungeletile, eveni letintsaba kulakaJuda; Abha bekunguyise wa-Anaki. Kodvwa emasimi nemiti leyayitungelete lelidolobha kwakunikwe Khalebi, umsa waJefune, kutsi kube sabelo sakhe. Ngako titukulwane ta-Aroni, umphristi, tanikwa iHebroni, lekwakulidolobha lekukhosela kwalowo lonelicala lekubulala; tanikwa neLibna, neJathiri, ne-Eshtemoya, neHoloni, neDebiri, ne-Ayini, neJutha, neBhethi Shemeshi, akanye nemadlelo awo; kwaba ngemadolobha layimfica kuleto tive totimbili. Esiveni sakaBhenjamini anikwa iGibeyoni, neGeba, ne-Anathothi, ne-Almoni, akanye nemadlelo awo; kwaba ngemadolobha lamane. Onkhe emadolobha ebaphristi, labatitukulwane ta-Aroni, aba li-13, asakanye nemadlelo awo. Labanye betinsendvo temaKhohati lekwakungemaLevi babelwa emadolobha esiveni saka-Efrayimu: Eveni letintsaba kulaka-Efrayimu anikwa iShekhemu, lidolobha lekukhosela kwalowo lonelicala lekubulala, neGezeri, neKhibsayimu, neBhethi Horoni, akanye nemadlelo awo; kwaba ngemadolobha lamane. Nasesiveni sakaDani anikwa i-Eltheke, neGibhethoni, ne-Ayaloni, neGathi Rimoni, akanye nemadlelo awo; kwaba ngemadolobha lamane. Incenye yesive sakaManase yanikwa iThanaki, neGathi Rimoni, akanye nemadlelo awo; kwaba ngemadolobha lamabili. Onkhe lamadolobha lalishumi kanye nemadlelo awo anikwa lawa lamanye emaKhohati, lusendvo ngelusendvo. Lusendvo ngelusendvo lwemaLevi langemaGeshoni nawo abelwa: Kulencenye yesive sakaManase anikwa iGolani yaseBhashani, lidolobha lekukhosela kwalowo lonelicala lekubulala, neBhe Eshtera, akanye nemadlelo awo; kwaba ngemadolobha lamabili. Esiveni saka-Isakhari anikwa iKhishiyoni, neDabherathi, neJamuthi, ne-Eni Ganimu, akanye nemadlelo awo; kwaba ngemadolobha lamane. Esiveni saka-Asheri anikwa iMishali, ne-Abdoni, neHelkathi, neRehobu, akanye nemadlelo awo; kwaba ngemadolobha lamane. Esiveni sakaNaftali anikwa iKhedeshi, eGalile, lidolobha lekukhosela kwalowo lonelicala lekubulala, neHamothi Dori, neKhathani, akanye nemadlelo awo; kwaba ngemadolobha lamatsatfu. Onkhe emadolobha esive semaGeshoni, lusendvo ngelusendvo, aba li-13, akanye nemadlelo awo. Lusendvo ngelusendvo lwemaMerari, lekwakungulamanye emaLevi, nawo abelwa: Esiveni sakaZebuloni anikwa iJokneyamu, neKhatha, neDimna, neNahalali, akanye nemadlelo awo; kwaba ngemadolobha lamane. Esiveni sakaRubeni anikwa iBheseri, neJahasi, neKhedemothi, neMefathi, akanye nemadlelo awo; kwaba ngemadolobha lamane. Esiveni sakaGadi anikwa iRamothi leyayiseGileyadi, lidolobha lekukhosela kwalowo lonelicala lekubulala, neMahanayimu, neHeshboni, neJazeri, akanye nemadlelo awo; kwaba ngemadolobha lamane. Onkhe emadolobha labelwa emaMerari, lekwakungemaLevi, lusendvo ngelusendvo, aba li-12. Emadolobha emaLevi kulelive lelase lingelema-Israyeli abengema-48 asawonkhe, akanye nemadlelo awo. Ngulelo nalelo dolobha lalinemadlelo alo labelitungeletile; kwakunjalo kuwo onkhe lawo madolobha. Ngako Simakadze ema-Israyeli wawapha lonkhe lelo live labefunge ngalo kubokhokho bawo kutsi utawanika, alidla ase ahlala kulo. Simakadze wawapha kuphumula kulelo live, kwaya njengobe abefungile kubokhokho bawo. Kute nome sinye sitsa sawo lesakhona kumelana nawo, ngobe Simakadze tonkhe leto titsa tawo watinikela etandleni tawo. Kute nome sinye setsembiso lesingazange sifezeke emkhatsini wato tonkhe tetsembiso letinhle latenta endlini yaka-Israyeli; tonkhe tagcwaliseka. Joshuwa wase ubita emaRubeni, nemaGadi, nencenye yesive sakaManase, wakhuluma kuwo, watsi: “Nikwente konkhe loko Mosi, inceku yaNkulunkulu, latsi nibokwenta, nami ningilalele kuko konkhe lebengitsi kwenteni. Sesikhatsi lesidze manje, kuze kube ngulamuhla, anizange nibalahle bomnakenu, kodvwa nikwente konkhe loko Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu lanitfume kutsi nikwente. Manje Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu sewunike labanakenu kuphumula, njengobe etsembisa, ncandzekani nibuyele emakhaya enu eveni lenabelwa lona nguMosi, inceku yaSimakadze, ngesheya kweJordane. Kodvwa nibocaphelisisa kutsi niyayigcina imiyalo nemtsetfo Mosi, inceku yaSimakadze, laninika yona: kutsandza Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu, nekuhamba kuto tonkhe tindlela takhe, nekulalela imiyalo yakhe, nekunamatsela kuye, kanye nekumkhonta ngenhlitiyo yenu yonkhe nangemphefumulo wenu wonkhe.” Ngako Joshuwa wababusisa, wase uyabahambisa, babuyela emakhaya abo. Lencenye yesive sakaManase Mosi abeyabele live laseBhashani, kwase kutsi lena lenye incenye yona wayabela live ngasenshonalanga kweJordane kanye nabomnakabo. Watsi kube Joshuwa ababuyisele ekhaya, wababusisa, watsi: “Ncandzekani nibuyele emakhaya enu nayo yonkhe lengcebo yenu lenyenti: imihlambi yetifuyo, nesiliva, negolide, nelitfusi, nensimbi kanye netimphahla letinyenti kakhulu. Nibofike nehlukaniselane nabomnakenu leyo mphango leniyitfole etitseni tenu.” Ngako sive sakaRubeni, nesakaGadi, nencenye yesive sakaManase tashiya ema-Israyeli eShilo eKhenani, tabuyela eGileyadi, eveni lato, letatilitfole ngekwemyalo waSimakadze ngaMosi. Tatsi kube tifike eGelilothi esifundzeni lesisedvute neJordane eveni laseKhenani, lesive sakaRubeni, nesakaGadi kanye nencenye yesive sakaManase takha lilati lelikhulu eceleni kweJordane. Atsi kube lamanye ema-Israyeli eve kutsi setakhe lilati eGelilothi emnyeleni weKhenani esifundzeni lesisedvute neJordane eveni lelilesive sema-Israyeli, sonkhe sive sema-Israyeli sahlangana ndzawonye eShilo, sayakulwa nato. Ema-Israyeli atfumela Finehasi, umsa wa-Eleyazare, umphristi, eveni lakaGileyadi esiveni sakaRubeni, nesakaGadi, nencenye yesive sakaManase. Bamtfuma wahamba nemadvodza lalishumi lahloniphekile, yaba yinye kuleso nakuleso sive etiveni taka-Israyeli, nguleyo naleyo ndvodza iyinhloko yesive sema-Israyeli, lusendvo ngelusendvo. Lamadvodza efika eGileyadi, esiveni sakaRubeni, nesakaGadi kanye nasencenyeni yesive sakaManase, akhuluma atsi: “Sonkhe sive saSimakadze sitsi: ‘Niyenteleni lentfo lembi kangaka kuNkulunkulu wema-Israyeli? Nimshiyeleni Simakadze namhlubuka lamuhla ngekutakhela lilati? Asizange senele yini lesono lesasenta lena ePheyori? Kuze kube ngulamuhla seloku sisengakatihlambululi kuleso sono, ngisho nome sijeziso lesasikufa sehlela kuleso sive saSimakadze! Manje senimshiyile yini Simakadze? “ ‘Lamuhla nanihlubuka Simakadze, kusasa utasitfukutselela sonkhe lesive sema-Israyeli. Nangabe lelive lenilidlile lingcolile, yewelani nite ngalapha eveni laSimakadze, lapho kume khona lithende laSimakadze, nehlukaniselane natsi lelive. Kodvwa ningacali nihlubuke Simakadze nome tsine ngekutakhela lelinye lilati, ngaphandle kwalelilati laSimakadze Nkulunkulu wetfu. Khumbulani Akhani, umsa waZera, lowatsatsa tintfo lebekungakafaneli kutsi atitsatse; lulaka alusehlelanga sonkhe yini sive? Akuzange kufe yena yedvwa ngaleso sono sakhe.’ ” Sive sakaRubeni, nesakaGadi, nencenye yesive sakaManase taphendvula baholi betive tema-Israyeli, tatsi: “Somandla, Nkulunkulu, Simakadze! Somandla, Nkulunkulu, Simakadze! Yena uyati! Na-Israyeli kufanele ati! Nangabe loku bekukuhlubuka nekungalaleli Simakadze, ningacali nisishiye siphila lamuhla. Nangabe sitakhele lilati letfu kutsi sitewuhlubuka Simakadze, bese sinikela ngeminikelo yekushiswa neyalokutinhlavu nome sente nemihlatjelo yekuthula kulo, shangatsi Simakadze matfupha angasibeka licala. “Cha! Loku sikwentiswe kwesaba kutsi ngalelinye lilanga titukulwane tenu tingahle tikhulume kuleti tetfu, titsi: ‘Ninabudlelwane buni naSimakadze, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli? Simakadze wente iJordane yaba ngumnyele emkhatsini wetfu nani, nine tive takaRubeni nesakaGadi! Aninasabelo kuSimakadze!’ Ngako titukulwane tenu tingahle tente leti tetfu tikuyekele kwesaba Simakadze. “Kungako nje sitsite: ‘Asitilungiselele sakhe lilati, kodvwa lingabi lemnikelo wekushiswa nemhlatjelo,’ kodvwa esikhundleni saloko lifanele libe bufakazi emkhatsini wetfu nani nasetitukulwaneni tetfu letiyawulandzela, kutsi Simakadze siyawumkhonta endzaweni yakhe lengcwele ngeminikelo yetfu yekushiswa, nangemihlatjelo, nangeminikelo yekuthula. Loko kuyakwenta kutsi kusasa titukulwane tenu tingabi nawo emandla ekutsi tikhulume kuleti tetfu, titsi: ‘Aninasabelo kuSimakadze.’ “Tsine-ke satsi: ‘Nangabe bangake bakusho loko kitsi nome etitukulwaneni tetfu, siyawubaphendvula sitsi: “Bukani la, nasi sifanekiso selilati laSimakadze, lesakhiwa bobabe betfu, hhayi kutsi libe lekushisela iminikelo nemihlatjelo, kodvwa libe lebufakazi emkhatsini wetfu nani.” ’ “Akube khashane natsi kuhlubuka Simakadze nekumshiya lamuhla ngekwakha lilati leminikelo yekushiswa, neminikelo yalokutinhlavu, nemihlatjelo, ngaphandle kwelilati laSimakadze Nkulunkulu wetfu lelime embikwelithende lakhe.” Watsi kube Finehasi, umphristi, nebaholi besive, tinhloko telusendvo ngelusendvo ka-Israyeli, beve loko lokwakukhulunywe sive sakaRubeni, nesakaGadi, nencenye yesive sakaManase, bajabula kakhulu. Finehasi, umsa wa-Eleyazare, umphristi, wakhuluma esiveni sakaRubeni, nesakaGadi, nesakaManase, watsi: “Lamuhla sesiyati kutsi Simakadze unatsi, ngobe kute lapha lenikwentile lokukhombisa kungetsembeki kwenu kuSimakadze ngalendzaba. Ema-Israyeli seniwasindzisile esandleni saSimakadze.” Ngako Finehasi, umsa wa-Eleyazare, umphristi, nebaholi batsi kube bacedze umhlangano wabo nemaRubeni, nemaGadi, eveni lakaGileyadi, bancandzeka babuyela eKhenani, bafike babika kuma-Israyeli. Ajabula kakhulu nakeva lombiko, advumisa Nkulunkulu. Akazange aphindze akhulume ngekuyawubahlasela afike abhubhise live lekwakuhlala kulo sive sakaRubeni nesakaGadi. Sive sakaRubeni nesakaGadi tetsa lelilati libito tatsi: “NguFakazi emkhatsini wetfu kutsi Simakadze unguNkulunkulu.” Kwatsi kube kwendlule sikhatsi lesidze naSimakadze asanike ema-Israyeli kuphumula etitseni tawo tonkhe letatiwatungeletile, Joshuwa, labesamdzala akhulile ngeminyaka, wabita onkhe ema-Israyeli: tibondza tawo, nebaholi bawo, netikhulu, kanye netindvuna, wakhuluma kuwo, watsi: “Sengimdzala kantsi futsi sengikhulile nangeminyaka. Nani matfupha nitibonele konkhe Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu lakwente kuto tonkhe letive ngenca yenu; nguSimakadze Nkulunkulu wenu lowanilwela. Khumbulani kutsi ngitabele kanjani letive tenu ngalo lonkhe lelive lelisele, laletive lengitincobile, emkhatsini weJordane neLwandle Lolukhulu ngasenshonalanga. Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu matfupha utatikhipha aticoshe embikwenu. Utatidvungulula embikwenu, nine-ke nitabe seniyalidla lelive, njengobe Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu anetsembisa. “Manini nicine; nicaphele kutsi niyakulalela konkhe loko lokubhalwe encwadzini yemtsetfo waMosi, ngaphandle kwekujikela ngesekudla nome ngesancele. Ningatihlanganisi nato letive letisasele tilapha emkhatsini wenu. Ningacali nikhuleke nome nifunge ngaleto tithico tato. Kufanele ningatikhonti nome nikhotsame kuto. Kodvwa kufanele ninamatsele kuSimakadze Nkulunkulu wenu, njengobe ninamatsele kuye kuze kube ngunyalo. “Simakadze utidvungulule embikwenu tive letinkhulu naletinemandla; kuze kube ngulamuhla kute nome sinye sive lesikhonile kumelane nani. Indvodza yinye yakini iyawucosha emadvodza layinkhulungwane, ngobe Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu uyanilwela, njengobe etsembisa. Ngako caphelisisani kutsi nitsandze Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu. “Kodvwa naningajika nitetayelanise nensali yaletive lesasele emkhatsini wenu, niphindze nitsatselane bafati nato, nitihlanganise nato, nibovele nati kutsi Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu angeke asaticosha letive embikwenu. Esikhundleni saloko tiyawuba tingibe nabosochaka kini, netiswebhu emihlane yenu, nemanyeva emehlweni enu, nize nibhubhe niphele kulelive lelihle Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu laniphe lona. “Manje sengitawuhamba ngendlela yemhlaba wonkhe, ngitakufa. Nani niyati ngenhlitiyo yenu yonkhe nangemphefumulo wenu wonkhe kutsi kute nome sinye setsembiso lesingazange sifezeke kuto tonkhe letetsembiso letinhle Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu laninike tona. Tonkhe tetsembiso takhe tifezekile; kute nasinye lesingazange sifezeke. Kodvwa njengobe tonkhe tetsembiso letinhle taSimakadze Nkulunkulu wenu tivele tafezeka taba liciniso, kanjalo Simakadze utanehlisela konkhe lokubi lanicwayise ngako kutsi kutanehlela, aze anibhubhise nonkhe kulelive lelihle laniphe lona. Nanisephula lesivumelwane saSimakadze Nkulunkulu wenu, laniyale ngaso, nahamba nakhonta labanye bonkulunkulu, nakhotsama embikwabo, intfukutselo yaSimakadze itanivutsela, nibhubhe ngekushesha kulelive lelihle laniphe lona.” Joshuwa wase uhlanganisa tonkhe tive taka-Israyeli eShekhemu. Wabita tonkhe tibondza, nebaholi, nebehluleli kanye netiphatsimandla taka-Israyeli, batetfula bona matfupha embikwaNkulunkulu. Joshuwa wakhuluma kuso sonkhe lesive, watsi: “Naku-ke lokushiwo nguSimakadze Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, utsi: ‘Kadzeni, bokhokho benu, kanye naThera, uyise wa-Abrahama naNahori, babehlala ngesheya kweMfula, bakhonta labanye bonkulunkulu. Kodvwa ngase ngitsatsa uyihlo Abrahama kulelo live lelingesheya kweMfula, ngamhola kulo lonkhe laseKhenani, ngamupha titukulwane letinyenti. Ngamupha Isaka, Isaka ngamupha Jakobe na-Esawu. Lelive letintsaba, iSeyiri, ngalabela Esawu, kodvwa Jakobe kanye nemadvodzana akhe bewuka baya eGibhithe. “ ‘Ngabe sengitfuma boMosi na-Aroni, ngashaya emaGibhithe ngaloko lengakwenta lapho, nganikhipha nine. Ngatsi kube boyihlomkhulu ngibakhiphe eGibhithe, nefika elwandle, nemaGibhithe abacosha ngetincola nangemabutfo labegibele emahhashi, aze efika eLwandle Lolubovu. Kodvwa bakhala kuSimakadze, bacela lusito, wabe sewufaka bumnyama emkhatsini wenu nemaGibhithe. Wayekelela lwandle etikwawo, lwase luyabasibekela. Nani natibonela ngemehlo loko lengakwenta kumaGibhithe. “ ‘Nahlala ehlane sikhatsi lesidze. Nganiletsa eveni lema-Amori labehlala emphumalanga neJordane. Alwa nani, kodvwa ngawanikela esandleni senu. Ngawabhubhisa aphela embikwenu, navele nalidla lelo live lawo. Ngesikhatsi Bhalaki, umsa waSiphori, inkhosi yemaMowabi, alungiselela kulwa nema-Israyeli, watfumela livi kuBhalamu, umsa waBheyori, kutsi anicalekise. Kodvwa angizange ngimlalele Bhalamu, ngako wanibusisa waphindzelela, ngabe sengiyanikhulula esandleni saBhalaki. “ ‘Nabe senewela iJordane, nefika eJerikho, bantfu baseJerikho balwa nani, njengobe enta njalo nema-Amori, nemaPheresi, nemaKhenani, nemaHethi, nemaGirigashi, nemaHivi, nemaJebhusi; kodvwa ngabanikela esandleni senu. Ngatfumela bomanyovu ngembili kwenu, lababadvungulula, nine nisengakefiki, kanjalo futsi nemakhosi ema-Amori lamabili. Loko anizange nikwente ngenkemba nangebutjoki benu. Ngako nganipha live leningazange nilihluphekele, kanye nemadolobha leningazange seniwakhe; nihlala kuwo, nidle kuleto tivini nemincumo leningazange nikuhlanyele.’ “Ngako yesabani Simakadze nimkhonte ngekwetsembeka konkhe. Balahleni bonkulunkulu bebakhontwa bokhokho benu ngesheya kweMfula, naseGibhithe, nikhonte Simakadze. Kodvwa nangabe kukhonta Simakadze kubonakala kungatsandzeki kini, ngako khetsani lamuhla kutsi nitawukhonta bani, nome bonkulunkulu lababekhontwa bokhokho benu ngesheya kweMfula, nome bonkulunkulu bema-Amori, akulelive lese nakhe kulo. Kodvwa mine nendlu yami sitawukhonta Simakadze.” Bantfu baphendvula batsi: “Akube khashane natsi kuhlubuka Simakadze, bese sikhonta labanye bonkulunkulu! Ngobe nguSimakadze Nkulunkulu wetfu lowasikhipha, tsine nabokhokho betfu, eveni laseGibhithe, endlini yebugcili. Nguye lowenta leto tibonakaliso letinkhulu emehlweni etfu sibuka. Wasilondvolota kuyo yonkhe indlela yetfu nakuto tonkhe tive lesasihamba sidzabula emkhatsini wato. Simakadze watidvungulula watikhipha tonkhe leto tive embikwetfu, ngisho nema-Amori labehlala kulelive. Natsi futsi sitamkhonta Simakadze, ngobe nguNkulunkulu wetfu.” Joshuwa wakhuluma kulabantfu, watsi: “Ningeke nikhone kukhonta Simakadze. Nkulunkulu ungcwele; unguNkulunkulu lonesikhwele. Angeke akutsetselele kumhlubuka kwenu netono tenu. Nanihlubuka Simakadze bese nikhonta bonkulunkulu betive, utawujika aniletsele inhlekelele etikwenu, anente niphele, nome bekamuhle kini.” Kodvwa bantfu bakhuluma kuJoshuwa, batsi: “Cha! Tsine sitawukhonta Simakadze.” Joshuwa wabe sewukhuluma utsi: “Nine nibofakazi bekutilahla nine matfupha ngekutsi nitikhetsele kukhonta Simakadze.” Bamphendvula batsi: “Yebo, sibofakazi.” Joshuwa wakhuluma kubo, watsi: “Manje sale senibalahla labonkulunkulu betive labasemkhatsini wenu bese ninikela tinhlitiyo tenu kuSimakadze, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli.” Bantfu bakhuluma kuJoshuwa, batsi: “Sitawukhonta Simakadze Nkulunkulu wetfu, silalele yena.” Ngalelo langa Joshuwa bantfu wabentela sivumelwane, khona lapho eShekhemu wase ubabhalela timiso nemitsetfo. Joshuwa letintfo watibhala encwadzini yemtsetfo waNkulunkulu. Wabe sewutsatsa litje lelikhulu walimisa khona lapho ngaphansi kwesihlahla se-okhi edvute nendzawo lengcwele yaSimakadze. Wakhuluma kubantfu, watsi: “Bukani la! Lelitje litawuba ngufakazi wekumelana natsi. Liwevile onkhe lamavi lakhulunywe nguSimakadze kitsi. Litawuba ngufakazi wekunilahla ngelicala, nangabe aniketsembeki kuNkulunkulu wenu.” Joshuwa wase uyabancandzekisa bonkhe labantfu, kwaba ngulowo nalowo waya eveni lakhe. Emvakwaloko Joshuwa, umsa waNuni, inceku yaSimakadze, wafa asaneminyaka leli-110 budzala. Bamngcwaba eveni lekulifa lakhe, eThimnathi Sera eveni letintsaba kulaka-Efrayimu, enyakatfo neNtsaba iGashi. Baka-Israyeli bakhonta Simakadze kuso sonkhe sikhatsi sekuphila kwaJoshuwa kanye nebaholi labasala emvakwakhe labakubona konkhe loko Simakadze lakwentela sive sema-Israyeli. Ematsambo aJosefa, ema-Israyeli laphuma nawo eGibhithe, angcwatjwa eShekhemu, kulelo tsafa lelive Jakobe lalitsenga ngetinhlavu tesiliva letilikhulu, kumadvodzana aHamori, uyise waShekhemu. Lendzawo yaba lifa letitukulwane takaJosefa. Eleyazare, umsa wa-Aroni, wafa wangcwatjwa eGibeya, live lelalabelwe umsa wakhe, Finehasi, eveni letintsaba kulaka-Efrayimu. Emvakwekufa kwaJoshuwa, ema-Israyeli abuta Simakadze, atsi: “Ngubani lotakwenyuka kucala ayekusilwela nemaKhenani?” Simakadze wawaphendvula watsi: “BakaJuda abenyuke; lelive ngilinikele etandleni tabo.” Emadvodza akaJuda akhuluma kubakaSimeyoni, bomnakabo, atsi: “Yenyukani kanye natsi, siye eveni lesabelwe lona, siyekulwa nemaKhenani. Natsi siyakuhamba nani naniya kulenu.” Ngako bakaSimeyoni bahamba nabo bakaJuda. Kwatsi bakaJuda nabahlasela, Simakadze wanikela etandleni tabo emaKhenani nemaPheresi; babulala emadvodza lati-10 000 eBhezeki. Ngulapho-ke lapho bakhandza Adoni Bhezeki khona, balwa naye; bawehlula emaKhenani nemaPheresi. Adoni Bhezeki wabaleka, kodvwa bamcosha baze bambamba, bamjuba titfupha takhe naboqukulu bakhe. Adoni Bhezeki wakhuluma watsi: “Emakhosi langema-70 labejutjwe titfupha tawo kanye naboqukulu bawo abevame kubutsa timvutfuluka ngaphansi kwelitafula lami. Nyalo Nkulunkulu sewungibuyisele ngaloko lengakwenta kubo.” Beta naye eJerusalema, wafike wafela lapho. Emadvodza akaJuda ahlasela iJerusalema, ayitfumba. Lelo dolobha balibhubhisa ngelusiko lwenkemba, base balokhela ngemlilo. Emvakwaloko emadvodza akaJuda ehla ayakulwa nemaKhenani labehlala eveni letintsaba, naseNegevu, eningizimu nelive, kanye nasematsafeni labengasenshonalanga. Ahloma ayawuhlasela emaKhenani labehlala eHebroni, leyayike yabitwa ngekutsi yiKhiriyathi Abha, ehlula boSheshayi, na-Ahimani kanye naThalmayi. Esuka lapho ahloma ayawuhlasela bantfu lababehlala eDebiri, leyayike yabitwa ngekutsi yiKhiriyathi Seferi. Khalebi wakhuluma watsi: “Lowo lotawuhlasela atfumbe iKhiriyathi Seferi, ngitamnika indvodzakati yami, Akhisa, kutsi ashade nayo.” Othniyeli, umsa waKhenazi, umnakaboKhalebi lomncane, wayihlasela wayehlula; ngako Khalebi wamnika indvodzakati yakhe, Akhisa, kutsi ayitsatse ashade nayo. Ngalelinye lilanga Akhisa weta ku-Othniyeli, wafike wamcela kutsi akacele insimi kuKhalebi, uyise. Watsi Akhisa nakehla embongolweni, Khalebi wambuta watsi: “Ngingakwentelani?” Akhisa waphendvula watsi: “Ase umane ungisite ngentfo yinye. Njengobe sewungabele indzawo eNegevu, iningizimu nelive lakaJuda, ase umane ungiphe naletiyalu temanti.” Ngako Khalebi wabe sewumnika letiyalu letatingenhla kanye naletatingentansi. Titukulwane teyisetala waMosi, emaKheni, takhuphuka eDolobheni Lemasundvu tahamba nemphi yakaJuda tayawukwakha ehlane laseJudiya, eveni laseNegevu lekuyiningizimu yelive, eceleni kwase-Aradi. Emadvodza akaJuda ahamba nesive sakaSimeyoni, bomnakabo, ayawuhlasela emaKhenani labehlala eSefathi, balibhubhisa balicedza lonkhe lelo dolobha. Ngako labe selibitwa ngekutsi yiHoma. Imphi yakaJuda yatfumba iGaza, ne-Ashkeloni kanye ne-Ekroni. Ngulelo nalelo dolobha yayifike ilitfumbe kanye nelive lalo lonkhe. Simakadze abenayo imphi yakaJuda. Yadla live letintsaba, kodvwa noko abakhonanga kucosha bantfu bakhona kulawo matsafa, ngobe bantfu bakhona babenetincola tetinsimbi. Njengobe Mosi bekakhulumile, iHebroni yabelwa Khalebi, lokunguyena acosha kuyo emadvodzana lamatsatfu aka-Anaki. Sive sakaBhenjamini sona sehluleka kucosha emaJebhusi labehlala eJerusalema. Kuze kube ngulamuhla emaJebhusi ahlala lapho kanye nesive sakaBhenjamini. Umndeni wakaJosefa nawo wahlasela iBetheli, kantsi futsi naSimakadze abenawo. Batsi nabatfumela tinhloli eBetheli leyayikadze yatiwa ngekutsi yiLuzi, letinhloli tabona indvodza iphuma kulelidolobha, tase tikhuluma kuyo titsi: “Silayele kutsi singangena kanjani kulelidolobha, tsine siyawukunakekela sikuphatse kahle.” Ngako lendvodza yabakhombisa lelo dolobha; balibhubhisa ngelusiko lwenkemba, kodvwa lendvodza bayiyekela kanye nemndeni wayo wonkhe. Lendvodza yesuka lapho yayawukhonta eveni lemaHethi, lapho yefike yakha lidolobha leyaletsa libito layo yatsi yiLuzi; lelo kuselibito lalo nalamuhla. Manase yena akazange abacoshe baseBhethi Shani, nebaseThanaki, nebaseDori, nebase-Jibleyamu, nebaseMegido kanye netabelo letatitungelete letindzawo, ngobe emaKhenani bekatimisele kutsi ahlale kulelo live. Kwatsi kube sive sema-Israyeli sandze sibe nemandla, sawacindzetela emaKhenani kutsi asebentele sona, kodvwa sangete sawacosha. Sive saka-Efrayimu naso asizange siwacoshe emaKhenani labehlala eGezeri, kodvwa emaKhenani achubeka ahlala kanye naso kulelo live. Sive sakaZebuloni naso asizange siwacoshe emaKhenani labehlala eKhitroni naseNahaloli emkhatsini waso. Sahlala nawo, kodvwa sawacindzetela kutsi asebentele sona. Sive saka-Asheri naso asizange siwacoshe lawo maKhenani labehlala e-Akho, naseSidoni, nase-Ahilabi, nase-Akzibi, naseHelba, nase-Afeki kanye naseRehobu; ngenca yaloko sive saka-Asheri sahlala emkhatsini wetakhamiti letatingemaKhenani alelo live. Sive sakaNaftali naso asizange siwacoshe lawo maKhenani labehlala eBhethi Shemeshi naseBhethi Anathi; kodvwa naso sive sakaNaftali sahlala emkhatsini wetakhamiti letatingemaKhenani alelo live, kwase kutsi lawo labehlala eBhethi Shemeshi naseBhethi Anathi sawacindzetela kutsi asebentele sona. Ema-Amori wona acindzetela sive sakaDani kutsi sihlale eveni letintsaba, akazange asivumele kutsi sehlele ematsafeni; kantsi futsi ema-Amori abetimisele kuhlala eNtsabeni iHeresi, ne-Ayaloni, neShalbimu; kodvwa kwatsi kube emandla esive sakaJosefa akhule, nawo futsi acindzetelwa kutsi asebentele sona. Umnyele welive lema-Amori wawusuka etulu emsahweni wase-Akrabhimu, ucondze eSela uchubeke wenyuke. Ingilosi yaSimakadze yakhuphuka isuka eGilgali yaya eBhokhimu, yafike yatsi: “Nganikhipha eveni laseGibhithe, nganihola ngaze nganingenisa kulelive lengafunga ngalo ngatsi ngiyakulinika boyihlomkhulu. Ngatsi kubo: ‘Ngingeke ngisephule sivumelwane sami nani. Nani aniyikusenta sivumelwane nebantfu bakulelive, kodvwa niyakuwabhidlita emalati abo.’ Noko nine anikangilaleli. Nikwenteleni loku? Manje-ke ngiyanitjela ngitsi ngingeke ngisaticosha letive embikwenu. Setiyawuba ngemanyeva emihlubulweni yenu, nabonkulunkulu bato sebayawuba lugibe kini.” Kwatsi kube ingilosi yaSimakadze ikhulume konkhe loku esiveni sema-Israyeli, sive sonkhe sakhala kakhulu, saze setsa leyo ndzawo satsi yiBhokhimu. Ngulapho-ke lapho banikela khona ngemihlatjelo kuSimakadze. Kwatsi kube Joshuwa awakhulule ema-Israyeli, kwaba ngulowo nalowo wayawutitsatsela sabelo sakhe kulelo live. Sive sakhonta Simakadze imphilo yonkhe yaJoshuwa kanye neyalabadzala labaphila kwendlula yena baze babona tonkhe tintfo letinkhulu Simakadze latentela sive sema-Israyeli. Joshuwa, umsa waNuni, inceku yaSimakadze, wafa asaneminyaka leli-110. Bamngcwaba eveni lelalisabelo sakhe eThimnathi Heresi, eveni letintsaba kulaka-Efrayimu, enyakatfo neNtsaba iGashi. Kwatsi kube sonkhe leso situkulwane sife siphele, kwavela lesinye situkulwane saka-Israyeli lesasingazange simati Simakadze singatani nangetintfo lake watentela sive saka-Israyeli. Ngako sive sema-Israyeli senta lokubi emehlweni aSimakadze; sakhonta boBhali. Bafulatsela Simakadze, Nkulunkulu waboyise, lowabakhipha eGibhithe. Balandzela bakhonta labanye bonkulunkulu labehlukene baleto tive labebahlala emkhatsini wato. Batfukutselisa Simakadze, ngekutsi bamfulatsele yena bayewukhonta boBhali nabo-Ashtarothe. Intfukutselo yaSimakadze yabavutsela baka-Israyeli, wabanikela etandleni tebaphangi, tabaphanga. Wabanikela etandleni tetitsa tabo letatibatungeletile, bangabe basakwati ngisho nekutivikela kuto. Kwakutsi njalo baka-Israyeli nabaya kuyakulwa, sandla saSimakadze sibahlanekele njengobe abefungile kubo. Babaselusizini lolukhulu. Ngako Simakadze wabe sewubavusela tikhulu letatingutona tabephula etandleni talabo baphangi. Noko baka-Israyeli abazange batilalele tikhulu tabo, bachubeka baphinga nalabanye bonkulunkulu, bakhonta bona. Abazange babalingise boyise, bona bajika masinyane endleleni lababehamba ngayo boyise, indlela yekulalela imiyalo yaSimakadze. Kwakutsi njalo nje Simakadze nakabavusela sikhulu, abenaso lesikhulu, abasindzise etandleni tetitsa tabo, nasisekhona leso sikhulu; ngobe Simakadze abeba nesihe nabo ngesikhatsi sebakhaliswa kucindzetelwa nakushaywa titsa tabo. Kodvwa kwakutsi nje sikhulu singafa, bantfu babuyele etindleleni tabo letimbi kakhulu kunetaboyise, balandzele labanye bonkulunkulu, babakhonte, bakhotsame kubo. Bala kwehlukana netindlela tabo letimbi, nemikhuba yabo, nenkhani yabo. Ngako Simakadze wasitfukutselela kakhulu sive sema-Israyeli, watsi: “Njengobe lesive sisephulile sivumelwane lengasibekela boyisemkhulu, futsi asikangilaleli, angisayikusicosha ngisho nasinye sive embikwaso kuleto letashiywa nguJoshuwa ekufeni kwakhe. Sengiyawusebentisa tona nangivivinya sive sema-Israyeli, kuze ngibone kahle kutsi siyakuyigcina yini indlela yaSimakadze, sihambe ngayo, njengobe kwakwenta bokhokho baso.” Ngako Simakadze wativumela leto tive kutsi tihlale, wangete waticosha masinyane ngekutinikela esandleni saJoshuwa. Leti-ke tive letashiywa nguSimakadze, kuze avivinye ngato ema-Israyeli labengazange atibone timphi taseKhenani. Loko wakwenta khona atewufundzisa kulwa timphi etitukulwaneni tema-Israyeli letatingazange tiyilwe imphi, kwakunguletive: emakhosi lasihlanu emaFilisti, nawo onkhe emaKhenani, nemaSidoni, nemaHivi labehlala etintsabeni taseLebanoni, kusukela eNtsabeni iBhali Hemoni kuze kuyewufika eLebo Hamathi. Tatishiyelwe kutsi tivivinye ema-Israyeli, kuze kubonakale kutsi atawuyilalela yini imiyalo yaSimakadze labeyinike bokhokho bawo ngaMosi. Ema-Israyeli abehlala emkhatsini wemaKhenani, nemaHethi, nema-Amori, nemaPheresi, nemaHivi, nemaJebhusi. Atsatsa emadvodzakati aletive ashada nawo, atsatsa nemadvodzakati awo awendzisela emadvodzana aletive, akhonta nabonkulunkulu bato. Ema-Israyeli enta lokubi embikwaSimakadze; akhohlwa Simakadze Nkulunkulu wawo, akhonta boBhali nabo-Ashera. Intfukutselo yaSimakadze yavutsela bema-Israyeli kangangekutsi wawatsengisa etandleni taKhushani Rishathayimu, inkhosi yaseMesophothamiya, lowagcilata ema-Israyeli iminyaka lesiphohlongo. Kodvwa atsi ema-Israyeli nakakhala kuSimakadze, Simakadze wawavusela umkhululi lekwakungu-Othniyeli, umsa waKhenazi, umnakaboKhalebi lomncane, longuyena abasindzisa. Moya waSimakadze wehlela kuye, ngako waba sikhulu sema-Israyeli; wabahola baya emphini. Simakadze wanikela Khushani Rishathayimu, inkhosi yaseMesophothamiya, esandleni sa-Othniyeli lowamehlula. Ngako live laba nekuthula iminyaka lengema-40, kwaze kwafa Othniyeli, umsa waKhenazi. Aphindza futsi ema-Israyeli enta lokubi emehlweni aSimakadze; kwatsi ngobe bente lokubi, Simakadze wanika Egloni, inkhosi yakaMowabi, emandla ekubusa ema-Israyeli. Watsi kube Egloni atihlanganise nema-Amoni nema-Amaleki, wase uhlasela ema-Israyeli; balidla Lidolobha Lemasundvu. Ema-Israyeli abuswa ngu-Egloni, inkhosi yakaMowabi, iminyaka leli-18. Aphindza futsi ema-Israyeli akhala kuSimakadze, wase ubapha umkhululi, Ehudi, labelancele, umsa waGera, wesive sakaBhenjamini. Ema-Israyeli amtfumela netetfulo ku-Egloni, inkhosi yakaMowabi. Ehudi abetentele inkemba lekhalipha tinhlangotsi totimbili leyayingaba yincenye yelimitha budze, abeyibophele etimphahleni takhe, ngasetsangeni langesekudla. Ehudi waletsa tetfulo ku-Egloni, inkhosi yakaMowabi, labekhuluphele kakhulu. Kwatsi kube Ehudi etfule tipho, wase uyawahambisa lamadvodza labetfwele letetfulo. Watsi nakefika etithicweni ngaseGilgali, yena wancandzeka wafike wakhuluma ku-Egloni, inkhosi, watsi: “E, nkhosi! Nginemlayeto wakho loyimfihlo.” Inkhosi yakhuluma yatsi: “Thulani!” Tonkhe tinceku tayo taphuma ngekushesha. Ehudi wasondzela kuyo isahleti yodvwa ekamelweni layo lekuphola lelalisetulu, wafike watsi: “Nginemlayeto wakho lophuma kuNkulunkulu.” Yatsi inkhosi isasukuma esihlalweni sayo, Ehudi wahoshula inkemba yakhe ngesandla sakhe sangesancele, ayihoshula ngasetsangeni lakhe langesekudla, inkhosi wayigwaza esiswini; inkemba yangena kanye nesibambo sayo, yaze yaphumela ngale kwemhlane wayo. Ehudi akazange ayikhiphe, ngako-ke emanoni ayisibekela. Ehudi waphumela emhubheni; wavala iminyango kulendlu yenkhosi lesetulu, wayikhiya. Emvakwekuhamba kwakhe tisebenti tenkhosi teta takhandza iminyango yaleyondlu ikhiyiwe. Takhuluma todvwana tatsi: “Mhlawumbe usemthoyi.” Tema taze tadzinwa, kodvwa tatsi kube tibone kutsi iminyango akayivuli, tatsatsa sikhiya tayivula. Takhandza inkhosi yato iwele phansi ifile. Batsi ngesikhatsi basemile balindzile, Ehudi washaya wacitsa. Wendlula etithicweni wabalekela eSeyira. Watsi kube efike lapho, washaya licilongo eveni letintsaba laka-Efrayimu, onkhe ema-Israyeli ehla naye etintsabeni, awahola. Wakhuluma kuwo, watsi: “Landzelani mine, ngobe Simakadze unikele Mowabi, sitsa senu, etandleni tenu.” Ngako amlandzela ehla naye, atfumba onkhe ematubuko emfula iJordane lewelela kaMowabi, avimbela bonkhe labewelako. Ngaleso sikhatsi abulala emaMowabi lati-10 000 asawonkhe labenguwona acinile anemandla; kute nome munye lowasindza. Kusukela ngalelo langa emaMowabi aba ngaphansi kwesive sema-Israyeli, live laba nekuthula iminyaka lengema-80. Emvakwa-Ehudi kwavela Shamgari, umsa wa-Anathi, lona lowabulala emaFilisti langema-600 ngeluphondvo lwenkhabi. Naye futsi wawakhulula ema-Israyeli. Emvakwekufa kwa-Ehudi, ema-Israyeli aphindza enta lokubi emehlweni aSimakadze. Ngako Simakadze wawanikela kuJabini, inkhosi yaseKhenani, labebusa eHasori. Indvuna yemphi yakhe kwakunguSisera, labehlala eHaroshethi Hagoyimu. Jabini abenetincola tensimbi letatingema-900; wabusa sive sema-Israyeli ngelulaka nangesihluku iminyaka lengema-20. Ema-Israyeli akhala acela lusito kuSimakadze. Debhora, umphrofethikati, umfati waLapidothi, abengumholi wema-Israyeli ngaleso sikhatsi. Nakateka emacala, abevamise kuhlala ngaphansi kwesihlahla seLisundvu laDebhora, emkhatsini weRama neBetheli, eveni letintsaba laka-Efrayimu; sive sema-Israyeli sasita kuye sitekwehlulelwa nguye emibangweni yaso. Watfumela kutsi kubitwe Bharaki, umsa wa-Abinowami, eKhedeshi kulakaNaftali, walayeta kuye watsi: “Simakadze, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, ukuyala utsi: ‘Hamba uyewutsatsa emadvodza lati-10 000 akaNaftali newakaZebuloni uwahole uye eNtsabeni iThabori. Ngitamuhunga Sisera, indvuna yemphi yaJabini, kanye netincola nemabutfo akhe emphi kutsi aye emfuleni iKhishoni, ngimniketele esandleni sakho.’ ” Bharaki wamphendvula watsi: “Ngitakuya nangabe nawe utawuhamba nami; kodvwa nangabe awuhambi nami, ngingeke ngiye.” Debhora watsi: “Kulungile, ngitawuhamba nawe, kodvwa ngenca yaloko ludvumo lungeke lube lwakho, ngobe Simakadze utawunikela Sisera esandleni semfati.” Ngako Debhora wahamba naBharaki baya eKhedeshi, lapho efike wabita boZebuloni naNaftali. Abelandzelwa ngemadvodza lati-10 000, naDebhora wahamba kanye nabo. Hebere, umKheni, abesatehlukanisile nesive semaKheni, situkulwane sakaHobabi, umkhwenyewaboMosi, wayakumisa lithende lakhe eceleni kwesihlahla lesikhulu eveni laseSananimu eceleni kweKhedeshi. Batsi kube bamtjele Sisera kutsi Bharaki, umsa wa-Abinowami, sewukhuphukele eNtsabeni iThabori, Sisera wabutsa tincola takhe tensimbi letatingema-900 nawo onkhe emadvodza, esuka eHaroshethi Hagoyimu aze efika emfuleni iKhishoni. Debhora wakhuluma kuBharaki, watsi: “Sukuma uhambe, lamuhla ngilo lilanga lapho Simakadze anikela Sisera esandleni sakho. Simakadze akahambi embikwakho yini?” Ngako Bharaki wehla eNtsabeni iThabori alandzelwa ngemadvodza lati-10 000. Kwatsi ekuhlaseleni kwaBharaki Simakadze wasanganisa wabhubhisa Sisera kanye netincola takhe temphi, nemabutfo akhe, ngelusiko lwenkemba. Sisera washiya incola yakhe, wabaleka ngetinyawo. Kodvwa Bharaki wacosha tincola kanye nayo yonkhe imphi, waze wayawufika eHaroshethi Hagoyimu. Onkhe emabutfo aSisera awa ngelusiko lwenkemba, kwabate ngisho namunye lowaphunyuka. Noko Sisera yena wabaleka ngetinyawo, waze wayawungenisa ethendeni lakaJayeli, umfati waHebere, umKheni, ngobe kwakunebudlelwane emkhatsini waJabini, inkhosi yaseHasori, nelusendvo lwakaHebere, umKheni. Jayeli waphuma wahlangabeta Sisera, wafike watsi kuye: “Wota nkhosi yami, ngena ngekhatsi, ungesabi.” Ngako Sisera wangena ethendeni lakhe, Jayeli wambonya ngengubo yekulala. Wakhuluma kuJayeli, watsi: “Ngomile, ngicela mane unginatsise emanti.” Wagwabula ingula yelubisi wamnatsisa, wabuye wamgubhetela. Sisera wakhuluma kulomfati, watsi: “Mani emnyango welithende; nakukhona lofikako akubute kutsi ukhona yini umuntfu lokhona lapha ngekhatsi, ubotsi: ‘Kute.’ ” Kodvwa Jayeli, umkaHebere, wesuka watsatsa sikhonkhwane selithende kanye nesandvo, wamnyonyobela ngesikhatsi asetumekile alele. Wafike wamphisela ngalesikhonkhwane enhlafunweni, saze sayawuphumela emhlabatsini; kwaba kufa kwaSisera njalo loko. Bharaki wefika acosha Sisera, Jayeli waphuma wamhlangabeta, wafike watsi: “Wota, ngitekukhombisa lendvodza loyifunako.” Ngako wangena kanye naye. Wabona Sisera alele nesikhonkhwane selithende enhloko yakhe, afile. Ngalelo langa Nkulunkulu wancoba Jabini, inkhosi yemaKhenani, wamehlisa embikwema-Israyeli. Sandla sema-Israyeli sacina saba nemandla etikwaJabini, inkhosi yemaKhenani, ema-Israyeli, aze ambhubhisa amcedza. Ngalona lelo langa boDebhora naBharaki, umsa wa-Abinowami, bahlabela ingoma, batsi: “Baholi baka-Israyeli bahamba embili, bantfu batinikela bona ngenhlitiyo lemhlophe. Dvumisani Simakadze! “Lalelani lapha, nine makhosi! Lalelani nani babusi. Ngiyakuhlabela kuSimakadze. Ngiyakuhlabela ngidvumise Simakadze, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli. “Yebo, Simakadze, nawuphuma eSeyiri, nawuhlasela usuka eveni laka-Edomu, umhlaba watamatama, emazulu acitsa. Emafu acitsa imvula. Tintsaba tatamatama embikwaSimakadze, longuSimakadze waseSinayi. Tatamatama embikwaSimakadze, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli. “Ngemihla yaShamgari, umsa wa-Anathi, yebo, ngemihla yaJayeli imigwaco yayekelwa, tihambi tangenela tindledlana letijikeletako. Emakhaya kwakukhala libhungane, kwaze kwavuswa mine, Debhora, ngavuka njengenina wesive sema-Israyeli. Nabakhetsa bonkulunkulu labasha, kwefika imphi emasangweni emadolobha; kwabate lihawu nesikhali lokwabonakala kulabati-40 000 baka-Israyeli. Inhlitiyo yami ikubaholi baka-Israyeli, yebo, ikulabo labatinikele emkhatsini wesive. Dvumisani Simakadze! “Nine lenigibela timbongolo letimhlophe, nihleti etihlalweni tetingubo, nani lenihamba ngendlela, khulumani ngako loku. Lalelani emaphimbo ebahlabeleli emitfonjeni. Babonga bagambute ngetento letilungile taSimakadze, tento letilungile temabutfo akhe aka-Israyeli. Sive saSimakadze sehla, sehlela emasangweni elidolobha. “Vuka, vuka, Debhora! Vuka, vuka uhlabele ingoma! Sukuma, Bharaki! Tfumba batfunjwa bakho, wena msa wa-Abinowami. “Kwatsi emadvodza labesasele ehlela kubahlonishwa. Bantfu baSimakadze beta kimi, ngisho bonkhe labanemandla ekulwa. Labanye bachamuka ka-Efrayimu, labatimphandze tabo tika-Amaleki. Bhenjamini abekanye nebantfu lababekulandzela. Tindvuna tehla tiphuma kaMakhire, netiphatsimandla tiphuma kaZebuloni, tiphetse intfonga yendvuna yemphi. Emakhosi aka-Isakhari abenaDebhora, yebo, Isakhari abenaBharaki, agijima amlandzela aya esihosheni. Emitfonjeni yakaRubeni kwaba khona kutihlolisisa kakhulu enhlitiyweni. Nisaleleni netimvu ngemuva kutekulalela tinkwela tebelusi? Emitfonjeni yakaRubeni kwaba khona kutihlolisisa kakhulu enhlitiyweni. Gileyadi abehlala ngesheya kweJordane. Kepha Dani abentiwa yini kutsi azulazule ngasemikhunjini? Asheri wasala ngaselusentseni lwelwandle, wahlala akhululekile ematubukweni alo. Sive sakaZebuloni satilahla ematsambo, sinikela imphilo yaso. Naye Naftali wenta njalo ematsafeni. “Emakhosi eta, alwa; emakhosi aseKhenani alwa khona eThanaki ngasemitfonjeni yaseMegido, kodvwa abetfwalanga siliva, ngisho nemphango. Esibhakabhakeni tinkhanyeti talwa, yebo, tisagijima ngemivila yato, talwa naSisera. Umfudlana iKhishoni wabakhukhula, umfudlana lomdzala, umfudlana iKhishoni. Mphefumulo wami, chubeka, unyatsele ngemandla! “Kwadvuma tigi tetinselo temahhashi. Gidzidzidzi! Gidzidzidzi! Aholobha emahhashi akhe lanemandla! “Ingilosi yaSimakadze yatsi: ‘Calekisa Merozi. Calekisa bantfu bayo kabuhlungu, ngobe abazange bete kutawusita Simakadze, yebo, kutawusita Simakadze, nakalwa nalabanemandla.’ “Akabusiswe kakhulu Jayeli kulabasikati, umfati waHebere, umKheni. Akabusiswe kakhulu kunabo bonkhe labasikati labahlala emathendeni. Sisera wacela emanti, Jayeli wamnika lubisi ngendzebe lelungele bahlonishwa. Wamletsela lubisi lolunelulata. Sandla saJayeli sacukula sikhonkhwane selithende, sandla sakhe sangesekudla satsatsa sandvo sembati. Waphisela Sisera, wamphihlita inhloko, yebo, wamfohlota wamhlahlela enhlafunweni. Sisera wacimuleka etinyaweni taJayeli, walala khona lapho. Sisera wacimuleka etinyaweni taJayeli, lapho awela khona. Ngulapho acimuleka khona, wawa, wafa. “Unina waSisera wahlola ngelifasitelo, wakhala emvakwelutsango lwendlu watsi: ‘Kwentiwa yini kutsi incola yakhe yephute kangaka kubuya? Kwentiwa yini bukhehlekhehle betincola takhe bephute kuvakala?’ Emkhatsini wemantfombatana akhe lehlakaniphe kakhulu yamphendvula. Yebo, yakhuluma kuye, yatsi: ‘Kambe ngabe babutsa behlukaniselane imphango, kutsi intfombi yinye nome timbili tibe tendvodza yinye, kutsi tembatfo letimibalabala tibe taSisera, yebo, tembatfo letimibalabala naletihlotjisiwe tibe yimphango, tembatfo letihlotjiswe ngala nangale tentsamo yami, konkhe loku kube yimphango?’ “Yebo, Simakadze, shangatsi tonkhe titsa takho tingabhubha. Kodvwa labo labatsandza wena bangakhanya njengelilanga naliphumako ngemandla alo.” Live laba nekuthula iminyaka lengema-40. Sive sema-Israyeli saphindza futsi senta lokubi emehlweni aSimakadze, ngako Simakadze wabayekelela esandleni semaMidiyani iminyaka lesikhombisa. Sandla semaMidiyani saba matima esiveni sema-Israyeli, ngako ema-Israyeli ase atentela imihume emigedzeni yetintsaba, nemigodzi yekubalekela kanye netinqaba. Kwakutsi njalo ema-Israyeli nakahlanyele tilimo tawo, achamuke emaMidiyani, nema-Amaleki, naletinye tive tangasemphumalanga tilihlasele live. Tatitsi tingefika letive, timise kulelive lawo tibhubhise konkhe tingashiyi lutfo lolulinyiwe, kuze kuyewuma ngeGaza, tingawashiyeli lutfo loluphilako ema-Israyeli, tibhubhise timvu, netinkhomo, netimbongolo. Tatitseleka kanye netifuyo tato nemathende ato, kube shangatsi ngemabulo esikhonyane. Kute labengakhona kubala emadvodza nemakamela ato. Tatihlasela live lonkhe tentele kulibhubhisa. EmaMidiyani aphundla ema-Israyeli, adzimate ema-Israyeli akhala kuSimakadze acela lusito. Satsi kube sive sema-Israyeli sikhale kuSimakadze ngenca yemaMidiyani, wase usitfumelela umphrofethi, lowafike wakhuluma, watsi: “Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli: ‘Nganikhuphula eGibhithe, nganikhipha eveni lebugcili. Nganihlwitsa emandleni eGibhithe nasesandleni sebagcilati benu. Ngabadvungulula embikwenu, nganinika live labo. Ngakhuluma kini, ngatsi: “NginguSimakadze Nkulunkulu wenu; ningabakhonti bonkulunkulu bema-Amori, kulelive lawo lenihlala kulo.” Kodvwa anizange ningilalele.’ ” Ingilosi yaSimakadze yeta yefika yahlala ngephansi kwesihlahla se-okhi e-Ofra leyayiyaJowashi, labewesive saka-Abiyezeri, lapho umsa wakhe, Gideyoni, abebhula khona kolo etjeni lekuhluta liwayini entela kutsi emaMidiyani angamtfoli. Kwatsi ingilosi yaSimakadze nayifika kuGideyoni, yatsi: “Simakadze unawe, chawe lelinemandla.” Gideyoni waphendvula watsi: “Kodvwa mnumzane, nangabe Simakadze anatsi, konkhe loku kwentekelani kitsi? Tiphi tonkhe letimangaliso takhe, bobabe lababesitjela ngato nabatsi: ‘Simakadze akasikhuphulanga yini, wasikhipha eGibhithe?’ Kodvwa manje Simakadze usishiye wasinikela etandleni temaMidiyani.” Simakadze wagucukela kuye wakhuluma, watsi: “Hamba ngalawo mandla lonawo usindzise Israyeli esandleni saMidiyani. Angikutfumi yini?” Gideyoni wabuta, watsi: “Kodvwa Simakadze, ngingamsindzisa njani Israyeli? Lusendvo lwakitsi alusilutfo kuso sonkhe sive sakaManase, nami ngingulomncane kakhulu emndenini waketfu.” Simakadze waphendvula, watsi: “Ngitakuba nawe, wena-ke utawugadla emaMidiyani uwabulale kube sengatsi ugalela umuntfu munye.” Gideyoni waphendvula, watsi: “Nangabe nyalo ngitfole umusa emehlweni akho, nginike sibonakaliso sekutsi nguwe Simakadze sibili lona lokhuluma nami. Ngicela ungahambi, ngize ngibuye ngiletse umnikelo wami ngiwuletse embikwakho.” Simakadze watsi: “Ngitakumela uze ubuye.” Gideyoni wangena, walungisa lizinyane lembuti, wenta emacebelengwane labengenambiliso ngemphuphu lecolisakele leyayingemakhilogremu labengaba lishumi. Wafaka inyama ebhasikidini, nemhluti wayo ebhodweni, konkhe wakukhipha wakuletsa wakunikela kuye ngaphansi kwaleso sihlahla se-okhi. Ingilosi yaNkulunkulu yakhuluma kuye, yatsi: “Tsatsa lenyama kanye nalamacebelengwane langenambiliso, ukubeke etikwelidvwala, bese utsela lomhluti etikwako.” Gideyoni wakwenta loko. Ngesihloko sendvuku leyayisesandleni sayo, lengilosi yaSimakadze yatsintsa lenyama kanye nalamacebelengwane labengenambiliso. Kwavutsa umlilo kulelidvwala, wadla lenyama nalamacebelengwane. Ingilosi yaSimakadze yanyamalala. Watsi kube Gideyoni abone kutsi bekuyingilosi yaSimakadze, wamemeta watsi: “Hawu! Somandla Simakadze! Ngibone ingilosi yaSimakadze buso nebuso!” Kodvwa Simakadze wakhuluma kuye, watsi: “Kuthula akube kuwe. Ungesabi, ungeke ufe.” Ngako Gideyoni wakhela Simakadze lilati khona lapho, waletsa libito watsi: “Simakadze ukuthula.” Ngisho nalamuhla loku lisemile e-Ofra yesive saka-Abiyezeri. Ngabona lobo busuku Simakadze wakhuluma kuGideyoni, watsi: “Tsatsa inkunzi yesibili emhlambini wetinkhomo teyihlo, akube nguleyo leneminyaka lesikhombisa budzala. Bhidlita lilati leyihlo laBhali, ujube insika ya-Ashera leseceleni kwalo, bese wakha lilati sibili laSimakadze Nkulunkulu wakho esicongweni salendvundvuma. Sebentisa tinkhuni tensika ya-Ashera loyijubile ibe tinkhuni ekunikeleni inkunzi yesibili kutsi ibe ngumnikelo wekushiswa.” Ngako Gideyoni watsatsa tisebenti takhe letilishumi wenta njengobe atjelwe nguSimakadze. Kodvwa ngobe abesaba umndeni wakabo kanye nemadvodza alelo dolobha, loko wakwenta ebusuku, hhayi emini. Ekuseni atsi emadvodza alelo dolobha ayavuka, akhandza lilati laBhali selibhidlitiwe, kanye nensika ya-Ashera eceleni kwalo seyijutjiwe, nenkunzi yesibili seyentiwe umhlatjelo kulelo lati lelase lakhiwe kabusha! Abutana odvwana atsi: “Ngubani lowente loku?” Atsi nakaphenyisisa atjelwa, kwatsiwa: “NguGideyoni, umsa waJowashi, lokwentile.” Emadvodza alelo dolobha afuna Jowashi, atsi: “Khipha umsa wakho. Kufanele afe, ngobe ubhidlite lilati laBhali, wajuba nensika ya-Ashera eceleni kwalo.” Kodvwa Jowashi waphendvula lesicumbi semadvodza lesasitfukutsele sibila simtungeletile, watsi: “Nimelele Bhali yini? Netama kumvikela yini? Wonkhe lolwela Bhali utawubulawa manje ekuseni! Nangabe Bhali ungunkulunkulu, kufanele ativikele yena, nakukhona lobhidlita lilati lakhe.” Ngako kusukela ngalelo langa Gideyoni wetsiwa libito, kwatsiwa nguJerubhali, lokusho kutsi: “Bhali akatilwele yena,” ngobe abebhidlite lilati laBhali. Kwase kutsi onkhe emaMidiyani, nema-Amaleki, naletinye tive letatingasemphumalanga tahlangana tewelela ngesheya kweJordane, tayawumisa eSigodzini saseJezreyeli. Moya waSimakadze wehlela etikwaGideyoni; Gideyoni washaya licilongo atjela baka-Abiyezeri kutsi bamlandzele. Wakhipha tigijimi kulo lonkhe lakaManase abita sive kutsi sihlome, watfumela nasesiveni saka-Asheri, nesakaZebuloni, nesakaNaftali, watsi nabo abaphume batihlangabete letive. Gideyoni wakhuluma kuNkulunkulu, watsi: “Nangabe utawusindzisa sive sema-Israyeli ngesandla sami njengobe wetsembisile, ase ngente naku: Ngitawubeka sikhatsa seboya bemvu ebaleni lekubhulela kolo. Nangikhandza kunematolo kulesikhatsa kuphela, kantsi lomhlaba loseceleni kwaso womile, ngitabe sengiyati kutsi Israyeli utamsindzisa ngesandla sami, njengobe ushito.” Kwenteka loko. Gideyoni wavuka ekuseni ngeluvivi ngakusasa, wahluta lesikhatsa seboya, wekhama lamatolo, agcwala indzebe yemanti. Gideyoni wakhuluma kuNkulunkulu, watsi: “Ungangitfukutseleli. Ase ngente lesinye sicelo. Ngivumele ngente lesinye siciniseko ngaloboya. Kwamanje yenta loboya bome, bese kutsi lomhlabatsi loseceleni kwabo ube nematolo.” Kubo lobo busuku Nkulunkulu wakwenta loko. Nguloboya kuphela lobabomile, kwatsi wonkhe lomhlabatsi loseceleni kwabo walala ematolo. Ngakusasa ekuseni ngeluvivi, Jerubhali, labenguGideyoni, nawo onkhe emadvodza labehamba nawo bemisa emtfonjeni waseHarodi. Inkambu yabakaMidiyani yayingasenyakatfo esigodzini lesasisedvute neNtsaba iMore. Simakadze wakhuluma kuGideyoni, watsi: “Lamadvodza lohamba nawo manyenti kakhulu kutsi nginganikela emaMidiyani etandleni tawo, funa baka-Israyeli batishaye tifuba batsi: ‘Sitisindzise ngemandla etfu.’ Ngako memetela kulamadvodza utsi: ‘Nakukhona lowesabako nalongenwa ngemanti emadvolweni, akasuke lapha eNtsabeni iGileyadi, ancandzeke, abuyele ekhaya.’ ” Ngako kwancandzeka emadvodza lati-22 000, kwasala lati-10 000. Kodvwa Simakadze wakhuluma kuGideyoni, watsi: “Asemanyenti lamadvodza. Watsatse wehlele nawo emfuleni, ngitakuhlungela wona khona lapho. Nangitsi: ‘Lona utawuhamba nawe,’ kufanele ahambe, kodvwa nangitsi: ‘Lona angeke ahambe nawe,’ kufanele angahambi.” Ngako Gideyoni watsatsa lamadvodza wehlela emfuleni. Nasefike lapho, Simakadze wakhuluma kuye, watsi: “Yehlukanisa labo labanatsa ngekucapha lamanti njengenja, kulabo labaguca phansi nabanatsako.” Emadvodza lanatsa emanti ngekuwakhaphatela nangekuwacapha aba ngema-300. Onkhe lawa lamanye emadvodza aguca phansi ngemadvolo anatsa. Simakadze wakhuluma kuGideyoni, watsi: “Ngalamadvodza langema-300 lanatse ngekucapha ngitanisindzisa, nginikele emaMidiyani etandleni takho. Hambisa onkhe lawa lamanye emadvodza, ngulowo nalowo abuyele kubo.” Ngako Gideyoni onkhe lamadvodza wawabuyisela emathendeni awo, kodvwa wasala nalawa langema-300, latsatsa imiphako nemacilongo alawa lamanye. Inkambu yemaMidiyani yayingentasi kwakhe, esigodzini. Kubo lobo busuku Simakadze wakhuluma kuGideyoni, watsi: “Vuka, wehlele enkambu, ngobe ngitayinikela esandleni sakho. Nawesabako kuhlasela, yehlela enkambu nenceku yakho, Phura, ulalele kutsi batsini. Emvakwaloko utawuba nesibindzi sekuyihlasela lenkambu.” Ngako yena naPhura, inceku yakhe, behlela kulabo lababegadze inkambu. EmaMidiyani, nema-Amaleki, nato tonkhe tive tangasemphumalanga tatimise esigodzini, titse gwacalala njengemabulo esikhonyane. Emakamela ato abengeke asabaleka, abesafanana nesihlabatsi selusentse lwaselwandle. Gideyoni wefika ngesikhatsi lenye indvodza isalandzisa umnganayo liphupho itsi: “Ngibhudze sinkhwa sebhali lesiyindingilizi sita sigicikela enkambu yemaMidiyani. Sifike sashaya lithende ngemandla laze lasiphuka, lafohloka.” Lomnganakhe waphendvula watsi: “Phela loko kungeke kusho lutfo ngaphandle kwenkemba yaGideyoni, umsa waJowashi, waka-Israyeli. Nkulunkulu unikele emaMidiyani nenkambu yonkhe esandleni sakhe.” Watsi kube Gideyoni eve leliphupho kanye nenchazelo, wakhotsama Nkulunkulu, wamkhonta. Wancandzeka wabuyela enkambu yaka-Israyeli, wafike wamemeta watsi: “Vukani! Simakadze unikele inkambu yemaMidiyani esandleni senu!” Wahlela lamadvodza langema-300, wawenta emabutfo lamatsatfu. Onkhe lamadvodza wawanika emacilongo nemajeke labengenalutfo, kanye netidlwane lebetisekhatsi emajekeni, watsi ngulowo nalowo akakubambe ngetandla. Wabayala watsi: “Nibobuka mine, ningilingise. Nitawutsi nangifika emnyeleni wenkambu, nente njengobe nami ngenta. Nangabe mine nalaba labangalapha ngakimi sishaya emacilongo etfu, nani nonkhe, kutungeleta yonkhe inkambu, niboshaya emacilongo enu nimemete nitsi: ‘YaSimakadze neyaGideyoni.’ ” Gideyoni nalamadvodza lalikhulu labehamba naye befika emnyeleni wenkambu ekhatsi nebusuku nabasandza kuntjintja laba lababegadze inkambu. BoGideyoni bashaya emacilongo abo, bafohlota lamajeke labebawaphetse ngetandla. Onkhe-ke lamabutfo lamatsatfu ashaya emacilongo awo afohlota nalamajeke awo, abambe letidlwane ngesancele, ngesekudla aphetse lamacilongo labewashaya, amemeta atsi: “Inkemba yaSimakadze naGideyoni!” Kwatsi bonkhe bantfu baseme etindzaweni tabo batungelete lenkambu, onkhe emaMidiyani abaleka, akhalela etulu. Atsi kube lamacilongo langema-300 akhale, Simakadze wasanganisa onkhe lawo madvodza labekuleyo nkambu yemaMidiyani, agucukelana odvwana, agwazana. Imphi yonkhe yesuka yabaleka yacondza eBhethi Shitha kuya eSerera, kuze kuyewufika emnyeleni we-Abela Mehola, eceleni kweThabhathi. Ema-Israyeli akaNaftali, newaka-Asheri, nawo onkhe akaManase amenyetwa, acosha emaMidiyani. Gideyoni wakhipha tigijimi kulo lonkhe live letintsaba laka-Efrayimu, watsi: “Yehlani nihlasele emaMidiyani, niyekuwavimbetela etindzaweni tonkhe temanti nasematubukweni emfula iJordane asengakefiki, nize niyewufika eBhethi Bhara.” Ngako onkhe emadvodza aka-Efrayimu amenyetwa ahamba ayawuvimba tonkhe tindzawo letatinemanti nasematubukweni emfula iJordane, kuze kuyewufika eBhethi Bhara; adzimate atfumba nebaholi lababili bemaMidiyani, bo-Orebi naZebi. Orebi yena bambulalela edvwaleni lase-Orebi, kwatsi Zebi yena bambulalela etjeni lekuhlutela liwayini lelaliseZebi. EmaMidiyani bawacosha, baze babuya netinhloko tabo-Orebi naZebi, bafike batinika Gideyoni, labamkhandza ngesheya kwemfula iJordane. Sive saka-Efrayimu sabuta Gideyoni, satsi: “Usiphatseleni kanje? Awukasimemi ngani nawuyakulwa nemaMidiyani?” Bamsola kakhulu ngaloko. Kodvwa wabaphendvula watsi: “Yini nje lengiyente kahle kwendlula nine? Angitsi sivuno semagelebisi lesikhwinyitwa baka-Efrayimu sincono kakhulu kunesivuno sibili saka-Abiyezeri? Nkulunkulu wanikela bo-Orebi naZebi, baholi bemaMidiyani, etandleni tenu. Yini lengikhone kuyenta kwendlula nine?” Ngaloko, kumsola kwabo kwabotja. Gideyoni nemadvodza akhe langema-300, nome abesadziniwe, kodvwa achubeka acosha emaMidiyani, aze ewelela ngesheya kwemfula iJordane. Wakhuluma kulamadvodza aseSukhothi, watsi: “Phanini emabutfo ami kudla; asadziniwe futsi alambile, kantsi ngisachubeka kucosha boZeba naSalmuna, emakhosi emaMidiyani.” Kodvwa tindvuna taseSukhothi tatsi: “Senibatfumbile yini boZeba naSalmuna? Kepha singawanikelani kudla lamabutfo akho?” Gideyoni wabaphendvula watsi: “Njengobe nisho nje, kuyawutsi Simakadze anganikela boZeba naSalmuna esandleni sami, ngiyawudladlabula imitimba yenu ngemanyeva esiganga nangetinchachabutane.” Wesuka lapho wakhuphukela ePheniyeli, nakhona wenta sona leso sicelo, kodvwa nabo bamphendvula njengalaba baseSukhothi. Ngako wakhuluma kulamadvodza asePheniyeli, watsi: “Ngiyawutsi nase ngibuya sengincobile ngiwubhidlite lombhoshongo.” BoZeba naSalmuna babeseKhakhori kanye nemphi yabo leyayinemadvodza labengaba ti-15 000, bonkhe lababesele emabutfweni etive tangasemphumalanga. Kwase kufe emadvodza lati-120 000, tingwazi cobo lwato. Gideyoni wenyuka ngendlela yetihambi emphumalanga yeNoba neJogbeha, watitsela etikwalamabutfo, wona angakacapheli. BoZeba naSalmuna, emakhosi lamabili emaMidiyani, babaleka, kodvwa wabacosha, wabakhandza, wabatfumba, wadvungulula yonkhe imphi yabo. Gideyoni, umsa waJowashi, wabuya emphini ngeSikhala saseHeresi. Wabamba lijaha laseSukhothi waliphenya ngemibuto, lona lase limbhalela emabito etindvuna taseSukhothi labengema-77, lekwakutibondza talelo dolobha. Gideyoni weta kulamadvodza aseSukhothi, wafike watsi: “Naba boZeba naSalmuna, lenaningicoloshela ngabo, nitsi: ‘Sewubatfumbile yini boZeba naSalmuna? Pho, singawanikelani kudla lamabutfo akho lasadziniwe?’ ” Watsatsa lamadvodza, tibondza telidolobha laseSukhothi, wafundzisa sifundvo ngekuwajezisa ngemanyeva esiganga nangetinchachabutane. Waphindze wabhidlita umbhoshongo wasePheniyeli; wabulala nemadvodza alelo dolobha. Wabuta boZeba naSalmuna watsi: “Bekubobani lamadvodza lenawabulala eThabori?” Bamphendvula batsi: “Lamadvodza abefanana nawe ngulowo nalowo abenesimo sebuntfwabenkhosi.” Gideyoni wabaphendvula, watsi: “Lawo madvodza bekubomnaketfu, kungemadvodzana amake longitalako. Ngifunga kuphila kwaSimakadze, kube anibabulalanga, nami-ke bengingeke nginibulale.” Wagucukela ngakuJetheri, umsa wakhe lomdzala, watsi: “Babulale.” Kodvwa Jetheri akayihoshulanga inkemba yakhe, ngobe abesengumfana futsi esaba. BoZeba naSalmuna bakhuluma, batsi: “Kota, kutekwentiwa nguwe matfupha loko; ‘indvodza yindvodza ngemandla ayo.’ ” Ngako Gideyoni wasondzela kubo wababulala, wase utsatsa imihlobiso etintsanyeni temakamela abo. Ema-Israyeli akhuluma kuGideyoni, atsi: “Sale sewusibusa, wena nemsa wakho nemtukulu wakho, ngobe usisindzise esandleni semaMidiyani.” Kodvwa Gideyoni wawatjela watsi: “Ngingeke nginibuse, ngisho nemsa wami imbala. NguSimakadze lotanibusa.” Wachubeka watsi: “Kunye lengikucelako, kutsi ngulowo nalowo angiphe licici esabelweni senu semphango.” Bekulisiko lema-Ishmayeli kufaka emacici egolide. Ema-Israyeli aphendvula atsi: “Singajabula kukunika wona.” Ngako endlala ingubo, bonkhe bantfu ngulowo nalowo wajika licici kuyo labelitsetse emphangweni yakhe. Sisindvo salamacici labewacelile saba ngemakhilogremu labengaba li-19 nemagremu langema-500, ngaphandle kwemihlobiso letinhlobonhlobo netingubo letatibukhwebeletane letatembatfwa ngemakhosi aseMidiyani kanye netingcibe lebetisetintsanyeni temakamela awo. Gideyoni wenta sidziya segolide, wasibeka edolobheni lakubo i-Ofra. Onkhe ema-Israyeli eta aphinga ngekukhonta sona; loko kwaba lugibe kuGideyoni kanye nemndeni wakhe. Atfotjiswa kanjalo-ke emaMidiyani ngaphansi kwa-Israyeli, akazange aphindze atiphakamise. Ngesikhatsi saGideyoni ema-Israyeli aba nekuthula iminyaka lengema-40. Jerubhali, umsa waJowashi, wabuyela ekhaya kubo. Gideyoni abenemadvodzana labengema-70, labetalwa nguye, ngobe abenebafati labanyenti. Lesinye singani sakhe, lesasihlala eShekhemu, samtalela indvodzana, layetsa libito watsi ngu-Abimeleki. Gideyoni, umsa waJowashi, wafa asakhulile kakhulu ngeminyaka. Wangcwatjwa ethuneni leyise, Jowashi, lelalise-Ofra, kulema-Abiyezeri. Wenelela kufa nje Gideyoni, ema-Israyeli aphindze abuyela kuboBhali, aphinga nabo ngekubakhonta. Atimisela Bhali Bherithi, atsi ngunkulunkulu wawo, angete amkhumbula Simakadze Nkulunkulu wawo, labewephule etandleni tato tonkhe titsa tawo kuyo yonkhe indzawo. Akazange entele umusa emndenini waJerubhali lekwakunguGideyoni, njengako konkhe lokuhle labekwentele wona. Abimeleki, umsa waJerubhali, waya kubomalume wakhe nakuwo wonkhe umndeni wasekhabonina, watsi: “Butani tonkhe takhamiti taseShekhemu, nitsi: ‘Ngukuphi lokuncono kini: Kutsi nibuswe ngiwo onkhe lamadvodzana aJerubhali langema-70, nome nibuswe ngumuntfu munye?’ Khumbulani kutsi mine ngiyinyama yenu nengati yenu.” Batsi bomalume bakhe nabakusho loko bakuphindzaphindza kutakhamiti taseShekhemu, tabona kuncono kulandzela Abimeleki, ngobe tatitsi: “Ungumnaketfu.” Tamnika isiliva leyayingemagremu labengaba ngema-800, letatiyitsetse ethempelini laBhali Bherithi. Abimeleki walisebentisa ekucasheni tidlova letaba balandzeli bakhe. Wahamba waya kubo e-Ofra, wafike labanakabo lababengema-70, emadvodzana aJerubhali, wawabulalela etikwelitje linye. Kodvwa Jothamu, litfunjana laJerubhali, waphunyula ngobe wabhaca. Tonkhe takhamiti taseShekhemu nabo bonkhe baseBhethi Milo babutsana ngephansi kwesihlahla se-okhi ensikeni yaseShekhemu batewubeka Abimeleki kutsi abe yinkhosi. Jothamu watsi kube atjelwe ngaloko, wenyuka waya esicongweni seNtsaba iGerizimu, wafike wamemetela khona watsi: “Lalelani kimi, takhamiti taseShekhemu, kuze Nkulunkulu anilalele. Ngalelinye lilanga tihlahla taphuma tayawutigcobela yato inkhosi. Takhuluma esihlahleni semncumo tatsi: ‘Bani yinkhosi yetfu.’ “Kodvwa sihlahla semncumo saphendvula, satsi: ‘Ngingacala ngilahle emafutsa ami, languwona enta bonkulunkulu nemadvodza bahlonipheke, ngiyewuhamba ngintengetela etikwetihlahla?’ “Tihlahla tesuka lapho takhuluma esihlahleni semkhiwa, tatsi: ‘Kota, utewuba yinkhosi yetfu.’ “Kodvwa lomkhiwa waphendvula, watsi: ‘Ngingacala ngilahle lamakhiwa ami lamahle nalanongotela kangaka, ngiyewuhamba ngintengetela etikwetihlahla?’ “Tihlahla tase tikhuluma esihlahleni semvini, titsi: ‘Kota, utewuba yinkhosi yetfu.’ “Kodvwa lomvini waphendvula, watsi: ‘Ngingacala ngilahle leliwayini lami lelingulona lijabulisa bonkulunkulu nemadvodza, ngiyewuhamba ngintengetela etikwetihlahla?’ “Ekugcineni tonkhe tihlahla takhuluma esihlahleni semanyeva, tatsi: ‘Kota, utewuba yinkhosi yetfu.’ “Sihlahla semanyeva saphendvula letihlahla, satsi: ‘Nanicinisile kutsi nifuna kungibeka inkhosi etikwenu, wotani nitewukhosela emtfuntini wami; kodvwa nakungenjalo, akuphume umlilo esihlahleni semanyeva udle imisedari yaseLebanoni!’ “Kungabe-ke benikwenta kahle nangeliciniso sibili yini lokubeka lo-Abimeleki kutsi abe yinkhosi yenu? Bekungukona kumfanele yini Jerubhali ngaloko lenikwentile emndenini wakhe? Tifanelwe nguloko yini tonkhe letintfo latenta Jerubhali kini? Khumbulani kutsi babe wanilwela kanjani atilahla ematsambo akhe kutsi anephule etandleni temaMidiyani. Kodvwa lamuhla senivukele indlu yababe, nabulala emadvodzana akhe langema-70 niwabulalela etikwelitje linye, nabeka Abimeleki, indvodzana yentfombatana leyayisigcili sakhe, namenta inkhosi yetakhamiti taseShekhemu, ngobe angumnakenu. Nangabe-ke nente kahle nangekweliciniso sibili kuJerubhali nasemndenini wakhe lamuhla, Abimeleki, akabe kujabula kwenu, nani nibe kujabula kwakhe! Kodvwa nakungenjalo, akuphume umlilo ku-Abimeleki unidle, nine takhamiti taseShekhemu netaseBhethi Milo; akuphume umlilo nakini, nine takhamiti taseShekhemu netaseBhethi Milo, udle Abimeleki!” Jothamu wesuka lapho wabaleka wayawubhaca eBheri, wafike wakha khona, wahlala, ngobe abemesaba umnakabo, Abimeleki. Abimeleki wabusa sive sema-Israyeli iminyaka lemitsatfu. Nkulunkulu watfumela umoya lomubi emkhatsini wa-Abimeleki nesive saseShekhemu, savuka indlwabane, savukela Abimeleki. Nkulunkulu wakwenta loku kuze kutsi licala lekubulawa kwemadvodzana aJerubhali labengema-70, nekucitseka kwengati yabo, kuphindziselwe kumnakabo labengu-Abimeleki kanye nakuto takhamiti taseShekhemu, letatingutona tamsita nakabulala bomnakabo. Takhamiti taseShekhemu tacipha Abimeleki ngekubeka emadvodza eticongweni tetintsaba kutsi alalele kukhuthuza nekugebenga bonkhe bantfu lababendlula lapho; loko kwabikwa ku-Abimeleki. Kwabe sekufika Gali, umsa wa-Ebedi, eShekhemu, ahamba nabomnakabo, emadvodza aseShekhemu ase etsembela kuye. Batsi kube baphume bonkhe baye emasimini abo bayewuvuna emagelebisi, babuya bawahluta, base benta lidzili ethempelini lesithico sabo. Babetsi ngesikhatsi banatsa, badla, bacalekise Abimeleki. Gali-ke, umsa wa-Ebedi, wababuta, watsi: “Ngubani Abimeleki, ngubani yena Shekhemu, kutsi tsine singabakhotsama kuye? Akasiye yini umsa waJerubhali? Yena Zebuli akasilo liphini lakhe yini? Khotsamani emadvodza akaHamori, uyise waShekhemu! Kudzingeke ngani-ke kutsi sikhonte Abimeleki? Kube mane lesive besiphetfwe ngimi, ngabe ngiyamsusa Abimeleki. Ngabe ngitsi kuye: ‘Khipha imphi yakho yonkhe!’ ” Watsi kube Zebuli, umphatsi welidolobha, akuve loku lekwakukhulunywa nguGali, umsa wa-Ebedi, watfukutsela wagana sicoco. Wakhipha tigijimi ngasense, watitfumela ku-Abimeleki, watsi: “Gali, umsa wa-Ebedi, nabomnakabo sebatseleke lapha eShekhemu, manje sebasusa umsindvo wekutsi lelidolobha lonkhe alivukele wena likuhlasele! Ngako-ke kubotsi ebusuku wena nebantfu bakho nite nitewubalalela ematsafeni. Kutawutsi ekuseni nakuphuma lilanga, nivumbuke nilihlasele lelidolobha. Kutawutsi boGali nalamabutfo akhe nabaphuma bakuhlasele, wente loko sandla sakho lesingakwenta kubo.” Ngako Abimeleki nawo onkhe emabutfo akhe baphuma bashuca ebusuku bavimbetela iShekhemu, behlukene ticheme letine. Watsi kube Abimeleki nalamadvodza labehamba nawo abone Gali, umsa wa-Ebedi, asaphumile eme esangweni lelidolobha, bavumbuka etindzaweni tabo lapho bebabhace khona. Gali watsi kube ababone, wakhuluma kuZebuli watsi: “Bukela kuvumbuka bantfu lapha eticongweni tetintsaba, bayewuka!” Zebuli wamphendvula watsi: “Ubona ematfunti entsaba afanana nebantfu.” Kodvwa Gali waphindza wakhuluma, watsi: “Bukela bantfu bavumbuka ekhatsi nelive, bayehla, kunelibutfo lelikhulu lelichamuka ngasesihlahleni sebaphenguli.” Zebuli wakhuluma, ambuta watsi: “Khumbula emagama akho. Akusiwe lona bewutsi: ‘Ngubani yena Abimeleki kutsi singabuswa nguye?’ Akusiwo nje lamadvodza bewuwacoloshela? Phuma-ke uyekulwa nawo!” Ngako Gali wahola takhamiti taseShekhemu walwa na-Abimeleki. Abimeleki wamcosha; labanyenti bawa balimala kuloko kucoshwa kwabo, balala lucaca yonkhe indlela kuya ngasekungeneni kwelisango. Abimeleki wahlala e-Aruma; Zebuli wakhipha Gali kanye nabomnakabo wabacosha eShekhemu. Ngelilanga lelilandzelako bantfu baseShekhemu baphuma baya emasimini, loko kwabikwa ku-Abimeleki. Ngako watsatsa lamabutfo akhe wawehlukanisa ticheme letintsatfu, watsi atibhace lena emasimini. Watsi nakabona bantfu baphuma edolobheni, wavuka wayawubahlasela nekubabulala. Abimeleki nalamabutfo akhe bagijima bayakuma ekungeneni kwelisango lelidolobha. Kwatsi emacembu lamabili esukela laba lababesemasimini, bacotfula imbokodvo nesisekelo. Lonkhe lelo langa Abimeleki wachubeka wahlasela lelo dolobha, waze walitfumba, wabulala bonkhe bantfu lababekulo. Walibhidlita lonkhe, wase ulinyenyeta ngeluswayi. Tatsi kube tikuve loko takhamiti tembhoshongo waseShekhemu, tabaleka tawolekela engungwini yelithempeli la-Eli Bherithi. Abimeleki watsi kube atjelwe kutsi bonkhe bantfu bembhoshongo waseShekhemu bancwabelane lapho, wakhuphuka yena nelibutfo lakhe, baya eNtsabeni iSalmoni. Watsatsa lizembe, wagawula emagala etihlahla, wawetjatsa emahlombe. Watjela lamadvodza labehamba nawo, watsi: “Sheshisani! Yentani loku leningibona ngikwenta!” Ngako yonkhe indvodza yagawula akayo emagala, yawetjatsa, yalandzela Abimeleki. Bafika bawambombela emnyango walengungu, base balumeka umlilo kulawo mahlahla labesemnyango. Bantfu bafutsetelana ekhatsi kulengungu yembhoshongo waseShekhemu basha bangcongca: emadvodza, nebafati lababeyinkhulungwane sebabonkhe. Abimeleki wesuka lapho wacondza eThebesi, nayo wafike wayihlasela, wayitfumba. Noko ngekhatsi kwalelidolobha bekunembhoshongo locinile, lapho kwakubalekela khona bantfu bakulelidolobha, babhace, emadvodza nebafati. Batikhiyela ngekhatsi, bakhuphuka bayawuhlala etulu esicongweni salombhoshongo. Abimeleki wesukela wona lombhoshongo wayawuhlasela. Kodvwa watsi asasondzela emnyango wawo lombhoshongo atsi usetawulumeka ngemlilo, lomunye umfati wehlisela lenkhulu imbakadza yelitje etikwenhloko yakhe, yabhidlita lukhakhayi lwa-Abimeleki. Masinyane Abimeleki wabita ludzibi lwakhe, watsi: “Sheshisa uhoshule inkemba yakho ungibulale, kuze bangasho batsi: ‘Wabulawa ngumfati.’ ” Ngako inceku yamcedzela, wafa. Ema-Israyeli atsi kube abone kutsi Abimeleki sewufile, aphuma atibuyelela ekhaya. Nkulunkulu wabuphindzisela kanjalo-ke ku-Abimeleki lobo bubi labebentile kuyise ngekubulala bomnakabo lababengema-70. Nkulunkulu wawajezisa nalamadvodza aseShekhemu ngalobo bubi bawo. Sicalekiso lesakhulunywa nguJothamu, umsa waJerubhali, sagcina sibehlele. Emvakwekufa kwa-Abimeleki kwavela indvodza yelusendvo lwaka-Isakhari lekwakutsiwa nguThola, umsa waPhuwa, labetalwa nguDodo. Yawasindzisa ema-Israyeli. Abehlala eShamiri, eveni letintsaba kulaka-Efrayimu. Nguye lowaba ngumholi wesive saka-Israyeli iminyaka lengema-23, wase uyafa, wangcwatjwa khona eShamiri. Thola walandzelwa nguJayire wakaGileyadi, lowahola sive sema-Israyeli iminyaka lengema-22. Abenemadvodzana langema-30 labegibela timbongolo letingema-30. Lamadvodzana abephetse emadolobha langema-30 akaGileyadi. Lamadolobha nalamuhla loku asabitwa ngekutsi yiHavothi Jayire. Watsi kube afe Jayire, wangcwatjwa eKhamoni. Baka-Israyeli baphindza benta lokubi emehlweni aSimakadze. Bakhonta boBhali, nabo-Ashtarothe, nabonkulunkulu base-Aramu, nabonkulunkulu baseSidoni, nabonkulunkulu baseMowabi, nabonkulunkulu bema-Amoni, nabonkulunkulu bemaFilisti. Baka-Israyeli bafulatsela Simakadze, bamyekela, bangabe basamkhonta, ngako Simakadze wabatfukutselela. Wabaniketela etandleni temaFilisti netema-Amoni, labancoba ngalowo mnyaka abacindzetela. Kwadzimate kwaphela iminyaka leli-18 solomane baka-Israyeli bacindzetelekile bonkhe, labebakhe ngasemphumalanga kweJordane, eveni lema-Amori, kulakaGileyadi. Ema-Amoni nawo ewelela ngesheya kweJordane ayakulwa nebakaJuda, nebakaBhenjamini, nabo bonkhe bendlu yaka-Efrayimu. Sonkhe sive saka-Israyeli sasisebumatimeni lobukhulu. Ngako sive saka-Israyeli sase siyakhala kuSimakadze, sitsi: “Sonile kuwe, safulatsela Nkulunkulu wetfu, sayawukhonta boBhali.” Simakadze wabaphendvula watsi: “Ngesikhatsi baseGibhithe, nema-Amori, nema-Amoni, nemaFilisti, nebaseSidoni, nema-Amaleki, nemaMayoni anicindzetela nakhala kimi, nicela lusito, angizange yini nginephule etandleni tabo? Kodvwa nine nangifulatsela mine, nakhonta labanye bonkulunkulu; ngako-ke ngingeke ngiphindze nginisindzise. Hambani niyewukhala kulabonkulunkulu lenabakhetsa. Akube ngabo labanisindzisako nase nisenhluphekweni.” Kodvwa baka-Israyeli bachubeka bakhala kuSimakadze, batsi: “Sonile! Yenta lokutsandzako ngatsi, kodvwa nje mane usephule kwanyalo.” Base bayabesusa bonkulunkulu betive lababesemkhatsini wabo, bakhonta Simakadze. Inhlitiyo yakhe yase iyatsintseka ngenca yekukhala kwesive sema-Israyeli. Kwatsi ema-Amoni nakamenyetwa kutsi akahlome ayewumisa eGileyadi, baka-Israyeli nabo bahlangana bayawumisa eMispa. Baholi besive sakaGileyadi bakhulumisana bodvwa, batsi: “Lowo loyawucala kucala agadle nakuhlaselwa ema-Amoni, nguye loyawuba ngumholi wabo bonkhe labahlala kulelive lakaGileyadi.” Jeftha bekuyingwazi yakaGileyadi. Uyise, Gileyadi, abemtele kulenye nje ingwadla. Gileyadi abenalamanye emadvodzana, labewatalelwe ngumkakhe. Atsi kube akhule lamadvodzana, ase ayamcosha Jeftha lapha ekhaya, atsi: “Ungeke usitfole sabelo lesilifa kulomndeni wakitsi, ngobe wena uyindvodzana yakalomunye umfati.” Ngako-ke Jeftha wabaleka ekhaya kubo, abalekela bomnakabo, wayawuhlala eveni lakaThobu, lapho efika kwabutsana tonkhe tihlophoyi kuye, tamsingatsa, tamlandzela, taphuma naye. Kwatsi ngalesinye sikhatsi sive saka-Amoni nasiyawuhlasela ema-Israyeli, tibondza takaGileyadi tahamba tayawulandza Jeftha eveni lakaThobu, tafike tatsi: “Wota utewuba yindvuna yetfu, kuze sikwati kulwa nema-Amoni.” Jeftha wakhuluma kuto, watsi: “Angitsi nine nangitondza, naze nangicosha nasekhaya kitsi? Manje senitelani kimi ngobe senisenhluphekweni?” Tibondza takaGileyadi tamphendvula, tatsi: “Noko sesigucukela kuwe nyalo, hamba natsi siyekulwa nema-Amoni, sitakwenta ube ngumholi wetfu kubo bonkhe labakhile kuleli lakaGileyadi.” Jeftha watiphendvula watsi: “Naningibuyisa ekhaya siyekulwa nema-Amoni, nakungenteka Simakadze awanikele kimi, nitangenta ngempela yini umholi wenu?” Tibondza takaGileyadi tamphendvula, tatsi: “Simakadze ungufakazi wetfu, ngempela sitakwenta njengobe usho.” Ngako Jeftha wahamba naletibondza takaGileyadi, sive sonkhe safike samenta inhloko nemholi waso. Jeftha wawaphindzaphindza lamagama akhe aseMispa embikwaSimakadze. Ngako Jeftha wase utfumela tigijimi enkhosini yema-Amoni, wayibuta watsi: “Kukhona yini lesikone ngako, kutsi ungaze utewuhlasela live letfu?” Inkhosi yema-Amoni yaphendvula letigijimi takaJeftha yatsi: “Kwatsi ema-Israyeli nakaphuma eGibhithe, efika lapha atsatsa live lami, kusukela e-Anoni kuze kuyewufika eJabhoki naseJordane. Manje-ke libuyiseni ngekuthula.” Jeftha waphindza watfumela tigijimi enkhosini yema-Amoni, tafike tatsi: “Jeftha utsi: ‘Ema-Israyeli akazange alitsatse live lemaMowabi nelive lema-Amoni. Kodvwa atsi nakaphuma eveni laseGibhithe, ema-Israyeli ahamba lihlane acondza eLwandle Lolubovu, endlulela eKhadeshi. Israyeli watfumela tigijimi enkhosini yaka-Edomu, tafike tatsi: “Sivumele sihambe sidzabule lelive lakho.” Kodvwa inkhosi yaka-Edomu, ayizange imvumele kuloko. Baka-Israyeli baphindza futsi batfumela nasenkhosini yakaMowabi, nayo yala; ngako baka-Israyeli bahlala eKhadeshi. “ ‘Emvakwaloko bahamba bazula ehlane, bagega live laka-Edomu nelakaMowabi, baze befika ngasemphumalanga nelakaMowabi, bayawumisa ngesheya kwe-Anoni. Abazange bangene eminyeleni yelive lakaMowabi, ngobe i-Anoni bekunguwona mnyele walo. “ ‘Baka-Israyeli base batfumela tigijimi kuSihoni, inkhosi yema-Amori, labebusa eHeshboni, batsi kuye: “Sicela mane sendlule eveni lakho, siye eveni letfu.” Kodvwa Sihoni akazange awetsembe ema-Israyeli kutsi angendlula eveni lakhe. Wabutsa yonkhe imphi yakhe wayakumisa eJahasi, walwa nawo ema-Israyeli. “ ‘Simakadze Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli wanikela Sihoni naso sonkhe sive sakhe esandleni sema-Israyeli, abehlula. Ngako baka-Israyeli balidla lonkhe lelo live ema-Amori labehlala kulo. Alidla lonkhe lelo live, kusukela e-Anoni kuye eJabhoki; nekusuka ehlane kuye emfuleni iJordane. “ ‘Manje-ke njengobe Simakadze Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli acosha ema-Amori ngaphambili kwesive sakhe, ema-Israyeli, wena-ke unalilungelo lini lekulidla lelo live? Ungete wamane ulidle kuphela lelo lonikwa lona ngunkulunkulu wakho longuKhemoshi? Ngalokunjalo natsi sitalidla lelo lesilinikwa nguSimakadze Nkulunkulu wetfu, kube letfu. Uncono yini wena kunaBhalaki, umsa waSiphori, inkhosi yemaMowabi? Yena wake wacabana yini nema-Israyeli nome walwa nawo? Kwaze kwaphela iminyaka lengema-300, baka-Israyeli bahlala eHeshboni, nase-Aroyeri, nasetabelweni letiyitungeletile, nakuwo onkhe emadolobha kuvundla ne-Anoni. Awuzange ubahlasele ngani-ke ngaleso sikhatsi ulidle lelive? Mine angikakoni ngalutfo, kodvwa nguwe lowonile ngekufuna kungihlasela ngemphi. Shangatsi Simakadze longuyena angumehluleli angakhipha sigwebo lamuhla emkhatsini wesive sema-Israyeli nesive sema-Amoni.’ ” Noko inkhosi yema-Amoni ayizange iwunake lombiko wayo lowawutfunyelwe nguJeftha. Moya waSimakadze wase wehlela kuJeftha. Wahamba wadzabula kulakaGileyadi nakulakaManase, wewelela ngesheya eMispa yakaGileyadi, wendlula lapho washuca wayawuhlasela ema-Amoni. Jeftha wenta sifungo kuSimakadze, watsi: “Nawunganikela ema-Amoni esandleni sami, nome ngabe ngubani loyawuphuma kucala emnyango wendlu yami kungihlangabeta nase ngibuya ekuncobeni imphi yema-Amoni, uyawuba waSimakadze; ngiyawunikela ngaye abe ngumnikelo wekushiswa.” Jeftha wesuka lapho wewela wayakulwa nema-Amoni, Simakadze wawanikela esandleni sakhe. Wabhubhisa emadolobha langema-20, kusukela e-Aroyeri kuze kuyewufika emacentselweni aseMinithi nase-Abela Kheramimu; acotfula imbokodvo nesisekelo. Ayincoba kanjalo-ke ema-Israyeli i-Amoni. Jeftha nase achamuka ekhaya lakhe lelaliseMispa, ngubani lobekangaphuma kucala amhlangabete ngaphandle kwentfombi yakakhe, leyaphuma igiya, itjakadvula, ishaya makhoyane wayo. Kwakukuphela kwayo vo! Ngaphandle kwayo abengenandvodzana nandvodzakati. Watsi nakayibona, waklebhula timphahla takhe, wakhala, watsi: “Awu, ndvodzakati yami! Ungidzabukisile wangihluphekisa, ngobe ngente sifungo kuSimakadze lengingasoze ngasephula.” Yona yaphendvula yatsi: “Babe, nangabe wente sincumo kuSimakadze, yenta kimi njengobe ufungile kuSimakadze, ngobe nguye lokuphindziselele etitseni takho, ema-Amoni. Kodvwa mane ungentele kube kunye. Ngicela umane unginike tinyanga tibe timbili ngibe ngedvwa, ngikhuphukele etintsabeni ngiyewuzula khona, ngililele buntfombi bami, mine kanye nabontsanga yetfu.” Uyise watsi: “Hamba.” Wayikhulula, yahamba tinyanga letimbili. Yona nebangani bayo bakhuphukela etintsabeni bayawulilela buntfombi bayo. Kwatsi kube kuphele letinyanga letimbili, yehla yabuyela kuyise. Uyise wenta kuyo njengobe abefungile. Bekuyintfombi leyayingayati indvodza. Lavela lapho-ke lisiko lema-Israyeli, lekutsi njalo nje ngemnyaka emantfombatana langema-Israyeli ahamba emalanga lamane ayekwenta umkhosi wekukhumbula indvodzakati yaJeftha wakaGileyadi. Emadvodza aka-Efrayimu abutsana, ashuca ewelela ngesheya kulaseSafoni, afike akhuluma kuJeftha, atsi: “Wentiwe yini lokutsi nawuhamba uyakulwa nema-Amoni ungasibiti tsine kutsi sihambe nawe? Sitawulumeka lendlu yakho siyishisele etikwenhloko yakho.” Jeftha wabaphendvula, watsi: “Mine nebantfu bami besinekucabana lokukhulu kabi nema-Amoni, nani-ke ngatsi ngiyanibita nangete neta kutangephula esandleni sawo. Ngatsi kube ngibone kutsi ningeke ningisite, ngatidzela ematsambo ngewela ngayakulwa nema-Amoni. Simakadze wawanikela esandleni sami, ngawancoba. Manje-ke seniteleni lamuhla kutengilwisa ngaloko?” Jeftha wase ubutsa onkhe emadvodza akaGileyadi, walwa nebaka-Efrayimu. BakaGileyadi babashaya babehlula baka-Efrayimu. Baka-Efrayimu bebatsite: “Nine maGileyadi lenika-Efrayimu nakaManase, ningemambuka aka-Efrayimu!” BakaGileyadi bavimba onkhe ematubuko emfula iJordane lewelela ka-Efrayimu. Kwakutsi njalo nakukhona lophunyulile waka-Efrayimu, afike atsi: “Ngicela kwewela,” emadvodza akaGileyadi ambute atsi: “Ngekwakho uwaka-Efrayimu yini?” Nakaphendvule watsi: “Cha,” babetsi: “Kulungile-ke, tsani: ‘Shibholethi.’ ” Nangabe atsite: “Sibholeti,” ngobe ehluleke kubita kahle leligama, babembamba bambulalele khona lapho etubukweni lemfula iJordane. Baka-Efrayimu labababulala kanjalo baba ti-42 000 ngaleso sikhatsi. Jeftha wahola sive sema-Israyeli iminyaka lesitfupha. Jeftha, labengumGileyadi, wafa, wangcwatjwa edolobheni lakaGileyadi. EmvakwaJeftha kwavela Ibsani waseBhetlehema, waba ngumholi wema-Israyeli. Abenemadvodzana langema-30 nemadvodzakati langema-30. Lamadvodzakati akhe wawendzisela letinye tinsendvo letatingesilo lusendvo lwakhe, nalamadvodzana akhe wawatsatsela bafati ngaphandle kulababengesibo belusendvo lwakhe. Ibsani wahola sive sema-Israyeli iminyaka lesikhombisa. Ibsani wabe sewuyafa, wangcwatjwa eBhetlehema. Emvakwakhe kwavela Eloni, labewesive sakaZebuloni; wahola sive sema-Israyeli iminyaka lelishumi. Eloni wabe sewuyafa, wangcwatjwa e-Ayaloni, eveni lakaZebuloni. Emvakwakhe kwavela Abdoni, umsa waHileli, wasePhirathoni, wahola sive sema-Israyeli. Abdoni abenemadvodzana langema-40 nebatukulu labangema-30, babegibela timbongolo letingema-70. Yena-ke wahola sive sema-Israyeli iminyaka lesiphohlongo. Abdoni, umsa waHileli, wasePhirathoni, wafa wangcwatjwa ePhirathoni kulaka-Efrayimu, eveni letintsaba lema-Amaleki. Baka-Israyeli baphindza benta lokubi emehlweni aSimakadze; ngako Simakadze wabanikela esandleni sema-Filisti iminyaka lengema-40. Kwakukhona lenye indvodza yaseSora lekwakunguManowa, libito layo, iyesive sakaDani. Lendvodza yayinemfati loyinyumba, angenabantfwana. Ingilosi yaSimakadze yabonakala kulomfati, yatsi: “Uyinyumba, ute bantfwana, kodvwa sewutawukhulelwa, utale indvodzana. Ticaphele wena-ke kutsi ungalinatsi liwayini nome ngabe sengusiphi-ke sinatfo lesivutjelwe, futsi ungasadli lutfo lolungcolile ngekwemtsetfo, ngobe utawukhulelwa utale indvodzana. Kute insingo leyawusetjentiswa enhloko yakhe, ngobe lomfana uyawuba ngumNaziri lowehlukaniselwe Nkulunkulu kwasekutalweni kwakhe. Nguye lotawucala kukhulula sive sema-Israyeli esandleni semaFilisti.” Lomfati-ke wabe sewuya endvodzeni yakhe, wafike wayibikela watsi: “Kufike umuntfu waNkulunkulu kimi. Simo sakhe bekungatsi yingilosi yaNkulunkulu; abesabeka kakhulu. Nami angikabe ngisabuta nekutsi uphumaphi, naye akangitjeli nelibito lakhe. Kodvwa utsite kimi: ‘Utawukhulelwa, utale indvodzana. Manje-ke ungabe usalinatsa liwayini nome ngabe sengusiphi-ke sinatfo lesivutjelwe. Ungasadli lutfo lolungcolile ngekwemtsetfo, ngobe lomfana uyawuba ngumNaziri lowehlukaniselwe Nkulunkulu kusukela ekutalweni kwakhe kuze kube lilanga lekufa kwakhe.’ ” Ngako Manowa wase uyathandaza kuSimakadze, watsi: “Awu, Simakadze, ngiyakuncenga kutsi mane lowo muntfu waNkulunkulu lomtfumele lapha kitsi aphindze abuye atesifundzisa kutsi lomfana lotawutalwa sitamkhulisa kanjani.” Nkulunkulu wamuva Manowa, ingilosi yaSimakadze yaphindze yabuya futsi kulomfati, yefika ngesikhatsi asensimini, ayedvwa. Indvodza yakhe, Manowa, beyingekho kanye naye. Lomfati waphutfuma wayawubikela indvodza yakhe, watsi: “Sewukhona! Lomuntfu lowabonakala kimi ngalela langa sewuphindze ubuyile.” Manowa wasukuma walandzela umfati wakhe. Watsi nakefika kulomuntfu, wambuta, watsi: “Unguye yini lona lowafika wakhuluma kumkami?” Watsi: “Nginguye.” Ngako Manowa wambuta, watsi: “Ngesikhatsi emavi akho asagcwalisekile, kuyawuba yini imiyalo ngemphilo nangemisebenti yalomfana?” Ingilosi yaSimakadze yaphendvula Manowa, yatsi: “Umkakho kufanele ente konkhe loko lengimtjele kona. Kufanele angadli lutfo loluhlutwe emvinini, anganatsi lutfo lolwentiwe ngewayini nome ngangusiphi sinatfo lesivutjelwe, angadli nalutfo lolungcolile ngekwemtsetfo. Kufanele ente konkhe loku lengimtjele kona.” Manowa wakhuluma engilosini, watsi: “Sitawucela mane sewume kuhamba, size sikulungisele kwesibhutatana.” Ingilosi yaSimakadze yatsi: “Nome ningangilibatisa, ngingeke ngikudle nakunye kudla kwenu. Kodvwa naningalungisa umnikelo wekushiswa, wunikeleni kuSimakadze.” Manowa bekangaboni lokutsi yingilosi yaSimakadze. Manowa wase ubuta lengilosi yaSimakadze, watsi: “Ngubani libito lakho, kuze sitekubonga nasagcwalisekile lamavi akho?” Yaphendvula yatsi: “Ungibutelani libito lami? Alicondzakali.” Manowa wase ubamba sibhutatana kanye nemnikelo walokutinhlavu, wakwenta umhlatjelo etikwelidvwala, wakunikela kuSimakadze. Simakadze wenta intfo lemangalisako ngesikhatsi boManowa nemkakhe babukela. Atsi lamalangabi asalanguka esuka lapha elatini acondze ezulwini, lengilosi yaSimakadze yagibela kulamalangabi yenyukela ezulwini. Batsi nabakubona loko, boManowa nemkakhe bawa phansi ngebuso, bakhotsama. Yatsi kube inyamalale lengilosi yaSimakadze kuboManowa nemkakhe, bangasayiboni, Manowa kwaba ngukhona asanguluka abona kutsi bekuyingilosi yaSimakadze. Manowa wakhuluma kumkakhe, watsi: “Sitakufa! Sibone Nkulunkulu!” Kodvwa umkakhe wamphendvula, watsi: “Kube Simakadze abecondze kusibulala, ngabe akawemukeli lomnikelo wekushiswa nemnikelo walokutinhlavu lovela esandleni setfu, ngabe akasikhombisi tonkhe letintfo, wabuye wasitjela naloku.” LomkaManowa watala indvodzana, wayetsa libito watsi nguSamsoni. Wakhula, Simakadze wambusisa, naMoya waSimakadze wacala kumnyakatisa ngesikhatsi aseMahane Dani, emkhatsini weSora ne-Eshtayoli. Samsoni wehlela eveni laseThimna, wafike khona wabona intfombi leyayingumFilisti. Watsi nasabuya khona, wafike wakhuluma kuboyise nenina, watsi: “Ngibone intfombi lengumFilisti lena kulaseThimna, ngitsatseleni yona ibe ngumkami.” Boyise nenina bambuta batsi: “Kute yini tintfombi lapha emkhatsini wetihlobo takho nasemkhatsini wato tonkhe tive takini? Sewungadzimate uye esiveni semaFilisti lesingasoki nekusoka uyewutsatsa khona umfati?” Kodvwa Samsoni waphendvula uyise, watsi: “Ngitsatsele yena. Uyatsandzeka emehlweni ami.” Batali baSamsoni bebangati kutsi loko kwakuvela kuSimakadze labenguyena afunana nelitfuba lekuhlasela emaFilisti, ngobe ngaleso sikhatsi emaFilisti abebusa sive sema-Israyeli. Samsoni wehlela eThimna wahamba naboyise nenina. Batsi nase basondzele ngasemasimini emivini yaseThimna, kwachamuka libhongwana lelibhubesi lita kuSamsoni, libhodla. Moya waSimakadze wehlela etikwakhe ngemandla lamakhulu kangangekutsi lelibhubesi walibamba walidladlabula ngetandla takhe, kwaba shangatsi udladlabula lizinyane lembuti. Kodvwa akazange abatjele boyise nenina kutsi sewenteni endleleni yakhe. Ngako wehla wayawukhuluma nalentfombatana; yatsandzeka kakhulu emehlweni akhe. Kwatsi ngemalanga nje wase uyehla ayawushada nalentfombi yakhe; asesendleleni asaya khona, wase uphambukela kulesidvumbu salelibhubesi labelibulele. Wakhandza kunelibulo letinyosi neluju kulesidvumbu, wase utapa lamakhekheba aletinyosi; wahambe atidla endleleni. Watsi kube abakhandze boyise nenina, wabapha nabo letinyosi, batidla. Kodvwa akazange abatjele kutsi letinyosi utitape esidvunjini selibhubesi. Uyise wehla wayawubona lentfombi ekhaya kubo. Samsoni wenta lidzili lapho, njengobe kwakulisiko kutsi umkhwenyane ente lidzili. Watsi kube efike, wanikwa emajaha langema-30 kutsi atemhlalisa. Samsoni watsi kuwo: “Ase nginiphice. Nanitawucombelela kahle angakapheli emalanga lasikhombisa alelidzili, ngitaninika tembatfo telineni letingema-30 netimphahla tekwembatsa letingema-30. Nanehluleka kucombelela kahle, kufanele ninginike nine tembatfo telineni letingema-30 netimphahla tekwembatsa letingema-30.” Lamajaha atsi: “Siphice. Shangatsi ngabe sewusiphicile.” Wabatjela watsi: “Kulokudlanako kwaphuma lokudliwako; kulokunemandla kwaphuma lokunongotelako.” Kwaze kwaphela emalanga lamatsatfu solomane bangakacombeleli kahle. Ngelilanga lesine bakhuluma kumkaSamsoni, batsi: “Ncenga lendvodza yakho wena, khona itesichazela inshokutsini yalesiphicaphicwana sayo, ngaphandle kwaloko sitawushisa wena kanye nawo wonkhe umndeni weyihlo, nife. Kantsi nisimemele kutesikhuthuza lapha kini?” Ngako-ke umkaSamsoni watijika kuSamsoni, akhala, atsi: “Uyangenyanya! Awungitsandzi ngeliciniso. Uphice bantfu bakitsi, kodvwa mine awukangitjeli imphendvulo yalesiphicaphicwana.” Samsoni wamphendvula watsi: “Angizange sengisichazele ngisho nabobabe namake lesi, pho, ngingakuchazelelani-ke wena?” Ngako lomfati wakhala embikwakhe onkhe lawo malanga labesikhombisa elidzili. Kwatsi ngelilanga lesikhombisa Samsoni wase uyamchazela, ngobe abechubeka nekumncenga. Lomfati-ke wase uchazela labantfu bakubo lesiphicaphicwana. Latsi lingakashoni lilanga lesikhombisa, bantfu bakulelidolobha batsi kuye: “Yini lenongotela njengeluju? Yini lenemandla njengelibhubesi?” Samsoni watsi kubo: “Kube beningalimi ngalelitfokati lami, ngabe nanyalo anikasicombeleli lesiphicaphicwana sami.” Ngako Moya waSimakadze wehlela kuye ngemandla lamakhulu. Wehlela kulase-Ashkeloni, wabulala emadvodza akhona aba ngema-30; wawahlubula timphahla tawo, watitsatsa, watinika laba bebacombelele siphicaphicwana sakhe. Ngaleso sikhatsi abesatfukutsele abila, wesuka wahamba wabuyela ekhaya kubo. LomkaSamsoni watsatfwa wendziselwa lomunye walamajaha abetemhlalisa ngemtsimba wakhe. Kwatsi ngalelinye lilanga Samsoni wahamba wayawuvakashela umkakhe, waya ngesikhatsi kuvunwa kolo amphatsele lizinyane lembuti, wafike wakhuluma watsi: “Ngifuna kuyawungena endlini yemkami.” Kodvwa uyisetala wamalela kutsi angene. Uyisetala wakhuluma kuye, watsi: “Mine bengicabanga kutsi vele sewumalile, ngako ngase ngimendzisela lomunye walamajaha bewuhleti nawo. Lomlamu wakho lomncane akamengci yini ngebuhle? Tsatsa yena esikhundleni semkakho.” Samsoni wakhuluma kubo, watsi: “Manje angisenacala lekuhlasela emaFilisti, ngiwalimate.” Ngako wesuka lapho wayawubamba timphungutja letingema-300, watikhunganisa ngemisila, atikhunga ngatimbili, atifulatselanisa, wase ubophela tidlwane kulamafindvo. Wase ulumeka letidlwane ngemlilo, wayekela letimphungutja, tatsi bhibi emasimini akolo labesomile emaFilisti. Ngaleyo ndlela kwasha onkhe emabibi akolo labese avuniwe nalowo kolo labesesemasimini kanye nemasimi emagelebisi newetihlahla temincumo, kwasha kwangconga. EmaFilisti atsi nakabuta, atsi: “Ngubani lona lowente loku?” atjelwa kutsi: “NguSamsoni, umkhwenyane waseThimna, ngobe umfati wakhe wendziselwa umngani wakhe.” Ngako emaFilisti esuka ayawushisa lomfati kanye nayo yonkhe indlu yeyise, bafa baphela. Samsoni wakhuluma kubo, watsi: “Njengobe senente nje, ngingeke ngisaniyekela, ngiyawuze ngitiphindziselele, ngenele kini.” Wabahlasela ngelulaka lolumatima, wagwaza labanyenti babo. Wase uyehla wayawuhlala emgedzeni welidvwala lelalise-Etamu. EmaFilisti akhuphuka ayawumisa kulakaJuda, agcwala aze efika ngaseLehi. Emadvodza akaJuda abuta atsi: “Yini indzaba nitekulwa natsi?” Bawaphendvula batsi: “Sitewubamba Samsoni, simbophe. Sitakwenta kuye njengobe naye entile kitsi.” Ngako kwaphuma emadvodza akaJuda lati-3 000, ehlela kulomgedze welidvwala lase-Etamu, akhuluma kuSamsoni atsi: “Awuboni yini kutsi tsine siphetfwe ngemaFilisti? Yini lena loyente kitsi?” Wawaphendvula lamadvodza watsi: “Mine ngimane nje ngenta loko kubo nabo labakwente kimi.” Akhuluma kuSamsoni atsi: “Sitele kutakukubopha bese sikuniketela kumaFilisti.” Samsoni watsi: “Fungani kimi kutsi ningeke ningibulale nine lucobo.” Atsi: “Siyavuma, tsine sitakubopha nje kuphela, bese sikuniketela kumaFilisti. Tsine ngeke size sikubulale.” Ngako Samsoni ambopha ngetindophi letimbili letinsha sha, amkhipha kulelidvwala. Kwatsi asasondzela eLehi, emaFilisti eta kuSamsoni amemeta. Moya waSimakadze wehlela kuye ngemandla, kwatsi letindophi letatisetandleni takhe, tafanana netintsambo letishiswa ngumlilo, tibopho tadzilika etandleni takhe. Wabona litsambo lemhlatsi wembongolo, walicukula, wahesha ngalo emadvodza layinkhulungwane. Samsoni watsi: “Ngemhlatsi wembongolo ngibente timbongolo. Ngemhlatsi wembongolo ngibulele emadvodza layinkhulungwane.” Watsi kube acedze kusho njalo, walahla lomhlatsi wembongolo phansi; leyo ndzawo yetsiwa libito kwatsiwa yiRamathi Lehi. Ngenca yekutsi abese ome kakhulu, wakhala kuSimakadze watsi: “Unike inceku yakho lokuncoba lokukhulu kangaka, manje sengingafa nje ngibulawe koma, ngifele esandleni salabangasoki?” Ngako Simakadze wavula indzawo lenemhholo eLehi, kwachamuka emanti kuyo, Samsoni wanatsa kuyo, emandla akhe abuya, wavuseleleka. Ngako lowo mtfombo, wetsiwa libito kwatsiwa yi-Eni Hakhore; nalamuhla loku usesekhona lapho eLehi. Samsoni wahola sive sema-Israyeli iminyaka lengema-20 ngetikhatsi temaFilisti. Ngalelinye lilanga Samsoni wahamba waya kulaseGaza, lapho wafike wabona khona ingwadla, wangena kayo, walala busuku bunye. Bantfu baseGaza batjelwa kwatsiwa: “Samsoni sewula.” Ngako bayikaka leyo ndzawo, bambhacela busuku bonkhe; bamlalele ngasesangweni lelidolobha. Busuku bonkhe bebangatsi khwasha, bacabanga batsi: “Kutawutsi nakudzabuka kusa, simbulale.” Kodvwa Samsoni walala kalengwadla kwaze kwaba ngusekhatsi nebusuku. Wase uyavuka wabamba tivalo telisango lalelidolobha, wakubhanca naletinsika letimbili, wakusiphula, tinsika nemshudvo nako konkhe. Wakuphakamisa wakubeka emahlombe, wakwetfwala waya nako etulu entsabeni leyayibukene neHebroni. Kwatsi ngalesinye sikhatsi waganwa yintfombi yesigodzi saseSoreki, libito layo kutsiwa nguDelila. Baholi bemaFilisti baya kuyo, bafike batsi: “Buka la, nawungamwunga aze asikhombise imfihlakalo yalamandla akhe lamakhulu, nekutsi singamncoba njani kuze simkhunge, simbambe ngulowo nalowo wetfu angakunika isiliva lengemakhilogremu langaba li-13, amunye.” Ngako Delila wakhuluma kuSamsoni, watsi: “Ngitjele imfihlakalo yemandla akho lamakhulu, nekutsi ungabanjwa njani uboshwe, wehlulwe.” Samsoni wamphendvula watsi: “Nakungaba khona longangibopha ngetintsambo letisikhombisa letisemanti letingakomi, nami ngingabate emandla, ngibe njengabo bonkhe bantfu.” Ngako baholi bemaFilisti bamniketa tintsambo letisikhombisa letisemanti letingakomi, Delila wabopha ngato Samsoni. Kwakunemadvodza labewabhacise ekamelweni; ngako wase umemeta kakhulu watsi: “Samsoni, nankha emaFilisti asasetikwakho!” Kodvwa Samsoni watichunsula kalula nje letintsambo, kwaba shangatsi letintsambo titsintfwa ngumlilo. Ngako imfihlo yemandla akhe ayizange itfolokale. Delila wase ukhuluma kuSamsoni, watsi: “Ungente silima, ungiyengile; ngiyakuncenga tsine, ngitjele kutsi ungaboshwa kanjani?” Samsoni watsi: “Nakungaba khona longangibopha ngetindophi letinsha letingazange setisetjentiswe, nami ngiyawuba butsakatsaka njengabo bonkhe bantfu.” Delila wase utsatsa tindophi letinsha wambopha ngato. Kwakunalamadvodza labewabhacise ekamelweni, wase uyamemeta kakhulu watsi: “Samsoni, nankha emaFilisti asasetikwakho!” Kodvwa Samsoni wadzabula letindophi, kwaba shangatsi bekungumtiyana nje. Ngako Delila wabuye wakhuluma kuSamsoni, watsi: “Sekuze ngunyalo solomane ungenta silima sakho, uyangiyenga, ngitjele kutsi ungaboshwa kanjani?” Samsoni wamphendvula watsi: “Nawungeluka lamagodza lasikhombisa lasenhloko yami ngemtiya, uwente abe ligodza linye, bese ulicoboshela ngesicobosho, nami ngiyawuba butsakatsaka njengabo bonkhe bantfu.” Ngako watsi Samsoni aselele Delila watsatsa lamagodza lasikhombisa enhloko yaSamsoni, wawachina, aba ligodza linye, wase ulicoboshela ngesicobosho. Delila waphindza wamemeta watsi: “Samsoni, nankha emaFilisti asasetikwakho.” Samsoni wavuka ebutfongweni, wamonyula lesicobosho wachacha naleligodza lelalichiniwe. Delila watsi kuye: “Ungasho kanjani kimi kutsi ‘Ngiyakutsandza,’ nawungangetsembi? Loku sekwesitsatfu solomane ungenta silima sakho, ungangitjeli imfihlakalo yemandla akho lamakhulu.” Ngaloko kumbelesela kwakhe amchukulusha onkhe emalanga, amncenga, Samsoni waze wadzinwa, umphefumulo wakhe wakhatsateka kakhulu. Ngako wamtjela yonkhe inhlitiyo yakhe, watsi: “Tinwele tami atizange setitsintfwe yinsingo, ngobe ngingumNaziri, ngehlukaniselwe Nkulunkulu kusukela ekutalweni kwami. Inhloko yami nayingase ihhulwe, emandla ami angesuka kimi, nami ngingaba butsakatsaka njengabo bonkhe bantfu.” Delila watsi kube abone kutsi umtjele yonkhe inhlitiyo yakhe, watfumela livi kubaholi bemaFilisti, watsi: “Ase niphindze nibuye kwekugcina; sewungitjele yonkhe inhlitiyo yakhe.” Ngako baholi bemaFilisti babuya baphetse isiliva ngetandla tabo. Delila walalisa Samsoni ematsangeni akhe, wase ubita lenye indvodza. Lendvodza yamhhula onkhe lamagodza lasikhombisa etinwele takhe. Delila wacala kumhlupha. Emandla aSamsoni esuka kuye. Delila wase uyamemeta, watsi: “Samsoni, nankha emaFilisti asasetikwakho!” Wavuka ebutfongweni bakhe, acabanga atsi: “Ngitawuphumelela njengasemihleni, ngiphunyuke.” Noko bekangati kutsi Simakadze bese amshiyile. EmaFilisti ase ayambamba, akupuluta emehlo akhe, ehla naye, amyisa eGaza. Ambopha ngemaketane elitfusi, amgayisa ekhatsi ejele. Kodvwa tinwele tenhloko yaSamsoni tacala tahluma emvakwekuhhulwa kwato. Baholi bemaFilisti babutsana ndzawonye batekwenta lidzili lelikhulu lekwenta umhlatjelo lomkhulu kuDagoni, sithico sabo, batewubonga kuso, batsi: “Sithico setfu sinikele Samsoni, sitsa setfu, etandleni tetfu.” Babetsi njalo labantfu nababona Samsoni, badvumise lesithico sabo, batsi: “Sithico setfu sinikele sitsa setfu etandleni tetfu, lowo lowabhubhisa live letfu, wabulala labanyenti betfu.” Batsi nase bamnandzi, bamemeta batsi: “Khiphani Samsoni atesidlalela.” Ngako babita Samsoni ejele, bamletsa embikwabo, wabagidzela. Bambeka emkhatsini wetinsika. Samsoni wacela kulesisebenti lesasimhola, simbambe ngesandla, watsi: “Ngimise lapho ngingabamba khona letinsika telithempeli, khona ngitekweyama kuto.” Lelithempeli laligcwele linhlinhla emadvodza, nebafati, nabo bonkhe baholi bemaFilisti babekhona lapho; lapha etulu eluphahleni kwakunebantfu lababengacishe babe ti-3 000, emadvodza nebafati lababebukela kugidza kwaSamsoni. Samsoni wathandaza kuSimakadze, watsi: “Awu, Somandla, Simakadze, ngikhumbule kube kanye. Nkulunkulu wami, ngicinise kwekugcina. Ngivumele ngihlasele kanye ngitiphindzisele kumaFilisti ngenca yemehlo ami lamabili.” Ngako Samsoni welula tandla takhe wabamba letinsika totimbili letatisekhatsi tingutona tisimise lelithempeli. Wavinyelela kuto, sandla sakhe sangasekudla sibambe lenye, ngesancele abambelele kulenye. Samsoni watsi: “Angife kanye nemaFilisti.” Wafuca ngemandla akhe onkhe. Lithempeli ladzilika lonkhe, lawela etikwebaholi nakubo bonkhe bantfu lababesekhatsi kulo. Ngaleyo ndlela Samsoni wabulala bantfu labanyenti nakafa kunalabo lababulala asaphila. BomnakaboSamsoni nayo yonkhe indlu yakubo behla bayawumlandza. Babuya naye, bamngcwaba emkhatsini waseSora nase-Eshtayoli, ethuneni laManowa, uyise. Samsoni abesahole sive sema-Israyeli iminyaka lengema-20. Kwakukhona indvodza lekwakutsiwa nguMikha, libito layo; yayiyaseveni letintsaba kulaka-Efrayimu, yakhuluma kunina yatsi: “Lesiliva lengemakhilogremu langaba li-13 leyayitsatfwe kuwe, lengakuva ukhipha ticalekiso ngayo, ngimi lowayitsatsa, ilapha kimi.” Unina wakhuluma kuyo, watsi: “Simakadze akakubusise, ndvodzana yami.” Lendvodza yatsi nayibuyisela lesiliva lengemakhilogremu labengaba li-13 kunina, yena watsi: “Ngicinisile lesiliva ngiyehlukanisela Simakadze ngenca yendvodzana yami, kuze kutekwentiwa sitfombe lesibatiwe nesithico lesibunjiwe. Ngitayibuyisela kuwe.” Ngako lendvodza yayibuyisela lesiliva kunina, unina watsatsa emakhilogremu langaba mabili nesigamu esiliva wawaniketela kumbumbi wetinsimbi, lowabumba wenta ngayo sitfombe nesithico. Kwatsatfwa, kwafakwa endlini kaMikha. Lendvodza lenguMikha beyinendumba, ngako yenta sidziya sebaphristi, yabumba tithico, yase ibeka lomunye wemadvodzana ayo kutsi abe ngumphristi wayo. Ngaleto tikhatsi sive sema-Israyeli sasingenayo inkhosi, wonkhe umuntfu abetentela lakubona loko kukuhle emehlweni akhe. Lenye insizwa yemndeni wakaLevi leyayiphuma eBhetlehema kulakaJuda, beyikadze ihlala nelusendvo lwakaJuda, yesuka kulelo dolobha yahamba yayawufuna lenye indzawo yekuhlala. Yatsi isahamba indlela yayo, yefika ekhaya lakaMikha, eveni letintsaba kulaka-Efrayimu. Mikha wayibuta watsi: “Ulichamukisaphi?” Lensizwa yaphendvula yatsi: “NgingumLevi waseBhetlehema kulakaJuda. Ngifuna indzawo yekuhlala.” Mikha watsi kuyo: “Hlala lapha kami, utawuba ngubabe kimi nemphristi wami, ngitakunika isiliva lengemagremu langaba li-110 ngemnyaka, ngikunike nekwekwembatsa kwakho nekudla kwakho.” Ngako lomLevi wavuma kuhlala kalendvodza; lensizwa yaba njengalenye yemadvodzana ayo lendvodza. Ngako Mikha wase ugcoba lensizwa lengumLevi, yase iba ngumphristi wakhe, yahlala ekhaya kakhe. Mikha wakhuluma yedvwa watsi: “Manje sengiyati kutsi Simakadze utaba nemusa kimi, njengobe lomLevi asangumphristi wami nje.” Ngaleso sikhatsi sive saka-Israyeli sasite inkhosi. Kungatona leto tikhatsi lapho sive sakaDani sasehla senyuka, sifuna indzawo lapho sasingahlala khona, sakhe, ibe yindzawo yaso; ngobe sona sasingakasitfoli sabelo saso etiveni taka-Israyeli. Ngako sive sakaDani satfumela tingwazi letisihlanu, tisuka eSora nase-Eshtayoli, kutsi tiyewuhlola live tilitfungatse. Letingwazi tatimelele tonkhe tinsendvo tato. Bakubo batitjela batsi: “Hambani niyewuhlola lelive, nilitfungulute lonkhe.” Lamadvodza alingenela live letintsaba laka-Efrayimu, aze efika ekhaya kaMikha, lapho efika alala khona. Lamadvodza atsi nasasondzela lapha ekhaya kaMikha, aliva livi lalensizwa leyayingumLevi, ngako ase ayaphambukela; angena, ayibuta atsi: “Waletfwa ngubani lapha? Umsebenti wakho lowentako yini kulendzawo? Ufunani lapha?” Lensizwa yase ibatjela konkhe lokwentiwa nguMikha kuyo, yatsi: “Ungicashile, sengingumphristi wakhe.” Lamadvodza atsi kuye: “Sicela mane usibutele kuNkulunkulu kutsi kungabe luhambo lwetfu lutawuphumelela kahle yini.” Umphristi wawaphendvula watsi: “Hambani nekuthula. Luhambo lwenu luvunywe nguSimakadze.” Ngako lamadvodza lasihlanu ahamba aze efika kulaseLayishi, lapho efika akhandza kutsi bantfu bakhona baphila kahle nangekuphepha, njengebaseSidoni, babengasoli lutfo futsi bavikelekile. Njengobe-ke lelive labo lalingesweli lutfo, babesive lesiphumelelako. Babehlala khashane kakhulu nebaseSidoni, bangenabo ngisho lobuncane budlelwane nalabanye bantfu. Atsi nasabuyela emuva eSora nase-Eshtayoli, bantfu bakubo bawabuta batsi: “Nitikhandze tinjani tintfo?” Abaphendvula atsi: “Asihambeni sibahlasele! Sesibonile kutsi lelive lihle kakhulu. Anisiwulibala kuhlala lapha ningenti lutfo. Buyani silihlasele silidle. Nanifika lapho, nitawukhandza kutsi bantfu bakhona abasoli lutfo, ngisho naloluncane. Lelo-ke live lelikhulu leninako konkhe lokungahle kudzingwe ngumuntfu, Nkulunkulu ulinike nine.” Ngako kwahloma emadvodza langema-600, esive sakaDani, ahlomela imphi, ashuca onkhe esuka eSora nase-Eshtayoli. Ahamba efika emisa eKhiriyathi Jeyarimu kulakaJuda. Ngiko-ke lelive lelingasenshonalanga kweKhiriyathi Yeyarimu libitwa ngekutsi yiMahane Dani, kuze kube ngulamuhla. Besuka lapho bashuca baze befika eveni letintsaba kulaka-Efrayimu, bafikela kaMikha. Lamadvodza lasihlanu labetewuhlola lelive laseLayishi akhuluma kulabomnakabo atsi: “Niyati nje kutsi kulenye yaletindlu kunesidziya semphristi kanye nabonkulunkulu bemindeni, nesitfombe lesibatiwe, nesithico lesibunjiwe? Nine-ke seniyati kutsi nitakwentani.” Ngako base bayaphambukela, bangena endlini yalensizwa yemLevi leyayisekhaya kaMikha, bafike bayibingelela. Lamabutfo akaDani labengema-600 labehlome aphelele, ema ngasekungeneni kwelisango. Lamadvodza lasihlanu labetewuhlola lelive angena ngekhatsi, afike atsatsa lesitfombe lesibatiwe, nalesidziya sebaphristi, nalabonkulunkulu bemindeni kanye nalesithico lesibunjiwe. Lomphristi yena bekasolo emile nalamabutfo langema-600 lapha ngasekungeneni kwelisango. Kwatsi ngalesikhatsi lamadvodza angena lapha kaMikha, atsatsa lesitfombe lesibatiwe, nalesidziya sebaphristi, nalabonkulunkulu bemindeni kanye nalesithico lesibunjiwe, lomphristi wawabuta watsi: “Nentani?” Bamphendvula batsi: “Thula! Ungakhulumi lutfo. Buya lapha kitsi utewuba ngubabe wetfu nemphristi wetfu. Akuncono yini kuwe kutsi utewukhonta sive lesilusendvo lwesive sema-Israyeli ube ngumphristi, kunekutsi ukhonte likhaya lendvodza yinye?” Ngako lomphristi wase uyajabula. Watsatsa lesidziya sakhe, nalabonkulunkulu bemindeni nalesitfombe lesibatiwe, wahamba nalesive sakaDani. Besuka lapho babeka bantfwababo embili netifuyo tabo, nemitfwalo yabo yonkhe, bajika bahamba. Batsi sebahambe indzawo lendze kusuka kaMikha, emadvodza labomakhelwane baMikha abitwa, esukela bakaDani abacosha aze abakhandza. Njengobe bebahambe babamemeta laba bakaDani bagucuka bakhuluma kuMikha, batsi: “Kwenteke njani? Ubabutseleni labantfu kutsi nitesihlasela?” Mikha wabaphendvula, watsi: “Nitsetse bonkulunkulu lengatentela bona, nemphristi wami nahamba naye. Ngisasele nani-ke? Ningangibuta kanjani nitsi: ‘Kwenteke njani?’ ” BakaDani baphendvula batsi: “Ungaphindzilitani natsi, funa kusuke emadvodza lanenhlitiyo lencane akuhlasele, wena kanye nemndeni wakho wonkhe nife.” Ngako bakaDani besuka bachubeka nendlela yabo; njengobe Mikha wavele watibonela kutsi lamadvodza anemandla kunaye, wancandzeka wabuyela ekhaya. Ngako bavele batsatsa loko lokwakubunjwe nguMikha kanye nemphristi wakhe, baya naye eLayishi. Bafike bahlasela sive lesinekuthula nalesingasoli lutfo, basigwaza ngetinkemba, bashisa nelidolobha laso. Kute namunye labengaselekelela lesive, ngobe sasihlala khashane kakhulu nebaseSidoni, singenabudlelwane namuntfu. Lelidolobha laso lalisesigodzini lesasiseceleni kweBhethi Rehobu. BakaDani baphindza balakha kabusha lelidolobha, bahlala kulo. Baletsa libito batsi yiDani, baletsa ngeyisemkhulu labenguDani, umsa wa-Israyeli. Noko ngaphambili lelidolobha lalatiwa ngekutsi yiLayishi. Ngulapho-ke lapho bakaDani bafike batimisela khona letithico tabo. BoJonathani, umsa waGeshomu, labetalwa nguMosi, kanye nemadvodzana akhe babebaphristi besive sakaDani, kwaze kwaba sikhatsi sekutfunjwa kwelive. Bachubeka kusebentisa lesithico lesasentiwe nguMikha ngaso sonkhe leso sikhatsi indlu yaNkulunkulu iseseShilo. Ngaleso sikhatsi sive saka-Israyeli sasite inkhosi. Lomunye-ke umLevi labehlala endzaweni lesemaphandleni, eveni letintsaba kulaka-Efrayimu, waganwa watitsatsela nesingani saseBhetlehema kulakaJuda. Kodvwa lesingani sakhe sasingaketsembeki kuye. Samshiya sabuyela ekhaya kubo eBhetlehema kulakaJuda. Sahlala lapho kwaze kwaphela tinyanga letine, waze lomLevi wahamba wayakusincenga kutsi sibuye. Abehamba nesisebenti sakhe netimbongolo letimbili. Safike samngenisa endlini yeyise; uyise watsi nakambona, wamemukela ngekujabula. Uyisetala, uyise walentfombi, wamncenga kutsi ahlale; ngako wahlala naye emalanga lamatsatfu, badla, banatsa naye, walala khona lapho. Kwatsi ngelilanga lesine bavuka ekuseni, watilungiselela kuhamba, kodvwa loyise walesingani wakhuluma kulomkhwenyane wakhe, watsi: “Ticabule ngalokudliwako kucala, bese-ke uyahamba.” Ngako base bahlala phansi bobabili, badla, banatsa ndzawonye. Emvakwaloko loyise walentfombatana watsi: “Ngiyacela, sale ulala kulobusuku balamuhla, khona utetijabulisa.” Watsi lomLevi nakatsi uvukela kutsi asale ahamba, uyisetala wamncenga; ngako wase uyahlala ngalobo busuku. Ekuseni ngelilanga lesihlanu lomLevi watsi uyavuka asatilungiselela kutsi ahambe, uyisetala wakhe watsi: “Ase uticabule, sewuhlale kuze kusuluke lilanga!” Ngako baphindza bahlala phansi bobabili badla. Lendvodza nalesingani sayo nalesisebenti batsi nabatilungiselela kuhamba, uyisetala, uyise walesingani, watsi: “Buka la, manje sekuyahwalala, sale senilala, ngobe vele selishonile. Hlala phansi utijabulise, kutawutsi kusasa ekuseni uvuke-ke uhambe indlela leya ekhaya.” Kodvwa lendvodza ngobe yayingasafuni kuphindze ilale lobunye busuku, yesuka yacondza eJebhusi, lekuyiJerusalema, yahamba kanye nalesingani sayo netimbongolo tayo letimbili letatiboshelwe. Batsi nase basedvutane neJebhusi nelilanga lase liyawumbamba unina, lesisebenti sakhuluma kulomnumzane waso satsi: “Buyani siphambukele kulelidolobha lemaJebhusi, silale khona busuku bunye.” Umnumzane waso wasiphendvula watsi: “Cha; singeke singenise edolobheni lebetive, bantfu labangesiwo ema-Israyeli. Sitakwendlula siye eGibeya.” Wachubeka watsi: “Buyani setame kuyawufika eGibeya nome-ke eRama, sifike silale kulenye yaleto tindzawo.” Ngako-ke bachubeka bahamba; lilanga labashonela nabayawungena eGibeya kulakaBhenjamini. Befika lapho bema, sebatawulala khona. Bahamba bayawuhlala enkhundleni yelidolobha, kwabate namunye lowabanaka kutsi abatsatse ayekubangenisa kakhe, bayewulala khona. Ngaleyo ntsambama kwachamuka likhehla, lelalilaseveni letintsaba laka-Efrayimu, lalihlala lapha eGibeya, bantfu bakuleyo ndzawo bekubakaBhenjamini. Lelikhehla lalitibuyela emasimini alo. Latsi nalibuka labona letihambi tihleti lapha enkhundleni yelidolobha, labuta lelikhehla latsi: “Nilibangisephi? Nilichamukisaphi?” Lendvodza yaliphendvula yatsi: “Ngekwetfu siyendlula, silichamukisa lena eBhetlehema kulakaJuda, silibhekise khashane kulela letintsaba laka-Efrayimu, lapho ngakhe khona. Bengilena eBhetlehema kulakaJuda, manje sengiya ekhaya kami. Kute namunye longitsetse wangingenisa endlini yakhe. Sinetinhlanga netjani baletimbongolo tetfu, nesinkhwa neliwayini letfu, tsine tinceku takho: mine nceku yakho, nalencekukati yakho, nalensizwa lesihamba nayo. Asidzingi lutfo.” Lelikhehla lakhuluma kubo, latsi: “Kuthula akube kini! Nemukelekile endlini yami. Ngitaninika konkhe lenikudzingako. Mane nje ningacali nilale lapha enkhundleni yelidolobha ebusuku.” Ngako labatsatsa layawubangenisa endlini kalo; lapha naletimbongolo tabo tjani, tadla. Batsi nase bacedzile kugeza tinyawo tabo, base bahlala phansi, badla banatsa. Batsi basachubeka nekudla, batijabulisa, lamanye emadvodza labetidlova takulelo dolobha atseleka, abavimbetela kulendlu. Agunkluta lesivalo salendlu, abememeta lelikhehla, umnikati walendlu, atsi: “Khipha lendvodza lengenise lapha kakho, sifuna kulala nayo.” Lomnikati walendlu waphumela ngaphandle wakhuluma nawo, watsi: “Hhayi, bangani bami, ningayenti intfo leluhlata kangaka. Njengobe lendvodza isivakashi sami, ningayenti lentfo lelihlazo kangaka. Bukani la, nansi indvodzakati yami lengayati indvodza ikanye nalesingani salendvodza. Ngitanikhiphela bona masinyane, ningasebentisa bona, nente nome ngabe yini kubo leniyifunako, kodvwa kulendvodza ningabenti lobubi lobulihlazo kangaka.” Kodvwa lamadvodza latidlova akazange amlalele kutsi utsini. Ngako lomnumzane wakhipha lesingani sakhe, wawanika; asidlwengula, asigilisa tonkhe tiga, kwaze kwasa, ase ayasiyekela. Kwatsi nasekusile lesingani sabuyela emuva kulendlu lapho bebangenise khona nalendvodza yaso, safike satijika emnyango, salala, satsi dzalakaca, kwaze kwaphuma lilanga. Lendvodza yaso yatsi nayivuka ekuseni seyilungele kuchubeka neluhambo lwayo, yavula umnyango yakhandza lesingani sayo silele, sise dzalakaca ngasemnyango, tandla taso telulekele ngasesivalweni. Yakhuluma kuso lesingani, yatsi: “Vuka sambe.” Kodvwa kwabate imphendvulo. Lendvodza yase isetjatsisa lapha embongolweni lesingani sayo, yangenela indlela yayo yaya kayo. Yatsi kube ifike ekhaya lendvodza yatsatsa umukhwa, yahlinza sidvumbu salesingani sayo ikhipha sitfo ngasinye ngasinye, saze saba titfo letili-12, yatfumela letitfo kuto tonkhe tigodzi kulaka-Israyeli. Bonkhe lababetibona babekhuta bababate batsi: “Yehheni! Intfo lenje ayizange seyibonwe, futsi akuzange sekwenteke, seloku sive sema-Israyeli sakhuphuka nasiphuma eGibhithe. Cabangisisangi ngalokhu! Kufanele kutsatselwe tinyatselo! Sifuna kuva kahle kutsi kufanele sente njani!” Ngako sonkhe sive sema-Israyeli kusukela kaDani kuze kuyewufika eBherisheba, nekusukela kulakaGileyadi babophana baba ngumuntfu munye, bashulungana bayawubutsana eMispa embikwaSimakadze. Baholi bato tonkhe tive tema-Israyeli batsatsa tindzawo tabo enhlanganweni yesive saNkulunkulu, bekubantfu labangema-400 000, emabutfo odvwa ahlome aphelele. BakaBhenjamini beva kutsi ema-Israyeli asakhuphukele eMispa. Ema-Israyeli abuta atsi: “Sitjeleni kutsi lentfo lembi kangaka yenteke kanjani.” LomLevi, indvodza yalomfati lobulewe, yatsi: “Mine nalesingani sami sefika eGibeya kulakaBhenjamini singenisele kulala khona busuku bunye. Kwatsi ebusuku emadvodza aseGibeya angivimbetela kulendlu lengangilele kuyo afuna kungibulala. Ase adlwengula lesingani sami, saze safa. Ngibese-ke ngitsatsa lesingani sami ngasicoba ticucu, ngatfumela sitfo ngasinye, kuleso nakuleso sigodzi kuleli lelilifa laka-Israyeli, ngobe bente sento sebudlundlulu nalesilihlazo ka-Israyeli. Manje-ke nonkhe ningema-Israyeli; khulumani nikhiphe sigwebo senu ngalesento.” Sonkhe sive sasukuma sema ngetinyawo saba ngumuntfu munye, satincumela satsi: “Kute namunye wetfu lotawuncandzeka abuyele ethendeni lakhe. Cha, kute nome munye wakitsi lotawuncandzeka abuyele ekhaya lakhe. Kodvwa naku lesitakwenta eGibeya. Sitawukhuphukela kuyo siyihlasele njengekukhomba kwenkatho. Sitawukhetsa emadvodza lalishumi kuwo onkhe lalikhulu kuto tonkhe tive tema-Israyeli, sibuye sitsatse emadvodza lalikhulu kulayinkhulungwane, sitsatse layinkhulungwane kulatinkhulungwane letilishumi, kuze silungiselele emabutfo kudla. Kutawutsi-ke imphi nayitseleka eGibeya kulakaBhenjamini, ifike ibanike loko lokubafanele ngalesento lesibi kangaka labasente ka-Israyeli.” Ngako onkhe emadvodza aka-Israyeli abutsana ndzawonye, ahlangana aba yintfo yinye, ayawuhlasela lelidolobha. Tive tema-Israyeli tatfumela emadvodza kulo lonkhe lakaBhenjamini tatsi: “Nitsini ngalesibhuku lesingaka lesenteka lapha kini? Ngako khiphani lawo madvodza aseGibeya lanebulwane kuze siwabulale, sikhiphe bubi esiveni sema-Israyeli.” Kodvwa bakaBhenjamini abazange sebanake nekunaka kutsi batsini labomnakabo, ema-Israyeli. Besuka bonkhe emadolobheni abo bayawubutsana eGibeya, kuyakulwa nema-Israyeli. Masinyane nje ngalona lelo langa bakaBhenjamini bahlanganisa emabutfo abo abati-26 000 laphuma emadolobheni awo, bahlanganiswa nalabo bebavele bahlala khona eGibeya lababengema-700, tingwazi cobo lwato. Emkhatsini walamabutfo bekukhona tingwazi telikhetselo letatingemancele tingema-700, tingageji lutfo; tatinganemba ngisho nelunwele lunye, tingalugeji. Baka-Israyeli sebabonkhe, ngaphandle kwebakaBhenjamini, babutsa emabutfo lati-400 000, tingwazi todvwana. Baka-Israyeli bakhuphukela eBetheli, bayawubuta kuNkulunkulu, batsi: “Ngubani kitsi lotawuphuma kucala kuyawulwa nebakaBhenjamini?” Simakadze wabaphendvula watsi: “BakaJuda labatawuphuma kucala.” Ngakusasa ekuseni, baka-Israyeli bavuka bayawumisa babhekana neGibeya. Emadvodza aka-Israyeli aphuma ayawuhlasela bakaBhenjamini, ema ngetinhlu tawo tekulwa imphi, abhekana neGibeya. BakaBhenjamini baphuma eGibeya babulala bantfu baka-Israyeli, labati-22 000, bababulalela khona lapho enkhundleni yemphi ngalelo langa. Kodvwa laba baka-Israyeli bakhutsatana bodvwana; baphindza bema tinhlu ngetinhlu njengaloku babehlomile ngelilanga lekucala. Baka-Israyeli bakhuphuka bayawukhala embikwaSimakadze laze layawushona, solomane babuta kuSimakadze, batsi: “Siphindze yini sikhuphuke siyekulwa nabomnaketfu bakaBhenjamini?” Simakadze wabaphendvula watsi: “Khuphukani niyekulwa nabo.” Ngako baka-Israyeli basondzela kubakaBhenjamini ngelilanga lesibili. Ngalelo langa bakaBhenjamini batsi kube baphume eGibeya, kuyakulwa nebaka-Israyeli, bafike babulala lamanye emavodza aka-Israyeli lati-18 000, labehlome aphelele. Ngako ema-Israyeli, sonkhe sive, akhuphukela eBetheli, afika lapho ahlala, akhala embikwaSimakadze. Ngalelo langa azila lilanga lonkhe laze layawushona, etfula iminikelo yekushiswa neyebudlelwane kuSimakadze. Baka-Israyeli babebuta kuSimakadze. Ngalawo malanga libhokisi lesivumelwane saSimakadze lalisemkhatsini wabo, likuFinehasi, umsa wa-Eleyazare, labetalwa ngu-Aroni. Nguye labekhonta embikwalo. Babuta kuSimakadze, batsi: “Sikhuphuke yini njalo kuyakulwa nebanaketfu bakaBhenjamini, nome cha?” Simakadze wabaphendvula watsi: “Hambani, ngobe kusasa ngitabanikela esandleni senu.” Ngako baka-Israyeli babhacisa emadvodza, atungeleta iGibeya. Bakhuphuka bayawuhlasela bakaBhenjamini ngelilanga lesitsatfu, bema ngetinhlu tabo, bahlasela iGibeya, njengaloku bebavele benta ngaphambili. BakaBhenjamini baphuma bayawuhlangabetana nabo, badvonseka baphuma edolobheni. Bacala bagadla, kwafa labanye baka-Israyeli njengakucala, kwafa bantfu labangema-30, bafela enkhundleni yekulwa, nasemigwacweni leya eBetheli, naleya eGibeya. BakaBhenjamini batsi basalibele kutsi: “Siyabehlula njengakucala,” baka-Israyeli babe bona batsi: “Asihlehlele emuva, sibadvonsele ngaphandle kwelidolobha, babe lapha emigwacweni.” Onkhe emadvodza aka-Israyeli aphuma etindzaweni tawo, ayakuma ngetindzawo tawo eBhali Thamari nalaba bebabhacile baka-Israyeli baphuma endzaweni yabo ngasenshonalanga neGeba. Kwase kutsi ti-10 000 tebaka-Israyeli, tihlabani cobo lwato, tayichamukela ngembili iGibeya. Imphi yayimatima kakhulu ngalelo langa, bakaBhenjamini babesolo bangaboni kutsi ingoti isedvute kangakanani. Simakadze wabehlula bakaBhenjamini embikwa-Israyeli, ngalelo langa baka-Israyeli babhubhisa ti-25 100 temabutfo akaBhenjamini labehlome onkhe aphelele. BakaBhenjamini base bayabona kutsi sebayehlulwa. Lamadvodza aka-Israyeli abebavulele indlela laba bakaBhenjamini, ngobe abetsembe laba bakubo lababebhacile emvakweGibeya. Lamadvodza labebhacile aphutfuma aya eGibeya, ahlakaka, ayihlamahlama iGibeya, abulala lonkhe lidolobha ngelusiko lwenkemba. Lamadvodza aka-Israyeli abelungise nalawa labebhacile kutsi kufanele esuse lenkhulu imbutfuma yelifu lelimnyama lentfutfu kulelidolobha, kutawube sekutsi laba labanye baka-Israyeli bagucuke balwe. BakaBhenjamini bese bacalile kugadla nekubulala baka-Israyeli, sekufe ema-30 bakhuluma batsi: “Siyabehlula njengakuleyamphi yakucala.” Kodvwa kwatsi kube kucale kukhuphuka lelifu lelimnyama lentfutfu lena emuva edolobheni labo, bakaBhenjamini batsi bayagucuka babona lelifu lentfutfu yalo lonkhe lidolobha ikhuphuka itsintsa sibhakabhaka. Laba baka-Israyeli base bayabagucukela laba bakaBhenjamini, betfuka batfutfumela bakaBhenjamini nababona kutsi sebavelelwe. Ngako bacela empunzini, sebabalekela baka-Israyeli, babaleka bacondza ngasehlane; kodvwa noko abazange baphunyuke kuleyomphi. Kwatsi lamadvodza aka-Israyeli lavumbuka emadolobheni abacoba, abacedzela khona lapho. Abavimbetela bakaBhenjamini abacosha abakhandza kalula nje, basesemacentselweni aseGibeya ngasemphumalanga. Kwafa tingwazi telikhetselo takaBhenjamini, emadvodza lati-18 000. Batsi ngesikhatsi bagucuka babaleka bacondze ngasehlane edvwaleni iRimoni, baka-Israyeli babulala emadvodza lati-5 000, bawabulalela etindleleni. Bachubeka babacosha laba bakaBhenjamini, baze bayawubabeka eGidomu, babulala ti-2 000 ngetulu. Ngalelo langa kwafa bakaBhenjamini labati-25 000, onkhe kungemadvodza labetingwazi cobo lwato. Kodvwa emadvodza langema-600 wona agucuka abalekela edvwaleni iRimoni ehlane, lapho ahlala khona tinyanga letine. Lamabutfo aka-Israyeli ancandzeka ayawuhlasela bakaBhenjamini, efika abhubhisa lonkhe lidolobha lakhona ngelusiko lwenkemba; abulala bantfu, netifuyo, nako konkhe labakukhandza khona. Onkhe emadolobha labefika kuwo babewokhela ngemlilo, ashe. Emadvodza abente sifungo aseseMispa, atsi: “Kute ngisho namunye loyakwendzisa indvodzakati yakhe kumuntfu wesive sakaBhenjamini.” Sive sakhuphukela eBetheli, lapho safike sahlala phansi embikwaSimakadze; laze layawushona solomane simpongoloza sikhala kabuhlungu, sitsi: “Awu! Simakadze, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, loku kwentekeleni ka-Israyeli? Kwentiwa yini kutsi kube nesive lesinyamalalako ka-Israyeli lamuhla?” Ekuseni ngakusasa bantfu bavuka bakha lilati, betfula khona iminikelo yekushiswa neminikelo yekuthula. Baka-Israyeli babuta batsi: “Ngubani emkhatsini wato tonkhe tive taka-Israyeli longazange aye kuyawuhlangana embikwaSimakadze?” Phela bebafunge bagomela kutsi lowo longazange ete emhlanganweni embikwaSimakadze eMispa uyawubulawa nome kanjani. Baka-Israyeli basidzabukela sive sakaBhenjamini, lesasingumnakabo, batsi: “Lamuhla lesinye sive sincunyiwe etiveni taka-Israyeli. Sitawubanika kanjani bafati laba lase basele, ngobe sesente sifungo ngaSimakadze kutsi singabendziseli ngisho namunye wemadvodzakati etfu?” Ngako base bayabuta batsi: “Ngusiphi sive, etiveni tema-Israyeli, lesingazange site emhlanganweni embikwaSimakadze eMispa?” Bakhandza kutsi bekute ngisho namunye lophuma eJabeshi Gileyadi labetile enkambu kulowo mhlangano. Batsi nasebabala bantfu, bakhandza kutsi bekute ngisho namunye lobuya kulaseJabeshi Gileyadi labekhona. Ngako umhlangano watfumela emabutfo lati-12 000 kutsi aye eJabeshi Gileyadi, afike abulale bonkhe labahlala khona, ngisho nebafati nebantfwana. Batsi: “Naku lekufanele nikwente: nifike nibulale bonkhe labadvuna nalabasikati labangasito tintfombi letingayati indvodza ngekulala nayo.” Bakhandza emkhatsini webantfu lababehlala eJabeshi Gileyadi kutsi bekunetintfombi letatingayati indvodza ngekulala nayo tingema-400; batitsatsa bahamba nato, batimikisa enkambu leyayiseShilo eKhenani. Ngako umhlangano watfumela livi kubakaBhenjamini lababehlala edvwaleni iRimoni, bamemetela kubo kuthula. Ngako bakaBhenjamini babuya ngaleso sikhatsi, bafike babanika letintfombi taseJabeshi Gileyadi letatisele tingakabulawa. Noko atizange tibenele bonkhe. Sive sabadzabukela bakaBhenjamini, ngobe Simakadze abesavule sikhala etiveni taka-Israyeli. Baholi bemhlangano bakhuluma batsi: “Ngenca yalabafati bakaBhenjamini lababulewe, sitabatsatsaphi bafati bekunika lamadvodza lasilele? Lensali yakaBhenjamini kufanele ibe netindlalifa, kuze lesive saka-Israyeli singapheli. Tsine ma-Israyeli singeke sibendzisele emadvodzakati etfu, ngobe safunga satsi: ‘Akacalekiswe lowo loyakwendzisa indvodzakati yakhe kaBhenjamini.’ ” Bachubeka batsi: “Bukani la, kukhona umkhosi waSimakadze eShilo logujwa kanye ngemnyaka, ngasenyakatfo yaseBetheli, emphumalanga nemgwaco lomkhulu lowendlula eBetheli ucondze eShekhemu, ngaseningizimu yeLebona.” Ngako batjela lamadvodza akaBhenjamini batsi: “Hambani niyewubhaca lapha etivinini, nilindze; kutawutsi tintfombi taseShilo natichamuka nato titewugidza, nine bese niyaphoseka niphuma lapha etivinini, ngulowo nalowo atibambele wakhe umfati kuletintfombi taseShilo, nihambe nibuyele eveni lakini kaBhenjamini. Kutawutsi boyise nabomnakabo nabakhala kitsi, tsine sibatjele sitsi: ‘Mane nisentele bubele nibasite, ngobe asizange sibatsatsele bafati ngesikhatsi semphi, futsi-ke nine aninacala, ngobe abakendziselwa ngini lamadvodzakati enu.’ ” Ngako lamadvodza akaBhenjamini avele enta njalo. Kwatsi letintfombi tisagidza, kwaba nguleyo ndvodza yatibambela yinye intfombi, yayetfwala, yahamba nayo, yayawuba ngumfati wayo. Lamadvodza abuyela efeni lawo, afike avusa emadolobha; abuyela ahlala kahle. Ngaleso sikhatsi onkhe ema-Israyeli esuka kuleyo ndzawo abuyela emakhaya, ngulowo nalowo wabuyela esiveni sakubo naselusendvweni lwakhe, efeni lakabo. Ngaleto tikhatsi sive sema-Israyeli sasingenayo inkhosi, ngulowo nalowo abetentela loko lakubona kukuhle emehlweni akhe. Kadzeni, live lisabuswa tikhulu kwase kwaba nendlala lenkhulu eveni. Lenye indvodza yakaJuda, leyayihlala eBhetlehema, yahamba nemkayo nemadvodzana ayo lamabili yaya kuyawuhlalahlala eveni lakaMowabi. Libito lalendvodza kwakungu-Elimeleki, umkayo kunguNawomi, emadvodzana ayo kunguMahaloni naKhiliyoni. Babebesive sema-Efratha eBhetlehema yakaJuda. Bafike bacaba bahlala kulo lelive lakaMowabi. Elimeleki, indvodza yaNawomi, wafa; Nawomi wasala nalamadvodzana akhe lamabili. Lamadvodzana ateka bafati bakaMowabi; libito lalomunye umfati kwakungu-Opha, lomunye kunguRuthe. Bahlala lapho iminyaka lengaba lishumi. BoMahaloni naKhiliyoni, bobabili, bafa; Nawomi wasala angenandvodza ate nendvodzana. Emvakwaloko Nawomi weva kutsi Simakadze ubabusisile bantfu bakubo ngekubapha inala. Ngako-ke wavele watilungiselela kuhamba nalaba bomalukatane bakhe. Besuka lapho, base balibangisa eveni lakaJuda. Nawomi wase ukhuluma kubomalukatane bakhe, watsi: “Ncandzekani, nibuyele emakhaya akini. Shangatsi Simakadze anganiphatsa ngemusa, njengobe benibaphetse ngemusa nani bafi, lababengemadvodzana ami, kantsi nami futsi beningiphetse kahle. Shangatsi Simakadze anganibusisa aniphe emadvodza, nakhe imiti!” Ngako Nawomi wabavalelisa ngekubanga, bakhala. Bakhuluma kuye batsi: “Cha, sitawuhamba nawe siye esiveni sakini.” Kodvwa Nawomi wakhuluma kubo, watsi: “Ncandzekani, madvodzakati ami, nitawuhambelani nami? Nitsi mine ngisenayo nje inhlanyelo kutsi ngingatala emadvodzana langaba ngemadvodza enu? Ncandzekani, madvodzakati ami, sengimdzala kakhulu kutsi ngingaphindze ngendze manje. Nome bekungenteka ngibe nelitsemba, ngilale nendvodza kulobusuku, ngitale emadvodzana, benitawemela yini adzimate akhule? Beningahlala ningendzi yini? Cha, madvodzakati ami, mine ngibuhlungu kabi ngani kutsi sandla saSimakadze simelene nami.” Baphindze basicala phansi futsi sililo. Opha wanga uninatala wakhe wahamba, kodvwa Ruthe wanamatsela kuye. Ngako-ke Nawomi wakhuluma kuRuthe, watsi: “Angitsi uyabona kutsi dzadzewenu sewuhambile wabuyela kubo, nawe-ke ncandzeka kanye naye.” Ruthe waphendvula watsi: “Ngicela kutsi ungangincengi kutsi ngikushiye. Ngiyekele, ngihambe nawe. Lapho uya khona, nami ngitakuya khona; lapho uyawuhlala khona, nami ngiyawuhlala khona. Sive sakini, kuyawuba sive sami; naNkulunkulu wakho kube nguNkulunkulu wami. Lapho uyawufela khona, nami ngiyawungcwatjwa khona. Shangatsi Simakadze angangijezisa kakhulu, nangabe mine ngivumela nome ngabe yini, ngaphandle kwekufa, kutsi kusehlukanise.” Watsi kube Nawomi abone kutsi Ruthe utimisele kuhamba naye, wangabe asachubeka nekumncenga kutsi ancandzeke. Bahamba bobabili badzimate bafika eBhetlehema. Batsi kube befike eBhetlehema, bonkhe bantfu kulelo dolobha babajabulela. Labasikati babutana bodvwana batsi: “Utsi ngabe nguNawomi lo?” Wabaphendvula watsi: “Hhayi, ningasangibiti ngekutsi nginguNawomi, sale senitsi nginguMara, ngobe Nkulunkulu Somandla ungihlanekele, wangiletsela kuhlupheka. Ngahamba ngiphelele, kodvwa Simakadze ungibuyise mahhala. Pho, nisangibitelani kutsi nginguNawomi, kantsi Simakadze ungihlanekele, wangiletsela kuhlupheka?” Wancandzeka kanjalo-ke Nawomi namalukatane wakhe labengumMowabi, baphuma eveni lemaMowabi. Lapha eBhetlehema befika nakucala kuvunwa ibhali. Nawomi abenesihlobo sakhe lesasiselusendvo lwaka-Elimeleki. Lesihlobo sasicebe kakhulu futsi sihloniphekile; libito laso kwakunguBowazi. Ruthe, umMowabi, wakhuluma kuNawomi, watsi: “Kuncono ngihambe ngiye ensimini ngiyewukhwimita emvakwalowo lengingahle ngitfole kuye umusa.” Nawomi waphendvula watsi: “Hamba, ndvodzakati yami.” Ngako-ke Ruthe wahamba wayawukhwimita emasimini emvakwebavuni. Kwenteka wangena ensimini leyayiyakaBowazi. Bowazi abewelusendvo lwaka-Elimeleki. Kwase kufika Bowazi aphuma eBhetlehema, wafike kubavuni watsi: “Simakadze akabe nani!” Bamphendvula batsi. “Simakadze akakubusise!” Bowazi wabuta kulendvuna yebavuni watsi: “Wakabani lomakoti?” Lendvuna yamphendvula yatsi: “Lomakoti ungumMowabi, lofike naNawomi, aphuma eveni lakaMowabi. Ufike la kimi watsi: ‘Ngicela kukhwimita, ngilandzele bavuni.’ Kusukela ekuseni ngeluvivi seloku angene lapha ensimini solomane uyasebenta, uphumuphumule kancane emtfuntini.” Bowazi wakhuluma kuRuthe, watsi: “Lalela-ke, ndvodzakati yami, ungasacali kuyawukhwimita kulenye insimi, kodvwa namatsela kulamantfombatana ami lavunako. Wena ubukisise insimi lapho bavuna khona, bese uyabalandzela. Lamajaha ngiwayale kutsi angakutsintsi. Nase womile, ubonatsa kuletimbita letigcwaliswe ngulamajaha.” Ruthe wakhotsamisa buso bakhe, wabonga, watsi: “Kungani ngizuze umusa longaka kuwe nekutsi unginake kangaka ngiwetive?” Bowazi waphendvula watsi: “Sebangitjele konkhe lokwentele unyokotala, seloku kwafa indvodza yakho. Bangitjela nangekusuka kwakho kini, washiya uyihlo nenyoko, nelive lakini lemdzabu, weta esiveni lowawungasati. Shangatsi Simakadze angakunika umvuzo ngaloku lose ukwentile. Shangatsi Simakadze, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, angakunika umvuzo lophelele, njengobe naku sewukhosele ngaphansi kwakhe nje.” Ruthe wamphendvula watsi: “Maye, ube nemusa kimi, mnumzane, ngobe sewungidvudvutile, wangikhulumisa ngemoya lomuhle mine ncekukati yakho, lite ngingesiye lomunye wetincekukati takho.” Nasekudliwa Bowazi wabita Ruthe watsi: “Kota lapha, utekudla nasi sinkhwa, usishibe ngeliwayini.” Ngako-ke wahlala kanye netisebenti, Bowazi wamnika imbasha; wadla waze wesutsa, kwadzimate kwasala. Watsi nakasukuma kuyawukhwimita, Bowazi wakhuluma nalamajaha, watsi: “Ruthe nibomyekela akhwimite nalapho kungakavunwa khona, ningamekhuti. Nibomhoshulela letinye titfungo atitsatse, ningamtsetsisi.” Ngako-ke Ruthe wachubeka wakhwimita, laze layawushona; watsi kube akubhule, kwaba ngemakhilogremu labengaba lishumi. Wakutsatsa wahamba nako waya ekhaya; wakhombisa uninatala sonkhe sivuno sakhe, waphindze wamnika nekudla lokwakusele ensimini nakadlako. Nawomi wabuta Ruthe watsi: “Lamuhla bewukhwimita kuphi? Bewusebenta kuphi? Ubusisiwe lowo muntfu lokunakile!” Ruthe waphendvula watsi: “Lamuhla bengisebenta ensimini yemuntfu lekutsiwa nguBowazi.” Nawomi watsi kumalukatane wakhe: “Shangatsi Simakadze lonemusa kulabaphilako nalabafile angambusisa.” Wachubeka watsi: “Lomuntfu usihlobo setfu sengati, ungulomunye walabo labafanele kusinakekela.” Ruthe wachubeka wakhuluma kuninatala, watsi: “Ngetulu kwaloko uphindze watsi angichubeke kukhwimita naletisebenti takakhe kuze kuphele kuvuna.” Nawomi waphendvula Ruthe, malukatane wakhe, watsi: “Kulungile-ke, ndvodzakati, kuncono ubuyele uyewusebenta kanye nalamantfombatana asensimini yakaBowazi; ngobe ensimini yalomunye bangahle bakuhluphe.” Ngako Ruthe wachubeka asebenta nalamantfombatana akaBowazi, baze bacedza kuvuna ibhali nakolo. Wachubeka kuhlala neninatala. Emvakwesikhatsi Nawomi, uninatala wakhe, wakhuluma kuRuthe watsi: “Ndvodzakati! Utsi kungete kwaba ncono kutsi ngikwakhele umuti? LoBowazi, lebewusebenta nemantfombatana akakhe, usihlobo sengati. Lalela la: Lamuhla Bowazi utawubhula kolo lapha ebaleni. Ngako-ke geza, ugcoke kahle uphelele, ufake emakha, bese uyewuka uya lapho atawubhulela khona. Kodvwa ungacali umtjele kutsi ungubani asengakacedzi kudla nekunatsa. Ubocaphelisisa kutsi utawulala kuphi, uye khona, ufike ugwabule ingubo ngasetinyaweni takhe, bese uyangena ulala eceleni kwato, utakutjela kutsi kufanele wenteni.” Ruthe waphendvula watsi: “Konkhe loko lokushoko ngitakwenta.” Ngako-ke Ruthe wewuka waya ebaleni lekubhulela kolo, wenta njengobe uninatala abemtjelile. Ngesikhatsi Bowazi asadlile wanatsa, wativela ajabulile; ngako wahamba wayawulala eceleni kwencumbi yakolo. Ruthe wanyonyoba wasondzela kuBowazi, wafike wagwabula ingubo ngasetinyaweni takhe wangena, walala. Ekhatsi nebusuku Bowazi watsi uyaphaphama wetfuka sekulele umuntfu lomsikati etinyaweni takhe. Wambuta watsi: “Ungubani wena?” Wamphendvula watsi: “NginguRuthe, incekukati yakho, njengobe usihlobo sami sengati sengitetfula kuwe kutsi ungifukamele. Ngicela kutsi ungingene.” Bowazi watsi: “Shangatsi Simakadze angakubusisa, ndvodzakati yami. Ukhombise inhlonipho lenkhulu kimi kunalena loyikhombisa unyokotala. Ngisho phela ngobe naku awukagijimeli kuyakwendza emadvodzeni lasemancane, lacebile nome laphuyile. Cha, ndvodzakati yami, ngitakwentela konkhe loko lokucelako, ngako ungesabi. Tonkhe takhamiti talesigodzi tiyati kutsi ungumfati sibili. Yebo, kuliciniso kutsi ngisihlobo sakho sengati, noko sikhona lesisedvute kakhulu kuwe kunami. Sale ulala kwalamuhla. Kusasa ekuseni ngitawuvukela kuye ngalendzaba. Nangabe uyavuma kukungena, kutabe kulungile. Kodvwa nangabe akafuni, ngetsembisa phambi kwaSimakadze kutsi ngitakungena mine. Ngako lala kuze kuse.” Ngako Ruthe walala ngasetinyaweni taBowazi kwaze kwasa, kodvwa washeshe wavuka kusemnyama. Phela Bowazi abengafuni kutsi kwatiwe kutsi kuke kwaba nalomsikati kulelo bala lekubhula. Bowazi watsi kuye: “Khumula lelibhayi lolembetse uliletse la utekulendlala.” Ngako walikhumula, walendlala. Bowazi watsela kulo kolo labenesisindvo lesasingemakhilogremu labengaba ngemashumi lamabili, wametfwesa. Ruthe wancandzeka, wakhuphukela ekhaya edolobheni. Watsi nakefika, uninatala wambuta watsi: “Uhambe njani, ndvodzakati yami?” Ruthe wamphendvula amtjela konkhe lokwakwentiwe nalokwakukhulunywe nguBowazi kuye. Wachubeka Ruthe watsi: “Utsite: ‘Akukafaneli ubuyele kunyokotala ugoce tandla.’ Ngako ungiphe nangu kolo longemakhilogremu langaba ngema-20.” Nawomi wamphendvula watsi: “Beketela, ndvodzakati, utawubona kutsi tintfo tihamba njani. Bowazi angeke asibeke sibunu sakhe phansi lamuhla angakayilungisi lendzaba.” Bowazi wesuka lapho waya esangweni lelidolobha, wafike wahlala phansi. Kwabe sekufika lesihlobo sengati lakhuluma ngaso kuRuthe. Bowazi wasibitela eceleni, watsi: “Ase ute ngalapha, mnganami, uhlale phansi sikhulume.” Nembala waphambuka, wafike wahlala phansi. Bowazi watsatsa emadvodza lalishumi labengimisumphe yelidolobha wawacela kutsi nawo ake atsi gozololo kancane. Wabhekisa inkhulumo yakhe kulesihlobo sengati, watsi: “Nawomi losabuyile eveni lakaMowabi, utsengisa ngendzawana lekwakungeya-Elimeleki, sihlobo setfu sengati, ngako ngibone kufanele kutsi ngikwatise loko emkhatsini walaba kanye nalemisumphe yalelidolobha, ngitsi nangabe uyayifuna, yitsenge embikwalamadvodza. Kodvwa nangabe awuyifuni, shano, ngobe phela kute lomunye longayitsenga ngaphandle kwakho. Mine ngitayitsenga nakwehluleka wena.” Lendvodza yaphendvula yatsi: “Ngitayitsenga.” Bowazi wakhuluma watsi: “Kulungile-ke, kodvwa mhlazana utsenga lendzawo kuNawomi, kufanele ungene naRuthe, longumMowabi, umfelokati wemufi, khona utewuvusela umufi ligama.” Lendvodza yaphendvula yatsi: “Cha, nakunjalo, ngingeke ngiyitsenge lendzawo, ngobe phela loko kutawusho kutsi lendzawo ingeke ibe lifa lebantfwabami. Yitsenge wena, mine ngingeke ngikhone kuyitsenga.” Kadzeni lisiko laka-Israyeli lekutsengiselana nome kuntjintjiselana ngemhlaba, kuze kube siciniseko lesiphelele, bekutsi umtsengisi akhiphe sicatfulo sakhe asinike umtsengi. Loko-ke kwakube sekuba sibopho ngaleso sivumelwane. Ngako-ke lendvodza yakhuluma kuBowazi, yatsi: “Yitsenge wena;” yakhumula sicatfulo sayo yasinika Bowazi. Bowazi wakhuluma acondzise kuyo yonkhe lemisumphe nakubo bonkhe bantfu lababekhona lapho, watsi: “Nine nonkhe-ke lapha nibofakazi bami kusukela lamuhla kutsi sengikutsenge konkhe lobekukwakaNawomi, lobekukwaka-Elimeleki, nako konkhe lobekukwemadvodzana akhe boKhiliyoni naMahaloni. Ngetulu kwaloko Ruthe, umMowabi, longumfelokati, labetekwe nguMahaloni, naye sengumkami. Loko kutawusita ekugcineni lifa netimphahla temndeni wemufi; umndeni wakhe uyawuchubeka esiveni sakhe, nasedolobheni lakubo. Nine-ke nibofakazi baloko kulelilanga lalamuhla.” Bonkhe bantfu nelemisumphe leyayisesangweni yatsi: “Vele, sibofakazi. Shangatsi lomakoti lotawungena ekhaya lakho, Simakadze angamenta afanane naboRakheli naLeya, labasungula sive sema-Israyeli bobabili ngekutalela Jakobe bantfwana labanyenti. “Shangatsi ungema kahle kulolusendvo lwaka-Efratha, watiwe eBhetlehema. Shangatsi bantfwana lotawubaphiwa nguSimakadze ngalomakoti bangenta umndeni wakho ufanane nemndeni waPheresi Thamari lowamtalela Juda.” Ngako Bowazi watsatsa Ruthe, waba ngumkakhe. Simakadze wambusisa, Ruthe watetfwala, watala indvodzana. Bafati labanye bakhuluma kuNawomi, batsi: “Akabongwe Simakadze, ngobe lamuhla ukuphe umtukulu loyingati yakho. Shangatsi ligama lakhe lingadvunyiswa ka-Israyeli. Maye, malukatane wakho uyakutsandza bo! Loko lakwentele kona kukhulu kwendlula loko bekungentiwa ngemadvodzana lasikhombisa. Manje sewukutalele umtukulu lotawuba ngumliba loya embili, akusekele ebudzaleni bakho.” Nawomi walutsatsa loluswane walugona, walunakekela, alukhulisa. Bafati lababebomakhelwane bametsa libito lakhe batsi ngu-Obedi. Phela bonkhe babekhuluma batsi: “Kutelwe indvodzana kaNawomi.” Obedi watala Jese; Jese watala Davide. Nati-ke titukulwane taPheresi: Pheresi watala Hesroni; Hesroni watala Ramu; Ramu watala Aminadabi. Aminadabi watala Nasoni; Nasoni watala Salmoni, Salmoni watala Bowazi; Bowazi watala Obedi; Obedi watala Jese; Jese watala Davide. Kwakukhona indvodza letsite leyayingumSufi waseRamathayimu, eveni letintsaba kulaka-Efrayimu; libito layo bekungu-Elkhana, umsa waJerohamu, umsa wa-Elihu, umsa waThohu, umsa waSufi, um-Efrayimu. Abenebafati lababili; lomunye bekunguHana, lona lomunye kunguPhenina. Phenina abenebantfwana, kodvwa Hana abete. Yonkhe iminyaka lendvodza yayisuka edolobheni layo yenyuke iyewukhonta inikele ngemihlatjelo kuSimakadze longuSomandla eShilo, lapho boHofni naFinehasi, emadvodzana a-Eli, babebaphristi baSimakadze khona. Kwakutsi njalo nakufika lilanga la-Elkhana lekutsi ente umhlatjelo, yena abele umkakhe Phenina, nemadvodzana nemadvodzakati akhe incenye yenyama. Kodvwa abetsi nakabela Hana, incenye yakaHana ayiphindze kabili, ngobe abemtsandza kakhulu; Simakadze abesivalile sitalo saHana. Njengobe-ke Simakadze abevale sitalo sakhe, lozakwabo abevamise kumchukuluta, khona atewuphatseka kabi. Loko kwakuchubeka kwenteka iminyaka ngeminyaka. Abetsi Hana nakenyukela endlini yaSimakadze, lozakwabo amchukulute, adzimate Hana akhale, angete adla ngisho nekudla. Elkhana, indvodza yakhe, abekhuluma kuye atsi: “Hana, ukhalelani? Awudli ngani? Ukhatsateke leni? Mine angincono kakhulu yini kuwe kunemadvodzana lalishumi?” Ngalesinye sikhatsi batsi kube bacedze kudla nekunatsa eShilo, Hana wasukuma. Eli, umphristi, abehleti esihlalweni eceleni kwemnyango welithempeli laSimakadze. Ngenca yebuhlungu nekukhatsateka kwakhe emphefumulweni, Hana wakhala kakhulu, wathandaza kuSimakadze. Wenta setsembiso, watsi: “Awu, Simakadze Somandla, nawungamane ubukisise lusizi lwencekukati yakho, ungikhumbule, ungayikhohlwa incekukati yakho, kodvwa incekukati yakho uyiphe indvodzana, leyo ndvodzana ngiyakunikela ngayo kuSimakadze, tonkhe tinsuku tekuphila kwayo, kuyawubate insingo leyawutsintsa inhloko yayo.” Asachubeka, athandaza kuSimakadze, Eli wawunaka umlomo wakhe. Hana abethandaza ngenhlitiyo, tindzebe temlomo wakhe kuphela letatinyakata, kodvwa livi lakhe lalingevakali. Eli wadzimate wacabanga kutsi lomfati udzakiwe, wase ukhuluma kuye utsi: “Utawuchubeka kuhlala udzakiwe kuze kube ngunini? Yekela leliwayini lakho.” Kodvwa Hana waphendvula watsi: “Cha, nkhosi yami, angikadzakwa, ngingumfati loselusizini lolukhulu, angikaze ngilinatse liwayini nome tjwala, bengisatfulula inhlitiyo yami kuSimakadze. Incekukati yakho ungayitsatsi njengemfati lomubi, konkhe loku bengithandaziswa buhlungu benhlitiyo yami nelusizi lolukhulu.” Eli waphendvula watsi: “Hamba ngekuthula, shangatsi Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli angakupha loko lokucele kuye.” Hana watsi: “Shangatsi incekukati yakho ingemukeleka emehlweni akho.” Wabe sewuyahamba wayakudla, nebuso bakhe abuzange buphindze bubonakale bujabhile. Ekuseni ngakusasa besuka bayawukhonta Simakadze, base bayancandzeka babuyela ekhaya labo eRama. Elkhana walala naHana, umkakhe, Simakadze wamkhumbula Hana. Ngekuhamba kwesikhatsi Hana wakhulelwa watala indvodzana, wayetsa libito watsi nguSamuweli, atsi: “Ngamcela kuSimakadze.” Yatsi kube lendvodza lengu-Elkhana yenyuke kanye nawo wonkhe umndeni wayo kuyawunikela ngemhlatjelo wemnyaka kuSimakadze nekufeza setsembiso sayo, Hana wangete wenyuka. Wakhuluma endvodzeni yakhe, watsi: “Utawutsi lomntfwana angalunyulwa, bese ngiyamtsatsa ngiyakumnikela kuSimakadze, bese uvele uyasala, uhlala khona lapho.” Elkhana, indvodza yakhe, watsi kuye: “Yenta loko lobona kukulungela kakhulu. Hlala lapha, uze umlumule lomntfwana; shangatsi Simakadze angenta leso setsembiso sibe liciniso.” Ngako Hana wahlala ekhaya, wakhulisa umntfwana, waze walunyulwa. Watsi kube amlumule, Hana wamtsatsa lomfana asemncane, wahamba naye, watsatsa nenkunzi leyayineminyaka lemitsatfu budzala, nemphuphu leyayingemakhilogremu labengaba lishumi, nesikhumbasikhwana lesasigcwele liwayini, waya endlini yaSimakadze eShilo. Batsi kube bahlabe lenkunzi, lomfana base bamletsa ku-Eli. Hana wakhuluma ku-Eli, watsi: “Awu, nkhosi yami, awusangikhumbuli? Mine ngingulomfati lowake wema lapha eceleni kwakho athandaza kuSimakadze. Ngathandaza ngicela lomntfwana, Simakadze wase uyangipha loko lengangikucele kuye. Ngako manje sengimletse kuSimakadze. Kuko konkhe kuphila kwakhe utawuba waSimakadze.” Samuweli wabe sewukhonta Simakadze khona lapho. Hana wachubeka wathandaza watsi: “Inhlitiyo yami iyajabula kuSimakadze; Simakadze ungemandla ami. Umlomo wami uyaticoloshela titsa tami, ngobe ngiyajabula ekusindziseni kwakhe. “Kute longcwele njengaSimakadze, kute nalomunye ngaphandle kwakho, kute lidvwala lelinjengaNkulunkulu wetfu. Ningasakhulumi kakhulu ngekutiphakamisa; kubete kutiphakamisa lokuphuma emilonyeni yenu. Ngobe Simakadze nguNkulunkulu welwati, ngaye tento tonkhe tiyaphenyisiswa. Imicibisholo yetingwazi yephukile, kodvwa labo labatsambile bavunule emandla. Labo lababesutsa sebaticashisela kudla, kodvwa labo labebalambile abasalambi. Lowo labeyinyumba sewutele bantfwana labasikhombisa, kodvwa lowo labenebantfwana labanyenti sewuyandzindza. Simakadze uyabulala, aphindze aphilise. Wehlisela phansi emadlizeni, aphindze akhuphulele ngetulu. Simakadze uyaphuyisa, abuye anjingise. Uyatfobisa, aphindze aphakamise. Uphakamisa labampofu elutfulini, akhuphule labeswele etindvundvumeni temlotsa, atebahlalisa nalabahloniphekile, abente badle lifa lesihlalo sebukhosi. Ngobe tinsika temhlaba taSimakadze, umhlaba uwakhele etikwato. “Uyakwelusa tinyawo talabangcwele bakhe, kodvwa lababi bona bayawubhujiswa ebumnyameni. Ngobe umuntfu akancobi ngetikhwepha takhe. Labo labamelene naSimakadze bayawuphihlika babe timvutfu. Uyawudvuma etikwabo asezulwini lakhe. Simakadze uyakwehlulela imikhawulo yonkhe yemhlaba. Inkhosi yakhe uyawuyinika emandla, aphakamise emandla alogcotjiwe wakhe.” Elkhana wabe sewubuyela ekhaya lakhe eRama, kodvwa lomfana wakhe wasala akhonta Simakadze ngaphansi kwemphristi Eli. Emadvodzana a-Eli abengemadvodza lakhohlakele; abengenandzaba naSimakadze. Umhambo webaphristi macondzana nebantfu kwakukutsi nangabe umuntfu anikela ngemhlatjelo, kufike inceku yemphristi iphetse imfologo lenematinyo lamatsatfu ngesandla sayo, ikhandze lenyama isabila, ifike icuphule ngayo lapha ekesini, nome embiteni, nome kugalaza, nome ebhodweni. Kwakutsi yonkhe leyo nyama lekhuphuke naleyo mfologo umphristi atitsatsele yona ibe yakhe. Ngako babenta njalo eShilo kuwo onkhe ema-Israyeli labeta lapho eShilo. Ngetulu kwaloko, kwakutsi nalomhlehlo usengakashiswa, inceku yemphristi beyingafika kulomuntfu labenta umhlatjelo, itsi: “Nginike inyama yekosa, ngobe umphristi angeke ayemukele kuwe inyama lebilisiwe, kodvwa ufuna leluhlata.” Nangabe lomuntfu atsi kuyo: “Ase kushe lomhlehlo kucala, bese-ke utsatsa leyo loyifunako,” lenceku beyibe seyiphendvula lomuntfu itsi: “Cha, yiletse nyalo; nawungayiletsi, ngitayitsatsa ngenkhani.” Leso sono saletinsizwa saba sikhulu kakhulu emehlweni aSimakadze, ngobe umnikelo waSimakadze abewuphatsa ngekwedzelela lokukhulu. Samuweli abekhonta ethempelini laSimakadze, angumfanyana, avunula sidziya sebaphristi selineni lecolisakele. Njalo nje ngemnyaka unina abevame kumtfungela umjiva longangaye, bese uyamphatsela ngesikhatsi akhuphuka nendvodza yakhe kuyakwenta umnikelo wemnyaka. Eli abebabusisa bo-Elkhana nemkakhe, atsi: “Shangatsi Simakadze angakupha bantfwana ngalomfati lona, kuze bavale sikhala salona lamthandazela wase umnikela kuSimakadze.” Babeyaye bese bayancandzeka emvakwaloko, babuyela ekhaya labo. Simakadze wentela Hana umusa, wakhulelwa, watala bantfwana: emadvodzana lamatsatfu nemadvodzakati lamabili. Umfana longuSamuweli abesolomane achubeka akhula embikwaSimakadze. Eli abesamdzala kakhulu, wakuva konkhe loko lokwakwentiwa ngemadvodzana akhe esiveni sonkhe sema-Israyeli, weva nekutsi emadvodzana akhe alalana kanjani nalabasikati lababekhonta ekungeneni kwelithende lekuhlangana. Wakhuluma kubo, watsi: “Nikwentelani loku? Ngobe ngiva bonkhe bantfu bangitjela ngetento tenu letimbi. Hhayi, bantfwabami, akusiyo intfo lenhle lena lengiyivako leseyandze naso sonkhe lesive saSimakadze. Nangabe umuntfu ona kulomunye umuntfu, Nkulunkulu uyammelela; kodvwa nangabe umuntfu ona kuSimakadze, ngubani loyakumncusela?” Kodvwa emadvodzana akazange alitsatse livi leyise; ngobe kwakuyintsandvo yaSimakadze kutsi abulawe. Umfana Samuweli wachubeka wakhula ngesicu semtimba nasekutsandvweni nguSimakadze nasekutsandzekeni kubantfu. Kwefika umuntfu waNkulunkulu ku-Eli, watsi: “Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: ‘Angizange yini ngitibonakalise ngalokucacile endlini yeyihlo Aroni ngesikhatsi baseseGibhithe, basabuswa yindlu yakaFaro? Ngakhetsa khokho wakho emkhatsini wato tonkhe tive tema-Israyeli kutsi abe ngumphristi wami, akhuphukele elatini lami, ashise khona imphepho, avunule nesidziya sebuphristi ebukhoneni bami. Nganika indlu yeyihlo sabelo kuyo yonkhe iminikelo yami yemlilo leyentiwa ngema-Israyeli. Manje-ke niwubukelani ngeliso lelibukhali lomhlatjelo wami nalomnikelo wami lengawukhetsela indzawo yami yekuhlala? Wentiwa yini lokutsi uhloniphe kakhulu emadvodzana akho kunekutsi uhloniphe mine, nitikhuluphalise nine ngekutikhetsela lokunonile kwayo yonkhe iminikelo leyentiwa sive sami sema-Israyeli?’ “Ngaloko-ke Simakadze, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, ukhuluma utsi: ‘Ngetsembisa ngatsi indlu yakho nendlu yeyihlo iyawukhonta embikwami phakadze naphakadze.’ Kodvwa nyalo Simakadze utsi: ‘Kungeke kusaba njalo! Ngobe labo labangihloniphako ngiyakubahlonipha, kodvwa labo labangedzelelako nabo bayakwedzeleleka. Sikhatsi siyeta lapho ngiyawuncamula khona emandla akho nemandla endlu yeyihlo, kuze kubete lichegu endlini yeyihlo. Uyawuva buhlungu kabi, utibuke ngeliso lemona tonkhe tibusiso lengiyakutehlisela leti letinye tive tema-Israyeli, kodvwa indlu yeyihlo seyiyawubate lichegu kokuphela. Wonkhe umuntfu wakini lengingayikumncuma elatini lami uyawusala, asalele kutsi aphuphutsekise emehlo akho ngetinyembeti, adzabukise inhlitiyo yakho, nato tonkhe titukulwane takho setiyakufa tisandza kutalwa. “ ‘Loko lokutakwehlela emadvodzana akho, boHofni naFinehasi, kuyawuba sibonakaliso kuwe, bayakufa bobabili langa linye. Ngiyawutivusela mine umphristi lowetsembekile, loyawukwenta loko lokusenhlitiyweni yami nasengcondvweni yami. Ngiyakumakhela situkulwane lesicinile, uyawuhamba embikwalogcotjiwe wami phakadze naphakadze. Bonkhe bendlu yakenu labayawube basele bayawuta bakhotsame embikwakhe, bakhotsamele inhlavana yesiliva nelucetwana lwesinkhwa, batincengele, batsi: “Ngicela mane ungivumele ngisite baphristi, kumbe ngingamane ngitfole lucetwana lwesinkhwa.” ’ ” Umfana Samuweli abekhonta Simakadze ngaphansi kwa-Eli. Kulawo malanga livi laSimakadze lase lilivelakancane, nemibono yayingasekavami. Ngalobunye busuku Eli, labesanemehlo labutsakatsaka asabona kalufifi, abelele endzaweni yakhe njengasemihleni. Sibane saNkulunkulu sasingakacimi, naSamuweli alele phansi ethempelini laSimakadze, lapho bekunelibhokisi lesivumelwane saNkulunkulu khona. Simakadze wabita Samuweli. Wasabela watsi: “Ngilapha.” Wagijima waya ku-Eli, wafike watsi: “Sengikhona, ngive ungibita.” Kodvwa Eli wakhuluma watsi: “Cha, angikakubiti, hamba uyewulala phansi.” Ngako wancandzeka wayawulala phansi. Waphindze Simakadze wamemeta watsi: “Samuweli!” Samuweli wavuka waya ku-Eli, wafike watsi: “Sengikhona, ngive ungibita.” Kodvwa Eli watsi: “Ndvodzana yami, angikakubiti; hamba uyewulala phansi.” Samuweli abesengakamati Simakadze, kantsi futsi nelivi laSimakadze lalisengakembulwa kuye. Simakadze waphindze wamemeta Samuweli kwesitsatfu, Samuweli wavuka wagijima waya ku-Eli, wafike watsi: “Sengikhona, ngive ungibita.” Eli wabona kutsi nguSimakadze lona labebita lomfana. Ngako Eli watjela Samuweli watsi: “Hamba uyewulala; naphindza akubita, ubotsi: ‘Khuluma, Nkhosi, ngobe inceku yakho ilalele.’ ” Ngako Samuweli wahamba wayawulala endzaweni yakhe. Simakadze wefika wema khona lapho, wamemeta njengakucala watsi: “Samuweli! Samuweli!” Samuweli wakhuluma watsi: “Khuluma, ngobe inceku yakho ilalele.” Simakadze wakhuluma kuSamuweli, watsi: “Lalela la, kukhona lengitakwenta lapha ka-Israyeli lokutakwenta kutsi tindlebe talabo labatawuva ngako tincencetse. Ngaleso sikhatsi ngitawumelana na-Eli nendlu yakhe ngako konkhe lengakusho kuye, kusukela ekucaleni kuze kube ngusekugcineni. Ngobe ngamtjela kutsi indlu yakhe ngitayehlulela phakadze naphakadze ngenca yesono lasatiko: Emadvodzana akhe atidvonsele sicalekiso, naye akazange awekhute kutsi ayekele. Ngako-ke ngafunga ngendlu ya-Eli, ngatsi: ‘Licala lendlu ya-Eli lingeke lihlengwe ngemhlatjelo nome ngemnikelo wekubuyisana.’ ” Samuweli walala kwaze kwasa; kwase kutsi nakusa, wahamba wayakuvula iminyango yendlu yaSimakadze. Wesaba kutjela Eli lombono, kodvwa Eli wambita, wafike watsi kuye: “Samuweli, ndvodzana yami.” Samuweli wasabela watsi: “Ngilapha.” Eli wabuta watsi: “Yini lena layishito kuwe? Ungangifihleli. Shangatsi Nkulunkulu angakujezisa kakhulu, nakwenteka ungifihlela nome yini lakutjele kona.” Ngako Samuweli wamtjela konkhe, wangete wamfihlela lutfo. Eli wakhuluma watsi: “UnguSimakadze; akente konkhe lakubona kukuhle emehlweni akhe.” Simakadze waba naSamuweli asakhula, wangete wavumela ngisho nalinye livi lakhe kutsi liwele phansi. Sonkhe sive sema-Israyeli kusukela kulakaDani kuze kuyewufika eBherisheba savele sabona kutsi Samuweli abemiselwe kuba ngumphrofethi waSimakadze. Simakadze waphindze watibonakalisa eShilo; ngobe lapho Simakadze watembula kuSamuweli ngelivi laSimakadze. Livi laSamuweli lalivakala lihloniphekile kuso sonkhe sive sema-Israyeli. Ema-Israyeli akhuphuka ayakulwa nemaFilisti. Ema-Israyeli afike akamba e-Ebheni Eza, kwatsi emaFilisti wona akamba e-Afeki. EmaFilisti ayihlela imphi yawo atilungiselela kuhlangabetana neyema-Israyeli. Kwatsi imphi seyibambene etulu, ehlulwa ema-Israyeli, ehlulwa ngemaFilisti labulala ema-Israyeli labengaba ti-4 000 emphini. Kwatsi emabutfo nakabuya enkambu, baholi bema-Israyeli babutana bodvwa, batsi: “Wentiwe yini kutsi Simakadze lamuhla asiyekelele sibhujiswe sehlulwe ngemaFilisti? Asilandze libhokisi lesivumelwane saSimakadze eShilo, kuze litewuhamba kanye natsi lisephule etandleni tetitsa tetfu.” Ngako-ke sive satfumela emadvodza eShilo kutsi alandze libhokisi lesivumelwane saSimakadze longuSomandla, lohlala etikwemakherubhi. Emadvodzana a-Eli abekhona lapho nawo, boHofni naFinehasi, bakanye nelibhokisi lesivumelwane saNkulunkulu. Latsi libhokisi lesivumelwane saSimakadze nalifika enkambu, onkhe ema-Israyeli aphakamisa ludvumo amemeta ngemsindvo lomkhulu kangangekutsi kwadzimate kwatamatama umhlaba. EmaFilisti atsi nakeva lomsindvo lomkhulu kangaka, abutana atsi: “Wani lomsindvo longaka losenkambu yemaHebheru?” Batsi kube beve kutsi libhokisi lesivumelwane saSimakadze selifikile enkambu, emaFilisti esaba kakhulu atsi: “Bonkulunkulu sebafikile enkambu; tsine sesisengotini! Kute intfo lenje leyake yenteka ngaphambili. Maye kitsi! Ngubani lotasikhulula esandleni salabonkulunkulu labanemandla kangaka? Ngulabonkulunkulu labashaya emaGibhithe ehlane ngetishayo letimbi letehlukene. Cinani-ke, maFilisti! Banini ngemadvodza, ngaphandle kwaloko nitawuba tigcili temaHebheru, njengobe nawo abetigcili tenu. Banini ngemadvodza, nilwe!” Ngako emaFilisti alwa, ema-Israyeli ehlulwa, kwaba nguleyo ndvodza yabaleka yayakutindvumbeka ethendeni layo. Kwaba nekubulawa lokukhulu, kwafa emabutfo ema-Israyeli labeti-30 000. Libhokisi lesivumelwane saNkulunkulu latfunjwa, nemadvodzana a-Eli omabili, boHofni naFinehasi, abulawa. Ngalelo langa lomunye wesive sakaBhenjamini wabaleka emphini waphutfuma eShilo, timphahla takhe asatidzabulile anelutfuli enhloko. Watsi achamuka nje, nango Eli ahleti esihlalweni sakhe ngasemgwacweni, abheke elukhalweni, ngobe inhlitiyo yakhe yayincenekile ngelibhokisi lesivumelwane saNkulunkulu. Satsi nje lesigijimi singena emabaleni elidolobha, sabe silandzisa ngaloko lokwase kwentekile, lidolobha lonkhe latsi mpu umsindvo selikhala. Eli wakuva lokukhala, wabuta watsi: “Kukhalelwani kangaka?” Lesigijimi seta safike satjela Eli, labesaneminyaka lengema-98 budzala, nemehlo akhe abengasaboni. Lesigijimi satjela Eli satsi: “Ngiphunyule emphini khona lamhla loku, ngabaleka ngeta lapha.” Eli wabuta watsi: “Kwenteke njani, ndvodzana yami?” Lesigijimi samphendvula satsi: “Ema-Israyeli ehluliwe emphini, ehlulwa ngemaFilisti. Emabutfo akitsi abhujiswe kakhulu. Emadvodzana akho, boHofni naFinehasi, bafile, nelibhokisi lesivumelwane saNkulunkulu selitfunjiwe.” Watsi nje lomuntfu kube aphatse libito lelibhokisi lesivumelwane saNkulunkulu, Eli wawa sinyova esihlalweni sakhe lesasiseceleni kwelisango. Washumphuka intsamo, wafa, ngobe abesamdzala kakhulu futsi asindza. Abesahole sive sema-Israyeli iminyaka lengema-40. Malukatane wa-Eli, umkaFinehasi, labesatetfwalele dvutane, watsi kube eve kutsi libhokisi lesivumelwane saNkulunkulu litfunjiwe, nekutsi uyisetala kanye nendvodza yakhe sebafile, wasikwa ngimihelo, wabeleka khona lapho, imihelo yamehlula. Watsi nase kutawuphuma umphefumulo wakhe, labafati labebambelekisa batsi: “Ungajabhi, sewubeleke umfana.” Kodvwa noko akazange abaphendvule, akazange abanake nome ababuke nekubabuka. Wetsa lomfana libito watsi ngu-Ikhabodi, atsi: “Inkhatimulo isukile ka-Israyeli,” ngenca yekutfunjwa kwelibhokisi lesivumelwane saNkulunkulu, nangekufa kweyisetala nekwendvodza yakhe. Watsi: “Inkhatimulo isukile ka-Israyeli, ngobe libhokisi lesivumelwane saNkulunkulu litfunjiwe.” Atsi kube emaFilisti alitfumbe libhokisi lesivumelwane saNkulunkulu, alitsatsa e-Ebheni Eza alimikisa e-Ashdodi. Lelibhokisi lesivumelwane baletfwala bayakulifaka endlini yaDagoni, bafike balibeka eceleni kwalesithico sabo lesinguDagoni. Bantfu base-Ashdodi batsi bayavuka ekuseni ngakusasa, bakhandza Dagoni awele phansi ngebuso bakhe embikwelibhokisi lesivumelwane saSimakadze! Batsatsa loDagoni bambuyisela, bammisa endzaweni yakhe, lapho abekhona khona. Kodvwa kwatsi nabavuka ngakusasa, bakhandza kutsi Dagoni uwele phansi ngebuso embikwelibhokisi lesivumelwane saSimakadze! Inhloko yakhe netandla takhe kwakushumphukile sekuphansi emnyango, kwase kungumtimba wodvwa lowawusele. Nguko nje kuze kube ngulamuhla baphristi baDagoni nabo bonkhe labangena endlini yaDagoni e-Ashdodi abanyatseli emnyango. Sandla saSimakadze saba matima kubantfu base-Ashdodi nakubomakhelwane bayo; wabaletsela imbhubhiso, wabashaya nangematfumba. Atsi kube emadvodza ase-Ashdodi akubone loko lekwase kwenteka, atsi: “Lelibhokisi laloNkulunkulu wema-Israyeli akufanele lihlale emkhatsini wetfu, ngobe sandla sakhe simatima etikwetfu nasetikwaDagoni, nkulunkulu wetfu.” Ngako ase abita bonkhe babusi bemaFilisti labasihlanu, atsi: “Sitakwenta njani ngalelibhokisi lesivumelwane saNkulunkulu wema-Israyeli?” Babusi bawaphendvula batsi: “Lelibhokisi lesivumelwane saloNkulunkulu wema-Israyeli lisuseni lapha kitsi niyekulibeka eGathi.” Ngako lelibhokisi lesivumelwane saNkulunkulu wema-Israyeli avele alisusa. Kodvwa atsi kube alisuse, sandla saSimakadze salivukela lelo dolobha, langenelwa kutfutfumela lokukhulu. Bantfu balo, labadzala nalabancane, bashaywa ngekubhedvuka kwematfumba. Ngako lelibhokisi lesivumelwane saNkulunkulu alimikisa e-Ekroni. Latsi nje libhokisi lesivumelwane saNkulunkulu lisangena e-Ekroni, bantfu base-Ekroni bakhala batsi: “Sebaliletse lapha kitsi lelibhokisi laloNkulunkulu wema-Israyeli kutsi sitewubulawa tsine kanye nabo bonkhe bantfu bakitsi!” Ngako bahlanganisa ndzawonye bonkhe babusi bemaFilisti, batsi: “Susani lelibhokisi lesivumelwane saNkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, libuyele emuva endzaweni yalo, ngobe litawubulala tsine kanye nesive sakitsi.” Phela, kufa kwase kufake kutfutfumela kulo lonkhe lidolobha. Sandla saSimakadze sase simatima kakhulu etikwalo. Labo lababesengakafi bona bashaywa ngematfumba, kukhala nesililo sebantfu senyukela etulu ezulwini. Kwatsi ngesikhatsi libhokisi lesivumelwane saSimakadze liseseveni lemaFilisti tinyanga letisikhombisa, emaFilisti abita baphristi netangoma, atsi: “Sitakwenta njani ngalelibhokisi laSimakadze? Sitjeleni kutsi sitalibuyisela kanjani endzaweni yalo.” Baphendvula batsi: “Nanibuyisela libhokisi laloNkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, ningacali nilibuyisele emuva liguncuta lodvwa. Nibetama ngawo onkhe emandla enu kutsi nilibuyisele kuye nemnikelo welicala. Nase nente njalo-ke, nitawuphila, nati nekwati kutsi bekwentiwa yini kutsi sandla sakhe singesuki etikwenu.” EmaFilisti abuta atsi: “Ngumuphi umnikelo welicala lesingawutfumela kuye?” Baphendvula batsi: “Ngematfumba lasihlanu egolide, nemagundvwane lasihlanu egolide njengelinani lebabusi bemaFilisti, ngobe lesishayo sehlele nine kanye nebabusi benu. Bumbani imifanekiso yematfumba enu neyemagundvwane lekungatsi abhubhise lelive, nimnike ludvumo Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli. Mhlawumbe uyakusiphakamisa sandla sakhe lesimatima etikwenu, nasetikwabonkulunkulu benu, nasetikwelive lenu. Nitentelani tinhlitiyo tenu tibe lukhuni njengebaseGibhithe nanjengaFaro? Ngesikhatsi Nkulunkulu abahlupha kamatima, abazange yini bawakhulule ema-Israyeli kuze ahambe indlela yawo? “Manje-ke, lungisani incola lensha netinkhomo letimunyisako letimbili letinemankhonyane, letingazange setiboshelwe ejokeni. Bophelani letinkhomo tidvonse lencola, nitsatse lamankhonyane ato niwabuyisele ekhaya nifike niwakhunge, bese niwavalela esibayeni. Nitawutsatsa lelibhokisi lesivumelwane saSimakadze nilibeke kulencola, bese kutsi kulesilulu lesiseceleni kwalo nifake letintfo tegolide lenititfumela kuye, tibe ngumnikelo welicala. Niboyiyekela ihambe ngendlela yayo, kodvwa niyicaphele. Nayikhuphuka icondza eveni lalo, kubheka ngaseBhethi Shemeshi, kuyakube nguye Simakadze lona losehlisele letinhlupho. Kodvwa nakungenjalo, siyawube sesiyati kutsi bekungesiso sandla sakhe lesi lesisehlisele letishayo; kumane kwasivelela nje.” Ngako bavele bakwenta loko. Batsatsa tinkhomo letimunyisako letimbili batibophela encoleni, base bafaka lamankhonyane ato esibayeni. Batsatsa lelibhokisi lesivumelwane saSimakadze balekhweta kulencola, babophela eceleni kwalo lesilulu semagundvwane egolide nemifanekiso yematfumba. Letinkhomo tahamba tacondza ngco eBhethi Shemeshi, takhuphuka ngemgwaco, tingaphambuki ndzawo, tihambe tibhonsa yonkhe indlela; atizange tiphambukele ngesekudla nome ngesancele. Babusi bemaFilisti babenguloku batibukile batilandzela ngemuva, taze tayawufika emnyeleni waseBhethi Shemeshi. Bantfu baseBhethi Shemeshi babevuna kolo wabo esigodzini; batsi baphakamisa emehlo abo, babona libhokisi lesivumelwane, bajabula kakhulu nabalibona. Incola yefikela ensimini yakaJoshuwa eBhethi Shemeshi, yefika lapho yema eceleni kwalelikhulu lidvwala. Bantfu bakabha lamapulango lekwakwakhiwe ngawo lencola, banikela ngaletinkhomo, taba ngumnikelo wekushiswa kuSimakadze. EmaLevi aletfula lelibhokisi lesivumelwane saSimakadze kanye nalesilulu lesasiphetse letintfo tegolide, akubeka etikwelidvwala. Ngalelo langa bantfu baseBhethi Shemeshi bashisa iminikelo yekushiswa benta nemihlatjelo kuSimakadze. Lababusi labasihlanu bemaFilisti bakubona konkhe loko, base bayancandzeka ngalona lelo langa baya e-Ekroni. Lawa ngematfumba egolide emaFilisti lawatfumela aba ngumnikelo welicala kuSimakadze: Lelinye lalila-Ashdodi, lelinye lilaGaza, lelinye lila-Ashkeloni, lelinye lilaGathi, lelinye lila-Ekroni. Linani lemagundvwane egolide lalilingana nelinani lemadolobha emaFilisti nebabusi bawo labasihlanu, emadolobha latinqaba akanye nemiti yawo yasemaphandleni. Lelidvwala lelikhulu lababeka kulo libhokisi lesivumelwane saSimakadze lingufakazi ngisho nalamuhla loku ensimini yakaJoshuwa eBhethi Shemeshi. Kodvwa Nkulunkulu wababhubhisa labanye bantfu baseBhethi Shemeshi, wabhubhisa labanye lababengema-70 babo, ngobe babebuke ekhatsi ebhokisini lesivumelwane saSimakadze. Sive salila, ngobe Simakadze abebabhubhise ngembhubhiso lenkhulu kabi, bantfu baseBhethi Shemeshi babuta batsi: “Ngubani longema ebukhoneni baSimakadze, loNkulunkulu longcwele? Lelibhokisi lesivumelwane litawuya kabani nalikhuphuka lapha?” Base batfuma tigijimi esiveni saseKhiriyathi Jeyarimu, batsi: “EmaFilisti asalibuyisile libhokisi lesivumelwane saSimakadze. Yehlani nitelitsatsa nikhuphukele nalo lapho eveni lenu.” Emadvodza aseKhiriyathi Jeyarimu ase ayeta ayalitsatsa lelibhokisi lesivumelwane saSimakadze, alimikisa ekhaya ka-Abinadabi, egcumeni, ase ehlukanisela Eleyazare, umsa wakhe, kutsi alicize lelibhokisi lesivumelwane saSimakadze. Kwaba sikhatsi lesidze, lesasingiminyaka lengema-20, seloku libhokisi lesivumelwane liseKhiriyathi Jeyarimu, sonkhe sive saka-Israyeli salila, sikhala kuSimakadze. Samuweli wakhuluma esiveni sonkhe saka-Israyeli, watsi: “Naniphendvukela kuSimakadze ngayo yonkhe inhlitiyo yenu, kufanele nitisuse tonkhe letithico tebetive kanye nabo-Ashtarothe benu, bese nitinikela kuSimakadze nikhonte yena yedvwa, yena-ke utawube sewuyanikhulula esandleni semaFilisti.” Ngako ema-Israyeli abalahla boBhali bawo kanye nabo-Ashtarothe bawo, ase akhonta Simakadze yena yedvwa. Samuweli wase ukhuluma utsi: “Hlanganisani onkhe ema-Israyeli eMispa, mine ngitawube sengiyanincusela kuSimakadze.” Batsi kube bahlanganele eMispa, bakhelela emanti, bawatsela embikwaSimakadze. Ngalona lelo langa bazila khona lapho, bavuma tono tabo, batsi: “Sonile kuSimakadze.” Samuweli wehlulela sive sema-Israyeli eMispa. Atsi kube emaFilisti eve kutsi ema-Israyeli asahlangene eMispa, babusi bemaFilisti baviva beta kuwo batekuwahlasela. Atsi nema-Israyeli kube akuve loko, esaba ngenca yemaFilisti, akhuluma kuSamuweli atsi: “Ungakhawuli, chubeka usikhalele kuSimakadze Nkulunkulu wetfu, khona atekusephula esandleni semaFilisti.” Samuweli watsatsa lizinyane lelimunyako wanikela ngalo, laba ngumhlatjelo wekushiswa samuku kuSimakadze. Wakhala kuSimakadze, akhalela ema-Israyeli, Simakadze wamphendvula. Samuweli watsi asanikela ngemhlatjelo, emaFilisti asondzela atewuhlasela ema-Israyeli. Kodvwa ngalelo langa Simakadze wadvuma kakhulu njengelitulu kumaFilisti, wawenta asangana embikwema-Israyeli, aze acoshwa. Emadvodza aka-Israyeli aphuma eMispa acosha lamaFilisti, awagwaza, awabulala yonkhe indlela, aze efika entansi neBhethi Khari. Samuweli wabe sewutsatsa litje, walimisa emkhatsini waseMispa naseSheni. Waletsa libito watsi yi-Ebheni Eza, atsi: “Simakadze usisite kwaze kwaba ngumanje.” Ehlulwa kanjalo-ke emaFilisti, akazange aphindze ahlasele live lema-Israyeli. Kuwo onkhe emalanga ekuphila kwaSamuweli sandla saSimakadze sasiphambene nemaFilisti. Emadolobha labetfunjwe ngemaFilisti kuma-Israyeli, kusukela e-Ekroni kuya eGathi, aphindze abuyela kuma-Israyeli. Ema-Israyeli alitsatsa esandleni semaFilisti lonkhe lelo live lawo. Kwaba nekuthula emkhatsini wema-Israyeli nema-Amori. Samuweli wahola sive sema-Israyeli onkhe emalanga ekuphila kwakhe. Njalo nje ngemnyaka abehamba ajikelete kusukela eBetheli kuye eGilgali naseMispa, ahamba ehlulela ema-Israyeli kuto tonkhe leto tindzawo. Kodvwa sonkhe sikhatsi abencandzeka abuyele eRama, lapho likhaya lakhe lalikhona khona, nakhona lapho abehlulela ema-Israyeli. Wakha lilati laSimakadze khona lapho eRama. Watsi kube Samuweli akhule abe mdzala, wase ubeka emadvodzana akhe kutsi abe tikhulu tema-Israyeli. Libito lelitubulo lakhe bekunguJoweli, elanywa ngu-Abiya, bobabili babetikhulu eBherisheba. Kodvwa lamadvodzana akhe akazange ahambe etinyatselweni takhe. Aphambuka angete etsembeka, emukela imidizo, agwegwisa umtsetfo. Ngako bonkhe baholi baka-Israyeli babutsana ndzawonye beta kuSamuweli eRama. Bafike bakhuluma kuye, batsi: “Sewumdzala, kantsi nemadvodzana akho akatiphatsi kahle njengawe; manje sale usibekela inkhosi, kuze natsi sibe njengaletinye tive, sibe nenkhosi letasihola.” Kodvwa batsi nabatsi: “Sinike inkhosi letasihola.” loko kwamphatsa kabi Samuweli; ngako wathandaza kuSimakadze. Simakadze wakhuluma kuye, watsi: “Kulalele konkhe loko lokukhulunywa ngulesive kuwe; akusiwe labamlahlile, kodvwa sebalahle mine kutsi ngibe yinkhosi yabo. Njengobe bebenta kusukela mhlazana ngibakhipha eGibhithe kuze kube ngulamuhla, bangilahla base bakhonta labanye bonkulunkulu, namanje-ke sebenta kona loko nakuwe. Balalele, kodvwa ubayalisise, ubatise kutsi lenkhosi yabo letakubabusa itakwentani.” Samuweli wakhuluma onkhe lamavi aSimakadze kulesive lesasifuna kubekelwa inkhosi, watsi: “Naku-ke lokutakwentiwa ngulenkhosi letawubusa etikwenu: Itawutsatsa emadvodzana enu, iwabutse aphume nemphi yayo yetincola nemahhashi, iwakhekhetelise embikwetincola tayo. Lamanye awo itawabeka abe tindvuna tetinkhulungwane, lamanye abe tindvuna tema-50, lamanye alime emasimini ayo aphindze awavune, lamanye ente tikhali temphi kanye netimphahla tetincola. Itawutsatsa emadvodzakati enu abe bakhitsiti bemakha, nebapheki kanye nebabhaki. Itawuchwaga emasimi enu lavundzile, netivini tenu, netihlahla tenu temncumo letincono kakhulu, ikunike tinceku tayo. Itawutsatsa kwelishumi kwesivuno senu, nekwetivini tenu, ikunike tiphatsimandla kanye netinceku tayo. Tisebenti tenu letidvuna naletisikati, netinkhomo tenu telikhetselo, netimbongolo tenu itatitsatsa tibe tayo. Itawutsatsa kwelishumi kwetimbuti nekwetimvu tenu, bese-ke nine inenta niba tigcili tayo. Nakufika lelo langa, niyawukhalela kwephulwa kuleyo nkhosi leniyawube niyikhetsile; Simakadze angeke aniphendvule ngalelo langa.” Kodvwa sive sema-Israyeli sala kulalela Samuweli. Satsi: “Cha! Sifuna inkhosi letasihola. Sitawube sesiba njengetive tonkhe, sibe nenkhosi letasihola, ihambe embikwetfu ilwe timphi tetfu.” Watsi kube Samuweli akuve konkhe loko lokwakushiwo sive, wahamba wayakwetfula embikwaSimakadze. Simakadze waphendvula watsi: “Balalele, bese ubanika inkhosi.” Ngako Samuweli wakhuluma kulamadvodza aka-Israyeli, watsi: “Ngulowo nalowo akabuyele edolobheni lakubo.” Kwakukhona indvodza leyayingumBhenjamini, injingile futsi yatiwa. Libito layo bekunguKhishi, umsa wa-Abiyeli, umsa waSerori, umsa waBekorathi, umsa wa-Afiya, wesive sakaBhenjamini. Yayinendvodzana leyayinguSawula, libhungu lelalilihle kakhulu lehlula onkhe ema-Israyeli, lilidze kwendlula onkhe ema-Israyeli, bonkhe labanye bantfu babekhawula emahlombe alo. Timbongolo taKhishi, uyise waSawula, talahleka; Khishi wabe sewukhuluma kumsa wakhe, Sawula, watsi: “Tsatsa sinye setisebenti uhambe naso uyewufuna letimbongolo.” Ngako wahamba wadzabula live laka-Efrayimu letintsaba, wahamba nangaseveni lelingaseShalisha, kodvwa abazange batitfole. Bachubeka bangena esigodzini saseShalimu, kodvwa timbongolo tatingekho lapho. Bachubeka badzabula live lakaBhenjamini, kodvwa abazange batitfole nalapho. Batsi kube befike esifundzeni saseSufi, Sawula wakhuluma kulesisebenti labehamba naso, watsi: “Wota sincandzeke, ngaphandle kwaloko babe angeke abe asacabanga kakhulu ngaletimbongolo, kodvwa esikhundleni saloko utawube sewukhatsateka ngatsi.” Kodvwa lesisebenti saphendvula satsi: “Ase ubuke la, kulelidolobha kunemuntfu waNkulunkulu, uhlonishwa kakhulu, konkhe lakushoko kuba liciniso, futsi kwenteke. Asambe siye khona nyalo. Mhlawumbe angahle asitjele kutsi kufanele sibheke ngakuphi.” Sawula wakhuluma esisebentini sakhe, watsi: “Nangabe siya kuye nyalo sitawufike simnikeni? Kudla bekulapha emasakeni etfu sekuphelile. Kute sipho lesingahamba naso siye kulomuntfu waNkulunkulu. Yini nje lesinayo?” Sisebenti samphendvula futsi, satsi: “Ase ubuke, ngineluhlavu lwesiliva lolungemagremu langaba matsatfu. Ngitalunika lomuntfu waNkulunkulu, khona atesitjela kutsi singatsatsa yiphi indlela.” Kadzeni ka-Israyeli nangabe umuntfu aye kuyawubuta kuNkulunkulu, abetsi: “Kota, siye kumboniswa,” ngobe umphrofethi wangaleso sikhatsi abebitwa ngekutsi ngumboniswa. Sawula wakhuluma kulesisebenti sakhe, watsi: “Kulungile, kota sambe.” Ngako besuka bahamba baya kulelo dolobha, lapho bekukhona khona lomuntfu waNkulunkulu. Batsi basenyuka leligcuma baya kulelidolobha, bahlangana nemantfombatana aphuma kulo, ayakukha emanti, base bayawabuta batsi: “Ukhona yini umboniswa lapha?” Abaphendvula atsi: “Ukhona, nilandzela yena nje. Sheshisani manje usandza kufika lamuhla kulelidolobha lakitsi, ngobe bantfu banemnikelo wemhlatjelo lena elatini endzaweni lephakeme. Nitawutsi nisangena edolobheni, nimkhandze asengakaphumi kwenyukela entsabeni kuyakudla. Bantfu bangeke bacale kudla angakefiki, ngobe phela kufanele awubusise lomhlatjelo; emvakwaloko-ke, labo labamenyiwe batawube sebayadla. Yenyukani, nifanele kumkhandza ngaso lesikhatsi.” Bavele benyukela edolobheni, batsi basangena nje kulo, bambona Samuweli, eta ngakubo, asendleleni lecondze etulu entsabeni. Kwakutsite ngayitolo, Sawula asengakefiki, Simakadze wembulela Samuweli ngaloku, watsi: “Kusasa ngaso lesikhatsi ngitakutfumelela indvodza lephuma eveni lakaBhenjamini. Uboyigcoba ibe ngumholi etikwesive sami sema-Israyeli. Utawukhulula bantfu bami esandleni semaFilisti. Labantfu bami sengibabukile, nekukhala kwabo sekufikile kimi.” Watsi Samuweli nakabona Sawula, Simakadze wakhuluma kuye, watsi: “Nangu-ke lomuntfu lengikhulume ngaye kuwe. Nguye lotawubusa sive sami.” Sawula wacondza kuSamuweli esangweni, wafike wabuta, watsi: “Ngicela kubuta kutsi ungete wangikhombisa yini indlu yemboniswa?” Samuweli waphendvula watsi: “Ngimi umboniswa. Yenyuka uhambe embikwami uye etulu entsabeni, ngobe lamuhla utakudla kanye nami, bese kutsi kusasa ekuseni ngikukhulule uhambe, ngikutjele konkhe lokusenhlitiyweni yakho. Macondzana netimbongolo letinilahlekele kulamalanga lamatsatfu lendlulile, ungakhatsateki ngato; setitfolakele. Sifiso sesive sonkhe sema-Israyeli sijike sacondzana nabani, ngaphandle kwakho nemndeni weyihlo?” Sawula wamphendvula watsi: “Kantsi mine angisiye umBhenjamini yini, lophuma esiveni lesincane kakhulu ka-Israyeli, lona lusendvo lwakitsi aluluncane kakhulu yini kunato tonkhe tinsendvo tesive sakaBhenjamini? Pho, ukhulumelani kimi kanjalo?” Samuweli watsatsa Sawula nesisebenti sakhe, wabafaka endlini lenkhulu yekudlela, wabahlalisa embili kakhulu kwalabo lababemenyiwe, lababengaba ngema-30 sebabonkhe. Samuweli wakhuluma kulompheki, watsi: “Letsa lelicatsa lenyama lengikunike lona, lona lelo lengitsite libeke eceleni.” Ngako lompheki watsatsa lomlente kanye naloko lokwakusetikwawo, wakubeka embikwaSawula. Samuweli wakhuluma watsi: “Naku-ke loku bewubekelwe kona. Kudle, ngobe bekubekelwe wena macondzana nalomsebenti, kusukela mhlazana ngitsi: ‘Ngimeme tivakashi.’ ” Ngako Sawula wadla naSamuweli ngalelo langa. Emvakwekwehla kwabo, etulu entsabeni, behlela phansi edolobheni, Samuweli wakhuluma naSawula asendlini yakhe lesetulu. Samuweli wavuka ekuseni ngeluvivi, wenyukela kuSawula labesendlini lesetulu, wafike watsi: “Tilungiselele, sengitakubuyisela ekhaya.” Watsi kube Sawula atilungiselele, yena naSamuweli base baphumela ngaphandle kanyekanye. Batsi basehla baya emaphetselweni elidolobha, Samuweli wakhuluma watsi: “Tjela lesisebenti kutsi sigijimele embili, embikwetfu.” Lesisebenti savele sahamba, Samuweli wachubeka watsi: “Ase uhlale lapha sikhashana, khona ngitekunika umlayeto lophuma kuNkulunkulu.” Samuweli wase utsatsa lichaga lelalinemafutsa, wawatsela enhloko yaSawula, wamanga, watsi: “Angitsi Simakadze ukugcobile kutsi ube ngumholi welifa lakhe? Utawutsi nawusuka lapha kimi lamuhla nje, uhlangane nemadvodza lamabili ngasethuneni laRakheli leliseSelsa emnyeleni wakaBhenjamini. Batawutsi kuwe: ‘Letimbongolo lebewuyewutifuna setitfolakele. Manje uyihlo sewuyekele kucabanga ngato, sewukhatsateke ngani. Utibuta atiphendvule atsi: “Ngitakwenta njani mine ngendvodzana yami?” ’ “Utawusuka-ke lapho uchubeke uhambe, uze ufike esihlahleni lesikhulu sem-okhi saseThabori. Utawuhlangana nemadvodza lamatsatfu lapho, akhuphukela kuNkulunkulu eBetheli. Lenye itabe iphetse emazinyane lamatsatfu etimbuti, lena lenye iphetse imikhama yetinkhwa letintsatfu, lenye iphetse sikhumbasikhwama lesigcwele liwayini. Batakubingelela bakuphe tinkhwa letimbili, ubotitsatsa. “Nawusuka lapho, ubokhuphukela eGibeya yaNkulunkulu, lapho kunenkambu yemaFilisti khona. Utawutsi nawuyawungena kulelidolobha, uhlangane neludvwendvwe lwebaphrofethi lwehla lubuya endzaweni lephakeme, luphetse emahabhu, netingitali, netingubhu, nemintjingozi, luhambe lushaya, luphrofetha. Moya waSimakadze utakwehlela etikwakho ngemandla lamakhulu, nawe uyawube sewuphrofetha kanye nabo. Uyawugucuka ube ngulomunye umuntfu. Nase kwentekile konkhe loko, ubobe sewenta loko sandla sakho lesifinyelela kukwenta, ngobe Nkulunkulu unawe. “Hamba embikwami wehlele eGilgali. Ngitakulandzela ngite kuwe ngitekwenta umnikelo wekushiswa nemnikelo wekuthula, kodvwa wena kufanele ungilindzele emalanga lasikhombisa, ngize ngifike kuwe ngikutjele lofanele kutsi ukwente.” Watsi Sawula nakagucuka asesuka kuSamuweli, Nkulunkulu wayigucula inhlitiyo yaSawula, kwatsi tonkhe leto tibonakaliso labetitjeliwe tagcwaliseka ngalona lelo langa. Batsi nabefika eGibeya, ludvwendvwe lwebaphrofethi lwahlangana naSawula; Moya waNkulunkulu wehlela etikwakhe ngemandla lamakhulu, naye wase uhlanganyela nabo ekuphrofetheni. Kwatsi bonkhe labo bebamati ngaphambili nabambona aphrofetha kanye nebaphrofethi, babutana bodvwa batsi: “Yini-ke lena leseyehlele indvodzana yaKhishi? Kantsi naSawula sewungumphrofethi yini?” Indvodza leyayihlala lapho yaphendvula, yatsi: “Ngubani yena uyise wabo?” Ngako kwase kube siga sabo kutsi: “Kantsi naSawula sewungumphrofethi yini?” Watsi kube Sawula acedze kuphrofetha, wase ukhuphukela endzaweni lephakeme. Malume waSawula wababuta kanye nalesisebenti sakhe, watsi: “Benikuphi nine?” Sawula waphendvula watsi: “Besisafunana netimbongolo, kodvwa sitsite kube sibone kutsi tingeke titfolakale, sase siya kuSamuweli.” Wachubeka malume wakhe watsi: “Ngitjeleni kutsi Samuweli utsiteni kini?” Sawula waphendvula watsi: “Usitjele liciniso lonkhe, watsi timbongolo setitfolakele.” Kodvwa akazange amtjele malume wakhe kutsi utsiteni ngekubekwa kwakhe kuba yinkhosi. Samuweli wabita sive sema-Israyeli kutsi site kuSimakadze eMispa. Watsi kuso: “Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, utsi: ‘Israyeli ngamkhuphula, ngamkhipha eveni laseGibhithe; nganephula emandleni ebaseGibhithe, nakuyo yonkhe imibuso leyayinigcilata.’ Kodvwa nyalo senimlahlile Nkulunkulu wenu lowanisindzisa kuto tonkhe tinhlupheko tenu netinhlungu tenu, nase nitsi: ‘Hhayi, sibekele inkhosi.’ Ngako-ke tetfuleni nine cobo lwenu embikwaSimakadze ngetive tenu, nangemindeni yenu.” Kwatsi Samuweli nakasondzeta tonkhe tive tema-Israyeli, kwakhetfwa sive sakaBhenjamini. Wase usondzeta sive sakaBhenjamini lusendvo ngelusendvo, kwakhetfwa umndeni wakaMatri. Ekugcineni Sawula, indvodzana yaKhishi, wakhetfwa. Kodvwa batsi bayamfuna, wangete watfolakala. Ngako baphindza babutisisa kuSimakadze, batsi: “Kungabe lomuntfu sewufikile yini lapha?” Simakadze wabaphendvula watsi: “Yebo, sewufikile, mane ubhace emkhatsini wemitfwalo.” Bagijima bamlandza, watsi nakemiswa emkhatsini wesive, wabonakala amudze avela ngenhloko, bonkhe labanye bantfu bakhawula emahlombe akhe. Samuweli watsi kubantfu: “Niyambona-ke umuntfu lokhetfwe nguSimakadze? Kute namunye lofanana naye kubo bonkhe labanye bantfu.” Sive sonkhe samemeta satsi: “Lunwele loludze! Nkhosi!” Samuweli wachazela sive imitsetfo yebukhosi. Wayibhala phansi encwadzini legocotwako, wayetfula embikwaSimakadze. Samuweli wase uyasicitsa sive; nguloyo naloyo waya ekhaya lakhe. Sawula naye wabuyela ekhaya kakhe eGibeya asasingatfwe ngemadvodza labalulekile, latinhlitiyo tawo tatitsintfwe nguNkulunkulu. Kodvwa labanye belutfutfuva babebuta batsi: “Kodvwa lomuntfu angasisindzisa kanjani?” Bamedzelela, bangete baletsa ngisho nasinye setfulo. Kodvwa Sawula watithulela nje. Nahashi, um-Amoni, wakhuphuka wayawuvimbetela iJabeshi Gileyadi. Onkhe emadvodza aseJabeshi amncenga atsi: “Yenta sivumelwane natsi, sitawuba tinceku takho.” Kodvwa Nahashi, um-Amoni, watsi: “Ngitasenta sivumelwane nani kuphela naningangivumela kutsi ngikupulute liso langasekudla kini nonkhe, kuze ngitsele lihlazo kuso sonkhe sive sema-Israyeli.” Baholi baseJabeshi batsi kuye: “Sinike emalanga lasikhombisa, kuze sitfumele emancusa kulo lonkhe leli laka-Israyeli; nakute lotasephula, sitatinikela kuwe.” Tatsi letigijimi natifika eGibeya kaSawula tibika ngaletincomo esiveni, sonkhe sive sakhala kakhulu, samemeta. Ngaleso sikhatsi Sawula abebuya emasimini, achuba tinkhabi takhe, wabuta watsi: “Kwente njani esiveni? Sive sikhalelani?” Base bamlandzisa ngako konkhe lokwakushiwo ngemadvodza aseJabeshi. Watsi Sawula nakakuva loko, Moya waSimakadze wehlela etikwakhe ngemandla lamakhulu, watfukutsela wabila. Watsatsa tinkhabi letimbili, watijuba ticucu, watfumela ngetigijimi licatsa ngalinye kulo lonkhe laka-Israyeli, timemetela titsi: “Nguloku-ke lokutakwentiwa etinkhabini tayo yonkhe indvodza lengalandzeli boSawula naSamuweli.” Kwesabeka kwaSimakaze kwehlela kubo bonkhe bantfu, bagucuka bonkhe baba njengemuntfu munye. Kwatsi Sawula nakababutsela eBhezeki, emadvodza aka-Israyeli aba ti-300 000, kwatsi bakaJuda baba ti-30 000. Batjela letigijimi letatifikile batsi: “Tjelani lamadvodza aseJabeshi Gileyadi nitsi: ‘Kusasa lilanga litawutsi licala kufutfumala, nine nitabe senikhululekile.’ ” Tatsi letigijimi natifika tikubika loko kulamadvodza aseJabeshi, ajabula kakhulu. Akhuluma kulama-Amoni atsi: “Kusasa sitatinikela kini, nitakwenta kitsi loko lokubonakala kukuhle kini.” Ngakusasa Sawula wahlela imphi yakhe, wayehlukanisa ticheme letintsatfu; kwatsi ekuseni nakudzabuka kusa batseleka enkambu yema-Amoni, bawagwaza bawabulala, laze lafutfumala lilanga. Kwatsi labo labaphunyula bahlakaka, kwabate namunye lobaleka nalomunye. Bantfu bakhuluma kuSamuweli, batsi: “Ngubani-ke lona bekabuta atsi: ‘Sawula angabusa yini etikwetfu?’ Wabuyiseni lapha lawo madvodza, sitewabulala.” Kodvwa Sawula watsi: “Kute namunye lotawubulawa lamuhla, ngobe lamuhla Simakadze uwephulile ema-Israyeli.” Samuweli wase ukhuluma kubantfu, watsi: “Wotani sihambe siye eGilgali siyewucinisa khona bukhosi.” Ngako sonkhe sive saya eGilgali, sayawucinisa khona kubekwa kwaSawula kutsi abe yinkhosi embikwaSimakadze. Ngulapho-ke lapho bafike benta imihlatjelo yekuthula embikwaSimakadze. Sawula naso sonkhe sive sema-Israyeli sajabula kakhulu ngalelo langa. Samuweli wakhuluma esiveni sonkhe sema-Israyeli, watsi: “Ngikulalele konkhe lenikukhulumile kimi, ngase nginibekela inkhosi letanibusa. Manje-ke seninenkhosi lengumholi wenu. Mine-ke sengimdzala, futsi sengimphunga, emadvodzana ami nankha embikwenu. Bengingumholi wenu kusukela ebusheni bami kuze kube ngulamuhla. Manje ngime lapha, fakazani ngebubi bami lapha embikwaSimakadze nakulogcotjiwe wakhe. Ngubani lengake ngadla inkhabi yakhe? Ngubani lengake ngadla imbongolo yakhe? Ngubani lengake ngamdlelela? Ngubani lengake ngamcindzetela? Tabani tandla lengake ngemukela kuto umdizo kuze ngivale emehlo ami? Nakukhona lengake ngakwenta kwaloku, ngifuna kukulungisa.” Bantfu bamphendvula batsi: “Awuzange sewusidlelele, futsi awuzange sewusicindzetele. Kute namunye umuntfu lowake wemukela kuye umdizo esandleni sakhe.” Samuweli wakhuluma kubo, watsi: “Simakadze ngufakazi lomelene nani, kantsi nalogcotjiwe wakhe ungufakazi lamuhla nje kutsi anikatfoli cala etandleni tami.” Nabo batsi: “Ungufakazi.” Samuweli wase ukhuluma kubantfu, utsi: “NguSimakadze lowabeka boMosi na-Aroni, wakhipha boyihlomkhulu eveni laseGibhithe. Nyalo-ke manini lapha, ngobe ngitawubeka embikwenu tizatfu lapha embikwaSimakadze ngato tonkhe tintfo letinhle letentiwe nguSimakadze kini naboyihlomkhulu. “Watsi kube Jakobe efike eGibhithe, boyihlomkhulu bakhala kuSimakadze bacela lusito; Simakadze watfumela boMosi na-Aroni labangubona bakhuphula boyihlomkhulu, babakhipha eGibhithe, babahola, babaletsa kulendzawo. “Kodvwa bamkhohlwa Simakadze Nkulunkulu wabo; ngako wabaniketela esandleni saSisera, indvuna yemphi yaseHasori, nasesandleni semaFilisti, nasenkhosini yemaMowabi leyalwa nabo. Bakhala kuSimakadze batsi: ‘Sonile; simkhohliwe Simakadze, sakhonta boBhali nabo-Ashtarothe. Kodvwa manje sicela usikhulule esandleni setitsa tetfu, sesitawukhonta wena.’ Ngako Simakadze watfumela boJerubhali; naBharaki, naJefta, naSamuweli, wanikhulula esandleni setitsa tenu, ndzawo tonkhana, naze nahlala kahle nivikelekile. “Kodvwa nine nitsite kube nibone kutsi Nahashi, inkhosi yema-Amoni, uyanisukela, nase nitsi kimi: ‘Hhayi; tsine sesifuna inkhosi letawubusa etikwetfu.’ Kodvwa noko Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu abeyinkhosi yenu. Manje-ke nayi inkhosi yenu lenitikhetsele yona, lena lenaniyifuna. Bukani-ke, Simakadze sewubeke inkhosi etikwenu. Kuyawuba kuhle kini, naniyakumesaba Simakadze, nimkhonte yena, nimlalele, ningamelani nemiyalo yakhe, nangabe nine kanye nenkhosi yenu lebusa etikwenu niyawulandzela Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu. Kodvwa naningamlaleli Simakadze, nimelana nanemiyalo yakhe, sandla sakhe siyakumelana nani, njengobe semelana naboyihlomkhulu. “Manje-ke manini nithulise, nibuke loku lokukhulu lokutakwentiwa nguSimakadze lapha embikwemehlo enu! Akusiso sikhatsi sekuvuna kolo yini nyalo? Ngitawubita Simakadze atfumele kudvuma nemvula. Nitawube seniyabona-ke kutsi nenta intfo lembi kangakanani emehlweni aSimakadze ngalokutsi niticelele inkhosi.” Samuweli wabita Simakadze ngalona lelo langa; Simakadze watfumela kudvuma nemvula. Sonkhe sive sema simangele ngaSimakadze nangaSamuweli. Bonkhe bantfu bakhuluma kuSamuweli, batsi: “Thandaza kuSimakadze Nkulunkulu wakho, uthandazele tinceku takho singete safa, ngobe sesengete kuto tonkhe letono tetfu lesinye sono ngekutsi siticelele inkhosi.” Samuweli wabaphendvula watsi: “Ningesabi, nente bonkhe lobubi, kodvwa noko ningasaphambuki kuSimakadze, khontani Simakadze ngayo yonkhe inhlitiyo yenu. Ningagucukeli etithicweni letingenamsebenti. Tingeke tinisite ngalutfo, tingeke tinisite nekunisita nato, ngobe atinamsebenti walutfo. Ngenca yelibito lakhe lelikhulu Simakadze angeke asilahle sive sakhe, ngobe kwaba kuhle kuye Simakadze kutsi anente nibe bakhe. Kodvwa mine akube khashane nami kutsi ngingona kuSimakadze ngekutsi ngingete nganikhulekela. Ngitanifundzisa indlela lenguyonayona nalelungile. Kodvwa nine cinisekani kutsi nesaba Simakadze, nikhonte yena ngekwetsembeka, ngayo yonkhe inhlitiyo yenu. Nikhumbule kutsi tinkhulu kanganani tintfo lanentela tona. Kodvwa nanichubeka ekwenteni lokubi, nine kanye nenkhosi yenu, niyawubhubha nonkhe.” Sawula abeneminyaka lengema-30, nakabekwa kuba yinkhosi, wabusa sive sema-Israyeli iminyaka lengema-42. Sawula wakhetsa emadvodza aka-Israyeli lati-3 000; lati-2 000 abenaye eMikmashi naseveni letintsaba laseBetheli, kwatsi inkhulungwane yaba naJonathani eGibeya yakaBhenjamini. Lawa lamanye emadvodza wawancandzekisa, aya emakhaya awo. Jonathani wahlasela inkambu yemaFilisti eGeba, wayehlula; emaFilisti akuva loko. Sawula wase ushaya impalampala kulo lonkhe live, atsi: “EmaHebheru akeve!” Ngako onkhe ema-Israyeli ayiva lendzaba, nakutsiwa: “Sawula uhlasele inkambu yemaFilisti wayehlula, manje-ke ema-Israyeli asasikhubekiso kumaFilisti.” Sonkhe sive samenyetwa, sayawuhlangana naSawula eGilgali. EmaFilisti nawo ahlangana ayakulwa na-Israyeli, aba netincola letatiti-3 000 nebagibeli bemahhashi lababeti-6 000, nemabutfo labemanyenti angangesihlabatsi saselwandle. Enyuka ayawumisa eMikmashi, emphumalanga neBhethi Aveni. Atsi kube emadvodza aka-Israyeli abone kutsi simo sawo sasisibi kakhulu, kantsi futsi abesabandzetelekile, abese abhaca emigedzeni, nasetincumatsini, nasemifantfwini yemadvwala, nasemigodzini, nasemitfonjeni. Lamanye emaHebheru adzimate ewela nemfula iJordane aya eveni lakaGadi nelakaGileyadi. Sawula wahlala khona eGilgali kanye nemabutfo akhe onkhe labemlandzela, atfutfumela ngenca yekwesaba. Wamlindzela Samuweli lapho emalanga lasikhombisa, njengobe Samuweli abeshito. Kodvwa Samuweli akazange efike lapha eGilgali, ngako lamadvodza abenaSawula acala kusakateka. Sawula watsi: “Ngiletseleni umhlatjelo wekushiswa kanye nemnikelo wekuthula.” Sawula wanikela ngemnikelo wekushiswa. Watsi nakacedza nje kwenta umnikelo wekushiswa, wefika Samuweli. Sawula waphuma wayakumhlangabeta, wafike wambingelela. Samuweli wambuta watsi: “Sewenteni manje?” Sawula wamphendvula watsi: “Ngitsite kube ngibone kutsi emadvodza asayasakateka, nekutsi nawe awusefikanga ngalesikhatsi bewusibekile, nekutsi futsi emaFilisti asahlanganele eMikmashi, ngase ngicabanga ngitsi: ‘Manje emaFilisti asatakwehla atengihlasela lapha eGilgali, kantsi bengisengakathandazi ngatincusela kuSimakadze.’ Ngako ngitivele ngiphocelekile kutsi nginikele ngalomhlatjelo wekushiswa.” Samuweli wamphendvula watsi: “Lentfo loyentile ibulima. Awukawugcini umyalo waSimakadze Nkulunkulu wakho lakunika wona. Kube bewukwentile loko, ngabe lombuso wakho etikwa-Israyeli uwusimise, wema kokuphela. Kodvwa manje umbuso wakho ungeke usakhonsa; Simakadze sewutifunele indvodza yenhlitiyo yakhe, wayibeka kutsi ibe ngumholi walesive sakhe, ngobe wena awukawugcini umyalo wakhe.” Samuweli wesuka eGilgali wenyuka waya eGibeya kaBhenjamini, Sawula wasala wabala onkhe lamadvodza labenawo. Wakhandza kutsi abengaba ngema-600. BoSawula naJonathani, umsa wakhe, kanye nalamadvodza labenawo bahlala eGeba kulakaBhenjamini, kantsi emaFilisti abeseloku akambe eMikmashi. EmaFilisti aphuma ayawuhlasela ngemacembu lamatsatfu: Lelinye lacondza ngase-Ofra endzaweni yaseShuwali. Lelinye lacondza ngaseBhethi Horoni, kwase kutsi leli lesitsatfu lacondza ngasemnyeleni lobheke ngaseTsafeni laseSeboyimu, kubheka ngasehlane. Kwakute ngisho nome munye umbumbi wensimbi labengatfolakala kulo lonkhe live laka-Israyeli, ngobe emaFilisti abetsite: “EmaHebheru angahle akhe tinkemba netikhali!” Ngako onkhe ema-Israyeli aphoceleka kutsi ehle aye kumaFilisti kuyawulola tikhali temakhuba ekulima netingejazembe, nemazembe, nemasikela awo. Intsengo yekulola tikhali temakhuba ekulima netingejazembe kwaba yisiliva lengemagremu labengaba siphohlongo; kwase kutsi kulola timfologo nemazembe kanye nemizaca yensimbi kwaba yisiliva lengemagremu labengaba mane. Ngalelo langa lemphi, kute nalinye lisotja lelalinaSawula naJonathani lelalinenkemba nome sikhali esandleni salo, ngaphandle kwaboSawula naJonathani, umsa wakhe, lababenako. Licembu lelitsite lemaFilisti laphakwa laya emsahweni waseMikmashi. Ngalelinye lilanga Jonathani, umsa waSawula, wakhuluma kuloludzibi lolwaluphatsa tikhali takhe, watsi: “Kota sambe, siye kulenkambu yemaFilisti lapha ngesheya.” Noko akamtjelanga uyise. Sawula abehleti emaphetselweni aseGibeya ngaphansi kwesihlahla semahananandza eMigroni. Abenemadvodza labengaba ngema-600, emkhatsini wawo kwakuna-Ahiya labembatsa sidziya sebaphristi. Yena-ke abengumsa wemnakabo-Ikhabodi, Ahitubi, umsa waFinehasi, umsa wa-Eli, umphristi waSimakadze labeseShilo. Kute lowanaka kutsi Jonathani abesahambile. Kulomsaho waseMikmashi, Jonathani abetawuhamba kuwo, kuze efike enkambu lapho kwakumise khona emaFilisti, kwakunemawa latihhehle amabili abukene: kuyiBhosesi neSene. Liwa lelinye lalime ngasenyakatfo kuya ngaseMikmashi, bese kutsi leli lelinye lime ngaseningizimu kuya ngaseGeba. Jonathani wakhuluma kuloludzibi lwakhe, watsi: “Kota sambe, siye kulenkambu lapho kumise khona labantfu labangakasoki. Mhlawumbe Simakadze utawuba ngakitsi. Kute lokungavimba Simakadze kutsi asimelele. Kute lokungaphatamisa Simakadze kutsi asisindzise ngebantfu labanyenti nome ngebantfu labambalwa.” Loludzibi lwakhe lwatsi: “Yenta konkhe lokusengcondvweni yakho. Chubeka; ngikanye nawe ngenhlitiyo nangemphefumulo.” Jonathani watsi: “Kota-ke; sitakwewela siye kulamadvodza khona atesibona. Nangabe akhuluma kitsi atsi: ‘Manini lapho size sifike lapho kini,’ sitakuma lapho sikhona khona singayi kuwo. Kodvwa nangabe atsi: ‘Wotani lapha kitsi,’ sitawukhuphuka, ngobe loko kutawuba sibonakaliso kutsi Simakadze ubanikele esandleni setfu.” Ngako bahamba bobabili, bafike batibonakalisa enkambu yemaFilisti. EmaFilisti atsi: “Ase nibuke! EmaHebheru akhokhotela aphuma emigodzini labebhace kuyo.” Emadvodza asenkambu amemeta Jonathani kanye neludzibi lwakhe, atsi: “Yenyukani nite lapha, sitanifundzisa sifundvo.” Jonathani wase ukhuluma kuloludzibi lwakhe, watsi: “Yekhwela, ungilandzele; Simakadze ubanikele esandleni sema-Israyeli.” Jonathani wekhwela, ahamba ngetinyawo, abambelela nangetandla, akanye neludzibi lwakhe lolwalumlandzela edvute. Jonathani wahlasela emaFilisti wawagwaza alala lucaca, ludzibi lwakhe solomane lumlandzela ngemuva nalo luwabulala. Kuloko kuhlasela kwabo kwekucala Jonathani neludzibi lwakhe babulala emadvodza langaba ngema-20, endzaweni lelibanga lelingaba ngangemjikijelo. Kutfutfumela kwahlasela onkhe emabutfo labesenkambu nalawo labesesigangeni, nalawo labesetichemeni kanye nalawo labehlasela, umhlaba watamatama. Lokutfutfumela kwaba shangatsi kutfunyelwe nguNkulunkulu. Tinhloli takaSawula tatsi tiyabuka tiseseGibeya kulakaBhenjamini, tabona emabutfo emaFilisti asakateka yonkhe indzawo. Sawula wakhuluma kulamadvodza labenawo, watsi: “Balani onkhe lamadvodza lanatsi lapha, khona sitewubona kutsi bobani laba lasebasishiyile.” Batsi nababala, bakhandza kutsi bekunguJonathani neludzibi lwakhe lababengekho lapho. Sawula wakhuluma ku-Ahiya, watsi: “Letsa libhokisi lesivumelwane saNkulunkulu.” Ngobe ngaleso sikhatsi lalisemkhatsini wesive sema-Israyeli. Sawula watsi asakhuluma nemphristi, sidzidzidzi sachubeka sandza kakhulu lapha enkambu yemaFilisti. Ngako Sawula wakhuluma kumphristi watsi: “Finyeta sandla sakho.” Sawula nawo onkhe emadvodza akhe bahlangana, baviva, baya emphini. Bakhandza emaFilisti asasangene, agwazana odvwana ngetikhali tawo. LamaHebheru labekadze angakumaFilisti labesenyuke nawo aya enkambu yemaFilisti, ase abuyela kuma-Israyeli labenaSawula naJonathani. Atsi kube onkhe ema-Israyeli labebhacile eveni letintsaba laka-Efrayimu eve kutsi emaFilisti asayabaleka, nawo ase ayahlasela awacosha ngemuva. Ngako Simakadze wawasindzisa kanjalo ema-Israyeli ngalelo langa, imphi yachubeka eBhethi Aveni. Emadvodza aka-Israyeli abaselusizini ngalelo langa, ngobe Sawula abesabophe sonkhe sive ngesifungo watsi: “Akacalekiswe umuntfu lotakudla lilanga lisengakashoni, nami ngingakatiphindziseli etitseni tami!” Ngako kute nome munye lowake wanambitsa kudla kulamabutfo. Onke emabutfo angena ehlatsini, akhandza luju emhlabatsini. Atsi asangena nje kulelihlatsi abona luju luvuta, noko kwabate ngisho nome munye lowase wabeka sandla sakhe emlonyeni, ngobe abesaba lesifungo. Kodvwa Jonathani abengakeva kutsi uyise ubophe sonkhe sive ngesifungo. Ngako wenya sihloko salendvuku yakhe labeyiphetse ngesandla kuloluhlanga lwetinyosi. Waphakamisa sandla sakhe wasimikisa ngasemlonyeni, emehlo akhe akhanya. Lelinye lalamabutfo lakhuluma kuye, latsi: “Uyihlo ubophe sonkhe sive ngesifungo lesimatima kabi, watsi: ‘Akacalekiswe umuntfu lodla kudla lamuhla!’ Nguko nje phela lamadvodza asacaleka.” Jonathani watsi: “Babe ufake live lonkhe elusizini. Ase ubuke nje kutsi emehlo ami avele akhanya kanjani ngesikhatsi nginambitsa lolwa luju loluncane. Bekutawuba ncono kanganani-ke kube lamadvodza lamuhla asake adla lenye imphango lasayitfumbe kuletitsa tawo. Bekungeke yini kubulawe emaFilisti lamanyenti kakhulu kunalawa?” Ngalelo langa atsi ema-Israyeli nase ehlule emaFilisti labewagwaza, kusukela eMikmashi kuya e-Ayaloni, adzinwa kakhulu. Ema-Israyeli advumela imphango atfumba timvu, netinkhomo nematfole, akuhlaba khona lapho phansi, akudla kanye nengati yako. Kwabikwa kuSawula, kwatsiwa: “Ase ubuke, lamadvodza enta sono embikwaSimakadze ngekudla inyama lenengati.” Sawula wakhala, watsi: “Ningemambuka! Gicitelani litje lelikhulu lapha kimi.” Waphindze watsi: “Ngenani emkhatsini walamadvodza, niyekuwatjela nitsi: ‘Ngulowo nalowo wenu akaletse tinkhomo takhe netimvu takhe kutewuhlatjwa lapha, kudliwe. Ningoni kuSimakadze ngekudla inyama lesenengati.’ ” Kwatsi kulobo busuku ngulowo nalowo waletsa inkhabi yakhe, wayihlabela khona lapho. Sawula wakhela Simakadze lilati; bekakwenta kwekucala loko. Sawula wakhuluma watsi: “Asehle sicoshe lamaFilisti kulobusuku, khona sitekuwagwaza kuze kuse, singashiyi nome munye wawo aphila.” Baphendvula batsi: “Yenta loko lokubona kukuhle kakhulu kuwe.” Kodvwa umphristi watsi: “Ase sicale ngekuyawubuta Nkulunkulu kutsi utsini yena.” Sawula wase ubuta Nkulunkulu, watsi: “Ngingehla yini ngicoshe emaFilisti? Utawanikela yini esandleni sema-Israyeli?” Kodvwa Nkulunkulu akazange amphendvule ngalelo langa. Ngako-ke Sawula watsi: “Wotani lapha, nine nonkhe lenitindvuna temabutfo, sitewutfolisisa kahle kutsi sono sini lesentiwe lamuhla. Ngetsembisa ngaNkulunkulu lophilako, Simakadze lonika ema-Israyeli kuncoba, kutsi nome ngabe kungumsa wami, Jonathani, lowonile, naye kufanele afe.” Kodvwa kute nome yinye indvodza leyase yatsi vu. Sawula wakhuluma kuwo onkhe ema-Israyeli, watsi: “Manini ngalapho, mine nemsa wami, Jonathani, sitakuma ngalapha.” Lamadvodza amphendvula atsi: “Yenta loko lobona kukuhle kakhulu kuwe.” Sawula wathandaza kuSimakadze Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, watsi: “Nginike imphendvulo lengiyonayona.” BoJonathani naSawula badliwa yinkatho, kodvwa lamadvodza atfolakala angenacala. Sawula watsi: “Yentani inkatho emkhatsini wetfu naJonathani, umsa wami.” Inkatho yadla Jonathani. Sawula wabuta kuJonathani watsi: “Ase ungitjele kutsi wenteni.” Jonathani wamphendvula watsi: “Nginambitse luju kancane ngesihloko sendvuku yami. Pho, manje sekufanele ngife yini?” Sawula watsi: “Shangatsi Nkulunkulu angangishaya kamatima, nangabe wena, Jonathani, ungafi.” Kodvwa lamadvodza akhuluma kuSawula, atsi: “Jonathani sekufanele afe, yena lona losindzise sive sema-Israyeli kangaka? Cha, ngeke! Setsembisa ngaSimakadze kutsi kute ngisho nelunwele lwenhloko yakhe lolutakuwela phansi emhlabatsini, ngobe loku lakwente lamuhla uphumelele ngekusitwa nguNkulunkulu.” Lamadvodza amsindzisa Jonathani, akazange abulawe. Sawula wayekela kucosha emaFilisti, nawo avele ancandzeka abuyela eveni lawo. Watsi kube Sawula abekwe kuba yinkhosi yema-Israyeli, walwa nato tonkhe titsa takhe letatimtungeletile: emaMowabi, nema-Amoni, nema-Edomu, nemakhosi aseSobha kanye nemaFilisti. Abetsi lapho ajikele ngakhona, ente umonakalo. Walwa ngesibindzi, wancoba ema-Amaleki, wakhulula ema-Israyeli etandleni talabo besebawaphangile. Emadvodzana aSawula bekuboJonathani, na-Jishvi, naMalkhi Shuwa. Libito lendvodzakati lendzala bekunguMerabi, kantsi lena lencane bekunguMikhali. Libito lemkakhe bekungu-Ahinowami, indvodzakati ya-Ahimasi. Libito lendvuna yemphi yaSawula bekungu-Abneri, umsa waNeri, kantsi yena Neri bekungumalume waSawula. Uyise waSawula, Khishi, kanye neyise wa-Abneri, Neri, bekungemadvodzana a-Abiyeli. Kuwo onkhe emalanga ekuphila kwaSawula ema-Israyeli abelwa timphi letesabekako nemaFilisti. Sawula abetsi nakabona indvodza lenemandla nome lenesibindzi, ayitsatse ayifake ebutfweni lakhe. Samuweli wakhuluma kuSawula, watsi: “Ngimi lowatfunywa nguSimakadze kuyakukugcoba kutsi ube yinkhosi etikwesive sakhe, ema-Israyeli; ngako lalela nankhu-ke umlayeto lophuma kuSimakadze. Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze longuSomandla, utsi: ‘Ema-Amaleki ngitawajezisa ngenca yaloko lakwenta kuma-Israyeli ngekuwalalela endleleni, nakaphuma eGibhithe. Hamba manje uyewuhlasela ema-Amaleki, ubhubhise yonkhe intfo yawo. Ungawashiyi aphila: bulala emadvodza, nebafati, nebantfwana, netinswane, netinkhomo, netimvu, nemakamela kanye netimbongolo.’ ” Sawula wabita onkhe emadvodza, wawabutsela eThelayimu: Kwakungemabutfo aka-Israyeli lati-200 000 labehamba ngetinyawo, labephuma kaJuda abeti-10 000. Sawula wahamba waya kulelidolobha lema-Amaleki, wafike wabhaca esihosheni. Wakhuluma kumaKheni watsi: “Hambani, nishiye lama-Amaleki, khona ngingetikunibhubhisa kanye nawo; ngobe nine naba nesihe kuma-Israyeli, nakaphuma eGibhithe.” Ngako emaKheni esuka ahamba ashiya lama-Amaleki. Sawula wahlasela ema-Amaleki, wawehlula, kusukela eHavila kuye eShuri, lengasemphumalanga neGibhithe. Watfumba Agagi, inkhosi yema-Amaleki, isaphila, kwatsi sive sakhe sonkhe wasibhubhisa ngenkemba. Kodvwa boSawula nemadvodza akakhe bamyekela Agagi bangete bambulala, bayekela netimvu, netinkhomo, netinkunzi, nemazinyane lokwakukhuluphele; watsatsa konkhe lokwakukuhle. Konkhe lokwakubukeka kukubi nome kubutsakatsaka bakubhubhisa. Livi laSimakadze lefika kuSamuweli, latsi: “Sengiyatisola kutsi Sawula ngamenta inkhosi, ngobe sewungihlubukile, wangete wayigcina imiyalo yami.” Samuweli wakhatsateka kakhulu, wakhala kuSimakadze bonkhe lobo busuku. Ekuseni ngeluvivi Samuweli wavuka wahamba wayawuhlangabeta Sawula, kodvwa watjelwa kwatsiwa: “Sawula uye eKhameli, lapho efike watimisela litje lesikhumbuto ngaye, wase uyajika ubuyela entansi eGilgali.” Watsi kube Samuweli amkhandze, Sawula watsi kuye: “Simakadze akakubusise! Ngiwufezile umyalo waSimakadze.” Kodvwa Samuweli watsi: “Pho, kwani lokukhala kwetimvu lengikuva ngetindlebe tami? Kwani lokubhonsa kwetinkhomo lengikuvako?” Sawula wamphendvula watsi: “Emasotja akutsatse kuma-Amaleki eta nako; agcine timvu netinkhomo letikhuluphele kutsi kutekwentiwa ngako umhlatjelo kuSimakadze Nkulunkulu wakho, kodvwa konkhe loku lokunye sikubhubhisile, kwaphela.” Samuweli wakhuluma kuSawula, watsi: “Bindza! Ngitakutjela kutsi Simakadze utsiteni kimi kulobusuku.” Sawula watsi: “Ngitjele.” Samuweli watsi: “Nome wena utibona ungulomncane, kodvwa manje uyinhloko yetive tema-Israyeli; Simakadze wakugcoba kutsi ube yinkhosi etikwema-Israyeli. Simakadze wakutfuma watsi: ‘Hamba ubabhubhise bonkhe labantfu lababi labangema-Amaleki, ubahlasele uze ubatsanyele baphele batsi nya.’ Awukamlaleli ngani Simakadze? Uyitfumbeleni lemphango, wenta lokubi emehlweni aSimakadze?” Sawula watsi: “Ingani ngimlalele Simakadze. Ngiyile kuyakwenta lomsebenti Simakadze labengitfume wona. Ngiwabhubhise onkhe ema-Amaleki, ngase ngita nalo-Agagi, inkhosi yawo. Emabutfo atsatse imphango lekutimvu netinkhomo letikhuluphele kakhulu, kutsi kutewuba ngumhlatjelo kuSimakadze Nkulunkulu wakho eGilgali.” Samuweli wakhuluma watsi: “Simakadze uyajatjuliswa yini ngiminikelo yekushiswa nemihlatjelo kunekulalelwa kwelivi laSimakadze? Kulalela kuncono kunemhlatjelo, kucaphela nekunaka kuncono kunemanoni etihhanca. Ngobe kuhlubuka kufanana nesono sekubhula, nekutigcabha kufanana nekukhonta tithico. Njengobe walile kutsatsa umyalo waSimakadze, naye sewukwalile kutsi uchubeke ube yinkhosi.” Sawula wakhuluma kuSamuweli, watsi: “Ngonile. Ngiwephulile umyalo waSimakadze kanye nemiyalo yakho. Ngesabe bantfu, ngabe sengiyabayekela. Manje sengiyakuncenga kutsi ungitsetselele sono sami, bese uncandzeka nami, khona ngitewukhonta Simakadze.” Kodvwa Samuweli wamphendvula watsi: “Ngingeke ngincandzeke nawe. Ulilahlile livi laSimakadze, naSimakadze sewukucitsile ekutseni ube yinkhosi etikwesive sema-Israyeli!” Samuweli watsi uyagucuka uyahamba, Sawula wambamba ngemphetfo wemjiva wakhe, wadzimate wadzabuka. Samuweli wakhuluma kuye watsi: “Simakadze sewuwuklebhulile umbuso wema-Israyeli kuwe, kusukela lamuhla, sewuwuniketele kulomunye wabomakhelwane bakho; yebo, uwuniketele kuloncono kunawe. Lowo Loyinkhatimulo yema-Israyeli akawacali emanga nome agucule umcondvo wakhe; ngobe akasiye umuntfu kutsi angaze agucule umcondvo wakhe.” Sawula waphendvula watsi: “Ngonile. Kodvwa mane ungihloniphe embikwalabaholi besive sami nasembikwesive sema-Israyeli; ncandzeka nami, khona ngitewukhonta Simakadze Nkulunkulu wakho.” Ngako Samuweli wancandzeka naSawula, naye Sawula wakhuleka kuSimakadze. Samuweli watsi: “Letsani lo-Agagi, inkhosi yema-Amaleki.” Agagi weta kuye atsakasile naye asaticabangela atsi: “Impela buhlungu bekufa sebendlulile.” Kodvwa Samuweli wakhuluma kuye, watsi: “Njengobe inkemba yakho yacotfula bantfwana bebafati, kanjalo nenyoko naye utakwentiwa angabi naye umntfwana emkhatsini webafati.” Samuweli wahlahlela Agagi embikwaSimakadze eGilgali. Samuweli wesuka waya eRama, kodvwa Sawula wenyuka waya kakhe eGibeya yaSawula. Samuweli waze wafa seloku angayi kuyawubona Sawula, kodvwa waphatseka kabi ngaye. Simakadze watisola ngekutsi abente Sawula kutsi abe yinkhosi yema-Israyeli. Simakadze wakhuluma kuSamuweli, watsi: “Utamkhalela kuze kube ngunini Sawula, ngobe sengimalile kutsi abe yinkhosi yema-Israyeli? Gcwalisa luphondvo lwakho ngemafutsa, ungenele indlela yakho. Ngikutfuma endlini yakaJese waseBhetlehema, ngobe ngitikhetsele lomunye wemadvodzana akhe kutsi abe yinkhosi.” Kodvwa Samuweli watsi: “Ngingahamba kanjani? Sawula utawuva ngaloko, bese uyangibulala.” Simakadze watsi: “Tsatsa sitfokati uhambe naso, ufike utsi: ‘Ngitekwenta umhlatjelo kuSimakadze.’ Ubobe sewumema Jese kulomhlatjelo, mine ngitawube sengiyakulayela kutsi wente njani. Uyawungigcobela lowo lengitakulayela yena.” Samuweli wenta loko labekutjelwe nguSimakadze. Watsi nakefika eBhetlehema, baholi belidolobha batfutfumela nabahlangana naye. Bambuta batsi: “Ute ngesihle yini?” Samuweli waphendvula watsi: “Yebo, ngite ngesihle; ngitekwenta umhlatjelo kuSimakadze. Tingcweliseni, bese nita emhlatjelweni kanye nami.” Ngako wase ungcwelisa boJese kanye nemadvodzana akhe wabamemela emhlatjelweni. Batsi nabefika, Samuweli wabona Eliyabe, wase ucabanga utsi: “Impela logcotjiwe waSimakadze nguye lona losembikwaSimakadze.” Kodvwa Simakadze wakhuluma kuSamuweli, watsi: “Ungabheki kubukeka nebudze bakhe, ngobe yena ngimalile. Simakadze akabuki tona tintfo letinakwa ngumuntfu. Umuntfu ubuka lingaphandle lemuntfu, kodvwa Simakadze ubuka inhlitiyo.” Jese wase ubita Abinadabi, wamendlulisa embikwaSamuweli, kodvwa Samuweli watsi: “Simakadze nalona akamkhetsi.” Jese wase uletsa Shama, wamendlulisa, kodvwa Samuweli watsi: “Nalona Simakadze akamkhetsi.” Jese wendlulisa emadvodzana akhe lasikhombisa embikwaSamuweli, kodvwa Samuweli watsi kuye: “Nalawa Simakadze akawakhetsi.” Ngako Samuweli wabuta Jese watsi: “Ngulawa kuphela yini emadvodzana akho?” Jese wamphendvula watsi: “Kusasele lencane kunawo onkhe, kodvwa yeluse timvu.” Samuweli watsi: “Tfumela iyewubitwa, singeke sihlale phansi, sidle umhlatjelo, ingakefiki.” Ngako Jese wase uyatfumela, yalandvwa, nayo yangeniswa kuye. Yayibovana inebuso lobuhle itsandzeka. Simakadze watsi: “Sukuma umgcobe, ngobe nguye yena lowo.” Ngako Samuweli watsatsa luphondvo lwakhe lwemafutsa wamgcoba ebaleni embikwabomnakabo. Kusukela ngalelo langa Moya waSimakadze wehlela etikwaDavide ngemandla lamakhulu. Samuweli wesuka lapho waya eRama. Moya waSimakadze abesasukile kuSawula, umoya lomubi lowavela kuSimakadze wamkhatsata. Tinceku taSawula tatsi kuye: “Buka la, ngumoya lomubi lovela kuSimakadze lona lokuhluphako. Shangatsi inkhosi yetfu ngabe itfumela tinceku tayo letikhona lapha embikwayo kutsi tiyeyifunela umuntfu lonelikhono lekudlala ihabhu. Kutawutsi umoya lomubi lovela kuSimakadze nawufika etikwakho, lomuntfu utawube sewudlala lehabhu, nawe utawube sewuba ncono.” Sawula wase ukhuluma etincekwini takhe, watsi: “Ngifuneleni umuntfu lodlala kahle ihabhu, nimletse lapha kimi.” Lenye yetinceku yaphendvula yatsi: “Ngibone indvodzana yaJese waseBhetlehema lenelikhono ekudlaleni ihabhu. Uyindvodza lenesibindzi, futsi uyingwazi. Ukhuluma kahle futsi, ulikhwa, naSimakadze unaye.” Ngako Sawula watfumela tigijimi kuJese, watsi: “Ngitfumelele indvodzana yakho lenguDavide, leyelusa timvu.” Ngako Jese, watsatsa imbongolo yakhe wayetfwesa tinkhwa netikhumbasikhwama letatigcwele liwayini, nelizinyane lembuti, wakutfumela kanye nendvodzana yakhe, Davide, kuSawula. Davide wefika kuSawula, wangena emsebentini wakhe. Sawula wamtsandza kakhulu Davide, waze wambeka nekutsi abe ludzibi lwakhe. Sawula wabe sewutfumela ligama kuJese watsi: “Ngicela kutsi uvumele Davide kutsi asale asahlala lapha emsebentini wami, ngobe uyangijabulisa.” Kwakutsi njalo nje Sawula nakahlushwa ngumoya lomubi lovela kuSimakadze, Davide bese utsatsa ihabhu yakhe uyayidlala. Abetsi angayidlala, bese kuba nebuncono kuSawula, ative asancono, nemoya lomubi usuke kuye. EmaFilisti abutsa emabutfo awo awalungiselela imphi, awahlanganisela eSokho yakaJuda. Emisa emathende awo e-Efesi Damimu, emkhatsini weSokho ne-Azekha. Sawula nema-Israyeli babutsana bemisa eSigodzini sase-Ela, bahlela imphi yabo batilungiselela kubhekana nemaFilisti. EmaFilisti ema kulelinye ligcuma, nema-Israyeli ema kulelinye; saba lesigodzi semkhatsini wabo. Ingwazi lekwakutsiwa nguGoliyathi libito layo, ingeyekuchamuka eGathi, yabonakala iphuma etichemeni temaFilisti. Yayiyindze iluhalakasha, ingetulu kwemamitha labengaba matsatfu. Goliyathi abefake imphantitje yelitfusi enhloko yakhe, embetse libhantji lelitfusi lelalingemazengezenge, sisindvo salo sasingemakhilogremu labengaba ngema-57. Emilenteni abefake tivikelo tayo telitfusi, emhlane wakhe abetjetse sikhali sekujijimeta selitfusi. Lutsi lwalesikhali lwalungangelipulango lembongolo yemeluki; emadlebe aso ensimbi abenesisindvo lesasingemakhilogremu labengaba sikhombisa. Ludzibi lwekwetfwala lihawu lakhe lwaluhamba embikwakhe. Goliyathi wema, wamemeta leticheme temphi yema-Israyeli, watsi: “Niteleni lapha kutawuma emahele emphi? Angisiye umFilisti yini mine? Nine anisito yini tinceku taSawula? Khetsani indvodza ibe yinye emkhatsini wenu, niyitfumele lapha kimi. Nakatakulwa nami angehlule, tsine sitawuba tigcili tenu; kodvwa mine nangimehlula ngimbulale, nine nitawuba tigcili tetfu nisisebentele.” LomFilisti wachubeka watsi: “Ngitibita insayeya tonkhe ticheme tema-Israyeli lamuhla. Nginikeni indvodza ibe yinye, khona ngitekulwa nayo.” Watsi kube Sawula nema-Israyeli onkhe eve lenkhulumo yalomFilisti, bajabha bonkhe batfutfumela. Davide bekuyindvodzana yem-Efratha waseBhetlehema kaJuda lekwakutsiwa nguJese. Jese abanemadvodzana lasiphohlongo. Ngesikhatsi kubusa Sawula abesakhulile asaneminyaka leminyenti. Emadvodzana aJese lamatsatfu lamadzala abehambe naSawula kuya emphini. Wematubulo bekungu-Eliyabe, elanywa ngu-Abinadabi, bese kuta Shama. Davide bekulitfumbu laJese. Laba labatsatfu bekucala bona balandzela Sawula, kwatsi Davide yena abevamise kubuyela ekhaya ashiye Sawula ayewubona timvu teyise ekhaya eBhetlehema. Kwadzimate kwaphela emalanga langema-40, solomane lomFilisti abohle avuka ekuseni ajangaze kantsi nasentsambama abema, ajangaze endzaweni yakhe. Jese wakhuluma endvodzaneni yakhe Davide, watsi: “Tsatsa nansi imbasha lengemakhilogremu langaba lishumi kanye netinkhwa letilishumi, ugijime, umikisele bomnakenu enkambu. Tsatsa nanaba boshizi labalishumi, ufike unike lendvuna yabo lephetse lesicheme sabo semabutfo layinkhulungwane. Ubofike ubone bomnakenu kutsi banjani, ubuye nesiciniseko kutsi ubabonile. BanaSawula nawo onkhe emabutfo aka-Israyeli eSigodzini sase-Ela, balwa nemaFilisti.” Ekuseni ngakusasa Davide washiya timvu nemelusi, wetfwala umtfwalo wahamba, njengobe Jese abemtfumile, wefika enkambu ngesikhatsi emabutfo aphuma ema ngeticheme tawo ekhuta sicubulo semphi. Ema-Israyeli nemaFilisti abetsatsa tindzawo tawo ngeticheme tawo, ticheme tibhekene. Davide wafike wabeka lemiphako yakhe kulona logadze tintfo, wagijima waya etichemeni wayawuvusela bomnakabo. Watsi asakhuluma nabo, Goliyathi waseGathi, ingwazi yemaFilisti, waphuma etichemeni takhe, wamemeta njengobe abesolomane enta; Davide wakuva loko. Onkhe emadvodza aka-Israyeli abetsi angayibona lendvodza, ayibalekele, ngobe abeyesaba kakhulu. Ema-Israyeli abesolomane atsi: “Uyayibona yini lendvodza lesolomane iphumela ebaleni? Iphumela kusibita insayeya sive sema-Israyeli. Inkhosi itsite itamnika umcebo lomyenti umuntfu longahle ayibulale. Itawuphindze imendzisele nendvodzakati yayo, iphindze ikhiphe nendlu yeyise waleyo ndvodza emtselweni wema-Israyeli.” Davide wabuta lamadvodza labeme eceleni kwakhe, watsi: “Utakwentelwani umuntfu lotawubulala lomFilisti esuse lihlazo ka-Israyeli? Ungubani yena lomFilisti longakasoki nekusoka kutsi angabita insayeya emabutfo aNkulunkulu lophilako?” Baphindza bamtjela yona leyo nkhulumo, batsi: “Nguloko-ke lokuyakwentiwa kumuntfu loyakuyibulala.” Kwatsi Eliyabe, umnakaboDavide lomkhulu, nakeva loku lokwakukhulunywa nguDavide nalamadvodza, wamvutsela ngelulaka watsi: “Utewufunani wena lapha? Utishiye nabani letimvu letimbalwa lena ehlane? Ngiyati kutsi utikhukhumeta kanjani nekutsi inhlitiyo yakho yimbi kanganani; utele kutawubukela imphi nje kuphela.” Davide wabuta watsi: “Manje sengenteni? Sengingabe ngisakhuluma nje nekukhuluma?” Wase ugucukela kulomunye wakhuluma kona loko labekushito kucala, nawo lamadvodza amphendvula njengawo lawa akucala. Loko lokwakushiwo nguDavide bakuva bantfu, base babikela Sawula. Sawula wase uyambita. Davide watsi kuSawula: “Akubete lophelelwa ngemandla ngenca yalomFilisti, inceku yakho itakuya iyekulwa naye.” Sawula waphendvula watsi: “Ungeke ukhone kuyakulwa nalomFilisti, ngobe wena usengumfana nje, kantsi yena uyingwazi yekutalwa.” Kodvwa Davide wakhuluma kuSawula, watsi: “Inceku yakho beyeluse timvu teyise. Kwatsi nakuchamuka libhubesi nome libhele latsatsa lenye imvu emhlambini, ngalisukela, ngalilandzela, ngalishaya, ngakhipha lemvu emlonyeni walo, latsi nalitsi ligucukela kimi, ngalibamba ngesilevu salo, ngalidladlabula ngalibulala. Inceku yakho yabulala libhubesi nelibhele; nalomFilisti longakasoki utawufanana nato letilwane, ngobe uwabite insayeya emabutfo aNkulunkulu lophilako. LoSimakadze lowangephula esidladleni selibhubesi nasesidladleni selibhele utangikhulula nasesandleni salomFilisti.” Sawula wakhuluma kuDavide, watsi: “Hamba, shangatsi Simakadze angaba nawe.” Ngako Sawula wabe sewembatsisa Davide ngetembatfo takhe. Wamfaka imphantitje yelitfusi enhloko, wamembatsisa ngelibhantji lensimbi lemphi. Davide wabophela inkemba yakhe kulengubo yakhe, wabe sewetama kuhambahamba, ngobe abengakakwetayeli. Davide wakhuluma kuSawula watsi: “Ngiyehluleka kuhamba ngifake letimphahla, angikatetayeli.” Wase uyatikhumula. Wase utsatsa indvuku yakhe ngesandla, wakhetsa ematje lashelelako aba sihlanu emfuleni, wawafaka esikhwameni sakhe sekwelusa labesiphetse, wacondza kuye lomFilisti aphetse sidubulelo sakhe. LomFilisti abesolomane asondzela kancane kancane kuDavide, nalendvodza leyayiphetse lihawu ihamba embikwalomFilisti. Wabuka Davide wambona kutsi usengumfana, abovana, amuhle, wamedzelela. Watsi kuDavide: “Ngiyinja yini, kutsi ungeta kimi uphetse tindvuku?” LomFilisti wacalekisa Davide ngabonkulunkulu bakhe, watsi: “Buya lapha kimi, sidvumbu sakho ngitasinika tinyoni telizulu netilwane tesiganga.” Davide wakhuluma kulomFilisti, watsi: “Wena uta kimi uphetse inkemba, nelijozi, nesikhali, kodvwa mine ngita kuwe ngelibito laSimakadze wetimphi, Nkulunkulu wemabutfo aka-Israyeli, wona lawo mabutfo bewuwabita insayeya. Lamuhla Simakadze utakunikela esandleni sami, ngitakushaya ngikulahle phansi, ngihhumbule inhloko yakho esidvunjini sakho. Lamuhla tidvumbu temaFilisti ngitatinika tinyoni telizulu kanye netilwane tesiganga, kuze umhlaba wonkhe wati kutsi kukhona Nkulunkulu ka-Israyeli, nekutsi bonkhe labantfu lababutsene lapha bati kutsi Simakadze akasindzisi ngenkemba nangesikhali. Ngobe imphi ngeyaSimakadze, nguye lotaninikela nonkhe etandleni tetfu.” Kwatsi lomFilisti asasondzela kutawugadla kuDavide, Davide washesha wagijima wacondza emgceni wemphi, acondze kulomFilisti. Davide wafaka sandla esikhwameni sakhe wakhipha litje, wadubulela; washaya lomFilisti etulu ebuntini. Lelitje langena ebuntini laGoliyathi lafahlata lukhakhayi, walahleka phansi emhlabatsini ngebuso. Ngaloko Davide wancoba lomFilisti ngesidubulelo nangelitje, washaya umFilisti, wamlahla phansi, wambulala, ngaphandle kwenkemba esandleni sakhe. Davide wagijima wema etikwalomFilisti, wabamba inkemba yalomFilisti wayihoshula kulomgodla wayo, wamcedzela ngayo; wajuba inhloko yakhe. Atsi kube emaFilisti abone kutsi lengwazi yabo seyifile, esuka ngematubane, abaleka. Emadvodza aka-Israyeli newakaJuda asondzela nawo amemeta, asacosha emaFilisti, aze ayawuwangenisa eGathi nasemasangweni ase-Ekroni. Tinkhubela temaFilisti tatisakateke nawo wonkhe umgwaco waseSharayimu loya eGathi nase-Ekroni. Kwatsi ema-Israyeli nasabuya ekucosheni emaFilisti, afike ayidla inkambu yawo. Davide watsatsa inhloko yalengwazi waya nayo eJerusalema, wafike wabeka letikhali talomFilisti ethendeni lakakhe. Kwatsi ngesikhatsi Sawula abuka Davide nakayawuhlangabetana nalomFilisti, wabuta ku-Abneri, indvuna yemphi yakhe, watsi: “Abneri, ngumsa wabani lomfana?” Abneri wamphendvula watsi: “Kuphila kwakho, nkhosi, angimati.” Inkhosi yatsi: “Ngitfoleleni kahle kutsi ungumsa wabani lomfana.” Watsi efika nje Davide, abuya ekubulaleni umFilisti, Abneri wamtsatsa, wammikisa kuSawula, Davide abesolo ayiphetse lenhloko yalomFilisti. Sawula wambuta watsi: “Ungumsa wabani, mfana?” Davide waphendvula watsi: “Ngitalwa yinceku yakho lenguJese waseBhetlehema.” Emvakwekuba Davide akhulume naSawula, Jonathani waba ngumoya munye naDavide, ngobe wamtsandza njengobe atitsandza yena. Kusukela ngalelo langa Sawula wamalela Davide kutsi abuyele ekhaya kubo, watsi akahlale naye. Jonathani wenta sivumelwane naDavide, ngobe abemtsandza njengobe abetitsandza yena. Jonathani wakhumula ingubo yakhe labeyembatsa, wayinika Davide, wamnika netembatfo takhe, nesikhali sakhe, nebutjoki bakhe kanye nelibhande lakhe. Konkhe Sawula labemtfuma kona Davide abekwenta aphumelele kangangekutsi Sawula wadzimate wamnika sikhundla sekutsi aphatse emabutfo emphi. Loko kwasijabulisa sonkhe sive kanye netindvuna takhe Sawula. Kwatsi ngesikhatsi emabutfo abuya ekhaya emvakwekube Davide asabulele lomFilisti, labasikati baphuma kuwo onkhe emadolobha aka-Israyeli batewuhlangabeta inkhosi Sawula, babehlabela balilitela ngetingoma tenjabulo, nangabomakhoyane, nangemahabhu lanetintsambo letintsatfu kanye nangemintjingozi. Ngesikhatsi bahlabela babegiya, batsi: “Sawula ubulele tinkhulungwane takhe, kodvwa Davide ubulele emashumi etinkhulungwane takhe.” Sawula watfukutsela wabila; lesigiyo sabo samkhuba, watsi: “Davide bamnika emashumi etinkhulungwane, kodvwa mine banginika tinkhulungwane nje. Yini-ke lokunye langaphindze akutfole ngetulu kwaloko, ngaphandle kwembuso?” Kusukela ngaleso sikhatsi Sawula waba neliso lelibi kuDavide. Ngakusasa umoya lomubi lowawuvela kuNkulunkulu wahlasela Sawula ngemandla. Kungatsi abehlanya endlini yakhe ngesikhatsi Davide amdlalela ihabhu, njengobe abevamise kwenta. Sawula abephetse sikhali esandleni sakhe. Wajijimeta Davide ngaso atsi: “Ngifuna kumbhanca nelubondza,” kwaze kwaba kabili solo amgeja, ngobe Davide abesivika lesikhali. Sawula abesamesaba loDavide, ngobe Simakadze abenaDavide asasukile kuSawula. Sawula watfumela Davide, amcosha lapha kuye, watsi akahole libutfo lenkhulungwane emikhankhasweni yabo yekuhlasela. Kuko konkhe labekwenta Davide abeba nemphumelelo, ngobe Simakadze abenaye. Sawula watsi nakabona kutsi uphumelela kanganani, wamesaba kakhulu. Onkhe ema-Israyeli nemaJuda amtsandza Davide, ngobe abewahola ekuhlaseleni kwawo. Sawula wakhuluma kuDavide, watsi: “Nansi indvodzakati yami yematubulo, Merabi. Ngitakwendzisela yona, nawungamane nje uhlehle lapha kimi, ulwe timphi taSimakadze.” Sawula abecabange watsi: “Ngingeke ngisibeke sandla sami etikwakhe. Akabulawe ngemaFilisti.” Kodvwa Davide watsi kuSawula: “Bengingubani mine, yona indlu yaketfu iyini, lona lusendvo lwababe beluyini esiveni saka-Israyeli, kutsi mine bengingaba ngumkhwenyane wenkhosi?” Kodvwa satsi nasifika sikhatsi saMerabi, indvodzakati yaSawula, kutsi endziswe kuDavide, wase wendziswa ku-Adriyeli waseMehola. Mikhali, indvodzakati yaSawula, abegane Davide; Sawula wajabula, nabamtjela ngaloko. Wacabanga watsi: “Ngitamendzisela yena, kuze abe lugibe lwami kuye Davide, kuze sandla semaFilisti simelane naye.” Ngako Sawula waphindza watsi kuDavide: “Manje sengikunika litfuba lesibili kutsi ube ngumkhwenyane wami.” Sawula wase ubita tinceku takhe, watsi: “Nibohlebela Davide nitsi: ‘Buka la, inkhosi iyajabula ngawe, netinceku tayo tonkhe tiyakutsandza, sale uba ngumkhwenyane wayo.’ ” Tinceku tase tiluma Davide indlebe ngalendzaba, kodvwa Davide watsi: “Nicabanga kutsi yintfo lelula yini kuba ngumkhwenyane wenkhosi? Mine ngiludlwaphu nje, angikadvumi nakudvuma eveni.” Tatsi letinceku taSawula natimtjela lokwakukhulunywe nguDavide, Sawula watsi: “Nibokhuluma kuDavide nitsi: ‘Inkhosi ayidzingi lelinye lilobolo ngaphandle kwemajwabu emaFilisti lalikhulu, kuze itiphindziselele etitseni tayo.’ ” Lisu laSawula bekukutsi Davide aze afe abulawe ngemaFilisti. Tatsi letinceku natimtjela Davide ngaloko, wajabula kutsi utawuba ngumkhwenyane wenkhosi. Ngako satsi singakapheli leso sikhatsi lesasincunyiwe, boDavide nemphi yakhe baphuma bayawubulala emaFilisti langema-200. Wabuya nemajwabu awo, wafike wawetfula enkhosini, njengobe yayiwafunile kuze abe ngumkhwenyane wenkhosi. Ngako Sawula wase umnika lendvodzakati yakhe Mikhali; washada nayo. Watsi kube Sawula kumkhanyele kutsi Simakadze abenaye Davide, nekutsi lendvodzakati yakhe Mikhali yayimtsandza Davide, Sawula wachubeka nekumesaba Davide, wahlala asitsa sakhe imphilo yakhe yonkhe. Tindvuna temabutfo emaFilisti tachubeka kulwa timphi njengakucala, Davide abechubeka nekuncoba, waze waba yingwazi leyendlula tonkhe tindvuna taSawula. Ngako libito laDavide ladvuma kakhulu. Sawula wakhuluma kuJonathani, indvodzana yakhe, nakuto tonkhe tinceku takhe kutsi tibulale Davide. Kodvwa Jonathani abemtsandza kakhulu Davide, ngako wecwayisa Davide, watsi: “Babe Sawula ufuna kukubulala. Ubocaphela kusasa ekuseni, ubohamba uyewuhlala emasitseleni, ubhace khona. Mine ngitawuphuma ngiyekuma nababe lena esigangeni, lapho utawube ubhace khona. Ngitawukhuluma ngawe kuye, ngitawube sengiyakwatisa kutsi ngitfoleni.” Jonathani wakhuluma lokuhle ngaDavide kuyise Sawula, watsi: “Inkhosi ayingenti lutfo lolubi kulenceku yayo lenguDavide; kute lakone ngako, kodvwa loko lakwentile kube lusito lolukhulu kuwe. Watsatsa kuphila kwakhe wakuphatsa ngesandla sakhe, nakabulala lomFilisti. Simakadze waba nekuncoba lokukhulu ancobela sive sema-Israyeli, nawe futsi wakubona loko wajabula. Pho, ufunelani kubulala Davide ngaphandle kwesono?” Sawula walalela Jonathani, waze watsatsa nasi sifungo: “Ngifunga kuphila kwaSimakadze, Davide angeke abulawe.” Jonathani wabita Davide wamtjela yonkhe ingcoco yakhe neyise. Jonathani wabe sewutsatsa Davide wamletsa kuyise Sawula; Davide waphindze waba naSawula njengakucala. Kwaphindze kwesuka imphi, naDavide waphuma wayakulwa nemaFilisti. Wawagadla kamatima, aze abaleka embikwakhe. Kodvwa umoya lomubi lowawuphuma kuSimakadze wehlela etikwaSawula asehleti endlini yakhe, aphetse sikhali ngesandla sakhe. Watsi Davide asamdlalela ihabhu yakhe, Sawula wetama kumgwaza amhlanganise nelubondza ngalesikhali sakhe, kodvwa Davide wavika, sikhali saSawula sagwaza lubondza. Davide wabaleka kulobo busuku. Sawula watfumela emadvodza endlini yaDavide kutsi ayekumgadza, bese ayambulala ekuseni. Kodvwa Mikhali, umkaDavide, wecwayisa Davide watsi: “Nawungabaleki uyewubhaca lamuhla ebusuku, utawubulawa ekuseni kusasa.” Ngako Mikhali wakhipha Davide, wamehlisa ngelifasitelo, wabaleka. Mikhali wabe sewutsatsa sithico semndeni wakhe wasilalisa embhedzeni, enhloko yaso wasimbonya ngengutjana leyayakhiwe ngeboya bembuti, wasembesa ngengubo. Watsi kube Sawula atfumele emadvodza kutsi ayewulandza Davide ngenkhani, Mikhali wawatjela watsi: “Uyagula.” Sawula lamadvodza waphindze wawancandzekisa wawabuyisela kuDavide, watsi: “Mletseni lapha kimi ngalowo mbhedze wakhe, khona ngitembulala.” Kodvwa atsi lamadvodza nakangena, akhandza lesithico silaliswe embhedzeni, enhloko yaso kunaleyo ngutjana leyayentiwe ngeboya bembuti. Sawula wakhuluma kuMikhali, watsi: “Ungilutseleni kanjena wahambisa lesitsa sami, sabaleka?” Mikhali wamtjela watsi: “Utsite kimi: ‘Ase ngihambe. Sengingakubulalelani?’ ” Watsi kube Davide abaleke, waya kuSamuweli eRama, wafike wamtjela konkhe loko Sawula labesakwente kuye. Yena naSamuweli bahamba baya eNayothi, bafike bahlala lapho. Livi lefika kuSawula litsi: “Davide sewuseNayothi, eRama.” Ngako Sawula wavele watfumela emadvodza kutsi ayekumtsatsa ngenkhani. Kodvwa atsi nakabona sicumbi sebaphrofethi sihhungulekile siphrofetha, naSamuweli akanye naso angumholi waso, Moya waNkulunkulu wehlela kulamadvodza akaSawula; nawo ahhunguleka aphrofetha. Kwatsi kube Sawula atjelwe ngaloko, waphindze watfumela lamanye emadvodza; nawo futsi ahhunguleka aphrofetha. Sawula waphindze kwesitsatfu watfumela emadvodza, nawo ahhunguleka aphrofetha. Ekugcineni, naye cobo lwakhe, Sawula wahamba waya eRama emtfonjeni lomkhulu waseSeku. Wafike wabuta watsi: “Baphi boSamuweli naDavide?” Lomunye umuntfu waphendvula watsi: “BaseNayothi, eRama.” Ngako Sawula wahamba waya eNayothi, eRama. Moya waNkulunkulu wehlela etikwakhe, naye wahhunguleka, wahamba asaphrofetha, waze wefika eNayothi. Naye wakhumula tingubo takhe, asahhungulekile njengalaba labanye, naye waphrofetha embikwaSamuweli. Walala angcunu, lonkhe lilanga nebusuku bakhona. Ngiko nje bantfu baze batsi: “Kantsi naSawula sewusemkhatsini webaphrofethi yini?” Davide wesuka wabaleka eNayothi, eRama, waya kuJonathani, wafike wabuta watsi: “Sengenteni? Yini licala lami? Siyini sono sami kuyihlo kutsi angaze afune kungibulala?” Jonathani wamphendvula watsi: “Cha, ungeke ufe! Buka la kimi; babe kute lakwentako, nome kukhulu nome kuncane, angakangitjeli. Pho, angakufihlelani loko kimi? Akunjalo.” Kodvwa Davide wenta sifungo, watsi: “Uyihlo uyati kutsi wena ungitsandza kanganani, waze watsi: ‘Jonathani akufanele akwati loku, ngobe angaphatseka kabi.’ Noko ngifunga ngekuphila kwaSimakadze nangekwakho kutsi sinye sinyatselo kuphela lesisemkhatsini wami nekufa.” Jonathani wakhuluma kuDavide, watsi: “Nome ngabe yini lofuna ngikwentele kona, mine ngitakwentela.” Ngako Davide watsi: “Buka la, kusasa kunemkhosi wekwetfwasa kwenyanga, mine kufanele ngidle nenkhosi; kodvwa ase ngimane ngiyewubhaca esigangeni, kuze kube nguntsambama yangemhlomunye. Nangabe uyihlo abona kutsi angikho ekudleni, mtjele utsi: ‘Davide ungincengile wacela imvume kimi kutsi usajakele ekhaya kubo, eBhetlehema, ngobe lusendvo lwakhe lonkhe lwenta umhlatjelo wemnyaka.’ Nangabe utsi: ‘Cha, kulungile,’ ngitawube ngisindzile. Kodvwa nangabe atfukutsela, utawuvele utibonele nawe kutsi ucondze lokubi. Wena kufanele ukhombise kungitsandza kwakho ngekugcina leso setsembiso lowasenta kimi embikwaSimakadze. Nangabe ngitfolakala nginelicala, ngibulale wena matfupha. Unginiketelelani kuyihlo?” Jonathani wakhuluma watsi: “Cha, ngeke! Nangabe kukhona lokubi bengikwati kutsi babe ukucondzile, bengingeke yini ngikutjele?” Davide wakhuluma kuJonathani, watsi: “Pho, ngubani lotangatisa kutsi uyihlo ukuphendvule ngelulaka?” Jonathani waphendvula watsi: “Kota, sambe siye lena esigangeni.” Ngako bahamba bobabili baya esigangeni. Jonathani wakhuluma kuDavide, watsi: “Shangatsi Simakadze Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli angaba ngufakazi wetfu! Ngalesikhatsi kusasa nome ngemhlomunye ngitawukhuluma nababe; nangabe uyakwemukela, ngitawuvele ngikwatise. Kodvwa nangabe babe afuna kukulimata, shangatsi Simakadze angangijezisa ngekungibulala, nangabe ngingakakwatisi bese ngiyakukhulula kutsi uhambe uphephile. Shangatsi Simakadze angaba nawe, njengobe abenababe. Kodvwa ase ungiphatse ngemusa longeke ugucuke waSimakadze, yingci nangisaphila, kutsi ngingeke ngibulawe, nekutsi ungeke wehlukane nemndeni wami phakadze naphakadze, nome ngabe Simakadze asaticitse tonkhe titsa taDavide emhlabeni.” Ngako Jonathani wenta sivumelwane nendlu yaDavide, watsi: “Shangatsi Simakadze angatibeka licala titsa taDavide.” Jonathani waphindze wenta Davide kutsi asicinise kabusha sifungo sakhe sekutsi uyamtsandza, ngobe Jonathani abetsandza Davide njengobe atitsandza yena. Jonathani wakhuluma kuDavide, watsi: “Kusasa kutawuba ngumkhosi wekwetfwasa kwenyanga. Sitaba nesitunge, ngobe kutabe kungekho muntfu esihlalweni sakho. Ngemhlomunye ntsambama, hamba uye kulendzawo, lapho bewubhace khona nakucala lenhlupheko, ume ngasetjeni i-Ezeli. Ngitawudubula imicibisholo lemitsatfu eceleni kwalo, kube shangatsi ngidubula intfo letsite. Ngitawube sengitfumela umfana ngitsi kuye: ‘Hamba uyewufuna lemicibisholo.’ Nangabe ngitsite kuye: ‘Ase ubuke lemicibisholo isedvutane nawe, yiletse lapha,’ kulungile ungeta, ngobe loko kutawube kusho kutsi ayikho ingoti. Loko ngikufunga ngekuphila kwaSimakadze kutsi kute ingoti lekhona. Kodvwa nangikhulume kulomfana ngatsi: ‘Ase ubuke lemicibisholo ingembili kwakho,’ ubovele uhambe, ngobe Simakadze ukuhambisile. Mayelana naleyo ndzaba lesike sayikhuluma nawe, khumbula kutsi Simakadze ungufakazi emkhatsini wetfu sobabili phakadze naphakadze.” Ngako Davide wabhaca esigangeni; kwatsi kube kufike umkhosi wekwetfwasa kwenyanga, inkhosi yahlala phansi, yadla. Inkhosi yahlala endzaweni lapho yayivamise kuhlala khona, ngaselubondzeni. Jonathani wahlala wabhekana nayo. Abneri wahlala eceleni kwaSawula, kwatsi endzaweni yaDavide kwabate lohlala kuyo. Sawula kwabate lakushoko ngalelo langa, ngobe abecabanga atsi: “Mhlawumbe kukhona lokwehlele Davide, kwamenta waba ngulongcolile ngekwemtsetfo.” Kodvwa ngelilanga lelilandzelako, lilanga lesibili kuleyo nyanga, lendzawo yaDavide yaphindze yabate umuntfu lohlala kuyo. Sawula wase ubuta kuJonathani, umsa wakhe, watsi: “Kwentiwe yini kutsi umsa waJese angeti kutakudla, itolo nalamuhla?” Jonathani wamphendvula watsi: “Davide ungincusile wacela imvume kimi kutsi aye eBhetlehema, watsi: ‘Ase ngihambe, ngobe umndeni wakitsi wenta umhlatjelo edolobheni lawo, ngako umnaketfu utsite kufanele ngibe khona lapho. Nangabe ngizuze umusa kuwe, ngicela kutsi ungivumele ngiyewubona bomnaketfu.’ Ngiko nje angaketi lapha kutakudla nenkhosi.” Sawula watfukutselela Jonathani kamatima, waze wamkhahlameta, watsi: “Wena ndvodzana yemfati lolihlongandlebe nalosihlubuki! Utsi angati yini kutsi wena sewukhetse kuhambisana nemsa waJese, kwaze kwaba lihlazo kuwe nakunyoko lowakutala? Yingci indvodzana yaJese nayisaphila kulomhlaba, wena nembuso wakho ungeke ume. Sheshisa nyalo umlandze ete la, ngobe kufanele afe!” Jonathani wabuta Sawula, uyise, watsi: “Utawubulawelani? Woneni?” Kodvwa Sawula wamjijimeta ngesikhali acondze kumbulala. Ngako Jonathani wavele wabona kutsi uyise abetimisele ngekubulala Davide. Jonathani wasukuma lapho ekudleni asatfukutsele abila; ngalelo langa lesibili kuleyo nyanga akazange adle, ngobe abekhutjwe nguyise ngekuphatsa kabi Davide. Ngakusasa ekuseni Jonathani wahamba waya lena esigangeni ngaleso sikhatsi bebavumelene ngaso naDavide. Abehamba nemfana. Wakhuluma kulomfana watsi: “Gijima uyewulandza nansi imicibisholo lengiyidubulako.” Watsi lomfana asagijima, Jonathani wadubula umcibisholo ngembili kwakhe. Watsi kube lomfana efike lapho kwakufike kwawela khona umcibisholo waJonathani, Jonathani wase uyamemeta utsi: “Lomcibisholo awukho ngembili kwakho yini?” Wamemeta lomfana watsi: “Sheshisa! Hamba kakhulu! Ungemi!” Lomfana watsatsa lemicibisholo wayibuyisela kuJonathani. Lomfana abengati kutsi konkhe loko kwakusho kutsini; kwaba nguJonathani naDavide kuphela labebati ngaloko. Jonathani wabe sewunika lomfana letikhali takhe watsi kuye: “Hamba nato utibuyisele ekhaya.” Watsi kube lomfana ahambe, Davide wesuka lapho eningizimu nelitje, wakhotsamela Jonathani katsatfu, abhekise buso bakhe phansi. Base bayangana, bakhala bobabili, kodvwa Davide wakhala kakhulu. Jonathani wakhuluma kuDavide, watsi: “Hamba ngekuthula, ngobe lobungani betfu sesibufungele egameni laSimakadze satsi: ‘Simakadze ungufakazi emkhatsini wetfu sobabili nasemkhatsini wetitukulwane tetfu phakadze naphakadze.’ ” Davide wahamba, naJonathani wancandzeka, wabuyela emuva edolobheni. Davide wahamba waya ku-Ahimeleki, umphristi, eNobi. Ahimeleki watfutfumela kakhulu, nakahlangana naye, wambuta watsi: “Uhambelani wedvwa? Awuhambi ngani nemuntfu?” Davide waphendvula Ahimeleki, umphristi, watsi: “Inkhosi ingitfume indzaba letsite, yatsi: ‘Kufanele kubete lowatiko ngemsebenti wakho.’ Mine-ke lamadvodza akami ngiwatjele kutsi abongihlangabeta endzaweni letsite. Manje-ke, yini lonako? Ngiphe imikhama yetinkhwa letisihlanu, nome yini-ke longaba nayo.” Kodvwa umphristi waphendvula Davide, watsi: “Ngite sinkhwa lesivamile lengingakunika sona; noko sikhona lapha sinkhwa lesingcwele. Ungasitsatsa, nangabe lamajaha lohamba nawo angakalali nalabasikati.” Davide waphendvula watsi: “Vele, akakaze kulamalanga, ngobe lamadvodza akami atigcina amsulwa kulabasikati njalo nje nasitawuba neluhambo. Imitimba yawo ihlala ingcwele, nome ngabe aneluhambo loluvamile, kakhulu kangakanani-ke nangabe loluhambo lumcoka!” Umphristi wase utsatsa lesinkhwa lesasingcwele wasinika Davide, ngobe kwakute sinkhwa lapho ngaphandle kwesinkhwa sebukhona baSimakadze, lesase sisusiwe embikwaSimakadze, kwatsi esikhundleni saso kwabekwa leso lesasisesisha sisashisa. Lomunye wetinceku taSawula, lekwakunguDowegi, um-Edomu, abelapho embikwaSimakadze ngalelo langa, angumholi webelusi baSawula. Davide wabuta Ahimeleki watsi: “Kute yini sikhali nome inkemba lonayo lapha? Angiketi nayo inkemba yami nome nguluphi nje luhlobo lwesikhali, ngobe lomsebenti wenkhosi bewunekuphutfuma lokukhulu.” Umphristi waphendvula watsi: “Yinkemba yaGoliyathi, umFilisti, lowambulala eSigodzini sase-Ela, lekhona lapha; igocotwe ngendvwangu lapha emvakwesidziya. Nawuyifuna, yitsatse; kute lenye inkemba lelapha ngaphandle kwaleyo.” Davide watsi: “Kute lefanana nayo; nginike yona.” Ngalona lelo langa Davide wabalekela Sawula waya ku-Akhishi, inkhosi yaseGathi. Kodvwa tinceku ta-Akhishi takhuluma kuye tatsi: “Akusiye Davide yini lona, loyinkhosi yalelive? Akusiye yini lona labahlabela ngaye nabagidzako batsi: “ ‘Sawula ubulele tinkhulungwane takhe, kodvwa Davide ubulele emashumi etinkhulungwane takhe’?” Davide watsatsa lamavi wawafaka enhlitiyweni yakhe. Wamesaba kakhulu Akhishi, inkhosi yaseGathi. Ngako kwakutsi njalo nje nabalapho Davide atentise kube shangatsi uyahlanya. Abevame kudvweba tivalo tesigodlo, nematse awavutisele esilevini sakhe. Akhishi wakhuluma netinceku takhe, watsi: “Ase nibuke lendvodza. Iyahlanya! Niyiletselani lapha kimi? Bantfu labahlanyako ngibeswele kangangobe ningaze niletse lomuntfu lapha embikwami? Lendvodza niyiletseleni lapha endlini yami?” Davide wesuka eGathi, wabaleka, wayawubhaca emgedzeni wase-Adulamu. Batsi kube bakuve loko bomnakabo nebakubo, behla baya kuye. Kwatsi bonkhe laba bebahluphekile, nalababenetikwelede, nalababengeneliseki babutsana kuye, waba ngumholi wabo. Kwaba ngemadvodza labengaba ngema-400. Davide wesuka lapho waya eMispa yakaMowabi, wafike wakhuluma enkhosini yakhona, watsi: “Ngicela kukhontela bobabe namake bahlale lapha kakho, ngize ngati kahle kutsi Nkulunkulu utangentelani.” Wase uyabaletsa, beta enkhosini yakaMowabi, bahlala nayo ngaso sonkhe leso sikhatsi, yena asesebhacile enqabeni. Kodvwa umphrofethi Gadi wakhuluma kuDavide, watsi: “Ungahlali lapha enqabeni. Hamba uye eveni lakaJuda.” Ngako Davide wesuka wahamba, waya ehlatsini laseHarethi. Sawula weva kutsi Davide nebalandzeli bakhe utfolakele. Sawula wahlala ngephansi kwesihlahla sethamariske, aphetse sikhali sakhe ngesandla, entsabeni yaseGibeya, tonkhe tindvuna takhe tatimile timtungeletile. Sawula wakhuluma kuto watsi: “Lalelani, madvodza akaBhenjamini! Indvodzana yaJese itaninika nonkhe yini emasimi netivini? Itanenta nonkhe yini kutsi nibe tindvuna tetinkhulungwane netindvuna temakhulu? Kungabe nguloko yini lokunente nangibophela lifindvo? Kute namunye lowangitjela indvodzana yami nayenta sivumelwane nendvodzana yaJese. Kute namunye wenu lohluphekile ngami nalongitjelako kutsi indvodzana yami seyitsenge inceku yami kutsi ingilalele endleleni, njengobe yenta lamuhla.” Kodvwa Dowegi, um-Edomu, labeme kanye netindvuna taSawula, watsi: “Ngiyibonile indvodzana yaJese iya eNobi ku-Ahimeleki, umsa wa-Ahitubi. Ahimeleki wayibutela kuSimakadze kutsi kufanele yente njani, wayipha nemiphako kanye nenkemba yaGoliyathi, umFilisti.” Inkhosi yatfumela kutsi akulandvwe umphristi Ahimeleki, umsa wa-Ahitubi, nendlu yeyise yonkhe, lebekunguyona ibaphristi baseNobi; beta bonkhe enkhosini. Sawula wakhuluma ku-Ahimeleki, watsi: “Lalela-ke, msa wa-Ahitubi.” Waphendvula watsi: “Yebo, nkhosi yami.” Sawula watsi kuye: “Ningibopheleleni lisu wena nendvodzana yaJese, ngekutsi umnike sinkhwa nenkemba, waze wambutela nakuNkulunkulu, kuze amelane nami, angilalele endleleni, njengobe enta lamuhla?” Ahimeleki wayiphendvula inkhosi watsi: “Ngubani kuto tonkhe tinceku takho lowetsembeke kuwe njengaDavide, umkhwenyane wenkhosi, indvuna yemabutfo lagadza wena, umuntfu lohlonishwa kangaka endlini yakho yonkhe? Bekukucala yini ngalelo langa kutsi ngimbutele kuNkulunkulu? Bengingacali vele! Inkhosi ayingayibeki licala inceku yayo, ngisho namunye webendlu yami, ngobe inceku yenkhosi ayati lutfo ngayo lendzaba.” Kodvwa inkhosi yatsi: “Utakufa nome kanjani, wena Ahimeleki, kanye nayo yonkhe indlu yeyihlo.” Inkhosi yase itjela letindvuna letatiyikakile, yatsi: “Babulaleni labaphristi baSimakadze, ngobe nabo bahlangene naDavide. Bebati kutsi uyabaleka, kodvwa bangete bangitjela.” Kodvwa tindvuna tenkhosi tesaba kubeka sandla sato etikwebaphristi baSimakadze. Inkhosi yase itfuma Dowegi, yatsi: “Suka ubulale labaphristi.” Dowegi, um-Edomu, wagucuka wabesukela wababulala. Ngalelo langa wababulala baphristi labangema-85, emadvodza abegcoka sidziya selineni. Wachubeka wahlasela nelidolobha laseNobi, lekwakulidolobha lebaphristi, wabulala emadvodza akhona, kanye nebafati bakhona, nebantfwana, netinswane, netinkhomo, netimbongolo kanye netimvu. Kodvwa Abiyatha, umsa wa-Ahimeleki, lotalwa ngu-Ahitubi, waphunyula wabaleka, waya kuDavide. Wafike watjela Davide kutsi Sawula sewubabulele baphristi baSimakadze. Davide wase utsi ku-Abiyatha: “Ngalela langa ngesikhatsi Dowegi, um-Edomu, alapha, ngavele ngati nje kutsi utamtjela nome kanjani Sawula; indlu yeyihlo yonkhe ife ngenca yami. Hlala lapha kimi, ungesabi; ngobe lowo lofunana nemphilo yakho ufunana neyami futsi. Utawuphepha lapha kimi.” Base batjela Davide, batsi: “Buka la, emaFilisti asahlasele iKheyila, atfumba nemabala ekubhulela.” Davide wabuta kuSimakadze watsi: “Ngihambe yini ngiyewuhlasela lamaFilisti?” Simakadze wamphendvula watsi: “Hamba uyewuhlasela emaFilisti, usindzise iKheyila.” Kodvwa emadvodza aDavide akhuluma kuye, atsi: “Lapha kaJuda siyesaba, kangakanani-ke nase sisukela iKheyila siyewuhlaselana nemabutfo emaFilisti.” Davide waphindza futsi wabutisisa kuSimakadze. Simakadze wamphendvula watsi: “Yehla uye eKheyila, ngobe emaFilisti ngiwanikela esandleni sakho.” Ngako Davide nemphi yakhe behlela eKheyila, bahlasela emaFilisti bawabulala, batfumba netifuyo tawo. Davide wabasindzisa kanjalo bantfu baseKheyila. Abiyatha, umsa wa Ahimeleki, abete nesidziya sebaphristi ngesikhatsi abalekela kuDavide eKheyila. Sawula watjelwa kutsi Davide sewehlele eKheyila; ngako watsi: “Simakadze sewumnikele esandleni sami, ngobe Davide sewutivalele yena enkambu ngekutsi angene edolobheni lelinemasango lanemishudvo.” Sawula wabutsa onkhe emabutfo akhe kutsi ehlele eKheyila ayewuhlasela Davide nemadvodza akakhe. Watsi kube Davide aluve loluzungu lolwase luboshwe nguSawula ngaye, wakhuluma ku-Abiyatha, umphristi, watsi: “Letsa lapha lesidziya sebaphristi.” Davide wachubeka watsi: “Awu! Simakadze, Nkulunkulu wesive sema-Israyeli, inceku yakho seyivile kutsi ngempela Sawula ufuna kwehlela eKheyila atewubhubhisa lelidolobha ngenca yami. Bantfu baseKheyila batanginikela yini kuye? Yena Sawula usetakwehla ngempela yini, njengobe inceku yakho ivile? Awu! Simakadze, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, tjela inceku yakho.” Simakadze watsi: “Utakwehla.” Davide wabuta watsi: “Bantfu baseKheyila batanginikela yini mine nalamadvodza akami esandleni saSawula?” Simakadze wamphendvula watsi: “Bataninikela.” Ngako Davide nemabutfo akhe, emadvodza langema-600, babaleka eKheyila, besuka behla benyuka tindzawo ngetindzawo. Kwatsi Sawula nakatjelwa kutsi Davide sewubalekile eKheyila, wangabe asehla. Davide wahlala etinqabeni tasehlane, lekwakutintsaba telihlane laseZifu. Sawula abesolomane amfuna onkhe emalanga, kodvwa Simakadze akazange amnikele etandleni takhe. Davide wabona kutsi Sawula abephume umkhankhaso wekumbulala, ngako wavele wahlala eHoreshi, ehlane laseZifu. Jonathani, umsa waSawula, wesuka lapho waya eHoreshi kuDavide kuyawucinisa sandla sakhe kuNkulunkulu. Wafike wakhuluma kuye watsi: “Ungesabi, ngobe sandla sababe, Sawula, singeke sifinyelele kuwe. Wena utawuba yinkhosi ka-Israyeli, mine nje ngitawuba wesibili kuwe. Ngisho nababe Sawula uyakwati loko.” Bobabili base benta sivumelwane embikwaSimakadze. Jonathani wase uyancandzeka ubuyela ekhaya kubo, kodvwa Davide wasala, wahlala khona lapho eHoreshi. Bantfu baseZifu bakhuphukela kuSawula eGibeya, bafike bamtjela batsi: “Davide akabhaci yini lapha etinqabeni taseHoreshi, entsabeni iHakhila, ngaseningizimu nelihlane? Manje-ke, nkhosi, wota, nangabe kukuhle kuwe loko, yewuka; tsine sitamnikela esandleni senkhosi.” Sawula waphendvula watsi: “Simakadze akanibusise, ngobe nibe nesihawu kimi. Hambani nente lamanye emalungiselelo, nimfunisise, nize nati, niyibone kahle futsi lendzawo lapho Davide akhona, nalapho ahamba khona, nekutsi ngubani lose wambona alapho. Sengivile kutsi ulicili kakhulu. Ngako-ke tifuneni nitati kahle tonkhe leto tindzawo labhaca kuto, nibuye nite lapha kimi senineliciniso ngato. Mine-ke ngitawube sengihamba nani, nangabe akulelo live, ngitawutfunguluta ngimfune emkhatsini wato tonkhe tinsendvo temaJuda.” Ngako-ke base bayesuka kuSawula bacondza eZifu. Ngaleso sikhatsi Davide nebalandzeli bakhe bese basehlane laseMayoni, e-Arabha, ngaseningizimu nelihlane. BoSawula nemabutfo akhe bacala batfungatsa, bafuna Davide, naDavide watjelwa ngaloko. Davide wabe sewehlela entansi edvwaleni, wahlala ehlane laseMayoni. Watsi kube eve Sawula, wahamba waya ehlane laseMayoni, acosha Davide. Sawula abehamba ngakulelinye licele lentsaba, kantsi naDavide nebalandzeli bakhe babehamba ngale kulelinye licele. Davide washesha wahamba lapho, ngobe abesaba Sawula. Kwatsi lapho Sawula nemabutfo akhe asatungelete Davide nemadvodza akakhe asacondze kubatfumba, kwefika sigijimi kuSawula, satsi: “Phutfuma! EmaFilisti asatseleke ngekhatsi eveni lakho lena emuva.” Sawula washiya phansi kucoshana naDavide, wahamba wayakulwa nemaFilisti. Nguko nje leyo ndzawo yetsiwa libito, kwatsiwa Lidvwala Lekwehlukanisa. Davide wakhuphuka kusuka lapho, wayawubhaca etinqabeni tase-Eni Gedi. Kwatsi Sawula asabuyile ekucosheni emaFilisti, watjelwa kwatsiwa: “Davide sewusehlane lase-Eni Gedi.” Sawula wase ukhetsa tingwazi telucobo kulo lonkhe laka-Israyeli, kwaba ngemadvodza lati-3 000; waphuma wayawufuna Davide kanye nebalandzeli bakhe ngase-Emadvwaleni Emagoga. Wahamba wefika etibayeni tetimvu endleleni, wakhandza kunemhume lapho, Sawula wangena wayawutikhulula kuwo. BoDavide nemabutfo akhe bebasekhatsi kulowo mhume babhacile. Lamadvodza atsi: “Lamuhla ngilo lilanga Simakadze lakhuluma ngalo ngesikhatsi atsi kuwe: ‘Ngitawunikela sitsa sakho esandleni sakho, kuze wente kuso njengekutsandza kwakho.’ ” Davide wanyonyoba wajuba umphetfo wasembatfo saSawula bangamboni. Emvakwaloko Davide wakhatsateka enhlitiyweni yakhe ngenca yekujuba lomphetfo wengubo yaSawula. Wakhuluma kulamabutfo akhe, watsi: “Simakadze akakutsandzi kutsi ngente intfo lenje enkhosini yami, lengulogcotjiwe waSimakadze, ngiphakamise sandla sami etikwayo, ngobe ingulogcotjiwe waSimakadze.” Ngalawo mavi Davide wekhuta lamabutfo akhe, wawavimbela kutsi ahlasele Sawula. Sawula waphuma kulomhume, wahamba. Davide naye wase uyaphuma kulomhume; wamemeta Sawula watsi: “Bayethe, nkhosi yami.” Watsi uyagucuka Sawula, Davide wakhotsama wabhekisa buso bakhe phansi. Watsi kuSawula: “Ubalalelelani labantfu labatsi: ‘Davide ufuna kukulimata?’ Lamuhla utibonele ngewakho emehlo kutsi Simakadze abekunikele kanjani esandleni sami lapha emhumeni. Labanye bebatsi angikubulale, kodvwa mine ngakuhawukela, ngatsi: ‘Ngingeke ngiyiphakamisele sandla inkhosi yami, ngobe ingulogcotjiwe waSimakadze.’ Buka, babe wami, buka nasi sicephu sengubo yakho sisesandleni sami! Ngijube umphetfo wengubo yakho, kodvwa wena ngangete ngakubulala. Yati kahle-ke nyalo, ucondzisise kutsi mine anginacala lekwenta bubi nelekumelana nawe. Mine angikakoni ngalutfo, kodvwa nguwe longitfungatsela kutsi utengibulala. Shangatsi Simakadze angakhipha sigwebo emkhatsini wetfu sobabili. Shangatsi Simakadze angangiphindziselela ngabo bonkhe lobubi lobente kimi; kodvwa mine sandla sami singeke sikutsintse. Njengobe kusho sisho salabadzala sitsi: ‘Kubenti balokubi kuvela tento letimbi,’ ngako mine ngingeke ngikubeke sandla. “Inkhosi yema-Israyeli iphumele kulandzelana nemkhondvo wabani? Umkhondvo wenja lefile! Umkhondvo welikululu? Shangatsi Simakadze angaba ngumehluleli ehlulele emkhatsini wetfu sobabili, angimelele ngekungitfola ngite licala, angikhulule esandleni sakho.” Kwatsi kube Davide acedze kusho lamavi, Sawula wabuta watsi: “Livi lakho yini lelo, Davide, ndvodzana yami?” Wakhala kakhulu, amemeta. Sawula wakhuluma kuDavide, watsi: “Wena ulunge kakhulu kwengca mine; ngobe wena ungentele lokuhle, kodvwa mine ngikubonge ngebubi. Sewukushito manje lokuhle longentele kona, kutsite nome Simakadze asanginikele esandleni sakho, kodvwa wena wangete wangibulala. Umuntfu nakabamba sitsa sakhe, uyasiyekela yini siphunyule angakasilimati? Shangatsi Simakadze angakuvuza ngalokuhle ngaloku lokwente kimi lamuhla. Manje sengiyati kutsi ngempela wena utawuba yinkhosi, nekutsi umbuso waka-Israyeli utawusimamisa ngesandla sakho. Manje funga kimi ngaSimakadze kutsi ungeke usincume situkulwane sami, nelibito lami ngeke ulesule emndenini wababe.” Ngako Davide wafunga kuSawula. Sawula wase uyancandzeka, wabuyela ekhaya lakhe, kodvwa Davide nebalandzeli bakhe bakhuphukela enqabeni. Samuweli wafa, kwatsi sonkhe sive sema-Israyeli seta, sahlangana ndzawonye, satakumlilela. Wangcwatjwa ekhaya lakhe, eRama. Davide wase uyehla waya eHlane laseMayoni. Bekukhona indvodza leyayicebile eMayoni, yayinetimphahla khona lapho eKhameli. Yayinetimbuti letatiyinkhulungwane netimvu letati-3 000 leyayitifuyele eKhameli, lapho yayitihhulela khona. Libito layo lendvodza bekunguNabali, kantsi umkayo bekungu-Abigayili. Lomkakhe abehlakaniphile amuhle, kodvwa lendvodza yayingumKhalebi losibheva lesibi. Watsi Davide asesehlane, weva kutsi Nabali uhhula timvu takhe, wase utfuma emajaha lalishumi, wakhuluma kuwo watsi: “Yenyukani niye kuNabali eKhameli, nifike nimbingelele egameni lami. Nikhulume kuye nitsi: ‘Lunwele loludze kuwe! Ngikufisela imphilo lenhle wena nemndeni wakho, nako konkhe kwakho! “ ‘Ngiva kutsi manje sesikhatsi sekuhhula timvu. Ngesikhatsi belusi bakho banatsi, asizange sibaphatse kabi; nangaso sonkhe sikhatsi baseseKhameli kute nome kunye lokwase kwabalahlekela. Buta kuleto tinceku takho, titakutjela. Ngako-ke ngicela uwaphatse kahle lawo majaha ami, ngobe sesifike ngesikhatsi selidzili. Ngicela uphe tinceku takho kanye nendvodzana yakho Davide, loko longahle ubaphe kona.’ ” Lamajaha afike ayetfula kuNabali yonkhe lenkhulumo yaDavide. Abe asayahlalahlala khona lapho. Nabali waphendvula letinceku taDavide, watsi: “Ngubani yena loDavide? Ngubani yena lomsa waJese? Tigcili letinyenti tibalekela baphatsi bato kulamalanga. Ngingasitsatselani sinkhwa sami, nemanti ami kanye nenyama lengiyihlabele bahhuli betimvu bami, ngikuphe emadvodza lengingawati nekutsi aphumaphi?” Lamajaha akaDavide ancandzeka abuyela emuva. Atsi kube efike, abika konkhe lokwakukhulunywe nguNabali. Davide wakhuluma kulamadvodza, watsi: “Hlomani tinkemba tenu!” Ngako lamadvodza avele ahloma, naDavide naye wahloma ngeyakakhe. Bekungemadvodza labengaba ngema-400 lenyuka naDavide, kwatsi lawa langema-200 wona asala agadza timphahla. Lenye yetinceku yatjela Abigayili, umkaNabali, yatsi: “Ngesikhatsi Davide asehlane utfumele titfunywa kutsi tiletse umkhontiso kumnumzane lapha ekhaya, kodvwa yena usuke watitsela ngenhlamba. Noko lamadvodza abesiphetse kahle. Akazange asihluphe, kuso sonkhe leso sikhatsi sisedvute nawo etsafeni, kute lokwase kwasilahlekela. Ebusuku nasemini aba lutsango lwetfu lolwalusitungeletile, ngaso sonkhe sikhatsi siseluse timvu tetfu edvute nawo. Ase ucabange, ubone kutsi ungahle wenteni, ngobe umnumzane wetfu lona kanye nemndeni wakhe wonkhe ulengela engotini lenkhulu. Unenkhani kangangobe kute lamlalelako, nakhuluma naye.” Abigayili akacitsanga sikhatsi. Watsatsa tinkhwa letatingema-200 netikhumbasikhwama letimbili tigcwele liwayini, netimvu letisihlanu lesetihlinziwe, nembasha yemmbila lengemakhilogremu labengaba li-17, nemacebelengwane lalikhulu emagelebisi lomisiwe, nemacebelengwane langema-200 emakhiwa lahlutiwe, wakwekhweta etimbongolweni. Wabe sewutjela tinceku takhe watsi: “Hambani embili; mine ngitanilandzela ngemuva.” Kodvwa akazange ayitjele indvodza yakhe, Nabali. Watsi aseta agibele imbongolo yakhe acondze esihosheni sentsaba, wabona Davide nemadvodza akakhe behla, bacondze kuye, wahlangabetana nabo. Davide abesacedza kutsi: “Akukasiti ngalutfo kugadzela lomuntfu timvu takhe lena ehlane kangangekutsi kwabate ngisho nakunye lokwalahleka. Ungibuyisele lokubi ngalokuhle. Shangatsi Simakadze angangibulala, nangingakababulali bonkhe labadvuna kusengakasi lamuhla nje!” Watsi kube Abigayili abone Davide, washesha wehla embongolweni yakhe, wakhotsama embikwaDavide abhekise buso bakhe phansi. Watijika etinyaweni takhe, watsi: “Nkhosi yami, licala alibe setikwami. Ngicela mane uvumele incekukati yakho kutsi seyimane ikhulume; ulalele kutsi incekukati yakho itawutsini. Shangatsi inkhosi ingete yayinaka lendvodza lekhohlakele lenguNabali. Ufanana nelibito lakhe, lelisho Silima, naye unebulima. Kodvwa mine, ncekukati yakho, angikawaboni lamadvodza labetfunyelwe yinkhosi yami. “Njengobe Simakadze ukuphephisile wena, nkhosi yami, ekucitseni ingati kanye nasekutikhipheleni sibhongo ngetandla takho, ngifunga ngekuphila kwaSimakadze nangekwakho ngitsi, shangatsi tonkhe titsa takho nabo bonkhe labafuna kukwenta silo sengubo bangafanana naNabali. Shangatsi lesipho lesiletfwe ngulencekukati yakho enkhosini yayo singanikwa lawo madvodza layilandzelako. Ngicela inceku yakho uyitsetselele ngalesono lesentile, ngobe Simakadze utakwenta ube yinkhosi wena kanye netitukulwane takho, ngobe ulwa timphi takhe. Shangatsi kungabate lokubi lokutfolakala kuwe, yingci nawusaphila. Nome ngabe kukhona lokucosha ngemuva afuna kukubulala, kuphila kwenkhosi yami Simakadze Nkulunkulu wakho utakuvikela ngekutsi akubophe inyandza kanye nalabaphilako. Kodvwa kuphila kwetitsa takho utakujikijela akulahle khashane njengelitje liphuma esidubulelweni. Utawutsi Simakadze angentela inkhosi yami konkhe lokuhle lakwetsembisa ngayo, nasayibeke yaba yinkhosi etikwa-Israyeli, inkhosi yami ingeke itivele inelicala enhlitiyweni yayo ngekubulala ngaphandle kwesizatfu nome ngekutikhiphela sibhongo. Utawutsi Simakadze angayinika kuphumelela inkhosi yami, bese-ke iyayikhumbula incekukati yayo.” Davide wakhuluma ku-Abigayili, watsi: “Akadvunyiswe Simakadze Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli lokutfume lamuhla kutsi utengihlangabeta. Shangatsi ungabusiswa ngalomcondvo wakho lokhaliphile, nekutsi ungivimbe ngingayicitsi ingati lamuhla, nekutsi ngingatiphindziseleli ngetandla tami. Simakadze ungigcinile, ngangete ngakulimata. Kodvwa ngifunga ngekuphila kwaNkulunkulu wema-Israyeli kutsi kube awukasheshisi waphutfuma kutengihlangabeta, bekutawutsi kudzabuka kusa lamuhla kube sekute ngisho namunye lomdvuna lophilako kulamadvodza akaNabali.” Davide wakwemukela esandleni sa-Abigayili loko bekakuletse kuye, watsi: “Hamba ngekuthula ubuyele ekhaya. Ngiyivile lenkhulumo yakho, kantsi futsi naloko lokucelako nako sengikunikile.” Watsi Abigayili nakaya kuNabali, wamkhandza asendlini ente lidzili lelifana nelenkhosi. Abetsakasile, adzakwe angumhlaba. Ngako kute lamtjela kona, kwaze kwaba ngusekuseni ngakusasa. Kwatsi ekuseni Nabali asasangulukile engcondvweni, asazitsile, umkakhe wamtjela tonkhe leto tintfo. Inhlitiyo yaNabali yashaya kancane, wamane woma nje, wafanana nelitje. Emvakwemalanga labengaba lishumi Simakadze washaya Nabali, wafa. Watsi kube Davide eve kutsi Nabali sewufile, watsi: “Akadvunyiswe Simakadze, longiphindziselele kuNabali ngekungetfuka kwakhe. Ungigcinile, ngangete ngakwenta lokubi, kodvwa wajezisa Nabali ngenca yekona kwakhe.” Davide watfumela livi ku-Abigayili, amsoma kutsi abe ngumkakhe. Tinceku takhe taya eKhameli, tafike takhuluma ku-Abigayili, tatsi: “Davide usitfume kuwe kutsi sitekulandza uyekuba ngumkakhe.” Abigayili wakhotsama abhekise buso bakhe phansi, watsi: “Nansi incekukati yakho, ilungele kukukhonta, nekugeza tinyawo tetinceku tenkhosi yami.” Wasukuma ngekushesha wakhwela embongolweni yakhe, aphekeletelwa timphekeleteli takhe letisihlanu; wahamba netitfunywa taDavide, wafike waba ngumkakhe. Davide abeshade na-Ahinowami waseJezreyeli, bobabili baba bafati bakhe. Kodvwa Sawula abesatsatse indvodzakati yakhe, Mikhali, umkaDavide, wamendzisela Phaltiyeli, umsa waLayishi, waseGalimu. Bantfu labatsite baseZifu bahamba baya kuSawula eGibeya, bafike babika batsi: “Davide ubhace egcumeni lekutsiwa yiHakhila lebhekene nelihlane.” Ngako Sawula wewuka waya eHlane laseZifu, ahamba nemadvodza akakhe elikhetselo lati-3 000 aka-Israyeli, kuyawufuna Davide. Sawula wafike wemisa inkambu yakhe eceleni kwemgwaco etikweligcuma iHakhila lebhekene nelihlane, kodvwa Davide wahlala ehlane. Watsi kube abone kutsi Sawula abesamlandzele waze wefika lapho, Davide wabe sewutfumela tinhloli letafike takhandza kutsi vele Sawula abesafikile lapho. Davide waphuma waya lapho bekumise khona Sawula. Wafike wabona lapho boSawula na-Abneri, umsa waNeri, indvuna yelibutfo, bebalele khona. Sawula abelele ekhatsi nenkambu, atungeletwe libutfo. Davide wabuta ku-Ahimeleki, umHethi, na-Abishayi, umsa waSeruya, umnakaboJowabe, watsi: “Ngubani lotakwehla nami siye lapha enkambu kuSawula?” Abishayi waphendvula watsi: “Mine ngitawuhamba nawe.” Ngako boDavide na-Abishayi bahamba baya kulelo butfo ebusuku, bakhandza Sawula alele ekhatsi nenkambu, sikhali sakhe asigcumeke phansi emhlabatsini eceleni kwenhloko yakhe. Abneri nemabutfo bebalele, batungelete Sawula. Abishayi wakhuluma kuDavide, watsi: “Lamuhla Nkulunkulu sitsa sakho usetfule etandleni takho. Mane ungivumele ngimgwaze ngesikhali, size siyewuphumela emhlabatsini; ngingeke ngiphindze kwesibili.” Kodvwa Davide wakhuluma ku-Abishayi, watsi: “Ungacali umbulale! Ngubani nje longabeka sandla kulogcotjiwe waSimakadze ajinge angabi nacala? Ngifunga ngekuphila kwaSimakadze kutsi nguSimakadze cobo lwakhe lotakumshaya. Loko kuyakwenteka ngekutsi kufike sikhatsi sakhe sekufa, nome atsi uye emphini afike afele khona. Kodvwa Simakadze akangavumi kutsi ngingabeka sandla sami etikwalogcotjiwe waSimakadze. Asitsatse lesikhali sakhe kanye nalelichaga lakhe lemanti lokusedvute nenhloko yakhe, sihambe.” Davide wase utsatsa sikhali nelichaga lemanti lokwakusedvute nenhloko yaSawula, bahamba. Kute namunye lowase wababona nome wati ngaloko, kantsi futsi kute namunye lowake waphaphama. Bonkhe babedvodla butfongo, ngobe Simakadze abebehlisele butfongo lobukhulu. Davide wewelela ngesheya, wema khashane etikweligcuma; bekulibanga lelikhulu emkhatsini wabo. Wamemeta lelibutfo kanye na-Abneri, umsa waNeri, watsi: “Uyangiva yini, ye Abneri?” Abneri waphendvula watsi: “Ungubani wena lomemeta inkhosi?” Davide wakhuluma watsi: “Angitsi uyindvodza? Ngubani nje lofanana nawe ka-Israyeli? Lenkhosi yakho bewungakayigadzi ngani? Kukhona lofike kutawubulala leyo nkhosi yakho. Loko lokwentile akukuhle. Ngifunga ngekuphila kwaSimakadze ngitsi, wena nemabutfo akho kufanele nife, ngobe nehlulekile kuciza inkhosi yenu, lekungulogcotjiwe waSimakadze. Ase nibuke eceleni kwenu. Siphi nje sikhali senkhosi kanye nelichaga lemanti bekulapho eceleni kwenhloko yayo?” Sawula waliva liphimbo laDavide, watsi: “Lelo ngabe livi lakho yini, Davide, ndvodzana yami?” Davide wamphendvula watsi: “Yebo, nkhosi yami, ngimi, nkhosi.” Wachubeka wambuta watsi: “Pho, inkhosi yami iyicoshelani inceku yayo? Ngenteni? Nginacala lini? Nkhosi! Inkhosi yami ayilalele emavi enceku yayo. Nangabe nguSimakadze lokutjotjotele kutsi ungibulale, kulungile-ke, akawutsatse lowo mnikelo. Kodvwa noko nangabe loko kwentiwe bantfu, ababe ngulabacalekisiwe kuSimakadze! Manje sebangikhiphile eveni lekusabelo sami, efeni laSimakadze, batsi: ‘Hamba uyewukhonta labanye bonkulunkulu.’ Ungavumi kutsi ingati yami icitsekele emhlabatsini lokhashane nebukhona baSimakadze. Inkhosi yema-Israyeli iphumele kutewufuna likululu, njengemuntfu lotewutingela intsendzele etintsabeni.” Sawula wakhuluma watsi: “Ngonile. Buya, Davide, ndvodzana yami. Ngingeke ngiphindze ngetame kukulimata, ngobe imphilo yami uyisindzisile lamuhla. Impela ngibe silima, ngona kakhulu.” Davide waphendvula watsi: “Nasi-ke sikhali senkhosi. Lomunye wemajaha lalapho akete atekusitsatsa. Simakadze umnika umvuzo wonkhe umuntfu lolungile nalowetsembekile. Lamuhla Simakadze abekunikele esandleni sami, kodvwa angikatsandzi kubeka sandla sami etikwalogcotjiwe waSimakadze. Njengobe ngisindzise imphilo yakho lamuhla, kanjalo, shangatsi naSimakadze angenta njalo kimi angikhulule kuto tonkhe tinhlupheko.” Sawula wakhuluma kuDavide, watsi: “Shangatsi Simakadze angakubusisa, Davide, ndvodzana yami; utakwenta tintfo letinkhulu, uphindze uphumelele kuko konkhe lokwentako.” Ngako Davide wase uyahamba, naSawula wancandzeka wabuyela ekhaya kakhe. Kodvwa Davide wacabanga watsi: “Kuwo lamalanga Sawula utangibulala. Lokuncono kakhulu kutsi vele ngibaleke ngiye eveni lemaFilisti. Sawula utawuvele adzinwe angabe asangifuna nome ngabe kukuphi kulelive laka-Israyeli, ngiyawube sengiphephile-ke esandleni sakhe.” Ngako Davide kanye nalamadvodza langema-600 labenawo, bahamba bewelela ngesheya ku-Akhishi, umsa waMayoki, inkhosi yaseGathi. Davide kanye nalamadvodza akakhe bahlala ka-Akhishi eGathi. Nguleyo naleyo ndvodza yayinemndeni wayo, naDavide abenalabafati bakhe lababili: bo-Ahinowami waseJezreyeli kanye na-Abigayili waseKhameli, umfelokati waNabali. Watsi kube Sawula atjelwe kutsi Davide ubalekele eGathi, wangabe asachubeka nekumtfungatsa. Davide wakhuluma ku-Akhishi, watsi: “Nangabe ngitfole umusa emehlweni akho, ngicela ungabele indzawo kulelinye lalamadolobha akho, khona ngitewuhlala khona. Inceku yakho ingahlala kanjani nawe edolobheni lakho lebukhosi?” Ngalelo langa Akhishi wamabela iSikilagi, kwacala lapho kutsi libe lidolobha lemakhosi akaJuda. Davide wahlala eveni lemaFilisti umnyaka netinyanga letine. Davide nemadvodza akakhe benyuka bayawuhlasela emaGeshuri, nemaGizi kanye nema-Amaleki. Kusukela etikhatsini takadzeni letive tatihlala kulelo live, kuze kuyekufika eShuri naseGibhithe. Kwakutsi njalo nje Davide nakahlasela indzawo letsite, abulale konkhe kungasali ndvodza namfati kuphila, bese utfumba timvu, netinkhomo, netimbongolo, nemakamela kanye netimphahla tekwembatsa abuyele nako ku-Akhishi. Kwakutsi Akhishi nakambuta atsi: “Bewuyewuhlasela kuphi lamuhla?” Davide abetsi: “Bengiyewuhlasela eNegevu, lekuyiningizimu yakaJuda,” nome: “eNegevu, lekuyiningizimu yemaJerameli,” nome: “eNegevu, lekuyiningizimu yemaKheni.” Abengashiyi ndvodza namfati aphila, kutsi ete naye eGathi, ngobe abecabanga atsi: “Bangahle bakhulume ngatsi batsi: ‘Naku-ke Davide lakwentile.’ ” Loko kwakungumkhuba wakhe ngesikhatsi asahlala nemaFilisti eveni lawo. Akhishi wametsemba Davide, waze wacabanga watsi: “Bantfu bakubo baka-Israyeli bamtondza kakhulu, ngako sewutaba yinceku yami kokuphela.” Ngalawo malanga emaFilisti abutsana ngemabutfo awo atilungiselela kulwa nema-Israyeli. Akhishi wakhuluma kuDavide, watsi: “Kufanele wati kutsi wena kanye nemphi yakho nitawuhamba natsi siyekulwa imphi.” Davide wakhuluma ku-Akhishi, watsi: “Nawe utatibonela ngewakho emehlo kutsi inceku yakho itakwentani.” Akhishi waphendvula watsi: “Kulungile, ngitakwenta ube ngulomunye wetindvuna tami letingisingatsako, imphilo yakho yonkhe.” Ngaleso sikhatsi Samuweli abesafile. Sonkhe sive sema-Israyeli sasimlilele, sase simngcwaba edolobheni lakubo eRama. Sawula bekasaticoshe tonkhe tinyanga netangoma eveni lakhe. EmaFilisti abutsana ahamba ayawukamba eShunemu, kwatsi Sawula naye wabutsa onkhe emabutfo ema-Israyeli bayawukamba eGilbowa. Kwatsi Sawula nakabona imphi yemaFilisti, wesaba kakhulu, watfutfumela. Sawula wase ubuta kuSimakadze, kodvwa Simakadze akazange amphendvule ngisho nangemaphupho, nome nge-Urimu, nome ngebaphrofethi. Sawula wakhuluma etincekwini takhe, watsi: “Ngifuneleni sangoma lesingumfati, kuze ngitewuhamba ngiyewuva kuso.” Batsi: “Sikhona lesise-Eni Dori.” Ngako Sawula waphica umkhondvo ngekwembatsa letinye tembatfo, kwatsi ebusuku wahamba kanye nemadvodza lamabili baya kulomfati losangoma. Wafike watsi: “Ngikhulekela inhloko, ungibitele lowo lengitamusho.” Kodvwa lesangoma satsi: “Empeleni uyakwati lokwentiwe nguSawula. Uticitse tonkhe tinyanga netangoma kulelive lakhe. Ungibekelelani lugibe ngekufuna kungibulalisa ngaSawula?” Sawula wafunga kuso ngaSimakadze, watsi: “Ngempela kuphila kwaSimakadze, ungeke ukufele loko.” Lesangoma sabuta satsi: “Ngikubitele bani?” Sawula watsi: “Ngikhuphulele Samuweli.” Lesangoma satsi nasibona kukhuphuka Samuweli, samemeta kakhulu satsi kuSawula: “Hawu, kodvwa ungiyengelani? Wena kantsi unguSawula!” Inkhosi Sawula yakhuluma kuye, yatsi: “Ungesabi. Ubonani?” Lesangoma satsi: “Ngibona umoya ukhuphuka phansi emhlabatsini.” Sawula wasibuta watsi: “Unjani?” Lesangoma samphendvula satsi: “Likhehla lelidzala lelembetse umjiva, liyakhuphuka.” Ngako Sawula wavele wati kutsi nguSamuweli; wakhotsama wawa phansi ngebuso. Samuweli wabuta Sawula watsi: “Ungiphatamiselani ngalokube ungikhuphula?” Sawula watsi: “Ngisebuhlungwini lobukhulu. EmaFilisti ayangihlasela. Nkulunkulu ungifulatsele. Akasangiphendvuli ngisho nangebaphrofethi nome ngemaphupho. Manje sengibite wena kutsi ungitjele kutsi ngifanele ngente njani.” Samuweli wakhuluma kuye, watsi: “Kepha ungifunelani mine, njengobe Simakadze sewukufulatsele, waba sitsa sakho? Simakadze wente loko labekuphrofethile ngami. Simakadze uwudzabulile umbuso esandleni sakho, wawunika lomunye wabomakhelwane bakho, longuDavide. Wena awuzange umlalele Simakadze, futsi awuzange ukhombise lulaka lwakhe kuma-Amaleki, lamuhla Simakadze sewente loko kuwe. Simakadze utaninikela etandleni temaFilisti, wena kanye naso sonkhe sive sema-Israyeli. Kusasa wena kanye nemadvodzana akho nitawube senikanye nami lapha. Simakadze utawunikela ngisho nemphi yema-Israyeli etandleni temaFilisti.” Masinyane Sawula wadzimuleka phansi, wenaba watsi tfwi, emhlabatsini; watfutfumela, agcwele kwesaba ngenca yemavi labekhulunywe nguSamuweli. Emandla akhe aphela, ngobe abengakaze watsi namu ngalelo langa ngisho nasebusuku bakhona. Lesangoma satsi nasifika kuSawula, sibona nekutsi wetfuke kanganani, satsi: “Buka la; incekukati yakho ikulalele. Ngitinikele ngemphilo yami yonkhe ngenta loko lotsite angikwente. Manje sengiyakuncenga mane ulalele incekukati yakho, ngimane ngikunike kudla udle, khona kutewubuya emandla akho ubambe indlela yakho uhambe.” Sawula wala, watsi: “Ngingeke ngidle.” Kodvwa lamadvodza labehamba naye asita lesangoma, amncenga ngekumcindzetela, waze wavuma. Wavuka wahlala etikwembhedze. Lesangoma sasinelitfokati lelikhuluphalisiwe lapha kaso, lesalihlaba masinyane, satsatsa fulaha samdova sapheka sinkhwa lesingenambiliso. Sase sikubeka embikwaSawula nalamadvodza labehamba nawo, badla. Ngabona lobo busuku bavuka bahamba. EmaFilisti abutsa onkhe emabutfo awo awabutsela e-Afeki, kwatsi ema-Israyeli wona abutsana ngasemtfonjeni loseJezreyeli. Kwatsi ngesikhatsi tindvuna temabutfo emaFilisti tishuca ngeticheme tato temakhulu netetinkhulungwane, Davide abeshuca ngemva nelibutfo lakakhe bana-Akhishi. Tindvuna temphi yemaFilisti tabuta tatsi: “Afunani lamaHebheru lawa?” Akhishi waphendvula watsi: “AkusiDavide yini lona lobekayindvuna lenkhulu yaSawula, inkhosi yema-Israyeli? Sekuze kuphele umnyaka wonkhe solomane ahlala nami lapha, kusukela ngelilanga labaleka ngalo kuSawula kuze kube ngulamuhla, angikaze ngamtfola anelicala.” Kodvwa tindvuna temphi yemaFilisti tatfukutselela Akhishi, tatsi: “Ncandzekisa lomuntfu abuyele endzaweni lowamnika yona. Akukafaneli ahambe natsi kuya emphini, funa asigucukele nasekuliwa lena embili. Kungaba malula kakhulu kuye kutsi atigcebele enkhosini yakhe ngekutsi ayinikete tinhloko temadvodza akitsi. Akusiye nje loDavide lekwakuhlatjelwa ngaye emgidvweni wabo sigiyo lesitsi: “ ‘Sawula ubulele tinkhulungwane takhe, kodvwa Davide ubulele emashumi etinkhulungwane takhe’?” Ngako Akhishi wabita Davide, wamtjela watsi: “Kuphila kwaSimakadze, wena bewusetsembekile, nami bengingajabula kakhulu kuhamba nawe siyekulwa imphi. Kusukela ngelilanga lowefika ngalo kami kuze kube ngunyalo, angikaze ngasitfola sono kuwe, kodvwa noko tindvuna tami atikuvumeli wena kutsi uhambe natsi. Ncandzeka-ke uhambe ngekuthula; ungenti lutfo lolutawucunula letindvuna temaFilisti.” Davide wabuta watsi: “Kodvwa ngenteni? Cala lini lolitfole encekwini yakho, seloku ngefika lapha kuwe kuze kube ngulamuhla? Angihambi ngani ngiyekulwa netitsa tenkhosi yami?” Akhishi waphendvula, watsi: “Ngiyati kutsi emehlweni ami ujabulisa njengengilosi yaNkulunkulu, noko-ke tindvuna temphi yemaFilisti titsite: ‘Akukafaneli kutsi ahambe natsi kuya emphini.’ Manje-ke nibovuka ekuseni kanye netinceku tenkhosi yakho, lenite kanye nato, nihambe masinyane nje, nakudzabuka kusa.” Ngako Davide nelibutfo lakakhe bavuka ekuseni nakudzabuka kusa, bancandzeka baya eveni lemaFilisti labebasikelwe lona. EmaFilisti wona akhuphuka aya eJezreyeli. Davide nelibutfo lakhe befika eSikilagi ngelilanga lesitsatfu. Ema-Amaleki abetselekele iNegevu neSikilagi, ayiphanga. Abefike ahlasela iSikilagi aphindze ayishisa ngemlilo, atfumba bafati kanye nabo bonkhe lababekuyo, labadzala nalabancane. Abengazange abulala ngisho namunye wabo, kodvwa abatfumba abaleka nabo. Batsi bayefika boDavide nelibutfo lakakhe eSikilagi, balikhandza lidolobha libhubhe lingumlotsa, bafati babo nebantfwababo, emadvodzana nemadvodzakati abo batfunjiwe. Ngako Davide nelibutfo lakakhe bakhala, baze baphelelwa ngemandla ekukhala. BomkaDavide bobabili babetfunjiwe, bo-Ahinowami waseJezreyeli, na-Abigayili, umfelokati waNabali waseKhameli. Davide wadzabuka kakhulu, ngobe lamadvodza abesakhuluma ngekumgcoba ngematje. Ngulowo nalowo abemunyu emoyeni wakhe ngemadvodzana nangemadvodzakati akhe. Kodvwa Davide watfola emandla kuSimakadze Nkulunkulu wakhe. Davide wase ukhuluma ku-Abiyatha, umphristi, umsa wa-Ahimeleki, watsi: “Nginikete sidziya sebaphristi.” Abiyatha wamniketa, Davide wabuta kuSimakadze watsi: “Ngibacoshe yini labatfumbi? Ngitabakhandza yini?” Simakadze watsi: “Bacoshe, utabakhandza nome kanjani, futsi utawukhona kukubuyisa loku labakutfumbile.” Davide nalelibutfo lakakhe, emadvodza langema-600 labehamba nawo, befika emfudlaneni iBhesori, lapho kwafike kwasala khona labanye, ngobe emadvodza langema-200 abesadzinwe kakhulu, ngako ehluleka kwewela lomfudlana iBhesori. Kodvwa Davide nemadvodza langema-400 bachubeka, bagijima. Bakhandza umGibhithe esigangeni, bamletsa kuDavide, base bamnatsisa emanti, bamupha nekudla. Bamupha lucetu lwelicebelengwane lemakhiwa lahlutiwe nemacebelengwane lamabili emagelebisi lomisiwe, wadla, wase ubuyelwa ngemandla. Phela kwase kuphele emalanga lamatsatfu nebusuku bawo angakaze afake lutfo emlonyeni wakhe. Davide wambuta watsi: “Uwakabani wena, uwekuklezaphi?” Watsi: “NgingumGibhithe, sigcili salomunye um-Amaleki. Lomnumzane wami ungishiye lapha, nangicalwa kugula, kulamalanga lamatsatfu lendlulile. Besihlasele iningizimu yemaKherethi neyelive lakaJuda, kanye neningizimu yelive lakaKhalebi, sashisa neSikilagi.” Davide wambuta watsi: “Ungangiyisa yini kubo labatfumbi?” Wamphendvula watsi: “Funga kimi embikwaNkulunkulu kutsi ungeke ungibulale nome unginikele kumnumzane wami, ngitawube sengiyakumikisa kubo.” Wamikisa Davide, wabakhandza bakhona lapho, basakateke nato tonkhe leto tikhotsa, badla, banatsa, batitika ngemphango, ngenca yebunyenti baloko lababekutfumbile eveni lemaFilisti nelakaJuda. Davide wabahlasela wabacitsa kusukela nakuhwalalako, kwaze kwaba ngusebusuku bangakusasa solo abaphetse; kwabate ngisho namunye lowaphunyula ngaphandle kwemajaha langema-400 lagibela emakamela awo, zaya. Davide wabemuka konkhe loko lobekutfunjwe ngema-Amaleki, ngisho nebafati bakhe bobabili imbala. Kute lokwase kulahlekile, labancane nalabadzala, bafana nemantfombatana, imphango, nako konkhe lokunye lababekutfumbile; Davide wabuya nako konkhe. Watsatsa tonkhe tifuyo nemihlambi, emabutfo akhe akuchuba embili kunaleti letinye tifuyo, atsi: “Lena yimphango yaDavide.” Davide waze wefika kulamadvodza langema-200, labesele emfudlaneni iBhesori ngenca yekutsi abesadzinwe kakhulu, aphuma ahlangabeta Davide nalaba lababenaye. Davide kanye nalaba abenabo wababingelela baseta nje. Kodvwa bonkhe lababenetinhlitiyo letimbi nalabanelutfutfuva emkhatsini walaba lababeta naDavide batsi: “Singeke sibacetunele imphango lesiyiphangile, ngobe abakahambi natsi kuyakulwa. Noko nguleyo naleyo ndvodza sitayinika umfati wayo nebantfwabayo, ihambe.” Davide wabaphendvula watsi: “Cha, phela, bomnaketfu, ningete nakwenta loko ngaloku lesikunikwe nguSimakadze. Usivikele wanikela labatfumbi betfu etandleni tetfu. Ngubani-ke lotawulalela loku lenikushoko? Sabelo sendvodza lesele netimphahla kufanele silingane nesendvodza leyile yayakulwa. Sonkhe sitawucetunelana ngalokufananako.” Davide wenta leso kwaba simiso nelisiko laka-Israyeli kusukela ngalelo langa kuze kube ngulamuhla. Davide watsi kube efike eSikilagi, watfumela incenye yemphango kubaholi bakaJuda lababebangani bakhe, atsi: “Naso sipho senu lesiyimphango lephuma etitseni taSimakadze.” Wasitfumela kulabo lababeseBetheli, naseRamothi yaseningizimu, naseJathiri; nakulabo labase-Aroyeri, naseSifmothi, nase-Eshtemowa, naseRakali; nakulabo labasemadolobheni emaJerameli nemaKheni; nakulabo lababeseHoma, naseBhori Ashani, nase-Athakhi, naseHebroni; nakulabo lababekuletinye tindzawo, lapho Davide nebalandzeli bakhe bebasakatekele khona. EmaFilisti alwa nema-Israyeli; ema-Israyeli abaleka, labanyenti basala bafile entsabeni iGilbowa. EmaFilisti abahlala emsileni boSawula nemadvodzana akhe. EmaFilisti abulala emadvodzana aSawula: boJonathani, na-Abinadabi, naMalkhi Shuwa. Imphi yashuba ngakuSawula, labadubula ngebutjoki bamkhandza, bamhlaba kamatima ngemicibisholo. Sawula wakhuluma neludzibi lwakhe, watsi: “Khipha inkemba yakho ungicedzele, kungaze kufike labantfu labangasoki bangicedzele, ngihlazeke.” Kodvwa loludzibi lwakhe lwalwesaba, lungeke lukwente loko; ngako Sawula watsatsa inkemba yakhe, watiwisela kuyo, atibulala. Loludzibi lwakhe lwatsi kube lubone kutsi Sawula sewufile, nalo lwawela enkembeni yalo, lwafa naye. Sawula nemadvodzana akhe omatsatfu, kanye neludzibi lwakhe, nawo onkhe emabutfo akhe bafela ndzawonye ngalanga linye. Ema-Israyeli labengasesigodzini nalowo bekangesheya kweJordane, atsi kube abone kutsi imphi yema-Israyeli seyibalekile, nekutsi Sawula nemadvodzana akhe sebafile, esuka abaleka, ashiya emadolobha awo. EmaFilisti efika ahlala kuwo lawo madolobha. Kwatsi ngakusasa emaFilisti nasatewuhlubula letidvumbu talabafile, akhandza Sawula nemadvodzana akhe omatsatfu, bafele entsabeni iGilbowa. Ajuba inhloko yakhe, atsatsa netikhali takhe, atfumela tigijimi kulo lonkhe lemaFilisti kumemetela lendzaba endlini yabonkulunkulu bawo nakubantfu bakubo. Afaka tikhali takhe ethempelini la-Ashtarothe, abetsela sidvumbu sakhe elubondzeni lwaseBhethi Shani. Batsi kube bantfu baseJabeshi Gileyadi beve ngalesento semaFilisti lasenta kuSawula, tonkhe tihlabani takhona tashuca busuku bonkhe tacondza eBhethi Shani. Tafike tetfula tidvumbu taboSawula nemadvodzana akhe elubondzeni lweBhethi Shani, tancandzeka nato tabuyela eJabeshi, lapho tafike tatishisela khona ngemlilo. Tatsatsa ematsambo abo tayakuwangcwaba ngaphansi kwesihlahla selitamariske, eJabeshi, tazila emalanga lasikhombisa. Emvakwekufa kwaSawula, Davide wancandzeka nasancobe ema-Amaleki, wafike wahlala eSikilagi emalanga lamabili. Ngelilanga lesitsatfu kwefika indvodza iphuma enkambu yaSawula, inetimphahla tayo letidzabukile kanye nelutfuli enhloko. Yatsi nayifika kuDavide, yawa phansi, yakhotsama, imhlonipha. Davide wayibuta watsi: “Uphumaphi?” Yaphendvula yatsi: “Ngibaleke enkambu yaka-Israyeli.” Davide wayibuta watsi: “Kwenteke njani? Ngitjele.” Yamphendvula yatsi: “Emadvodza abalekile ashiya imphi. Linyenti lawo ligwaziwe lafa. NaboSawula nemsa wakhe Jonathani bafile.” Davide wakhuluma kulelijaha lelalimletsele lombiko, watsi: “Wati ngani kutsi Sawula nemsa wakhe Jonathani bafile?” Lelijaha latsi: “Kwentekile ngaba setikwentsaba iGilbowa, ngabona Sawula eyeme etikwesikhali sakhe, tincola kanye nebagibeli bemahhashi sekusondzele kutawukhwela etikwakhe. Watsi kube agucuke angibone, wamemeta, mine ngabuta ngatsi: ‘Yini nje lengingayenta?’ “Wase uyangibuta watsi: ‘Ungubani wena?’ “Mine ngamphendvula ngatsi: ‘Ngingum-Amaleki.’ “Wabe sewukhuluma kimi utsi: ‘Mani lapha ngenhla kwami ungibulale! Sengisemlonyeni wekufa, kodvwa seloku ngisaphila.’ “Ngako ngivele ngema ngenhla kwakhe, ngambulala, ngobe ngatile kutsi njengobe asawile angeke aphindze asindze. Ngibese ngitsatsa lomchele lobewusenhloko yakhe kanye nelibhengela lelisemkhonweni wakhe, ngakuletsa lapha enkhosini yami.” Davide kanye nawo onkhe emadvodza labenawo badzabula tembatfo tabo. Balila bakhala kwaze kwaba nguntsambama, bazilela Sawula, nemsa wakhe Jonathani, nemabutfo aSimakadze, nesive sema-Israyeli, ngobe babebulewe ngenkemba. Davide wabuta lelijaha lelaliletse lombiko kuye, watsi: “Wena uphumaphi?” Laphendvula latsi: “Mine ngiyindvodzana yemuntfu wesive, um-Amaleki.” Davide wambuta watsi: “Wena awukesabi ngani kuphakamisa sandla sakho nekubulala umgcotjwa waSimakadze?” Ngako Davide wabita lenye yalamadvodza, watsi kuyo: “Hamba kuye, umbulale!” Wavele wambulala, wafa. Ngobe Davide abetsite kuye: “Ingati yakho itawubasetikwakho. Nemlomo wakho ukulahla ngebufakazi, nawutsi: ‘Ngibulele logcotjiwe waSimakadze.’ ” Davide washo nasi sililo, alilela Sawula nemsa wakhe Jonathani, wakhipha nemlayeto kutsi emadvodza akaJuda afundziswe lesililo sebutjoki. Sibhalwe encwadzini yaJasheri: “Bukhosi bakho, Israyeli, bulele phansi, bubulawelwe etintsabeni. Emachawe lanemandla kakhulu asawile! “Loku akusiwumenyetelwa eGathi, kungakhulunywa nasetitaladini tase-Ashkeloni, funa emadvodzakati emaFilisti ajabule, funa emadvodzakati alabangakasoki atfokote. “Nine tintsaba taseGilbowa, shangatsi ningabate ematolo nemvula, nibete nemasimi laneminikelo yalokutinhlavu. Ngobe lihawu lalabanemandla lilele ehlazweni, lihawu laSawula alisamanyateliswa ngemafutsa. Engatini yalabagwaziwe nasetidvunjini temachawe, butjoki baJonathani bashaya bacotfula, nenkemba yaSawula ayibuyanga yabayaba. “Sawula naJonathani basaphila babetsandvwa, baligugu, nasekufeni abazange behlukane. Bebanematubane kwendlula emangce, bebanemandla kwendlula emabhubesi. “Awu, madvodzakati aka-Israyeli, lilelani Sawula. Wanembatsisa ngaletibovu naleticolisakele, wahlobisa tingubo tenu ngemihlobiso yegolide. “Emachawe lanemandla awile emphini! Jonathani ulele, ubulawelwe etintsabeni takho. “Ngiyakukhalela, mnaketfu Jonathani, bewuligugu kimi! Lutsandvo lwakho kimi belumangalisa, lumangalisa kwendlula lwalabasikati. “Emachawe lanemandla awile! Tikhali temphi nato setibhubhile.” Emvakwesikhatsi Davide wabuta kuSimakadze, watsi: “Kufanele yini ngenyuke kuyawutsatsa lelinye lalamadolobha akaJuda?” Simakadze watsi: “Yenyuka.” Davide wabuta watsi: “Kufanele ngiye kuphi?” Simakadze wamphendvula watsi: “EHebroni.” Ngako Davide wenyuka kanye nebafati bakhe lababili, bo-Ahinowami waseJezreyeli kanye na-Abigayili, umfelokati waNabali waseKhameli. Davide wahamba kanye nalamadvodza labemsingatsile, nguleyo naleyo inemndeni wayo; bafike bakha emadolobhaneni aseHebroni. Emadvodza akaJuda eta eHebroni, afike amgcobela lapho Davide kutsi abe yinkhosi etikwendlu yakaJuda. Watsi kube Davide eve kutsi emadvodza aseJabeshi Gileyadi ngiwo labengcwabe Sawula, watfumela titfunywa kulawo madvodza aseJabeshi Gileyadi, tafike tatsi: “Simakadze akanibusise ngekukhombisa umusa wenu ngekungcwaba Sawula, inkhosi yenu. Shangatsi Simakadze manje anganiphatsa ngemusa nangekwetsembeka, nami futsi ngitaniphatsa ngalowo musa, njengobe nani nentile. Manje-ke, cinani nibe nesibindzi, ngobe Sawula, inkhosi yenu, sewufile, kodvwa indlu yakaJuda seyigcobe mine kutsi ngibe yinkhosi etikwayo.” Ngaso leso sikhatsi Abneri, umsa waNeri, labeyindvuna yemphi yaSawula abesatsetse Ishboshethi, umsa waSawula, wamletsa eMahanayimu. Wafike wambeka inkhosi yakaGileyadi, neyaka-Asheri, neyaseJezreyeli, neyaka-Efrayimu, neyakaBhenjamini, naku-Israyeli wonkhe. Ishboshethi, umsa waSawula, abesaneminyaka lengema-40, nakabekwa kuba yinkhosi etikwa-Israyeli; wabusa iminyaka lemibili. Kodvwa indlu yakaJuda yona yalandzela Davide. Davide waba yinkhosi eHebroni etikwaJuda iminyaka lesikhombisa netinyanga letisitfupha. Abneri, umsa waNeri, kanye nemadvodza labelandzela Ishboshethi, umsa waSawula, besuka eMahanayimu baya eGibeyoni. Jowabe, umsa waSeruya, kanye nemadvodza akaDavide bahamba bahlangana nabo esitibeni saseGibeyoni. Lelinye licembu lahlala ngalapha kwalesitiba, kwatsi leli lelinye lahlala ngale kwaso, abukana. Abneri wakhuluma kuJowabe, watsi: “Ake sivulele lamajaha alwe, embikwetfu sibuka.” Jowabe watsi: “Kulungile, ase balwe.” Ngako asukuma abalwa, kwaba ngemadvodza lali-12 akaBhenjamini na-Ishboshethi, umsa waSawula, kwatsi lali-12 aba ngakaDavide. Lelo nalelo jaha labamba lelo lelicondzene nalo ngenhloko laligwaza ngenkemba emhlubulweni, awa phansi kanyekanye. Ngako lendzawo yaseGibeyoni yetsiwa libito kwatsiwa yiHelkathi Hasurimu. Ngalelo langa imphi yayesabeka kakhulu, Abneri nemadvodza aka-Israyeli behlulwa ngemadvodza akaDavide. Emadvodzana aSeruya lamatsatfu abelapho, boJowabe na-Abishayi kanye na-Asaheli. Asaheli abegijimisa kwenyamatane yesiganga. Wacosha Abneri, wacondzana naye; abengajikeli ngesekudla nome ngesancele, asamcosha. Abneri wabuka emvakwakhe, wabuta watsi: “Asaheli, nguwe yini lowo?” Waphendvula watsi: “Ngimi.” Abneri wakhuluma kuye watsi: “Phambukela ngasesandleni sekudla nome sesancele ucondzane nalelinye lalamajaha ulemuke letikhali talo.” Kodvwa Asaheli akazange ayekele kumcosha. Waphindza futsi Abneri wecwayisa Asaheli, watsi: “Yekela kungicosha ngemuva! Ungiphocelelelani kutsi ngikugwaze? Ngingambukelwa ngubani umnakenu, Jowabe?” Kodvwa Asaheli akayekelanga kumcosha ngemuva; ngako Abneri wagucuka wamgwaza ngesikhali sakhe esiswini, saze saphumela ngemuva. Wawela phansi, wafa khona lapho. Bonkhe babefike beme lapho Asaheli abewele khona, wafa. Kodvwa Jowabe na-Abishayi bachubeka bacosha Abneri; latsi lilanga nalishona, befika egcumeni lase-Ama, edvute naGiya, endleleni leya emacwacwasini aseGibeyoni. Ngako emadvodza akaBhenjamini abutsana ndzawonye emvakwa-Abneri. Aba sicumbi, abese ema esicongweni seligcuma. Abneri wamemeta Jowabe, watsi: “Kufanele sichubeke nekulwa siphelane yini? Awuboni ngani kutsi loku kuyawugcina sekumunyu? Lamadvodza akakho utawatjela nini kutsi akakuyekele lokucosha bomnakabo ngemuva?” Jowabe waphendvula watsi: “Ngifunga kuphila kwaNkulunkulu, ngitsi kube awukakhulumi, lamadvodza akami abetawuchubeka nekunicosha, kuze kube ngukusasa ekuseni.” Ngako Jowabe washaya licilongo lakhe, onkhe emadvodza ema. Akazange achubeke nekuwacosha lamadvodza aka-Israyeli, kantsi futsi akazange aphindze alwe nawo. Kubo bonkhe lobo busuku Abneri nemadvodza akakhe bashuca badzabula sihosha saseJordane, i-Arabha. Bewela iJordane, badzabula iBhithroni ekhatsi, baye befika eMahanayimu. Jowabe wabuya ekucosheni Abneri, wahlanganisa onkhe emadvodza akakhe. Ngaphandle kwa-Asaheli, kwatfolakala kutsi emadvodza akaDavide lali-19 abesanyamalele. Kodvwa emadvodza akaDavide abebulele bakaBhenjamini labangema-360 labebahamba na-Abneri. BoJowabe batsatsa Asaheli bamngcwaba ethuneni leyise eBhetlehema. Base bashuca busuku bonkhe, befika eHebroni nakudzabuka kusa. Kulwa emkhatsini wendlu yakaSawula neyakaDavide kwachubeka sikhatsi lesidze. Davide wakhula wachubeka kuba nemandla, kantsi indlu yakaSawula yachubeka kuba butsakatsaka. Emadvodzana Davide lawatalelwa eHebroni ngulawa: Litubulo lakhe bekungu-Amnoni ku-Ahinowami waseJezreyeli. Yesibili bekunguKhileyabi, umsa wa-Abigayili, umfelokati waNabali waseKhameli. Yesitsatfu bekungu-Absalomu, umsa waMakha, indvodzakati yaThalmayi, inkhosi yaseGeshuri. Yesine bekungu-Adoniya, umsa waHagithi. Yesihlanu bekunguShefathiya, umsa wa-Abitali. Yesitfupha bekunguJithreyamu ku-Egla, umkakhe. Bonkhe laba batalelwa Davide eHebroni. Ngesikhatsi semphi leyayisemkhatsini wendlu yakaSawula nendlu yakaDavide, Abneri yena abechubeka nekucinisa sikhundla sakhe endlini yaSawula. Sawula abenesingani, libito laso kunguRispha, indvodzakati ya-Aya. Ishboshethi wabuta Abneri, watsi: “Ulaleleni nesingani sababe?” Abneri watfukutsela wabilelana ngenca yalenkhulumo ya-Ishboshethi, waphendvula watsi: “Ucabanga kutsi mine ngikhonta Juda yini? Lamuhla loku mine ngihlonipha indlu yeyihlo, Sawula, nemndeni wakhe kanye nebangani bakhe. Angikaze ngikunikele esandleni saDavide. Noko manje sewungibeka licala macondzana nalomfati! Shangatsi Nkulunkulu angangiphatsa kabuhlungu mine Abneri, nangingamenteli Davide loko Simakadze lametsembisa kona ngesifungo, esuse bukhosi endlini yaSawula, bese umisa Davide esihlalweni sebukhosi kutsi abuse etikwa-Israyeli naJuda, kusukela kaDani kuye kufike eBherisheba.” Ishboshethi akazange aphindze abe nesibindzi sekukhuluma lelinye livi ku-Abneri, ngobe abesamesaba. Abneri watfumela titfunywa takakhe kuDavide, tafike tatsi: “Labani lelive? Yenta nami sivumelwane, mine ngitakusita ekubuyiseni wonkhe Israyeli kutsi abe ngakuwe.” Davide watsi: “Kulungile, ngitasenta nawe sivumelwane. Kodvwa kunye lengikufuna kuwe: Ungeti lapha embikwami, nawungakaletsi Mikhali, indvodzakati yaSawula, nawuta kutangibona.” Davide watfumela titfunywa ku-Ishboshethi, umsa waSawula, wamtjela, watsi: “Letsa umkami Mikhali, lengamtsatsa ngekumkhokhela likhulu lemajwabu emaFilisti.” Ngako Ishboshethi wakhipha umlayeto kutsi atsatfwe endvodzeni yakhe Phaltiyeli, umsa waLayishi. Lendvodza yakhe yahamba naye, ikhala emvakwakhe yonkhe indlela, kwaze kwaba nguseBhahurimu. Abneri wakhuluma kuyo watsi: “Ncandzeka, ubuyele ekhaya!” Yancandzeka-ke lendvodza. Abneri wakhuluma nebaholi baka-Israyeli, watsi: “Sesikhatsi lesidze seloku nifuna kubeka Davide kutsi abe yinkhosi yenu. Manje kwenteni loko! Ngobe Simakadze wetsembisa Davide watsi: ‘Ngenceku yami Davide ngiyakwephula sive sonkhe sema-Israyeli esandleni semaFilisti nasetandleni tato tonkhe titsa taso.’ ” Abneri waphindze wakhuluma yena cobo lwakhe kubakaBhenjamini. Wabe sewuya eHebroni kuyawutjela Davide konkhe Israyeli nendlu yakaBhenjamini lababekufuna. Ngesikhatsi Abneri, labehamba nalamadvodza langema-20, efika kuDavide eHebroni, Davide wamlungiselela lidzili yena kanye nalamadvodza labehamba nawo. Abneri wakhuluma kuDavide, watsi: “Ngicela kutsi ngihambe khona nyalo inkhosi yami ngiyihlanganisele Israyeli wonkhe, khona sitekwenta sivumelwane kanye nawe, nekutsi utewubusa etikwako konkhe lokufisako.” Ngako Davide wase uhambisa Abneri; wahamba ngekuthula. Kwatsi kusenjalo, emabutfo aDavide anaJowabe efika aphuma ekuhlaseleni eta nemphango lenyenti. Kodvwa Abneri abesangekho kuDavide eHebroni, ngobe Davide abesamhambisile, naye wahamba ngekuthula. Watsi kube Jowabe nemabutfo onkhe labehambe nawo efike, watjelwa kutsi Abneri, umsa waNeri, abete enkhosini, nenkhosi yamhambisa ngekuthula. Ngako Jowabe wahamba waya enkhosini, wafike watsi: “Wenteni? Buka, Abneri ufike lapha. Umyekeleleni ahambe? Manje sewuhambile! Nawe uyamati Abneri, umsa waNeri; abetele kutakukuyenga nekubukisisa kuphuma nekungena kwakho, kuze atekuhlolisisa kahle konkhe lokwentekako.” Jowabe wesuka lapho watfumela titfunywa talandzela Abneri, tamncandza tambuyisa asasemtfonjeni waseSira. Kodvwa Davide abengakwati loko. Watsi kube Abneri efike eHebroni, Jowabe wamdvonsela nganhlanye esangweni, kwaba shangatsi kukhona lafuna kutsi akukhulume ngasemasitseleni. Khona lapho, wabe sewumgwaza esiswini, wafa. Ngako Abneri wabulawelwa kutsi naye abebulale Asaheli, umnakaboJowabe. Emvakwaloko, watsi kube Davide eve ngaloku, watsi: “Mine nembuso wami embikwaSimakadze anginalo licala lengati ya-Abneri, umsa waNeri. Shangatsi licala lengati yakhe lingaba setikwenhloko yaJowabe kanye nendlu yeyise! Shangatsi indlu yaJowabe ingete yahlala ingenaye umuntfu lonesilondza lesincincako nome lonalokusabulephelo, nome lohamba ngetimboko, nome lobulawa ngenkemba, nome loswele kudla.” Ngako boJowabe na-Abishayi bakhokha sibhongo ngekubulala Abneri, ngobe abebulele umnakabo Asaheli eGibeyoni. Davide wakhuluma kuJowabe nakubo bonkhe bantfu lababelapho, watsi: “Klebhulani timphahla tenu nembatse emasaka, nihambe nendlule embikwa-Abneri.” Davide, inkhosi, naye cobo lwakhe wahamba emvakweluhlaka lwemngcwabo wa-Abneri. Abneri bamngcwaba eHebroni, inkhosi yakhala yadzatimula ethuneni la-Abneri; nebantfu bonkhe bakhala. Inkhosi yahlabela sililo sa-Abneri, yatsi: “Abneri bekufanele yini afe njengemuntfu losilima? Tinyawo takho betingakaboshwa, netandla takho tingakankinkwa. Uwele phansi wafa njengemuntfu lobulewe tigelekece.” Sive sonkhe saphindza samkhalela futsi. Base bayefika kutawucela Davide kutsi sale asadla kusesemini, kodvwa Davide watsatsa sifungo, watsi: “Shangatsi Nkulunkulu angangishaya ngife, nangingadla lilanga lisengakashoni!” Bonkhe bantfu bakubona loko bajabula; empeleni, konkhe lokwakwentiwa yinkhosi kwabajabulisa. Ngako ngalelo langa bonkhe bantfu nesive sonkhe sema-Israyeli sakwati kutsi inkhosi yayingazange ifake sandla ekubulaweni kwa-Abneri, umsa waNeri. Inkhosi yakhuluma kulamadvodza ayo, yatsi: “Utsi niyabona nje kutsi lamuhla kufe umbusi longumuntfu lomkhulu ka-Israyeli? Lamuhla mine nome sengigcotjiwe, kodvwa angikacini, lamadvodzana aSeruya atidlova. Shangatsi Simakadze angamkhokhisa lomubi ngetento takhe letimbi!” Watsi kube Ishboshethi, umsa waSawula, eve kutsi Abneri ufele eHebroni, wesaba kakhulu, sonkhe sive sema-Israyeli setfuka. Indvodzana yaSawula yayinemadvodza lamabili labebaholi betidlova tekuhlasela. Lomunye bekunguBhana, lomunye kunguRekhabi; babengemadvodzana eRimoni, umBherothi, wesive sakaBhenjamini. IBherothi itsatfwa njengencenye yakaBhenjamini, ngobe sive saseBherothi sabaleka saya kuyakwakha eGithayimu; seloku sahlala khona lapho njengebafokatana kuze kube ngulamuhla. Jonathani, umsa waSawula, abenendvodzana leyayichwalile etinyaweni. Yayineminyaka lesihlanu, nakufika umbiko wekufa kwaSawula naJonathani eJezreyeli. Umzanyana wakhe wamtsatsa wammema, wabaleka naye; kodvwa watsi asabhudvuteliswa kubaleka, lendvodzana yawa, yabe seyiba sishosha. Libito layo bekunguMefiboshethi. BoRekhabi naBhana, emadvodzana aRimoni, umBherothi, bahamba baya endlini ya-Ishboshethi, befika emini selishisa, naye asecambalele kwasemini. Bangena ngekhatsi endlini, kwaba shangatsi bayawufuna kolo, bafike bamgwaza esiswini, wafa. BoRekhabi naBhana, umnakabo, besuka lapho babaleka. Babengene endlini ngesikhatsi asalele embhedzeni, ekamelweni lakhe lekulala. Batsi kube bamgwaze bambulale, base bancuma inhloko yakhe. Bayitsatsa bahamba nayo bonkhe busuku ngendlela yase-Arabha. Lenhloko ya-Ishboshethi bayimikisa kuDavide eHebroni, bafike kuye, batsi: “Nansi inhloko ya-Ishboshethi, umsa waSawula, sitsa sakho labetama kukubulala. Lamuhla Simakadze sewukhokhele inkhosi yami sibhongo kuSawula nentalelwane yakhe.” Davide waphendvula boRekhabi naBhana, umnakabo, emadvodzana aRimoni, umBherothi, watsi: “Ngifunga kuphila kwaSimakadze longikhulule kuko konkhe kuhlupheka, yatsi indvodza nayingitjela itsi: ‘Sawula ufile,’ yona icabanga kutsi ingiletsele tindzaba letimnandzi, ngayibamba ngayibulalela eSikilagi. Lowo kwaba ngumholo nemvuzo lengamnika wona ngaleto tindzaba takhe! Kubi kakhulu kanganani-ke kulabantfu lababi kangaka lababulele umuntfu longenacala, endlini yakhe atilalele embhedzeni wakhe. Mine ngitamkhiphela sibhongo kini ngekunibulala, nginitsanyele emhlabeni!” Ngako Davide wakhipha umlayeto wawucondzisa kulamadvodza akakhe, ababulala. Bajuba tandla tabo netinyawo tabo, tidvumbu tabo batilengisa ngasesitibeni saseHebroni. Kodvwa batsatsa inhloko ya-Ishboshethi bayingcwaba ethuneni la-Abneri, eHebroni. Tonkhe tive tema-Israyeli teta kuDavide eHebroni, tafike tatsi: “Tsine siyinyama yakho nengati yakho. Kadzeni, ngesikhatsi Sawula aseyinkhosi etikwetfu, nguwe lowawuhola sive sema-Israyeli nasiyekulwa etimphini. Simakadze wakhuluma kuwe, watsi: ‘Wena utawuba ngumelusi wesive sami ema-Israyeli, ube ngumbusi waso.’ ” Batsi kube befike bonkhe baholi bema-Israyeli enkhosini Davide eHebroni, inkhosi yenta nabo sivumelwane eHebroni embikwaSimakadze; base bagcoba Davide kutsi abe yinkhosi yema-Israyeli. Davide abeneminyaka lengema-30, nakabekwa kuba yinkhosi, wabusa iminyaka lengema-40. EHebroni wabusa Juda iminyaka lesikhombisa netinyanga letisitfupha, kwatsi eJerusalema wabusa Israyeli naJuda iminyaka lengema-33. Inkhosi nemadvodza ayo yahloma yashuca kuyawuhlasela emaJebhusi labehlala eJerusalema. EmaJebhusi akhuluma kuDavide, atsi: “Ungeke ungenise lapha; ngisho imphumphutse nesishosha imbala, singamane sikuchilite nje wena.” Bacabanga batsi: “Davide angeke angene lapha ngekhatsi.” Noko, Davide wayitfumba inqaba yaseSiyoni, lidolobha laDavide. Ngalelo langa Davide wakhuluma, watsi: “Lowo lotawuncoba emaJebhusi kufanele asebentise imihubhe yemanti, khona atewufikela ‘kulabatishosha nalabatimphuphutse,’ labatitsa taDavide.” Ngiko nje batsi: “ ‘Timphumphutse netishosha’ tingeke tingene endlini.” Davide watsi kube ayitfumbe lenqaba, wabe sewuhlala kuyo, wayetsa libito watsi Lidolobha laDavide. Wakha lidolobha ndzawo tonkhe kuyitungeleta, kusukela kulendzawo leyayigcwalisiwe ngasemphumalanga neligcuma. Wachubeka waba nemandla kakhulu, ngobe Simakadze Nkulunkulu longuSomandla abenaye. Hiramu, inkhosi yaseThire, watfumela titfunywa kuDavide, kanye netingodvo temsedari, nebabati kanye nebacoti bematje, bafike bakha sigodlo saDavide. Davide abati kutsi Simakadze sewumbeke kutsi abe yinkhosi yema-Israyeli, waphakamisa umbuso wakhe ngenca yesive sema-Israyeli. Watsi kube esuke eHebroni, Davide watsatsa labanye bafati, waba netingani letinye nasaseJerusalema, watalelwa emadvodzana nemadvodzakati lamanyenti. Lawa-ke ngemabito ebantfwana labatalelwa eJerusalema: boShamuwa, naShobabi, naNathani, naSolomoni, naJibhari, na-Elishuwa, naNefegi, naJafiya, na-Elishama, na-Eliyada, na-Elifeleti. Atsi kube emaFilisti eve kutsi Davide sewugcotjwe kutsi abe yinkhosi yema-Israyeli, esusa lomkhulu umkhankhaso wekuyakumfuna, kodvwa Davide weva ngaloko, wabe sewuyehla uya enqabeni. EmaFilisti abesafike asabalala naso sonkhe leso Sigodzi semaRefa. Ngako Davide wabuta kuSimakadze, watsi: “Kufanele yini ngihambe kuyawuhlasela lamaFilisti? Utawanikela yini esandleni sami?” Simakadze wamphendvula watsi: “Yebo, hamba, ngobe nakanjani emaFilisti ngitawanikela esandleni sakho.” Ngako Davide wahamba waya eBhali Pherasimu, wafike walwa nawo, wawehlula. Wakhuluma watsi: “Simakadze utibhidlite watehlula titsa tami embikwami, watikhukhula njengekukhukhula kwazamcolo.” Ngako leyo ndzawo yetsiwa libito kwatsiwa yiBhali Pherasimu. EmaFilisti abaleka ashiya tithico tawo khona lapho, boDavide nemadvodza akakhe batitsatsela bahamba nato. Aphindza futsi emaFilisti enyuka asabalala naso sonkhe leso Sigodzi semaRefa. Ngako Davide wabuta kuSimakadze, lowaphendvula watsi: “Ungenyukeli lapho, kodvwa tungeleta ngemuva kwawo, bese uwahlasela ngembili kwetihlahla tebhalisamu. Utawutsi ungeva tigi tekushuca kwawo lena enhla nato letihlahla tebhalisamu, usheshise ushakutele, ngobe loko kutawube kusho kutsi Simakadze sewuhambe embili kuyawubulala emabutfo emaFilisti.” Ngako Davide wenta loko Simakadze labemyale ngako kutsi akwente, emaFilisti wawabulala yonkhe indlela kusukela eGibeyoni kuze kufike eGezeri. Davide waphindze wabutsela ndzawonye emadvodza elikhetselo aka-Israyeli, labeti-30 000 asawonkhe. Davide kanye nawo onkhe lamadvodza labewabutsile bashuca besuka eBhala lakaJuda kuyakwenyusa libhokisi lesivumelwane saSimakadze khona, lelalibitwa ngeLibito, libito laSimakadze longuSomandla, lobusela esihlalweni sebukhosi asemkhatsini wemakherubhi lasetikwelibhokisi lesivumelwane. Bekhweta libhokisi lesivumelwane saNkulunkulu encoleni lensha, balikhipha endlini yaka-Abinadabi, leyayisetulu entsatjananeni. Bo-Uza na-Ahiyo, emadvodzana a-Abinadabi, babeshayela lencola lensha, leyayetfwele libhokisi lesivumelwane saNkulunkulu; Ahiyo yena abelihambela embili. Davide kanye nayo yonkhe indlu yaka-Israyeli babejabula bagidza ngawo onkhe emandla abo embikwaSimakadze bamdvumisa ngetingoma, nangemahabhu, nangemalire, nangemafahlawane, nangetikhelekehle, nangabokhencekhence. Batsi nabefika ebaleni lekubhulela lakaNakhoni, letinkhabi takhubatela, ngako Uza welula sandla, wabamba libhokisi lesivumelwane saNkulunkulu. Lulaka lwaSimakadze lwamvutsela Uza, ngenca yesento sakhe sekungahloniphi. Ngako Nkulunkulu wamshaya, wafa, wafela khona lapho eceleni kwelibhokisi lesivumelwane saNkulunkulu. Davide wase uyatfukutsela, ngobe lulaka lwaSimakadze lwalwehlele etikwa-Uza. Kuze kube ngulamhla loku leyo ndzawo seyabitwa ngekutsi yiPheresi Uza. Ngalelo langa Davide wesaba Simakadze, wadzimate watsi: “Lingeta kanjani-ke libhokisi lesivumelwane kami?” Ngako wangabe asavuma kulitsatsa ahambe nalo aye eJerusalema, Lidolobha laDavide. Wabe sewuyaphambuka, walimikisa ekhaya ka-Obedi Edomu, waseGathi. Libhokisi lesivumelwane saSimakadze lahlala ekhaya ka-Obedi Edomu, waseGathi, tinyanga letintsatfu; Simakadze wambusisa Obedi Edomu kanye nayo yonkhe indlu yakhe. Inkhosi Davide bayitjela batsi: “Simakadze sewuyibusisile indlu yaka-Obedi Edomu, kanye nako konkhe kwakakhe ngenca yelibhokisi lesivumelwane saSimakadze.” Ngako Davide wase uyehla uyawulandza libhokisi lesivumelwane saNkulunkulu ekhaya ka-Obedi Edomu, weta nalo, waliletsa eJerusalema, Lidolobha laDavide, ahamba ajabula. Kwatsi laba lababetfwele lelibhokisi lesivumelwane nase batsetse tinyatselo letisitfupha, wase unikela ngemhlatjelo wenkunzi nangelitfokati lelikhuluphele. Davide abembetse sidziya sebaphristi lesasentiwe ngelineni, wagidza embikwaSimakadze ngawo onkhe emandla akhe ajabulile, ngesikhatsi yena kanye nayo yonkhe indlu yema-Israyeli beta nelibhokisi lesivumelwane saSimakadze badvumisa ngekuhlabela nangekushaya emacilongo. Latsi libhokisi lesivumelwane saSimakadze nalingena eDolobheni laDavide, Mikhali, indvodzakati yaSawula, wabukela, avele ngelifasitelo. Watsi nakabona inkhosi Davide igiya igcabashula embikwaSimakadze, wayedzelela enhlitiyweni yakhe. Libhokisi laSimakadze baliletsa balibeka endzaweni yalo ekhatsi ethendeni Davide labelakhele lona, Davide wenta umhlatjelo wekushiswa kanye neminikelo yebudlelwane embikwaSimakadze. Watsi nase acedzile kwenta iminikelo yekushiswa neminikelo yebudlelwane, wase ubusisa sive egameni laSimakadze longuSomandla. Wase uniketa wonkhe umuntfu labekhona kuleso sicuku umkhama wesinkhwa, nelicebelengwane lemasundvu kanye nelemagelebisi lomisiwe, onkhe ema-Israyeli, labadvuna nalabasikati. Bonkhe bantfu bacitseka babuyela emakhaya abo. Watsi Davide nasabuyele ekhaya lakhe kuyawubusisa indlu yakakhe, wahlangatjetwa nguMikhali, indvodzakati yaSawula, wafike watsi: “Inkhosi yema-Israyeli itentele ligama lelikhulu lamuhla, itivete njengalesikhulu silima emehlweni aletidzandzane tetindvuna tayo!” Davide wamphendvula watsi: “Bengigcabashula embikwaSimakadze lona lowakhetsa mine kuneyihlo, nakubo bonkhe bantfu basendlini kakhe, mzukwane angigcoba kutsi ngibe ngumholi etikwesive saSimakadze, ema-Israyeli. Ngisetawugiya embikwaSimakadze. Ngisetakwehla kakhulu kunaloku, futsi ngitakwedzeleleka kakhulu emehlweni ami. Kodvwa-ke kuletigcili letitintfombi lokhuluma ngato ngitawuhlonipheka.” Mikhali, indvodzakati yaSawula, akazange abe namntfwana, kwaze kwaba lilanga lakhe lekufa. Davide inkhosi watsi nase ahleti kahle, atintile esigodlweni sakhe, Simakadze asamphumutile nekumphumuta etitseni takhe tonkhe letatakhelene naye, wase ukhuluma kuNathani, umphrofethi, watsi: “Buka la, mine ngihleti kahle esigodlweni lesakhiwe ngemisedari, kodvwa libhokisi lesivumelwane saNkulunkulu lihleti ethendeni.” Nathani wayiphendvula inkhosi, watsi: “Loko lonako engcondvweni yakho, chubeka ukwente, ngobe Simakadze unawe.” Ngalobo busuku kwefika livi laSimakadze kuNathani, latsi: “Hamba utjele inceku yami Davide, utsi: ‘Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: Nguwe yini lofanele kungakhela indlu yekuhlala? Mine angizange sengihlale endlini kusukela ngelilanga lengakhipha ngalo ema-Israyeli eveni laseGibhithe kuze kube ngulamuhla. Bengisolo ngihamba tindzawo ngetindzawo, nelithende lekuhlangana kunguyonandlu yami lengihlala kuyo. Yonkhe indzawo lapho bengihamba khona nema-Israyeli, ngase ngasho yini khona kumunye webaholi babo, lengangibatfuma kutsi beluse sive sami ema-Israyeli, ngatsi: “Awukangakheli ngani indlu yekuhlala yemisedari?” ’ “Manje-ke tjela inceku yami Davide, utsi: ‘Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze longuSomandla, utsi: “Ngakutsatsa emadlelweni, ekulandzeleni imihlambi, kutsi utewuba ngumholi wesive sami, ema-Israyeli. Benginawe kuyo yonkhe indzawo lapho bewuhamba khona, ngibhubhise tonkhe titsa takho embikwakho. Manje ngitakwenta libito lakho libe likhulu njengemabito ebaholi labakhulu emhlabeni. Sive sami, ema-Israyeli, ngitasentela indzawo lenhle, ngisihlanyele khona kuze sibe nelikhaya laso, singaphindzi sikhatsateke. Bantfu lababi bangeke baphindze basihluphe sive njengobe bebenta ekucaleni, njengobe benta seloku ngacala kubeka baholi etikwesive ami, ema-Israyeli. Ngitakupha nekuphumula kuto tonkhe titsa takho. “ ‘ “Simakadze ukhipha livi kuwe lekutsi Simakadze yena matfupha utakwakhela wena indlu. Emalanga akho nase aphelile, sewulele kuboyihlomkhulu, ngiyawuvusa umliba wakho kutsi uhlale esihlalweni sakho sebukhosi, loyo loyawuphuma elukhalweni lwakho, ngiyakuwumisa umbuso wakhe. Nguye-ke longuyena ayawungakhela indlu, ayakhele Libito lami, ngiyakumisa sihlalo sebukhosi bembuso wakhe phakadze naphakadze. Mine ngiyawuba nguyise wakhe, yena abe yindvodzana yami. Nakenta lokubi, ngiyakumjezisa ngeluswati lwemadvodza, nangemivimba leyentiwa boyise kubantfwana. Kodvwa lutsandvo lwami alusoze lwasuswa kuye, njengobe ngalususa kuSawula, lengamsusa embikwakho. Indlu yakho nembuso wakho kuyakuma embikwami kuze kube phakadze. Sihlalo sakho sebukhosi siyakuhlala sisimile phakadze naphakadze.” ’ ” Nathani wawabika kuDavide onkhe lamavi aso sonkhe leso sembulo. Inkhosi Davide yase iyahamba yayawungena ethendeni lebukhona baSimakadze, yafike yahlala phansi, yathandaza yatsi: “Bengingubani mine, Nkhosi Simakadze? Yona indlu yeketfu beyiyini, kutsi ungangihola kuze kube ngumanje? Kwaba shangatsi konkhe loku bekungakeneli kuwe. Awu! Nkhosi, Simakadze! Manje sewukhulume ngisho nangelikusasa lendlu yenceku yakho. Kungabe kantsi lena nguyona ndlela lophatsa ngayo bantfu bakho yini, Nkhosi, Simakadze? Yini lenye lengashiwo nguDavide kuwe, ngobe uyayati inceku yakho, awu, Nkhosi Simakadze? Ngenca yelivi lakho nangekwentsandvo yakho, wente letintfo letinkhulu kangaka, wase utatisa inceku yakho. “Maye, wena umkhulu! Awu! Nkhosi, Simakadze! Kute lonjengawe, futsi kute Nkulunkulu ngaphandle kwakho, njengobe tsine sativela ngetindlebe tetfu. Kona ngubani nje lonjengesive sakho, ema-Israyeli, sive lekukuphela kwaso emhlabeni Nkulunkulu lowaphuma wayakusikhulula kutsi sibe sive sakhe, atakhele libito lelikhulu, watakwenta timangaliso letinkhulu naletishacisako ngekudvungulula tive ngetive kanye nabonkulunkulu bato embikwesive sakho lowasikhulula eGibhithe? Umise sive sakho, ema-Israyeli, sibe sive lesingusona sisakho phakadze naphakadze, wena-ke Simakadze, sewaba nguNkulunkulu waso. “Manje-ke, Simakadze Nkulunkulu, sale usigcina setsembiso sakho losentile macondzana nenceku yakho kanye nendlu yayo. Yenta njengobe wetsembisile, kuze Libito lakho libe likhulu phakadze naphakadze. Ngaloko-ke bantfu bayakutsi: ‘Simakadze longuSomandla, unguNkulunkulu wema-Israyeli!’ Indlu yenceku yakho Davide iyakuma itinte embikwakho. “Awu, Simakadze longuSomandla, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, ukwembulile loku encekwini yakho, watsi: ‘Ngiyakwakhela indlu.’ Ngako inceku yakho ikhutsatekile kutsi inikele ngalomkhuleko kuwe. Awu, Nkhosi, Simakadze! Wena unguNkulunkulu! Emavi akho etsembekile, manje futsi sewunike inceku yakho lesetsembiso lesihle. Manje-ke, shangatsi kungakujabulisa kubusisa indlu yenceku yakho, kuze ichubeke njalo embikwakho, ngobe wena, Nkhosi Simakadze, sewukukhulumile. Ngesibusiso sakho indlu yenceku yakho iyawubusiseka phakadze naphakadze.” Kwatsi emvakwaloko, Davide wahlasela emaFilisti, wawehlula, wawemuka emandla ekutibusa wona eveni, watsatsa neMethegi Ama, wayikhipha ekubusweni ngemaFilisti. Davide wachubeka wahlasela nemaMowabi, wawehlula. Abebalalisa phansi emhlabatsini, bese ubulala babili njalo kulabatsatfu baletitfunjwa. Ngako emaMowabi ase aba ngaphansi kwakhe, aletsa imitselo yawo kuDavide. Ngetulu kwaloko Davide wahlasela naHadadezeri, umsa waRehobi, inkhosi yaseSobha, ngesikhatsi Hadadezeri asayawutsatsa kubusa kwakhe ngasemfuleni iYufrathe. Davide watfumba inkhulungwane yetincola takhe temphi, nebashayeli betincola temphi labati-7 000, nemasotja lahamba ngetinyawo lati-20 000. Onkhe emahhashi wawageca imisipha, washiya emahhashi etincola letilikhulu. Atsi ayeta emaSiriya aseDamaseko, atsi atekwelekelela Hadadezeri, inkhosi yaseSobha, Davide wabulala aba ti-22 000 kuwo. Davide wase umisa tinkambu temabutfo eSiriya laseDamaseko. EmaSiriya ase aba bantfu bakhe atsela kuye Davide. Simakadze wapha Davide kuncoba nome ngukuphi lapho ahlasela khona. Davide watsatsa lamahawu egolide labengewetindvuna taHadadezeri, wahamba nawo, wawayisa eJerusalema. Davide watitsatsela incumbi yelitfusi edolobheni laseThebha, nelaseBherothayi, emadolobha labebuswa nguHadadezeri. Kwatsi kube Thoyi, inkhosi yaseHamathi, eve kutsi Davide ubhubhise yonkhe imphi yakaHadadezeri, Thoyi wase utfumela indvodzana yakhe Joramu kuDavide, inkhosi, kutsi iyekumbingelela iphindze imhalalisele ngekuncoba kwakhe emphini yabo naHadadezeri. Hadadezeri abeke walwa naThoyi ngaphambili. Joramu waphatsela Davide tintfo tesiliva, netegolide, netelitfusi. Inkhosi Davide letintfo yatinikela kuSimakadze, njengobe beyentile nangaleti tesiliva, nangetegolide letatiphuma kuto tonkhe tive beyitincobile, yatitfumba: ema-Edomu, nemaMowabi, nema-Amoni, nemaFilisti, nema-Amaleki. Davide wanikela nangemphango labeyitfumbe kuHadadezeri, umsa waRehobi, inkhosi yaseSobha. Davide wadvuma kakhulu, nasabuya kuyawubhubhisa ema-Edomu lati-18 000 eSigodzini Seluswayi. Wase umisa tinkambu temasotja kulo lonkhe laka-Edomu. Onkhe ema-Edomu ase aba ngaphansi kwaDavide. Simakadze wapha Davide kuncoba nome ngukuphi lapho ahlasela khona. Davide wawabusa onkhe ema-Israyeli, enta loko lokulungile kubo bonkhe bantfu bakhe. Jowabe, umsa waSeruya, abengumphatsi wemphi; Jehoshafati, umsa wa-Ahiludi, abengulobhalisako. BoSadoki, umsa wa-Ahitubi, kanye na-Ahimeleki, umsa wa-Abiyatha, bona babebaphristi; Seraya yena abengumabhalane. Bhenaya, umsa waJehoyada, abephetse emaKherethi nemaPhelethi, emadvodzana aDavide wona abeliqoqo. Ngalelinye lilanga Davide wabuta watsi: “Sekwabate ngisho namunye yini loyinsali yendlu yakaSawula lengingamentela umusa ngenca yaJonathani?” Kwakukhona sisebenti sasendlini yakaSawula lekwakutsiwa nguSiba, libito laso. Ngako bambita kutsi avele embikwaDavide, inkhosi. Davide wafike watsi kuye: “Nguwe yini Siba?” Yena waphendvula watsi: “Ngiyinceku yakho.” Inkhosi yabuta yatsi: “Sekwabate ngisho namunye yini wendlu yakaSawula lengingamentela umusa waNkulunkulu?” Siba waphendvula inkhosi watsi: “Isekhona indvodzana yaJonathani; mane nje yachwala tinyawo totimbili.” Inkhosi yabuta yatsi: “Iphi?” Siba watsi: “Isendlini kaMakhire, umsa wa-Amiyeli, eLo Dabari.” Ngako inkhosi Davide, yatsi ayilandvwe endlini kaMakhire, umsa wa-Amiyeli, eLo Dabari. Watsi Mefiboshethi, umsa waJonathani, lotalwa nguSawula, nefika kuDavide, wakhotsama, akhombisa kumhlonipha. Davide watsi: “Mefiboshethi!” Mefiboshethi watsi: “Ngiyinceku yakho.” Davide watsi: “Ungesabi, ngobe ngempela ngitakwentela umusa ngenca yeyihlo Jonathani. Ngitalibuyisela kuwe lonkhe lelo live lelalilamkhulu wakho Sawula, wena-ke utabodla nami njalo nje etafuleni lami.” Mefiboshethi wakhotsama, watsi: “Iyini inceku yakho, kutsi ungaze unakekele inja lefile njengami?” Ngako inkhosi yase ibita Siba, sisebenti sakaSawula, yatsi kuye: “Senginike umntfwanemntfwanenkhosi yakho konkhe loko bekukwaSawula kanye nekwendlu yakhe. Wena-ke kanye nemadvodzana akho netisebenti takho kufanele nilime lomhlaba wakhe niletse tivuno, kuze lomntfwanemntfwanenkhosi yakho angetiwulamba. Mefiboshethi-ke, umntfwanemntfwanenkhosi yakho, yena utabodla kanye nami etafuleni lami onkhe emalanga.” Siba abesanemadvodzana lali-15 kanye netisebenti letingema-20. Siba wakhuluma enkhosini, watsi: “Inceku yakho itakwenta konkhe loko lokushiwo yinkhosi yami, inkhosi, kutsi inceku ikwente.” Ngako-ke Mefiboshethi abesadla etafuleni laDavide kanye naye njengalomunye wemadvodzana enkhosi Davide. Mefiboshethi-ke abenendvodzana yakhe leyayiseyincane, libito layo kunguMikha; bonkhe bendlu yaSiba bebatisebenti taMefiboshethi. Mefiboshethi-ke abesahlala eJerusalema, ngobe abesadla nenkhosi etafuleni layo njalo nje. Abechwale tinyawo totimbili. Kwatsi emvakwaloko inkhosi yema-Amoni yakhotsama. Hanuni, umsa waNahashi, waba yinkhosi. Davide wacabanga watsi: “Ngitakumentela bubele Hanuni, umsa waNahashi, njengobe neyise angentela bubele.” Ngako Davide watfumela titfunywa kutsi tiyewulilela Hanuni macondzana nekufa kweyise. Tatsi letitfunywa taDavide natifika eveni lema-Amoni, baholi bema-Amoni bakhuluma kuHanuni, inkhosi yabo, batsi: “Ucabanga kutsi Davide uhlonipha uyihlo ngalokutfumela emadvodza akakhe lapha kuwe kutsi atekulilela? Utsi Davide akatfumeli lamadvodza kuwe kutsi atewuhlamahlama lelidolobha, alihlole, bese ayalibhubhisa?” Ngako Hanuni wawabamba lamadvodza akaDavide, wawahhula, nguleyo naleyo incenye yesilevu sayo, wahhumbula netembatfo tawo macondzana netibunu tawo, wase uyawayekela, ahamba. Kwatsi kube Davide atjelwe ngaloko, wakhipha tigijimi kutsi tiwahlangabete lamadvodza, ngobe abesahlaziseke kakhulu. Inkhosi yatsi: “Hlalani eJerikho, tize tihlume kahle tilevu tenu, bese niyabuya-ke.” Ema-Amoni atsi kube abone kutsi asatente aba liphunga lelibi kuDavide, ase acasha emasotja emaSiriya lati-20 000, ashuca ngetinyawo esuka eBhethi Rehobu, naseSobha; nasenkhosini yaseMakha kwaphuma emadvodza layinkhulungwane, naseThobu kwaphuma emadvodza lati-12 000. Watsi kube akuve loko Davide, watfumela Jowabe, wamkhipha nalo lonkhe libutfo lemphi yetingwazi. Ema-Amoni ashuca aphumela ngephandle, atihlela ekungeneni kwelidolobha. Laba labanye, emaSiriya aseSobha newaseRehobu kanye nemadvodza aseThobu newaseMakha wona atihlela ngephandle esigangeni. Jowabe wabona kutsi emabutfo etitsa atamhlasela ngembili nangemuva, wase ukhetsa bokadzebona betingwazi cobo lwato temabutfo ema-Israyeli, watimisa tabhekana nemaSiriya. Kwatsi lawa lasele emabutfo wawabeka esandleni semnakabo, Abishayi, lowawahlela nawo abhekana nema-Amoni. Jowabe watjela Abishayi watsi: “Nawubona kutsi emaSiriya ayangehlula, ubobe sewuyeta utangelekelela, nami nangibona kutsi ema-Amoni ayakwehlula, ngitakuta ngitekwelekelela. Cina, ube nesibindzi! Asilwe ngesibindzi silwele sive sakitsi nemadolobha aNkulunkulu wetfu. Simakadze utakwenta loko lokuhle emehlweni akhe.” Jowabe nelibutfo lakakhe bashuca bahlasela emaSiriya. EmaSiriya ehlulwa, abaleka. Ema-Amoni nawo atsi kube abone kutsi emaSiriya ayabaleka, nawo esuka ngematubane abalekela Abishayi, angena edolobheni. Ngako Jowabe wabuya ekuhlaseleni ema-Amoni, wabuyela ekhaya eJerusalema. EmaSiriya atsi kube abone kutsi ehlulwe ngema-Israyeli, ahlanganisa onkhe emabutfo awo ndzawonye. Inkhosi Hadadezeri walandza nemaSiriya labengasemphumalanga kwemfula iYufrathe, beta nabo eHelamu, baholwa nguShobaki, indvuna yemphi yenkhosi Hadadezeri waseSobha. Davide watsi kube akuve loko, naye wabutsa onkhe emabutfo ema-Israyeli, wewela umfula iJordane wabanga eHelamu. EmaSiriya nawo aklamela abhekana naye. Imphi yabambana etulu. Kodvwa emaSiriya abaleka embikwema-Israyeli, Davide wabulala bagibeli betincola temphi lababengema-700, nemasotja labeti-40 000, labeshuca ngetinyawo. Wachubeka wagadla nakuShobaki, indvuna yabo yemphi, wafa khona lapho. Lawa lamanye emakhosi labengaphansi kwaHadadezeri, atsi kube abone kutsi asehlulwe ngema-Israyeli, ase enta sivumelwane sekuthula nema-Israyeli, ase aba ngaphansi kwawo. Ngako emaSiriya esaba kuphindze asite ema-Amoni. Kwatsi entfwasahlobo lelandzelako, ngesikhatsi emakhosi laphuma ngaso timphi, Davide yena watfumela Jowabe, wamkhipha kanye netindvuna takhe kanye nayo yonkhe imphi yema-Israyeli. Bafike babhubhisa ema-Amoni, bavimbetela lidolobha laseRabha. Davide yena abesele eJerusalema. Kwatsi ngalelinye lilanga kusihlwa Davide wavuka embhedzeni wakhe, wahambahamba etulu endlini yakhe yebukhosi. Watsi aselapho, wabona umfati ageza. Lomfati abemuhle, acedzile. Davide wase utfumela umuntfu kuyawubuta kutsi ungubani. Lomuntfu wakhuluma watsi: “Phela lowo nguBhatisheba, indvodzakati ya-Eliyamu; ungumka-Uriya, umHethi.” Davide wase uyatfumela kutsi akalandvwe. Wefika kuDavide, Davide wamtsatsa, walala naye. Bhatisheba abesandza kucedza kutihlambulula ekungcoleni kwakhe. Wase uyancandzeka ubuyela ekhaya. Bhatisheba wase uyatibona kutsi sewutetfwele, wase utfumela ligama kuDavide, wamatisa watsi: “Sengitetfwele.” Davide watfumela ligama kuJowabe atsi: “Ngitfumelele Uriya, umHethi.” Ngako Jowabe watfumela Uriya kuDavide. Watsi nakefika Uriya, Davide wambuta Jowabe kutsi unjani, nekutsi emabutfo wona anjani, nekutsi imphi ichubeka kanjani. Davide wase utsi ku-Uriya: “Yehla uye ekhaya kakho uyewuphumula sikhashana.” Ngako Uriya waphuma esigodlweni; inkhosi yatfumela sipho ekhaya ka-Uriya. Kodvwa Uriya akazange aye ekhaya lakhe, walala emasangweni esigodlo kanye naletinye tinceku tenkhosi yakhe. Watsi Davide nakeva kutsi Uriya akayi ekhaya kakhe, wambuta, watsi: “Awukayi ngani ekhaya lakho? Angitsi uyefika nje ubuya khashane?” Uriya waphendvula Davide watsi: “Libhokisi lesivumelwane nemadvodza aka-Israyeli newakaJuda asemathendeni kanye nendvuna yami Jowabe netindvuna takhe bakambe ebaleni esigangeni. Pho, mine ngingaya kanjani ekhaya lami ngiyekudla, nginatse, ngilale kumkami? Ngifunga ngawe nangemphefumulo wakho, ngitsi: Ngingeke sengiyente mine intfo lenjalo!” Davide wase ukhuluma utsi: “Ase uhlale natsi-ke lonkhe lelilanga lalamuhla, ngitakuncandzekisa kusasa.” Ngako Uriya wahlala eJerusalema lonkhe lelo langa, nangakusasa kwakhona. Davide wammema kutsi atewudla kanye naye ekudleni kwakusihlwa, wamklinkla ngetjwala, entela kutsi adzakwe. Kodvwa nangalobo busuku Uriya akazange aye ekhaya lakhe, wesuka walala kanye naletinye tinceku tenkhosi yakhe esigodlweni. Ekuseni ngakusasa Davide wabhala incwadzi, wabhalela Jowabe, wayiphatsisa Uriya. Kulencwadzi abebhale watsi: “Beka Uriya embili lapho imphi ishisa ngakhona. Bese niyakhwesha kuye, nentele kutsi atewubulawa.” Ngako kwatsi Jowabe nasavimbetele lidolobha, wabeka Uriya endzaweni lapho abati kahle khona kutsi titsa tinemandla. Emabutfo etitsa atsi nasaphumela ngaphandle kwelidolobha, ahlasela Jowabe kanye nemabutfo akhe, letinye tihlabani letibalulekile taDavide tabulawa kanye na-Uriya, umHethi, tafa. Jowabe wase utfumela kuDavide umbiko lophelele ngekuchubeka kwemphi. Wayala lesitfunywa watsi: “Nasewucedzile kunika inkhosi lombiko ngalemphi, inkhosi ingahle ikuvutsele ngelukaka, bese iyabuta itsi: ‘Nisondzeleleni madvutane kangako nelidolobha kuyakulwa nalo? Beningati yini kutsi bangahle banijijimete ngetikhali lapha etulu elubondzeni? Ngubani lowabulala Abimeleki, umsa waJerubheshethi? Akabulawanga yini ngumfati lowehlisela imbakadza yelitje etikwakhe asetulu elubondzeni, kuze afele eThebesi? Benisondzelelani ngaphansi kwalolubondza?’ Nakakubuta konkhe loko, umtjele utsi: ‘Nenceku yakho Uriya, umHethi, ifile.’ ” Lesitfunywa saphuma sahamba, satsi kube sifike kuDavide, samtjela konkhe lesasikutfunywe nguJowabe kutsi sikusho. Lesitfunywa satsi kuDavide: “Lemphi isengeme futsi iphume yahlangabetana natsi ebaleni, kodvwa sibadvudvule sayawubabeka esangweni lelidolobha. Banembi bakhona base bajijimeta tinceku takho basetulu elubondzeni, lamanye emadvodza enkhosi afa. Ngetulu kwaloko kufe nenceku yakho Uriya, umHethi.” Davide watsi kulesitfunywa: “Ubofike utjele Jowabe utsi: ‘Kungakujabhisi loku; umkhonto udla umuntfu njengalomunye. Cinisa kakhulu uhlasele lelo dolobha ulibhubhise.’ Khuluma loko ukhutsate Jowabe.” Umka-Uriya watsi kube eve kutsi indvodza yakhe seyifile, wayizilela. Kwatsi nase siphelile sikhatsi sekumzilela, Davide watsi akalandvwe aletfwe kakhe. Wabe sewumenta umfati wakhe, wamtalela indvodzana. Kodvwa lentfo leyayentiwe nguDavide yaba yimbi emehlweni aSimakadze. Simakadze watfumela Nathani kuDavide. Watsi kube efike kuye, wakhuluma watsi: “Edolobheni lelitsite kwakunemadvodza lamabili, lenye yayinjingile, kantsi lena lenye yona yayiphuyile. Lena leyayinjingile yayinemihlambi lemikhulu yetimvu netinkhomo, kodvwa lena lephuyile yayingenalutfo ngaphandle kwelizinyane linye lelisikati leyayilitsengile. Yalikhulisa, lakhula kanye nebantfwabayo. Yayilondla ngisho nangekudla kwayo, ilinatsise nemanti endzebeni yayo, yayize iligone lilale emikhonweni yayo. Lalifanana nendvodzakati yayo kuyo. “Ngalelinye lilanga kwefika sihambi kulena lenjingile, kodvwa lenjinga yala kutsatsa lenye yetimvu tayo nome etinkhomeni tayo itewulungisa kudla kwalesihambi lesasiyifikele. Esikhundleni saloko yatsatsa lelizinyane lemvu lelisikati lelalilalendvodza lephuyile, yalungisela lesivakashi lesasifike lapha kayo.” Davide watfukutsela wabila, atfukutselela lendvodza, waze wakhuluma kuNathani watsi: “Ngifunga kuphila kwaSimakadze, ngitsi, lomuntfu lowente intfo lenjena kufanele afe nekufa! Kufanele akhokhe lelizinyane lalomuntfu seliphindvwe kane, ngobe wente intfo lembi, wayenta ngesibhuku.” Nathani wakhuluma kuDavide, watsi: “Lowo muntfu nguwe, nkhosi! Naku-ke Simakadze Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli lakushoko, utsi: ‘Ngakugcoba kutsi ube yinkhosi yema-Israyeli, ngakukhulula esandleni saSawula. Ngakupha indlu yenkhosi yakho kanye nebafati benkhosi yakho kutsi babe bakho. Ngakupha indlu yaka-Israyeli neyakaJuda. Kube konkhe loku bekukuncane kakhulu kuwe, ngabe ngikwengetele ngakunika lokunye ngetulu. Uledzeleleleni livi laSimakadze ngekwenta lokubi emehlweni akhe? Ubulele Uriya, umHethi, ngenkemba, wabe sewutsatsa umkakhe wamenta umkakho. Umbulele ngenkemba yema-Amoni. Ngako-ke inkemba ingeke iphindze isuke endlini yakho, ngobe wedzelele mine ngekutsatsa umka-Uriya, umHethi, umente umkakho.’ “Naku-ke lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: ‘Ngitakwehlisela inhlekelele letawuvela emndenini wakho. Ngitawutsatsa bafati bakho ubuka, ngibanike lowo lohlobene nawe, alale nabo emini kubuka wonkhe umuntfu. Wena loku ukwentele emasitseleni, kodvwa mine loko ngitakwenta emini kala bha, sonkhe sive sema-Israyeli sibuka.’ ” Davide wakhuluma kuNathani, watsi: “Ngonile kuSimakadze.” Nathani waphendvula watsi: “Simakadze sewusisusile sono sakho. Ungeke usafa. Kodvwa njengobe sewente loku, wenta kutsi titsa taSimakadze tingamhloniphi, lendvodzana yakho letawutalwa itakufa.” Nathani wahamba waya ekhaya kakhe. Simakadze washaya lomntfwana waDavide, labemtele kumka-Uriya, ngesifo, wagula. Davide wancengela lomntfwanakhe kuNkulunkulu. Wazila, wangena endlini yakhe, walala phansi emhlabatsini busuku ngebusuku. Baholi bendlu yakhe bema eceleni kwakhe bentela kumvusa, kodvwa wala, akazange adle kanye nabo. Kwatsi ngelilanga lesikhombisa lomntfwanakhe wafa. Tinceku taDavide tesaba kumtjela kutsi umntfwana sewufile, ngobe taticabanga titsi: “Ngesikhatsi lomntfwana asaphila, sakhuluma kuDavide, akazange asilalele. Pho, singamtjela kanjani kutsi lomntfwana sewufile? Angahle ente intfo lebuhlungu.” Davide wabona kutsi kukhona tinceku takhe letatikuhleba, wavele wabona kutsi lomntfwana sewufile. Wabuta watsi: “Lomntfwana sewufile yini?” Tavuma tatsi: “Yebo, sewufile.” Davide wasukuma phansi. Watsi kube ageze, agcobise, antjintje netimphahla takhe, wahamba waya endlini yaSimakadze, wafike wamkhonta. Wabe sewuya endlini yakhe, wabacela kutsi bamnike kudla, wadla. Tinceku takhe tambuta tatsi: “Ukwentelani loku? Ngesikhatsi lomntfwana asaphila, wazila, wakhala, kodvwa nyalo, njengobe lomntfwana asafile, usukume wadla!” Watiphendvula watsi: “Ngesikhatsi lomntfwana asaphila, ngazila ngakhala. Ngangicabanga ngitsi: ‘Ngubani lowatiko? Mhlawumbe Simakadze angahle abe nemusa kimi aphilise lomntfwana.’ Kodvwa nyalo njengobe asafile, sengingatsi ngizileleni? Ngingaphindze ngimbuyise yini? Mine ngitakuya kuye, kodvwa yena angeke ancandzeke ete kimi.” Davide wase udvudvuta umkakhe Bhatisheba, wahamba wayawulala naBhatisheba; watala indvodzana, labayetsa libito batsi nguSolomoni. Simakadze wamtsandza; kwatsi ngobe Simakadze amtsandza, watfumela livi ngaNathani, umphrofethi, kutsi etsiwe libito kutsiwe nguJedidiya. Ngaleso sikhatsi Jowabe abesachubeka kulwa neRabha yema-Amoni, abesatfumbe inqaba yebukhosi. Jowabe wabe sewutfumela titfunywa kuDavide, watsi: “Sengilwe neRabha, ngatfumba lendzawo labakha kuyo emanti. Hlanganisa lamanye emabutfo uvimbetele lelidolobha, bese uyalitfumba. Ngaphandle kwaloko mine ngitalitfumba lelidolobha, bese letsiwa libito ngami.” Ngako Davide wahlanganisa onkhe emabutfo, wase uya eRabha; wafike wayihlasela, wayitfumba. Watsatsa umchele lowawusenhloko yalenkhosi yema-Amoni, sisindvo segolide yawo lesasingemakhilogremu labengaba ngema-34, wawunematje laligugu; wafakwa enhloko yaDavide. Watsatsa imphango lenyenti kabi kulelo dolobha, nalabantfu bebalapho wabakhipha wabafaka emsebentini lababewenta ngemasaha, nangemapiki ensimbi, nangemazembe, wabafolomisa netitini. Konkhe loku wakwenta kuwo onkhe emadolobha ema-Amoni. Davide nawo onkhe emabutfo akhe base bayancandzeka babuyela eJerusalema. Ngekuhamba kwesikhatsi Amnoni, umsa waDavide, watsandza Thamari labemuhle kakhulu, angudzadzewabo-Absalomu, umsa waDavide. Amnoni wakhatsateka emphefumulweni wakhe, waze wefika ezingeni lekugula ngenca yalodzadzewabo Thamari, ngobe abeyintfombi leyayingayati indvodza, noko kwabonakala kulukhuni kutsi kungaba khona langakwenta kuye. Amnoni abenemngani wakhe lekwakunguJonadabi, umsa waShama, umnakaboDavide. Jonadabi bekuyindvodza leyayinebucili kakhulu. Wabuta Amnoni watsi: “Kwentiwa yini wena, ungumntfwanenkhosi, ubukeke uwombile onkhe emalanga? Ase ungitjele, kwente njani?” Amnoni watsi kuye: “Ngitsandza dzadzewetfu Thamari, wakabomnaketfu Absalomu.” Jonadabi watsi: “Hamba uyewulala embhedzeni, wente shangatsi uyagula. Utawutsi uyihlo naketa atekubona, umtjele utsi: ‘Ngicela kute dzadzewetfu Thamari, atengipha kudla. Lokudla akulungisele lapha kami khona ngitembuka, ngitawube sengidla loko latanginika kona ngesandla sakhe.’ ” Ngako Amnoni watigulisa, wahamba wayawulala embhedzeni. Watsi Davide, inkhosi, nasefikile kutamvusela, Amnoni wakhuluma kuye watsi: “Ngicela kute dzadzewetfu Thamari, atengentela emacebelengwane lamabili ngikhona, ngimbuka, khona ngitekudla loko latanginika kona ngesandla sakhe.” Davide watfumela kuThamari esigodlweni, watsi: “Hamba uye endlini yemnakenu Amnoni, uyekumlungisela kudla.” Ngako Thamari wahamba waya endlini yemnakabo Amnoni, labelele phansi. Thamari watsatsa inhlama, wayibhuca, wabhaka emacebelengwane, Amnoni ambuka. Watsatsa lipani wamnika lamacebelengwane, kodvwa Amnoni wala kudla. Amnoni watsi: “Khipha bonkhe labantfu lapha endlini.” Ngako bonkhe bantfu baphuma. Amnoni wakhuluma kuThamari watsi: “Letsa lokudla lapha ekamelweni lami lekulala, khona ngitekudlela esandleni sakho.” Thamari watsatsa lamacebelengwane labewalungisile wawaletsa ku-Amnoni, umnakabo, ekamelweni lakhe lekulala. Kodvwa watsi Thamari nakatsatsa lokudla amletsela kutsi atekudla, Amnoni wambamba watsi: “Kota utewulala nami, dzadzewetfu.” Thamari watsi: “Cha, mnaketfu, ungangiphoceleli. Lentfo lenjena akufanele yentiwe ka-Israyeli! Ungayenti intfo lembi kangaka. Mine lelihlazo lelingaka ngiyakulisusa kanjani? Wena-ke utakwente njani? Utawufanana nalesinye setihlangananhloko lapha ka-Israyeli. Ngicela ukhulume enkhosini, ingeke yale kutsi ungishade ngibe ngumkakho.” Kodvwa wala kumlalela; njengobe-ke Amnoni abenemandla kunaThamari, wavele wambamba wamlala ngenkhani. Amnoni watondza Thamari ngenzondo lenkhulu. Empeleni wamtondza ngenzondo lenkhulu kwengca lolutsandvo labemtsandza ngalo. Amnoni wamkhakhabisa watsi: “Vuka uhambe la!” Thamari watsi: “Cha! Kungicosha kwakho kubi kakhulu kunaloku losukwente lapha kimi.” Kodvwa Amnoni akazange amnake nekumnaka. Wabita inceku yakhe wayitjela watsi: “Khipha lomuntfu lomsikati lapha elawini lami ukhiye sivalo.” Inceku yamkhiphela ngephandle lona lomsikati, yakhiya sivalo emvakwakhe. Thamari abembetse ingubo leyayihlotjiswe kakhulu, ngobe loluhlobo lwengubo lwalwembatfwa bantfwabenkhosi labatintfombi lababengazange balale nemuntfu lomdvuna. Thamari watitsela ngemlotsa enhloko waklebhula lengubo yakhe labeyembetse. Wetfwala imikhono enhloko, ahamba akhala kakhulu. Absalomu, umnakabo, watsi: “Bewuna-Amnoni, umnakenu, yini? Bindza dzadzewetfu; ungumnakenu. Lentfo ungayifaki kakhulu enhlitiyweni.” Ngako Thamari wahlala endlini ya-Absalomu aselusizini lolukhulu. Watsi kube Davide akuve konkhe loko, watfukutsela wagaya tiboti. Absalomu akazange akhulume ngisho nalelilodvwa livi lelihle nome lelibi ku-Amnoni. Watondza Amnoni, ngobe abehlazise dzadzewabo longuThamari. Emvakweminyaka lemibili, batsi bahhuli betimvu baka-Absalomu baseseBhali Hasori, edvute nemnyele waka-Efrayimu, Absalomu wamema onkhe emadvodzana enkhosi. Absalomu wahamba waya enkhosini, wafike watsi: “Inceku yakho ihhula timvu tayo. Inkhosi kanye netinceku tayo ingete yahlanganyela natsi yini?” Inkhosi yaphendvula yatsi: “Cha, msa wami, akukafaneli sihambe sonkhe, singaba ngumtfwalo kuwe.” Kwala nome Absalomu asamncenga, kodvwa wachubeka wala kuhamba naye, noko wambusisa. Absalomu wamncenga watsi: “Nakungenjalo, ngicela mane kuhambe umnaketfu Amnoni.” Inkhosi yambuta yatsi: “Ufunelani kutsi ahambe nawe?” Kodvwa Absalomu wachubeka wamncenga, waze wamvumela; Amnoni wahamba nalabanye bantfwabenkhosi. Absalomu wakhuluma kuletinceku takhe, watsi: “Lalelani! Utakutsi Amnoni nasanatse waze wativa asamnandzi, ngitsi kini: ‘Jubani Amnoni afe,’ nibombulala. Ningesabi, ngobe leligunya nalamandla ninikwa ngimi. Cinani nibe nesibindzi.” Ngako lamadvodza aka-Absalomu enta ku-Amnoni njengobe abetjelwe ngu-Absalomu. Bonkhe bantfwabenkhosi basukuma, bagibela iminyuzi yabo babaleka. Batsi basesendleleni, umbiko wefika kuDavide utsi: “Absalomu sewubulele onkhe emadvodzana enkhosi, kute nome yinye lesele.” Inkhosi yasukuma, yaklebhula tingubo tayo leyayitembetse, yalala phansi emhlabatsini; tonkhe tinceku tayo tatime eceleni kwayo, nato tingubo tato tatiklejuliwe. Kodvwa Jonadabi, umsa waShama, umnakaboDavide, watsi: “Inkhosi yami ingabocabanga kutsi bonkhe bantfwabenkhosi babulewe; ngu-Amnoni kuphela lofile. Loko kwakuvele kusifiso sa-Absalomu labevele ahlose kusiphumelelisa, kusukela mhlazana Amnoni adlwengula dzadzewabo Thamari. Inkhosi yami ayingatihluphi ngekunaka lombiko lotsi onkhe emadvodzana enkhosi afile. Ngu-Amnoni kuphela lofile.” Ngaleso sikhatsi Absalomu abesabalekile. Lomunye mahlalesangweni watsi emile, wabona sicumbi sebantfu emgwacweni ngasenshonalanga, sehla eceleni kweligcuma. Wahamba wayakubikela inkhosi, wafike watsi: “Ngibona emadvodza lapha ngekubheka eHoronayimu, eceleni leligcuma.” Jonadabi wakhuluma enkhosini Davide, watsi: “Nankho emadvodzana akho eta, sekuye njengobe bengishito kutsi ayeta.” Watsi asandza kucedza kukhuluma, emadvodzana enkhosi angena, akhala kakhulu. Inkhosi kanye nato tonkhe tinceku tayo bahlala kabuhlungu. Absalomu wagewuka waya kuThalmayi, umsa wa-Amihudi, inkhosi yaseGeshuri. Inkhosi Davide yalila onkhe emalanga, ililela Amnoni, indvodzana yayo. Absalomu wabaleka wafike wahlala eGeshuri iminyaka lemitsatfu khona. Umoya waDavide, inkhosi, wawuloku uncokombele kuya ku-Absalomu, ngobe abesadvudvutekile ngekufa kwa-Amnoni. Jowabe, umsa waSeruya, abati kutsi inhlitiyo yenkhosi yayincokombele Absalomu. Ngako Jowabe wabe sewutfumela umuntfu eThekhowa, kutsi alandze umfati lohlakaniphile khona. Jowabe wakhuluma kulomfati watsi: “Tentise kube shangatsi uzilile. Yembatsa inzilo, ungacali utisebentise tinongo temtimba. Ubotentisa kube shangatsi lomuntfu lofile sewumzilele sikhatsi lesidze. Ubobe sewuyahamba uya enkhosini, ufike ukhulume kuyo nankha emavi lengitakunika wona.” Jowabe wavele wamfunta lawo mavi labefanele kuwakhuluma. Lomfati waseThekhowa wahamba waya enkhosini, wafike wawa ngebuso embikwayo, ayikhotsama, watsi: “Awu, Nkhosi! Ngicela mane ungisite!” Inkhosi yambuta yatsi: “Inkinga yakho yini?” Wayiphendvula watsi: “Mine ngingumfelokati, indvodza yami ifile. Mine, ncekukati yakho, benginemadvodzana lamabili. Alwa odvwana esigangeni, kwabate umuntfu wekulamula. Lenye yashaya lena lenye, yayibulala. Manje lonkhe lusendvo seluvukele incekukati yakho, lutsi: ‘Letsa lona lowabulala umnakabo, kuze sitekumbulala ngenca yekubulala lomnakabo, ngekwenta njalo sitawube sesibulala lendlalifa.’ Ngalendlela batawube sebacisha lelo lahle belisasele livutsa, loko kwente indvodza yami ibete libito, iphindze ibete situkulwane emhlabeni.” Inkhosi yakhuluma kulomfati, yatsi: “Ncandzeka uye ekhaya, ngitawukhipha umtsetfo egameni lakho.” Lomfati waseThekhowa waphendvula watsi: “Nkhosi yami, shangatsi licala lingabasetikwami nasetikwendlu yababe, kodvwa inkhosi netinceku tayo bangabi nacala.” Inkhosi yamphendvula yatsi: “Nangabe kukhona lokhuluma lokutsite kuwe, ubomletsa lapha kimi, angeke aphindze akuhluphe futsi.” Waphendvula watsi: “Nkhosi, ngicela kutsi uthandaze kuSimakadze Nkulunkulu wakho, kutsi lesihlobo sami lesifuna kukhokha sibhongo ngekubulala lendvodzana yami, singengeti bubi ngekubulala lena lenye indvodzana yami.” Inkhosi yatsi: “Ngifunga kuphila kwaSimakadze ngitsi, ngisho lunwele lunye enhloko yendvodzana yakho lungeke luwele emhlabatsini.” Lomfati wakhuluma watsi: “Ngicela kutsi incekukati yakho seyikhulume livi libe linye enkhosini yami.” Inkhosi yatsi: “Khuluma.” Lomfati watsi: “Pho, wena uyenteleni intfo lenjena esiveni saNkulunkulu? Nangabe inkhosi ikhuluma kanjena, ayitilahli ngelicala yini, njengobe naku inkhosi seloku ayikayibuyisi ekhaya lendvodzana leyabaleka? Njengemanti lacitsekele phansi, angeke abutseke futsi, natsi kufanele sife. Kodvwa Nkulunkulu akabulali, esikhundleni saloko wenta tindlela letitsite, kuze kutsi umuntfu lodzingisiwe angahlali akhashane naye. “Manje ngite lapha kutewukhuluma enkhosini yami, ngobe bantfu bangesabisile. Incekukati yakho ibese iyacabanga, itsi: ‘Loku ngitakukhuluma enkhosini, mhlawumbe ingahle yente loko lokucelwa yincekukati yayo. Mhlawumbe inkhosi itawuvuma kukhulula incekukati yayo esandleni semuntfu lowetama kubhubhisa mine nendvodzana yami asilahlise lelifa Nkulunkulu lasipha lona.’ “Manje-ke incekukati yakho itsi: ‘Shangatsi emavi enkhosi yami, inkhosi, angangiletsela kuphumula, ngobe phela inkhosi yami ifanana nengilosi yaNkulunkulu ekwehlukaniseni lokuhle kulokubi. Shangatsi Simakadze Nkulunkulu wakho angaba nawe.’ ” Inkhosi yaphendvula yatsi: “Ngitakubuta umbuzo, wena-ke ngitjele lonkhe liciniso.” Lomfati watsi: “Inkhosi yami ngicela kutsi ikhulume.” Inkhosi yabuta yatsi: “Loku awukakwenti naJowabe yini?” Waphendvula watsi: “Ngifunga kuphila kwakho, nkhosi yami, kute longaphambukela ngesekudla nome ngesancele esuke kuloko lokushiwo yinkhosi yami. Yebo, yinceku yakho Jowabe, lengitfume kutsi ngente loku, nguye futsi lofake onkhe lamavi emlonyeni wencekukati yakho. Jowabe, inceku yakho, loku ukwentele kugucula simo lesikhona kwamanje. Inkhosi yami inekuhlakanipha lokufanana nekwengilosi yaNkulunkulu, yati konkhe lokwentekako lapha eveni.” Inkhosi yakhuluma kuJowabe, yatsi: “Yebo, loko ngitawukwenta. Hamba ulandze lomfana Absalomu.” Jowabe wakhotsamisa buso bakhe wabubhekisa phansi emhlabatsini, ahlonipha inkhosi, ayibusisa. Jowabe watsi: “Lamuhla sengiyati kutsi ngizuze umusa emehlweni akho, nkhosi yami, ngobe inkhosi isemukele sicelo senceku yayo.” Jowabe wesuka lapho waya eGeshuri, wabuya na-Absalomu wamletsa eJerusalema. Kodvwa inkhosi yatsi: “Kufanele ahambe aye endlini kakhe, akukafaneli abonane nebuso bami.” Ngako Absalomu wavele waya endlini kakhe, wangete wabonana nebuso benkhosi. Kulo lonkhe laka-Israyeli kute indvodza leyayidvume ngebuhle kwendlula Absalomu. Abemuhle kusuka etulu enhloko kuye phansi elunyaweni, ate ngisho nalesincane sici. Njalo nje nakahhula tinwele takhe, labevame kutihhula kanye ngemnyaka, nase timsindza, abetikala, atikhandze kutsi sisindvo sato sasiba ngetulu kwemakhilogremu lamabili ngesikali lesisemtsetfweni. Absalomu abenemadvodzana lamatsatfu nendvodzakati yinye. Lendvodzakati yakhe wayetsa libito watsi nguThamari; abeyintfombi lenhle kakhulu. Absalomu wahlala eJerusalema iminyaka lemibili, seloku angakaze abonane nebuso benkhosi. Absalomu wase utfumela kuJowabe kutsi ammikise enkhosini, kodvwa Jowabe wala kuta kuye. Ngako waphindze watfumela kuye kwesibili, kodvwa nakhona lapho waphindze wala kuta. Absalomu wakhuluma etincekwini takhe, watsi: “Bukani la, insimi yaJowabe isedvute naleyami, uhlanyele ibhali kuyo. Hambani nifike niyilumeke ngemlilo.” Ngako letinceku takhe tavele tayilumeka ngemlilo. Jowabe wesuka lapho waya ku-Absalomu, wafike wabuta watsi: “Letinceku takho tiyilumekeleni ngemlilo lensimi yami?” Absalomu waphendvula watsi: “Buka la, ngitfumele livi kuwe ngatsi: ‘Kota lapha, khona ngitekutfumela enkhosini kutsi uyewubuta utsi: “Ngibuyiselweni lena eGeshuri? Ngabe kuncono kimi kube ngisatihlalele lapho!” ’ Manje ngifuna kubonana nenkhosi; nangabe nginelicala lelitsite, ayivele ingibulale.” Ngako Jowabe wavele wahamba waya enkhosini, wafike wayitjela konkhe loko. Inkhosi yabe seyibita Absalomu; wafike wakhotsamisa buso bakhe phansi emhlabatsini embikwenkhosi. Inkhosi yanga Absalomu. Emvakwaloko Absalomu watihlinzeka ngencola yemphi, nemahhashi kanye nemadvodza langema-50 kutsi ahambe embikwakhe. Abevuka ekuseni eme eceleni kwemgwaco lowawucondze esangweni lelidolobha laseJerusalema. Kwakutsi njalo nje nakufika umuntfu nesikhalo sakhe, lasiletse enkhosini, khona itewukhipha sincumo, Absalomu ambute atsi: “Uphuma kuliphi lidolobha?” umuntfu aphendvule atsi: “Inceku yakho iphuma kulesinye setive tema-Israyeli.” Absalomu abevele akhulume atsi: “Uyabona, lentfo lokhala ngayo iyevakala, futsi iliciniso, kodvwa kute lomele inkhosi lotakuva loko.” Abese uchubeka utsi: “Kube kwakhetfwa mine kutsi ngibe ngumehluleli walelive! Ngabe kutsi wonkhe lota kimi nesikhalo lesitsite, bese ngenta konkhe lokusemandleni ami kutsi ngikulungise.” Lokunye kwakutsi nome ngubani lota kutawukhotsama embikwakhe, Absalomu elule sandla sakhe, ambambe, bese uyamanga. Absalomu watiphatsa kanjena kuwo onkhe ema-Israyeli labefika atewucela kusitwa yinkhosi; ngaleyo ndlela wateba tonkhe tinhlitiyo temadvodza aka-Israyeli. Ekupheleni kweminyaka lemine Absalomu wakhuluma enkhosini, watsi: “Ngicela kutsi sengimane ngiye eHebroni kuyawufeza sifungo sami lengasenta kuSimakadze. Ngesikhatsi inceku yakho iseseGeshuri kulaseSiriya ngenta sifungo ngatsi: ‘Nangabe Simakadze angibuyisele eJerusalema, Simakadze ngiyakumkhonta eHebroni!’ ” Inkhosi yakhuluma kuye yatsi: “Hamba kahle.” Ngako wavele waya eHebroni. Absalomu wase utfumela titfunywa latiphatsisa imfihlo kuto tonkhe tive taka-Israyeli. Letitfunywa tatimemetela titsi: “Naniva kukhala kwemacilongo, nibotsi ‘Absalomu yinkhosi eHebroni.’ ” Emadvodza langema-200 labephuma eJerusalema abephekeletele Absalomu. Abemenywe njengetivakashi, avuma ahamba, angati lutfo ngaleyo ndzaba. Kwatsi Absalomu asanikela ngemhlatjelo, waphindze watfumela kwalandvwa Ahithofeli, umGilo, edolobheni lakubo laseGilo; Ahithofeli abengulomunye webeluleki baDavide. Ngako loluzungu lwacina, sibalo sebantfu lababelandzela Absalomu sandza. Sitfunywa sefika sabika kuDavide, satsi: “Tinhlitiyo tawo onkhe emadvodza aka-Israyeli setiku-Absalomu.” Davide wakhuluma kuto tonkhe tindvuna takhe letatinaye eJerusalema, watsi: “Wotani! Asibalekeni, ngaphandle kwaloko kute nome munye lotawusindza ku-Absalomu. Asiphangise sibaleke, ngobe angahle asheshe asihlasele asibhubhise sonkhe nalelidolobha lonkhe ngelusiko lwenkemba.” Letindvuna takhe, Davide, tamphendvula tatsi: “Tinceku takho setivele tikulungele kwenta loko lokukhetfwe yinkhosi yato.” Inkhosi yaphuma yabaleka, ilandzelwa ngumndeni wayo wonkhe; kodvwa yashiya emaphovela ayo lalishumi kutsi asale anakekela sigodlo. Ngako inkhosi yavele yaphuma yabaleka nesive sonkhe siyilandzela, base bema endzaweni letsite, bucamama. Onkhe emadvodza ayo endlula eceleni kwayo kanye nawo onkhe emaKherethi nemaPhelethi, nawo onkhe emaGathi langema-600 labehamba nawo esuka eGathi, nawo futsi endlula embikwenkhosi. Inkhosi yakhuluma ku-Ithayi, umGathi, yatsi: “Uhambelani natsi? Ncandzeka uyewuhlala nenkhosi yakho Absalomu, ungewetive lowatfunjwa eveni lakini. Ufike itolo loku. Lamuhla sengitakwenta uzulazule natsi, kantsi angati nalapho ngiya khona. Ncandzeka uhambe nesive sakho. Shangatsi umusa nekwetsembeka kungaba nawe.” Kodvwa Ithayi waphendvula inkhosi, watsi: “Nkhosi, ngifunga kuphila kwaSimakadze, nangenkhosi yami lephilako ngitsi, lapho inkhosi yami iya khona, ekuphileni nasekufeni, nenceku yakho itakuya khona.” Davide, inkhosi, waphendvula Ithayi, watsi: “Kulungile, chubeka, uhambe.” Ngako Ithayi, umGathi, wachubeka wahamba nawo onkhe emadvodza akakhe kanye nemindeni labehamba nayo. Kuyo yonkhe leyo ndzawo sive sakhala kakhulu sisendlula. Inkhosi nayo yewela Sigodzi seKhidroni, sonkhe sive sahamba sacondza ngasehlane. Sadoki naye abelapho naye, akanye nawo onkhe emaLevi, betfwele libhokisi lesivumelwane saNkulunkulu. Balibeka phansi libhokisi lesivumelwane saNkulunkulu, Abiyatha wase unikela ngemihlatjelo, baze baphuma bonkhe bantfu edolobheni. Inkhosi yakhuluma kuSadoki, yatsi: “Tsatsani lelibhokisi lesivumelwane nilibuyisele edolobheni. Nangitfole umusa emehlweni aSimakadze, utangibuyisa, angivumele ngiphindze ngilibone, kanye nendzawo lapho lihlala khona. Kodvwa nangabe utsi: ‘Angijabuli ngawe,’ sengikulungele loko; akente kimi loko lakubona kumlungele.” Inkhosi yaphindze yakhuluma kuSadoki, umphristi, yatsi: “Awusiye yini umboniswa? Ncandzeka ngekuthula wena na-Ahimasi, naJonathani, umsa wa-Abiyatha, nibuyele edolobheni. Wena na-Abiyatha tsatsani lamadvodzana enu omabili, nihambe nawo. Mine ngitawufike ngime ematubukweni ehlane, ngize ngitfole livi leliphuma kini.” Ngako boSadoki na-Abiyatha batsatsa lelibhokisi lesivumelwane saNkulunkulu balibuyisela emuva eJerusalema, bahlala khona lapho. Kodvwa Davide yena wachubeka wenyuka iNtsaba Yemincumo, ahambe akhala; inhloko yakhe yayimbonyiwe, nasetinyaweni angakafaki lutfo. Bonkhe bantfu lababenaye lapho babembonye tinhloko tabo, nabo benyuka bakhala. Davide abesatjeliwe kwatsiwa: “Ahithofeli usemkhatsini walabo labenta luzungu lwekutsatsa bukhosi kanye na-Absalomu.” Ngako Davide wathandaza watsi: “Awu, Simakadze, gucula kweluleka kwa-Ahithofeli kube nebulima.” Watsi kube Davide efike esicongweni, lapho sive sasivamise kukhontela Nkulunkulu khona, Hushayi, um-Akhi, abefike khona lapho kutakumhlangabeta, ingubo yakhe idzatjuliwe nasenhloko yakhe atitsele ngelutfuli. Davide wakhuluma kuye watsi: “Nawuhamba nami, utawuba ngumtfwalo kimi. Kodvwa nawungancandzeka ubuyele edolobheni ufike ukhulume ku-Absalomu utsi: ‘Ngitawuba yinceku yakho, nkhosi; kadze ngiyinceku yeyihlo, kodvwa manje ngitawuba yinceku yakho,’ ngaleyo ndlela utangisita ekugwegwiseni teluleko ta-Ahithofeli. Bangeke yini baphristi boSadoki na-Abiyatha babe nawe lapho? Batjele konkhe lokuvako esigodlweni senkhosi. Emadvodzana abo lamabili, bo-Ahimasi, umsa waSadoki, naJonathani, umsa wa-Abiyatha, anabo khona lapho. Batfumele lapha kimi baletse umlayeto ngako konkhe lokuvile.” Ngako Hushayi, umngani waDavide, wefika ngesikhatsi Absalomu angena nje edolobheni, eJerusalema. Davide watsi asahambe libangana nje etulu esicongweni sentsatjana, wahlangatjetwa nguSiba, sisebenti saMefiboshethi. Siba abechuba timbongolo letimbili letatiboshelwe, tetfwele imikhama yetinkhwa lengema-200, nemacebelengwane lalikhulu emagelebisi lomisiwe, netikhehle temakhiwa letilikhulu, nesikhumbasikhwama sigcwele liwayini. Inkhosi yabuta Siba yatsi: “Ukuletseleni konkhe loku?” Siba waphendvula watsi: “Letimbongolo tebemndeni wenkhosi yami kutsi bagibele, letinkhwa naletitselo talamadvodza kutsi adle, leliwayini lekunatsisa labo lasebadziniwe nalasebomile lapha ehlane.” Inkhosi yabuta yatsi: “Uphi umntfwanemntfwanenkhosi yakho?” Siba watsi: “Uhleti lena eJerusalema, ngobe acabanga atsi: ‘Lamuhla indlu yaka-Israyeli itangibuyisela umbuso wamkhulu.’ ” Inkhosi yakhuluma kuSiba, yatsi: “Konkhe loku lebekukwaMefiboshethi sekwakho nyalo.” Siba waphendvula watsi: “Ngikhotsama ngekutitfoba. Shangatsi ngingatfola umusa emehlweni akho, nkhosi yami, nkhosi.” Kwatsi inkhosi Davide naseyisondzele eBhahurimu, lomunye wetihlobo taSawula, Shimeyi, umsa waGera, waphuma wamhlangabeta, weta ametfuka ngeticalekiso. Wajikijela Davide kanye nato tonkhe tindvuna takhe ngematje, kwala nome Davide abesingatfwe ngabo bonkhe bantfu kanye netingwazi takhe. Shimeyi wamcalekisa watsi: “Suka la! Hamba la, jabhane-ndzini! Lesigebengu lesi! Watsatsa umbuso waSawula, manje Simakadze sewujezisa wena ngenca yekubulala bantfu labanyenti kangaka bendlu yaSawula! Simakadze sewutsetse umbuso wakho wawunika indvodzana yakho Absalomu, wena sewutiphuphisile mbulali-ndzini.” Abishayi, umsa waSeruya, wakhuluma enkhosini, watsi: “Bayethe, nkhosi yami, nkhosi! Uyivumelelani lenja kutsi ikucalekise? Ngivumele ngiye lapha kuyo, ngifike ngijube inhloko yayo ngiyilahle lapha!” Inkhosi yaphendvula yatsi: “Ningenelana ngani nami, nine madvodzana aSeruya? Nangabe acalekisa, ngobe kushito Simakadze kutsi akangicalekise, ngubani lonelilungelo lekumbuta atsi: ‘Ukwentelani loku?’ ” Davide wakhuluma ku-Abishayi nakuto tonkhe tindvuna takhe, watsi: “Indvodzana yami lephuma elukhalweni lwami, ngiyo lefuna kungibulala. Kangakanani-ke lomBhenjamini! Myekeleni anjalo, akachubeke angicalekise, ngobe utjelwe nguSimakadze kutsi akakwente. Mhlawumbe Simakadze uyawukubona kuhlupheka kwami, angivuze ngalokuhle kuletinhlamba lengititfola lamuhla nje.” Ngako Davide nemabutfo akhe bachubeka nendlela yabo, wabe naShimeyi abaphekeletela ngeticalekiso, ahamba ngetulu egcumeni abajikijela ngematje, abatsela nangemhlabatsi. Inkhosi kanye nabo bonkhe leyayihamba nabo base bayefika lapho babeya khona sebadzinwe bafile, inkhosi yefika lapho yaphumula. Ngaleso sikhatsi bo-Absalomu kanye nebantfu bakakhe babetseleka eJerusalema, na-Ahithofeli abekanye nabo; Hushayi, um-Akhi, umngani lomkhulu waDavide, wase uya ku-Absalomu, wafike watsi kuye: “Bayethe! Lunwele loludze! Phila uze ukhokhotele.” Absalomu wabuta Hushayi watsi: “Ngulona lutsandvo lolukhombisa kumngani wakho kambe lolo? Awukahambi ngani naye lomnganakho?” Hushayi waphendvula watsi: “Cha, lowo losakhetfwe nguSimakadze, nangulesive, nanguwo onkhe emadvodza aka-Israyeli, mine ngiyawuba wakhe, ngihlale naye. Ngetulu kwaloko ngubani lomunye lengingamkhonta? Ngingete ngayikhonta yini indvodzana? Njengobe ngangikhonte uyihlo, nawe ngitakukhonta kanjalo.” Absalomu wabuta ku-Ahithofeli, watsi: “Selulekeni. Sitakwenta njani?” Ahithofeli waphendvula watsi: “Lala nalamaphovela eyihlo lawashiyela kutsi asale acize lesigodlo, khona atekwati onkhe ema-Israyeli kutsi sewutente sitsa seyihlo, nebalandzeli bakho batawukhutsateka ngaloko.” Ngako kwase kumiselwa Absalomu lithende etulu eluphahleni lwesigodlo sakhe, wase ulala nalamaphovela eyise embikwawo onkhe ema-Israyeli abuka. Ngaleso sikhatsi, nome ngabe ngusiphi seluleko lesasiletfwa ngu-Ahithofeli sasemukeleka kube shangatsi ngulona livi laNkulunkulu; bobabili boDavide na-Absalomu babevele basilalele. Emvakwaloko Ahithofeli wakhuluma ku-Absalomu, watsi: “Angikhetse emabutfo lati-12 000, lamhla nje ebusuku, ngisukele Davide, ngimcoshe. Ngitamkhandzanisa nyalo asedziniwe, futsi ajabhile; ngimetfuse, lonkhe lelibutfo lakhe litawubhedvuka, libaleke. Ngitawubulala lenkhosi kuphela, bese ngibuya nabo bonkhe labantfu bakhe ngibaletse kuwe, njengamakoti abuyela endvodzeni yakhe. Kufa kwemuntfu munye lomfunako kutabe kusho kubuya kwabo bonkhe; bonkhe laba labanye ngeke bentiwe lutfo.” Lelisu labonakala lilungile ku-Absalomu, nakubo bonkhe baholi baka-Israyeli. Kodvwa Absalomu watsi: “Bitani naHushayi, um-Akhi, sitekuva kutsi yena utsini kuloku.” Watsi kube efike Hushayi, Absalomu watsi: “Ahithofeli ubeka nasi seluleko. Kufanele sikwente yini loku lakushoko? Nangabe akukalungi, sinike seluleko sakho.” Hushayi waphendvula watsi: “Leseluleko lesibekwe ngu-Ahithofeli asikalungi kwanyalo. Uyamati uyihlo kanye nalamadvodza akakhe kutsi tingwazi, besabeka njengelibhele lesiganga nalemukwe emazinyane alo. Ngaphandle nje kwaloko, babe wakho ngunsukuwansuku, ngukadzebona, angeke alale emkhatsini walamabutfo akhe ebusuku. Nyalo nje sewubhace emgedzeni lotsite nome kulenye indzawo. Nakungahle kube nguye logadla kucala kulamabutfo akho, wonkhe umuntfu loyivako leyo ndzaba angavele atsi: ‘Licobe lavungula emabutfweni lahamba na-Absalomu.’ Lapho-ke ngisho nengwazi lenenhlitiyo lenjengeyelibhubesi itawuncibilika ngenca yekwesaba, ngobe wonkhe um-Israyeli uyati kutsi babe wakho yingwazi yelucobo, nekutsi laba labanaye ngemadvodza sibili, anesibindzi. “Ngako mine ngikweluleka ngitsi: Onkhe ema-Israyeli kusukela kaDani kuze kuyewuphuma eBherisheba, ngebunyenti bawo angangesihlabatsi saselwandle, akabutselwe lapha kuwe, wena cobo lwakho uwahole niye emphini. Lapho-ke siyawumhlasela, nome ngabe ukuphi lapho angatfolakala khona, futsi siyawumtselekela njengematolo ehlela emhlabatsini. Kute loyawuphunyula asale aphila, yena kanye nalamadvodza lahamba nawo. Nakadvudvulekela edolobheni lelitsite, wonkhe um-Israyeli uyawuta netindophi kulelo dolobha bese silidvonsela phansi esihosheni, kuze kungatfolwa ngisho nelucetu lwalo.” Absalomu kanye nawo onkhe emadvodza aka-Israyeli batsi: “Leseluleko saHushayi, um-Akhi, sincono kunalesa sa-Ahithofeli.” Loku kwentiwa kutsi Simakadze abecondze kuswabisa leseluleko sa-Ahithofeli, kuze ehlisele bubi ku-Absalomu. Hushayi watjela boSadoki na-Abiyatha, baphristi, watsi: “Ahithofeli abeseluleke Absalomu nemadvodza aka-Israyeli ngaloku nangaloku, kodvwa mine ngibeluleke kutsi abente kutsi nekutsi. Manje-ke phutfumisani umbiko masinyane nitjele Davide, nitsi: ‘Ungacali ulale lapha enkambu ebusuku, lapho ehlane, yewelela ngesheya nome kanjani; ngaphandle kwaloko, inkhosi kanye nabo bonkhe bantfu bayo, batawubhujiswa lamuhla nje.’ ” BoJonathani na-Ahimasi babehlala e-Eni Rogeli. Sisebenti lesasiyintfombatana sasifanele siyewubatjela, bona-ke bese bayawutjela inkhosi Davide, ngobe bebangeke baze bacale babonakale bangena edolobheni. Ngalelinye lilanga babonwa ngulomunye umfana, wase utjela Absalomu. Ngako besuka bobabili babaleka bayawubhaca endlini yalomunye umuntfu eBhahurimu. Bekunemgodzi ebaleni lalomuti walomuntfu, ngako bangena kuwo babhaca. Umfati walendvodza watsatsa kwekumbonya, wambonya ngako emnyango walomgodzi wase usakata tinhlavu etikwalokwekumbonya, kwabate lowatiko ngaloko. Tindvuna taka-Absalomu tatsi natifika kulomfati walendvodza, tambuta tatsi: “Baphi bo-Ahimasi naJonathani?” Lomfati watiphendvula watsi: “Bewelele ngesheya kwalomfudlana.” Letindvuna tabafuna, kodvwa atizange tibatfole; tagcina tibuyele emuva eJerusalema. Tatsi nase tihambile letindvuna, bo-Ahimasi naJonathani bavumbuka lapha emgodzini, bahamba bayawubika enkhosini Davide. Batjela Davide loko bekwelulekwe ngu-Ahithofeli ngaye batsi: “Phutfumani newelele ngesheya kwemfula masinyane. Ahithofeli abeluleke kutsi nekutsi ngawe.” Ngako Davide kanye nemabutfo akhe bavele bacala bewelela ngesheya kwemfula iJordane; kwatsi kudzabuka kusa, babe sebewele bonkhe baphelela. Ahithofeli watsi kube abone kutsi seluleko sakhe abakasilandzeli, wabophela imbongolo yakhe, waphuma, wabanga ekhaya kakhe lelalisedolobheni lakubo. Wacala walungisa kahle tonkhe tintfo tasemndenini wakakhe, wase uyatikhunga, wafa; wangcwatjwa edlizeni leyise. Davide wahamba waze wefika edolobheni laseMahanayimu. Ngaleso sikhatsi Absalomu kanye nemphi yakhe bese bakhuphukele ngesheya kwemfula iJordane. Absalomu abesabeke Amasa kutsi abe yindvuna yemabutfo akhe esikhundleni saJowabe. Amasa abengumsa walenye nje indvodza lekwakutsiwa nguJetheri libito layo, yayingum-Israyeli; unina wa-Amasa bekungu-Abigayili, indvodzakati yaNahashi, dzadzewaboSeruya, unina waJowabe. Bo-Absalomu nalama-Israyeli akakhe bafike bemisa eveni lakaGileyadi. Kwatsi Davide nakefika eMahanayimu, boShobi, umsa waNahashi waseRabha yema-Amoni, naMakhire, umsa wa-Amiyeli waseLo Dabari, naBhazilayi, umGileyadi waseRogelimu, baletsa kwekulala, netitja, netintfo letibunjwe ngelibumba. Baze baletsa ngisho kolo kanye nebhali, fulaha kanye nembasha, emabhontjisi kanye nemalentili, neluju lwetinyosi, nemasi, netimvu, nashizi lophuma elubisini lwetinkhomo, bakuletsela Davide kanye nebantfu bakakhe kutsi batekudla. Ngobe batsi: “Labantfu sebafile yindlala nakudzinwa, nekoma kwakulelihlane.” Davide wabutsela onkhe lamadvodza akakhe ndzawonye, wase uwehlukanisa tigaba ngetigaba, lamanye aba tinkhulungwane, lamanye aba ngemakhulu, wase uwabekela tindvuna tawo njengekwetigaba tawo. Wase uyawakhipha ngeticheme letintsatfu, sinye saphuma naJowabe, lesinye saphuma na-Abishayi, umnakaboJowabe, sekugcina wasikhipha na-Ithayi, umGathi. Inkhosi Davide yakhuluma kulamabutfo, yatsi: “Nami cobo lwami ngitawushuca kanye nani.” Kodvwa lamabutfo atsi: “Wena akukafaneli kutsi uphume kanye natsi; nasekufanele sibaleke, tsine bangeke babe nandzaba natsi. Ngisho nome incenye yetfu ingafa, bangeke babe nandzaba naloko; kodvwa wena ungalinganiswa nemadvodza lati-10 000 akitsi. Kungaba ncono kutsi wena usale lapha edolobheni, usitfumelele lusito.” Inkhosi yaphendvula yatsi: “Ngitakwenta loko lokubonakala kukuhle kini.” Inkhosi yase ima ngasesangweni ngesikhatsi emadvodza akayo aphuma ngetigaba temakhulu netetinkhulungwane. Inkhosi yayala boJowabe, na-Abishayi, na-Ithayi, yatsi: “Nibomane ningisite tsine ningamenti lutfo lomfana Absalomu, ngenca yami.” Onkhe lamabutfo ayiva inkhosi nayiyala tonkhe tindvuna tayo. Imphi yaphuma yaya esigangeni kuyakulwa nema-Israyeli aka-Absalomu. Leyomphi yayilwelwa ehlatsini laka-Efrayimu. Lapho-ke emabutfo ema-Israyeli ehlulwa ngemadvodza akaDavide. Ngalelo langa lacoba lavungula kuma-Israyeli, kwafa emadvodza lati-20 000. Imphi yabhedvuka nalo lonkhe live, ngalelo langa bantfu labanyenti ngulabafela ehlatsini kunalaba labafa ngenkemba. Masinyane nje Absalomu watsi ngcwamangca ahlangana nemadvodza akaDavide. Absalomu abegibele umnyuzi wakhe. Lomnyuzi watsi uphuma ngaphansi kwemagala lahlangene esihlahla sem-okhi, inhloko ya-Absalomu yahhukeka emagaleni alesihlahla sem-okhi, wasala yedvwa alenga ngenhloko kulesihlahla, umnyuzi labewugibele wona washaya wacitsa. Lomunye walamadvodza akaDavide watsi nakakubona loku, watjela Jowabe watsi: “Ngisandza kubona Absalomu alenga lapha kulesa sihlahla sem-okhi.” Jowabe wakhuluma kulendvodza yayimtjela loko, watsi: “Ini? Umbonile? Awukamgadli ngani wamlahla phansi khona lapho? Mine cobo lwami bengitakunika tinhlavu tesiliva letilishumi kanye nembhenso.” Kodvwa lendvodza yamphendvula yatsi: “Ngisho nome bewunganginika inkhulungwane yetinhlavu tesiliva, bengingete sengicale ngiphakamise sandla sami etikwendvodzana yenkhosi. Sonkhe besiva ngesikhatsi inkhosi ininika umyalo nine nabo-Abishayi na-Ithayi, itsi: ‘Nibomane ningisite tsine, ningacali nimbeke sandla lomfana Absalomu, ngenca yami.’ Kodvwa kube ngiwephulile lomyalo wenkhosi, ngabulala Absalomu, inkhosi beyitawuva ngaloko, ngobe iva ngako konkhe, nawe bewungasenakungivikela.” Jowabe wayiphendvula watsi: “Angisenawucitsa sikhatsi nawe kanje.” Watsatsa tikhali letintsatfu, watiphisela esifubeni sa-Absalomu asengakafi, alenga esihlahleni sem-okhi. Kwesuka lishumi lemadvodza akaJowabe latselekela Absalomu, lamcedzela. Jowabe washaya impalampala; emabutfo onkhe ayekela kucosha ema-Israyeli, ngobe abesayekeliswe nguJowabe. Atsatsa sidvumbu sa-Absalomu asijika esihholweni ehlatsini, ambonya lesihholo ngendvundvuma yematje. Ngaleso sikhatsi onkhe ema-Israyeli labehamba na-Absalomu abaleka abuyela emakhaya awo. Ngesikhatsi sakhe Absalomu bekatakhele litje lesikhumbuto, waligcumeka eSihosheni Senkhosi, ngobe abecabange watsi: “Anginandvodzana letawuchubeka ivuse libito lami,” waletsa ngaye lelitje lesikhumbuto, nalamuhla loku solomane kutsiwa Litje la-Absalomu Lesikhumbuto. Ahimasi, umsa waSadoki, wase utsi kuJowabe: “Angigijimise umbiko kuDavide, inkhosi, kutsi Simakadze sewumkhululile esandleni setitsa takhe.” Jowabe wamtjela watsi: “Akusiwe lofanele uhambise lombiko lamuhla nje. Ungawuhambisa umbiko ngaletinye tikhatsi, kodvwa akukafaneli ukwente loko lamuhla, ngobe kufe umntfwanenkhosi.” Jowabe wase ukhuluma nesigcili sakhe lesasingumKushe, watsi: “Hamba utjele inkhosi loko lokubonile.” Lesigcili sakhotsamela Jowabe, sase siyesuka ngematubane. Ahimasi, umsa waSadoki, waphindza wakhuluma kuJowabe watsi: “Nome kungentekani, ngivumele ngigijime ngilandzele lomKushe, nami ngiphutfumise umbiko.” Kodvwa Jowabe waphendvula watsi: “Ndvodzana yami; ufunelani lokuhamba? Kute umvuzo lotawutfola ngaloku.” Watsi: “Nome kungavelani, ngifuna kugijima nami.” Ngako Jowabe watsi: “Gijima-ke.” Ahimasi wagijima wajuba ngendlela yasematsafeni, wamendlula lomKushe. Ngaleso sikhatsi Davide asehleti emkhatsini wemnyango longekhatsi edolobheni nelisango lelingaphandle, gadzi wakhuphukela etulu eluphahleni lwelisango lelingaselubondzeni. Watsi uphakamisa emehlo, wabona umuntfu eta agijima, ayedvwana. Logadzi wabikela inkhosi ngaloko. Inkhosi yatsi: “Nangabe uta yedvwana, kufanele kutsi uphetse tindzaba letimnandzi.” Indvodza yaya ngekuya isondzela. Logadzi waphindze wabona lenye ichamukile nayo ngematubane, wamemeta lona losesangweni ngaphansi, watsi: “Bukela nansiya lenye indvodza nayo igijima yodvwana!” Inkhosi yatsi: “Nayo kufanele kube ita netindzaba letimnandzi.” Logadzi watsi: “Kushangatsi kimi lona logijima embili, ngu-Ahimasi, umsa waSadoki.” Inkhosi yatsi: “Yindvodza-ke leyo; uta netindzaba letimnandzi.” Ahimasi wakhulekela enkhosini, watsi: “Konkhe kukahle.” Wakhotsama phansi embikwenkhosi buso bakhe bubheke phansi, watsi: “Ludvumo alube kuSimakadze Nkulunkulu wakho! Ubanikele kuwe bantfu labaphakamisa tandla tabo etikwakho, nkhosi yami, nkhosi.” Inkhosi yabuta yatsi: “Unjani umfana Absalomu?” Ahimasi waphendvula watsi: “Nkhosi, ngesikhatsi inceku yakho Jowabe ingitfuma, ngibone kudzidzitela lokukhulu, kodvwa angati kutsi bekudzidziteliswani.” Inkhosi yatsi: “Asewume lapha eceleni.” Ngako wakhwesha, wema eceleni. Kwase kungena lomKushe, watsi: “Nkhosi yami, nkhosi, vani nati tindzaba letimnandzi! Simakadze ukukhululile lamuhla, kubo bonkhe labakuvukelako.” Inkhosi yabuta kulomKushe, yatsi: “Unjani umfana Absalomu?” LomKushe waphendvula watsi: “Shangatsi loko lokwenteke kuye kungenteka kubo bonkhe labatitsa takho, nkhosi, nabo bonkhe labakuvukelako.” Inkhosi yehlulwa buhlungu. Yasukuma yakhuphukela ekamelweni lelalingetulu kwelisango yayawukhala khona. Isakhuphuka, yayihambe ikhala itsi: “Awu, ndvodzana yami, Absalomu! Ndvodzana yami, ndvodzana yami, Absalomu! Kube kufane kwafa mine esikhundleni sakho! Awu, Absalomu, ndvodzana yami, ndvodzana yami!” Jowabe wabikelwa kwatsiwa: “Inkhosi iyakhala, ililela Absalomu.” Ngalelo langa kuyo yonkhe imphi yakhe kuncoba kwagucuka kwaba sililo, ngobe ngalelo langa emabutfo abikelwa kwatsiwa: “Inkhosi idzindza lesikhulu sililo ngenca yemntfwanayo.” Emabutfo angena edolobheni anyondlota ngalelo langa, njengemadvodza langena ngekunyenya, nakanemahloni ngobe abaleke emphini. Inkhosi yambonya buso bayo, yadzatimula yakhala yatsi: “Awu, ndvodzana yami, Absalomu, ndvodzana yami, ndvodzana yami!” Jowabe wangena ekamelweni enkhosini, watsi: “Lamuhla uwajabhisile onkhe emabutfo akho, emadvodza lasindzise imphilo yakho nemphilo yemadvodzana akho, neyemadvodzakati akho, nemphilo yaso sonkhe sigodlo sakho kanye neyemaphovela akho. Utsandza labo labakutondzako, utondze labo labakutsandzako! Ubonakalisile lamuhla kutsi letindvuna takho temphi nalamabutfo ato atisilo lutfo kuwe. Sengiyabona-ke kutsi bekutaba mnandzi kuwe kube lamuhla kuphila Absalomu tsine sonkhe sifile. Manje-ke phumela ngaphandle ukhutsate emabutfo akho. Ngifunga kuphila kwaSimakadze ngitsi: Nawungaphumi nyalo, litawutsi lishona lamuhla kube kute ngisho nayinye indvodza lotabe usasele nayo. Loku kutaba buhlungu kakhulu kuwe kunato tonkhe tigigaba letake takwehlela kusukela ebusheni bakho kuze kube ngunyalo.” Ngako inkhosi yavuka yahlala esihlalweni sayo ngasekungeneni kwelisango. Emabutfo atsi kube atjelwe kwatsiwa: “Inkhosi seyihleti esangweni,” onkhe eta embikwayo. Ngaleso sikhatsi onkhe ema-Israyeli aka-Absalomu abesabaleke atindvumbeka emathendeni awo. Kuto tonkhe tive tema-Israyeli bonkhe bantfu babephikisana bodvwa, batsi: “Inkhosi Davide yasikhulula etandleni tetitsa tetfu, ngiyo leyo leyasephula esandleni semaFilisti. Kodvwa manje seyibalekile kulelive ngenca ya-Absalomu, naye lo-Absalomu lesambeka kutsi abe yinkhosi yetfu sewufele emphini. Manje nithuleleni ningalandzi inkhosi Davide nibuyisele yona?” Inkhosi Davide, yatfumela lomlayeto kuboSadoki na-Abiyatha, baphristi, lotsi: “Butani baholi bakaJuda nitsi: ‘Nentiwa yini kutsi nibe bekugcina ekubuyiseleni inkhosi Davide esigodlweni sayo, njengobe konkhe lokushiwo kulo lonkhe lema-Israyeli sekufikile etindlebeni tenkhosi, lapho igogobele khona? Nine nibomnaketfu, niyinyama yami nengati yami. Manje nentiwa yini kuba bekugcina kubuyisela inkhosi Davide?’ Khulumani ku-Amasa nitsi: ‘Awusiyo yini wena ingati yami nenyama yami? Shangatsi Nkulunkulu angangijezisa angishaye kabuhlungu, nangabe kusukela nyalo ngingakubeki kutsi ube yindvuna yemphi yami esikhundleni saJowabe.’ ” Emavi aDavide atitsatsa tinhlitiyo tabo bonkhe bantfu bakaJuda, kwaba shangatsi bangumuntfu munye. Batfumela ligama kuDavide batsi: “Buya kanye nawo onkhe emabutfo akho.” Inkhosi yase iyancandzeka, yahamba yaze yefika eJordane. Emadvodza akaJuda eta eGilgali kutewuhlangabeta inkhosi ayewete umfula iJordane. Kwatsi kusenjalo, Shimeyi, umsa waGera, umBhenjamini waseBhahurimu, waphutfuma ngasemfuleni iJordane wehla nemadvodza akaJuda kuyawuhlangabeta inkhosi Davide. Shimeyi abehamba nenkhulungwane yemadvodza esive sakaBhenjamini. Siba-ke yena, sisebenti sendlu yakaSawula, weta nemadvodzana akhe lali-15 netisebenti letingema-20, befika eJordane embikwenkhosi. Bewela emfuleni bentela kusingatsa bukhosi nabewelako, nekwenta loko labangahle bakutjelwe yinkhosi. Inkhosi Davide yatsi isatilungiselela kwewela, Shimeyi watilahla inyandzana phansi embikwenkhosi, watsi: “Nkhosi! Ngicela inkhosi yami ibukhohlwe bonkhe bubi bami lengabenta ngalela langa, mhlazane iphuma eJerusalema. Shangatsi inkhosi ingakukhipha loko engcondvweni yayo. Ngobe mine nceku yakho ngiyati kutsi ngonile, kodvwa lamuhla sengite lapha njengewekucala kubo bonkhe bendlu yakaJosefa, kutsi ngitetitfoba ngihlangabete inkhosi yami, nkhosi.” Abishayi, umsa waSeruya, watsi: “Akukafaneli yini Shimeyi abulawe, ngobe wacalekisa lowo lowagcotjwa nguSimakadze kutsi abe yinkhosi?” Davide waphendvula watsi: “Ngihlangana ngani mine nani, nine madvodzana aSeruya? Kantsi lamuhla senigucuke naba titsa tami? Kufanele yini lamuhla kutsi kube khona lobulawako ka-Israyeli? Angati yini kutsi lamuhla ngimi inkhosi yaka-Israyeli?” Inkhosi yafunga kuShimeyi, yatsi: “Ngiyafunga ngitsi: ‘Ungeke ubulawe ngumuntfu.’ ” Mefiboshethi naye, umntfwanemntfwana Sawula, wehla watawuhlangabeta inkhosi Davide. Abengazange atigeze tinyawo takhe, nesilevu sakhe abengazange asihhule, netimphahla takhe abengazange atigeze kusukela mhlazane inkhosi, Davide, iphuma eJerusalema kwaze kwaba lilanga leyabuya ngalo iphephile. Watsi nakefika aphuma eJerusalema atewuhlangabeta inkhosi, inkhosi yambuta yatsi: “Awuhambanga ngani nami, wena Mefiboshethi?” Waphendvula watsi: “Nkhosi yami, nkhosi, njengobe mine nceku yakho ngisishosha, ngatfumela sisebenti sami Siba, kutsi sibophele imbongolo yami, kuze ngigibele nami ngihambe kanye nawe, kodvwa sona sangentela bucili. Safike sangicalela emanga enkhosini yami, kodvwa wena ufanana nengilosi yaNkulunkulu, ngako yenta loko lokubonakala kukuhle kuwe. Tonkhe titukulwane tamkhulu wami betingakafanelwa lutfo ngaphandle kwekubulawa yinkhosi yami, nkhosi, kodvwa inceku yakho wayipha indzawo kutsi ihlale kanye nalabadla etafuleni lakho. Ngako angisenalungelo lekubuye ngicele lomunye umusa enkhosini yami.” Inkhosi yaphendvula yatsi: “Akusadzingeki ukhulume lokunyenti kunaloku. Sengincumile kutsi nine naSiba nitawuhlephulelana emasimi.” Mefiboshethi waphendvula watsi: “Siba akasale atsatsa konkhe, kimi sekwenele lokutsi inkhosi yami ibuye ekhaya iphephile.” Bhazilayi, wakaGileyadi, naye wehla esuka eRogelimu, atewusingatsa inkhosi Davide, nayewela umfula iJordane. Bhazilayi besekulikhehla lelidzala, asaneminyaka lengema-80 budzala. Abenjinge kakhulu, nguye labekhipha kudla aphe inkhosi ngesikhatsi isahlala eMahanayimu. Inkhosi yakhuluma kuye yatsi: “Buya uhambe nami siye eJerusalema, ngitakunakekela.” Kodvwa Bhazilayi watsi: “Ngisetawuhlala iminyaka lemingaki kutsi ngisengaya eJerusalema kanye nenkhosi? Manje sengineminyaka lengema-80 budzala. Angisakwati kwehlukanisa lokubi kulokuhle. Angisabuva nebumnandzi bekunambitseka kwalengikudlako nalengikunatsako. Angisaweva nemaphimbo alabadvuna nalabasikati labahlabelelako. Sengingaba ngumtfwalo welite nje enkhosini yami, inkhosi. Angikasifaneli sibongo lesikhulu kangaka. Ngako ngitakuphekeletela libangana nje, nasewewele iJordane. Ngivumele ngibuyele ekhaya lami ngiyewufela edvutane nemadliza abobabe namake. Nansi inceku yakho Khimhamu, lotakukhonta, tsatsa yena uhambe naye, nkhosi yami, nkhosi. Mentele loko lokubonakala kukuhle kuwe.” Inkhosi yatsi: “Ngitawuhamba naKhimhamu, ngifike ngimentele nome yini wena loyifunako. Nawe ngitakwentela nome ngabe yini loyifunako.” Ngako bonkhe bantfu base bewela umfula iJordane, nenkhosi yase iyewela. Inkhosi yavalelisa Bhazilayi ngekumanga nangekumbusisa. Bhazilayi wase uyancandzeka ubuyela ekhaya kakhe. Ngesikhatsi inkhosi Davide yewela umfula iJordane, yayisingatfwe ngibo bonkhe bantfu bakaJuda nencenye yebantfu baka-Israyeli, yachubekela eGilgali; naKhimhamu abehamba nayo. Kwesuka onkhe emadvodza aka-Israyeli aya enkhosini, afike atsi: “Nkhosi, kwentiwe yini kutsi bomnaketfu, emadvodza akaJuda, acabange kutsi analo lilungelo lekusemuka wena, akusingatse kanye nendlu yakho, nemabutfo akho akwewete umfula iJordane?” Lamadvodza akaJuda aphendvula lawa aka-Israyeli atsi: “Loko sikwente ngobe inkhosi yelusendvo lwaketfu. Nine nitfukutseliswa yini ngaloko? Kukhona yini lesiyidlele kona inkhosi lokungumphako wayo? Kukhona yini lesititsatsele kona?” Emadvodza aka-Israyeli aphendvula lawa akaJuda atsi: “Tsine phela, tabelo tetfu telive tilishumi, ngako emalungelo etfu ekubanga inkhosi angetulu kwewenu. Manje-ke nisedzelelelani? Ningakhohlwa kutsi ngitsi lesaba bekucala kukhuluma ngekubuyiselwa kwenkhosi yetfu Davide.” Kodvwa emadvodza akaJuda aphendvula ngesikhahlo lesikhulu kakhulu kunalamadvodza aka-Israyeli. Lesinye sichomoketi lesasikhona lapho bekunguSheba, umsa waBikri, wesive sakaBhenjamini. Sona-ke sesuke sashaya impalampala samemetela satsi: “Asinasabelo kuDavide! Ngeke silandzele umsa waJese! Madvodza aka-Israyeli, asambeni emakhaya!” Ngako onkhe emadvodza aka-Israyeli amhlubuka Davide alandzela Sheba, umsa waBikri. Kodvwa emadvodza akaJuda wona onkhe asala anamatsele enkhosini yawo Davide, ahamba nayo kusukela eJordane kuze kuyewufika eJerusalema. Davide watsi kube efike esigodlweni sakhe eJerusalema, wabutsa lamaphovela akhe labewashiyele kutsi sale anakekela lesigodlo, wawangenisa endlini watsi akagadvwe. Abewanakekela ngato tonkhe tidzingo tawo, kodvwa akazange aphindze aweyame. Abehlala avalelwe kuleso simo, kwaze kwaba lilanga lawo lekufa, aphila njengebafelokati. Inkhosi yase ikhuluma ku-Amasa, itsi: “Bita onkhe emadvodza akaJuda kutsi ete kimi kungakapheli emalanga lamatsatfu, nawe cobo lwakho ube khona.” Kodvwa Amasa wahamba wayawubita lamadvodza akaJuda, watsatsa sikhatsi lesidze kubuya kunaleso besibekwe yinkhosi. Davide wakhuluma ku-Abishayi, watsi: “Manje Sheba, umsa waBikri, sewutasenta intfo lemnyama kakhulu kunaloku lesakwentiwa ngu-Absalomu. Tsatsa tindvuna tami umcoshe, angakaze watfola emadolobha labiyelwe ngetibondza, aphunyule.” Ngako libutfo lakaJowabe, emaKherethi kanye nemaPhelethi labesingatsa inkhosi, nawo onkhe lamanye emabutfo baphuma eJerusalema baholwa ngu-Abishayi kutsi bacoshe Sheba, umsa waBikri. Batsi nabefika edvwaleni lelikhulu laseGibeyoni, Amasa weta watakubahlangabeta. Jowabe abegcoke temphi, abophele inkemba yakhe endzaweni yayo letsekeletelwe ebhandeni lakhe. Watsi asasondzela, lenkemba yaphuma lapha esikhwameni sayo yawa. Jowabe wakhuluma ku-Amasa, watsi: “Unjani, mnaketfu?” Jowabe wadvonsa Amasa ngesilevu ngesandla sakhe sekudla kutsi atemanga. Amasa abengakayicapheli lenkemba leyayisesandleni saJowabe, Jowabe wayiphisela esiswini sa-Amasa, ematfumbu akhe acitsekela phansi emhlabatsini. Angakamphindzi kabili kumgwaza, wavele waphangalala Amasa. BoJowabe na-Abishayi, umnakabo, bachubeka bacosha Sheba, umsa waBikri. Lomunye welibutfo lakaJowabe wema eceleni kwesidvumbu sa-Amasa, watsi: “Wonkhe lohambisana naJowabe, naye wonkhe lowakaDavide, akalandzele Jowabe!” Amasa wasala abhabha engatini yakhe ekhatsi emgwacweni, lendvodza yase iyabona kutsi onkhe lamabutfo efike eme lapho. Watsi kube abone kutsi bonkhe befike beme lapha ku-Amasa, wase uyamhudvula, amsusa lapha emgwacweni wamhudvulela esigangeni, wase ummbonya ngengubo. Kwatsi kube simbonywe sidvumbu sa-Amasa, sesisusiwe lapha emgwacweni, bonkhe bantfu bachubekela embili naJowabe, bacoshana naSheba, umsa waBikri. Sheba wagangalata watendlula tonkhe tifundza tetive tema-Israyeli, waze wayawufika edolobheni lase-Abela Bhethi Makha akanye nabo bonkhe bendlu yakaBeri lababutsana ndzawonye nabo bashulungana balandzela Sheba, baze bayawungena naye edolobheni. BoJowabe nemabutfo akhe beva kutsi Sheba ungenise lapha e-Abela Bhethi Makha, ngako balivimbetela lelidolobha. Bema tingelo emvakwalolubondza loluvikele lelidolobha, baluvalele ngekhatsi. Batsi basalibele kugqala letibondza bafuna kutidzilitela phansi, kwamemeta umfati lohlakaniphile angekhatsi edolobheni, watsi: “Lalelani! Lalelani! Tjelani Jowabe kutsi akete lapha ngitewukhuluma naye.” Jowabe waya kuye. Lomfati wambuta watsi: “Nguwe kambe, Jowabe?” Jowabe watsi: “Nginguye.” Lomfati watsi: “Lalela-ke kutsi incekukati yakho itsini.” Jowabe watsi: “Ngilalele.” Lomfati wachubeka watsi: “Lokwa kadzeni babevamise kutsi: ‘Hamba ulandze imphendvulo yakho e-Abela,’ bebavele bente njalo, kube kuphela kwendzaba njalo. Tsine sibantfu bekuthula nalabetsembekile ka-Israyeli. Wena wetama kubhubhisa lidolobha lelingunina wema-Israyeli. Ufunelani kumita lifa laSimakadze?” Jowabe waphendvula watsi: “Akube khashane nami! Akube khashane nami kumita nekubhubhisa! Akusiyo injongo yetfu leyo. Kukhona indvodza lekutsiwa nguSheba, umsa waBikri, wekutalwa eveni letintsaba kulaka-Efrayimu, uphakamisele inkhosi sandla, wavukela Davide. Khiphani lowo muntfu, yena yedvwa, ngitawube sengiyaliyekela-ke lelidolobha.” Lomfati watsi kuJowabe: “Sitanijikela inhloko yakhe lapha etulu elubondzeni.” Lomfati wase uya kulamadvodza labenawo nalelisu lakhe lelihlakaniphile, base bajuba inhloko yaSheba, umsa waBikri, bayiphosela Jowabe basetulu elubondzeni. Ngako Jowabe wase ushaya impalampala kutsi emabutfo asale aliyekela lelidolobha. Ngulowo nalowo watibuyelela ekhaya kakhe, naJowabe wabuyela emuva eJerusalema enkhosini. Jowabe abesengamele yonkhe imphi yema-Israyeli; Bhenaya, umsa waJehoyada, abephetse emaKherethi nemaPhelethi. Adoniramu yena abengamele yonkhe imisebenti yencindzetelo. Jehoshafati, umsa wa-Ahiludi, abengulobhalisako. Sheva abengumabhalane; boSadoki na-Abiyatha bona bekubaphristi. Ira, waseJayire, yena abengumphristi waDavide. Kwaba nendlala lenkhulu ngesikhatsi sekubusa kwaDavide, kwadzimate kwaphela iminyaka lemitsatfu ilandzelana. Ngako Davide wafunisisa buso baSimakadze ngaloko. Simakadze watsi: “Loku kungenca yaSawula nangendlu yakhe lebovu ingati, kungobe Sawula wabulala bantfu baseGibeyoni.” Inkhosi Davide yabita emaGibeyoni kutsi ete kuye. EmaGibeyoni phela abengesiyo incenye yema-Israyeli, kodvwa bekungimitfonselana nje yema-Amori leyayisele. Baka-Israyeli babefungile batsi batawayekela aphile, kodvwa Sawula ngenca yekushisekela kwakhe ngesive saka-Israyeli nesakaJuda, abetama kuwacedza. Davide wabuta emaGibeyoni watsi: “Nginganentelani? Ngifuna kwenta inhlawulo yekubuyisana nani ngenca yaloko lokubi lokwentiwa kini, kuze nani nibusise sive saSimakadze.” EmaGibeyoni amphendvula atsi: “Kucabana kwetfu naSawula nendlu yakhe kungeke kucedvwe ngesiliva nangegolide, futsi kute nem-Israyeli lesifuna kumbulala.” Davide wababuta watsi: “Nifuna nginenteleni-ke?” Bamphendvula batsi: “Macondzana nalomuntfu labesibulala afuna kusicedza, kuze kungasali namunye wetfu aphila kulo lonkhe laka-Israyeli, sicela kutsi sinikwe batukulu bakhe labasikhombisa labadvuna, batewulengiswa lapha embikwaSimakadze eGibeya, edolobheni lakhe Sawula, inkhosi leyakhetfwa nguSimakadze.” Inkhosi yabaphendvula yatsi: “Ngitaninika bona.” Inkhosi yambonelela Mefiboshethi, umsa waJonathani, umsa waSawula, ngenca yesifungo labasenta embikwaSimakadze boDavide naJonathani, umsa waSawula. Kodvwa inkhosi yatsatsa bo-Arimoni naMefiboshethi, emadvodzana lamabili aRispha, indvodzakati ya-Aya, labewatalele Sawula, watsatsa nemadvodzana lasihlanu aMerabi, indvodzakati yaSawula, labewatalele Adriyeli, umsa waBhazilayi, labewaseMehola. Wabaniketela kubantfu baseGibeyoni lababatsatsa bababulala; babalengisa entsabeni embikwaSimakadze. Babulawelwa khona bonkhe bobasikhombisa. Babulawa ngemalanga anakucalwa kuvuna, ngaso leso sikhatsi nakucala kuvunwa ibhali. Rispha, indvodzakati ya-Aya, watsatsa emasaka watentela yena umtfunti edvwaleni, lapho letidvumbu tatikhona. Wahlala lapho kusukela nakucala kuvunwa, kwaze kwefika timvula tekucala. Emini abelindza tinyoni kutsi tingadli letidvumbu, kutsi ebusuku ativikele etilwaneni tesiganga kutsi tingatidli. Davide watsi kube atjelwe kutsi Rispha, liphovela laSawula, indvodzakati ya-Aya, wenteni, Davide wahamba wayawutsatsa ematsambo aboSawula naJonathani, umsa waSawula, kutakhamiti taseJabeshi Gileyadi. Phela, bebawebe enkhundleni yaseBhethi Shani, lapho bebalengiswe ngemaFilisti khona, mhlazane emaFilisti abulala Sawula entsabeni yaseGilbowa. Davide watsatsa lamatsambo aboSawula nemsa wakhe Jonathani, wabutsa nalamatsambo alamadvodza lasikhombisa labelengiswe eGibeyoni. Base bangcwaba lamatsambo aboSawula nemsa wakhe Jonathani edlizeni laKhishi, uyise waSawula, eSela, kulakaBhenjamini, benta konkhe labebakutjelwa yinkhosi Davide. Emvakwaloko-ke Nkulunkulu wawuphendvula umthandazo welive. Kwaphindza futsi kwabhedvuka imphi emkhatsini wemaFilisti nema-Israyeli. Davide wehla kanye nemabutfo akhe wayakulwa nemaFilisti. Kwatsi kulesinye siwombe Davide wase uyadzinwa. Lesinye setichwaga takaRefa lekwakutsiwa ngu-Ishbi Benobi sasiphetse sikhali selitfusi lesasinesisindvo lesingemakhilogremu labengaba matsatfu nencenye, sihlome ngenkemba lensha; sasicabanga kutsi sitambulala Davide. Kodvwa Abishayi, umsa waSeruya, welekelela Davide, wagadla lesichwaga wasibulala. Lamadvodza akaDavide afunga kuye atsi: “Ungabobe usaphuma natsi kuyakulwa imphi. Kuze ungasicimi sibane saka-Israyeli.” Emvakwaloko kwaba nalenye imphi yemaFilisti eGobi. Ngaleso sikhatsi Sibhekayi, waseHusha, wabulala lesinye sichwaga lekwakutsiwa nguSiphayi, lomunye webatukulu baRefa. Kwaba nalenye futsi imphi nemaFilisti eGobi, lapho Eli Hanani, umsa waJayire, umeluki, waseBhetlehema, abulala khona Goliyathi, waseGathi, labenesikhali lesasinelutsi lolwalungangelipulango lembongolo yemeluki. Kwaphindza futsi kwaba nalenye imphi eGathi. Lapho-ke bekunalesinye sichwaga lesidze, sasinemino lesitfupha sandla sisinye netintwane letisitfupha lunyawo lulunye, kungema-24 sekukonkhe. Naso bekungumtukulu waRefa. Watsi nakedzelela ema-Israyeli, Jonathani, umsa waShama, umnakaboDavide, wamsukela wambulala. Labo-ke bobane babeyintalelwane yaRefa waseGathi. Bafa babulawa nguDavide nemadvodza akakhe. Davide wahlabela kuSimakadze emagama anansi ingoma, ngesikhatsi Simakadze amephula etandleni tato tonkhe titsa takhe nasesandleni saSawula. Davide watsi: “Simakadze ulidvwala lami, nenqaba yami, neMkhululi wami; Nkulunkulu wami, ulidvwala lami lengiphephela kulo. Usihlangu sami sekungivikela nemandla ensindziso yami. Yena ungumgedze wami wekubhaca. Usiphephelo sami neMsindzisi wami. Etigebengwini, wena uyangisindzisa. Ngikhala kuSimakadze, bese uyangephula etitseni tami. Akadvunyiswe Simakadze! “Emagagasi ekufa angitungeleta; tikhukhula tembhubhiso tangigabudzela. Tintsambo telithuna tatingitsandzele, tingibe tekufa tangintfonya. Ngakhala kuSimakadze ngisekudzangaleni kwami, ngacela lusito kuNkulunkulu wami. Waliva livi lami asendlini yakhe. Kuncusa kwami, nekukhala kwami, nekuthandaza kwami kwangena etindlebeni takhe. “Umhlaba watfutfumela, watamatama, tisekelo temazulu tatfutfumela, tatamatama, ngobe Somandla abesatfukutsele. Emakhala akhe akhafula intfutfu; umlomo wakhe wakhephuta umlilo locotfulako, kuwo kwakhehleka emalahle labovu. Wabhobosa emazulu, wehlela phansi. Emafu lamnyama abengaphansi kwetinyawo takhe. Wagibela likherubhi wandiza; wantjuza asetikwemaphiko emoya. Wenta bumnyama baba yingubo yakhe, watungeletwa ngemafu lahlomile, lamnyama. Ebukhatikhatini bebukhona bakhe kwaphambana imibane nemalahle lavutsako. Simakadze wabhavumula asezulwini. Losetikwako Konkhe walivakalisa livi lakhe. Wajijimeta ngemicibisholo, kwasakateka titsa. Ngebumanyamanya bemibane watidzidzitelisa tasiphuka. Kujula kwetilwandle kwenekeka ebaleni, tisekelo temhlaba tembuleka, ngenca yekutsetsa kwaSimakadze, nangenca yekufutsa kwemakhala akhe. “Welula ingalo yakhe akulelisetulu, wayehlisela phansi, wangibamba, wangenyula ekujuleni kwemanti. Wangephula esitseni sami lesinemandla, wangephula nakulabangitondzako, ngobe babenemandla kakhulu kunami. Bangidvumela ngesikhatsi ngehlelwa sehlakalo; kodvwa Simakadze waba sihlangu sami. Wangikhiphela endzaweni lebanti; wangephula, ngobe abejabula ngami. “Simakadze wangiphatsa njengekulunga kwami, wangivuza njengebumsulwa betandla tami, ngobe imiyalo yaSimakadze ngiyigcinile. Angikenti lutfo lolubi, angikamfulatseli Nkulunkulu wami. Yonkhe imiyalo yaNkulunkulu isembikwami. Angikagucuki etimisweni takhe. Bengisolo ngite sici embikwakhe, ngitigcinile ngangete ngona. Ngako-ke Simakadze ungivuze njengekulunga kwami, wangivuza njengebumsulwa bami emehlweni akhe. “Kulowetsembekile wena utibonakalisa wetsembekile; kulongenacala wena utibonakalisa ucotfo. Kulohlantekile wena utibonakalisa uhlantekile, kodvwa kulosigwegwe wena utibonakalisa ulukhuni. Uyabasindzisa labatfobekile, kodvwa emehlo akho akulabatiphakamisako, kuze ubatfobise. Awu! Simakadze, wena usibane sami, Simakadze ugucula bumnyama bami abente bube kukhanya. Ngawe ngisengayidvungulula imphi. NgaNkulunkulu wami ngisengagalaja lubondza lwetitsa. “Indlela yaNkulunkulu ilungile. Livi laSimakadze letsembekile. Yena usihlangu sabo bonkhe labaphephela kuye. Kambe nje ngubani longuNkulunkulu ngaphandle kwaSimakadze? Ngubani lolidvwala ngaphandle kwaNkulunkulu wetfu? Nguye loNkulunkulu longihlomisa ngemandla, ente indlela yami icondze, ibe msulwa. Wenta tinyawo tami tibe lula njengetenyamatane, angente ngiphephele ekuphakameni. Yena wenta tandla tami tifundzele kulwa, kuze imikhono yami yetayele kugoba butjoki belitfusi. Ungihlomisa ngesihlangu sensindziso yakho; utehlisa wena kuze uphakamise mine. “Wentele tinyatselo tami indzawo lebanti, kuze emacakala ami angabhinyiliki. “Ngaticosha titsa tami, ngatifihlita, angizange ngincandzeke, ngingakaticedzi. Ngatiphahlata tonkhe ngaticedza. Tatingeke tiphindze tivuke, tawela ngaphansi kwetinyawo tami. Wangihlomisa ngemandla ekulwa imphi. Titsa tami watitfobisa ngaphansi kwami. Titsa tami watidvungulula, tabaleka, ngabacedza bonkhe labangitondzako. Bakhala bacela lusito, kodvwa kwabate lobasindzisako. Bahlaba inyandzaleyo kuSimakadze, kodvwa akazange abaphendvule. Ngabagaya baba njengelutfuli, baba njengelutfuli lwemhlaba. Ngabagcobagcoba ngagidza etikwabo njengeludzaka lwendlela. “Wangisindzisa embangweni wesive sakitsi, wangigcina ngaba yinhloko yetive. Sive lengingazange sengisati sangikhotsama. Betive beta kimi bakhasa, batsi bangangiva, bangihloniphe masinyane. Bonkhe baphelelwa ngemandla, beta bachachatela, baphuma emigedzeni yabo. “Simakadze uyaphila! Alidvunyiswe lidvwala lami! Akaphakanyiswe Nkulunkulu, Lidvwala lami, neMsindzisi wami! UnguNkulunkulu longiphindziselelako, lobeka tive ngaphansi kwami. Wangikhulula etitseni tami. Wangiphakamisa ngaba ngetulu kwalabo labemelene nami, wangephula kubantfu belutfutfuva. Ngako-ke ngiyawukudvumisa wena, Simakadze, emkhatsini wetive, ngikugambute ngetibongelelo teLibito lakho. Nguwe, Nkhosi, umenti wankhulu, inkhosi yakho uyiphe kuncoba timphi ngetimphi, wentele logcotjiwe wakho umusa wakho longapheli, yebo, Davide netitukulwane takhe phakadze naphakadze.” Lawa ngemavi ekugcina enkhosi Davide: “Inkhulumo yaDavide, umsa waJese, inkhulumo yalowo lowaphakanyiswa nguLosetikwako Konkhe. Ungumuntfu lowagcotjwa nguNkulunkulu waJakobe, umhlabeleli wetingoma ka-Israyeli. “Moya waSimakadze wakhuluma ngami. Livi lakhe labaselulwimini lwami. Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli wakhuluma, Lidvwala laka-Israyeli latsi kimi: ‘Nangabe umuntfu ahola sive ngekulunga, asibuse ngekwesaba Nkulunkulu, ufanana nekukhanya kwekusa nakuphuma lilanga, lakute khona emafu; unjengekukhanya emvakwemvula lokumilisa tjani emhlabatsini.’ “Indlu yami ayikalungi yini kuNkulunkulu? Akenti nami yini sivumelwane saphakadze naphakadze, lesihlelwe kahle savikeleka macala onkhana? Akayikuphumelelisa yini kusindziswa kwami, anginike konkhe lengikufisako? Kodvwa bonkhe lababi bayawulahlwa njengemanyeva, wona angabutfwa ngesandla. Wonkhe lotsintsa emanyeva usebentisa ludlawu lwensimbi, nome siphandla sesikhali; ashiselwa khona lapho alahlelwe khona.” Lawa-ke ngemabito etingwazi takaDavide letatidvumile: wekucala kwakunguJoshebi Bashebethi, umThakhemoni, abeyindvuna yaLabatsatfu. Yena-ke wagwaza ngesikhali sakhe emadvodza labengema-800, wawabulala onkhe emphini yinye. Wesibili kwakungu-Eleyazare, umsa waDodo, welusendvo lwaka-Ahohi. Yena abengulomunye waletingwazi letintsatfu. Ngalelinye lilanga yena naDavide bake besukela emaFilisti labebutsanele imphi. Ema-Israyeli onkhe abaleka, kodvwa yena wema endzaweni yakhe walwa nemaFilisti, sandla sakhe saze somelela enkembeni yakhe, sesigongobele singaseluleki. Simakadze wancoba imphi lenkhulu ngalelo langa. Yatsi kube imphi iphele, ema-Israyeli abuya eta lapho bekuna-Eleyazare khona, atewuphanga tikhali kuletidvumbu. Wesitsatsu bekunguShama, umsa wa-Age, waseHarari. EmaFilisti abebutsene eLehi, lapho bekunensimi yemalentili khona. Emabutfo ema-Israyeli awabalekela emaFilisti, kodvwa Shama yena wema endzaweni yakhe ekhatsi nekhatsi nensimi, wayivikela, wabulala lamaFilisti. Simakadze wancoba imphi lenkhulu ngalelo langa. Ngesikhatsi sanakuvunwako tingwazi letintsatfu kuleti letatingema-30 tehlela kuDavide ngasemgedzeni wase-Adulamu, incumbi yemaFilisti isakambe eSigodzini semaRefa. Ngaleso sikhatsi Davide abesekhatsi enqabeni, kantsi libutfo lemaFilisti lona laliseBhetlehema. Davide wativela asomile, wase utsi: “Awu! Kube mane kungaba khona loyangikhelela emanti ekunatsa; ngomele emanti asemtfonjeni longasesangweni laseBhetlehema!” Ngako letingwazi letintsatfu tesuka lapho tabhidla ticheme temabutfo emaFilisti ngenkhani taphumela ngale, taze tefika emtfonjeni longasesangweni laseBhetlehema, takha emanti, tabuya nawo kuDavide. Kodvwa Davide wala kuwanatsa lamanti, esikhundleni saloko wawatfululela phansi embikwaSimakadze. Davide watsi: “Awu, Simakadze! Akube khashane nami kutsi ngiwanatse lamanti. Kimi kungabe kufanana nekunatsa ingati yalamadvodza latilahle ematsambo ngemphilo yawo.” Ngako Davide akazange awanatse. Nguleto-ke tento taletingwazi letintsatfu. Abishayi, umnakaboJowabe, umsa waSeruya, abengumholi walaba labangema-30. Wagwaza ngesikhali sakhe, alwa nemadvodza langema-300 wawabulala onkhe, waze wadvuma kakhulu njengaletingwazi letingema-30. Abishayi abengulodvume kakhulu kuletingwazi letingema-30, waze wabekwa waba yindvuna yato, lite nome yena abengakabalwa nalaba Labatsatfu. Bhenaya, umsa waJehoyada, waseKhabsiyeli, naye abengulomunye wetingwazi letatatiwa. Wenta tigemegeme letinyenti naye, njengekubulala kwakhe tingwazi letimbili letatatiwa takaMowabi. Wake wehlela phansi emgodzini ngalelinye lilanga kunangcocwane, wafike wabulala libhubesi. Wabulala sichwaga lesikhulu saseGibhithe lesasihlome ngesikhali, sisibambe ngesandla, Bhenaya yena wasisukela aphetse simunya. Wahlutfula lesikhali esandleni salomGibhithe, wambulala ngaso lesikhali sakhe. Lobo-ke kwaba buchawe baBhenaya, umsa waJehoyada. Naye wadvuma njengalaba Labatsatfu labebatiwa kakhulu. Abehlonishwa kakhulu kunato tonkhe letingwazi letatingema-30, kodvwa yena akabalwanga kanye nalaba Labatsatfu. Davide wamenta indvuna yaleti letatisingatsa yena. Kuletingwazi letatingema-30 kwakunalaba: Asaheli, umnakaboJowabe, na-Eli Hanani, umsa waDodo, waseBhetlehema, naboShama na-Elika baseHarodi, naHelesi waseBhethi Phelethi, na-Ira, umsa wa-Ikheshi, waseThekhowa, na-Abiyezeri wase-Anathothi, naSibhekhayi waseHusha, naSalmoni wase-Ahoha, naMaharayi waseNethofa, naHeledi, umsa waBhana, waseNethofa, na-Ithayi, umsa waRibayi, waseGibeya kulakaBhenjamini, naBhenaya wasePhirathoni, naHidayi wasetihosheni taseGashi, na-Abiyalboni wase-Abha, na-Azmavethi waseBhahurimu, na-Eliyaba waseShalbimu, nemadvodzana aJasheni, naJonathani, umsa waShama, waseHarari, na-Ahiyamu, umsa waSharari, waseHarari, na-Elifeleti, umsa wa-Ahasbayi, waseMakha, na-Eliyamu, umsa wa-Ahithofeli, waseGilo, na-Hesro waseKhameli, na-Pharayi wase-Arabu, na-Igali, umsa waNathani, waseSobha, lotalwa nguHagri, naSeleki, um-Amoni, naNaharayi waseBherothi, labeludzibi lwaJowabe, umsa waSeruya, na-Ira waseJetheri, naGarebi waseJetheri, na-Uriya, umHethi. Babe ngema-37 sebabonkhe. Lulaka lwaSimakadze lwasivutsela sive sema-Israyeli, wachukuluta Davide kutsi abavukele, watsi: “Hamba uyewubala bonkhe baka-Israyeli nebakaJuda.” Ngako inkhosi Davide yatjela Jowabe netindvuna temabutfo akhe, yatsi: “Hambani niye kuto tonkhe tive tema-Israyeli, kusukela kaDani kuze kuyewufika eBherisheba, nibhalise bonkhe bantfu, kuze ngati kutsi bangaki.” Kodvwa Jowabe wayiphendvula inkhosi, watsi: “Shangatsi Simakadze Nkulunkulu wakho angawandzisa lamabutfo awaphindze kalikhulu, shangatsi futsi nemehlo enkhosi yami, inkhosi, angakubona loko. Kodvwa ngempela inkhosi yami, inkhosi, ifunelani kwenta intfo lenje?” Noko livi lenkhosi lamehlulekisa Jowabe kanye naletindvuna takhe. Ngako besuka enkhosini bayawubhalisa onkhe emadvodza emphi aka-Israyeli. Batsi nase bangesheya kwemfula iJordane, base bemisa eceleni kwe-Aroyeri ngaseningizimu yelidolobha esihosheni, bahamba bengca eGadi, bendlulela naseJazeri. Baya nakaGileyadi, nasesifundzeni saseThathimu Hodishi bachubekela kaDani Jani, bajika base bacondza eSidoni. Base baya ngasenqabeni yaseThire nakuwo onkhe emadolobha emaHivi, newemaKhenani. Ekugcineni base baya eBherisheba, eningizimu nelive lakaJuda. Kwatsi sebalidzabule lonkhe lelo live, base babuyela emuva eJerusalema, emvakwetinyanga letiyimfica nemalanga langema-20. Jowabe wabikela inkhosi linani lemadvodza emphi labalwa: Ka-Israyeli abeti-800 000, imiswahla yodvwa yemadvodza leyayingabamba inkemba; kaJuda khona abeti-500 000. Kodvwa, emvakwekube Davide asalwentile lubalo, nembeza wakhe wacala kumehlulela, wakhuluma kuSimakadze watsi: “Ngonile kakhulu ngaloku lengikwentile. Manje! Awu! Simakadze! Ngiyakuncenga, susa licala lenceku yakho. Vele, ngente intfo lebulima kakhulu.” Davide watsi asengakavuki nakuvuka ngakusasa ekuseni, livi laSimakadze labeselifikile kuGadi, umphrofethi, umboniswa waDavide, latsi: “Hamba utjele Davide utsi: ‘Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: “Ngikunika tintfo letintsatfu lokumele ukhetse kuto. Khetsa kunye kwato ngitekujezisa ngako.” ’ ” Ngako Gadi wahamba waya kuDavide, wamtjela konkhe lobekushiwo nguSimakadze, wase uyambuta watsi: “Ngukuphi-ke lokukhetsako: Kutsi kube nendlala lenkhulu eveni lakho iminyaka lemitsatfu, nome kuphele tinyanga letintsatfu solomane ubaleka ugijinyiswa titsa takho, nome emalanga lamatsatfu uhlaselwe sifo lesingujubajece eveni lakho? Manje-ke, cabangisisa kutsi ngitawufike ngitsini kulona longitfumile.” Davide watsi kuGadi: “Ngiselusizini lolukhulu asimane siwele etandleni taSimakadze, ngobe umusa wakhe mkhulu, kodvwa ungavumi siwele etandleni tebantfu.” Ngako Simakadze watfumela sifo lesingujubajece esiveni sema-Israyeli, lesacala ekuseni ngalelo langa, kwaze kwaphela leso sikhatsi labesimisile. Bantfu labafa kusukela kaDani kuze kuyewufika eBherisheba baba ti-70 000. Kwatsi nje ingilosi yaSimakadze nayelula sandla sayo seyitawubhubhisa iJerusalema, Simakadze wadzabuka, nakabona lobusacasaca bekufa kwesive sakhe, wase ukhuluma kulengilosi yakhe leyayibulala labantfu, watsi: “Sekwenele! Susa sandla sakho!” Ngaleso sikhatsi lengilosi yaSimakadze yase ime ebaleni lekubhulela kolo laka-Arawuna, umJebhusi. Davide watsi nakabona lengilosi leyayigawula labantfu, wakhuluma kuSimakadze watsi: “Ngimi lowonile, ngenta lokubi. Kodvwa laba batimvu nje. Bona-ke boneni? Sandla sakho asehlele etikwami ngedvwa kanye nasetikwendlu yami, kuphela.” Ngalelo langa Gadi waya kuDavide, wafike watsi: “Khuphuka uyekwakhela Simakadze lilati lena ebaleni lekubhulela kolo laka-Arawuna, umJebhusi.” Davide wakhuphuka, njengobe Simakadze abesamtjelile ngaGadi. Arawuna watsi nakaphakamisa emehlo wabona kuta inkhosi, Davide, kanye netindvuna tayo, kuye, waphuma wayawukhotsamisa inhloko yakhe embikwayo, buso bakhe bubheke phansi. Arawuna watsi: “Nkhosi! Inkhosi yami iteleni encekwini yayo?” Davide waphendvula watsi: “Kutawutsenga libala lakho lekubhulela kolo, kuze ngitekwakha khona lilati laSimakadze, khona kutewuncamuka lesifo lesibulala sive.” Arawuna wakhuluma kuDavide, watsi: “Nkhosi! Inkhosi yami ayitsatse nome yini leyitsandzako, iyinikele kuSimakadze. Nati tinkhabi tekwenta umnikelo wekushiswa, nati netihliphi tekubhula nemajoko etinkhabi kutsi abe tinkhuni. Awu! Nkhosi: Konkhe loku Arawuna ukunika inkhosi.” Arawuna wachubeka watsi: “Shangatsi Simakadze, Nkulunkulu wakho, angakwemukela.” Kodvwa inkhosi, Davide, yaphendvula Arawuna, yatsi: “Cha! Ngitakukhokhela ngaloku. Ngingeke ngente umhlatjelo kuSimakadze Nkulunkulu wami, umnikelo wekushiswa lengingakawukhokheli lutfo.” Ngako Davide watsenga libala lekubhulela kolo naletinkhabi, wakukhokhela ngetinhlavu tesiliva letatingaba ngema-50. Davide wase wakha lilati kuSimakadze khona lapho, wenta iminikelo yekushiswa neyebudlelwane. Simakadze wase uyawuva umthandazo lowawentelwa lelo live, lesifo lesase sicedze sive sema-Israyeli sancamuka. Ngesikhatsi inkhosi Davide asamdzala kakhulu asakhulile ngeminyaka, abesahlala ngekuva emakhata, angasafutfumali, kwale nome tisebenti takhe setimembesa ngetingubo. Ngako tinceku takhe takhuluma kuye, tatsi: “Ake simane sifunele inkhosi litjitji lelitakuyinakekela liyonge, lilale eceleni kwayo, kuze inkhosi itfole kufutfumala.” Tinceku tafuna litjitji lelihle kulo lonkhe laka-Israyeli, taze tatfola Abishagi, labewaseShunemu, tamtsatsa tamletsa enkhosini. Lelitjitji lalilihle kakhulu; lavele layinakekela inkhosi, layonga, lahlala nayo, kodvwa inkhosi ayizange ilale nalo. Adoniya, unina wakhe labenguHagithi, watibeka embili watsi: “Ngimi lotawuba yinkhosi.” Ngako walungisa tincola nemahhashi, kanye nemadvodza langema-50 ekugijima embikwakhe. Uyise Davide abengazange amekhute, ambute nekumbuta atsi: “Uyentelani lentfo lenjana?” Adoniya abemuhle kakhulu, elama Absalomu. Adoniya wakhuluma naboJowabe, unina labenguSeruya, kanye na-Abiyatha, umphristi; nabo bamsekela. Kodvwa boSadoki, umphristi, naBhenaya, umsa waJehoyada, naNathani, umphrofethi, naShimeyi, naReyi, kanye nabomahlalesangweni belikhetselo baDavide abazange batihlanganise na-Adoniya. Adoniya wanikela ngetimvu, nangetinkhomo, nangematfole labekhuluphele eTjeni laZohelethi, edvute na-Eni Rogeli. Wamema bonkhe bomnakabo, bantfwabenkhosi, kanye nawo onkhe emadvodza akaJuda labetindvuna tenkhosi, kodvwa akazange abameme boNathani, umphrofethi, naBhenaya, nabomahlalesangweni belikhetselo, naSolomoni, umnakabo. Ngako Nathani wabuta Bhatisheba, unina waSolomoni, watsi: “Awukeva yini kutsi Adoniya, lotalwa nguHagithi, sewutibeke inkhosi, inkhosi yetfu Davide ingati. Manje-ke ase ngikweluleke kutsi imphilo yakho neyaSolomoni, indvodzana yakho, ungayisindzisa kanjani. Hamba uyewungena enkhosini Davide, ufike ukhulume kuye utsi: ‘Nkosi yami, awuzange ufunge yini kimi, mine ncekukati yakho, watsi: “Impela Solomoni, indvodzana yakho, iyawuba yinkhosi emvakwami, ihlale esihlalweni sami sebukhosi”? Pho, sekwenteke kanjani manje kutsi Adoniya bese uba yinkhosi?’ Utawutsi uselapho ukhuluma nenkhosi, ngite nami ngingene ngitewucinisa loko bewukusho.” Ngako Bhatisheba wahamba wayawubona inkhosi leyase igugile ekamelweni layo, lapho Abishagi, waseShunemu, abeyinakekela ayongela khona. Bhatisheba wakhotsama waguca embikwenkhosi. Inkhosi yambuta yatsi: “Ufunani?” Wakhuluma kuyo watsi: “Nkhosi yami, wena, cobo lwakho, wafunga kimi, mine ncekukati yakho, ngaSimakadze Nkulunkulu wakho, watsi: ‘Solomoni, indvodzana yakho, uyawuba yinkhosi emvakwami, ahlale esihlalweni sami sebukhosi.’ Kodvwa manje Adoniya sewuyinkhosi, kodvwa inkhosi yami ayikwati loko. Sewente umhlatjelo ngetinkhomo letinyenti, nangematfole lakhuluphalisiwe, nangetimvu letinyenti, wamema bonkhe bantfwabenkhosi, na-Abiyatha, umphristi, naJowabe, indvuna yemphi, kodvwa akammemi Solomoni, inceku yakho. Nkhosi yami, onkhe emehlo aka-Israyeli abuke wena, kutsi atekuva kuwe kutsi ngubani lotawuhlala esihlalweni sebukhosi senkhosi yami, abe yinkhosi emvakwayo. Ngaphandle kwaloko, inkhosi itawutsi ingahamba iye kubakubo, mine nendvodzana yami, Solomoni, sitawuphatfwa njengemavukelambuso.” Watsi asakhuluma nenkhosi, kwefika Nathani, umphrofethi. Base babikela inkhosi, batsi: “Kukhona umphrofethi Nathani, lapha ngephandle.” Ngako Nathani waya wangena enkhosini, wefika wakhotsama abhekise buso bakhe phansi. Nathani wakhuluma watsi: “Nkhosi, ngitewubuta kutsi Adoniya sewumbeke kuba yinkhosi yini emvakwakho, nekutsi sewutawuhlala esihlalweni sakho sebukhosi yini? Lamuhla nje Adoniya sewehlile wayakwenta umhlatjelo ngetinkhomo letinyenti, nangematfole lakhuluphalisiwe, nangetimvu letinyenti. Umeme bonkhe bantfwabenkhosi, netindvuna temphi, na-Abiyatha, umphristi. Manje nje bayadla banatsa naye, batsi: ‘Lunwele loludze! Nkhosi Adoniya!’ Kodvwa mine, nceku yakho, naSadoki, umphristi, naBhenaya, umsa waJehoyada, kanye nenceku yakho, Solomoni, akasimemi. Kungabe loku kwentiwe yinkhosi yami yini ingasatitjeli netinceku tayo kutsi ngubani lotawuhlala esihlalweni sebukhosi senkhosi yami abe yinkhosi emvakwayo?” Davide, inkhosi, wakhuluma watsi: “Bitani Bhatisheba asondzele.” Ngako wasondzela, wema embikwenkhosi. Inkhosi yenta sifungo yatsi: “Ngifunga kuphila kwaSimakadze, longikhulule kuto tonkhe tinhlupheko tami, lamuhla ngitasigcina leso setsembiso lengasenta kuwe egameni laSimakadze Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, kutsi Solomoni, indvodzana yakho, nguye lotawuba yinkhosi emvakwami, ahlale esihlalweni sami sebukhosi esikhundleni sami.” Ngako Bhatisheba wakhotsamisa buso bakhe wabubhekisa phansi, waguca embikwenkhosi, watsi: “Shangatsi inkhosi yami Davide angaphila phakadze!” Davide, inkhosi, wakhuluma watsi: “Ngenisani boSadoki, umphristi, naNathani, umphrofethi, kanye naBhenaya, umsa waJehoyada.” Batsi kube befike embikwenkhosi, yakhuluma kubo yatsi: “Tsatsani tinceku tenkhosi yenu, nigibelise Solomoni, indvodzana yami, etikwemnyuzi wami, nimsingatse nehle naye, niye eGihoni. Nitawutsi ningefika lapho, boSadoki, umphristi, naNathani, umphrofethi, batawube sebayamgcoba, bambeke abe yinkhosi etikwema-Israyeli. Nibobe senishaya kakhulu impalampala, nimemete nitsi: ‘Lunwele loludze! Nkhosi Solomoni!’ Nitawube senenyuka naye; nguye lotakuta atewuhlala esihlalweni sami sebukhosi, abuse esikhundleni sami. Sengimbeke inkhosi etikwa-Israyeli naJuda.” Bhenaya, umsa waJehoyada, waphendvula inkhosi, watsi: “Amen! Akube njalo! Shangatsi loko Simakadze, Nkulunkulu wenkhosi yami, lakushoko kungaba njalo! Njengobe Simakadze abenenkhosi yami, shangatsi angaba naye naSolomoni, khona atekwenta sihlalo sakhe sebukhosi sibe sikhulu kakhulu kunesihlalo sebukhosi senkhosi yami, inkhosi Davide!” Ngako boSadoki, umphristi, naNathani, umphrofethi, naBhenaya, umsa waJehoyada, nemaKherethi kanye nemaPhelethi behla bagibelise Solomoni etikwemnyuzi wenkhosi Davide, bamsingatsa baya naye eGihoni. Sadoki, umphristi, watsatsa luphondvo lwemafutsa ethendeni lelingcwele, wagcoba ngawo Solomoni. Base bashaya impalampala, bonkhe bantfu bamemetela batsi: “Lunwele loludze! Nkhosi Solomoni!” Bonkhe bantfu benyuka bamlandzela, bashaya nemintjingozi bajabule kakhulu, kwaze kwanyakata ngisho nemhlaba ngenca yemsindvo. Adoniya kanye nato tonkhe timenywa takhe bakuva loko, lapho sebacedzela kudla lidzili labo. Batsi kube beve kukhala kwempalampala, Jowabe wabuta watsi: “Wani lomsindvo longaka losedolobheni?” Watsi asakhuluma nje, kwefika Jonathani, umsa wa-Abiyatha, umphristi. Adoniya watsi: “Ngena. Indvodza leyetsembeke njengawe ifanele kuta netindzaba letimnandzi.” Jonathani waphendvula, watsi: “Cha, kute lokumnandzi! Inkhosi yetfu Davide sewubeke Solomoni kutsi abe yinkhosi. Inkhosi itfumele boSadoki, umphristi, naNathani, umphrofethi, naBhenaya, umsa waJehoyada, nemaKherethi kanye nemaPhelethi, bamgibelisa emnyuzini wayo inkhosi. BoSadoki, umphristi, naNathani, umphrofethi, sebamgcobe eGihoni kutsi abe yinkhosi. Besuke lapho ngekujabula, lidolobha nalo lananatela loko kujabula. Nguwo nje lomsindvo leniwuvako. Ngetulu kwaloko Solomoni sewutsetse indzawo yakhe esihlalweni sebukhosi; ngisho netindvuna tasebukhosini setifikile kutawuhalalisela inkhosi yetfu, Davide, tafike tatsi: ‘Shangatsi Nkulunkulu wakho angenta libito laSolomoni lidvume, latiwe kakhulu kunelakho, nesihlalo sakhe sebukhosi sibe sikhulu kakhulu kunesakho!’ Nenkhosi ivele yakhotsama khona embhedzeni wayo, yatsi: ‘Akadvunyiswe Simakadze, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, lovumele emehlo ami kutsi lamuhla abone lowo longilandzelako esihlalweni sami sebukhosi!’ ” Tonkhe timenywa ta-Adoniya tatsi kube tikuve loko, tetfuka tatfutfumela, tasakateka, kwaba ngulowo nalowo wabaleka ngendlela yakhe. Kodvwa Adoniya, ngekwesaba lokukhulu labekuko ngaSolomoni, wesuka lapho wayawunkonkoshela timphondvo telilati. Solomoni watjelwa ngaleyo ndzaba, kwatsiwa: “Adoniya wesaba inkhosi Solomoni, sewunkonkoshele timphondvo telilati, utsi: ‘Inkhosi Solomoni ayifunge kimi lamuhla kutsi inceku yakhe angeke ayibulale ngenkemba.’ ” Solomoni waphendvula, watsi: “Nangabe phela atibonakalisa ayindvodza leyetsembekile, ngisho nelunwele lunye lwenhloko yakhe lungeke luwele phansi; kodvwa nakutfolakala lokubi kuye, utakufa.” Ngako Solomoni, inkhosi, watfumela emadvodza, afike amehlisa elatini. Adoniya weta wafike wakhotsama phansi embikwaSolomoni; Solomoni, inkhosi, wakhuluma kuye watsi: “Hamba ubuyele ekhaya lakho.” Kwatsi nase kusondzele sikhatsi saDavide sekufa, wabe sewuyala Solomoni, umsa wakhe, wakhuluma kuye watsi: “Sengitakufa njengebantfu bonkhe. Ngako cina, utibonakalise uyindvodza, ucaphelisise konkhe lokushiwo nguSimakadze Nkulunkulu wakho: Hamba etindleleni takhe, ugcine timiso takhe, nemiyalo yakhe, nemitsetfo yakhe, netimfanelo takhe, njengobe kubhaliwe emtsetfweni waMosi, khona utawuchuma kuko konkhe lokwentako, nome ngukuphi lapho uya khona, kuze naSimakadze asigcine setsembiso sakhe lasenta kimi nakatsi: ‘Nangabe titukulwane takho ticaphelisisa kutsi tiphila njani, nangabe futsi tihamba ngekwetsembeka embikwami ngayo yonkhe inhlitiyo nangawo wonkhe umphefumulo wato, ungeke umeswele umuntfu loyawuhlala esihlalweni sebukhosi saka-Israyeli.’ “Manje-ke, uyati kutsi Jowabe, umsa waSeruya, wentani kimi, nekutsi wentani kuletindvuna temphi letimbili bo-Abneri, umsa waNeri, na-Amasa, umsa waJetheri. Wababulala, wacitsa ingati yabo, kwaba shangatsi ngusemphini, kantsi bekusikhatsi sekuthula. Ngaleyo ngati yabo wabhoca ngayo libhande lakhe elukhalweni kanye neticatfulo takhe. Yenta kuye njengekubona nekuhlakanipha kwakho, kodvwa ungamyekeli aze atifele ngekuthula. “Kodvwa uboba nemusa kumadvodzana aBhazilayi wakaGileyadi, uwente abe ngulabanye balabo lotabodla nabo etafuleni lakho. Bema ngakimi bangisekela ngesikhatsi ngibalekela umnakenu Absalomu. “Khumbula, kutsi unaShimeyi, umsa waGera, umBhenjamini waseBhahurimu, lowangicalekisa kabuhlungu mhlazana ngiya eMahanayimu. Watsi naketa kutengihlangabeta eJordane, ngafunga kuye ngaSimakadze ngatsi: ‘Ngingeke ngikubulale ngenkemba.’ Kodvwa nyalo, ungamtsatsi njengemuntfu lote licala. Wena uyindvodza lenekuhlakanipha; utawukwati kutsi utakwenta njani kuye; wena nje ciniseka kutsi uyabulawa.” Davide wase uyakhotsama, wangcwatjwa eDolobheni laDavide. Abesabuse sive sema-Israyeli iminyaka lengema-40. Iminyaka lesikhombisa abebusela eHebroni, kwatsi lengema-33 wabusela eJerusalema. Ngako Solomoni wahlala esihlalweni sebukhosi seyise Davide, kubusa kwakhe kwatinta. Adoniya, umsa waHagithi, wahamba waya kuBhatisheba, unina waSolomoni. Bhatisheba wambuta, watsi: “Ute ngekuthula yini?” Waphendvula watsi: “Yebo, ngite ngekuthula. Kukhona lengicela kukukhuluma kuwe.” Bhatisheba watsi: “Kulungile, ungakukhuluma.” Watsi: “Njengobe wati, umbuso bekungewami. Israyeli wonkhe abesabheke kimi kutsi ngiyinkhosi yakhe. Kodvwa tintfo tajika, umbuso watsatfwa ngumnaketfu, ngobe lowo mbuso yena uwunikwe nguSimakadze. Manje sengicela intfo yinye kuwe. Ngicela ungali.” Watsi: “Kulungile, ungakhuluma.” Wachubeka watsi: “Ngicela ungicelele inkhosi Solomoni, ngobe angeke ale kuwe, ungicelele kutsi anginike Abishagi, waseShunemu, kutsi atewuba ngumkami.” Bhatisheba wamphendvula, watsi: “Kulungile, ngitakukhulumela enkhosini.” Watsi Bhatisheba nakaya enkhosini Solomoni kuyawukhulumela Adoniya, inkhosi yasukuma yamhlangabeta, yamkhotsamela, yase ihlala phansi esihlalweni sayo sebukhosi. Bekanesihlalo sebukhosi lesasiletselwe unina, lafike wahlala kuso, ngesekudla senkhosi. Bhatisheba wakhuluma watsi: “Nginesicelo lesincane lengicela kusetfula kuwe, ngicela ungemukele.” Inkhosi yaphendvula yatsi: “Kulungile, make, setfule; ngiyakwemukela.” Wase utsi: “Mane utsatse Abishagi, waseShunemu, umnike Adoniya, umnakenu, ashade naye.” Inkhosi Solomoni yaphendvula unina yatsi: “Umcelelani Abishagi, waseShunemu, kutsi abe ngumka-Adoniya? Ungamane sale umcelela bukhosi. Empeleni ungumnaketfu lomdzala, kantsi futsi na-Abiyatha, umphristi, kanye naJowabe, umsa waSeruya, bangakuye!” Inkhosi Solomoni yafunga ngaSimakadze, yatsi: “Shangatsi Nkulunkulu angangishaya ngife, nangabe Adoniya angakakhokhi ngekuphila kwakhe ngalesicelo lasentile! Ngifunga kuphila kwaSimakadze longuyena angimise esihlalweni sebukhosi sababe Davide, setsembiso sakhe usigcinile, wase ungipha umbuso mine kanye netitukulwane tami. Yebo, ngifunga kuphila kwaSimakadze kutsi Adoniya utakufa lamuhla loku!” Ngako inkhosi Solomoni yatfumela Bhenaya, umsa waJehoyada, waya ku-Adoniya, wafike wambulala. Inkhosi Solomoni yakhuluma ku-Abiyatha, umphristi, yatsi: “Ncandzeka, ubuyele ekhaya kini e-Anathothi. Kufanele ufe, kodvwa ngingeke ngikubulale nyalo, ngobe wetfwala libhokisi lesivumelwane saSimakadze Somandla embikwababe, Davide, wabambisana nababe kuto tonkhe tinkinga takhe.” Solomoni wase ukhipha Abiyatha esikhundleni sebuphristi baSimakadze, ngako lagcwaliseka kanjalo livi laSimakadze labelikhulume eShilo ngemndeni wa-Eli. Jowabe weva ngaloko lekwase kwentekile. Jowabe abedudene na-Adoniya, noko akazange ahambisane na-Absalomu. Jowabe wabaleka waya ethendeni lebukhona baSimakadze, wafike wankonkoshela timphondvo telilati. Inkhosi Solomoni yeva kutsi Jowabe abesabalekele ethendeni laSimakadze, wafike wankonkoshela lilati. Ngako Solomoni watfumela Bhenaya, umsa waJehoyada, watsi kuye: “Hamba, ufike umbulale!” Ngako Bhenaya wangena ethendeni laSimakadze, wafike watsi kuye: “Inkhosi itsi: ‘Phuma!’ ” Kodvwa waphendvula watsi: “Cha, ngitawufela lapha.” Bhenaya wahamba wayawubika enkhosini, watsi: “Jowabe ungiphendvule kanjena.” Inkhosi yatfumela Bhenaya yatsi: “Yenta njengobe asho. Mbulale, bese uyamngcwaba, khona kungetiwuba khona nome munye endlini yababe loyawuba nelicala lengati lengenacala ngalabantfu lababulawa nguJowabe. Simakadze utamkhokhisa lengati layicitsa; ngaphandle kwemvume yababe Davide, wabulala emadvodza lamabili ngenkemba. Bobabili, bo-Abneri, umsa waNeri, indvuna yemphi yaka-Israyeli, na-Amasa, umsa waJetheri, indvuna yemphi yakaJuda, babencono, bacotfo kakhulu kunaye. Shangatsi licala lekucitfwa kwengati yabo lingaba setikwenhloko yaJowabe nasetitukulwane takhe phakadze naphakadze; kodvwa Davide netitukulwane takhe, nendlu yakhe, nesihlalo sakhe sebukhosi kuyakuba nekuthula kwaSimakadze phakadze naphakadze.” Ngako Bhenaya, umsa waJehoyada, wahamba wafike wabulala Jowabe; wangcwatjwa eveni lakhe, ehlane. Inkhosi yabeka Bhenaya, umsa waJehoyada, kutsi aphatse umbutfo esikhundleni saJowabe, kwase kutsi esikhundleni sa-Abiyatha wabeka Sadoki, umphristi. Inkhosi yatfumela kuShimeyi umlayeto lotsi: “Takhele indlu eJerusalema uhlale khona, kodvwa ungacali uye kulenye indzawo. Mhlazana waphuma nje wewela Sigodzi saseKhidroni, ubovele wati kutsi utakufa; licala lengati yakho liyawubasetikwakho.” Shimeyi waphendvula inkhosi, watsi: “Loko lokushoko kuhle kakhulu, nkhosi. Inceku yakho itakwenta loko lokushiwo yinkhosi.” Shimeyi wahlala eJerusalema sikhatsi lesidze. Kodvwa emvakweminyaka lemitsatfu, tigcili takhe letibili teca tabalekela kumsa waMakha, longu-Akhishi, inkhosi yaseGathi. Shimeyi watjelwa kwatsiwa: “Tigcili takho tiseGathi.” Watsi kube akuve loko, wekhweta sihlalo embongolweni yakhe wagibela kuyo waya ku-Akhishi eGathi, kuyawufuna letigcili takhe. Ngako Shimeyi waya eGathi, walandza letigcili takhe wabuya nato. Kwatsi kube Solomoni abikelwe kutsi Shimeyi sewusukile eJerusalema waya eGathi, nekutsi sewubuyile, inkhosi yabita Shimeyi, yatsi kuye: “Angizange ngikufungise ngaSimakadze yini, ngakuyala ngatsi: ‘Mhlazana waphuma waya kulenye indzawo, ubovele wati kutsi utakufa’? Ngaleso sikhatsi wakhuluma kimi, watsi: ‘Loko lokushoko kuhle. Ngitakwenta.’ Manje-ke, awusekasigcini ngani leso sifungo sakho kuSimakadze, ugcine lomyalo lengakunika wona?” Inkhosi yachubeka yakhuluma kuShimeyi, yatsi: “Nawe uyakwati enhlitiyweni yakho konkhe lokubi lowakwenta kubabe Davide. Manje-ke Simakadze utakukhokhela ngaloko lokubi lowakwenta. Kodvwa inkhosi Solomoni itawubusiswa, nesihlalo sebukhosi saDavide siyawuhlala siphephile ngaSimakadze phakadze naphakadze.” Inkhosi yase itfuma Bhenaya, umsa waJehoyada, waphumela ngephandle wafike wagadla kuShimeyi wamlahla phansi; wafa. Umbuso wonkhe wasima ngalokuphelele etandleni taSolomoni. Solomoni wakha buhlobo naFaro, inkhosi yaseGibhithe, washada nendvodzakati yakhe. Wayitsatsa wayibeka eDolobheni laDavide, waze wacedza kwakha sigodlo sakhe, nelithempeli laSimakadze kanye netibondza letatitungelete iJerusalema. Bantfu noko babesolomane basanikela ngemihlatjelo etindzaweni letiphakeme, ngobe lithempeli lalisolomane lingakapheli kwakhiwa, lakhelwe Libito laSimakadze. Solomoni walukhombisa lutsandvo lwakhe kuSimakadze ngekutsi ahambe ngetimiso teyise Davide, ngaphandle kwekutsi yena Solomoni abenikela ngemihlatjelo nangemphepho letfunciswa etindzaweni letiphakeme. Inkhosi yahamba yaya eGibeyoni yayawunikela ngemihlatjelo, ngobe leyo bekunguyona ndzawo lephakeme lemcoka. Solomoni-ke wanikela ngenkhulungwane yeminikelo yekushiswa kulelo lati. Simakadze watibonakalisa kuSolomoni ebusuku ngesimo seliphupho, ngesikhatsi aseGibeyoni. Nkulunkulu wakhuluma kuye, watsi: “Cela nome ngabe yini lofuna kutsi ngikuphe yona.” Solomoni waphendvula watsi: “Wentela inceku yakho, Davide babe wami, umusa lomkhulu, ngobe yena abetsembekile kuwe futsi alungile anenhlitiyo lecotfo. Wena uchubeke nawo lomusa wakho kuye, waze wamupha nendvodzana yakhe letawuhlala esihlalweni sakhe sebukhosi lamuhla nje. “Manje-ke, Simakadze Nkulunkulu wami, sewubeke inceku yakho kutsi ibe yinkhosi endzaweni yababe Davide. Kodvwa mine ngisengumfanyana nje, ngimncane, angati nekwati kutsi ngitawenta kanjani umsebenti wami. Inceku yakho ilapha nje emkhatsini wesive sakho losikhetsile, sive lesikhulu, sive lesingenawubalwa ngumuntfu ngebunyenti. Ngako-ke nika inceku yakho inhlitiyo lehlakaniphile nengcondvo lehlutekile lekwati kwehlukanisa lokuhle nalokubi, kuze yehlulele kahle lesive sakho. Ngobe ngubani nje longakhona kubusa lesive sakho lesikhulu kangaka?” Simakadze kwamjabulisa kutsi Solomoni acele loko. Ngako Nkulunkulu watsi kuye: “Njengobe ucele loku, ungakaticeleli imphilo lendze nome bunjinga, ungakaceli nekubhujiswa kwetitsa takho, kodvwa ucele inhlitiyo lehlakaniphile nengcondo lehlutekile, uze uhole ngekulunga, ngitakunika loko lokucelile. Ngitakunika inhlitiyo lehlakaniphile nengcondvo lehlutekile kanye nelwati loluphelele, kangangekutsi akusayikuphindze kube khona lonjengawe, futsi akazange asabekhona kucala kunawe. Ngetulu kwaloko ngitakupha naloku longakakuceli, yebo, bunjinga, nekuhlonishwa, neludvumo, kuze kutsi ngetikhatsi takho kubete nayinye inkhosi emhlabeni lefanana nawe. Nawutawuhamba etindleleni tami, uhloniphe netimiso tami nemiyalo yami njengeyihlo Davide, ngiyakukunika nemphilo lendze.” Solomoni wase uyaphaphama. Wabona kutsi abebhudza. Wancandzeka wabuyela eJerusalema, wafike wema embikwelibhokisi lesivumelwane saSimakadze wenta imihlatjelo yekushiswa neyekuthula. Emvakwaloko wase wenta lidzili labo bonkhe bantfu basesigodlweni sakhe. Tingwadla letimbili teta enkhosini, tefike tema embikwayo. Lenye yeta yatsi: “Nkhosi yami, lomfati lona sihlala naye endlini yinye. Bengibeleke umntfwana, naye akhona, sihlala naye. Kuphele emalanga lamatsatfu lowami ngimbelekile, naye wase uyabeleka. Besisobabili lapha endlini, kute lomunye labekhona, bekungitsi sobabili kuphela. “Kutsite ebusuku lendvodzana yalomfati yafa, ngobe usuke walala etikwayo. Ubese-ke uyavuka ekhatsi nebusuku watsatsa leyami indvodzana lapha eceleni kwami ngesikhatsi mine, ncekukati yakho, ngisatumekile, wambeka esifubeni sakhe, watsatsa lowakhe lofile wambeka esifubeni sami. Ngitsite ngiyavuka ekuseni ngifuna kumunyisa umntfwanami, ngakhandza afile! Kodvwa ngitsite ngiyambukisisa nase kusile sekukhanya, ngabona kutsi akusiye lowami lengimbelekile.” Lona lomunye umfati watsi: “Cha! Lena lephilako yindvodzana yami; lena lefile yakho.” Kodvwa lomfati wekucala wacinisa watsi: “Cha! Lena lefile yakho; lena lephilako yami.” Ngako baphindzilitana kanjalo-ke embikwenkhosi. Inkhosi yatsi: “Lona utsi: ‘Indvodzana yami ngulena lephilako; yakho lena lefile,’ kanjalo nalona lomunye naye utsi: ‘Cha! indvodzana yakho ifile, lena lephilako yami.’ ” Ngako-ke inkhosi yatsi: “Letsani inkemba.” Nembala baletsa inkemba enkhosini. Yase ikhipha umyalo yatsi: “Cheketani lomntfwana lophilako ekhatsi, ninike lona lomunye lucetu lwanganhlanye, nalona lomunye nimnike lucetu lwanganhlanye.” Lomfati longumnikati walomntfwana wafikelwa ngimihelo ngenca yalomntfwanakhe, wakhuluma enkhosini watsi: “Ngiyacela, nkhosi yami, mane sale umnika yena lomntfwana lophilako! Ungambulali!” Kodvwa lona lomunye watsi: “Akubete lomtsatsako kitsi sobabili. Mhlahleleni ekhatsi!” Ngako inkhosi yase ikhipha sigwebo sayo, yatsi: “Tsatsani lomntfwana lophilako nimnike lomfati wekucala, ningambulali, ngobe nguye unina walomfanyana.” Sonkhe sive sema-Israyeli satsi nasiva lesigwebo lesikhishwe yinkhosi, sacalela phansi kuyihlonipha inkhosi, ngobe sabona kahle kutsi inekuhlakanipha kwaNkulunkulu kwekuhola nekwehlulela ngekulunga. Inkhosi Solomoni yabusa sonkhe sive sema-Israyeli. Tindvuna tembuso wakhe-ke bekunguleti: Azariya, umsa waSadoki, umphristi; bo-Elihorefi na-Ahiya, emadvodzana aShisha, wona-ke abebomabhalane; Jehoshafati, umsa wa-Ahiludi, abengulobhalisako. Bhenaya, umsa waJehoyada, abeyindvuna yemphi; boSadoki na-Abiyatha bebabaphristi. Azariya, umsa waNathani, abeyindvuna yetikhulu temimango; Zabudi, umsa waNathani, yena abengumphristi nemeluleki wenkhosi. Ahishari abeyindvuna yasesigodlweni, Adoniramu, umsa wa-Abda, abeyindvuna yemisebenti yemimemo. Solomoni abephindze abe netikhulu letili-12 letatiphetse etigodzini taka-Israyeli, ngito-ke letatetfula kudla enkhosini nakuso sonkhe sigodlo sayo. Nguleso naleso sikhulu kwakufanele sitekwetfula kudla kwasesigodzini saso ngenyanga yinye njalo ngemnyaka. Lawa-ke ngemabito ato letikhulu: Bheni Huri abesikhulu saseveni letintsaba, kulaka-Efrayimu. Bheni Dekeri abesikhulu saseMakhasi, naseShalbimu, naseBhethi Shemeshi, nase-Eloni Bhethi Hanani. Bheni Hesedi abesikhulu sase-Arubothi; iSokho nalo lonkhe laseHeferi bekulakhe. Bheni Abinadabi abesikhulu saseNafothi Dori. Thafathi, indvodzakati yaSolomoni, abengumkakhe. Bhana, umsa wa-Ahiludi, abesikhulu saseThanaki, naseMegido, nakulo lonkhe lase Bhethi Shani, ngaseSarethani ngentasi kweJezreyeli, kusuka eBhethi Shani, kuze kuyewufika e-Abela Mehola, nangesheya kubheka ngaseJokmeyamu. Bheni Geberi abesikhulu saseRamothi Gileyadi: Imithi yakaJayire, umsa waManase, eGileyadi, beyiyakhe kanye nesifundza sase-Agobu, eBhashani, kanye nemadolobha aso labengema-60 labiyelwe ngetibondza letinemasango lavalwa ngemishudvo yelitfusi. Ahinadabi, umsa wa-Ido, abesikhulu saseMahanayimu. Ahimasi abesikhulu sakaNaftali. Lo-Ahimasi abeshade Bhasemathi, indvodzakathi yaSolomoni. Bhana, umsa waHushayi, abesikhulu saka-Asheri nase-Alothi. Jehoshafati, umsa waPharuwa, abesikhulu saka-Isakhari. Shimeyi, umsa wa-Ela, abesikhulu sakaBehenjamini. Geberi, umsa wa-Uri, abesikhulu sakaGileyadi, live lakaSihoni, inkhosi yema-Amori, nelive laka-Ogi, inkhosi yaseBhashani. Nguye yedvwa labesikhulu saleso sigodzi. Bantfu bakaJuda nebaka-Israyeli bebabanyenti bangangesihlabatsi saselwandle, babedla, banatse, bajabule. Solomoni abebusa etikwayo yonkhe imibuso kusukela emfuleni iYufrathe, kuye eveni lemaFilisti, kuze kuyewufika emnyeleni waseGibhithe. Onkhe-ke lawo mave abeletsa tetfulo tawo kuSolomoni, ngobe abebuswa nguye imphilo yakhe yonkhe. Kudla kwaSolomoni kwelilanga ngelilanga kwakuba ngufulaha labengemalitha labengaba ti-5 000, nemphuphu leyayingemalitha labengaba ti-10 000, netinkhomo letatikhuluphalisiwe letilishumi, netinkhomo temadlelo letingema-20, netimvu netimbuti letilikhulu, nenyamatane, netimphala, nemadvuba, kanye netinkhukhu telikhetselo. Wabusa yonkhe imibuso leyayingasenshonalanga kwemfula iYufrathe, kusukela eThifsa kuye eGaza, ahlalisene ngekuthula nato tonkhe tive letatimtungeletile. Ngesikhatsi sekuphila kwaSolomoni, Juda na-Israyeli, kusukela kaDani kuye eBherisheba, babehleti ngekuthula, nguleyo naleyo ndvodza itibhekele umvini wayo kanye nemkhiwa wayo. Solomoni abenetitebele letatiti-4 000 emahhashi ekudvonsa tincola kanye nemahhashi ekugitjelwa lati-12 000. Tikhulu tetigodzi, nguleso naleso ngenyanga, tatimikisa kudla enkhosini, Solomoni, nakubo bonkhe labedla nabo etafuleni. Tatiletsa nome ngabe yini leyayidzingeka. Letikhulu tatitfumela leto tetfulo tato, ibhali nalokunye kudla kwekudliwa ngulamahhashi etincola kanye nalawa lamanye emahhashi. Konkhe bakutfumela lapho kwakudzingeke khona. Nkulunkulu wapha Solomoni kuhlakanipha, nekubona tintfo ngendlela lejulile, wamupha nekucondzisisa lokubanti nalokungenamkhawulo njengesihlabatsi saselusentseni lwelwandle. Kuhlakanipha kwaSolomoni kwaba kukhulu kunekuhlakanipha kwato tonkhe tati tasemphumalanga netaseGibhithe. Abehlakaniphe kwendlula wonkhe umuntfu, ngisho na-Ethani, um-Ezra, imbala; abehlakaniphe kwendlula boHemani, naKhalkoli, naDada, emadvodzana aMaholi. Ludvumo ngaye lwandza, lwaze lwefika nakuto tonkhe tive letatibomakhelwane bakhe. Wakhuluma taga letiti-3 000, kwatsi tingoma takhe taba yi-1 005. Wakhuluma ngetihlahla nangetitjalo, kusukela etihlahleni temisedari yaseLebanoni kuye kutehisophu letimila etibondzeni. Wafundzisa nangetilwane, nangetinyoni, nangetilwane letihuma ngesisu emhlabatsini kanye nangetinhlanti. Bantfu bato tonkhe tive beta kutawulalela kuhlakanipha kwaSolomoni, babetfunyelwa ngiwo onkhe emakhosi emhlaba, labesevile ngekuhlakanipha kwakhe. Watsi kube Hiramu, inkhosi yaseThire, eve kutsi Solomoni sewugcotjiwe kutsi atsatse sikhundla seyise Davide, watfumela emancusa akhe kuSolomoni, ngobe abeloku angumngani waDavide. Solomoni watfumela umlayeto kuHiramu, watsi: “Nawe uyati kutsi ngenca yetimphi letatihlasela babe Davide yonkhe indzawo, wehluleka kwakha lithempeli lekukhontela Simakadze Nkulunkulu wakhe, ngesikhatsi Simakadze asengakatibeki titsa takhe ngaphansi kwetinyawo takhe. Kodvwa nyalo Simakadze Nkulunkulu wami, mine sewunginike kuthula yonkhe indzawo; kute sitsa nome ingoti. Ngako, ngitimisele kwakha lithempeli, ngakhele Libito laSimakadze Nkulunkulu wami, njengobe Simakadze atjela babe Davide, nakatsi: ‘Indvodzana yakho lengitayibeka esihlalweni sebukhosi esikhundleni sakho ngiyo letakwakhela Libito lami lithempeli.’ “Ngako ngicela utfumele emadvodza kutsi aye eLebanoni ayekungigawulela imisedari. Emadvodza akami atawubambisana nalawo akakho, kantsi ngitawakhokhela lawo madvodza akakho, nome ngabe ufuna malini yekuwaholela. Nawe uyati kutsi asinabo labangaba nelikhono ekugawuleni imisedari kwendlula emaSidoni.” Watsi kube Hiramu ayive lenkhulumo yaSolomoni, wajabula kakhulu, wase utsi: “Akabongwe Simakadze lamuhla, ngobe uphe Davide indvodzana lehlakaniphile kutsi ibuse lesive lesikhulu.” Ngako Hiramu naye watfumela livi enkhosini Solomoni, watsi: “Ngiwemukele lowo mlayeto longitfumelele wona, nami ngitakwenta konkhe loko lokufunako ngekukugawulela tingodvo temisedari kanye netipheshula. Lamadvodza akami atatidvonsa atewuse kusuka eLebanoni kuya elwandle, ngitawube sengiyatibopha ngitintantise elwandle ngeminyaba yato, ngiye ngitibeke lapho ufuna khona. Lapho ngitawube sengiyatehlukanisa ngitibeka eceleni, wena bese uyatitsatsa. Lengikucelako kuwe kutsi ungiphe kudla kwendlu yebukhosi bami.” Ngempela Hiramu watfumelela Solomoni tonkhe tingodvo temisedari netetipheshula labetidzinga, naSolomoni wanika Hiramu kudla lokwakungukolo labengemathani labengaba ti-2 000 kwebantfu bakhe, kanye nemalitha labengaba ti-400 000 emafutsa lahlutiwe emncumo. Solomoni wachubeka kukwenta loko kuHiramu umnyaka ngemnyaka. Simakadze wapha Solomoni kuhlakanipha, njengobe abemetsembisile. Kwaba nekuthula nekuvana emkhatsini waHiramu naSolomoni, bobabili benta sivumelwane sekuthula. Inkhosi Solomoni yabutsekisa ngenkhani tisebenti kulo lonkhe laka-Israyeli, emadvodza lati-30 000. Abewatfumela eLebanoni ngekuntjintjana abe ti-10 000 ngenyanga, ngako abecitsa inyanga yinye eLebanoni, kutsi ekhaya acitse tinyanga letimbili. Adoniramu abephetse lawo madvodza labebutsekiswe ngenkhani. Solomoni abenemadvodza labeti-70 000 labetfwala ematje lacotiwe, nalati-80 000 labecota ematje etintsabeni; bese kutsi lati-3 300 abe tindvuna, letibacondzisi bemsebenti. Ngekulayetwa yinkhosi Solomoni lamadvodza abegicita ematje elikhetselo lamakhulu lalolongwe kahle ekwakha sisekelo selithempeli. Tingcweti tenkhosi Solomoni netenkhosi Hiramu kanye nemadvodza aseGebali tatigawula tiphindze tilungise letingodvo nematje ekwakha lelithempeli. Emnyakeni wema-480 kusukela ema-Israyeli aphuma eGibithe, lekwakungumnyaka wesine inkhosi Solomoni yatsatsa sihlalo sebukhosi, ngenyanga yesibili lenguZivu, Solomoni wacala kwakha lithempeli laSimakadze. Lithempeli Solomoni, inkhosi, lalakhela Simakadze lalingemamitha labengaba ngema-27 budze, nemamitha labengaba yimfica bubanti, nemamitha labengaba li-13 nesigamu kuphakama. Umhubhe lokwakungenwa ngawo wawungemamitha labengaba mane nesigamu budze, ube ngemamitha labengaba yimfica bubanti, bubanti bawo babungangebelithempeli. Wenta timbobo letatinciphe ngephandle tilihele etulu ethempelini. Elubondzeni lwendlu lenkhulu lengekhatsi kanye nakulolo lwendzawo lengcwelengcwele lengekhatsi wakha sitezi lesasitungelete lithempeli, lapho bekunaletinye tindlu tasemaceleni ayo. Siyilo sendlu lengaphansi sasingemamitha labengaba mabili nesigamu bubanti, bese kutsi salesisekhatsi sibe ngemamitha labengaba matsatfu bubanti, kantsi salengetulu kwato tonkhe sasingemamitha labengaba matsatfu nesigamu bubanti. Wenta tibondza taba lula ngenhla kunangentansi, kuze kutsi titewusima etikwalolubondza, ngaphandle kwekutsi tingodvo takhelwe kulo. Ematje ekwakha lithempeli abelungiswa acotwe khona lena entsabeni, ngako akuzange kube khona umsindvo lowawungabangwa tandvo, nemashizolo nome nguluphi-ke luhlobo lwelithulusi lensimbi lapho lithempeli lalakhiwa khona. Umnyango lowawungena kulesiyilo lesasingephansi wawungaseningizimu yelithempeli; bekunetitebhisi letatenyuka tingene endlini lesemkhatsini, tendlule lapho tingene endlini yesitsatfu lengetulu kwato tonkhe. Walakha kanjalo-ke lithempeli, waze walicedza, walifulela ngetingodvo kanye nangemapulango emsedari. Emaceleni kutungeleta lelithempeli wakha emakamelo. Lilinye lalamakamelo lalingemamitha labengaba mabili nesigamu kuphakama, abehlanganiswe ngetingodvo temisedari kulelithempeli. Livi laSimakadze lefika kuSolomoni, latsi: “Mayelana nalelithempeli lolakhako, nangabe ulandzela timiso tami, wente nemitsetfo yami, uyigcine yonkhe imiyalo yami, uyilandzele, ngiyawusigcwalisa ngawe leso setsembiso lengasinika Davide, uyihlo. Ngiyawuhlala emkhatsini wema-Israyeli ngingasishiyi sive sami ema-Israyeli.” Solomoni walakha kanjalo nje lithempeli walicedza. Lubondza lwangekhatsi walwakha walwembesa lonkhe ngemapulango emsedari, kusukela phansi esiyilweni kuze kuyewufika etulu eluphahleni kusilingi, siyilo sembeswa ngemapulango esipheshula. Likamelo lelisekhatsi, lekuyindzawo lengcwelengcwele, walakha ngemapulango emsedari endzaweni lengasemuva ethempelini, laba ngemamitha labengaba yimfica, kusuka phansi esiyilweni kuye etulu kusilingi. Likamelo lelikhulu lelalisembikwendzawo lengcwelengcwele walakha laba ngemamitha labengaba li-18 budze. Lingekhatsi lelithempeli lalakhiwe ngemsedari leyayibatwe yafanana nemaselwa netimbali. Konkhe kwakungumsedari, kungabonakali nalinye litje. Lingekhatsi lelingemuva ethempelini walenta indzawo lengcwelengcwele, lapho bekutawubekwa khona libhokisi lesivumelwane saSimakadze. Lendzawo yayingemamitha labengaba yimfica budze, nemamitha labengaba yimfica bubanti, nemamitha labengaba yimfica kuphakama. Lonkhe lingekhatsi walembesa ngegolide lecengekile. Lilati nalo walembesa ngemsedari yonkhe indzawo. Lingekhatsi lelithempeli Solomoni walembesa ngegolide lecengekile, wavundlisa tinketane tegolide emnyango wendzawo lengcwelengcwele, kantsi nayo futsi yayembeswe ngegolide. Ngako lonkhe lingekhatsi lelithempeli walembesa ngegolide, nelilati lelalisendzaweni lengcwelengcwele nalo lembeswa ngegolide. Ekhatsi endzaweni lengcwelengcwele wakha emakherubhi lamabili ngelugodvo lwemncumo, lilinye laba ngemamitha labengaba mane nesigamu kuphakama. Luphiko lulunye lwelikherubhi lwalungemamitha labengaba mabili nencenye yesine yelimitha budze, nalolu lolunye lwalungemamitha labengaba mabili nencenye yesine yelimitha budze, bese kuba ngemamitha labengaba mane nesigamu kusuka ekugcineni kwaloluphiko lolungala, kuye ekugcineni kwaloluphiko lolungale. Likherubhi lesibili nalo lalingemamitha labengaba mane nesigamu, ngobe omabili lamakherubhi abefanana ngebukhulu nangebubanti. Kuphakama kwalelo nalelo kherubhi bekungemamitha labengaba mane nesigamu. Lamakherubhi Solomoni wawemisa ekhatsi nendzawo lengcwelengcwele, emaphiko awo avulekile. Luphiko lwalelinye likherubhi lwatsintsa lubondza ngala, kanjalo nelwaleli lelinye lwatsintsa lubondza lolungale, kwatsi leti letinye timphiko tawo tatsintsana ekhatsi nendzawo lengcwelengcwele. Lamakherubhi wawembesa ngegolide. Kulo lonkhe lolubondza lwelithempeli, emakamelweni langekhatsi nalangephandle wabata emakherubhi, netihlahla temasundvu kanye netimbali letichakazile. Watembesa ngegolide tiyilo talamakamelo langekhatsi nalangephandle kwelithempeli. Ekungeneni kwalendzawo lengcwelengcwele lesekhatsi wakhela sivalo lesitivalo tibili lesasakhiwe ngetingodvo temncumo letatimacalahlanu ngetulu. Kwatsi kuletivalo letibili temncumo wabata umhlobiso wemakherubhi, netihlahla temasundvu kanye netimbali letichakazile, wembesa lamakherubhi naletihlahla temasundvu ngegolide legcotjiwe. Ngalokufananako emnyango longenela endlini lenkhulu kwakufakwe tinsika tesivalo letatakhiwe ngetingodvo temncumo letatimacalamane. Wenta tivalo letibili tesipheshula, nguleso naleso sigocotwa ngatibili. Etikwato wabata umhlobiso wemakherubhi, netihlahla temasundvu, netimbali letichakazile, wase utembesa ngegolide legcotjiwe ngalokulinganako kulomhlobiso. Wakha sibuya sangekhatsi lesasinemitsandvo lemitsatfu yematje lalolongiwe, wakha nemtsandvo munye wetingodvo temsedari letatijutjwe kahle. Sisekelo selithempeli laSimakadze sabekwa ngemnyaka wesine enyangeni yaZivu. Kwatsi emnyakeni welishumi namunye enyangeni yesiphohlongo, lenguBhuli, lithempeli laphela lonkhe, njengobe kwakuhleliwe. Watsatsa iminyaka lesikhombisa kulakha. Solomoni kwamtsatsa iminyaka leli-13 kutsi acedze kwakha sigodlo sakhe. Wakha indlu lekwakutsiwa Lihlatsi laseLebanoni. Yayingemamitha labengaba ngema-46 budze, nemamitha labengaba ngema-23 bubanti, nemamitha labengaba li-13 nesigamu kuphakama. Yayinetinhlu letintsatfu tetinsika nemishayo yemsedari leyayisetikwato. Yayifulelwe ngemsedari ngetulu kwalemishayo leyayisetikwaletinhlu letintsatfu, imishayo leli-15 luhlu lulunye; setitonkhe letinhlu kwaba ngimishayo lengema-45. Emafasitelo ayo bekakhiwe etulu, akhiwe ngamatsatfu abukene. Onkhe emasango ayo abakhiwe amacalamane; labengembili, nawo akhiwe angamatsatfu abukene. Wakha indlu yetinsika leyayingemamitha labengaba ngema-23 budze, nemamitha labengaba li-13 nesigamu bubanti. Embikwayo bekunemhubhe lowawunetinsika letatimise vulande. Wakha inkhundla yesihlalo sebukhosi, lapho abetakwehlulelela khona emacala, wayimbonya ngemsedari kusukela phansi esiyilweni kuyawufika etulu eluphahleni. Kwatsi sigodlo sakhe lapho abetawuhlala khona wasakha bucadlwana ngemuva, naso sasifanana nalenkhundla yesihlalo sebukhosi ngekuma kwaso. Solomoni waphindze wakha lesinye sigodlo lesifanana naleso, wasakhela inkhosikati yakhe, uLaFaro. Tonkhe letakhiwo kusukela ngephandle kuze kuyewungena ngekhatsi esibuyeni lesikhulu, kusukela esisekelweni kuye engcongwaneni yeluphahla tatakhiwe ngematje elicophelo leliphakeme, ematje lacoshwe ngabolonina nangebunchakidze lobukhulu, ancolwe ngelisaha ngekhatsi nangephandle. Tisekelo tato tatendlalwe ngematje lamakhulu elikhetselo, lamanye angemamitha labengaba mane nesigamu, lamanye angemamitha labengaba matsatfu nesigamu budze. Etulu kwakungematje elicophelo leliphakeme, ancolwe ngabolonina; kwakunemishayo yemisedari. Sibuya lesikhulu sasitungeletwe lubondza lolwalunemitsandvo lemitsatfu yematje lalolongiwe kanye nemtsandvo munye wetingodvo temsedari letijutjwe kahle, njengeyesibuya sangekhatsi ethempelini laSimakadze nemhubhe walo. Solomoni watfumela eThire kutsi kulandvwe khona Huramu, labetalwa ngulomunye umfelokati wesive sakaNaftali; uyise bekuyindvodza yaseThire, ingcweti kutelitfusi. Huramu-ke abenelikhono futsi anelwati lolubanti kuto tonkhe tekubumba ngelitfusi. Weta kaSolomoni inkhosi, wafike wenta yonkhe imisebenti labetfunywe kutsi ayente. Wagcumeka tinsika letimbili telitfusi, iyinye yayingemamitha labengaba siphohlongo budze, nemamitha labengaba sihlanu nesigamu bucinsi bayo ngentsambo yekulinganisa. Wase wakha netingcongwane letimbili taletinsika telitfusi, watibeka etikwetinhloko taletinsika; iyinye ingcongwane yayingemamitha labengaba mabili nesigamu kuphakama. Wenta siviliya setinketane letincane letephotselwe kahle titsandzelwe kuletingcongwane taletinsika, ingcongwane yinye inaletisikhombisa. Wakha nemahananandza, aba tinhlu letimbili letitungelete siviliya ngasinye ahlobisa letingcongwane letisetinhloko taletinsika. Watentela njalo tonkhe letinsika. Letingcongwane letatisetinhloko taletinsika temhubhe tatibukeka njengetimbali tesiganga ngesimo, tatingemamitha labengaba mabili kuphakama. Kuto totimbili letingcongwane taletinsika, ngetulu kwencenye leyayisasitja, eceleni kwaletiviliya bekunemahananadza langema-200 latinhlu letitungeletile. Wembela tinsika ekungeneni kwemhubhe welithempeli. Kwatsi insika lengaseningizimu wayetsa libito watsi yiJakhini, lena lengasenyakatfo watsi yiBowazi. Letingcongwane ngesimo sekubukeka kwato tatinjengetimbali tesiganga. Waphela kanjalo-ke umsebenti wekumiswa kwetinsika. Huramu wakha libhavu ngelitfusi lelalincibilikisiwe, laba yindingilizi lengemamitha labengaba mane nesigamu bubanti, nemamitha labengaba mabili nesigamu kuphakama. Kwakuyintsambo lengemamitha labengaba li-13 nesigamu nalitungeletiswa. Ngephansi kwalomngcengcema walo belitungeletwe tigubhu temaselwa, tilishumi ebangeni lelingaba sigamu selimitha. Letigubhu tatentiwe tinhlu letimbili elucetwini lulunye lwalelibhavu lelitfusi. Lelibhavu lalisime etikwetinkunzi telitfusi letili-12: tintsatfu tato tibheke ngasenyakatfo, tintsatfu tibheke ngasenshonalanga, tintsatfu tibheke ngasemphumalanga, tintsatfu tibheke ngaseningizimu. Lelibhavu lalitinte etikwetibunu taletinkunzi, lingemuva lato lalibheke ekhatsi nendzawo. Lalingangemphama yesandla bucinsi balo, umngcengcema walo wawunjengewenkomishi, nanjengembali lechakazile. Lalingetfwala emalitha labengaba ti-40 000. Huramu wakha netincodlana telitfusi letatilishumi, iyinye yayingemamitha labengaba mabili budze, nemamitha labengaba mabili bubanti, nelimitha linye nesigamu kuphakama. Tatakhiwe ngemaphanela elitfusi latikwele emkhatsini wemafulemu. Kulamaphanela elitfusi bekunemabhubesi netinkunzi kanye nemakherubhi, kwakwentiwe njalo-ke nakulamafulemu latinsika. Ngetulu nangaphansi kwalamabhubesi netinkunzi, bekulenga imihlobiso legcotjiwe yetimbali. Nguleyo naleyo ncodlana yayinemasondvo lamane nema-asi elitfusi; iyinye yayinemgezelo lowawusime ngetisimiso letimbili ngala nangale, letisimiso tatihlotjiswe ngetimbali. Lingekhatsi lalencodlana lalisiyingiliti. Lalingacishe libe sigamu selimitha kuphakama. Laliyindingilizi, ekugcineni kwalo lalingacishe libe yimitha bubanti. Emlonyeni walo bekunemihlobiso lefacatiwe. Lamaphanela aletincodlana abesikwele, angesiyo indingilizi. Lamasondvo lamane abengaphansi kwalamaphanela, lama-asi alamasondvo abehlanganiswe naletincodlana. Bubanti belisondvo lilinye bebungaba limitha linye. Lamasondvo abakhiwe njengemasondvo encola; ema-asi, nemarimu, netipoko kanye netinkhaba temasondvo, konkhe kwakwakhiwe ngelitfusi lebelincibikilisiwe. Iyinye incodlana yayinetibambo letine, sibambo sisinye ekoneni linye, siphumile ekoneni lalencodlana. Etulu kwalencodlana kwakunelibhande lelitfusi lelaliyitungeleta, lalingaba yincenye yesine yelimitha kuphakama. Lelibhande lalihlanganiswe nguletisimiso nalamaphanela alo kuletincodlana. Wahlobisa ngekucopha imifanekiso yemakherubhi, neyemabhubesi, neyetihlahla temasundvu, lapho bekunesikhala khona kuletisimiso nemaphanela, wahlobisa yonkhe indzawo. Watakha kanjalo-ke letincodlana letilishumi. Tatibunjwe ngemfolomu yinye, tonkhe tifanana ncamashi ngebukhulu nangesimo. Huramu wase wakha imigezelo lelishumi yelitfusi, umunye wawungetfwala emalitha labengaba ngema-800. Bubanti wawungemamitha labengaba mabili. Umunye umgezelo wawutawufakwa kuyinye yaletincodlana letilishumi. Letisihlanu watibeka ngaseningizimu yelithempeli, letisihlanu watibeka ngasenyakatfo. Wabeka lelibhavu ngaseningizimu, ekoneni lelingaseningizimu nangasemphumalanga yelithempeli. Huramu wakha emabhodo, nemafosholo, netitja tekunyenyeta. Wawucedzela-ke wonkhe umsebenti labewusukele, awentela inkhosi Solomoni ethempelini laSimakadze: Kwakutinsika letimbili; netingcongwane letimbili letatisasitja letatisetihlokweni taletinsika, netinhlu letimbili taletiviliya letatihlobise letingcongwane letatisetihlokweni taletinsika; nalamahananandza labengema-400 aletinhlu letimbili tetiviliya, tinhlu letimbili temahananandza tesiviliya sisinye, tatihlobise letingcongwane letatisasitja letatisetihlokweni taletinsika; netincodlana letilishumi nalemigezelo yato lelishumi; nelibhavu, netinkunzi letatili-12 letatingaphansi kwalo; nemabhodo, nemafosholo, netitja tekunyenyeta. Tonkhe-ke letintfo letentiwa nguHuramu, atakhela inkhosi Solomoni entela lithempeli laSimakadze, tatakhiwe ngelitfusi lelicwebetelako. Inkhosi yentelwa tonkhe letintfo ngetimfolomu telibumba etsafeni laseJordane emkhatsini weSukhothi neSarethani. Solomoni akazange atikale tonkhe letintfo, ngobe tatitinyenti kakhulu; sisindvo salelitfusi naso sasingakakalwa. Solomoni wabuye wenta tonkhe timphahla letatilapho ethempelini laSimakadze: lilati legolide; nelitafula legolide, lapho kwakuhlala khona sinkhwa sebukhona; netintsi tetibane letentiwe ngegolide lecengekile, letisihlanu ngesancele naletisihlanu ngesekudla embikwendzawo lengcwelengcwele; timbali letatakhiwe ngegolide, netibane, netindlawu; imigezelo yegolide lecengekile, netijubantsambo tetibane, netitja tekunyenyeta, netingwembe, netitja tekushisela imphepho; nemahhuka etivalo tendlu lesekhatsi, indzawo lengcwelengcwele, kanye nemahhuka etivalo tendlu lenkhulu yelithempeli. Kwatsi nase kuphele wonkhe umsebenti inkhosi Solomoni labewentele lithempeli laSimakadze, wase ungenisa ngekhatsi tonkhe tintfo letatinikelwe nguyise, Davide. Bekuyisiliva, negolide, nato tonkhe timphahla. Wakubeka konkhe endlini yengcebo ethempelini laSimakadze. Inkhosi Solomoni yase imema tonkhe timphunga tema-Israyeli kutsi tite eJerusalema, nabo bonkhe baholi betive tema-Israyeli, netinhloko tetindlu tema-Israyeli, kutsi tite enkhosini Solomoni tiletse libhokisi lesivumelwane saSimakadze, lisuke eSiyoni, Lidolobha laDavide. Onkhe emadvodza aka-Israyeli abutsana kuSolomoni, inkhosi, ngesikhatsi semkhosi wenyanga ya-Ethanimu, inyanga yesikhombisa. Tatsi nase tiphelele tonkhe timphunga tema-Israyeli, baphristi base baphakamisa libhokisi lesivumelwane, betfwala lelibhokisi lesivumelwane saSimakadze kanye nelithende lekuhlangana kanye nato tonkhe tintfo letingcwele takhona. Betetfwelwe baphristi nemaLevi. Inkhosi Solomoni, ikanye naso sonkhe sive sema-Israyeli lesasiyisingatsile babesembikwelibhokisi lesivumelwane benta umhlatjelo wetimvu letinyenti, netinkhomo letinyenti, kangangekutsi tatingeke tikhoneke kubalwa nekubhalwa phansi. Ngako-ke baphristi balingenisa libhokisi lesivumelwane saSimakadze balibeka endzaweni yalo lengekhatsi kakhulu ethempelini, indzawo lengcwelengcwele, bafike balibeka phansi kwemaphiko alamakherubhi. Emakherubhi abelulele timphiko tawo etikwalendzawo yelibhokisi lesivumelwane alisitsa kanye netimboko talo tekuletfwala. Letimboko betitindze kangangekutsi tihloko tato tatize tilungute ngephandle tibonakale kulendzawo lengcwele lesembikwendzawo lengcwelengcwele ngekhatsi, kodvwa hhayi ngephandle kwendzawo lengcwele. Nalamuhla loku tisekhona khona lapho. Kute lokwakukhona ngekhatsi kwalelibhokisi lesivumelwane ngaphandle kwetibhelekeca letimbili tematje letatifakwe nguMosi kulo ngesikhatsi baseseHorebe, lapho Simakadze enta khona sivumelwane nesive sema-Israyeli emvakwekuphuma kwawo eveni laseGibhithe. Kwatsi ngesikhatsi baphristi baphuma endzaweni lengcwele, lifu lagcwalisa lithempeli laSimakadze. Baphristi abazange basakwati kuchubeka nekwenta inkonzo yabo ngenca yalelo lifu, ngobe inkhatimulo yaSimakadze yaligcwalisa lithempeli lakhe. Solomoni wabe sewuyakhuluma, watsi: “Simakadze, wena ushito watsi uyawuhlala efini lelimnyama; ngempela sengikwakhele lithempeli lelihle kakhulu, indzawo yakho lapho kutabohlala wena khona phakadze naphakadze.” Kwatsi ngesikhatsi sonkhe sive sisekhona lapho simile, inkhosi yagucukela kuso yasibusisa, yatsi: “Ludvumo alube kuSimakadze, Nkulunkulu wesive sema-Israyeli, yena, lekwatsi ngesandla sakhe wasigcwalisa leso setsembiso sakhe lasenta ngemlomo wakhe kubabe wami Davide. Ngobe watsi: ‘Kusukela ngelilanga lengakhipha ngalo sive sami ema-Israyeli eveni laseGibhithe, angizange sengikhetse lidolobha kunome ngusiphi setive tema-Israyeli, kutsi ngakhelwe lithempeli, lapho kutabohlala khona Libito lami, kodvwa ngikhetse Davide kutsi abuse sive sami ema-Israyeli.’ “Babe wami, Davide, abenaso leso sifiso enhlitiyweni yakhe, kutsi akhe lithempeli, alakhele Libito laSimakadze, Nkulunkulu wesive sema-Israyeli. Kodvwa Simakadze watsi kubabe wami, Davide: ‘Ngobe bekusifiso senhlitiyo yakho kutsi wakhele Libito lami lithempeli, wente kahle kakhulu kutsi ube naleso sifiso enhlitiyweni yakho. Noko-ke wena awusiye lotangakhela lithempeli, kodvwa yindvodzana yakho, lowo loyinyama yakho naloyingati yakho cobo, nguye-ke lotakwakha lithempeli alakhele Libito lami.’ “Simakadze usigcwalisile setsembiso sakhe lasenta: Mine ngilandzele babe Davide, manje sengihleti esihlalweni sakhe sebukhosi saka-Israyeli, njengobe vele Simakadze abetsembisile, futsi sengilakhile nalelithempeli, ngalakhela Libito laSimakadze, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli. Ngente kwaba nendzawo yelibhokisi lesivumelwane saSimakadze, lelinesivumelwane lasenta nabobabemkhulu ngesikhatsi abakhipha eveni laseGibhithe.” Solomoni wase uma embikwelilati laSimakadze, embikwaso sonkhe sive sema-Israyeli, waphakamisa tandla takhe watibhekisa ngasezulwini, watsi: “Awu! Simakadze, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli! Kute Nkulunkulu lonjengawe, ezulwini etulu, nasemhlabeni phansi, wena logcina sivumelwane sakho selutsandvo netinceku takho letichubeka njalo ngenhlitiyo yato yonkhe, endleleni yakho. Usigcinile setsembiso sakho encekwini yakho, Davide longubabe wami, ngemlomo wakho wetsembisa, ngesandla sakho wagcwalisa setsembiso sakho, njengobe sekunje lamuhla. “Manje-ke, Simakadze, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, gcina setsembiso sakho lowasenta encekwini yakho Davide, babe wami, ngesikhatsi utsi: ‘Ungeke umeswele umuntfu lotawuhlala embikwami esihlalweni sebukhosi saka-Israyeli, kuphela nje nangabe emadvodzana akho akucaphelisisa konkhe lakwentako, ngekuhamba kwawo embikwami, njengobe wena wentile.’ Manje-ke, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, gcwalisa livi lakho lowalikhuluma encekwini yakho, Davide longubabe wami, libe liciniso. “Kodvwa vele, Nkulunkulu angahlala yini emhlabeni? Emazulu, ngisho nalo lizulu leliphakeme kunawo onkhe emazulu, ungeke wenele kulo. Kangakanani-ke lelithempeli lengikwakhele lona! Noko, mane uwunake umthandazo wenceku yakho, nekuncusa kwayo ngemusa. Awu! Simakadze, Nkulunkulu wami, vani kukhala kwami nemkhuleko lowentiwa yinceku yakho lapha ebukhoneni bakho lamuhla nje. Kwangatsi emehlo akho angavulekela kulelithempeli ebusuku nasemini, lendzawo lowasho ngayo watsi: ‘Libito lami liyawuba lapho,’ kuze uwuve umthandazo wenceku yakho leyiwuthandaza ibheke kulendzawo. Vani kuncusa kwenceku yakho kanye nekwesive sakho sema-Israyeli, nasithandaza sibheke kulendzawo. Vani usetulu ezulwini, indzawo yakho yekuhlala, ubotsi ungeva, bese uyatsetselela. “Nangabe umuntfu ona makhelwane wakhe, bese kufuneka nekutsi ente sifungo, ete atewufunga embikwelilati lakho kulelithempeli, ubova usetulu ezulwini, bese uyenta. Yehlulela emkhatsini wetinceku takho, ulahle leyonile ngelicala, wehlisele etikwayo loko lekwentile, usho kulengenacala kutsi ite licala, ububeke ebaleni bumsulwa bayo. “Nangabe sive sakho, ema-Israyeli, sehlulwe sitsa saso, ngobe sonile kuwe, bese sigucukela kuwe, sivume Libito lakho, sithandaze sincuse kuwe sikulelithempeli, ubobe sewuyeva usezulwini lakho utsetselele sono sesive sakho, ema-Israyeli, usibuyisele emuva eveni lowalipha boyisemkhulu. “Nangabe-ke emazulu avalekile litulu lingani, ngobe sive sakho sonile kuwe, bese siyathandaza sibheke kulendzawo, silivume Libito lakho, siphendvuke esonweni saso, ngobe wena sewusishayile, wena ubobe sewuyeva usezulwini lakho utsetselele sono setinceku takho, sive sakho, ema-Israyeli. Bafundzise indlela lelungile yekuphila, bese wehlisela imvula eveni labo, lowabapha lona bantfu bakho kutsi libe lifa labo. “Nangabe bahlaselwa yindlala kulelive labo, nome sifo lesibulalanako, nome sona, nome sikhutsa, nome sikhonyane, nome tintsetse, nome sitsa sibavimbetela nome ngukuliphi lalamadolobha abo, nome ngabe ngusiphi sehlakalo, nome sifo lesingabehlela, nase kwentiwa umthandazo nome kuncenga kwentiwe ngunome ngubani wakulesive sakho, ema-Israyeli, nguloyo atibonela sishayo enhlitiyweni yakhe, aphakamise tandla takhe atibhekise kulelithempeli, ubobe sewuyeva usezulwini, indzawo yakho yekuhlala, utsetselele, bese uyenta. Nguloyo naloyo muntfu umphatse njengekwenta kwakhe, njengobe wena uyayibona inhlitiyo yakhe, ngobe nguwe wedvwa lowati tinhlitiyo tebantfu. Ngaloko bantfu bayawuhlala bakwesaba wena bakulalele ngaso sonkhe sikhatsi sekuhlala kwabo eveni lowalipha bobabemkhulu. “Macondzana newetive longasiye lomunye wesive sakho ema-Israyeli, kodvwa lochamuka eveni lelikhashane ngenca yeLibito lakho, ngobe bantfu batawuva ngeLibito lakho, lelikhulu kangaka, nangesandla sakho lesinemandla, nangengalo yakho leyelulekile, naketa-ke lona wetive atewuthandaza abheke kulelithempeli, ubobe sewuyeva usezulwini, indzawo yakho yekuhlala, wente konkhe loko wetive lakucelako kuwe. Loko kuyakwenta kutsi tonkhe tive temhlaba tilati Libito lakho tikwesabe, njengobe kwenta sive sakho ema-Israyeli, tati nekutsi lendlu lengiyakhile ibitwa ngeLibito lakho. “Nangabe sive sakho siphuma imphi siyekulwa netitsa taso, nome ngukuphi lapho usiyisa khona, bese sikhuleka kuSimakadze sibheke kulelidolobha lolikhetsile, nakulelithempeli lesengilakhile, ngalakhela Libito lakho, ubobe sewuyayiva imithandazo yabo usezulwini lakho uve nekuncusa kwabo, ucolele indlela yabo. “Nangabe bona kuwe, ngobe kute longoni, wena bese uyabatfukutselela, ubanikele etitseni tabo letiyawubatsatsa tibatfumbele eveni lato lelikhashane nome lelisedvute, nangabe-ke sebaphendvuka ngenhlitiyo yabo lena eveni lapho batigcili khona, bagucuke bancuse kuwe baseveni lebatfumbi babo batsi: ‘Sonile kuwe, senta lokuphambene nawe; sente kabi,’ nase bagucukela kuwe ngayo yonkhe inhlitiyo yabo nangawo wonkhe umphefumulo wabo baseveni letitsa tabo letabatfumba, bathandaze kuwe babheke eveni lowalipha boyisemkhulu, edolobheni lolikhetsile, nakulelithempeli lesengilakhele Libito lakho, ubobe sewuyeva usezulwini, indzawo yakho yekuhlala, uyive imithandazo yabo nekuncusa kwabo kuwe, ucolele indlela yabo. Batsetselele bantfu bakho labonile kuwe, utsetselele tonkhe tiphambuko tabo labone ngato kuwe, wente batfumbi babo babe nemusa kubo. Ngobe bona basive sakho nelifa lakho lowalikhipha eGibhithe, emlilweni loncibilikisa ngisho tinsimbi. “Shangatsi emehlo akho angavulekela ekuncuseni kwenceku yakho, nasekuncuseni kwesive sakho, ema-Israyeli, mane ubalalele, nabakhala kuwe nome ngusiphi sikhatsi. Ngobe wena wabakhetsa emkhatsini wato tonkhe tive temhlaba kutsi babe lifa lakho, njengobe washo ngenceku yakho Mosi, mzukwana wena, Somandla Simakadze, ukhipha bobabemkhulu eveni laseGibhithe.” Kwatsi kube Solomoni acedze kwenta yonkhe lemithandazo nekuncusa kuSimakadze, wabe sewuyasukuma embikwelilati laSimakadze, lapho abekadze aguce khona, tandla takhe atiphakamisele ezulwini. Wasukuma wabusisa sonkhe sive sema-Israyeli ngelivi lelikhulu, watsi: “Ludvumo alube kuSimakadze, lonikete kuphumula nekuthula esiveni sakhe, ema-Israyeli, njengobe asetsembisa. Kute nalinye livi lelisilele kuto tonkhe tetsembiso takhe letinhle latetsembisa ngenceku yakhe, Mosi. Shangatsi Simakadze Nkulunkulu wetfu angaba natsi, njengobe abenabo nabobabemkhulu, amane angasishiyi, futsi angasikhohlwa. Akamane agucule tinhlitiyo tetfu tibuke kuye, kutsi sihambe ngato tonkhe tindlela takhe, sigcine imiyalo yakhe, netimiso takhe, nemitsetfo yakhe layinika bobabemkhulu. Shangatsi lamavi ami, lengiwathandaze lapha embikwaSimakadze, angaba sedvutane naSimakadze Nkulunkulu wetfu, emini nasebusuku, kuze asimise indlela yenceku yakhe, nendlela yesive sakhe, ema-Israyeli, njengekwemalanga onkhe, kuze phela tonkhe tive temhlaba tati kutsi Simakadze nguNkulunkulu, futsi kute lomunye. Kodvwa nine, tinhlitiyo tenu kufanele tiphelele nconono kuSimakadze Nkulunkulu wetfu, kuze niphile ngetimiso takhe, nilalele imiyalo yakhe njenganyalo kulesikhatsi.” Inkhosi naso sonkhe sive sema-Israyeli sikanye nayo, base banikela ngemihlatjelo embikwaSimakadze. Solomoni wanikela ngemhlatjelo wekuthula kuSimakadze: Tinkhomo letatiti-22 000 netimvu letatiti-120 000 tihlangene netimbuti. Inkhosi yalinikela kanjalo-ke lithempeli laSimakadze, ikanye nesive sema-Israyeli. Ngalo lona lelo langa inkhosi yehlukanisela Nkulunkulu indzawo lesekhatsi nekhatsi nesibuya lesasisembikwendlu yaSimakadze, lapho-ke ngulapho anikelela khona iminikelo yekushiswa, neyalokutinhlavu, nemafutsa emnikelo wekuthula, ngobe lilati lelitfusi lelalisembikwaSimakadze lalilincane kakhulu kutsi lingayetfwala leminikelo yekushiswa, neminikelo yalokutinhlavu, neminikelo yemafutsa eminikelo yekuthula. Ngako-ke Solomoni wenta lomkhosi ngaleso sikhatsi kanye naso sonkhe sive sema-Israyeli, bekungumhlangano lomkhulu kakhulu, bantfu babephuma kusukela eLebo Hamathi kuze kuyewufika emfudlaneni waseGibhithe. Bawenta embikwaSimakadze Nkulunkulu wetfu emalanga lasikhombisa nemalanga lasikhombisa, emalanga lali-14 asawonkhe. Kwatsi ngelilanga lelilandzelako wabe sewuyabacitsa bantfu. Batsi kube bantfu bayibusise inkhosi, babuyela emakhaya abo bajabule kakhulu, batsakasile etinhlitiyweni tabo ngako konkhe lokuhle Simakadze labekwentele inceku yakhe Davide kanye nesive sakhe, ema-Israyeli. Watsi kube Solomoni acedze kwakha lithempeli laSimakadze kanye nesigodlo sakhe, asakufeze konkhe labefise kukwenta, Simakadze waphindza watibonakalisa kuye kwesibili, njengobe abebonakele kuye eGibeyoni. Simakadze wakhuluma kuye, watsi: “Ngiwuvile umthandazo wakho nekuncenga kwakho lokwente kimi; lelithempeli lolakhile sengilingcwelisile, ngekutsi ngibeke Libito lami lapho kulo phakadze naphakadze. Emehlo ami nenhlitiyo yami kuyawuhlala kulapho kulo ngaso sonkhe sikhatsi. “Wena-ke nangabe ungahamba ngebucotfo benhlitiyo nangekucondza embikwami, ulingise uyihlo Davide, wente konkhe lengikuyala ngako, ugcine timiso nemitsetfo yami, ngiyawusimisa sihlalo sakho sebukhosi etikwa-Israyeli phakadze naphakadze, njengobe ngametsembisa Davide, uyihlo, ngesikhatsi ngitsi: ‘Akuyikwenteka kutsi weswele umuntfu esihlalweni sebukhosi saka-Israyeli.’ “Kodvwa nangabe nine nome emadvodzana enu nigucuka, nisuka kimi, ningayigcini imiyalo yami netimiso tami lengininike tona, nisuke kuto niyewukhonta labanye bonkulunkulu nikhuleke kubo, Israyeli ngiyakumsusa eveni lengimnike lona, ngililahle nalelithempeli lengilingcwelisele Libito lami. Israyeli sewuyawuba siga nentfo yekuphukutwa, abe yinhlekisa kuto tonkhe tive. Noko nome kwanyalo lelithempeli lisenesitfunti lesimatima kangaka, bonkhe labendlula ngakulo bayawumangala bahhalatise, batsi: ‘Simakadze uyenteleni lentfo lenjena kulelive nakulelithempeli?’ Bantfu bayawuphendvula batsi: ‘Kungobe bamfulatsela Simakadze Nkulunkulu wabo, lowakhipha bokhokho babo eGibhithe, besuka bagugumatsa labanye bonkulunkulu basebentele bona, babakhonta bakhuleka kubo. Nguko nje Simakadze asabehlisele lenhlekelele lengaka.’ ” Ekupheleni kweminyaka lengema-20 Solomoni labekakha ngayo tindlu letimbili: lithempeli laSimakadze nesigodlo senkhosi, inkhosi Solomoni yabe seyinika Hiramu, inkhosi yaseThire, emadolobha langema-20 aseGalile, ngobe Hiramu abemnike yonkhe imisedari, netipheshula kanye negolide labeyidzinga. Kodvwa watsi Hiramu nakesuka eThire kuyawubona lamadolobha labewaphiwe nguSolomoni, afike angete amjabulisa. Wabuta watsi: “Madolobha mani lawa longiphe wona, mnaketfu?” Wawetsa watsi Live laKhabuli. Kwaba libito lawo kwaze kwaba ngulamuhla. Hiramu abesatfumele kuSolomoni igolide leyayingemakhilogremu labengaba ti-4 000. Lona ngumlandvo wenkhosi Solomoni ngekubutsekisa kwakhe bantfu nekubasebentisa kwakhe ngenkhani ekwakheni lithempeli laSimakadze, nesigodlo sakhe, nasekwakheni tibebesi, nasekwakheni lubondza lwaseJerusalema, neHasori, neMegido kanye neGezeri. Faro, inkhosi yaseGibhithe, abehlasele watfumba iGezeri, wayishisa ngemlilo. Wabulala takhamiti tayo, emaKhenani, wabe sewuyenta sipho semshado endvodzakatini yakhe leyayiyinkhosikati yaSolomoni. Solomoni wakha iGezeri kabusha, waphindze wakha neBhethi Horoni Lengentansi, neBhalathi, neThadmori lesehlane, ekhatsi eveni lakhe; wakha onkhe emadolobha lapho abenetingungu khona, kanye nemadolobha etincola takhe nemahhashi akhe, nako konkhe labefisa kukwakha eJerusalema, naseLebanoni, nakulo lonkhe lelo live labelibusa. Bonkhe bantfu lababesele kuma-Amori, nakumaHethi, nakumaPheresi, nakumaHivi, nakumaJebhusi, lababengesiwo ema-Israyeli, lokusho kutsi titukulwane tato letatisasele kulo lonkhe live, lapho ema-Israyeli ehluleka khona kutibhubhisa aticedze, tonkhe-ke leto tive Solomoni watibutsekisa watisebentisa ngekutigcilata, njengobe kusenjalo nalamhla loku. Kodvwa Solomoni akazange ente ngisho nome munye um-Israyeli kutsi abe sigcili; ema-Israyeli wona abengemabutfo akhe emphi, netiphatsimandla takhe tasembusweni, nebaholi bakhe, netindvuna takhe temabutfo, netebashayeli bakhe betincola, nebagibeli bakhe bemahhashi. Solomoni abenetindvuna letinkhulu letatingema-550, letatiphatsa imisebenti yakhe kanye nalababenta leyo misebenti. Kwatsi kube kufike indvodzakati yaFaro iphuma eDolobheni laDavide, ite esigodlweni Solomoni labesayakhele sona, Solomoni wakha tibebesi. Katsatfu ngemnyaka Solomoni abenta umnikelo wekushiswa nemnikelo wekuthula elatini labelakhele Simakadze, ashise nemphepho embikwaSimakadze kanye nayo, kuze atewufeza leyo mininingwane yasethempelini. Inkhosi Solomoni waphindze wakha nemikhumbi e-Esiyoni Geberi lesedvutane ne-Elathi, ka-Edomu elugwini lweLwandle Lolubovu. Hiramu watfumela emadvodza akakhe, ematilosi labenelwati ngetaselwandle, kutsi asebente kanye nemadvodza akaSolomoni kuleyo mikhumbi. Abehamba ngemkhumbi aye e-Ofiri, abuye negolide leyayingemakhilogremu langetulu kweti-14 000, afike ayetfule enkhosini Solomoni. Indlovukazi yaseSheba yatsi kube ive ngeludvumo lwaSolomoni mayelana neLibito laSimakadze, yeta yatakumvivinya ngekumbuta imibuto lelukhuni. Yefika eJerusalema ihamba nalolukhulu ludvwendvwe, luchuba emakamela labetfwele tinandzisi, nemidlidlimba yegolide kanye neyematje laligugu. Yefika kaSolomoni yakhulumisana naye ngako konkhe lokwakusengcondvweni yayo. Solomoni wayiphendvula yonkhe leyo mibuto yayo. Kute ngisho namunye lowase waba lukhuni kakhulu enkhosini kutsi ikuchazele lendlovukazi. Yatsi kube lendlovukazi yaseSheba ikubone konkhe loko kuhlakanipha kwenkhosi Solomoni, kanye nesigodlo labesakhile, nekudla labekudla etafuleni lakhe, nekuhlaliswa kwetindvuna takhe, netembatfo tetinceku takhe, netebaphatsi betindzebe takhe tekunatsa, neminikelo yekushiswa labeyenta ethempelini laSimakadze, yamangala yaphela emandla. Yakhuluma enkhosini yatsi: “Impela lombiko lengatjelwa ngawo ngiseseveni lami macondzana netintfo lophumelele kutenta kanye namacondzana nekuhlakanipha kwakho uliciniso. Kodvwa angizange ngitikholwe tonkhe letintfo ngidzimate ngefika ngatibonela ngewami emehlo. Ngempela, angizange ngitjelwe ngisho nencenye yako konkhe loku lengikubonako; kuhlakanipha kwakho nemcebo wakho kungetulu kwaloko lengakuva ngematekelo. Maye, bayajabula labantfu bakakho! Maye, tiyajabula tindvuna takakho letihlala njalo time lapha embikwakho tilalele lokuhlakanipha kwakho. Akadvunyiswe Simakadze Nkulunkulu wakho, lokujabulele wakubeka esihlalweni sebukhosi baka-Israyeli. Ngenca yelutsandvo lwaSimakadze lwaphakadze lanalo nga-Israyeli, ukwente waba yinkhosi, kutsi utewubusa ngekungakhetsi nangekulunga.” Indlovukazi yase ipha inkhosi Solomoni igolide leyayingemakhilogremu labengaba ti-4 000, nemidlidlimba yetinandzisi kanye nematje laligugu. Akuzange kuphindze kufike tinandzisi letase taba tinyenti kwendlula leto letake tetfulwa yindlovukazi yaseSheba enkhosini Solomoni. [Imikhumbi yaHiramu leyayetfwala igolide iyitsatsa e-Ofiri, lapho yayiphindze itsatse nemitfwalo lemikhulu yetingodvo te-almugi neyematje laligugu. Inkhosi yayisebentisa letingodvo te-almugi ekwenteni tinsika telithempeli laSimakadze netesigodlo senkhosi, nasekwenteni emahabhu nemalire ebahlabeli. Ngako tingodvo letinyenti kangako te-almugi atizange tiphindze tifike eveni nome tibonwe kusukela ngalelo langa.] Inkhosi Solomoni yapha indlovukazi yaseSheba konkhe indlovukazi leyayikufisa naleyayikucelile, ngetulu kwaloko leyayiyiphe kona ngekwephana kwayo. Indlovukazi yase iyancandzeka ihamba nelibandla letimphekeleteli tayo yaya eveni lakubo. Njalo nje ngemnyaka Solomoni abemukela igolide leyayingemakhilogremu labengaba ti-23 000, ngaphandle kwemitselo yebahwebi neyebatsengisi leyayiphuma kuwo onkhe emakhosi ase-Arabiya kanye nakubabusi belive. Inkhosi Solomoni yakha emahawu lamakhulu langema-200 ngegolide legcotjiwe; lilinye lihawu lalakhiwe ngegolide leyayingemakhilogremu labengaba matsatfu nencenye. Inkhosi yaphindze yenta lamanye emahawu lamancane langema-300 ngegolide legcotjiwe; lilinye lalakhiwe ngegolide leyayingemakhilogremu labengaba mabili. Inkhosi yawabeka endlini yayo yeLihlatsi laseLebanoni. Inkhosi yabe seyenta lesikhulu sihlalo sebukhosi; yasakha ngematinyo endlovu, yabe seyisembesa ngegolide lecolisakele. Sihlalo sebukhosi sasinetitebhisi letisitfupha, kutsi lingemuva laso ngetulu libe nesihloko lesiyindingilizi. Lapha emaceleni lesihlalo sasinekwekubeka imikhono, eceleni kwaloko naloko kume libhubesi. Emabhubesi lali-12 abeme kuletitebhisi, linye ngala linye nangale kwesitebhisi sinye. Kute lokufanana naloko lokwase kwentiwa ngisho nome ngukumuphi umbuso. Tonkhe tindzebe taSolomoni tekunatsa tatentiwe ngegolide, kantsi tonkhe tintfo talapha endlini yeLihlatsi laseLebanoni tatentiwe ngegolide lecengekile. Kute nakunye lokwakwentiwe ngesiliva, ngobe isiliva yayingakabaluleki kakhulu ngaleto tikhatsi taSolomoni. Inkhosi yayinelubhuzane lwemikhumbi yekuhweba elwandle, ikanye nalena yaHiramu. Kanye ngeminyaka lemitsatfu yayibuya yetfwele igolide, nesiliva, nematinyo endlovu, netinkawu kanye netimfene. Inkhosi Solomoni yaba yinkhulu ngekunjinga nangekuhlakanipha, kwendlula onkhe emakhosi emhlaba. Wonkhe umhlaba wawufuna kuta kutawubona Solomoni nekutawulalela inhlakanipho Nkulunkulu labeyibeke enhlitiyweni yaSolomoni. Umnyaka ngemnyaka, wonkhe labeta kuye abefika nesipho: tintfo letentiwe ngesiliva, nangegolide, nemijiva, netikhali, netinandzisi, nemahhashi kanye neminyuzi. Solomoni wabutsela ndzawonye tincola temphi nemahhashi; abenetincola temphi letatiyi-1 400, nemahhashi labeti-12 000, labewagcine emadolobheni etincola temphi, kanye naseJerusalema, lapho abehlala khona. Inkhosi yenta isiliva yandza eJerusalema, yaze yafanana nelukhetse, nemisedari yayiminyenti njengetihlahla temakhiwa etsafeni. Emahhashi aSolomoni bawatsenga eGibhithe naseKuwe; bahwebi basebukhosini babewatsenga eKuwe. Incola yemphi leyatsengwa eGibhithe iyinye yabita emakhilogremu labengaba sikhombisa esiliva, lihhashi lilinye libita emakhilogremu labengaba mabili. Nabo baphindze bawatsengisela onkhe emakhosi emaHethi newemaSiriya. Solomoni, inkhosi, watsandzana nebafati labanyenti betive, ngaphandle kwalendvodzakati yaFaro; abesanemakhosikati labengemaMowabi, nalabengema-Amoni, nalabengema-Edomu, nalabengemaSidoni kanye nalabengemaHethi. Abesuka kuletive Simakadze labekhulume ngato kuma-Israyeli watsi: “Ningacali nendziselane nato, ngobe nome kanjani tiyawuguculela tinhlitiyo tenu kubonkulunkulu bato.” Noko-ke Solomoni yena wanamatsela kuwo ngelutsandvo. Abenemakhosikati labengema-700 labetalwa ngemakhosi. Tingani takhe tatingema-300. Emakhosikati akhe amphambukisa. Ngesikhatsi Solomoni akhula, emakhosikati akhe abeya ngekuya kuphambukisela inhlitiyo yakhe etithicweni tawo; inhlitiyo yakhe yayingasekatinikeli ngalokuphelele kuSimakadze longuNkulunkulu wakhe, njengenhlitiyo yeyise Davide. Walandzela bo-Ashtarothe, sithicokati semaSidoni, naMoloki, sithico sema-Amoni lesasisinengiso. Ngako Solomoni wenta lokubi emehlweni aSimakadze. Akazange alandzele Simakadze ngalokuphelele, njengobe kwakwente uyise Davide. Entsabeni lengasemphumalanga neJerusalema Solomoni wakha indzawo lephakeme, wakhela Khemoshi, sithico semaMowabi lesisinengiso, wakhela naMoloki, sithico sema-Amoni lesisinengiso. Wabentela njalo bonkhe labafati bakhe betive, lababeshisa timphepho banikela nemihlatjelo kuletithico tabo. Simakadze watfukutselela Solomoni, ngobe inhlitiyo yakhe yayisukile kuSimakadze, Nkulunkulu wesive sema-Israyeli, labeke watibonakalisa kuye emahlandla lamabili. Nome abemalele Solomoni kutsi alandzele labanye bonkulunkulu, noko Solomoni akazange awulalele umyalo waSimakadze. Ngako Simakadze wakhuluma kuSolomoni, watsi: “Njengobe sewente nje, wangete wasigcina sivumelwane sami netimiso tami, lengakuyala ngato, nakanjani umbuso wakho ngitawudzabula etandleni takho ngiwususe kuwe ngiwunike lomunye wetinceku takho. Kodvwa noko ngenca yeyihlo Davide, ngingeke ngikwente loko ngesikhatsi sakho. Ngiyakuwudzabula etandleni tendvodzana yakho. Kodvwa ngingeke ngidzabule wonkhe umbuso kuyo, kodvwa ngiyawuyinika sive sibe sinye ngenca yaDavide, inceku yami, nangenca yeJerusalema, lidolobha lengilikhetsile.” Simakadze wase uvusela Solomoni sitsa, Hadadi, um-Edomu, labewendlu yasebukhosini baka-Edomu. Kucala, ngesikhatsi Davide alwa nebaka-Edomu, Jowabe, labeyindvuna yemphi labekhuphukile kuyawungcwaba lasebafile, wafike wabhubhisa onkhe emadvodza aka-Edomu. Jowabe kanye nawo onkhe ema-Israyeli wahlala lapho, kwaze kwaphela tinyanga letisitfupha, baze bawabulala onkhe emadvodza aka-Edomu. Kodvwa Hadadi, labesengumfanyana, wabaleka waya eGibhithe kanye naletinye tinceku taka-Edomu letatisebentela uyise. Besuka kulakaMidiyani bacondza ePharani. Batsatsa emadvodza ePharani, bahamba nawo baya eGibhithe kuFaro, inkhosi yaseGibhithe. Faro wanika Hadadi indlu nemhlaba, wamupha nekudla. Faro wajabula kakhulu ngaHadadi, kangangekutsi wadzimate wamendzisela nemlamu wakhe, dzadzewabonkhosikati yakhe leyayinguThapenesi. DzadzewaboThapenesi wamtalela indvodzana, wayetsa libito watsi nguGenubathi, wase ukhuliswa yinkhosikati Thapenesi, ebukhosini. Genubathi-ke wakhula kanye nebantfwabaFaro. Ngesikhatsi Hadadi aseseGibhithe, wabe sewuyeva kutsi Davide, inkhosi, sewukhotseme, nekutsi Jowabe, indvuna yemphi, naye akasekho, sewufile. Hadadi wase ukhuluma kuFaro utsi: “Ngikhulule ngihambe, kuze ngibuyele eveni lakitsi.” Faro wambuta watsi: “Yini loyeswelako lapha, kutsi ungaze ucele kuhamba ubuyele eveni lakini?” Hadadi wamphendvula watsi: “Kute, kodvwa ngikhulule ngihambe!” Nkulunkulu waphindze wamvusela lesinye sitsa Solomoni, lesasinguRezoni, umsa wa-Eliyada, labebaleke kumnumzane wakhe, Hadadezeri, inkhosi yaseSobha. Wabutsa emadvodza amsingatsa, waba ngumholi welicembu lemavukelambuso. Ngesikhatsi Davide abhubhisa emabutfo aseSobha, lamavukelambuso ehlela eDamaseko, lapho efika ahlala khona aba baholi. Rezoni abesitsa sema-Israyeli ngaso sonkhe sikhatsi kusabusa Solomoni, naye engeta kulokuhlushwa Solomoni labehlushwa ngako nguHadadi. Ngako Rezoni wabusa eSiriya, acabana njalo na-Israyeli. Jerobowamu, umsa waNebati, naye futsi wavukela Solomoni, inkhosi. Yena abengulomunye wetindvuna taSolomoni, awaka-Efrayimu waseSereda, unina bekungulomfelokati lekwakutsiwa nguSeruya. Lena yindzaba yakhe yekutsi wayivukela kanjani inkhosi. Solomoni bekakhe tibebesi, wase ucedzela kuvala nalesikhala lesasiselubondzeni lweliDolobha laDavide, uyise. Jerobowamu-ke bekayindvodza leme kahle, kwatsi kube Solomoni abone kutsi lelijaha liwenta kahle kanganani umsebenti walo, wabe sewulibeka indvuna yemisebenti yonkhe leyayentiwa ngemphoco bendlu yakaJosefa. Ngaleto tikhatsi Jerobowamu watsi uphumela ngaphandle kweJerusalema, wahlangana na-Ahiya, umphrofethi waseShilo, embetse sembatfo lesisha. Bahlangana baba bobabili jwi, esigangeni. Ahiya wabamba lesembatfo lesisha labesembetse, wasidzabula ticephu letili-12, wase utsi kuJerobowamu: “Titsatsele ticephu tibe lishumi, ngobe nguloko Simakadze Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli lakushoko, utsi: ‘Buka la, ngitawudzabula umbuso esandleni saSolomoni nginike wena tive letilishumi. Kodvwa ngenca yenceku yami Davide, nangenca yeJerusalema lengiyikhetsile emkhatsini wato tonkhe tive tema-Israyeli, yena utawusala nesive sinye. Ngitakwenta loku, ngobe bangishiyile mine, bakhonta bo-Ashtarothe, sithicokati semaSidoni, naKhemoshi, sithico semaMowabi, naMoloki, sithico sema-Amoni, bangete bahamba ngendlela yami, bangete bakwenta lokuhle emehlweni ami, bangete batigcina netimiso tami nemitsetfo yami njengaDavide, uyise waSolomoni. “ ‘Kodvwa ngingeke ngiwutsatse wonkhe umbuso kuSolomoni. Ngimi lengimente umholi ngaso sonkhe sikhatsi sekuphila kwakhe ngenca yaDavide, inceku yami, lengamkhetsa, naye wayilalela yonkhe imiyalo yami netimiso tami. Ngitawutsatsa umbuso esandleni semsa wakhe, nginike wena tive letilishumi. Umsa wakhe ngitamnika sive sibe sinye, kuze kutsi Davide, inceku yami, ihlale inesibane embikwami eJerusalema, lidolobha lengalikhetsela kutsi ngibeke Libito lami kulo. Noko-ke wena ngitakutsatsa ngikubeke ube ngumholi wabo bonkhe labo labafunwa yinhlitiyo yakho, utawuba yinkhosi etikwesive sema-Israyeli. Nawenta konkhe lengikuyale ngako, uhambe ngetindlela tami, wente lokuhle emehlweni ami ngekugcina timiso tami nemiyalo yami, njengaDavide, inceku yami, ngitawuba nawe. Ngiyawukwakhela luhlanga lwebukhosi loluyakuma njengalolwa lwaDavide, ngikunike sive sema-Israyeli. Titukulwane taDavide ngitatitfobisa ngenca yaloko, kodvwa noko kungabi kwaphakadze.’ ” Solomoni wetama kubulala Jerobowamu, kodvwa Jerobowamu wabalekela eGibhithe kuShishaki labeyinkhosi; wahlala lapho kwaze kwafa Solomoni. Leminye imininingwane ngekubusa kwaSolomoni, konkhe lakwenta nebuhlakaniphi bakhe kubhaliwe encwadzini yemilandvo yaSolomoni. Solomoni wabusela eJerusalema iminyaka lengema-40, abusa sonkhe sive sema-Israyeli. Solomoni wase uyakhotsama, wafihlwa edolobheni leyise Davide. Rehobowamu, umsa waSolomoni, waba yinkhosi esikhundleni sakhe. Rehobowamu waya eShekhemu, lapho onkhe ema-Israyeli abebutsene khona ayekumbeka inkhosi. Kwatsi kube Jerobowamu, umsa waNebati, akuve loko, aseseGibhithe, lapho abebalekele khona, abalekele Solomoni, wabuya, esuka eGibhithe. Ngako kwalandvwa Jerobowamu, yena kanye nalo lonkhe libandla lema-Israyeli lacondza kuRehobowamu, lafike kuye latsi: “Uyihlo abesetfwese lijoko lelimatima kakhulu, manje-ke wena sinciphisele lomtfwalo lomatima nalelijoko lelimatima labelibeke etikwetfu, tsine sitakukhonta.” Rehobowamu wabaphendvula watsi: “Ase nihambe nibuye emvakwemalanga lamatsatfu.” Ngako-ke sive sesuka sahamba. Inkhosi Rehobowamu yahamba yayawutsatsisa kubantfu labadzala lababesebenta neyise Solomoni aseyinkhosi, yafike yabuta yatsi: “Nine ningangeluleka kutsi ngibaphendvula kanjani labantfu?” Labadzala bamphendvula batsi: “Nangabe lamuhla utawuba ngumholi lotfobekile walesive usibuse ngekulunga usinike imphendvulo lekahle, siyawuhlala sitisebenti takho.” Kodvwa Rehobowamu wasilahla leseluleko salabantfu labadzala lababemeluleke ngaso, wahamba wayawubuta kulabasha, bontsanga yakhe lababetinceku takhe. Wababuta watsi: “Nine-ke sitsini senu seluleko? Singabaphendvula sitsini labantfu labatsi kimi: ‘Cekisa lelijoko lesaletfweswa nguyihlo’?” Lamajaha labebontsanga yakhe amphendvula atsi: “Khuluma kulabantfu labatsite kuwe: ‘Uyihlo wasetfwesa umtfwalo losindzako, kodvwa wena wente ube lula,’ ubatjele utsi: ‘Cikilicane wami mkhulu kunelukhalo lwababe. Babe wanetfwesa lijoko lelimatima; mine-ke ngitalenta libe matima kakhulu. Babe abenibhacabula ngetiswebhu, mine-ke ngitanibhacabula ngetiswebhu letinetipikili.’ ” Kwaphela emalanga lamatsatfu, Jerobowamu nesive sonkhe babuyela kuRehobowamu, njengobe phela inkhosi beyishito, kutsi babobuya emvakwemalanga lamatsatfu. Inkhosi yasilahla seluleko salabadzala, sive yasiphendvula ngelulaka, yalandzela seluleko sabontsanga yayo yatsi: “Babe wanetfwesa umtfwalo losindzako; mine-ke ngitawengeta unisindze kakhulu kunakucala. Babe abenibhacabula ngetiswebhu; mine ngitanibhacabula ngetiswebhu letinetipikili.” Ngako inkhosi ayizange isilalele sive, ngobe kwakuyintsandvo yaSimakadze kutsi kwenteke ngalendlela, kuze agcwalise livi lakhe labelikhulume kuJerobowamu, umsa waNebati, ngemlomo wemphrofethi Ahiya, waseShilo. Sonkhe sive sema-Israyeli satsi kube sibone kutsi inkhosi ayisilaleli sicelo saso, sakhuluma enkhosini satsi: “Sinabudlelwane buni naDavide? Sinasabelo sini nemsa waJese? Emathendeni enu, ma-Israyeli! Tibone kucedza, wena mndeni waDavide!” Ngako ema-Israyeli esuka lapho abuyela emathendeni awo. Kodvwa Rehobowamu wachubeka wabusa etikwawo onkhe lawo ma-Israyeli labehlala emadolobheni akaJuda. Inkhosi Rehobowamu yatfumela Adoniramu, labeyindvuna yalababentiswa imisebenti lematima, kodvwa ema-Israyeli amtselekela onkhe, amgcoba ngematje, waze wafa. Inkhosi Rehobowamu noko yaphumelela kugibela encoleni yayo, yabaleka yaya eJerusalema. Ngako ema-Israyeli solomane yesuka ngalelo langa alwisana nendlu yakaDavide kuze kube ngulamuhla. Sonkhe sive sema-Israyeli satsi kube sive kutsi Jerobowamu sewubuyile, satfumela kutsi akalandvwe ete emhlanganweni, sambeka inkhosi etikwawo onkhe ema-Israyeli. Kwasala sive sakaJuda kuphela, lesasala sinamatsele kaDavide. Watsi kube efike eJerusalema Rehobowamu, wabutsa yonkhe indlu yakaJuda kanye nesive sakaBhenjamini, libutfo lelalinemadvodza lati-180 000, tihlabani todvwa, wahlomisa imphi yekuhlasela indlu yaka-Israyeli, kuze batewubuyisela umbuso kuRehobowamu, umsa waSolomoni. Kodvwa kwefika livi laNkulunkulu kuShemaya, umuntfu waNkulunkulu, latsi: “Tjela Rehobowamu, umsa waSolomoni, inkhosi yakaJuda, nayo yonkhe indlu yakaJuda neyakaBhenjamini, naso sonkhe sive utsi: ‘Nako lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: “Ningakhuphuki kuyakulwa nabomnakenu, ema-Israyeli. Hambani niye emakhaya enu nonkhe, ngobe loku kungumuno wami.” ’ ” Ngako balilalela livi laSimakadze babuyela emakhaya abo, njengobe abeshito. Jerobowamu wabe sewubiyela iShekhemu, eveni letintsaba kulaka-Efrayimu, wahlala khona. Wesuka lapho waphuma wayakwakha iPhenuweli. Jerobowamu wacabanga enhlitiyweni yakhe watsi: “Nyalo umbuso sewungahle ubuyele endlini yakaDavide. Nangabe kambe labantfu batawulibala kuhle bakhuphuka bayekwenta imihlatjelo ethempelini laSimakadze leliseJerusalema, tinhlitiyo talabantfu titawuphindze tibuyele enkhosini yabo, Rehobowamu, inkhosi yakaJuda. Batangibulala mine, babuyele enkhosini yabo Rehobowamu.” Asatfole seluleko, Jerobowamu, inkhosi, wabumba ematfole lamabili egolide. Wakhuluma esiveni watsi: “Kumatima kini lokutsi nibohle nikhuphukela eJerusalema. Naba bonkulunkulu benu-ke, ma-Israyeli, labanikhipha eGibhithe.” Lelinye litfole walimisa eBetheli, lelinye walimisa kaDani. Leyontfo yaba sono lesikhulu; bantfu babehamba baze befike ngisho kulakaDani bayewukhonta lelo tfole lelalilapho. Jerobowamu wabumba tithico etindzaweni letiphakeme, wabeka nebaphristi labebavela kuto tonkhe tinhlobonhlobo tetive, ngisho nakuleto letatingasesiwo nemaLevi. Jerobowamu wasungula umkhosi welilanga leli-15 lenyanga yesiphohlongo njengalowa lowawentiwa kaJuda, wanikela nangemihlatjelo elatini. Loko abekwentela eBetheli, anikela kulamatfole labewabumbile. EBetheli nakhona waphindza wabeka baphristi etindzaweni letiphakeme labesatakhile. Ngalelilanga leli-15 lenyanga yesiphohlongo, inyanga latikhetsela yona yena, abenta imihlatjelo elatini labelakhile eBetheli. Lomkhosi wawumisela ema-Israyeli, wakhuphukela elatini wayakwenta iminikelo. Ngelivi laSimakadze kwefika umuntfu waNkulunkulu eBetheli aphuma kaJuda, Jerobowamu aseme eceleni kwelilati kutekwenta umhlatjelo. Lomuntfu wakhala asola lilati ngekuyalwa nguSimakadze, watsi: “Maye, lilati! Lilati! Naku lokukhulunywa nguSimakadze: ‘Indvodzana letakutsiwa nguJosaya libito layo, itawutalwa emndenini waDavide. Etikwakho utakwenta umhlatjelo ngebaphristi labakhonta bonkulunkulu etindzaweni letiphakeme, bona laba labenta umnikelo lapha etikwakho, ematsambo ebantfu atawushiselwa lapha etikwakho.’ ” Ngasona leso sikhatsi lomuntfu waNkulunkulu wabanika sibonakaliso watsi: “Nasi-ke sibonakaliso lesetfulwa nguSimakadze: Lelilati litawuchekeka ekhatsi, umlotsa losetikwalo ucitseke.” Yatsi kube inkhosi, Jerobowamu, ive loko lokwakukhulunywa ngulomuntfu waNkulunkulu ngelilati lelalilapho eBetheli, yelula sandla sayo, yamkhomba, yatsi: “Mbambeni!” Kodvwa lomkhono leyayiwelulile ikhomba ngawo lomuntfu waNkulunkulu womelela, wangabe usagobana. Nalelilati lachekeka ekhatsi, umlotsa walo wacitsekela phansi, kwaya njengaleso sibonakaliso lesasetfulwe ngulomuntfu waNkulunkulu, kwaya njengekwelivi laSimakadze. Inkhosi yakhuluma kulomuntfu waNkulunkulu, yatsi: “Ngicela ungincusele kuSimakadze, Nkulunkulu wakho, ungithandazele, khona atewuphilisa lomkhono wami.” Kwatsi lomuntfu waNkulunkulu nakamncusela kuSimakadze, umkhono wenkhosi Jerobowamu waphiliswa, waba njengakucala futsi. Inkhosi yakhuluma kulomuntfu waNkulunkulu, yatsi: “Wota sambe siye ekhaya lami utewutfola lokudliwako, ngitabe sengikunika nesipho.” Kodvwa lomuntfu waNkulunkulu waphendvula lenkhosi, watsi: “Nome ngabe bewutanginika incenye yaloko lonako, bengingeke ngihambe nawe, futsi bengingeke ngidle nekudla, nginatse nemanti akakho, ngobe ngiyalwe livi laSimakadze, latsi: ‘Akukafaneli ukudle ngisho nekudla kwakhona, ungawanatsi ngisho nemanti akhona, futsi ungancandzeki ngalendlela lote ngayo.’ ” Ngako-ke wancandzeka ngalenye indlela, wayiyekela lena labete ngayo lapha eBetheli. Kwakukhona umphrofethi lotsite lomdzala labehlala lapha eBetheli. Ngalelo langa kwefika emadvodzana akakhe amtekela ngako konkhe loko lokwase kwentiwe ngulomuntfu waNkulunkulu eBetheli. Bamtjela nekumtjela uyise konkhe labekukhulume enkhosini Jerobowamu. Uyise wawabuta watsi: “Uhambe ngayiphi indlela?” Emadvodzana akhe amkhombisa leyo ndlela labehambe ngayo umuntfu waNkulunkulu, labephume kaJuda. Ngako wakhuluma kumadvodzana akhe, watsi: “Bophelani sihlalo embongolweni yami.” Batsi kube babophele sihlalo embongolweni yakhe, wagibela, wahamba walandzela lomuntfu waNkulunkulu. Wamkhandza ahleti ngaphansi kwesihlahla lesikhulu sem-okhi, wafike wambuta watsi: “Wena unguye yini lomuntfu waNkulunkulu labephuma kaJuda?” Waphendvula watsi: “Nginguye.” Lomphrofethi-ke wakhuluma kuye, watsi: “Wota sambe siye ekhaya uyewutfola lokudliwako.” Kodvwa lomuntfu waNkulunkulu waphendvula, watsi: “Ngingeke ngincandzeke ngibuyele nawe emuva, kantsi futsi ngingeke ngidle kudla nawe nome nginatse nawe emanti kulendzawo. Ngiyalwe nguSimakadze watsi: ‘Kufanele ungakudli kudla, ungawanatsi nemanti akhona, ngisho nendlela lote ngayo ungabuyi ngayo.’ ” Nalomphrofethi lomdzala waphendvula, watsi: “Nami futsi ngingumphrofethi njengawe. Ingilosi ikhulume kimi ngelivi laSimakadze, yatsi: ‘Mlandze, ute naye lapha kakho, khona atekudla kudla, anatse nemanti.’ ” Kodvwa abecala emanga. Ngako lomuntfu waNkulunkulu wancandzeka naye wayakudla naye, wanatsa naye endlini kakhe. Batsi basehleti etafuleni badla, livi laSimakadze lefika kulomphrofethi lomdzala labencandze lomuntfu waNkulunkulu. Wamemeta, akhuluma kulomuntfu waNkulunkulu labephuma kaJuda, watsi: “Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze: ‘Njengobe ungakamlaleli Simakadze, ngekutsi wente umyalo Simakadze Nkulunkulu wakho lakunike wona, kodvwa uncandzekile, wafike wadla wanatsa, lapho bekungakafaneli kutsi udle unatse khona, sidvumbu sakho singeke singcwatjwe lapho kwafihlwa khona boyihlomkhulu.’ ” Watsi kube lomuntfu waNkulunkulu acedze kudla nekunatsa, lomphrofethi labemncandzekisile wamlungiselela imbongolo yakhe. Watsi asahamba endleleni, wahlangana nelibhubesi, lambamba lambulala, sidvumbu sakhe sadzilikela phansi emgwacweni, lembongolo nalelibhubesi kwema eceleni kwesidvumbu. Bantfu lababendlula ngakhona lapho basibona lesidvumbu siphansi, nelibhubesi lime eceleni kwaso, base bayahamba bayawubika edolobheni, lapho bekuhlala khona lomphrofethi lomdzala. Watsi lomphrofethi lamncandza endleleni kube akuve loko, watsi: “Ngulomuntfu waNkulunkulu longalilalelanga livi laSimakadze, Simakadze umnikele kulelibhubesi lelimdladlabule lambulala, njengobe livi laSimakadze belimcaphelisile.” Lomphrofethi wakhuluma kulamadvodzana akhe, watsi: “Ase ningekhwetele sihlalo embongolweni ngitewuhamba,” nembala bamlungisela. Waphuma wahamba, wakhandza leso sidvumbu sidzindzibele endleleni, lembongolo nalelibhubesi kume eceleni kwaso. Lelibhubesi belingakasidli lesidvumbu, kantsi futsi nalembongolo belingakayidzabuli. Lomphrofethi wasicukula lesidvumbu salomuntfu waNkulunkulu, wasekhweta embongolweni, wabuyela naso emuva edolobheni lakubo, kutsi atemlilela, bese uyamngcwaba. Lesidvumbu wasingcwaba ethuneni lakhe, bamlilela batsi: “Hhawu, mnaketfu!” Watsi kube amngcwabe, wakhuluma kumadvodzana akhe, watsi: “Nase ngifile, nibongingcwaba kulo lelithuna, lapho kungcwatjwe khona lomuntfu waNkulunkulu; ematsambo ami nibowabeka eceleni kwematsambo akhe. Ngobe lomlayeto lawukhuluma ngelivi laSimakadze macondzana nelilati laseBetheli kanye nato tonkhe tindzawo letiphakeme tekukhonta letisemadolobheni aseSamariya, nakanjani utakwenteka.” Ngisho nome sekwenteke loku, Jerobowamu akazange aphendvuke etindleleni takhe letimbi, kodvwa wachubeka wabeka baphristi bekukhonta etindzaweni letiphakeme tekukhontela, abekhetsa nome ngumuphi umuntfu labefisa kuba ngumphristi, amehlukanisele indzawo lephakeme yekukhonta. Lesi kwaba sono sendlu yakaJerobowamu lokungusona sabangela kutsi indlu yakhe yonkhe ibhubhe iphele ingasabikho emhlabeni. Ngaso leso sikhatsi Abiya, umsa waJerobowamu, wagula. Jerobowamu wakhuluma kumkakhe, watsi: “Hamba, utifihle ngekwembatsa letinye tingubo, ungabonakali, khona bangetikubona kutsi umgumkaJerobowamu, bese uya eShilo. Umphrofethi Ahiya ukhona lapho, yena lowo lowangitjela kutsi ngitawuba yinkhosi etikwalesive. Tsatsa imikhama lelishumi yetinkhwa uhambe nayo, nemacebelengwane, kanye nelijeke leluju, uye kuye. Yena utakutjela kutsi kutakwentekani kulomsa wami.” Ngako umkaJerobowamu wakwenta konkhe loko labekutjeliwe, wahamba waya endlini ya-Ahiya eShilo. Ahiya abengasaboni emehlweni ngenca yekutsi abesamdzala kakhulu. Kodvwa Simakadze abesatjele Ahiya, watsi: “UmkaJerobowamu uyeta, utekukubuta ngendvodzana yakhe, ngobe iyagula, wena kufanele umnike impendvulo lengukutsi nekutsi. Nakefika lapha, utawutentisa shangatsi ungulomunye umuntfu.” Watsi kube umkaJerobowamu efike, watenta shangatsi ungulomunye umuntfu. Ngako kwatsi kube Ahiya eve tigi tekuhamba kwakhe emnyango, wakhuluma watsi: “Ngena, mkaJerobowamu. Utentiselani? Ngitfunywe kuwe kutsi ngikutjele tindzaba letimbi. Hamba utjele Jerobowamu kutsi naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, utsi: ‘Ngakuphakamisa emkhatsini wesive, ngakwenta waba ngumholi wesive sami sema-Israyeli. Umbuso ngawudzabula, ngawususa endlini yaDavide ngawunika wena, kodvwa wena awukahambi njengenceku yami Davide, lowagcina imiyalo yami wangilandzela ngenhlitiyo yakhe yonkhe, enta loko lokwakukuhle emehlweni ami. Wena wente lokubi kakhulu kwendlula bonkhe labake babusa embikwakho. Utentele bonkulunkulu netithico letibunjwe ngensimbi, wangicunula ngatfukutsela, wase ungilahla emvakwakho. “ ‘Ngenca yaloko indlu yakaJerobowamu ngitayiletsela inhlekelele, ngitawubulala tonkhe titukulwane takho letidvuna, letincane naletindzala. Indlu yakaJerobowamu ngitayishisa njengemuntfu ashisa lilongwe, ishe ize iphele nya. Tinja tiyawudla tidvumbu tebakaJerobowamu labayawufela edolobheni, kantsi tinyoni telizulu tona tiyawudla tidvumbu talabo labayawufela esigangeni, Simakadze sewukhulumile!’ ” Ahiya wachubeka akhuluma kumkaJerobowamu, watsi: “Wena-ke, ncandzeka ubuyela ekhaya. Utawutsi usangena nje edolobheni, umfana afe. Sonkhe sive saka-Israyeli sitamlilela, simngcwabe. Nguye yedvwa umntfwana waJerobowamu lotawungcwatjwa, ngobe nguye yedvwa endlini yakaJerobowamu Simakadze Nkulunkulu waka-Israyeli lamtfole anentfo lenhle. “Simakadze utativusela inkhosi yaka-Israyeli letawubhubhisa lonkhe lusendvo lwendlu yakaJerobowamu. Ngilo leli-ke lilanga! Yebo, khona manje. Simakadze utawushaya sive saka-Israyeli, size sifanane nemhlanga loveveteliswa ngumoya emantini. Uyawusiphula lesive saka-Israyeli kulelive lelihle lalipha bokhokho baso, bese usisakatela ngesheya kweMfula iYufrathe, ngobe sicunule Simakadze samtfukutselisa ngekwakha tinsika ta-Ashera. Simakadze utasiyekelela sive saka-Israyeli ngenca yetono letentiwe nguJerobowamu, leto ladvonsela ngato sive saka-Israyeli ekoneni.” UmkaJerobowamu wancandzeka, wabuyela eThisa. Watsi nakanyatsela emphundvwini yendlu, umfana wafa. Bamngcwaba, sonkhe sive saka-Israyeli samlilela, kwaya njengobe Simakadze abeshito ngenceku yakhe Ahiya, umphrofethi. Leminye imininingwane ngekubusa kwaJerobowamu netimphi takhe, nekutsi wabusa njani, kubhaliwe encwadzini yemilandvo yemakhosi aka-Israyeli. Wabusa iminyaka lengema-22, wabe sewuyakhotsama. Nadabi, umsa wakhe, wase uba yinkhosi esikhundleni sakhe. Rehobowamu, umsa waSolomoni, waba yinkhosi yakaJuda. Abeneminyaka lengema-41, nakabekwa kuba yinkhosi yakaJuda, wabusa iminyaka leli-17 eJerusalema, lidolobha Simakadze lalikhetsa emkhatsini wato tonkhe tive taka-Israyeli kutsi abeke khona Libito lakhe. Unina wakhe bekunguNama, angum-Amoni. Bantfu besive sakaJuda benta lokubi emehlweni aSimakadze, ngetento tabo labatenta, bavusa intfukutselo yaSimakadze; benta lokubi kakhulu, kwendlula loko lokwakwentiwe boyise. Batakhela tindzawo letiphakeme tekukhonta tithico, netinsikamatje tato lekwakutsiwa tingcwele kanye netinsika ta-Ashera eticongweni tato tonkhe tintsaba letiphakeme nangaphansi kwato tonkhe tihlahla letendlala emagala ato. Kwaze kwaba khona ngisho netitabane kuleto tindzawo tekukhontela tithico. Sive sakaJuda senta tonkhe leto tintfo letilihlazo letatentiwa nguletive Simakadze labetidvungulule ngesikhatsi nakufika sive sema-Israyeli. Ngemnyaka wesihlanu wekubusa kwenkhosi Rehobowamu, Shishaki, inkhosi yaseGibhithe, wahlasela iJerusalema. Watfumba yonkhe ingcebo yasethempelini laSimakadze neyasesigodlweni. Watsatsa konkhe, ngisho nawo onkhe emahawu egolide labentiwe nguSolomoni imbala. Ngako Rehobowamu, inkhosi, wenta emahawu elitfusi kutawutsatsa sikhundla salawa egolide, wase uwetfula esandleni setindvuna tabogadzi basekungeneni kwesigodlo. Njalo nje inkhosi nayiya ethempelini laSimakadze, bomahlalesangweni babetfwala lamahawu, bese kutsi emvakwaloko bawabuyisele emuva endlini yabogadzi. Leminye imininingwane ngekubusa kwaRehobowamu nako konkhe lakwenta, kubhaliwe encwadzini yemilandvo yemakhosi akaJuda. Ngaso leso sikhatsi boRehobowamu naJerobowamu babevame njalo kuhlaselana. Rehobowamu wase uyakhotsama, wafihlwa emathuneni emakhosi, eDolobheni laDavide. Libito lenina bekunguNama, angum-Amoni; Abiya, umsa wakhe, waba yinkhosi esikhundleni sakhe. Ngemnyaka weli-18 Jerobowamu, umsa waNebati, abusa ka-Israyeli, kaJuda kwabekwa Abiya, waba yinkhosi. Wabusela eJerusalema iminyaka lemitsatfu. Libito lenina bekunguMakha, indvodzakati ya-Absalomu. Abiya watenta tonkhe tono letatentiwe nguyise embikwakhe; inhlitiyo yakhe yayingakapheleli kuSimakadze Nkulunkulu wakhe, njengenhlitiyo yaDavide labengukhokho wakhe labenamatsele kuNkulunkulu. Noko-ke ngenca yaDavide Simakadze Nkulunkulu wakhe wamnika sibane eJerusalema ngekutsi amvusele indvodzana leyayitamlandzela, icinise neJerusalema. Ngobe Davide abenta lokuhle emehlweni aSimakadze, wangete waphambuka kuyo yonkhe imiyalo yaSimakadze emphilweni yakhe yonkhe, ngaphandle kwendzaba ya-Uriya labengumHethi. Kwakunekulwa emkhatsini waboRehobowamu naJerobowamu ngaso sonkhe sikhatsi sekuphila kwa-Abiya. Leminye imininingwane ngekubusa kwa-Abiya, nako konkhe lakwenta, kubhaliwe encwadzini yemilandvo yemakhosi akaJuda. Kwakunekulwa emkhatsini wabo-Abiya naJerobowamu. Abiya wabe sewuyakhotsama, wafihlwa eDolobheni laDavide. Asa, umsa wakhe, waba yinkhosi esikhundleni sakhe. Ngemnyaka wema-20 wekubusa kwaJerobowamu, inkhosi yaka-Israyeli, kaJuda kwabekwa Asa, waba yinkhosi; wabusela eJerusalema iminyaka lengema-41. Libito lagogo wakhe lotala uyise bekunguMakha, indvodzakati ya-Absalomu. Inkhosi Asa yenta lokuhle emehlweni aSimakadze, njengobe kwakwenta khokho wakhe Davide. Wacosha tonkhe titabane tasemathempelini, watisusa eveni lakhe kanye nato tonkhe tithico letatibunjwe boyise. Wadzimate wehlisa ngisho nagogo wakhe Makha esikhundleni sakhe sekuba yindlovukazi, ngobe abakhe insika ya-Ashera leyayisinengiso. Asa wagawula lensika ya-Ashera wayishisela eSigodzini saseKhidroni. Nome Asa angazange atisuse letindzawo letiphakeme tekukhontela tithico, kodvwa noko inhlitiyo yakhe yayitinikele ngalokuphelele kuSimakadze imphilo yakhe yonkhe. Wangenisa ethempelini laSimakadze isiliva negolide nato tonkhe timphahla latatinikelwe nguye baneyise. Kwakunekulwa emkhatsini wabo-Asa naBhasha, inkhosi yaka-Israyeli, kuko konkhe kubusa kwabo. Bhasha, inkhosi yaka-Israyeli, wakhuphuka wayawuhlasela Juda, wakha iRama, yaba lidolobha leliyinqaba, entela kutsi kubete namunye lophumako nalongenako eveni laka-Asa, inkhosi yakaJuda. Asa wase utsatsa yonkhe isiliva negolide leyayisele engcebeni yaSimakadze ethempelini nasesigodlweni sakhe. Wayiniketela etandleni tetinceku takhe watitfumela kuBheni Hadadi, umsa waThabrimoni, umsa waHeziyoni, inkhosi yaseSiriya leyayihlala eDamaseko. Watsi: “Akube nesivumelwane emkhatsini wetfu sobabili, njengobe sasikhona emkhatsini wababe neyihlo. Ngikutfumelela naso sipho sesiliva nesegolide. Manje-ke yephula sivumelwane sakho naBhasha, inkhosi yaka-Israyeli, kuze esuke kimi.” Bheni Hadadi wayivumela inkhosi Asa, watfumela tindvuna takhe temabutfo kutsi tiyewuhlasela emadolobha aka-Israyeli. Watfumba i-Ijoni, neDani, na-Abela Bhethi Makha, kanye nayo yonkhe iKhinerethi kanye nalo lonkhe lakaNaftali. Kwatsi kube Bhasha akuve loko, wayekela kwakha iRama, wabaleka waya eThisa. Inkhosi Asa yase ikhipha satiso kulo lonkhe lakaJuda, wababutsa bonkhe, kwabate ngisho namunye lowasala; bonkhe batfutsa ematje eRama, netingodvo letatisetjentiswa nguBhasha lapho. Inkhosi Asa yakha ngako iGeba kulakaBhenjamini neMispa. Leminye imininingwane ngekubusa kwa-Asa, nako konkhe laphumelela kukwenta, nayo yonkhe imphumelelo yakhe, nemadolobha lawakha, kubhaliwe encwadzini yemilandvo yemakhosi akaJuda. Ekugugeni kwakhe noko tinyawo takhe tase tiyachwala. Asa wase uyakhotsama, wafihlwa kubakubo edolobheni leyise Davide. Jehoshafati, umsa wakhe, waba yinkhosi esikhundleni sakhe. Nadabi, umsa waJerobowamu, wabekwa waba yinkhosi yaka-Israyeli ngemnyaka wesibili wekubusa kwa-Asa, inkhosi yakaJuda; wabusa baka-Israyeli iminyaka lemibili. Wenta lokubi emehlweni aSimakadze, wahamba etinyatselweni teyise, nasetonweni takhe labedvonsele ngato sive saka-Israyeli ekoneni. Bhasha, umsa wa-Ahiya, wendlu yaka-Isakhari, wakha luzungu ngaye, wamjubela eGibhethoni, lidolobha lemaFilisti, ngesikhatsi Nadabi nawo onkhe ema-Israyeli balivimbetela. Bhasha wabulala Nadabi ngemnyaka wesitsatfu wekubusa kwa-Asa, inkhosi yakaJuda, kwase kuba nguye inkhosi yaka-Israyeli. Watsi acala nje kubusa, wabulala bonkhe bantfu bendlu yakaJerobowamu. Akazange ashiye nakunye kwakaJerobowamu lokuphefumulako; wababulala bonkhe njengekusho kwelivi laSimakadze lelalite ngenceku yakhe Ahiya, waseShilo, ngenca yetono letatentiwe nguJerobowamu, waze wafaka nabo bonkhe baka-Israyeli, nangenca yekutsi wamcansula Simakadze Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, wamtfukutselisa. Leminye imininingwane ngekubusa kwaNadabi, nako konkhe lakwenta, kubhaliwe encwadzini yemilandvo yemakhosi aka-Israyeli. Kwakunekulwa emkhatsini wabo-Asa naBhasha, inkhosi yaka-Israyeli, kuko konkhe kubusa kwabo. Ngemnyaka wesitsatfu wekubusa kwa-Asa, inkhosi yakaJuda, Bhasha, umsa wa-Ahiya, wabekwa waba yinkhosi yabo bonkhe baka-Israyeli eThisa; wabusa iminyaka lengema-24. Wenta lokubi emehlweni aSimakadze, wahamba etinyatselweni taJerobowamu, nasetonweni takhe labedvonsele ngato sive saka-Israyeli ekoneni. Kwase kufika livi laSimakadze kuJehu, umsa waHanani, lemelana naBhasha, latsi: “Ngakuphakamisa elutfulini, ngakwenta umholi wesive sami saka-Israyeli, kodvwa wena uhambe etinyatselweni taJerobowamu, waze wonisa nesive sami, ema-Israyeli, sangicunula ngenca yetono taso. Ngako sengitakucedza, wena Bhasha, kanye nayo yonkhe indlu yakho, ngitakwenta indlu yakho ifanane neyaJerobowamu, umsa waNebati. Tinja titawudla labo bakaBhasha labatawufela edolobheni, bese kutsi tinyoni telizulu tidle labo labatawufela etigangeni.” Leminye imininingwane ngekubusa kwaBhasha nalakwenta, nemphumelelo yakhe, kubhaliwe encwadzini yemilandvo yemakhosi aka-Israyeli. Bhasha wase uyakhotsama, wafihlwa eThisa. Ela, umsa wakhe, waba yinkhosi esikhundleni sakhe. Kwefika livi laSimakadze ngemphrofethi Jehu, umsa waHanani, kuBhasha nakuyo yonkhe indlu yakhe ngenca yabo bonkhe bubi labekabentile emehlweni aSimakadze, amcunula kuze atfukutseliswe tintfo latenta, waba njengendlu yakaJerobowamu layibhubhisa. Ngemnyaka wema-26 wekubusa kwa-Asa, inkhosi yakaJuda, ka-Israyeli kwabekwa Ela, umsa waBhasha, waba yinkhosi; wabusela eThisa iminyaka lemibili. Lomunye wetindvuna takhe labenguZimri, labephetse incenye yemabutfo akhe etincola temphi, wenta luzungu ngaye. Ngaleso sikhatsi Ela abeseThisa, alibele kutinklinkla ngetjwala ekhaya ka-Arisa, indvuna yesigodlo saseThisa. Zimri wangena wamgalela, wamlahla phansi, wambulala ngemnyaka wema-27 wekubusa kwa-Asa, inkhosi yakaJuda. Wase utibeka yena, waba yinkhosi yaka-Israyeli. Watsi kube acale nje kubusa ahleti esihlalweni sebukhosi, wabulala bantfu bonkhe bendlu yakaBhasha, akazange ashiye ngisho namunye lomdvuna lophilako, ngisho sihlobo, nome umngani. Zimri wabhubhisa yonkhe indlu yakaBhasha, njengekwelivi laSimakadze lelemelana naBhasha lalikhuluma ngemphrofethi Jehu, ngenca yato tonkhe tono Bhasha kanye nemsa wakhe, Ela, lababetentile, baze bonisa ngisho nebaka-Israyeli; ngaleyo ndlela bacunula Simakadze Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, bamtfukutselisa ngetithico tabo letatingenamsebenti. Leminye imininingwane ngekubusa kwa-Ela, nako konkhe lakwenta, kubhaliwe encwadzini yemilandvo yemakhosi aka-Israyeli. Ngemnyaka wema-27 wekubusa kwa-Asa, inkhosi yakaJuda, Zimri wabusa eThisa emalanga lasikhombisa. Imphi beyimise eceleni kweGibhethoni, lidolobha lemaFilisti. Batsi kube beve baka-Israyeli lababesenkambu kutsi Zimri wente luzungu, wabulala inkhosi, bamemetela kutsi Omri, indvuna yemabutfo, yinkhosi yaka-Israyeli, ngalona lelo langa basesenkambu. Omri nabo bonkhe baka-Israyeli lababemsingatsile besuka eGibhethoni bavimbetela iThisa. Zimri watsi kube abone kutsi lidolobha selitfunjiwe, wayawubhaca enqabeni yesigodlo, walumeka sigodlo labekuso ngemlilo. Ngaleyo ndlela wafa ngenca yetono takhe labetentile, wenta lokubi emehlweni aSimakadze wahamba etinyatselweni taJerobowamu nasetonweni takhe labedvonsele ngato sive saka-Israyeli ekoneni. Leminye imininingwane ngekubusa kwaZimri, nekuvukela kwakhe umbuso, kubhaliwe encwadzini yemilandvo yemakhosi aka-Israyeli. Sive saka-Israyeli sase sehlukana ekhatsi, labanye bema ngakuThibni, umsa waGinathi, kutsi nguye inkhosi, labanye bema ngaku-Omri. Kodvwa laba baka-Omri babonakala kutsi banemandla kunalaba bakaThibni, umsa waGinathi. Thibni wase uyafa, kwasala Omri ayinkhosi. Ngemnyaka wema-31 wekubusa kwenkhosi Asa, inkhosi yakaJuda, ka-Israyeli kwabekwa Omri, waba yinkhosi. Omri wabusa iminyaka leli-12, iminyaka lesitfupha abebusela eThisa. Watsenga intsaba yaseSamariya kuShemeri ngemakhilogremu langaba ngema-70 esiliva, wakha lidolobha kulentsaba, waletsa libito watsi yiSamariya, aletsa ngaShemeri, libito lalona bekangumnikati wayo lentsaba kucala. Kodvwa Omri wenta lokubi emehlweni aSimakadze, wona kwendlula bonkhe labebangembili kwakhe. Wahamba etinyatselweni taJerobowamu, umsa waNebati, nasetonweni takhe labedvonsele ngato sive saka-Israyeli ekoneni, saze samtfukutselisa Simakadze Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli ngetithico taso letatingenamsebenti. Leminye imininingwane ngekubusa kwa-Omri, nalakwenta, nemphumelelo yakhe, kubhaliwe encwadzini yemilandvo yemakhosi aka-Israyeli. Omri wase uyakhotsama, wafihlwa eSamariya. Ahabi, umsa wakhe, waba yinkhosi esikhundleni sakhe. Ngemnyaka wema-38 wekubusa kwa-Asa, inkhosi yakaJuda, ka-Israyeli kwabekwa Ahabi, umsa wa-Omri. Wabusa baka-Israyeli iminyaka lengema-22, abusela eSamariya. Ahabi, umsa wa-Omri, wenta lokubi kakhulu emehlweni aSimakadze kwengca bonkhe lababengembili kwakhe. Akazange agcine ngekutijabulisa ngetono letatentiwe nguJerobowamu kuphela nje, kodvwa yena waze wateka naJezebeli, indvodzakati ya-Etbhali, inkhosi yemaSidoni, wamenta umkakhe; wacala kukhonta nekukhotsamela Bhali. Wamisa lilati laBhali ethempelini laBhali, lalakha khona eSamariya. Ahabi wemisa nensika ya-Ashera, achubeka nekucunula Simakadze Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli kutsi atfukutsele; wawengca onkhe emakhosi aka-Israyeli labengembili kwakhe ngekwenta lokubi. Ngesikhatsi sa-Ahabi, Hiyeli waseBetheli waphindze wavusa iJerikho. Wemisa sisekelo sayo ngelitubulo lakhe, Abiramu; wemisa emasango ayo ngelitfunjana lakhe lelalinguSegubi, kwaya njengekusho kwelivi laSimakadze lelakhulunywa nguJoshuwa, umsa waNuni. Elija waseThishbe, labewekutalwa eThishbe kulakaGileyadi, wakhuluma ku-Ahabi watsi: “Ngelibito laSimakadze, Nkulunkulu lophilako wema-Israyeli, lengimkhontako, ngiyakutjela ngitsi kungeke kube khona ematolo ngisho nemvula kuleminyaka lembalwa letako, kuze kusho mine.” Livi laSimakadze lefika ku-Elija, latsi: “Suka lapha ushone ngasemphumalanga, uyewubhaca eSihosheni saseKherithi, ngasemphumalanga neJordane. Uyawunatsa kulowo mfudlana; ngiyale emahhwabayi kutsi akondlele khona lapho.” Ngako Elija wenta njengobe Simakadze abemtjelile. Wahamba waya eSihosheni saseKherithi, ngasemphumalanga neJordane, wahlala khona. Emahhwabayi abemletsela sinkhwa nenyama njalo ekuseni nasentsambama, bese unatsa kulowo mfudlana. Ngekuhamba kwesikhatsi, lomfudlana woma, ngobe kwase kute imvula eveni. Livi laSimakadze lefika kuElija, latsi: “Hamba nyalo uye eSarefathi yaseSidoni uyewuhlala khona. Ngiyale umfelokati wakuleyo ndzawo kutsi akuphe kudla.” Ngako-ke wahamba waya eSarefathi. Watsi efika nje esangweni lelidolobha, wakhandza umfelokati lapho atfota tinkhuni, wambita, wamcela watsi: “Ungangiletsela yini emanti ngendzebe kutsi ngifane nginatse?” Watsi lomfelokati asahamba ayakumnatsisa, Elija watsi: “Ubomane ungiphatsele nelucetwana lwesinkhwa, tsine.” Lomfelokati waphendvula watsi: “Ngifunga kuphila kwaSimakadze Nkulunkulu wakho, ngitsi: Ngite nasinye sinkhwa. Nginengcosana nje yafulaha esitjeni, nenseketse yemafutsa eludziweni. Bengisasabutela tinkhunyana nje lapha, kutsi ngiye ekhaya ngitiphekele mine kanye nendvodzana yami, kuze sidle, emvakwaloko bese siyafa.” Kodvwa Elija watsi kuye: “Ungesabi. Hamba wente njengobe ushito, kodvwa ubocala wentele mine kucala licebelengwane lelincane lesinkhwa, kuloko lonako, bese ukuletsa lapha kimi. Emvakwaloko-ke bese utentela wena nendvodzana yakho. Ngobe nguloko lokushiwo nguSimakadze Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, utsi: ‘Fulaha losesitjeni angeke aphele, nenseketse yemafutsa ingeke iphele eludziweni, kuze kube lilanga lapho Simakadze ayawunisa khona litulu eveni.’ ” Lomfelokati wahamba wayakwenta njengobe atjelwe ngu-Elija. Ngaleyo ndlela Elija nalomfelokati nemndeni wakhe baba nekudla lokwenele onkhe emalanga. Ngobe esitjeni safulaha akazange aphele fulaha, naseludziweni lwemafutsa akazange aphele emafutsa; kwenteka njengobe livi laSimakadze lelalikhulunywe ngu-Elija lishito. Kwatsi ngalelinye lilanga lendvodzana yalomfelokati, labengumnikati walomuti, yagula. Kwachubeka kugula emalanga ngemalanga, kwadzimate kwefika lapho lomfana angasaphefumuli khona. Lomfelokati wakhuluma ku-Elija, watsi: “Ngoneni kuwe, muntfu waNkulunkulu? Kantsi lapha kami utele kutangikhumbuta sono sami, ubulale nendvodzana yami.” Elija wamphendvula watsi: “Letsa lapha lendvodzana yakho.” Wayitsatsa etandleni talomfelokati wayigona, wakhuphukela nayo ekamelweni lelisetulu, lapho abehlala khona. Wayilalisa embhedzeni wakhe. Wase uyakhala kuSimakadze, watsi: “Awu! Simakadze Nkulunkulu wami, sewubehliselelani bubi etikwalomfelokati, lesengihlala kakhe, ngekubulala lendvodzana yakhe?” Welulela imikhono yakhe etikwalomfana, kwaze kwaba katsatfu, solomane aphindza amemeta kuSimakadze, atsi: “Awu! Simakadze Nkulunkulu wami, buyisela umphefumulo walomfana kuye!” Simakadze wakuva kukhala kwa-Elija, umphefumulo wemfana wabuyela kuye, waphila. Elija wamtsatsa lomfana wehla naye ekamelweni lelisetulu, wammikisa endlini kabo, wafike wamnika unina, watsi kulonina: “Buka-ke, umfana wakho sewuyaphila.” Lomfelokati watsi ku-Elija: “Manje sengiyati kutsi ungumuntfu waNkulunkulu, nekutsi livi laSimakadze leliphuma emlonyeni wakho liliciniso.” Emvakwesikhatsi lesidze, emnyakeni wesitsatfu wesomiso, livi laSimakadze lefika ku-Elija, latsi: “Hamba uyekutiveta ku-Ahabi, ngitawutfumela imvula eveni.” Ngako Elija wahamba wayakutiveta ku-Ahabi. Ngaleso sikhatsi bekunendlala lenkhulu eveni laseSamariya, na-Ahabi abesabite Obadiya, labephetse sigodlo sakhe. Obadiya abelikholwa lelalesaba Simakadze kakhulu. Kwatsi ngesikhatsi Jezebeli abulala baphrofethi baSimakadze, Obadiya wafihla labalikhulu emigedzeni, baba ngema-50 kulowo nakulowo mgedze, abebapha kudla, abanatsise nemanti. Ahabi abekhulume ku-Obadiya, watsi: “Asihambe sidzabule live ekhatsi, siye kuyo yonkhe imitfombo netihosha. Mhlawumbe kukhona lapho singatfola khona tjani bekondla emahhashi neminyuzi, kuze singabikho sidzingo sekutibulala letifuyo tetfu.” Ngako base behlukaniselana lelive bebatakulidzabudzabula, Ahabi wacondza ngale, kwatsi Obadiya wacondza ngale nganhlanye. Watsi Obadiya asahamba, wahlangana na-Elija. Obadiya wambona wamfanisa, wabe sewuyamkhotsamela, wakhuluma kuye watsi: “Nguwe ngempela yini, nkhosi yami Elija?” Wamphendvula watsi: “Yebo, hamba uyewutjela inkhosi yakho utsi: ‘Elija sewulapha.’ ” Obadiya wabuta watsi: “Ngoneni kodvwa kutsi ungaze unginikele esandleni sa-Ahabi kutsi angibulale? Ngifunga kuphila kwaSimakadze Nkulunkulu wakho kutsi inkhosi yami kute umbuso lapho ingakaze yatfumela khona umuntfu kutsi ayekukufuna. Bekutsi sive nome umbuso nawukulandvula utsi awukho, awufungise kutsi vele ungeke utfolakale lapho kuwo. Kodvwa manje sewungitjela kutsi angihambe ngiye enkhosini yami, ngifike ngitsi: ‘Elija sewulapha.’ Angati kutsi Moya waSimakadze utakwetfwala akuyisephi, mine nangisuka lapha kuwe. Nangingahamba ngiyewutjela Ahabi, afike lapho angasakukhandzi, utangibulala. Noko mine, nceku yakho, Simakadze ngimkhonte kusukela ebusheni bami. Ingabe wena, nkhosi yami, awukaze uve yini kutsi mine ngentani ngesikhatsi Jezebeli abulala baphrofethi baSimakadze? Ngabhacisa baphrofethi labalikhulu emigedzeni lemibili, baba ngema-50 kulowo nalowo mgedze, ngangibapha kudla ngibanatsise nemanti. Manje sewungitjela kutsi ngiye enkhosini yami, ngifike ngitsi: ‘Elija sewulapha.’ Ahabi utangibulala.” Kodvwa Elija wakhuluma kuye, watsi: “Mine ngifunga kuphila kwaSimakadze Somandla lengimkhontako kutsi ngitatinikela ku-Ahabi lamuhla.” Ngako Obadiya wahamba wayawuhlangabeta Ahabi, wafike wamtjela, na-Ahabi wahamba kuyawuhlangabeta Elija. Watsi kube abone Elija, wakhuluma kuye watsi: “Nguwe yini lowo, lohlupha sive saka-Israyeli?” Elija waphendvula watsi: “Kute lengimhluphe ngako Israyeli, kodvwa nguwe nemndeni weyihlo. Uyiyekele imiyalo yaSimakadze, wabe sewulandzela boBhali. Bita sonkhe sive eveni lonkhe laka-Israyeli kuyewuhlanganelwa eNtsabeni iKhameli. Letsa labaphrofethi baBhali labangema-450 kanye nebaphrofethi ba-Ashera labangema-400, labadla naJezebeli etafuleni lakhe.” Ngako Ahabi watfumela livi kulo lonkhe laka-Israyeli, wahlanganisa baphrofethi eNtsabeni iKhameli. Elija wasondzela embikwesive, wafike watsi: “Kuyawuze kube ngunini solomane nindziyatela emkhatsini wemicondvo lemibili? Nangabe Simakadze anguNkulunkulu, landzelani yena; kodvwa nangabe Bhali anguNkulunkulu, landzelani yena.” Kodvwa sive asizange sikhulume. Elija wakhuluma kubo watsi: “Ngimi ngedvwa losele emkhatsini webaphrofethi baSimakadze, kodvwa Bhali unebaphrofethi labangema-450. Siletseleni tinkunzi letimbili. Abatikhetsele ibe yinye, bayicobe ibe ngemacatsa, bese bawabeka etikwetinkhuni, kodvwa umlilo bangawokheli. Nami ngitawulungisa lena lenye inkunzi ngiyibeke etikwetinkhuni, kodvwa umlilo ngingawokheli. Nine nitawube senibita libito lalonkulunkulu wenu, nami ngibite libito laSimakadze. Lonkulunkulu loyawuphendvula ngemlilo, nguyena anguNkulunkulu sibili.” Bonkhe bantfu baphendvula, batsi: “Loko lokushoko kulungile.” Elija wakhuluma kubaphrofethi baBhali, watsi: “Khetsani lenye yaletinkunzi, bese niyilungisa nine kucala, njengobe naku nine nibanyenti kangaka nje. Bitani libito lankulunkulu wenu, kodvwa ningawokheli umlilo.” Ngako batsatsa lenkunzi lababenikwe yona, bayilungisa. Base babita libito laBhali kusukela ekuseni kwaze kwaba ngusemini. Bamemeta batsi: “Hhawu, Bhali, siphendvule!” Kodvwa kwabate imphendvulo; kute lowaphendvula. Bagidza batungeleta lelilati lababelakhile. Emini Elija wacala wabaphukuta atsi: “Memetani kakhulu! Impela ungunkulunkulu. Mhlawumbe ujulile uyacabanga, nome uyasebenta, nome useluhambeni. Mhlawumbe ulele, ngako kufanele avuswe.” Ngako baphrofethi bathandaza bamemeta kakhulu, batisika ngemikhwa nangetinkemba njengekwelisiko labo, baze bopha ingati. Yendlula imini, bachubeka nemadlingozi abo ekuphrofetha, kwaze kwashaya sikhatsi semhlatjelo wakusihlwa. Kodvwa kwabate imphendvulo, kute lowaphendvula, kute nalowanaka. Elija wabe sewukhuluma kuso sonkhe sive, watsi: “Wotani lapha kimi.” Beta kuye, wabe sewulungisa lilati laSimakadze lelase libhidlikile. Elija watsatsa ematje lali-12, lilinye limele leso naleso sive lesasivela emadvodzaneni aJakobe, lapho kwefika khona livi laSimakadze kuye, mhlazana atsi: “Libito lakho kuyawuba ngu-Israyeli.” Ngalamatje wakha lilati egameni laSimakadze, wemba umsele lowawulitungeleta, waba mkhulu kangangekutsi bekungangena emanti langemalitha labengaba li-15. Wabeka letinkhuni etikwalo, wacoba lenkunzi wayibeka etikwaletinkhuni. Wabe sewukhuluma kubo utsi: “Gcwalisani timbita letine ngemanti, bese niwatsela etikwalomnikelo kanye naletinkhuni.” Wakhuluma kubo watsi: “Phindzani futsi,” nabo baphindza bawatsela. Waphindza wakhuluma kubo kwesitsatfu, watsi: “Phindzani futsi kwesitsatfu,” baphindza bawatsela kwesitsatfu futsi. Emanti ageleta atungeleta lilati, aze agcwala lomsele. Kwase kutsi ngesikhatsi semhlatjelo wakusihlwa Elija wasondzela ngaselatini wathandaza watsi: “Awu, Simakadze, Nkulunkulu wa-Abrahama, na-Isaka, na-Israyeli, akwatiwe lamuhla lapha kutsi wena unguNkulunkulu wema-Israyeli nekutsi mine ngiyinceku yakho, nekutsi tonkhe letintfo ngitente ngekuyalwa nguwe. Ngiphendvule, Simakadze, ngiphendvule, kuze kutsi labantfu batekwati kutsi wena, Simakadze, unguNkulunkulu nekutsi tinhlitiyo tabo uyatigucula.” Umlilo waSimakadze wehlela etikwalomhlatjelo, wawushisa wawucedza kanye netinkhuni, nematje, nemhlabatsi, wakhotsisisa onkhe emanti labelapho emseleni. Batsi kube bantfu bakubone loko, baguca phansi bakhotsama, bakhala, batsi: “Simakadze unguNkulunkulu! Simakadze unguNkulunkulu!” Elija wakhuluma kubo, watsi: “Bambani labaphrofethi baBhali. Kungaphunyuli ngisho namunye wabo!” Babanjwa, Elija watsi abehliselwe emfudlaneni iKhishoni; babulawelwa khona lapho. Elija wakhuluma ku-Ahabi, watsi: “Hamba, uyekudla unatse, ngobe kukhona umsindvo wemvula lenkhulu.” Ngako Ahabi wahamba wayakudla wanatsa, kodvwa Elija wekhwela etulu esicongweni seNtsaba iKhameli, wagobondzela, wafaka buso bakhe emkhatsini wemadvolo akhe. Wakhuluma encekwini yakhe, watsi: “Hamba uyewubuka ngaselwandle.” Lenceku yahamba yayawubuka, yabuya yatsi: “Akunalutfo lapho.” Elija wakhuluma kulenceku emahlandla lasikhombisa solomane atsi: “Ncandzeka.” Kuloku kwesikhombisa lenceku yabuya yabika yatsi: “Ngibone lifu lelincane lelingangesandla semuntfu bukhulu balo, liphuma elwandle.” Ngako Elija wakhuluma watsi: “Hamba uyewutjela Ahabi kutsi akaphutfume agibele ahambe imvula isengakamvimbeteli.” Ngasona leso sikhatsi litulu lacungutela letfwala laba nemafu lamnyama, kwahhusha umoya, latsela lenkhulu imvula, Ahabi wakhwela incola yakhe, wahamba waya eJezreyeli. Emandla aSimakadze ehlela ku-Elija, wakhwicela ingubo yakhe ebhandeni lelaliselukhalo yacina, wagijima washiya Ahabi yonkhe indlela leya eJezreyeli. Ahabi wafike wacocela Jezebeli konkhe lokwase kwentiwe ngu-Elija, nekutsi bonkhe baphrofethi baBhali babulawa kanjani ngenkemba. Jezebeli watfumela sitfunywa ku-Elija, watsi: “Shangatsi bonkulunkulu bangangibulala ngife, nangabe mine kusasa ngalesikhatsi angikakwenti kuwe loko lokwente kulabaphrofethi.” Elija wesaba wabalekela kusindzisa imphilo yakhe. Watsi kube efike eBherisheba kulakaJuda, wayishiya lapho inceku yakhe, yena wachubeka wahamba luhambo lolwamtsatsa lilanga lonkhe, aya ekhatsi ehlane. Wefika wahlala ngaphansi kwesihlahla semtsanyelo, wathandazela kutsi asale asafela khona lapho. Wathandaza watsi: “Simakadze, sekwenele, sale utsatsa kuphila kwami; kute lengincono ngakho kunabokhokho bami.” Wacambalala lapho ngaphansi kwesihlahla semtsanyelo, watunywa butfongo, walala. Masinyane ingilosi yafike yamtsintsa yakhuluma kuye, yatsi: “Vuka udle.” Wacalata ndzawo tonkhe, kwatsi lapha ngasenhloko yakhe wabona licebelengwane lesinkhwa litfoswe emalahleni, eceleni kwalo kunendzebe lenemanti. Wadla, wanatsa, waphindze walala futsi. Ingilosi yaSimakadze yaphindze yabuya kwesibili, yamtsintsa, yatsi: “Vuka udle, ngobe luhambo losetalutsatsa ludze kakhulu.” Ngako wavuka, wadla, wanatsa; loko kwamnika emandla ekuhamba emalanga langema-40 nebusuku lobungema-40, waze wefika eNtsabeni yaNkulunkulu, eSinayi. Wefika lapho wangena emgedzeni, walala khona kulobo busuku. Livi laSimakadze lefika kuye, latsi: “Wentani lapha Elija?” Elija waphendvula watsi: “Benginenshisekelo lenkhulu yekukhonta wena Simakadze, Nkulunkulu Somandla. Kodvwa sive saka-Israyeli sisilahlile sivumelwane sakho, sabhidlita emalati akho, sabulala baphrofethi bakho ngenkemba. Ngimi ngedvwa losasele, kodvwa nami sebafuna kungibulala.” Simakadze wakhuluma watsi: “Phuma, ume esicongweni salentsaba embikwaSimakadze, ngobe Simakadze utakwendlula.” Kwase kuvunguta umoya lomkhulu lonemandla lowadzabula tintsaba ekhatsi, wabhidlita nemadvwala embikwaSimakadze, kodvwa Simakadze abengekho kulowo moya. Emvakwalowo moya kwaba nekutamatama lokukhulu kwemhlaba, kodvwa Simakadze abengekho kuloko kutamatama kwemhlaba. Emvakwaloko kutamatama kwemhlaba kwefika umlilo, kodvwa Simakadze abengekho kulowo mlilo. Kwatsi emvakwemlilo kwevakala liphimbo lelincane lelalikhulumela phansi. Watsi kube Elija alive, wambonya buso bakhe ngengubo yakhe, waphuma wayakuma ekungeneni kwemgedze. Lelivi lalikhuluma kuye, latsi: “Wentani lapha, Elija?” Elija waphendvula watsi: “Benginenshisekelo lenkhulu yekukhonta wena Simakadze, Nkulunkulu Somandla. Kodvwa sive saka-Israyeli sisilahlile sivumelwane sakho, sabhidlita emalati akho, sabulala baphrofethi bakho ngenkemba. Ngimi ngedvwa losasele, kodvwa nami sebafuna kungibulala.” Simakadze wakhuluma kuye, watsi: “Ncandzeka ubuyele emuva ngendlela lote ngayo, ucondze eHlane laseDamaseko. Utawutsi ungefika khona, ugcobe Hazayeli, abe yinkhosi yaseSiriya. Ubogcoba naJehu, umsa waNimshi, kutsi abe yinkhosi yaka-Israyeli, ugcobe na-Elisha, umsa waShafati, wase-Abela Mehola, kutsi kube nguye lotawuba ngumphrofethi emvakwakho. Wonkhe lobalekela inkemba yaHazayeli uyakubulawa nguJehu, nalowo loyawubalekela inkemba yaJehu uyawubulawa ngu-Elisha. Bantfu baka-Israyeli labati-7 000 ngiyakubashiya baphila: bonkhe labangazange baguce embikwaBhali nabo bonkhe labangazange bange Bhali ngemilomo yabo.” Ngako Elija wesuka lapho wahamba wakhandza Elisha, umsa waShafati, alima ngesipani setinkhabi letatingema-24, yena abekuleti letimbili tekugcina. Elija waya kuye, wafike wamembesa ngalengubo yakhe. Elisha washiya leto tinkhabi walandzela Elija, wakhuluma kuye watsi: “Ase ngimane ngange bobabe namake, ngibavalelise, ngitawube sengiyabuya ngita lapha kuwe.” Ngako Elisha wamshiya, wancandzeka. Watsatsa letinkhabi letimbili watihlaba. Watsatsa lelijoko lekubophela walibasa, wapheka ngalo lenyama, wapha bantfu, badla. Wabe sewuyaphuma ulandzela Elija, waba ngumsiti wakhe. Bheni Hadadi, inkhosi yaseSiriya, wahlomisa onkhe emabutfo akhe, asitwa ngemakhosi langema-32 labehamba ngemahhashi nangetincola temphi; wenyuka wayawuhlasela iSamariya, wayivimbetela. Watfumela titfunywa edolobheni ku-Ahabi, inkhosi yaka-Israyeli, watsi: “Inkhosi Bheni Hadadi itsi: ‘Isiliva yakho negolide yakho kwami, kanye nebafati bakho labahle kakhulu nebantfwabakho labahle kakhulu bami.’ ” Inkhosi yaka-Israyeli yaphendvula, yatsi: “Kunjengobe usho, nkhosi yami, mine nako konkhe lenginako kwakho.” Titfunywa taphindze tabuya futsi, tafike tatsi: “Inkhosi Bheni Hadadi itsi: ‘Ngitfumele ngatsi letsa isiliva yakho, negolide yakho, nebafati bakho kanye nebantfwabakho. Kodvwa kusasa, ngalesikhatsi, ngitawutfumela tindvuna tami titewufunisisa lapho esigodlweni sakho nasetindlini tetindvuna takho. Titakuchwaga konkhe lokungemagugu akho, tihambe nako.’ ” Inkhosi yaka-Israyeli yabita bonkhe baholi belive layo yakhuluma kubo, yatsi: “Niyabona kambe kutsi lomuntfu ufuna kususa lutfutfuva! Utsite nakatfumela afuna bafati bami, nebantfwabami, nesiliva yami, negolide yami, mine angikamaleli.” Baholi nebantfu bonkhe baphendvula, batsi: “Ungamlaleli, futsi ungakwenti loko lakushoko.” Ngako Ahabi waphendvula titfunywa tenkhosi Bheni Hadadi, watsi: “Tjelani inkhosi yami kutsi ngitsi: ‘Inceku yakho itawukwenta konkhe loko lokufune kucala, kodvwa loku losewukufuna nyalo ngingeke ngikuvume.’ ” Titfunywa tatsatsa lemphendvulo tayibuyisela enkhosini Bheni Hadadi. Bheni Hadadi watfumela lomunye umlayeto ku-Ahabi atsi: “Ngitakuta nemadvodza lenele kutsi ngitewubhubhisa lelidolobha lakho, lamadvodza atsatse leto timvutfu ngetandla tawo. Shangatsi bonkulunkulu bangangishaya ngife, nangehluleka kukufeza loko.” Inkhosi yaka-Israyeli yaphendvula, yatsi: “Nibomtjela kutsi saga sitsi: ‘Lowo lotewuhlasela akatigabatisi asengakalwi, kodvwa loko ukwenta emvakwemphi asalwile.’ ” Lomlayeto wefika enkhosini Bheni Hadadi asanatsa nalawa lamanye emakhosi emathendeni awo. Wavele watjela emabutfo akhe watsi: “Tilungiseleleni kuhlasela.” Ngako atilungiselela kuhlasela lelo dolobha. Ngasona leso sikhatsi kwefika umphrofethi enkhosini Ahabi, watsi: “Simakadze utsi: ‘Uyayibona yini lemphi lenkhulu kangaka? Ngitayinikela esandleni sakho, kuze wati kutsi mine nginguSimakadze.’ ” Ahabi wabuta watsi: “Kodvwa ngubani lotakwenta loko?” Lomphrofethi waphendvula watsi: “Simakadze utsi: ‘Loko kutakwentiwa tindvuna letincane letingaphansi kwetindvuna tetifundza.’ ” Ahabi wabuta watsi: “Ngubani lotawucala kucala kuhlasela?” Lomphrofethi waphendvula watsi: “Nguwe.” Ngako Ahabi wabita tonkhe tindvuna letincane letingaphansi kwetindvuna tetifundza, taba ngemadvodza langema-232, asawonkhe. Wahlanganisa lamanye ema-Israyeli, wona aba ti-7 000 asawonkhe. Baphuma emini kuyawuhlasela ngesikhatsi Bheni Hadadi nalamakhosi langema-32 labemsita, baselibele kutinklinkla ngetjwala emathendeni abo. Letindvuna letincane letingaphansi kwetindvuna tetifundza taviva tona tayawuhlasela kucala. Bheni Hadadi abetfumele tinhloli letabuya tafike tambikela tatsi: “Kukhona emadvodza lavivako ashuca aphuma ngaseSamariya.” Watsi: “Babambeni basaphila, nome beta ngekuthula nome bete ngemphi.” Tindvuna letincane letingaphansi kwetindvuna tetifundza taphumela ngephandle kwelidolobha tilandzelwa ngemabutfo, ngulowo nalowo wabulala leyo ndvodza labelwa nayo. Atsi nakubona loko emaSiriya abaleka, ema-Israyeli awalandzela ngemuva awacosha. Kodvwa Bheni Hadadi, inkhosi yemaSiriya, wagibela lihhashi wabaleka nalamanye emadvodza akakhe nawo labegibele akawo. Inkhosi yaka-Israyeli yasondzela yabhubhisa lamahhashi kanye netincola, yawashaya yawabhuca emaSiriya. Emvakwaloko, umphrofethi waphindze wabuyela enkhosini yaka-Israyeli, wafike watsi: “Cinisa emabutfo akho, ubone kutsi kufanele wenteni, ngobe kulentfwasahlobo letako inkhosi yaseSiriya itawuphindze ibuye itekuhlasela futsi.” Ngasona leso sikhatsi tindvuna tenkhosi yaseSiriya teluleka inkhosi, tatsi: “Bonkulunkulu babo bonkulunkulu bemagcuma. Ngiko nje babenemandla kakhulu kunatsi, badzimate basehlula. Kodvwa nasingalwa nabo sisematsafeni, nakanjani sitakuba nemandla kunabo. Yenta naku: Wesuse onkhe lamakhosi lapho aphetse ngakhona, bese ufaka letinye tindvuna etikhundleni tawo. Kufanele uphindze wakhe libutfo lelingangalelo lelakulahlekela, lihhashi ngelihhashi nencola ngencola, khona sitekulwa nalama-Israyeli ematsafeni. Nakanjani sitawuba nemandla kunawo.” Wativumela, wenta njengobe tatincomile. Entfwasahlobo lelandzelako Bheni Hadadi wahlomisa emaSiriya enyuka aya e-Afeki kuyakulwa nema-Israyeli. Nema-Israyeli atsi kube ahlome, atsatsa imiphako yawo, aphuma ayawuhlasela. Ema-Israyeli akamba aba ticumbi letimbili njengemihlambi lemibili yetimbuti abhekana nawo, kantsi emaSiriya wona abegcwele lonkhe lelo tsafa. Lomuntfu waNkulunkulu wefika wakhuluma enkhosini yaka-Israyeli, watsi: “Naku-ke lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: ‘Njengobe emaSiriya acabanga kutsi Simakadze ungunkulunkulu wemagcuma, akasiye nkulunkulu wematsafa, yonkhe lemphi yawo ngitayinikela etandleni tenu, kuze nati kutsi mine nginguSimakadze.’ ” Kwaphela emalanga lasikhombisa emabutfo akambe abhekene, kwatsi ngelilanga lesikhombisa kwahlaselwana. Ema-Israyeli abulala emadvodza lahamba ngetinyawo labeti-100 000 emaSiriya ngalanga linye. Lawa lamanye avele abalekela edolobheni lase-Afeki, lapho atsi nakefika khona, lubondza lwalelo dolobha lwadzilikela etikwalababeti-27 000 bawo. Bheni Hadadi wabalekela edolobheni, wafike wabhaca ekamelweni lelalingekhatsi endlini. Tindvuna takhe takhuluma kuye, tatsi: “Sesivile kutsi emakhosi endlu yaka-Israyeli anesihe. Asambe siye enkhosini yaka-Israyeli sivunule emasaka lapha elukhalweni sibophe tintsambo lapha etinhloko tetfu. Mhlawumbe angahle akusindzise angakubulali.” Ngako bavunula emasaka etinkhalweni tabo, babopha tinhloko tabo ngetintsambo, bahamba baya enkhosini yaka-Israyeli bafike batsi: “Inceku yakho Bheni Hadadi itsi: ‘Ngicela kutsi ungangibulali.’ ” Inkhosi yaphendvula yatsi: “Usaphila yini? Phela ungumnaketfu.” Letindvuna taBheni Hadadi tashesha takutsatsa loko njengesibonakaliso sekwemukeleka, Ahabi nakatsi: “Yebo, Bheni Hadadi ungumnaketfu.” Ngako tasheshe tawaphindza lamavi latsi: “Yebo, Bheni Hadadi ungumnakenu!” Ahabi wakhuluma kuto, watsi: “Hambani nimlandze.” Watsi kube Bheni Hadadi efike, Ahabi wamcela kutsi ekhwele naye encoleni yakhe. Bheni Hadadi wakhuluma kuye, watsi: “Ngitakuwabuyisa onkhe lamadolobha latfunjwa ngubabe kuyihlo. Nawe ungatentela timakethe edolobheni laseDamaseko, njengobe nababe atenta eSamariya.” Ahabi waphendvula watsi: “Ngitakukhululela etikwalesivumelwane.” Ngako benta leso sivumelwane, wase uyamkhulula. Ngelivi laSimakadze lomunye wemadvodzana ebaphrofethi wakhuluma kulomunye umnganakhe, watsi: “Ngishaye ngalesikhali sakho,” kodvwa lomnganakhe wala. Ngako lomphrofethi watsi: “Njengobe ungakamlaleli Simakadze, utawutsi nawusuka lapha, libhubesi likubulale.” Yatsi lendvodza nayisuka ihamba, yakhandvwa libhubesi lelayibulala. Lomphrofethi wakhandza lenye indvodza lakhuluma kuyo watsi: “Ngicela ungishaye.” Ngako lendvodza yamshaya, yamlimata. Lomphrofethi wahamba wayakumela inkhosi eceleni kwendlela. Waphica umkhondvo ngekufaka ingadibe leyayisitselise emehlo. Yatsi inkhosi nayendlula, lomphrofethi wammemeta watsi: “Inceku yakho yangena ekhatsi nemphi, lomunye wase uletsa sitsa lesasitfunjiwe watsi: ‘Gadza lomuntfu, nakabaleka, loko utakukhokha ngemphilo yakho, nome-ke ukhokhe emakhilogremu langaba ngema-34 esiliva’, kodvwa ngenca yemisebenti bengiyenta lendvodza ibese iyanyamalala.” Inkhosi yaka-Israyeli yaphendvula, yatsi: “Ngiso leso sigwebo sakho, sewusishito.” Lomphrofethi washesha wesusa lengadibe emehlweni akhe, inkhosi yambona kutsi ungulomunye webaphrofethi. Wakhuluma enkhosini watsi: “Naku-ke lokushiwo nguSimakadze: ‘Sewukhulule lomuntfu bengitsite akafe, ngako loko utakukhokha ngemphilo yakho, nesive sakho sitawubhujiswa ngenca yekuyekela lamabutfo akakhe.’ ” Inkhosi yabuyela esigodlweni sayo eSamariya idvubutekile, ikhubekile. Emvakwaloko kwase kuba nesehlakalo lesenteka ngenca yesivini saNabothi waseJezreyeli. Lesivini sasiseJezreyeli eceleni kwesigodlo senkhosi Ahabi, inkhosi yaseSamariya. Ahabi watsi kuNabothi: “Nginike lesivini sakho, kuze ngihlanyele tibhidvo, njengobe naku sisedvutane nesigodlo sami nje. Ngitakuntjintjisela ngesivini lesincono kunaso, nome-ke ngikubhadale leyo mali lotayifuna, nangabe utsandza.” Kodvwa Nabothi wamphendvula, watsi: “Simakadze akasungivumela kutsi ngikunike lifa labobabemkhulu.” Ngako Ahabi wabuyela ekhaya ahluneme atfukutsele, ngobe Nabothi waseJezreyeli atsite: “Ngingeke ngikunike lifa labobabemkhulu.” Wafike walala embhedzeni wakhe, acumbelene; wadvuba nekudla kudla. Umkakhe Jezebeli wangena wambuta, watsi: “Uhlunemeleni kanjena? Awudli ngani?” Wamphendvula watsi: “Kungenca ngobe ngitsite ngitsi kuNabothi waseJezreyeli: ‘Ngitsengisele sivini sakho, nome-ke nawutsandza ngikwenanisele ngalesinye sivini esikhundleni saso,’ yena wala watsi: ‘Ngingeke ngikunike sivini sami.’ ” Umkakhe Jezebeli watsi: “Lena ngiyona ndlela lowenta ngayo yini njengenkhosi ka-Israyeli? Vuka udle! Jabula futsi! Mine ngitakutfolela lesivini saNabothi, waseJezreyeli.” Ngako wabhala tincwadzi ngelibito la-Ahabi, wanamatsisela luphawu lwa-Ahabi kuto, watitfumela kubaholi nebahlonishwa labahlala edolobheni lakaNabothi kanye naye Nabothi. Kuletincwadzi abebhale kutsi: “Memetelani lilanga lekuzila, bese nihlalisa Nabothi embonisweni emkhatsini wesive. Kodvwa nibobe senihlalisa emahuzu lamabili embikwakhe, niwente afakaze kutsi ucalekise Nkulunkulu nenkhosi, bese nimkhiphela ngephandle, nimgcobe ngematje, aze afe.” Ngako baholi nebahlonishwa labebahlala edolobheni lakuboNabothi benta njengobe batjelwe nguJezebeli etincwadzini labebabhalele tona. Bamemetela kuzila, babeka Nabothi embonisweni emkhatsini webantfu. Kwase kuvela emacili lamabili ahlala macondzana naye, abeka Nabothi licala embikwebantfu, atsi: “Nabothi ucalekise Nkulunkulu nenkhosi.” Ngako base bayamtsatsa Nabothi bamkhiphela ngephandle kwelidolobha, bamgcoba ngematje, waze wafa. Base batfumela livi kuJezebeli batsi: “Nabothi sewugcotjwe ngematje, waze wafa.” Watsi kube eve Jezebeli kutsi Nabothi sewufile, wakhuluma ku-Ahabi, watsi: “Sukuma utsatse sivini saNabothi, waseJezreyeli, lala kukutsengisela sona ngesiliva kutsi sibe sakho. Akasekho manje, sewufile.” Ahabi watsi kube eve kutsi Nabothi sewufile, wasukuma wehla wayawutsatsa sivini saNabothi, wasenta sakhe. Livi laSimakadze lefika ku-Elija, waseThishbe, latsi: “Yehla uye ku-Ahabi, inkhosi yema-Israyeli, lobusela eSamariya. Manje usesivinini saNabothi, lapho ayele kuyawusenta sakhe. Ufike umtjele utsi: ‘Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze: “Awukasontsi umuntfu yini kuze utsatse lomhlaba wakhe?” ’ Bese utsi kuye: ‘Naku lakushoko Simakadze: “Kuleyo ndzawo, lapho tinja tacapha khona ingati yaNabothi, tinja tiyawuphindze ticaphe khona ingati yakho; yebo, yakho ingati.” ’ ” Ahabi watsi ku-Elija: “Wo! Sewungitfolile, sitsa sami!” Elija waphendvula watsi: “Ngikutfolile, ngobe utitsengise wena ngekwenta lokubi emehlweni aSimakadze. Simakadze utsi: ‘Ngitakwehlisela sigemegeme etikwakho. Ngitawubhubhisa intalelwane yakho, ngijube bonkhe labadvuna ka-Ahabi, ka-Israyeli, labancane nalabadzala. Indlu yakho ngitayilingisa leya yakaJerobowamu, umsa waNebati, neyakaBhasha, umsa wa-Ahiya, ngobe ungicunulile, ngaze ngatfukutsela, wenta nema-Israyeli ona.’ “Macondzana naJezebeli Simakadze utsi: ‘Tinja tiyawudlela Jezebeli ngaselubondzeni lwaseJezreyeli.’ “Tinja tiyakudla labo baka-Ahabi labayawufela ekhatsi edolobheni, tinyoni tasemoyeni tiyawutondla ngalabo labayawufela etigangeni.” Kute indvodza lenjenga-Ahabi leyatitsengisa yona ekwenteni bubi emehlweni aSimakadze, ifucwa ngumkayo Jezebeli. Watiphatsa ngemanyala lamakhulu ngekutsi alandzelane nekukhonta tithico njengema-Amori, Simakadze lawakhukhula, ngesikhatsi nakufika ema-Israyeli. Watsi kube Ahabi eve lamavi, wadzabula tingubo takhe, wembatsa emasaka, wazila, walala ngemasaka, wahamba angulotfotjisiwe. Livi laSimakadze lefika ku-Elija, waseThishbe, latsi: “Ubonile yini kutsi Ahabi utitfobe kanjani embikwami? Ngenca yekutsi utitfobile kimi, ngingeke ngisamehlisela lesigemegeme etikhatsini takhe, kodvwa ngiyawusehlisela etikwendlu yakakhe ngesikhatsi sekubusa kwemsa wakhe.” Kwaze kwaphela iminyaka lemitsatfu kute imphi emkhatsini wemaSiriya nema-Israyeli. Kodvwa kwatsi ngemnyaka wesitsatfu Jehoshafati, inkhosi yakaJuda, wehla wayawubonana nenkhosi yaka-Israyeli. Ahabi, inkhosi yaka-Israyeli, bese iyale tindvuna tayo yatsi: “Anati yini kutsi iRamothi Gileyadi yakitsi, kodvwa kuze kube ngunyalo, kute lutfo lolwentiwe kuze siyitsatse etandleni tenkhosi yaseSiriya?” Ngako yabuta Jehoshafati, yatsi: “Ungahamba yini nami siyekulwa neRamothi yaseGileyadi?” Jehoshafati waphendvula inkhosi yaka-Israyeli, watsi: “Mine ngifanana nawe, bantfu bami banjengebantfu bakho, nemahhashi ami anjengemahhashi akho.” Kodvwa Jehoshafati wachubeka wakhuluma enkhosini yaka-Israyeli, watsi: “Cala kucala ufune seluleko saSimakadze.” Ngako inkhosi yaka-Israyeli yase ibutsela ndzawonye baphrofethi lababengaba ngema-400, emadvodza odvwa, yababuta yatsi: “Ngingaya yini kuyawuhlasela iRamothi Gileyadi, nome ngiyekele?” Baphendvula batsi: “Hamba, ngobe Simakadze utayinikela etandleni tenkhosi.” Kodvwa Jehoshafati wabuta watsi: “Sekute yini lomunye umphrofethi waSimakadze lapha lesingabuta kuye?” Inkhosi Ahabi yaphendvula Jehoshafati, yatsi: “Usekhona munye lesingabuta ngaye kuSimakadze, kodvwa ngiyamenyanya, ngobe akaze nje aphrofethe lokuhle ngami, kodvwa uphrofetha lokubi kodvwa. NguMikhaya, umsa waJimla.” Jehoshafati waphendvula watsi: “Inkhosi ayikafaneli kukusho loko.” Ngako Ahabi, inkhosi yaka-Israyeli, wase ubita lomunye wetindvuna takhe, watsi: “Landza Mikhaya, umsa waJimla, masinyane.” Babegcoke imijiva yabo yebukhosi bo-Ahabi, inkhosi yaka-Israyeli, banaJehoshafati, inkhosi yakaJuda, bahleti etihlalweni tabo tebukhosi, ebaleni lekubhulela kolo, eceleni kwelisango lelingena eSamariya; bonkhe baphrofethi bebaphrofetha embikwabo. Sedekiya, umsa waKhenana, yena abesente timphondvo tensimbi, wamemeta atsi: “Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze: ‘Ngaleti utawuhlaba emaSiriya aze afe, aphele.’ ” Bonkhe-ke nalaba labanye baphrofethi babekhuluma intfo yinye, batsi: “Hlasela iRamothi Gileyadi, uyehlule. Ngobe Simakadze utayinikela etandleni tenkhosi.” Lesigijimi lebesilandze Mikhaya samhlebela, simdvonsa ngendlebe, satsi: “Buka la, njengendvodza yinye laba labanye baphrofethi baphrofethe imphumelelo yenkhosi Ahabi. Ngako-ke nawe emavi akho abovumelana newalaba labanye, ukhulume lokuhle.” Kodvwa Mikhaya waphendvula watsi: “Ngifunga kuphila kwaSimakadze, ngitamtjela loko lengikutjelwa nguSimakadze kuphela.” Watsi kube efike, inkhosi yambuta yatsi: “Mikhaya, singaya yini kuyawuhlasela iRamothi Gileyadi, nome siyekele?” Waphendvula Mikhaya watsi: “Hlasela uncobe, ngobe Simakadze utayinikela esandleni senkhosi.” Inkhosi Ahabi yatsi kuye: “Ngitakutjela kangaki kutsi ungangitjeli lutfo lolunye ngaphandle kweliciniso egameni laSimakadze?” Mikhaya wase uyaphendvula, watsi: “Ngibone onkhe ema-Israyeli ahlakatekile etintsabeni njengetimvu letite umelusi; Simakadze watsi: ‘Labantfu abanamelusi. Nguloyo akatibuyelele ekhaya lakhe ngekuthula.’ ” Ahabi, inkhosi yaka-Israyeli, watsi kuJehoshafati: “Angikakutjeli-ke kutsi kute lokuhle langahle akuphrofethe ngami, kodvwa lokubi kuphela?” Mikhaya wachubeka watsi: “Ngako-ke lalela livi laSimakadze: Ngabona Simakadze ahleti esihlalweni sakhe sebukhosi nayo yonkhe imphi yasezulwini ime ngakuye imtungeletile ngesekudla sakhe nangesancele. Simakadze watsi: ‘Ngubani lotasihungela Ahabi kutsi ayewuhlasela iRamothi Gileyadi atiyele yena ekufeni kwakhe?’ “Lomunye waphakamisa loku, lomunye waphakamisa lokwa. Ekugcineni kwesuka umoya, weta wema embikwaSimakadze watsi: ‘Mine ngitamhunga.’ “Simakadze wawubuta watsi: ‘Kanjani?’ “Umoya waphendvula watsi: ‘Ngitawuphuma ngibe ngumoya wemanga emlonyeni wabo bonkhe baphrofethi bakhe.’ “Simakadze watsi: ‘Cha, wena-ke utawuphumelela kumhunga nembala. Hamba, wente njalo.’ “Ngako-ke Simakadze ubeke umoya wemanga emlonyeni wabo bonkhe baphrofethi bakho. Simakadze ukulungiselele sehlakalo kutsi sikwehlele.” Sedekiya, umsa waKhenana, wasukuma wafumba Mikhaya ngemphama ebusweni, atsi: “LoMoya waSimakadze uhambe ngakuphi, nawusuka kimi uyewukhuluma kuwe?” Mikhaya waphendvula watsi: “Loko uyawukubona ukwati, mhlazana uhamba sewuyawubhaca ekamelweni lelisekhatsi.” Ahabi, inkhosi yaka-Israyeli, wase ukhipha umyalo watsi: “Tsatsani Mikhaya nimbuyisele emuva ku-Amoni, indvuna yelidolobha, nakuJowashi, indvodzana yenkhosi, nitsi: ‘Inkhosi itsi: “Valelani nangu umuntfu esitokisini ningamniki lutfo ngaphandle kwesinkhwa nemanti, ngize ngibuye ngiphephile.” ’ ” Mikhaya watsi: “Nawungahle nje ubuye uphephile, Simakadze utawube akaze wakhuluma ngami.” Wachubeka watsi: “Nonkhe nine tive, wanakeni lamavi ami.” Ngako-ke Ahabi, inkhosi yaka-Israyeli, kanye naJehoshafati, inkhosi yakaJuda, base bayakhuphuka baya eRamothi Gileyadi. Ahabi wakhuluma kuJehoshafati watsi: “Mine ngitawungena emkhatsini wemabutfo ngiphice umkhondvo, kodvwa wena ungatigcoka tingubo takho tebukhosi.” Ngako Ahabi, inkhosi yaka-Israyeli, wase uphica umkhondvo wangena emkhatsini wemabutfo agcoke letinye tingubo. Inkhosi yaseSiriya beyiyale tindvuna tayo tetincola temphi letingema-32, yatsi: “Nine ningalwi namuntfu lomunye, nome mncane nome mkhulu, nicondzane kuphela nenkhosi yaka-Israyeli Ahabi.” Letindvuna tetincola temphi tatsi natibona Jehoshafati, tacabanga tatsi: “Ngempela lena ngiyo inkhosi yaka-Israyeli,” ngako tagucukela kuye tiyekumhlasela, kodvwa watsi Jehoshafati nakakhala amemeta, letindvuna tetincola temphi tambona kutsi akasiyo lenkhosi yaka-Israyeli, tase tiyayekela kumcosha. Kodvwa lomunye wantsala butjoki bakhe wajijimeta, kwagwazeka Ahabi, inkhosi yaka-Israyeli, emahlanganweni etembatfo takhe tensimbi letatimvikela. Inkhosi Ahabi wakhuluma kuloloshayela incola yakhe yemphi, watsi: “Jikisa incola, ungikhiphe lapha emphini. Sengilimele.” Lonkhe lelo langa imphi yayibambene etulu, inkhosi yasekelwa encoleni yayo, ibhekene nemaSiriya. Linceba layo lopha ingati yaze yageletela phansi encoleni, kwatsi kusihlwa inkhosi Ahabi yafa. Latsi lilanga nalishonako, kwamenyetelwa kuyo yonkhe inkambu, kutsiwa: “Ngulowo nalowo akabuyele ekhaya lakhe, ngulowo eveni lakubo.” Wafa kanjalo-ke Ahabi, inkhosi, watsatfwa wayiswa eSamariya, bafike bamfihla khona. Lencola yakhe bayigezela esitibeni lesiseSamariya, lapho kwakugeza khona tingwadla, tefika tinja tacapha ingati ya-Ahabi, njengobe livi laSimakadze lalishito. Leminye imininingwane ngekubusa kwa-Ahabi lefaka konkhe lakwenta, nesigodlo lasakha wasihlobisa ngematinyo endlovu, nemadolobha lawakhela tinqaba, kubhaliwe encwadzini yemilandvo yemakhosi aka-Israyeli. Ahabi wafa; Ahaziya, umsa wakhe, waba yinkhosi esikhundleni sakhe. Jehoshafati, umsa wa-Asa, wabekwa waba yinkhosi yakaJuda ngemnyaka wesine wekubusa kwa-Ahabi, inkhosi yaka-Israyeli. Jehoshafati abeneminyaka lengema-35 budzala ngesikhatsi abekwa kuba yinkhosi. Wabusela eJerusalema iminyaka lengema-25. Libito lenina bekungu-Azubha, indvodzakati yaShilhi. Kuko konkhe Jehoshafati wahamba etinyatselweni teyise Asa, akazange aphambuke kuto, wenta lokuhle emehlweni aSimakadze. Noko tindzawo letiphakeme tekukhontela tithico akazange atisuse, ngako bantfu babesachubeka nekwentela kuto imihlatjelo batfuncise netimphepho. Jehoshafati futsi abehlalisene ngekuthula nenkhosi yaka-Israyeli. Leminye imininingwane ngekubusa kwenkhosi Jehoshafati, tintfo latiphumelelisa, nekuhlasela kwemabutfo akhe, kubhaliwe encwadzini yemilandvo yemakhosi akaJuda. Wacosha imisalela yetitabane telithempeli letatisasele emvakwekubusa kweyise, Asa. Kwasala sekute inkhosi e-Edomu; ngako kwase kubambe lisekela. Jehoshafati wakha imikhumbi yekuhweba elwandle kutsi ibohamba iye e-Ofiri, ilandze igolide, kodvwa noko ayizange iphumelele kuhamba, ngobe yephukela e-Esiyoni Geberi. Ngaleso sikhatsi Ahaziya, umsa wa-Ahabi, wakhuluma kuJehoshafati, watsi: “Vumela emadvodza akami kutsi ahambisane nemadvodza akakho emikhunjini.” Kodvwa Jehoshafati wala. Jehoshafati wase uyakhotsama, wafihlwa kuboyisemkhulu, eDolobheni laDavide, uyisemkhulu. Jehoramu, umsa wakhe, waba yinkhosi esikhundleni sakhe. Ahaziya, umsa wa-Ahabi, wabekwa waba yinkhosi yaka-Israyeli eSamariya; wabekwa ngemnyaka weli-17 wekubusa kwaJehoshafati, inkhosi yakaJuda. Ahaziya wabusa sive saka-Israyeli iminyaka lemibili. Wenta lokubi emehlweni aSimakadze, ngobe walandzela etinyatselweni taboyise nenina, nasendleleni yaJerobowamu, umsa waNebati, lowabangela ema-Israyeli kutsi one. Wakhonta Bhali, wakhotsama kuye, ngaleyo ndlela wacunula Simakadze Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, wamtfukutselisa. Ahaziya walingisa uyise. Emvakwekufa kwa-Ahabi Mowabi wavukela Israyeli. Inkhosi Ahaziya abewele phansi esuka egumeni lelalisetulu esitezi sakhe, lesasiseSamariya, walimala. Ngako-ke watfumela titfunywa watsi: “Hambani niyekuva kuBhalzebubi, nkulunkulu wase-Ekroni, kutsi ingabe kutawuphola yini lapho ngilimele khona.” Kodvwa ingilosi yaSimakadze yakhuluma ku-Elija, waseThishbe, yatsi: “Hamba uhlangabete letitfunywa tenkhosi yaseSamariya, ufike utibute utsi: ‘Kungobe kute yini Nkulunkulu ka-Israyeli, kutsi ningaze niyewubuta kuBhalzebubi, nkulunkulu wase-Ekroni?’ Ngako-ke naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: ‘Ungeke usuke kulombhedze lolele kuwo. Nakanjani utakufa!’ ” Elija wahamba. Titfunywa tatsi kube tincandzeke tibuyele enkhosini, yafike yatibuta yatsi: “Nincandzekeleni?” Tayiphendvula tatsi: “Kukhona indvodza lesihlangabetile lefike yatsi: ‘Ncandzekani, nibuyele enkhosini lenitfumile, nifike niyibute nitsi: “Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: Kungobe kute yini Nkulunkulu ka-Israyeli, kutsi ungaze utfumele uyewubuta kuBhalzebubi, nkulunkulu wase-Ekroni? Ngako-ke ungeke usuke kulombhedze lolele kuwo. Nakanjani utakufa!” ’ ” Inkhosi yatibuta yatsi: “Ngumuntfu lonjani lona lonihlangabetile, wafike wanitjela loku?” Tayiphendvula tatsi: “Bekuyindvodza leyembetse ingubo yeboya, ibophe libhande lesikhumba lapha elukhalweni.” Inkhosi yatsi: “Lowo bekungu-Elija waseThishbe.” Wabe sewutfumela indvuna ku-Elija leyayihamba nelibutfo layo lelalingemadvodza langema-50. Lendvuna yenyuka yaya ku-Elija labehleti etulu esicongweni sentsaba, yafike yakhuluma kuye yatsi: “Ye muntfu waNkulunkulu, inkhosi itsi: ‘Yehla!’ ” Elija wayiphendvula, watsi: “Nangabe ngingumuntfu waNkulunkulu, akwehle umlilo ezulwini ukubhubhise wena nalamadvodza langema-50 lohamba nawo!” Ngako umlilo waNkulunkulu wehla ezulwini, wabhubhisa lendvuna kanye nalamadvodza langema-50 leyayihamba nawo. Inkhosi yatfumela lenye indvuna nemadvodza langema-50. Lendvodza yakhuluma kuye yatsi: “Ye muntfu waNkulunkulu, inkhosi itsi: ‘Yehla ngekushesha!’ ” Elija wayiphendvula, watsi: “Nangabe ngingumuntfu waNkulunkulu, akwehle umlilo ezulwini ubhubhise wena nalamadvodza langema-50 lohamba nawo.” Ngako umlilo waNkulunkulu wehla ezulwini, wabhubhisa lendvuna kanye nalamadvodza langema-50 leyayihamba nawo. Inkhosi yaphindze yatfumela kwesitsatfu indvuna nemadvodza langema-50. Lendvuna yesitsatfu yenyuka, yafike yaguca embikwa-Elija, yamncenga yatsi: “Awu, muntfu waNkulunkulu, ngicela umane uhawukele mine, uphephise mine ekufeni kanye nalaba lengihamba nabo, emadvodza langema-50, tinceku takho! Buka la, kwehle umlilo ezulwini wabhubhisa indvuna yekucala neyesibili kanye nalamadvodza betihamba nawo. Kodvwa ngicela umane uphephise imphilo yami!” Ingilosi yaSimakadze yakhuluma ku-Elija, yatsi: “Yehla naye, ungamesabi.” Ngako Elija wasukuma wehla naye, waya enkhosini. Wafike watjela inkhosi, watsi: “Naku lokukhulunywa nguSimakadze, utsi: ‘Kungobe kute yini Nkulunkulu ka-Israyeli kutsi ungaze utfumele uyewubuta kuBhalzebubi, nkulunkulu wase-Ekroni? Njengobe wente loku, ungeke usuke kulombhedze lolele kuwo. Nakanjani utakufa!’ ” Ngempela, Ahaziya wavele wakhotsama, kwaya njengekwelivi laSimakadze labelikhulume ku-Elija. Njengobe Ahaziya abete indvodzana, Joramu, umnakabo, waba yinkhosi emvakwa-Ahaziya, emnyakeni wesibili wekubusa kwaJehoramu, umsa waJehoshafati, inkhosi yakaJuda. Leminye imininingwane ngekubusa kwenkhosi Ahaziya, nako konkhe lakwenta, kubhaliwe encwadzini yemilandvo yemakhosi aka-Israyeli. Watsi Simakadze nasatawutsatsa Elija amenyusele ezulwini ngesiwunguwungwana, bo-Elija na-Elisha babesendleleni lephuma eGilgali. Elija wakhuluma ku-Elisha, watsi: “Sala lapha; Simakadze usangitfumele eBetheli.” Kodvwa Elisha waphendvula, watsi: “Ngifunga ngekuphila kwaSimakadze nangekwakho, ngitsi ngingeke ngikushiye.” Ngako bavele bewuka baya eBetheli. Sicumbi sebaphrofethi lesasihlala eBetheli seta ku-Elisha, safike sambuta satsi: “Uyati yini kutsi Simakadze utayitsatsa lenkhosi yakho lamuhla?” Elisha wabaphendvula, watsi: “Yebo, ngiyati; kodvwa yekelani kukhuluma ngalendzaba.” Elija wakhuluma ku-Elisha, watsi: “Elisha, ngicela kutsi usale lapha; Simakadze usangitfume lapha eJerikho.” Elisha wamphendvula, watsi: “Ngifunga ngekuphila kwaSimakadze nangekwakho, ngitsi ngingeke ngikushiye.” Ngako bahambisana bobabili baya eJerikho. Emadvodza labaphrofethi baseJerikho enyuka aya ku-Elisha, afike ambuta atsi: “Uyati yini kutsi Simakadze utayitsatsa lenkhosi yakho lamuhla?” Elisha wabaphendvula, watsi: “Yebo, ngiyati; kodvwa yekelani kukhuluma ngalendzaba.” Elija wakhuluma ku-Elisha, watsi: “Ngicela usale lapha; Simakadze usangitfume eJordane.” Elisha wamphendvula, watsi: “Ngifunga ngekuphila kwaSimakadze nangekwakho, ngitsi ngingeke ngikushiye.” Ngako bahambisana bobabili. Labanye baphrofethi lababengema-50 nabo bahamba bafike bemela bucamama, kubhekana nalendzawo lapho bekume khona bo-Elija na-Elisha ngaseJordane. Elija watsatsa sembatfo sakhe wasigocota, wabe sewushaya ngaso lamanti. Emanti ehlukana ekhatsi, aya ngesekudla nangesancele, lamadvodza lamabili ewela ahamba emhlabatsini lowomile. Batsi kube bewele, Elija wakhuluma ku-Elisha, watsi: “Ase ungitjele, ufuna ngikwenteleni ngisengakasuswa kuwe?” Elisha waphendvula, watsi: “Ngicela kutsi ungiphe sabelo sebundlalifa semoya wakho sesiphindvwe kabili.” Elija watsi: “Ucele intfo lelukhuni; noko nawutangibona sengitsatfwa kuwe, kutakuya njengesicelo sakho; kodvwa nawungangiboni, kungeke kube njalo.” Batsi basahamba bakhulumisana bobabili, masinyane kwachamuka incola yemlilo idvonswa ngemahhashi emlilo, yabehlukanisa ekhatsi, Elija wenyuka ngesiwunguwungwana wayawushona ezulwini. Elisha wakubona loko wakhala, amemeta, watsi: “Babe wami! Babe wami! Incola yaka-Israyeli nebagibeli bakhe bemahhashi!” Elisha akazange aphindze ambone futsi. Ngenca yekudzabuka kwakhe Elisha watsatsa lesembatfo sakhe wasidzabula, saba ticephu letimbili. Watsatsa lengubo leyayidzilike ku-Elija, wancandzeka nayo, wafike wema elusentseni lwemfula iJordane. Wabe sewushaya lamanti emfula ngalengubo. Wabuta watsi: “Uphi-ke loSimakadze, Nkulunkulu wa-Elija?” Watsi kube awashaye lamanti, ehlukana ekhatsi, aya ngesekudla nangesancele, wabe sewuyewela. Lesicumbi sebaphrofethi lesasiphuma eJerikho, sibukela, satsi: “Lomoya wa-Elija sewusetikwa-Elisha.” Bahamba bayakumhlangabeta, bafike bawa phansi embikwakhe bamkhotsamela, bakhuluma batsi: “Buka la; tsine, tinceku takho, sinemadvodza langema-50 lanelikhono. Kungaba njani asahambe ayewufuna inkhosi yakho, mhlawumbe Moya waSimakadze uyihlwitsile, wayibeka entsabeni letsite nome esihosheni lesitsite.” Elisha wabaphendvula watsi: “Cha, ningawatfumeli.” Kodvwa achubeka amncenga, waze waba nemahloni kubalela. Ngako wabe sewutsi kubo: “Kulungile, batfumeleni.” Batfumela emadvodza langema-50, lahamba ayakumfuna emalanga lamatsatfu, kodvwa akazange amtfole. Atsi nakancandzeka abuyela ku-Elisha, labehlala eJerikho, watsi kuwo: “Angitsi nginitjelile kutsi ningayi?” Emadvodza alelo dolobha akhuluma ku-Elisha atsi: “Ase ubuke lapha, nkhosi, lelidolobha lisendzaweni lekahle, njengobe ubona nje, kodvwa emanti alo mabi, kantsi futsi nemasimi alo asaphuphile.” Wawaphendvula watsi: “Ngiletseleni sitja lesisha, bese nifaka luswayi ekhatsi kuso.” Ngako babe sebakuletsa kuye loko. Wahamba waya kulomtfombo, wafike wafaka loluswayi ekhatsi, watsi: “Naku-ke lokukhulunywa nguSimakadze, utsi: ‘Lamanti sengiwaphilisile. Angeke aphindze futsi ente kufa nome ente lelive liphuphe.’ ” Lamanti kuze kube ngulamuhla seloku elapheka, kwaya njengenkhulumo leyakhulunywa ngu-Elisha. Elisha wesuka lapho waya eBetheli. Watsi asahamba ngemgwaco, bafana baphuma kulelidolobha bamphukuta bamhheletela, bamemeta batsi: “Yenyuka wena mphandla-ndzini! Yenyuka wena mphandla-ndzini!” Wagucuka wababuka; wamemeta, abacalekisa ngelibito laSimakadze. Kwabe sekuchamuka emabhele lamabili aphuma ehlatsini, adladlabula lababengema-42 balabo bafana. Elisha wachubeka waya eNtsabeni iKhameli; wesuka lapho wancandzeka wabuyela eSamariya. Joramu, umsa wa-Ahabi, waba yinkhosi yaka-Israyeli, eSamariya, emnyakeni weli-18 wekubusa kwaJehoshafati, inkhosi yakaJuda; wabusa iminyaka leli-12. Wenta lokubi emehlweni aSimakadze, noko hhayi njengaboyise nenina. Wesusa litje laBhali lelalakhiwe nguyise. Noko wajinge wanamatsela etonweni taJerobowamu, umsa waNebati, leto ladvonsela ngato sive saka Israyeli ekoneni; akazange esuke kuto. Mesha, inkhosi yakaMowabi, abefuye timvu, abevamise kwetfula enkhosini yaka-Israyeli emazinyane ato lati-100 000 kanye navolo wetihhanca letiti-100 000. Kodvwa watsi kube Ahabi afe, inkhosi yakaMowabi yavukela inkhosi yaka-Israyeli. Ngako ngaleso sikhatsi inkhosi Joramu yesuka eSamariya, yahlomisa sive sonkhe saka-Israyeli. Waphindze watfumela umlayeto kuJehoshafati, inkhosi yakaJuda, watsi: “Inkhosi yakaMowabi seyingivukele. Ungete wangelekelela yini uhambe nami siyekulwa naMowabi?” Waphendvula watsi: “Ngitakuhamba nawe. Mine nginguwe, nesive sami sakho, kantsi futsi nemahhashi ami ngakho.” Wachubeka wabuta watsi: “Nguyiphi indlela lesitawuhamba ngayo nasiyawuhlasela?” Wayiphendvula watsi: “Sitawuhamba sidzabule liHlane laka-Edomu.” Ngako inkhosi yaka-Israyeli yaphuma ihambisana nenkhosi yakaJuda kanye nenkhosi yaka-Edomu. Emvakwemalanga lasikhombisa lamabutfo ashuca agega, aphelelwa ngemanti wona kanye netifuyo tawo tekwetfwala imitfwalo. Inkhosi yaka-Israyeli yekhuta umhlolo, yatsi: “Ini! Simakadze ngabe usibitele ndzawonye, tsine makhosi lamatsatfu kutsi atesiniketa esandleni saMowabi?” Kodvwa Jehoshafati wabuta, watsi: “Kute yini lapha umphrofethi waSimakadze, kuze siyewubuta ngaye kuSimakadze?” Indvuna yenkhosi yaka-Israyeli yaphendvula, yatsi: “Elisha, umsa waShafati, ulapha. Abevamise kutsela emanti etandleni ta-Elija.” Inkhosi Jehoshafati yatsi: “Livi laSimakadze likuye.” Ngako inkhosi yaka-Israyeli, neyakaJuda kanye neyaka-Edomu ehla aya kuye. Elisha wakhuluma enkhosini yaka-Israyeli, watsi: “Sihlangene ngani nje tsine nawe? Hamba uye kubaphrofethi beyihlo nakubaphrofethi benyoko uyewubuta kubo.” Inkhosi yaka-Israyeli yaphendvula, yatsi: “Cha, kungobe nguSimakadze lobitele tsine, makhosi lamatsatfu, ndzawonye, kuze asinikele esandleni saMowabi.” Elisha watsi: “Ngifunga kuphila kwaSimakadze longuSomandla nalengimkhontako ngitsi kube bengingahloniphi Jehoshafati, inkhosi yakaJuda, ngabe angikubuki nekukubuka, futsi bengingeke ngikunake. Kodvwa letsa lapha umdlali welihabhu.” Watsi umdlali welihabhu asadlala, sandla saSimakadze sehlela ku-Elisha, wabe sewutsi: “Naku-ke Simakadze lakushoko: ‘Yenta lesihosha sigcwale tikhilikitsi.’ Ngobe naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze: ‘Ningeke niyibone imvula nemoya, noko lesihosha sitawugcwala emanti, khona kutewunatsa nine, netinkhomo tenu, naleti letinye tifuyo tenu.’ Loku yintfo lemalula kabi emehlweni aSimakadze, kantsi futsi naMowabi utamnikela etandleni tenu. Nitawehlula onkhe emadolobha latinqaba kanye nalawo lamakhulu. Nitatigeca tonkhe tihlahla letinhle, nivimbe yonkhe imitfombo, niwabhubhise ngematje onkhe emasimi lavundzile.” Ngakusasa ekuseni, ngesikhatsi sekunikela ngemhlatjelo, emanti ageleta aphuma ngaka-Edomu! Live lagcwala emanti. Onkhe emaMowabi abesevile kutsi emakhosi lamatsatfu ahlomele kutakulwa nawo; ngako onkhe emadvodza, labancane nalabadzala lababengaba nemandla ekwetfwala tikhali, abitwa, eta, emisa ngasemnyeleni. Atsi nakavuka ekuseni ngakusasa, lilanga lakhanyisa emantini. KumaMowabi labengesheya kwendlela, lamanti abonakala abovu, afanana nengati. Akhuluma atsi: “Yingati leya! Lamakhosi lamatsatfu alwe odvwana agwazana. Asambeni siye enkambu yabo siyekutikholisa ngemphango, maMowabi!” Kodvwa atsi emaMowabi nakefika enkambu yaka-Israyeli, ema-Israyeli avumbuka, alwa nawo, aze emaMowabi abaleka. Ema-Israyeli alihlasela lelo live, agwaza emaMowabi. Abhubhisa emadolobha, kwatsi leyo naleyo ndvodza yajikijela litje kuwo onkhe emasimi lavundzile, aze avaleka angabonakali. Avimba yonkhe imitfombo, agawula tonkhe tihlahla letinhle. Kwaba yiKhiri Heresi yodvwa leyasala inematje asetindzaweni tawo. Kodvwa emadvodza labehlome ngetidubulelo ayitungeleta nayo, ayihlasela. Yatsi kube inkhosi yakaMowabi ibone kutsi yehluliwe, yabe seyitsatsa emadvodza labengema-700 labehlome ngetinkemba, yetama kudzabula ekhatsi icondze enkhosini yaka-Edomu, kodvwa behluleka. Yabe seyitsatsa umsa wayo labelitubulo layo lelalitakuyilandzela litsatse bukhosi, yalinikela laba ngumhlatjelo wekushiswa elubondzeni lwelidolobha. Ema-Israyeli atfutfumela kakhulu; akhawula kulwa, ancandzeka abuyela eveni lawo. Umfati walomunye webaphrofethi wakhala ku-Elisha, watsi: “Inceku yakho, lebekuyindvodza yami, seyifile; nawe uyati kutsi beyesaba Simakadze. Manje lomuntfu lebeyimkweleda uyeta utawutsatsa lamadvodzana ami lamabili, kutsi ayekuba tigcili takhe.” Elisha wambuta watsi: “Pho, ngingakusita ngani? Ngitjele kutsi unani endlini yakho?” Lomfelokati wamphendvula, watsi: “Incekukati yakho kute lenako ekhaya, ngaphandle kwemafushana nje lamancane.” Elisha watsi: “Hamba ucele bonkhe bomakhelwane bakho bakunike tindziwo letingenalutfo. Ungaticeli tibe mbalwa. Ubobe sewuyangena wena nemadvodzana akho, bese nitivalela ngekhatsi. Ubotsela lamafutsa kuto tonkhe tindziwo, lutsi lolo nalolo ludziwo lungagcwala ulubeke eceleni.” Wesuka lomfelokati ku-Elisha. Emvakwaloko lomfelokati nemadvodzana akhe bangena endlini, bavala umnyango. Lomfelokati wacala watsela emafutsa etindziweni, emadvodzana akhe amniketa letindziwo, yena wachubeka nekutsela ekhatsi. Tatsi nase tigcwele tonkhe letindziwo, wabuta kutsi lusekhona yini lolunye ludziwo. Lenye yemadvodzana akhe yaphendvula, yatsi: “Sekute ludziwo lolusasele.” Emafutsa ase ayancamuka kutfululeka. Wahamba wayawubikela lomuntfu waNkulunkulu, wafike waphendvula watsi: “Hamba uyewutsengisa lamafutsa, bese ukhokha leto tikwelede takho. Wena nemadvodzana akho sewutawuphila ngaloko lokutawusala.” Ngalelinye lilanga Elisha waya eShunemu. Kwakukhona umfati labenjingile kuleyo ndzawo, wacela Elisha kutsi aphambukele kakhe, khona atewutfola lokuya ngasetfunjini. Ngako abetsi njalo nje nakendlula kuleyo ndzawo, aphambukele kuyawudla. Lomfati wase ukhuluma nendvodza yakhe, watsi: “Ngiyati kutsi lendvodza levamise kuphambukela lapha ekhaya ingumuntfu longcwele waNkulunkulu. Asakhe likamelo lelincane etikwendlu, bese sifaka umbhedze, nelitafula, nesitulo kanye nesibane ngekhatsi. Kutabotsi njalo nje nakendlula, angene, ahlale khona, nakete lapha kitsi.” Ngalelinye lilanga watsi Elisha nakefika, wenyukela ekamelweni lakhe lelalisetulu, wafike wacambalala. Wakhuluma kuGehazi, inceku yakhe, watsi: “Ase ubite lomfati waseShunemu.” Ngako wambita, wafike wema embikwakhe. Elisha wakhuluma kuGehazi, watsi: “Mtjele utsi: ‘Seningene kuyo yonkhe lenhlupheko ngenca yetfu. Manje wena ungentelwani? Singakukhulumela yini enkhosini nome endvuneni yemphi?’ ” Lomfati waphendvula, watsi: “Nginemuti lena kubantfu besive sakitsi.” Elisha wabuta, watsi: “Yini longentelwa yona?” Gehazi waphendvula, watsi: “Empeleni, akanandvodzana, kantsi nendvodza yakhe seyikhule kakhulu.” Elisha watsi: “Mbite.” Wambita; weta wafike wema ngasemnyango. Elisha wakhuluma kulomfati, watsi: “Cishe ngalesikhatsi ngemnyaka lotako, utawube ugone indvodzana.” Lomfati wekhuta imihlolo, watsi: “Cha, nkhosi yami, incekukati yakho ungayiyengi, muntfu waNkulunkulu!” Kodvwa lomfati wakhulelwa, kwatsi ngemnyaka lolandzelako wabeleka indvodzana, cishe ngasona leso sikhatsi lesasibekwe ngu-Elisha; kwaya njengobe Elisha abeshito. Lomntfwana wakhula, kwatsi ngalelinye lilanga waphuma waya kuyise, labenebavuni ensimini. Lomfana wakhala kuyise watsi: “Ngafa yinhloko! Ngafa yinhloko!” Uyise watfuma sisebenti watsi: “Mtsatse ummikise kunina.” Satsi lesisebenti kube simetfwale, safike samnika unina. Lomfana wagona kunina kwaze kwaba ngusemini, wabe sewuyafa. Unina wenyuka naye wafike wambeka etikwembhedze wemuntfu waNkulunkulu; wavala umnyango, waphumela ngephandle. Wabita indvodza yakhe, watsi kuyo: “Ngicela lesinye setisebenti kanye nembongolo, khona ngitekuya kulomuntfu waNkulunkulu ngekushesha, ngiphindze ngibuye.” Yabuta yatsi: “Pho, uyelani kuye lamuhla? Isengaketfwasi inyanga, futsi akusilo neliSabatha.” Lomkakhe watsi: “Kulungile.” Wekhweta sihlalo embongolweni, watsi kulenceku: “Hamba embili; ungahambi kancane ungakatjelwa ngimi.” Ngako waphuma wahamba, waze wefika kulomuntfu waNkulunkulu eNtsabeni iKhameli. Watsi nakabona lomfati asesekhashane, wakhuluma kuGehazi, inceku yakhe, watsi: “Ase ubuke! Nanguya lomfati waseShunemu! Gijima uyekumhlangabeta, ufike umbute utsi: ‘Uyaphila yini? Isaphila yini indvodza yakhe? Umntfwana wakho yena usaphila yini?’ ” Lomfati waphendvula watsi: “Konkhe kuhamba kahle.” Watsi kube efike kulomuntfu waNkulunkulu entsabeni, wabamba tinyawo ta-Elisha. Gehazi weta kuye wafike wamfuca, amkhweshisa; kodvwa lomuntfu waNkulunkulu watsi: “Myekele! Uselusizini lolukhulu, kodvwa Simakadze ungifihlele loko, futsi nami abesengakangitjeli.” Lomfati wakhuluma watsi: “Ngake ngayicela yini kuwe indvodzana, nkhosi yami? Angikutjelanga yini ngatsi: ‘Ungangivuseli litsemba’?” Elisha wakhuluma kuGehazi, watsi: “Shesha uvunule, utsatse indvuku yami uyiphatse ngesandla sakho, ugijime. Lohlangana naye endleleni, ungambingeleli, kantsi nakukhona lokubingelelako, ungavumi. Lendvuku yami ubofike uyibeke etikwebuso balomfana.” Kodvwa unina walomntfwana wakhuluma, watsi: “Ngifunga ngekuphila kwaSimakadze nangekwakho, ngitsi ngingeke ngisuke kuwe.” Ngako Elisha wavele wasukuma walandzela lomfati. Gehazi wahamba embili, wafike wabeka lendvuku etikwebuso balomfana, kodvwa kwabate umsindvo nome ingucuko. Ngako Gehazi wase uyancandzeka uhlangabeta Elisha, wafike wamtjela, watsi: “Lomfana akavuki.” Watsi kube Elisha efike kulendlu, wakhandza lomfana afile, alele embhedzeni wakhe. Wangena, wabavalela umnyango bobabili, wase uthandaza kuSimakadze. Wekhwela embhedzeni, wabhabhalala etikwalomfana, umlomo wacondzana nemlomo, emehlo acondzana nemehlo, tandla tacondzana netandla. Watsi asatelula etikwakhe, umtimba walomfana wafutfumala. Elisha wesuka lapho wahambahamba lapha ekamelweni, waphindze wabhabhalala etikwalomfana. Lomfana watsimula kasikhombisa, wase uvula emehlo. Elisha wabita Gehazi, watsi kuye: “Bita lomfati waseShunemu.” Wambita. Watsi kube efike, watsi kuye: “Tsatsa indvodzana yakho.” Lomfati wangena, wawela etinyaweni ta-Elisha, wakhotsamela emhlabatsini. Wase utsatsa lendvodzana yakhe, waphuma nayo. Elisha wancandzeka wabuyela eGilgali; bekunendlala kuleso sifundza. Satsi lesicumbi sebaphrofethi sisahlangene naye, wakhuluma kulenceku yakhe, watsi: “Ase ubeke libhodo lelikhulu etiko, uphekele nankha emadvodza sitjulo.” Lomunye wabo wahamba waya ematsafeni wayakukha imibhidvo, wakhandza intsandzela. Wabutsa lamanye emaselwa kuyo wawagcwalisa engutjeni yakhe. Watsi kube efike ekhaya, wawacoba wawafaka ekhatsi kulelibhodo lesitjulo, nome labanye babengati kutsi kuyini. Lesitjulo saphakelwa lamadvodza, kodvwa batsi basacala nje kudla, bakhala batsi: “Hawu, muntfu waNkulunkulu! Kunekufa lapha ebhodweni!” Base bayakuyekela kukudla. Elisha watsi: “Letsani fulaha.” Wase umfaka ekhatsi ebhodweni, watsi: “Phakelani labantfu badle.” Kwabate lokwaba yingoti ebhodweni. Kwabe sekufika indvodza leyayiphuma eBhali Shalisha, iletsele lomuntfu waNkulunkulu imikhama yetinkhwa letingema-20 tebhali yetilinga kanye netihloko takolo lomusha emnyakeni. Elisha wakhuluma watsi: “Nika labantfu batekudla.” Inceku yakhe yabuta, yatsi: “Ngingabaphakela kanjani lentfo lencane bantfu labalikhulu?” Kodvwa Elisha waphendvula, watsi: “Nika labantfu badle. Ngobe nguloko lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: ‘Bayawukudla, kuze kusale.’ ” Wabe sewuyabaphakela, wakubeka embikwabo, badla, kwaze kwasala; kwaya njengekwelivi laSimakadze. Namani abeyindvuna yelibutfo lenkhosi yaseSiriya. Abengumuntfu lomkhulu kabi enkhosini yakhe, futsi ahlonishwa kakhulu, ngobe ngaye Simakadze wanika iSiriya kuncoba. Abelichawe lelinesibindzi, kodvwa abenebulephelo. Kulenye yetimphi tawo emaSiriya ahlasela ema-Israyeli atfumba nentfombatana yaka-Israyeli, leyafike yaba sidzandzane semkaNamani. Lentfombatana yakhuluma kumkaNamani, yatsi: “Kube mane inkhosi yami ingake ibonane nemphrofethi loseSamariya, beyingaphiliswa kulobulephelo bayo.” Namani wahamba waya enkhosini yakhe, wafike wayitjela loko lekwakushiwo ngulentfombatana leyayiphuma ka-Israyeli. Inkhosi yaseSiriya yaphendvula, yatsi: “Kulungile, hamba. Mine ngitawutfumela incwadzi lena enkhosini yaka-Israyeli.” Ngako Namani wahamba; abephetse isiliva leyayingemakhilogremu labengaba ngema-340, negolide leyayingemakhilogremu labengaba ngema-70, kanye netimphahla tekwembatsa tekuntjintja letilishumi. Lencwadzi leyayibhalelwe inkhosi yaka-Israyeli yayifundzeka kanje: “Ngalencwadzi ngetfula nanso inceku yami Namani, kutsi umphilise kulobulephelo bakhe.” Yatsi kube inkhosi yaka-Israyeli iyifundze lencwadzi, yaklebhula tingubo tayo, yatsi: “Mine nginguNkulunkulu yini? Nginawo yini emandla ekubulala nekuphilisa? Lomuntfu uyitfumeleleni lapha kimi lenceku yakhe kutsi ngitekuyiphilisa kulobulephelo bayo? Niyabona-ke kutsi ufuna kususa imphi alwe nami!” Watsi kube Elisha, umuntfu waNkulunkulu, eve kutsi inkhosi iklebhule tingubo tayo, watfumela umlayeto watsi: “Utiklebhuleleni tingubo takho? Letsa lowo muntfu lapha kimi, futsi yena utawukwati kutsi kukhona umphrofethi ka-Israyeli!” Ngako-ke Namani wahamba ngemahhashi kanye nangetincola takhe, wafike wema emnyango wendlu yaka-Elisha. Elisha watfumela sitfunywa kuye watsi: “Hamba, ufike ugeze kasikhombisa emfuleni iJordane, umtimba wakho utawuphila ube musha, uhlambuluke.” Kodvwa Namani wancandzeka atfukutsele abila, watsi: “Bengicabanga kutsi utawuphuma ete kimi, afike eme, bese umemeta libito laSimakadze Nkulunkulu wakhe, ajikitise nesandla sakhe etikwaletilondza, angiphilise kulobulephelo bami. Bo-Abana naboPhaphari akusiyo yini imifula yaseDamaseko lencono kunayo yonkhe imifula yaka-Israyeli? Bengingeke yini ngigeze kuyo, bese ngiyahlambuluka?” Ngako wancandzeka atfukutsele abila. Tinceku taNamani taya kuye, tafike tatsi: “Babe, kube lomphrofethi abetsite yenta intfo lelukhuni, bewungeke uyente yini leyontfo? Kakhulu kanganani-ke njengobe akutjele watsi: ‘Geza utewuhlambuluka.’ ” Ngako wavele wahamba wafike waticwilisa kasikhombisa emfuleni iJordane, njengobe umuntfu waNkulunkulu abeshito kuye, umtimba wakhe wahlambuluka wabuyela waba musha, waba njengewemfanyana losemncane. Namani kanye netinceku takhe tonkhe wahamba wabuyela kulomuntfu waNkulunkulu. Wafike wema embikwakhe watsi: “Manje sengiyati kutsi emhlabeni wonkhe kute nkulunkulu lofanana naNkulunkulu wema-Israyeli. Ngicela kutsi wemukele nasi sipho lesiphuma kimi, inceku yakho.” Elisha, umphrofethi, waphendvula watsi: “Ngifunga kuphila kwaSimakadze lengimkhontako, ngitsi, ngingeke ngisemukele lesipho.” Kwala nome Namani asamncenga, kodvwa wagcina alile. Namani watsi: “Nangabe awusemukeli lesipho, ngicela kutsi ngimane ngetfwale imitfwalo yenhlabatsi lengetfwalwa ngiminyuzi lemibili, ngihambe nayo ngiye ekhaya, ngobe inceku yakho ingeke inikele ngemihlatjelo nome ngukumuphi nkulunkulu ngaphandle kwaSimakadze. Shangatsi Simakadze angayitsetselela inceku yakho kuloku: Inkhosi yami nayingena ethempelini laRimoni kuyawukhotsama yeyame emkhonweni wami, nami ngikhotsame lapho, nangikhotsama ethempelini laRimoni, shangatsi Simakadze angayitsetselela inceku yakho ngaloko.” Elisha wakhuluma watsi: “Hamba kahle.” Watsi Namani nasahambe libanga lelidze, Gehazi, inceku ya-Elisha, umuntfu waNkulunkulu, wacabanga watsi: “Inkhosi yami ihambise Namani, umSiriya, ngaphandle kwekumkhokhisa lutfo; ngabe ukwemukele loku abemnika kona. Ngifunga kuphila kwaSimakadze, mine ngitamlandzela, khona ngitawufike ngitsatse intfo letsite.” Ngako Gehazi wavele wagijima walandzela Namani. Watsi Namani nambona eta kuye agijima, wehla encoleni wamhlangabeta, wambuta, watsi: “Kungabe kukhona yini lesekonakele?” Gehazi waphendvula, watsi: “Cha, kute lokonakele, konkhe kuhamba kahle; intfo nje, inkhosi yami ingitfume kuwe kutsi ngibofike ngitsi: ‘Emajaha lamabili labephuma kulabanye baphrofethi efike lapha kulaka-Efrayimu. Ngicela kutsi ubanike tinhlavu tesiliva letingemakhilogremu langaba ngema-34 netimphahla letinhle letimbili tekuntjintja.’ ” Namani wakhuluma watsi: “Ngicela sale sewutsatsa isiliva lengemakhilogremu langaba ngema-68.” Wabelesela Gehazi ngaloko kutsi akwemukele, wabe sewuyambophela etikhwameni letimbili kanye netimphahla letimbili tekuntjintja. Wakunika tinceku takhe letimbili, tametfwalela, tihamba embikwaGehazi. Watsi kube Gehazi efike egcumeni, wabe sewuyatitsatsa letintfo kuletinceku, watifaka endlini; wancandzekisa letinceku, tahamba. Yena wase uyahamba, wangena, wema embikwenkhosi yakhe Elisha. Elisha wambuta, watsi: “Uphumaphi, Gehazi?” Gehazi wamphendvula, watsi: “Inceku yakho beyingakayi ndzawo.” Kodvwa Elisha wakhuluma kuye, watsi: “Umoya wami bewungekho edvute nawe yini ngesikhatsi lendvodza yehla encoleni yayo itekuhlangabeta? Lesikhatsi lesi ngiso yini sikhatsi sekwemukela timali, netimphahla, nemasimi emncumo, netivini, nemihlambi yetimbuti, neyetimvu, neyetinkhomo, netinceku, netincekukati? Bulephelo baNamani sebutawunamatsela kuwe kanye nasetitukulwaneni takho siphelane.” Watsi Gehazi nakaphuma, esuka embikwa-Elisha, wabe asanebulephelo asamhlophe njengangcocwane. Ngalelinye lilanga kwesuka licembu lebaphrofethi laya ku-Elisha, labengumholi walo, lafike latsi: “Buka lapha, lendzawo lesihlala kuyo lapha embikwakho, seyincane kakhulu. Sivumele sihambe siye emfuleni iJordane siyewugawula khona tingodvo, kuze sitakhele indlu yekuhlala.” Elisha watsi: “Hambani.” Lomunye wabo wamncenga watsi: “Sicela mane uhambe netinceku takho.” Elisha watsi: “Kulungile, ngitawuhamba nani.” Nembala Elisha wahamba nabo. Bahamba baya eJordane, befike bagawula tingodvo. Lomunye wabo watsi asagawula sihlahla, lizembe lakhe lanyomuka emphinini walo lagcumkela ekhatsi emantini. Wakhala kakhulu watsi: “Awu! Nkhosi yami, lizembe lebantfu, bengilebolekile!” Elisha wabuta watsi: “Liwelephi?” Watsi kube amkhombise lapho liwele khona, Elisha wagawula lutsi walujika lapho beliwele khona, lizembe lakhuphuka, lantanta. Elisha watsi: “Litsatse,” nembala lomuntfu welula sandla walenyula. Bekunekulwa emkhatsini wenkhosi yemaSiriya nesive saka-Israyeli. Lenkhosi yaseSiriya yahlangana netindvuna tayo, yatikhetsela indzawo lapho itawukamba khona. Elisha wase utfumela livi enkhosini yema-Israyeli, watsi: “Caphela ungendluli ngakuleyo ndzawo, ngobe emaSiriya asehlela khona.” Ngako inkhosi yema-Israyeli yayibohle iyawuhlola leyo ndzawo. Njalo nje Elisha abehle ayeluleka inkhosi kutsi ihlale icaphele imphi kuleto tindzawo. Loko kwayitfukutselisa kakhulu inkhosi yemaSiriya, yabutsa tindvuna tayo yabuta yatsi: “Ase ningitjele kahle kutsi ngubani lona lolapha emkhatsini wetfu loyimpimpi yenkhosi yema-Israyeli?” Lenye yaletindvuna tayo yaphendvula, yatsi: “Kute namunye lapha kitsi, nkhosi yami, nkhosi, kute loyimpimpi. Kodvwa ngu-Elisha, umphrofethi waka-Israyeli, lotjela inkhosi yema-Israyeli onkhe emagama lowakhuluma usendlini yakho yekulala.” Inkhosi yemaSiriya yatsi: “Hambani nimfune lapho akhona, kuze ngitfumele emadvodza ambambe.” Imphendvulo yabuya; inkhosi yabikelwa kwatsiwa: “Elisha useDothani.” Ngako yase ikhipha umhlambi wemahhashi, netincola temphi, nemadvodza lanemandla, aphuma ebusuku ayawukaka lelo dolobha laseDothani. Inceku yemuntfu waNkulunkulu Elisha yatsi iyavuka ekuseni, iphumela ngephandle, yakhangwa ngulenkhulu imphi yemahhashi netincola leyase itungelete lonkhe lidolobha. Yaphutfuma ku-Elisha kuyawuhlaba umkhosi, yatsi: “Awu! nkhosi yami! Sitakwenta njani?” Elisha waphendvula, watsi: “Ungesabi. Laba labangakitsi banyenti kakhulu kunalaba labangakubo.” Elisha wathandaza, watsi: “Awu, Simakadze, vula emehlo akhe kuze abone.” Nembala, Simakadze wavula emehlo alenceku ya-Elisha, yatsi iyabuka, yabona tindimbane temabutfo, nemahhashi, netincola temphi tivutsa umlilo ticancele intsaba, kutungeleta Elisha. Titsa tatsi tehlela kubo, Elisha wathandaza kuSimakadze, watsi: “Shaya labantfu ngebumphumphutse.” Simakadze wavele wabashaya ngebumphumphutse njengekucela kwa-Elisha. Elisha wase uyabedukisa watsi: “Akusiyo indlela lena, nalelidolobha akusilo leli lenilifunako. Ngilandzeleni nginimikise kulomuntfu lenimfunako.” Wase uyabahola, wabangenisa eSamariya. Batsi nase bangekhatsi edolobheni laseSamariya, Elisha watsi: “Simakadze vula emehlo alamadvodza kuze abone.” Nembala, Simakadze wavula emehlo abo; batsi bayabuka, batikhandza bangekhatsi eSamariya. Inkhosi yema-Israyeli yatsi nayikubona loko, yabuta Elisha yatsi: “Babe, ngibabulale yini? Ngibabulale?” Elisha wayiphendvula, watsi: “Ungababulali. Ungababulala yini bantfu lobatfumbe ngenkemba yakho nangebutjoki bakho? Baphe kudla nemanti, kuze badle besutse banatse, bese babuyela enkhosini yabo.” Ngako inkhosi yabalungiselela lelikhulu lidzili, yabapha, batsi nasebadle bacedza, banatsa, wase uyabakhulula, babuyela enkhosini yabo eSiriya. Kusukela ngalelo langa emaSiriya agcina atsi mfo, kuhlasela live lema-Israyeli. Kwatsi emvakwesikhatsi Bheni Hadadi, inkhosi yemaSiriya, wahola yonkhe imphi yakhe wayawuvimbetela iSamariya. Kwaba nendlala lenkhulu kabi eSamariya ngenca yaloko kuvinjetelwa kwayo. Inhloko yembongolo yase ibita tinhlavu tesiliva letingema-80, bese kutsi umbhidvo lowawungagcwala sandla wona ubite tinhlavu tesiliva letisihlanu. Inkhosi yaka-Israyeli yatsi yendlula ngendlela lesetulu elubondzeni, yeva umfati ayimemeta atsi: “Ngelekelele, nkhosi yami, nkhosi!” Inkhosi yaphendvula, yatsi: “Nangabe Simakadze angakwelekeleli, mine ngingalutsatsaphi lusito lwekwelekelela wena? Ebaleni lekubhulela kolo? Esigayweni sekuhluta emagelebisi?” Yase iyabuta, yatsi: “Kwente njani?” Lomfati wayiphendvula, watsi: “Ngunangu umfati, utsite kimi itolo: ‘Buyisa indvodzana yakho sidle yona lamuhla, khona kusasa sitewudla lena yami.’ Ngako sayipheka indvodzana yami, sayidla. Ngakusasa nase ngitsi kuye: ‘Letsa phela indvodzana yakho siyidle,’ wabe asayifihlile.” Inkhosi yatsi nayiva lamavi alomfati, yaklebhula timphahla tayo, njengobe yayihambahamba lapha etulu elubondzeni, bantfu batsi bayayibuka, bakhandza kutsi ivunule emasaka ngaphansi kwetimphahla tayo. Yamemeta yatsi: “Nkulunkulu wami, ngibulale ngife, nangabe lamuhla lingashona inhloko ya-Elisha, umsa waShafati, isengetulu kwemahlombe akhe!” Ngaleso sikhatsi Elisha abehleti endlini kakhe akanye nebaholi lababemvakashele. Inkhosi yase ikhipha sigijimi kutsi silandze Elisha. Kodvwa satsi sisengakefiki, Elisha wakhuluma kulabaholi, watsi: “Aniboni-ke kutsi lelijabhane selisitfumele sigijimi salo kutsi sitengijuba inhloko? Bukani la; nasifika lesigijimi lapha, nibovala sivalo, nisicindzetele ningasivuleli. Inkhosi itabe isilandzela etincatseni.” Watsi aselibele kulayetela ngaloko, sabe sitseleka sigijimi. Inkhosi yatsi: “NguSimakadze lona losehlisele lenhlupheko lengaka. Ngingabe ngisamlindzelelani kutsi asisite?” Elisha wakhuluma watsi: “Lalela nali livi laSimakadze: Ngalesikhatsi kusasa emakhilogremu langaba matsatfu afulaha nemakhilogremu langaba sitfupha ebhali kutawutsengiswa ngenhlavu yinye yesiliva esangweni laseSamariya.” Lendvuna, inkhosi leyayicamele emkhonweni wayo, yakhuluma ku-Elisha, yatsi: “Buka la: Ngisho nome Simakadze abengavula onkhe emafasitelo emvula ezulwini, loko bekungenteka yini?” Elisha waphendvula watsi: “Utatibonela wena ngemehlo akho. Kodvwa wena awuyikudla lutfo lwako!” Kwakukhona emadvodza lamane labenesifo lesisabulephelo labehlala ngasesangweni lelidolobha. Akhulumisana odvwana atsi: “Sitawuhlalelani lapha size sife? Nasitsi: ‘Asingene edolobheni,’ sitawufa yindlala. Nome singahlala lapha, sitawufa. Ngako ncono sambe siye enkambu yemaSiriya sitinikele kuwo; nabasiyekela, sitawuphila; nabasibulala-ke, sife.” Kwatsi kube kuhlwe, basukuma bahamba bayawungena enkambu yemaSiriya. Batsi nabefika emnyeleni wayo, bakhandza kukhala libhungane, kungasenamuntfu; ngobe Simakadze wenta emaSiriya eva shangatsi kuta umsindvo walenkhulu imphi yemahhashi netincola tawo, ase acabanga kutsi inkhosi yema-Israyeli seyimeme emakhosi emaHethi newemaGibhithe, nemabutfo awo kutsi atekuwahlasela. Ngako emaSiriya avuka ebusuku ngalelo langa abaleka ashiya emathende awo, nemahhashi awo, netimbongolo tawo. EmaSiriya ashiya inkambu yawo injengobe injalo, abaleka kuze asindze. Lamadvodza labenesifo lesisabulephelo efika emnyeleni wenkambu yemaSiriya angena kulelinye lemathende. Afike akhandza kudla, adla anatsa, ase atsatsa isiliva, negolide, netimphahla, abaleka ayakukufihla. Aphindza abuyela, angena kulelinye lithende atsatsa letinye njalo timphahla nato ayawutifihla. Ase akhuluma odvwana atsi: “Asenti kahle. Leli lilanga letindzaba letimnandzi, kodvwa tsine siyatifihla letindzaba, nasitawutifihla kuze kuse, sitawujeziswa. Asiphutfumeni siyewubika loku esigodlweni.” Ngako ase ayahamba ayawubikela tindvuna letibomahlalesangweni belidolobha, atsi: “Singene lapha enkambu yemaSiriya, sakhandza kukhala libhungane, kungekho muntfu, ngaphandle kwemahhashi lakhungiwe, netimbongolo letikhungiwe, nemathende asele anjengobe anjalo.” Bomahlalesangweni bayimemetela leyo ndzaba, yabikwa esigodlweni. Inkhosi yavuka yagubulundlela ebusuku, yakhuluma etindvuneni tayo, yatsi: “Ngitanitjela kutsi emaSiriya akwenteleni loku. EmaSiriya ayati kutsi siyalamba, ngako ashiye lenkambu, ayawubhaca esigangeni, atsi: ‘Batawuphuma nome kanjani, sitabe sesibabamba beva singene ekhatsi edolobheni.’ ” Lenye yetindvuna tenkhosi yaphendvula, yatsi: “Khipha lamanye emadvodza atsatse emahhashi lasihlanu kulengcosana lesesele edolobheni. Ingoti yabo itawufanana neyawo onkhe lama-Israyeli latabe asele lapha nawo lasabhubhile. Ngako asibatfumele sitewutfola kahle kutsi kwenteke njani.” Ngako balungisa tincola temphi letimbili nemahhashi ato, inkhosi yatikhipha kutsi tiyewubona kutsi kwentekeni emabutfweni emaSiriya. Yatjela labashayeli betincola, yatsi: “Hambani niyewubona kutsi kwenteke njani.” Bawalandzela emaSiriya, baze bayawufika ngasemfuleni iJordane; babehambe bakhandza timphahla tekwembatsa naletinye nje timphahla letatihambe tisakatwa ngemaSiriya kuyo yonkhe indlela ngesikhatsi abalekela ema-Israyeli. Ngako onkhe ema-Israyeli aphuma ayawuhlamahlama inkambu yemaSiriya. Ngako emakhilogremu langaba matsatfu afulaha nemakhilogremu langaba sitfupha ebhali kwatsengiswa ngenhlavu yinye yesiliva, kwaya njengobe Simakadze abeshito. Ngaleso sikhatsi inkhosi yase ibeke lendvuna yayo, leyayicamele emkhonweni wayo, kutsi ibe ngumahlalesangweni. Sive sayigcobagcoba ngetinyawo nasiphulukundlela esangweni, yafela khona lapho, kwaya njengobe umuntfu waNkulunkulu abeshito ngesikhatsi inkhosi yehlela ekhaya layo. Kwavele kwenteka njengobe umuntfu waNkulunkulu abeshito enkhosini, watsi: “Ngalesikhatsi kusasa emakhilogremu langaba matsatfu afulaha nemakhilogremu langaba sitfupha ebhali kutawutsengiswa ngenhlavu yinye yesiliva esangweni laseSamariya.” Lendvuna beyikhulume kulomuntfu waNkulunkulu, yatsi: “Buka la, khona kube Simakadze abengavula emafasitelo azamcolo wasezulwini, bekungenteka yini loko?” Lomuntfu waNkulunkulu abeyiphendvule watsi: “Utakubona loko wena ngewakho emehlo, kodvwa wena ngeke udle lutfo lwako.” Vele-ke, nguloko lokwayehlela lendvuna, ngobe bantfu bayigcobagcobela khona lapho esangweni ngetinyawo, yafa. Elisha abekhulume kulomfati labekavuse umfanyana wakhe ekufeni, watsi: “Baleka kanye nemndeni wakho niyewubhaca nome ngukuphi lapho ningabhaca khona, kube sikhashana, ngobe Simakadze sewukumisile kutsi kube nendlala eveni letawutsatsa iminyaka lesikhombisa.” Lomfati wavele wenta njengobe umuntfu waNkulunkulu abeshito. Wahamba kanye nemndeni wakhe wayawuhlala eveni lemaFilisti iminyaka lesikhombisa. Kwatsi ekupheleni kwaleminyaka lesikhombisa wabuya esuka eveni lemaFilisti, wacondza enkhosini wayawucela indlu yakhe kanye nemhlaba wakhe. Inkhosi yayikhulume naGehazi, inceku yemuntfu waNkulunkulu, yatsi: “Ngitjele ngato tonkhe tintfo letinkhulu letentiwe ngu-Elisha.” Kwatsi ngaleso sikhatsi Gehazi asalandzisa inkhosi kutsi Elisha ubavuse kanjani labafile, kwangena lomfati, Elisha labemvusele umfanyana wakhe ekufeni, atewucela indlu yakhe nemhlaba wakhe. Gehazi watsi: “Nangu-ke lomfati, nkhosi yami, nkhosi; nalona ngulomfanyana wakhe lowavuswa ngu-Elisha ekufeni.” Inkhosi yabuta lomfati ngaloko, wayilandzisa. Inkhosi yase itfuma lenye yetindvuna tayo, yatsi: “Hamba unike lomfati konkhe lobekukwakhe, kanye nayo yonkhe inzuzo letfolakele ngemhlaba wakhe, kusukela ngelilanga lahamba ngalo kulelive kuze kube ngulamuhla.” Elisha wesuka lapho waya eDamaseko; Bheni Hadadi, inkhosi yemaSiriya, abegula. Inkhosi yatsi nayitjelwa ngaloko kutsiwa: “Umuntfu waNkulunkulu udzabule lonkhe lelive waze wefika lapha,” yatsi kuHazayeli: “Tsatsa sipho uhambe naso uyewuhlangabeta lomuntfu waNkulunkulu ngaso. Buta kuSimakadze ngaye, utsi: ‘Ngitawusindza yini kulokugula?’ ” Hazayeli wahamba wayawuhlangabeta Elisha, wachuba nalesipho bekayakumnika sona setfwelwe ngemakamela langema-40. Kwakusipho lesasitinhlobonhlobo tetintfo leticolisakele taseDamaseko. Wangena wema embikwakhe, watsi: “Indvodzana yakho Bheni Hadadi, inkhosi yemaSiriya, ingitfume kutsi ngitewubuta kutsi itawusindza yini kulokugula.” Elisha waphendvula watsi: “Hamba ufike kuye utsi: ‘Ngempela utawusindza.’ Kodvwa Simakadze ukwembulile kimi kutsi empeleni yena utakufa.” Wambukisisa, waze Hazayeli wadliwa ngemahloni. Umuntfu waNkulunkulu wase uyakhala. Hazayeli wabuta watsi: “Inkhosi yami ikhalelani?” Wamphendvula watsi: “Kungobe ngiyawati umonakalo lotakuwenta esiveni saka-Israyeli. Utawuhloseka ngemlilo tonkhe tindzawo tabo letitinqaba, ugwaze labasha babo ngenkemba, udzacate tinswane tabo phansi, uhhubhute tisu tebafati babo labatetfwele.” Hazayeli watsi: “Inceku yakho, inja nje, ingakwenta kanjani loko? Ingafinyelela kanjani kulobo buluhlata?” Elisha wamphendvula, watsi: “Simakadze ungibonisile kutsi wena utawuba yinkhosi yemaSiriya.” Hazayeli wase uyesuka ushiya Elisha, wabuyela enkhosini yakhe. Bheni Hadadi wambuta, watsi: “Utsiteni Elisha kuwe?” Hazayeli waphendvula watsi: “Ungitjelile watsi ngempela utawusindza.” Kodvwa kwatsi ngakusasa, Hazayeli watsatsa sicephu lesilicinsi kakhulu wasenya emantini, wase useneka ebusweni benkhosi, yase iyafa. Ngako Hazayeli wase utsatsa sikhundla sayo, waba yinkhosi yemaSiriya. Ngemnyaka wesihlanu wekubusa kwaJoramu, umsa wa-Ahabi inkhosi yaka-Israyeli, ngesikhatsi Jehoshafati ayinkhosi yakaJuda, Jehoramu, umsa wa-Jehoshafati wacala kuba yinkhosi yakaJuda. Abeneminyaka lengema-32 ngesikhatsi nakabekwa kuba yinkhosi; wabusela eJerusalema iminyaka lesiphohlongo. Wahamba etinyatselweni temakhosi aka-Israyeli, njengobe kwakwenta bendlu yaka-Ahabi, yena-ke washada nendvodzakati ya-Ahabi. Wenta lokubi emehlweni aSimakadze. Noko ngenca yenceku yakhe Davide, Simakadze abengakatimiseli kubhubhisa sive sakaJuda. Abetsembisile kutsi uyawutigcinela sibane endlini yakaDavide kuze kube phakadze. Ngesikhatsi saJehoramu baka-Edomu bavukela bakaJuda, base batibekela yabo inkhosi. Ngako Jehoramu wahamba waya eSayire kanye nato tonkhe tincola takhe temphi. Baka-Edomu bamvimbetela naletindvuna takhe tetincola temphi, kodvwa wavuka waphulukundlela ebusuku, kwatsi emabutfo akhe abaleka, abuyela emuva emakhaya. Kuze kube ngulamuhla naloku baka-Edomu seloku bayiphuma balwisana nebakaJuda. Ngasona leso sikhatsi nebakaLibna bavuka umbhejazane. Leminye imininingwane ngekubusa kwaJehoramu, nako konkhe lakwenta kubhaliwe encwadzini yemilandvo yemakhosi akaJuda. Jehoramu wase uyakhotsama, wafihlwa emadlizeni aboyisemkhulu, eDolobheni laDavide. Ahaziya, umsa wakhe, waba yinkhosi esikhundleni sakhe. Ngemnyaka weli-12 wekubusa kwaJoramu, umsa wa-Ahabi, inkhosi yaka-Israyeli, Ahaziya, umsa waJehoramu, inkhosi yakaJuda, wacala kubusa. Ahaziya abeneminyaka lengema-22 budzala, nakacala kubusa; wabusela eJerusalema umnyaka waba munye. Libito lenina bekungu-Athaliya, umntfwanemntfwana-Omri, inkhosi yaka-Israyeli. Wahamba etinyatselweni tebendlu yaka-Ahabi, wenta lokubi emehlweni aSimakadze, njengobe kwakwenta indlu yaka-Ahabi, ngobe abehlobene nemndeni waka-Ahabi ngekwemshado. Ahaziya wahamba naJoramu, umsa wa-Ahabi, bayakulwa naHazayeli, inkhosi yaseSiriya, eRamothi Gileyadi. EmaSiriya amlimata Joramu, ngako inkhosi Joramu yancandzeka yabuyela eJezreyeli yayawuphotisa khona lamanceba leyayiwahlatjwe ngemaSiriya, eRamothi, emphini yakhe naHazayeli, inkhosi yemaSiriya. Ahaziya-ke, umsa waJehoramu, inkhosi yakaJuda, wase uyehla waya eJezreyeli ayawuvusela Joramu, umsa wa-Ahabi, njengobe abegwaziwe anemanceba. Umphrofethi Elisha watfuma lomunye welicembu lebaphrofethi lababenaye, watsi kuye: “Bopha lijazi lakho ngelibhande, utsatse luphondvo lwemafutsa uhambe nalo uye eRamothi Gileyadi. Utawutsi ungefika lapho, ufune Jehu, umsa waJehoshafati, lotalwa nguNimshi. Ubofika ucondze kuye umkhiphe emkhatsini walabangani bakhe, umngenise ekamelweni lelingekhatsi kakhulu. Ubobe sewutsatsa loluphondvo lwemafutsa umtsele ngalamafutsa enhloko yakhe utsi: ‘Naku lakushoko Simakadze: “Ngikugcoba kuba yinkhosi etikwesive saka-Israyeli,” ’ usuke lapho uvule umnyango ucele empunzini, ungalibali!” Ngako lelijaha, lelalingumphrofethi, lesuka lacondza eRamothi Gileyadi. Latsi nalifika khona, lakhandza letindvuna temphi tihleti ndzawonye, lafike latsi: “Nginemlayeto wakho, ndvuna.” Jehu walibuta watsi: “Ukhuluma nabani?” Lomphrofethi wamphendvula, watsi: “Nawe, ndvuna.” Jehu wasukumela etulu bayawungena endlini. Lomphrofethi wase utsela emafutsa etikwenhloko yaJehu, watsi: “Naku lakushoko Simakadze, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, utsi: ‘Ngiyakugcoba kutsi ube yinkhosi etikwesive saSimakadze, ema-Israyeli. Ufanele ubhubhise indlu yaka-Ahabi, inkhosi yakho; ngitawukhipha sibhongo sengati yetinceku tami, baphrofethi, nengati yato tonkhe tinceku taSimakadze leyacitfwa nguJezebeli. Yonkhe indlu yaka-Ahabi itawubhubha. Ngitawubhubhisa ka-Ahabi bonkhe labadvuna labasele ka-Israyeli, labakhululekile nalabatigcili. “ ‘Ngiyakwenta indlu yaka-Ahabi ibe njengendlu yakaJerobowamu, umsa waNebati, nanjengendlu yakaBhasha, umsa wa-Ahiya. Jezebeli yena uyawudliwa tinja kulendzawo yaseJezreyeli, futsi akayiwungcwatjwa ngumuntfu.’ ” Wesuka lapho wavula umnyango, wacela empunzini. Watsi Jehu nakaphumela kulabangani bakhe, lomunye wabo wambuta watsi: “Kusahamba kahle yini? Loluhlanya belutekwentani lapha kuwe?” Jehu wamphendvula, watsi: “Niyamati lomuntfu kanye naletintfo latikhulumako.” Batsi: “Unemanga! Sitjele.” Jehu wabaphendvula, watsi: “Naku lakushito kimi: ‘Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: “Ngiyakugcoba kutsi ube yinkhosi etikwa-Israyeli.” ’ ” Besuka lapho bamphutfuma bamendlalela emajazi abo etikwetitebhisi, ngaphansi kwetinyawo takhe. Base bashaya emacilongo bamemetela batsi: “Jehu yinkhosi!” Jehu, umsa waJehoshafati, lotalwa nguNimshi, wakha luzungu ngaJoramu. Ngaleso sikhatsi Joramu kanye nabo bonkhe baka-Israyeli babesolomane bavikele iRamothi Gileyadi kuHazayeli, inkhosi yemaSiriya, kodvwa Joramu abesabuyele kulela laseJezreyeli kuyawuphotisa emanceba labewagwazwe ngemaSiriya emphini yawo naHazayeli, inkhosi yemaSiriya. Jehu watsi: “Nangabe nani nibona kanjalo, caphelani kutsi kungaphunyuli ngisho namunye lapha edolobheni ahambe ayewuteka letindzaba lena eJezreyeli.” Ngako wagibela encoleni yakhe yemphi, wabanga eJezreyeli, ngobe phela Joramu abephumulele lapho, kantsi na-Ahaziya, inkhosi yakaJuda, abehlile kuyakumvusela. Kwatsi mahlalesangweni waseJezreyeli nakatsi uphakamisa emehlo, asetulu embhoshongweni, wabona ngemabutfo aJehu eta avivile, wamemeta watsi: “Ngibona emabutfo eta avivile.” Joramu watsi: “Tfumela sigijimi lesingumgibeli, usitfume kutsi siyewubabuta sitsi: ‘Nita ngekuthula yini?’ ” Lomgibeli waphutfuma wayawuhlangabeta Jehu, wafike watsi: “Naku lokushiwo yinkhosi, itsi: ‘Uta ngekuthula yini?’ ” Jehu wasiphendvula, watsi: “Utakwentani ngekuthula? Jikela ngasemvakwami, ungilandzele.” Lomahlalesangweni wabika watsi: “Lesitfunywa sesifikile kubo, kodvwa asibonakali kubuya.” Ngako inkhosi yakhipha lesinye sitfunywa ngelihhashi, satsi nasifika kubo, satsi: “Naku lokushiwo yinkhosi, itsi: ‘Uta ngekuthula yini?’ ” Jehu naso wasiphendvula, watsi: “Utakwentani ngekuthula? Jikela ngasemvakwami, nawe ungilandzele.” Lomahlalesangweni wabika watsi: “Sigijimi sesifikile kubo, kodvwa naso asisabonakali kubuya. Lokugijima ngencola yemphi kubonakala shangatsi kwaJehu, umsa waNimshi, ugijimisa kweluhlanya.” Joramu watsi: “Bophelani incola yami.” Kwatsi nase tiboshelwe, Joramu, inkhosi yaka-Israyeli, na-Ahaziya, inkhosi yakaJuda, baphuma bajikeka ngetincola tabo, nguloyo agibele yakakhe incola, bayawuhlangabeta Jehu. Bahlangana naye kulesivini lesasisaNabothi waseJezreyeli. Watsi Joramu kube abone Jehu, wambuta watsi: “Ute ngekuthula yini, Jehu?” Jehu waphendvula watsi: “Kuthula kungaba khona kanjani, nangabe solomane kusekhona tithico nebutsakatsi benyoko Jezebeli?” Joramu wagucuka wacela empunzini, amemeta Ahaziya, atsi: “Limbuka! Ahaziya!” Jehu wase unsala butjoki bakhe wamjijimeta, umcibisholo wangena emhlabankhomo, wadzabula inhlitiyo ekhatsi, Joramu wadzilika encoleni yakhe. Jehu wakhuluma kuBidkari, umshayeli wencola yakhe, watsi: “Tsatsa lesidvumbu sakhe usijike lapha kulesivini lebesisaNabothi waseJezreyeli. Khumbula kutsi tsine nawe sasihamba sobabili sigibele incola yinye sidledlemuka emvakwa-Ahabi, uyise, ngesikhatsi Simakadze akhuluma lesiphrofetho ngaye, watsi: ‘Itolo ngibone ingati yaNabothi kanye neyemadvodzana akhe, kusho Simakadze, vele ngiyawukwenta uyikhokhele kuyo yona lendzawo lena, kusho Simakadze,’ Manje-ke mtsatseni, nimjike kuleyo ndzawo, njengekusho kwelivi laSimakadze.” Watsi kube Ahaziya, inkhosi yakaJuda, akubone konkhe lokwase kwentekile, wabaleka ngemgwaco wacondza eBhethi Hagani. Jehu wamcosha, amemeta, atsi: “Mbulaleni naye!” Bamgwaza asesencoleni yakhe emanceba lamabi ngesikhatsi asabaleka ngemgwaco loya eGuri ngaseJibleyamu, kodvwa noko wabaleka wangenisa eMegido, wafike wafela khona. Tinceku takhe tamgibelisa encoleni yakhe tammikisa eJerusalema, lapho tafike tamfihlela khona kanye naboyisemkhulu edlizeni lakhe, eDolobheni laDavide. Ngemnyaka weli-11 waJoramu, umsa wa-Ahabi, Ahaziya waba yinkhosi yakaJuda. Jehu wase uya eJezreyeli. Watsi kube akuve loko Jezebeli, wapenda emehlo akhe, walungisa tinwele takhe, wase uvela ngelifasitelo. Watsi nje Jehu asangena esangweni, wambuta watsi: “Ute ngekuthula yini, Zimri, wena mbulali wenkhosi yakho?” Jehu wabuka etulu efasitelweni, wamemeta watsi: “Ngubani lome ngakimi? Ngubani?” Babili nome batsatfu batsenwa bambuka ngelifasitelo. Jehu wabamemeta watsi: “Khiphani Jezebeli, nimjike phansi!” Ngako bambamba bamkhipha ngelifasitelo, emasaphatelo engati yakhe abhoca lubondza kanye nemahhashi ngesikhatsi asamgcobagcoba ngetinselo tawo. Jehu wangena, wadla, wanatsa, wase utsi: “Nimnakekele lomfati localekisiwe, nimngcwabe; ngobe abeyindvodzakati yenkhosi.” Kodvwa batsi nabaphumela ngephandle kuyawumngcwaba, bakhandza kute lutfo ngaphandle kwelukhakhayi nje, netinyawo, netandla. Bancandzeka bayawubikela Jehu. Jehu watsi: “Leli livi laSimakadze lalikhuluma ngenceku yakhe Elija waseThishbe: ‘Kuleyo ndzawo eJezreyeli, tinja tiyawudla sidvumbu saJezebeli. Sidvumbu saJezebeli siyawuba njengemangcoliso kuleyo ndzawo, esigcawini saseJezreyeli, kangangekutsi kuyawubate loyawuphindze ambone aze atsi: “Lona nguJezebeli.” ’ ” Ngaleso sikhatsi eSamariya bekunemadvodzana labengema-70 endlu yaka-Ahabi. Ngako Jehu wabhala tincwadzi watitfumela eSamariya etindvuneni taseJezreyeli, nakubaholi kanye nebacizi bebantfwana ba-Ahabi, watsi: “Masinyane nje, nase nitfole lencwadzi, njengobe emadvodzana enkhosi yenu ahlala nani, futsi ninetincola nemahhashi emphi, nelidolobha lelibiyelwe, ninetikhali, khetsani munye wemadvodzana enkhosi yenu lonemandla kakhulu nalofanelekile, nimbeke esihlalweni seyise, nilwele indlu yenkhosi yenu.” Kodvwa bona betfuka batsi: “Nangabe emakhosi lamabili ehluleka kumelana naye, tsine-ke singamkhona kanjani?” Ngako indvuna yasesigodlweni, neyasedolobheni, nebaholi, kanye nebacizi bebantfwana batfumela umlayeto kuJehu, batsi: “Sitinceku takho, sitakwenta nome ngabe yini lotsi asiyente. Ngeke sibeke muntfu kutsi abe yinkhosi yetfu; yenta loko lokubona kutsi kuncono.” Jehu wase ubhala lenye incwadzi yesibili, watsi: “Nangabe nime ngakimi futsi nitangilalela, tsatsani tinhloko temadvodzana enkhosi yenu, bese nita nato lapha kimi eJezreyeli kusasa ngalesikhatsi.” Manje bantfwabenkhosi labangema-70 nabo babekanye nebaholi belidolobha laseSamariya, lababengubona babakhulisa. Ngalesikhatsi kufika lencwadzi, labaholi batsatsa lamadvodzana aka-Ahabi langema-70 bawasontsa onkhe. Batsatsa letinhloko tawo batifaka etitjeni batitfumela kuJehu, eJezreyeli. Lesitfunywa sefika kuJehu satsi: “Baletse tinhloko tebantfwabenkhosi.” Jehu wase utsi: “Tibekeni tincumbi letimbili esangweni lelidolobha, kuze kube ngusekuseni kusasa.” Ngakusasa ekuseni Jehu waphuma wema embikwaso sonkhe sive, watsi: “Nine nimsulwa. Ngimi lengakhe luzungu ngenkhosi yami, ngayibulala; kodvwa-ke ngubani lobulele bonkhe laba? Yatini-ke kutsi kute nalinye livi lalikhulumile Simakadze ngendlu ya-Ahabi leliyakuwela phansi. Simakadze ukwentile loko lakwetsembisa ngenceku yakhe Elija.” Ngako Jehu wabulala bonkhe lababeseJezreyeli, labebasasele bendlu yaka-Ahabi, kanye nato tonkhe tikhulu takhe, nebangani bakhe, nebaphristi bakhe, kwangasali ngisho namunye. Jehu wase uyaphuma ulibangisa eSamariya, kwatsi nakaseBhethi Ekedi yeBelusi, wahlangana naletinye tihlobo ta-Ahaziya, inkhosi yakaJuda, watibuta watsi: “Nibobani nine?” Tamphendvula tatsi: “Sitihlobo ta-Ahaziya, sesehlele kutawubingelela imindeni yenkhosi neyendlovukazi.” Jehu watsi: “Batsatseni baphila.” Ngako babatsatsa baphila, bababulalela eceleni kweBhethi Ekedi; bekungemadvodza langema-42. Jehu wacotfula imbokodvo nesisekelo ka-Ahabi. Asesukile lapho, wefika kuJehonadabi, umsa waRekhabi, labesendleleni ayemhlangabeta. Jehu wambingelela watsi: “Ume ngakimi yini, njengobe nami ngibambisene nawe?” Jehonadabi wamphendvula, watsi: “Yebo.” Jehu watsi: “Nangabe kunjalo; bamba ingalo.” Ngako Jehonadabi wachawula, Jehu wamdvonsa, amgibelisa encoleni yakhe. Jehu watsi: “Hamba nami ubone inshisekelo yami ngaSimakadze.” Ngako wamgibelisa encoleni yakhe wahamba naye. Watsi kube efike eSamariya, Jehu wabulala bonkhe lababesasele bendlu ya-Ahabi, wababhubhisa njengekusho kwelivi laSimakadze lalikhuluma nga-Elija. Jehu wabe sewubutsa sonkhe sive, wakhuluma kuso watsi: “Ahabi abekhonta Bhali kancane. Jehu utamkhonta kakhulu. Manje-ke butsani bonkhe baphrofethi baBhali, nalabamkhontako, kanye nebaphristi bakhe, nibone kungasali ngisho namunye wabo, ngobe ngitakwenta lomkhulu umhlatjelo waBhali. Lowo loyawusala akayiwuchubeka aphila kuleli.” Kodvwa abebayenga nje, entela kubulala lababekhonta Bhali. Jehu watsi: “Memetelani umhlangano kutewukhunjulwa Bhali.” Ngako bawumemetela. Ngako watfumela livi kulo lonkhe laka-Israyeli. Bonkhe lababekhonta Bhali baphelela ngetinkhani, kwabate ngisho namunye lowasala. Bagcwala lithempeli laBhali kusuka ekucaleni kwayawuphuma ekugcineni. Jehu wakhuluma kulomgcini wetembatfo, watsi: “Buyisa tembatfo tabo bonkhe lababekhonta Bhali.” Nembala watiletsa. Ngako boJehu naJehonadabi, umsa waRekhabi, bangena ekhatsi ethempelini laBhali. Jehu wakhuluma kulababekhonta Bhali, watsi: “Calatani, nibuke kutsi kute namunye losisebenti saSimakadze lesikanye nani ngaphandle kwalababekhonta Bhali.” Ngako bangena bayakwenta imihlatjelo neminikelo yekushiswa. Ngaleso sikhatsi Jehu abemise emadvodza langema-80 ngephandle, lawatjela watsi: “Nangabe lomunye wenu angahle ayekele munye nje walabantfu lengibanikele etandleni tenu, aphunyule, loko uyawukukhokhela ngemphilo yakhe.” Kwatsi kube Jehu acedze kwenta iminikelo yekushiswa, wayala letindvuna takhe nabomahlalesangweni, watsi: “Ngenani nibabulale bonkhe, kungaphunyuli ngisho namunye.” Ngako babesukela bababhokodzela ngetinkemba. Labomahlalesangweni netindvuna bajikijela letidvumbu ngephandle, base bangena ekhatsi lelingekhatsi kakhulu ethempelini laBhali. Batsatsa lelitje lekwakutsiwa lingcwele, balikhiphela ngephandle kwelithempeli laBhali, balishisa. Balibhubhisa lelitje laBhali lekwakutsiwa lingcwele, babhidlita nalelithempeli laBhali. Bantfu balisebentisa njengemthoyi kusukela ngalelo langa kuze kube ngulamuhla. Jehu wakucedza kanjalo-ke kukhontwa kwaBhali ka-Israyeli. Noko akazange agucuke etonweni taJerobowamu, umsa waNebati, labedvonsele ngato sive sema-Israyeli ekoneni lekwakukukhonta litfole legolide eBetheli nakaDani. Simakadze wakhuluma kuJehu, watsi: “Njengobe wente lokuhle, waphumelelisa loko lokuhle emehlweni ami, wenta nasendlini yaka-Ahabi konkhe loko lenganginako engcondvweni yami kutsi ngikwente, ngako situkulwane sakho sesiyawuhlala esihlalweni sebukhosi saka-Israyeli kuze kube ngusesitukulwaneni sesine.” Kodvwa Jehu akazange acaphele kunakekela umtsetfo waSimakadze, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, ngayo yonkhe inhlitiyo yakhe. Akazange aphendvuke etonweni taJerobowamu labedvonsele ngato sive sema-Israyeli ekoneni. Ngalawo malanga Simakadze wacala kunciphisa live laka-Israyeli. Hazayeli wawehlula ema-Israyeli, walibusa lonkhe live lawo, kusukela eJordane kuye emphumalanga, lonkhe live lakaGileyadi, sigodzi sakaGadi, naRubeni, naManase kusukela e-Aroyeri ngasemfuleni i-Anoni lesibhukula iGileyadi ekhatsi size siyewuphumela eBhashani. Leminye imininingwane yaJehu nalokunye lakwenta, nekubusa kwakhe, nekuphumelela kwakhe, kubhaliwe encwadzini yemilandvo yemakhosi aka-Israyeli. Jehu wase uyakhotsama, wafihlwa eSamariya. Jehoyahazi, umsa wakhe, waba yinkhosi esikhundleni sakhe. Sikhatsi labusa ngaso Jehu etikwesive saka-Israyeli saba ngiminyaka lengema-28 seyiyonkhe. Athaliya, unabo-Ahaziya, watsi kube abone kutsi indvodzana yakhe seyifile, wachubeka wabulala bonkhe bantfwabenkhosi. Kodvwa Jehosheba, indvodzakati yenkhosi Jehoramu labengudzadzewabo-Ahaziya, watsatsa Jowashi, umsa wa-Ahaziya, wamuba, wamsusa emkhatsini walaba labanye bantfwabenkhosi labese batawubulawa. Wamtsatsa wayakumbhacisa kanye nesidzandzane sakhe ekamelweni lekulala. Bamfihla-ke lomntfwana ku-Athaliya; ngako-ke akazange asabulawa Jowashi. Wahlala abhaciswe naJehosheba, ethempelini laSimakadze iminyaka lesitfupha ngesikhatsi kusabusa Athaliya eveni. Kwatsi ngemnyaka wesikhombisa Jehoyada, umphristi, watfumela kwalandvwa tindvuna temakhulu, tasesigodlweni, netabomahlalesangweni, watsi atiletfwe kuye ethempelini laSimakadze. Wenta sivumelwane nato watifungisa asethempelini laSimakadze. Wase utikhombisa lendvodzana yenkhosi. Watidvonsa ngendlebe watsi: “Naku lokufanele nikwente: Nine lenisemabutfweni lamatsatfu langena emsebentini ngemaSabatha, libutfo leliyincenye yesitsatfu litabociza sigodlo, lenye incenye yesitsatfu icize lisango iSuri, bese kutsi lenye incenye yesitsatfu icize lisango lelingemuva kwabomahlalesangweni labaciza lithempeli ngemagema. Nine-ke leningemabutfo lamabili laphuma emsebentini ngemaSabatha nani nifanele nicize lithempeli, nilicizele inkhosi. Tihleleni nisingatse inkhosi, ngulowo nalowo ahlome aphelele, aphatse tikhali takhe. Nome ngubani losondzela ngasebaleni lenilitungeletile abulawe. Nihlale nisedvutane nenkhosi, nome ngukuphi lapho iya khona.” Letindvuna temakhulu tenta njengobe Jehoyada, umphristi, abeshito. Nguleyo yatsatsa akayo emadvodza, lawo labengena emsebentini ngemaSabatha nalawo labephuma emsebentini ngemaSabatha, eta kuJehoyada, umphristi. Wase uhlomisa letindvuna ngetikhali nangemahawu lekwakukwenkhosi Davide, kugcinwe ethempelini laSimakadze. Labomahlalesangweni, ngulowo abambe tikhali takhe, batihlela basingatsa inkhosi, edvute nelilati kanye nelithempeli, kusukela ngaseningizimu kuze kuye ngasenyakatfo kwelithempeli. Jehoyada wase ukhipa lomntfwanenkhosi wametfwesa umchele webukhosi, wamnika incwadzi yesivumelwane, wase umemetela kutsi uyinkhosi. Bamgcoba, bantfu base bashaya tandla, bamemeta, batsi: “Lunwele loludze, nkhosi.” Watsi Athaliya kube eve lomsindvo lowawentiwa bomahlalesangweni nesive, wase uya kulabantfu ethempelini laSimakadze. Watsi uyabuka, wabona nanso inkhosi imile eceleni kwensika njengekwelisiko. Tindvuna nebashayi bemacilongo bebasingatse inkhosi, bonkhe bantfu belive bajabula bashaya nemacilongo. Ngako Athaliya wadzabula tingubo takhe, wamemeta watsi: “Ngemavukelambuso! Ngemavukelambuso!” Jehoyada, umphristi, wayala letindvuna temakhulu letatiwaphetse watsi: “Mkhipheni Athaliya lapha emkhatsini weticheme, nibagwaze ngenkemba bonkhe labamlandzelako.” Ngobe umphristi abetsite: “Ningambulaleli ekhatsi ethempelini laSimakadze.” Ngako bambhadzama, asatsi ufika kulendzawo lapho emahhashi angenela ngakhona, nakangena emabaleni asendlunkhulu, bambulalela khona lapho. Jehoyada wase wenta sivumelwane emkhatsini waSimakadze nenkhosi nesive kutsi sebayawuba sive saSimakadze, wachubeka wenta sivumelwane emkhatsini webantfu nenkhosi. Bonkhe bantfu bakulelo live baya ethempelini laBhali balibhidlita. Badzilita nemalati akhe kanye naletithico, kwaba tincetu, babulala naMathani, umphristi waBhali, bambulalela embikwalamalati. Jehoyada, umphristi, wase umisa bomahlalesangweni basethempelini laSimakadze. Wabutsa tindvuna temakhulu, netesigodlo, nabomahlalesangweni, kanye nabo bonkhe bantfu bakulelo live, behlisa inkhosi ethempelini laSimakadze, bashuca bayawungena esigodlweni, bangena ngendlela yelisango lalabaciza sigodlo. Inkhosi yavele yahlala esihlalweni sayo sebukhosi. Bonkhe bantfu balelo live bajabula. Lidolobha laba nekuthula, ngobe phela Athaliya abebhokodzelwe ngenkemba ekhatsi esigodlweni. Jowashi abeneminyaka lesikhombisa nakacala kubusa. Ngemnyaka wesikhombisa waJehu, inkhosi yaka-Israyeli, Jowashi wabekwa waba yinkhosi yakaJuda, wabusela eJerusalema iminyaka lengema-40. Libito lenina bekunguSibiya waseBherisheba. Jowashi wenta lokuhle emehlweni aSimakadze ngaso sonkhe sikhatsi abelulekwa ngumphristi Jehoyada. Noko tindzawo letiphakeme tekukhontela tithico tatingakesuswa; bantfu bachubeka nekwentela kuto imihlatjelo batfuncisa khona nemphepho. Jowashi wakhuluma kubaphristi, watsi: “Butsani yonkhe imali yeminikelo lengcwele leletfwa ethempelini laSimakadze: imali lebutfwa ngangekwesilinganiso semuntfu, nemali leyemukelwa etifungweni letentiwa ngumuntfu ngamunye, nemali yeminikelo yesihle leletfwa ethempelini. Wonkhe umuntfu longumphristi akabelwe imali ngulomunye webagcini betimali, isetjentiswe ekwakheni kabusha konkhe lokutfolakale ethempelini kutsi sekonakele.” Kodvwa kwaze kwaba ngumnyaka wema-23 wekubusa kwenkhosi Jowashi solomane baphristi bangakalakhi kabusha lithempeli. Ngako-ke inkhosi Jowashi yabita Jehoyada, umphristi, kanye nalabanye baphristi, yababuta, yatsi kubo: “Anilakhi ngani kabusha lelithempeli, lapho selihhihlike khona? Ningasaphindzi-ke nitsatse imali kubagcini betimali, kodvwa niboyendlulisela ekwakhiweni kabusha kwelithempeli.” Baphristi bavuma kutsi bangeke basayitsatsa imali kubantfu nekutsi lithempeli lingeke lisakhiwa kabusha ngibo. Umphristi Jehoyada watsatsa libhokisi, wabhobosa imbobo lapha esivalweni salo, wase ulibeka lapha eceleni kwelilati ngesekudla salo, nawungena ethempelini laSimakadze. Baphristi lababeciza umnyango babefaka kulelibhokisi yonkhe imali leyayiletfwe bantfu ethempelini laSimakadze. Babetsi bangabona kutsi seyinyenti imali kulelibhokisi, bese bayeta bomabhalane benkhosi nemphristi lomkhulu, bafike bayibale yonkhe lemali leseyiletfwe ethempelini laSimakadze, bese bayiwolela etikhwameni. Babetsi bangayibala lemali, bese bayinika labo lababebekwe kutsi bengamele kwakhiwa kwelithempeli. Bona-ke babeholela laba labasebentako lapha ethempelini laSimakadze: lababatako, nalababeka ematje, nalabawacotako. Batsenga tingodvo nematje lacotiwe ekulungisa lithempeli laSimakadze. Bahlangabetana nato tonkhe tidzingo tekuvusetela lithempeli. Lemali leyayiletfwa lapha ethempelini ayizange isetjentiswe ekwakheni titja tesiliva, netijubantsambo, netitja tekunyenyeta, nemacilongo nanome ngabe seyini-ke lokusitja segolide nesesiliva lokukwelithempeli laSimakadze, yasetjentiswa kuphela ekukhokheleni bantfu lababesebenta ekwakheni kabusha lithempeli. Labantfu lababengamele lokwakhiwa kabusha kwelithempeli babetsembeke kangangobe akuzange kudzingeke nekutsi babutwe kutsi lemali beyisetjentiswa kanjani nabakhokhela letisebenti. Imali yeminikelo yemacala neyeminikelo yetono yona yayingangeniswa ethempelini laSimakadze, yayiba yebaphristi. Ngaleso sikhatsi Hazayeli, inkhosi yaseSiriya, yakhuphuka yayawuhlasela iGathi, yayitfumba; yesuka lapho yacondza eJerusalema, nayo yayihlasela. Kodvwa Jowashi, inkhosi yakaJuda, yatsatsa tonkhe timphahla letingcwele letatinikelwe boyisemkhulu, Jehoshafati, naJehoramu, na-Ahaziya, emakhosi akaJuda; watsatsa nato tonkhe tipho letatinikelwe nguye cobo lwakhe, nayo yonkhe igolide leyatfolakala endlini yengcebo, ethempelini laSimakadze, nasesigodlweni senkhosi, watitfumela kuHazayeli, inkhosi yaseSiriya, lowase uyayiyekela iJerusalema, wangabe asayihlasela. Leminye imininingwane yetintfo letenteka ekubuseni kwaJowashi, nako konkhe lakwenta, kubhaliwe encwadzini yemilandvo yemakhosi akaJuda. Tindvuna takhe tamakhela luzungu tamsontsela eBhethi Milo, emgwacweni locondze eSila. Letindvuna letamsontsa bekuboJozabadi, umsa waShimeyathi, naJehozabadi, umsa waShomeri. Wafa, wafihlwa emadlizeni aboyisemkhulu eDolobheni laDavide. Amasiya, umsa wakhe, waba yinkhosi esikhundleni sakhe. Ngemnyaka wema-23 wekubusa kwaJowashi, umsa wa-Ahaziya, inkhosi yakaJuda, ka-Israyeli kwabekwa Jehoyahazi, umsa waJehu, kutsi abe yinkhosi yaka-Israyeli. Wabusela eSamariya iminyaka leli-17. Wenta lokubi emehlweni aSimakadze, walandzela tono letatentiwa nguJerobowamu, umsa waNebati, labedvonsele ngato sive saka-Israyeli ekoneni, akazange aphendvuke kuto. Ngako-ke lulaka lwaSimakadze lwavutsa etikwesive saka-Israyeli. Kwaba sikhatsi lesidze, solomane Simakadze abayekelele ngaphansi kwesandla saHazayeli, inkhosi yemaSiriya, kanye nesaBheni Hadadi, umsa wakhe. Jehoyahazi wase ufuna lusito lwaSimakadze, Simakadze wamuva, ngobe wabona kutsi inkhosi yemaSiriya ibacindzetele kangakanani baka-Israyeli. Simakadze wabavetela umkhululi baka-Israyeli, baphunyula esandleni senkhosi yemaSiriya. Ngako baka-Israyeli base bahlala emakhaya abo, njengobe babenta kucala. Kodvwa abazange baphendvuke etonweni tendlu yakaJerobowamu, labedvonsele ngato sive saka-Israyeli ekoneni; bachubeka bona ngato. Insika ya-Ashera yachubeka yema eSamariya. Kwase kute lokwase kusele emabutfweni akaJehoyahazi ngaphandle kwebagibeli bemahhashi lababengema-50, netincola temphi letilishumi, nemasotja labeshuca ngetinyawo labeti-10 000. Inkhosi yemaSiriya yayiwabhubhise onkhe lamanye, yawenta aba njengelutfuli lwanakubhulwako. Leminye imininingwane ngekubusa kwaJehoyahazi, nako konkhe lakwenta, nekuphumelela kwakhe kubhaliwe encwadzini yemilandvo yemakhosi aka-Israyeli. Jehoyahazi wase uyakhotsama, wafihlwa kuboyisemkhulu, eSamariya. Jehoyashi, umsa wakhe, waba yinkhosi esikhundleni sakhe. Ngemnyaka wema-37 wekubusa kwaJowashi, inkhosi yakaJuda, ka-Israyeli kwabekwa Jehoyashi, umsa waJehoyahazi, kutsi abe yinkhosi ka-Israyeli. Wabusela eSamariya iminyaka leli-16. Wenta lokubi emehlweni aSimakadze, wangete waphendvuka ngisho nakusinye setono taJerobowamu, umsa waNebati, labedvonsele ngato sive saka-Israyeli ekoneni; wachubekela embili nato. Leminye imininingwane ngekubusa kwaJehoyashi, nako konkhe lakwenta, nemphumelelo yakhe, lokufaka ekhatsi imphi yakhe layilwa na-Amasiya, inkhosi yakaJuda, kubhaliwe encwadzini yemilandvo yemakhosi aka-Israyeli. Jehoyashi wase uyakhotsama, wafihlwa kuboyisemkhulu. Jerobowamu waze wahlala esihlalweni sakhe sebukhosi. Jehoyashi wafihlwa eSamariya, emadlizeni emakhosi aka-Israyeli. Ngaleso sikhatsi Elisha abegula aphetfwe sifo lesagcina sendlule naye, simbulele. Jehoyashi, inkhosi yaka-Israyeli, wehla wayakumhlola, wafike wamtsela ngetinyembeti, watsi: “Babe wami! Babe wami! Incola yaka-Israyeli nebagibeli bakhe bemahhashi!” Elisha watsi: “Tsatsa butjoki nemicibisholo.” Wakwenta loko. Elisha watjela inkhosi, watsi: “Bamba lobutjoki ngetandla takho.” Yatsi inkhosi nase ibubambile, Elisha wabeka takhe tandla etikwaleti tenkhosi. Wakhuluma futsi enkhosini, watsi: “Vula lifasitelo langasemphumalanga.” Inkhosi yalivula. Elisha watsi kuyo: “Dubula.” Inkhosi yadubula. Elisha wamemeta, watsi: “Umcibisholo waSimakadze wekuncoba, umcibisholo wekuncoba emaSiriya! Utawabhubhisa aphele emaSiriya e-Afeki.” Wachubeka Elisha watsi: “Tsatsa lemicibisholo.” Inkhosi yayitsatsa. Elisha wayitjela watsi: “Shaya umhlabatsi.” Inkhosi yawushaya katsatfu, yase iyawuyekela. Umuntfu waNkulunkulu wayitfukutselela inkhosi, watsi: “Ngabe umhlabatsi uwushaye kwaba kasihlanu nome kasitfupha, ngobe bewutawube uyehlulile-ke iSiriya, wayibhubhisa yaphela. Kodvwa manje utayehlula katsatfu kuphela.” Elisha wase uyafa, wafihlwa. EmaMowabi abesavame kungenela lelive njalo nje entfwasahlobo atelihlasela. Kwake kwatsi ngalesinye sikhatsi baka-Israyeli, basalibele kungcwaba lenye indvodza, betfuka sekuchamuka libutfo lebahlaseli lita livivile; base bajika lesidvumbu salendvodza ethuneni la-Elisha. Satsi lesidvumbu nasitsintsana nematsambo a-Elisha, sidvumbu savuka saphila, umuntfu wasukuma wema ngetinyawo. Hazayeli, inkhosi yemaSiriya, wacindzetela baka-Israyeli ngaso sonkhe sikhatsi sekubusa kwenkhosi Jehoyahazi. Kodvwa Simakadze waba nemusa nabo, waba nesihawu, wabanakekela ngenca yesivumelwane sakhe na-Abrahama, na-Isaka, naJakobe. Kuze kube ngulamuhla akakavumi kubabhubhisa abacoshe ebukhoneni bakhe. Hazayeli, inkhosi yemaSiriya, wase uyakhotsama; Bheni Hadadi, umsa wakhe, waba yinkhosi esikhundleni sakhe. Jehoyashi, umsa waJehoyahazi, waphindze futsi wawatsatsa etandleni taBheni Hadadi, umsa waHazayeli, onkhe lamadolobha labewatfumbe emphini kuyise, Jehoyahazi. Jehoyashi wehlula Bheni Hadadi kwaze kwaba katsatfu. Jehoyashi wawabuyisa lamadolobha aka-Israyeli labetfunjwe ngemaSiriya. Ngemnyaka wesibili wekubusa kwaJehoyashi, umsa waJehoyahazi, inkhosi yaka-Israyeli, Amasiya, umsa waJowashi, inkhosi yakaJuda, wacala kubusa. Abeneminyaka lengema-25 budzala ngesikhatsi acala kubusa. Wabusela eJerusalema iminyaka lengema-29. Libito lenina bekunguJehoyadini, waseJerusalema. Wenta lokuhle emehlweni aSimakadze, kodvwa noko hhayi njengeyisemkhulu Davide. Kuko konkhe walandzela etinyatselweni teyise Jowashi. Kodvwa tindzawo letiphakeme tekukhontela tithico tona atizange tisuswe; bantfu babechubeka banikelela kuto imihlatjelo yekushiswa, batfuncisa nemphepho khona. Kwatsi ngesikhatsi umbuso wakhe nase ucinile esandleni sakhe, wase ubulala letindvuna letatisontse uyise labeyinkhosi. Noko, akazange awabulale emadvodzana alamajabhane, kodvwa wenta njengobe kubhaliwe encwadzini yemtsetfo waMosi, lapho Simakadze ayala khona, watsi: “Boyise abayikubulawa ngenca yetono tebantfwababo, kanjalo nebantfwana abayikubulawa ngenca yetono taboyise; ngulowo nalowo uyawufela takhe tono.” Nguye lowehlula ti-10 000 tema-Edomu eSigodzini Seluswayi, watfumba iSela emphini, wayetsa libito watsi yiJokthiyeli, lelo kuselibito layo nalamuhla loku. Amasiya wase utfumela tigijimi kuJehoyashi, umsa waJehoyahazi, umsa waJehu, inkhosi yaka-Israyeli, wamnika insayeya watsi: “Wota, sitewubhekana buso nebuso.” Kodvwa Jehoyashi, inkhosi yaka-Israyeli, waphendvula Amasiya, inkhosi yakaJuda, watsi: “Sihlahla sesitfwetfwe saseLebanoni satfumela umlayeto kumsedari waseLebanoni, lotsi: ‘Yendzisela umsa wami lentfombi yakakho.’ Kwase kusuka silwane sesiganga saseLebanoni seta satawugcobagcoba lesihlahla sesitfwetfwe ngetinselo taso. Liciniso kutsi uyehlulile i-Edomu, nguko nje sewutikhukhumeta kangaka. Ludvumo alube kuwe ngekuncoba kwakho, kodvwa wena hlala phansi lapho kakho! Utibitelelani kuhlupheka, utidvonsele wena kuwa kwakho kanye nekwesive sonkhe sakaJuda?” Kodvwa, Amasiya akazange atsandze kulalela. Ngako Jehoyashi, inkhosi yaka-Israyeli, wahlasela. Jehoyashi na-Amasiya, inkhosi yakaJuda, babhekana buso nebuso emphini yaseBhethi Shemeshi kulakaJuda. Juda weyiswa baka-Israyeli, kwaba nguleyo naleyo ndvodza yabalekela ekhaya kayo. Jehoyashi, inkhosi yaka-Israyeli, wabamba Amasiya, inkhosi yakaJuda, umsa waJowashi, labetalwa ngu-Ahaziya, wamtfumba eBhethi Shemeshi. Jehoyashi wase uyahamba waya eJerusalema, wafike wabhidlita lubondza lolwalutungelete iJerusalema kusukela eSangweni laka-Efrayimu kuze kuyewufika ngaseSangweni Leligumbi, indzawo leyayingemamitha labengaba li-180 budze. Watsatsa yonkhe igolide nesiliva, nato tonkhe tintfo letatisethempelini laSimakadze, nasengcebeni yasesigodlweni, watfumba nebatfunjwa lababetibambiso, wabuyela nako eSamariya. Leminye imininingwane ngekubusa kwaJehoyashi, konkhe lakwenta, nemphumelelo yakhe, kanye nemphi yabo na-Amasiya, inkhosi yakaJuda, kubhaliwe encwadzini yemilandvo yemakhosi aka-Israyeli. Jehoyashi wase uyakhotsama, wafihlwa kuboyisemkhulu eSamariya, kanye nemakhosi aka-Israyeli. Jerobowamu, umsa wakhe, waba yinkhosi esikhundleni sakhe. Amasiya, umsa waJowashi, inkhosi yakaJuda, waphila iminyaka leli-15 emvakwekufa kwaJehoyashi, umsa waJehoyahazi, inkhosi yaka-Israyeli. Leminye imininingwane ngekubusa kwa-Amasiya ibhaliwe encwadzini yemilandvo yemakhosi akaJuda. Bakha luzungu ngaye eJerusalema, wase uyabaleka waya eLakhishi; kodvwa batfumela emadvodza amcosha, afike ambulalela khona eLakhishi. Wabuya asetfwelwe ngelihhashi, watawufihlwa emadlizeni aboyisemkhulu eJerusalema, Lidolobha laDavide. Bonkhe bantfu bakaJuda base batsatsa Uziya labeneminyaka leli-16 budzala, bambeka inkhosi esikhundleni seyise, Amasiya. Nguye lowakha kabusha i-Elathi wayibuyisela kaJuda, emvakwekukhotsama kweyise Amasiya. Ngemnyaka weli-15 wekubusa kwa-Amasiya, umsa waJowashi, inkhosi yakaJuda, ka-Israyeli kwabekwa Jerobowamu, umsa waJehoyashi, kutsi abe yinkhosi. Wabusela eSamariya iminyaka lengema-41. Wenta lokubi emehlweni aSimakadze, wangete waphendvuka ngisho nakusinye sono lesentiwa nguJerobowamu, umsa waNebati, labedvonsele ngato sive saka-Israyeli ekoneni. Nguye lowabuyisela iminyele yaka-Israyeli kusukela eLebo Hamathi kuye eLwandle lwase-Arabha, njengekusho kwelivi laSimakadze, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, lalikhuluma ngenceku yakhe Jona, umsa wa-Amithayi, umphrofethi waseGathi Heferi. Simakadze wabona kutsi baka-Israyeli babeva buhlungu kanganani, bonkhe labakhululekile nalabatigcili; kwakute labengahle abasite. Njengobe-ke Simakadze bekavele angazange asho kutsi uyakulesula libito la-Israyeli ebusweni bemhlaba, wabasindzisa ngesandla saJerobowamu, umsa waJehoyashi. Leminye imininingwane ngekubusa kwaJerobowamu, nako konkhe lakwenta, nekuncoba kwakhe timphi, nekutsi wayibuyisela njani ka-Israyeli iDamaseko neHamathi, leyase iyakaJuda, kubhaliwe encwadzini yemilandvo yemakhosi aka-Israyeli. Jerobowamu wase uyakhotsama, wafihlwa emakhosini aka-Israyeli. Zakhariya, umsa wakhe, waba yinkhosi esikhundleni sakhe. Ngemnyaka wema-27 wekubusa kwaJerobowamu, inkhosi yaka-Israyeli, Uziya, umsa wa-Amasiya, inkhosi yakaJuda, wacala kubusa. Abeneminyaka leli-16 budzala, ngesikhatsi abekwa kuba yinkhosi yakaJuda, wabusela eJerusalema iminyaka lengema-52. Libito lenina bekunguJekoliya, waseJerusalema. Uziya wenta lokuhle emehlweni aSimakadze, njengobe uyise Amasiya abentile. Tindzawo letiphakeme tekukhontela tithico noko tona atizange tisuswe, bantfu bachubeka kunikelela kuto ngemihlatjelo, batfuncisa nemphepho khona. Simakadze washaya inkhosi ngesifo lesisabulephelo, kwaze kwaba lilanga leyafa ngalo, yase ihlala endlini yayo yodvwa. Kwase kunguJothamu, umsa wayo, labesengamele sigodlo, sekunguye nalobusa sive eveni. Leminye imininingwane ngekubusa kwa-Uziya, nako konkhe lakwenta, kubhaliwe encwadzini yemilandvo yemakhosi akaJuda. Uziya wase uyakhotsama wafihlwa kuboyisemkhulu eDolobheni laDavide. Jothamu, umsa wakhe, waba yinkhosi esikhundleni sakhe. Ngemnyaka wema-38 wekubusa kwa-Uziya, inkhosi yakaJuda, ka-Israyeli kwabekwa Zakhariya, umsa waJerobowamu, kutsi abe yinkhosi. Wabusela eSamariya tinyanga letisitfupha. Wenta lokubi emehlweni aSimakadze njengobe naboyisemkhulu babentile. Akazange aphendvuke etonweni taJerobowamu, umsa waNebati, labedvonsele ngato sive saka-Israyeli ekoneni. Shalumi, umsa waJabeshi, wakhela Zakhariya luzungu, wamenta silo sengubo embikwebantfu, wambulala, wangena esikhundleni sakhe, waba yinkhosi. Leminye imininingwane ngekubusa kwaZakhariya ibhaliwe encwadzini yemilandvo yemakhosi aka-Israyeli. Ngaloko kwagcwaliseka livi laSimakadze lalikhuluma kuJehu litsi: “Situkulwane sakho siyawuhlala esihlalweni sebukhosi saka-Israyeli kuze kube ngusesitukulwaneni sesine.” Shalumi, umsa waJabeshi, waba yinkhosi ngemnyaka wema-39 wekubusa kwa-Uziya, inkhosi yakaJuda; wabusela eSamariya inyanga yaba yinye. Menahemu, umsa waGadi, wesuka eThisa waya eSamariya. Wahlasela Shalumi, umsa waJabeshi, eSamariya, wambulala, kwase kuba nguye inkhosi. Leminye imininingwane ngekubusa kwaShalumi neluzungu lwakhe lalwenta, kubhaliwe encwadzini yemilandvo yemakhosi aka-Israyeli. Ngaleso sikhatsi Menahemu wacala eThisa wahlasela iThifsa nabo bonkhe lababesedolobheni nasemacentselweni alo, ngobe bala kumvulela emasango abo. Wadzilita iThifsa, wahhubhuta tisu tabo bonkhe bafati lababetetfwele. Ngemnyaka wema-39 wekubusa kwa-Uziya, inkhosi yakaJuda, Menahemu, umsa waGadi, waba yinkhosi yaka-Israyeli. Wabusela eSamariya iminyaka lelishumi. Wenta lokubi emehlweni aSimakadze. Kuko konkhe kubusa kwakhe akazange asaphendvuke ngisho nakusinye setono taJerobowamu, umsa waNebati, labedvonsele ngato sive saka-Israyeli ekoneni. Thiglathi Phileseri, inkhosi yase-Asiriya, wahlasela lelive, Menahemu wamnika emakhilogremu labengaba ti-34 000 esiliva, atincengela kutsi amsimise embusweni wakhe. Menahemu lemali abeyikhiphisa labantfu baka-Israyeli ngenkhani. Wonkhe umuntfu labenjingile abefanele akhokhe tinhlavu tesiliva letingema-50 amunye, kutsi kutewunikwa inkhosi yase-Asiriya; nembala, yase iyamyekela Menahemu, yalishiya live lakhe. Leminye imininingwane ngekubusa kwaMenahemu, nako konkhe lakwenta, kubhaliwe encwadzini yemilandvo yemakhosi aka-Israyeli. Menahemu wase uyakhotsama. Phekahiya, umsa wakhe, waba yinkhosi esikhundleni sakhe. Ngemnyaka wema-50 wekubusa kwa-Uziya, inkhosi yakaJuda, ka-Israyeli kwabekwa Phekahiya, umsa waMenahemu, kutsi abe yinkhosi. Wabusela eSamariya iminyaka lemibili. Phekahiya wenta lokubi emehlweni aSimakadze. Akazange aphendvuke etonweni taJerobowamu, umsa waNebati, labedvonsele ngato sive saka-Israyeli ekoneni. Lenye yetinceku takhe, Phekha, umsa waRemaliya, wamakhela luzungu. Wabutsa emadvodza langema-50 akaGileyadi, wenta Phekahiya silo sengubo. Phekha wabulala Phekahiya kanye nabo-Agobu na-Ariye; wababulalela enqabeni yesigodlo saseSamariya. Phekha wase uba yinkhosi. Leminye imininingwane ngekubusa kwaPhekahiya, nako konkhe lakwenta, kubhaliwe encwadzini yemilandvo yemakhosi aka-Israyeli. Ngemnyaka wema-52 wekubusa kwa-Uziya, inkhosi yakaJuda, Phekha, umsa waRemaliya, waba yinkhosi yaka-Israyeli. Wabusela eSamariya iminyaka lengema-20. Wenta lokubi emehlweni aSimakadze. Akazange aphendvuke etonweni taJerobowamu, umsa waNebati, labedvonsele ngato sive saka-Israyeli ekoneni. Ngesikhatsi saPhekha, inkhosi yaka-Israyeli, Thiglathi Phileseri, inkhosi yase Asiriya, yefika yatfumba i-Ijoni, ne-Abela Bhethi Makha, neJanowa, neKhedeshi kanye neHasori. Watfumba iGileyadi, neGalile, nalo lonkhe live lakaNaftali, bantfu wabatfumba wabayisa e-Asiriya. Hosheya, umsa wa-Ela, wakha luzungu ngaPhekha, umsa waRemaliya. Wambamba sigulukudvwana, wambulala, kwase kube nguye inkhosi ngemnyaka wema-20 wekubusa kwaJothamu, umsa wa-Uziya. Leminye imininingwane ngekubusa kwaPhekha, nako konkhe lakwenta, kubhaliwe encwadzini yemilandvo yemakhosi aka-Israyeli. Ngemnyaka wesibili wekubusa kwaPhekha, umsa waRemaliya, inkhosi yaka-Israyeli, Jothamu, umsa wa-Uziya, inkhosi yakaJuda, wacala kubusa. Abeneminyaka lengema-25 budzala ngesikhatsi acala kubusa. Wabusela eJerusalema iminyaka leli-16. Libito lenina bekunguJerusha, indvodzakati yaSadoki. Jothamu wenta lokuhle emehlweni aSimakadze, njengobe uyise Uziya abentile. Noko tindzawo letiphakeme tekukhontela tithico naye akazange atisuse, bantfu bachubeka nekunikelela kuto imihlatjelo, batfuncisa nemphepho khona. Jothamu wakha kabusha liSango lelingenhla lasethempelini laSimakadze. Leminye imininingwane ngekubusa kwaJothamu, nako konkhe lakwenta kubhaliwe encwadzini yemilandvo yemakhosi akaJuda. Ngalawo malanga Simakadze wacala kuvusa Resini, inkhosi yemaSiriya, naPhekha, umsa waRemaliya, kutsi bahlasele lakaJuda. Jothamu wase uyakhotsama, wafihlwa kuboyisemkhulu eDolobheni laDavide, lidolobha labokhokho bakhe. Ahazi, umsa wakhe, waba yinkhosi esikhundleni sakhe. Ngemnyaka weli-17 wekubusa kwaPhekha, umsa waRemaliya, Ahazi, umsa waJothamu, inkhosi yakaJuda, wacala kubusa. Ahazi abeneminyaka lengema-20 budzala, nakabekwa kuba yinkhosi. Wabusela eJerusalema iminyaka leli-16. Akazange ahambe etinyatselweni teyise Davide, wenta lokubi emehlweni aSimakadze Nkulunkulu wakhe. Wahamba etinyatselweni temakhosi aka-Israyeli, yena-ke wadzimate wanikela nangendvodzana yakhe kutsi ishiswe ngemlilo; alandzela imikhuba lesinengiso yaletive takhona Simakadze labeticoshe ngesikhatsi nakufika ema-Israyeli. Wanikela nangemihlatjelo, watfuncisa imphepho etindzaweni letiphakeme, nasetulu eticongweni temagcuma, nangephansi kwetihlahla letikhulu letendlala emagala ato. Kwase kusuka boResini, inkhosi yaseSiriya, naPhekha, umsa waRemaliya, inkhosi yaka-Israyeli, bashulungana bayawuhlasela iJerusalema, bavimbetela Ahazi, kodvwa bangete bamkhona. Ngaleso sikhatsi Resini, inkhosi yaseSiriya, yabuyisela i-Elathi eSiriya ngekudvungulula onkhe emadvodza akaJuda. Ema-Edomu ase ayawungena e-Elathi ayakwakha khona, ahlala lapho kuze kube ngulamuhla loku. Ahazi watfumela tigijimi kuyawutjela Thiglathi Phileseri, inkhosi yase-Asiriya, watsi: “Ngiyinceku lesisebenti sakho. Khuphuka utengephula etandleni tenkhosi yaseSiriya nasenkhosini yaka-Israyeli, naba bangihlasela.” Ahazi watsatsa isiliva negolide leyayingatfolakala ethempelini laSimakadze nasendlini yengcebo yasesigodlweni senkhosi, wakutfumela njengesipho enkhosini yase-Asiriya. Thiglathi Phileseri, inkhosi yase-Asiriya, wasemukela sicelo sa-Ahazi, washuca nemphi yakhe wayawuhlasela iDamaseko, wayitfumba, wabulala Resini, wase utfumba labantfu bakhe wabayisa eKhiri. Inkhosi Ahazi yase iya eDamaseko yayawuhlangana naThiglathi Phileseri, inkhosi yase-Asiriya. Wafike wabona lilati eDamaseko, wase utfumela umfanekiso walo ku-Uriya, umphristi, kanye nayo yonkhe imininingwane yekwakhiwa kwalo. Ngako Uriya, umphristi, wase wakha lilati ngekulandzela yonkhe ipulani leyayitfunyelwe yinkhosi Ahazi iseseDamaseko; walakha walicedza, inkhosi Ahazi isengakabuyi. Inkhosi yatsi nayifika ibuya eDamaseko, yalibona lelilati, yasondzela yayakwetfula iminikelo kulo. Wanikela ngemnikelo wakhe wekushiswa, nangewalokutinhlavu, watfululela nemnikelo wakhe wesinatfo, wanyenyeta nangengati yemnikelo wakhe webudlelwane etikwelilati. Lilati lelitfusi lelalime embikwaSimakadze walisusa ekungeneni kwelithempeli emkhatsini welilati lelisha nendlu yaSimakadze, waliletsa ngasenyakatfo yelilati lelisha. Inkhosi Ahazi yase iyala umphristi Uriya, yatsi: “Kulelilati lelikhulu lelisha, ubonikela ngemnikelo wasekuseni wekushiswa kanye nangemnikelo wasentsambama walokutinhlavu, nangemnikelo wenkhosi wekushiswa, nangemnikelo wayo walokutinhlavu, nangemnikelo wekushiswa wesive sonkhe, nangemnikelo waso walokutinhlavu, nangemnikelo waso wesinatfo. Ubonyenyeta etikwelilati yonkhe ingati yemnikelo wekushiswa neyemihlatjelo. Kodvwa mine ngitawusebentisa lelilati lelitfusi, nangifuna teluleko.” Umphristi Uriya wenta njengobe inkhosi Ahazi imyalile. Inkhosi Ahazi yatsatsa lamaphanela latikwele lasemaceleni kuletincodlana letindondiswako, yesusa nalemigezelo kuto. Yesusa nalelibhavu kuletinkunzi telitfusi letatilisimisile, yalibeka etikwesisekelo sematje. Yatsatsa nalendvundvuma leyayakhiwe ethempelini, yesusa naletitebhisi tekungena inkhosi letatingephandle ethempelini laSimakadze, yentela kutincengela enkhosini yase-Asiriya. Leminye imininingwane ngekubusa kwa-Ahazi, nako konkhe lakwenta, kubhaliwe encwadzini yemilandvo yemakhosi akaJuda. Ahazi wase uyakhotsama, wafihlwa kuboyisemkhulu eDolobheni laDavide. Hezekiya, umsa wakhe, waba yinkhosi esikhundleni sakhe. Ngemnyaka weli-12 wekubusa kwa-Ahazi, inkhosi yakaJuda, ka-Israyeli kwabekwa Hosheya, umsa wa-Ela, waba yinkhosi. Wabusela eSamariya iminyaka leyimfica. Wenta lokubi emehlweni aSimakadze, kodvwa hhayi njengalawa lamanye emakhosi aka-Israyeli labewalandzela. Shalmaneseri, inkhosi yase-Asiriya, wakhuphuka watawuhlasela Hosheya, labengumuntfu longaphansi kwakhe, atsela kuye umtselo. Kodvwa inkhosi yase-Asiriya yase iyatfola kutsi Hosheya abelimbuka, ngobe abetfumele emancusa eSayisi kuyo inkhosi yaseGibhithe, wangabe asatsela kulenkhosi yase-Asiriya, njengobe bekenta iminyaka ngeminyaka. Ngako-ke Shalmaneseri wambamba, wamvalela ejele. Inkhosi yase-Asiriya yahlasela lonkhe live, yavimbetela iSamariya, kwaze kwaba ngiminyaka lemitsatfu. Kwatsi ngemnyaka wemfica wekubusa kwaHosheya, inkhosi yase-Asiriya yatfumba iSamariya, yase itfumba baka-Israyeli yabayisa e-Asiriya. Yabeka labanye eHala, labanye eGozani ngasemfuleni iHabori, nalabanye emadolobheni emaMede. Konkhe loku kwenteka ngobe baka-Israyeli bona kuSimakadze Nkulunkulu wabo, labekabakhiphe eGibhithe, ngaphansi kwemandla aFaro, inkhosi yaseGibhithe. Besuka bakhonta labanye bonkulunkulu, balandzela imikhuba yaleto tive Simakadze labetidvungulule nabefikako, benta nemikhuba lemisha leyayentiwa ngemakhosi aka-Israyeli. Baka-Israyeli benta tintfo ngasense letatiphambene naSimakadze Nkulunkulu wabo, letatingakalungi. Kusukela etimbonisweni kuye emadolobheni labiyelwe, batakhela tindzawo letiphakeme tekukhontela tithico kuwo onkhe emadolobha abo. Batimisela tithicomatje netinsika ta-Ashera kuto tonkhe tintsaba letiphakeme, nangaphansi kwato tonkhe tihlahla letikhulu letendlele emagala ato. Kuto tonkhe letindzawo letiphakeme, babetfuncisa imphepho njengaletive Simakadze latidvungulula ngesikhatsi ema-Israyeli efika. Benta tintfo letimbi letamcunula Simakadze waze watfukutsela. Bakhonta tithico, nome Simakadze abekadze ashito watsi: “Ningabokwenta loko.” Simakadze abebayalile baka-Israyeli nebakaJuda ngabo bonkhe baphrofethi nebaboniswa bakhe, watsi: “Phendvukani etindleleni tenu letimbi. Nakekelani imiyalo yami netimiso tami, mayelana nawo wonkhe umtsetfo lengayala ngawo boyihlomkhulu kutsi bawulalele, nalengawetfula kini ngetinceku tami baphrofethi.” Kodvwa abazange balalele, bacinisa tinhloko njengaboyise, labangazange betsembele kuSimakadze Nkulunkulu wabo. Batala timiso takhe nesivumelwane sakhe labesente naboyisemkhulu, kanye neteluleko labebeluleke ngato. Balandzela tithico letingenamsebenti walutfo, nabo bagcina sebangenamsebenti walutfo. Basuke balingisa letive letatakhelene nabo, kantsi Simakadze abebayalile watsi: “Ningabalingisi.” Benta kona kanye loko Simakadze labetsite bangabokwenta. Bayifulatsela yonkhe imiyalo yaSimakadze Nkulunkulu wabo, batakhela tabo tithico letimbili letimise kwematfole, batakhela nensika ya-Ashera. Bakhotsama tinkhanyeti, bakhonta sithico saBhali. Benta imihlatjelo ngemadvodzana nangemadvodzakati abo bawashisa ngemlilo. Baphengula, babhula, batitsengisa ekwenteni bubi emehlweni aSimakadze, bamcunula. Simakadze wase uyabatfukutselela baka-Israyeli, wabesusa ebukhoneni bakhe, kwasala kuphela sive sakaJuda; naso sive sakaJuda asizange siwugcine umyalo waSimakadze Nkulunkulu waso. Salandzela imikhuba lemibi leyase ifakwe baka-Israyeli. Ngako-ke Simakadze wase uyatala tonkhe tive tema-Israyeli, watihlupha, watinikela etandleni tebatfumbi bato, waze waticosha ebukhoneni bakhe. Kwatsi ngesikhatsi adzabula baka-Israyeli emndenini wakaDavide, besuka babeka Jerobowamu, umsa waNebati, kutsi abe yinkhosi yabo. Jerobowamu wasihuha sive saka-Israyeli, wasiphambukisa ekulandzeleni Simakadze, wasentisa sono lesikhulu. Baka-Israyeli baphikelela njalo kuto tonkhe tono taJerobowamu, bangete baphendvuka kuto, waze wabesusa Simakadze ebukhoneni bakhe, njengobe abevele abecwayisile ngato tonkhe tinceku takhe baphrofethi. Ngako-ke bantfu baka-Israyeli batsatfwa emitini yabo naseveni labo, bayiswa ekutfunjweni e-Asiriya; basesekhona lapho nalamhlanje. Inkhosi yase-Asiriya yaletsa bantfu baseBhabhulona nebaseKutha, nebase-Ava, nebaseHamathi, nebaseSefavayimu, yabahlalisa emadolobheni aseSamariya, esikhundleni sema-Israyeli. Bayitsatsa-ke iSamariya, bahlala emadolobheni ayo. Ngesikhatsi basandza kufika khona, abazange bamkhonte Simakadze, ngako Simakadze wabatfumelela ngemabhubesi, afike adla labanye babo. Loko kwabikwa enkhosini yase-Asiriya, kwatsiwa: “Labantfu lowabatfumba wayakubahlalisa emadolobheni aseSamariya abamati nkulunkulu wakhona kutsi ufunani. Sewutfumele emabhubesi emkhatsini wabo, ayababhobabhoba nje nyalo, ngobe labantfu abakwati lakufunako kubo.” Ngako inkhosi yase-Asiriya yase ikhipha umyalo, yatsi: “Khiphani munye walabo baphristi lenabatfumba eSamariya abuyele emuva ayewuhlala nabo, abafundzise labantfu kutsi nkulunkulu wakhona ukhontwa njani.” Ngako-ke lomunye webaphristi lababetfunjwe eSamariya waya wayawuhlala eBetheli, wabafundzisa kutsi ukhontwa njani Simakadze. Noko, nguleso sive satentela taso tithico kulawo madolobha letatihleti kuwo, satimisa etindzaweni letatihlonishwa letatakhiwe ngulabantfu baseSamariya etindzaweni letiphakeme. Emadvodza aseBhabhulona atakhela Sukhothi Bhenothi, aseKutha atakhela Negali, aseHamathi atakhela Ashima, ase-Ava amisa boNibhazi naThataki, tithico tawo. EmaSefavayimu wona abeshisa bantfwabawo emlilweni njengemhlatjelo ku-Adrameleki naku-Anameleki, bonkulunkulu bakubo eSefavayimu. Babekhonta naSimakadze, kodvwa babetimisela yonkhe inhlobo yebantfu bakubo kutsi bakhonte njengebaphristi kuletithico tabo etindzaweni letiphakeme. Babechubeka bona bamkhonte Simakadze, kodvwa babechubeka bakhonte naletithico tabo njengekwemasiko etive takubo lapho babesuswe khona. Kuze-ke kube ngulamuhla loku basaphikelele nekwenta imikhuba yabo yakadzeni. Abamkhonti Simakadze, futsi abayilandzeli imiyalo netimiso, nemitsetfo, neteluleko Simakadze lakunika titukulwane taJakobe, lametsa libito watsi ngu-Israyeli. Mzukwana Simakadze enta sivumelwane nema-Israyeli, wabayala watsi: “Ningabakhonti labanye bonkulunkulu, futsi ningabakhotsameli, nibasebentele nome nibahlabele imihlatjelo. Kodvwa Simakadze lowanikhipha eGibhithe ngemandla lamakhulu, nangengalo leyelulekile, nguye yedvwa lekufanele nimkhonte. Niyawukhotsama kuye, ninikele kuye ngemihlatjelo. Nifanele nicaphele njalo kugcina imiyalo netimiso takhe, imitsetfo neteluleko takhe lanibhalela tona. Ningabakhonti labanye bonkulunkulu. Ningasikhohlwa sivumelwane lengisente nani, futsi ningabakhonti labanye bonkulunkulu, kodvwa niyawukhonta Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu. Nguye loyakunikhulula esandleni sato tonkhe titsa tenu.” Noko abazange balalele, kodvwa baphikelela ekwenteni imikhuba yabo yakadzeni. Nangesikhatsi labantfu sebakhonta Simakadze, kodvwa babesachubeka nekukhonta tithico tabo. Kuze kube ngulamuhla loku, bantfwababo, nebantfwana bebantfwababo basachubeka nekwenta njengaboyisemkhulu. Ngemnyaka wesitsatfu waHosheya, umsa wa-Ela, inkhosi yaka-Israyeli, Hezekiya, umsa wa-Ahazi, inkhosi yakaJuda, wacala kubusa. Abeneminyaka lengema-25 budzala, nakabekwa kuba yinkhosi. Wabusela eJerusalema iminyaka lengema-29. Libito lenina bekungu-Abiya, indvodzakati yaZakhariya. Hezekiya wenta lokuhle emehlweni aSimakadze, wenta njengobe kwakwenta uyisemkhulu Davide. Wadzilita tindzawo letiphakeme tekukhontela tithico, wabhidlita tithicomatje, wagawula tinsika tabo-Ashera, waphahlata inyoka yelitfusi leyayakhiwe nguMosi, ngobe kwaze kwaba ngungaleso sikhatsi solomane ema-Israyeli atfuncisa imphepho kuyo, kwakutsiwa nguNehushtani libito layo. Hezekiya wametsemba Simakadze Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli. Kute nayinye inkhosi leyaba njengaye kuwo onkhe emakhosi akaJuda, langembili kwakhe nalangasemva kwakhe. Hezekiya wabambelela kuSimakadze, akazange ayekele kumlandzela, wayigcina yonkhe imitsetfo yaSimakadze labeyinike Mosi. Simakadze waba naye, wamphumelelisa kuko konkhe labekwenta. Wayivukela inkhosi yase-Asiriya wangete wayihlehlela. Wahlasela, wehlula emaFilisti kusukela etimbonisweni kuye emadolobheni latinqaba, waze wefika eGaza nasesifundzeni sayo. Kwatsi ngemnyaka wesine wekubusa kwaHezekiya, lekwakungumnyaka wesikhombisa waHosheya, umsa wa-Ela, inkhosi yaka-Israyeli, wesuka Shalmaneseri, inkhosi yase-Asiriya, washuca wahlasela iSamariya wayivimbetela. Kwatsi emvakweminyaka lemitsatfu ema-Asiriya ayitfumba. Ngako iSamariya yatfunjwa ngemnyaka wesitfupha waHezekiya lekwakungumnyaka wemfica waHosheya, inkhosi yaka-Israyeli. Inkhosi yase-Asiriya yatfumba baka-Israyeli yabayisa e-Asiriya, labanye yafike yababeka eHala, labanye eGozani ngasemfuleni iHabori, nalabanye emadolobheni emaMede. Loku kwenteka, ngobe babengakamlaleli Simakadze Nkulunkulu wabo, kodvwa basephula sivumelwane sakhe, konkhe loko Mosi, inceku yaSimakadze, labebayale ngako. Abazange balalele imiyalo yakhe, futsi abahambanga nangayo. Ngemnyaka weli-14 wekubusa kwenkhosi Hezekiya, kwesuka Senaheribi, inkhosi yase-Asiriya, wahlasela onkhe emadolobha latinqaba akaJuda, wawatfumba. Ngako Hezekiya, inkhosi yakaJuda, wase utfumela umlayeto enkhosini yase-Asiriya, eLakhishi, watsi: “Ngonile. Ngicolele, ngitakunika konkhe lokufuna kimi.” Inkhosi yase-Asiriya yamgulula Hezekiya, inkhosi yakaJuda, ngekumkhokhisa emakhilogremu labengaba ti-10 000 etinhlavu tesiliva, kanye nemakhilogremu labengaba yinkhulungwane yetinhlavu tegolide. Ngako Hezekiya wayinika yonkhe isiliva leyatfolakala ethempelini laSimakadze kanye nasendlini yengcebo yasesigodlweni. Ngaleso sikhatsi Hezekiya, inkhosi yakaJuda, wahhibita yonkhe igolide labembese ngayo tivalo kanye netinsika tetivalo tasethempelini laSimakadze, wakunika inkhosi yase-Asiriya. Inkhosi yase-Asiriya yatfumela khenela wayo, nendvuna yemabutfo, nendvuna lenkhulu yemphi kanye nalelikhulu libutfo lemphi, lelesuka eLakhishi yaya enkhosini, Hezekiya, eJerusalema. Lemphi yefika eJerusalema yakanekisa emseleni wesitiba lesisenhla, emgwacweni loya eNsimini yeMgezi Wetingubo. Befika lapho babita inkhosi, kwaphuma bo-Eliyakimu, umsa waHilkiya, indvuna yesigodlo, naShebna labengumabhalane, naJowa, umsa wa-Asafa, umbhalisi, baya kubo. Indvuna lenkhulu yemphi yafike yakhuluma kubo, yatsi: “Tjelani Hezekiya, nitsi: ‘Naku lokushiwo yinkhosi lenkhulu, inkhosi yase-Asiriya, itsi: Ulibeke kubani litsemba lakho? Utsi unemasu nemabutfo emphi lanemandla, kodvwa ukhuluma lite nje. Ngubani lona lowetsembele kuye kutsi ungaze uvukele mine? Buka la, nyalo wetsembele eGibhithe, kulolubhatu lwendvuku yemhlanga lolugwaza sandla semuntfu lumlimate, nakatsi ubambelela kulo! Unjalo-ke Faro, inkhosi yaseGibhithe, kubo bonkhe labetsembela kuye. Nangabe utsi kimi: “Setsembele kuSimakadze Nkulunkulu wetfu,” akusiye yini lona Hezekiya ladzilita tindzawo takhe letiphakeme tekukhontela nemalati akhe, atsi kubakaJuda nebaseJerusalema: “Kufanele nikhonte embikwanali lilati leliseJerusalema?” “ ‘Buya-ke nyalo, wente sivumelwane nemphatsi wami, inkhosi yase-Asiriya: Ngitakunika emahhashi lati-2 000, nawungaba nebantfu labangawagibela. Ungayeyisa yini yona yinye nje kuto tonkhe tindvuna letincane temphatsi wami, nome ngabe wetsembele eGibhithe ngetincola temphi kanye nebagibeli bemahhashi? Ngetulu kwaloko nje, kantsi lapha ngitele kutawuhlasela nekubhubhisa lendzawo ngaphandle kwaSimakadze yini? Simakadze nguye cobo lwakhe longitjele kutsi angishuce ngite kulelive ngitekulibhubhisa.’ ” Bo-Eliyakimu, umsa waHilkiya, naShebna, naJowa bakhuluma kulendvuna lenkhulu yemphi, batsi: “Sicela umane ukhulume ngesiSiriya etincekwini takho, ngobe ngulona lulwimi lesiluvako. Ungakhulumi natsi ngesiHebheru kuva bonkhe labantfu labalapha etulu elubondzeni.” Kodvwa lendvuna lenkhulu yemphi yabaphendvula yatsi: “Kantsi inkhosi yami beyingitfume kini nalenkhosi yenu nodvwa yini kutsi ngitewukhuluma lamagama? Beyingakangitfumi yini nakubo labantfu labalapha etulu elubondzeni, nabo labanjengani, labatawudla emangcoliso abo, baphindze banatse nemichamo yabo?” Lendvuna lenkhulu yemphi yase iyasukuma yamemeta ngesiHebheru, yatsi: “Lalelani emavi enkhosi lenkhulu, inkhosi yase-Asiriya! Naku lokushiwo yinkhosi, itsi: ‘Ningacali niyengwe nguHezekiya. Ngeke anisindzise esandleni sami. Ningavumi kutsi Hezekiya aniyenge netsembele kuSimakadze, nakatsi: “Simakadze utasephula ngempela, lelidolobha lingeke linikelwe esandleni senkhosi yase-Asiriya.” ’ “Inkhosi yase-Asiriya itsi: ‘Ningamlaleli Hezekiya, yentani sivumelwane nami, niphume nite kimi, nguleyo naleyo ndvodza-ke iyawube seyitidlela kahle esivinini sayo, nasemkhiwaneni wayo, inatse nemanti laphuma emtfonjeni wayo, ngize ngifike nginitsatse nginimikise eveni lelifanana nelenu, live lelinalokutinhlavu, nalelineliwayini lelisha, live lesinkhwa neletivini, live letihlahla temincumo neluju lwetinyosi: Khetsani kuphila kunekufa.’ “Ningamlaleli Hezekiya, ngobe uyanedukisa nakatsi: ‘Simakadze utasikhulula.’ Ukhona yini nkulunkulu wanome ngusiphi sive lowake wakhulula live lakhe esandleni senkhosi yase-Asiriya? Baphi bonkulunkulu baseHamathi ne-Aphadi? Baphi bonkulunkulu baseSefavayimu, neHena, nebase-Ava? Bayisindzisile yini iSamariya esandleni sami? Ngumuphi kubo bonkhe labonkulunkulu balamave lowake wakhona kusindzisa live lakhe esandleni sami? Simakadze-ke yena angayisindzisa kanjani iJerusalema esandleni sami?” Kodvwa labantfu babindza nje batsi gudvu, bangete basho lutfo, ngobe inkhosi yayibadvonse ngendlebe, yatsi: “Ningacali nimphendvule.” Bo-Eliyakimu, umsa waHilkiya, labeyindvuna yesigodlo, naShebna labengumabhalane, kanye naJowa, umsa wa-Asafa, labengulobhalisako, bahamba bayawubikela Hezekiya, sebadzabule tingubo tabo, bafike bamtjela konkhe lokwakushiwo yindvuna lenkhulu yemphi yase-Asiriya. Hezekiya, inkhosi, watsi kube akuve loko, wadzabula tingubo takhe wembatsa emasaka, wahamba wangena ethempelini laSimakadze. Watfumela bo-Eliyakimu, indvuna yasesigodlweni, naShebna, labengumabhalane, kanye nebaholi bebaphristi, bonkhe bagcoke emasaka baya kumphrofethi Isaya, umsa wa-Amose. Bamtjela batsi: “Naku lokushiwo nguHezekiya, utsi: ‘Lelilanga lalamuhla lilanga lenjabhiso, nekutsetsiswa nelihlazo, njenganakufika tikhatsi tekubelekwa kwebantfwana kube kute emandla ekubabeleka. Kungenteka kube Simakadze Nkulunkulu wakho utaweva onkhe emavi endvuna lenkhulu yemphi, letfunywe ngumphatsi wayo, inkhosi yase-Asiriya, kutsi itewuhlazisa Nkulunkulu lophilako, nekutsi yena utayitsetsisela emavi Simakadze Nkulunkulu wakho lawevile. Ngako-ke thandazela lensali lesolomane isasele.’ ” Tatsi letindvuna takaHezekiya natifika ku-Isaya, Isaya wakhuluma kuto, watsi: “Tjelani inkhosi yenu nitsi: ‘Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: Ningesatjiswa nguloko lenikuvile, lawo mavi ledzelelako etinceku tenkhosi yase-Asiriya letingihlambalate ngawo. Lalelani! Ngitawufaka kuye umoya lotamenta kutsi atsi nakeva umbiko lotsite, ancandzeke abuyele eveni lakhe, ngulapho-ke ngiyawumenta afele khona ngenkemba.’ ” Lendvuna lenkhulu yemphi yatsi kube ive kutsi inkhosi yase-Asiriya ayisekho eLakhishi, yase iyancandzeka nayo, yakhandza inkhosi ibambene etulu neLibna. Senaheribi watfola umbiko wekutsi Thihakha, inkhosi yaseKushe, nayo iyashuca itewuhlasela yena. Ngako waphindze watfumela tigijimi kuHezekiya nelivi lelitsi: “Tjelani Hezekiya, inkhosi yakaJuda, nitsi: ‘Ungayengwa ngulonkulunkulu wakho lometsembako nakatsi: “IJerusalema ngeke inikelwe etandleni tenkhosi yase-Asiriya.” Angitsi sewuvile kutsi entani emakhosi ase-Asiriya kuwo onkhe lamanye emave, acotfule imbokodvo nesisekelo kuwo. Wena-ke ungaphepha kanjani? Labonkulunkulu betive letabhujiswa bobabemkhulu, batikhulula yini letive tabo, bonkulunkulu baseGozani, nebaseHarani, nebaseResefu kanye nebebantfu base-Edeni lababeseThelasari? Iphi inkhosi yaseHamathi, nenkhosi yase-Aphadi, nenkhosi yelidolobha laseSefavayimu, neyaseHena, neyase-Ava?’ ” Hezekiya watsatsa lencwadzi kuletigijimi wayifundza, wase ukhuphukela nayo ethempelini laSimakadze, wafike wayendlala embikwaSimakadze. Hezekiya wase uyathandaza kuSimakadze, watsi: “Awu, Simakadze, Nkulunkulu wesive sema-Israyeli, wena lohleli emkhatsini wemakherubhi, wena wedvwa unguNkulunkulu etikwayo yonkhe imibuso yemhlaba. Wena wadala lizulu nemhlaba. Vula indlebe yakho! Awu, Simakadze, vani; uvule emehlo akho, Simakadze, ubone; lalela emavi latfunyelwe nguSenaheribi ekwetfuka wena, Nkulunkulu lophilako. “Kuliciniso kona, Simakadze, kutsi emakhosi ase-Asiriya atibhubhisile letive kanye nemave ato. Bajikijele bonkulunkulu bato emlilweni, bababhubhisa, ngobe bebangesibo bonkulunkulu sibili, bekutigodvo nje nematje labatwe tandla tebantfu. Manje-ke, Simakadze Nkulunkulu wetfu, sephule esandleni sakhe, kuze yonkhe imibuso yemhlaba yati kutsi wena wedvwa, Simakadze, unguNkulunkulu.” Isaya, umsa wa-Amose, wase utfumela livi kuHezekiya, atsi: “Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, utsi: ‘Ngiwuvile umkhuleko wakho macondzana naSenaheribi, inkhosi yase-Asiriya.’ Nali-ke livi lelikhulunywe nguSimakadze lelimelene naye, litsi: “ ‘Indvodzakati yaseSiyoni iyakwedzelela, ikubukela phansi. Indvodzakati yaseJerusalema igencetisa inhloko yayo, nawubaleka. Ngubani lona lometfukile wamhlambalata? Ngubani lona bewumbhodlela umetfwalela emehlo? NguLongcwele waka-Israyeli! Ngetigijimi takho umpongise tindvundvuma tetinhlamba kuSimakadze, futsi watsi: “Ngetincola tami temphi letinyenti ngigibele ticongo tetintsaba, ticongo letiphakeme kakhulu taseLebanoni. Ngijube imisedari yakhona lemidze kakhulu, kanye netipheshula telikhetselo. Ngifinyelele kuletikhashane tindzawo takhona, emahlatsi akhona elikhetselo. Ngimbe imitfombo emaveni etive, nganatsa nemanti ayo khona lapho. Ngetitsendze tetinyawo tami ngomise yonkhe imifula yaseGibhithe.” “ ‘Awuzange uve yini? Ngakumisa kadzeni. Ngakuhlela ngemalanga asendvulo, manje sesikhatsi sekutsi kwenteke, kutsi ugucule emadolobha latinqaba, uwente tindvundvuma tematje. Bantfu bawo baphelelwe ngemandla, badzangele, batselwa ngelihlazo. Bafanana netihlahla tesiganga, banjengemidvumba leluhlata yemahlumela, emahlumela etjani lobusungula etikwetindlu, base bubhadliswa lilanga busamila. “ ‘Kodvwa ngiyati kutsi uhlalaphi, ngikwati nawungena nome uphuma, nekutsi ungibhodlela kanjani. Njengobe uyangibhodlela, nekungicoloshela kwakho sekufikile etindlebeni tami, ngitawufaka umkhala wami ekhaleni lakho nelitomu lami emlonyeni wakho. Ngiyawukuncandzekisa ngaleyo ndlela lote ngayo.’ “Loku-ke kuyawuba sibonakaliso kuwe, Hezekiya: “Kulomnyaka uyawudla loko lokutimilele, ngemnyaka wesibili udle emahlumela ako. Kodvwa ngemnyaka wesitsatfu uyawuhlanyela uvune. Uyawuhlanyela tivini ubuye udle emagelebisi ato. Insali yendlu yakaJuda iyawuphindza futsi ifake timphandze tayo phansi, ngetulu itsele titselo tayo. Ngobe eJerusalema kuyawuvela insali. ESiyoni kuyawuvela libutfo lalabasindze ekufeni. Kushisekela kwaSimakadze longuSomandla kuyawukuphelelisa loko. “Ngako-ke naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze macondzana nenkhosi yase-Asiriya: “Ngeke ingene kulelidolobha nome icibishele imicibisholo kulo. Ngeke ime embikwalo ngelihawu, futsi ngeke yente lutfo lwekulivimbetela. Iyawuncandzeka ngaleyo ndlela lete ngayo. Ngeke ingene kulelidolobha,” kusho Simakadze. “Ngitalivikela lelidolobha ngilisindzise, ngenca yami nangenca yenceku yami Davide.” Ngalobo busuku ingilosi yaSimakadze yaphuma yabhubhisa emadvodza lati-185 000, labesenkambu yema-Asiriya. Batsi bantfu nabavuka ekuseni ngakusasa, bakhangwa lucaca lwetidvumbu! Ngako Senaheribi, inkhosi yase-Asiriya, wadzilita inkambu yakhe, wahamba wabuyela eNineve, wayawuhlala khona. Kwatsi ngalelinye lilanga aselibele kukhonta ethempelini lankulunkulu wakhe, Nisroki, kwesuka emadvodzana akhe, bo-Adrameleki naShareseri, bamjuba ngenkemba, besuka lapho babalekela eveni lase-Ararathi. Esahadoni, umsa wakhe, waba yinkhosi yase-Asiriya esikhundleni sakhe. Kulawo malanga Hezekiya wagula wabangwa netibi. Umphrofethi, Isaya, umsa wa-Amose, waya kuye, wafike watsi: “Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: Sale ulungisa kahle tonkhe tintfo tasemndenini wakakho, ngobe sewutakufa, ngeke usindze.” Hezekiya wagucuka wabheka ngaselubondzeni, wathandaza kuSimakadze watsi: “Awu, Simakadze, khumbula kutsi bengihamba ngekwetsembeka lokunjani embikwakho, nekutsi bengitinikele kangakanani embikwakho, ngayo yonkhe inhlitiyo yami, ngenta lokuhle emehlweni akho.” Hezekiya wakhala kabuhlungu. Kwatsi nje Isaya asengakaphumi nasemabaleni, livi laSimakadze lefika kuye, latsi: “Ncandzeka uyewutjela Hezekiya, umholi wesive sami, utsi: ‘Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, Nkulunkulu weyihlomkhulu, Davide, utsi: Ngiwuvile umthandazo wakho, ngatibona netinyembeti takho; ngitakuphilisa. Ngelilanga lesitsatfu kusukela lamuhla utawukhuphukela ethempelini laSimakadze. Ngitakwengetela iminyaka leli-15 ebudzeni bemphilo yakho. Ngitawukhulula wena kanye nalelidolobha esandleni senkhosi yase-Asiriya. Ngitalivikela lelidolobha ngenca yami nangenca yenceku yami Davide.’ ” Isaya wase utsi: “Futfumetani sitfobo semakhiwa.” Basilungisa, bamtfoba ngaso kulamatfumba, wase uyaphila. Hezekiya abebute ku-Isaya watsi: “Sitawuba yini sibonakaliso sekutsi Simakadze utangiphilisa, nekutsi ngitawukhuphukela ethempelini laSimakadze ngelilanga lesitsatfu kusukela nyalo?” Isaya waphendvula watsi: “Nasi sibonakaliso saSimakadze kuwe, sekutsi Simakadze utakwenta loko lakwetsembisile: Sitfunti sitawuya embili tinyatselo letilishumi yini nome sitawuya emuva tinyatselo letilishumi etitebhisini tesikhatsi?” Hezekiya watsi: “Kuyintfo lelula kutsi sitfunti siye embili tinyatselo letilishumi. Lokungenani sitfunti singamane sibuyele emuva tinyatselo letilishumi kuleto titebhisi.” Umphrofethi Isaya wabita Simakadze, Simakadze wase ubuyisela sitfunti emuva tinyatselo letilishumi lesase sitehlile etitebhisini tetikhatsi letatakhiwe ngu-Ahazi. Ngaleso sikhatsi Merodaki Baladani, umsa waBaladani, inkhosi yaseBhabhulona, watfumelela Hezekiya tincwadzi nesipho, njengobe abebikelwe ngekugula kwaHezekiya. Hezekiya watemukela ngekujabula letitfunywa, watikhombisa konkhe lokwakusetindlini takhe tengcebo, lekwakuyisiliva, negolide, netinongo tekudla, nemafutsa lamahle, netikhali takhe tekulwa kanye nato tonkhe tintfo letatikhona endlini yakhe yengcebo: Kwakute lutfo esigodlweni sakhe nasembusweni wakhe wonkhe langazange Hezekiya atikhombise kona. Isaya, umphrofethi, wase uya kuHezekiya, inkhosi, wambuta watsi: “Atsiteni lamadvodza, kona abebuyaphi?” Hezekiya waphendvula watsi: “Abebuya eveni lelikhashane kakhulu, eBhabhulona.” Lomphrofethi wabuta watsi: “Baboneni lapha esigodlweni sakho?” Hezekiya watsi: “Babone konkhe lapha esigodlweni sami. Kute nakunye engcebeni yami lengingakabakhombisi kona.” Isaya wase utsi kuHezekiya: “Vani livi laSimakadze: ‘Sikhatsi sitawufika ngempela, lapho konkhe lokusesigodlweni sakho, nako konkhe loko lokwalondvolotwa boyihlomkhulu kusukela kadzenidzeni kuze kube ngulamuhla, kutakwetfwalwa kuyiswe eBhabhulona. Kute nakunye lokuyawusala, kusho Simakadze. Labanye betitukulwane takho, labayingati yakho nenyama yakho, lewuyawutalelwa bona, bayawutfunjwa bayekwentiwa batsenwa basesigodlweni senkhosi yaseBhabhulona.’ ” Hezekiya waphendvula watsi: “Lelivi laSimakadze lose ulikhulumile lilungile ngempela.” Hezekiya abecabanga kutsi loko kwakusho kutsi kusetakuba nekuthula kanye nekuvikeleka ngaso sonkhe sikhatsi sekuphila kwakhe. Leminye imininingwane ngekubusa kwaHezekiya, nako konkhe kuphumelela kwakhe, nekutsi walakha njani lichibi nemsele labeletsa ngawo emanti ekhatsi edolobheni, kubhaliwe encwadzini yemilandvo yemakhosi akaJuda. Hezekiya wase uyakhotsama. Manase, umsa wakhe, waba yinkhosi esikhundleni sakhe. Manase abeneminyaka leli-12 budzala, nakabekwa kuba yinkhosi. Wabusela eJerusalema iminyaka lengema-55. Libito lenina bekunguHefsiba. Manase wenta lokubi emehlweni aSimakadze, alandzela leto tintfo letatisinengiso letatentiwa nguleto tive Simakadze latidvungulula ngesikhatsi nakufika sive sema-Israyeli. Wavusa kabusha tindzawo letiphakeme tekukhontela tithico, letatibhidlitwe nguyise Hezekiya. Waphindze wakha emalati aBhali, wakha nensika ya-Ashera, njengobe na-Ahabi, inkhosi yaka-Israyeli, abentile. Wakhotsama wakhonta tonkhe tinkhanyeti tesibhakabhaka. Wakha emalati ekhatsi ethempelini laSimakadze, Simakadze labekhulume ngalo watsi: “Libito lami ngiyakulibeka eJerusalema.” Kuto totimbili tibuya telithempeli laSimakadze wakha emalati ekukhonta tinkhanyeti. Wanikela ngendvodzana yakhe kutsi ishiswe ngemlilo, wangenela bungoma nemilingo, wabuye watihlanganisa nalabanemadloti kanye nalabaphengulako. Wenta lokubi kakhulu emehlweni aSimakadze, wamtfukutselisa. Watsatsa insika ya-Ashera labeyentile wayibeka ethempelini, lelo Simakadze labekhulume ngalo kuDavide nakuSolomoni, umsa wakhe, watsi: “Kulelithempeli naseJerusalema lengiyikhetse emkhatsini wato tonkhe tive tema-Israyeli, ngitawubeka Libito lami kuyo phakadze naphakadze. Ngingeke ngiphindze ngente tinyawo tema-Israyeli tibe solomane tizulazula tisuke kulelive lengalipha bokhokho bawo, kuphela nje nangabe bangacaphela kutsi bente konkhe loko lengabayala ngako kutsi bakwente nekutsi bagcine wonkhe umtsetfo lengawunika Mosi, inceku yami.” Kodvwa bantfu abazange balalele. Manase wabedukisa, ngako benta lokubi kakhulu kwendlula letive letabhujiswa nguSimakadze, ngesikhatsi nakufika ema-Israyeli. Simakadze wakhuluma ngetinceku takhe, baphrofethi, watsi: “Manase, inkhosi yakaJuda, wente letono letisinengiso. Wente lokubi kakhulu kwendlula ema-Amori labekhona ngaphambi kwakhe, sewuze wahola bakaJuda wayawubafaka esonweni sekukhonta tithico. Ngako-ke naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, utsi: ‘Ngitakwehlisela inhlekelele eJerusalema nakaJuda, kangangekutsi tindlebe talowo loyawuva ngayo tiyawuncencetsa. IJerusalema ngiyayijezisa njengeSamariya nanjengobe ngajezisa Ahabi, inkhosi yaka-Israyeli. Ngitabashanyela bonkhe bantfu baseJerusalema, sincane sendishi lekususwe kuyo konkhe bekungekhatsi, yase ibhekiswa phansi. Insali yelifa lami ngitayifulatsela, ngiyetfule etitseni tayo. Insali itawuphangwa ichwagwe ngito tonkhe titsa tayo, ngobe yente lokubi emehlweni ami yangitfukutselisa, ngatfukutsela kusukela mhlazana bokhokho bayo baphuma eGibhithe kuze kube ngulamuhla.’ ” Ngetulu kwaloko, Manase wacitsa kakhulu ingati yalabangenacala, kangangekutsi titaladi taseJerusalema tatigeleta ingati kusukela ekucaleni kuze kuyewuphuma ekugcineni. Loko wakwengetela ekwenteni sive sakaJuda kutsi sikhonte tithico, wasenta sona kuSimakadze. Leminye imininingwane ngekubusa kwaManase, nako konkhe lakwenta, netono latenta, kubhaliwe encwadzini yemilandvo yemakhosi akaJuda. Manase wase uyakhotsama, wafihlwa ensimini yesigodlo lekwakutsiwa yinsimi ya-Uza. Amoni, umsa wakhe, waba yinkhosi esikhundleni sakhe. Amoni abeneminyaka lengema-22 budzala, nakabekwa kuba yinkhosi. Wabusela eJerusalema iminyaka lemibili. Libito lenina bekunguMeshulemethi, indvodzakati yaHarusi, waseJotbha. Amoni wenta lokubi emehlweni aSimakadze, walingisa uyise Manase. Wahamba kuto tonkhe tindlela teyise; wakhonta wakhotsamela letithico, njengobe kwenta uyise. Walahla Simakadze, Nkulunkulu waboyise, wangete wahamba endleleni yaSimakadze. Tiphatsimandla ta-Amoni, tamakhela luzungu tamenta silo sengubo tambulalela endlunkhulu yakhe. Kodvwa sonkhe sive salelo live sabulala bonkhe labo bebente luzungu lwekubulala Amoni, inkhosi. Sabeka Josaya, umsa wakhe, kutsi abe yinkhosi esikhundleni sakhe. Leminye imininingwane ngekubusa kwa-Amoni, nako konkhe lakwenta, kubhaliwe encwadzini yemilandvo yemakhosi akaJuda. Wafihlwa ethuneni lakhe, ensimini ya-Uza. Josaya, umsa wakhe, waba yinkhosi esikhundleni sakhe. Josaya abeneminyaka lesiphohlongo budzala, nakabekwa kuba yinkhosi. Wabusela eJerusalema iminyaka lengema-31. Libito lenina bekunguJedida, indvodzakati ya-Adaya, waseBhoskhathi. Josaya wenta lokuhle emehlweni aSimakadze, wahamba ngato tonkhe tindlela teyise Davide, akazange aphambukele ngesekudla nome ngesancele. Emnyakeni weli-18 ekubuseni kwakhe, inkhosi Josaya watfumela mabhalane Shafani, umsa wa-Asaliya, umsa waMeshulamu, kutsi aye ethempelini laSimakadze. Wakhuluma kuye watsi: “Hamba uye kuHilkiya, umPhristi Lomkhulu, umtjele alungise lemali beyiletfwa kuSimakadze ethempelini, lebeyitsatfwa ngulabomahlalesangweni kubantfu. Mtjele ayinike lamadvodza labekelwa kwengamela umsebenti welithempeli. Lamadvodza akakhokhele labo labavusetela lithempeli laSimakadze: babati, nebakhi, nebacoti bematje. Lokunye futsi kufanele batsenge tingodvo kanye nematje labatiwe ekuvusetela lelithempeli. Lamadvodza akukafaneli alandzise ngalemali lanikwe yona, ngobe asebenta ngekwetsembeka.” Hilkiya, umPhristi Lomkhulu, wakhuluma kumabhalane Shafani, watsi: “Ngiyitfolile incwadzi yemtsetfo ekhatsi ethempelini laSimakadze.” Wase uyinika Shafani, kutsi ayifundze. Shafani, mabhalane, waya enkhosini, wafike wabika watsi: “Tinceku takho setiyikhiphile lemali beyisethempelini laSimakadze, tivele tayibeka etandleni tetisebenti nebagcugcuteli.” Shafani, mabhalane, wayibikela inkhosi, watsi: “Hilkiya, umphristi, unginike incwadzi.” Shafani wase ufundzela inkhosi lencwadzi. Inkhosi yatsi kube iweve lamavi alencwadzi yemtsetfo, yeklebhula tembatfo tayo. Yase ikhuluma kuboHilkiya, umphristi, na-Ahikamu, umsa waShafani, na-Akbori, umsa waMikhaya, naShafani, labengumabhalane, kanye na-Asaya, inceku yenkhosi, yatsi: “Hambani niyekungibutela kuSimakadze mine kanye nebantfu kanye nesive sonkhe sakaJuda macondzana naloko lokubhalwe kulencwadzi leseyitfolakele. Yinkhulu kabi intfukutselo yaSimakadze lesivutselako; ngobe bobabe abazange bawalalele emavi alencwadzi. Abazange bakwente konkhe loku lokubhalwe kuyo macondzana natsi.” Hilkiya, umphristi, na-Ahikamu, na-Akbori, naShafani kanye na-Asaya bahamba bayawukhuluma naHulda, umphrofethikati, labengumkaShalumi, umsa waThikva, umsa waHahasi; Shalumi abengumphatsi wetembatfo tasethempelini. Lomphrofethikati abehlala eJerusalema eSifundzeni Sesibili. Wabatjela watsi: “Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, utsi: Tjelani lendvodza lenitfumele lapha kimi, nitsi: ‘Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: Ngitakwehlisela inhlekelele kulendzawo nakubantfu bayo, kuye njengobe kubhaliwe kulencwadzi lefundvwe yinkhosi yakaJuda. Njengobe bangikhohliwe mine, batfuncisa imphepho kulabanye bonkulunkulu, bangitfukutselisa ngato tonkhe letithico labatente ngetandla tabo, intfukutselo yami itawuvutsela lendzawo, futsi ingeke icisheke.’ Tjelani inkhosi yakaJuda lenitfumele kutsi nitekuyibutela kuSimakadze, kutsi: ‘Naku-ke lokushiwo nguSimakadze, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, macondzana nalamavi lowevile: Njengobe inhlitiyo yakho itsintsekile, wase uyatitfoba embikwaSimakadze, nawuva loko lengikukhulumile ngalendzawo kanye nangebantfu bayo, kutsi batawucalekiswa balahlwe njengetibi, nekutsi njengobe uklebhule tingubo takho, wakhala embikwami, sengikuvile, kusho Simakadze. Ngako-ke ngitakuyisa kuboyihlomkhulu, wena uyawufihlwa ngekuthula. Emehlo akho akayikuyibona yonkhe lenhlekelele lengitayehlisela kulendzawo.’ ” Ngako batsatsa lemphendvulo yakhe lomphrofethikati bayimikisa enkhosini. Josaya, inkhosi, wase ubita bonkhe baholi bakaJuda nebaseJerusalema. Wenyuka nabo waya ethempelini laSimakadze akanye nalamadvodza akaJuda, nebantfu bonkhe baseJerusalema, nebaphristi nebaphrofethi, ngisho nabo bonkhe bantfu kusukela kulomncane kuze kuyewufika kulomkhulu. Wabafundzela, baweva onkhe emavi encwadzi yesivumelwane, leyayitfolakele ethempelini laSimakadze. Inkhosi yema eceleni kwensika yavusetela sivumelwane embikwaSimakadze, yavuma kulandzela Simakadze nekugcina imiyalo yakhe, nemitsetfo yakhe kanye netimiso takhe ngayo yonkhe inhlitiyo yayo nangawo wonkhe umphefumulo wayo, ngaloko yacinisa kwemukela emavi esivumelwane labhalwe kulencwadzi. Bonkhe bantfu batifaka kuleso sivumelwane. Inkhosi yatjela Hilkiya, umPhristi Lomkhulu, nebaphristi labebangaphansi kwakhe kanye nabomahlalesangweni kutsi bakhiphe ethempelini laSimakadze konkhe lokwakwentelwe Bhali na-Ashera, nako konkhe lokwakwentelwe tonkhe tinkhulungwane tetinkhanyeti. Wakushisela ngaphandle kweJerusalema etikhotseni letigudla iKhidroni, wase utsatsa lomlotsa uwumikisa eBetheli. Wabacitsa bonkhe baphristi bebumnyama lababekhetfwe ngemakhosi akaJuda kutsi batfuncise imphepho etindzaweni letiphakeme takaJuda kanye nasemaphetselweni aseJerusalema, labo bebatfuncisa imphepho kuBhali, naselangeni, nasenyangeni, nakuto tonkhe tinkhulungwane tetinkhanyeti. Watsatsa insika ya-Ashera ethempelini laSimakadze, wayimikisa emfudlaneni iKhidroni ngephandle kweJerusalema, wayishisela khona. Wayisila, yaba yimphuphu, wabe sewuyisakata seyilutfuli etikwemadliza ebantfukatana. Wabhidlita nemalawu etitabane labesethempelini laSimakadze, lapho labasikati babetfungela khona tingubo tekukhonta Ashera. Josaya walandza bonkhe baphristi lababesemadolobheni akaJuda wahlazisa letindzawo letiphakeme, kusukela eGeba kuye eBherisheba, lapho baphristi bebatfuncisela khona imphepho. Wabhidlita tindzawo letiphakeme ekungeneni kwelisango laJoshuwa, umphatsi welidolobha, ngesancele kwelisango lelidolobha. Nome baphristi baletindzawo letiphakeme bangazange bakhonte elatini laSimakadze eJerusalema, noko sinkhwa lesingenamvubelo babesidla kanye nalabanye baphristi. Inkhosi Josaya yahlazisa indzawo iThofethi, leyayiseSigodzini sakaBheni Hinomu, ngako kwabate umuntfu labengayisebentisa ekunikeleni indvodzana yakhe nome indvodzakati yakhe ngekutsi ishiswe ngemlilo kuMoloki. Titfombe temahhashi, emakhosi akaJuda labenikele ngato elangeni, watisusa emnyango welithempelini laSimakadze. Betibekwe ngekhatsi esibuyeni eceleni kwelikamelo lemphatsi lekwakutsiwa nguNathani Meleki. Josaya watishisa naletincola letatinikelwe elangeni. Wawabhidlita onkhe lamalati labekakhiwe ngemakhosi akaJuda etulu eluphahleni eceleni kwelikamelo la-Ahazi lelisesitezi; wabhidlita nalamalati Manase labewakhe kuletibuya letimbili ethempelini laSimakadze. Wawesusa lapho, wawabhidlita, aba timvitsi letakhukhulelwa emfudlaneni iKhidroni. Inkhosi yaphindza yacitsa letindzawo letiphakeme letatakhiwe ngasemphumalanga neJerusalema eningizimu neliGcuma Lekonakala, tona leto Solomoni, inkhosi yaka-Israyeli, latakhela Ashtarothe, sithicokati lesenyanyekako semaSidoni, naKhemoshi, sithico lesenyanyekako sakaMowabi, kanye naMoloki, sithico lesisinengiso sema-Amoni. Josaya waphahlata ematje lekwakutsiwa angcwele, wagumula tinsika ta-Ashera, wasakata ematsambo ebantfu kuleto tindzawo. Ngisho nelilati laseBetheli lekwakuyindzawo lephakeme leyayakhiwe nguJerobowamu, umsa waNebati, lowenta Israyeli kutsi one, nalo lelo lati nalendzawo lephakeme wakubhidlita. Washisa lendzawo lephakeme, wayigaya yaba yimphuphu, washisa nalensika ya-Ashera futsi. Josaya wacalata, watsi kube abone emadliza labeseceleni lentsaba, wabutsa lamatsambo lakuwo wawashisela elatini kutawulingcolisa, kwaya ngekwelivi laSimakadze lalikhuluma ngemuntfu waNkulunkulu lowakhuluma kucala ngato letintfo tisengakenteki. Inkhosi yabuta yatsi: “Labani lela dliza?” Bantfu baseBetheli baphendvula batsi: “Lidliza lalowo muntfu waNkulunkulu labephuma kaJuda, wakhuluma ngato letintfo telilati laseBetheli kutsi titakwenteka, njengobe setentekile nje.” Yakhuluma yatsi: “Liyekeleni. Ningavumeli muntfu kutsi aphatamise ematsambo akhe.” Ngako ematsambo akhe kanye newemphrofethi labephuma eSamariya bavele bawayekela. Josaya wachubeka wenta njengobe enta eBetheli ngekususa kanye nekuhlazisa tonkhe tindzawo lekwakutsiwa tingcwele, etindzaweni letiphakeme letatakhiwe ngemakhosi aka-Israyeli emadolobheni aseSamariya, tona kanye letacunula Simakadze tamtfukutselisa. Josaya wababulalela emalatini bonkhe baphristi baleto tindzawo letiphakeme, lamatsambo ebantfu wabashisela etikwawo. Wase uyancandzeka ubuyela eJerusalema. Inkhosi Josaya yakhipha umlayeto lowawuya esiveni sonkhe, yatsi: “Gubhani liPhasika laSimakadze Nkulunkulu wenu, njengobe kubhaliwe encwadzini yesivumelwane.” Bekungazange sekube neliPhasika lelake lagujwa njengaleli kusukela ngetikhatsi tetikhulu letatihola ema-Israyeli nangesikhatsi semakhosi aka-Israyeli kanye newakaJuda. Kodvwa ngalomnyaka weli-18 wekubusa kwenkhosi Josaya leliPhasika lagujelwa Simakadze eJerusalema. Ngetulu kwaloko Josaya wabucitsa bonkhe bungoma, nemandzawe, netithico temindeni, netitfombe kanye nato tonkhe tintfo letisinengiso kaJuda naseJerusalema. Loko wakwentela kugcwalisa nekuhlangabetana naloko lokwakufunwa ngumtsetfo lowawubhalwe encwadzini leyatfolwa nguHilkiya, umphristi, ethempelini laSimakadze. Akuzange sekube nenkhosi leyake yafanana naJosaya, ngembili kwakhe nangemuva kwakhe, ngekutsi itilahlele kuSimakadze njengobe yena enta, ngenhlitiyo yakhe yonkhe, nangemphefumulo wakhe wonkhe, nangemandla akhe onkhe ngekulandzela wonkhe umtsetfo waMosi. Noko nome kunjalo, Simakadze akazange agucuke ekufutsekeni kwentfukutselo yakhe leyavutsela Juda ngenca yako konkhe Manase lakwenta kwamtfukutselisa. Ngako Simakadze wakhuluma, watsi: “Juda ngitamsusa ebukhoneni bami, njengobe ngamsusa na-Israyeli; neJerusalema, lidolobha lengalikhetsa, ngitalisusa, ngisho nalo lithempeli imbala lengase ngakhuluma ngalo ngatsi: Libito lami liyawuhlala lapho.” Leminye imininingwane ngekubusa kwenkhosi Josaya, nako konkhe lakwenta, kubhaliwe encwadzini yemilandvo yemakhosi akaJuda. Ngesikhatsi Josaya ayinkhosi, Faro Nekho, inkhosi yaseGibhithe, wenyuka wayawusita inkhosi yase-Asiriya ngasemfuleni iYufrathe. Inkhosi Josaya yamhlangabeta, imphi yabambana etulu, kodvwa Nekho wabhekana naJosaya, wambulalela eMegido. Tindvuna taJosaya tatsatsa sidvumbu sakhe tasekhweta encoleni kusuka eMegido tambuyisela eJerusalema, tafike tamfihla ethuneni lakhe. Sive sakaJuda satsatsa Jehoyahazi, umsa waJosaya, samgcoba, samenta inkhosi esikhundleni seyise. Jehoyahazi abeneminyaka lengema-23 budzala, nakabekwa kuba yinkhosi. Wabusela eJerusalema tinyanga letintsatfu. Libito lenina bekunguHamutali, indvodzakati yaJeremiya, waseLibna. Jehoyahazi wenta lokubi emehlweni aSimakadze, njengobe boyise babentile. Faro Nekho wambopha ngetinketane eRibla, eveni laseHamathi, kuze kutsi angakhoni kubusa eJerusalema, wabe sewuhlisibeta bakaJuda ngemtselo wesiliva lengemakhilogremu labengaba ti-3 400, negolide lengemakhilogremu labengaba ngema-34. Faro Nekho wabeka Eliyakimu, umsa waJosaya, kutsi abe yinkhosi esikhundleni seyise. Wagucula libito la-Eliyakimu, wametsa libito watsi nguJehoyakimu. Kodvwa watsatsa Jehoyahazi wammikisa eGibhithe, lapho wafike wafela khona. Jehoyakimu wanika Faro Nekho isiliva negolide labetsite ayikhishwe. Loko wakwenta ngekutselisa live, wagulula isiliva negolide kubantfu bakhona, kwaya ngebungako babo. Jehoyakimu abeneminyaka lengema-25 budzala, nakabekwa kuba yinkhosi. Wabusela eJerusalema iminyaka leli-11. Libito lenina bekunguZebida, indvodzakati yaPhedaya, waseRuma. Wenta lokubi emehlweni aSimakadze, njengobe bekwenta boyise. Ngesikhatsi sekubusa kwaJehoyakimu, Nebukhadnezari, inkhosi yaseBhabhulona, wahlasela live. Jehoyakimu waba yinceku yaNebukhadnezari, iminyaka lemitsatfu. Kodvwa wabe sewugucula ingcondvo yakhe, wavukela Nebukhadnezari. Simakadze wamtfumelela emaBhabhulona, nemaSiriya, nemaMowabi, nema-Amoni kutsi atemhlasela. Wabatfumela kutsi batewubhubhisa Juda, ngekulandzela livi laSimakadze lalikhuluma ngetinceku takhe baphrofethi. Ngempela letintfo tenteka kaJuda njengekwemyalo waSimakadze, kuze atekubasusa ebukhoneni bakhe ngenca yetono taManase nako konkhe labekwentile, kanye nekucitsa kwakhe ingati leyayingenacala, ngobe phela iJerusalema yayigcwele ingati yebantfu lababengenacala. Simakadze abengakatimiseli kutsetselela Manase ngaloko. Leminye imininingwane ngekubusa kwenkhosi Jehoyakimu, nako konkhe lakwenta, kubhaliwe encwadzini yemilandvo yemakhosi akaJuda. Jehoyakimu wakhotsama, Jehoyakhini, umsa wakhe, waba yinkhosi esikhundleni sakhe. Inkhosi yaseGibhithe nemabutfo ayo ayizange iphindze ivive iyewuhlasela ngephandle kwelive layo, ngobe phela inkhosi yaseBhabhulona yase ilitsetse lonkhe live layo, kusukela emfudlaneni waseGibhithe kuze kufike emfuleni iYufrathe. Jehoyakhini abeneminyaka leli-18 budzala, nakabekwa kuba yinkhosi. Wabusela eJerusalema tinyanga letintsatfu. Libito lenina bekunguNehushta, indvodzakati ya-Elnathani, waseJerusalema. Jehoyakhini wenta lokubi emehlweni aSimakadze, njengobe bekwente uyise. Ngaleso sikhatsi tindvuna taNebukhadnezari, inkhosi yaseBhabhulona, tahlasela iJerusalema tayivimbetela, naNebukhadnezari cobo lwakhe, waya kulo lelidolobha ngesikhatsi tindvuna takhe tisalivimbetele. Jehoyakhini, inkhosi yakaJuda, nenina, netinceku takhe, netikhulu takhe, kanye netindvuna takhe bavele baphakamisa tandla bashweleta kuye. Ngemnyaka wesiphohlongo wekubusa kwenkhosi yaseBhabhulona, lenkhosi yatfumba Jehoyakhini, waba siboshwa. Njengobe Simakadze abeshito, Nebukhadnezari watsatsa yonkhe ingcebo, wayisusa ethempelini laSimakadze nasesigodlweni senkhosi, watitsatsa tonkhe leto timphahla tegolide letatentiwe nguSolomoni, inkhosi yaka-Israyeli, latentela lithempeli laSimakadze. Wayitfumba yonkhe iJerusalema: tonkhe tindvuna, netingwazi, nato tonkhe tingcweti temisebenti yetandla kanye nebabumbi betinsimbi; babeti-10 000 sebabonkhe. Kwashiywa labo bantfu lababetimphofana kuphela. Nebukhadnezari watfumba Jehoyakhini, wahamba naye waya eBhabhulona. Labanye labatfumba lapha eJerusalema bekungunina wenkhosi Jehoyakhini, nemakhosikati aJehoyakhini, netindvuna takhe kanye nemadvodza lamcoka elive. Inkhosi yaseBhabhulona yatfumbela eBhabhulona tingwazi letiti-7 000, letaticinile tilungele kulwa imphi; watitfumba kanye nenkhulungwane yetingcweti emisebentini yetandla kanye nasekubumbeni tintfo ngensimbi. Nebukhadnezari wase ubeka Mathaniya, malume waJehoyakhini, kutsi abe yinkhosi esikhundleni sakhe, wabe sewumetsa libito watsi nguSedekiya. Sedekiya abeneminyaka lengema-21 budzala, nakabekwa kuba yinkhosi. Wabusela eJerusalema iminyaka leli-11. Libito lenina bekunguHamutali, indvodzakati yaJeremiya, waseLibna. Wenta lokubi emehlweni aSimakadze, njengobe naJehoyakimu abentile. Kwabangelwa yintfukutselo yaSimakadze lokutsi loku kwenteke eJerusalema nakaJuda, kwaze kwatsi ekugcineni wabesusa ebukhoneni bakhe. Sedekiya wase uyayivukela inkhosi yaseBhabhulona. Kwatsi ngemnyaka wemfica wekubusa kwenkhosi Sedekiya ngelilanga lelishumi, enyangeni yelishumi, Nebukhadnezari, inkhosi yaseBhabhulona, washuca nemabutfo akhe onkhe, wahlasela iJerusalema. Bemisa ngephandle kwelidolobha, bakha tivimbetelo letalitungeleta lonkhe. Lelidolobha lahlala livinjetelwe, kwaze kwaba ngumnyaka weli-11 wekubusa kwenkhosi Sedekiya. Kwatsi ngelilanga lemfica enyangeni yesine, indlala yakhungatsa lelidolobha kamatima, kangangekutsi kwaze kwabate lokwakungadliwa bantfu. Lubondza-ke lwalelidolobha lwase luyafohlwa, imphi yonkhe yabhuza ebusuku seyibaleka, yaphuma ngelisango lelisemkhatsini wetibondza letimbili letatingasengadzeni yenkhosi, lite nome emaBhabhulona abelitungeletile lelidolobha. Yabaleka yabhekisa emabombo ngase-Arabha, kodvwa emabutfo emaBhabhulona acosha Sedekiya, inkhosi, aze amkhandza etsafeni laseJerikho. Onkhe emasotja akhe esuswa kuye asakatwa, yena wabe sewuyatfunjwa. Watsatfwa wamikiswa enkhosini yaseBhabhulona eRibla, lapho yefike yakhipha sigwebo sayo kuye. Emadvodzana aSedekiya abulawa embikwemehlo akhe abukile. Emvakwaloko bakupuluta emehlo aSedekiya, bambopha ngetinketane telitfusi, bammikisa eBhabhulona. Ngelilanga lesikhombisa enyangeni yesihlanu, emnyakeni weli-19 wekubusa kwaNebukhadnezari, inkhosi yaseBhabhulona, Nebuzaradani, indvuna yabomahlalesangweni benkhosi, siphatsimandla senkhosi yaseBhabhulona, weta eJerusalema. Wafike wokhela ngemlilo lithempeli laSimakadze, nesigodlo senkhosi kanye nato tonkhe tindlu taseJerusalema. Watokhela ngemlilo tonkhe tindlu letibalulekile. Yonkhe-ke imphi yaseBhabhulona, leyayingaphansi kwendvuna yabomahlalesangweni, yatidzilita tonkhe tibondza letatitungeleta iJerusalema. Nebuzaradani, indvuna yabomahlalesangweni, wabatfumba bonkhe labantfu lababesele kulelidolobha neluntfu lonkhe lolwalusele, wabatfumba kanye nalaba lababehlubuke baya enkhosini yaseBhabhulona. Kodvwa lendvuna yabashiya labanye lababemphofu bakulelo live, kuze batewulima tivini nemasimi. EmaBhabhulona afohlota letinsika telitfusi, netincodlana kanye nalelibhavu lelitfusi, lokwakusethempelini laSimakadze, betfwala lelitfusi baliyisa eBhabhulona. Batsatsa ngisho nemabhodo, nemafosholo, netijubantsambo, netingwembe, kanye nako konkhe lokwakwentiwe ngelitfusi lokwakusetjentiswa enkonzweni yekukhonta ethempelini. Lendvuna yabomahlalesangweni yatsatsa titja tekushisela imphepho kanye netitja tekunyenyeta, tonkhe letatentiwe ngegolide lecengekile nome ngesiliva lecengekile. Litfusi letinsika letimbili, nalelibhavu kanye naletincodlana letatakhiwe nguSolomoni, akwakhela lithempeli laSimakadze, kwakungetulu kwekukalwa. Nguleyo naleyo nsika yayingemamitha labengaba siphohlongo kuphakama. Nguleyo naleyo ngcongwane leyayakhelwe etikwaleyo naleyo nsika yayingaba limitha nesigamu kuphakama. Kutungeleta leyo naleyo ngcongwane kwakunemhlobiso lowawusamahananadza labentiwe ngelitfusi. Lendvuna yabomahlalesangweni yatfumba Seraya, umPhristi Lomkhulu, naZefaniya, umphristi longaphansi kwakhe ngesikhundla, kanye nebagcini beminyango labatsatfu. Kulabo lababesesedolobheni watsatsa indvuna leyayiphetse emadvodza emphi kanye nebeluleki benkhosi labasihlanu. Watsatsa namabhalane wendvuna yekubutsekisa bantfu balelo live, kanye nemadvodza langema-60 labetfolakala edolobheni. Nebuzaradani, indvuna yabomahlalesangweni, wabatsatsa bonkhe, wayawubetfula enkhosini yaseBhabhulona eRibla. Lapha eRibla, eveni laseHamathi, inkhosi yafike yababulalela khona. Ngako-ke sive sakaJuda satfunjelwa khashane nelive laso. Nebukhadnezari, inkhosi yaseBhabhulona, yabeka Gedaliya, umsa wa-Ahikamu, umsa waShafani, kutsi abuse bonkhe labantfu lababesele kaJuda. Tatsi kube tonkhe tindvuna temphi nemabutfo ato beve kutsi inkhosi yaseBhabhulona seyibeke Gedaliya kutsi abe ngumbusi, teta kuGedaliya eMispa. Letindvuna bekubo-Ishmayeli, umsa waNethaniya, naJohanani, umsa waKhareya, naSeraya, umsa waThanhumethi waseNethofa, naJazaniya, indvodzana yemMakha, nemadvodza abo. Gedaliya wafunga kubo nakulamadvodza abo, watsi: “Ningatesabi tindvuna taseBhabhulona. Hlalani phansi lapha eveni, nikhonte lenkhosi yaseBhabhulona, kutawunihambela kahle.” Ngenyanga yesikhombisa, Ishmayeli, umsa waNethaniya, umsa wa-Elishama, labewendlu yasebukhosini, weta nemadvodza lalishumi, wafike wabulala Gedaliya kanye nalamadvodza akaJuda nemaBhabhulona labenaye lapha eMispa. Kwatsi kube kwenteke loko, sonkhe sive, kusukela kulabancane kuye kulabakhulu, kanye netindvuna temphi babalekela eGibhithe ngenca yekwesaba emaBhabhulona. Ngemnyaka wema-37 wekudzingiswa kwaJehoyakhini, inkhosi yakaJuda, ngemnyaka lapho Evili Merodaki abekwa khona waba yinkhosi yaseBhabhulona, wakhulula Jehoyakhini ejele, mhla tingema-27, enyangeni yeli-12. Wakhuluma kahle naye, wabe sewumnika sihlalo lesihloniphekile, lesingetulu kwaleto talamanye emakhosi labenaye lapha eBhabhulona. Ngako Jehoyakhini wabeka eceleni labomfengeni bakhe basejele, kusukela ngalelo langa naye abedla etafuleni lenkhosi njalo nje, imphilo yakhe yonkhe. Onkhe emalanga inkhosi yayinika Jehoyakhini imbasha nalokunye lekwakusabelo sakhe lesimile semihla ngemihla, yingci nasaphila. Adamu abenguyise waSethi, umsa waSethi kungu-Enoshi, wa-Enoshi kunguKhenani, waKhenani kunguMahalaleli, waMahalaleli kunguJaredi, waJaredi kungu-Enoki, wa-Enoki kunguMethusela, waMethusela kunguLameki, waLameki kunguNowa. Emadvodzana aNowa bekuboShemi, naHhamu, naJafethi. Emadvodzana aJafethi bekuboGomeri, naMagogi, naMadayi, naJavani, naThubali, naMesheki, naThirasi. Emadvodzana aGomeri bekubo-Ashkenazi, naRifathi, naThogama. Emadvodzana aJavani bekubo-Elisha, naThashishi, nemaKhithi, nemaRodani. Emadvodzana aHhamu bekuboKushe, naGibhithe, naPhuti, naKhenani. Emadvodzana aKushe bekuboSeba, naHavila, naSabta, naRama, naSabtekha. Emadvodzana aRama bekuboSheba naDedani. Kushe abenguyise waNimrodi lowakhula waba sichwaga lesasinemandla emhlabeni wonkhe. Gibhithe abenguyise wemaLudi, nema-Anami, nemaLehabi, nemaNafethuhi, nemaPhathrusi, nemaKhasuluhi, nemaKhaftori, lapho kwadzabuka khona emaFilisti. Khenani abenguyise waSidoni, litubulo lakhe, naHethi, nemaJebhusi, nema-Amori, nemaGirigashi, nemaHivi, nema-Akhi, nemaSini, nema-Avadi, nemaSemari, nemaHamathi. Emadvodzana aShemi bekubo-Elamu, na-Ashuri, na-Aphakshadi, naLudi, na-Aramu, na-Use, naHuli, naGetheri, naMesheki. Aphakshadi abenguyise waShela, Shela anguyise wa-Ebheri. Ebheri watala emadvodzana lamabili. Lomunye bekunguPhelegi, ngobe ngesikhatsi sakhe tive temhlaba tehlukana, lomunye bekunguJokthane. Jokthane abenguyise wabo-Almodadi, naShelefi, naHasamavethi, naJera, naHadoramu, na-Uzali, naDikila, na-Obali, na-Abimayeli, naSheba, na-Ofiri, naHavila, naJobabi. Bonkhe laba bekungemadvodzana aJokthane. Kutalana kwebantfu kusukela kuShemi kuye ku-Abrama, lokusho Abrahama, bekume kanje: bekunguShemi, na-Aphakshadi, naShela, na-Ebheri, naPhelegi, naRehu, naSerugi, naNahori, naThera, na-Abrahama lowabe sewubitwa ngekutsi ngu-Abrahama. Abrahama abenemadvodzana lamabili, bo-Isaka na-Ishmayeli. Emadvodzana a-Ishmayeli bekunguNebayothi, litubulo lakhe, naKhedari, na-Adbeli, naMibsamu, naMishma, naDuma, naMasa, naHadadi, naThema, naJeturi, naNafishi, naKhedema. Ngiwo lawo-ke emadvodzana a-Ishmayeli. Emadvodzana latalwa nguKhetura, singani sa-Abrahama, bekubo-Zimrani, naJokshane, naMedani, naMidiyani, na-Ishbaki, naShuwa. Emadvodzana aJokshane bekuboSheba naDedani. Emadvodzana aMidiyani bekubo-Efa, na-Eferi, naHanoki, na-Abida, na-Elda. Bonkhe laba bekuyintalelwane yaKhetura. Abrahama abenguyise wa-Isaka. Isaka abenemadvodzana lamabili: bo-Esawu na-Israyeli. Emadvodzana a-Esawu bekubo-Elifazi, naRehuweli, naJewushe, naJalamu, naKhora. Emadvodzana a-Elifazi bekuboThemani, na-Omari, naSefo, naGatamu, naKhenazi, naThimna, na-Amaleki. Emadvodzana aRehuweli bekuboNahathi, naZera, naShama, naMiza. Emadvodzana aSeyiri bekuboLotani, naShobali, naSibeyoni, na-Ana, naDishoni, na-Eseri, naDishani. Emadvodzana aLotani bekuboHori naHemami. Thimna bekungudzadzewaboLotani. Emadvodzana aShobali bekubo-Alvani, naManahathi, na-Ebali, naShefi, na-Onamu. Emadvodzana aSibeyoni bekubo-Aya na-Ana. Umsa wa-Ana bekunguDishoni. Emadvodzana aDishoni bekuboHemdani, na-Eshbani, na-Jithrani, naKherani. Emadvodzana a-Eseri bekuboBilhani, naZavani, na-Akhani. Emadvodzana aDishani bekubo-Use na-Arani. Lawa ngemabito emakhosi labebusa eveni laka-Edomu kusengakabusi inkhosi ka-Israyeli: Bela, umsa waBheyori, waba yinkhosi ka-Edomu; inhlokodolobha yakhe bekuyiDinihabha. Kwatsi kube kufe Bela, kwase kubekwa Jobabi, umsa waZera labewekutalwa eBhosra, waba yinkhosi emvakwakhe. Kwatsi kube kufe Jobabi, kwase kubekwa Hushamu waseveni lemaThemani kutsi abe yinkhosi emvakwakhe. Kwatsi kube kufe Hushamu, kwase kubekwa Hadadi, umsa waBedadi. Bedadi ngulona lowancoba emaMidiyani eveni lakaMowabi. Inhlokodolobha yakhe bekuyi-Avithi. Kwatsi kube kufe Hadadi, kwase kubekwa Samla waseMasrekha. Kwatsi kube kufe Samla, kwase kubekwa Shawula waseRehobothi ngasemfuleni. Kwatsi kube kufe Shawula, kwase kubekwa Bhali Hanani, umsa wa-Akbori. Kwatsi kube kufe Bhali Hanani, kwase kubekwa Hadadi. Inhlokodolobha yakhe bekutsiwa yiPhayi, kantsi umkakhe bekunguMehethabeli, indvodzakati yaMatredi, indvodzakati yaMe Zahabe, naHadadi wafa. Tikhulu taka-Edomu bekuboThimna, na-Alva, naJethethi, na-Oholibama, na-Ela, naPhinoni, naKhenazi, naThemani, naMibsari, naMagdiyeli, na-Iramu. Leti-ke bekutikhulu taka-Edomu. Emadvodzana a-Israyeli bekuboRubeni, naSimeyoni, naLevi, naJuda, na-Isakhari, naZebuloni, naDani, naJosefa, naBhenjamini, naNaftali, naGadi, na-Asheri. Emadvodzana aJuda bekubo-Era, na-Onani, naShela. Lamadvodzana omatsatfu wawatalelwa nguBhatishuwa, umKhenanikati. Era, litubulo laJuda, wenta lokubi emehlweni aSimakadze, ngako Simakadze wambulala. Thamari, malukatana waJuda, wamtalela boPheresi naZera. Juda abenemadvodzana lasihlanu asawonkhe. Emadvodzana aPheresi bekuboHesroni naHamuli. Emadvodzana aZera bekuboZimri, na-Ethani, naHemani, naKhalkoli, naDara; babe ngemadvodzana lasihlanu sebabonkhe. Umsa waKhami bekungu-Akhani, lowadvonsela ema-Israyeli inhlupheko ngekutsintsa intfo lekwakungakafaneli ayitsintse. Umsa wa-Ethani bekungu-Azariya. Emadvodzana latalelwa Hesroni bekuboJerameli, naRamu, naKhalebi. Ramu abenguyise wa-Aminadabi, Aminadabi anguyise waNasoni, umholi wesive sakaJuda. Nasoni abenguyise waSalmoni, Salmoni anguyise waBowazi; Bowazi abenguyise wa-Obedi, Obedi anguyise waJese. Jese abenguyise wa-Eliyabe, litubulo lakhe, Eliyabe abelanywa ngu-Abinadabi, wesitsatfu bekunguShimeya, wesine kunguNethaneli, wesihlanu kunguRadayi, wesitfupha bekungu-Osemi, wesikhombisa kunguDavide. Bodzadzewabo bekuboSeruya na-Abigayili. Emadvodzana lamatsatfu aSeruya bekubo-Abishayi, naJowabe, na-Asaheli. Abigayili watala Amasa. Uyise wa-Amasa bekunguJetheri, um-Ishmayeli. Khalebi, umsa waHesroni, umkakhe labengu-Azubha wamtalela indvodzakati lekwatsiwa nguJeriyothi. Azubha abenemadvodzana lekwakuboJesheri, naShobabi, na-Aridoni. Kwatsi kube kufe Azubha, Khalebi watsatsa Efratha lamtalela Hure. Hure abenguyise wa-Uri, Uri anguyise waBesaleli. Emvakwaloko Hesroni walala nendvodzakati yaMakhire, uyise waGileyadi; Hesroni wayitsatsa asaneminyaka lengema-60 budzala; yamtalela Segubi. Segubi abenguyise waJayire, labephetse emadolobha langema-23 eveni lakaGileyadi. Kodvwa imibuso yaseGeshuri newaseSiriya yehlula emadolobha langema-60 khona lapho, yatfumba iHavothi Jayire, neKhenathi kanye netabelo takhona. Tonkhe leti bekutitukulwane taMakhire, uyise waGileyadi. Watsi kube Hesroni afele eKhalebi Efratha, Abiya, umfati waHesroni, wamtalela Ashuri, uyise waThekhowa. Emadvodzana aJerameli, litubulo laHesroni, bekuboRamu, litubulo lakhe, naBuna, na-Oreni, na-Osemi kanye na-Ahiya. Jerameli abenalomunye umfati, libito lakhe kungu-Atara; yena abengunina wa-Onamu. Emadvodzana aRamu, litubulo laJerameli, bekuboMazi, naJamini, na-Ekeri. Emadvodzana a-Onamu bekuboShamayi naJada, emadvodzana aShamayi bekuboNadabi na-Abishuri. Libito lemka-Abishuri bekungu-Abihayili, lamtalela bo-Abani naMolidi. Emadvodzana aNadabi bekuboSeledi na-Aphayimi. Seledi wafa angenamntfwana. Umsa wa-Aphayimi bekungu-Ishi, Ishi labenguyise waSheshani. Umsa waSheshani bekungu-Ahilayi. Emadvodzana aJada, umnakaboShamayi, bekuboJetheri naJonathani. Jetheri wafa angenamntfwana. Emadvodzana aJonathani bekuboPhelethi naZaza. Tonkhe leti bekutitukulwane takaJerameli. Sheshani abete emadvodzana, anemadvodzakati kuphela. Abenesisebenti lesasingumGibhithe, libito laso kunguJaha. Sheshani wanika lesisebenti lesinguJaha indvodzakati yakhe, kutsi siyitsatse ibe ngumkaso. Batala Athayi. Athayi abenguyise waNathani, Nathani anguyise waZabadi; Zabadi abenguyise wa-Eflali, Eflali anguyise wa-Obedi. Obedi abenguyise waJehu, Jehu anguyise wa-Azariya; Azariya abenguyise waHelesi, Helesi anguyise wa-Eleyasa; Eleyasa abenguyise waSismayi, Sismayi anguyise waShalumi; Shalumi abenguyise waJekamiya, Jekamiya anguyise wa-Elishama. Emadvodzana aKhalebi, umnakaboJerameli, bekunguMesha, litubulo lakhe, labenguyise waZifi, Zifi anguyise waMaresha; Maresha abenguyise waHebroni. Emadvodzana aHebroni bekuboKhora, naThaphuwa, naRekhemu, naShema. Shema abenguyise waRahamu, Rahamu anguyise waJokeyamu. Rekhemu abenguyise waShamayi. Umsa waShamayi bekunguMayoni, Mayoni anguyise waBhethi Suri. Khalebi abenesingani lesasingu-Efa, labengunina waboHarani, naMosa, naGazezi. Harani abenguyise waGazezi. Emadvodzana aJahadayi bekuboRegemi, naJothamu, naGeshani, naPheleti, na-Efa, naShafi. Khalebi abenesingani lesasinguMakha, labengunina waboSheberi naThihana. Waphindze watala naShafi, uyise waMakbena naGibeya. Indvodzakati yaKhalebi bekungu-Akhisa. Leti-ke bekutitukulwane takaKhalebi: Emadvodzana aHure, litubulo la-Efratha, bekuboShobali, uyise waKhiriyathi Jeyarimu, naSalma, uyise waBhetlehema, naHarefi, uyise waBhethi Gaderi. Titukulwane takaShobali, uyise waKhiriyathi Jeyarimu, bekuboHarowe, nencenye yesive semaManahathi, nemindeni yaseKhiriyathi Jeyarimu, lekungemaJetheri, nemaPhuthi, nemaShumathi, nemaMishra. EmaSorathi nema-Eshtayoli adzabuka kulemindeni. Titukulwane takaSalma, uyise waBhetlehema, bekungemaNethofa, nebase-Atrothe Bhethi Jowabe, nencenye yemaManahathi, nemaSori, nemaSoferi, lekwakungimindeni yebabhali lababehlala eJabesi: emaThirathi, nemaShimeyathi, nemaSukathi. Laba-ke bekungemaKheni labevela kuHamathi, titukulwane tawo tatitekudzabuka emndenini waRekhabi. Lawa ngemadvodzana aDavide latalelwa wona aseseHebroni: Litubulo bekungu-Amnoni, labetalwa ngu-Ahinowami waseJezreyeli; yesibili bekunguDanyela, labetalwa ngu-Abigayili waseKhameli; yesitsatfu bekungu-Absalomu labetalwa nguMakha, indvodzakati yaThalmayi, inkhosi yaseGeshuri; yesine bekungu-Adoniya, labetalwa nguHagithi; yesihlanu bekunguShefathiya, labetalwa ngu-Abitali; yesitfupha bekunguJithreyamu, labetalwa ngumkakhe Egla. Onkhe lamadvodzana lasitfupha Davide wawatalelwa aseseHebroni, lapho abusela khona iminyaka lesikhombisa netinyanga letisitfupha. Davide wabusela eJerusalema iminyaka lengema-33, watalelwa emadvodzana lamanyenti lapho. Umkakhe Bhatisheba, indvodzakati ya-Amiyeli, wamtalela emadvodzana lamane, lekwakuboShamuwa, naShobabi, naNathani kanye naSolomoni. Abenemadvodzana lamanye lekwakuboJibhari, na-Elishuwa, na-Elifeleti, naNoga, naNefegi, naJafiya, na-Elishama, na-Eliyada kanye na-Elifeleti; abeyimfica asawonkhe. Onkhe lawa bekungemadvodzana aDavide, ngaphandle kwalawa labetalwa ngemaphovela akhe. Thamari abengudzadzewabo. Laba-ke bekuyintalelwane yenkhosi Solomoni: Kusukela kuye kwalandzela Rehobowamu, umsa wakhe, kweta Abiya, umsa wakhe, kweta Asa, umsa wakhe, kweta Jehoshafati, umsa wakhe, kweta Jehoramu, umsa wakhe, kweta Ahaziya, umsa wakhe, kweta Jowashi, umsa wakhe, kweta Amasiya, umsa wakhe, kweta Azariya, umsa wakhe, kweta Jothamu, umsa wakhe, kweta Ahazi, umsa wakhe, kweta Hezekiya, umsa wakhe, kweta Manase, umsa wakhe, kweta Amoni, umsa wakhe, kweta Josaya, umsa wakhe. Emadvodzana aJosaya bekuboJohanani, litubulo, naJehoyakimu, naSedekiya, naShalumi. Labalandzela Jehoyakimu bekunguJehoyakhini, umsa wakhe, naSedekiya. Titukulwane taJehoyakhini lowatfunjelwa eBhabhulona bekuboSalatiyeli, umsa wakhe, naMalkhiramu, naPhedaya, naShenasari, naJekamiya, naHoshama kanye naNedabiya. Emadvodzana lamabili aPhedaya bekuboZerubhabheli naShimeyi. Emadvodzana aZerubhabheli bekuboMeshulamu naHananiya. Dzadzewabo bekunguShelomithi. Lamanye emadvodzana akhe lasihlanu bekuboHashubha, na-Oheli, naBherekhiya, naHasadiya, naJushabi Hesedi. Hananiya abenemadvodzana lamabili lekwakuboPhelatiya naJeshaya. Jeshaya abenguyise waRefaya, labenguyise wa-Arinani, labenguyise wa-Obadiya, Obadiya anguyise waShekhaniya. Shekhaniya abenendvodzana lekwakunguShemaya; emadvodzana aShemaya bekuboHathushi, na-Igali, naBhariya, naNeyariya, naShafati; abesitfupha asawonkhe. Emadvodzana aNeyariya bekubo-Eliyoyenayi, naHizkiya, na-Azrikamu; abematsatfu asawonkhe. Emadvodzana a-Eliyoyenayi bekuboHodaviya, na-Eliyashibi, naPhelaya, na-Akhubi, naJohanani, naDelaya, na-Anani; abesikhombisa asawonkhe. Titukulwane takaJuda bekuboPheresi, naHesroni, naKhami, naHure, naShobali. Shobali abenguyise waReyaya, Reyaya anguyise waJahathi, Jahathi anguyise wabo-Ahumayi naLahadi. Lena-ke bekungimindeni yemaSorathi. Emadvodzana a-Etamu bekuboJezreyeli, na-Ishma, na-Idibashi. Dzadzewabo bekunguHaselelponi. Phenuweli abenguyise waGedori, Ezeri anguyise waHusha. Leti bekutitukulwane taHure, litubulo la-Efratha. Hure abenguyise waBhetlehema. Ashuri, uyise waThekhowa, abenebafati lababili, lekwakuboHela naNara. Nara wamtalela bo-Ahuzami, naHeferi, naThemeni, naHahashtari; kwaba nguleto titukulwane taNara. Hela wamtalela boSerethi, naSohari, na-Ethnani. Khosi abenguyise wa-Anubi, naHasobeba, nemindeni ya-Ahaheli, umsa waHarumu. Jabesi abehlonipheke kakhulu kunabomnakabo emndenini wakabo. Unina abemetse libito watsi nguJabesi, ngobe abetsi: “Ngimtele kabuhlungu.” Jabesi wakhala kuNkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, watsi: “Ngicela ungibusise ungandzisele live lami! Shangatsi sandla sakho singaba nami, ungiphephise engotini, khona ngitewukhululeka ebuhlungwini.” Nkulunkulu wamupha loko labekucelile. Khelubi, umnakaboShuha, abenguyise waMehiri, Mehiri anguyise wa-Eshtoni. Eshtoni abenguyise waboBhethi Rafa, naPhaseya, naThehina, uyise wa-Iri Nahashi. Lawa bekungemadvodza labehlala eRekha. Khenazi abenemadvodzana lamabili lekwakubo-Othniyeli naSeraya. Emadvodzana a-Othiniyeli bekuboHathathi, naMeyonothayi. Meyonothayi abenguyise wa-Ofra. Seraya abenguyise waJowabe, Jowabe abengumsunguli weGe Harashimu, loko phela kusho kutsi bantfu bakhona babetingcweti. Emadvodzana aKhalebi, umsa waJefune, bekubo-Iru, na-Ela, naNamu. Indvodzana ya-Ela bekunguKhenazi. Emadvodzana aJehaleli bekuboZifi, naZifa, naThiriya, na-Asareli. Emadvodzana a-Ezra bekuboJetheri, naMeredi, na-Eferi kanye naJaloni. Lomunye webafati baMeredi watala boMiriyamu, naShamayi, kanye na-Ishbha, uyise wa-Eshtemowa. Umkakhe waseJudiya watala boJaredi, uyise waGedori, naHebhere, uyise waSokho, kanye naJekuthiyeli, uyise waZanowa. Laba labanye bekubantfwana baBithiya, indvodzakati yaFaro, leyayingumfati waMeredi. Emadvodzana emkaHodiya, dzadzewaboNahamu, bekunguyise waKheyila, umGami, na-Eshtemowa, um-Makha. Emadvodzana aShimoni bekubo-Amnoni, naRina, naBheni Hanani kanye naThiloni. Titukulwane taka-Ishi bekuboZohethi naBheni Zohethi. Emadvodzana aShela, umsa waJuda, bekubo-Era, uyise waLekha, naLada, uyise waMaresha, nemindeni leyayeluka ilineni eBhethi Ashbeya, naJokimi, nebantfu baseKhozeba, naJowashi, naSarafi, lababebusa eMowabi, naseJashubi Lehemi. Loku kwabhalwa endvulo. Babebabumbi lababehlala eNethayimu naseGedera, basebentela inkhosi. Emadvodzana aSimeyoni bekuboNemuweli, naJamini, naJaribi, naZera kanye naShawula. Umsa waShawula bekunguShalumi, umsa wakhe kunguMibsamu, umsa wakhe kunguMishma. Umsa waMishma bekunguHamuweli, umsa wakhe kunguZakhuri, umsa wakhe kunguShimeyi. Shimeyi abenemadvodzana lali-16 nemadvodzakati lasitfupha, kodvwa bomnakabo babete bantfwana labanyenti; ngako lusendvo lwakabo lonkhe aluzange lwandze lube ngangelusendvo lwakaJuda. Babehlala eBherisheba, naseMolada, naseHasari Shuwali, naseBhala, nase-Esemu, naseTholadi, naseBhethuweli, naseHoma, naseSikilagi, naseBhethi Makhabothi, naseHasari Susimu, naseBhethi Bhiri, naseSharayimu. Lawa kwakungemadolobha abo kwaze kwefika sikhatsi sekubusa kwenkhosi Davide. Imiti leyayitungelete lamadolobha bekuyi-Etamu, ne-Ayini, neRimona, neThokheni, ne-Ashani; emadolobha lasihlanu asawonkhe, nayo yonkhe leyo miti kuze kuyewufika eBhalathi. Leto bekutabelo tabo. Babewugcina nemlandvo weluhlanga lwekutalana kwabo. Meshobabi, naJamleki, naJosha, umsa wa-Amasiya, naJoweli, naJehu, umsa wa-Joshibiya, umsa waSeraya, umsa wa-Asiyeli, kanye na-Eliyoyenayi, naJakoba, naJeshohaya, na-Asaya, na-Adiyeli, naJesimiyeli, naBhenaya, naZiza, umsa waShifi, umsa wa-Aloni, umsa waJedaya, umsa waShimri, umsa waShemaya: Lawa-ke bekungemabito ebaholi baleto tinsendvo. Imindeni yabo yandza kakhulu, base benabela nasemacentselweni aseGedori, ngasemphumalanga kwesigodzi, solomane bafunana nemadlelo etifuyo tabo. Lapho bakhandza emadlelo labeneluhlata, nelive lalapho lalilikhulu linekuthula futsi lipholile. Bekuke kwahlala emaHhamu kuleyo ndzawo. Bantfu lekwakubhalwe emabito abo befika ngesikhatsi kusabusa Hezekiya, inkhosi yakaJuda. Bahlasela lamaHhamu lapho abehlala khona kanye nemaMehuni labelapho, bawabhubhisa onkhe, njengobe nalamuhla loku kusabonakala nje. Bahlala kuleyo ndzawo yabo, ngobe bekunemadlelo lakahle etifuyo tabo. Labanye bakaSimeyoni lababengema-500 bahlasela eNtsabeni iSeyiri, baholwa nguPhelatiya, naNeyariya, naRefaya, na-Uziyeli, emadvodzana a-Ishi. Babulala leyo misalela yema-Amaleki leyayibalekile, solomane bahlala lapho kuze kube ngulamuhla. Leti-ke titukulwane takaRubeni, litubulo la-Israyeli. Rubeni abelitubulo, kodvwa watsi kube alale nesingani seyise, walahlekelwa ngemalungelo ebutubulo bakhe, ase anikwa emadvodzana aJosefa, umsa wa-Israyeli. Ngako akabange asabalwa emlandvweni weluhlanga lwekutalana kwabo njengekwemalungelo ekutalwa kwakhe. Noko kwase kuba nguJuda lowaba sive lesasinemandla kakhulu, ngiso lesabe sesitala umbusi wato tonkhe tive tema-Israyeli, nome nje emalungelo ebutubulo abenikwe Josefa. Emadvodzana aRubeni, litubulo la-Israyeli, bekuboHanoki, naPhalu, naHesroni, naKhami. Leti bekutitukulwane takaJoweli: umsa waJoweli bekunguShemaya, umsa wakhe kunguGogi, umsa wakhe kunguShimeyi, umsa wakhe kunguMikha, umsa wakhe kunguReyaya, umsa wakhe kunguBhali, umsa wakhe kunguBhera, lowatfunjwa nguThiglathi Phileseri, inkhosi yase-Asiriya; Bhera abengumholi wesive sakaRubeni. Emilandvweni yemindeni yakaRubeni baholi bayo bekuboJeyiyeli sikhulu, naZakhariya, naBela, umsa wa-Azazi, umsa waShema, umsa waJoweli. Bebakhe kusukela e-Aroyeri kuya eNebo naseBhali Meyoni. Ngasemphumalanga bebakhe kusukela emnyeleni welihlane kuze kuyewufika emfuleni iYufrathe, ngobe phela netifuyo tabo tase tandze kakhulu kaGileyadi. Ngesikhatsi sekubusa kwenkhosi Sawula sive sakaRubeni sahlasela bakaHagari, lesabehlula; sase sidla lelive labo lonkhe lelingasemphumalanga nelakaGileyadi. Sive sakaGadi sasihlala edvutane nesakaRubeni, eveni laseBhashani, kuze kuyewufika eSalekha. Joweli waba ngumholi, wesibili kwaba nguShafamu, kwase kulandzela Janayi, naShafati eBhashani. Labanye lekwakungimindeni letihlobo tabo bekuboMikhayeli, naMeshulamu, naSheba, naJorayi, naJakani, naZiya, na-Ebheri; babesikhombisa sebabonkhe. Lawa ngemadvodzana a-Abihayili, umsa waHuri, umsa waJarowa, umsa waGileyadi, umsa waMikhayeli, umsa waJeshishayi, umsa waJado, umsa waBuze. Ahi, umsa wa-Abdiyeli, umsa waGuni, abengumholi wemndeni wakhe. BakaGadi babehlala kaGileyadi, naseBhashani nasetabelweni tayo nakulo lonkhe lelo live lemadlelo aseSharoni, kwaze kwaba ngusemikhawulweni yalo. Yonkhe lemilandvo yeluhlanga lwekutalana kwato yayibhalwe phansi ngesikhatsi sekubusa kwaJothamu, inkhosi yakaJuda, naJerobowamu, inkhosi yaka-Israyeli. Sive sakaRubeni nesakaGadi kanye nencenye yesive sakaManase tatinemadvodza labeti-44 760, labengangenela umbutfo wemphi, imiswahla leyayihloma ngelihawu nangenkemba, ikwati nekusebentisa butjoki, ngobe yayivele iceceshelwe kulwa imphi. Lamadvodza alwa nebakaHagari, nebakaJeturi, nebakaNafishi, nebakaNodabi. Babeka litsemba labo kuNkulunkulu, bathandaza kuye, bacela lusito. Nkulunkulu wayiphendvula imithandazo yabo, wabenta basincoba sive sakaHagari kanye netive letatisitana naso. Batfumba tifuyo tebakaHagari lekwakungemakamela lati-50 000, netimvu letati-250 000, netimbongolo letati-2 000 kanye nebantfu lababeti-100 000. Linyenti labulawa, ngobe lemphi beyiyaNkulunkulu. Lelo live balidla, bahlala kulo kwaze kwaba sikhatsi sekudzingiswa kwabo. Bantfu bencenye yesive sakaManase babebanyenti kakhulu; bona babehlala eveni kusukela eBhashani kuze kuyewufika eBhali Hemoni, lokusho kutsi, eSeniri, naseNtsabeni iHemoni. Baholi balemindeni bekubo-Eferi, na-Ishi, na-Eliyeli, na-Azriyeli, naJeremiya, naHodaviya, naJadiyeli. Babengemachawe labenesibindzi, ladvumile nalabebaholi bemindeni yawo. Kodvwa abazange betsembele kuNkulunkulu waboyisemkhulu, baphinga ngekukhonta labanye bonkulunkulu baletive takulelo live, Nkulunkulu latibhubhisa nakungena tive tema-Israyeli. Ngako Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli wacunula inhlitiyo yaPhuli, inkhosi yase-Asiriya, lekwakunguThiglathi Phileseri, inkhosi yase-Asiriya, watfumba bakaRubeni, nebakaGadi kanye nencenye yesive sakaManase, wabadzingisa. Wabatsatsa wabayisa eHala, naseHabori, naseHara, nasemfuleni iGozani, lapho basekhona khona ngisho nalamuhla loku. Emadvodzana aLevi bekuboGeshoni, naKhohati, naMerari. Emadvodzana aKhohati bekubo-Amramu, naJisihari, naHebroni kanye na-Uziyeli. Bantfwana ba-Amramu bekubo-Aroni, naMosi kanye naMiriyamu. Emadvodzana a-Aroni bekuboNadabi, na-Abihu, na-Eleyazare kanye na-Ithamari. Eleyazare abenguyise waFinehasi, Finehasi anguyise wa-Abishuwa. Abishuwa abenguyise waBukhi, Bukhi anguyise wa-Uzi. Uzi abenguyise waZerahiya, Zerahiya anguyise waMerayothi. Merayothi abenguyise wa-Amariya, Amariya anguyise wa-Ahitubi. Ahitubi abenguyise waSadoki, Sadoki anguyise wa-Ahimasi. Ahimasi abenguyise wa-Azariya, Azariya anguyise waJohanani. Johanani abenguyise wa-Azariya. Azariya abekhonta, angumphristi ethempelini lelalakhiwe nguSolomoni eJerusalema. Azariya abenguyise wa-Amariya, Amariya anguyise wa-Ahitubi. Ahitubi abenguyise waSadoki, Sadoki anguyise waShalumi. Shalumi abenguyise waHilkiya, Hilkiya anguyise wa-Azariya. Azariya abenguyise waSeraya, Seraya anguyise waJesadaki. Jesadaki watfunjwa ngesikhatsi Simakadze avumela kutfunjwa kwebakaJuda nebaseJerusalema nguNebukhadnezari. Emadvodzana aLevi bekuboGeshoni, naKhohati kanye naMerari. Emadvodzana aGeshoni bekuboLibni naShimeyi. Emadvodzana aKhohati bekubo-Amramu, naJisihari, naHebroni kanye na-Uziyeli. Emadvodzana aMerari bekuboMahali naMushi. Leti bekutinsendvo temaLevi ngaboyise bato: TakaGeshoni bekunguLibni, umsa wakhe, naJehathi, umsa wakhe, naZima, umsa wakhe, naJowa, umsa wakhe, na-Ido, umsa wakhe, naZera, umsa wakhe, kanye naJeyatherayi, umsa wakhe. Titukulwane takaKhohati bekungu-Aminadabi, umsa wakhe, naKhora, umsa wakhe, na-Asiri, umsa wakhe, na-Elkhana, umsa wakhe, na-Abiyasafa, umsa wakhe, na-Asiri, umsa wakhe, naThahathi, umsa wakhe, na-Uriyeli, umsa wakhe, na-Uziya, umsa wakhe, kanye naShawula, umsa wakhe. Titukulwane taka-Elkhana bekungu-Amasayi, na-Ahimothi, na-Elkhana, umsa wakhe, naSofayi, umsa wakhe, naNahathi, umsa wakhe, na-Eliyabe, umsa wakhe, naJerohamu, umsa wakhe, na-Elkhana, umsa wakhe, naSamuweli, umsa wakhe. Emadvodzana aSamuweli bekunguJoweli, litubulo lakhe, na-Abiya, indvodzana yakhe yesibili. Titukulwane takaMerari bekunguMahali, naLibni, umsa wakhe, naShimeyi, umsa wakhe, na-Uza, umsa wakhe, naShimeya, umsa wakhe, naHagiya, umsa wakhe, na-Asaya, umsa wakhe. Lawa bekungemadvodza Davide lawabeka kutsi engamele kuhlabelela endlini yaSimakadze, nase kufakwe libhokisi lesivumelwane kuyo. Abekhonta ngekuhlabelela embikwelithende lekuhlangana, Solomoni waze wakha lithempeli laSimakadze eJerusalema. Lomsebenti babewenta ngekulandzela imitsetfo leyo leyayentelwe bona. Nankha-ke lamadvodza labekhonta kanye nemadvodzana awo: Esiveni semaKhohati bekunguHemani, umhlabeli, umsa waJoweli, umsa waSamuweli, umsa wa-Elkhana, umsa waJerohamu, umsa wa-Eliyeli, umsa waThowa, umsa waSufi, umsa wa-Elkhana, umsa waMahathi, umsa wa-Amasayi, umsa wa-Elkhana, umsa waJoweli, umsa wa-Azariya, umsa waZefaniya, umsa waThahathi, umsa wa-Asiri, umsa wa-Abiyasafa, umsa waKhora, umsa waJisihari, umsa waKhohati, umsa waLevi, umsa wa-Israyeli. Asafa, labebambisene naHemani, yena abekhonta ngasesandleni sakhe sekudla. Asafa abengumsa waBherekhiya, umsa waShimeya, umsa waMikhayeli, umsa waBhaseya, umsa waMalkhiya, umsa wa-Ethni, umsa waZera, umsa wa-Adaya, umsa wa-Ethani, umsa waZima, umsa waShimeyi, umsa waJahathi, umsa waGeshoni, umsa waLevi. Ngasesandleni sangesancele bekubomnakabo lebekungemadvodzana aMerari: Ethani abengumsa waKhishi, umsa wa-Abdi, umsa waMaluki, umsa waHashabiya, umsa wa-Amasiya, umsa waHilkiya, umsa wa-Amsi, umsa waBani, umsa waShemeri, umsa waMahali, umsa waMushi, umsa waMerari, umsa waLevi. Laba labanye bomnakabo lababengemaLevi bona bebanikwe leminye imisebenti ethendeni lekuhlangana, lekwakuyindlu yaNkulunkulu. Kodvwa Aroni netitukulwane takhe bekungabo lababetfula iminikelo elatini lekushisa iminikelo kanye naselatini lemphepho. Umsebenti wabo bekukukhonta endzaweni lengcwelengcwele kanye nekwentela Israyeli inhlawulo yekubuyisana naNkulunkulu, ngekulandzela yonkhe imiyalo Mosi, inceku yaNkulunkulu, latsi ayentiwe. Titukulwane taka-Aroni bekungu-Eleyazare, umsa wakhe, naFinehasi, umsa wakhe, na-Abishuwa, umsa wakhe, naBukhi, umsa wakhe, na-Uzi, umsa wakhe, naZerahiya, umsa wakhe, naMerayothi, umsa wakhe, na-Amariya, umsa wakhe, na-Ahitubi, umsa wakhe, naSadoki, umsa wakhe, na-Ahimasi, umsa wakhe. Letindzawo nguleto letatabelwe emaLevi etitukulwaneni taka-Aroni telusendvo lwemaKhohati, njengobe tadliwa yinkatho yekucala: Anikwa iHebroni kaJuda kanye nemadlelo labeyitungeletile. Kodvwa emasimi kanye nemiti leyayitungelete lelidolobha kwanikwa Khalebi, umsa waJefune. Titukulwane taka-Aroni tanikwa iHebroni, lidolobha lekukhosela, neLibna, neJathiri, ne-Eshtemoya nemadlelo awo, neHileni, neDebiri, ne-Ashani, neJutha, neBhethi Shemeshi kanye nemadlelo alamadolobha. Esiveni sakaBhenjamini banikwa iGibeyoni, neGeba, ne-Alemethi, ne-Anathothi kanye nemadlelo alamadolobha. Emadolobha labelwa tinsendvo temaKhohati aba li-13 asawonkhe. Letinye titukulwane temaKhohati tabelwa ngenkatho emadolobha lalishumi emkhatsini wetinsendvo tencenye yesive sakaManase. Titukulwane takaGeshoni, lusendvo ngelusendvo, tabelwa ngenkatho emadolobha lali-13 esiveni saka-Isakhari, nesaka-Asheri kanye nesakaNaftali, nasemkhatsini wesive sakaManase lesasiseBhashani. Titukulwane takaMerari, lusendvo ngelusendvo, tabelwa ngenkatho emadolobha lali-12 esiveni sakaRubeni, nesakaGadi, nesakaZebuloni. Ngako ema-Israyeli anika emaLevi lamadolobha kanye nemadlelo awo. Esiveni sakaJuda, nesakaSimeyoni, nesakaBhenjamini emaLevi abelwa lamadolobha lasashitiwo. Leminye imindeni netinsendvo temaKhohati tanikwa emadolobha esive saka-Efrayimu. Eveni letintsaba kulaka-Efrayimu tabelwa iShekhemu, lidolobha lekukhosela, neGezeri, neJokmeyamu, neBhethi Horoni, ne-Ayaloni, neGathi Rimoni kanye nemadlelo awo. Encenyeni yesive sakaManase ema-Israyeli abela tinsendvo nemindeni leminye yemaKhohati i-Aneri neBhileyamu kanye nemadlelo awo. BakaGeshoni banikwa nankha emadolobha: Elusendvweni lwencenye yesive sakaManase babelwa iGolani leseBhashani ne-Ashtarothe kanye nemadlelo awo. Esiveni saka-Isakhari babelwa iKhedeshi, neDabherathi, neRamothi, ne-Anemu kanye nemadlelo awo. Esiveni saka-Asheri babelwa iMashali, ne-Abdoni, neHukhoki, neRehobu kanye nemadlelo awo. Esiveni sakaNaftali babelwa iKhedeshi eGalile, neHamoni, neKhiriyathayimu kanye nemadlelo awo. BakaMerari, labanye bona babelwa nankha emadolobha: Esiveni sakaZebuloni babelwa iJokneyamu, neKhatha, neRimono, neThabori kanye nemadlelo awo. Esiveni sakaRubeni ngesheya kweJordane emphumalanga neJerikho babelwa iBheseri ehlane, neJahasa, neKhedemothi, neMefathi kanye nemadlelo awo. Esiveni sakaGadi babelwa iRamothi kulakaGileyadi, neMahanayimu, neHeshboni, neJazeri kanye nemadlelo awo. Emadvodzana a-Isakhari bekuboThola, naPhuwa, naJashubi, naShimroni; amane asawonkhe. Emadvodzana aThola bekubo-Uzi, naRefaya, naJeriyeli, naJamayi, na-Ibsamu, naSamuweli, lekwakubaholi bemindeni yabo. Ngesikhatsi sekubusa kwaDavide titukulwane taThola tatingetekulwa timphi, ngekwemlandvo weluhlanga lwekutalana kwato bekungemadvodza lati-22 600. Umsa wa-Uzi bekunguJizrahiya. Emadvodzana aJizrahiya bekuboMikhayeli, na-Obadiya, naJoweli, naJishiya. Bonkhe laba labasihlanu bebabaholi. Ngekwemlandvo weluhlanga lwekutalana kwabo bekungemadvodza lati-36 000, labengalungela kuphuma imphi, ngobe bebanebafati labanyenti nebantfwana labanyenti. Tihlobo tabo bonkhe betinsendvo tesive saka-Isakhari ngekwemlandvo weluhlanga lwekutalana kwabo bekungemadvodza lati-87 000 labengalungela kuphuma imphi. Emadvodzana lamatsatfu aBhenjamini bekuboBela, naBekheri, naJediyayeli. Emadvodzana lasihlanu aBela bekubo-Esboni, na-Uzi, na-Uziyeli, naJerimothi, na-Iri, lekwakubaholi bemindeni. Ngekwemlandvo weluhlanga lwekutalana kwabo bekungemadvodza lati-22 034, labengalungela kuphuma imphi. Emadvodzana aBekheri bekuboZemira, naJowashi, na-Eliyezeri, na-Eliyoyenayi, na-Omri, naJeremothi, na-Abiya, na-Anathothi kanye na-Alemethi. Bonkhe laba bekungemadvodzana aBekheri. Ngekwemlandvo weluhlanga lwekutalana kwabo bekubaholi bemindeni nemadvodza lati-20 200 labengalungela kuphuma imphi. Indvodzana yaJediyayeli bekunguBilhani, emadvodzana aBilhani bekuboJewushe, naBhenjamini, na-Ehudi, naKhenana, naZethani, naThashishi kanye na-Ahishahari. Onkhe lamadvodzana aJediyayeli abebaholi bemindeni. Bekungemadvodza lati-17 200 labengalungela kuphuma imphi. BakaShuphimi nebakaHuphimi bona babetitukulwane taka-Ire, kantsi bakaHushimu bona babetitukulwane taka-Aheri. Emadvodzana aNaftali bekuboJasiyeli, naGuni, naJeseri kanye naShilemi, lekwakungemadvodzana aBilha. Titukulwane takaManase bekungu-Asriyeli, lamtala esinganini sakhe lesasingumSiriya, saphindze samtalela naMakhire, uyise waGileyadi. Makhire watsatsa umfati esiveni sakaHuphimi, kwatsi lomunye wamtsatsa esiveni sakaShuphimi. Libito ladzadzewabo bekunguMakha. Lenye indvodzana yaMakhire bekunguSelofehadi labenemadvodzakati kuphela. Makha, umkaMakhire, watala emadvodzana lamabili lekwakuboPhereshi naShereshi; emadvodzana aPhereshi bekubo-Ulamu naRakhemi. Indvodzana ya-Ulamu bekunguBedani. Lawa bekungemadvodzana aGileyadi, umsa waMakhire, umsa waManase. DzadzewaboGileyadi bekunguHamolekhethi lowatala emadvodzana lamatsatfu: bo-Ishodi, na-Abiyezeri, naMahala. Emadvodzana aShemida bekubo-Ahiyani, naShekhemu, naLikhi kanye na-Aniyamu. Titukulwane taka-Efrayimu bekunguShuthela, umsa wakhe, naBheredi, umsa wakhe, naThahathi, umsa wakhe, na-Eleyada, umsa wakhe, naThahathi, umsa wakhe, naZabadi, umsa wakhe, naShuthela, umsa wakhe. Bo-Ezeri na-Eleyadi babulawa ngesikhatsi batsi betama kuba tinkhomo tebantfu baseGathi. Efrayimu, uyise, wabalilela emalanga lamanyenti, netihlobo takhe taze teta kutamdvudvuta. Waphindze walala nemkakhe lowatetfwala, wase umtalela indvodzana, layetsa libito watsi nguBheriya, ngobe kwaba nenhlupheko leyahlasela umndeni wabo. Indvodzakati yakhe bekunguShera lowakha iBhethi Horoni Lengentansi kanye naLengenhla, waphindze wakha ne-Uzeni Shera. Efrayimu waphindza watala Refa. Titukulwane takaRefa kwaba nguReshefi, umsa wakhe, naThela, umsa wakhe, naThahani, umsa wakhe, naLadani, umsa wakhe, na-Amihudi, umsa wakhe, na-Elishama, umsa wakhe, naNuni, umsa wakhe, naJoshuwa, umsa wakhe. Tindzawo tato tekuhlala bekuyiBetheli nemiti leyayiyitungeletile, kusuka eNarani ngasemphumalanga, neGezeri kanye nemiti yayo ngasenshonalanga, neShekhemu kanye nemiti yayo, kuze kuyewufika e-Aya kanye nemiti yayo. Titukulwane takaManase ngito letatiphetse lamadolobha: iBhethi Shani, neThanaki, neMegido, neDori kanye nemiti yawo. Titukulwane takaJosefa, umsa wa-Israyeli, tatihlala kulamadolobha. Emadvodzana a-Asheri bekuboJimna, naJishuwa, naJishvi, naBheriya kanye naSera lekwakuyindvodzakati. Emadvodzana aBheriya bekuboHebere, naMalkhiyeli, uyise waBizayithi. Hebhere abenguyise waboJafleti, naShomeri, naHothami kanye naShuwa labengudzadzewabo. Emadvodzana aJafleti bekuboPhasaki, naBimhali kanye na-Ashvathi. Ngawo lawa emadvodzana aJafleti. Emadvodzana aShomeri bekubo-Ahi, naRoga, naHubha kanye na-Aramu. Emadvodzana aHothami, umnakabo, bekuboSofa, naJimna, naSheleshi kanye na-Amali. Emadvodzana aSofa bekuboShuwa, naHaneferi, naShuwali, naBeri, naJimra, naBeseri, naHodi, naShama, naShilsha, naJithrani kanye naBheyera. Emadvodzana aJetheri bekuboJefune, naPhispha kanye na-Ara. Emadvodzana a-Ula bekubo-Ara, naHaniyeli kanye naRisiya. Bonkhe laba bekutitukulwane taka-Asheri: kwakutinhloko temindeni, emadvodza elikhetselo, tingwazi letinesibindzi babaholi labahlonishwako. Ngekwemlandvo weluhlanga lwekutalana kwabo bekungemadvodza lati-26 000 labengalungela kuphuma imphi. Emadvodzana aBhenjamini bekuboBela, litubulo lakhe, elanywe ngu-Ashbeli, kute Ahara, kulandzele Noha, kugcine Rafa labewesihlanu. Emadvodzana aBela bekubo-Adari, naGera, na-Abihudi, na-Abishuwa, naNamani, na-Ahowa, naGera, naShefufani kanye naHuramu. Titukulwane taka-Ehudi, lekwakutinhloko temindeni leyayihlala eGeba yase ilahlelwa eManahathi: bekuboNamani, na-Ahiya kanye naGera. Nguye lowabamikisa khona, kantsi futsi abenguyise wa-Uza na-Ahihudi. Shaharayimi watala emadvodzana eMowabi emvakwekulahla kwakhe bafati bakhe boHushimu naBhara. Hodeshi, umkakhe, wamtalela boJobabi, naSibiya, naMesha, naMalkhamu, naJewuse, naSakhiya kanye naMima. Lawa bekungemadvodzana akhe labetinhloko temindeni. Hushimu wamtalela bo-Abitubi na-Elphali. Emadvodzana a-Elphali bekubo-Ebheri, naMishamu, naShemedi, lowakha emadolobha i-Ono neLodi kanye nemiti leyayiyitungeletile. Bheriya naShema bekutinhloko temindeni leyayihlala edolobheni i-Ayaloni, ngibo labacosha labantfu lababehlala eGathi. Titukulwane takaBheriya tatifaka ekhatsi bo-Ahiyo, naShashaki, naJeremothi, naZebadiya, na-Aradi, na-Ederi, naMikhayeli, naJishpha kanye naJoha. Letinye titukulwane taka-Elphali bekuboZebadiya, naMeshulamu, naHizki, naHebhere, na-Ishmerayi, naJizliya kanye naJobabi. Titukulwane takaShimeyi bekuboJakimu, naZikhri, naZabdi, na-Eliyenayi, naSilethayi, na-Eliyeli, na-Adaya, naBheraya kanye naShimrathi. Titukulwane takaShashaki bekuboJishphani, na-Ebheri, na-Eliyeli, na-Abdoni, naZikhri, naHanana, naHananiya, na-Elamu, na-Antothiya, na-Ifdeya kanye naPhenuweli. Emadvodzana aJerohamu bekuboShamsherayi, naShehariya, na-Athaliya, naJareshiya, na-Elija kanye naZikhri. Bonkhe laba bekutinhloko temindeni netikhulu ngekwemlandvo weluhlanga lwekutalana kwabo; babehlala eJerusalema. Jeyiyeli, uyise waGibeyoni, abehlala eGibeyoni. Libito lemkakhe bekunguMakha, Abdoni kulitubulo lakhe, abelanywa nguSuri, kute Khishi, naBhali, naNeri, naNadabi, naGedori, na-Ahiyo, naZakheri kanye naMikilothi labenguyise waShimeya. Nabo bebahlala edvutane naletihlobo tabo khona eJerusalema. Neri abenguyise waKhishi, Khishi abenguyise waSawula, Sawula abenguyise waboJonathani, naMalkhi Shuwa, na-Abinadabi kanye na-Eshbhali. Jonathani abenguyise waMeribhali, uyise waMikha. Mikha abenemadvodzana lamane, lekwakuboPhithoni, naMeleki, naThareya kanye na-Ahazi. Ahazi abenguyise waJehoyada, Jehoyada anguyise wabo-Alemethi, na-Azmavethi, naZimri. Zimri abenguyise waMosa, Mosa anguyise waBineya, Bineya anguyise waRafa, Rafa anguyise wa-Eleyasa, Eleyasa anguyise wa-Aseli. Aseli abenemadvodzana lasitfupha, lekwakubo-Azrikamu, naBokheru, na-Ishmayeli, naSheyariya, na-Obadiya kanye naHanana. Bonkhe laba bekungemadvodzana a-Aseli. Esheki, umnakabo-Aseli, abenemadvodzana lamatsatfu lekwakubo-Ulamu, naJewushe kanye na-Elifeleti. Emadvodzana a-Ulamu bekungemachawe labenesibindzi, akwati nekusebentisa butjoki. Abenemadvodzana lamanyenti nebatukulu labadvuna labanyenti lababeli-150 sebabonkhe. Bonkhe-ke laba bekutitukulwane takaBhenjamini. Bonkhe bantfu baka-Israyeli babalwa ngekwemindeni yabo, njengobe kubhaliwe encwadzini yemakhosi aka-Israyeli. Sive sakaJuda sona sase sitfunjelwe eBhabhulona ngenca yekungetsembeki kwaso. Bekucala ekubuyeni nasekucabeni etindzaweni tabo emadolobheni abo kwakungema-Israyeli labebabantfu nje, nebaphristi, nemaLevi kanye netikhonti tasethempelini. Besive sakaJuda, nesakaBhenjamini, nesaka-Efrayimu kanye nesakaManase bona bahamba bayawuhlala eJerusalema: Kwakubo-Uthayi, umsa wa-Amihudi, umsa wa-Omri, umsa wa-Imri, umsa waBani, umtukulu waPheresi, umsa waJuda. Esiveni sakaShela labengumholi bekungu-Asaya, litubulo lakhe, akanye nalamanye emadvodzana akakhe. Esiveni sakaZera labengumholi bekunguJehuweli akanye nabomnakabo. Sebabonkhe bantfu besive sakaJuda babengema-690. Esiveni sakaBhenjamini bekunguSalu, umsa waMeshulamu, umsa waHodaviya, umsa waHasenuwa, na-Ibhiniya, umsa waJerohamu; na-Ela, umsa wa-Uzi, umsa waMikhri; naMeshulamu, umsa waShefathiya, umsa waRehuweli, umsa wa-Ibhiniya. Sebabonkhe bantfu besive sakaBhenjamini ngekwemlandvo weluhlanga lwekutalana kwabo bebangema-956. Onkhe lamadvodza abebaholi bemindeni yawo. Baphristi lababehlala eJerusalema bekunguJedaya, naJehoyaribi, naJakhini, na-Azariya, umsa waHilkiya, umsa waMeshulamu, umsa waSadoki, umsa waMerayothi, umsa wa-Ahitubi, labeyindvuna endlini yaNkulunkulu, na-Adaya, umsa waJerohamu, umsa waPhashuri, umsa waMalkhiya, naMasayi, umsa wa-Adiyeli, umsa waJazera, umsa waMeshulamu, umsa waMeshilemithi, umsa wa-Imeri. Baphristi lababebaholi bemindeni babeyi-1 760. Babenelikhono ekwenteni wonkhe umsebenti wasendlini yaNkulunkulu. EmaLevi labehlala eJerusalema bekuboShemaya, umsa waHashubi, umsa wa-Azrikamu, umsa waHashabiya, umMerari; naBakbakhari, naHereshi, naGalali kanye naMathaniya, umsa waMikha, umsa waZikhri, umsa wa-Asafa; na-Obadiya, umsa waShemaya, umsa waGalali, umsa waJeduthuni, naBherekhiya, umsa wa-Asa, umsa wa-Elkhana, labehlala emitini yemaNethofa. Bomahlalesangweni belithempeli lababehlala eJerusalema bekuboShalumi, na-Akhubi, naThalmoni, na-Ahimani kanye nabomnakabo. Shalumi abengumholi wabo. Bonkhe laba bebahlala ngaseSangweni Lenkhosi lelingasemphumalanga, kuze kube ngulamuhla loku. Laba-ke bekubomahlalesangweni benkambu yemaLevi. Shalumi, umsa waKhore, umsa wa-Abiyasafa, umsa waKhora, kanye nabomahlalesangweni bemndeni wakhe, emaKhora, bona umsebenti wabo bekukugadza etimphundvwini telithende, njengobe naboyise umsebenti wabo bekukugadza lisango lekungena endlini yaSimakadze. Finehasi, umsa wa-Eleyazare, ekucaleni bekaphetse labomahlalesangweni, naSimakadze waba naye. Zakhariya, umsa waMeshelemiya, naye abengumahlalesangweni ekungeneni kwelisango lelithende lekuhlangana. Sebabonkhe labakhetselwa kuba bomahlalesangweni etimphundvwini kwaba ngemadvodza langema-212. Babhaliswa ngetitukulwane tabo emitini yabo lababehlala kuyo. Bekuyinkhosi Davide nemphrofethi Samuweli lebababeka kutsi babe tetsenjwa talowo msebenti. Bona kanye netitukulwane tabo babebekwe kutsi bagadze emasango endlu yaSimakadze, lekwakutsiwa lithende. Labomahlalesangweni babebekwe kuyo yonkhe lemihlubulo lemine: ngasemphumalanga, nangasenshonalanga, nangasenyakatfo, nangaseningizimu. Bomnakabo lababesuka kulemiti yakubo babefika njalo nje kutawubambisana nabo kulemisebenti yekugadza ngemagema emalanga lasikhombisa. Kodvwa bomahlalesangweni labakhulu labane bemaLevi bona bebanikwe umsebenti wekunakekela emakamelo kanye nengcebo endlini yaNkulunkulu. Babefanele bahlale busuku bonkhe batungelete indlu yaNkulunkulu, ngobe phela bekufanele bayigadze; babephetse ngisho nesikhiya sekuyivula njalo nje ekuseni. Umsebenti wemaLevi lamanye bekukuphatsa nekunakekela timphahla letatisetjentiswa ekukhonteni ethempelini. Letimphahla babetibala natingeniswa, baphindze batibale natikhishwa kuyawusetjentiswa. Lamanye emaLevi umsebenti wawo bekukuphatsa letinye timphahla letingcwele, nafulaha, neliwayini, nemafutsa emncumo, nemphepho kanye netinandzisi. Kodvwa kuhlanganisa tinandzisi bekungumsebenti webaphristi. UmLevi lekwakutsiwa nguMathithiya, indvodzana leyayilitubulo laShalumi, umKhora, yena umsebenti wakhe bekukubhaka sinkhwa semnikelo. Labanye bomnakabo bemaKhohati umsebenti wabo bekukulungisa sinkhwa semnikelo ngekusibeka etafuleni njalo nje ngeliSabatha. Labo lababebahlabeli, lababebaholi bemaLevi, babehlala emakamelweni elithempeli. Bayekeliswa nalena leminye imisebenti, ngobe babehlala balindzele kubitelwa emsebentini wabo ngaso sonkhe sikhatsi, emini nasebusuku. Lamadvodza abebaholi bemindeni yemaLevi, tonkhe tikhulu ngekwemlandvo weluhlanga lwekutalana kwato, bahlala eJerusalema. Jeyiyeli, uyise waGibeyoni, abehlala eGibeyoni. Libito lemkakhe bekunguMakha. Litubulo lakhe kungu-Abdoni, yena elanywa boSuri, naKhishi, naBhali, naNeri, naNadabi, naGedori, na-Ahiyo, naZakhariya kanye naMikilothi. Mikilothi abenguyise waShimeya. Nabo babehlala edvutane netihlobo tabo eJerusalema. Neri abenguyise waKhishi, Khishi anguyise waSawula, Sawula anguyise waboJonathani, naMalkhi Shuwa, na-Abinadabi kanye na-Eshbhali. Indvodzana yaJonathani bekunguMeribhali, uyise waMikha. Emadvodzana aMikha bekuboPhithoni, naMeleki, naThareya kanye na-Ahazi. Ahazi abenguyise waJara, Jara anguyise wabo-Alemethi, na-Azmavethi, naZimri; Zimri abenguyise waMosa. Mosa abenguyise waBineya, Bineya anguyise waRefaya, Refaya anguyise wa-Eleyasa, Eleyasa anguyise wa-Aseli. Aseli abenemadvodzana lasitfupha, emabito awo bekubo-Azrikamu, naBokheru, na-Ishmayeli, naSheyariya, na-Obadiya kanye naHanana. Lawa-ke bekungemadvodzana a-Aseli. EmaFilisti alwa nema-Israyeli; ema-Israyeli abaleka, labanyenti basala bafile eNtsabeni iGilbowa. EmaFilisti abahlala emsileni boSawula nemadvodzana akhe. EmaFilisti abulala emadvodzana aSawula: boJonathani, na-Abinadabi, naMalkhi Shuwa. Imphi yashuba ngakuSawula, lababenemba ngebutjoki bamkhandza, bamhlaba ngemicibisholo. Sawula wakhuluma neludzibi lwakhe, watsi: “Khipha inkemba yakho ungicedzele, kungaze kufike labantfu labangasoki bangicedzele, ngihlazeke.” Kodvwa loludzibi lwakhe lwalwesaba, lungeke lukwente loko; ngako Sawula watsatsa yakhe inkemba watiwisela kuyo, atibulala. Loludzibi lwatsi kube lubone kutsi Sawula sewufile, nalo lwawela enkembeni yalo, lwafa naye. Sawula nemadvodzana akhe omatsatfu, ngisho nayo yonkhe indlu yakhe, bafela ndzawonye. Onkhe ema-Israyeli labengasesigodzini atsi kube abone kutsi imphi seyibalekile nekutsi Sawula nemadvodzana akhe sebafile, esuka abaleka, ashiya emadolobha awo. EmaFilisti efika ahlala kuwo lawo madolobha. Kwatsi ngakusasa emaFilisti nasatewuhlubula letidvumbu talabafile, akhandza Sawula nemadvodzana akhe, bafele eNtsabeni iGilbowa. Amhlubula ajuba inhloko yakhe ayitsatsa kanye netikhali takhe, atfumela tigijimi kulo lonkhe lemaFilisti kumemetela lendzaba endlini yabonkulunkulu bawo nakubantfu bakubo. Afaka tikhali takhe ethempelini labonkulunkulu bawo, aphanyeka inhloko yakhe ethempelini laDagoni. Batsi kube bonkhe bantfu baseJabeshi Gileyadi beve ngako konkhe lokwase kwentiwe ngemaFilisti kuSawula, tonkhe tihlabani takhona tashuca tayakutsatsa letidvumbu taboSawula kanye nemadvodzana akhe batimikisa eJabeshi. Tase tingcwaba ematsambo abo ngaphansi kwesihlahla lesikhulu saseJabeshi, tazila emalanga lasikhombisa. Sawula wafa, ngobe abengaketsembeki kuSimakadze; akazange aligcine livi laSimakadze, wadzimate wayawufuna indlela nasesangomeni imbala, wangete wayibuta indlela kuSimakadze. Ngaleso sizatfu Simakadze wamnikela ekufeni, bukhosi wabunika Davide, umsa waJese. Tonkhe tive taka-Israyeli teta kuDavide eHebroni, tafike tatsi: “Tsine siyinyama yakho nengati yakho. Kadzeni, ngesikhatsi Sawula ayinkhosi, nguwe lowawuhola sive sema-Israyeli nasiyawulwa timphi. Simakadze Nkulunkulu wakho wakhuluma kuwe, watsi: ‘Wena utawuba ngumelusi wesive sami, ema-Israyeli, ube ngumbusi waso.’ ” Batsi kube befike bonkhe baholi bema-Israyeli enkhosini Davide eHebroni, wenta nabo sivumelwane eHebroni embikwaSimakadze; base bagcoba Davide kutsi abe yinkhosi yema-Israyeli, njengobe Simakadze abetsembisile ngaSamuweli. Davide nesive sonkhe sema-Israyeli bashuca bacondza eJerusalema, lekwakuyiJebhusi. EmaJebhusi labehlala lapho akhuluma kuDavide atsi: “Ungeke ungenise lapha.” Noko, Davide wayitfumba inqaba yaseSiyoni, Lidolobha laDavide. Davide abekhulume watsi: “Lowo lotawuba wekucala kuhlasela emaJebhusi utawuba yindvuna.” Jowabe, umsa waSeruya, wenyuka kucala, ngako wavele waba yindvuna. Davide wangena wahlala kuleyo nqaba, ngako yabitwa ngekutsi Lidolobha laDavide. Lelidolobha walakha watungeleta lenqaba, kusukela etibebesini tekwentiwa kuye kulolubondza lolutungeletile; loko kwenteka ngesikhatsi Jowabe asabuyisela lelo dolobha esimeni salo. Davide wachubeka waba nemandla kakhulu, ngobe Simakadze Somandla abenaye. Leti tinhloko tetingwazi taDavide letatidvumile, tona kanye nesive sonkhe sema-Israyeli, tabusekela kakhulu bukhosi bakhe, tabenta bandza nalo lonkhe live, njengobe Simakadze abetsembisile. Lolu luhla lwetingwazi taDavide letatidvumile: wekucala kwakungu-Jashobeyamu, umHakhamoni, labeyindvuna yaLabatsatfu. Yena-ke wagwaza ngesikhali sakhe emadvodza langema-300, wawabulala onkhe emphini yinye. Wesibili kwakungu-Eleyazare, umsa waDodo, welusendvo lwaka-Ahohi, labengulomunye waletingwazi letintsatfu. AbenaDavide ePhasi Damimu ngesikhatsi emaFilisti ahlanganele khona kulwa imphi. Endzaweni lapho bekunensimi leyayigcwele ibhali, emabutfo ema-Israyeli awabalekela lamaFilisti. Kodvwa ema endzaweni yawo ekhatsi nekhatsi nensimi. Ayivikela, abulala lamaFilisti, Simakadze wanika ema-Israyeli kuncoba lokukhulu. Ngalelinye lilanga tingwazi letintsatfu kuleti letatingema-30 tehlela kuDavide edvwaleni lemgedze wase-Adulamu, emaFilisti asakambe eSigodzini semaRefa. Ngaleso sikhatsi Davide abesekhatsi enqabeni, kantsi libutfo lemaFilisti lona laliseBhetlehema. Davide wativela asomile, wase utsi: “Awu! Kube mane kungaba khona longangikhelela emanti ekunatsa; ngomele emanti asemtfonjeni longasesangweni laseBhetlehema!” Ngako letingwazi letintsatfu tesuka lapho tabhidla ticheme temabutfo emaFilisti ngenkhani taphumela ngale, taze tefika emtfonjeni longasesangweni laseBhetlehema, takha emanti, tabuya nawo kuDavide. Kodvwa Davide wala kuwanatsa lamanti, esikhundleni saloko wawatfululela embikwaSimakadze. Davide watsi: “Nkulunkulu akangavumi kutsi ngikwente loku! Kufanele yini kutsi nginatse ingati yalamadvodza latilahle ematsambo ngemphilo yawo?” Njengobe abetilahle ematsambo ngemphilo yawo ngekumkhelela lamanti, Davide akazange awanatse. Nguleto-ke tento taletingwazi letintsatfu. Abishayi, umnakaboJowabe, abengumholi walaba labangema-30. Wagwaza ngesikhali sakhe, alwa nemadvodza langema-300, wawabulala onkhe, waze wadvuma kakhulu njengaletingwazi letingema-30, yena wadvunyiswa ngalokuphindvwe kwendlula leti letingema-30, waze wabekwa waba yindvuna yato, lite nome yena abengakabalwa nalaba Labatsatfu. Bhenaya, umsa waJehoyada, waseKhabsiyeli, naye abengulomunye wetingwazi letatatiwa. Wenta tigemegeme letinyenti naye, njengekubulala kwakhe tingwazi letimbili letatatiwa takaMowabi. Wake wehlela phansi emgodzini ngalelinye lilanga kunangcocwane, wafike wabulala libhubesi. Wabulala sichwaga lesikhulu saseGibhithe lesasingemamitha labengaba mabili nemasentimitha langema-30 budze. Nome lomGibhithe abephetse sikhali lesasingangelipulango lembongolo yemeluki esandleni sakhe, Bhenaya yena wamsukela aphetse simunya. Wahlutfula lesikhali esandleni salomGibhithe, wambulala ngaso lesikhali sakhe. Lobo kwaba buchawe baBhenaya, umsa waJehoyada. Naye wadvuma njengalaba labatsatfu labebatiwa kakhulu. Abehlonishwa kakhulu kunato tonkhe letingwazi letatingema-30, kodvwa yena akabalwanga kanye nalaba Labatsatfu. Davide wamenta indvuna yaleti letatisingatsa yena. Letingwazi bekunguleti: Asaheli, umnakaboJowabe, na-Eli Hanani, umsa waDodo, waseBhetlehema, naboShama waseHarodi, aHelesi wasePhelethi, na-Ira, umsa wa-Ikheshi, waseThekhowa, na-Abiyezeri wase-Anathothi, naSibhekayi waseHusha, na-Ilayi waka-Ahohi, naMaharayi waseNethofa, naHeledi, umsa waBhana, waseNethofa, na-Ithayi, umsa waRibayi, waseGibeya kulakaBhenjamini, naBhenaya wasePhirathoni, naHurayi wasetihosheni taseGashi, na-Abiyalboni wase-Abha, na-Azmavethi waseBhahurimu, na-Eliyaba waseShalbimu, nemadvodzana aHashemu waseGizoni, naJonathani, umsa waShage, waseHarari, na-Ahiyamu, umsa waSakhari, waseHarari, na-Elifali, umsa wa-Ure, naHeferi waseMekhera, na-Ahiya wasePhelethi, naHesro waseKhameli, naNarayi, umsa wa-Ezbayi, naJoweli, umnakaboNathani, naMibhari, umsa waHagri, naSeleki, waka-Amoni, naNaharayi waseBherothi, labeludzibi lwaJowabe, umsa waSeruya, na-Ira waseJetheri, naGarebi waseJetheri, na-Uriya, umHethi, naZabadi, umsa wa-Ahilayi, na-Adina, umsa waShiza, wakaRubeni, labesikhulu sebakaRubeni, akanye nalabangema-30, naHanana, umsa waMakha, naJosafati, waseMitheni, a-Uziya wase-Ashtarothe, naboShama, naJeyiyeli, emadvodzana aHothami, wase-Aroyeri, naJediyayeli, umsa waShimri, nemnakabo longuJoha, waseThisi, na-Eliyeli, waseMahavi, naboJeribayi naJoshaviya, emadvodzana a-Elnamu, na-Jithma, wakaMowabi, nabo-Eliyeli, na-Obedi kanye naJasiyeli waseSobha. Lawa-ke ngemadvodza leta kuDavide eSikilagi, ngesikhatsi asadzingisiwe esuswa kuSawula, umsa waKhishi, labengulamanye labetingwazi letamsita emphini. Lamadvodza abehlome ngebutjoki, anelikhono lekunemba ngemicibisholo nangetidubulelo ngesekudla nome ngesancele. Bekungemadvodza elusendvo lwaSawula esive sakaBhenjamini: Bekubo-Ahiyezeri, sikhulu sabo, naJowashi, emadvodzana aShema waseGibeya; naboJeziyeli naPhelethi, emadvodzana a-Azmavethi; naBherakha, naJehu wase-Anathothi, na-Ishmaya waseGibeyoni, ingwazi emkhatsini walabangema-30, angumholi wabo labangema-30; naJeremiya, naJahaziyeli, naJohanani, naJozabadi waseGedera, na-Eluzayi, naJerimothi, naBeyaliya, naShemariya, naShefathiya waseHarifi, na-Elkhana, naJishiya, na-Azareli, naboJowezeri kanye naJashobeyamu besive sakaKhora; naJowela naZebadiya, emadvodzana aJerohamu waseGedori. Labanye besive sakaGadi bahlephuka balandzela Davide ngesikhatsi asenqabeni ehlane. Bekutingwazi letatinesibindzi, letatilungele kulwa imphi, tikwati ngisho nekubamba lihawu nesikhali. Buso bato bekubuso bemabhubesi, kantsi futsi tatigijima ngekushesha lokukhulu njengetinyamatane tetintsaba. Ezeri abesikhulu, Obadiya elama yena ngesikhundla, wesitsatfu kungu-Eliyabe, Mishmana awesine, wesihlanu kunguJeremiya, Athayi bekawesitfupha, Eliyeli awesikhombisa, Johanani awesiphohlongo, Elzabadi awemfica, Jeremiya awelishumi, kutsi Makbanayi abe welishumi nanye. LamaGadi bekutindvuna temphi; lamanye abephetse emakhulu, kantsi lamanye abephetse tinkhulungwane. Ngawo lewela iJordane enyangeni yekucala ngesikhatsi isagcwele igola tintsetse, babaleka bonkhe labebakhe kuleto tigodzi, ngasemphumalanga nangasenshonalanga kwemfula. Lamanye emadvodza akaBhenjamini newakaJuda eta kuDavide enqabeni yakhe. Davide waphuma wayawubahlangabeta, wafike wakhuluma kubo, watsi: “Nangabe nite lapha kimi ngekuthula kutengisita, ngitimisele kutihlanganisa nani. Kodvwa nangabe nitele kutangitsengisa etitseni tami ngesikhatsi tandla tami tisakhululekile ekulweni, shangatsi Nkulunkulu wabobabe angakubona loko, bese uyanehlulela.” Moya wabe sewehlela ku-Amasayi, lowabe sewuyabekwa kutsi abe ngumholi walabangema-30, watsi: “Davide, msa waJese, tsine sibakho! Sihambisana nawe! Imphumelelo! Nalabo labakusitako ababe nemphumelelo! Ngobe Nkulunkulu wakho utakusita.” Davide wavele wabemukela, wababeka baba baholi bemabutfo akhe ekuhlasela. Lamanye emadvodza akaManase ahlephuka alandzela Davide ngesikhatsi ahamba nemaFilisti kuyakulwa nenkhosi Sawula. Empeleni yena nemadvodza akakhe akazange awasite emaFilisti, ngobe emvakwekuhlolisana, inkhosi yawo yavele yamcosha. Bakhuluma batsi: “Phela sitawubulawa sonkhe lapha, nakungenteka Davide abuyele enkhosini yakhe Sawula.” Ngesikhatsi Davide aya eSikilagi, emadvodza akaManase latihlanganisa naDavide nankha: Bekubo-Adna, naJozabadi, naJediyayeli, naMikhayeli, naJozabadi, na-Elihu kanye naSilethayi, lekwakubaholi bemabutfo etinkhulungwane kaManase. Basita Davide ekulweni nemabutfo labemhlasela, ngobe bonkhe babetingwazi letatinesibindzi, baba tindvuna temphi yakhe. Imihla nemalanga emadvodza abeta kutawusita Davide, waze waba nemphi lenkhulu lenemandla. Lawa ngemanani emadvodza labehlomile eta kutawusita Davide eHebroni, kutsi atewumniketa umbuso waSawula, njengobe Simakadze abeshito: Bekungemadvodza akaJuda, labehlome ngemahawu nangetikhali, abeti-6 800 labelungele kulwa imphi; emadvodza akaSimeyoni, labetingwazi letatilungele kulwa imphi, abeti-7 100; emadvodza akaLevi, abeti-4 600, akanye naJehoyada, umholi wemndeni waka-Aroni, akakhe ati-3 700, naSadoki, libhungu lelaliyingwazi linesibindzi, akanye netindvuna takhe letatingema-22, temndeni wakabo; emadvodza akaBhenjamini, endlu yakaSawula, abeti-3 000, linyenti lawo lelake labambelela kuSawula kwate kwaba nguleso sikhatsi; emadvodza aka-Efrayimu, tingwazi letatinesibindzi letatidvume kakhulu etinsendweni takubo, abeti-20 800; emadvodza encenye yesive sakaManase, labebitwe ngemabito awo kutsi ete atewubeka Davide kutsi abe yinkhosi, abeti-18 000; emadvodza aka-Isakhari, labeticondza kahle tikhatsi, ati nekutsi Israyeli kufanele enteni, bekutikhulu letatingema-200, akanye nato tonkhe tinini tawo letatitiphetse; emadvodza akaZebuloni, emasotja labebokadzebona labelungele kulwa nganome nganguluphi luhlobo lwesikhali, eta kutawusita Davide nekumlalela ngayo yonkhe inhlitiyo yawo, abeti-50 000; emadvodza akaNaftali, tindvuna letatiyinkhulungwane, tikanye nemadvodza lati-37 000 lahlome ngemahawu nangetikhali; emadvodza akaDani, labelungele kulwa imphi, abeti-28 600; emadvodza aka-Asheri, emasotja labebokadzebona labelungele kulwa imphi, abeti-40 000; kusuka emphumalanga neJordane, emadvodza akaRubeni, newakaDani, kanye newencenye yesive sakaManase, labehlome ngato tonkhe tinhlobo tetikhali, abeti-120 000. Onkhe lamadvodza abetingwazi letatitinikelele kulwa emabutfweni. Eta eHebroni atimisele ngawo onkhe emandla kubeka Davide kutsi abe yinkhosi etikwa-Israyeli wonkhe. Onkhe lawa lamanye ema-Israyeli nawo abenamcondvo munye wekubeka Davide kutsi abe yinkhosi. Emadvodza ahlala naDavide emalanga lamatsatfu, adla, anatsa, ngobe imindeni yawo yayiwentele imiphako. Bomakhelwane babo kusuka ka-Isakhari, nakaZebuloni, nakaNaftali beta nabo baletsa kudla bakwetfwele ngetimbongolo, nangemakamela, nangeminyuzi kanye nangetinkhabi. Lokudla lekwakukunyenti bekungufulaha, nemacebelengwane emakhiwa, newemagelebisi lomisiwe, neliwayini, nemafutsa, netinkhomo kanye netimvu, ngobe kwaba nekujabula ka-Israyeli. Davide wakhuluma netindvuna takhe ngayinye ngayinye, tindvuna tetinkhulungwane, netemakhulu. Wakhuluma kulo lonkhe libandla lema-Israyeli, watsi: “Nakubonakala kukuhle kini, kantsi futsi nakuyintsandvo yaSimakadze Nkulunkulu wetfu, asitfumele livi kubo bonkhe besive sakitsi kuyo yonkhe imimango yaka-Israyeli, nakubaphristi kanye nakumaLevi labanawo emadolobheni abo lanemadlelo kutsi bete batekutihlanganisa natsi. Asilibuyise lapha kitsi libhokisi lesivumelwane saNkulunkulu wetfu, ngobe asizange sibute kulo, ngesikhatsi kusabusa Sawula.” Lonkhe lelo bandla lavumelana nalowo mbono, ngobe kwabonakala kulungile kubo bonkhe bantfu. Ngako Davide wahlanganisa onkhe ema-Israyeli, kusukela emfuleni iShihori, eGibhithe, kuze kuyewufika eLebo Hamathi, kuze atewulandza libhokisi lesivumelwane saNkulunkulu eKhiriyathi Jeyarimu. Davide kanye nawo onkhe ema-Israyeli bahamba baya eBhala yakaJuda, eKhiriyathi Jeyarimu, kulandza libhokisi lesivumelwane saNkulunkulu Simakadze, lobusela esihlalweni sebukhosi asemkhatsini wemakherubhi lasetikwelibhokisi lesivumelwane lelibitwa ngelibito lakhe. Libhokisi lesivumelwane saNkulunkulu balitsatsa endlini ya-Abinadabi ngencola lensha, icondziswa bo-Uza na-Ahiyo. Davide kanye nawo onkhe ema-Israyeli babejabula bagidza ngawo onkhe emandla abo embikwaNkulunkulu ngetingoma, nangemahabhu, nangemalire, nangemafahlawane, nangemasimbali kanye nangemacilongo. Batsi kube befike ebaleni laKhidoni lekubhulela kolo, Uza welula sandla sakhe, entela kubamba libhokisi lesivumelwane, ngobe letinkhabi takhubatela. Lulaka lwaSimakadze lwamvutsela Uza, wamshaya, ngobe abesabambe lelibhokisi lesivumelwane. Ngako Uza wafa, wafela embikwaNkulunkulu. Davide wase uyatfukutsela, ngobe lulaka lwaSimakadze lwalwehlele etikwa-Uza. Kuze kube ngulamuhla loku leyo ndzawo seyabitwa ngekutsi yiPheresi Uza. Ngalelo langa Davide wesaba Nkulunkulu, wate wabuta watsi: “Pho, ngingaliletsa kanjani libhokisi lesivumelwane saNkulunkulu lapha kami?” Ngako wangabe asalitsatsa kutsi ahambe nalo aye eJerusalema, Lidolobha laDavide. Esikhundleni saloko, walikhweshisa walibeka endlini ya-Obedi Edomu, waseGathi. Libhokisi lesivumelwane saNkulunkulu lahlala nebaka-Obedi Edomu endlini yakhe tinyanga letintsatfu; Simakadze wawubusisa umndeni wakhe nako konkhe labenako. Hiramu, inkhosi yaseThire, watfumela titfunywa kuDavide, kanye netingodvo temsedari, nebacoti bematje kanye nebabati kutsi bayewumakhela sigodlo. Davide abati kutsi Simakadze sewumbeke kutsi abe yinkhosi yaka-Israyeli, nekutsi sewente umbuso wakhe waphumelela kakhulu ngenca yesive sakhe sema-Israyeli. EJerusalema Davide waphindze watsatsa labanye bafati, watala emadvodzana nemadvodzakati lamanyenti. Lawa ngemabito ebantfwana latalelwa bona khona eJerusalema: boShamuwa, naShobabi, naNathani, naSolomoni, naJibhari, na-Elishuwa, na-Elpeleti, naNoga, naNefegi, naJafiya, na-Elishama, naBheliyada, na-Elifeleti. Atsi kube emaFilisti eve kutsi Davide sewugcotjwe kutsi abe yinkhosi etikwawo onkhe ema-Israyeli, esusa lomkhulu umkhankhaso wekuyamfuna, kodvwa Davide weva ngaloko, wabe sewuyawahlangabeta. EmaFilisti abesafike ahlasela Sigodzi semaRefa. Ngako Davide wabuta kuNkulunkulu, watsi: “Kufanele yini ngihambe kuyawuhlasela lamaFilisti? Utakuwanikela yini esandleni sami?” Simakadze wamphendvula watsi: “Yebo, hamba, ngobe ngitawanikela esandleni sakho.” Ngako Davide kanye nemadvodza akhe wenyukela eBhali Pherasimu, wafike walwa nawo, wawehlula. Wakhuluma watsi: “Nkulunkulu utibhidlite ngesandla sami watehlula titsa tami, watikhukhula njengekukhukhula kwazamcolo.” Ngako leyo ndzawo yetsiwa libito kwatsiwa yiBhali Pherasimu. EmaFilisti abesabaleke ashiya bonkulunkulu bawo khona lapho, Davide wakhipha umyalo kutsi babashise ngemlilo. Aphindza emaFilisti eta atawuhlasela leso sigodzi. Ngako Davide waphindze wabuta kuNkulunkulu, Nkulunkulu wamphendvula watsi: “Ungenyukeli lapho, kodvwa watungelete ngemuva, bese uwahlasela ngembili kwetihlahla tebhalisamu. Utawutsi ungeva tigi tekushuca kwawo lena enhla nato letihlahla tebhalisamu, uphume uyewuhlasela, ngobe loko kutawube kusho kutsi Simakadze sewuhambe embili kuyawubulala emabutfo emaFilisti.” Ngako Davide wenta loko Nkulunkulu labemyale kutsi akwente, emaFilisti bawabulala yonkhe indlela kusukela eGibeyoni kuze kufike eGezeri. Ludvumo lwaDavide lwandza nawo onkhe lawo mave, naSimakadze wenta tonkhe tive tamesaba. Emvakwekuba Davide asatakhele tindlu takhe eDolobheni laDavide, wabe sewulungisa indzawo yekubeka libhokisi lesivumelwane saNkulunkulu, wadzimate wemisa lithende lekulifaka ekhatsi. Davide wakhuluma watsi: “Kute nome munye ngaphandle kwemaLevi lekufanele etfwale libhokisi lesivumelwane saNkulunkulu, ngobe ngawo lakhetfwa nguSimakadze kutsi amkhonte ngaleyo nkonzo phakadze naphakadze.” Davide wahlanganisa onkhe ema-Israyeli eJerusalema kutsi aletse lelibhokisi lesivumelwane saSimakadze kulendzawo labesayilungiselele lona. Wabita wahlanganisa titukulwane taka-Aroni kanye nemaLevi: Lababetitukulwane takaKhohati, bekungu-Uriyeli, umholi, netihlobo letatili-120. Lababetitukulwane takaMerari, bekungu-Asaya, umholi, netihlobo letatingema-220. Lababetitukulwane takaGeshoni, bekunguJoweli, umholi, netihlobo letatili-130. Lababetitukulwane taka-Elisafani, bekunguShemaya, umholi, netihlobo letatingema-200. Lababetitukulwane takaHebroni, bekungu-Eliyeli, umholi, netihlobo letatingema-80. Lababetitukulwane taka-Uziyeli, bekungu-Aminadabi, umholi, netihlobo letatili-112. Davide wabita Sadoki na-Abiyatha, baphristi, nemaLevi: Bo-Uriyeli, na-Asaya, naJoweli, naShemaya, na-Eliyeli, na-Aminadabi. Wakhuluma kubo watsi: “Nine nibaholi bemindeni yemaLevi. Ngini nalamanye emaLevi lekufanele nitihlambulule nibe ngcwele, bese niletsa lelibhokisi lesivumelwane saSimakadze, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, nilimikise kulendzawo lesengiyilungiselele lona. Kungobe nine, maLevi, anilenyusanga kwekucala, ngako-ke Simakadze wasitfukutselela ngaleso sikhatsi. Asizange sike sibute kuSimakadze kutsi singakwenta kanjani njengobe kubhaliwe.” Baphristi nemaLevi batihlambulula kutsi batekwenyusa libhokisi lesivumelwane saSimakadze, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli. EmaLevi etfwala lelibhokisi lesivumelwane ngetimboko emahlombe awo, njengobe Mosi abekhulumile ngekwemyalo waSimakadze. Davide watjela baholi bemaLevi kutsi bakhetse bantfu nebahlabeli kutsi batewuhlabela tingoma tekujabula, baphekeletelwa ngimintjingozi: emalire, nemahabhu kanye nemasimbali. Ngako emaLevi akhetsa boHemani, umsa waJoweli; kubomnakabo akhetsa Asafa, umsa waBherekhiya; kubomnakabo emaMerari akhetsa Ethani, umsa waKhushaya; kwatsi emvakwabo kwalandzela bomnakabo: boZakhariya, naJaziyeli, naShemiramothi, naJehiyeli, na-Uni, na-Eliyabe, naBhenaya, naMaseya, naMathithiya, na-Elifelehu, naMikneya, na-Obedi Edomu kanye naJeyiyeli, bomahlalesangweni. Bahlabeli boHemani, na-Asafa kanye na-Ethani bakhetselwa kudlala emasimbali elitfusi. BoZakhariya na-Aziyeli, naShemiramothi, naJehiyeli, na-Uni, na-Eliyabe, naMaseya kanye naBhenaya bona bakhetfwa kutsi babe bahlabeli bekudlala emalire ngekwe-alamothi, kantsi boMathithiya, na-Elifelehu, naMikneya, na-Obedi Edomu, naJeyiyeli kanye na-Azaziya bakhetfwa kutsi bona babe bahlabeli bekudlala emahabhu ngekwesishiminithi. Khenaniya, inhloko yemaLevi, wakhetselwa kutsi engamele lenkonzo yekuhlabela; leyo bekuyinkonzo yakhe, ngobe abenelikhono kulowo msebenti. BoBherekhiya na-Elkhana bona bakhetselwa kutsi babe bomahlalesangweni belibhokisi lesivumelwane. BoShebaniya, naJosafati, naNethaneli, na-Amasayi, naZakhariya, naBhenaya kanye na-Eliyezeri bona bekubaphristi lekwakufanele bashaye emacilongo embikwelibhokisi lesivumelwane saNkulunkulu. Bo-Obedi Edomu naJehiya nabo bakhetselwa kutsi babe bomahlalesangweni belibhokisi lesivumelwane. Ngako Davide, nebaholi bema-Israyeli, netindvuna tetinkhulungwane bahamba bayawutsatsa libhokisi lesivumelwane saSimakadze endlini ya-Obedi Edomu ngekujabula. Njengobe Nkulunkulu abesasite emaLevi labetfwele libhokisi lesivumelwane saSimakadze, kwahlatjwa tinkunzi letisikhombisa netihhanca letisikhombisa, tentiwa umhlatjelo. Davide abembetse umjiva lowawentiwe ngelineni lecolisakele, njengawo onkhe lamaLevi labetfwele libhokisi lesivumelwane saSimakadze, nanjengalabo bahlabeli, naKhenaniya labengamele lawo makwaya ekuhlabela; Davide abembetse nesidziya selineni. Ngako onkhe ema-Israyeli enyuka nelibhokisi lesivumelwane saSimakadze amemeta, ashaya timphondvo tetihhanca, nemacilongo, nemasimbali, ashaya ngisho nemalire nemahabhu. Latsi libhokisi lesivumelwane saSimakadze nalingena eDolobheni laDavide, Mikhali, indvodzakati yaSawula, wabukela avele ngelifasitelo. Watsi nakabona Davide, inkhosi, agidza agubha, wamedzelela enhlitiyweni yakhe. Libhokisi lesivumelwane saNkulunkulu baliletsa balibeka ekhatsi ethendeni Davide labelakhele lona, base banikela ngeminikelo yekushiswa nangeminikelo yebudlelwane kuNkulunkulu. Watsi kube Davide acedze kwenta iminikelo yekushiswa neminikelo yebudlelwane, wabe sewubusisa bonkhe bantfu egameni laSimakadze. Wesuka lapho wanika wonkhe longum-Israyeli, lomdvuna nalomsikati, sinkhwa nelicebelengwane lemasundvu, nelicebelengwane lemagelebisi lomisiwe. Wakhetsa labanye bemaLevi kutsi bakhonte embikwelibhokisi lesivumelwane saSimakadze, bancuse, babonge babuye badvumise Simakadze Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli: Asafa abengumholi wabo lomkhulu, wesibili kunguZakhariya, bese kuba boJeyiyeli, naShemiramothi, naJehiyeli, naMathithiya, na-Eliyabe, naBhenaya, na-Obedi Edomu kanye naJeyiyeli. Bekufanele badlale emalire nemahabhu, bese kutsi Asafa adlale emasimbali. BoBhenaya naJahaziyeli labebabaphristi bona babefanele bashaye emacilongo njalo nje ngetikhatsi letitsite embikwelibhokisi lesivumelwane saNkulunkulu. Ngalelo langa Davide wacala kunika Asafa kanye nalawa lamanye emaLevi kutsi ahlabele lengoma yekudvumisa kuSimakadze, letsi: “Bongani Simakadze, nibite libito lakhe, nimemetele tento takhe emkhatsini wetive. Hlabelani kuye, nimdvumise, nibalise ngetimangaliso takhe tonkhe. Tibongeni ngeLibito lakhe lelingcwele, atijabule tinhlitiyo talabafuna Simakadze. Funani Simakadze longemandla enu, nifunisise buso bakhe onkhe emalanga. Khumbulani timanga takhe latentile, nikhumbule netimangaliso takhe, kanye netehlulelo temlomo wakhe, nine titukulwane ta-Israyeli, inceku yakhe, nine madvodzana aJakobe, labakhetsiwe bakhe. “Yena Simakadze unguNkulunkulu wetfu, tehlulelo takhe tisemhlabeni wonkhe. Uyasikhumbula sivumelwane sakhe phakadze naphakadze, livi layala ngalo uyalikhumbula titukulwane ngetitukulwane. Sivumelwane lasenta na-Abrahama, sifungo sakhe ku-Isaka, wasicinisa kuJakobe, saba ngumtsetfo, ku-Israyeli saba sivumelwane saphakadze. Watsi: ‘Wena ngiyakupha live laseKhenani leliyawuba sabelo lesilifa lakho.’ “Babesembalwa ngesibalo, yebo, babeseyingcosana, futsi batihambi kulelo live. Bazula bandzindza etiveni ngetive, besuka kulomunye umbuso beye kulomunye. Kodvwa akavumelanga muntfu kutsi abacindzetele, ngenca yabo wajezisa ngisho emakhosi. Watsi: ‘Ningabatsintsi labagcotjiwe bami, ningacali nilimate baphrofethi bami.’ “Hlabelani kuSimakadze, mhlaba wonkhe, memetelani insindziso yakhe imihla ngemihla. Vakalisani bukhosi bakhe etiveni, tento takhe letimangalisako nitimemetele etiveni tonkhe. Ngobe mkhulu Simakadze, ufanele kudvunyiswa kakhulu, ufanele kwesatjwa kunabo bonkhe bonkulunkulu. Ngobe bonkhe bonkulunkulu betive batithico, kodvwa nguSimakadze lowenta emazulu. Ludvumo nebukhosi kusembikwakhe, emandla nenjabulo kusendlini yakhe lengcwele. “Nikani Simakadze, nine mindeni yetive, nikani Simakadze ludvumo nemandla. Nikani Simakadze ludvumo lolufanele libito lakhe, ngenani embikwakhe, niletse kuye umnikelo. Khotsamani nikhuleke kuSimakadze, lowembetse bungcwele bakhe. “Tfutfumelani embikwakhe, mhlaba wonkhe! Yebo, umhlaba usinyisiwe, ungeke utanyatanyiswe. Jabulani mazulu, tsakasa nawe mhlaba, tjelani tive nitsi: ‘Simakadze uyabusa!’ Akubhodle lwandle nako konkhe lokukulo. Emadlelo akajabule nako konkhe lokukuwo. Tihlahla telihlatsi tiyakuhlabela, tiyakuhlatjeliswa yinjabulo embikwaSimakadze, ngobe yena uyeta kutakwehlulela umhlaba. “Bongani Simakadze, ngobe ulungile, nemusa wakhe ume kuze kube phakadze. Khalani kuye nitsi: ‘Sisindzise, Nkulunkulu longuMsindzisi wetfu, sibutse usikhulule etiveni, kuze sibonge Libito lakho lelingcwele, kuze sigungubale ngeludvumo lwakho.’ Akabongwe Simakadze, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, kusukela phakadze kuze kube phakadze!” Sonkhe sive satsi: “Amen!” sadvumisa Simakadze. Davide wesuka washiya Asafa kanye nebangani bakhe embikwelibhokisi lesivumelwane saSimakadze, kutsi atewukhonta njalonjalo njengekwesidzingo salelo nalelo langa. Waphindze washiya bo-Obedi Edomu kanye nalamadvodza labengema-68 labebambisene nawo ekukhonteni. Bo-Obedi Edomu, umsa waJeduthuni, naHosa babebomahlalesangweni. Davide washiya Sadoki, umphristi, kanye nebaphristi labenabo embikwelithende laSimakadze endzaweni lephakeme eGibeyoni, kutsi ayekwetfula umnikelo wekushiswa kuSimakadze elatini lemnikelo wekushiswa, njalo nje ekuseni nasentsambama ngekulandzela konkhe lokubhalwe emtsetfweni Simakadze lawunika ema-Israyeli. Lababenabo bekuboHemani, naJeduthuni kanye nalabanye lababekhetsiwe ngemabito abo bakhetselwe umsebenti wekubonga Simakadze, batsi: “Ngobe umusa wakhe ume kuze kube phakadze.” BoHemani naJeduthuni bona umsebenti wabo bekukushaya emacilongo, nemasimbali kanye nekudlala letinye tingubhu tekuhlabela ingoma lengcwele yekudvumisa. Emadvodzana aJeduthuni wona abema esangweni. Ngako bonkhe bahamba, ngulowo nalowo waya ekhaya lakhe, naDavide wabuyela ekhaya lakhe kutsi ayekubusisa umndeni wakhe. Kwatsi Davide nase ahleti kahle atintile esigodlweni sakhe, wase ukhuluma kuNathani, umphrofethi, watsi: “Buka la! Mine ngihleti kahle esigodlweni lesakhiwe ngemisedari, kodvwa libhokisi lesivumelwane saSimakadze lihleti ethendeni.” Nathani waphendvula Davide, watsi: “Loko lonako engcondvweni yakho, kwente, ngobe Simakadze unawe.” Ngalobo busuku kwefika livi laSimakadze kuNathani, latsi: “Hamba utjele inceku yami Davide, utsi: ‘Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: Akusiwe lotangakhela indlu lapho ngitawuhlala khona. Mine angizange sengihlale endlini kusukela ngelilanga lengakhipha ngalo ema-Israyeli eveni laseGibhithe kuze kube ngulamuhla. Bengisolo ngehla ngenyuka nemathende ngisuka kulelo ngiye kulela, ngisuke kulendzawo ngiye kuleya. Yonkhe indzawo lapho bengihamba khona nema-Israyeli, ngase ngasho yini khona kumunye webaholi babo lengangibatfuma kutsi beluse sive sami, ema-Israyeli, ngatsi: “Awukangakheli ngani indlu yekuhlala yemisedari?” ’ “Manje-ke tjela inceku yami Davide, utsi: ‘Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze longuSomandla, utsi: Ngakutsatsa emadlelweni, ekulandzeleni imihlambi, kutsi utewuba ngumholi wesive sami, ema-Israyeli. Benginawe kuyo yonkhe indzawo lapho bewuhamba khona, ngibhubhise tonkhe titsa takho embikwakho. Manje ngitakwenta libito lakho libe njengemabito ebantfu labakhulu emhlabeni. Sive sami, ema-Israyeli, ngitasentela indzawo lenhle, ngisihlanyele khona kuze kube nelikhaya laso, singaphindzi sikhatsateke. Bantfu lababi bangeke baphindze basicitse njengobe bebenta ekucaleni, njengobe benta seloku ngacala kubeka baholi etikwesive sami, ema-Israyeli. Ngitakupha kutsi ubuse etikwato tonkhe titsa takho. “ ‘Ngikhipha livi kuwe lekutsi Simakadze yena matfupha utakwakhela wena indlu. Emalanga akho nase aphelile, sewulele kuboyihlomkhulu, ngiyawuvusa umliba wakho kutsi uhlale esihlalweni sakho sebukhosi, loyo lomunye wemadvodzana akho mbamba, ngiyakuwumisa umbuso wakhe. Nguye-ke longuyena ayawungakhela indlu, ngiyawumisa sihlalo sakhe sebukhosi phakadze naphakadze. Mine ngiyakuba nguyise, yena abe yindvodzana yami. Lutsandvo lwami angisoze ngalususa kuye, njengobe ngalususa kulowo labeyinkhosi embikwakho. Ngiyakummisa etikwesive sami nasetikwembuso wami phakadze naphakadze. Sihlalo sakhe sebukhosi siyawuhlala sisimile phakadze naphakadze.’ ” Nathani wawabika kuDavide onkhe lamavi aso sonkhe leso sembulo. Inkhosi Davide yase iyahamba yayawungena ethendeni lebukhona baSimakadze, yafike yahlala phansi, yathandaza yatsi: “Bengingubani mine, Simakadze Nkulunkulu? Yona indlu yaketfu beyiyini kutsi ungangihola kuze kube ngulapha? Kwaba shangatsi konkhe loku bekungakeneli kuwe. Awu, Nkulunkulu! Manje sewukhulume ngisho nangelikusasa lendlu yenceku yakho. Yebo, Simakadze Nkulunkulu, ungibheke kwaba shangatsi ngiphakeme kakhulu kunabo bonkhe bantfu. “Yini nje lenye lengashiwo nguDavide kuwe ngekuyiphakamisa inceku yakho? Ngobe wena uyayati inceku yakho, Simakadze! Ngenca yenceku yakho nangekwentsandvo yakho, wente lentfo lenkhulu kangaka, wase watisa inceku yakho tonkhe letetsembiso letinkhulu. “Kute lonjengawe, Simakadze! Futsi kute Nkulunkulu ngaphandle kwakho, njengobe tsine sativela ngetindlebe tetfu. Kona ngubani nje lonjengesive sakho, ema-Israyeli, sive lekukuphela kwaso emhlabeni Nkulunkulu lowaphuma wayakusikhulula kutsi sibe sive sakhe, watakhela wena Libito lelikhulu, wenta timangaliso letinkhulu naletishacisako ngekudvungulula tive ngetive embikwesive sakho lowasikhulula eGibhithe? Umise sive sakho, ema-Israyeli, saba ngulesingusona sisakho phakadze naphakadze; wena-ke, Simakadze, wase wuba nguNkulunkulu waso. “Manje-ke, Simakadze, sale usigcina setsembiso sakho losentile macondzana nenceku yakho kanye nendlu yayo sime phakadze naphakadze. Yenta njengobe wetsembisile, kuze setsembiso sakho sime sitinte, neLibito lakho libe likhulu phakadze naphakadze. Ngaloko-ke bantfu bayawutsi: ‘Simakadze Somandla, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, unguNkulunkulu wa-Israyeli!’ Indlu yenceku yakho Davide iyakuma itinte embikwakho. “Wena, Nkulunkulu wami, ukwembulile loko encekwini yakho kutsi uyakuyakhela indlu. Ngako inceku yakho ikhutsatekile kutsi ithandaze kuwe. Awu, Simakadze, wena unguNkulunkulu! Unike inceku yakho lesetsembiso lesihle. Manje-ke shangatsi kungakujabulisa kubusisa indlu yenceku yakho kuze ichubeke njalo embikwakho; ngobe wena Simakadze uyibusisile, futsi iyawubusiseka phakadze naphakadze.” Kwatsi emvakwaloko, Davide wahlasela emaFilisti wawehlula, wawemuka emandla ekutibusa eveni, watfumba iGathi kanye nemiti yayo leyayiyitungeletile, wayikhipha ekubusweni ngemaFilisti. Davide wachubeka wahlasela nemaMowabi, wawehlula. Ngako emaMowabi ase aba ngaphansi kwakhe, aletsa imitselo yawo kuDavide. Ngetulu kwaloko Davide wahlasela, wehlula Hadadezeri, inkhosi yaseSobha, waze wayakufika eHamathi, ngaleso sikhatsi Hadadezeri abecondze kubusa lonkhe lelo live langasemfuleni iYufrathe. Davide watfumba inkhulungwane yetincola takhe temphi, nebashayeli betincola temphi labati-7 000, nemasotja lahamba ngetinyawo lati-20 000. Onkhe emahhashi wawageca imisipha, washiya emahhashi etincola letatilikhulu. Atsi ayeta emaSiriya aseDamaseko, atsi etekwelekelela Hadadezeri, inkhosi yaseSobha, Davide wabulala aba ti-22 000 kuwo, Davide wase umisa tinkambu temabutfo embusweni wemaSiriya eDamaseko. EmaSiriya ase aba bantfu baDavide, atsela kuye. Simakadze wapha Davide kuncoba nome ngukuphi lapho ahlasela khona. Davide watsatsa lamahawu egolide labengewetindvuna taHadadezeri, wahamba nawo wawayisa eJerusalema. Davide watitsatsela incumbi yelitfusi edolobheni laseThebha nelaseKhuni, emadolobha labebuswa nguHadadezeri. Lelitfusi lasetjentiswa nguSolomoni ekwakheni libhavu lelitfusi, netinsika kanye naletinye tintfo letatentiwa ngelitfusi. Kwatsi kube Thoyi, inkhosi yaseHamathi, eve kutsi Davide ubhubhise yonkhe imphi yakaHadadezeri, inkhosi yaseSobha, wase utfumela indvodzana yakhe, Hadoramu, kuDavide, inkhosi, kutsi iyekumbingelela iphindze imhalalisele ngekuncoba kwakhe emphini yabo naHadadezeri. Hadadezeri abeke walwa naThoyi. Hadoramu waphatsela Davide tonkhe tintfo letinhle tegolide, netesiliva, netelitfusi. Inkhosi Davide letintfo yatinikela kuSimakadze, njengobe beyentile nangaleti tesiliva, nangetegolide letatiphuma kuto tonkhe letive beyitincobile yatitfumba: ema-Edomu, nemaMowabi, nema-Amoni, nemaFilisti kanye nema-Amaleki. Abishayi, umsa waSeruya, wabulala ema-Edomu labeti-18 000 eSigodzini Seluswayi. Wase umisa tinkambu temasotja kulaka-Edomu. Onkhe ema-Edomu ase aba ngaphansi kwaDavide. Simakadze wapha Davide kuncoba nome ngukuphi lapho ahlasela khona. Davide walibusa lonkhe lema-Israyeli, enta loko lokulungile kubo bonkhe bantfu bakhe. Jowabe, umsa waSeruya, abengumphatsi wemphi; Jehoshafati, umsa wa-Ahiludi, abengulobhalisako; boSadoki, umsa wa-Ahitubi, kanye na-Ahimeleki, umsa wa-Abiyatha, bona babebaphristi, Shavsha yena angumabhalane. Bhenaya, umsa waJehoyada, abephetse emaKherethi nemaPhelethi; emadvodzana aDavide wona abebeluleki lababesingatsa inkhosi. Kwatsi emvakwaloko inkhosi yema-Amoni, lekwakunguNahashi, yakhotsama. Hanuni, umsa wayo, waba yinkhosi. Davide wacabanga watsi: “Ngitawumentela bubele Hanuni, umsa waNahashi, ngobe uyise wangentela bubele.” Ngako Davide watfumela titfunywa kutsi tiyewulilela Hanuni macondzana nekufa kweyise. Tatsi letitfunywa taDavide natifika kuHanuni, eveni lema-Amoni, kutsi tiyemlilela, baholi bema-Amoni bakhuluma kuHanuni, batsi: “Ucabanga kutsi Davide uhlonipha uyihlo ngalokutfumela emadvodza akakhe lapha kuwe kutsi atekulilela? Utsi lamadvodza aketeli kuwe kutawuhlamahlama lelive alihlole, bese ayalibhubhisa?” Ngako Hanuni wawabamba lamadvodza akaDavide, wawahhula tilevu, wase uhhumbula netembatfo tawo ekhatsi macondzana netibunu, wase uyawayekela, ahamba. Kwatsi kube kufike lomunye atewutjela Davide ngalamadvodza, Davide wakhipha tigijimi kutsi tiwahlangabete, ngobe abesahlaziseke kakhulu. Inkhosi yatsi: “Hlalani eJerikho, tize tihlume kahle tilevu tenu, bese niyabuya-ke.” Ema-Amoni atsi kube abone kutsi asatente aba liphunga lelibi kuDavide, Hanuni nema-Amoni bakhokha isiliva leyayingemakhilogremu labengaba ti-34 000 ekucasha tincola temphi nebagibeli bato kubaseMesophothamiya, nakubaseSiriya kanye nakubaseSobha. Bacasha tincola temphi letiti-32 000 nebagibeli bato, kanye nenkhosi yaseMakha nemasotja ayo leyeta yefike yemisa eceleni kweMedeba. Ema-Amoni wona abeshuca aphuma emadolobheni aviva, aya emphini. Watsi kube akuve loko Davide, watfumela Jowabe, wamkhipha nalo lonkhe libutfo lemphi yetingwazi. Ema-Amoni ashuca aphumela ngephandle, atihlela ekungeneni kwelidolobha lawo, kantsi lamakhosi labetawubasita abesatihlela ngephandle esigangeni. Jowabe wabona kutsi emabutfo etitsa atamhlasela ngemuva nangembili, wase ukhetsa bokadzebona betingwazi cobo lwato temabutfo ema-Israyeli, watimisa watsi atibhekane nemaSiriya. Kwatsi lawa lasele emabutfo wawashiya esandleni semnakabo, Abishayi, lowawahlela nawo abhekana nema-Amoni. Jowabe watjela Abishayi watsi: “Nawubona kutsi emaSiriya ayangehlula, ubobe sewuyeta utangelekelela; nami nangibona kutsi ema-Amoni ayakwehlula, ngitakuta ngitekwelekelela. Cina, ube nesibindzi! Asilwe ngesibindzi, silwele sive sakitsi nemadolobha aNkulunkulu wetfu. Simakadze utakwenta loko lokuhle emehlweni akhe.” Jowabe nelibutfo lakakhe bashuca bayawudvumelana nemaSiriya. EmaSiriya ehlulwa, abaleka. Ema-Amoni nawo atsi kube abone kutsi emaSiriya ayabaleka, nawo esuka ngematubane abalekela Abishayi, umnakabo, angena edolobheni. Ngako Jowabe wancandzeka wabuyela eJerusalema. EmaSiriya atsi kube abone kutsi ehlulwe ngema-Israyeli, atfumela titfunywa kutsi tilandze emaSiriya labesangesheya kwemfula iYufrathe labeholwa nguShobaki, indvuna yemabutfo aHadadezeri. Davide watsi kube akuve loko, naye wabutsa onkhe emabutfo ema-Israyeli, wewelela ngesheya kwemfula iJordane. Davide wahlela emabutfo akhe, ema-Israyeli aviva acondzana nemaSiriya. Imphi yabambana etulu. Kodvwa emaSiriya abaleka embikwema-Israyeli, Davide wabulala bagibeli betincola temphi lababeti-7 000 nemasotja labeti-40 000 labeshuca ngetinyawo. Wachubeka wabulala naShobaki, indvuna yemphi yawo. Lawa lamanye emakhosi labengaphansi kwaHadadezeri, atsi kube abone kutsi asehlulwe ngema-Israyeli, ase enta sivumelwane sekuthula naDavide, ase aba ngaphansi kwakhe. Ngako emaSiriya akazange afune kuphindze asite ema-Amoni. Kwatsi entfwasahlobo, ngesikhatsi emakhosi laphuma ngaso imphi, Jowabe waphuma nemasotja wayakulwa. Wahlasela live lema-Amoni wendlula wayakuvimbetela iRabha, kodvwa Davide wasala eJerusalema. Jowabe wahlasela iRabha wayehlula, wayibhidlita wayishiya itindzala. Davide watsatsa umchele lowawusenhloko yalenkhosi yema-Amoni. Lomchele wawunesisindvo lesasingemakhilogremu labengaba ngema-34 egolide, uhlotjiswe nangematje laligugu, wafakwa enhloko yaDavide. Watsatsa imphango lenyenti kabi kulelo dolobha, nalabantfu bebalapho wabakhipha wabafaka emsebentini lababewenta ngemasaha, nangemapiki ensimbi, nangemazembe. Davide konkhe loko wakwenta kuwo onkhe emadolobha ema-Amoni. Davide nawo onkhe emabutfo akhe base bayancandzeka, babuyela eJerusalema. Kwaphindza futsi kwabhedvuka lenye imphi emkhatsini wemaFilisti nema-Israyeli eGezeri. Ngaleso sikhatsi Sibhekayi, waseHusha, wabulala lesinye sichwaga lekwakutsiwa nguSiphayi, lomunye webatukulu baRefa; ngako emaFilisti entiwa aba tisebenti tema-Israyeli. Kwaba nalenye futsi imphi nemaFilisti, lapho Eli Hanani, umsa waJayire, abulala khona Lami, umnakaboGoliyathi, waseGathi, labenesikhali lesasinelutsi lolwalungangelipulango lembongolo yemeluki. Kwaphindza futsi kwaba nalenye imphi eGathi. Lapho-ke bekunalesinye sichwaga lesidze lesasinemino lesitfupha sandla sisinye netintwane letisitfupha lunyawo lulunye, kungema-24 sekukonkhe. Naso bekungumtukulu waRefa. Watsi nakedzelela ema-Israyeli, Jonathani, umsa waShimeya, umnakaboDavide, wamsukela wambulala. Labo-ke babeyintalelwane yaRefa waseGathi. Bafa babulawa nguDavide nemadvodza akakhe. Sathane wavukela sive sema-Israyeli, wabhebhetela Davide kutsi ente lubalo lwawo onkhe ema-Israyeli. Davide watjela Jowabe netindvuna temabutfo, watsi: “Hambani niyewubala ema-Israyeli kulo lonkhe live, kusukela eBherisheba kuze kuyewufika kaDani. Bese niyabuya-ke nitangibikela, khona ngitewuhlala ngati kutsi ema-Israyeli mangakhi.” Kodvwa Jowabe waphendvula watsi: “Shangatsi Simakadze angawandzisa ngalokuphindvwe kalikhulu emabutfo akhe. Nkhosi yami, nkhosi, kungabe kambe bonkhe labo bantfu akusibo bantfu benkhosi yami yini? Inkhosi yami ifunelani kukwenta loko? Ifunelani inkhosi yami kwehlisela licala etikwema-Israyeli?” Noko livi lenkhosi lamehlulekisa Jowabe. Ngako Jowabe wesuka wahamba walidzabula lonkhe laka-Israyeli, wase uyajika ubuyela eJerusalema. Jowabe wabikela inkhosi Davide linani lemadvodza emphi. Kulo lonkhe laka-Israyeli abesi-1 100 000, emadvodza labengabamba inkemba, bese kutsi kulakaJuda abeti-470 000. Kodvwa Jowabe abengakabafaki laba besive sakaLevi nesakaBhenjamini, ngobe abengavumelani nalesento senkhosi. Lesento futsi sasisibi ngisho nasemehlweni aNkulunkulu; ngako Nkulunkulu wawajezisa ema-Israyeli. Davide wase utsi kuNkulunkulu: “Ngonile kakhulu ngekwenta lentfo lenje. Manje sengiyakuncenga, susa licala lenceku yakho. Vele, ngente intfo lebulima kakhulu.” Simakadze watsi kuGadi, umboniswa waDavide: “Hamba utjele Davide utsi: ‘Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: Ngikunika tintfo letintsatfu lokumele ukhetse kuto. Khetsa kunye kwato ngitekujezisa ngako.’ ” Ngako Gadi waya kuDavide, wafike watsi kuye: “Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: ‘Tikhetsele kwakho: iminyaka lemitsatfu yendlala, nome tinyanga letintsatfu solo ukhekhemukiswa titsa takho tikuphetse ngetikhali tikubhokodzela, nome emalanga lamatsatfu enkemba yaSimakadze lekungemalanga esifo lesingujubajece, ingilosi yaNkulunkulu yonakalisa lonkhe lema-Israyeli.’ Manje-ke cabanga kahle, kutsi ngitawufike ngitsini kulona longitfumile.” Davide watsi kuGadi: “Ngiselusizini lolukhulu. Angimane ngiwele etandleni taSimakadze, ngobe umusa wakhe mkhulu, kodvwa ungavumi ngiwele etandleni tebantfu.” Ngako Simakadze watfumela sifo lesingujubajece esiveni sema-Israyeli; kwafa emadvodza lati-70 000 ka-Israyeli. Nkulunkulu watfumela ingilosi kutsi iyewubhubhisa iJerusalema. Kodvwa ingilosi yatsi isakwenta loko, Simakadze wakubona, wadzabuka ngalobusacasaca lobabehlela bantfu bakhe, wase utsi kulengilosi leyayibhubhisa bantfu: “Sekwenele! Susa sandla sakho.” Ngaleso sikhatsi ingilosi yaSimakadze yase ime ngasebaleni lekubhulela kolo laka-Arawuna, umJebhusi. Davide watsi ubuka etulu, wabona ingilosi yaSimakadze ime emkhatsini welizulu nemhlaba iphakamise inkemba ngesandla sayo iyibhekise ngaseJerusalema. Davide kanye netimphunga base bembatsa emasaka bawa phansi ngebuso, bakhotsama. Davide watsi kuNkulunkulu: “Akusimi yini lengatsi akubalwe emadvodza emphi? Ngimi lengonile ngenta lokubi. Kodvwa laba batimvu nje. Bona-ke boneni? Awu Simakadze, Nkulunkulu wami! Sandla sakho asimane sehlele etikwami ngedvwa kanye nasetikwendlu yami kuphela, kodvwa ungasiyekeli lesifo sehlele esiveni sakho.” Ngako ingilosi yaSimakadze yase itjela Gadi kutsi akakhulume naDavide kutsi akakhuphuke ayekwakhela Simakadze lilati, alakhe ebaleni lekubhulela kolo laka-Arawuna, umJebhusi. Ngako Davide wakhuphuka alalela livi lelalikhulunywe nguGadi egameni laSimakadze. Watsi Arawuna asabhula kolo, watsi uyagucuka wabona ingilosi, bafana bakhe labane lababekanye naye batifihla. Davide wasondzela, Arawuna watsi uyabukisisa, wambona Davide, washiya kubhula, wayawukhotsama kuDavide abhekise buso phansi. Davide watsi kuye: “Ngiphe lendzawo yakho yekubhulela kolo, kuze ngitekwakha kuyo lilati kuSimakadze, khona kutewuncamuka lesifo lesibulala sive. Ngitsengisele yona ngentsengo lephelele.” Arawuna wakhuluma kuDavide, watsi: “Yitsatse. Inkhosi yami, inkhosi, ayente lekutsandzako kuyo. Buka-ke, ngitawunikela ngetinkhomo kutsi tibe ngumnikelo wekushiswa. Letihliphi tekubhula titawuba tinkhuni, nalokolo abe ngumnikelo walokutinhlavu, ngitakupha konkhe loku.” Kodvwa inkhosi Davide yaphendvula Arawuna, yatsi: “Cha! Ngifuna kukubhadala ngentsengo lephelele. Ngingeke ngitsatsele Simakadze kulokukwakho, futsi ngeke ngente umhlatjelo ngalengingakakukhokheli lutfo.” Ngako Davide wanika Arawuna emakhilogremu egolide labengaba sikhombisa atsenga lelibala lekubhulela kolo. Davide wase wakha lilati kuSimakadze kuleyo ndzawo, wenta iminikelo yekushiswa neyebudlelwane, wabita Simakadze; Simakadze waphendvula ngemlilo lowehlela elatini lemnikelo wekushiswa, uvela ezulwini. Simakadze wase ukhuluma kulengilosi, ingilosi yabuyisela inkemba yayo esikhwameni sayo. Ngaleso sikhatsi Davide asabonile kutsi Simakadze umphendvulile kulelibala lekubhulela kolo laka-Arawuna, umJebhusi, wase unikela ngemihlatjelo khona lapho. Lithende laSimakadze lelalakhiwe nguMosi ehlane nelilati lemnikelo wekushiswa, ngaleso sikhatsi kwakusendzaweni lephakeme, eGibeyoni. Kodvwa Davide abenganakuhamba embikwalo kutsi ayewubuta kuNkulunkulu, ngobe abesaba inkemba yengilosi yaSimakadze. Davide wakhuluma watsi: “Indlu yaSimakadze longuNkulunkulu itakuba lapha, ibe kanye nelilati lemnikelo wekushiswa wema-Israyeli.” Davide wase ukhipha simemetelo kutsi akubutfwe bonkhe bekuhamba labebahlala ka-Israyeli, emkhatsini wabo wabeka bacoti bematje kutsi batewucota kahle ematje bawalungiselele kwakha indlu yaNkulunkulu. Waletsa insimbi lenyenti yekutsi kwakhiwe ngayo tipikili tetivalo temasango netako konkhe lokudzinga kubetselwa, waletsa nencumbi yelitfusi lelalingeke likaleke ngebunyenti balo. Waletsa futsi naletinyenti tingodvo temisedari, nato tatingenakubalwa, tona-ke tatiletfwe ngemaSidoni nebaseThire kuDavide. Davide watsi: “Umsa wami Solomoni usemncane, futsi akakafundzi lutfo lolunyenti. Lendlu letakwakhelwa Simakadze kufanele kube ngubhazabhaza futsi ibe yinhle itewudvuma ibe nelidvumela kuto tonkhe tive. Ngako-ke ngitayentela kahle emalungiselelo ayo.” Davide wenta emalungiselelo lamanyenti alendlu asengakafi. Davide wase ubita indvodzana yakhe Solomoni wayitjela kutsi ibokwakha indlu, iyakhele Simakadze longuNkulunkulu wema-Israyeli. Davide watsi kuSolomoni: “Msawami, benginesifiso enhlitiyweni yami sekutsi ngakhe indlu, ngiyakhele Libito laSimakadze Nkulunkulu wami. Kodvwa kwefika kimi livi laSimakadze, latsi: ‘Wena sewucitse kakhulu ingati, walwa timphi letinyenti. Awukafaneli kutsi wakhe indlu, uyakhele Libito lami, ngobe sewucitse ingati lenyenti emhlabeni embikwami. Kodvwa noko utawutala indvodzana letawuba ngumuntfu wekuthula newekuphumula, futsi ngitamnika kuthula kuto tonkhe titsa takhe letibomakhelwane bakhe. Libito lakhe kuyawuba nguSolomoni. Ngiyawunika ema-Israyeli kuthula nenhlalakahle ekubuseni kwakhe. Nguye-ke loyakwakha indlu, akhele Libito lami. Uyawuba yindvodzana yami, mine ngibe nguyise. Ngiyawumisa kahle umbuso wakhe, ngiwutintise ka-Israyeli kuze kube phakadze.’ “Manje-ke, ndvodzana yami, Simakadze akabe nawe ube nemphumelelo, uze wakhe indlu yaSimakadze Nkulunkulu wakho, njengobe atsi utakwenta. Shangatsi Simakadze angakupha kuhlakanipha kwebudvodza nekucondza kahle tintfo, nase akubeke kutsi ube ngumcondzisi wema-Israyeli, khona utekwati kugcina kahle imitsetfo yaSimakadze Nkulunkulu wakho. Ngaloko-ke uyawuphumelela, nawuticaphela wena unakekele tonkhe timiso nemitsetfo yaSimakadze layinike Mosi ngenca yema-Israyeli. Cina ube nesibindzi. Ungesabi, ungaphelelwa ngemandla. “Kungibite imijuluko leshisako kutsi ngente emalungiselelo ekwakhiwa kwelithempeli laSimakadze, ngicokelele igolide lengemathani langetulu kweti-3 400, nesiliva lengemathani langetulu kweti-34 000. Ngetulu kwaloko kunetincumbi telitfusi kanye netensimbi letingeke tikaleke. Futsi-ke nginetingodvo nematje lasalungiswe kahle, kodvwa-ke kufuneka ukwengete. Manyenti kakhulu emadvodza lotabe usebenta nawo: Kutaba nalabacota kahle ematje, nalababumba ngematje, nalabababati kanye nalamanyenti nje emadvodza lanebuchwephesha kuto tonkhe tinhlobo temisebenti yegolide, neyesiliva, neyelitfusi, neyensimbi, kube nebabati longeke ubabale. Manje-ke sale uwucala lomsebenti, Simakadze akabe nawe.” Davide wase ubita bonkhe baholi bema-Israyeli wabayala kutsi abasitane naSolomoni, umsa wakhe. Watsi kubo: “Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu akekho ngakini yini? Akaniniki yini kuthula kuyo yonkhe indzawo? Ubanikele kimi bonkhe labakhile kulelive, lelive liphetfwe nguSimakadze kanye nesive sakhe. Manje-ke nikelani tinhlitiyo tenu nemiphefumulo yenu ekufuneni Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu. Calani nyalo nakhe indzawo lengcwele yaSimakadze Nkulunkulu, lapho nitawuletsa khona libhokisi lesivumelwane saSimakadze nato tonkhe tintfo letingcwele letitaNkulunkulu, nitifake tonkhe kulelithempeli lenitabe senilakhile nalakhela Libito laSimakadze.” Kwatsi Davide nasakhulile kakhulu asalikhehla, wase ubeka Solomoni, umsa wakhe, kutsi abe yinkhosi yema-Israyeli. Davide wachubeka wabita bonkhe baholi besive sema-Israyeli kanye nebaphristi babo, nemaLevi. EmaLevi labesaneminyaka lengema-30 nalengetulu abalwa, asawonkhe lawo madvodza aba ti-38 000. Davide watsi: “Emkhatsini walaba: labati-24 000 batakwengamela kwakhiwa kwelithempeli laSimakadze, labati-6 000 bona batawuba tindvuna nebehluleli. Labati-4 000 bona batawuba bomahlalesangweni, labati-4 000 babe bekudvumisa Simakadze ngetingubhu temculo lengitimisele loko.” Davide wehlukanisa emaLevi aba ticheme letingangetemadvodzana aLevi: BoGeshoni, naKhohati, naMerari. LabebabakaGeshoni: BekuboLadani naShimeyi. Emadvodzana aLadani: Wekucala bekunguJehiyeli, bese kuba boZethami naJoweli, babatsatfu sebabonkhe. Emadvodzana aShimeyi: BekuboShelomothi, naHaziyeli, naHarani, babatsatfu sebabonkhe. Laba-ke bekungutona tinhloko temindeni yakaLadani. Emadvodzana aShimeyi: BekuboJahathi, naZiza, naJewushe, naBheriya. Lawa-ke bekungemadvodzana aShimeyi, amane asawonkhe. Wekucala bekunguJahathi, wesibili kunguZiza, kodvwa boJewushe naBheriya bona abazange babe nemadvodzana lamanyenti, ngako-ke babalwa njengemndeni munye, banikwa umsebenti waba munye. Emadvodzana aKhohati: Bekubo-Amramu, naJisihari, naHebroni, na-Uziyeli, babebane sebabonkhe. Emadvodzana a-Amramu: Bekubo-Aroni naMosi; Aroni wehlukaniselwa, yena kanye nentalelwane yakhe phakadze naphakadze kutsi bakhonte ngato tonkhe tintfo letingcwelengcwele tihlale tingcwele, bashise imphepho embikwaSimakadze, bakhonte ebukhoneni bakhe basho netibusiso ngeLibito lakhe phakadze naphakadze. Emadvodzana aMosi, inceku yaNkulunkulu, nawo abalwa njengalabanye besive semaLevi. Emadvodzana aMosi: BekuboGeshomu na-Eliyezeri. Situkulwane sakaGeshomu: Wekucala bekunguShubayeli. Situkulwane saka-Eliyezeri: Wekucala bekunguRehabiya. Eliyezeri akazange aphindze amtale umfana, kodvwa emadvodzana aRehabiya wona abemanyenti kakhulu. Emadvodzana aJisihari: Wekucala bekunguShelomithi. Emadvodzana aHebroni: Wekucala bekunguJeriya, wesibili kungu-Amariya, wesitsatfu kunguJahaziyeli, wesine kunguJekameyamu. Emadvodzana a-Uziyeli: Wekucala bekunguMikha, wesibili kunguJishiya. Emadvodzana aMerari: BekuboMahali naMushi. Emadvodzana aMahali: Bekubo-Eleyazare naKhishi. Eleyazare wafa ate bantfwana labadvuna, abenemantfombatana odvwa. Bomnakabo, emadvodzana aKhishi, bawatsatsa bawenta bafati babo. Emadvodzana aMushi: BekuboMahali, na-Ederi, naJerimothi, babatsatfu sebabonkhe. Lena-ke bekuyintalelwane yaLevi ngemindeni yawo, tinhloko temindeni, njengobe tatibhaliswe ngemabito tabalwa ngayinye ngayinye, lokusho labo labebangasebenta, kusukela kulababeneminyaka lengema-20 kuya etulu, labo labebakhonta ethempelini laSimakadze. Davide phela abetsite: “Njengobe Simakadze, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, asaletse kuthula esiveni sakhe futsi asatewuhlala eJerusalema kokuphela, akusadzingeki kutsi emaLevi abe etfwalana nelithende lekuhlangana nome-ke letinye nje tintfo letisetjentiswa nakukhontwako.” Ngekwemagama ekugcina aDavide emaLevi abalwa kusukela kulabo lababeneminyaka lengema-20 kuya etulu. Umsebenti wemaLevi kwakukusita emadvodzana a-Aroni emsebentini wasethempelini laSimakadze: Babefanele kwengamela tibuya netindlu letatichunywe ethempelini, nekuhlambulula tonkhe tintfo letingcwele kanye nekwenta leminye nje imisebenti yasendlini yaNkulunkulu. Babefanele banakekele sinkhwa sekubekwa etafuleni, nafulaha wemnikelo walokutinhlavu, nemacebelengwane langenambiliso kanye nekuphekwa nekubondvwa kwawo kanye nebungako bawo bebunyenti nesisindvo sawo. Babesukuma njalo ekuseni beme babonge Simakadze baphindze bamdvumise. Babenta njalo futsi nantsambama, nangato tonkhe tikhatsi nakwentiwa iminikelo yekushiswa kuSimakadze ngemaSabatha, nangemikhosi yekwetfwasa kwenyanga, nangemikhosi nje leminye lemisiwe. Babefanele kukhonta embikwaSimakadze njalo nje, babe sibalo lesitsite futsi bakhonte ngaleyo ndlela labanikwe yona. Ngako-ke emaLevi awenta umsebenti lamiselwe wona ethendeni lekuhlangana, nasendzaweni lengcwele, bangaphansi kwabomnakabo, batukulu ba-Aroni, enkonzweni yasethempelini laSimakadze. Leti-ke bekuticheme temadvodzana a-Aroni: Emadvodzana a-Aroni bekuboNadabi, na-Abihu, na-Eleyazare, na-Ithamari. Kodvwa bo-Abihu naNadabi bafa kucala kuneyise, babesete bantfwana. Bo-Eleyazare-ke na-Ithamari bona basale bakhonta babaphristi. Ngekusitwa boSadoki, umtukulu wa-Eleyazare, na-Ahimeleki, umtukulu wa-Ithamari, Davide wabehlukanisa ticheme ngeticheme entela kutsi basebente ngendlela enkonzweni. Linani lelikhulu lebaholi latfolakala kubendlu yaka-Eleyazare kunalabo lababetfolakala ka-Ithamari, behlukaniswa njengemfanelo. Lababetfolakala ka-Eleyazare baholi baba li-16, kwatsi baka-Ithamari baba siphohlongo, tinhloko temindeni letatibatukulu. Loku bakwenta ngekungatikhetseli, ngobe babesebentisa inkatho, bekunetindvuna tendzawo lengcwelengcwele, netindvuna taNkulunkulu kuto njalo titukulwane tabo-Eleyazare na-Ithamari. Umbhali Shemaya, umsa waNethaneli, umLevi, wababhalisa emabito abo embikwenkhosi netindvuna, naboSadoki, umphristi, na-Ahimeleki, umsa wa-Abiyatha, netinhloko temindeni yebaphristi neyemaLevi, kutsatfwa umndeni munye ka-Eleyazare, kwase kutsatfwa munye ka-Ithamari. Inkatho yahamba kanje: Yekucala yadla Jehoyaribi, yesibili yadla Jedaya, yesitsatfu yadla Harimi, yesine yadla Seyorimu, yesihlanu yadla Malkhiya, yesitfupha yadla Mijamini, yesikhombisa yadla Hakhosi, yesiphohlongo yadla Abiya, yemfica yadla Jeshuwa, yelishumi yadla Shekhaniya, yeli-11 yadla Eliyashibi, yeli-12 yadla Jakimu, yeli-13 yadla Hupha, yeli-14 yadla Jeshebeyabe, yeli-15 yadla Bilgayi, yeli-16 yadla Imeri, yeli-17 yadla Heziri, yeli-18 yadla Haphisesi, yeli-19 yadla Phethahiya, yema-20 yadla Jehezekeli. Yema-21 yadla Jakhini, yema-22 yadla Gamuli, yema-23 yadla Delaya, yema-24 yadla Maziya. Lamadvodza-ke abhaliswa ngekulandzelana kwekukhonta kwawo lokwakumisiwe, kwetikhatsi tekungena kwawo ethempelini laSimakadze, njengekwemininingwane yemiyalo labekelwa yona nguyisemkhulu Aroni, njengobe Simakadze, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, abeshito kuye. Mayelana naletinye tinhloko tetitukulwane temaLevi: Kumadvodzana a-Amramu bekunguShubayeli; kumadvodzana aShubayeli bekunguJedeya. Mayelana naRehabiya, kumadvodzana akhe, wekucala bekunguJishiya. KaJisihari bekunguShelomothi; kumadvodzana aShelomothi kwakunguJahathi. Emadvodzana aHebroni: wekucala kwakunguJeriya, wesibili kwaba ngu-Amariya, wesitsatfu kwaba nguJahaziyeli, wesine kunguJekameyamu. Umsa wa-Uziyeli bekunguMikha, kumadvodzana aMikha kwaba nguShamiri. UmnakaboMikha bekunguJishiya, kumadvodzana aJishiya kwaba nguZakhariya. Emadvodzana aMerari bekuboMahali naMushi. Umsa waJaziya bekunguBeno. Emadvodzana aMerari kusuka kuJaziya bekuboBeno, naShohamu, naZakhuri, na-Ibri. Kusukela kuMahali kwakungu-Eleyazare labete emadvodzana. KaKhishi: umsa waKhishi kwakunguJerameli. Emadvodzana aMushi bekuboMahali, na-Ederi, naJerimothi. Lawa-ke bekungemaLevi njengekwetindlu tawo. Benta inkatho nabo njengabomnakabo, batukulu ba-Aroni, ngesikhatsi basembikwenkhosi Davide, naSadoki, na-Ahimeleki, netinhloko temindeni yebaphristi netemaLevi. Imindeni yalabangematubulo yayiphatfwa ngendlela lekwakuphatfwa ngayo botfunjana. Davide kanye netindvuna takhe letatiphetse emaLevi behlukanisela emadvodzana a-Asafa, naHemani, naJeduthuni, bawehlukanisela inkonzo yekuphrofetha, kwanandziswa ngemahabhu, nengemalire, nangemasimbali. Luhla lwalamadvodza lenta lomsebenti bekungulolu: Kumadvodzana a-Asafa bekuboZakhuri, naJosefa, naNethaniya, na-Asharela. Emadvodzana a-Asafa abephetfwe ngu-Asafa labephrofetha ngekulawulwa yinkhosi. Mayelana naJeduthuni, kumadvodzana akhe bekuboGedaliya, naSeri, naJeshaya, naShimeyi, naHashabiya, naMathithiya, babesitfupha sebabonkhe, bangaphansi kwemtsetfo weyise Jeduthuni labephrofetha bese ubonga Simakadze amdvumise ngelihabhu. Mayelana naHemani, kumadvodzana akhe bekuboBukhiya, naMathaniya, na-Uziyeli, naShubayeli, naJerimothi, naHananiya, naHanani, na-Eliyatha, naGidalti, naRomamti Ezeri, naJoshbekasha, naMalothi, naHothiri, naMahaziyoti. Bonkhe labo bekungemadvodzana aHemani, umboniswa wenkhosi. Wabanikwa ngesetsembiso saNkulunkulu kutsi batemphakamisa. Nkulunkulu wapha Hemani emadvodzana lali-14 nemadvodzakati lamatsatfu. Onkhe-ke lamadvodza abengaphansi kwemitsetfo yaboyise mayelana nemculo wasendlini yaSimakadze, imiculo lenemasimbali, nemalire, nemahabhu enkonzweni yasendlini yaSimakadze. Bo-Asafa, naJeduthuni, naHemani babengaphansi kwemtsetfo wenkhosi. Bebakanye netihlobo tabo, bonkhe bafundzisiwe baceceshelwa umculo waSimakadze. Sebabonkhe babengema-288. Labadzala nalabancane, ngisho labafundzisako kanye nalabafundzako, benta inkatho, benta emagema ekusebenta kwabo. Inkatho yekucala leyayika-Asafa yadla Josefa, nemadvodzana akhe kanye netihlobo takhe, sebabonkhe babeli-12. Yesibili yadla Gedaliya nemadvodzana akhe kanye netihlobo takhe, sebabonkhe babeli-12. Yesitsatfu yadla Zakhuri nemadvodzana akhe kanye netihlobo takhe, sebabonkhe babeli-12. Yesine yadla Seri nemadvodzana akhe kanye netihlobo takhe, sebabonkhe babeli-12. Yesihlanu yadla Nethaniya nemadvodzana akhe kanye netihlobo takhe, sebabonkhe babeli-12. Yesitfupha yadla Bukhiya nemadvodzana akhe kanye netihlobo takhe, sebabonkhe babeli-12. Yesikhombisa yadla Jesarela nemadvodzana akhe kanye netihlobo takhe, sebabonkhe babeli-12. Yesiphohlongo yadla Jeshaya nemadvodzana akhe kanye netihlobo takhe, sebabonkhe babeli-12. Yemfica yadla Mathaniya nemadvodzana akhe kanye netihlobo takhe, sebabonkhe babeli-12. Yelishumi yadla Shimeyi nemadvodzana akhe kanye netihlobo takhe, sebabonkhe babeli-12. Yeli-11 yadla Azareli nemadvodzana akhe kanye netihlobo takhe, sebabonkhe babeli-12. Yeli-12 yadla Hashabiya nemadvodzana akhe kanye netihlobo takhe, sebabonkhe babeli-12. Yeli-13 yadla Shubayeli nemadvodzana akhe kanye netihlobo takhe, sebabonkhe babeli-12. Yeli-14 yadla Mathithiya nemadvodzana akhe kanye netihlobo takhe, sebabonkhe babeli-12. Yeli-15 yadla Jerimothi nemadvodzana akhe kanye netihlobo takhe, sebabonkhe babeli-12. Yeli-16 yadla Hananiya nemadvodzana akhe kanye netihlobo takhe, sebabonkhe babeli-12. Yeli-17 yadla Joshbekasha nemadvodzana akhe kanye netihlobo takhe, sebabonkhe babeli-12. Yeli-18 yadla Hanani nemadvodzana akhe kanye netihlobo takhe, sebabonkhe babeli-12. Yeli-19 yadla Malothi nemadvodzana akhe kanye netihlobo takhe, sebabonkhe babeli-12. Yema-20 yadla Eliyatha nemadvodzana akhe kanye netihlobo takhe, sebabonkhe babeli-12. Yema-21 yadla Hothiri nemadvodzana akhe kanye netihlobo takhe, sebabonkhe babeli-12. Yema-22 yadla Gidalti nemadvodzana akhe kanye netihlobo takhe, sebabonkhe babeli-12. Yema-23 yadla Mahaziyoti nemadvodzana akhe kanye netihlobo takhe, sebabonkhe babeli-12. Yema-24 yadla Romamti Ezeri nemadvodzana akhe kanye netihlobo takhe, sebabonkhe babeli-12. Leti-ke ticheme temaLevi letatibomahlalesangweni: Belusendvo lwaKhora bekunguMeshelemiya, umsa waKhore, lomunye wemadvodzana a-Asafa. Meshelemiya abenemadvodzana: Zakhariya abelitubulo, wesibili kunguJediyayeli, wesitsatfu kunguZebadiya, wesine kunguJatniyeli, wesihlanu kungu-Elamu, wesitfupha kunguJehohanani, wesikhombisa kungu-Eliyoyenayi. Na-Obedi Edomu abenemadvodzana: Shemaya abelitubulo, wesibili kunguJehozabadi, wesitsatfu kunguJowa, wesine kunguSakhari, wesihlanu kunguNethaneli, wesitfupha kungu-Amiyeli, wesikhombisa kungu-Isakhari, wesiphohlongo kunguPhewulethayi. Ngobe Nkulunkulu abembusisile Obedi Edomu. Indvodzana yakhe Shemaya nayo yayinemadvodzana labebaholi emndenini weyise, ngobe bekungemadvodza labenelikhono. Emadvodzana aShemaya bekubo-Othni, naRefayeli, na-Obedi, na-Elzabadi, tihlobo takhe bo-Elihu naSemakhiya nato tatinelikhono. Tonkhe leti bekutitukulwane ta-Obedi Edomu; bona nemadvodzana abo kanye netihlobo tabo babengemadvodza labenelikhono nemandla ekwenteni umsebenti, batukulu ba-Obedi Edomu babengema-62 sebabonkhe. Meshelemiya abenemadvodzana kanye netihlobo letatinelikhono, babeli-18 sebabonkhe. Hosa labengumMerari abenemadvodzana: Inhloko yabo bekunguShimri, noko abengesilo litubulo, kodvwa uyise wambeka kutsi abe wekucala. Wesibili bekunguHilkiya, wesitsatfu kunguThabaliya, wesine kunguZakhariya. Emadvodzana kanye netihlobo taHosa babeli-13 sebabonkhe. Labomahlalesangweni behlukaniswa baba ticheme ngeticheme, ngebaholi bemindeni yabo, base babelwa imisebenti letsite ekukhonteni Simakadze ethempelini, njengobe bekwenta lamanye emaLevi. Lelo nalelo sango lentelwa inkatho, kuze kutewutfolakala kutsi ngumuphi umndeni lekufanele uligadze, labancane nalabadzala ngalokufanako. Inkatho yelisango langasemphumalanga yadla Shelemiya. Kwentiwa inkatho yaZakhariya, umsa wakhe, umeluleki labenekuhlakanipha, yadla yena kutsi agadze lisango langasenyakatho. Inkatho yelisango langaseningizimu yadla Obedi Edomu, kwatsi inkatho yengungumakamelo yadla emadvodzana akhe. Inkatho yelisango langasenshonalanga kanye nelisango laShalekethi lelisemgwacweni longenhla yadla Shuphimi naHosa. Mahlalesangweni abecondzene namahlalesangweni kanje: BekunemaLevi lasitfupha ngelilanga ngasemphumalanga, lamane ngelilanga angasenyakatfo, lamane ngelilanga angaseningizimu, bese kutsi lamabili ngasikhatsi sinye agadze ingungumakamelo. Esibuyeni lesingasenshonalanga bebabane emgwacweni, bese baba babili esibuyeni ngekhatsi. Leti-ke bekuticheme tabomahlalesangweni lababetitukulwane takaKhora naMerari. EmaLevi lamanye abephatsa ingcebo yendlu yaNkulunkulu nengcebo yetintfo letinikelwe kuNkulunkulu. Titukulwane taLadani, letatingetakaGeshoni ngaLadani, futsi titinhloko temindeni yakaLadani, umGeshoni, bekuboJehiyeli nemadvodzana aJehiyeli, naZethami kanye naJoweli, umnakabo. Bona babeciza ingcebo yelithempeli laSimakadze. Imisebenti yanikwa netitukulwane ta-Amramu, netaJisihari, netaHebroni, neta-Uziyeli: Shubayeli, umtukulu waGeshomu, umsa waMosi, yena abeciza tindlu tengcebo. Tihlobo takhe nga-Eliyezeri bekunguRehabiya, umsa wakhe, naJeshaya, umsa wakhe, naJoramu, umsa wakhe, naZikhri, umsa wakhe, kanye naShelomithi, umsa wakhe. Shelomithi netihlobo takhe babeciza yonkhe ingcebo yetintfo letatinikelwe kuNkulunkulu yinkhosi Davide nebaholi bemindeni, netindvuna tetinkhulungwane netemakhulu kanye naletinye tindvuna temabutfo. Lenye imphango leyayidliwe emphini bayinikelela kutsi kulungiswe ngayo kabusha lithempeli laSimakadze. Konkhe lokwakunikelwe nguSamuweli, umboniswa, kanye naSawula, umsa waKhishi, na-Abneri, umsa waNeri, naJowabe, umsa waSeruya, kanye nato tonkhe tintfo letatinikelwe tatisesandleni saShelomithi netihlobo takhe. Etitukulwaneni temaJisihari: Khenaniya nemadvodzana akhe banikwa imisebenti ngephandle kwelithempeli kutsi babhale imilandvo babuye babe behluleli besive sema-Israyeli. Etitukulwaneni tebakaHebroni: boHashabiya kanye netihlobo takhe letatingemadvodza layi-1 700 lanelikhono, bona babekwa kutsi baphatse ema-Israyeli langasenshonalanga neJordane etinkonzweni taSimakadze nasemsebentini wenkhosi. KubakaHebroni, Jeriya abengumholi ngekwemlandvo weluhlanga lwekutalana kwemindeni yabo. Ngemnyaka wema-40 wekubusa kwaDavide kwaba neluphenyo emilandvweni, kwaze kwatfolakala bakaHebroni lababengemadvodza lanelikhono eJazeri yaseGileyadi. Jeriya abenetihlobo letatiti-2 700, lekwakungemadvodza labenelikhono abaholi bemindeni, Davide wababeka kutsi baphatse bakaRubeni nebakaGadi kanye nencenye yesive sakaManase, kuyo yonkhe intfo nome indzaba yaNkulunkulu nome nguloko lokwakucondzene nenkhosi. Lolu-ke luhla lwemabito ema-Israyeli: Baholi bemindeni, netindvuna tetinkhulungwane, netemakhulu, naletinye tiphatsimandla letatibambisene nenkhosi kuko konkhe lokuphatselene nemabutfo labesemsebentini inyanga ngenyanga, wonkhe umnyaka. Lilinye libutfo lalinemadvodza labeti-24 000. Jashobeyamu, umsa waZabdiyeli, abeyindvuna yelibutfo lekucala ngenyanga yekucala. Libutfo lakakhe belingemadvodza lati-24 000. Yena-ke abesitukulwane saPheresi, asikhulu sato tonkhe tindvuna temabutfo ngenyanga yekucala. Dodayi, um-Ahohi, abephetse libutfo lesibili ngenyanga yesibili. Mikilothi abengumholi walelibutfo lakakhe. Babengemadvodza lati-24 000 kulelibutfo lakakhe. Bhenaya, umsa waJehoyada, umphristi, abephetse libutfo lesitsatfu ngenyanga yesitsatfu. Babengemadvodza lati-24 000 kulelibutfo lakakhe. Loyo-ke nguloBhenaya labelichawe kulabangema-30, angumholi wabo. Umsa wakhe Amizabadi abengumholi welibutfo leyise. Asaheli, umnakaboJowabe, abephetse libutfo lesine ngenyanga yesine. Zebadiya, umsa wa-Asaheli, watsatsa sikhundla sakhe emvakwakhe. Babengemadvodza lati-24 000 kulelibutfo lakakhe. Shamhuthi, umJizrahi, abeyindvuna yelibutfo lesihlanu ngenyanga yesihlanu. Babengemadvodza lati-24 000 kulelibutfo lakakhe. Ira, umsa wa-Ikheshi waseThekhowa, abeyindvuna yelibutfo lesitfupha ngenyanga yesitfupha. Babengemadvodza lati-24 000 kulelibutfo lakakhe. Helesi, wasePheloni, wesive saka-Efrayimu, abeyindvuna yelibutfo lesikhombisa ngenyanga yesikhombisa. Babengemadvodza lati-24 000 kulelibutfo lakakhe. Sibhekayi, waseHusha, wesive sakaZera, abeyindvuna yelibutfo lesiphohlongo ngenyanga yesiphohlongo. Babengemadvodza lati-24 000 kulelibutfo lakakhe. Abiyezeri, wase-Anathothi, wesive sakaBhenjamini, abeyindvuna yelibutfo lemfica ngenyanga yemfica. Babengemadvodza lati-24 000 kulelibutfo lakakhe. Maharayi, waseNethofa, wesive sakaZera, abeyindvuna yelibutfo lelishumi ngenyanga yelishumi. Babengemadvodza lati-24 000 kulelibutfo lakakhe. Bhenaya, wasePhirathoni, wesive saka-Efrayimu, abeyindvuna yelibutfo leli-11 ngenyanga yeli-11. Babengemadvodza lati-24 000 kulelibutfo lakakhe. Heldayi, waseNethofa, wesive saka-Othniyeli, abeyindvuna yelibutfo leli-12 ngenyanga yeli-12. Babengemadvodza lati-24 000 kulelibutfo lakakhe. Leti-ke bekutindvuna tetive taka-Israyeli: Eliyezeri, umsa waZikhri, abephetse bakaRubeni. Shefathiya, umsa waMakha, abephetse bakaSimeyoni. Hashabiya, umsa waKhemuweli, abephetse bakaLevi. Sadoki abephetse baka-Aroni. Elihu, umnakaboDavide, abephetse bakaJuda. Omri, umsa waMikhayeli, abephetse baka-Isakhari. Ishmaya, umsa wa-Obadiya, abephetse bakaZebuloni. Jerimothi, umsa wa-Azriyeli, abephetse bakaNaftali. Hosheya, umsa wa-Azaziya, abephetse baka-Efrayimu. Joweli, umsa waPhedaya, abephetse incenye yesive sakaManase. Ido, umsa waZakhariya, abephetse incenye yesive sakaManase kaGileyadi. Jasiyeli, umsa wa-Abneri, abephetse bakaBhenjamini. Azareli, umsa waJerohamu, abephetse bakaDani. Bekungito leti-ke tindvuna letatiphetse tive taka-Israyeli. Davide akazange alwente lubalo lwemadvodza labeneminyaka lengema-20 nangaphansi, ngobe Simakadze abetsembise kwandzisa ema-Israyeli abe ngangetinkhanyeti tesibhakabhaka. Jowabe, umsa waSeruya, wacala wabala emadvodza, kodvwa wangete wacedza. Nkulunkulu watfukutselela ema-Israyeli ngenca yalolubalo, nalemiphumela ayizange ifakwe encwadzini yemilandvo yenkhosi Davide. Azmavethi, umsa wa-Adiyeli, abephetse tindlu tengcebo yenkhosi. Jonathani, umsa wa-Uziya, abephetse tindlu tengcebo letatisesifundzeni, nasemadolobheni, nasemitini kanye nasemibhoshongweni. Ezri, umsa waKhelubi, abephetse tisebenti tasemasimini. Shimeyi waseRama yena abephetse tivini. Zabdi waseShefamu yena abephetse tivuno tetivini kanye netimbita tekwakha liwayini. Bhali Hanani, waseGederi, abephetse tihlahla temincumo netemakhiwa letatisematsafeni ngasenshonalanga. Jowashi abengamele kuphatfwa kwemafutsa emncumo. Shitrayi, waseSharoni, abephetse imihlambi leyayidla eSharoni. Shafati, umsa wa-Adilayi, abephetse imihlambi leyayidla etihosheni. Obili, waka-Ishmayeli, abephetse emakamela. Jedeya, waseMeronothi, abephetse timbongolo. Jazizi, umHagari, abephetse imihlambi yetimvu netimbuti. Bonkhe bekutindvuna letatiphetse timphahla tenkhosi Davide. Jonathani, uyise lomncane waDavide, abengumeluleki futsi angumabhalane labehlakaniphe kakhulu. Jehiyeli, umsa waHakhamoni, abeciza emadvodzana enkhosi. Ahithofeli abengumeluleki wenkhosi. Hushayi, um-Akhi, abengumngani wenkhosi. Esikhundleni sakhe Ahithofeli walandzelwa nguJehoyada, umsa waBhenaya, naye futsi walandzelwa ngu-Abiyatha. Jowabe abeyindvuna yemabutfo enkhosi. Davide wabita tonkhe tiphatsimandla taka-Israyeli kutsi tihlanganele eJerusalema: Bekutindvuna letatiphetse tive, netindvuna letatiphetse emabutfo lasingatsa inkhosi, netindvuna tetinkhulungwane, netindvuna temakhulu, netindvuna letatengamele tonkhe timphahla kanye netifuyo tenkhosi, netemadvodzana ayo, kanye netindvuna tasesigodlweni, nemadvodza lanemandla kanye netingwazi temphi. Inkhosi Davide yasukuma yema ngetinyawo, yatsi: “Lalelani kimi, nine bomnaketfu nesive sakitsi. Bekuvele kusenhlitiyweni yami kutsi ngakhe indlu letawuba yindzawo lapho kutawuphumula khona libhokisi lesivumelwane saSimakadze, senabelo setinyawo taNkulunkulu wetfu; lawo malungiselelo bese ngivele ngiwentile. Kodvwa Nkulunkulu watsi kimi: ‘Akusiwe lofanele kwakha indlu wakhele Libito lami, ngobe wena uyindvodza yemphi, futsi sewucitse nengati.’ “Noko Simakadze, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, wakhetsa mine endlini yaketfu kutsi ngibe yinkhosi yema-Israyeli phakadze naphakadze. Wakhetsa Juda kutsi abe ngumholi. Kwatsi elusendvweni lwakaJuda wakhetsa umndeni waketfu. Emkhatsini wemadvodzana ababe wajabulela kutsi akhetse mine angente inkhosi yema-Israyeli. Emkhatsini wawo onkhe emadvodzana ami lamanyenti Simakadze langiphe wona, Simakadze ukhetse umsa wami Solomoni kutsi ahlale esihlalweni sebukhosi sembuso waSimakadze abuse ka-Israyeli. “Simakadze ukhulume kimi watsi: ‘Solomoni, indvodzana yakho, nguye lotangakhela indlu netibuya tami, ngobe ngikhetse yena kutsi abe yindvodzana yami mine ngibe nguyise. Umbuso wakhe ngitakuwusimisa ngiwutintise phakadze naphakadze, nangabe angesuki ekwenteni imiyalo nemitsetfo yami, njengobe kwenteka kulemihla.’ “Ngako nyalo ngiyaniyala embikwawo onkhe ema-Israyeli nasembikwalo lonkhe libandla laSimakadze, nasebukhoneni baNkulunkulu wetfu, ngitsi: Caphelani kutsi niyayilandzela yonkhe imiyalo yaSimakadze Nkulunkulu wenu, khona litewuba lenu lelive lelihle, nize nilendlulisele nasetitukulwaneni tenu njengelifa lenu laphakadze naphakadze. “Wena-ke, Solomoni, ndvodzana yami, yenta Nkulunkulu weyihlo abe ligugu kuwe, umkhonte ngayo yonkhe inhlitiyo yakho nangengcondvo levumako, ngobe Simakadze uhlolisisa tonkhe tinhlitiyo acondzisise tonkhe tinjongo temicabango. Nawumfuna, utamtfola; kodvwa nawumlahla, naye utakuyekela phakadze naphakadze. Cabangisisa-ke manje, ngobe Simakadze ukhetse wena kutsi umakhele lithempeli libe yindzawo lengcwele. Cina, uwente lowo msebenti.” Ngako Davide wase unika indvodzana yakhe Solomoni ipulani yemihubhe, neyelithempeli, neyetakhiwo talo, neyetingungumakamelo talo, neyelingetulu lalo, neyemakamelo angekhatsi kanye neyendzawo yenhlawulo. Wamnika emapulani ako konkhe lekwakubekwe nguMoya engcondvweni yakhe macondzana netibuya telithempeli laSimakadze kanye nawo onkhe emakamelo lalitungeletile, newetindlu tengcebo yasethempelini laNkulunkulu, kanye newetindlu tengcebo yetintfo letinikelwe. Wamnika imiyalo macondzana neticheme tebaphristi netemaLevi neyawo wonkhe umsebenti wekukhonta ethempelini laSimakadze, neyato tonkhe timphahla letitawusetjentiswa ekukhonteni. Wamkhombisa sisindvo segolide nesesiliva lekwakutakwakhiwa ngayo timphahla letatitawusetjentiswa ekwenteni tinkonzo tetinhlobonhlobo: sisindvo segolide yekwakha tintsi tetibane kanye netibane tato, nesisindvo salolo nalolo lutsi lwetibane kanye netibane talo, nesisindvo sesiliva yalolo nalolo lutsi lwesibane sesiliva netibane talo, ngekwemsebenti walolo nalolo lutsi lwesibane. Wamkhombisa nesisindvo segolide salelo nalelo tafula lelinesinkhwa lesinikelwe; sisindvo sesiliva sematafula esiliva; nesisindvo segolide lecengekile yekwakha timfologo, netitja tekunyenyeta kanye netindzebe, sisindvo segolide saleyo naleyo ndishi yegolide, nesisindvo sesiliva saleyo naleyo ndishi yesiliva, nesisindvo segolide lecengekile yekwakha lilati lemphepho. Waphindze wamnika nepulani yencola, lekwakungeyemakherubhi egolide labevule timphiko asingatse libhokisi lesivumelwane saSimakadze. Davide wakhuluma watsi: “Konkhe loku kubhalwe phansi, ngobe sandla saSimakadze besisetikwami, wangipha kucondzisisa kahle yonkhe imininingwane yalepulani.” Davide waphindze wakhuluma kuSolomoni, indvodzana yakhe, watsi: “Cina, ube nesibindzi, wente lomsebenti. Ungesabi, futsi ungapheli emandla, ngobe Simakadze Nkulunkulu, longuNkulunkulu wami, unawe. Angeke akujabhise, futsi angeke akulahle, kuze kuphele wonkhe umsebenti wekukhonta ethempelini laSimakadze. Tonkhe ticheme tebaphristi netemaLevi setivele tiwulungele wonkhe lomsebenti welithempeli laNkulunkulu, kantsi wonkhe umuntfu lonenhlitiyo levumako nalonelikhono lekuhlobisa utakusita kuwo wonkhe lomsebenti. Tonkhe tiphatsimandla nesive sonkhe sitakwenta konkhe lositjela kona kutsi sikwente.” Inkhosi Davide yamemetela kubo bonkhe lababelapho, yatsi: “Solomoni, indvodzana yami, lowo lowakhetfwa nguNkulunkulu, usemncane, futsi usengakati lutfo. Lomsebenti mkhulu kabi, ngobe lendlu akusiso sigodlo sekuhlala umuntfu. Kodvwa kutawuhlala Simakadze Nkulunkulu. Ngetame ngawo onkhe emandla ami kulungisa tonkhe tintfo tekwakha lelithempeli laNkulunkulu wami, ngilungise igolide yekwakha tonkhe tintfo tegolide, nesiliva yekwakha tonkhe tintfo tesiliva, nelitfusi lekwakha tonkhe tintfo telitfusi, nensimbi yekwakha tonkhe tintfo tensimbi, netingodvo tekwakha tonkhe tintfo telukhuni, ne-oniksi yekuhlobisa ngemigca, nethekhosi, nematje lamibalabala, netinhlobonhlobo tematje laligugu lacolisakele kanye netintfo temabuli; konkhe loku kunyenti kakhulu. Ngetulu kwako konkhe loko, nami ngekutilahla kwami ematsambo senginikela ngegolide yami nesiliva yami kulomsebenti wekwakhiwa kwelithempeli laNkulunkulu wami; kantsi ngetulu kwako konkhe loko futsi sengilungisele lelithempeli lelingcwele: igolide lecengekile yase-Ofiri lengemathani lalikhulu, nesiliva lecengekile lengemathani langema-240, yekwembesa lubondza lwaletakhiwo kanye nekwekwenta tintfo tegolide netesiliva kanye nekwekwenta tonkhe tintfo letitakwentiwa bantfu labanelikhono. Manje-ke ngubani lofuna kunikela kuSimakadze?” Baholi bemindeni, netiphatsimandla tetive taka-Israyeli, netindvuna tetinkhulungwane netemakhulu, nebaphatsi bemisebenti yenkhosi banikela ngenhlitiyo levumako. Banikelela umsebenti wekwakha lithempeli laNkulunkulu: igolide lengemathani lali-170 nemakhilogremu langema-84, nesiliva lengemathani langema-340, nelitfusi lelingemathani langema-620, nensimbi lengemathani lati-3 400. Bonkhe labo lababenematje laligugu banikela ngawo engcebeni yelithempeli laSimakadze leyayenganyelwe nguJehiyeli, umGeshoni. Sive sajabula kakhulu, nasibona baholi baso banikela ngenhlitiyo levumako, ngobe bebanikela ngenkhululeko nangenhlitiyo yabo yonkhe kuSimakadze. NaDavide, inkhosi, wajabula kakhulu. Davide wadvumisa Simakadze embikwalo lonkhe libandla watsi: “Ludvumo alube kuwe, Simakadze, Nkulunkulu wababe wetfu Israyeli, kusukela phakadze kuze kube phakadze. Yebo, Simakadze bukhulu nemandla kwakho. Inkhatimulo nebukhosi kwakho, nebumengemenge bakho; ngobe konkhe lokusezulwini nalokusemhlabeni kwakho. Yebo, Simakadze, umbuso nawo wakho. Wena uphakeme wengamela konkhe. Ingcebo neludvumo kuphuma kuwe; wena ungumbusi wato tonkhe tintfo. Esandleni sakho kunemandla neligunya kwekuphakamisa nekucinisa bonkhe. Manje, Nkulunkulu wetfu, sibonga wena sidvumise Libito lakho lelidvumile. “Empeleni mine bengingubani, sona sive sami besiyini kutsi besingakhona kunikela kakhulu kangaka? Konkhe kuphuma kuwe, natsi sikunike kona loko lokuphuma esandleni sakho. Tsine sitihambi nebafokati embikwakho, njengabo bonkhe bokhokho betfu. Emalanga etfu lapha emhlabeni afanana nesitfunti, kute litsemba. Awu, Simakadze, Nkulunkulu wetfu, konkhe loku lokunyenti lesesikunikelele kwakha lithempeli, silakhele Libito lakho lelingcwele, kuphuma esandleni sakho, futsi konkhe loko kwakho. Ngiyati, Nkulunkulu wami, kutsi wena uvivinya inhlitiyo ujatjuliswe bucotfo. Tonkhe letintfo ngitinikele ngenhlitiyo levumako nangekwetsembeka. Manje sengibonile ngekujabula kutsi sive sakho lesikhona lapha sinikele kanjani ngenhlitiyo levumako kuwe. Yebo, Simakadze, Nkulunkulu wabobabe Abrahama, na-Isaka, na-Israyeli, gcina lenshisekelo etinhlitiyweni tesive sakho phakadze naphakadze, wente tinhlitiyo tabo tihlale tetsembeke kuwe. Nika Solomoni, indvodzana yami, inhlitiyo letinikele kutsi agcine imiyalo, nemitsetfo kanye netimiso takho nekutsi ente konkhe lokusemandleni akhe ekwakheni lelithempeli lesengililungiselele.” Davide wachubeka wakhuluma kulesive, watsi: “Dvumisani Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu.” Ngako sonkhe sive sadvumisa Simakadze, Nkulunkulu waboyisemkhulu; baguca bakhotsamisa tinhloko tabo embikwaSimakadze nenkhosi. Ngelilanga lelilandzelako benta imihlatjelo neminikelo yekushiswa kuSimakadze: tinkunzi letiyinkhulungwane, netihhanca letiyinkhulungwane, nemazinyane lamadvuna etimvu latinkhulungwane, neminikelo yayo yetinatfo kanye naleminye imihlatjelo leminyenti, bentela Israyeli wonkhe. Badla banatsa ngekujabula lokukhulu embikwaSimakadze ngalelo langa. Baphindza futsi bemukela Solomoni, umsa waDavide, kutsi abe yinkhosi, base bamgcoba ngemafutsa embikwaSimakadze kutsi abe ngumbusi, naSadoki kutsi abe ngumphristi. Ngako Solomoni wahlala esihlalweni sebukhosi saSimakadze waba yinkhosi esikhundleni seyise Davide. Wachuma, nema-Israyeli onkhe amhlonipha. Tonkhe tiphatsimandla, nemachawe kanye nemadvodzana onkhe enkhosi Davide etsembisa kutfobela inkhosi Solomoni. Simakadze waphakamisa Solomoni kakhulu embikwema-Israyeli onkhe, wametfwesa bukhosi lobukhulu, kute ngisho nayinye inkhosi leyase yaba nabo ngembili kwakhe. Davide, umsa waJese, waba yinkhosi etikwawo onkhe ema-Israyeli. Wabusa ema-Israyeli iminyaka lengema-40. Wabusela eHebroni iminyaka lesikhombisa, kwatsi lengema-33 wabusela eJerusalema. Wafa asamdzala kakhulu, asatenelisile ngemphilo lendze, nangemcebo, nangekuhlonishwa. Solomoni, umsa wakhe, watsatsa sikhundla sakhe waba yinkhosi. Imininingwane ngekubusa kwaDavide, kusukela ekucaleni kuze kube ngusekugcineni, kubhaliwe emlandvweni waSamuweli, umboniswa, nasemlandvweni waNathani, umphrofethi, kanye nasemlandvweni waGadi, umboniswa. Lemininingwane ichaza kutsi Davide wabusa kanjani, ichaze nangemandla akhe nangako konkhe lokwamehlela yena nesive sema-Israyeli kanye nangemibuso yawo onkhe lamanye emave. Solomoni, umsa waDavide, watimisela umbuso locinile, ngobe Simakadze Nkulunkulu wakhe abenaye, wamenta waba mkhulu kakhulu. Solomoni wase ukhuluma kuwo onkhe ema-Israyeli: etindvuneni tetinkhulungwane, netemakhulu, nakubehluleli, nakubo bonkhe baholi besive sema-Israyeli, tinhloko temindeni. Solomoni kanye nalo lonkhe libandla bahamba baya endzaweni lephakeme leyayiseGibeyoni, ngobe phela lithende lekuhlangana laNkulunkulu lalikhona lapho. Lelo thende ngulelo lelalakhiwe nguMosi, inceku yaNkulunkulu, basesehlane. Davide abekhuphuke nalo libhokisi lesivumelwane saNkulunkulu alisusa eKhiriyathi Jeyarimu, waliletsa endzaweni labevele ayilungisele lona. Phela abesalakhele lithende lalo eJerusalema. Kodvwa lelilati lelitfusi lelalakhiwe nguBesaleli, umsa wa-Uri, lotalwa nguHure, lalisolomane liseGibeyoni embikwelithende laSimakadze. Ngako-ke boSolomoni nelibandla lakhe bafike bambuta Simakadze. Solomoni wakhuphuka waya elatini lelitfusi embikwaSimakadze lelalingasethendeni lekuhlangana, wafike wanikela ngenkhulungwane yeminikelo yekushiswa etikwalo. Ngalobo busuku Nkulunkulu watibonakalisa kuSolomoni, watsi kuye: “Cela nome ngabe yini lofuna kutsi ngikuphe yona.” Solomoni waphendvula Nkulunkulu, watsi: “Wentela Davide, babe wami, umusa lomkhulu, nami wangenta ngaba yinkhosi esikhundleni sakhe. Manje-ke, Simakadze Nkulunkulu wami, gcwalisa setsembiso sakho kubabe wami Davide, ngobe ubeke mine ngaba yinkhosi etikwesive lesikhulu nalesinyenti ngangelutfuli lwemhlabatsi. Ngiphe inhlakanipho nekucondza, kuze ngikwati kuhola lesive, ngobe ngubani nje longakhona kubusa lesive sakho lesikhulu kangaka?” Nkulunkulu waphendvula Solomoni, watsi: “Njengobe lesi kusifiso senhlitiyo yakho, futsi awukaceli umcebo, nebunjinga, nekuhlonishwa, ngisho nekutsi titsa takho tife, njengobe futsi ungakaceli ngisho nemphilo lendze, kodvwa ucele inhlakanipho nekucondza kuze utewubusa kahle sive sami lengikubeke etikwaso kutsi ube yinkhosi yaso, ngako-ke utawunikwa lokuhlakanipha nekucondza. Ngetulu kwaloko ngitakunika nemcebo, nebunjinga, nekuhlonishwa, lokungazange sekube nenkhosi leyake yaba nako ngembili kwakho, futsi kute leyawubuye ibe nako emvakwakho.” Solomoni wase uyesuka endzaweni lephakeme eGibeyoni wahamba waya eJerusalema, esuka embikwelithende lekuhlangana. Wabusa etikwesive sema-Israyeli. Solomoni wabutsela ndzawonye tincola temphi nemahhashi; abenetincola temphi letatiyi-1 400, nemahhashi labeti-12 000, labekugcine emadolobheni etincola temphi, kanye naseJerusalema, lapho abehlala khona. Inkhosi yenta kutsi isiliva negolide yandze eJerusalema, yaze yafanana nelukhetse, nemisedari yayiminyenti njengetihlahla temakhiwa emaceleni etintsaba. Emahhashi aSolomoni abewekutsengwa eGibhithe naseKuwe, bahwebi benkhosi babewatsenga eKuwe. Incola yemphi leyatsengwa eGibhithe yabita emakhilogremu labengaba sikhombisa esiliva, lihhashi lilinye labita emakhilogremu esiliva labengaba mabili. Babephindze bawatsengisele onkhe emakhosi emaHethi newemaSiriya. Solomoni wakhipha simemetelo kutsi akwakhiwe lithempeli, kwakhelwe Libito laSimakadze, naye akhelwe sigodlo sakhe. Solomoni wabutsa emadvodza lati-70 000 ekwetfwala, kwatsi lati-80 000 aba ngekucota ematje etintsabeni, wabeka tindvuna tawo letatiti-3 600. Solomoni watfumela umlayeto kuHiramu, inkhosi yaseThire, watsi: “Ngitfumelele tingodvo temsedari, njengobe wenta kubabe wami Davide, ngesikhatsi umtfumelela tingodvo tekwakha sigodlo, lapho abetawuhlala khona. Manje sengifuna kucala kwakha lithempeli, ngakhele Libito laSimakadze Nkulunkulu wami, bese ngilinikela kuye libe lekushisela imphepho kube liphunga lelimnandzi kuye, libe lekubeka sinkhwa lesingcwele, nelekwentela khona iminikelo yekushiswa njalo ekuseni, nasentsambama, nangemaSabatha, nangekwetfwasa kwetinyanga, nangemikhosi lemisiwe yaSimakadze Nkulunkulu wetfu. Leso-ke simiso sema-Israyeli lesiyakuma kuze kube phakadze. “Lelithempeli lengitawulakha litawuba likhulu kakhulu, ngobe Nkulunkulu wetfu mkhulu kunabo bonkhe bonkulunkulu labakhona. Kepha ngubani longamakhela lithempeli, ngobe emazulu, ngisho nemazulu laphakeme kunawo onkhe, ngeke enele kuwo? Bengingubani-ke mine kutsi ngingakhela yena lithempeli, ngaphandle kwekutsi ngakhe indzawo nje, lapho kutaboshiselwa khona imphepho embikwakhe? “Ngako-ke ngitfumelele umuntfu loyingcweti kutekwakha ngegolide, nangesiliva, nangelitfusi, nangensimbi, nangaletibukhwebeletane, nangaletibubendze, nangaletiluhlata njengesibhakabhaka, umuntfu losacocodzela kutekubata, nekucopha, kutsi atewusebenta kaJuda naseJerusalema kanye naletingcweti tekubata talapha kami, labo lengabakhetselwa ngubabe Davide. “Ngitfumelele kanye nemisedari, netipheshula, netingodvo te-almugi taseLebanoni, ngobe ngiyati kutsi lamadvodza akakho aceceshekile ekugawuleni tingodvo lapho. Emadvodza akami atawubambisana nalawo akakho, kutsi angilungisele tingodvo letinyenti, ngobe lelithempeli lekufanele ngilakhe kumele libe likhulu futsi libe lihle. Ngitawunika tisebenti takakho, lamadvodza latawugawula letingodvo, kolo losiliwe longemathani langaba ti-2 000, nebhali lengemathani langaba ti-2 000, neliwayini lelingemalitha langaba ti-400 000, nemafutsa emncumo langemalitha langaba ti-400 000.” Hiramu, inkhosi yaseThire, watfumela imphendvulo lekwakuyincwadzi kuSolomoni, watsi: “Simakadze uyasitsandza sive sakhe, ngako sewukwente waba yinkhosi yaso. Akabongwe Simakadze, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, uMdali welizulu nemhlaba. Uphe inkhosi Davide indvodzana lehlakaniphile, legcwele emasu ekuhlakanipha nekucondza, nyalo seyitilungiselela kwakha lithempeli laSimakadze, itakhele nesigodlo sayo. “Ngikutfumelela nango Huramu Abi, ingcweti kutekubata nakutekwakha. Unina abengulomunye wesive sakaDani, uyise awaseThire. Wakufundzela kusebenta ngegolide, nangesiliva, nangelitfusi, nangensimbi, nangematje, nangetingodvo, nangaletibukhwebeletane, nangaletibubendze, nangaletiluhlata njengesibhakabhaka, nangelineni lecolisakele. Unelwati lolubanti kuto tonkhe tekubata netekucopha, nome ngabe nguyiphi inhlobo yendlu ledzingekile, nakayinikiwe. Utawusebenta kanye nalababati bakakho, nalaba benkhosi yami Davide, uyihlo. “Manje-ke inkhosi yami ayitfumelele tisebenti tayo loko leyayikwetsembisile: kolo, nebhali, nemafutsa emncumo, neliwayini. Tsine sitatigawula tonkhe tingodvo lotifunako taseLebanoni, bese sitintantisa ngeminyaba yato lapha elwandle tiye eJopha. Nine-ke nitabe senitenyula lapho nitimikise eJerusalema.” Solomoni wase wenta lubalo lwabo bonkhe lababetive lababeka-Israyeli, emvakwelubalo uyise Davide labelwentile. Batfolakala kutsi babeti-153 600. Wase ukhetsa labati-70 000 kubo kutsi babe betfwali, nalabati-80 000 kutsi babe babati bematje etintsabeni, nalabati-3 600 kutsi babe tindvuna tabo. Solomoni wase uyacala-ke kwakha lithempeli laSimakadze eJerusalema, eNtsabeni yaseMoriya, lapho Simakadze atibonakalisa khona kuyise Davide. Kwakungusebaleni lekubhulela kolo laka-Arawuna, umJebhusi, indzawo leyayilungiswe nguDavide. Wacala kwakha lelithempeli mhla titimbili enyangeni yesibili emnyakeni wesine wekubusa kwakhe. Sisekelo sekwakha lithempeli laSimakadze lesabekwa nguSolomoni sasingemamitha labengaba ngema-27 budze, nemamitha labengaba yimfica bubanti. Umhubhe lekwakungenwa ngawo wawungemamitha labengaba ngema-54 kuphakama, nemamitha labengaba yimfica bubanti. Wawulingana nalelithempeli ngebubanti. Lingekhatsi lawo lalembeswe ngegolide lecengekile. Lendlu lenkhulu yayihlotjiswe ngekunanyatsiselwa ngemapulango etipheshula lapha ngekhatsi etibondzeni talo, yase yembeswa ngegolide lecengekile, lapho kwakucoshwe khona imihlobiso yetihlahla temasundvu neyetinketane. Inkhosi yahlobisa lithempeli ngematje laligugu nangegolide leyayitfunyelwa iphuma eveni lasePhavayimu. Solomoni wasebentisa igolide ekwembeseni tibondza talelithempeli, nemishayo, neminyango, netivalo. Kuletibondza lababati bacopha imihlobiso yemakherubhi. Wakha likamelo lelingekhatsi kakhulu lekutsiwa yindzawo lengcwelengcwele, lelalingemamitha labengaba yimfica budze, nemamitha labengaba yimfica bubanti, lokwakulingana ngco nalelithempeli. Indzawo lengcwelengcwele yona yembeswa ngegolide leyayingetulu kwemathani labengaba ngema-20. Igolide lengemagremu labengaba ngema-570 yasetjentiswa ekwakheni tipikili. Netibondza temakamelo langetulu tembeswa ngegolide. Endzaweni lengcwelengcwele wakha emakherubhi lamabili labatiwe, wawembesa ngegolide. Budze betimphiko talamakherubhi ngekweluleka kwato babungemamitha labengaba yimfica. Luphiko lulunye lwelikherubhi lekucala lwalungemamitha labengaba mabili nencenye yesine yelimitha budze, lona lwalutsintsa lubondza lwelithempeli, kantsi lolu lolunye luphiko lwalo lwalungemamitha labengaba mabili nencenye yesine yelimitha budze, lutsintsa lolu lolunye luphiko lwaleli lelinye likherubhi. Kanjalo futsi lolunye luphiko lwalelikherubhi lesibili lwalungemamitha labengaba mabili nencenye yesine yelimitha budze, lutsintsa lolu lolunye lubondza lwelithempeli ngale, nalolu lolunye nalo lungemamitha langaba mabili nencenye yesine yelimitha lutsintsa luphiko lwaleli lelinye likherubhi lekucala. Timphiko talamakherubhi omabili setihlangene tatingemamitha labengaba yimfica budze, abeme ngetinyawo abheke kulendlu lenkhulu. Wenta likhethini lemitiya leluhlata njengesibhakabhaka, nalebukhwebeletane, nalebubendze, walenta ngelineni lecolisakele, nalo lalihlotjiswe ngemakherubhi. Lapha embikwelithempeli wenta tinsika letimbili, setitotimbili tatingemamitha labengaba li-15 nesigamu budze, iyinye yayinengcongwane leyayingemamitha labengaba mabili nesigamu lapha enhloko. Wephotsela tinketane, wase utitsandzela kuletinsika lapha etikwato. Wakha nemahananandza aze aba likhulu, wawatfungela kuletinketane. Letinsika wase utimbela emnyango walelithempeli, lenye ngaseningizimu, lenye ngasenyakatfo. Lena lengaseningizimu wayetsa libito watsi nguJakhini, lena lengasenyakatfo watsi nguBowazi. Solomoni inkhosi wase wakha lilati lelitfusi lelalingemamitha labengaba yimfica budze, nemamitha labengaba yimfica bubanti, nemamitha labengaba mane nesigamu kuphakama. Huramu wakha libhavu ngelitfusi lelalincibilikisiwe, laba yindingilizi lengemamitha labengaba mane nesigamu bubanti, nemamitha labengaba mabili nesigamu kuphakama. Kwakuyintsambo lengemamitha labengaba li-13 nesigamu nalitungeletiswa. Ngephansi kwalomngcengcema walo belitungeletwe ngimifanekiso yetinkunzi, tilishumi ebangeni lelingaba sigamu selimitha. Letinkunzi tatentiwe tinhlu letimbili elucetwini lulunye lwalelibhavu lelitfusi. Lelibhavu lalisime etikwetinkunzi telitfusi letili-12: tintsatfu tato tibheke ngasenyakatfo, tintsatfu tibheke ngasenshonalanga, tintsatfu tibheke ngasemphumalanga, tintsatfu tibheke ngaseningizimu. Lelibhavu lalitinte etikwetibunu taletinkunzi, lingemuva lato lalibheke ekhatsi nendzawo. Lalingangemphama yesandla bucinsi balo, umngcengcema walo wawunjengewenkomishi, nanjengembali lechakazile. Lalingetfwala emalitha labengaba ti-60 000. Wabe sewakha imigezelo lelishumi, wabeka lesihlanu ngaseningizimu nalesihlanu ngasenyakatfo. Kulemigezelo bekutawuyakatelwa khona tintfo teminikelo yekushiswa, kodvwa lelibhavu lona lalitabosetjentiswa baphristi, nabageza. Wabe sewenta tintsi tesibane letilishumi tegolide, watenta njengobe abelayelwe, wase utifaka ethempelini, letisihlanu ngaseningizimu naletisihlanu ngasenyakatfo. Wase wakha ematafula lalishumi, wawafaka ethempelini, lasihlanu ngasenyakatfo nalasihlanu ngaseningizimu. Waphinidze wenta netitja tegolide tekunyenyeta letatilikhulu. Wakha sibuya sebaphristi nesibuya sangephandle lesikhulu kanye netivalo taso, wase utembesa ngelitfusi. Wabeka libhavu ekoneni lelingaseningizimu nemphumalanga. Wachubeka wakha nemabhodo, nemafosholo, netitja tekunyenyeta. Wawucedzela kanjalo-ke Huramu umsebenti labewusukele awentela inkhosi Solomoni ethempelini laNkulunkulu: Kwakutinsika letimbili; netingcongwane letimbili letatisasitja letatisetihlokweni taletinsika, netinhlu letimbili taletiviliya letatihlobise letingcongwane letatisetihlokweni taletinsika; nalamahananandza labengema-400 aletinhlu letimbili tetiviliya, tinhlu letimbili temahananandza tesiviliya sisinye, tatihlobise letingcongwane letatisasitja letatisetihlokweni taletinsika, netincodlana nalemigezelo yato, nelibhavu, netinkunzi letatili-12 letatingaphansi kwalo; nemabhodo, nemafosholo, netimfologo tenyama, nato tonkhe tintfo letihambisana nako. Tonkhe-ke letintfo letentiwa nguHuramu Abi, atakhela inkhosi entela lithempeli laSimakadze, watakha ngelitfusi lelicwebetelako. Inkhosi yentelwa tonkhe letintfo ngetimfolomu telibumba etsafeni laseJordane emkhatsini weSukhothi neSarethani. Setitonkhe-ke letintfo letentiwa yinkhosi Solomoni taba nesisindvo selitfusi lesasingenakukalwa. Solomoni wabuye wenta tonkhe timphahla letatilapho ethempelini laNkulunkulu, lekwakulilati legolide, nematafula lapho kwakuhlala khona sinkhwa sebukhona, netintsi tetibane tegolide lecengekile, netibane takhona letatitabovutsa njale nje embikwendzawo lengcwelengcwele, njengobe kwakumisiwe, netimbali letatakhiwe ngegolide, netibane, netindlawu, konkhe lokwakuyigolide lephelele, netijubantsambo tegolide lecengekile, netitja tekunyenyeta, netingwembe, netitja tekushisela imphepho, netivalo tegolide telithempeli: tivalo tangekhatsi tendzawo lengcwelengcwele kanye netendlu lenkhulu. Kwatsi nase kuphele wonkhe umsebenti inkhosi Solomoni labewentele lithempeli laSimakadze, wase ungenisa ngekhatsi tonkhe tintfo letatinikelwe nguyise Davide. Bekuyisiliva negolide, nato tonkhe timphahla. Wakubeka konkhe endlini yengcebo ethempelini laNkulunkulu. Solomoni wase umema tonkhe timphunga tema-Israyeli kanye nabo bonkhe baholi betive tema-Israyeli, netinhloko tetindlu tema-Israyeli kutsi tite eJerusalema, tilandze libhokisi lesivumelwane saSimakadze lisuke eSiyoni, Lidolobha laDavide. Onkhe emadvodza aka-Israyeli abutsanela ndzawonye enkhosini, ngesikhatsi semkhosi wenyanga yesikhombisa. Tatsi nase tiphelele tonkhe timphunga tema-Israyeli, emaLevi ase aphakamisa libhokisi lesivumelwane, betfwala lelibhokisi lesivumelwane kanye nelithende lekuhlangana kanye nato tonkhe tintfo letingcwele takhona. Baphristi labebangemaLevi bakwetfwala bahamba nako. Inkhosi Solomoni ikanye naso sonkhe sive sema-Israyeli lesasiyisingatsile babesembikwelibhokisi lesivumelwane benta umhlatjelo wetimvu letinyenti newetinkhomo letinyenti, kangangekutsi tatingeke tikhoneke kubalwa nekubhalwa phansi. Ngako-ke baphristi balingenisa libhokisi lesivumelwane saSimakadze balibeka endzaweni yalo lengekhatsi kakhulu ethempelini, indzawo lengcwelengcwele, bafike balibeka phansi kwemaphiko alamakherubhi. Emakherubhi abelulele timphiko tawo etikwalendzawo yelibhokisi lesivumelwane alisitsa kanye netimboko talo tekuletfwala. Letimboko tatitindze kangangekutsi tihloko tato tatize tilungute ngephandle tibonakale kulendzawo lengcwele lesembikwendzawo lengcwelengcwele ngekhatsi, kodvwa hhayi ngephandle kwendzawo lengcwele. Nalamuhla loku tisekhona khona lapho. Kute lokwakukhona ngekhatsi kwalelibhokisi lesivumelwane ngaphandle kwetibhelekeca letimbili letatifakwe nguMosi kulo ngesikhatsi baseseHorebe, lapho Simakadze enta khona sivumelwane nesive sema-Israyeli emvakwekuphuma kwawo eGibhithe. Baphristi-ke base bayaphuma endzaweni lengcwele. Bonkhe baphristi labebalapho babetingcwelisile ngalokufananako nome nje babeticheme letehlukene. Onkhe emaLevi labebahlabeli: bo-Asafa, naHemani, naJeduthuni, nemadvodzana abo, kanye netihlobo tabo, bema ngasemphumalanga kwelilati. Babegcoke tingubo telineni lecolisakele bashaya emasimbali, nemahabhu, nemalire. Babehamba nebaphristi labali-120 lababeshaya emacilongo. Labashayi bemacilongo nalabahlabeli bahlangana bahlabela kanyekanye, kwaze kwaba shangatsi liphimbo linye, banika Simakadze ludvumo netibongo. Baphakamisa emaphimbo abo babonga Simakadze bashaya emacilongo, nemasimbali naletinye nje tingubhu, bahlabela batsi: “Dvumisani Simakadze, ngobe ulungile, nelutsandvo lwakhe lume kuze kube phakadze.” Lithempeli laSimakadze lase ligcwaliswa lifu, baphristi abazange basakwati kuchubeka nekwenta inkonzo yabo ngenca yalelo lifu, ngobe inkhatimulo yaSimakadze yagcwalisa lithempeli laNkulunkulu. Solomoni wabe sewuyakhuluma, watsi: “Simakadze, wena ushito watsi uyawuhlala efini lelimnyama; ngempela sengikwakhele lithempeli lelihle kakhulu, indzawo yakho lapho kutabohlala wena khona phakadze naphakadze.” Kwatsi ngesikhatsi sonkhe sive siseme khona lapho, inkhosi yagucukela kuso yasibusisa. Yatsi: “Ludvumo alube kuSimakadze Nkulunkulu wesive sema-Israyeli, yena lekwatsi ngesandla sakhe wagcwalisa leso setsembiso sakhe lasenta ngemlomo wakhe kubabe wami Davide. Ngobe watsi: ‘Kusukela ngelilanga lengakhipha ngalo sive sami ema-Israyeli eveni laseGibhithe, angizange sengikhetse lidolobha kunome ngusiphi setive tema-Israyeli kutsi ngakhelwe lithempeli, lapho kutabohlala khona Libito lami, futsi angikakhetsi muntfu kutsi abe ngumholi wesive sami ema-Israyeli. Kodvwa nyalo sengikhetse iJerusalema kutsi Libito lami libe lapho, ngakhetsa naDavide kutsi abuse sive sami, ema-Israyeli.’ “Babe wami Davide abenaso leso sifiso enhlitiyweni yakhe, kutsi akhe lithempeli, alakhele Libito laSimakadze, Nkulunkulu wesive sema-Israyeli. Kodvwa Simakadze watsi kubabe wami Davide: ‘Ngobe bekusifiso senhlitiyo yakho kutsi wakhele Libito lami lithempeli, wente kahle kakhulu kutsi ube naleso sifiso enhlitiyweni yakho. Noko-ke wena awusiye lotangakhela lithempeli, kodvwa yindvodzana yakho, lowo loyinyama yakho naloyingati yakho cobo, nguye-ke lotakwakha lithempeli, alakhele Libito lami.’ “Simakadze usigcwalisile setsembiso sakhe lasenta: Mine ngilandzele babe wami Davide, manje sengihleti esihlalweni sakhe sebukhosi saka-Israyeli, njengobe vele Simakadze abetsembisile, futsi sengilakhile nalelithempeli, ngalakhela Libito laSimakadze, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli. Sengilibeke khona nelibhokisi lesivumelwane saSimakadze, lapho kunesivumelwane saSimakadze lasenta nesive sakhe ema-Israyeli.” Solomoni wase uma embikwelilati laSimakadze, embikwaso sonkhe sive sema-Israyeli, waphakamisa tandla takhe. Manje-ke abesakhe idayasi yelitfusi leyayingemamitha labengaba mabili nesigamu budze, nemamitha labengaba mabili nesigamu bubanti, nekuphakama lekwakungaba limitha linye nesigamu, wase uyibeka ekhatsi nendzawo kulesibuya lesasingephandle. Wakhuphuka wema kulendzawo lephakeme, wase uguca phansi embikwaso sonkhe sive sema-Israyeli waphakamisa tandla takhe watibhekisa ngasezulwini. Watsi: “Awu! Simakadze, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli! Kute Nkulunkulu lonjengawe ezulwini nasemhlabeni, wena logcina sivumelwane sakho selutsandvo netinceku takho letichubeka njalo ngenhlitiyo yato yonkhe endleleni yakho. Usigcinile setsembiso sakho encekwini yakho Davide, longubabe wami, ngemlomo wakho wetsembisa, ngesandla sakho wagcwalisa setsembiso sakho, njengobe sekunje lamuhla. “Manje-ke, Simakadze, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, gcina setsembiso sakho lowasenta encekwini yakho Davide, babe wami, ngesikhatsi utsi: ‘Ungeke umeswele umuntfu loyawuhlala embikwami esihlalweni sebukhosi saka-Israyeli, kuphela nje nangabe emadvodzana akho akucaphelisisa konkhe lakwentako, ngekuhamba kwawo njengekwemitsetfo yami, njengobe wena wentile.’ Manje-ke, Simakadze, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, gcwalisa livi lakho lowalikhuluma encekwini yakho Davide, libe liciniso. “Kodvwa vele, Nkulunkulu angahlala yini emhlabeni kanye nebantfu? Emazulu, ngisho nemazulu laphakeme kunawo onkhe, ngeke wenele kuwo. Kangakanani-ke lelithempeli lengikwakhele lona! Noko, mane uwunake umthandazo wenceku yakho, nekuncusa kwayo ngemusa. Awu! Simakadze, Nkulunkulu wami, vani kukhala kwami nemkhuleko lowentiwa yinceku yakho lapha ebukhoneni bakho. “Kwangatsi emehlo akho angavulekela kulelithempeli emini nasebusuku, lendzawo lowakhuluma ngayo watsi uyawubeka Libito lakho kuyo. Shangatsi ungamane uwuve umkhuleko wenceku yakho lewuthandaza ibheke kulendzawo. Vani kuncusa kwenceku yakho kanye nekwesive sakho, ema-Israyeli, nasithandaza sibheke kulendzawo. Vani usetulu ezulwini, indzawo yakho yekuhlala, ubotsi ungeva, bese uyatsetselela. “Nangabe umuntfu ona makhelwane wakhe, bese kufuneka nekutsi ente sifungo, ete atewufunga embikwalelilati lakho kulelithempeli, ubova usetulu ezulwini, bese uyenta. Yehlulela emkhatsini wetinceku takho, ulahle leyonile ngelicala, wehlisele etikwayo loko lekwentile, usho kulengenacala kutsi ite licala, ububeke ebaleni bumsulwa bayo. “Nangabe sive sakho, ema-Israyeli, sehlulwe sitsa saso, ngobe sonile kuwe, bese sigucukela kuwe, sivume Libito lakho, sithandaze sincuse kuwe sikulelithempeli, ubobe sewuyeva usezulwini lakho, utsetselele sono sesive sakho, ema-Israyeli, usibuyisele emuva eveni lowalipha bona naboyisemkhulu. “Nangabe emazulu avalekile litulu lingani, ngobe sive sakho sonile kuwe, bese siyathandaza sibheke kulendzawo, silivume Libito lakho, siphendvuke esonweni saso, ngobe wena sewusishayile, ubobe sewuyeva usezulwini lakho, utsetselele sono setinceku takho, sive sakho, ema-Israyeli. Bafundzise indlela lelungile yekuphila, bese wehlisela imvula eveni labo, lowabapha lona bantfu bakho kutsi libe lifa labo. “Nangabe bahlaselwa yindlala kulelive labo, nome sifo lesibulalanako, nome sona, nome sikhutsa, nome sikhonyane, nome tintsetse, nome titsa tibavimbetela nome ngukuliphi lalamadolobha abo, nome ngabe ngusiphi sehlakalo, nome sifo lesingabehlela, bese kwentiwa umthandazo nome kuncenga kwentiwe ngunome ngubani wakulesive sakho, ema-Israyeli, nguloyo atibonela sishayo neminjunju enhlitiyweni yakhe, aphakamise tandla takhe atibhekise kulelithempeli, ubobe sewuyeva usezulwini, indzawo yakho yekuhlala, utsetselele. Nguloyo naloyo muntfu umphatse njengekwenta kwakhe, njengobe wena uyayibona inhlitiyo yakhe, ngobe nguwe wedvwa lowati tinhlitiyo tebantfu. Ngaloko bantfu bayawuhlala bakuhlonipha, bahambe etindleleni takho ngaso sonkhe sikhatsi sekuhlala kwabo eveni lowalipha boyisemkhulu. “Macondzana newetive longasiye lomunye wesive sakho, ema-Israyeli, kodvwa lochamuka eveni lelikhashane ngenca yeLibito lakho lelikhulu, nangesandla sakho lesinemandla nengalo yakho leyelulekile, nakete-ke lowo wetive atewuthandaza abheke kulelithempeli, ubobe sewuyeva usezulwini, indzawo yakho yekuhlala, wente konkhe loko wetive lakucelako kuwe. Loko kuyakwenta kutsi tonkhe tive temhlaba tilati Libito lakho tikwesabe, njengobe kwenta sive sakho, ema-Israyeli, tati nekutsi lendlu lengiyakhile ibitwa ngeLibito lakho. “Nangabe sive sakho siphuma imphi siyekulwa netitsa taso, nome ngukuphi lapho usiyisa khona, bese siyakhuleka kuwe sibheke kulelidolobha lolikhetsile nakulelithempeli lese ngilakhile, ngalakhela Libito lakho, ubobe sewuyayiva imithandazo yabo, usezulwini lakho, uve nekuncusa kwabo, ucolele indlela yabo. “Nangabe bona kuwe, ngobe kute longoni, wena bese uyabatfukutselela, ubanikele etitseni tabo letiyawubatsatsa tibatfumbele eveni lelikhashane nome lelisedvute, nangabe sebaphendvuka ngenhlitiyo yabo lena eveni lapho batigcili khona, bagucuke bancuse kuwe baseveni lebatfumbi babo batsi: ‘Sonile kuwe, senta lokuphambene nawe; sente kabi kakhulu,’ nase bagucukela kuwe ngayo yonkhe inhlitiyo yabo nangawo wonkhe umphefumulo wabo baseveni letitsa tabo letabatfumba, bathandaze kuwe babheke eveni lowalipha boyisemkhulu, edolobheni lolikhetsile nakulelithempeli lesengilakhele Libito lakho, ubobe sewuyeva usezulwini lakho, indzawo yakho yekuhlala, uyive imithandazo yabo nekuncusa kwabo kuwe, ucolele indlela yabo. Tsetselela sive sakho lesonile kuwe. “Manje-ke, Nkulunkulu wami, emehlo akho akamane asale avuleka, netindlebe takho tiwunake wonkhe umthandazo lowentiwa kulendzawo. “Manje-ke, phakama, Simakadze Nkulunkulu, ute endzaweni yakho yekuphumula, wena kanye nelibhokisi lesivumelwane semandla akho. Awu, Simakadze Nkulunkulu, shangatsi baphristi bakho bangembatsiswa ngensindziso. Shangatsi labangcwele bakho bangajabula ngemusa wakho. Awu! Simakadze Nkulunkulu, ungamfulatseli logcotjiwe wakho. Khumbula lowo musa wakho lowawetsembisa kuDavide, inceku yakho.” Watsi Solomoni kube acedze kuthandaza, kwehla umlilo uvela ezulwini wadla lomnikelo wekushiswa nemihlatjelo, inkhatimulo yaSimakadze yase igcwalisa lithempeli. Baphristi abazange basakhona kungena kulelithempeli laSimakadze, ngobe inkhatimulo yaSimakadze yase iligcwalisile. Kwatsi kube onkhe ema-Israyeli abone lomlilo wehla nenkhatimulo yaSimakadze isetikwelithempeli, baguca phansi esiyilweni bakhotsama ngetinhloko tabo tibheke phansi, bakhonta Simakadze bambonga batsi: “Akabongwe Simakadze ngebuhle bakhe, ngobe umusa wakhe ume kuze kube phakadze.” Inkhosi naso sonkhe sive base banikela ngemihlatjelo embikwaSimakadze. Inkhosi Solomoni yanikela ngemhlatjelo wetinkhomo letatiti-22 000, netimvu letatiti-120 000 tihlangene netimbuti. Inkhosi yalinikela kanjalo-ke lithempeli laNkulunkulu, ikanye nesive. Baphristi bema ngetindzawo tabo, njengobe kwenta nemaLevi, banetingubhu temculo, letatentiwe yinkhosi Davide, itentele kudvumisa Simakadze, letatiphindze tisetjentiswe nakambonga atsi: “Umusa wakhe ume kuze kube phakadze.” Malungana nemaLevi baphristi nabo babeshaya emacilongo, lapho onkhe ema-Israyeli aseme ngetinyawo. Solomoni wase wehlukanisela Nkulunkulu indzawo lesekhatsi nekhatsi nesibuya lesasisembikwendlu yaSimakadze, lapho-ke ngulapho anikelela khona iminikelo yekushiswa nemafutsa eminikelo yebudlelwane, ngobe lilati lelitfusi labelakhile lalingakhoni kwetfwala leminikelo yekushiswa, neminikelo yalokutinhlavu nalamafutsa. Inkhosi Solomoni yawenta kanjalo-ke lomkhosi, kwaze kwaphela emalanga lasikhombisa, sonkhe sive sema-Israyeli sasikanye nayo, kungumhlangano lomkhulu, bantfu babephuma kusukela eLebo Hamathi kuze kuyewufika emfudlaleni waseGibhithe. Kwatsi ngelilanga lesiphohlongo babamba lomkhulu umhlangano, ngobe bese bawugubhile umkhosi wekunikelwa kwelilati onkhe lamalanga lasikhombisa, nemkhosi sebawentile emalanga lasikhombisa ngetulu. Kwatsi ngelilanga lema-23 ngenyanga yesikhombisa Solomoni wase uyabacitsa bantfu, babuyela emakhaya abo bajabule kakhulu batsakasile etinhlitiyweni tabo ngaloko lokuhle Simakadze labekwentele Davide naSolomoni kanye naso sive sakhe sema-Israyeli. Watsi kube Solomoni acedze kwakha lithempeli laSimakadze kanye nesigodlo sakhe, asaphumelele nekukwenta konkhe labekufisa enhlitiyweni yakhe lapha ethempelini laSimakadze nakulesigodlo sakhe, Simakadze wase uyatibonakalisa kuye ebusuku watsi: “Ngiwuvile umthandazo wakho, sengitikhetsele lendzawo kutsi kube ngulona thempeli lemihlatjelo. “Nangivala emazulu kuze kutsi kubete imvula, nome ngitfume sikhonyane kutsi sitewubhubhisa lelive, nome ngitfumele sifo lesibulalanako emkhatsini wesive sami, nangabe sive sami lesibitwa ngelibito lami, sititfoba sithandaze kimi, sifunisise intsandvo yami, siphendvuke etindleleni taso letimbi temonakalo, ngiyakuva ngisezulwini, ngitsetselele sono saso, ngiphilise live laso. Emehlo ami ayawuvuleka, netindlebe tami tilalele imikhuleko lenikelelwa kulendzawo. Lelithempeli ngilikhetsile ngalehlukanisela kutsi Libito lami sale lihlala lapha phakadze naphakadze. Emehlo ami nenhlitiyo yami sekuyawuhlala kulapho kulo ngaso sonkhe sikhatsi. “Wena-ke, nangabe ungahamba embikwami ulingise uyihlo Davide, wente konkhe lengikuyala ngako, ugcine timiso tami nemitsetfo yami, ngiyawusimisa sihlalo sakho sebukhosi, njengobe ngametsembisa Davide, uyihlo, ngesikhatsi ngitsi: ‘Akuyikwenteka kutsi weswele umuntfu loyawuba ngumbusi wema-Israyeli.’ “Kodvwa nangabe nine nigucuka nifulatsela timiso tami nemiyalo yami lenginiyale ngayo, nihambe niyewukhonta labanye bonkulunkulu nikhuleke kubo, ngiyawube sengiyamsiphula Israyeli ngimsuse eveni lami, lebengimuphe lona, ngililahle nalelithempeli lesengilehlukanisele Libito lami. Ngiyakulenta libe yinhlekisa nentfo yekwedzelelwa kuto tonkhe tive. Noko nome kwanyalo lelithempeli lisenesitfunti lesimatima kangaka, bonkhe labendlula ngakhona bayawumangala, batsi: ‘Simakadze uyenteleni lentfo lenjena kulelive nakulelithempeli?’ Bantfu bayawuphendvula batsi: ‘Kungobe bamfulatsela Simakadze, Nkulunkulu waboyise, lowabakhipha eGibhithe, besuka bagugumatsa labanye bonkulunkulu, basebentela bona, babakhonta bakhuleka kubo. Nguko nje asabehlisele lenhlekelele lengaka.’ ” Ekupheleni kweminyaka lengema-20 Solomoni labekakha ngayo lithempeli laSimakadze kanye nesigodlo sakhe, Solomoni wabe sewuvusa lamadolobha labewaphiwe nguHiramu, wase uhlalisa kuwo sive sema-Israyeli. Solomoni wase uyahamba waya eHamathi Soba, wayihlasela, wayitfumba. Wachubeka wavusa neThadmori ehlane kanye nawo onkhe emadolobha latingungu labekatakhe eHamathi. Wavusa iBhethi Horoni Lengenhla naLengentasi, aba ngemadolobha labiyelwe ngetibondza nemasango lanemicabo, wakha kabusha neBhalathi nawo onkhe emadolobha lapho abenetingungu khona, nawo onkhe emadolobha etincola takhe, kanye newemahhashi akhe, kanye nako konkhe labefisa kukwakha eJerusalema, naseLebanoni, nakulo lonkhe lelo live labelibusa. Bonkhe bantfu labebasele etiveni temaHethi, netema-Amori, netemaPheresi, netemaHivi, netemaJebhusi lababengasiwo ema-Israyeli, titukulwane tabo letatisele kulelive, bonkhe labebangakabulawa ngema-Israyeli, labo-ke Solomoni wababutsa entela kutsi bahlehle kuye ngekwenta imisebenti lematima, njengobe kusenjalo nje nalamhla loku. Kodvwa Solomoni akazange awente tigcili ema-Israyeli kutsi ente lemisebenti lematima, wona abengemabutfo akhe emphi, netindvuna tebaphatsi bakhe, netindvuna takhe tetincola temphi kanye netebagibeli bakhe bemahhashi. Lamanye abe tindvuna letinkhulu taSolomoni letatingema-250, letatingutona teluse lamadvodza akhe. Solomoni watsatsa indvodzakati yaFaro wayikhipha eDolobheni laDavide wayibeka esigodlweni labesakhele yona, ngobe watsi enhlitiyweni yakhe: “Umfati wami akukafaneli kutsi ahlale endlunkhulu yaDavide, inkhosi yema-Israyeli, ngobe letindzawo lapho bekungeniswa khona libhokisi lesivumelwane saSimakadze tingcwele.” Lapha kulelilati laSimakadze labelakhile, embikwalomhubhe, Solomoni wanikela ngeminikelo yekushiswa kuSimakadze, njengobe kwakumisiwe nguMosi macondzana nayo yonkhe iminikelo yemalanga onkhe, neyemaSabatha, neyekwetfwasa kwenyanga kanye neyemikhosi lemitsatfu yeminyaka leyayimisiwe, uMkhosi Wesinkhwa Lesingenamvubelo, neMkhosi Wemaviki kanye neMkhosi Wemadlangala. Ngaloko abelandzela imiyalo yeyise Davide, wemisa ticheme tebaphristi wabaniketa nemisebenti yabo, nemaLevi kutsi ahole kubonga abuye abambisane nebaphristi kuloko lokwakudzingeka ngawo onkhe emalanga. Wabuye wabeka nabomahlalesangweni ngeticheme tabo, njengekwehlukana kwalamasango. Loko kwaba njengaloku Davide, inceku yaNkulunkulu, abeshito. Abazange baphambuke emiyalweni yenkhosi lemacondzana nebaphristi nemaLevi kuko konkhe, ngisho nakuloku kwengcebo yaSimakadze. Yonkhe-ke imisebenti yaSolomoni yachubeka kusukela ngalelilanga lekwabekwa ngalo sisekelo selithempeli laSimakadze laze layawuphela. Lacedzelwa kanjalo-ke lithempeli laSimakadze. Ngako Solomoni wase uyahamba uya e-Esiyoni Geberi nase-Elathi ngaselusentseni lwelwandle lwase-Edomu. Hiramu wamtfumelela imikhumbi leyayiholwa tindvuna takhe; lawo bekungemadvodza labenelwati lolubanti ngetaselwandle. Labo-ke bakanye nalawa akaSolomoni emadvodza, bantjweza baya e-Ofiri, babuya negolide lengetulu kwemakhilogremu lati-15 000, bakwetfula enkhosini Solomoni. Indlovukazi yaseSheba yatsi kube ive ngeludvumo lwaSolomoni, yase iyeta eJerusalema yatakumvivinya ngekumbuta imibuto lelukhuni. Yefika ihamba nalolukhulu ludvwendvwe luchuba emakamela labetfwele tinandzisi nemidlidlimba yegolide kanye neyematje laligugu. Yefika kaSolomoni yakhulumisana naye ngako konkhe lokwakusengcondvweni yayo. Solomoni wayiphendvula yonkhe leyo mibuto yayo. Kute ngisho namunye lowase waba lukhuni kakhulu enkhosini kutsi iwuchazele lendlovukazi. Yatsi kube lendlovukazi yaseSheba ikubone konkhe loko kuhlakanipha kwenkhosi Solomoni kanye nesigodlo labesakhile, nekudla labekudla etafuleni lakhe, nekuhlaliswa kwetindvuna takhe, netembatfo tetinceku takhe, netebaphatsi betindzebe takhe tekunatsa, neminikelo yekushiswa labeyenta ethempelini laSimakadze, yamangala, yaphela emandla. Yakhuluma enkhosini yatsi: “Impela lombiko lengatjelwa ngawo ngiseseveni lami macondzana netintfo lophumelele kutenta kanye namacondzana nekuhlakanipha kwakho uliciniso. Kodvwa angizange ngikukholwe loku bebangitjela kona, ngidzimate ngefika ngatibonela ngewami emehlo. Ngempela, loku lengitjelwe kona akusiyo ngisho nencenye yalobukhulu bakho nekuhlakanipha kwakho; loku lengikubonako kukhulu kakhulu kunaloku lengakuva ngematekelo. Maye, bayajabula labantfu bakakho! Maye, tiyajabula letindvuna takakho letihlala njalo time lapha embikwakho tilalele lokuhlakanipha kwakho! Akadvunyiswe Simakadze Nkulunkulu wakho lokujabulele wadzimate wakubeka esihlalweni sakhe sebukhosi kutsi ube yinkhosi ubusele Simakadze Nkulunkulu wakho. Ngenca yelutsandvo lwaNkulunkulu wakho ngema-Israyeli nangenshisekelo yakhe yekuwagcina emile kokuphela, ukwente waba yinkhosi yawo, kuze utewubusa ngekungakhetsi nangekulunga.” Indlovukazi yase ipha inkhosi Solomoni igolide leyayingemakhilogremu labengaba ti-4 000, nemidlidlimba yetinandzisi kanye nematje laligugu. Akuzange kufike tinandzisi letase taba njengaleta letake tetfulwa yindlovukazi yaseSheba enkhosini Solomoni. [Emadvodza akaHiramu nalamadvodza akaSolomoni atfutsetela igolide ayisusa e-Ofiri, aletsa netingodvo te-almugi kanye nematje laligugu. Inkhosi yasebentisa letingodvo te-almugi ekwakheni titebhisi telithempeli laSimakadze kanye netesigodlo, nasekwenteni emahabhu, nemalire ebahlabeli. Kute intfo lenjalo leyayike yabonwa kulo lonkhe lakaJuda.] Inkhosi Solomoni yapha indlovukazi yaseSheba konkhe leyayikufisa naleyayikucelile. Inkhosi yapha indlovukazi tintfo letinyenti kakhulu kunaleto leyayite nato iphatsele inkhosi. Indlovukazi yase iyancandzeka ihamba nelibandla letimphekeleteli tayo yaya eveni lakubo. Sisindvo segolide leyayiletfwa kuSolomoni ngemnyaka yayingemakhilogremu labengaba ti-23 000, ngaphandle kwalemitselo yebahwebi nalabatsenga batsengise. Ngisho nawo onkhe emakhosi ase-Arabiya nebabusi belive lema-Israyeli babeletsa igolide nesiliva kuSolomoni. Inkhosi Solomoni yakha emahawu lamakhulu langema-200 ngegolide legcotjiwe. Lilinye lalakhiwe ngegolide legcotjiwe leyayingemakhilogremu labengaba sikhombisa. Inkhosi yaphindze yakha lamanye emahawu lamancane langema-300, nawo yawakha ngegolide legcotjiwe; lilinye lalakhiwe ngegolide leyayingemakhilogremu labengaba matsatfu. Inkhosi yawabeka endlini yayo yeLihlatsi laseLebanoni. Inkhosi yase yakha lesikhulu sihlalo sebukhosi; yasakha ngematinyo endlovu, yabe seyisembesa ngegolide lecengekile. Lesihlalo sebukhosi besinetitebhisi letisitfupha, sinesenabelo segolide lesasinamatsiselwe kuso. Lapha emaceleni lesihlalo sasinekwekubeka imikhono, eceleni kwaloko naloko kwakunelibhubesi lelimile. Emabhubesi lali-12 abeme kuletitebhisi, linye ngala nalelinye ngale kwesitebhisi sisinye. Kute lokufanana naloko lokwase kwentiwa ngisho nome ngukumuphi umbuso. Tonkhe tindzebe taSolomoni tekunatsa tatentiwe ngegolide, nato tonkhe tintfo talapha endlini yeLihlatsi laseLebanoni tatentiwe ngegolide lecengekile. Isiliva yayingakabaluleki kakhulu ngetikhatsi taSolomoni. Inkhosi yayinemikhumbi leminyenti yekuhweba elwandle; lemikhumbi yayinemadvodza akaHiramu. Kanye ngeminyaka lemitsatfu yayibuya yetfwele igolide, nesiliva, nematinyo etindlovu, netinkawu kanye netimfene. Inkhosi Solomoni yaba yinkhulu ngebunjinga nangekuhlakanipha, yendlula onkhe emakhosi emhlaba. Onkhe emakhosi emhlaba abefuna kuta kuSolomoni atewulalela lokuhlakanipha Nkulunkulu labekubeke enhlitiyweni yaSolomoni. Umnyaka ngemnyaka, wonkhe labeta kuye abefika nesipho: tintfo letentiwe ngesiliva nangegolide, nemijiva, netikhali, netinandzisi, nemahhashi kanye neminyuzi. Solomoni abenetitebele letatiti-4 000 temahhashi kanye netincola temphi, nemahhashi lati-12 000, labekugcine emadolobheni etincola temphi, kanye naseJerusalema, lapho abehlala khona. Wawabusa onkhe emakhosi kusukela emfuleni, kuye eveni lemaFilisti, kuze kuyewufika emnyeleni waseGibhithe. Inkhosi yenta isiliva yandza eJerusalema, yaze yafanana nelukhetse, nemsedari waba mnyenti njengetihlahla temkhiwa etsafeni. Emahhashi aSolomoni abewekutsengwa eGibhithe kanye nakulamanye emave. Leminye imininingwane ngekubusa kwaSolomoni, kusukela ekucaleni kuze kube ngusekugcineni, kubhaliwe encwadzini yemilandvo yaNathani, umphrofethi, nasesiphrofethweni sa-Ahiya waseShilo, nasemibonweni ya-Ido, umboniswa, mayelana naJerobowamu, umsa waNebati. Solomoni wabusela eJerusalema iminyaka lengema-40, abusa sonkhe sive sema-Israyeli. Solomoni wase uyakhotsama, wafihlwa edolobheni leyise Davide. Rehobowamu, umsa waSolomoni, waba yinkhosi esikhundleni sakhe. Rehobowamu waya eShekhemu, lapho onkhe ema-Israyeli abebutsene khona ayekumbeka inkhosi. Kwatsi kube Jerobowamu, umsa waNebati, akuve loko, aseseGibhithe, lapho abebalekele khona, abalekele Solomoni, wabuya esuka eGibhithe. Ngako kwabe sekulandvwa Jerobowamu, yena kanye naso sonkhe sive sema-Israyeli baya kuRehobowamu, befika kuye batsi: “Uyihlo abesetfwese lijoko lelimatima kakhulu, manje-ke wena sinciphisele lomtfwalo lomatima nalelijoko lelimatima labelibeke etikwetfu; tsine sitakukhonta.” Rehobowamu wabaphendvula watsi: “Nibobuya lapha kimi emvakwemalanga lamatsatfu.” Ngako-ke sive sesuka sahamba. Inkhosi Rehobowamu yahamba yayawutsatsisa kubantfu labadzala lababekadze basebenta neyise Solomoni aseyinkhosi, yafike yabuta yatsi: “Nine ningangeluleka kutsi ngibaphendvule ngitsini labantfu?” Laba labadzala bamphendvula batsi: “Nangabe wena utawuba nemusa kulabantfu, ubajabulise, ubanike imphendvulo labayifunako, bayawuhlala batisebenti takho.” Kodvwa Rehobowamu wasilahla leseluleko salabantfu labadzala lababemeluleke ngaso, wahamba wayawubuta kulabasha, bontsanga yakhe, lababetinceku takhe. Wababuta watsi: “Nine-ke sitsini senu seluleko? Singabaphendvula sitsini labantfu labatsi kimi: ‘Cekisa lelijoko lesaletfweswa nguyihlo’?” Lamajaha labebontsanga yakhe amphendvula atsi: “Khuluma kulabantfu labatsite kuwe: ‘Uyihlo wasetfwesa umtfwalo losindzako, kodvwa wena wente ube lula,’ batjele utsi: ‘Cikilicane wami mukhulu kunelukhalo lwababe. Babe wanetfwesa lijoko lelimatima, mine-ke ngitalenta libe matima kakhulu. Babe abenibhacabula ngetiswebhu, mine-ke ngitanibhacabula ngetiswebhu letinetipikili.’ ” Kwaphela emalanga lamatsatfu, Jerobowamu nesive sonkhe babuyela kuRehobowamu, njengobe phela inkhosi beyishito kutsi babobuya emvakwemalanga lamatsatfu. Inkhosi yabaphendvula ngelulaka, yalahla leseluleko salabadzala, yalandzela seluleko sabontsanga yayo, yatsi: “Babe wanetfwesa umtfwalo lowesindzako, mine-ke ngitawengeta, unisindze kakhulu kunakucala. Babe abenibhacabula ngetiswebhu; mine ngitanibhacabula ngetiswebhu letinetipikili.” Ngako inkhosi ayizange isilalele sive, ngobe kwakuyintsandvo yaNkulunkulu kutsi kwenteke ngalendlela, kuze kugcwaliseke livi laSimakadze labelikhulume kuJerobowamu, umsa waNebati, nga-Ahiya waseShilo. Sonkhe sive sema-Israyeli satsi kube sibone kutsi inkhosi ayisilaleli sicelo saso, sakhuluma enkhosini satsi: “Sinabudlelwane buni naDavide? Sinasabelo sini nemsa waJese? Emathendeni enu, ma-Israyeli! Tibone kucedza, wena muti waDavide!” Ngako ema-Israyeli esuka onkhe atibuyelela emathendeni awo. Kodvwa Rehobowamu wachubeka wabusa etikwawo onkhe lawo ma-Israyeli labehlala emadolobheni akaJuda. Inkhosi Rehobowamu watfumela Adoniramu labeyindvuna yalababentiswa imisebenti lematima, kodvwa ema-Israyeli amtselekela, amgcoba ngematje, waze wafa. Noko inkhosi Rehobowamu yaphumelela kugibela encoleni yayo yemphi, yabaleka yacondza eJerusalema. Ngako ema-Israyeli solomane yesuka ngalelo langa alwisana nendlu yakaDavide kuze kube ngulamuhla. Watsi kube efike eJerusalema Rehobowamu, wabutsa yonkhe indlu yakaJuda neyakaBhenjamini, libutfo lelalinemadvodza lati-180 000, tihlabani todvwa, wahlomisa imphi yekuhlasela indlu yaka-Israyeli, kuze batewubuyisela umbuso kuyeRehobowamu. Kodvwa kwefika livi laSimakadze kuShemaya, umuntfu waNkulunkulu, latsi: “Tjela Rehobowamu, umsa waSolomoni, inkhosi yakaJuda, nawo onkhe ema-Israyeli akaJuda newakaBhenjamini, utsi: ‘Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: Ningakhuphuki kuyakulwa nabomnakenu. Hambani niye emakhaya enu nonkhe, ngobe loku kungumuno wami.’ ” Ngako balilalela livi laSimakadze babuyela emakhaya abo, bangabe basaya kuyauhlasela Jerobowamu. Rehobowamu wahlala eJerusalema, wakha emadolobha latinqaba kaJuda: iBhetlehema, ne-Etamu, neThekhowa, neBhethi Suri, neSokho, ne-Adulamu, neGathi, neMaresha, neZifu, ne-Adorayimu, neLakhishi, ne-Azekha, neSora, ne-Ayaloni kanye neHebroni. Lawa-ke bekungemadolobha lakhiwa aba tinqaba kulakaJuda nelakaBhenjamini. Wawakhisisa wawacinisa, wase ubeka netindvuna kuwo, kwabekwa kuwo kudla, nemafutsa emncumo kanye neliwayini. Wabeka emahawu netikhali kuwo onkhe lamadolobha, wawenta acina kakhulu. Ngako lakaJuda nelakaBhenjamini aba ngaphansi kwakhe. Baphristi nemaLevi ato tonkhe tifundza tema-Israyeli, basekela Rehobowamu. EmaLevi adzimate ashiya onkhe emadlelo awo nemafa awo, aya kaJuda naseJerusalema, ngobe Jerobowamu kanye nemadvodzana akhe abesavele abacoshile ekutseni babe baphristi baSimakadze. Wavele watibekela baphristi bakhe betindzawo letiphakeme nebetithico labetentile tinesimo sembuti nelinkhonyane. Bonkhe bantfu baleso naleso sive saka-Israyeli lababebeke tinhlitiyo tabo ekufuneni Simakadze, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, balandzela emaLevi baya eJerusalema kuyawunikela imihlatjelo kuSimakadze, Nkulunkulu waboyise. Bacinisa umbuso wakaJuda, basekela Rehobowamu, umsa waSolomoni, iminyaka lemitsatfu, solomane bahamba etindleleni taDavide naSolomoni ngaso sonkhe leso sikhatsi. Rehobowamu watsatsa Mahalathi, indvodzakati yaJerimothi, umsa waDavide, unina wayo kungu-Abihayili, indvodzakati ya-Eliyabe, umsa waJese. Wamtalela emadvodzana: boJewushe, naShemariya kanye naZahamu. Rehobowamu wabe sewutsatsa Makha, indvodzakati ya-Absalomu, lowamtalela bo-Abiya, na-Athayi, naZiza, naShelomithi. Rehobowamu watsandza Makha, indvodzakati ya-Absalomu, kwendlula onkhe emakhosikati kanye netingani takhe. Emakhosikati akhe abeli-18 asawonkhe, tingani takhe tatingema-60, anemadvodzana langema-28 nemadvodzakati langema-60. Rehobowamu wabeka Abiya, umsa waMakha, kutsi abe ngumtfwanenkhosi lomkhulu kulabomnakabo, entela kutsi abe yinkhosi emvakwakhe. Wavele wenta kuhlakanipha ngekutsi lamadvodzana akhe awasakatele kuto tonkhe tifundza takaJuda netakaBhenjamini, nakuwo onkhe lamadolobha latinqaba. Wawabela kudla lokunyenti, wawatsatsela nebafati labanyenti. Watsi kube Rehobowamu atinte ebukhosini acine, yena nema-Israyeli onkhe bawulahla umtsetfo waSimakadze. Njengobe base besukile kuSimakadze, Shishaki, inkhosi yaseGibhithe, wahlasela iJerusalema ngemnyaka wesihlanu wekubusa kwenkhosi Rehobowamu. Abehlome ngetincola temphi letiyi-1 200, nebagibeli bemahhashi labati-60 000; nemasotja labephume nawo eGibhithe abengenakubalwa: kungemaLibhiya, nemaSukhi kanye nameKushe. Watfumba lamadolobha akaJuda latinqaba, waze wefika eJerusalema. Umphrofethi Shemaya weta kuRehobowamu nakubaholi bakaJuda lababehlanganele eJerusalema ngenca yekwesaba Shishaki, wafike wakhuluma kubo watsi: “Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: ‘Ningilahlile, nami-ke senginiyekelela kuShishaki.’ ” Baholi baka-Israyeli kanye nenkhosi batitfoba batsi: “Simakadze ulungile.” Watsi kube Simakadze abone kutsi bayatitfoba, livi laSimakadze lefika kuShemaya, latsi: “Njengobe naku sebatitfobile, ngingeke ngisababhubhisa, kodvwa ngitawusheshe ngibaphe inkhululeko. Intfukutselo yami ngingeke ngisayitfululela etikweJerusalema ngaShishaki. Noko, batawuba ngaphansi kwakhe, khona batewufundza umehluko emkhatsini wekukhonta mine nekukhonta emakhosi alamanye emave.” Watsi kube Shishaki, inkhosi yaseGibhithe, ahlasele iJerusalema, watfumba yonkhe ingcebo yasethempelini laSimakadze neyasesigodlweni. Watsatsa konkhe, ngisho nemahawu egolide labentiwe nguSolomoni. Ngako Rehobowamu, inkhosi, wenta emahawu elitfusi kutekutsatsa sikhundla salawa egolide, wase uwetfula esandleni setindvuna tabogadzi basekungeneni kwesigodlo. Njalo nje inkhosi nayiya ethempelini laSimakadze, labogadzi babehamba nayo baphetse lamahawu, bese kutsi emvakwaloko bawabuyisele emuva endlini yabogadzi. Njengobe abesatitfobile, intfukutselo yaSimakadze yagucuka, akazange abhujiswe. Ngempela kwaba khona lokuhle kaJuda. Rehobowamu, inkhosi, watinta eJerusalema waba yinkhosi sibili. Abeneminyaka lengema-41 budzala, nakabekwa kuba yinkhosi, wabusela eJerusalema iminyaka leli-17, lidolobha Simakadze labelikhetsile emkhatsini wato tonkhe tive taka-Israyeli kutsi abeke kulo Libito lakhe. Libito lenina bekunguNama, awesive sema-Amoni. Rehobowamu wenta lokubi, ngobe inhlitiyo yakhe yayingakunaki kufunisisa Simakadze. Imininingwane ngekubusa kwaRehobowamu, kusukela ekucaleni kuze kube ngusekugcineni, ibhaliwe emilandvweni yaShemaya, umphrofethi, na-Ido, umboniswa, lapho kubhalwe khona tonkhe titukulwane ngekulandzelana kwato. Kwaba nekulwa lokwakungapheli emkhatsini waRehobowamu naJerobowamu. Rehobowamu wakhotsama, wafihlwa eDolobheni laDavide. Abiya, umsa wakhe, waba yinkhosi esikhundleni sakhe. Ngemnyaka weli-18, Jerobowamu abusa ka-Israyeli, kaJuda kwabekwa Abiya, waba yinkhosi. Wabusela eJerusalema iminyaka lemitsatfu. Libito lenina bekunguMakha, indvodzakati ya-Uriyeli waseGibeya. Kwakunekulwa emkhatsini wa-Abiya naJerobowamu. Abiya wahloma waya emphini anemasotja lati-400 000, tingwazi todvwa, kantsi Jerobowamu abevive ngemiswahla yemasotja lati-800 000. Abiya wemisa eNtsabeni iSemarayimu, eveni letintsaba kulaka-Efrayimu, wamemeta watsi: “Jerobowamu nani nonkhe sive saka-Israyeli, lalelani kimi! Anati yini kutsi Simakadze, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, bukhosi baka-Israyeli wabunika Davide kanye netitukulwane takhe ngesivumelwane seluswayi, lesingeke sephulwe, kuze kube phakadze naphakadze? Noko Jerobowamu, umsa waNebati, indvuna yaSolomoni, umsa waDavide, wase uvukela inkhosi yakhe. Lamanye emavukelambuso, langemadvodza lamabi, ahambisana naye amsekela avukela Rehobowamu, umsa waSolomoni, asesemncane, angakatinti, futsi naye asengakacini kutsi angemelana nabo. “Nyalo senitimisele kuphambana nembuso waSimakadze, losetandleni tetitukulwane taDavide. Vele, nine mabutfo lamakhulu kabi, kantsi futsi ninalamatfole egolide lenentelwa wona nguJerobowamu kutsi abe tithico tenu. Kodvwa anizange yini nibacoshe baphristi baSimakadze, emadvodzana a-Aroni, nemaLevi, nase nitibekela baphristi benu nenta njengobe tive talamanye emave tenta? Ngulowo nalowo lota kutekutinikela nekwehlukaniselwa aphetse inkunzana netihhanca letisikhombisa angaba ngumphristi waleto tithico tenu. “Tsine-ke, Simakadze unguNkulunkulu wetfu, kantsi futsi sisengakamlahli. Baphristi labakhonta Simakadze kusengabo bona labo labangemadvodzana a-Aroni, nalababasitako kusengawo emaLevi. Onkhe emalanga ekuseni nantsambama banikela kuSimakadze ngeminikelo yekushiswa nangemphepho lenuka kamnandzi. Balungisa sinkhwa etikwelitafula lelihlantekile ngekwemtsetfo, bakhanyise tibane letiselutsini lwegolide njalo nje ntsambama. Siyayigcina yonkhe imitsetfo yaSimakadze Nkulunkulu wetfu. Kodvwa nine senimlahlile. Nkulunkulu unatsi, yena ungumholi wetfu. Baphristi bakhe labaphetse emacilongo abo batakuwashaya, khona sitekulwa nani. Madvodza aka-Israyeli, ningalwi naSimakadze, Nkulunkulu waboyihlo, ngobe ningeke niphumelele.” Jerobowamu abesatfumele lamanye emasotja kutsi ayekuvimbetela lena ngemuva, khona kutawutsi ngesikhatsi bakaJuda basabheke ngakuye, lamasotja abe abavimbetela ngale ngemuva. BakaJuda bagucuka babona kutsi bese bahlaselwa ngembili nangemuva. Base bakhala kuSimakadze. Baphristi bashaya emacilongo abo, kwatsi emadvodza akaJuda amemeta kutsi kuhlaselwe. Kwatsi kuloko kumemeta kwabo Nkulunkulu wacosha Jerobowamu nawo onkhe ema-Israyeli abalekela Abiya nemaJuda. Ema-Israyeli abalekela emaJuda; Nkulunkulu wawanikela etandleni tebakaJuda. Abiya kanye nemasotja akhe behlula ema-Israyeli kakhulu, kangangekutsi kwaze kwafa ema-Israyeli, emadvodza elikhetselo, lati-500 000. Ema-Israyeli ehlulwa kanjalo, kwatsi bakaJuda bancoba, ngobe babencike kuSimakadze Nkulunkulu waboyise. Abiya wacosha Jerobowamu, wadzimate watfumba emadolobha iBetheli, neJeshana, ne-Efroni kanye nemiti yawo. Jerobowamu akazange aphindze abe nemandla ngesikhatsi kusabusa Abiya kaJuda. Simakadze wamshaya, wafa. Kodvwa Abiya wakhula waba nemandla. Watsatsa bafati labali-14, watala emadvodzana langema-22 nemadvodzakati lali-16. Leminye imininingwane ngekubusa kwa-Abiya kanye naloko lakwenta nalabekukhuluma, kubhaliwe emlandvweni wemphrofethi Ido. Abiya wakhotsama, wafihlwa eDolobheni laDavide. Asa, umsa wakhe, waba yinkhosi esikhundleni sakhe; ngesikhatsi sakhe Asa kwaba nekuthula iminyaka lelishumi. Asa wenta lokuhle nalokulungile emehlweni aSimakadze Nkulunkulu wakhe. Wesusa onkhe emalati etive kanye netindzawo letiphakeme, wabhidlita nematje lababetsi angcwele, wagawula netinsika ta-Ashera. Wayala sonkhe sive sakaJuda kutsi sifunisise Simakadze, Nkulunkulu waboyise, nekutsi silalele imitsetfo nemiyalo yakhe. Wesusa tindzawo letiphakeme nemalati emphepho kuwo onkhe emadolobha akaJuda, nembuso waba nekuthula ngesikhatsi kusabusa yena. Wakha emadolobha latinqaba kulo lonkhe lakaJuda, njengobe live lalisenekuthula. Kute labehlaselana naye ngaleso sikhatsi, ngobe Simakadze abemuphe kuphumula. Wakhuluma nesive sonkhe sakaJuda, watsi: “Asiwakhe lamadolobha, sakhe netibondza letiwatungeletako, nemibhoshongo nemasango kanye nemicabo. Lelive kusengeletfu, ngobe siyentile intsandvo yaSimakadze Nkulunkulu wetfu. Simfunile, yena wase usipha kuthula yonkhe indzawo.” Ngako bavele bachubeka nekwakha, bachuma. Asa abenembutfo lowawunemasotja lati-300 000 akaJuda, ahlome ngemahawu lamakhulu kanye netikhali; emasotja akaBhenjamini wona abeti-280 000, wona ahlome ngemahawu lamancane kanye nebutjoki. Onkhe lamasotja bekutihlabani cobo lwato. Zera, umKushe, waviva ngembutfo lomkhulu wayawubahlasela kanye netincola temphi letingema-300, beta baze befika eMaresha. Asa waphuma wayawumhlangabeta, batsatsa tindzawo tabo tekulwa eSihosheni saseSefatha, eceleni kweMaresha. Asa wakhala kuSimakadze Nkulunkulu wakhe, watsi: “Hawu, Simakadze, kute lofanana nawe ngekusita lote emandla umvikele kulonemandla. Sisite, Simakadze Nkulunkulu wetfu, ngobe setsembele kuwe, futsi site kutekulwa nalemphi lenkhulu kangaka, ngobe setsembele ebitweni lakho. Awu, Simakadze, wena unguNkulunkulu wetfu; ungavumeli muntfu kutsi akuncobe.” Simakadze washaya wancoba emaKushe embikwa-Asa nebakaJuda. EmaKushe abaleka, Asa nemabutfo akhe bawacosha baze bayakuwabeka eGerari. Kwafa emaKushe lamanyenti kakhulu kangangekutsi akazange aphindze abe nemandla ekulwa; ehlulwa embikwaSimakadze nemabutfo akhe. Emadvodza akaJuda etfwala imphango lenkhulu kabi. Abhidlita onkhe emadolobha labekakhelene neGerari, ngobe lulaka lwaSimakadze lwalwehlele etikwawo. Awaphanga onkhe lawo madolobha, ngobe abenemphango lenkhulu. Aphindze ahlasela netinkambu tebelusi, atfumba imihlambi lemikhulu yetimvu, netimbuti kanye nemakamela. Ancandzeka abuyela eJerusalema. Moya waNkulunkulu wehlela ku-Azariya, umsa wa-Odedi. Wahamba waya kuyawuhlangana nenkhosi Asa, wafike kuye watsi: “Lalela lapha kimi, nkhosi Asa, nani nonkhe nine bakaJuda nebakaBhenjamini. Simakadze unani, uma ninaye. Nanimfuna, nitamtfola, kodvwa nanimlahla, naye uyakunilahla. Sesikhatsi lesidze baka-Israyeli bate Nkulunkulu loliciniso, bate umphristi wekufundzisa, bate ngisho nemtsetfo. Kodvwa ekuhluphekeni kwabo bancandzeka babuyela kuSimakadze, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, bamfuna bamtfola. Ngalawo malanga bekuyingoti kuhambahamba, ngobe tonkhe takhamiti talamave tatinebuyaluyalu lobukhulu. Leso naleso sive sasincotjwa ngulesinye sive, lidolobha lincotjwe ngulelinye, ngobe Nkulunkulu abebahlupha ngato tonkhe tinhlobo tetinhlupheko. Kodvwa nine cinani, ningalilahli litsemba, ngobe umsebenti wenu utakuba nemvuzo.” Watsi kube Asa aweve lamavi kanye nesiphrofetho sa-Azariya, umsa wa-Odedi, umphrofethi, wema sibindzi. Watisusa tonkhe tithico letatisinengiso eveni lonkhe lakaJuda nelakaBhenjamini, nakuwo onkhe emadolobha labewatfumbile etintsabeni taka-Efrayimu. Walakha kabusha nelilati laSimakadze lelalakhiwe embikwemhubhe welithempeli laSimakadze. Wabe sewuhlanganisa sonkhe sive sakaJuda nesakaBhenjamini kanye nebantfu baka-Efrayimu, nebakaManase, kanye nebakaSimeyoni labebahlala kulombuso wakhe, ngobe phela bantfu labanyenti babete ngakuye besuka ka-Israyeli ngesikhatsi babona kutsi Simakadze Nkulunkulu wakhe abengakuye. Bahlanganela eJerusalema enyangeni yesitsatfu emnyakeni weli-15 wekubusa kwa-Asa. Ngaleso sikhatsi banikela kuSimakadze tinkhomo letingema-700, netimvu netimbuti letiti-7 000 letatiphangwe etimphini. Bangena esivumelwaneni sekufuna Simakadze, Nkulunkulu waboyise, ngenhlitiyo yabo yonkhe nangemphefumulo wabo wonkhe. Bonkhe labo bebangafuni kufuna Simakadze, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, bebatakubulawa, labancane nalabakhulu, emadvodza nebafati. Benta sifungo kuSimakadze ngekuhalalisa lokukhulu, nekumemeta, nangekushaywa kwemacilongo, netimpalampala. Bonkhe bakaJuda basijabulela lesifungo, ngobe babesifunge ngenhlitiyo yabo yonkhe. Bafunisisa Simakadze, bamtfola. Ngako Simakadze wabanika kuphumula ndzawana tonkhana. Inkhosi Asa yaphindze yehlisa gogo wayo, Makha, esikhundleni sebundlovukazi, ngobe abakhe insika ya-Ashera leyayisinengiso. Asa wageca lensika wayijuba ticucu, wayishisela eSigodzini saseKhidroni. Nome Asa angazange atisuse letindzawo letiphakeme tekukhontela tithico ka-Israyeli, noko inhlitiyo yakhe yayitinikele ngalokuphelele kuSimakadze ekuphileni kwakhe konkhe. Wangenisa ethempelini laNkulunkulu isiliva negolide kanye netintfo letatinikelwe nguye baneyise. Kwabate kulwa, kwaze kwaba ngumnyaka wema-35 wekubusa kwa-Asa. Ngemnyaka wema-36 wekubusa kwa-Asa, Bhasha, inkhosi yaka-Israyeli, wakhuphuka wayawuhlasela Juda, wakha iRama, yaba lidolobha leliyinqaba, entela kutsi kubete namunye lophumako nalongenako eveni laka-Asa, inkhosi yakaJuda. Asa wase ukhipha yonkhe isiliva negolide leyayibekwe engcebeni yasethempelini laSimakadze nasesigodlweni sakhe, wakutfumela kuBheni Hadadi, inkhosi yaseSiriya, leyayihlala eDamaseko. Watsi: “Akube nesivumelwane emkhatsini wetfu sobabili, njengobe sasikhona emkhatsini wababe neyihlo. Ngikutfumelela isiliva negolide. Manje-ke, yephula sivumelwane sakho naBhasha, inkhosi yaka-Israyeli, kuze esuke kimi.” Bheni Hadadi wayivumela inkhosi Asa, watfumela tindvuna takhe temabutfo kutsi tiyewuhlasela emadolobha aka-Israyeli. Tancoba, tatfumba i-Ijoni, neDani, ne-Abela Mayimu, kanye nawo onkhe emadolobha latingungu akaNaftali. Kwatsi kube Bhasha akuve loko, wayekela kwakha iRama, wawushiya phansi umsebenti wakhe. Inkhosi Asa yahamba nawo onkhe emadvodza akaJuda, beta eRama batfutsa ematje netingodvo letatisetjentiswa nguBhasha. Wakha ngako iGeba neMispa. Ngaleso sikhatsi Hanani, umboniswa, weta ku-Asa, inkhosi yakaJuda, wakhuluma kuye watsi: “Njengobe wetsembele enkhosini yaseSiriya, esikhundleni sekwetsembela kuSimakadze Nkulunkulu wakho, umbutfo waseSiriya sewukushiyile wakubalekela. EmaKushe nemaLibhiya abengesiyo yini imphi lenemandla nalenetincola letinyenti nebagibeli bemahhashi labanyenti? Noko watsi kube wetsembele kuSimakadze, Simakadze wase ubanikela esandleni sakho. Ngobe emehlo aSimakadze abuka emhlabeni wonkhe kucinisa labo labatinhlitiyo tabo titinikele kuye ngalokuphelele. Wena wente intfo lebulima kakhulu, kusukela manje utakulwa timphi siphelane.” Asa wamtfukutselela lomboniswa ngenca yaloko; watfukutsela wagaya tiboti, waze wamfaka ejele. Ngasona leso sikhatsi Asa wabaphatsa ngencindzetelo lenesihluku labanye bantfu. Leminye imininingwane ngekubusa kwa-Asa, kusukela ekucaleni kuze kube ngusekugcineni, ibhaliwe encwadzini yemilandvo yemakhosi akaJuda newaka-Israyeli. Emnyakeni wema-39 wekubusa kwakhe Asa tinyawo takhe tase tiyachwala. Kwala nome lesifo sesimcinisela, noko akazange afune lusito lwaSimakadze; esikhundleni saloko wafunana nelusito lwetinyanga kuphela. Kwatsi ngemnyaka wema-41 wekubusa kwakhe Asa wakhotsama. Wafihlwa ethuneni labetakhele lona eDolobheni laDavide. Bamfaka eluhlakeni lolwalufakwe imitsi yekugcina sidvumbu, bafaka netinhlobonhlobo temakha, base babasa imbutfuma yemlilo yekumlilela. Jehoshafati, umsa wa-Asa, waba yinkhosi esikhundleni sakhe; waticinisa kutsi atewuba nemandla ekubhekana nebaka-Israyeli. Wemisa emasotja kuwo onkhe emadolobha latinqaba kaJuda, wemisa emabutfo kaJuda nasemadolobheni aka-Efrayimu labetfunjwe nguyise Asa. Simakadze abenaJehoshafati, ngobe abehamba etindleleni taDavide, uyise, labehamba kuto ebusheni bakhe. Akazange abute indlela kuboBhali, kodvwa wabuta kuNkulunkulu weyise, walandzela imiyalo yakhe esikhundleni sekulandzela bubi lobabentiwa baka-Israyeli. Simakadze watintisa umbuso ngaphansi kwesandla sakhe; bonkhe bakaJuda baletsa tipho kuJehoshafati, kangangekutsi wanjinga kakhulu waba neludvumo. Inhlitiyo yakhe yayitinikele etindleleni taSimakadze, ngetulu kwaloko wesusa tonkhe tindzawo letiphakeme tekukhontela tithico kanye netinsika ta-Ashera kaJuda. Emnyakeni wesitsatfu ekubuseni kwakhe watfuma tindvuna takhe boBheni Hayili, na-Obadiya, naZakhariya, naNethaneli kanye naMikhaya kutsi tifundzise emadolobheni akaJuda. Tatikanye nemaLevi latsite: boShemaya, naNethaniya, naZebadiya, na-Asaheli, naShemiramothi, naJehonathani, na-Adoniya, naThobiya kanye naThobi Adoniya, nebaphristi bo-Elishama naJehoramu. Babehamba baphetse incwadzi yemtsetfo waSimakadze, bawufundzisa kulo lonkhe lakaJuda; bawangenela onkhe emadolobha akaJuda bafundzisa bantfu. Kwesaba Simakadze kwehlela yonkhe imibuso yemave labekhelene nelakaJuda kangangekutsi ayizange seyimhlasele Jehoshafati. Lamanye emaFilisti aletsa kuJehoshafati tipho nesiliva lekwakutetfulo; ema-Arabu amupha imihlambi yetihhanca letatiti-7 700, netimbuti letatiti-7 700. Jehoshafati waya ngekuya wakhula kuba nemandla; wakha tinqaba nemadolobha latingungu kaJuda, waba nekudla lokunyenti lokwakugciniwe emadolobheni akaJuda. Lapha eJerusalema abemise bonsukuwansuku bemachawe emphi. Bunyenti bawo ngekwemindeni yawo babume kanje: KaJuda kwakunetindvuna tetinkhulungwane: Adna abeyindvuna yemachawe emphi lati-300 000. Wesibili bekunguJehohanani labeyindvuna yemachawe emphi lati-280 000. Wesitsatfu bekungu-Amasiya, umsa waZikhri, lowatinikela kutsi akhonte Simakadze ngemachawe emphi lati-200 000. KaBhenjamini bekume kanje: Eliyada, labesihlabani selisotja, yena abenemadvodza lati-200 000 labehlome ngebutjoki nangemahawu. Wesibili bekunguJehozabadi labenemadvodza lati-180 000 labehlomele imphi. Lawa bekungemadvodza labekhonta inkhosi, ngaphandle kwalawo labewamise emadolobheni latinqaba kulo lonkhe lakaJuda. Jehoshafati abenjinge kakhulu futsi advumile, wase utihlobanisa na-Ahabi ngemshado. Emvakweminyaka wewuka wayawubonana na-Ahabi eSamariya. Ahabi wahlabisa yena kanye nalabantfu labehamba nabo timvu letinyenti kanye netinkhomo letinyenti, wase uyamfuca kutsi ahlasele iRamothi Gileyadi. Ahabi, inkhosi yaka-Israyeli, wabuta Jehoshafati, inkhosi yakaJuda, watsi: “Ungahamba yini nami siyekulwa neRamothi Gileyadi?” Jehoshafati wamphendvula, watsi: “Mine ngifanana nawe, bantfu bami banjengebantfu bakho, sitawuhamba nawe siyewuhlasela.” Kodvwa Jehoshafati wachubeka wakhuluma enkhosini yaka-Israyeli, watsi: “Cala kucala ufune seluleko saSimakadze.” Ngako inkhosi yaka-Israyeli yase ibutsela ndzawonye baphrofethi lababengaba ngema-400, emadvodza odvwa, yababuta yatsi: “Singaya yini kuyawuhlasela iRamothi Gileyadi, nome ngiyekele?” Baphendvula batsi: “Hamba, ngobe Simakadze utayinikela etandleni tenkhosi.” Kodvwa Jehoshafati wabuta watsi: “Sekute yini lomunye umphrofethi waSimakadze lapha lesingabuta kuye?” Inkhosi Ahabi yaphendvula Jehoshafati, yatsi: “Usekhona munye lesingabuta ngaye kuSimakadze, kodvwa ngiyamenyanya, ngobe akaze nje aphrofethe lokuhle ngami, kodvwa uphrofetha lokubi kodvwa. NguMikhaya, umsa waJimla.” Jehoshafati waphendvula watsi: “Inkhosi ayikafaneli kukusho loko.” Ngako Ahabi, inkhosi yaka-Israyeli, wase ubita lomunye wetindvuna takhe, watsi: “Landza Mikhaya, umsa waJimla, masinyane.” Babegcoke imijiva yabo yebukhosi bo-Ahabi, inkhosi yaka-Israyeli, banaJehoshafati, inkhosi yakaJuda, bahleti etihlalweni tabo tebukhosi, bahleti ebaleni lekubhulela kolo, eceleni kwelisango lelingena eSamariya; bonkhe baphrofethi bebaphrofetha embikwabo. Sedekiya, umsa waKhenana, yena abesente timphondvo tensimbi, wamemeta atsi: “Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze: ‘Ngaleti utawuhlaba emaSiriya aze afe aphele.’ ” Bonkhe-ke nalaba labanye baphrofethi babekhuluma intfo yinye, batsi: “Hlasela iRamothi Gileyadi, uyehlule. Ngobe Simakadze utayinikela etandleni tenkhosi.” Lesigijimi lebesilandze Mikhaya samhlebela, simdvonsa ngendlebe, satsi: “Buka la, njengendvodza yinye laba labanye baphrofethi baphrofethe imphumelelo yenkhosi Ahabi. Ngako-ke nawe emavi akho abovumelana newalaba labanye, ukhulume lokuhle.” Kodvwa Mikhaya waphendvula, watsi: “Ngifunga kuphila kwaSimakadze, ngitamtjela loko Nkulunkulu wami lakushoko kuphela.” Watsi kube efike, inkhosi yambuta yatsi: “Mikhaya, singaya yini kuyawuhlasela iRamothi Gileyadi, nome ngiyekele?” Mikhaya waphendvula watsi: “Hlasela uncobe, ngobe Simakadze utayinikela esandleni sakho.” Inkhosi Ahabi yatsi kuye: “Ngitakutjela kangaki kutsi ungangitjeli lutfo lolunye ngaphandle kweliciniso egameni laSimakadze?” Mikhaya wase uyaphendvula, watsi: “Ngibone onkhe ema-Israyeli ahlakatekile etintsabeni njengetimvu letite umelusi; Simakadze watsi: ‘Labantfu abanamelusi. Nguloyo akatibuyelele ekhaya lakhe ngekuthula.’ ” Ahabi, inkhosi yaka-Israyeli, watsi kuJehoshafati: “Angikakutjeli-ke kutsi kute lokuhle langahle akuphrofethe ngami, kodvwa lokubi kuphela?” Mikhaya wachubeka watsi: “Ngako-ke lalela livi laSimakadze: Ngabona Simakadze ahleti esihlalweni sakhe sebukhosi, nayo yonkhe imphi yasezulwini ime ngakuye ngesekudla sakhe nangesancele. Simakadze watsi: ‘Ngubani lotasihungela Ahabi, inkhosi yaka-Israyeli, kutsi ayewuhlasela iRamothi Gileyadi atiyele yena ekufeni kwakhe?’ “Lomunye waphakamisa loku, lomunye waphakamisa lokwa. Ekugcineni kwesuka umoya, weta wema embikwaSimakadze watsi: ‘Mine ngitamhunga.’ “Simakadze wawubuta watsi: ‘Kanjani?’ “Umoya waphendvula watsi: ‘Ngiyawuphuma ngibe ngumoya wemanga emlonyeni wabo bonkhe baphrofethi bakhe.’ “Simakadze watsi: ‘Cha, wena-ke utawuphumelela kumhunga nembala. Hamba, wente njalo.’ “Ngako-ke Simakadze ubeke umoya wemanga emlonyeni walabaphrofethi bakho. Simakadze ukulungiselele sehlakalo kutsi sikwehlele.” Sedekiya, umsa waKhenana, wasukuma wafumba Mikhaya ngemphama ebusweni, atsi: “LoMoya waSimakadze uhambe ngakuphi, nawusuka kimi uyewukhuluma kuwe?” Mikhaya waphendvula watsi: “Loko uyawukubona ukwati, mhlazana uhamba sewuyawubhaca ekamelweni lelisekhatsi.” Ahabi, inkhosi yaka-Israyeli, wase ukhipha umyalo watsi: “Tsatsani Mikhaya nimbuyisele emuva ku-Amoni, indvuna yelidolobha, nakuJowashi, indvodzana yenkhosi, nitsi: ‘Inkhosi itsi: Valelani nangu umuntfu esitokisini ningamniki lutfo ngaphandle kwesinkhwa nemanti, ngize ngibuye ngiphephile.’ ” Mikhaya watsi: “Nawungahle nje ubuye uphephile, Simakadze utawube akaze wakhuluma ngami.” Wachubeka watsi: “Nonkhe nine tive, wanakeni lamavi ami!” Ngako-ke Ahabi, inkhosi yaka-Israyeli, kanye naJehoshafati, inkhosi yakaJuda, base bayakhuphuka baya eRamothi Gileyadi. Ahabi wakhuluma kuJehoshafati, watsi: “Mine ngitawungena emkhatsini wemabutfo ngiphice umkhondvo, kodvwa wena ungatigcoka tingubo takho tebukhosi.” Ngako Ahabi, inkhosi yaka-Israyeli, wase uphica umkhondvo wangena emkhatsini wemabutfo agcoke letinye tingubo. Inkhosi yaseSiriya beyiyale tindvuna tayo tetincola temphi, yatsi: “Nine ningalwi namuntfu lomunye, nome mncane nome mkhulu, nicondzane kuphela nenkhosi yaka-Israyeli.” Letindvuna tetincola temphi tatsi natibona Jehoshafati, tacabanga tatsi: “Ngiyo inkhosi yaka-Israyeli.” Ngako tagucukela kuye tiyakumhlasela, kodvwa watsi Jehoshafati nakakhala amemeta, Simakadze wamsita. Nkulunkulu wabakhweshisa kuye, ngobe letindvuna tetincola temphi tatsi kube tibone kutsi akasiyo lenkhosi yaka-Israyeli, tase tiyayekela kumcosha. Kodvwa lomunye wantsala butjoki bakhe wajijimeta, kwagwazeka Ahabi, inkhosi yaka-Israyeli, emahlanganweni etembatfo takhe tensimbi letatimvikela. Inkhosi Ahabi wakhuluma kuloloshayela incola yakhe yemphi, watsi: “Jikisa incola, ungikhiphe lapha emkhatsini wemabutfo. Sengilimele.” Lonkhe lelo langa imphi yayibambene etulu, inkhosi yaka-Israyeli yatisekela yatitintisa encoleni yayo, ibhekene nemaSiriya kwaze kwaba ngukusihlwa. Kwatsi kusihlwa inkhosi Ahabi yafa. Watsi kube Jehoshafati, inkhosi yakaJuda, ancandzeke aphephile, nakefika esigodlweni sakhe eJerusalema, Jehu, umboniswa, umsa waHanani, waphuma wafike wakhuluma enkhosini, watsi: “Wena ukubona kulungile yini kutsi usite lababi nekutsi utsandze labo labatondza Simakadze? Ngenca yaleso sento sakho intfukutselo yaSimakadze isetikwakho. Kodvwa nome kunjalo, kukhona lokuhle kuwe, ngobe utisusile tinsika ta-Ashera kulelive, watimisela enhlitiyweni yakho kufuna Nkulunkulu.” Nome Jehoshafati abehlala eJerusalema, kodvwa abevame kuhambahamba emkhatsini webantfu kusuka eBherisheba eningizimu, kuye etintsabeni telive laka-Efrayimu enyakatfo, ayewukhutsata bantfu kutsi babuyele kuSimakadze Nkulunkulu wabokhokho babo. Wabeka behluleli eveni lonkhe kuwo onkhe emadolobha latinqaba akaJuda, wabayala watsi: “Lenikwentako nibokucabangisisa, ngobe lomsebenti wekwehlulela leniwentako aniwenteli umuntfu kodvwa nentela Simakadze, lonani ngaso sonkhe sikhatsi nanikhipha sigwebo. Ngako yesabani Simakadze, nehlulele ngekunakekela lokukhulu, ngobe Simakadze Nkulunkulu wetfu akanako kungalungi, akakhetsi muntfu, futsi akadizelwa.” Ngisho naseJerusalema Jehoshafati wabeka lamanye emaLevi, nebaphristi kanye nebaholi bemindeni yaka-Israyeli kutsi basebentise umtsetfo waSimakadze nekutsi balamule imibango yalababehlala khona eJerusalema. Wabanika umyalo watsi: “Lomsebenti wenu kufanele niwente ngekwesaba Simakadze, konkhe lenikwentako nikwente ngekwetsembeka nangenhlitiyo yenu yonkhe. Kulelo nalelo cala leliletfwe kini liphuma kusakhamuti salamadolobha, nome ngabe lekucitsa ingati nome ngabe lekwephula umtsetfo, nemiyalo kanye netimiso, kufanele nibeluleke kutsi bangoni kuSimakadze; ngaphandle kwaloko intfukutselo yaSimakadze itakwehlela kini nakubomnakenu. Nibokwenta loko, khona ningetikona. “Amariya, umPhristi Lomkhulu, nguye lotanengamela nonkhe kunome yini lephatselene naSimakadze, bese kutsi Zebadiya, umsa wa-Ishmayeli, umholi wesive sakaJuda, anengamele kunome yini lemacondzana nenkhosi. EmaLevi wona umsebenti wawo kutakuba kubukisisa kufezeka kwetincumo tonkhe. Banini nesibindzi, shangatsi naSimakadze angaba nalabo labenta lokuhle.” Kwatsi emvakwesikhatsi emaMowabi nema-Amoni kanye nebangani bawo emaMehuni, bahloma bayawuhlasela Jehoshafati. Lamanye emadvodza eta atawutjela Jehoshafati atsi: “Kukhona imphi lenkhulu lephuma ka-Edomu ngesheya kweLwandle Lweluswayi itewuhlasela wena. Loku sikhuluma nje, iklamele eHasasoni Thamari.” Leyo bekuyi-Eni Gedi. Jehoshafati wetfuka, wase uyawuthandaza kuSimakadze acela kucondziswa nguye, wamemetela kuzila kudla kulo lonkhe lakaJuda. Sonkhe sive sakaJuda sahlangana ndzawonye satawucela lusito kuSimakadze; yebo, savele satseleka siphuma kuwo onkhe emadolobha akaJuda kutawumcela. Jehoshafati wasukuma wema embikwesive sakaJuda nesaseJerusalema, ethempelini laSimakadze embikwelibala lelisha, watsi: “Yebo, Simakadze, Nkulunkulu wabokhokho, wena awusiye yini Nkulunkulu losezulwini? Ubusa yonkhe imibuso yetive temhlaba. Emandla nemagunya kusesandleni sakho, futsi kute longamelana nawe. Awu, Nkulunkulu wetfu, awuzange yini uticoshe letive letatihlala kulendzawo sive sakho ema-Israyeli sisengakefiki, wase uyinika situkulwane sa-Abrahama, umngani wakho, ibe yaso kuze kube phakadze. Letitukulwane setakhile kulelive, taze takha ngisho nelithempeli lekuhlala Libito lakho, titsi: ‘Nasehlelwa yinhlekelele, kungaba yinkemba yekwehlulela nome sifo lesibulalanako nome yindlala, siyakuma embikwakho kulelithempeli lelineLibito lakho, sikhale kuwe siselusizini lwetfu, wena uyakusiva usisindzise.’ Kodvwa-ke nyalo nankha lamadvodza aka-Amoni, newakaMowabi, newaseNtsabeni iSeyiri, live labo longavumanga kutsi baka-Israyeli balihlasele nabaphuma eGibhithe. Ngako bavele babayekela bangete bababhubhisa. Ase ubuke nje, sebasibonga ngalokubi ngekutsi batewusicosha kulelive lakho lowasipha lona kutsi libe lifa letfu. Awu, Nkulunkulu wetfu, ungeke ubehlulele yini? Ngobe tsine site emandla ekubhekana nalemphi lenkhulu kangaka letewusihlasela. Asati kutsi kufanele senteni, kodvwa emehlo etfu abuke kuwe.” Onkhe emadvodza akaJuda kanye nabomkawo, nebantfwana, netinswane bema embikwaSimakadze. Moya waSimakadze wehlela kuJahaziyeli, umsa waZakhariya, umsa waBhenaya, umsa waJeyiyeli, umsa waMathaniya, umLevi, labewesitukulwane sa-Asafa, asemile kulelo bandla. Wakhuluma watsi: “Lalela, nkhosi Jehoshafati, nilalele nani nonkhe lenihlala kaJuda naseJerusalema! Naku-ke lokushiwo nguSimakadze kini, utsi: ‘Ningesabi, futsi ningaphelelwa nangemandla ngenca yalemphi lenkhulu kangaka. Ngobe kulwa akusiko kwenu, kodvwa kwaNkulunkulu. Kusasa shucani nehle niyewubahlasela. Batawube bakhwela eMsahweni waSisi, nine nitawubakhandza elusentseni lwesihosha eHlane laseJeruweli. Singeke sibe khona sidzingo sekuyilwa lemphi. Tihleleni, nime ngetindzawo tenu; manini nicine nitewubona kusindzisa kwaSimakadze, nine bakaJuda nebaseJerusalema. Ningesabi, futsi ningapheli emandla. Kusasa loku lokusako, phumani niyewubhekana nabo, naSimakadze utawuba nani.’ ” Jehoshafati wakhotsama, abhekise buso bakhe phansi, nabo bonkhe bantfu bakaJuda nebaseJerusalema bawa phansi embikwaSimakadze bakhonta. Kwase kutsi lamanye emaLevi langemaKhohati nemaKhora asukuma advumisa Simakadze, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, ngelivi lelikhulu. Ekuseni ngeluvivi baphuma bacondza eHlane laseThekhowa. Batsi basaphuma, Jehoshafati wasukuma watsi: “Lalelani lapha kimi, nine bakaJuda nani sive saseJerusalema; kholwani Simakadze Nkulunkulu wetfu, nitawusimama. Kholwani loko lokushiwo baphrofethi bakhe, nitawuphumelela.” Emvakwaloko kukhuluma kwakhe nebantfu, Jehoshafati wakhetsa emadvodza kutsi ahlabele kuSimakadze advumise inkhatimulo yebungcwele bakhe, asahamba ahola emabutfo, atsi: “Bongani Simakadze, ngobe umusa wakhe ume kuze kube phakadze.” Batsi basacala kuhlabela nekudvumisa Simakadze, Simakadze wawavimbetela emadvodza aka-Amoni, newakaMowabi kanye newaseNtsabeni iSeyiri, labesangenele live lakaJuda; avele ehlulwa. Emadvodza aka-Amoni newakaMowabi atselekela lawa aseNtsabeni iSeyiri kutsi atekuwabulala awacedze nya. Atsi kube acedze kubulala lawa aseSeyiri, ajika abulalana odvwa. Emadvodza akaJuda atsi kube efike endzaweni leyayengamele lelihlane, nabuka lamabutfo labeyimphi lenkhulu, akhangwa tidvumbu tilucaca phansi; kute namunye labephunyulile. Ngako Jehoshafati kanye nemadvodza akakhe bahamba bayawutitapela imphango, batfola kuyo ingcebo lenyenti netimphahla letinyenti tekwembatsa kanye netimphahla letinelinani lelikhulu, baze behluleka nekutetfwala tonkhe. Imphango yaba yinyenti kangangekutsi kwatsatsa emalanga lamatsatfu kuyibutsa bayicedze yonkhe. Ngelilanga lesine bahlanganela eSihosheni saseBherakha, lapho badvumisa khona Simakadze. Nguko nje lendzawo yabeseyibitwa ngekutsi Sihosha saseBherakha kuze kube ngulamuhla. Kwase kutsi onkhe emadvodza akaJuda newaseJerusalema ancandzeka abuyela eJerusalema, aholwa nguye Jehoshafati, ajabula, ngobe Simakadze abebancobele titsa tabo. Bangena eJerusalema bacondza ethempelini laSimakadze bashaya emahabhu, netingitali kanye nemacilongo. Kwesaba Nkulunkulu kwehlela yonkhe imibuso yalawo mave, ngesikhatsi tive tiva kutsi Simakadze walwa kanjani netitsa tema-Israyeli. Umbuso waJehoshafati waba nekuthula, ngobe Nkulunkulu abesamnike kuphumula ndzawana tonkhana letatimtungeletile. Jehoshafati waba yinkhosi yakaJuda asaneminyaka lengema-35 budzala. Wabusela eJerusalema iminyaka lengema-25. Libito lenina bekungu-Azubha, indvodzakati yaShilhi. Jehoshafati wahamba etinyatselweni teyise Asa, akazange aphambuke kuto, wenta lokuhle emehlweni aSimakadze. Noko tindzawo letiphakeme tekukhontela tithico akazange atisuse, ngako bantfu tinhlitiyo tabo babengakatibeki kuNkulunkulu waboyise. Leminye imininingwane ngekubusa kwenkhosi Jehoshafati kusukela ekucaleni kuze kube ngusekugcineni, ibhaliwe encwadzini yemilandvo yaJehu, umsa waHanani, lapho kubhalwe khona imilandvo yemakhosi aka-Israyeli. Emvakwaloko Jehoshafati, inkhosi yakaJuda, wakha buhlobo na-Ahaziya, inkhosi yaka-Israyeli, labekhohlakele kabi ngebubi. Bavumelana kutsi bakhe imikhumbi yekuhweba. Yatsi kube yakhiwe e-Esiyoni Geberi, Eliyezeri, umsa waDodavahu, waseMaresha, waphrofetha kuJehoshafati, watsi: “Njengobe sewutihlanganise na-Ahaziya, Simakadze utakubhubhisa konkhe lose ukwentile.” Lemikhumbi yavele yephuka yehluleka kuyawuhweba. Jehoshafati wase uyakhotsama, wafihlwa emadlizeni aboyisemkhulu, eDolobheni lakaDavide; Jehoramu, umsa wakhe, waba yinkhosi esikhundleni sakhe. BomnakaboJehoramu, emadvodzana aJeshoshafati, bekubo-Azariya, naJehiyeli, naZakhariya, na-Azariyahu, naMikhayeli, naShefathiya. Onkhe-ke lawo bekubomsa waJehoshafati, inkhosi yaka-Juda. Uyise abebaphe tipho letinyenti tegolide netesiliva netintfo letiligugu kakhulu kanye nemadolobha latinqaba akaJuda, kodvwa umbuso wawupha Jehoramu, njengobe kwakungulona tubulo lakhe. Kwatsi ngesikhatsi Jehoramu atinta kahle esihlalweni sebukhosi seyise, wabulala bonkhe bomnakabo ngenkemba kanye naletinye tikhulu taka-Israyeli. Jehoramu abeneminyaka lengema-32, nakabekwa kuba yinkhosi; wabusela eJerusalema iminyaka lesiphohlongo. Wahamba etinyatselweni temakhosi aka-Israyeli, njengobe kwakwenta bendlu yaka-Ahabi, yena-ke washada nendvodzakati ya-Ahabi. Wenta lokubi emehlweni aSimakadze. Noko ngenca yesivumelwane Simakadze labesente naDavide, Simakadze abengakatimiseli kuyibhubhisa indlu yakaDavide. Abetsembisile kutsi uyawutigcinela sibane endlini yakaDavide kuze kube nguphakadze naphakadze. Ngesikhatsi saJehoramu baka-Edomu bavukela bakaJuda, base batibekela yabo inkhosi. Ngako Jehoramu wahamba waya khona kanye netindvuna takhe nato tonkhe tincola takhe temphi. Baka-Edomu bamvimbetela naletindvuna takhe netincola takhe temphi, kodvwa wavuka waphulukundlela ebusuku. Kuze kube ngulamuhla naloku baka-Edomu seloku bayiphuma balwisana nebakaJuda. Ngasona leso sikhatsi nebakaLibna bavuka umbhejazane, bavukela Jehoramu, ngobe Jehoramu abesafulatsele Simakadze Nkulunkulu waboyisemkhulu. Abesakhe netindzawo letiphakeme etintsabeni takaJuda, wabangela bantfu baseJerusalema kutsi baphinge ngekukhonta tithico, wedukisa sive sakaJuda. Jehoramu watfola incwadzi leyayiphuma kumphrofethi Elija itsi: “Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, Nkulunkulu weyihlo Davide, utsi: ‘Awukahambi etinyatselweni teyihlo Jehoshafati neta-Asa, inkhosi yakaJuda. Kodvwa usuke wahamba ngetindlela temakhosi aka-Israyeli, uholele sive semaJuda nesaseJerusalema ekutseni siphinge ngekukhonta tithico, njengobe kwenta bendlu yaka-Ahabi. Futsi ujabhalate bomnakenu, bantfu bengati yeyihlo, emadvodza labencono kakhulu kunawe. Manje-ke Simakadze sewutabahlasela labantfu bakakho, emadvodzana akho, nebafati bakho, nako konkhe nje lokubitwa ngelibito lakho, utakushaya, akwehlisele lenkhulu inhlekelele. Kwawena nje cobo lwakho utawugulela kufa, uphatfwe sifo lesingelapheki sekuphuma kancane kancane kwematfumbu lasanetilondza.’ ” Simakadze wavusa butsa emkhatsini waJehoramu netive temaFilisti nema-Arabu labehlala edvutane nemaKushe. Bahlasela lakaJuda balingenela, batfumba tonkhe timphahla labatikhandza esigodlweni senkhosi, batfumba nemadvodzana ayo nebafati bayo, akuzange kusale ngisho nayinye indvodzana kuyo ngaphandle kwa-Ahaziya labengutfunjana aluswane. Emvakwako konkhe loko, Simakadze washaya Jehoramu ngesifo lesingelapheki setibilini. Kuleso sikhatsi, ekupheleni kwemnyaka wesibili, ngenca yaleso sifo ematfumbu akhe aphumela ngaphandle, wafa ngebuhlungu lobukhulu. Sive sakhe asizange simbasele ngisho nemlilo wekumhlonipha, njengobe sasentele boyisemkhulu. Jehoramu abeneminyaka lengema-32, nakabekwa kuba yinkhosi, wabusela eJerusalema iminyaka lesiphohlongo, wase uyakhotsama, kwabate ngisho namunye loweva buhlungu ngaloko; wafihlwa eDolobheni laDavide, noko hhayi emadlizeni emakhosi. Bantfu baseJerusalema babeka Ahaziya, litfunjana laJehoramu, waba yinkhosi esikhundleni seyise, njengobe phela bahlaseli lababehamba nema-Arabu, bangena enkambu babulala bonkhe bomnakabo labadzala. Ngako Ahaziya, umsa waJehoramu, inkhosi yakaJuda, wacala kubusa. Ahaziya abeneminyaka lengema-22 budzala, nakacala kubusa; wabusela eJerusalema umnyaka waba munye. Libito lenina bekungu-Athaliya, umntfwanemntfwana-Omri. Ahaziya naye wahamba etinyatselweni tebendlu yaka-Ahabi, ngobe unina wamkhutsata ekwenteni lokubi. Wenta lokubi emehlweni aSimakadze, njengobe kwakwenta bendlu yaka-Ahabi, ngobe emvakwekufa kweyise base baba beluleki bakhe, bamyisa ekuweni kwakhe. Wabuye wahamba ngeteluleko tabo, nakahamba naJoramu, umsa wa-Ahabi, inkhosi yaka-Israyeli, kutsi ayekulwa naHazayeli, inkhosi yaseSiriya, eRamothi Gileyadi. EmaSiriya amlimata Joramu, ngako wancandzeka wabuyela eJezreyeli kuze ayewuphotisela khona emanceba lawatfola emphini yaseRamothi, lapho bebalwela khona naHazayeli, inkhosi yemaSiriya. Ahaziya-ke, umsa waJehoramu, inkhosi yakaJuda, wase uyehla waya eJezreyeli ayawuvusela Joramu, umsa wa-Ahabi, njengobe abegwaziwe anemanceba. Ngekuvakasha kwa-Ahaziya kuya kuJoramu, Nkulunkulu wehlisela kuwa ku-Ahaziya. Watsi nakefika Ahaziya, waphuma kanye naJoramu wayawuhlangabeta Jehu, umsa waNimshi, labegcotjwe nguNkulunkulu kutsi abhubhise indlu yaka-Ahabi. Watsi Jehu asematasatasa nekubhubhisa indlu yaka-Ahabi, watfola tiphatsimandla takaJuda nemadvodzana etihlobo ta-Ahaziya labenakekela Ahaziya, wefika Jehu wababulala bonkhe. Wase uyahamba wayawutfungatsa Ahaziya, lamadvodza akakhe ambhadzama asebhace eSamariya. Ambamba amletsa kuJehu, wafike wabulawa. Base bayamfihla, ngobe babetsi: “Abengumsa waJehoshafati lowafuna Simakadze ngayo yonkhe inhlitiyo yakhe.” Ngako kwasala kungasenamuntfu endlini yaka-Ahaziya labengaba nemandla lenele kuphatsa umbuso. Athaliya, unabo-Ahaziya, watsi kube abone kutsi indvodzana yakhe seyifile, wachubeka wabulala bonkhe bantfwabenkhosi bakaJuda. Kodvwa Jehosheba, indvodzakati yenkhosi Jehoramu, watsatsa Jowashi, umsa wa-Ahaziya, wamuba, wamsusa emkhatsini walaba labanye bantfwabenkhosi labese batawubulawa. Wamtsatsa wayakumbhacisa kanye nesidzandzane sakhe ekamelweni lekulala, ngobe Jehosheba, indvodzakati yenkhosi Jehoramu, lebengumfati wemphristi Jehoyada, abengudzadzewabo-Ahaziya. Wamfihla-ke lomntfwana ku-Athaliya kuze kutsi angambulali. Wahlala nabo abhaciswe ethempelini laNkulunkulu iminyaka lesitfupha ngesikhatsi kusabusa Athaliya eveni. Kwatsi ngemnyaka wesikhombisa Jehoyada waticinisa emandla, wenta sivumelwane netindvuna temakhulu: bo-Azariya, umsa waJerohamu, na-Ishmayeli, umsa waJehohanani, na-Azariya, umsa wa-Obedi, naMaseya, umsa wa-Adaya, na-Elishafati, umsa waZikhri. Balihamba lonkhe lakaJuda, bahambe babutsa emaLevi kanye netinhloko temindeni yema-Israyeli kuwo onkhe emadolobha. Batsi nabefika eJerusalema, lonkhe lelo bandla lenta sivumelwane kanye nenkhosi yalo lisethempelini laNkulunkulu. Jehoyada wakhuluma kubo, watsi: “Bukani, nayi indvodzana yenkhosi! Ngiyo letawubusa, njengobe Simakadze etsembisa mayelana netitukulwane taDavide. “Manje-ke, naku lokufanele nikwente: Laba labayincenye yesitsatfu kini nine baphristi nemaLevi, labangena emsebentini ngemaSabatha kufanele nicize kahle lapha eminyango, labanye labayincenye yesitsatfu kini bayewuciza esigodlweni, bese kutsi labanye labayincenye yesitsatfu bayewuciza eSangweni Lesisekelo. Onkhe-ke lawa lamanye emadvodza atawuba lapha etibuyeni telithempeli laSimakadze. Kute muntfu lotawungena ethempelini laSimakadze ngaphandle kwebaphristi nemaLevi labasemsebentini. Bona-ke bangangena, ngobe bahlanjululiwe, kodvwa bonkhe labanye babogcina imiyalo yaSimakadze yekutsi akufanele kungene labanye. EmaLevi kufanele atihlele wona asingatse inkhosi, nguleyo naleyo ndvodza iphatse tayo tikhali ngesandla. Nome ngubani longena ethempelini kufanele abulawe. Kufanele nihlale nisedvutane nenkhosi, nome ngukuphi lapho iya khona.” EmaLevi nawo onkhe emadvodza akaJuda enta njengobe Jehoyada, umphristi, abeshito. Nguloyo naloyo watsatsa akakhe emadvodza, labo lababengena emsebentini ngemaSabatha, nalabo lababephuma emsebentini ngemaSabatha, ngobe Jehoyada, umphristi, abengakakhululi ngisho nasinye kuleticheme. Wase uhlomisa letindvuna ngetikhali nangemahawu lamakhulu nalamancane labengewaDavide, inkhosi, ahlala ethempelini laNkulunkulu. Wawahlela kahle onkhe lawo madvodza awemisa ngetindzawo tawo, nguleyo naleyo ndvodza ibambe tikhali tayo ngesandla, asingatse inkhosi, edvute nelilati kanye nelithempeli, kusukela ngaseningizimu kuze kuyewufika ngasenyakatfo kwelithempeli. BoJehoyada nemadvodzana akhe base bakhipha lomntfwanenkhosi, bametfwesa umchele webukhosi, bamnika incwadzi yesivumelwane, bamemetela kutsi uyinkhosi. Bamgcoba, base bayamemeta batsi: “Lunwele loludze, nkhosi!” Watsi Athaliya kube eve lomsindvo webantfu labebagijima bahalalisela inkhosi, wase uya kubo ethempelini laSimakadze. Watsi uyabuka, wabona nanso inkhosi ime eceleni kwensika yayo emnyango, tindvuna nebashayi bemacilongo babesingatse inkhosi, bonkhe bantfu belive bajabula bashaya emacilongo, nebahlabeli baphetse tingubhu, bahamba embili, bahola ngetibongo. Ngako Athaliya wadzabula tingubo takhe, wamemeta watsi: “Ngemavukelambuso! Ngemavukelambuso!” Jehoyada, umphristi, watfumela tindvuna temakhulu letatiphetse leticheme, watsi kuto: “Mkhipheni lapha emkhatsini weticheme, nibagwaze ngenkemba bonkhe labo labamlandzelako.” Ngobe umphristi abetsite: “Ningambulaleli ekhatsi ethempelini laSimakadze.” Ngako bambhadzama nje, nakatsi bona aphume ngeLisango Lelihhashi khona njalo emabaleni asesigodlweni, bambulalela khona lapho. Jehoyada wase wenta sivumelwane sekutsi yena, nesive, nenkhosi bayawuba sive saSimakadze. Bonkhe bantfu besukela lithempeli laBhali balibhidlita, badzilita nemalati akhe kanye naletithico, kwaba tincetu, baphindze babulala naMathani, umphristi waBhali, bambulalela embikwalamalati. Jehoyada wase ubeka baphristi lababengemaLevi kutsi kube ngubona bengameli belithempeli laSimakadze, Davide labebeke kubo umsebenti ethempelini kutsi betfule umnikelo wekushiswa kuSimakadze njengobe kubhaliwe emtsetfweni waMosi, ngekujabula nangekuhlabela, njengobe kwakushito Davide. Wase umisa bomahlalesangweni emasangweni elithempeli laSimakadze, kuze kutsi kubete namunye longcolile nome ngaluphi luhlobo longangena. Wabutsa tindvuna temakhulu nebahlonishwa, nebaholi besive kanye nabo bonkhe bantfu bakulelo live, wehlisa inkhosi ethempelini laSimakadze. Bashuca bayawungena esigodlweni ngelisango langasenhla, bahlalisa inkhosi esihlalweni sebukhosi. Sonkhe sive sajabula. Lidolobha laba nekuthula, ngobe phela Athaliya abesabulewe ngenkemba. Jowashi abeneminyaka lesikhombisa budzala ngesikhatsi acala kubusa, wabusela eJerusalema iminyaka lengema-40. Libito lenina bekunguSibiya waseBherisheba. Jowashi wenta lokuhle emehlweni aSimakadze ngaso sonkhe sikhatsi semphristi Jehoyada. Jehoyada wamtsatsela bafati lababili, watala emadvodzana nemadvodzakati. Kwatsi emvakwaloko Jowashi wase utimisela kuvusa lithempeli laSimakadze. Wabutsa baphristi nemaLevi watsi kubo: “Hambani niye emadolobheni akaJuda nibutse imali lekufanele iletfwe ngema-Israyeli yonkhe iminyaka ibe yekuvusetela lithempeli laNkulunkulu wenu. Loko kwenteni masinyane.” Kodvwa emaLevi akazange asheshe akwente loko. Ngako inkhosi yabita Jehoyada, umPhristi Lomkhulu, yatsi kuye: “Awukawatjeli ngani emaLevi kutsi aletse umtselo lophuma kaJuda naseJerusalema lowasungulwa nguMosi, inceku yaSimakadze, kanye nenhlanganiso yema-Israyeli kutsi ube welithende lebufakazi?” Emadvodzana alesihlangananhloko semfati lesasingu-Athaliya abegcekeze ethempelini laSimakadze, aze asebentisa ngisho naletimphahla talo letingcwele ekukhonteni boBhali. Inkhosi yayala kutsi kwakhiwe libhokisi lemnikelo libekwe ngaphandle kwelisango lelithempeli laSimakadze. Kwakhishwa simemetelo kaJuda naseJerusalema kutsi kufanele baletse kuSimakadze imitselo leyayisungulwe nguMosi, inceku yaNkulunkulu, kuma-Israyeli ehlane. Tonkhe tindvuna naso sonkhe sive baletsa iminikelo yabo ngekujabula, bayifaka kulelibhokisi lemnikelo, laze lagcwala. Kwakutsi njalo nje lelibhokisi lemnikelo naliletfwa ngemaLevi etindvuneni tenkhosi, kubonakala kutsi kunencumbi yemali, mabhalane wenkhosi nendvuna yemPhristi Lomkhulu bese bayeta batekulitfulula balibuyisele endzaweni yalo. Loko bakwenta sikhatsi lesidze, baze babutsa tindvodla temali. Inkhosi kanye nemphristi Jehoyada bayinika lamadvodza labebhekene nalomsebenti wekwakha lithempeli laSimakadze. Bacasha lababeka ematje nebabati kutsi bavuse lithempeli laSimakadze, bacasha nalabakha ngetinsimbi nangelitfusi kutsi bavusetele lithempeli. Lamadvodza labebhekene nalomsebenti abekhutsele kakhulu, nalokuvusetelwa kwachubeka ngemandla etandleni tabo. Balivusa kabusha lithempeli laNkulunkulu, laba njengaloku lalivele limisiwe kwasekucaleni, balicinisa kabusha. Batsi nase bacedze wonkhe lomsebenti, base bamikisa lemali leyayisele enkhosini nakuJehoyada; ngaleyo mali kwakhiwa timphahla tasethempelini laSimakadze: tintfo tekukhonta neteminikelo yekushiswa, netingwembe, naletinye nje tintfo letatakhiwe ngegolide nangesiliva. Ngaso sonkhe sikhatsi sekuphila kwaJehoyada iminikelo yekushiswa yayetfulwa njalo nje ethempelini laSimakadze. Jehoyada abesamdzala kakhulu, asagugile, wafa asaneminyaka leli-130. Wangcwatjwa emadlizeni emakhosi eDolobheni laDavide ngenca yebuhle labebentile ka-Israyeli, abentela Nkulunkulu nelithempeli lakhe. Kwatsi emvakwekufa kwaJehoyada, tindvuna takaJuda teta kutawuvusela enkhosini, yafike yatilalela. Balishiya lithempeli laSimakadze, Nkulunkulu waboyisemkhulu, bakhonta tinsika tabo-Ashera netithico. Ngenca yalelo cala labo lulaka lwaNkulunkulu lwehlela etikwaJuda nasetikweJerusalema. Kwala nome Nkulunkulu asatfumela baphrofethi kulesive sakhe basiyala kutsi sibuyele kuye, nome babebacwayisa ngetindlela letehlukene, kodvwa abazange babalalele. Ngako Moya waNkulunkulu wehlela kuZakhariya, umsa waJehoyada, umphristi. Wasukuma wema embikwesive watsi: “Naku lokushiwo nguNkulunkulu, utsi: ‘Aniyilaleli ngani imiyalo yaSimakadze? Ngeke niphumelele. Njengobe nimfulatsela Simakadze, naye sewunifulatsele.’ ” Kodvwa besuka bamakhela luzungu, inkhosi yatsi abambulale; nembala bamgcoba ngematje bambulalela esibuyeni lesingekhatsi ethempelini laSimakadze. Inkhosi Jowashi ayizange iwukhumbule umusa leyayiwentelwe nguyise waZakhariya, labenguJehoyada, yesuka yabulala umsa wakhe. Zakhariya watsi nase alayela, asafa watsi: “Shangatsi Simakadze angasibona lesento senu anivuze ngaso.” Kwatsi nase kungusentfwasahlobo emabutfo aseSiriya ashuca ayawuhlasela Jowashi, efika kulakaJuda naseJerusalema, abulala bonkhe baholi besive. Atfumela yonkhe lemphango enkhosini yawo eDamaseko. Nome emaSiriya abete nemabutfo lambalwa kutawuhlasela, Simakadze wanikela etandleni tawo emabutfo lamanyenti. Loko wakwenta, ngobe Juda abesamlahlile Simakadze, Nkulunkulu waboyisemkhulu, sigwebo sehliselwa etikwaJowashi. Ngesikhatsi emaSiriya ancandzeka, ashiya Jowashi atingotingoti emanceba. Tindvuna takhe naye tamakhela luzungu, ngekutsi wabulala umsa waJehoyada, umphristi, nato tamenta silo sengubo, tambulalela embhedzeni wakhe. Wafa kanjalo-ke, wase ufihlwa eDolobheni laDavide, hhayi kodvwa emadlizeni alamanye emakhosi. Laba labenta loluzungu bekuboZabadi, umsa waShimeyathi, umfati wase-Amoni, naJehozabadi, umsa waShimrithi, umfati waseMowabi. Umlandvo wemadvodzana aJowashi, netiphrofetho letinyenti ngaye, nemlandvo wekuvusa kwakhe kabusha lithempeli laNkulunkulu ubhaliwe enchasiselweni yetincwadzi temilandvo yemakhosi. Amasiya, umsa wakhe, waba yinkhosi esikhundleni sakhe. Amasiya abeneminyaka lengema-25 budzala ngesikhatsi abekwa kuba yinkhosi. Wabusela eJerusalema iminyaka lengema-29. Libito lenina bekunguJehoyadini waseJerusalema. Wenta lokuhle emehlweni aSimakadze, kodvwa, hhayi ngayo yonkhe inhlitiyo yakhe. Kwatsi umbuso nase ucinile esandleni sakhe, wase ubulala letindvuna letatisontse uyise labeyinkhosi. Noko akazange awabulale emadvodzana ato, kodvwa wenta njengobe kubhaliwe emtsetfweni, encwadzini yaMosi, lapho Simakadze ayala khona, watsi: “Boyise abayikubulawa ngenca yebantfwababo, kanjalo nebantfwana abayikubulawa ngenca yaboyise; nguloyo muntfu uyawufela takhe tono.” Amasiya wabita sonkhe sive sakaJuda, wasimisa njengekwetindlu taso, phansi kwetindvuna tetinkhulungwane netemakhulu kulo lonkhe lakaJuda nelakaBhenjamini. Wase ubala bonkhe lababeneminyaka lengema-20 nalengetulu, wakhandza kutsi babengemadvodza lati-300 000, emajaha labengalungela kulwa imphi, labengakhona kuhloma ngesikhali nangelihawu. Wachubeka wacasha letinye tingwazi taka-Israyeli letatiti-100 000, waticasha ngesiliva lengemakhilogremu lati-3 400. Kodvwa kwefika umuntfu waNkulunkulu kuye, watsi: “Awu, nkhosi, lamabutfo aka-Israyeli akukafaneli kutsi ashuce kanye nawe, ngobe Simakadze akasekho ka-Israyeli, akasekho nakumunye webantfwana baka-Efrayimu. Nome bewungahamba uyewuhlasela ngesibindzi emphini, Nkulunkulu uyawukwehlula embikwetitsa takho, ngobe Nkulunkulu unemandla ekusita newekwehlulekisa.” Amasiya wabuta lomuntfu waNkulunkulu, watsi: “Kepha sekutakwentiwa njani ngalesiliva lengemakhilogremu lati-3 400 lesengiyikhokhele lamabutfo ema-Israyeli?” Lomuntfu waNkulunkulu waphendvula watsi: “Simakadze angakunika lokunyenti kakhulu kunaloko.” Ngako Amasiya wase uyawacitsa lamabutfo emphi labesabutsene lapha kuye esuka kulaka-Efrayimu, watsi akabuyele emakhaya. Emabutfo abatfukutselela bakaJuda, ahamba atsetsa asabuyela emakhaya. Amasiya waticinisa emandla, wahola emabutfo akhe wacondza eSigodzini Seluswayi, lapho afike wabulala emadvodza aseSeyiri lati-10 000. Emabutfo akaJuda nawo atfumba emadvodza lati-10 000, awatsatsa aphila, enyuka nawo intsaba, aze efika esicongweni, ase awajikijela phansi, aye asaphateka aba ticucu. Ngaleso sikhatsi lamabutfo labesacitfwe ngu-Amasiya, awalela kutsi nawo ayilwe lemphi yabo, abese asuse lolukhulu lutfuli abhidlita emadolobha akaJuda kusukela eSamariya kuyewuma ngeBhethi Horoni. Lamabutfo abulala labati-3 000, abutsa imphango lenyenti ahamba nayo. Watsi Amasiya nakabuya kuyawubulala baka-Edomu, wabuya netithico tebantfu baseSeyiri, wafike watimisa taba tithico takhe, wakhotsama embikwato, washisa imihlatjelo embikwato. Lulaka lwaSimakadze lwamvutsela Amasiya, Simakadze watfumela umphrofethi ku-Amasiya, wafike watsi: “Utifunelani letithico talabantfu letehluleke nekusindzisa bantfu bato esandleni sakho?” Watsi asakhuluma lomphrofethi, inkhosi yamjuba lulwimi yatsi: “Sesikubeke kutsi ube ngumeluleki wenkhosi yini wena? Thula! Ulahleka phansi khona nyalo!” Lomphrofethi wathula, kodvwa waloyela watsi: “Manje ngiyati kutsi Nkulunkulu sewumise kutsi akubulale, ngobe wente loku, wangete wasitsatsa seluleko sami.” Emvakwekuba Amasiya, inkhosi yakaJuda, asatsintsene nebeluleki bakhe, wacela insayeya kuJehoyashi, umsa waJehoyahazi, umsa waJehu, inkhosi yaka-Israyeli, watsi: “Wota sitewubhekana buso nebuso.” Kodvwa Jehoyashi, inkhosi yaka-Israyeli, waphendvula Amasiya, inkhosi yakaJuda, watsi: “Sihlahla sesitfwetfwe saseLebanoni satfumela umlayeto kumsedari waseLebanoni, lotsi: ‘Yendzisela umsa wami lentfombi yakakho.’ Kwase kusuka silwane sesiganga saseLebanoni seta satawugcobagcoba lesihlahla sesitfwetfwe ngetinselo taso. Utitjela kutsi njengobe wehlule baka-Edomu nje, sewulutfo, sewuyatigabatisa. Wena hlala phansi lapho kakho. Utibitelelani kuhlupheka, utidvonsele wena kuwa kwakho, kanye nekwesive sonkhe sakaJuda?” Kodvwa Amasiya akazange atsandze kulalela, Nkulunkulu abesakulungisile kutsi abanikele etandleni tetitsa tabo, ngobe babefune lusito etithicweni tase-Edomu. Ngako Jehoyashi, inkhosi yaka-Israyeli, wahlasela. Jehoyashi na-Amasiya, inkhosi yakaJuda, babhekana buso nebuso emphini yaseBhethi Shemeshi kulakaJuda. Juda weyiswa baka-Israyeli, kwaba nguleyo naleyo ndvodza yabalekela ekhaya kayo. Jehoyashi, inkhosi yaka-Israyeli, wabamba Amasiya, inkhosi yakaJuda, umsa waJowashi, labetalwa ngu-Ahaziya, wamtfumba eBhethi Shemeshi. Jehoyashi wase umyisa eJerusalema, wafike wadzilita lubondza lolwalutungelete iJerusalema kusukela eSangweni laka-Efrayimu kuze kuyewufika eSangweni Lelikona, indzawo leyayingemamitha labengaba li-180 budze. Watsatsa yonkhe igolide nesiliva, nato tonkhe timphahla latikhandza ethempelini laNkulunkulu, letatisesandleni sa-Obedi Edomu kanye nengcebo yasesigodlweni, watfumba nebatfunjwa lababetibambiso, wabuyela nako eSamariya. Amasiya, umsa waJowashi, inkhosi yakaJuda, waphila iminyaka leli-15 emvakwekufa kwaJehoyashi, umsa waJehoyahazi, inkhosi yaka-Israyeli. Leminye imininingwane ngekubusa kwa-Amasiya kusukela ekucaleni kuye ekugcineni, ibhaliwe encwadzini yemilandvo yemakhosi akaJuda newaka-Israyeli. Kusukela ngesikhatsi lajika ngaso Amasiya ekulandzeleni Simakadze, bakha luzungu ngaye eJerusalema, wase uyabaleka waya eLakhishi, kodvwa batfumela emadvodza amcosha, afike ambulalela khona eLakhishi. Wabuya asetfwelwe ngelihhashi watawufihlwa emadlizeni aboyisemkhulu eDolobheni lakaJuda. Bonkhe bantfu bakaJuda base batsatsa Uziya labeneminyaka leli-16 budzala, bambeka inkhosi esikhundleni seyise, Amasiya. Nguye lowakha kabusha i-Elathi wayibuyisela kaJuda, emvakwekufa kweyise Amasiya. Uziya abeneminyaka leli-16 budzala, ngesikhatsi abekwa kuba yinkhosi yakaJuda, wabusela eJerusalema iminyaka lengema-52. Libito lenina bekunguJekoliya waseJerusalema. Uziya wenta lokuhle emehlweni aSimakadze, njengobe uyise Amasiya abentile. Wafuna Nkulunkulu ngemalanga ekuphila kwaZakhariya, lowamfundzisa kwesaba Nkulunkulu. Ngesikhatsi asafuna Simakadze, Nkulunkulu wamupha imphumelelo. Wahamba wayakulwa nemaFilisti, wabhidlita tibondza taseGathi, netaseJabne kanye netase-Ashdodi. Wase wakha kabusha emadolobha labesedvutane ne-Ashdodi nakuletinye tindzawo emkhatsini wemaFilisti. Nkulunkulu wamsita ekuhlaseleni kwakhe emaFilisti nema-Arabu labehlala eGuri Bhali, wamsita nasekuhlaseleni emaMehuni. Ema-Amoni aletsa tetfulo ku-Uziya, ludvumo lwakhe lwandza lwaze lwefika khashane eminyeleni yaseGibhithe, ngobe abesanemandla kakhulu. Uziya wakha imibhoshongo eJerusalema eSangweni Lelikona, naseSangweni Lesigodzi kanye nasegunjini lelubondza, wayenta yaba yinqaba. Waphindze wakha leminye imibhoshongo ehlane, wemba nemitfombo leminyenti, ngobe abefuye kakhulu, abenemihlambi leminyenti emaceleni etintsaba kanye nasematsafeni. Abenebantfu lababemsebentela emasimini, nasetivinini takhe etintsabeni kanye nasetindzaweni letivundzile, ngobe abetitsandza tekulima. Uziya abenemabutfo labececeshwe kakhulu, alungele kuphuma ngeticheme ngebunyenti bawo njengekubutfwa kwawo nguJeyiyeli, labengumabhalane, naMaseya, indvuna leyayingaphansi kwaHananiya, lomunye wetindvuna tenkhosi. Baholi bemindeni sebabonkhe lababehola lamabutfo babeti-2 600. Bona babehola emadvodza emphi lati-307 500 labececeshelwe kulwa timphi, bangemabutfo lanemandla ekusekela nekuvikela inkhosi etitseni tayo. Onkhe lamabutfo akhe Uziya abewalungisele emahawu, netikhali, netimphantitje, nemabhantji emphi, nebutjoki kanye nematje etidubulelo. Lapha eJerusalema wakha imishini leyayisungulwe bochwepheshe kutsi isetjentiswe emibhoshongweni nasemakoneni ekuvimba titsa ngekudubula butjoki iphindze igicitele khona ematje lamakhulu. Wadvuma, waba nemandla, watiwa yonkhe indzawo, ngenca yekutsi Nkulunkulu nguye lowamsita ngalokumangalisako, waze waba nemandla. Kodvwa kwatsi kube Uziya abe nemandla, kutiphakamisa kwakhe kwamdvonsela ekuweni. Akazange etsembeke kuSimakadze Nkulunkulu wakhe; wangena ethempelini laSimakadze washisa imphepho elatini lemphepho. Azariya, umphristi, kanye nalabanye baphristi baSimakadze lababenesibindzi lababengema-80 bamlandzela bangena. Babhekana naye batsi: “Akukafaneli kutsi wena Uziya ushise imphepho kuSimakadze. Loko kufanele kwentiwe baphristi, titukulwane ta-Aroni, labehlukaniselwe kutsi bashise imphepho. Suka lapha endzaweni lengcwele, ngobe wonile kuSimakadze longuNkulunkulu, ngobe awusenaso sibusiso sakhe.” Uziya labephetse sitja semphepho esandleni sakhe, asalungele kushisa lemphepho, watfukutsela. Watsi asatfukutselele labaphristi embikwalelilati lemphepho ethempelini laSimakadze, wamilwa sifo lesisabulephelo lapha ebuntini lakhe. Watsi Azariya, umPhristi Lomkhulu, nabo bonkhe labanye baphristi nabambuka, babona kutsi abesanesifo lesisabulephelo ebuntini lakhe, bavele bamkhiphela ngaphandle ngekushesha. Empeleni naye abesavele afisa kutsi aphume, ngobe Simakadze abesamshayile. Inkhosi Uziya yaba nalesifo lesisabulephelo kwaze kwaba lilanga leyafa ngalo, yase ihlala endlini yayo yodvwa, isenalesifo lesisabulephelo, seyingeke iphindze ingene ethempelini laSimakadze. Kwase kunguJothamu, umsa wayo, labesengamele sigodlo, sekunguye nalobusa sive eveni. Leminye imininingwane ngekubusa kwa-Uziya, kusukela ekucaleni kuye ekugcineni, ibhalwe ngumphrofethi Isaya, umsa wa-Amose. Uziya wakhotsama, wafihlwa kuboyisemkhulu, eceleni kwendzawo yekufihla emakhosi, ngobe phela bantfu bakhuluma batsi: “Abenesifo lesisabulephelo.” Jothamu, umsa wakhe, waba yinkhosi esikhundleni sakhe. Jothamu abeneminyaka lengema-25 budzala, ngesikhatsi acala kubusa. Wabusela eJerusalema iminyaka leli-16. Libito lenina bekunguJerusha, indvodzakati yaSadoki. Jothamu wenta lokuhle emehlweni aSimakadze, njengobe uyise Uziya ebentile, kodvwa yena akazange ashise imphepho ethempelini laSimakadze. Noko bantfu bachubeka ngetindlela tabo temonakalo. Jothamu wakha kabusha LiSango Lelingenhla lasethempelini laSimakadze, waphindze wenta umsebenti lomkhulu elubondzeni egcumeni i-Ofeli. Wakha emadolobha emagcumeni akaJuda, kwatsi tinqaba nemibhoshongo wakwakha etindzaweni letatinemahlatsi. Jothamu wahlasela inkhosi yema-Amoni, wayehlula. Kuwona lowo mnyaka ema-Amoni etfula kuye isiliva leyayingemakhilogremu labengaba ti-3 400, nakolo labengemathani labengaba yinkhulungwane, nebhali leyayingemathani labengaba yinkhulungwane. Ema-Amoni loku akwetfula kuye nasemnyakeni wesibili newesitsatfu. Jothamu wakhula waba nemandla, ngobe abehamba ngekwetsembeka embikwaSimakadze Nkulunkulu wakhe. Leminye imininingwane ngekubusa kwaJothamu, tonkhe timphi takhe kanye nalokunye lakwenta kubhaliwe encwadzini yemilandvo yemakhosi aka-Israyeli newakaJuda. Abeneminyaka lengema-25 budzala, nakabekwa kuba yinkhosi, wabusela eJerusalema iminyaka leli-16. Jothamu wase uyakhotsama, wafihlwa eDolobheni laDavide. Ahazi, umsa wakhe, waba yinkhosi esikhundleni sakhe. Ahazi abeneminyaka lengema-20 budzala, nakabekwa kuba yinkhosi; wabusela eJerusalema iminyaka leli-16. Akazange ahambe etinyatselweni teyise Davide, wenta lokubi emehlweni aSimakadze. Wahamba etinyatselweni temakhosi aka-Israyeli, naye wabumba netitfombe tekukhontela boBhali. Watfuncisa imphepho eSigodzini sakaBheni Hinomu, wanikela ngemadvodzana akhe kutsi ashiswe ngemlilo; alandzela imikhuba lesinengiso yaletive takhona Simakadze labeticoshe ngesikhatsi nakufika ema-Israyeli. Wanikela nangemihlatjelo, watfuncisa imphepho etindzaweni letiphakeme, nasetulu eticongweni temagcuma, nangephansi kwetihlahla letikhulu letendlele emagala ato. Ngako-ke Simakadze Nkulunkulu wakhe wamnikela esandleni senkhosi yaseSiriya. EmaSiriya amehlula, atfumba bantfu bakhe labanyenti, baba titfunjwa, eta nabo eDamaseko. Waphindze waniketwa etandleni tenkhosi yaka-Israyeli, leyamehlula kabuhlungu, kwafa bantfu labanyenti. Ngalanga linye nje Phekha, umsa waRemaliya, wabulala emasotja lati-120 000 akaJuda, ngobe phela Juda abesashiye Simakadze, Nkulunkulu waboyisemkhulu. Zikhri, ingwazi leyayingum-Efrayimu, wabulala Maseya, indvodzana yenkhosi, na-Azrikamu, indvuna leyayiphetse sigodlo, kanye na-Elkhana labewesibili enkhosini. Ema-Israyeli atfumba kulabomnakabo bantfu labati-200 000, lekwakubafati, nemadvodzana kanye nemadvodzakati. Baphindze bashuba nemphango lenkhulu kabi, lababuyela nayo eSamariya. Kwakunemphrofethi waSimakadze, Odedi, labelapho, waphuma kuyawuhlangabeta emabutfo, nasabuyela eSamariya. Wakhuluma kuwo watsi: “Njengobe Simakadze Nkulunkulu waboyihlomkhulu abetfukutselele bakaJuda, uvele wabaniketa esandleni senu. Kodvwa nyalo senibabulele ngesihluku lesidzimate sefika ezulwini. Manje senicondze kwenta lamadvodza nalabafati bakaJuda nebaseJerusalema kutsi babe tigcili tenu. Anati yini kutsi nani nente tono, nona kuSimakadze Nkulunkulu wenu? Ase nilalele lapha kimi! Babuyiseleni emuva labomnakenu lesenibente tiboshwa, ngobe intfukutselo leyesabekako yaNkulunkulu isetikwenu.” Kwase kutsi labanye bebaholi baka-Efrayimu, bo-Azariya, umsa waJehohanani, naBherekhiya, umsa waMeshilemothi, naJehizkiya, umsa waShalumi, na-Amasa, umsa waHadilayi, babhekana nalabo lababefika baphuma emphini. Batsi: “Akukafaneli nite naletitfunjwa lapha, ngobe sitawutfolakala sinelicala kuSimakadze. Kungabe kambe nicondze kwengeta kulesono nakulelicala letfu? Empeleni licala letfu selivele likhulu, nentfukutselo yakhe leyesabekako seyisetikwa-Israyeli.” Ngako lamabutfo avele akhulula letiboshwa nalemphango embikwetindvuna nalo lonkhe libandla. Kwakhetfwa emadvodza labitwa ngemabito awo kutsi atsatse letitfunjwa letingcunu atigcokise ngetimphahla letatitsatfwe kulemphango. Batigcokisa, batifaka tincabule, batipha kudla nekwekunatsa, batigcobisa tilondza. Bonkhe labo lababebutsakatsaka babagibelisa etimbongolweni. Babancandzekisa bababuyisela emuva kubakubo eJerikho, Lidolobha Lemasundvu, babuyela eSamariya. Ngaleso sikhatsi inkhosi Ahazi yatfumela enkhosini yase-Asiriya kuyawucela lusito. Ema-Edomu abesaphindze efika atewuhlasela bakaJuda, ahamba netitfunjwa, kantsi ngasona leso sikhatsi nemaFilisti abesahlasele lamadolobha labengaphansi kwetintsaba naseningizimu yelive lakaJuda. Atfumba adla iBhethi Shemeshi, ne-Ayaloni, neGederothi, neSokho, neThimna, neGimzo kanye nemiti leyayiwatungeletile. Simakadze abesatfobise Juda ngenca ya-Ahazi, inkhosi yakaJuda, ngobe wakhutsata kwandza kwebubi kaJuda, wangete wetsembeka ngisho nakancane nje kuSimakadze. Thiglathi Phileseri, inkhosi yase-Asiriya, weta kuye, kodvwa wamnika inhlupheko esikhundleni selusito. Ahazi watsatsa letinye timphahla tasethempelini laSimakadze netasesigodlweni nakutiphatsimandla, watetfula enkhosini yase-Asiriya, kodvwa naloko akuzange kumsite. Ahazi akazange etsembeke ngisho nakancane nje kuSimakadze ngesikhatsi sekuhlupheka kwakhe. Wanikela ngemihlatjelo etithicweni tebantfu baseDamaseko lebase bamehlulile; ngobe abecabange watsi: “Njengobe tithico temakhosi aseSiriya tiwasitile emaSiriya, nami ngitakwenta umhlatjelo kuto, khona titakungisita.” Kodvwa ngito kanye letamwisa, taphindze tawisa onkhe ema-Israyeli. Ahazi wabutsela ndzawonye tonkhe timphahla ethempelini laNkulunkulu watitsatsa watihambisa. Wavala iminyango yelithempeli laSimakadze, wakha emalati kuwo onkhe emakona etitaladi eJerusalema. Kuwo onkhe emadolobha akaJuda wakha tindzawo letiphakeme tekutfuncisela imphepho etithicweni; wachukuluta Simakadze Nkulunkulu waboyisemkhulu, kutsi atfukutsele. Leminye imininingwane ngekubusa kwa-Ahazi nato tonkhe tindlela takhe, kusukela ekucaleni kuye ekugcineni, kubhaliwe encwadzini yemilandvo yemakhosi akaJuda newaka-Israyeli. Ahazi wase uyakhotsama, wafihlwa edolobheni laseJerusalema, kodvwa akazange afihlwe emadlizeni emakhosi aka-Israyeli. Hezekiya, umsa wakhe, waba yinkhosi esikhundleni sakhe. Hezekiya abeneminyaka lengema-25 budzala, nakabekwa kuba yinkhosi, wabusela eJerusalema iminyaka lengema-29. Libito lenina bekungu-Abiya, indvodzakati yaZakhariya. Hezekiya wenta lokuhle emehlweni aSimakadze, wenta njengobe kwakwenta uyisemkhulu Davide. Ngenyanga yekucala emnyakeni wekucala wekubusa kwakhe, wavula iminyango yelithempeli laSimakadze, wayakha kabusha. Wangenisa baphristi nemaLevi, wabahlanganisela ebaleni ngasemphumalanga, watsi: “MaLevi, lalelani lapha kimi! Tingcweliseni nyalo, bese ningcwelisa nelithempeli laSimakadze, Nkulunkulu waboyihlomkhulu. Susani konkhe lokungcolile endzaweni lengcwele. Bobabe bebangaketsembeki; benta lokubi emehlweni aSimakadze Nkulunkulu wetfu, bamfulatsela. Besusa buso babo endzaweni lapho kuhlala khona Simakadze, bamfulatsela. Baphindze bavala neminyango yemhubhe, bacisha netibane. Abazange bayishise imphepho nome bente umnikelo wekushiswa endzaweni lengcwele kuNkulunkulu wema-Israyeli. Ngako-ke intfukutselo yaSimakadze seyehlele etikwaJuda naseJerusalema; sewubente baba sesabiso, nentfo yekutfutfumelisa kanye neyekuhlekisa, njengobe nibona nje nani ngemehlo enu. Nguko nje bobabe betfu, sebabulawe ngenkemba, nekutsi nemadvodzana etfu, nemadvodzakati etfu, nebafati betfu sebatfunjiwe. “Manje sengitimisele kwenta sivumelwane naSimakadze Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, kuze kutsi intfukutselo yakhe leyesabekako itewusuka lapha kitsi. Madvodzana ami, ningacali nibe ngulabanganaki nyalo, ngobe Simakadze unikhetsile kutsi nime embikwakhe nimsebentele, nimkhonte nishise nemphepho embikwakhe.” LamaLevi avele atihlela angena emsebentini: KumaKhohati kwaba nguMahathi, umsa wa-Amasayi, naJoweli, umsa wa-Azariya. KumaMerari kwaba nguKhishi, umsa wa-Abdi, na-Azariya, umsa waJehaleli. KumaGeshoni kwaba nguJowa, umsa waZima, na-Edeni, umsa waJowa. Kutitukulwane ta-Elisafani kwaba nguShimri naJeyiyeli. Kutitukulwane ta-Asafa kwaba nguZakhariya naMathaniya. Kutitukulwane taHemani kwaba nguJehiyeli naShimeyi. Kutitukulwane taJeduthuni kwaba nguShemaya na-Uziyeli. Lamadvodza atsi kube ahlanganise ndzawonye bomnakabo atingcwelisa, ase ayangena ayawuhlambulula lithempeli laSimakadze, njengobe inkhosi yayiyalile, ngekulandzela livi laSimakadze. Baphristi bangena endzaweni lengcwele yaSimakadze bayakuyihlambulula. Bakhiphela ngephandle esibuyeni selithempeli laSimakadze konkhe lokwakungcolile ngekwemtsetfo labakukhandza ngekhatsi ethempelini laSimakadze. EmaLevi akutsatsa akwetfwala akumikisa eSigodzini saseKhidroni. Bacala kulingcwelisa ngelilanga lekucala enyangeni yekucala, kwatsi ngelilanga lesiphohlongo laleyo nyanga befikela emhubheni waSimakadze. Kwaphindze kwaba ngemalanga lasiphohlongo ngetulu seloku bangcwelisa lithempeli laSimakadze cobo lwalo, konkhe loko bakucedzela ngelilanga leli-16 kuleyo nyanga yekucala. Base bangena ngekhatsi enkhosini Hezekiya, bafike babika batsi: “Silingcwelise lonkhe lithempeli laSimakadze, nelilati lemnikelo wekushiswa, nato tonkhe titja talo, nelitafula lekubeka sinkhwa lesingcwele, nato tonkhe timphahla letihambisana nalo. Sesitilungise satingcwelisa tonkhe timphahla inkhosi Ahazi latikhipha ngenca yekungetsembeki kwakhe ngesikhatsi aseyinkhosi. Kwamanje nje setisembikwelilati laSimakadze.” Ekuseni ngeluvivi ngakusasa inkhosi Hezekiya yahlanganisa tonkhe tindvuna telidolobha, yakhuphukela nato ethempelini laSimakadze. Taletsa tinkunzi letisikhombisa, netihhanca letisikhombisa, nemazinyane etimvu lamadvuna lasikhombisa, netiphongo letisikhombisa, kutsi kube ngumnikelo wesono sembuso wonkhe, newendzawo lengcwele kanye newaJuda. Inkhosi yayala baphristi lababetitukulwane ta-Aroni, kutsi banikele konkhe loku elatini laSimakadze. Ngako bahlaba letinkunzi, kwase kutsi baphristi batsatsa lengati banyenyeta ngayo etikwelilati; emvakwaloko bahlaba letihhanca, base banyenyeta ngalengati yato etikwelilati; baphindze bahlaba lamazinyane etimvu, base banyenyeta ngalengati yawo etikwelilati. Letimbuti temnikelo wesono taletfwa embikwenkhosi nalo lonkhe libandla, base babeka tandla tabo etikwato. Baphristi base bahlaba letimbuti banikela ngengati yato etikwelilati, kutsi kube ngumnikelo wesono kutsi batekwenta inhlawulo yekubuyisana egameni lebaka-Israyeli bonkhe, ngobe inkhosi yase ivele iyalile kutsi kwentiwe umnikelo wekushiswa newesono wema-Israyeli onkhe. Wemisa emaLevi ethempelini laSimakadze aphetse emasimbali, nemahabhu, nemalire ngayo yona leyo ndlela leyayimiswe nguDavide naGadi, umboniswa wenkhosi, kanye naNathani, umphrofethi. Loko bekungumyalo lowetfulwa nguSimakadze ngebaphrofethi bakhe. Ngako emaLevi ema asatilungiselele aphetse tingubhu taDavide kanye nebaphristi nabo sebaphetse emacilongo abo. Hezekiya wakhipha umyalo kutsi kwentiwe umnikelo wekushiswa etikwelilati. Kwatsi kusacala umnikelo, nekuhlabelela Simakadze kwacala kuhambisana nekushaywa kwemacilongo netingubhu taDavide, inkhosi yaka-Israyeli. Lonkhe libandla lakhonta ngekukhotsama, bahlabeli basahlabela nebashayi bemacilongo basawashaya. Konkhe loku kwachubeka kwaze kwaphela umnikelo wekushiswa. Yatsi kube iminikelo iphele, inkhosi nabo bonkhe lababenayo baguca phansi bakhonta. Inkhosi Hezekiya kanye netiphatsimandla takhe bayala emaLevi kutsi advumise Simakadze ngemavi aDavide kanye newa-Asafa, umboniswa. Ngako bahlabela tingoma tekudvumisa bajabulile, bakhotsamisa tinhloko tabo bakhonta. Hezekiya wakhuluma, watsi: “Nyalo senitinikele nine matfupha kuSimakadze. Wotani niletse imihlatjelo kanye neminikelo yekubonga niyiletse ethempelini laSimakadze.” Ngako lonkhe libandla laletsa imihlatjelo kanye neminikelo yekubonga, kwase kutsi bonkhe lababenetinhlitiyo letivumako baletsa iminikelo yekushiswa. Linani leminikelo yekushiswa leyaletfwa libandla laba tinkunzi letingema-70, netihhanca letilikhulu, nemazinyane etimvu lamadvuna langema-200; konkhe loku kwaba ngumnikelo wekushiswa kuSimakadze. Letilwane letehlukaniselwa umhlatjelo kwaba tinkunzi letingema-600, netimvu netimbuti letiti-3 000. Noko baphristi babembalwa kakhulu kutsi bahlinze yonkhe leyo minikelo yekushiswa; ngako tihlobo tabo lekwakungemaLevi tabasita, kwaze kwaphela lowo msebenti, kwaze nalaba labanye baphristi nabo bangcweliswa, ngobe emaLevi abekucilikele kutingcwelisa wona matfupha kwendlula baphristi. Iminikelo yayiminyenti kakhulu, ikanye nemafutsa eminikelo yebudlelwane, neminikelo yesinatfo leyayihambisana neminikelo yekushiswa. Ngako inkonzo yekukhonta ethempelini laSimakadze yavuseleleka. Hezekiya nabo bonkhe bantfu bakujabulela loko Nkulunkulu labesakwentele sive sakhe, ngobe kwenteka masinyane. Hezekiya watfumela livi kulo lonkhe laka-Israyeli, nelakaJuda, waphindze wabhala tincwadzi atibhalela baka-Efrayimu nebakaManase, abamema kutsi bete ethempelini laSimakadze eJerusalema kutawugubha liPhasika kuSimakadze, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli. Inkhosi netiphatsimandla tayo kanye nalo lonkhe libandla laseJerusalema bancuma kugubha liPhasika enyangeni yesibili. Babehlulekile kuligubha ngetikhatsi talo ngembili kwaloko, ngobe babengakeneli baphristi lababetingcwelisile, kantsi nebantfu babesengakahlangani ndzawonye eJerusalema. Lelicebo labonakala lilihle enkhosini nakulo lonkhe libandla. Bancuma kutfumela lesimemetelo kulo lonkhe laka-Israyeli, kusukela eBherisheba kuye kulakaDani, kumenywa bonkhe bantfu kutsi bete eJerusalema kutawugubha liPhasika kuSimakadze, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli. Lalingazange like ligujwe bantfu labanyenti kangaka ngembili njengobe kwakubhaliwe. Inkhosi yakhipha tigijimi, talihamba lonkhe laka-Israyeli nelakaJuda tiphetse tincwadzi letatiphuma kuyo nakutiphatsimandla tayo, letatitsi: “Sive sonkhe saka-Israyeli, buyelani kuSimakadze Nkulunkulu wa-Abrahama, na-Isaka, na-Israyeli, khona atewubuyela kini, nine lenisele ngekuphunyula esandleni semakhosi ase-Asiriya. Ningalingisi boyihlo nabomnakenu, labangazange betsembeke kuSimakadze, Nkulunkulu waboyisemkhulu, ngenca yaloko wabenta baba yinkoyoyo yekuhlupheka, njengobe nibona nje. Ningabi netinhloko letilukhuni njengaboyihlo, kodvwa titfobeni kuSimakadze. Wotani endzaweni lengcwele, layingcwelise kuze kube phakadze. Khontani Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu, khona intfukutselo yakhe leyesabekako ingetikunehlela. Nanibuyela kuSimakadze, labomnakenu nebantfwabenu batawutfola sihawu kulabatfumbi babo, bese babuya kulelive, ngobe Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu unemusa nebubele. Angeke anifulatsele, nanibuyela kuye.” Tigijimi taphuma tangena kuwo onkhe emadolobha aka-Efrayimu, newakaManase, kuze kuyewufika kulakaZebuloni, kodvwa sive sasiteya sihlekise ngato. Noko, lamanye emadvodza aka-Asheri, newakaManase, newakaZebuloni atitfoba aya eJerusalema. NakaJuda sandla saNkulunkulu sasisetikwebantfu kutsi sibanike bunye bengcondvo ekwenteni loko inkhosi netiphatsimandla tayo babetsite akwentiwe, ngekulandzela livi laSimakadze. Kwahlangana lesikhulu sicumbi sebantfu eJerusalema kutawugubha uMkhosi Wesinkhwa Lesingenambiliso enyangeni yesibili. Besusa emalati eJerusalema, besusa emalati emphepho bawajikijela eSigodzini saseKhidroni. Bahlaba lizinyane lemvu leliPhasika mhlazana tili-14 enyangeni yesibili. Baphristi nemaLevi baba nemahloni, base bayatingcwelisa bona cobo lwabo, baletsa iminikelo yekushiswa ethempelini laSimakadze. Batsatsa tindzawo tabo, njengobe kubhaliwe encwadzini yemtsetfo waMosi, umuntfu waNkulunkulu. Baphristi bafafata ingati lababenikwe yona ngemaLevi. Njengobe linyenti lebantfu lababekulesicumbi babengatingcwelisi bona, emaLevi kwawabita kutsi ahlabe emazinyane etimvu eliPhasika egameni labo bonkhe lababengcolile ngekwemtsetfo, aze abangcwelisele lamazinyane etimvu kuSimakadze. Nome linyenti lalabantfu lababephuma kulaka-Efrayimu, nelakaManase, nelaka-Isakhari kanye nelakaZebuloni babengakatihlanti bona cobo lwabo, noko balidla liPhasika, lokwakuphambene naloko lokubhaliwe. Kodvwa Hezekiya wabathandazela watsi: “Shangatsi Simakadze lomuhle angabatsetselela bonkhe labo labatimisele ngenhlitiyo yabo kufuna Nkulunkulu, Simakadze Nkulunkulu waboyisemkhulu, nome bangakahlanteki njengekusho kwemtsetfo wendzawo lengcwele.” Simakadze wawuva lomthandazo waHezekiya, wase uyasiphilisa sive. Ema-Israyeli labekhona eJerusalema awugubha uMkhosi weSinkhwa Lesingenambiliso kwaze kwaphela emalanga lasikhombisa kunekujabula lokukhulu, ngesikhatsi emaLevi nebaphristi bona babehlabela kuSimakadze onkhe lawo malanga, basekelwa tingubhu taSimakadze tekudvumisa. Hezekiya wakhuluma awakhutsata onkhe emaLevi labekhombisa kuyicondza kahle lenkonzo yaSimakadze. Onkhe lamalanga lasikhombisa babedla leso sabelo sabo banikela ngeminikelo yebudlelwane, badvumisa Simakadze Nkulunkulu waboyise. Lonkhe lelo bandla lavuma kutsi liwugubhe lomkhosi emalanga lasikhombisa ngetulu; ngako baphindze bawugubha ngekujabula lomkhosi emalanga lasikhombisa ngetulu. Hezekiya, inkhosi yakaJuda, waletsa kulelibandla tinkunzi letiyinkhulungwane, netimvu netimbuti letiti-7 000, kwase kutsi letiphatsimandla tona taletsa tinkunzi letiyinkhulungwane netimvu netimbuti letiti-10 000. Baphristi labanyenti base batingcwelisa bona matfupha. Lonkhe lelo bandla lakaJuda lajabula kakhulu likanye nebaphristi nemaLevi kanye nawo onkhe ema-Israyeli ndzawonye nebetive lababephuma kulo lonkhe laka-Israyeli nelakaJuda. Kwaba nekujabula lokukhulu eJerusalema, ngobe kusukela etikhatsini taSolomoni, umsa waDavide, inkhosi yaka-Israyeli, kwakungazange kube khona lokufanana naloko eJerusalema. Baphristi nemaLevi bema babusisa sonkhe sive, naNkulunkulu wabeva, ngobe umthandazo wabo wafinyelela ezulwini, endzaweni yakhe lengcwele lahlala kuyo. Kwatsi kube kuphele konkhe loko, ema-Israyeli labekhona lapho aphumela kuwo onkhe emadolobha akaJuda, abhidlita ematje lekwakutsiwa angcwele, agawula naletinsika ta-Ashera, atilahla phansi. Abhubhisa naletindzawo letiphakeme tekukhontela tithico kanye nemalati kulo lonkhe lakaJuda nelakaBhenjamini, nelaka-Efrayimu kanye nelakaManase. Kwatsi nase bakubhubhise konkhe loko baka-Israyeli, base babuyela bonkhe emadolobheni abo nasemafeni abo. Hezekiya wabela baphristi nemaLevi imisebenti yabo ngeticheme tabo, nguleso naleso sicheme njengekwemsebenti waso: Bekungumsebenti wekunikela iminikelo yekushiswa neyebudlelwane, nemsebenti wekukhonta, newekubonga, newekuhlabela tingoma tekudvumisa emasangweni endzawo yaSimakadze yekuhlala. Inkhosi yanikela ngetayo timphahla eminikelweni yekushiswa, yasekuseni neyasentsambama, naseminikelweni yekushiswa yemaSabatha, neyekwetfwasa kwenyanga, neyemikhosi lemisiwe, njengobe kubhaliwe emtsetfweni waSimakadze. Watjela bantfu lababehlala eJerusalema kutsi abaletse leso sabelo lesasifanele baphristi nemaLevi, kuze batinikele ngalokuphelele emtsetfweni waSimakadze. Satsi kube siphume nje lesimemetelo, ema-Israyeli anikela ngenjabulo, anikela ngetitselo tekucala talokutinhlavu kwawo, nangeliwayini lelisha, nangemafutsa, nangeluju, nangako konkhe lokwakusivuno semasimi, aletsa kwelishumi kwato tonkhe tintfo. Emadvodza aka-Israyeli newakaJuda labehlala emadolobheni akaJuda nawo aletsa kwelishumi kwemihlambi yawo yetinkhomo, neyetimvu, neyetimbuti, nekwelishumi kwetintfo letingcwele letatinikelwe kuSimakadze Nkulunkulu wabo, bakubeka kwaba tindvundvuma. Acala kukwenta loko ngenyanga yesitsatfu, akucedzela ngenyanga yesikhombisa. BoHezekiya netiphatsimandla takhe batsi nabefika bakhandza letindvundvuma, babonga Simakadze, base babusisa nesive sakhe ema-Israyeli. Inkhosi Hezekiya yabuta baphristi nemaLevi ngaletindvundvuma, Azariya, umPhristi Lomkhulu, wendlu yakaSadoki, waphendvula watsi: “Solomane kwesukela mzukwana sive sicala kuletsa iminikelo yaso ethempelini laSimakadze, besinekudla lokunyenti, besidla sesutse kuze kusale, ngobe Simakadze usibusisile sive sakhe, letindvundvuma nje sengulokusele.” Hezekiya wase utsi akulungiswe emakamelo ekulondvolota ethempelini laSimakadze, loko kwentiwa masinyane. Bantfu bayiletsa ngekwetsembeka lokukhulu iminikelo, nekwelishumi kanye netipho letatinikelwe. Khonaniya, umLevi, abengamele tonkhe letintfo; umsiti wakhe bekunguShimeyi, umnakabo. BoJehiyeli, na-Azaziya, naNahathi, na-Asaheli, naJerimothi, naJozabadi, na-Eliyeli, naJismakhiya, naMahathi, naBhenaya babebaphatsi betindvuna bona baphetfwe boKhonaniya naShimeyi, umnakabo, njengekubekwa kwabo yinkhosi Hezekiya, na-Azariya, indvuna leyayengamele lithempeli laNkulunkulu. Khore, umsa waJimna, umLevi, umgadzi weLisango langaseMphumalanga, yena abengamele leminikelo yesihle leyayiletfwa kuNkulunkulu, nguye bekaba iminikelo leletfwa kuSimakadze kanye netipho letingcwele. Abesitwa bo-Edeni, naMiniyamini, naJeshuwa, naShemaya, na-Amariya kanye naShekhaniya, bamelekelela ngekwetsembeka kulamadolobha ebaphristi, babela laba labanye baphristi ngekweticheme tabo, labadzala nalabancane ngalokufananako. Ngetulu kwaloko babela ngisho nalabadvuna kusukela kulababeneminyaka lemitsatfu kuye etulu, labo emabito abo labebhalwe etincwadzini temilandvo yekutalana kwabo, bonkhe labo lababengangena ethempelini laSimakadze bayekwenta imisebenti yemalanga onkhe yetinkonzo tabo letehlukahlukene, njengobe bekufanele ngekweticheme tabo. Babebuye babele baphristi lababebhaliswe ngemindeni yabo etincwadzini temilandvo yekutalana kwabo, kanjalo nemaLevi kusukela kulababeneminyaka lengema-20 kuya etulu, njengekwetinkonzo tabo ngeticheme tabo. Babefaka ekhatsi bonkhe ngisho nalabancane babo, nebafati babo, nemadvodzana abo, nemadvodzakati abo, kuso sonkhe leso sigodzi sabo, njengobe kubhaliwe etincwadzini temilandvo yekutalana kwabo. Babetsembekile ekutingcweliseni kwabo. Macondzana nebaphristi, titukulwane ta-Aroni, lababehlala emadolobheni abo nome emaphandleni laseceleni kwemadolobha abo, emadvodza abekhetfwa ngemabito awo kutsi ehlukanise tabelo kubo bonkhe labadvuna babo nakubo bonkhe labebabhaliwe etincwadzini temilandvo yekutalana kwemaLevi. Nguloko-ke lokwentiwa nguHezekiya kulo lonkhe lakaJuda, wenta lokuhle, nalokulungile, nalokwetsembekile emehlweni aSimakadze longuNkulunkulu wakhe. Kuko konkhe lakwenta emsebentini welithempeli laNkulunkulu nekuhlonipha umtsetfo, nemiyalo, wafuna Nkulunkulu wakhe, asebenta ngayo yonkhe inhlitiyo yakhe. Ngako waphumelela. Emvakwako konkhe loko Hezekiya asasebente konkhe ngekwetsembeka, Senaheribi, inkhosi yase-Asiriya, weta watawuhlasela lakaJuda. Wafike wemisa malungana nemadolobha latinqaba acabanga kutsi utatincobela wona abe ngewakhe. Watsi kube abone Hezekiya kutsi Senaheribi sewufikile, nekutsi utimisele kuhlasela iJerusalema, Hezekiya wase uhlolisana netindvuna takhe kanye nebaholi bemabutfo kutsi bavale lemitfombo yemanti lephuma ngaphandle kwelidolobha, bavele bamsita kuloko. Kwabutsana lesikhulu sicumbi sabokadzebona bemadvodza, bativimba tonkhe tiyalu nemifula leyayigijima kulo lonkhe live, batsi: “Kufanele yini kutsi emakhosi ase-Asiriya, angefika lapha akhandze emanti lamanyenti kangaka?” Hezekiya wasebenta kamatima aphishanekile avusetela tonkhe tindzawo telubondza letase tibhidlikile, akha nemibhoshongo kulo. Waphindze wakha lolunye lubondza ngaphandle kwalolo, wacinisa kabusha tibebesi eDolobheni laDavide. Wabuye wenta incumbi yetikhali tekulwa kanye nemahawu. Wabeka tindvuna temphi letitawuphatsa bantfu, wababutsela embikwakhe enkhundleni yelisango lelidolobha; wabakhutsata ngalamavi, atsi: “Cinani, nime sibindzi, ningesabi, futsi ningapheli emandla ngenca yalenkhosi yase-Asiriya nalolucucaba lwemphi yayo leta nayo, ngobe kitsi kunemandla lamakhulu kunalawa lenawo yona. Kuye kunemkhono wenyama, kodvwa kitsi kunaSimakadze Nkulunkulu wetfu lotasisita atilwe letimphi tetfu.” Bantfu bema sibindzi ngaloko Hezekiya, inkhosi yakaJuda, lakusho kubo. Kwatsi kamuva, ngesikhatsi Senaheribi, inkhosi yase-Asiriya, kanye nawo onkhe emabutfo akhe, basevimbetele iLakhishi, watfumela tindvuna takhe eJerusalema nemlayeto kuHezekiya, inkhosi yakaJuda, nakubo bonkhe bantfu bakaJuda lababelapho, utsi: “Naku lokushiwo nguSenaheribi, inkhosi yase-Asiriya, utsi: Netsembeni ngalokutsi nilibale kuguja lapha ngekhatsi kweJerusalema leseyikakwe yimphi? Hezekiya nakatsi: ‘Simakadze Nkulunkulu wetfu utasisindzisa esandleni senkhosi yase-Asiriya,’ uyaniyenga, wentela kutsi nitewubulawa yindlala nakoma. Akusiye yini Hezekiya lona lowasusa letindzawo letiphakeme tekukhontela loNkulunkulu kanye nemalati akhe, atsi kubakaJuda nebaseJerusalema: ‘Kufanele nikhotsame kulinye lilati, nishisele kulo imphepho’? “Anati yini kutsi mine nabobabe sentani kuleti letinye tive tonkhe talamanye emave? Bakhona yini labonkulunkulu baleto tive kuwephula emave ato esandleni sami? Ngumuphi kubo bonkhe labonkulunkulu baleto tive letabhujiswa bobabe lowake wakhona kusindzisa sive sakhe esandleni sami? Manje-ke, yena loNkulunkulu wenu utanisindzisa kanjani esandleni sami? Ningavumi kuyengwa nguHezekiya, aze anedukise kanje. Ningamkholwa, ngobe kute namunye nkulunkulu ngisho ngukusiphi sive nome ngukumuphi umbuso loke wakhona kusindzisa sive sakhe esandleni sami, ngisho nasetandleni tabobabe. Ngako-ke lonkulunkulu wenu naye ngeke akhone kunisindzisa esandleni sami.” Letindvuna taSenaheribi tachubeka takhuluma lokunyenti temelana naSimakadze Nkulunkulu, kanye nenceku yakhe Hezekiya. Inkhosi Senaheribi wabhala netincwadzi etfuka Simakadze, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, atsi kuye: “Njengaloku bonkulunkulu baleti letinye tive talamanye emave bangazange bakhone kubasindzisa bantfu babo esandleni sami, kanjalo-ke naloNkulunkulu waHezekiya ngeke abasindzise labantfu bakhe esandleni sami.” Base bayamemeta ngesiHebheru, bakhuluma kulabantfu baseJerusalema lababesetulu elubondzeni, babesabisa, betama kubetfusa, khona batewukhona kutfumba lelidolobha. Bakhuluma kabi ngaNkulunkulu waseJerusalema, balingisa ngesikhatsi bakhuluma ngalabonkulunkulu baletinye tive temhlaba, labangumsebenti wetandla temuntfu. Inkhosi Hezekiya ikanye nemphrofethi Isaya, umsa wa-Amose, bakhala kuNkulunkulu, bacela lusito lwakhe ngalendzaba. Simakadze wase utfumela ingilosi, yafike yawabhubhisa ngenkemba onkhe emachawe lanemandla, nebaholi, netindvuna, yabacedza bonkhe lababelapho enkambu yenkhosi yase-Asiriya. Senaheribi wabuyela emuva eveni lakhe ajojobele. Watsi uyawungena ethempelini lalonkulunkulu wakhe, lamanye emadvodzana akhe amenta silo sengubo, amjuba ngenkemba. Simakadze wamsindzisa kanjalo-ke Hezekiya, inkhosi, kanye nebantfu bakhe baseJerusalema esandleni saSenaheribi, inkhosi yase-Asiriya, nasetandleni tabo bonkhe labanye. Bantfu bakhe wabavikela yonkhe indzawo. Labanyenti bantfu beta baletsa iminikelo yaSimakadze eJerusalema, netipho letinelinani lelikhulu baliletsa kuHezekiya, inkhosi yakaJuda. Kusukela ngaleso sikhatsi wahlonishwa kakhulu kuto tonkhe tive. Kulawo malanga Hezekiya wagula wabangwa netibi. Wathandaza kuSimakadze, Simakadze wamphendvula ngekumnika sibonakaliso lesisimanga. Kodvwa inhlitiyo yakhe yatiphakamisa kangangekutsi akazange awunake lomusa longaka labentelwe wona, ngako lulaka lwaSimakadze lwehlela etikwakhe nasetikwaJuda neJerusalema. Hezekiya wase uyaphendvuka kulokutiphakamisa kwenhlitiyo yakhe, njengaloku kwenta bantfu baseJerusalema; ngaloko lulaka lwaSimakadze lwangabe lusehlela etikwabo ngesikhatsi saHezekiya. Hezekiya abengakanjingi nakadzeni, abevele ngenhloko, futsi ahlonishwa kakhulu, wenta letinkhulu tingungu tesiliva yakhe netegolide kanye netematje akhe laligugu, netetinandzisi, netemahawu, netato tonkhe tintfo letiligugu. Wakha letinkhulu tita tekulondvolota tivuno talokutinhlavu, neteliwayini lelisha, netemafutsa. Wakha tibaya tetinhlobonhlobo tetinkhomo, kanye netibaya tetimbuti netimvu. Wakha emakhaya lamanyenti, waba nenyambalala yetifuyo, timbuti, netimvu, netinkhomo, imihlambi lemikhulu. Nkulunkulu phela abemuphe bunjinga lobukhulu. NguHezekiya lona lowavimba siyalu lesingenhla saseGihoni, wadvonsa lamanti wawacondzisa entasi ngasenshonalanga neliDolobha laDavide. Hezekiya abephumelela kuko konkhe labekusukela akwente. Kodvwa kwatsi nakufika emancusa aseBhabhulona atfunywe ngumbusi wakhona kutsi atewubuta ngalesimanga sesibonakaliso lesasehlele eveni lakhe, Nkulunkulu wamshiya yedvwa entela kumvivinya, kuze akwati konkhe lokwakusenhlitiyweni yaHezekiya. Leminye imininingwane ngekubusa kwaHezekiya, nako konkhe lakwenta ngekutinikela, kubhaliwe encwadzini yembono wemphrofethi Isaya, umsa wa-Amose, encwadzini yemakhosi akaJuda newaka-Israyeli. Hezekiya wase uyakhotsama, wafihlwa kubakubo entsabeni lapho kunemadliza etitukulwane taDavide khona. Sonkhe sive sakaJuda nesaseJerusalema samhlonipha kakhulu ekufeni kwakhe. Manase, umsa wakhe, waba yinkhosi esikhundleni sakhe. Manase abeneminyaka leli-12 budzala, nakabekwa kuba yinkhosi. Wabusela eJerusalema iminyaka lengema-55. Manase wenta lokubi emehlweni aSimakadze, alandzela leto tintfo letatisinengiso letatentiwa nguleto tive Simakadze latidvungulula ngesikhatsi nakufika sive sema-Israyeli. Wavusa kabusha tindzawo letiphakeme tekukhontela tithico, letatibhidlitwe nguyise Hezekiya, waphindze wakha emalati aBhali, wamisa netinsika ta-Ashera. Wakhotsama wakhonta tonkhe tinkhanyeti tesibhakabhaka. Wakha emalati ekhatsi ethempelini laSimakadze, Simakadze labekhulume ngalo watsi: “Libito lami ngiyakulibeka eJerusalema phakadze naphakadze.” Kuto totimbili tibuya telithempeli laSimakadze wakha emalati ekukhonta tinkhanyeti. Wanikela ngemadvodzana akhe kutsi ashiswe emlilweni eSigodzini sakaBheni Hinomu, wangenela bungoma, nemilingo, nebutsakatsi, watihlanganisa nalabanemadloti nalabaphengulako. Wenta lokubi kakhulu emehlweni aSimakadze, wamtfukutselisa. Watsatsa lesithico labesasibatile wasingenisa ethempelini laNkulunkulu, lelo Nkulunkulu labekhulume ngalo kuDavide nakuSolomoni, umsa wakhe, watsi: “Kulelithempeli naseJerusalema lengiyikhetse emkhatsini wato tonkhe tive tema-Israyeli ngitawubeka Libito lami kuyo phakadze naphakadze. Ngingeke ngiphindze ngente tinyawo tema-Israyeli tibe solomane tizulazula tisuka kulelive lengalipha bokhokho bawo, kuphela nje nangabe bangacaphela kutsi bente konkhe loko lengabayala ngako mayelana nayo yonkhe imitsetfo, netimiso, neteluleko lengabanika tona ngaMosi.” Kodvwa Manase wabedukisa bantfu bakaJuda nebaseJerusalema, ngako benta lokubi kakhulu kwendlula letive letabhujiswa nguSimakadze, ngesikhatsi nakufika ema-Israyeli. Simakadze wakhuluma kuManase nakubantfu bakhe, kodvwa abazange bamnake. Ngako Simakadze wehlisela etikwabo libutfo letindvuna temphi tenkhosi yase-Asiriya, tefika tatfumba Manase, tamfaka lihhuka lapha ekhaleni, tambopha ngetinketane telitfusi, tahamba naye tammikisa eBhabhulona. Manase wafunisisa Simakadze asasekuhluphekeni, wafuna lusito lwaSimakadze Nkulunkulu wakhe, watitfoba kakhulu embikwaNkulunkulu waboyisemkhulu. Watsi nakathandaza kuye, Simakadze watsintseka ngalokuncusa kwakhe, wakulalela kutincengela kwakhe, wase umbuyisela emuva eJerusalema nasembusweni wakhe. Kusukela lapho-ke Manase wati kutsi Simakadze nguNkulunkulu. Emvakwaloko Manase wakha kabusha lubondza lwangaphandle kweliDolobha laDavide, ngasenshonalanga nesiyalu saseGihoni esigodzini, kuze kuyewuma ekungeneni kweLisango Lenhlanti, lutungeleta intsaba i-Ofeli, walwenta lwaphakama kakhulu. Wemisa tindvuna temabutfo emphi kuwo onkhe emadolobha latinqaba akaJuda. Watisusa tonkhe tithico tebetive, wesusa nalesitfombe labesibeke ethempelini laSimakadze, kanye nawo onkhe lamalati labesawakhe entsabeni yelithempeli naseJerusalema; konkhe wakulahlela ngaphandle kwelidolobha. Wabe sewubuyisela lilati laSimakadze, wenta nemhlatjelo webudlelwane nemnikelo wekubonga etikwalo, watjela sonkhe sive sakaJuda kutsi asikhonte Simakadze, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli. Noko bantfu bona bachubeka kwenta imihlatjelo etindzaweni letiphakeme lababekhonta kuto tithico, kodvwa babeyentela Simakadze, Nkulunkulu wabo, yena yedvwa. Leminye imininingwane ngekubusa kwaManase, lokufaka ekhatsi umthandazo wakhe lawenta kuNkulunkulu, nemavi lakhulunywa kuye ngumboniswa egameni laSimakadze, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, kubhaliwe encwadzini yemilandvo yemakhosi aka-Israyeli. Umthandazo wakhe, nekutsi Nkulunkulu watsintseka kanjani ngekutincengela kwakhe, kanye nato tonkhe tono takhe, nekungetsembeki kwakhe, netindzawo letiphakeme tekukhontela tithico, lapho bekakhe khona titfombe letikhontwako, wagcumeka netinsika ta-Ashera netithico, ngalesikhatsi asengakatitfobi, konkhe loko kubhaliwe etincwadzini tebaboniswa. Manase wase uyakhotsama, wafihlwa esigodlweni sakhe. Amoni, umsa wakhe, wase uba yinkhosi esikhundleni sakhe. Amoni abeneminyaka lengema-22 budzala, nakabekwa kuba yinkhosi. Wabusela eJerusalema iminyaka lemibili. Wenta lokubi emehlweni aSimakadze, walingisa uyise Manase. Amoni wakhonta, wenta imihlatjelo kuto tonkhe tithico letatibatwe nguyise Manase. Kodvwa yena akazange afute uyise Manase, ngobe akazange aphendvuke, atitfobe embikwaSimakadze, Amoni wachubeka wadlanga ngebubi bakhe. Tiphatsimandla ta-Amoni tamakhela luzungu, tamenta silo sengubo, tambulalela endlunkhulu yakhe. Kodvwa sonkhe sive salelo live sababulala bonkhe labo lababente luzungu lwekubulala Amoni, inkhosi; sabeka Josaya, umsa wakhe, kutsi abe yinkhosi esikhundleni sakhe. Josaya abeneminyaka lesiphohlongo budzala, nakabekwa kuba yinkhosi. Wabusela eJerusalema iminyaka lengema-31. Wenta lokuhle emehlweni aSimakadze, wahamba ngetindlela teyise Davide, akazange aphambukele ngesekudla nome ngesancele. Kwatsi ngemnyaka wesiphohlongo wekubusa kwakhe, asesemncane impela, wacala wafunisisa Nkulunkulu weyisemkhulu Davide. Kwatsi ngemnyaka weli-12 wacala kuhlambulula lakaJuda nelaseJerusalema, wesusa tonkhe tindzawo letiphakeme tekukhontela tithico, netinsika ta-Ashera, netithico letibatiwe, netitfombe letibunjiwe. Ngekuyala kwakhe emalati aboBhali abhidlitwa, wagawula nalamalati ekutfuncisela timphepho labesetikwawo, wawajuba aba ticucu, wabhidlita naletinsika ta-Ashera, netithico, netitfombe. Loko wakubhidlita kwaba timvutfu, wakusakatela emadlizeni alabo labebahlabela kuwo imihlatjelo. Washisela ematsambo ebaphristi etikwemalati abo; walihlambulula kanjalo-ke lakaJuda nelaseJerusalema. Emadolobheni akaManase, newaka-Efrayimu, newakaSimeyoni kuze kuyewufika kaNaftali nasetindzaleni letatiwatungeletile, wabhidlita lamalati netinsika ta-Ashera, letithico watisila taba yimphuphu, wajuba emalati emphepho, kwaba tincetu kulo lonkhe laka-Israyeli. Wesuka lapho wabuyela eJerusalema. Ngemnyaka weli-18 wekubusa kwaJosaya, asahlambulula live kanye nelithempeli, watfumela boShafani, umsa wa-Asaliya, naMaseya, umphatsi welidolobha, banaJowa, umsa waJowahazi, labengulobhalisako, kutsi abavusetele lithempeli laSimakadze Nkulunkulu wakhe. Bahamba baya kuHilkiya, umPhristi Lomkhulu, bafike bamnika lemali leyayiletfwe ethempelini laNkulunkulu, leyayicocwe ngemaLevi labebomahlalesangweni, labeyibutse kubantfu bakaManase nebaka-Efrayimu, nakuyo yonkhe imisalela yaka-Israyeli, neyakaJuda, neyakaBhenjamini, kanye nakubo bonkhe lababehlala eJerusalema. Bayibeka kulamadvodza labesabekwe yinkhosi kutsi akengamele umsebenti welithempeli laSimakadze. Lamadvodza ngawo labeholela tisebenti letativusetela kabusha lelithempeli. Lenye imali babeyinika laba lababatako nalabakhako, kuze batewutsenga ngayo ematje lasabatwe kahle kanye netingodvo, netinsika taletindlu letatiyekelelwe ngemakhosi akaJuda taze tadzilika, taba tindzala. Lamadvodza awenta ngekwetsembeka lokukhulu lomsebenti. Lababebacondzisi babo bekuboJahathi, na-Obadiya, emaLevi labeyintalelwane yaMerari, naZakhariya, naMeshulamu labebadzabuka kuKhohati. Onkhe emaLevi labebochwephesha ekudlaleni tingubhu temculo, wona abeluse laba labasebentako, engamele tonkhe tisebenti kusuka kulomsebenti kuye kulowa. Lamanye emaLevi abebomabhalane, nebabhali, nabomahlalesangweni. Batsi basatfutsetela bakhipha lemali leyayiletfwe ethempelini laSimakadze, Hilkiya, umPhristi Lomkhulu, watfola incwadzi yemtsetfo waSimakadze leyanikwa ema-Israyeli ngaMosi. Hilkiya wakhuluma kuShafani, labengumabhalane, watsi: “Ngiyitfolile incwadzi yemtsetfo ekhatsi ethempelini laSimakadze.” Wase uyinika Shafani. Shafani wayitsatsa lencwadzi wayakuyibika enkhosini, watsi: “Tinceku takho tenta konkhe loko letitfunywe kutsi tikwente. Setiyikhiphile lemali lebeyisethempelini laSimakadze, tase tiyibeka etandleni tebengameli netisebenti.” Shafani, mabhalane, wayibikela inkhosi, watsi: “Hilkiya, umphristi, unginike incwadzi.” Shafani wase ufundzela inkhosi lencwadzi. Inkhosi yatsi kube iweve lamavi emtsetfo, yaklebhula tembatfo tayo. Yase ikhuluma kuboHilkiya, na-Ahikamu, umsa waShafani, na-Abdoni, umsa waMikha, naShafani, labengumabhalane, kanye na-Asaya, inceku yenkhosi, yatsi: “Hambani niyekungibutela kuSimakadze, nibutele mine kanye nensali yaka-Israyeli neyakaJuda ngaloku lokubhalwe kulencwadzi leseyitfolakele. Yinkhulu kabi intfukutselo yaSimakadze layitfululele etikwetfu ngenca yekutsi bobabe abazange baligcine livi laSimakadze; abazange bakwente konkhe loku lokubhalwe kulencwadzi.” Hilkiya kanye nalaba lababetfunywe yinkhosi naye bahamba bayawukhuluma nemphrofethikati labenguHulda, umkaShalumi, umsa waThokhathi, umsa waHasra. Shalumi abengumphatsi wetembatfo tasethempelini. Lomphrofethikati abehlala eJerusalema eSifundzeni Sesibili. Wabatjela watsi: “Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, utsi: ‘Tjelani lendvodza lenitfumele lapha kimi, nitsi: Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: Ngitakwehlisela inhlekelele kulendzawo nakubantfu bayo, tonkhe leticalekiso letibhalwe kulencwadzi lefundvwe embikwenkhosi yakaJuda. Njengobe bangishiyile mine, batfuncisa imphepho kulabanye bonkulunkulu, bangitfukutselisa ngato tonkhe letithico labatibumbe ngetandla tabo, intfukutselo yami itawutfululelwa kulendzawo, futsi ingeke icisheke.’ Tjelani inkhosi yakaJuda lenitfumele kutsi niteyibutela kuSimakadze, kutsi: ‘Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, macondzana nalamavi lowevile: Njengobe inhlitiyo yakho itsintsekile, wase uyatitfoba embikwaNkulunkulu, nawuva kutsi abetsiteni ngalendzawo kanye nangebantfu bayo, ngobe wena utitfobile embikwami, waklebhula tingubo takho, wakhala embikwami, ngikuvile, kusho Simakadze. Manje-ke ngitakuyisa kuboyihlomkhulu, wena uyawufihlwa ngekuthula. Emehlo akho akayikuyibona yonkhe lenhlekelele lengitayehlisela kulendzawo nakulabo labahlala kuyo.’ ” Ngako batsatsa lemphendvulo yakhe lomphrofethikati bayimikisa enkhosini Josaya. Josaya, inkhosi, wase ubita bonkhe baholi bakaJuda nebaseJerusalema. Wenyuka nabo waya ethempelini laSimakadze akanye nalamadvodza akaJuda, nebantfu baseJerusalema, nebaphristi nemaLevi, ngisho nabo bonkhe bantfu kusukela kulomncane kuze kuyewufika kulomkhulu. Wabafundzela, baweva onkhe emavi alencwadzi yesivumelwane leyayitfolakele ethempelini laSimakadze. Inkhosi yema eceleni kwensika yayo yavusetela sivumelwane embikwaSimakadze, yavuma kulandzela Simakadze nekugcina imiyalo yakhe, nemitsetfo yakhe, kanye netimiso takhe, ngayo yonkhe inhlitiyo yayo, nangawo wonkhe umphefumulo wayo, nekulalela emavi esivumelwane labhalwe kulencwadzi. Wabafungisa bonkhe bantfu baseJerusalema nebakaBhenjamini kulesivumelwane. Bantfu baseJerusalema bakwenta loko njengekwesivumelwane saNkulunkulu, Nkulunkulu waboyisemkhulu. Josaya wesusa tonkhe tithico letisinengiso kulo lonkhe lelalihlala ema-Israyeli. Wenta kutsi bonkhe bantfu labakhile kulaka-Israyeli bakhonte Simakadze Nkulunkulu wabo. Ngaso sonkhe sikhatsi sekuphila kwakhe, sive asizange sisuke ekulandzeleni Simakadze, Nkulunkulu waboyisemkhulu. Josaya wagubha umkhosi weliPhasika kuSimakadze eJerusalema, liwundlu leliPhasika lahlatjwa ngelilanga leli-14 lenyanga yekucala. Josaya wabeka baphristi emsebentini wabo, wabakhutsata kutsi bakhonte ethempelini laSimakadze. Watjela emaLevi, labenguwona alawula onkhe ema-Israyeli, futsi ehlukaniselwe Simakadze, watsi: “Bekani libhokisi lelingcwele lesivumelwane ethempelini lelakhiwa nguSolomoni, umsa waDavide, inkhosi yema-Israyeli. Akusafanele letfwalwe ngemahlombe enu. Manje-ke, khontani Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu nesive sakhe, ema-Israyeli. Tilungiseleni ngemindeni yenu njengekuma kweticheme tenu, nanjengobe kukhonjiwe kulencwadzi leyabhalwa nguDavide, inkhosi yema-Israyeli, nayindvodzana yakhe Solomoni. “Manini endzaweni lengcwele kube sicheme sinye semaLevi kuleto naleto tichenyana temindeni yebantfu bemave akini, bantfu phaqa. Hlabani emawundlu eliPhasika, nitingcwelise nani, nilungise lamawundlu nilungisele labantfu bemave akini, nente loko lokwashiwo nguSimakadze ngaMosi.” Josaya walungisela bonkhe bantfu labebalapho, luntfu nje, timvu netimbuti letatiti-30 000, wabalungiselela iminikelo yeliPhasika kanye netinkhomo letatiti-3 000, konkhe kutsetfwe kukwenkhosi. Netiphatsimandla takhe nato tabapha ngesihle labantfu benkhosi, nebaphristi, nemaLevi. BoHilkiya, naZakhariya, naJehiyeli lababengamele ethempelini laNkulunkulu bapha baphristi iminikelo yeliPhasika leti-2 600 kanye netinkhomo letingema-300. NaboKhonaniya, banaShemaya, naNethaneli, bomnakabo, naHashabiya, naJeyiyeli, naJozabadi, baholi bemaLevi, nabo bakhipha iminikelo yeliPhasika leyayiti-5 000 netinkhomo letingema-500 temaLevi. Inkonzo yalungiswa, baphristi bema etindzaweni tabo nemaLevi njengekweticheme tawo, njengobe kwakushito inkhosi. Emawundlu eliPhasika ahlatjwa-ke, baphristi bafafata ngalengati lababenikwe yona, ngaleso sikhatsi emaLevi abehlinza letilwane. Behlukanisa iminikelo yekushiswa kuze bayinike letichenyana temindeni yebantfu kutsi bayinikele kuSimakadze, njengobe kubhaliwe encwadzini yaMosi. Benta njalo nangaletinkhomo. Batosa letilwane letatitemnikelo weliPhasika, batosa emlilweni, njengobe kubhaliwe, base babilisa leminikelo lengcwele emabhodweni, nasetimbiteni tensimbi, nasemakesini, babaphakela masinyane bantfu. Emvakwaloko benta emalungiselelo abo newebaphristi, ngobe baphristi, batukulu ba-Aroni, bona babenta iminikelo yekushiswa kanye nemakoyi emafutsa, kwaze kwayawushona lilanga. Ngobe emaLevi ase atilungiselela wona kanye nalabaphristi baka-Aroni. Bahlabeli, batukulu ba-Asafa, babesetindzaweni letatilawulwe nguDavide, bo-Asafa, naHemani, naJeduthuni, baboniswa benkhosi. Bomahlalesangweni, kulelo nakulelo sango, kwakungenasidzingo sekutsi besuke lapho bakhona, ngobe labahlobo babo, emaLevi, babentela onkhe emalungiselelo. Ngako-ke ngalelo langa yonkhe inkonzo yaSimakadze yekugubha umkhosi weliPhasika yachubeka, kwakunikelwa iminikelo yekushiswa etikwelilati laSimakadze, njengobe inkhosi Josaya abeshito. Ema-Israyeli labekhona lapho agubha leliPhasika ngaleso sikhatsi, awugubha neMkhosi weSinkhwa Lesingenamvubelo, kwaze kwaphela emalanga lasikhombisa. LiPhasika lalingazange ligujwe ngaleyo ndlela ka-Israyeli kusukela ngetikhatsi temphrofethi Samuweli. Kute namunye wemakhosi aka-Israyeli labeke wagubha umkhosi lonjalo weliPhasika, njengaloku kwenta inkhosi Josaya, nebaphristi, nemaLevi, nabo bonkhe bakaJuda, nebaka-Israyeli lababekhona lapho kanye nebaseJerusalema. Lomkhosi wagujwa ngemnyaka weli-18 wekubusa kwaJosaya. Emvakwako konkhe loko, Josaya lithempeli asalihlele ngalokufanele, Nekho, inkhosi yaseGibhithe, wakhuphuka ayakulwa eKhakhemishi ngaseYufrathe, Josaya washuca wayakuhlangana naye emphini. Kodvwa Nekho watfumela tigijimi kuJosaya, atsi: “Sicabene ngani tsine nawe, nkhosi yakaJuda? Akusiwe lona lengilwa naye kulesikhatsi, kodvwa ngulendlu lengicabene nayo. Nkulunkulu utsite angisheshise, ngako-ke yekela kumelana naNkulunkulu longakimi, ngaphandle kwaloko utakubhubhisa Nkulunkulu.” Kodvwa Josaya akazange afune kugucuka, wesuka watigucula tembatfo takhe wangena emphini, walwa naye. Akazange alalele loko lokwakushiwo nguNekho ngekuyalwa nguNkulunkulu, kodvwa wachubeka wayakulwa naye emphini yaseMegido. Banembi bahlaba inkhosi Josaya, watjela tindvuna takhe watsi: “Ngikhipheni, sengilimele kabi.” Ngako tamsusa encoleni yakhe yemphi, tambeka kulenye incola yemphi labete nayo, tambuyisela ekhaya eJerusalema, lapho afike wakhotsamela khona. Wafihlwa emadlizeni aboyisemkhulu, sonkhe sive sakaJuda nesaseJerusalema salila kakhulu ngaye. Jeremiya wacamba tingoma tesililo saJosaya, kuze kube ngulamuhla bonkhe bahlabeli besilisa nebesifazane basamkhumbula Josaya ngaletingoma tesililo sakhe. Letingoma tase tiba tingoma temihambo yema-Israyeli, tabhalwa encwadzini yetililo. Leminye imininingwane ngekuma kwaJosaya nemisebenti yakhe yekutinikela macondzana nalokubhalwe encwadzini yemtsetfo waSimakadze, konkhe kukhankhasa kwakhe, kusukela ekucaleni kuye ekugcineni, kubhaliwe encwadzini yemakhosi aka-Israyeli newakaJuda. Sive sakaJuda satsatsa Jehoyahazi, umsa waJosaya, sambeka waba yinkhosi yaseJerusalema esikhundleni seyise. Jehoyahazi abeneminyaka lengema-23 budzala, nakabekwa kuba yinkhosi. Wabusela eJerusalema tinyanga letintsatfu. Inkhosi yaseGibhithe yamsusa esikhundleni sebukhosi eJerusalema, yabe seyihlisibeta bakaJuda ngemtselo wesiliva lengemakhilogremu labengaba ti-3 400, negolide lengemakhilogremu labengaba ngema-34. Inkhosi yaseGibhithe yabeka Eliyakimu, umnakaboJehoyahazi, kutsi abe yinkhosi yesive sakaJuda nesaseJerusalema, wase ugucula libito la-Eliyakimu, wametsa libito watsi nguJehoyakimu, kodvwa Nekho watsatsa lomnakabo-Eliyakimu, labenguJehoyahazi, wammikisa eGibhithe. Jehoyakimu abeneminyaka lengema-25 budzala, nakabekwa kuba yinkhosi. Wabusela eJerusalema iminyaka leli-11. Wenta lokubi emehlweni aSimakadze Nkulunkulu wakhe. Nebukhadnezari, inkhosi yaseBhabhulona, wamhlasela, wambopha ngetinketane telitfusi entela kumtfumba amuse eBhabhulona. Nebukhadnezari watsatsa netimphahla tasethempelini laSimakadze waya nato eBhabhulona, wafike watifaka ethempelini lakhe. Leminye imininingwane ngekubusa kwaJehoyakimu, tintfo letinengekako latenta, nako konkhe lokwatfolakala kumelana naye, kubhaliwe encwadzini yemakhosi aka-Israyeli newakaJuda. Jehoyakhini, umsa wakhe, waba yinkhosi esikhundleni sakhe. Jehoyakhini abeneminyaka leli-18 budzala, nakabekwa kuba yinkhosi. Wabusela eJerusalema tinyanga letintsatfu nemalanga lalishumi. Wenta lokubi emehlweni aSimakadze. Kwatsi entfwasahlobo, inkhosi Nebukhadnezari watfumela kutsi akalandvwe aletfwe eBhabhulona, aletfwe kanye netimphahla letinelinani lelikhulu tasethempelini laSimakadze. Wase ubeka malume waJehoyakhini labenguSedekiya kutsi abe yinkhosi yakaJuda neyaseJerusalema. Sedekiya abeneminyaka lengema-21 budzala, nakabekwa kuba yinkhosi. Wabusela eJerusalema iminyaka leli-11. Wenta lokubi emehlweni aSimakadze Nkulunkulu wakhe, wangete watitfoba embikwaJeremiya, umphrofethi, lowakhuluma livi laSimakadze. Sedekiya-ke wayivukela inkhosi Nebukhadnezari lowamfungisa ngelibito laNkulunkulu. Wacinisa inhloko nenhlitiyo yakhe, wala kuphendvukela kuSimakadze, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli. Ngetulu kwaloko bonkhe baholi bebaphristi nesive sonkhe sachubeka nekungetsembeki, balandzela yonkhe lemikhuba lenengekako yebetive, balingcolisa lithempeli laSimakadze labelingcwelisile eJerusalema. Simakadze Nkulunkulu waboyisemkhulu watfumela livi kubo ngetitfunywa takhe emahlandla lamanyenti, ngobe abebadzabukela bantfu bakhe nendzawo yakhe yekuhlala. Kodvwa baphukuta letitfunywa taNkulunkulu, bawedzelela emavi akhe, babahhalatisa nalabaphrofethi, lwadzimate lulaka lwaNkulunkulu lwavukela bantfu bakhe, futsi kwabate nalobasindzisako. Simakadze wabavusela inkhosi yaseBhabhulona leyafike yabulala onkhe emajaha abo ngenkemba, iwabulalela endzaweni lengcwele, ingashiyi lutfo loluselusha labadvuna nalabasikati nome talukati nemakhehla. Nkulunkulu wabaniketela bonkhe kuNebukhadnezari. Wabutsa tonkhe timphahla tasethempelini laNkulunkulu, watitfumba waya nato eBhabhulona, timphahla letincane, naletinkhulu kanye nengcebo yasethempelini laSimakadze nengcebo yenkhosi kanye neyetiphatsimandla tayo. Bokhela lithempeli laNkulunkulu ngemlilo, babhidlita nalolubondza lwaseJerusalema base bashisa tigodlo tonkhe kanye netimphahla letatinelinani lelikhulu lapho. Watsatsa lemisalela wayakuyidzingisela eBhabhulona, labo lababesindze enkembeni, base baba tigcili takhe kanye netebantfwabakhe, waze umbuso wasePheresiya waba ngulonemandla kakhulu. Live lase lijabula ngekuphumula kwangemaSabatha, ngaso sonkhe leso sikhatsi sekulahlwa kwalo, laphumula, kwaze kwaphela leminyaka lengema-70, kwagcwaliseka livi laSimakadze labelikhulume ngemlomo wemphrofethi Jeremiya. Ngemnyaka wekucala wekubusa kwaKhuresi, inkhosi yasePheresiya, kuze kugcwaliseke livi laSimakadze lelalikhulunywe nguJeremiya, Simakadze watsintsa inhlitiyo yaKhuresi, inkhosi yasePheresiya, kutsi ente simemetelo kulo lonkhe lelalingaphansi kwakhe, nekutsi asibhale phansi atsi: “Naku lokushiwo nguKhuresi, inkhosi yasePheresiya, utsi: “ ‘Simakadze, Nkulunkulu welizulu, unginike yonkhe imibuso yemhlaba, sewungiyalile kutsi ngimakhele lithempeli eJerusalema kulakaJuda. Manje-ke, ngulowo nalowo kini nine sive saNkulunkulu losemkhatsini wenu, shangatsi Simakadze Nkulunkulu wakhe angaba naye, ahambe aye khona.’ ” Ngemnyaka wekucala wekubusa kwaKhuresi, inkhosi yasePheresiya, kuze kugcwaliseke livi laSimakadze lelakhulunywa nguJeremiya, Simakadze watsintsa inhlitiyo yaKhuresi, inkhosi yasePheresiya kutsi ente simemetelo kulo lonkhe lelingaphansi kwakhe, nekutsi asibhale phansi atsi: “Naku lokushiwo nguKhuresi, inkhosi yasePheresiya, utsi: “ ‘Simakadze, Nkulunkulu welizulu, unginike yonkhe imibuso yemhlaba, wangiyala nekutsi ngimakhele lithempeli lakhe eJerusalema kulakaJuda. Ngulowo nalowo wesive sakhe losemkhatsini wenu shangatsi Simakadze angaba naye, ahambe aye eJerusalema kaJuda, akhe lithempeli laSimakadze, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, Nkulunkulu loseJerusalema. Nakukhona umuntfu loyinsali yebatfunjwa lodzinga lusito ngekubuyela emuva, makhelwane wakhe akamsite. Kufanele labo bantfu basitwe ngesiliva, nangegolide, nangetimphahla, nangetifuyo kanye nangeminikelo yesihle yelithempeli laNkulunkulu waseJerusalema.’ ” Kwatsi baholi bemindeni yakaJuda neyakaBhenjamini, nebaphristi, nemaLevi, nabo bonkhe Nkulunkulu latsintsa tinhlitiyo tabo kutsi bahambe bayewulakha lithempeli laSimakadze, batilungiselela kwenyukela eJerusalema. Bonkhe bomakhelwane babo babasita ngetintfo tesiliva, netegolide, nangetimphahla, nangetifuyo, nangetipho letiligugu kanye nangeminikelo yesihle. Ngetulu kwaloko Khuresi, inkhosi, watikhipha tonkhe leto timphahla betitelithempeli laSimakadze, letatitfunjwe nguNebukhadnezari eJerusalema, asatibeke ethempelini lankulunkulu wakhe. Khuresi, inkhosi yasePheresiya, watfuma Mithredathi, umgcini wetimali, kutsi atimikise. Mithredathi watibala tonkhe, wase utetfula kuSheshbasari, umbusi wakaJuda. Nase tibalwa, kwatfolakala leti: tindishi tegolide letatingema-30, netindishi tesiliva letatiyinkhulungwane, nemapani esiliva labengema-29, netitja tegolide letatingema-30, netitja letincane tesiliva letatingema-410, naletinye timphahla letatiyinkhulungwane. Sekukonkhe kwaba timphahla letatiti-5 400 tegolide netesiliva. Sheshbasari tonkhe letimphahla watiletsa ahamba nebatfunjwa nabaphuma eBhabhulona baya eJerusalema. Laba bantfu besifundza lababuya besuka ekutfunjweni, lababetfunjwe nguNebukhadnezari, inkhosi yaseBhabhulona, wabatfumbela eBhabhulona. Babuyela eJerusalema nakaJuda, nguloyo naloyo edolobheni lakubo. Befika naZerubhabheli, naJeshuwa, naNehemiya, naSeraya, naRelaya, naModekhayi, naBilshani, naMisperethi, naBikvayi, naRehumi, naBhana. Luhla lwemadvodza esive saka-Israyeli bekungulawa: titukulwane takaPharoshi tatiti-2 172, titukulwane takaShefathiya tatingema-372, titukulwane taka-Ara tatingema-775, titukulwane takaPhahathi Mowabi, ngeluhlanga lwakaJeshuwa nakaJowabe, tatiti-2 812, titukulwane taka-Elamu tatiyi-1 254, titukulwane takaZathu tatingema-945, titukulwane takaZakhayi tatingema-760, titukulwane takaBani tatingema-642, titukulwane takaBebayi tatingema-623, titukulwane taka-Azgadi tatiyi-1 222, titukulwane taka-Adonikamu tatingema-666, titukulwane takaBikvayi tatiti-2 056, titukulwane taka-Adini tatingema-454, titukulwane taka-Ateri, ngaHezekiya, tatingema-98, titukulwane takaBhezayi tatingema-323, titukulwane takaJora tatili-112, titukulwane takaHashumi tatingema-223, netitukulwane takaGibhari letatingema-95. Emadvodza labewekudzabuka eBhetlehema abeli-123, emadvodza aseNethofa abengema-56. Emadvodza ase-Anathothi abeli-128, emadvodza ase-Azmavethi abengema-42, emadvodza aseKhiriyathi Jeyarimu, naseKhefira naseBherothi abengema-743, emadvodza aseRama naseGeba abengema-621, emadvodza aseMikmashi abeli-122, emadvodza aseBetheli nase-Ayi abengema-223, emadvodza aseNebo abengema-52, emadvodza aseMagbishi abeli-156, emadvodza ase-Elamu lenye abeyi-1 254, emadvodza aseHarimi abengema-320, emadvodza aseLodi, naseHadidi, nase-Ono abengema-725, emadvodza aseJerikho abengema-345, nemadvodza aseSena abeti-3 630. Baphristi bona: bekutitukulwane takaJedaya ngemndeni waJeshuwa, babengema-973, titukulwane taka-Imeri tatiyi-1 052, titukulwane takaPhashuri tatiyi-1 247, netitukulwane takaHarimi letatiyi-1 017. EmaLevi wona: bekutitukulwane takaJeshuwa netakaKhadmiyeli, ngeluhlanga lwaHodaviya, abengema-74. Bahlabeli bona: bekutitukulwane taka-Asafa, babeli-128. Bomahlalesangweni belithempeli bona: bekutitukulwane takaShalumi, netaka-Ateri, netakaThalmoni, netaka-Akhubi, netakaHatita, netakaShobayi, babeli-139. Tisebenti telithempeli tona: bekutitukulwane takaSiha, netakaHasufa, netakaThabhayothi, netakaKherosi, netakaSiyaha, netakaPhadoni, netakaLebana, netakaHagabha, netaka-Akhubi, netakaHagabi, netakaShalmayi, netakaHanana, netakaGideli, netakaGahari, netakaReyaya, netakaResini, netakaNekoda, netakaGazamu, netaka-Uza, netakaPhaseya, netakaBhesayi, netaka-Asna, netakaMeyunimu, netakaNefusimu, netakaBakbuki, netakaHakufa, netakaHahuri, netakaBasluthi, netakaMehida, netakaHasha, netakaBhakosi, netakaSisera, netakaThema, netakaNesiya kanye netakaHatifa. Titukulwane tetisebenti takaSolomoni tona: bekutitukulwane takaSothayi, netakaHasoferethi, netakaPheruda, netakaJala, netakaDakhoni, netakaGideli, netakaShefathiya, netakaHathili, netakaPhokerethi Sebayimi kanye netaka-Ami. Tisebenti telithempeli kanye netitukulwane tetisebenti takaSolomoni betingema-392. Laba labalandzelako babephuma emadolobheni aseTheli Mela, naseTheli Hasha, naseKherubi, nase-Adoni, nase-Imeri, kodvwa noko abazange bakwati kuchaza kutsi imindeni yabo yayiyekudzabuka ka-Israyeli yini: Titukulwane takaDelaya, netakaThobiya kanye netakaNekoda tatingema-652. Kulaba labanye baphristi: Bekutitukulwane takaHabaya, netakaHakhosi kanye netakaBhazilayi, indvodza leyayitsetse indvodzakati yaBhazilayi wakaGileyadi, yase ibitwa ngelibito lakhe. Laba bafunisisa imilandvo yemindeni yabo, kodvwa abazange bayitfole; ngaleso sizatfu abazange babalwa kanye nebaphristi, batsatfwa ngekutsi bangcolile ngekwemtsetfo. Umbusi wabayala kutsi bangadli nome kunye kwalokudla kwekunikelwa, kuze kube nemphristi wekukhonta nge-Urimu neThumimu. Sebabonkhe labancandzeka babeti-42 360, ngaphandle kwetisebenti letidvuna naletisikati letatiti-7 337; ngetulu kwabo bekunebahlabeli labadvuna nalabasikati lababengema-200. Babenemahhashi langema-736, neminyuzi lengema-245, nemakamela langema-435 kanye netimbongolo letatiti-6 720. Batsi nabefika endlini yaSimakadze eJerusalema, labanye baholi bemindeni bakhipha iminikelo yesihle ekwakhiweni kabusha kwendlu yaSimakadze lapho yayime khona. Banikela ngekwemandla abo esikhwameni salomsebenti, kwaba ngemakhilogremu labengaba ngema-500 egolide, nemakhilogremu labengaba ti-2 800 esiliva kanye netingubo tebaphristi letatilikhulu. Baphristi, nebaLevi, nebahlabeli, nabomahlalesangweni belithempeli kanye netisebenti bavele bacaba, bakha emadolobha abo kanye nalaba labanye bantfu, kanjalo nema-Israyeli lamanye ahlala emadolobheni awo. Ngenyanga yesikhombisa sive saka-Israyeli sase sitintile sihleti emadolobheni aso; sonkhe sive sahlangana saba njengemuntfu munye eJerusalema. Jeshuwa, umsa waJosadaki, nebaphristi labebabambisene nabo kanye naZerubhabheli, umsa waSalatiyeli, nalabebabambisene naye bacala kwakha lilati laNkulunkulu waka-Israyeli kutekushisa umhlatjelo etikwalo, njengobe kubhaliwe emtsetfweni waMosi, umuntfu waNkulunkulu. Lite nome babesaba letive betibatungeletile, noko bachubeka bakha lilati esisekelweni salo, banikela ngemhlatjelo wekushiswa etikwalo kuSimakadze, ngisho imihlatjelo yekushiswa yasekuseni nantsambama. Bagubha uMkhosi wemaDlangala, njengobe kubhaliwe, kwentiwa yonkhe iminikelo yekushiswa lekwakufanele yentiwe ngalelo nangalelo langa. Emvakwaloko, base banikela ngeminikelo leshiswa samuku, lenikelwa njalo, nemihlatjelo yekwetfwasa kwenyanga kanye nayo yonkhe imihlatjelo leyayimiselwe kutsi yentiwe kuyo yonkhe imikhosi yaSimakadze, kanye naleyo leletselwa kutsi ibe ngimihlatjelo yesihle kuSimakadze. Ngelilanga lekucala enyangeni yesikhombisa bacala kunikela ngemnikelo wekushiswa kuSimakadze, nome sasisengakabekwa sisekelo selithempeli laSimakadze. Base bakhipha imali bayinika bakhi nebabati, bapha bantfu baseSidoni naseThire kudla, nesinatfo kanye nemafutsa; babentela kutsi khona batekubaletsela tingodvo temisedari ngelwandle, kusuka eLebanoni kuye eJopha, njengobe bekusho Khuresi, inkhosi yasePheresiya. Ngenyanga yesibili emnyakeni wesibili befikile endlini yaNkulunkulu eJerusalema, Zerubhabheli, umsa waSalatiyeli, naJeshuwa, umsa waJosadaki, kanye nabomnakabo bonkhe lababesele, baphristi, nemaLevi, nabo bonkhe lababebuye eJerusalema baphuma ekutfunjweni, bacala kusebenta, babeka emaLevi labeneminyaka lengema-20 kuya etulu kutsi agcugcutele kwakhiwa kwendlu yaSimakadze. Jeshuwa, nemadvodzana akhe, nabomnakabo, naKhadmiyeli nemadvodzana akhe, lekutitukulwane taHodaviya, kanye nemadvodzana aHenadadi, nemadvodzana abo, kanye nabomnakabo, baLevi bonkhe, bahlangana bagcugcutela labo bebakha indlu yaNkulunkulu. Batsi kube bakhi babeke sisekelo selithempeli laSimakadze, baphristi lababegcoke tembatfo tabo, baphetse emacilongo, bakanye nemaLevi, emadvodzana a-Asafa, labephetse bokhencekhence, bonkhe bema ngabolonina balungela kudvumisa Simakadze, njengobe kwakuvele kwahlelwa nguDavide, inkhosi yema-Israyeli. Badvumisa, babonga ngekuhlabela kuSimakadze, batsi: “Ulungile; umusa wakhe ku-Israyeli uyakuma kuze kube phakadze.” Bonkhe bantfu bamemeta kakhulu badvumisa Nkulunkulu, ngobe sisekelo sendlu yaSimakadze sasesibekiwe. Kodvwa bonkhe baphristi, nebaLevi labadzala kanye nebaholi bemindeni, lababebone lithempeli lakucala, bakhala badzindza sililo, nababona sisekelo salelithempeli sesibekwa, kantsi laba labanye bebamemeta bajabulile. Kute labengenta umehluko emkhatsini wekutsi lomsindvo wawuwekujabula yini nome wawuwekukhala, ngobe bantfu benta umsindvo lomkhulu kakhulu. Lomsindvo wevakala khashane. Tatsi kube titsa tebakaJuda nebakaBhenjamini tive kutsi labantfu labebatfunjiwe bese balakha kabusha lithempeli laSimakadze Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, teta kuZerubhabheli nakubaholi bemindeni, tafike tatsi: “Sicela kunisita kulokwakha, ngobe njengani, natsi sifuna loNkulunkulu wenu. Tsine besisolo sinikela kuye kusukela ngesikhatsi sa-Esahadoni, inkhosi yase-Asiriya, lowasiletsa lapha.” Kodvwa Zerubhabheli, naJeshuwa, kanye nebaholi labanye bemindeni yaka-Israyeli baphendvula batsi: “Aninanhlanganyelo natsi ekwakheni lithempeli laNkulunkulu wetfu. Ngitsi kuphela lesitawulakha silakhele Simakadze, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, njengobe Khuresi, inkhosi yasePheresiya, isiyalile.” Kwatsi tonkhe tive letatibomakhelwane babo tacala kubajabhisa nekubesabisa ngekwakha. Badizela letinye tiphatsimandla tembuso kutsi tiyigongonye yonkhe imitamo yekwakha sonkhe sikhatsi sekubusa kwaKhuresi, inkhosi yasePheresiya, kwaze kwaba sikhatsi sekubusa kwaDariyusi, inkhosi yasePheresiya. Ekucaleni kwekubusa kwaZeksesi, inkhosi, letitsa tabhala phansi tibeka sive sakaJuda nebantfu baseJerusalema licala. Kwaphindza futsi ngesikhatsi sekubusa kwa-Athazeksesi, inkhosi yasePheresiya, boBishlamu, naMithredathi, naThabeyali kanye nebangani babo babhalela Athazeksesi incwadzi. Lencwadzi yayibhalwe ngelulwimi lwesi-Aramu, yase iyahunyushwa. Rehumi, indvuna, kanye naShimshayi, labengumabhalane, babhala incwadzi ngeJerusalema bayitfumela ku-Athazeksesi, inkhosi, itsi: “Lencwadzi iphuma kuRehumi, indvuna, naShimshayi longumabhalane, kanye nakubangani babo, behluleli kanye netiphatsimandla letibengamele baseTripholisi, nebasePheresiya, nebase-Ereki, kanye nebaseBhabhulona, nema-Elamu aseSusa, nalabanye Ashubaniphali lomkhulu nalohloniphekile labatfumba wababeka kutsi bakhe edolobheni laseSamariya nakuletinye tindzawo ngaseNshonalanga neYufrathe.” Nayi-ke inkhulumo leyayibhalwe kulencwadzi: “Iya ku-Athazeksesi, inkhosi. “Iphuma etincekwini takho letingemadvodza lakhe eNshonalanga Yufrathe: “Inkhosi kufanele yati kutsi lamaJuda lafike lapha, esuka lapho kuwe asaye eJerusalema kuyewulakha kabusha lelidolobha lelibi nalelihlubukako. Balwakha kabusha lubondza, kantsi nesisekelo bayasivusetela. “Ngetulu kwaloko inkhosi kufanele yati kutsi nangabe lakhiwa lelidolobha nelubondza lwalo luvusetelwa, kute imitselo, netetfulo, nentsela letawuphindze ikhishwe, netimali tasebukhosini titawuphela. Njengobe manje singaphansi kwenkhosi singafuni nekutsi sibone bukhosi bentelwa phansi, ngiko sitfumele lelivi kutakwatisa inkhosi ngaloko, khona utawuke uphenyisise emilandvweni yabokhokho bakho. Kuleyo ndzawo utawukhandza kutsi lelidolobha linenkhani, liluhlupho emakhosini kusukela endvulo. Bantfu balo kulukhuni kubabusa. Nguko nje labhujiswa lelidolobha. Siyayatisa inkhosi kutsi nangabe lakhiwa kabusha lelidolobha, nangabe futsi nalo lolubondza lwakhiwa kabusha, itawusala yodvwana, ingasenalutfo lapha eNshonalanga Yufrathe.” Inkhosi yatfumela imphendvulo yayo leyayibhalwe kanje: “Lencwadzi ibhalelwe Rehumi, indvuna, naShimshayi, mabhalane, kanye nabo bonkhe labahambisana nabo labahlala eSamariya nakuso sonkhe sifundza saseNshonalanga Yufrathe. Ngiyanibingelela. “Lencwadzi leningibhalele yona ifundvwe yahunyushwa lapha embikwami. Ngivele ngakhipha umtsetfo kutsi kuphenyisiswe, kwatfolakala kutsi vele lelidolobha linemlandvo lomudze wekuhlubuka emakhosi. Bekuyindzawo yekuhlubuka nekuphambana nembuso. IJerusalema beyinemakhosi lanemandla kakhulu, abusa lonkhe leli lelingaseNshonalanga Yufrathe, imitselo, netetfulo kanye nentsela bekukhishwa kuwo. Ngako khiphani umlayeto nitjele lawo madvodza kutsi ayekele lowo msebenti, khona lelo dolobha lingetikwakhiwa, kuze kuphume lomunye umtsetfo kimi. Caphelani niyinakisise lendzaba. Lolusongo ningaluvumeli kutsi lube yingoti ebukhosini.” Yatsi kube lencwadzi ya-Athazeksesi, inkhosi, ifundzelwe Rehumi, naShimshayi, labengumabhalane, kanye nebangani babo, bavele basukumela etulu balibangisa kuwo emaJuda labeseJerusalema bayakuwaphocelela ngenkhani kutsi ayekele. Ngako umsebenti wekwakha indlu yaNkulunkulu eJerusalema wema, kwaze kwaba ngumnyaka wesibili wekubusa kwaDariyusi, inkhosi yasePheresiya. Ngasona leso sikhatsi baphrofethi lababili, boHagayi naZakhariya, umsa wa-Ido, bacala kukhulumela Nkulunkulu waka-Israyeli emaJudeni naseJerusalema. Watsi kube Zerubhabheli, umsa waSalatiyeli, naJeshuwa, umsa waJosadaki, baweve lamavi, bacala kuyakha kabusha indlu yaNkulunkulu eJerusalema. Labaphrofethi baNkulunkulu babenabo, babasita. Ngasona leso sikhatsi Thathenayi, umbusi waseNshonalanga Yufrathe, naShethari Boznayi kanye nebangani babo bahamba baya kubo, bafike bababuta batsi: “Ngubani lona loninike leligunya lekwakha kabusha lelithempeli nelekuvusetela lesakhiwo?” Babuya bababuta batsi: “Bobani emabito alamadvodza lakha lendlu?” Kodvwa liso laNkulunkulu lalibelusile baholi bakaJuda, abazange bayekeliswe, kwaze kwabhalelwa Dariyusi umbiko, kwalindzelwa imphendvulo leyayibhalwe nguye phansi. Lena kwaba nguyona ncwadzi leyabhalwa boThathenayi, umbusi waseNshonalanga Yufrathe, naShethari Boznayi kanye nebangani babo lababetiphatsimandla taseNshonalanga Yufrathe, tayitfumela kuDariyusi. Lombiko wawufundzeka kanje: “KuDariyusi, inkhosi! “Sengatsi kungaba nekuthula. “Inkhosi kufanele yati kutsi sihambile saya esifundzeni sakaJuda, ethempelini laNkulunkulu lomkhulu. Bantfu balakha ngematje lamakhulu, bafaka netingodvo kulolubondza lwalo. Lomsebenti wentiwa ngenkhutsalo, kantsi futsi uchubeka kahle kakhulu. “Labaholi sibabutile satsi: ‘Ngubani lona loninike leligunya lekwakha kabusha lelithempeli kanye nekuvusetela lesakhiwo?’ Siphindze sababuta nemabito abo, khona sitekuwabhala phansi sikwatise emabito ebaholi babo. “Bona basiphendvule batsi: ‘Tsine sitinceku taNkulunkulu welizulu nemhlaba, silakha kabusha lelithempeli lelineminyaka leminyenti lakhiwa lacedvwa yinkhosi lenkhulu yaka-Israyeli. Kodvwa ngenca yekutsi bobabe batfukutselisa Nkulunkulu wasezulwini, wabe sewubanikela esandleni saNebukhadnezari, umKhaledi, inkhosi yaseBhabhulona, lowalibhidlita lelithempeli watfumba labantfu wabayisa eBhabhulona. “ ‘Noko ngemnyaka wekucala waKhuresi, inkhosi yaseBhabhulona, Khuresi wakhipha umtsetfo kutsi lelithempeli lakhiwe kabusha. Waze wakhulula ngisho netimphahla tegolide netesiliva Nebukhadnezari labetitsetse ethempelini eJerusalema watimikisa khona lena ethempelini eBhabhulona. “ ‘Khuresi, inkhosi, watinika indvodza lekwakutsiwa nguSheshbasari, labesayibeke kutsi ibe ngumbusi, wayitjela watsi: “Tsatsa letimphahla uhambe nato ufike utibeke ethempelini eJerusalema; wakhe kabusha indlu yaNkulunkulu endzaweni yayo.” Ngako loSheshbasari waya lapho wafike wabeka tisekelo tendlu yaNkulunkulu eJerusalema. Kusukela ngalelo langa kuze kube ngulamuhla seloku liyakhiwa, kodvwa noko lisengakapheli.’ “Ngako-ke nakukuhle enkhosini, ake kuphenyisiswe emilandvweni yebukhosi eBhabhulona kutewutfolakala kahle kutsi Khuresi, inkhosi, wawukhipha ngempela yini lomtsetfo wekutsi yakhiwe kabusha lendlu yaNkulunkulu eJerusalema. Inkhosi itawube seyiyasatisa sincumo sayo ngalendzaba.” Dariyusi, inkhosi, wakhipha umtsetfo wekuphenyisisa etindlini tekugcina imilandvo yebukhosi eBhabhulona. Kodvwa kwaze kwatfolakala incwadzi legocotiwe edolobheni lase-Ekbatana eveni laseMediya, lekwakubhalwe naku kuyo: “Umbiko lobhaliwe wekukhumbula ingcikitsi yendzaba: “Ngemnyaka wekucala wekubusa kwenkhosi Khuresi, inkhosi yakhipha umtsetfo macondzana nelithempeli laNkulunkulu eJerusalema lowatsi: ‘Lithempeli alakhiwe kabusha, khona litewuba yindzawo yekwenta iminikelo, netisekelo talo atakhiwe. Lifanele libe ngemamitha langaba ngema-27 kuphakama, nemamitha langaba ngema-27 bubanti, libe nemigca lemitsatfu yematje lamakhulu, ube munye wetingodvo. Tindleko takhona tiyawukhokhelwa sikhwama sebukhosi. Lokunye, timphahla tegolide netesiliva tendlu yaNkulunkulu, letatitsetfwe nguNebukhadnezari ethempelini eJerusalema watimikisa eBhabhulona, kufanele tincandzekiswe tibuyiselwe etindzaweni tato ethempelini eJerusalema, tibekwe endlini yaNkulunkulu.’ ” Dariyusi wabe sewubhala incwadzi leyayiyimphendvulo, watsi: “KuThathenayi, umbusi waseNshonalanga Yufrathe, naShethari Boznayi, kanye netiphatsimandla talelo live. “Sukani lapho ethempelini. Ningacali niphazamise umsebenti welithempeli laNkulunkulu. Yekelani umbusi wemaJuda kanye nebaholi bemaJuda bachubeke nekuyakha kabusha lendlu yaNkulunkulu kuleyo ndzawo yayo. “Ngetulu kwaloko ngishaya umtsetfo kutsi nibasite labo baholi bemaJuda ekwakheni lendlu yaNkulunkulu. “Tindleko talamadvodza titawukhokhelwa ngalokugcwele esikhwameni sebukhosi, semtselo lophuma eNshonalanga Yufrathe, khona lomsebenti ungetiwuma. Konkhe lokudzingekako, tinkunzana, netihhanca, nemazinyane etimvu lamadvuna emnikelo wekushiswa kuNkulunkulu wasezulwini, nakolo, neluswayi, neliwayini, nemafutsa, njengobe kucele baphristi eJerusalema, kufanele kunikelwe onkhe emalanga kungapholoti, khona batewunikela imihlatjelo lejabulisako kuNkulunkulu wasezulwini, kuthandazelwe inkhosi nemadvodzana ayo kutsi konkhe kubahambele kahle. “Ngetulu kwaloko ngishaya umtsetfo kutsi lowo loyakuwugucula lomtsetfo kuyawufutwa likabha endlini yakhe, licijwe nganhlanye bese ugwazwa ngalo. Indlu yakhe shangatsi ingentiwa ibe yincumbi yemfucuta. Shangatsi Nkulunkulu, lowente kutsi Libito lakhe lihlale lapho, angacitsa nome nguyiphi inkhosi nome sive lesiphakamisa sandla sekugucula lomtsetfo nome sekubhubhisa lelithempeli leliseJerusalema. “Ngimi Dariyusi lokhiphe lomtsetfo. Kufanele wentiwe ngenkhutsalo yonkhe.” Ngenca yalomtsetfo lowase ukhishwe nguDariyusi, inkhosi, boThathenayi, umbusi waseNshonalanga Yufrathe, naShethari Boznayi kanye nebangani babo, bachubeka nekuwugcina. Ngako baholi bemaJuda bachubeka nekwakha nekunotsa, bashunyayelwa nguHagayi, umphrofethi, kanye naZakhariya wesitukulwane sa-Ido. Lithempeli bacedza kulakha ngekwemyalo waNkulunkulu wema-Israyeli nangekulandzela imitsetfo leyayishaywe nguKhuresi, naDariyusi, kanye na-Athazeksesi, emakhosi asePheresiya. Lithempeli lacedvwa ngelilanga lesitsatfu enyangeni ya-Adari, ngemnyaka wesitfupha ekubuseni kwaDariyusi, inkhosi. Bantfu baka-Israyeli, baphristi nemaLevi kanye nabo bonkhe lababetfunjiwe, bagubha umkhosi wekuvula indlu yaNkulunkulu ngekujabula. Ekuvulweni kwalendlu banikela ngetinkunzi letilikhulu, nangetihhanca letingema-200, nangemazinyane etimvu langema-400. Banikela nangetiphongo letili-12, kutsi tibe ngumnikelo wesono, nguleso naleso simele sinye sive sema-Israyeli. Babeka baphristi ngabolonina, babeka nemaLevi ngetigaba tawo, balungiselelwa kukhonta Nkulunkulu eJerusalema, macondzana naloko lokwakubhalwe encwadzini yemtsetfo waMosi. Ngelilanga leli-14 enyangeni yekucala, labatfunjwa bagubha umkhosi weliPhasika. Baphristi nemaLevi base batihlambululile, sebahlanteke bonkhe ngekwemtsetfo. EmaLevi ahlaba lizinyane leliPhasika alihlabela bonkhe batfunjwa, nabomnakabo baphristi, atihlabela nawo. Ngako ema-Israyeli labebuye ekutfunjweni alidla, akanye nabo bonkhe lababetehlukanisele batigcina bangete benta tintfo letingcolile letatentiwa ngulaba betive lababebomakhelwane babo, khona batewufunisisa Simakadze, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli. Batsatsa emalanga lasikhombisa bagubha uMkhosi weSinkhwa Lesingenambiliso, ngobe Simakadze abebajabulisile ngekugucula simo senkhosi yase-Asiriya, yaze yabasita ekwakheni indlu yaSimakadze, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli. Emvakwaloko, ngesikhatsi sekubusa kwa-Athazeksesi, inkhosi yasePheresiya, Ezra, umsa waSeraya, umsa wa-Azariya, umsa waHilkiya, umsa waShalumi, umsa waSadoki, umsa wa-Ahitubi, umsa wa-Amariya, umsa wa-Azariya, umsa waMerayothi, umsa waZerahiya, umsa wa-Uzi, umsa waBukhi, umsa wa-Abishuwa, umsa waFinehasi, umsa wa-Eleyazare, umsa wa-Aroni, umPhristi Lomkhulu, Ezra wefika aphuma eBhabhulona. Ezra abeyingcweti kutemtsetfo waMosi, lowawumiswe nguSimakadze, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli. Inkhosi yayimnike konkhe labekucelile, ngobe sandla saSimakadze Nkulunkulu wakhe sasisetikwakhe. Labanye bema-Israyeli, ngisho nebaphristi, nemaLevi, nebahlabeli, nabomahlalesangweni, netisebenti tasethempelini, nabo beta eJerusalema ngemnyaka wesikhombisa wekubusa kwa-Athazeksesi, inkhosi. Ezra wefika eJerusalema ngenyanga yesihlanu ngemnyaka wesikhombisa wekubusa kwenkhosi. Luhambo lwakhe lwekusuka eBhabhulona abelucale ngelilanga lekucala enyangeni yekucala, eJerusalema wefika ngelilanga lekucala enyangeni yesihlanu, ngobe sandla lesihle saNkulunkulu sasisetikwakhe. Ngobe Ezra abetinikelele kuhlolisisa nekwenta lokungumtsetfo waSimakadze kanye nekufundzisa ema-Israyeli timiso nemiyalo yawo. Leli lihumusho lencwadzi leyabhalwa yinkhosi Athazeksesi ayibhalela Ezra labengumphristi futsi ayingcweti kutemtsetfo, indvodza leyayifundzile itati kahle tintfo letaticondzene nemiyalo netimiso taSimakadze nga-Israyeli: “Iphuma ku-Athazeksesi, inkhosi yemakhosi. Iya ku-Ezra, umphristi nemfundzisi wemtsetfo waNkulunkulu losezulwini. Ngiyakubingelela. “Ngikhipha simiso kutsi nome ngubani um-Israyeli lolapha embusweni wami, ngisho nebaphristi nemaLevi, labafisa kuya eJerusalema bangahamba kanye nawe. Wena utfunyelwe yinkhosi ikanye nebeluleki bayo labasikhombisa kutsi uyekuhlolisisa kahle ngelive lakaJuda kanye nangeJerusalema macondzana nemtsetfo waNkulunkulu wakho losesandleni sakho. Ngetulu kwaloko kufanele uhambe nesiliva negolide lekunikelwe ngenhlitiyo lemhlophe yinkhosi kanye nebeluleki bayo kuNkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, lohlala eJerusalema, uhambe nesiliva negolide yonkhe longayitfola eveni laseBhabhulona kanye neminikelo yesihle yebantfu nebaphristi labayinikelela lithempeli laNkulunkulu wabo eJerusalema. “Ngayo lemali kufanele utsenge tinkunzi, netihhanca, nemazinyane lamadvuna etimvu, utsenge neminikelo yalokutinhlavu neminikelo yetinatfo, uyinikelele elatini lelithempeli laNkulunkulu wakho eJerusalema. “Wena nabomnakenu emaJuda ningenta loko lenikubona kukuhle ngalesiliva nalegolide lesele, kuye ngekwentsandvo yaloNkulunkulu wenu. Ubotetfula kuNkulunkulu waseJerusalema tonkhe letimphahla letibekwe etandleni takho kutsi tisetjentiswe enkonzweni yekukhonta ethempelini laNkulunkulu wakho. Konkhe lokunye lokudzingako lokucondzene nelithempeli laNkulunkulu wakho, longakhona kutsi ube nako, ungakutfola endlini yengcebo yenkhosi. “Mine, nkhosi Athazeksesi, ngikhipha umtsetfo locondziswe kubo bonkhe bosikhwama labangasenshonalanga nemfula iYufrathe kutsi banike Ezra, umphristi longumfundzisi wemtsetfo waNkulunkulu, konkhe lakucela kini, kufanele kwentiwe ngesineke sonkhe, kuze kuyewufika kumakhilogremu langaba ti-3 400 esiliva, nemakhilogremu langaba ti-10 000 akolo, nemalitha langaba ti-2 000 eliwayini, nemalitha langaba ti-2 000 emafutsa emncumo kanye nalo lonkhe luswayi loludzingekile. Konkhe lokufunwe nguNkulunkulu wasezulwini akwentiwe ngenkhutsalo, kwentelwe lithempeli laNkulunkulu wasezulwini. Kufanele ngani kutsi lulaka luvutsele umbuso nemadvodzana enkhosi? Kufanele nati futsi kutsi aninawo emandla ekutsatsa imitselo netetfulo kunome ngubani webaphristi, nemaLevi, nebahlabeli, nabomahlalesangweni, netisebenti tasethempelini nome ngangubani losebentako endlini yaNkulunkulu. “Wena, Ezra, ngenhlakanipho yakho lonikwe yona nguNkulunkulu wakho, beka bomantji nebehluleli kutsi batewuhola behlulele bonkhe labo bantfu labangasenshonalanga nemfula iYufrathe, labayatiko imitsetfo yaNkulunkulu wakho. Nine kufanele nibafundzise bonkhe labo labangayati. Lowo longawuhloniphi umtsetfo waNkulunkulu kanye nemtsetfo wenkhosi kufanele ajeziswe ngekutsi abulawe, nome adzingiswe, nome adliwe konkhe lanako, nome afakwe ejele.” Ezra wakhuluma watsi: “Akadvunyiswe Simakadze, Nkulunkulu wabobabe, lokubekile enhlitiyweni yenkhosi kutsi kuhlonishwe indlu yaSimakadze eJerusalema ngalendlela, nalowelulele sandla sakhe semusa kimi ngekutsi ngizuze umusa enkhosini nakubeluleki bayo nakuto tonkhe tindvuna tayo letinemandla. Njengobe sandla saSimakadze Nkulunkulu wami besisetikwami, ngaba nesibindzi ngabutsa emadvodza aka-Israyeli labebaholi kutsi ahambe nami.” Lawa ngemadvodza labebaholi bemindeni, nalabo lababhaliswa kanye nabo labaphuma kanye nami eBhabhulona ngesikhatsi sekubusa kwenkhosi Athazeksesi: Wetitukulwane takaFinehasi bekunguGeshomu; wetitukulwane taka-Ithamari kunguDanyela; wetitukulwane takaDavide kunguHathushi, umsa waShekhaniya. Wetitukulwane takaPharoshi bekunguZakhariya, lowabhaliswa kanye nemadvodza lali-150. Wetitukulwane takaPhahathi Mowabi bekungu-Eliyoyenayi, umsa waZerahiya, lowabhaliswa kanye nemadvodza langema-200. Wetitukulwane takaZathu bekunguShekhaniya, umsa waJahaziyeli, lowabhaliswa kanye nemadvodza langema-300. Wetitukulwane taka-Adini bekungu-Ebedi, umsa waJonathani, lowabhaliswa kanye nemadvodza langema-50. Wetitukulwane taka-Elamu bekunguJeshaya, umsa wa-Athaliya, lowabhaliswa kanye nemadvodza langema-70. Wetitukulwane takaShefathiya bekunguZebadiya, umsa waMikhayeli, lowabhaliswa kanye nemadvodza langema-80. Wetitukulwane takaJowabe bekungu-Obadiya, umsa waJehiyeli, lowabhaliswa kanye nemadvodza langema-218. Wetitukulwane takaBani bekunguShelomithi, umsa waJosifiya, lowabhaliswa kanye nemadvodza lali-160. Wetitukulwane takaBebayi bekunguZakhariya, umsa waBebayi, lowabhaliswa kanye nemadvodza langema-28. Wetitukulwane taka-Azgadi bekunguJohanani, umsa waHakhatani, lowabhaliswa kanye nemadvodza lali-110. Wetitukulwane taka-Adonikamu, lababa bekugcina, emabito abo bekubo-Elifeleti, naJehuweli kanye naShemaya, lababhaliswa kanye nemadvodza langema-60. Wetitukulwane takaBikvayi bekubo-Uthayi naZakhuri, lababhaliswa kanye nemadvodza langema-70. Ngabahlanganisela ngasemseleni logeletela e-Ahava, samisa lapho emalanga lamatsatfu. Ngatsi nangihlolisisa kulabantfu, ngakhandza kunebaphristi kuphela, emaLevi angekho. Ngase ngibita Eliyezeri, na-Ariyeli, naShemaya, na-Elnathani, naJaribi, na-Elnathani, naNathani, naZakhariya, kanye naMeshulamu, lababebaholi, bebakanye nebafundzisi lekwakuboJoyaribi na-Elnathani. Ngabe sengibatfumela ku-Ido, umholi waseKhasifiya. Ngabatjela kutsi kufanele bakhulumeni ku-Ido kanye nebantfu bakubo, lekwakutisebenti telithempeli eKhasifiya, kuze batewusiletsela tisebenti tendlu yaNkulunkulu wetfu. Njengobe sandla lesihle saSimakadze sasisetikwetfu, basiletsela Sherebiya, indvodza leyayinelikhono ekwenteni tintfo. Abengewetitukulwane taMahali, umsa waLevi, umsa wa-Israyeli, nemadvodzana aSherebiya, kanye nabomnakabo, emadvodza lali-18 asawonkhe, lenyuka nawo. Batfumela naboHashabiya, naJeshaya, betitukulwane taMerari, bomnakabo netihlobo tabo, emadvodza langema-20. Baphindze baletsa tisebenti telithempeli letingema-220, bokhokho babo lababevele bemiswe nguDavide netindvuna takhe kutsi basite emaLevi. Bonkhe babhaliswa ngemabito abo. Ngakhona lapho emseleni i-Ahava ngamemetela kutsi akuzilwe, khona sitewutitfoba embikwaNkulunkulu wetfu sicela kutsi asiphephise endleleni yetfu, nebantfwabetfu kanye nato tonkhe timphahla tetfu. Nganginemahloni kutsi ngicele inkhosi kutsi isinike emasotja nalagibele emahhashi kutsi asiphekeletele kusivikela etitseni tetfu endleleni, ngobe sase sivele siyitjelile inkhosi ngaloko, satsi: “Sandla lesihle saNkulunkulu wetfu sisetikwalowo nalowo lomfunako, kodvwa intfukutselo yakhe iphambene nalabo labamlahlako.” Ngako sase siyazila, sancusa kuNkulunkulu wetfu ngaloku, wawuphendvula umthandazo wetfu. Ngabe sengikhetsa labali-12 bebaphristi lababebaholi, kwaba boSherebiya, naHashabiya kanye nalabalishumi lekwakubomnakabo. Ngawukala embikwabo babuka umnikelo lowawuyisiliva, negolide kanye netimphahla letatinikelelwe indlu yaNkulunkulu wetfu yinkhosi, nebeluleki bayo, netindvuna tayo kanye nawo onkhe ema-Israyeli labekhona lapho. Ngakala kwaba ngemathani labengaba ngema-22 esiliva, netimphahla tesiliva letatingemathani labengaba matsatfu nemakhilogremu langema-400, netitja tegolide letatingema-20 tingemakhilogremu labengaba siphohlongo nemagremu langema-500, netitja letimbili telitfusi lelilolongiwe, tiligugu njengegolide. Ngakhuluma kubo ngatsi: “Nine kanye naletimphahla seninikelwe kuSimakadze. Isiliva nalegolide sekungumnikelo wesihle lonikwe Simakadze Nkulunkulu waboyihlo. Ticizeni letimphahla, nize nifike nitikale emakamelweni endlu yaSimakadze eJerusalema embikwebaphristi labaphetse, nemaLevi kanye nebaholi baka-Israyeli.” Baphristi kanye nemaLevi emukela isiliva, negolide kanye netimphahla letingcwele bese tikaliwe kutsi titsatfwe timikiswe endlini yaNkulunkulu eJerusalema. Ngelilanga leli-12 ngenyanga yekucala, satfutsa emseleni i-Ahava sacondza eJerusalema. Sandla saNkulunkulu wetfu sasisetikwetfu; wasivikela etitseni nasetigebengwini endleleni yetfu yonkhe. Ngako eJerusalema sefika, saphumula lapho emalanga lamatsatfu. Ngelilanga lesine, sesisendlini yaNkulunkulu wetfu, sakala isiliva, negolide, netimphahla letingcwele etandleni taMeremothi, umsa wa-Uriya, umphristi. Eleyazare, umsa waFinehasi, abenaye kanye nemaLevi, boJozabadi, umsa waJeshuwa, naNohadiya, umsa waBinuwi. Konkhe kwabhaliswa ngenombolo nangesisindvo sako ngasona leso sikhatsi. Kwatsi bonkhe labo bebabuye ekutfunjweni banikela ngemhlatjelo wekushiswa kuNkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, kwaba: tinkunzi letili-12 tawo onkhe ema-Israyeli, netihhanca letatingema-96, nemazinyane etimvu lamadvuna langema-77, kwatsi umnikelo wesono waba tiphongo letili-12. Konkhe kwakukwemnikelo wekushiswa kuSimakadze. Baphindze betfula imitsetfo nemilayeto yenkhosi kubabusi baseNshonalanga Yufrathe, labavele basita labantfu emsebentini wendlu yaNkulunkulu. Emvakwekutsi konkhe loku kwentiwe, baholi beta kimi bafike batsi: “Sive saka-Israyeli kanye nebaphristi nemaLevi, asikatehlukanisi kuletive letibomakhelwane: emaKhenani, nemaHethi, nemaPheresi, nemaJebhusi, nema-Amoni, nemaMowabi, nemaGibhithe kanye nema-Amori letenta lokunengekako. Batsetse lamanye emadvodzakati ato bawenta bafati babo, baze batsatsela nemadvodzana abo bafati kuto, bahlanganisa sive lesingcwele kanye netive letakhelene naso. Labaholi netindvuna bavele baba bekucala ekuphileni imphilo yekungetsembeki.” Ngatsi kube ngikuve loko, ngaklebhula ingubo nesembatfo sami, ngahhula tinwele tami nesilevu sami, ngahlala phansi ngijabhile. Kwatsi bonkhe labatfutfumeliswa ngemavi aNkulunkulu wema-Israyeli bahlangana ndzawonye bangitungeleta ngenca yalokungetsembeki kwalabatfunjwa. Mine ngahlala khona lapho ngijabhile, kwaze kwaba sikhatsi semhlatjelo wakusihlwa. Kwatsi ngesikhatsi semhlatjelo wakusihlwa, ngasukuma lapho ekujabheni kwami, ingubo nesembatfo sami kudzabukile, ngaguca ngemadvolo tandla tami tivulekile embikwaSimakadze Nkulunkulu wami, ngathandaza ngatsi: “Maye, Nkulunkulu wami, ngijabhile kakhulu futsi nginemahloni kutsi ngingaphakamisela kanjani buso bami kuwe, Nkulunkulu wami, ngobe tono tetfu setiphakeme kakhulu tengama tinhloko tetfu, nebubi betfu sebufikele emazulwini. Kusukela etikhatsini tabokhokho kuze kube ngumanje, bubi betfu bebuvele bubukhulu. Ngenca yetono tetfu, tsine nemakhosi etfu nebaphristi betfu besibantfu bekubulawa ngenkemba nekutfunjwa, nekuphangwa kanye nekwentelwa phansi etandleni temakhosi etive, njengobe kusenjalo lamuhla. “Kodvwa nyalo, kulesikhashana, Simakadze Nkulunkulu wetfu ubenemusa ngekutsi asishiyele insali nekutsi asinike siphephelo endzaweni yakhe lengcwele, ngako Nkulunkulu wetfu ukhanyisa emehlo etfu asinike nekukhululeka lokuncane ekuboshweni kwetfu. Nome sitigcili nje, Nkulunkulu wetfu akasilahli ekuboshweni kwetfu. Usentele sihawu emehlweni emakhosi asePheresiya, ngekutsi usiphe kuphila lokusha kutsi sakhe kabusha indlu yaNkulunkulu wetfu nekutsi sivusetele tibondza tayo, waphindze wasipha lubondza lwekuvikeleka kaJuda naseJerusalema. “Kodvwa nyalo, Nkulunkulu wetfu, singatsini nje emvakwaloku? Ngobe phela sesiyephulile imiyalo yakho, lowasinika yona ngetinceku takho baphrofethi ngesikhatsi utsi: ‘Lelive lenitawungena kulo kutsi libe lenu, live lese lingcoliswe kungcola kwetive talo. Letintfo letinengekako lenitentako setiligcwalise ngekungcola nebubi lelive kusuka ngala kwalo kuye ngale kwalo. Ngako-ke ningacali nivumele emadvodzakati enu kutsi atekwe ngemadvodzana ato, nemadvodzana enu angawateki emadvodzakati ato. Ningacali nome ngunini nitisekele emnotfweni wato, khona nitewucina nidle tintfo letimnandzi talelive, nilishiyele bantfwabenu kutsi litewuba lifa labo laphakadze naphakadze.’ “Loko lokusehlele kungumphumela wetento tetfu letimbi, nelicala letfu lelikhulu, noko, Nkulunkulu wetfu, awukasijezisi njengalokufanele tono tetfu, sewuze wasinika nensali lefana nalena. Sitawuphindze futsi siyephule yini lemiyalo yakho ngekwendziselana naletive letenta tintfo letinengekako? Ungeke yini usitfukutselele kusibhubhisa, kubete ngisho nensali nome losindzako? Maye, Simakadze, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, wena ulungile! Lamuhla sisele siyinsali. Lapha sisembikwakho ngenca yelicala letfu, noko kute nome munye longakhona kuma embikwakho.” Watsi Ezra asathandaza, avuma tono akhala, atijika phansi embikwendlu yaNkulunkulu, sicumbi lesikhulu sema-Israyeli, emadvodza, nebafati kanye nebantfwana sabutsana kuye samtungeleta. Naso sasikhala kakhulukati. Kwatsi Shekhaniya, umsa waJehiyeli, lomunye wetitukulwane ta-Elamu, wakhuluma ku-Ezra watsi: “Asiketsembeki kuNkulunkulu wetfu ngekutsi siteke bafati baletive letisitungeletile. Kodvwa nome kunjalo, lisekhona litsemba ka-Israyeli. Manje asente sivumelwane embikwaNkulunkulu wetfu kutsi sitewubancandzekisa bonkhe labafati nalabantfwana, njengobe lomholi wami eluleka kanye nalabo labesaba imiyalo yaNkulunkulu. Loko akwentiwe ngekulandzela umtsetfo. Sukuma, lendzaba isetandleni takho. Sitakusekela, ngako mani sibindzi, ukwente.” Ezra wasukuma, wafungisa baphristi, nemaLevi, nawo onkhe ema-Israyeli kutsi ente loko lekwase kunconyiwe. Bafunga. Ezra wesuka embikwendlu yaNkulunkulu, wahamba waya endlini yaJehohanani, umsa wa-Eliyashibi. Ngesikhatsi aselapho akazange adle kudla, akazange anatse ngisho nemanti, ngobe abechubeka nekulilela kungetsembeki kwalabatfunjwa. Kwaphuma livi lacondzana nabo bonkhe batfunjwa bakaJuda nebaseJerusalema kutsi bahlangane ndzawonye eJerusalema. Wonkhe longetutibonakalisa angakapheli emalanga lamatsatfu, tonkhe timphahla takhe titawudliwa, kuye ngesincumo setindvuna nebaholi, yena-ke utawube sewuyacitfwa emkhatsini walabatfunjwa. Kwatsi kungakapheli emalanga lamatsatfu, onkhe emadvodza akaJuda newakaBhenjamini ahlangana ndzawonye eJerusalema. Ngelilanga lema-20 enyangeni yemfica, bonkhe base bahleti ebaleni lelithempeli, bakhatsateke kakhulu ngalemvula leyayina, ikakhulu ngesimo salowo mhlangano. Ezra, umphristi, wasukuma wakhuluma kulabantfu, watsi: “Aniketsembeki; niteke bafati betive, nengeta bubi etikwebubi baka-Israyeli. Manje vumani tono tenu kuSimakadze, Nkulunkulu waboyihlo, nente intsandvo yakhe. Tehlukaniseni kuletive letinitungeletile nakulabafati betive.” Sonkhe sive saphendvula ngalivi linye, samemeta satsi: “Ucinisile! Kufanele sente njengobe usho. Kodvwa kunebantfu labanyenti lapha, kantsi futsi nelitulu liyana; ngako, singeke sikhone kuma lapha ngaphandle. Ngetulu kwaloko lendzaba ingeke icedvwe ngelilanga linye nome lamabili, ngobe sone kakhulu kuloko. Tindvuna tetfu atente lomsebenti esikhundleni salo lonkhe lelibandla. Kutawube sekutsi ngulowo nalowo kulamadolobha etfu loteke umfati wetive ete ngaleso sikhatsi lesibekiwe akanye nebaholi nebehluleli balelo dolobha, kuze kutsi intfukutselo leyesabekako yaNkulunkulu wetfu kulendzaba isuke kitsi.” Kwaba nguJonathani, umsa wa-Asaheli, naJahazeya, umsa waThikva, kuphela labaphambana nalesiphakamiso. Basekelwa nguMeshulamu naShabhethayi, umLevi. Ngako titfunywa tavele tenta njengobe kwakuphakanyisiwe. Ezra, umphristi, wakhetsa emadvodza labetinhloko temindeni, kwaba yindvodza yinye kulolo nakulolo lusendvo ngemabito awo. Ngelilanga lekucala enyangeni yelishumi bahlala phansi bahlolisisa lawo macala, kwatsi ngelilanga lekucala enyangeni yekucala babe sebacedzile kuhlolisisa ngawo onkhe lawo madvodza labeteke bafati betive. Lolu kwaba luhla lwemadvodza lwetitukulwane tebaphristi lababenebafati betive: Etitukulwaneni takaJeshuwa, umsa waJosadaki, nabomnakabo bekuboMaseya, na-Eliyezeri, naJaribi kanye naGedaliya. Bonkhe bahlanganisa tandla tabo betsembisa kubacosha labo bafati babo; macondzana naleso sono sabo ngulowo nalowo wakhipha sihhanca, saba ngumnikelo welicala. Etitukulwaneni taka-Imeri bekuboHanani naZebadiya. Etitukulwaneni takaHarimu bekuboMaseya, na-Elija, naShemaya, naJehiyeli kanye na-Uziya. Etitukulwaneni takaPhashuri bekubo-Eliyoyenayi, naMaseya, na-Ishmayeli, naNethaneli, naJozabadi kanye na-Elasa. KumaLevi bekuboJozabadi, naShimeyi naKhelaya, lekwakunguKhelita, naPhethahiya, naJuda kanye na-Eliyezeri. Kubahlabeli bekungu-Eliyashibi. Kubomahlalesangweni bekuboShalumi, naThelemi kanye na-Uri. Kulamanye ema-Israyeli: Etitukulwaneni takaPharoshi bekuboRamiya, naJiziya, naMalkhiya, naMiyamini, na-Eleyazare, naMalkhiya kanye naBhenaya. Etitukulwaneni taka-Elamu bekuboMathaniya, naZakhariya, naJehiyeli, na-Abdi, naJeremothi kanye na-Elija. Etitukulwaneni takaZathu bekubo-Eliyoyenayi, na-Eliyashibi, naMathaniya, naJeremothi, naZabadi kanye na-Aziza. Etitukulwaneni takaBebayi bekuboJehohanani, naHananiya, naZabhayi kanye na-Athlayi. Etitukulwaneni takaBani bekuboMeshulamu, naMaluki, na-Adaya, naJashubi, naSheyali kanye naJeremothi. Etitukulwaneni takaPhahathi Mowabi bekubo-Adna, naKhelali, naBhenaya, naMaseya, naMathaniya, naBesaleli, naBinuwi kanye naManase. Etitukulwaneni takaHarimi bekubo-Eliyezeri, na-Ishiya, naMalkhiya, naShemaya, naShimeyoni, naBhenjamini, naMaluki kanye naShemariya. Etitukulwaneni takaHashumi bekuboMathenayi, naMathatha, naZabadi, na-Elifeleti, naJeremayi, naManase kanye naShimeyi. Etitukulwaneni takaBani bekuboMadayi, na-Amramu, na-Uweli, naBhenaya, naBedeya, naKheluhi, naVaniya, naMeremothi, na-Eliyashibi, naMathaniya, naMathenayi kanye naJasu. Etitukulwaneni takaBinuwi bekuboShimeyi, naShelemiya, naNathani, na-Adaya, naMaknadebayi, naShashayi, naSharayi, na-Azareli, naShelemiya, naShemariya, naShalumi, na-Amariya kanye naJosefa. Etitukulwaneni takaNebo bekuboJeyiyeli, naMathithiya, naZabadi, naZebina, naJadayi, naJoweli kanye naBhenaya. Bonkhe laba babeteke bafati betive, labanye babo base batele ngisho nebantfwana kulabafati. Lamavi angumlandvo waNehemiya, umsa waHakaliya. Loko kwenteka ngenyanga lenguKhislevu, emnyakeni wema-20 wekubusa kwa-Athazeksesi, ngiseseSusa enqabeni yalelo dolobha. Hanani, lomunye wabomnaketfu, wefika nalamanye emadvodza baphuma kaJuda; ngase ngibabuta ngesimo sensali yakaJuda leyayisindze ekutfunjweni, kanye nangeJerusalema kutsi ime kanjani. Bangiphendvula batsi: “Insali yalesifundza leyasindza ekutfunjweni, isekuhluphekeni lokukhulu nasekuhlazweni. Lubondza lwaseJerusalema luhhihlitelwe phansi; nemasango ayo ashiswa ngemlilo.” Ngatsi nangikuva loko, ngahlala phansi ngakhala. Kwaphela emalanga ngilila ngizila nekudla ngithandaza kuNkulunkulu wasezulwini, ngase ngitsi: “Awu, Simakadze, Nkulunkulu welizulu, wena unguNkulunkulu lomkhulu nalowesabekako, logcina sivumelwane sakhe selutsandvo kulabo labamtsandzako nalabagcina imiyalo yakhe. Indlebe yakho ayilalele, nemehlo akho avuleke, khona utekuva umthandazo wenceku yakho lewuthandaza embikwakho imini nebusuku, ithandazela tinceku takho, sive sema-Israyeli. Ngiyativuma tono tetfu, tsine ma-Israyeli, ngitifaka ekhatsi nami, sonkhe kanye nendlu yaketfu kutsi sonile kuwe. Sone kakhulu emehlweni akho. Asikayigcini imiyalo, netimiso kanye nemitsetfo yakho lowasinika yona ngenceku yakho, Mosi. “Khumbula umyalo wakho lowasinika wona ngaMosi lotsi: ‘Nangabe ningaketsembeki, ngiyawunisakatela etiveni ngetive; kodvwa naniphendvuka nibuyela kimi, nigcine imiyalo yami niyente, nome ngabe labo labatfunjiwe benu bakhashane kangakanani, ngiyawubabutsa khona lapho ngibabuyisele kuyona lendzawo lengayikhetsela kutsi kuhlale khona Libito lami.’ “Batinceku takho nesive sakho lowasikhulula ngemandla akho lamakhulu nangesandla sakho lesinemandla. Awu, Simakadze, indlebe yakho ayiwuve umthandazo wenceku yakho, iwuve nalomthandazo wetinceku takho letijabulela kuhlonipha Libito lakho. Nika inceku yakho imphumelelo lamuhla ngekuyipha kubonelelwa nekuvelwa ngulombusi.” Ngaleso sikhatsi ngangingumphatsi wesitja senkhosi. Ngenyanga yaNisani, emnyakeni wema-20 wekubusa kwenkhosi Athazeksesi, ngesikhatsi inkhosi seyiletselwe liwayini, ngalitsatsa leliwayini ngaliniketa inkhosi. Ngangingazange sengibonakale ngingulodzabukile embikwenkhosi; ngako inkhosi yangibuta yatsi: “Kwentiwa yini kutsi buso bakho bubukeke bukhatsatekile, kantsi awuguli? Loku phela akusilo lutfo ngaphandle kwekudzabuka lokungekhatsi enhlitiyweni.” Ngetfuka kakhulu, kodvwa ngakhuluma enkhosini ngatsi: “Lunwele loludze, nkhosi! Buso bami bungahlala kanjani bungakhatsateki, nangabe lidolobha, lapho kwalala khona bobabemkhulu, libhidlitiwe nemasango akhona asashiswe ngemlilo?” Inkhosi yangibuta, yatsi: “Ufuna ngikwenteleni?” Ngavele ngathandaza kuNkulunkulu welizulu, ngayiphendvula inkhosi, ngatsi: “Nangabe kukuhle enkhosini, nangabe inceku yakho izuze umusa enkhosini yayo, ngicela kutsi inkhosi ingivumele ngiye edolobheni lakaJuda, lapho kwalala khona bobabemkhulu, khona ngitawufike ngilivuse kabusha.” Inkhosi kanye nenkhosikati leyayihleti eceleni kwayo yangibuta yatsi: “Kodvwa, lendlela yakho itakutsatsa sikhatsi lesidze kangakanani, bese ubuya nini?” Inkhosi yasijabulela lesicelo sami, ngako nami ngase ngimisa sikhatsi. Ngachubeka ngakhuluma enkhosini, ngatsi: “Nakukuhle emehlweni enkhosi, ngicela tincwadzi lengitawufike ngitetfule kubabusi baseNshonalanga Yufrathe letibatjela kutsi ngivikeleke, ngize ngiyewufika kaJuda. Ngicela nencwadzi leya ku-Asafa, umgcini welihlatsi lenkhosi, kutsi angiphe tingodvo tekwakha emasango enqaba leseceleni kwelithempeli kanye netekwakha lubondza lwelidolobha nendlu lengitawube ngihleti kuyo.” Njengobe sandla semusa saNkulunkulu wami sasisetikwami, inkhosi yavele yanginika konkhe loko lengangikucelile. Inkhosi yavele yatfumela tindvuna temphi nelibutfo lelaligibele emahhashi kutsi lingiphekeletele; ngefika kubabusi baseNshonalanga Yufrathe, ngabanika letincwadzi tenkhosi. Kwatsi kube boSanbalati, umHoroni, naThobiya, indvuna yaka-Amoni, beve kutsi kukhona umuntfu lotewusebenta asite ema-Israyeli, bakhatsateka kakhulu etinhlitiyweni. Ngaya eJerusalema, ngahlala emalanga lamatsatfu, ngingatjeli muntfu kutsi Nkulunkulu ungitfume kutsi ngitekwentani eJerusalema. Ngangivuka ebusuku ngihambe nemadvodza lambalwa. Sifuyo lesasinaso bekungulembongolo lengangiyigibele kuphela. Kwakutsi ebusuku ngivuke ngihlole lubondza lwaseJerusalema lolwase lubhidlitiwe nemasango akhona labesashiswe ngemlilo; ngangiphuma ngeliSango Lesigodzi ngicondze ngaseMtfonjeni Wemphungutja nangaseSangweni Lebulongo. Ngangisuka lapho ngicondze ngaseSangweni Lemtfombo nangaseChibini Lenkhosi, noko lembongolo lengangiyigibele yehluleka kutfola indlela ngenca yemfuhlumfuhlu leyayivimbe indlela, ngako ngenyusa sigodzi sasemfudlaneni iKhidroni ebusuku, ngihlola lubondza. Ekugcineni ngancandzeka ngabuye ngangena ngeliSango Lesigodzi. Letindvuna letatilapho tatingati kutsi ngiyephi nekutsi ngentani, ngobe kuze kube ngungaleso sikhatsi ngangisengakawatjeli lutfo emaJuda, nebaphristi, nalabahloniphekile, netindvuna kanye nabo bonkhe labanye lababetakuwenta lomsebenti. Ngakhuluma kubo ngatsi: “Kambe niyayibona yini lenhlupheko lesikuyo ngekutsi iJerusalema ibhidlitwe nemasango ayo ashiswe ngemlilo? Wotani sitekwakha kabusha lubondza lweJerusalema kuze singabi nelihlazo.” Ngachubeka ngabatjela futsi nangesandla semusa saNkulunkulu wami lebesisetikwami nekutsi inkhosi ikhulume yatsini kimi. Bona bangiphendvula batsi: “Asivele sicalise nyalo kwakha kabusha.” Ngako bavele bacalisa kuwenta lomsebenti lomuhle. Kwatsi kube boSanbalati, umHoroni, naThobiya, indvuna yaka-Amoni, kanye naGeshemu, um-Arabu, bakuve loko, basiphukuta basihhalatisa, batsi: “Yini-ke lena lesenicale kuyenta? Senivukela inkhosi yini?” Ngabaphendvula ngatsi: “Nkulunkulu welizulu utasiphumelelisa. Ngako-ke, tsine tinceku takhe sitawusukuma sicale kwakha, kodvwa nine aninasabelo, nalungelo, nabuhlobo natsi ngeJerusalema.” Eliyashibi, umPhristi Lomkhulu, kanye nabomnakabo lababebaphristi bawusukumela umsebenti, bakha Lisango Letimvu. Balinikela kuNkulunkulu, base bemisa tivalo talo ngabolonina, bakha lubondza badzimate befika eMbhoshongweni Welikhulu, nawo labawunikela kuNkulunkulu, bachubeka nekwakha kwaze kwaba nguseMbhoshongweni waHananeli. Emadvodza aseJerikho wona avusa luhlangotsi loluseceleni kwabo, kwatsi Zakhuri, umsa wa-Imri, naye wavusa luhlangotsi lolwaluseceleni kwabo. Emadvodzana aHasena wona avusa liSango Lenhlanti, ashayela emakabha, ase afaka netivalo talo, kanye nemavelevele alo nemishudvo yalo endzaweni yayo. Meremothi, umsa wa-Uriya, umsa waHakhosi, yena wavusa luhlangotsi lolwaluseceleni kwawo. Eceleni kwakhe lubondza lwavuswa nguMeshulamu, umsa waBherekhiya, umsa waMeshezabeli. Eceleni kwakhe lubondza lwavuswa nguSadoki, umsa waBhana. Luhlangotsi lolulandzelako lwavuswa ngemadvodza aseThekhowa. Noko emadvodza akhona lahloniphekile akazange awusekele umsebenti labenikwe wona baholi bawo kutsi awente. Joyada, umsa waPhaseya, banaMeshulamu, umsa waBesodeya, bona babevusetela liSango Lelidzala, bashayela emakabha alo, base bemisa tivalo talo kanye nemavelevele alo nemishudvo endzaweni yayo. Luhlangotsi lolulandzelako lwavuswa ngemadvodza aseGibeyoni newaseMispa, bekuboMelatiya, waseGibeyoni, naJadoni, waseMeronothi, tindzawo letatingaphansi kwesandla sembusi waseNshonalanga Yufrathe. Luhlangotsi lolulandzelako lwavuswa ngu-Uziyeli, umsa waHahaya, lomunye wabochwephesha kutekubumba ngegolide. Lolulandzelako lwavuswa nguHananiya, labengulomunye webathaki betemakha, bayivusa iJerusalema kwaze kwefika eLubondzeni Lolubanti. Lolulandzelako lwavuswa nguRefaya, umsa waHure, umbusi wencenye yesifundza saseJerusalema. Lolulandzelako lolwalubhekene nendlu yakhe lwavuswa nguJedaya, umsa waHarumafu. Lolulandzelako lona lwavuswa nguHathushi, umsa waHashabneya. Lolulandzelako kanye neMbhoshongo Wemahhavu wavuswa nguMalkhiya, umsa waHarimu, kanye naHashubi, umsa waPhahathi Mowabi. Lolulandzelako lwavuswa nguShalumi, umsa waHaloheshi, labengumbusi wencenye yesifundza saseJerusalema; yena abesitwa ngemadvodzakati akhe. LiSango leSigodzi lavuswa nguHanuni kanye netakhamiti taseZanowa. Balakha base bafaka tivalo talo kanye nemavelevele alo nemishudvo endzaweni yayo. Bachubeka bavusa kabusha nelubondza lolwalungemamitha labengaba ngema-440 budze, kuze kuyewufika eSangweni Lebulongo. LiSango Lebulongo lona lavuswa nguMalkhiya, umsa waRekhabi, umbusi wesifundza saseBhethi Hakheremu. Walivusa, walifaka netivalo talo kanye nemavelevele alo nemishudvo yalo endzaweni yayo. LiSango Lemtfombo lavuswa nguShalumi, umsa waKholi Hoze, umbusi wesifundza saseMispa, walivusa walifulela, wafaka tivalo talo kanye nemavelevele alo nemishudvo yalo endzaweni yayo. Waphindze wavusa lubondza ngaseChibini laseSilowama ngasengadzeni yenkhosi, kuze kuyewufika ngasetitebhisini letewuka tisuka eDolobheni laDavide. Eceleni kwakhe bekunguNehemiya, umsa wa-Azbuki, umbusi wencenye yesifundza saseBhethi Suri, lowaluvusa waze wefika macondzana nemadliza akaDavide, nasechibini lekwakhiwa, naseNdlini Yemachawe. Eceleni kwakhe bekunemaLevi lavusa tindzawo letehlukene telubondza. Rehumi, umsa waBani, wavusa luhlangotsi lolulandzelako. Eceleni kwakhe Hashabiya, umbusi wencenye yesifundza saseKheyila, wavusa loko lokwakufanele kuvuswe bantfu besifundza sakakhe. Eceleni kwakhe bekusebenta bomnakabo boBinuwi, umsa waHenadadi, umbusi wencenye yesifundza saseKheyila, wavusa luhlangotsi lolulandzelako. Eceleni kwakhe Ezeri, umsa waJeshuwa, umbusi waseMispa, wavusa luhlangotsi lolulandzelako, kusuka macondzana nendlu yetikhali kuye ekoneni lelubondza. Eceleni kwakhe Bharuki, umsa waZabhayi, wavusa luhlangotsi lolulandzelako, kusuka ekoneni kuye esangweni lendlu yemPhristi Lomkhulu Eliyashibi. Eceleni kwakhe bekunguMeremothi, umsa wa-Uriya, umsa waHakhosi; yena wavusa luhlangotsi lolulandzelako, kusuka ekungeneni kwendlu ya-Eliyashibi, kuze kuyewufika ekugcineni kwayo. Eceleni kwakhe baphristi bakuleyo ndzawo bavusa luhlangotsi lolulandzelako. BoBhenjamini naHashubi bavusa luhlangotsi lolwalusembikwendlu yabo. Eceleni kwabo Azariya, umsa waMaseya, umsa wa-Ananiya, wavusa luhlangotsi lolwaluseceleni kwendlu yakhe. Eceleni kwabo bekunguBinuwi, umsa waHenadadi, lowavusa luhlangotsi lolulandzelako kusukela endlini ya-Azariya kuze kuyewufika ejikeni lelubondza nasekoneni lalo. Phalali, umsa wa-Uzayi, yena wasebenta macondzana nelijika kanye nembhoshongo lowawengeme sigodlo lesingenhla edvute nesibuya sabomahlalesangweni. Eceleni kwakhe kwaba nguPhedaya, umsa waPharoshi, kwatsi tisebenti telithempeli letatihlala egcumeni i-Ofeli tona tavusa luhlangotsi lolulandzelako, kuze kuyewufika macondzana neliSango Lemanti kuya ngasemphumalanga kulombhoshongo lowawengeme sigodlo. Eceleni kwaletisebenti telithempeli emadvodza aseThekhowa avusa lolunye luhlangotsi, kusuka kulombhoshongo lomkhulu logabancile kuya elubondzeni lolwalusedvute ne-Ofeli. Licembu lebaphristi lavusa indzawo kusukela ngenhla kweliSango Lelihhashi, ngulowo nalowo wavusa lubondza lolwalusembikwendlu yakhe. Eceleni kwebaphristi Sadoki, umsa wa-Imeri, naye wavusa lubondza macondzana nendlu yakhe. Eceleni kwakhe, Shemaya, umsa waShekhaniya, mahlalesangweni weliSango Langasemphumalanga, naye wavusetela lubondza. Eceleni kwakhe, Hananiya, umsa waShelemiya, naHanuni, indvodzana yesitfupha yaSalafi, bavusa luhlangotsi lolulandzelako. Eceleni kwabo, Meshulamu, umsa waBherekhiya, naye wavusa lubondza lolwalusembikwakhe, macondzana nendlu yakhe. Eceleni kwakhe Malkhiya, lekwakungulomunye wabochwephesha kutegolide, yena wavusa indzawo leyaze yayawufika endlini yetisebenti telithempeli kanye neyebahwebi macondzana neLisango Lekuhlola, kuze kuyewufika ekamelweni lelisetikwelikona. Indzawo leyayisemkhatsini welikamelo lelalisetikwelikona neliSango Letimvu yavusetelwa bochwephesha kutegolide kanye nebahwebi. Watsi kube eve Sanbalati kutsi tsine maJuda siyaluvusa lolubondza, watfukutsela wagaya tiboti. Wawahhalatisa emaJuda, akhuluma embikwebangani bakhe nasembikwemabutfo aseSamariya, watsi: “Tentani letiyatsayatsa temaJuda? Tingaluvusa yini lolubondza lwato? Tiyawunikela yini ngemihlatjelo? Tingalucedza yini ngalanga linye? Lamatje lashile aba ngumlotsa tingawavusa yini aze abe yintfo lephilako?” Thobiya, um-Amoni, labesedvute naye wakhuluma, watsi: “Lentfo labayakhako, ngisho nemphungutja nayingekhwela kuko, kungabhidlika lamatjana ako kube timvutfu!” Ngathandaza ngatsi: “Awu Nkulunkulu wetfu, vani kutsi basiphukuta kanganani. Yenta lokusiphukuta kwabo kwehlele etinhloko tabo. Banikele babe yimphango eveni lekutfunjwa. Ungacali ulimbonye licala labo, futsi ungatesuli tono tabo embikwakho, ngobe bajikijele labakhi ngetinhlamba emehlweni.” Ngako sachubeka salwakha kabusha lolubondza, lwaze lwaphakama lwabasekhatsi nendzawo yebudze balo nase luphelele, ngobe bantfu babenenhlitiyo yekusebenta. Kodvwa kwatsi boSanbalati, naThobiya, nema-Arabu, nema-Amoni kanye nemadvodza ase-Ashdodi kube beve kutsi lubondza lwaseJerusalema luvuswa kabusha nekutsi lomsebenti uchubeka ngemandla, sekuze kwavalwa ngisho netikhala, batfukutsela batselwa ngemanti. Ngako bahlangana bonkhe ndzawonye, bakha luzungu lwekutsi bete batekulwa neJerusalema basuse lutfutfuva kuyo. Kodvwa sathandaza kuNkulunkulu wetfu, ngenca yalolusongo sabeka bogadzi kutsi bagadze imini nebusuku. Bantfu bakaJuda batsi: “Emandla alaba labakhako asayaphela, kantsi kusenemfuhlululu lenyenti kakhulu, singeke sikhone kuluvusa kabusha lolubondza.” Netitsa tetfu taticabanga, titsi: “Batawutsi basengaketeleli futsi bangakasoli lutfo, basetfuke sesisetikwabo, sibabulale bonkhe, siwumise lomsebenti wabo.” Noko lamaJuda labehlala emkhatsini wato asidvonsa ngendlebe kwaze kwaba kashumi basitjela kutsi letitsa tetfu tatenta emalungiselelo ekusihlasela. Ngako ngemisa labanye bantfu bahlome ngetinkemba, nangetikhali, nangemicibisholo; ngabahlela ngekwemindeni yabo eceleni kwelubondza lusendvo ngelusendvo, konkhe lapho lubondza lwaluselufisha ngakhona. Ngatsi nangibuka, ngabona kutsi bantfu bakhatsatekile, ngako ngakhuluma kubo, nakubaholi babo netindvuna tabo, ngatsi: “Ningatesabi letitsa tenu. Khumbulani kutsi Simakadze mkhulu kangakanani nekutsi futsi wesabeka kangakanani. Nine nje kufanele nilwe nivikele bantfu besive sakini, nebantfwabenu, nebafati benu kanye nemakhaya enu.” Tatsi kube titsa tetfu tive kutsi sesiyalwati loluzungu lwato nekutsi Nkulunkulu uwacitsile emasu ato, sabuyela sonkhe elubondzeni, ngulowo nalowo wacondza emsebentini wakhe. Kusukela ngalelo langa incenye yalamadvodza akami yayakha, bese kutsi lena lenye incenye ihlome ngetikhali, nangemahawu, nangebutjoki kanye nangetembatfo temphi. Baholi batihlela bona ngemuva kwaso sonkhe sive sakaJuda, lesasakha lolubondza. Labo lababetfwala tintfo tekwakha babesebenta ngasinye sandla, bese kutsi ngalesi lesinye babambe tikhali tekulwa. Ngulowo nalowo kulabakhi abesebenta abophele inkemba yakhe engculwini. Kodvwa lendvodza leyayishaya impalampala yayihlala edvute nami. Ngakhuluma kulabaholi, nakuletindvuna, nakulabantfu, ngatsi: “Lomsebenti mkhulu futsi sewandzile, kantsi natsi sesikhweshelene kakhulu kulolubondza. Nibotsi naniva kukhala kwempalampala, sonkhe sihlangane khona lapho. Nkulunkulu wetfu utasilwela.” Ngako sachubeka nemsebenti, incenye yemadvodza ihlome tikhali, kusukela nakudzabuka kusa kuze kube ngunakuphelela kuhwalala. Ngaphindze ngakhuluma kulabantfu, ngatsi: “Wonkhe umuntfu kanye nesisebenti sakakhe kufanele ahlale ngekhatsi eJerusalema ebusuku, khona batewuba bogadzi betfu ebusuku, emini babe tisebenti.” Ngako mine nesive sakitsi, netisebenti takami, nemadvodza labegadzile sasingasakukhumuli kwekwembatsa. Ngulowo nalowo abehlala ahlome ngesikhali sakhe ngisho nome ayawunatsa emanti. Kwabe sekuvuka sikhalo lesikhulu emadvodzeni nakubomkawo, bakhala kubomnakabo labangemaJuda. Labanye bebatsi: “Tsine imindeni yetfu mikhulu kakhulu, sidzinga lokutinhlavu kuze sitekudla siphile.” Labanye babekhuluma batsi: “Senta sibambiso ngemasimi etfu, nangetivini tetfu, nangetindlu tetfu, khona sitewutfola kudla ngesikhatsi sendlala.” Noko labanye bakhonona batsi: “Sidzimate seboleka nemali, kuze sitewukhokha umtselo enkhosini, sitselele emasimi etfu netivini tetfu. Nome sisive sinye nalabomnaketfu emaJuda kantsi futsi nebantfwabetfu kufanana nekutsi babo, kodvwa noko siphocelela lamadvodzana nemadvodzakati etfu kutsi abe tigcili. Lamanye emadvodzakati etfu asavele atsengisiwe aba tigcili, asinamandla, ngobe emasimi etfu netivini tetfu sesemukiwe.” Ngatfukutsela ngabila, nangiva letikhalo tabo. Ngazindla ngato engcondvweni yami, ngase ngisola labahlonishwa babo netindvuna tabo ngitsi: “Nibacindzetelelani labomnakenu?” Ngabita umhlangano lomkhulu wekucatulula lengcaki. Ngakhuluma kubo, ngatsi: “Tsine setame ngawo onkhe emandla etfu kuhlenga labomnaketfu labangemaJuda lababetsengiswe kubetive; kodvwa nine nitsengisa labomnakenu, khona batekutsengiselwa tsine!” Baholi behluleka kutsi bangaphendvula batsini, ngako babindza. Ngachubeka, ngatsi: “Loku lenikwentako kubi! Kufanele nesabe Nkulunkulu wetfu, khona ningetikunika betive labatitsa tetfu litfuba lekusihhalatisa. Mine bantfu ngibakhululile kutsi beboleke kudla nemali lapha kimi, benta njalo nalabo lababangani bami kanye nalamadvodza lasebenta kimi. Sonkhe asingayibiti intalo! Sheshani nibuyisele kubo emasimi abo, netivini tabo, netihlahla tabo tetitselo temincumo, netindlu tabo kanye nalentalo lenibabite yona, lekuyincenye yelikhulu yemali, neyekudla, neyeliwayini lelisha kanye neyemafutsa.” Baholi baphendvula, batsi: “Sitakubuyisela, futsi kute lesitawuphindze sibabite kona ngetulu. Sitakwenta njengobe ushito.” Ngase ngibita baphristi, ngabafungisa labaholi netindvuna embikwabo kutsi basigcine lesifungo sabo labese basentile. Ngesuka lapho ngakhumula libhande lelaliselukhalweni lwami ngalivitsita, ngitsi: “Shangatsi Nkulunkulu angamphatsa kanjena-ke wonkhe umuntfu longenakusigcina lesetsembiso sakhe. Shangatsi lowo muntfu angaphundleka adzimate asale angenalutfo!” Kuloko, lababekhona lapho bananatela, ngekutsi: “Amen!” badvumisa Simakadze. Bantfu benta njengobe babefungile. Ngalesikhatsi seminyaka leli-12 ngingumbusi eveni lakaJuda, kusukela emnyakeni wema-20 wekubusa kwa-Athazeksesi kuye emnyakeni wema-32 wekubusa kwakhe, mine netihlobo tami asizange sikudle lokusabelo sami njengembusi. Bonkhe babusi lababephetse ngembili kwami babengumtfwalo kubantfu, futsi babephocelela kutsi bantfu bakhiphe kudla neliwayini kanye netinhlavu tesiliva letingema-40 ngelilanga. Ngisho netisebenti tabo tatingumtfwalo kubantfu. Noko mine angikwentanga loko ngenca yekwesaba Nkulunkulu. Esikhundleni saloko, ngatinikela mine emsebentini wekuvusa lubondza. Onkhe emadvodza akami abehlangana lapho kutakwenta umsebenti; tsine asizange sifunane nekutfola tindzawo. Ngetulu kwaloko etafuleni lami ngangidla nemaJuda nebaholi bawo lababeli-150, kanye nebantfu lababeta baphuma kuletive letibomakhelwane. Lilanga ngelilanga ngangihlatjelwa inkhabi yinye, netimvu telikhetselo letisitfupha, netinkhukhu letinyenti; bese njalo nje kanye ngemalanga lalishumi kukhishwe tinhlobonhlobo teliwayini lelinyenti. Nome kunjalo, angizange ngiphocelele muntfu kutsi ngabelwe kudla lokufanele umbusi, ngobe letibito tatingaba matima kakhulu kulabantfu. Awu, Nkulunkulu wami, ngikhumbule ube nesihawu kimi ngako konkhe lengikwentele lesive. Kwase kufika livi kuboSanbalati, naThobiya, naGeshemu, um-Arabu, kanye nakuletinye titsa tetfu setivile kutsi ngase ngilwakhile lubondza kwavaleka yonkhe indzawo, noko ngangisengakatifaki tivalo emasangweni alo, boSanbalati naGeshemu bangitfumelela umlayeto, batsi: “Wota sitewuhlangana nawe kulelinye lalamadolobha etsafeni lase-Ono.” Kodvwa lelo bekulicebo lekungenta silo sengubo. Ngako ngatfumela titfunywa kubo nemphendvulo leyayitsi: “Ngibhekene nemsebenti lomkhulu lapha, ngingeke ngikhone kwehla. Lomsebenti utawuyekelelwani, ngesikhatsi ngehla ngita lapho kini?” Bangitfumelela lomlayeto emahlandla lamane, nami ngangiloku ngibaphendvula ngayona leyo mphendvulo. Sanbalati watfumela lesinye setisebenti takhe, saletsa umlayeto wesihlanu ubhalwe encwadzini leyayingakavalwa, utsi: “Geshemu ungitjele watsi kunemahemuhemu lasandzile kuletive letibomakhelwane kutsi wena kanye nemaJuda nitilungiselela kuvukela umbuso, nguko nje sewulwakha kabusha lolubondza. Ngetulu kwaloko lamahemuhemu atsi wena sewucondze kutibeka inkhosi, nekutsi sewubeke ngisho nebaphrofethi kutsi batewumemetela eJerusalema kutsi wena sewuyinkhosi kaJuda. Nakanjani loko kutawufika etindlebeni tenkhosi, ngako ngincoma kuwe kutsi ute sitewuhlolisana ngaloko sindzawonye.” Mine ngamtfumelela imphendvulo leyayitsi: “Kute intfo lenjalo leyentekako lapha; uyatisusela nje.” Bonkhe babetama kusesabisa bacabanga batsi: “Tandla tabo titawuba butsakatsaka tingabe tisasebenta, lomsebenti ungabe usaphela.” Kodvwa ngathandaza ngatsi: “Nkulunkulu, cinisa tandla tami.” Ngalelinye lilanga ngahamba ngaya endlini kaShemaya, umsa waDelaya, umsa waMehethabeli, labevalelwe ekhaya kakhe. Wakhuluma kimi watsi: “Asihlanganele endlini yaNkulunkulu ekhatsi ethempelini, sitivalele ekhatsi, ngobe kukhona emadvodza letako atekubulala ebusuku. Angefika nome ngunini kulobusuku atekubulala.” Kodvwa ngamphendvula ngatsi: “Indvodza lenjengami ingabaleka yini iyewubhaca? Empeleni umuntfu lofanana nami angabaleka yini, abalekele kufa ayewubhaca ethempelini? Ngingeke ngiye!” Ngavele ngabona kutsi abengakatfunywa nguNkulunkulu, kodvwa abephrofetha emelene nami, ngobe abesatsengwe boThobiya naSanbalati. Abetsengelwe kutsi angesabise, khona ngitekwenta sono ngaloko, kuze phela ngitewuhlambalateka bese ngiyahlazeka. Ngathandaza ngatsi: “Nkulunkulu wami, khumbula boThobiya naSanbalati ngenca yaloko labakwentile; ukhumbule nalomphrofethikati Nohadiya, kanye nalabanye babetama kungesabisa.” Lubondza lwaphela kwakhiwa ngelilanga lema-25 enyangeni ya-Eluli, emvakwemalanga langema-52. Tatsi kube tonkhe titsa tetfu tive ngaloko, tonkhe tive letibomakhelwane takubona, letitsa tetfu tesaba tase tiyajabha, ngobe tabona kutsi lomsebenti siwente ngekusitwa nguNkulunkulu wetfu. Kuwo lawo malanga baholi bemaJuda babesolomane babhalelana naThobiya bamsekela naye abaphendvule. Bantfu labanyenti lapha kaJuda babefungele kumsekela, ngobe abengumkhwenyana waShekhaniya, umsa wa-Ara, nendvodzana yakhe Jehohanani yayitsetse indvodzakati yaMeshulamu, umsa waBherekhiya. Ngetulu kwaloko, babechubeka nekungibikela imisebenti yakhe lemihle, baphindze bamtjele loko nami lengikushoko. Thobiya yena abetfumela tincwadzi tekungesabisa. Lwatsi kube lubondza lwakhiwe luphele, netivalo sengitifakile etindzaweni tato, kwabe sekubekwa bomahlalesangweni, nebahlabeli kanye nemaLevi. Ngabeka umnaketfu Hanani kutsi engamele iJerusalema abambisane naHananiya, indvuna yenqaba, ngobe Hananiya abeyindvodza leyayetsembekile yesaba Nkulunkulu kwendlula emadvodza lamanyenti. Ngabatjela ngatsi: “Emasango aseJerusalema kufanele angavulwa lilanga lingakaphakami. Ngesikhatsi bomahlalesangweni basesemsebentini, lamasango babowavala bawaveletele. Kantsi futsi kufanele nibeke letinye takhamiti taseJerusalema kutsi tibe bomahlalesangweni, labanye bacize etindzaweni letitsite, labanye bacize eceleni kwetindlu tabo.” Lidolobha laseJerusalema lalilikhulu linendzawo lebanti; kodvwa lalinebantfu labambalwa ngekhatsi kwalo, netindlu tatisengakakhiwa kabusha. Ngako Nkulunkulu wami wakufaka enhlitiyweni yami kutsi ngihlanganise baholi, netiphatsimandla kanye neluntfu lonkhe kutsi kutewubhaliswa ngemindeni. Ngatfola tincwadzi lekwakubhalwe kuto imindeni yalabo bebafike kwekucala. Naku-ke lengakutfola kubhalwe kuto: Laba bantfu lababetfunjwe nguNebukhadnezari, inkhosi yaseBhabhulona, labancandzeka babuyela eJerusalema nakaJuda, ngulowo nalowo edolobheni lakubo, beta bahamba naZerubhabheli, naJeshuwa, naNehemiya, na-Azariya, naRamiya, naNahamani, naModekhayi, naBilshani, naMisperethi, naBikvayi, naNehumi, naBhana. Luhla lwemadvodza aka-Israyeli bekungulawa: Titukulwane takaPharoshi tatiti-2 172, titukulwane takaShefathiya tatingema-372, titukulwane taka-Ara tatingema-652, titukulwane takaPhahathi Mowabi, ngeluhlanga lwaJeshuwa naJowabe, tatiti-2 818, titukulwane taka-Elamu tatiyi-1 254, titukulwane takaZathu tatingema-845, titukulwane takaZakhayi tatingema-760, titukulwane takaBinuwi tatingema-648, titukulwane takaBebayi tatingema-628, titukulwane taka-Azgadi tatiti-2 322, titukulwane taka-Adonikamu tatingema-667, titukulwane takaBikvayi tatiti-2 067, titukulwane taka-Adini tatingema-655, titukulwane taka-Ateri, ngaHezekiya, tatingema-98, titukulwane takaHashumi tatingema-328, titukulwane takaBhezayi tatingema-324, titukulwane takaHarifi tatili-112, titukulwane takaGibeyoni tatingema-95. Emadvodza labewekudzabuka eBhetlehema kanye newaseNethofa abeli-188. Emadvodza ase-Anathothi abeli-128, emadvodza aseBhethi Azmavethi abengema-42, emadvodza aseKhiriyathi Jeyarimu, naseKhefira, naseBherothi ebengema-743, emadvodza aseRama naseGeba abengema-621, emadvodza aseMikmashi abeli-122, emadvodza aseBetheli nase-Ayi abeli-123, emadvodza aseNebo lenye abengema-52, emadvodza ase-Elamu lenye abeyi-1 254, emadvodza aseHarimi abengema-320, emadvodza aseJerikho abengema-345, emadvodza aseLodi, naseHadidi, nase-Ono abengema-721, emadvodza aseSena abeti-3 930. Baphristi bona: bekutitukulwane takaJedaya, ngemndeni waJeshuwa, tatingema-973, titukulwane taka-Imeri tatiyi-1 052, titukulwane takaPhashuri tatiyi-1 247, titukulwane takaHarimi tatiyi-1 017. EmaLevi wona: bekutitukulwane takaJeshuwa netakaKhadmiyeli, ngeluhlanga lwakaHodaviya, tatingema-74. Bahlabeli bona: lababetitukulwane taka-Asafa babeli-148. Bomahlalesangweni bona: bekutitukulwane takaShalumi, netaka-Ateri, netakaThalmoni, netaka-Akhubi, netakaHatita, netakaShobayi, babeli-138, sebabonkhe. Tisebenti telithempeli tona: bekutitukulwane takaSiha, netakaHasufa, netakaThabhayothi, netakaKherosi, netakaSiya, netakaPhadoni, netakaLebana, netakaHagabha, netakaShalmayi, netakaHanana, netakaGideli, netakaGahari, netakaReyaya, netakaResini, netakaNekoda, netakaGazamu, netaka-Uza, netakaPhaseya, netakaBhesayi, netakaMeyunimu, netakaNefusimu, netakaBakbuki; netakaHakufa, netakaHahuri, netakaBasluthi, netakaMehida, netakaHasha, netakaBhakosi, netakaSisera, netakaThema, netakaNesiya kanye netakaHatifa. Titukulwane tetisebenti takaSolomoni tona: bekutitukulwane takaSothayi, netakaSofereti, netakaPheruda, netakaJala, netakaDakhoni, netakaGideli, netakaShefathiya, netakaHathili, netakaPhokerethi Sebayimi kanye netaka-Amoni. Tisebenti telithempeli kanye netitukulwane tetisebenti takaSolomoni betingema-392. Laba labalandzelako babephuma emadolobheni aseTheli Mela, naseTheli Hasha, naseKherubi, nase-Adoni, nase-Imeri, kodvwa noko abazange bakhona kuchaza kutsi imindeni yabo yayiyekudzabuka ka-Israyeli yini: Titukulwane takaDelaya, netakaThobiya kanye netakaNekoda tatingema-642. Kulaba labanye baphristi: bekutitukulwane takaHabaya, netakaHakhosi kanye netakaBhazilayi, indvodza leyayitsetse indvodzakati yaBhazilayi wakaGileyadi, wase ubitwa ngelibito lakhe. Laba bafunisisa imilandvo lebhaliwe yemindeni yabo, kodvwa abazange bayitfole; ngaleso sizatfu abazange babalwe kanye nebaphristi, batsatfwa ngekutsi bangcolile ngekwemtsetfo. Ngako-ke umbusi wabayala kutsi bangadli nome kunye kwalokudla lokwakungcwele, kuze kube nemphristi wekukhonta nge-Urimu neThumimu. Sebabonkhe labancandzeka babeti-42 360, ngaphandle kwetisebenti tabo letidvuna naletisikati letatiti-7 337; ngetulu kwabo bekunebahlabeli labadvuna nalabasikati labangema-245. Babenemahhashi langema-736, neminyuzi lengema-245, nemakamela langema-435, kanye netimbongolo letiti-6 720. Labanye baholi bemindeni bafaka sandla emsebentini. Umbusi naye wanikela ngegolide leyayingemakhilogremu labengaba siphohlongo, nangetitja letatingema-50 kanye nangetingubo tebaphristi letatingema-530. Labanye baholi bemindeni banikela ngegolide leyayingemakhilogremu labengaba li-168, nangesiliva leyayingemakhilogremu labengaba yi-1 250. Sekukonkhe lokwanikelwa ngulaba labanye bantfu kwaba yigolide leyayingemakhilogremu labengaba li-168, nesiliva leyayingemakhilogremu labengaba yinkhulungwane kanye netingubo tebuphristi letatingema-67. Baphristi, nemaLevi, nabomahlalesangweni, nebahlabeli, netisebenti telithempeli, nalabanye bantfu kanye nema-Israyeli lamanye avele acaba ahlala emadolobheni awo. Ngenyanga yesikhombisa onkhe ema-Israyeli abesatintile emadolobheni awo. Bonkhe bantfu bahlangana ndzawonye baba ngumuntfu munye eJerusalema enkhundleni lesembikweliSango Lemanti. Batjela Ezra, ingcweti yetemtsetfo, kutsi akaletse incwadzi yemtsetfo waSimakadze, labewunike sive sema-Israyeli ngaMosi. Kwatsi ngelilanga lekucala enyangeni yesikhombisa Ezra, umphristi, wabeka umtsetfo embikwawo wonkhe umhlangano, lapho kwakunemadvodza nebafati khona kanye nabo bonkhe lababekhona kuwucondzisisa. Wabafundzela wona kusukela ekuseni kuseluvivi, kwaze kwaba ngusemini, abeme abheke kulenkhundla lesembikweliSango Lemanti, lapho kwakubutsene khona emadvodza nebafati kanye nabo bonkhe lababenekuwucondza. Bonkhe bantfu balalelisisa nakufundvwa lencwadzi yemtsetfo. Ezra, ingcweti yetemtsetfo, bekeme endzaweni lephakeme leyayakhiwe ngemapulango, yakhelwe wona lowo msebenti. Eceleni kwakhe ngasesandleni sekudla bekume boMathithiya, naShema, na-Anaya, na-Uriya, naHilkiya kanye naMaseya; ngasesandleni sakhe sesancele bekume boPhedaya, naMishayeli, naMalkhiya, naHashumi, naHashabadana, naZakhariya kanye naMeshulamu. Ezra wayivula lencwadzi. Bonkhe bantfu babembona, ngobe abeme endzaweni lephakeme kunabo. Watsi nakayivula nje lencwadzi, bonkhe bantfu basukuma bema ngetinyawo. Ezra wadvumisa Simakadze, Nkulunkulu lomkhulu kakhulu. Bonkhe bantfu baphakamisa tandla tabo bananatela yena batsi: “Amen! Amen!” Baguca phansi bakhotsama Simakadze babhekise buso phansi. Basukuma lapho bema etindzaweni tabo, kwase kutsi lamaLevi lalandzelako abachazela umtsetfo: boJeshuwa, naBani, naSherebiya, naJamini, na-Akhubi, naShabhethayi, naHodiya, naMaseya, naKhelita, na-Azariya, naJozabadi, naHanana kanye naPhelaya. Bafundza incwadzi yemtsetfo waNkulunkulu, bawucacisa kahle. Babechazela sive inshokutsini yawo, kuze kutsi sonkhe sive sicondzisise kahle kutsi kukhulunywa ngani. Batsi kube bantfu beve ngaloko lokwakufunwa ngumtsetfo, batsintseka badzimate bakhala. Ngako boNehemiya, umbusi, na-Ezra, labengumphristi nengcweti yetemtsetfo, kanye nemaLevi labenguwona achaza lomtsetfo, bakhuluma kulabantfu bonkhe, batsi: “Lelilanga lalamuhla lingcwele kuSimakadze Nkulunkulu wenu, ngako akukafaneli kutsi nilibale kukhala nidzindze sililo.” Nehemiya wakhuluma esiveni, watsi: “Hambani niye emakhaya enu niyekudla kudla kwelikhetselo netinatfo letimnandzi, niphe nalabo labangenalutfo. Leli lilanga lelingcwele kuSimakadze wetfu. Ningakhatsateki, ngobe injabulo yenu levela kuSimakadze ingemandla enu.” EmaLevi abindzisa bonkhe bantfu, atsi: “Thulani, ngobe leli lilanga lelingcwele. Ningakhatsateki.” Ngako bonkhe bantfu bahamba badla banatsa ngekujabula, bapha nalabanye kudla, ngobe bese bawacondzisisa kahle lawo mavi lababechazelwe wona. Ngelilanga lesibili kuleyo nyanga baholi bayo yonkhe imindeni, nebaphristi kanye nemaLevi babutsanela ku-Ezra, labeyingcweti yetemtsetfo, kuze batewufundza kahle timiso talomtsetfo. Bakhandza kubhaliwe emtsetfweni Simakadze labeyale ngawo ema-Israyeli ngaMosi kutsi afanele ahlale emadlangaleni ngesikhatsi semkhosi wenyanga yesikhombisa, nekutsi lelivi kufanele balisakate balimemetele kuwo onkhe emadolobha abo naseJerusalema, batsi: “Hambani, niye eveni letintsaba niyewugawula khona emagala etihlahla temncumo kanye newemncumo wesiganga, newabomabovana, newemasundvu kanye newetihlahla temtfunti nitekwenta emadlangala,” njengobe kubhaliwe emtsetfweni. Ngako bantfu baphuma bahamba bayawugawula emagala, babuya nawo batawutakhela emadlangala etikwetindlu tabo, nasemabaleni abo, nasetibuyeni tendlu yaNkulunkulu, nasetinkhundleni letatingaseSangweni Lemanti kanye nangaseSangweni laka-Efrayimu. Bonkhe bantfu labebabuya ekutfunjweni batakhela emadlangala, bahlala kuwo. Kusukela esikhatsini saJoshuwa, umsa waNuni, kwaze kwaba ngulelo langa babengazange bawugubhe lowo mkhosi ngaleyo ndlela labawugubha ngayo. Kujabula kwabo kwaba kukhulu kakhulu. Lilanga ngelilanga kusukela kulekucala kwaze kwaba kulekugcina, Ezra abebafundzela kulencwadzi yemtsetfo waNkulunkulu. Lomkhosi bawugubha emalanga lasikhombisa, kwatsi ngelilanga lesiphohlongo bahlangana ndzawonye, njengobe kwakusho lomtsetfo. Kwatsi ngelilanga lema-24 kuleyo nyanga ema-Israyeli ahlangana ndzawonye, azila, embatsa emasaka, atitsela ngelutfuli etinhloko, akhalela tono tawo. Labo bebangema-Israyeli ekutalwa batehlukanisa kubo bonkhe betive. Bema ngetindzawo tabo, bavuma tono tabo nekonakala kwabokhokho babo. Bema lapho babekhona khona, bafundza incwadzi yemtsetfo waSimakadze Nkulunkulu wabo sikhatsi lesaba yincenye yesine yelilanga, kwatsi ngalenye incenye yelilanga bavuma tono tabo, bakhonta Simakadze Nkulunkulu wabo. Bekunendzawo leyayakhiwe ngemapulango, itsite kuphakama lapha embikwabo lapho bekunemaLevi khona: boJeshuwa, naBani, neKhadmiyeli, naShebaniya, naBuni, naSherebiya, naBani kanye naKhenani. Bona babethandaza baphakamise emaphimbo abo kuSimakadze Nkulunkulu wabo. LamaLevi lekwakuboJeshuwa, naKhadmiyeli, naBani, naHashabneya, naSherebiya, naHodiya, naShebaniya kanye naPhethahiya bakhuluma batsi: “Sukumani nidvumise Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu kusukela phakadze kuze kube nguphakadze. Alidvunyiswe Libito lakhe lelikhatimulako, Libito lelaphakanyiswa laba ngetulu kwato tonkhe tindvumiso netibongo.” Bakhuleka batsi: “Wena Simakadze, nguwe wedvwa longuSimakadze. Wena wadala emazulu, ngisho nemazulu laphakeme kakhulu, kanye nato tigidzigidzi tetinkhanyeti, nemhlaba kanye nako konkhe lokukuwo, tilwandle kanye nako konkhe lokukuto. Wena ukugcina konkhe lokuphilako, netigidzigidzi tasezulwini tikhonta wena. “Wena unguSimakadze Nkulunkulu, lowakhetsa Abrama, wamkhipha e-Uri yemaKhaledi, wametsa libito watsi ngu-Abrahama. Wakhandza kutsi inhlitiyo yakhe yetsembekile kuwe, wase wenta sivumelwane naye kutsi lelo live uyawuliniketa titukulwane takhe, live lemaKhenani, nemaHethi, nema-Amori, nemaPheresi, nemaJebhusi kanye nemaGirigashi. Usigcinile setsembiso sakho, ngobe wena ulungile. “Wakubona kuhlupheka kwabokhokho betfu eGibhithe; wakuva kukhala kwabo eLwandle Lolubovu. Watfumela tibonakaliso letimangalisako netimanga, wamelana naFaro, nato tonkhe tiphatsimandla takhe, nabo bonkhe bantfu baseveni lakhe, ngobe wena wawati kutsi emaGibhithe abebaphetse kabuhlungu kangakanani. Watentela ligama emhlabeni, lelisolo lahlala kuze kube ngulamuhla. Wehlukanisa lwandle embikwabo, kuze kutsi bewele emhlabatsini lowomile, kodvwa labo bebabacosha ngemuva wabajikijela ekujuleni kwelwandle njengelitje naligcumkiselwa emantini lanemandla. Emini wawubahola ngensika yelifu, kutsi ebusuku ubahole ngensika yemlilo leyayibakhanyisela indlela lekwakufanele bahambe ngayo. “Wehlela eNtsabeni iSinayi; wakhuluma kubo usezulwini. Wabanika timfundziso nemitsetfo lelungile nalefanele, kanye netimiso nemiyalo lemihle. Wabatisa liSabatha lakho lelingcwele, wabanika imiyalo, netimiso kanye nemitsetfo ngenceku yakho Mosi. Ekulambeni kwabo wabapha sinkhwa lesasichamuka ezulwini, kwatsi ekomeni kwabo wabanatsisa emanti labephuma edvwaleni. Wabatjela kutsi abangene badle lelive, lewawufunge ngalo ngekuphakamisa sandla sakho kutsi uyakubapha lona. “Kodvwa bona bokhokho betfu bakudvwalela, baba netinhloko letilukhuni, bangete bayilalela imiyalo yakho. Bala kulalela, abazange bakhumbule timangaliso lewawutentile kubo. Bahlubuka baba netinhloko letilukhuni, baze ngekutiphakamisa kwabo batikhetsela umholi wabo labetabahola ababuyisele ebugcilini babo. Kodvwa wena unguNkulunkulu lotsetselelako, nalonemusa, nesihawu, lowephutako kutfukutsela ugcwele lutsandvo. Ngako awuzange ubalahle, kwala nome sebatibumbele sitfombe selitfole baze batsi: ‘Lona ngunkulunkulu wenu lowanikhipha eGibhithe,’ kwala nome sebakuhlambalate ngalokwesabekako lokubi kangakanani. “Noko ngenca yesihawu sakho lesikhulu awuzange ubashiye bodvwa ehlane. Emini insika yelifu ayizange iyekele kubahola endleleni yabo, kanjalo nasebusuku insika yemlilo ayizange iyekele kubakhanyisela indlela lababefanele bahambe ngayo. Wabanika Moya wakho lolungile kutsi abafundzise. Awuzange uyigodle imana yakho emilonyeni yabo, wabanatsisa emanti, nase bomile. Wabagcina ngekubasekela iminyaka lengema-40 ngesikhatsi basesehlane; abazange beswele lutfo, timphahla tabo atizange tiguge, kantsi netinyawo tabo atizange tivuvuke. “Wabapha imibuso netive, wababela ngisho nemave lakhashane asemikhawulweni. Badla live laSihoni, inkhosi yaseHeshboni, nelive laka-Ogi, inkhosi yaseBhashani. Wandzisa emadvodzana abo aba manyenti, aba ngangetinkhanyeti tesibhakabhaka, wabaletsa eveni lowatjela boyise kutsi babongena kulo balidle. Nembala emadvodzana abo angena kulo alidla. EmaKhenani labehlala kulelive wawancoba embikwabo babuka. EmaKhenani wawanikela etandleni tabo, wawanikela kanye nemakhosi awo kanye netive takulelo live kutsi batibonele bona kutsi bangentani ngabo. Batfumba emadolobha labetinqaba, nemhlabatsi lovundzile, badla tindlu letatigcwele tonkhe tinhlobo tetintfo letinhle, nemitfombo leyase imbiwe, netivini, netihlahla temincumo kanye netihlahla tetitselo letinyenti. Badla besutsa, bondleka kahle, batitika ngekulunga kwakho lokukhulu. “Kodvwa abazange bakulalele, esikhundleni saloko bakuhlubuka, umtsetfo wakho bawufulatsela. Babulala baphrofethi bakho labebabayala kutsi babuyele kuwe; benta tinhlamba letesabeka kabi kakhulu. Ngako wabanikela etandleni tetitsa tabo letabacindzetela. Kodvwa batsi nase bacindzetelekile, bakhala kuwe. Watsi usezulwini lakho wabeva, ngesihawu sakho lesikhulu wabatfumelela bakhululi lababalamulela babasindzisa esandleni setitsa tabo. “Kodvwa batsi kube batfole kuphumula, baphindze benta lokubi emehlweni akho. Ngako wase ubayekelela esandleni setitsa tabo letababusa. Batsi nabaphindza bakhala kuwe, wabeva ngesihawu sakho usezulwini, wawubese uyabakhulula njalo nje tikhatsi ngetikhatsi. “Wabeluleka kutsi ababuyele emtsetfweni wakho, kodvwa bona bakudvwalela, bangete bayihlonipha imiyalo yakho. Bona ngekuphambana netimiso takho lekufanele umuntfu aphile ngato nangabe atihlonipha. Bakufulatsela ngenkhani, baba netinhlitiyo letilukhuni, bala kulalela wena. Wababeketelela iminyaka leminyenti. Wabekhuta ngaMoya wakho ngekusebentisa baphrofethi bakho. Kodvwa noko abazange bakunake loko, ngako wabanikela esandleni setive letatibomakhelwane babo. Kodvwa ngemusa wakho lomkhulu awuzange ubacedze, futsi awubalahlanga, ngobe wena unguNkulunkulu lonemusa nesihawu. “Ngako-ke manje, Nkulunkulu wetfu, lomkhulu kakhulu, nalonemandla, Nkulunkulu lowesabekako, yebo, wena logcina sivumelwane sakho selutsandvo, ungabenti bulukhuni bube yintfo lencane emehlweni akho, bona lobumatima lobehlele etikwetfu, nasemakhosini etfu, nakubaholi betfu, nasetikwebaphristi, nasetikwebaphrofethi, nasetikwabobabe betfu, nakuso sonkhe sive sakho, kusukela etinsukwini temakhosi ase-Asiriya kuze kube ngulamuhla. Kuko konkhe loko lokusehlele wena bewusolo ulungile wenta tintfo ngekwetsembeka, lite nome tsine besenta lokubi. Emakhosi etfu, nebaholi betfu, nebaphristi betfu kanye nabobabe betfu abazange bawulandzele umtsetfo wakho; abazange bayinake imiyalo yakho kanye neteluleko takho lowabanika tona. Batsi basesebukhosini babo, basatijabulisa ngebumnandzi bekulunga kwakho lokukhulu kubo kulelive lelibanti nalelivundzile lowabapha lona, abazange bakukhonte, futsi abazange baphendvuke etonweni tabo letimbi. “Kodvwa asewubuke, lamuhla sesitigcili, sitigcili eveni lowalipha bobabemkhulu kuze batekudla titselo naletinye tintfo letimnandzi letiphuma kulelive. Ngenca yetono tetfu, sivuno salo lesinyenti sesiya emakhosini lose usibekele wona. Lamakhosi abusa etikwetfu kanye nasetikwetinkhomo tetfu njengobe atsandza. Tsine siselusizini lolukhulu.” “Ngetulu kwako konkhe loku, sesitibopha ngesivumelwane lesitakubhalwa phansi, kutawutsi baholi betfu, nemaLevi etfu kanye nebaphristi betfu basisayine ngekufaka tigcivito tabo kuso.” Labo labasisayina lesivumelwane bekuboNehemiya, umbusi, indvodzana yaHakaliya, naSedekiya, naSeraya, na-Azariya, naJeremiya, naPhashuri, na-Amariya, naMalkhiya, naHathushi, naShebaniya, naMaluki, naHarimi, naMeremothi, na-Obadiya, naDanyela, naGinethoni, naBharuki, naMeshulamu, na-Abiya, naMijamini, naMaziya, naBilgayi, naShemaya. Laba-ke bekungubona baphristi. EmaLevi bekuboJeshuwa, umsa wa-Azaniya, naBinuwi, lomunye wemadvodzana aHenadadi, naKhadmiyeli, nabomnakabo boShebaniya, naHodiya, naKhelita, naPhelaya, naHanana, naMikha, naRehobi, naHashabiya, naZakhuri, naSherebiya, naShebaniya, naHodiya, naBani kanye naBeninu. Baholi besive bekuboPharoshi, naPhahathi Mowabi, na-Elamu, naZathu, naBani, naBuni, na-Azgadi, naBebayi, na-Adoniya, naBikvayi, na-Adini, na-Ateri, naHezekiya, na-Azuri, naHodiya, naHashumi, naBhezayi, naHarifi, na-Anathothi, naNebayi, naMagphiyashi, naMeshulamu, naHeziri, naMeshezabeli, naSadoki, naJaduya, naPhelatiya, naHanana, na-Anaya, naHosheya, naHananiya, naHashubi, naHaloheshi, naPhilha, naShobeki, naRehumi, naHashabna, naMaseya, na-Ahiya, naHanana, na-Anana, naMaluki, naHarimi, naBhana. Labanye-ke bantfu balesive bekubaphristi nemaLevi, nabomahlalesangweni, nebahlabeli, netisebenti tasethempelini, nabo bonkhe lababetehlukanisile ngenca yemtsetfo waNkulunkulu kuletive letatakhelene nabo, bakanye nebafati babo, nawo onkhe emadvodzana nemadvodzakati abo, lawo labesakwati kwehlukanisa kahle tintfo, bonkhe-ke labo bahlanganyela nabomnakabo nebahlonishwa babo, batibopha ngesicalekiso nangesifungo kutsi batawulandzela kahle umtsetfo waNkulunkulu labanika wona ngaMosi, inceku yaNkulunkulu, kuyilalela yonkhe imiyalo nemihambo kanye netimiso taSimakadze longuNkulunkulu wabo. Betsembisa batsi: “Siyetsembisa kutsi singeke siphindze siwendzise emadvodzakati etfu kuletive lesakhelene nato, ngisho nemajaha etfu ngeke sivume kutsi atsatse bafati kuletive lesakhelene nato. “Ngesikhatsi labantfu lesakhelene nabo nabeta netintfo tabo tekutsengiswa nome emabele nemimbila yabo ngemaSabatha batsi batesitsengisela, ngeke sitsenge lutfo lwabo ngeliSabatha, ngisho nangalelinye nje lilanga lelingcwele. “Njalo nje ngemnyaka wesikhombisa singeke siwulime umhlaba, futsi siyawucisha tonkhe tikwelede. “Siyawuvuma umtfwalo wekwenta yonkhe imiyalo sikhiphe emagremu langaba mane esiliva yonkhe iminyaka umuntfu amunye, sentele kuhlangabetana nato tonkhe tindleko tasendlini yaNkulunkulu wetfu: tesinkhwa sekubekwa etafuleni, netemnikelo wafutsi walokutinhlavu kanye neteminikelo yekushiswa ngemlilo, neteminikelo yemaSabatha, neyemikhosi yekwetfwasa kwenyanga, netemikhosi leyemiswa, neteminikelo lengcwele neteminikelo yetono yekwenta kubuyisana kwema-Israyeli naNkulunkulu, netayo yonkhe nje imisebenti yasendlini yaNkulunkulu wetfu. “Tsine-ke baphristi nemaLevi kanye nesive sente inkatho kuze sitewubona kutsi indlu ngayinye ingawuletsa nini umnikelo endlini yaNkulunkulu wetfu ngetikhatsi letimisiwe emnyakeni, lekungumnikelo wetinkhuni tekubaswa elatini lelisendlini yaSimakadze longuNkulunkulu wetfu, njengobe kubhaliwe emtsetfweni. “Siyawuvuma futsi nemtfwalo wekwenta inkonzo yekuletsa tonkhe titselo tekucala endlini yaSimakadze tato tonkhe tilimo tetfu netitselo tetfu ngayo yonkhe iminyaka. “Njengobe kubhaliwe futsi emtsetfweni, sitawuletsa ematubulo etfu labafana, newetinkhomo tetfu, newemihlambi yetfu, newetifuyo tetfu, endlini yaNkulunkulu wetfu, kulabo baphristi labayawube bakhonta ngaleso sikhatsi. “Ngetulu kwaloko sitawuletsa etingungwini tendlu yaNkulunkulu wetfu, kubaphristi kwekucala kwalokusampuphu yetfu, nekwalokutinhlavu lokungumnikelo, nekwetitselo tato tonkhe tihlahla tetfu tetitselo, nekweliwayini lelisha nemafutsa. “Sitawuletsa nekwelishumi kwetivuno tetfu kumaLevi, ngobe ngemaLevi lagcogca kwelishumi kuwo onkhe emadolobha, lapho sisebentela khona. Umphristi loyintalelwane ya-Aroni uyawuphekeletela emaLevi ngesikhatsi agcogca kwelishumi. EmaLevi kufanele nawo aletse kwelishumi kuko konkhe lokukwelishumi akuletse endlini yaNkulunkulu wetfu, etingungwini tasendlini yengcebo. Sive sema-Israyeli ngisho nemaLevi, cobo lwawo, kufanele aletse umnikelo wawo walokutinhlavu, neweliwayini lelisha, newemafutsa etingungwini, lapho kuhlala khona timphahla letingcwele tasendlini lengcwelengcwele, lapho kuhlala khona baphristi labakhontako, nabomahlalesangweni, nebahlabeli. “Ngeke sesiyilahle indlu yaNkulunkulu wetfu.” Baholi besive bakha eJerusalema, kwatsi laba labanye nje besive base benta inkatho kutsi bakhetse munye kulabo nalabo labalishumi kutsi ayewuhlala eJerusalema, lidolobha lelingcwele, bese kutsi laba labanye labayimfica babuyele emadolobheni akubo. Bantfu bawadvumisa onkhe emadvodza latinikela kutsi ayewuhlala eJerusalema. Laba-ke baholi betifundza labefika bakha eJerusalema; labanye bekungema-Israyeli, nebaphristi, nemaLevi, netisebenti tasethempelini, nebatukulu betisebenti taSolomoni labebahlala emadolobheni akaJuda, nguloyo atihlalela endzaweni yakakhe emadolobheni lehlukene, kantsi laba labanye lababephuma kaJuda nakaBhenjamini babehlala eJerusalema: Esitukulwaneni sakaJuda bekubo-Athaya, umsa wa-Uziya, umsa waZakhariya, umsa wa-Amariya, umsa waShefathiya, umsa waMahalaleli, umtukulu waPheresi, naMaseya, umsa waBharuki, umsa waKholi Hoze, umsa waHazaya, umsa wa-Adaya, umsa waJoyaribi, umsa waZakhariya, umtukulu waShela. Titukulwane takaPheresi lebetihlala eJerusalema tatingema-468, emadvodza lanemandla. Esitukulwaneni sakaBhenjamini bekunguSalu, umsa waMeshulamu, umsa waJowedi, umsa waPhedaya, umsa waKholaya, umsa waMaseya, umsa wa-Ithiyeli, umsa waJeshaya, kanye nebalandzeli bakhe, boGabhayi, naSalayi, emadvodza langema-928. Joweli, umsa waZikhri, abeyindvuna yabo lenkhulu, Juda, umsa waHasenuwa, abengamele Sifundza Sesibili salelidolobha. Kubaphristi bekuboJedaya, umsawaJoyaribi, naJakhini, naSeraya, umsa waHilkiya, umsa waMeshulamu, umsa waSadoki, umsa waMerayothi, umsa wa-Ahitubi, labengumengameli wasendlini yaNkulunkulu, nabomnakabo labahlanganyela nabo emsebentini wasethempelini, emadvodza labengema-822, nabo-Adaya, umsa waJerohamu, umsa waPhelaliya, umsa wa-Amsi, umsa waZakhariya, umsa waPhashuri, umsa waMalkhiya, nabomnakabo lababetinhloko temindeni yabo, emadvodza langema-242, na-Amashisayi, umsa wa-Azareli, umsa wa-Ahazayi, umsa waMeshilemothi, umsa wa-Imeri, nabomnakabo lababetingwazi letatinesibindzi tili-128. Indvuna yato bekunguZabdiyeli, umsa waHagedolimu. KumaLevi bekuboShemaya, umsa waHashubi, umsa wa-Azrikamu, umsa waHashabiya, umsa waBuni, naShabhethayi, naJozabadi, lababengubona batinhloko temaLevi labebhekene nemsebenti wangaphandle kwendlu yaNkulunkulu; naMathaniya, umsa waMikha, umsa waZabdi, umsa wa-Asafa labengumcondzisi labehola tibongo nemithandazo, naBakbukiya labewesibili kubomnakabo, na-Abda, umsa waShamuwa labetalwa nguGalali, umsa waJeduthuni. EmaLevi labesedolobheni lelingcwele abengema-284. Bomahlalesangweni bekubo-Akhubi, naThalmoni kanye nebangani babo lababehlala bacize emasango, bona babeli-172. Lawa lamanye ema-Israyeli, nebaphristi babo, nemaLevi babegcwele kuwo onkhe emadolobha akaJuda, ngulowo ahleti endzaweni yeyisemkhulu. Tisebenti tasethempelini tona tatihlala entsabeni i-Ofeli, boSiha naGishpa lekwakungutona tindvuna tabo. Indvuna lenkhulu yemaLevi labeseJerusalema bekungu-Uzi, umsa waBani, umsa waHashabiya, umsa waMathaniya, umsa waMikha. Uzi abengulomunye webatukulu ba-Asafa lababehlabela endlini yaNkulunkulu. Bahlabeli-ke bona babephetfwe ngimiyalo yenkhosi leyayinguyona ibalawula ngemisebenti yemalanga ngemalanga. Phethahiya, umsa waMeshezabeli, lomunye wentalelwane yaZera, umsa waJuda, abeliso lenkhosi kuto tonkhe tindzaba letiphatselene nesive. Mayelana nemiti nemasimi ayo labanye bantfu bakaJuda bona babehlala eKhiriyathi Abha nasetabelweni tayo, eDiboni nasetabelweni tayo, eKhabsiyeli nasemitini yayo, naseJeshuwa, naseMolada, naseBhethi Pheleti, naseHasari Shuwali, eBherisheba nasetabelweni tayo, naseSikilagi, eMekhona nasetabelweni tayo, nase-Eni Rimoni, naseSora, naseJamuthi, naseZanowa, e-Adulamu nasemitini yayo, naseLakhishi, nasetigangeni tangakhona, e-Azekha nasetabelweni tayo. Ngako babegcwele kuyo yonkhe leyo ndzawo kusukela eBherisheba kuze kuyewufika eSigodzini sakaHinomu. Titukulwane takaBhenjamini kusukela eGeba tatihlala eMikmashi, nase-Ayija, eBetheli nasetabelweni tayo, nase-Anathothi, naseNobi, nase-Ananiya, naseHasori, naseRama, naseGithayimu, naseHadidi, naseSeboyimu, naseNebalathi, naseLodi, nase-Ono, naseSigodzini Setingcweti. Letinye ticheme temaLevi akaJuda takha kulakaBhenjamini. Baphristi nemaLevi lababuya kanye naZerubhabheli, umsa waSalatiyeli, naJeshuwa: bekuboSeraya, naJeremiya, na-Ezra, na-Amariya, naMaluki, naHathushi, naShekhaniya, naRehumi, naMeremothi, na-Ido, naGinethoni, na-Abiya, naMijamini, naMowadiya, naBilgayi, naShemaya, naJoyaribi, naJedaya, naSalu, na-Amoki, naHilkiya, naJedaya. Labo-ke bekubaholi bebaphristi nebeticheme tabo ngesikhatsi saJeshuwa. EmaLevi wona bekuboJeshuwa, naBinuwi, naKhadmiyeli, naSherebiya, naJuda kanye naMathaniya labenguyena aphetse kanye nabomnakabo, baphetse tingoma tekudvumisa. BoBakbukiya, na-Uni, bomnakabo, bona babema babukane nabo nakukhontwako. Jeshuwa watala Joyakimi, Joyakimi watala Eliyashibi, Eliyashibi watala Joyada, Joyada watala Jonathani, Jonathani watala Jaduya. Tinhloko temindeni yebaphristi ngetikhatsi taJoyakimi betime kanje: kaSeraya bekunguMeraya, kaJeremiya kunguHananiya. Ka-Ezra bekunguMeshulamu, ka-Amariya kunguJehohanani. KaMaluki bekunguJonathani, kaShebaniya kunguJosefa. KaHarimi bekungu-Adna, kaMeremothi kunguHelkayi. Ka-Ido bekunguZakhariya, kaGinethoni kunguMeshulamu. Ka-Abiya bekunguZikhri, kaMiniyamini nakaMowadiya kunguPhiltayi. KaBilga bekunguShamuwa, kaShemaya kunguJehonathani. KaJoyaribi bekunguMathenayi, kaJedaya kungu-Uzi. KaSalu bekunguKhalayi, ka-Amoki kungu-Ebheri. KaHilkiya bekunguHashabiya, kaJedaya kunguNethaneli. Tinhloko temindeni yemaLevi ngetikhatsi tabo-Eliyashibi, naJoyada, naJohanani, naJaduya kanye naleto tebaphristi taze tabhalwa ngesikhatsi sekubusa kwaDariyusi wasePheresiya. Tinhloko temindeni tetitukulwane temaLevi kuze kube ngusesikhatsini saJohanani, umsa wa-Eliyashibi, taze tabhalwa phansi etincwadzini temilandvo. Baholi bemaLevi bekuboHashabiya, naSherebiya, naJeshuwa, umsa waKhadmiyeli; ticheme tabomnakabo tatima malungana nabo, kuze tidvumise tiletse netibongo, sicheme sabomnakabo lesinye siphendvule lesinye, njengobe abeshito Davide, inceku yaNkulunkulu. BoMathaniya, naBakbukiya, na-Obadiya, naMeshulamu, naThalmoni, na-Akhubi bekubomahlalesangweni lababeciza tingungumakamelo letatingasemasangweni. Bona-ke babekhonta lapho ngesikhatsi saJoyakimi, umsa waJeshuwa, umsa waJosadaki, nangesikhatsi saNehemiya, umbusi, bana-Ezra, umphristi nengcweti yetemtsetfo. Ngesikhatsi sekunikelwa kwelubondza lweJerusalema, emaLevi afunwa aze atfolakala lapho abehlala khona, atsatfwa aletfwa eJerusalema kutsi atewungenela lomkhosi ngenjabulo, nangetingoma tekubonga, nangemculo wabokhencekhence, newemahabhu, newemalire lanetintsambo letinyenti. Nebahlabeli nabo babutfwa kulo lonkhe laseJerusalema nemaphetselo alo, kusukela emitini yemaNethofa, naseBhethi Gilgali, nasesigodzini saseGeba, nase-Azmavethi, njengobe bahlabeli nabo bese batakhele imiti emacentselweni aseJerusalema. Batsi nase batihlambululile ngekwelisiko baphristi nemaLevi, base bahlambulula bantfu, nemasango kanye nalolubondza. Ngase ngikhuphula baholi bakaJuda baya etulu elubondzeni. Ngase ngilawula emakwaya lamabili ebahlabeli kutsi abonge ngemculo. Leli lelinye lalitawuchubeka lapha etulu elubondzeni liye ngesekudla, kubheka ngaseSangweni Lebulongo. BoHoshaya kanye nencenye yebaholi bakaJuda babalandzela ngemuva, nabo-Azariya, na-Ezra, naMeshulamu, naJuda, naBhenjamini, naShemaya, naJeremiya, ngisho nalabanye baphristi lababenemacilongo kanye naZakhariya, umsa waJonathani, umsa waShemaya, umsa waMathaniya, umsa waMikhaya, umsa waZakhuri, umsa wa-Asafa, nabomnakabo: boShemaya, na-Azareli, naMilalayi, naGilalayi, naMayi, naNethaneli, naJuda, naHanani, netingubhu tabo telikhetselo laDavide, inceku yaNkulunkulu. Ezra, ingcweti yetemtsetfo, abehola wonkhe lomkhumbi walowo mkhosi. ESangweni Lemtfombo bachubeka bakhuphuka ngetitebhisi telubondza lweLidolobha laDavide letenyuka kulo, bendlule ngetulu kwendlu yaDavide baze bayewufika eSangweni Lemanti ngasemphumalanga. Lena lenye ikwaya yebahlabeli yayichubeka ngale, yacondza ngesancele iphambana nalena lenye lecondze ngasekudla. Ngabalandzela ngisetulu elubondzeni nginencenye yalabanye bantfu, sendlula uMbhoshongo Wemahhavu saya eLubondzeni Lolubanti, nasetikweLisango laka-Efrayimu, sendlulela nakulakaJeshana, nakuLetinhlanti, neMbhoshongo waHananeli, neweLikhulu kuze kuyewufika eSangweni Letimvu. Befika bema eSangweni Labomahlalesangweni. Lamakwaya lamabili labehlabelela kubonga esuka atsatsa tindzawo tawo lapha ekhatsi nendlu yaNkulunkulu, nami futsi kanjalo kanye nencenye yetindvuna, nebaphristi nabo batsatsa tindzawo tabo, bo-Eliyakimu, naMaseya, naMiniyamini, naMikhaya, na-Eliyoyenayi, naZakhariya, naHananiya baphetse emacilongo abo, kanye naboMaseya, naShemaya, na-Eleyazare, na-Uzi, naJehohanani, naMalkhiya, na-Elamu, na-Ezeri. Lamakwaya abehlatjeleliswa ngumholi wawo, Jezrahiya. Ngalelo langa banikela ngalemikhulu imihlatjelo bajabula, ngobe Nkulunkulu abebentele injabulo lenkhulu. Bafati nebantfwana nabo bajabula. Umsindvo wekujabula lowawuseJerusalema wawungevakala khashane kakhulu. Ngaleso sikhatsi kwabekwa emadvodza labetakwengamela tingungumakamelo teminikelo, netetilinga kanye netekwelishumi. Lamadvodza abebekelwe kutsi abutse iminikelo yebaphristi neyemaLevi kubo bonkhe balimi lababesedvutane nemadolobha, akuletse kuletingungumakamelo, tonkhe tabelo tebaphristi netemaLevi letatifunwa ngumtsetfo. Sonkhe sive semaJuda saseneliswa yinkonzo yebaphristi neyemaLevi. Babeyenta kahle lenkonzo yaNkulunkulu wabo kanye nenkonzo yekuhlanjululwa, njengobe kwakwenta lamakwaya nabomahlalesangweni, kuye njengekwemyalo waDavide nemsa wakhe Solomoni. Kadzeni ngetikhatsi taboDavide nabo-Asafa kwakunebacondzisi balabebahlabelela kanye nebetingoma tekudvumisa nekubonga Nkulunkulu. Ngako ngetikhatsi taboZerubhabheli naboNehemiya, onkhe ema-Israyeli abeletsa umnikelo welilanga ngelilanga webahlabeli newabomahlalesangweni. Ngabo futsi labebabela lawa lamanye emaLevi incenye yawo, nemaLevi ehlukanisa tabelo tetitukulwane ta-Aroni. Ngalelo langa kwafundvwa iNcwadzi yaMosi, ifundvwa ngelivi leliphakeme kakhulu ifundzelwa sive, lapho kwatfolakala kubhaliwe kutsi kute um-Amoni nome um-Mowabi lekufanele angeniswe emhlanganweni waNkulunkulu, ngobe babengazange bahlangabete ema-Israyeli nekudla emanti, kodvwa bacasha Bhalamu kutsi abehlisele sicalekiso. Noko Nkulunkulu wetfu wasigucula leso sicalekiso saba sibusiso. Sive satsi kube siwuve lowo mtsetfo, sabakhetsa kuma-Israyeli bonkhe labo lababeyintalelwane yebetive. Ngembili kwaloko bekukadze kubekwe Eliyashibi, umphristi, kutsi engamele tingungumakamelo tasendlini yaNkulunkulu wetfu. Abetayelene kakhulu naThobiya, futsi abemnikete lenkhulu indlu leyayikadze iyingungu yeminikelo yalokutinhlavu, neyemphepho, neyetintfo tasethempelini, neyekwelishumi kwalokutinhlavu, neyekweliwayini lelisha, neyekwemafutsa labekabelwe emaLevi, nebahlabeli, nabomahlalesangweni kanye naloko lokwakuletselwa baphristi. Kodvwa ngaleso sikhatsi kwenteka konkhe loko mine ngangingekho eJerusalema, ngobe ngemnyaka wema-32 wekubusa kwa-Athazeksesi, inkhosi yaseBhabhulona, ngase ngibuyele enkhosini. Emvakwesikhatsi ngacela kuyo imvume, ngabuyela eJerusalema, lapho ngafike ngatfola ngebubi lobabentiwe ngu-Eliyashibi ngekutsi anikete Thobiya likamelo lelalisekhatsi etibuyeni tendlu yaNkulunkulu wetfu. Loko kwangenta ngatfukutsela ngadzimate ngatsatsa tonkhe timphahla tasendlini yaThobiya ngatijikijela ngaphandle kwalelikamelo. Ngase ngitsi akuhlanjululwe lamakamelo, emvakwaloko-ke ngase ngibuyisela letimphahla tasendlini yaNkulunkulu kanye naleyo minikelo yalokutinhlavu nemphepho. Ngaphindze ngakhandza nekutsi emaLevi abengasanikwa tabelo tawo, ngaloko onkhe emaLevi nebahlabeli labangubona bengamele inkonzo sebatibuyelela emasimini abo. Ngako ngatitsetsisa letindvuna, ngabuta ngatsi: “Lendlu yaNkulunkulu ayinakekelwa ngani kodvwa?” Ngako lamaLevi ngawabutsela ndzawonye onkhe, nguloyo naloyo ngammisa endzaweni yakhe. Ngako onkhe emaJuda aletsa kwelishumi kwawo kwalokutinhlavu nekweliwayini lelisha, nekwemafutsa, etingungwini tendlu yaNkulunkulu. Ngabeka umphristi Shelemiya, naSadoki, ingcweti yetemtsetfo, nalomunye umLevi lekwakutsiwa nguPhedaya kutsi bengamele letingungumakamelo, ngabeka naHanana, umsa waZakhuri, umsa waMathaniya, waba ngumsiti wabo, ngobe lamadvodza abetsatfwa ngekutsi etsembekile. Babenikwe kutsi banakekele kwabelwa kwalabanakabo tintfo. Awu, Nkulunkulu wami, ngikhumbule ngaloku; ungakwesuli konkhe loku lengikwente ngekwetsembeka, ngikwentela indlu yaNkulunkulu wami nenkonzo yayo. Ngalawo malanga ngabona emadvodza akaJuda agcobagcoba litje lekuhlutela emagelebisi ngelilanga leliSabatha, bangenisa lokutinhlavu bakwetjatsisa timbongolo, batetfwesa neliwayini, nemagelebisi, nemakhiwa, nayo yonkhe nje leminye imitfwalo. Konkhe loko babekumikisa eJerusalema kuliSabatha. Ngako ngabadvonsa ngendlebe kutsi bangabokutsengisa kudla ngelilanga leliSabatha. Emadvodza aseThire labehlala eJerusalema abeletsa tinhlanti nako konkhe lokutsengwa kutsengiswe, atewutsengisela emaJuda, eJerusalema ngeliSabatha. Ngako ngabatsetsisa baholi bakaJuda, ngatsi: “Yini lamanyala leniwentako, ekona liSabatha? Abazange benta njalo yini bona boyihlomkhulu, kuze Nkulunkulu wetfu asehlisele yonkhe lenhlekelele leyaze yehlela nalelidolobha letfu? Nyalo nine seniphindze nichukuluta lulaka lolukhulu kutsi lwehlele ema-Israyeli ngalokona liSabatha.” Kwatsi nase limatfunti emasangweni aseJerusalema kutawusa kube liSabatha, ngatsi akuvalwe yonkhe iminyango ingavulwa kuze kube ngusekupheleni kweliSabatha. Ngamisa lamanye emadvodza akami emasangweni kuze kungabikho umtfwalo longenako ngelilanga leliSabatha. Kwaze kwaba kanye nakabili, solomane batsengi nebatsengisi bato tonkhe tinhlobonhlobo talokutsengiswako bavalelwa ngephandle kweJerusalema, balale khona busuku bonkhe. Kodvwa noko ngabayala ngatsi: “Nilalelani busuku bonkhe lapha ngephandle kwelubondza? Naniphindza nikwenta loko, ngitawugcina senginiphetse ngetandla.” Kusukela ngalelo langa abazange baphindze babuye kutewutsengisa ngeliSabatha. Ngase ngitjela emaLevi kutsi akatihlambulule ahambe ayewuciza emasango, kuze agcine liSabatha lingcwele. Nangenca yaloko ngikhumbule, Nkulunkulu wami, ungihawukele njengekwelutsandvo lwakho lolukhulu. Ngetulu kwaloko, kulawo malanga ngabona emadvodza akaJuda labeteke bafati base-Ashdodi, nebaka-Amoni, nebakaMowabi. Incenye yebantfwababo yayikhuluma lulwimi lwase-Ashdodi, nome-ke lwaletinye taleto tive bangakwati sanhlobo nje kukhuluma siJuda. Ngabatsetsisa kamatima, ngaze ngabacalekisa. Ngavele ngawashaya lamanye alawo madvodza, ngaze ngawabamba ngetihlutfu. Ngabafungisa ngelibito laNkulunkulu, ngatsi: “Aniyikwendzisa emadvodzakati enu emajaheni abo, futsi nani ningawatsatseli emadvodzana enu bafati etintfombini tabo, nani futsi ningabatsatsi bafati kubo. Akoniswanga nguko yini loku Solomoni, inkhosi yaka-Israyeli, ngekutsatsa bafati ngalendlela lefanana nalena? Kuto tonkhe tive kwakute inkhosi leyayifanana naye. Abetsandvwe nguNkulunkulu wakhe, kangangobe Nkulunkulu wadzimate wamenta inkhosi etikwaso sonkhe sive sema-Israyeli, kodvwa noko wadvonseleka esonweni ngenca yekutsatsa bafati betive. Nyalo sekufanele sive kutsi nani senenta wona lawo manyala? Intfo lembi kangaka! Aniketsembeki kuNkulunkulu wetfu ngekutsatsa bafati betive.” Lomunye wemadvodzana aJoyada, umsa wa-Eliyashibi, umPhristi Lomkhulu, abengumkhwenyana waSanbalati, umHoroni. Ngamcosha lapha kimi. Awu, Nkulunkulu wami, bakhumbule, ngobe bayingcolisile inkonzo yebuphristi nesivumelwane sebuphristi nesebuLevi. Ngako ngabahlambulula baphristi nemaLevi kuko konkhe lokwakukwebetive, ngase ngibanika imisebenti, ngulowo ngamnika wakakhe. Ngase ngenta nelitfuba leminikelo yetinkhuni ngetikhatsi letimisiwe newetitselo tekucala. Awu, Nkulunkulu wami, ngikhumbule ngekwesihawu sakho. Inkhosi Ahashiveroshi ngesikhatsi sayo yayibusa tifundza letili-127 kusukela eNdiya kuze kuyewuma eSudani. Ngaleso sikhatsi Ahashiveroshi abebusela esigodlweni sakhe lesasiseSusa. Kwatsi ngemnyaka wesitsatfu wekubusa kwakhe wenta lidzili lelikhulu, wamema tonkhe tiphatsimandla takhe netindvuna takhe. Wamema nemabutfo asePheresiya newaseMediya. Tonkhe tikhulu tatikhona, tikanye netiphatsimandla tembuso. Kwaphela tinyanga letisitfupha solomane abukisa ngemcebo wembuso wakhe, nebuhle, nebucwebecwebe bebukhosi bakhe. Kwatsi ekupheleni kwaleso sikhatsi inkhosi yenta lidzili lelatsatsa liviki ngekhatsi esihoncweni sasesigodlweni senkhosi. Lelidzili lalentelwe bonkhe bantfu labakhulu nalabancane labebasesihoncweni saseSusa. Lesihonco sasihlotjiswe ngetindvwangu letatimhlophe naletatiluhlata njengesibhakabhaka, ticoboshelwe ngetintsambo telineni lecolekile naletibukhwebeletane etindingilizini tesiliva letatiboshelwe etinsikeni temabuli; kwakukhona netihlalo tekucambalala tegolide netesiliva tibekwe esihoncweni. Lesihonco naso sasiyilwe ngemabuli lemhlophe nangematje labovu nangemapharele lacwebetelako, nangematje laluhlata laligugu. Liwayini lalinatfwa ngetindzebe tegolide, nguloyo naloyo aneyakhe indzebe leyehlukile kuletinye. Inkhosi yephana nangeliwayini lebukhosi. Yakhipha simemetelo kutsi ngulowo muntfu akanatse ngekutsandza kwakhe. Yatjela tisebenti kutsi ngulowo nalowo muntfu timnikete liwayini lalifunako. Inkhosikati lenkhulu Vashti nayo yayente layo lidzili, yentele emakhosikati lebeyihlala nawo esigodlweni senkhosi Ahashiveroshi. Kwatsi ngelilanga lesikhombisa, inkhosi seyibufakile yatjela tindvuna tayo letatibatsenwa boMehumani, naBiztha, naHabona, naBiktha, na-Abagitha, naZethari, naKhakhasi kutsi tilandze inkhosikati lenkhulu Vashti, tite nayo yembetse kahle ifake nemchele wayo webukhosi kuze ibakhombise buhle bayo. Phela Vashti bekamuhle kakhulu, abukeka. Kodvwa tindvuna tenkhosi tatsi tiyamtjela, Vashti wala kuta nato. Inkhosi yatfukutsela yagana sicoco. Kwakungumkhuba wenkhosi kutsi icale ibute indlela etingcwetini temtsetfo letatibeluleki bayo etintfweni letiphatselene nenkhosi, ngako yavele yatibita. Labo yayivamise kubabita bekuboKhashena, naShethari, na-Admatha, naThashishi, naMeresi, naMasena kanye naMemukhani. Babetiphatsimandla letisikhombisa letatisetulu embusweni wasePheresiya naseMediya. Wakhuluma kuto watsi: “Mine, nkhosi Ahashiveroshi, ngitsite ngitfumela emancusa kutsi ayewubita inkhosikati lenkhulu Vashti, kodvwa yala kuta. Ase nisho-ke kutsi umtsetfo utsi kufanele yentiweni lenkhosikati lenkhulu?” Memukhani wakhuluma, watsi: “Inkhosikati lenkhulu Vashti ayikedzeleli inkhosi kuphela, kodvwa yedzelele ngisho netiphatsimandla tayo, kanye nabo bonkhe bantfu labakulombuso. “Kutawutsi lingakashoni nje, bonkhe bafati batawube sebakuvile lokwedzelela kwalenkhosikati lenkhulu. Nabo batawube sebedzelela lawa abo emadvodza, babe batsi: ‘Ingani inkhosi Ahashiveroshi itsite ibita inkhosikati lenkhulu Vashti kutsi ite kuyo, yala.’ Bonkhe bafati betiphatsimandla tenkhosi batawutsi bangeva ngalokwedzelela kwenkhosikati lenkhulu, bese batjela emadvodza abo lingakashoni nelilanga. Loko kutakwenta bonkhe bafati bangawahloniphi emadvodza abo, loko kwente kutsi lamadvodza abaphatse ngesihluku labafati bawo, bese kutsi budlelwane bemindeni bube munyu. Nakukuhle enkhosini, kuncono ikhiphe umtsetfo kutsi Vashti angaphindzi ete embikwenkhosi. Loko akufakwe emtsetfweni wasePheresiya naseMediya, khona kungetiwuphindze kuguculwe. Sikhundla sebunkhosikati lenkhulu inkhosi ayisinike lomunye umfati lomuhle lonenhlonipho kunaye. Lomtsetfo awutfunyelwe kuto tonkhe tindzawo letingaphansi kwalombuso, khona kutewutsi ngulowo nalowo mfati atewuhlonipha indvodza yakhe, nome icebile nome iphuyile.” Inkhosi netiphatsimandla tayo tawemukela lombono; ngako inkhosi yenta njengesincomo saMemukhani. Inkhosi yatfumela kuto tonkhe tive letatingaphansi kwembuso wayo umtsetfo lowawungalolo nangalolo lulwimi lwaleso sive lotsi nguleyo naleyo ndvodza kufanele ibe yinhloko nemholi wemndeni wayo. Emvakwesikhatsi kutfukutsela kwenkhosi Ahashiveroshi kwabotja. Wakhumbula nekwenta kwakhe Vashti kanye netinyatselo temtsetfo lamtsatsela tona. Labanye beluleki lababesedvute naye bameluleka batsi: “Inkhosi ayikhetselwe emantfombatana lamahle. Inkhosi ayikhetse bantfu babe ngemancusa ayo kulelo nakulelo live lelingaphansi kwalombuso. Lamancusa kufanele afune emantfombatana lamahle awaletse lapha esigodlweni, eSusa, awetfule kuHegayi, indvuna yalabasikati. Yena utawanika timonyo nemihlobiso. Inkhosi itawube seyikhetsa leyo ntfombatana letayitsandza kakhulu, iyente ibe yinkhosikati lenkhulu esikhundleni saVashti.” Leseluleko sabonakala sisihle emehlweni enkhosi, ngako yavele yenta njengobe yayitjeliwe. Kuleyo ndlunkhulu eSusa kwakuneliJuda lekwakunguModekhayi, umsa waJayire, umsa waShimeyi, umsa waKhishi wesive sakaBhenjamini. Ngesikhatsi Nebukhadnezari, inkhosi yaseBhabhulona, atfumba Jehoyakhini eJerusalema, Modekhayi abengulomunye walabo labatfunjwa. Lo-Esta labebitwa ngekutsi nguHadasa ngesiHebheru, abemuhle eme kahle. Modekhayi wamfaka esiswini sakhe ekufeni kwebatali bakhe. Empeleni, Esta abeyindvodzakati yemnakaboyise waModekhayi, ngako abengudzadzewabo. Emvakwekukhishwa kwalesimemetelo semtsetfo lomusha emantfombatana lamanyenti aletfwa lapha esigodlweni saseSusa, na-Esta abengulomunye wawo. Naye wetfulwa etandleni taHegayi labeyindvuna yabo esihoncweni. Hegayi wamtsandza, waba nengati lenhle kuHegayi. Hegayi akacitsanga sikhatsi, wavele wesukela etulu kutsi amnike konkhe lakudzingako nekudla kwelikhetselo. Ngetulu kwekumnika indzawo lekhetsiwe waphindze wamnika tisebenti letisikhombisa kutsi timsebente. Esta akazange ayitsi vu indzaba yekutsi usive sini, ngobe phela Modekhayi abetsite angaboyikhuluma leyo, kutsi uliJuda. Onkhe emalanga Modekhayi abevamise kutendlulisa lapha esihoncweni sesigodlo, afuna phela kutfola kahle kutsi Esta unjani nekutsi uphetfwe njani. Ngaphambili kwekutsi intfombatana ingene enkhosini Ahashiveroshi kwakufanele itsatse umnyaka isaticola ngemafutsa lakhetsiwe lagcotjiswa ngemantfombatana; tinyanga letisitfupha bekuba tekuticola nekutilolonga ngemafutsa elikhetselo, bese kutsi letisitfupha letilandzelako tibe tekutigcobisa nekutitsela ngemakha nangetimonyo. Leyo naleyo ntfombatana yayitsi nayiyawungena endlunkhulu enkhosini inikwe nome yini leyo leyifunako. Kwakutsi ntsambama intfombatana ingene enkhosini, bese kutsi ekuseni nayivuka khona ingeniswe kulesinye sigodlo lapho bebagadvwa khona nguShashgazi, labeyindvuna yemaphovela. Abengeke aphindze abuyele enkhosini ngaphandle kwekutsi inkhosi loyo leyayimtsandzile imgagule ngelibito. Lase liyefika-ke ligema la-Esta. Esta lona abeyindvodzakati ya-Abihayili, umnakaboyise waModekhayi. Modekhayi wamfaka esiswini sakhe; Esta-ke abetsandvwa nguye wonkhe umuntfu. Futsi yena akazange afune lokunye, abeneliswa nguloko lanikwa kona nguHegayi, indvuna yemaphovela. Wangeniswa-ke enkhosini Ahashiveroshi endlunkulu. Wangeniswa ngenyanga yelishumi lekwakuyinyanga yaThebethi, ngemnyaka wesikhombisa wekubusa kwayo. Inkhosi yatsatseka nga-Esta, kwendlula onkhe lawa lamanye emantfombatana. Yatsandza Esta ngetulu kwawo onkhe emantfombatana, ngako yamkhetsa emkhatsini wawo yametfwesa umchele webukhosi, yambeka waba yinkhosikati lenkhulu esikhundleni saVashti. Ngako-ke inkhosi yenta lelikhulu lidzili, yentela Esta netiphatsimandla tayo. Yamemetela lilanga lekuphumula kuto tonkhe tigodzi, yephana ngetipho letinyenti tasebukhosini kubo bonkhe bantfu. Ngesikhatsi emantfombatana asabutfwe kwesibili, Modekhayi abehlala emphundvwini yendlunkhulu. Esta wawafihla emasiko, nemihambo kanye nemisimeto yesive sakubo, njengobe Modekhayi abemyalile. Wachubeka wawagcina emavi aModekhayi, njengobe abenta asemncane. Ngesikhatsi Modekhayi aseyindvuna yasesigodlweni senkhosi, abekanye naboBikthani naThereshi, tindvuna tenkhosi letatigadza indlela leya endlunkhulu. Letindvuna tayitfukutselela inkhosi tafuna lisu lekuyibulala. Modekhayi watsi kube ayive lendzaba, wayibika enkhosikatini Esta. Inkhosikati lenkhulu yabikela inkhosi ngalendzaba, yasho nekutsi ive ngaModekhayi. Kwatsi kube kuphenywe kahle kutfolakale kutsi lendzaba yayiliciniso; lamadvodza lamabili alengiswa ngentsambo. Konkhe loko kwabhalwa encwadzini yemilandvo yemakhosi, inkhosi, Ahashiveroshi, ibuka. Ngekuhamba kwetikhatsi, inkhosi Ahashiveroshi yamphakamisa Hamani yamnika sikhundla sekuba ngundvunankhulu. Hamani bekuyindvodzana yaHamedatha, umtukulu wa-Agagi. Inkhosi yakhipha umtsetfo lewawucondzene nato tonkhe tiphatsimandla tayo kutsi tifanele tiguce phansi tikhotsame nakwendlula Hamani, timhloniphe. Tonkhe tiphatsimandla tatikwenta loko, ngaphandle kwaModekhayi lowala wangete wakhotsama. Leti letinye tindvuna tatimbuta titsi: “Wena awuwulaleli ngani umtsetfo wenkhosi?” Bambuta loko imihla ngemihla bamecwayisa ngalesento sakhe kutsi akasiyekele, kodvwa akazange abalalele. Abebatjela atsi: “NgiliJuda mine, ngeke ngikhotsamele Hamani.” Ngako base bayawumceba kuHamani nabo sebamangele kutsi ingabe utasibeketelela yini lesento saModekhayi. Hamani watfukutsela wagaya tiboti, nakabona kutsi Modekhayi akamhloniphi, futsi akamkhotsameli. Watsi kube eve kutsi Modekhayi uliJuda, wase ufuna lisu kutsi angasabulali Modekhayi yedvwa, kodvwa asale abulala onkhe emaJuda kulo lonkhe lasePheresiya. Kwatsi ngenyanga yekucala, yaNisani, ngemnyaka weli-12 wekubusa kwenkhosi Ahashiveroshi, kwentiwa inkatho embikwaHamani yekutfola kutsi kungaba nguliphi lilanga nenyanga lekutsi aphumelelise lelisu lakhe. Ngako kwakhetfwa lilanga leli-13 ku-Adari, inyanga yeli-12. Ngako-ke Hamani wabikela inkhosi, watsi: “Kukhona sive lesisakateke nalo lonkhe lelive lakho sigcwele tonkhe tifundza. Siyatehlukisa emasikweni etfu. Emasiko nemihambo yaso yehlukile, ayifani nemasiko ato tonkhe letinye tive; futsi asiyilaleli imitsetfo yalelive lakho. Ngako akukafaneli kutsi inkhosi isiyekele. Nakukuhle enkhosini, ayikhiphe simemetelo sasebukhosini sekutsi asibulawe sonkhe lesive. Nawungakwenta loko, mine Hamani ngingafaka isiliva lengemakhilogremu langaba-340 000 esikhwameni senkhosi.” Inkhosi yakhumula indandatho yayo leyayineluphawu lwekugcoba simemetelo lesiphuma enkhosini, yayinika lesitsa semaJuda, Hamani, umsa waHamedatha, umtukulu wa-Agagi. Inkhosi yamtjela yatsi: “Leyo mali yakho, naleso sive sakho; yenta lokutsandzako ngaso.” Ngako-ke kwatsi ngelilanga leli-13 lenyanga yekucala, Hamani wabita bonkhe bomabhalane benkhosi, ababitela lesatiso kuze basihumushe basibhale ngato tonkhe tilimi neluhlobo lwekubhala lolwalusetjentiswa eveni lasePheresiya. Tase titfunyelwa kuto tonkhe tindvuna, netikhulu, netiphatsimandla temibuso. Takhishwa egameni lenkhosi Ahashiveroshi tineluphawu lwendandatho yakhe. Kwaphuma emancusa agijimisa lesatiso kuwo onkhe emave embuso. Lesimemetelo sasebukhosini sasatisa kutsi ngalanga linye, lilanga leli-13 enyangeni ya-Adari, onkhe emaJuda, labancane nalabadzala, bafati nebantfwana kufanele babulawe. Kufanele babhujiswe ngaphandle kwesihawu, timphahla tabo tidliwe. Lesimemetelo kwakufanele simenyetelwe ebaleni, singafihlwa, kuto tonkhe tive, kuze kutsi litsi lifika lelo langa wonkhe umuntfu abe asatilungiselele. Ngekuyala kwenkhosi leso simemetelo sakhishwa eSusa inhlokodolobha yalowo mbuso; emancusa aphutfumisa lesimemetelo kuwo onkhe emave. Inkhosi naHamani bona bahlala phansi banatsa ngesikhatsi lidolobha lonkhe laseSusa lidzidzekile ngekumangala. Watsi kube Modekhayi eve ngako konkhe loko lokwase kuhloswe kwentiwa nguHamani, wadzabula tingubo takhe, wembatsa emasaka, watitsela ngemlotsa, wahamba adzabula lidolobha ekhatsi, akhala kakhulu nakabuhlungu, waze wefika emphundvwini lengenela esigodlweni. Akazange angene ngekhatsi, ngobe phela bekulisiko nemsimeto kutsi umuntfu lowembetse inzilo akangeni esigodlweni. Kwesuka sililo lesikhulu semaJuda kuto tonkhe tifundza letatingaphansi kwalowo mbuso, yonkhe indzawo lapho kwafika khona lesimemetelo. EmaJuda azila, akhala, alila kwatsi linyenti lawo lembatsa emasaka latitsela ngemlotsa. Esta wakhatsateka kakhulu, nasatjelwa tisebenti kanye netindvuna takhe ngaloko lokwentiwa nguModekhayi. Watfumela timphahla kuModekhayi kutsi atewugcoka, khona atewukhumula lamasaka; kodvwa Modekhayi akazange avume kutemukela, watala. Esta wase ubita Hathaki, labengulomunye wetindvuna letatibekwe yinkhosi kutsi tibe takakhe, wamtfumela kuModekhayi kutsi ayewubuta kutsi kwente njani. Hathaki waya kuModekhayi enkhundleni yelidolobha leyayisembikwelisango lesigodlo senkhosi. Modekhayi wamtjela konkhe lokwase kumehlele, kanye nemali leyayetsenjiswe nguHamani kutsi utayifaka esikhwameni senkhosi, nangabe onkhe emaJuda abulewe. Wanika Hathaki ikhophi yalesimemetelo sasebukhosini lesasikhiswe lapha eSusa; sasichaza kutsi onkhe emaJuda kufanele abulawe. Modekhayi wamtjela kutsi ayinike Esta, achaze konkhe kuye, abese Esta uya enkhosini kuyekuyincenga kutsi ifane ibe nebubele kulesive sakubo. Hathaki wabuyela emuva, wafike walandzisa Esta konkhe labekutjelwe nguModekhayi. Esta waphendvula ngekutfumela kuModekhayi, watsi: “Wonkhe umuntfu, indvodza nome umfati, longena ngekhatsi endlunkhulu enkhosini ayibone ingakambiti, umtsetfo utsi lowo muntfu akabulawe. Lomtsetfo watiwa ngibo bonkhe bantfu lababeluleki bayo kanye nebantfu bonkhe emaveni onkhe embuso. Lowo muntfu usindza kuphela, nangabe inkhosi imphakamisela indvuku yayo yebukhosi yegolide. Sekuphela inyanga inkhosi solomane ingakangibiti kutsi ngite kuyo.” Watsi kube Modekhayi atjelwe yonkhe inkhulumo ya-Esta, waphindze watfumela livi kuye watsi: “Ungacabangi kutsi ngobe wena ulapho esigodlweni utawusindza nakubulawa onkhe emaJuda. Nawuthula manje kulesikhatsi, lusito nenkhululeko yemaJuda iyawuchamuka kulenye indzawo, wena nemndeni weyihlo utawubhujiswa. Empeleni, ngubani nje lowatiko kutsi mhlawumbe wena wentelwa sona lesikhatsi kutsi ube yinkhosikati lenkhulu?” Esta watfumela kuModekhayi imphendvulo letsi: “Hamba uhlanganise onkhe emaJuda laseSusa, nizile ningithandazele. Ningadli kudla, ninganatsi nemanti kuze kube ngemalanga lamatsatfu nebusuku bawo. Nami netincekukati tami sitawuzila njengani. Emvakwaloko ngitawuvele ngitidzikele, ngingene enkhosini, nome loko kuphambene nemtsetfo. Nangabe ngiyafa, ngife kube kanye.” Modekhayi wesuka lapho wayawukwenta konkhe loko, njengobe Esta abemtjelile. Kwatsi ngelilanga lesitsatfu lekuzila Esta wembatsa imijiva yakhe yebukhosi, wahamba waze wayawungena ngekhatsi esihoncweni sendlunkhulu. Wangena ngemphundvu lemacondzana nemnyango wendlunkhulu. Inkhosi yayingekhatsi ihleti esihlalweni sayo sebukhosi imacondzana nemnyango. Inkhosi yatsi nayibona inkhosikati lenkhulu Esta ime ngaphandle, yajabula, yase iphakamisa indvuku yayo yegolide isho kutsi akangene. Weta wafike watsintsa sihloko salendvuku. Inkhosi yambuta yatsi: “Kwenteke njani, nkhosikati Esta? Ngitjele kutsi ufunani, utakutfola, nome ngabe kuyincenye yembuso wami.” Esta waphendvula watsi: “Uma kukuhle enkhosini yami, ngicela kutsi inkhosi ite naHamani lamuhla edzilini lengililungiselela bona.” Inkhosi yatsi akubitwe Hamani masinyane, kuze batekuya ka-Esta edzilini. Ngako bahamba-ke boHamani nenkhosi baya edzilini ka-Esta. Ngesikhatsi banatsa liwayini inkhosi yaphindza yambuta Esta, yatsi: “Ngabe siyini sikhalo sakho, nkhosikati? Ngitjele kutsi ufunani, utayitfola. Ngitakunika sicelo sakho, ngisho nome ngabe sewucela incenye yembuso wami.” Esta watsi: “Nasi sicelo sami: Nangabe inkhosi ingaba nemusa kimi ingiphe sicelo sami, ngicela kutsi iphindze ibuye naHamani kusasa kulelinye lidzili lengitawube ngililungisele bona. Ngitayitjela lapho-ke inkhosi kutsi siyini sicelo sami.” Hamani waphuma kulelo dzili ativa amnandzi, ajabule kakhulu. Kodvwa watsi nakabona Modekhayi emphundvwini, wambona kutsi akamkhotsameli futsi akakhombisi nakancane nje kumhlonipha ngesikhatsi endlula, Hamani watfukutsela watselwa ngemanti. Noko watibamba waya ekhaya lakhe. Wase umema bangani bakhe kutsi bavakashele ekhaya lakhe, wabita nemkakhe Zereshi kutsi naye abe khona. Hamani wabatekela ababalela nebantfwabakhe kutsi banyenti kanganani, abatjela nekutsi inkhosi imkhuphule kanjani yamenta ndvunankhulu, nekutsi yena ubaluleke kanganani kunato tonkhe tindvuna tenkhosi. Wachubeka Hamani wabalandzisa nekutsi ngetulu kwako konkhe yena uhleti nje abemenywe yinkhosikati lenkhulu, Esta; ibentele lidzili bona nenkhosi bobabili. Washo nekusho kutsi nangakusasa futsi baphindze bamenywa, kwamenywa inkhosi naye Hamani kuphela, emkhatsini wato tonkhe tindvuna tenkhosi. Kodvwa nome kunjalo, konkhe loko kuye kwakungasho lutfo inkhani nakasabona leliJuda lelinguModekhayi lisahlala lapha emphundvwini yasendlunkhulu. Ngako umkakhe Zereshi, nabo bonkhe bangani bakhe bakhipha siphakamiso batsi: “Yini ungagawuli sigodvo lesingemamitha langema-22 budze, uvuke ekuseni ucele enkhosini kutsi Modekhayi alengiswe khona; utawutsi nawuya edzilini nenkhosi ube ujabulile.” Leso siphakamiso samjabulisa Hamani, ngako sigodvo sekulengisa Modekhayi salungiswa masinyane. Kulobo busuku abuzange sebehle butfongo enkhosini, ngako yatfumela kutsi akulandvwe emabhuku emilandvo yembuso ifundzelwe. Lendzawo leyafundvwa yayinemlandvo lapho kwakubhalwe kutsi Modekhayi wavumbulula lisu letindvuna letimbili letatigadza iminyango yenkhosi, boBikthani naThereshi. Inkhosi yabuta yatsi: “Modekhayi sambonga ngekumnika mvuzo muni ngalesento lesi?” Letinceku tatsi: “Kute lentelwa kona.” Inkhosi yabuta yatsi: “Kukhona yini lomunye wetindvuna tami lolapha esigodlweni?” Ngaleso sikhatsi Hamani abengena esibuyeni sendlunkhulu ete enkhosini kutewucela kutsi Modekhayi alengiswe entsanjeni leyase ilungiselwe yena. Ngako letinceku taphendvula tatsi: “Hamani ukhona la ngephandle, umele kutawukhuluma nawe.” Inkhosi yatsi: “Mngeniseni.” Ngako Hamani wangeniswa, inkhosi yakhuluma kuye, yatsi: “Kukhona umuntfu lengifisa kumbonga kakhulu. Wena utsi ngingakukhombisa kanjani loko kumbonga kwami?” Hamani wacabanga watsi: “Konje ngubani nje inkhosi lengafisa kumbonga kakhulu ngaphandle kwami?” Hamani wayiphendvula watsi: “Lomuntfu inkhosi lefisa kumbonga ayimembese ngengubo yebukhosi leyembatfwa ngiyo, imekhwete ehhashini layo lelifakwe umchele webukhosi. Lesinye setikhulu tayo letetsembekile asimembatsise lowo muntfu inkhosi letsandza kumbonga, bese sihamba embikwalo lelihhashi, lidzabule licotfote ekhatsi nelidolobha. Lesikhulu asihambe simemetela, sitsi: ‘Ase nibuke-ke kutsi inkhosi imentelani lowo muntfu lefisa kumbonga!’ ” Inkhosi yatsi kuHamani: “Phutfuma, utsatse ingubo yebukhosi nelihhashi njengobe ushito, konkhe loko ukwente kuModekhayi, liJuda. Utamkhandza ahleti emphundvwini yendlunkhulu.” Ngako Hamani watsatsa lengubo yebukhosi wembatsisa Modekhayi, wamekhweta ehhashini lebukhosi, walihambela embili, ahamba amemetela atsi: “Ase nibuke-ke kutsi inkhosi imentelani umuntfu lefisa kumbonga!” Emvakwaloko Modekhayi wabuyela emphundvwini yendlunkhulu, kodvwa Hamani wabuyela ekhaya kakhe ajabhe, waze wembonya nebuso bakhe ngenca yekudliwa ngemahloni. Wafike walandzisa umkakhe nebangani bakhe bonkhe lokwase kumehlele. Umkakhe Zereshi nalabangani bakhe bamtjela batsi: “Nangabe Modekhayi aliJuda, wena sewucalile kuwa, futsi ungeke umkhone. Nakanjani utakwehlula.” Batsi basakhuluma tindvuna tenkhosi tefika setilandze Hamani ngekushesha kutsi aye edzilini, lakhe nenkhosi, lababelentelwe ngu-Esta. Ngako inkhosi naHamani bahamba bobabili baya edzilini la-Esta. Basachubeka nekunatsa ngalelo langa lesibili, inkhosi yaphindze yabuta, yatsi: “Nkhosikati Esta, ufunani? Ngitjele, utakwentelwa; ngisho nome ngabe ufuna incenye yembuso wami.” Inkhosikati Esta, yaphendvula yatsi: “Nakukuhle enkhosini yami kwemukela sicelo sami, nome ngingesibani, sifiso sami, nkhosi, kutsi mane usindzise imphilo yami, nemphilo yesive sakitsi. Mine nesive sakitsi sitsengisiwe kutsi sibulawe size sife sonkhe siphele. Kube mane bekutsengiswe ngatsi kutsi simane sibe tigcili netigcilikati ngabe ngithulile, ngobe angiboni kutsi loko singaze sikwetfwese inkhosi; kodvwa sitawubhujiswa sonkhe!” Inkhosi Ahashiveroshi yabuta inkhosikati Esta, yatsi: “Ngubani lowo? Ukuphi yena lowo muntfu lowente leso sento lesinjalo?” Esta watsi: “Sitsa setfu, umuntfu losenyanyako, nalesisinengiso kuye ngunangu Hamani, lonenhlitiyo lembi!” Hamani wahlahlela inkhosi nenkhosikati lenkhulu emehlo asetfukile, esaba. Inkhosi yasukuma seyitfukutsele igaya tiboti, yashiya lidzili yaphumela ngaphandle esibuyeni sesigodlo, yayawushaywa ngumoya. Hamani wabona kutsi kubi, inkhosi vele itamjezisa ngalesento; wasala endlini, entela kutincengela ku-Esta, kutsi inkhosi ingambulali. Watsi asatilahla phansi nje embikwetinyawo tesihlalo sa-Esta, asatsi usetatincengela, yangena inkhosi seyibuya esibuyeni. Yatsi nayimbona enta njalo, yamemeta yatsi: “Kantsi lendvodza seyitawudlwengula umdlunkhulu wami lapha ekhatsi esigodlweni nasembikwami, ngibuka?” Latsi liphuma nje lelo livi enkhosini, tinceku taphutfuma tambonya buso baHamani. Lomunye wabo, lekwakutsiwa nguHabona, watsi: “Yena lo Hamani phela besalungise nesigodvo lesingemamitha langema-22 ngasendlini yakhe, asilungisele kulengisa Modekhayi lowephula imphilo yenkhosi engotini.” “Lengisani Hamani kuso!” sekusho inkhosi. Ngako Hamani walengiswa kuleso sigodvo bekasigawulele kulengisa Modekhayi. Kutfukutsela kwenkhosi kwabotja. Ngalona lelo langa inkhosi Ahashiveroshi yadla tonkhe timphahla taHamani, sitsa nemhluphi wemaJuda, watinika inkhosikati Esta, tema ngaye. Esta walandzisa inkhosi ngekuhlobana kwabo naModekhayi; ngako kusukela ngalelo langa Modekhayi waba nemvume yekungena endlunkhulu. Inkhosi yakhumula indandatho yayo leneluphawu lwayo, yona leyo labeyinike Hamani, wase uyinika Modekhayi. Esta wanika Modekhayi lilungelo lekuphatsa tonkhe timphahla bekutaHamani. Esta waphindze wayawukhuluma enkhosini; watilahla etinyaweni tayo, akhala. Wayincenga kutsi isale seyiwuhocisa lomkhankhaso lomubi wekubulala onkhe emaJuda, njengobe bekuhlose Hamani, umtukulu wa-Agagi. Inkhosi yamphakamisela indvuku yayo yegolide; ngako-ke Esta wasukuma wakhuluma kuyo, watsi: “Nakukuhle enkhosini, nangabe itsandza nekunginaka, nayibona kutsi loko kufanele kwentiwe, ngicela ikhiphe umtsetfo wekuncandza kufezwa kwemkhankhaso wekubulala onkhe emaJuda kuto tonkhe tifundza talombuso lobekuhloswe nguHamani, umsa waHamedatha, um-Agagi. Empeleni mine ngingakumela ngikutibe njani, nangabe sive netihlobo tami tibhujiswa tibulawa?” Inkhosi Ahashiveroshi wakhuluma kuModekhayi, na-Esta akhona, yatsi: “Asubuke la, sengimncumile loHamani labehlose kubhubhisa emaJuda; timphahla takhe sengitetfule etandleni ta-Esta. Incwadzi leneluphawu lwebukhosi ingeke iphikiswe ngumuntfu. Ngako-ke ungawabhalela egameni lami onkhe emaJuda loko lofisa kuwabhalela kona, bese lenkhulumo uyinyatselisa ngeluphawu lwebukhosi.” Loku kwenteka ngelilanga lema-23, enyangeni yesitsatfu, lebitwa ngekutsi nguSivani. Modekhayi wabita bomabhalane benkhosi wabeka inkhulumo, bona bayibhala phansi. Letincwadzi tamikiswa kumaJuda, nebabusi, netindvuna, netiphatsimandla, nakuto tonkhe tifundza letatili-127, kusukela eNdiya kuze kufike eSudani. Letincwadzi tabhalwa ngelulwimi nangeluhlobo lwekubhala lwaleso naleso sifundza lapho tatiya khona, nakuwo emaJuda ngelulwimi lwawo nangeluhlobo lwekubhala kwawo. Modekhayi watibhala tonkhe letincwadzi egameni lenkhosi Ahashiveroshi, watingcivita ngendandatho yeluphawu lwenkhosi. Kwakhishwa emancusa labegibele emahhashi enkhosi elikhetselo lagijima kakhulukati. Letincwadzi tatichaza kutsi inkhosi seyinike onkhe emaJuda kuwo onkhe emadolobha kutsi abe nelilungelo lekutivikela. Banikwa nelilungelo kutsi bativikele nabahlaselwa titsa nome kukuliphi live lalombuso, balwe naleto titsa, babulale bafati bato nebantfwabato, nakwenteka baticedze tonkhe badle ngisho netimphahla tato. Lesimemetelo sasebukhosini kwaphoceleka kutsi sisebente kuwo wonkhe umbuso wasePheresiya ngalo lelo langa lekubulawa kwemaJuda, lekwakufanele kube mhla tili-13, enyangeni yeli-12, lekutsiwa ngu-Adari. Lesimemetelo sasebukhosini semiswa saba ngumtsetfo lekwakufanele watiwe ngibo bonkhe bantfu kuwo onkhe emave, kuze phela emaJuda atewukwati kutenanela nekutiphindzisela nakahlaselwa titsa tawo ngalelo langa. Tigijimi nemancusa lakhishwa yinkhosi abegibele emahhashi enkhosi lagijima kakhulukati. Lesimemetelo sasebukhosini sasicilelwa samenyetelwa satiwa nangibo bonkhe bantfu baseSusa lekwakuyinhlokodolobha yembuso. Modekhayi waphuma endlunkhulu embetse imijiva yebukhosi lelingangane nalemhlophe, nengubo lebukhwebeletane kanye nemchele lomuhle wegolide. Bonkhe bantfu edolobheni laseSusa bema etitaladini bamemeta ngalokukhulu kujabula. KumaJuda lelo kwaba lilanga nesikhatsi sekutsakasa, nekutfokota, nekujabula, nekudvumisa. Kuwo onkhe emadolobha nemave lapho kwefika khona lesimemetelo sasebukhosini emaJuda ajabula aze aba nelilanga lekubonga, kwaba nemadzili, kwajatjulwa kwaba njeya. Empeleni bantfu labanyenti bavele bagucula iminyango baba ngemaJuda, ngobe phela abesanesitfunti, esatjwa. Lefika-ke lilanga leli-13 enyangeni ya-Adari, inyanga yeli-12. Lelo bekulilanga lapho simemetelo senkhosi bekufanele sifezeke ngalo. Lelo bekulilanga lapho titsa temaJuda betibheke kutsi tiwacedze. Kodvwa lisondvo lagucuka, ngobe emaJuda kwabe sekuba ngawo lancobako, ancoba titsa tawo. EmaJuda abutsana ndzawonye etidzidzini tawo letatisemadolobheni kuto tonkhe tifundza tenkhosi Ahashiveroshi, entela kutsi ativikele kulabo lababengahle bawahlasele. Kwabate umuntfu lowaba nemandla ekuwahlasela, ngobe bonkhe bantfu baletinye tive bese bawesaba kakhulu. Empeleni tonkhe tiphatsimandla, netindvuna, nebabusi betifundza bese babuyele ngakumaJuda, ngobe bese besaba Modekhayi. Phela Modekhayi bese kwatiwa kutsi sewungumuntfu lomkhulu kanganani ebukhosini. Kwase kwatiwa nekutsi uya ngekuya uyakhushulwa. EmaJuda abulala enta lakutsandzako ngetitsa tawo. Atihlasela kamatima ngetikhali, atibulala. ESusa, lekwakunguyona nhlokodolobha, emaJuda abulala emadvodza langema-500. Abulala Phashandatha, naDalfoni, na-Aspatha, naPhoratha, na-Adaliya, na-Aridatha, naPhamashta, na-Arisayi, na-Aridayi, naVayizatha, emadvodzana lalishumi aHamani, umsa waHamedatha, sitsa semaJuda. Noko akazange asibeke sandla sakhe etimphahleni tetitsa tawo kutsi atiphange. Ngalona lelo langa sibalo sebantfu lababebulewe ngemaJuda eSusa sabikelwa inkhosi. Inkhosi yatsi kunkhosikati Esta: “EmaJuda abulele emadvodza langema-500 kanye nemadvodzana aHamani lalishumi, enhlokodolobha iSusa. Ingabe-ke kulawa lamanye emadolobha benteni? Manje ase usho sikhalo sakho; utakwentelwa. Ngitjele kutsi yini lenye loyifunako ngitakwentela.” Esta waphendvula watsi: “Nakukuhle enkhosini yami, ngicela kutsi emaJuda lasenhlokodolobha iSusa aphindze nakusasa ente njengobe entile lamuhla, bese kutsi tidvumbu temadvodzana lalishumi aHamani, tiphanyekwe etigodvweni.” Ngako inkhosi yakhipha simemetelo sasebukhosini kutsi loko akwentiwe. Lesimemetelo sasebukhosini sacondziswa eSusa kutsi emadvodzana aHamani alengiswe ngentsambo etigodvweni. EmaJuda labeseSusa aphindza abutsana ndzawonye ngelilanga leli-14, enyangeni ya-Adari, abulala lamanye emadvodza langema-300. Noko akazange atiphange timphahla tawo. Ngaleso sikhatsi nalawa lamanye emaJuda labekuletinye tifundza tenkhosi abebutsene ndzawonye ngemave awo, nawo ativikela ngetikhali; wona abulala bantfu labati-75 000 lababetitsa tawo. Kodvwa noko nawo akazange asibeke sandla etimphahleni tabo, kutiphanga. Loko bakwenta ngelilanga leli-13, enyangeni ya-Adari; kwatsi ngelilanga leli-14 baphumula, batentela lilanga lelidzili lekujabula, nelekwephana tipho. EmaJuda labeseSusa wona lelidzili alenta ngelilanga leli-15 enyangeni ya-Adari, ngobe phela bona titsa tabo batibulala ngelilanga leli-13 nangelilanga leli-14, kwase kutsi ngelilanga leli-15 baphumula; nabo base batentela lilanga lelidzili nelekujabula bephane tipho. Ngiko-nje emaJuda lasahlala emakhaya emaphandleni lilanga leli-14 enyangeni ya-Adari alenta kube lilanga lelidzili lekujabula bephane tipho. Modekhayi watibhala phansi tonkhe leto tintfo, wase utitfumela kuwo onkhe emaJuda kuwo onkhe emave lasePheresiya lasedvute nalakhashane, awatjela kutsi lilanga leli-14 neleli-15 enyangeni ya-Adari babolihlonipha balente kube lilanga lelidzili lekujabula nelekwephana ngalo tipho, yonkhe iminyaka. Lawo ngawo emalanga lapho emaJuda ativikela etitseni tawo. Leyo nyanga kwaba yinyanga leyajikiswa ekubeni yinyanga yelusizi neyengati kubo, yaba yinyanga yenjabulo neyekuphepha kwabo. Batjelwa kutsi bawahloniphe lawo malanga ngekwenta emadzili bephane tipho talokudliwako lomunye kulomunye, ngisho nakulabamphofu. Ngako emaJuda alandzela imiyalo yaModekhayi; lesibhimbi sasale saba ngumkhosi weminyaka yonkhe. Hamani, umsa waHamedatha, situkulwane sa-Agagi, sitsa lesikhulu sesive semaJuda, abente inkatho lekwakutsiwa yiPhurimu, entele kutfola lilanga lekungulona kungabulawa ngalo onkhe emaJuda. Abehlose kuwacedza onkhe. Kodvwa Esta waya enkhosini, inkhosi yakhipha umtsetfo lowawubhalwe phansi, lekwatsi umphumela wawo Hamani nemadvodzana akhe wavuna labekuhlanyelele emaJuda, yena nemadvodzana akhe balengiswa entsanjeni benekelwa live. Ngiko nje lamalanga alamadzili abitwa ngekutsi yiPhurimu, ngenca yalencwadzi leyabhalwa nguModekhayi nangenca yako konkhe lokwawehlela. EmaJuda abe asatentela umtsetfo nelisiko lawo kanye newetitukulwane tawo, naye wonkhe longahle afune kuba liJuda kutsi njalo ngesikhatsi lesifanele iminyaka ngeminyaka lamalanga lamabili ayawuhlonishwa njengekusho kwesimemetelo saModekhayi. Kwavunyelwana kutsi yonkhe imindeni yemaJuda kuto tonkhe titukulwane letitako, kuto tonkhe tifundza, nakuwo onkhe emadolobha, afanele alihloniphe alikhumbule lelo langa lePhurimu, ngayo yonkhe iminyaka letawulandzela. Ngako-ke inkhosikati lenkhulu Esta, indvodzakati ya-Abiyayili, banaModekhayi, babhala incwadzi futsi lenesiciniseko sekutsi naye uyasicindzetela leso simemetelo ngePhurimu lesasikhishwe nguModekhayi ngaphambili. Lencwadzi yayicondziswe kuwo onkhe emaJuda, yase itfunyelwa nakuto tonkhe tifundza letatili-127 embusweni wonkhe wasePheresiya. Yayifisela emaJuda kuthula nenhlalakahle, yatisa emaJuda kanye netitukulwane tawo kutsi awahloniphe lamalanga ePhurimu ngesikhatsi lesifanele, njengaloku bebetayele kuhlonipha imitsetfo yekuhlonipha kuzila netikhatsi tekulila. Lowo mtsetfo waphuma kuModekhayi banenkhosikati lenkhulu Esta. Lomyalo wa-Esta lowagcizelela imitsetfo yePhurimi wawubhalwe encwadzini legocotwako. Bantfu lababeselugwini lwembuso kanye nalabo labebakhe ekhatsi kwelive, inkhosi Ahashiveroshi wabaphocelela kutsi bamsebentele kamatima. Tonkhe tintfo nemisebenti yakhe lemikhulu lemangalisako kanye nekubeka Modekhayi esikhundleni kubhaliwe emilandvweni yemakhosi asePheresiya naseMediya. Modekhayi waba siphatsimandla lesaba lisekela lenkhosi Ahashiveroshi. EmaJuda abemhlonipha amatisa, kunjalo nje naye abesebentela kutsi bantfu besive sakubo netitukulwane tabo tihlale tinekuphepha. Eveni lase-Usi kwakunendvodza, libito layo kunguJobe. Lendvodza yayimsulwa, ilungile, futsi imesaba Nkulunkulu, ikubalekela konkhe lokubi. Jobe abenemadvodzana lasikhombisa nemadvodzakati lamatsatfu, abefuye timvu letatiti-7 000, nemakamela lati-3 000, netinkhabi letiboshelwako letiyinkhulungwane, netimbongolo letinsikati letatingema-500 kanye netisebenti letinyenti kakhulu. Lendvodza yayidvume ngebunjinga lobukhulu, yendlula onkhe emadvodza asemphumalanga. Emadvodzana akhe abevamise kwenta emadzili ngemagema emakhaya awo: abeyaye ameme bodzadzewabo labatsatfu kutsi bete batewudla banatse nawo. Bekutsi kungendlula lesikhatsi semadzili, bese Jobe utfumela kubantfwabakhe abahlambulule. Abevuka ekuseni ngetingweti abentele bonkhe umnikelo wekushiswa ngekwelinani labo, acabanga atsi: “Mhlawumbe bantfwabami bonile bacalekisa Nkulunkulu etinhlitiyweni tabo.” Lona bekungumkhuba waJobe, labewenta njalo nje. Kwatsi ngalelinye lilanga emadvodzana aNkulunkulu atsatsa tindzawo tawo embikwaSimakadze, naSathane watfolakala asemkhatsini wawo. Simakadze wabuta Sathane, watsi: “Uphumaphi?” Sathane waphendvula Simakadze, watsi: “Ngiphuma kuyawuhlamahlama emhlabeni lapho bengihambahamba khona ngehla ngenyuka.” Simakadze wabuta Sathane, watsi: “Uyibonile yini inceku yami Jobe? Kute namunye umuntfu longamtfola emhlabeni lofanana naye; umsulwa, ucotfo ngenhlitiyo, ungumuntfu lowesaba Nkulunkulu nalokubalekelako lokubi.” Sathane waphendvula, watsi: “Usho kutsi Jobe abengakukhonta yini, kube abengatfoli lutfo kuwe? Awukambiyeli ngelutsango yini Jobe kanye nemndeni wakhe nako konkhe lanako? Uwubusisile umsebenti wakhe wetandla, waze wamupha ngisho nemihlambi yetifuyo lesetigcwele kulo lonkhe lelive. Kodvwa ase welulele sandla sakho kuko konkhe lanako, ubone kutsi angeke yini akwetfuke.” Simakadze wakhuluma kuSathane, watsi: “Kulungile, konkhe lanako kusetandleni takho, kodvwa ungasibeki sandla sakho emtimbeni wakhe.” Ngako Sathane wahamba, wesuka kuSimakadze. Ngalelinye lilanga atsi emadvodzana nemadvodzakati aJobe adla lidzili anatsa neliwayini endlini yemnakabo lomkhulu, kwefika sigijimi kuJobe, satsi: “Sitsite sisalima ngetinkhabi ensimini, timbongolo tidla lapha eceleni kwato, kwefika emaSabi asihlasela, atitfumba. Tinceku takho atibulele tonkhe ngenkemba; ngimi kuphela losindzile, ngase ngiyabaleka ngita lapha kuwe kutekwatisa ngaloko!” Satsi sisakhuluma lesigijimi, kwefika lesinye, satsi: “Umlilo waNkulunkulu wehle esibhakabhakeni washisa tonkhe timvu takho kanye nato tonkhe tinceku takho; ngimi kuphela losindzile, ngase ngiyabaleka ngita lapha kuwe kutekwatisa ngaloko!” Satsi sisakhuluma leso sigijimi, kwefika lesinye, satsi: “EmaKhaledi ente ticheme letintsatfu awatfumba onkhe emakamela akho ahamba nawo. Abulele tonkhe tinceku takho ngenkemba; ngimi kuphela losindzile, ngase ngiyabaleka ngita lapha kuwe kutekwatisa ngaloko!” Naleso satsi sisakhuluma, kwefika lesinye, satsi: “Emadvodzana nemadvodzakati akho abedla lidzili anatsa liwayini endlini yemnakabo lomkhulu, kwefika umoya lomkhulu uchamuka ngasehlane, wabhidlita lendlu, onkhe emakona ayo lamane. Ivele yawela etikwabo, bafa bonkhe; ngimi kuphela losindzile, ngase ngiyabaleka ngita lapha kuwe kutekwatisa ngaloko!” Watsi kube akuve loko Jobe, wasukuma waklebhula timphahla takhe, wahhula inhloko yakhe. Wesuka lapho watilahla phansi emhlabatsini wakhotsama, watsi: “Ngaphuma esiswini samake ngingcunu, kanjalo futsi ngiyawubuyela ngingcunu. Simakadze uphile, Simakadze utsatsile. Alidvunyiswe libito laSimakadze.” Kuko konkhe loku Jobe akazange one ngekutsi asole Nkulunkulu. Kwaphindza futsi kwatsi nangalelinye lilanga emadvodzana aNkulunkulu eta atsatsa tindzawo tawo embikwaSimakadze, naSathane watfolakala asasemkhatsini wawo. Simakadze wabuta Sathane, watsi: “Uphumaphi?” Sathane waphendvula Simakadze, watsi: “Ngiphuma kuyawuhlamahlama emhlabeni, lapho bengihambahamba khona ngehla ngenyuka.” Simakadze wabuta Sathane, watsi: “Uyibonile yini inceku yami Jobe? Kute namunye umuntfu longamtfola emhlabeni lofanana naye; umsulwa, ucotfo ngenhlitiyo, ungumuntfu lowesaba Nkulunkulu nalokubalekelako lokubi. Seloku usabambelele ekwetsembekeni kwakhe, nome wena bewungichukulusha ngekutsi ngimbhubhise ngaphandle kwesizatfu.” Sathane waphendvula Simakadze, watsi: “Sikhumba esikhunjeni! Umuntfu angalahlekelwa nguko konkhe lanako ngenca yemphilo yakhe. Kodvwa ase welule sandla sakho utsintse inyama yakhe nematsambo akhe, ubone kutsi angeke yini akwetfuke.” Simakadze wakhuluma kuSathane, watsi: “Kulungile phela, usetandleni takho; kodvwa ungambulali.” Ngako Sathane wesuka embikwaSimakadze, wesukela Jobe, wamhlasela ngematfumba labutfukako, kusukela ngaphansi kwelunyawo lwakhe kuze kuyewufika etulu elunweleni lwakhe. Jobe watsatsa lucetu lweludzengelo watenwaya ngalo ahleti emlotseni etaleni. UmkaJobe wakhuluma kuJobe, watsi: “Namanje solomane usabambelele yini kulokwetsembeka kwakho? Yetfuka loNkulunkulu wakho, ufe lokungenani!” Jobe wamphendvula, watsi: “Wena ukhulumisa kwemfati losilima. Kantsi sesitakwemukela lokuhle kodvwa yini kuNkulunkulu, singasakwemukeli lokubuhlungu nalokubi?” Kuko konkhe loku Jobe akazange one ngekukhuluma kwakhe. Kwatsi kube bakuve konkhe loko lobekumehlele Jobe, bangani bakhe labatsatfu bo-Elifazi, umThemani, naBildadi, umShuhi, kanye naSofari, umNama, besuka emakhaya abo bahlangana bacondza kuJobe, bayakumlilela nekumdvudvuta. Batsi nabambona basesekhashane, bangete bambona kutsi nguye; bacala bakhala kakhulu, baklebhula imijiva yabo, batitsela ngelutfuli etinhloko tabo. Bahlala naye phansi emhlabatsini emalanga lasikhombisa nebusuku bakhona. Kute nome munye lowase wakhuluma lutfo kuye, ngobe babebona buhlungu lobukhulu labekubo. Emvakwaloko Jobe wakhuluma acalekisa lilanga latalwa ngalo, watsi: “Shangatsi lilanga lengatalwa ngalo lingabhubha, lisuswe nebusuku lekwabikwa ngabo kwatsiwa: ‘Kutelwe umfana!’ Shangatsi lelo langa lingaba mnyama, shangatsi naNkulunkulu losezulwini angete alinaka, shangatsi nekukhanya kungete kwakhanya kulo. Shangatsi bumnyama nelitfunti lekufa kungatfumba lelo langa, shangatsi lingambonywa lifu, shangatsi bumnyama bungasibekela kukhanya kwalo. Shangatsi lobo busuku bungabanjwa bumnyama lobukhulu, shangatsi bungete babalwa kanye nalamanye emalanga emnyaka, bungete bafakwa ngisho nakuyinye inyanga. Shangatsi lobo busuku bungabate namunye umuntfu lowemitfwa ngabo, nekujabula kungevakali kubo. Shangatsi labo labacalekisa emalanga bangacalekisa lelo langa, tingcweti letingavusa Leviyathani. Shangatsi tinkhanyeti talo tentsatsakusa tingaba mnyama; shangatsi busuku balo bungemela kukhanya lokungeke kufike, bungaboni ngisho nemisebe yentsatsakusa, ngobe abuzange buyivale iminyango yesisu samake lowangitala, kutewufihla inhlupheko emehlweni ami. “Kodvwa kwentiwa yini kutsi ngingafi mhlazana ngitalwa? Angifanga ngani mhlazana ngiphuma esiswini? Angemukelelani lawo madvolo? Wona lawo mabele angimunyiselani? Ngobe manje ngabe ngitilalele ngekuthula; yebo, ngabe ngitilalele ekuphumuleni. Ngabe ngitiphumulele nemakhosi netindvuna temhlaba labatakhela tindzawo tabo lesetabhidlika. Ngabe ngitiphumulele nebabusi lababenegolide, bagcwalisa tindlu tabo ngesiliva. Nome lokungenani-ke angifihlwanga ngani emhlabatsini njengeluswane lolutelwe lufile, ngibe njengeluswane lolungazange selukubone kukhanya kwelilanga? Lapho-ke ngulapho lababi bayekela khona budlova, nalabakhatsatekile lapho bayaphumula. Lapho netiboshwa titfola kuthula, atisaliva ngisho neliphimbo lalabacindzetelako. Labancane nalabakhulu bakhona lapho, bafanana bonkhe, nesigcili sikhululekile kumphatsi waso. “Kukhanya kunikelwani bantfu labaselusizini? Kona kuphila kunikelwani umuntfu lomphefumulo wakhe udzabukile? Kunikelwani bantfu labakulangatelelako kufa, kodvwa kungefiki, bakuphenyisise kwendlula umcebo lofihliwe? Kunikelwani bantfu labakujabulelako kufika ethuneni, batsakase nabafinyelela emadlizeni? Unikelwani imphilo umuntfu londlela yakhe ifihlakele, umuntfu lovinjetelwe nguNkulunkulu? Sibibitfwane sesikudla kwami, kububula kwami kugeleta njengemanti. Loko bengikwesaba kakhulu sekungehlele, lebengikwesabisa inyoka sekwenteke kimi. Angisenakuthula, nakuphola, nakuphumula. Anginakuphumula, ngiphetfwe kukhatsateka kodvwa.” Elifazi, umThemani, waphendvula watsi: “Nangabe umuntfu atimisele kukhuluma nawe, wena utambeketelela yini? Ngubani nje longake athule angakhulumi? Ase ucabange kutsi banyenti kangakanani bantfu bewubafundzisa, nalababutsakatsaka bewubakhutsata. Emavi akho abesimisa labakhubatelako, acinise nemadvolo lagedletelako. Kodvwa nyalo kuhlupheka sekuhlasele wena, nawe sewujabhile, kuhlupheka sekukusukele, nawe sewuphelelwa ngemandla. Kantsi lokukhonta kwakho Nkulunkulu akukudvudvuti ngani? Bona lobucotfo bakho abukuniki ngani litsemba? “Ase ucabange naku: Wase wambona yini longenacala abhubha? Ngukuphi lapho labalungile bake babulawa khona? Njengobe sengike ngabona kutsi labo labalima bubi bahlanyele kuhlupheka, bavele bavune kona loko. Ngekuphefumula kwaNkulunkulu bayabhubha; ngekuvunguta kwentfukutselo yakhe bayaphela. Emabhubesi angabhodla ahhonge, noko ematinyo alawo mabhubesi lamakhulu ahhumukile. Libhubesi libulawa kweswela kudla, emawundlu elibhubesi abaleke asabalale. “Kwanyenyiselwa livi kimi, tindlebe tami takubamba loko lokwakuhletjwa. Kwatsi emkhatsini wekuvinjetelwa kwami ngemaphupho ebusuku, ngesikhatsi bantfu behlelwa ngulobukhulu butfongo, kwesaba nekutfutfumela kwangigagadlela, kwatfutfumelisa onkhe ematsambo ami. Umoya wantjuza wendlula embikwami, kwasikitela tinwele emtimbeni wami. Wema; kodvwa angizange ngati kutsi kuyini. Kwema intfo embikwemehlo ami, ngase ngiva liphimbo lelihlebako, litsi: ‘Kungenteka yini lobhubhako alunge kakhulu kunaNkulunkulu? Kungenteka yini umuntfu abe msulwa kakhulu kuneMdali wakhe? Nangabe Nkulunkulu angatetsembi tinceku takhe, nangabe tingilosi takhe atibeka licala, kakhulu kangakanani-ke labo labahlala etindlini letakhiwe ngeludzaka, letitisekelo tato tiselutfulini, labo labapitjiteka kalula njengemiyiyane. Babhujiswa emkhatsini wekusa nekuhwalala, babhubha kokuphela kubete nalokunakako loko. Atikadvonswa yini tindophi temathende abo, badzimate bafe bangenakuhlakanipha nje?’ ” “Memeta nawutsandzako, sibone kutsi ngubani lotakuphendvula! Ngubani nje emkhatsini wabo bonkhe labangcwele longajikela ngakuye? Silima siyafa sibulawe tinhlungu tekutfukutsela kwaso, nemona uyababulala labanengcondvo yebuntfwana. Mine ngitibonele ngekwami, silima lesibukeka shangatsi sivikelekile, kodvwa sicalekiso sehlela etikwemuti waso masinyane nje. Bantfwabaso bakhashane kabi nekuphepha, kute namunye lobemelelako emacaleni asetinkhundleni. Sivuno saso sidliwa ngulabalambile, basikhosholote ngisho lesisekhatsi kulamnyama emacobhe. Labomile bahahela umcebo waso kutsi bawufuhlute bawucedze. Bulukhuni abumane bumile phansi nje, yebo, nenhlupheko ayivumbukisi kwemakhowe nje. Kodvwa umuntfu utalelwe kuhlupheka, njengaloku netinhlase tisuka tiye etulu. “Kodvwa kube bekungimi, ngabe ngiyatincengela kuNkulunkulu, ngabe ngibeka yonkhe indzaba yami embikwakhe. Yena wenta timangaliso letingeke tichazwe ngumuntfu, ente nemigilingwane lengeke ibalwe ngumuntfu. Unisa imvula etikwemhlaba, ehlisele emanti etikwematsafa. Uphakamisa labaphansi abayise etulu, labalilako baphakanyiselwe endzaweni lephephile. Ucitsa emacebo emacili, kuze labakwenta ngetandla tabo kungaphumeleli. Ubamba labahlakaniphile kuwo onkhe emacebo abo, nemachinga alabangemacili uwaphambanisa onkhe. Behlelwa bumnyama lobukhasa phansi emini, litsi libalele lise nga, bona bahambe baphumphutsa njengasebusuku. Usindzisa labeswele emlonyeni wekufa, abasindzise nasetidladleni talabo labanemandla sebababambile. Ngako labamphofu ubanika litsemba, bese kutsi kungetsembeki kuvalwe umlomo. “Maye, ubusisiwe umuntfu locondziswa nguNkulunkulu! Ngako ungakwedzeleli kuyalwa nguSomandla. Ngobe yena nome angamilisa tilondza, uphindze atipholise, uyalimata aphindze aphilise ngetandla takhe. Nome ungehlelwa tehlakalo letisitfupha, uyakukusindzisa kuto tonkhe; nome nguletisikhombisa kute lokuyakukulimata. Ngesikhatsi sendlala uyakukusindzisa ekufeni, nasemphini akusindzise enkembeni. Uyawuvikeleka ekushayweni ngemagama, ungesabi nome kufika imbhubhiso. Uyawuyihleka lusulu indlala nembhubhiso, nayifika ngakuwe; awuyikwesatjiswa tilwane temhlaba. Ngobe uyakuba nesivumelwane nematje asematsafeni, netilwane tesiganga tiyawuhlalisana nawe ngekuthula. Uyawukwati kutsi likhaya lakho livikelekile, uyawubala kahle tonkhe timphahla takho utikhandze tiphelele. Uyawukwati kutsi bantfwabakho bayawuba banyenti, nebatukulu bakho bayawuba ngangetjani besiganga. Uyawuya ethuneni ugcwele emandla, wenelisekile ngebudzala njengetitfungo letibutfwa ngesikhatsi sato lesifanele. “Sikuphenyisisile-ke loku, sakukhandza kuliciniso lodvwa. Ngako-ke kuve kahle utibute ukusebentisa kuwe.” Jobe waphendvula, watsi: “Kube tinhlungu tami betingafakwa esikalini tikalwe, nalo lonkhe lusizi lwami lubekwe esilinganisweni; ngempela betingaba matima kwendlula sihlabatsi saselwandle, ngako-ke akumangalisi kutsi emavi ami ashube kangaka. Imicibisholo yaSomandla ingekhatsi, ingihlabile, umoya wami sewunatse shevu wayo. Tesabiso taNkulunkulu ticondzane nami ngco. Imbongolo yesiganga iyakhonya yini nayiseluhlateni? Yona inkhomo iyabhonsa yini nayiseluhlateni? Kudla lokudvuma kuyadliwa yini nakute luswayi? Kona nje bukhona yini bunandzi kulokumhlophe kwelicandza? Kudla lokungabe kondla umtimba wami kusuke kunginamatsele emphinjeni, nasematfunjini kufike kungigulukunye kwente umdvumacolo. “Awu, shangatsi kucela kwami kungevakala, Nkulunkulu amane angiphe loko lengikufunako. Kutsi Nkulunkulu amane asale angisila, angihlwitse ngesandla sakhe angijube. Ngobe loko ngukona bekunganginika kuphumula nekutfokota kuleminjunju lengapheli yemahlaba, ngekutsi angikawaphiki emavi aLongcwele. “Mandlana mani mine lenginawo, kutsi ngisengachubeka ngetsembe? Tsemba lini lengisenalo kutsi ngisengabeketela? Nginemandla elitje yini kantsi mine? Wona lomtimba wami ulitfusi yini? Nginawo yini emandla ekutisindzisa ngekwami, njengobe nje sengemukwe konkhe kwami? “Umuntfu losaphelelwa litsemba kufanele akhutsatwe bangani bakhe labetsembekile, nakhona asakufulatsela kwesaba Somandla. Kodvwa bomnaketfu bangimbulutela njengetibhobhodla temanti, yebo, njengetibhobhodla temanti letiphuphumako tiphindze tome, tibuye tidvungeke tibe mnyama ngekuncibilika kwangcocwane, tigcwale lapho sitfwatfwa sifihlakele khona. Kodvwa tiyoma tingete tageleta ebusika, litsi lingashisa tibaleke emivileni yato. Tindvwendvwe letibekelele ngaleyo ndlela yato tiyeduka, tilahleke, tize tiphelele ehlane. Tindvwendvwe tebaseThema titfungatsana nemanti, netihambi tebaseSheba letitsenga titsengise, tilindzele ngelitsemba. Tiyajabha noko, ngobe betetsemba kakhulu, titsi natifika lapho, tijabhe. Ningiyenge kanjalo-ke nani, nitsite kube nibone lenhlupheko yami, nase nikhweshela emuva ngenca yekwesaba. Ngike ngasho yini ngatsi: ‘Nginikeleleni,’ nome ngatsi: ‘Ngicela ningihlenge’? Ngike ngasho yini ngatsi: ‘Ngikhululeni esandleni sesitsa, ningisindzise etidladleni talabanelunya’? “Ngifundziseni-ke, ngitawubindza, ningikhombise lapho ngone khona. Maye, abuhlungu emavi laliciniso! Kodvwa angisita ngani emavi enu ekuhlakanipha? Ngekwenu netama kulungisa loku lengikukhulumako yini? Lamagama emuntfu losaphelelwa litsemba wona niwenta abe ngumoya yini? Nitawuze nente inkatho, nentele longenayise, nitsengise ngekuntjintjiselane ngemngani wenu. “Kodvwa phela, ase nimane nibe nesihawu, ningibuke nje. Ngingawacala yini mine emanga lapha embikwenu? Ase nicabangisise kabusha, ningangiphatsi ngalokungakafaneli. Ase nicabangisise kahle lendzaba, bucotfo bami sebusebucayini. Bukhona yini bubi kuloku lengikushoko? Umlomo wami ungete wabubona yini bubi nabusenhlitiyweni?” “Umuntfu ute yini umsebenti lomatima lapha emhlabeni? Khona emalanga akhe akanjengawo yini emuntfu locashiwe? Njengesigcili silangatelela ematfunti asentsambama, nanjengemuntfu locashiwe lolindzela ngekulangatelela umholo wakhe, kanjalo nami ngabelwe imihla yekuhlupheka kuletinyanga, ngabelwe busuku beminjunju kulamalanga. Nangilala phansi, ngiyaye ngicabange ngitsi: ‘Ingabe ngiyawuvuka nini?’ Busuku nabo bunyonyobe kancane, ngibe mine ngijilajileka kudzimate kudzabuke kusa. Umtimba wami wembetse timphetfu netincwencwe, sikhumba sami sigatuka cedze kubundvuke bovu etilondzeni tami. “Emalanga ami agijima njengembane, efike ekugcineni asangasenalo litsemba. Khumbula, mane ukhumbule, Nkulunkulu, kutsi imphilo yami ayisilo lutfo, kodvwa ngumphefumulo nje, emehlo ami akasayiwuphindza akubone kujabula. Liso lelingibonako nyalo, alisayiwuphindza lingibone futsi. Uyawungifuna, kodvwa ngiyawube ngingasekho. Njengelifu lelinyamalalako ligcina lingasekho, unjalo-ke nemuntfu losaya ethuneni, akaphindzi abuye. Ngeke aphindze abuyele endlini yakhe, indzawo yakhe ayisayiwuphindza imati. “Ngako ngingeke ngithule, ngitawukhuluma ngikuletinhlungu temoya wami, ngikhonone kulobumunyu bemphefumulo wami. Ngilwandle yini mine, nome ngingumkhoma waselwandle yini, kutsi sewungaze uhlale ungigadzile? Nangicabanga ngembhedze wami kutsi utangidvudvuta neluhlaka lwami kutsi lutawupholisa iminjunju, wena ngulapho ungesabisa kakhulu khona ngemaphupho akho, ungetfuse ngemibono yakho, sengize nginconota kwekhanywa ngimane ngife sekunalomtimba wami lengikuwo. Sengiyayeya imphilo yami. Ngingamane ngingete ngaphila iminyaka leminyenti. Ngiyekele ngisale ngedvwa, emalanga ami akasesilo lutfo kimi. “Uyini umuntfu kutsi ungadzimate umnakekele kangaka nekutsi ungaze umnake kangaka, ngekutsi umvakashele onkhe malanga ekuseni, umvivinye ngawo onkhe ematfuba? Ungeke yini sewumane unginike litfutjana ngike ngehlise liphukuphuku? Nangabe ngonile, ngenteni kuwe, wena Mlondvoloti webantfu? Wenteleni kutsi ngibe yinkoyoyo yakho? Wenteleni kutsi ngibe ngumtfwalo kuwe? Awuticoleli ngani tiphambuko tami, utsetselele tono tami? Ngobe mine sengitawulala elutfulini masinyane; maye, utase uphenye sewungifuna mine ngingasekho!” Kwase kuphendvula Bildadi, umShuhi, watsi: “Kutawuze kube ngunini solomane ukhuluma tintfo letinje? Emavi akho atikhatsa nje temoya lohhushako. Nkulunkulu uyawuguculela yini umtsetfo wakhe lolungile? Somandla uyayiguculela yini intfo lelungile? Kungahle kube bantfwabakho kukhona labakonile kuNkulunkulu, wase ubajezisa ngalokufanele sono sabo. Kodvwa wena nawungabuka kuNkulunkulu, utincengele kuSomandla, futsi nangabe wena umsulwa ungcwele, ngisho nanyalo angasukuma yena akumele, akubuyisele endzaweni yakho lefanele wena. Konkhe loku lokukulahlekele bekuyawuba lite kakhulu, nase kucatsaniswa naloku bewungakunikwa nguNkulunkulu kamuva. “Buta titukulwane takucala, uvisise kuto kutsi boyisemkhulu babefundzani, ngobe tsine sitelwe itolo loku, kute lesikwatiko, netinsuku tetfu tekuhamba lapha emhlabeni tisitfunti nje. Tingete takufundzisa yini tikutjele? Tingete tawakhipha yini emavi laphuma ekuhlakanipheni kwato? Sitfombo sephaphira singakhula yini sibe sidze, nasingakamili echaphotini? Umhlanga wona ungakhula yini, nakute emanti? Kutsi kusakhula kahle kungakagawulwa nangumuntfu, bese kusheshe kuyabuna kwendlula ngisho tjani imbala. Sinjalo-ke siphetfo sabo bonkhe labafulatsela Nkulunkulu, liphela kanjalo-ke litsemba lemuntfu longakholwa. Loko lakwetsembako kulihobosha nje, loko labeke kuko litsemba kunjengendlu yebulembu. Utsi nakatsi ubambelela kuko, kuwe kanye naye, nakatsi weyama kuko, akumsimisi. Umuntfu lonjalo ufanana nesitjalo lesiniselwa kahle kantsi siselangeni, senabisela imiliba yaso kuyo yonkhe insimi. Situngeletela timphandze taso encunjini yematje, setame kufuna indzawo lapho emkhatsini walamatje. Sitsi singasishulwa lapha kulamatje, kwawona lamatje, lebeseyeme kuwo, asiphike atsi: ‘Cha, angikwati mine wena.’ Ngempela imphilo yaso iyabuna ife, bese kutsi lapho kulomhlabatsi waso kumile lesinye silimo. “Ecinisweni Nkulunkulu akamlahli umuntfu lomsulwa, futsi akaticinisi tandla tebantfu labenta bubi. Noko umlomo wakho uyakuwugcwalisa ngeluhleko, netindzebe temlomo wakho atigcwalise ngekumemeta ngenjabulo. Titsa takho tiyakwembatsiswa ngemahloni. Emakhaya alababi akasayiwubuye abonwe.” Wase uyaphendvula Jobe watsi: “Empeleni ngiyati kutsi loku kuliciniso. Kodvwa umuntfu loludzaka lolubolako angaba ngulolungile kanjani embikwaNkulunkulu? Umuntfu nome abengafisa kuphindzilitana naye, abengeke akhone kuphendvula ngisho munye emibutweni yakhe leyinkhulungwane. Kuhlakanipha kwaNkulunkulu kujulile, emandla akhe abanti kakhulu. Ngubani nje lowake wacinisa inhloko kuye, wachubeka waphumelela angulote sici? Ugudlukisa tintsaba nato tingakwati loko, atigubuncelise ngentfukutselo yakhe. Unyikanyisa umhlaba netisekelo tawo, tinsika tawo tichachatele. Ukhuluma nelilanga kutsi lingakhanyi, lingete laphuma, usibekela kukhanya kwetinkhanyeti. Yena yedvwa wendlala emazulu, anyatsele emagagasi elwandle. Nguye uMdali weliBhele, neweMtsentse, neweSilimela, newetinkhanyeti taseningizimu. Wenta tigemegeme letingaphenyeki, netimangaliso letingeke setibalwe ngumuntfu. Nome endlula ngakimi, ngingeke ngimbone, nakendlula ngendlela yami, ngingeke ngimuve. Nakukhona lamhlwitsako, ngubani longaba nemandla ekummisa? Ngubani kona longambuta atsi: ‘Wentani?’ Nkulunkulu akajiki angatfukutsela, ngisho nemabutfo akaRahabi akhotsama etinyaweni takhe. “Mine-ke ngingaphindzilitana kanjani nalonjalo? Ngingawatfolaphi wona emavi ekuncakulisana naye? Nome bengingaba msulwa kangaka, bengiyawubate imphendvulo kuye. Lebengingakwenta nje bengingamane ngitincengele kuye, ngilale tibutsa kuMehluleli wami, ngicele umusa wakhe. Ngisho nome bengingambita avume ete, angiboni kutsi abengangilalela. Abenganginyatsela ngesangcotfo, andzise emanceba ami ngaphandle kwesizatfu. Abengeke angivumele ngiphindze ngitfole umphefumulo wami, kodvwa abeyawungifumbela ngekudzabuka nje. Nangabe kukhulunywa ngetemandla, unemandla! Nangabe kukhulunywa ngetekulunga, ngubani longahle abhejelane naye? Ngisho nome bengimsulwa, umlomo wami bewungangilahla. Nome ngabe bengingenakusoleka, bewutakutsi nginelicala. “Ngisho naloku ngimsulwa nje, ngingenasici, anginandzaba nalomtimba wami. Kwamine ngiyayeya imphilo yami. Mine sekuyangifananela nje, ngiko nje ngitsi: ‘Ubhubhisa labalungile nalababi.’ Nangabe inhlupheko iletsa kufa ngekushesha, uyabahleka labamsulwa, nabaphelelwa litsemba. Live naliniketelwe etandleni tebantfu lababi, emehlo ebehluleli balo uyawaphumphutsekisa. Nakungesiye, ngubani-ke? “Emalanga ami agijima ashiye inyosi, andiza abaleke angasakuboni nakancane nje lokujabulisako. Endlula ngelihubo njengemikhumbi yetitfombo tephaphira, nanjengelusweti lusukela kudla kwalo lokuphansi luphatima njengembane. Kube ngitsi: ‘Ngitawukhohlwa ngalokukhonona kwami, ngitawujika nasebusweni ngimandzatele,’ nanyalo ngisatfutfumela ngako konkhe lokuhlupheka kwami, ngobe ngiyati kutsi Nkulunkulu ngeke asho kutsi ngimsulwa embikwakhe. Njengobe vele sengitfolakele nginelicala-ke, ngisahluphekelani, ngihluphekele lite? Ngisho nome bengingatigeza ngensipho, netandla tami ngitigeze ngasota wekugeza, Nkulunkulu abetangifaka emgodzini weludzaka lwekungcola, kuze ngisho netimphahla tami tingenyanye. “Nkulunkulu akasiye umuntfu njengami kutsi bengingaze ngiphendvulane naye, nekutsi bengingabukana naye buso nebuso enkhundleni. Kube mane bekungaba nemlamuli emkhatsini wetfu, kube abengabeka sandla sakhe etikwetfu sobabili, umuntfu labengesusa umzaca waNkulunkulu kimi, kuze kwesabisa kwakhe kungabe kusangetfusa. Nami-ke bengingakhuluma ngingasamesabi, kodvwa njengobe kunjena nje kimi, ngingeke.” “Seyiyangicansula yona lemphilo yami. Ngako-ke ngitawusola ngenkhululeko, ngikhulume ngiphumisele bumunyu bemphefumulo wami. Ngitawutsi kuNkulunkulu: Ungangilahli, kodvwa ngitjele kutsi cala lini longibeka lona. Kuyakujabulisa yini wena lokungicindzetela, nekwedzelela umsebenti wetandla takho, ulibale kumamatsekiswa ngemacebo lentiwa ngulababi? Kantsi wena ubuka ngemehlo enyama yini? Kantsi nawe ubuka njengobe kubona umuntfu wemhlaba yini? Emalanga akho anjengewemuntfu wemhlaba yini? Yona leminyaka yakho injengeyemuntfu wemhlaba yini, kutsi ungalibala kutakululana nemaphutsa ami nje, nekutfungatsana netono tami? Nawe wati kahle nje kutsi anginacala, nekutsi kute nalongahle angisindzise esandleni sakho. “Tandla takho tangeluka, tangibumba. Senguwe njalo lotangibhubhisa futsi? Khumbula kutsi nguwe lowangibumba njengelibumba, senguwe njalo lotangibuyisela elutfulini futsi? Akusiwe yini lowangitfulula njengelubisi, wangiphehla njengelibhotela? Akusiwe yini lowangembatsisa ngesikhumba nangetinyama, wangeluka ndzawonye ngematsambo nangemisipha? Wanginika kuphila, wangentela umusa, nangekungilondvolota kwakho welusa umoya wami. “Kodvwa loku wakufihla enhlitiyweni yakho, futsi ngiyati kutsi loku kwakusenhlitiyweni yakho kutsi: Kube ngake ngona, ngabe wawungibukile, futsi bewungeke ungiyekele ungangijezisi. Nako kimi nangabe ngingulomubi! Nome ngabe anginacala, bengingeke ngiyetfwale inhloko yami, ngobe ngigcwele emahloni, kuhlupheka kwami kuyangicwilisa. Nangitsi ngiphakamisa inhloko yami, wena ungihoshobela ungifunise kwelibhubesi, uphindze futsi ungihluphe ngetigemegeme temandla akho lesabekako. Uyabandzisa bofakazi labemelana nami, wandzise nentfukutselo yakho kimi, utfumele emabutfo ngemabutfo lemelana nami. “Wawungikhiphelani kwasesiswini? Kube ngamane ngafa ngisengakabonwa nangulinye liso. Kube ngafane ngangete ngaba khona, nome ngavele ngayiswa emadlizeni. Lamalanga ami lambalwa asengakapheli yini? Ase umane ungishiye ngedvwa, kumbe ngingamane sengitfole litfutjana lekujabula, ngisengakayi eveni lengingasoze ngabuya kulo, lekulive lelusizi nelebumnyama lobuphatsekako, yebo, live lebumnyama lobukhulukati, live lelitfunti lelikhulu nenhlakanhlaka, lapho kukhanya kwakhona kufanana nebumnyama.” Sofari, umNama, waphendvula, watsi: “Onkhe lamavi kufanele angaphendvulwa yini? Lomuntfu lokhuluma kangaka angatsetselelwa yini? Lenkhulumo yakho lelite ingabathulisa yini bantfu bangabe basakhuluma? Kufanele ungabe usekhutwa yini wena nawukhuluma emavi ekuphukuta? Ukhuluma kuNkulunkulu utsi: ‘Timfundziso tami atinasici, futsi ngimsulwa kuwe.’ Maye, ngifisa shangatsi Nkulunkulu angakhuluma, avule umlomo wakhe akuphendvule. Shangatsi angembula kuwe timfihlakalo tekuhlakanipha, ngobe kuhlakanipha kweliciniso kukabili. Yati loku: Kutsi Nkulunkulu akakujezisi ngangekona kwakho. “Ungakucondza yini kujula kwetimfihlakalo taNkulunkulu? Ungafinyelela yini emikhawulweni yaSomandla? Kuphakeme kunemazulu; yini nje longayenta? Kujule kwendlula indzawo yalabafile; yini nje longayati? Silinganiso sako sidze kunemhlaba, futsi sibanti kwendlula lwandle. “Nangefika lapha akuhhodlele ejele, akubitele ekugwetjweni, ngubani longamelana naye? Ngempela uyabati bantfu labangemacili, kantsi futsi nakabona lokubi, akakutsatseli yini tinyatselo? Indvodza lesilima iyawucala kuba ngulehlakaniphile, mhlazana imbongolo yesiganga itala umuntfu. “Noko nawunikela inhlitiyo yakho ngalokuphelele kuye, welulele tandla takho, ukhuleke, utinikele kuye, nawulahla sono lesisesandleni sakho, ungavumi nekutsi bubi buhlale ekhaya lakho, uyawuhamba ngetigi, ungabi nemahloni, utakuma, usime, ungesabi lutfo. Nakanjani, kuhlupheka kwakho utakukhohlwa, ukukhumbule njengemanti lake ageleta embikwakho, kuphila kutawukhanya kwendlule imini, bese kutsi bumnyama bufanane nekukhanya kwasekuseni. Uyawuhlala uphephile, ngobe kunelitsemba, uyawutsi nawucalata nasemaceleni akho, utfole kuphumula kwakho. Uyawucambalala phansi kubete lokwesabisako; labanyenti bayawucela lusito kuwe. Kodvwa emehlo alababi ayawukwehluleka kubona, ingabikho ngisho nendlela yekubaleka. Litsemba labo seliyawuba kufa.” Jobe waphendvula watsi: “Vele, kuyabonakala kutsi nine nibantfu, kuhlakanipha kuyakufa nani! Kodvwa nami nginengcondvo njengani, kute lenincono ngako kunami. Ngubani nje longatati tonkhe letintfo? Sengiyinhlekisa ngisho nakubangani bami, lite nome Nkulunkulu angiphendvula nangikhala kuye, ngaba yintfo yekuhlekwa nje, lite nome ngilungile futsi ngingenacala. Bantfu labahleti kahle abamnaki lohluphekile, yena lowo lobisha ekuhluphekeni. Emakhaya etigebengu akaphazanyiswa lutfo, nalabo labacunula Nkulunkulu baphephile, yebo, labo labaphetse nkulunkulu wabo ngetandla tabo. “Kodvwa hamba ubute etilwaneni, titakufundzisa, nome ubute tinyoni telizulu, titakutjela. Khuluma kuwo umhlaba, utakufundzisa; buta nasetinhlantini taselwandle, titakwatisa. Ngukuphi emkhatsini wako konkhe loku lokungati kutsi konkhe loku kwentiwa nguSimakadze? Kuphila kwato tonkhe tidalwa kusesandleni sakhe, kanjalo nemiphefumulo yabo bonkhe bantfu bemhlaba. Indlebe ayikuva yini lokukhulunywako, njengobe nelulwimi lukunambitsa kudla? Kuhlakanipha akutfolakali yini kulabadzala? Imphilo lendze ayikuletsi yini kucondza? “Kuhlakanipha nemandla kwaNkulunkulu, kweluleka nekucondza kwakhe. Loko lokubhidlitwe nguye, kute longaphindze akwakhe kabusha, umuntfu lamfake ejele angeke akhululwe ngumuntfu. Nakabamba imvula kuba nesomiso, utsi angawayekela lamanti, ente umonakalo. Emandla nekuncoba kwaNkulunkulu, umkhohliswa nemkhohlisi, bobabili bakhe. Wenta babusi batiphatsise kwetilima, ente behluleli babe tilima. Ukhumula emakhosi emajiva awo ebukhosi, awegabise tindophi tekubopha tigcili netiboshwa. Wenta baphristi bahambe bate tembatfo, aketule bantfu bebasetikhundleni sikhatsi lesidze. Ubindzisa beluleki labetsembekile, esuse inhlakanipho yebaholi. Utfululela lihlazo kulabahloniphekile, abalahlise phansi tikhali labanemandla ekulwa. Wembula tintfo letijulile tebumnyama, aletse ematfunti lamnyama kakhulu ekukhanyeni. Wenta tive tibe tinkhulu, aphindze atibhubhise, wandzisa tive, aphindze atisakate. Babusi betive temhlaba ubemuka kuhlakanipha, abayekele bazulazule ehlane bangayiboni indlela, badvukute ebumnyameni nekukhanya kungekho, abente badzayitele njengetidzakwa.” “Emehlo ami akubonile konkhe loku, netindlebe tami tikuvile takucondza loku. Lenikwatiko nine nami ngiyakwati, anincono ngalutfo kunami. Kodvwa mine ngifisa kukhuluma kuSomandla, nekuphikisana naNkulunkulu ngalendzaba yami. Noko, nine ningibhoca ngemanga, nonkhe nifanana netinyanga, kantsi anikwati kwelapha! Kube mane nonkhe niyabindza, loko bekungaba kuhlakanipha kini. Ase nilalele naku lengitakukhuluma, nive kutsi ngitsini ngemlomo wami. Ingabe lobubi nibukhulumela Nkulunkulu yini? Yona lenkhohliso niyikhuluma egameni lakhe yini? Netama kumvikela yini? Ningayimelela yini indzaba yaNkulunkulu? Kunganihambela kahle yini nakanganihlolisisa? Ningamkhohlisa yini njengobe nikhohlisa bantfu? Nakanjani Nkulunkulu utanidalula, nangabe nikhetsana ngasese. Inkhatimulo yakhe ingeke yini inesabise? Lulaka lwakhe lungeke yini lwehlele etikwenu? Loku lenikukhulumako kungumbhedvo nje, netivikelo tenu titivikelo telibumba nje. “Ase nibindze, kukhulume mine, ningiyekele ngehlelwe nome ngayini. Ngitifakelani engotini ngekutsatsa imphilo yami ngiyiphatse ngesandla? Nome angangibulala, noko ngitakwetsembela kuye. Nakanjani ngitatikhulumela embikwakhe ngetindlela tami. Ngempela, loko kungahle kunginike siciniseko semphumelelo yami, ngobe kute umuntfu longamesabi Nkulunkulu longahle asondzele kuye. Lalelisisani kahle emavi ami; tindlebe tenu atikutsatse loku lengikushoko. Manje njengobe sengiyilungisile indzaba yami, ngiyati kutsi kute lengikonile. Ngubani nje longangibeka licala? Nakunjalo, ngitawubindza ngife. “Awu, Nkulunkulu, ngicela ungiphe nati tintfo letimbili, khona-ke ngingeke ngibhace embikwakho: Susa sandla sakho kimi, uyekele kungetfusa ngetesabiso takho. Ngibite, mine ngitawube sengiyaphendvula, nome-ke angikhulume, wena bese uyaphendvula. Tingakhi tiphambuko netono lese ngitentile? Ngikhombise licala lami nesono sami. Ubufihlelani buso bakho, ungitsatse njengesitsa sakho? Ungalivisa yini buhlungu licembe leliphephukako? Ungacoshana yini nemakhoba lomile? Ungibeka emacala lamatima, ungetfwese emacala etono lengatenta ngisemusha. Tinyawo tami utinkinka ngetinketane, uticaphele tonkhe tinyatselo tami lengititsatsako, ngekubeka timphawu entsendzeni yetinyawo tami. “Ngako umuntfu uyadleka njengentfo lebolako, nanjengendvwangu ledliwa ngumvunya.” “Umuntfu lotelwe ngumfati unemalangana nje lambalwa ekuphila, nawo agcwele lusizi. Ubhahela njengembali, bese uyabuna, akakhonsi, usheshe anyamalale njengesitfunti. Ungawabeka yini emehlo akho entfweni lenjengami? Kona ungangiletsa yini embikwakho utengehlulela? Ngubani longakhipha lokuhlantekile kulokungakahlanteki? Kute! Emalanga ekuphila kwemuntfu asancunywa, nelinani letinyanga tekuphila kwakhe walimisa; kwajutjwa ngisho nemikhawulo yakhe langeke ayengce. Ngako ungamnaki, mshiye yedvwana, abale ema-awa onkhe emalanga njengesisebenti lesicashiwe. “Nangabe sihlahla sesijutjiwe, likhona litsemba lekutsi singahle siphindze sihlume futsi, kantsi nalawo mahlumela aso angeke abune. Timphandze taso tingaguga emhlabatsini nesiphunti saso sife lapha phansi, noko ngekuva umswakama wemanti siyahluma, kumile emahlumela njengesihlahla. Kodvwa umuntfu uyafa angcwatjwe, kube kuphela kwakhe, kutsi kungaphuma umphefumulo kube kuphela kwakhe. Njengobe emanti anyamalala elwandle, nanjengobe nesihlambo semfula siyahamuka some, umuntfu ulala kanjalo-ke angabe asavuka, kuyawuze kwendlule emazulu; yebo, umuntfu angeke aphaphame, futsi ngeke avuke ekufeni kwakhe. “Ngifisa shangatsi ungangifihla ethuneni, ungibhacise khona kuze kwendlule intfukutselo yakho! Nawungamane nje ungincumele sikhatsi, ungikhumbule! Nangabe umuntfu afa, uyawuphindze aphile yini? Kuwo onkhe emalanga ekusebenta kwami kamatima ngiyakuma kuze kufike kuvuseleleka kwami. Uyawungibita, mine ngikuphendvule. Uyawufisa kubona leso sidalwa lesentiwa tandla takho. Uyawutibala tonkhe tinyatselo tami lengititsatsako, kodvwa awuyikungibamba umbalo ngenca yetono tami. Tiphambuko tami uyawutivalela esikhwameni; sono sami uyawusisibekela. “Kodvwa njengentsaba lekhukhulekako ibhidlike, nanjengelidvwala lelisuswa endzaweni yalo, nanjengobe emanti agugisa litje, nesihhuhhula semvula sikhukhula umhlaba, kanjalo nelitsemba lemuntfu wena ulibulala, life nya. Umuntfu umehlula kube kanye, esweleke, ugucula buso bakhe, bese uyamcosha. Nangabe emadvodzana akhe advunyiswa, loko yena akakwati; nangabe ahlaziswa, loko yena akakuboni. Uva buhlungu bemtimba wakhe, atikhalele yena yedvwa.” Elifazi, umThemani, waphendvula watsi: “Umuntfu lohlakaniphile angaphendvula yini ngaletimphendvulo letilite, agcwalise sisu sakhe ngemoya loshisako wasemphumalanga? Kute umuntfu lohlakaniphile longakhuluma ngalendlela lelite lokhuluma ngayo nome ativikele ngalamavi laluwangala. Kodvwa ukubukela phansi kwesaba Nkulunkulu, uvimbele kuthandaza kuye. Ngulesono sakho lelesenta ukhulume kanje; sewukhetse lulwimi lwalabanebucili. Awulahlwa ngimi, kodvwa ulahlwa ngumlomo wakho, ulahlwa nguloko lokukhulunywa nguwe lucobo lwakho. “Ucabanga kutsi nguwe wedvwa yini umuntfu wekucala lowatalwa? Wena watalwa tingakabikho yini tintsaba? Uyalalela yini nangabe Nkulunkulu akhuluma nelibandla lakhe? Ucabanga kutsi kuhlakanipha kuphelela lapha kuwe yini? Yini loyatiko lesingayati tsine? Lwati luni lonalo wena lesingenalo tsine? Timphunga nalabadzala bangakitsi, yebo, emadvodza lamadzala, kwendlula uyihlo. Akukwenelisi yini kudvudvutwa nguNkulunkulu, nemagama lakhulunywe ngebunandzi kuwe? Inhlitiyo yakho ikutfumbeleni kangaka, nemehlo akho aphashateliswa yini, kutsi ungaze utfukutselele Nkulunkulu, ukhiphe emagama lamabi kangaka ngemlomo wakho? “Umuntfu abeyini kutsi angaba ngulohlantekile, nome-ke umuntfu lotelwe ngumfati kutsi angaba ngulolungile? Nangabe Nkulunkulu akabetsembi labangcwele bakhe, nangabe ngisho nemazulu akahlanteki emehlweni akhe, mncane kangakanani-ke, umuntfu lomubi nalowonakele, nalonatsa bubi njengemanti? “Lalela lapha kimi, ngitakuchazela; ngitakutjela loko lesengikubonile. Loko lasebakukhulumile labahlakaniphile labangatange babafihlele kona boyise, labo labanikwa lelive kwabate wetive labendlula emkhatsini wabo, ngikutjela kona loko, ngitsi: Imihla yemuntfu lomubi igcwele lusizi netinhlupheko, uphila kanjalo lowo longenasisa yonkhe imihla lanikwe yona yekuphila kwakhe. “Tindlebe takhe tigcwele imisindvo lesabisako, ngesikhatsi konkhe kubukeka shangatsi kuhle, umbhubhisi ngulapho amhlasela khona. Akakholwa kutsi utawubuyela ebumnyameni. Vele, uyawuphelela enkembeni. Uhamba azulazule afunana nekudla. Uyati kutsi lilanga lebumnyama selisondzele. Buhlungu nelusizi kuyamtfutfumelisa, kumhlisibete njengenkhosi lese ihlomele kuhlasela, ngobe ugoca sibhakela, agocele Nkulunkulu, atiphakamise, achoshele Nkulunkulu, ngekwedzelela lokukhulu uhlasela Somandla ngelihawu lelicinile nalelilicinsi. Ngobe uhuce buso bakhe ngemafutsa akhe, lukhalo lwakhe lubhubuka imitsebe. “Uyawuhlala emadolobheni labhidlikile, etindlini lapho kungasahlali muntfu khona, tindlu lesetidzilike taba ngemahhinsi. Angeke asanjinga, nalomcebo wakhe ungeke ukhonse, netimphahla takhe tingeke tandze eveni. Angeke abubalekele bumnyama, lilangabi liyakubunisa emahlumela akhe, kuphefumula kwemlomo waNkulunkulu kuyawumtsatsa kumlahle khashane. Akangatiyengi ngekwetsemba loko lokulihobosha, ngobe kute layakukutfola ngaloko. Kuyawutsi sikhatsi sakhe singakefiki, akhokhelwe ngalokuphelele. Emagala akhe akayiwucwebetela, kodvwa ayawubuna. Uyawufanana nemvini lohhohlokelwe ngemagelebisi awo asengakavutfwa, abe njengesihlahla semncumo sihhohlokelwa timbali taso. Ngobe sishoshomane lesingenaNkulunkulu siyawuhlala singatseli lutfo, umlilo uyakudla emathende alabo labatsandza imidizo. Labo bantfu bemitsa inhlupheko, bese batala bubi. Sisu sabo sitilungiselela njalo emacebo.” Jobe waphendvula, watsi: “Setinyenti kakhulu tintfo letinjalo lengitivile. Nine nonkhe nje nibadvudvuti lababi. Kantsi akasanawuphela yini lamavi enu langumoya? Nine nihlushwa yini kangako, kutsi seningalibala kuphikisana nje ngelite? Nami kodvwa empeleni bengingakhuluma kanjalo, kube nine beningimi nami ngingini. Nami bengingakhuluma ngimelane nani ngemavi lamanyenti, ngininikinele inhloko. Kodvwa umlomo wami bewunganikhutsata. Indvudvuto lebeyingaphinyiselwa tindzebe temlomo wami beyingaba kuphumula emiphefumulweni yenu. “Noko nome ngikhuluma, iminjunju yemahlaba lakimi ayikagobi, kantsi nome bengingatibamba, ngiticinise, ayikapheli. Awu! Empeleni, Nkulunkulu, sewungigugisile. Empeleni ubhubhise umndeni wami wonkhe. Ungibambile, loko sekube ngubona bufakazi. Nalokuba ngumkhehlekhehle kwami kuya ngekuya kuyandza kumelana nami. Ngentfukutselo yakhe Nkulunkulu uyanginwabulula, wehlukanisa sankhala nesiphanga, angibuke ngeliso lelibi. Bantfu sebasitakele ngami, nguleyo ndvodza itisholo lekutsandzako ngami, banginhlakaya sihlatsi ngekungicoloshela, sebangakhele luzungu bahlangana ngami. Nkulunkulu sewungilahlele kubantfu lababi, wangijikijela etidladleni talabangakalungi. Konkhe bekungihambela kahle, kodvwa Nkulunkulu ungibambe ngabhongwane, wangihlantisa konkhe ngekungihlifita, wangenta inkoyoyo yakhe, labanemba ngebutjoki bangikake ngala nangala. Ungijijimeta etinsweni angasenasihawu nami. Inyongo yami icitsekela phansi emhlabatsini. Ungihlaba emaphindze, angijijimete njengengwazi lehlanyiswa yinzondo. “Ngiyatililela, ngembetse tingubo temasaka. Ngihleti lapha elutfulini, ngiyabhuquta njengalosehlulekile. Sengikhale ngaze ngabheja ngaba bovu ebusweni. Emehlo ami asavuvuke aze aba naletimnyama tingobho. Kodvwa noko tandla tami timsulwa ekulweni, nemkhuleko wami uhlobile. “Awu, mhlaba, awusiyigcibedzela ingati yami. Shangatsi kukhala kwami kungete kwathuliswa. Kodvwa nanyalo ukhona fakazi wami ezulwini, ummeli wami ukulelisetulu live. Umncuseli wami ungumngani wami, ngesikhatsi emehlo ami aphophota tinyembeti kuNkulunkulu, uncengela umuntfu kuNkulunkulu, njengemuntfu ancengela umngani wakhe. “Sekusele iminyakana nje lembalwa kutsi yendlule, bese nami ngingenela indlela lekuhanjwa ngayo ungaphindzi ubuye ngayo futsi.” “Umoya wami wephukile, emalanga ami ajutjiwe aba mafisha, sengimelwe lithuna. Ngempela bahhalatisi bangikakile, emehlo ami afanele ahlalele kubuka lokungichoshela kwabo. “Awu, Nkulunkulu! Ngihlawulele! Kodvwa ngubani nje lomunye longangimela? Utivalile tingcondvo tabo, abasangiva nekungiva, ngako ngeke usabaphumelelisa. Umuntfu ujabulisa bangani bakhe ngekudla, babe bantfwabakhe bagolela timphungane emlonyeni. “Nkulunkulu sewungente inhlekisa kubo bonkhe, ngaba ngumuntfu lokhafulelwa ebusweni. Emehlo ami asaze alutfuli ngenca yebuhlungu, bungimi bonkhe bami sebusitfunti nje. Bantfu labacotfo sebamangele ngalendzaba yami, labangenacala bavukela laba labangamesabi Nkulunkulu. Noko, labangcwele batawubambelela etindleleni tabo, nalabo labatandla tabo tingenacala lalutfo batawuchubeka babe nemandla lamasha. “Kodvwa ase nibuye lapha nonkhe, ase netame futsi! Ngingeke ngitfole ngisho namunye lohlakaniphile emkhatsini wenu. Emalanga ami asendlulile, tinhloso tami setephukile, kanjalo tifiso tenhlitiyo yami tehlulekile. Lamadvodza lawa agucula busuku bube yimini, kutsi ekhatsi nebusuku batsi bona: ‘Sekuyasa.’ Kube-ke likhaya lami lebekulitsemba lami lekugcina bekulithuna, kube-ke bengendlele licansi lami ebumnyameni, kube bengingatsi kulokubola: ‘Wena ungubabe,’ nasetimphetfwini ngitsi: ‘Wena ungumake,’ nome: ‘Ungudzadzewetfu,’ ngabe likuphi litsemba lami? Ngubani nje longalibona litsemba lami? Litakwehla yini liye emasangweni ekufa? Sitakwehlela elutfulini kanyekanye yini?” Wase uyaphendvula-ke Bildadi, umShuhi, watsi: “Utawuticedza nini letinkhulumo? Ase ubuyise ingcondvo, sitabe sesiyakhuluma-ke. Wentiwa yini lokutsi usitsatse njengetinkhomo nje, shangatsi tsine sesitilima takho? Wena ngobe nguwe lotidzabula ube ticucu ngalokutfukutsela kwakho, usho kutsi sekungalahlwa wonkhe lomhlaba ngenca yakho nje wedvwana? Nome-ke usho kutsi sale kusimuka emadvwala asuswe etindzaweni tawo? “Sibane salomubi sicinyiwe, lilangabi lemlilo wakhe alisavutsi. Kukhanya kwasekhaya lakhe sekubumnyama; sibane lesiseceleni kwakhe siyacisha. Emandla etinyatselo takhe asayancipha; emacebo akhe asamjika phansi. Netinyawo takhe setimkhaceke elugibeni, sewubatse uyazubalata luyamtongoletela. Lugibe selumbambe ngesitsendze sakhe, sifu simntfonyile akasatsi khwasha. Bambophele lifindvo endleleni yakhe leyenile, lugibe lusemkhondvweni wakhe. Tesabiso timetfusa ndzawana tonkhe, timhleli etitsendzeni. Inhlekelele ilambele yena, inhlekelele ikhamisele yena, nakatsi nje uyawa. Itakudla sikhumba sakhe, litubulo lekufa lichobote ematsambo etitfo temtimba wakhe. Ukhishiwe ekuvikelekeni kwasekhaya lakhe, washuciswa wamikiswa enkhosini yekufa. Ekhaya lakhe sekubusela umlilo, sibabule lesivutsako sisakatwe lapho ahlala khona. Timphandze takhe tiyoma lapha ngaphansi kwakhe, nemagala akhe asayabuna lapha ngetulu. Kukhunjulwa kwakhe sekuyafiphala kulomhlaba, akasenabito lapha emhlabeni. Sewucoshiwe ekukhanyeni wayiswa ebumnyameni, ulahliwe futsi lapha kulomhlaba. Akasenabantfwana, nabatukulu sewute emkhatsini webantfu bakubo; kute insali lapho ake wahlala khona. Emadvodza asenshonalanga asemangele ngalesehlakalo sakhe; emadvodza asemphumalanga abanjwe kwesaba. Ngempela injalo indzawo lapho kuhlala lomubi khona, lena yindzawo lehlala umuntfu longatani naNkulunkulu.” Jobe wase uyaphendvula, watsi: “Nitangivisa buhlungu kuze kube ngunini, solo ningishushumbisa ngemavi labuhlungu? Sengemahlandla lalishumi nyalo solomane ningitsela ngetinhlamba, nite nemahloni ekungetfuka. Nangabe kuliciniso phela kutsi ngedukile, lelo phutsa liphutsa lami ngedvwana. Nangabe ngempela ningatiphakamisa, nitente ncono kunami, nisebentise lesehlakalo lesingehlele kutsi nimelane nami, yatini-ke kutsi nguNkulunkulu longonile, wangigigela ngelugibe lwakhe. “Naloku ngikhala: ‘Ngimi lengoniwe!’ Kodvwa angiphendvulwa; naloku ngicela lusito, kute kwetsembeka. Utivalile tindlela tami, entela kutsi ngingakhoni kwendlula, wembatsise tindlela tami ngebumnyama. Ungembule kuhlonipheka kwami, wesusa umchele wami enhloko yami. Ungidladlabula ngala nangala ngize ngingabikho, uzuphuna litsemba lami njengelukhula. Lulaka lwakhe luyangivutsela, ungibala kanye netitsa takhe. Emabutfo akhe ayashuca atengihlasela, akha tindvundvuma tekungivimbetela, akambe atungeleta likhaya lami. “Ungehlukanise nebazalwane bami, bangigucukela, sengehlukene nalabo bengetayelene nabo. Tihlobo tami tingishiyile, bangani bami bangikhohliwe. Tivakasheli tasekhaya kami setiyangiphika kutsi tiyangati; nesisebenti lesisikati sasekhaya kami sesitsi ngisihambi, sebangitsatsa njengemhambuma. Nome ngitsi ngibita sisebenti sami, asisasabeli, nome sengisicela mine, ngisincenga ngemlomo wami. Umphefumulo wami sewuyanuka kumfati wami, kubomnaketfu sengiyenyanyeka. Ngisho nekwebafanyana lokuncane sekuyangedzelela, nangitsi ngiyachamuka, bachwebana ngami bahleke. Bonkhe bangani bami lebengitsi bevakala ekhaleni sebayacansuka ngami; labo labatsandzekako kimi sebangigucukele. Sengingumbambo tiyabalwa, ngisindze ngekulambisa. “Mane sale ningihawukela, bangani bami, mane sale nihawukela mine, sandla saNkulunkulu singinhlakayile. Ningishophelani, nani nilingise Nkulunkulu lolibele kucoshana nami? Anisenakweneliseka yini kani ngalokubola kwesikhumba semtimba wami? “Awu! Kube fane lamagama ami lengiwakhulumako abengabhalwa phansi, kube fane abengabhalwa encwadzini legocotwako, kube fane abengacoshwa ngelusungulo emtfofini, nome acoshwe edvwaleni laphakadze naphakadze. Kodvwa mine ngiyati kutsi uMhlengi wami uyaphila, nekutsi ekugcineni utakuma etikwalomhlaba. Ngisho nome umtimba wami sewubhujisiwe, kodvwa noko emtimbeni wami ngiyawumbona Nkulunkulu. Mine cobo lwami ngiyawumbona ngewami emehlo, mine lo, hhayi lomunye. Maye, inhlitiyo yami seyiyamlangatelela! “Naningatsi: ‘Siyawumkhandzelwa ngubani, njengaloku imphandze yayo yonkhe lenhlupheko ikuye?’ Kufanele nani nesabe inkemba, ngobe lulaka lwakhe luyakwehlisa sijeziso ngayo inkemba, ngulapho niyawufundza nicondze khona kutsi kukhona kwehlulelwa.” Sofari, umNama, wase uyaphendvula watsi: “Ngihlushwa ngimicabango yami letsi angiphendvule nami, ngobe sengiphatamiseke kakhulu. Ngiva emagama layinhlamba kimi, ngiko nje ingcondvo yami seyitsi angitiphendvulele. “Empeleni nawe uyati kutsi bekunjani, kwakadzeni nje, kusukela nakubunjwa umuntfu emhlabeni, kutsi kujabula kwalababi kwesikhashana nje, nekutfokota kwalabangenaNkulunkulu kuba kwesikhashana nje. Nome kuphakama kwalomubi kuze kuphikelele emazulwini nje, nenhloko yakhe itsi ayitsintse emafu, uyawubhubha kokuphela njengemangcoliso akhe; labo lababeke bambona bayawubutana, batsi: ‘Uphi?’ Njengeliphupho uyandiza angaphindzi atfolakale, anyamalaliswe njengembono wasebusuku. Liso lelalike lambona alisayiwuphindze limbone futsi. Indzawo yakhe ingeke iphindze imbone. Bantfwabakhe kufanele bahlawule kulabamphofu, tandla takhe kufanele tibuyisele umcebo wakhe. Emandla ebusha lagcwele ematsanjeni akhe ayawulala kanye naye elutfulini. “Naloku umonakalo unongotela emlonyeni wakhe, nome awufihla ngaphansi kwelulwimi lwakhe nje, naloku angeke akumele nje kuwukhiphela ngephandle, alibele kuvalela lomonakalo emlonyeni wakhe, kodvwa lokudla kwakhe kutaba munyu esiswini sakhe, kutawugucuka kube sihlungu setinyoka sekungekhatsi ematfunjini akhe. Utabukhafula bonkhe lobunjinga labumita, Nkulunkulu utamhlantisa bonkhe lapha esiswini sakhe. Utawumunya lesihlungu setinyoka; abulawe ngematinyo elibululu. Angeke atfokote ngemifudlana nemifula legeleta luju nelulata. Loko lakushikashikanelako uyawukubuyisa konkhe angakadli lutfo lwako. Akasenayidla intalo yako konkhe lokusebenta kwakhe lokungaka lakwentile. Ngobe ubacindzetele labamphofu, wabashiya beswele, ubadle netindlu tabo langazange asatakhe. “Ngempela akayikuba nako kuphumula kwemphefumulo ekulangateleni kwakhe. Angeke akhone kutisindzisa kwayena ngalomcebo wakhe. Sekute nalokuncane lokusele yena langakudla, bunjinga bakhe ngeke buphumelele bume. Asesekutamaseni kwakhe lusizi luyawumhlasela, emandla lamakhulu elusizi ayawumehlela. Uyawutsi nase agcwalise umkhaba wakhe, Nkulunkulu ehlisele intfukutselo yakhe etikwakhe, ehlisele nemvula yemijijimeto yakhe etikwakhe. Nome abalekela silimato sensimbi, umcibisholo welitfusi uyakumhlaba. Uyakuwudvoncula emhlane wakhe, kudla kwawo kuphume esibindzini, kwesaba kuyawumehlela. Bumnyama lobuphatsekako bumlalele endleleni bufune umcebo wakhe. Umlilo longakavutselwa uyakumshwabudzela umcedze, ukudle konkhe lokusele ekhaya kakhe. Emazulu ayawulenekela lilanga licala lakhe, umhlaba nawo uyawumvukela indlwabane. Sikhukhula siyakwemukisa likhaya lakhe, emagagasi alitfumbe ngelilanga lelulaka lwaNkulunkulu. Sinjalo-ke siphetfo Nkulunkulu lasabele lababi, lifa lelingulona balibekelwa nguNkulunkulu.” Jobe waphendvula, watsi: “Lalelisisani lamavi ami, nimane ningidvudvute ngaloko. Ngibeketeleleni nangikhuluma, ngitsi ngingakhuluma, bese niyachubeka nekuphukuta. “Kusola kwami kucondzene nemuntfu yini? Kwentiwa yini kutsi ngingakhoni kubeketela? Bukani mine nimangale, nibambe wangentasi. Nangicabanga ngaloko, ngifikelwa kwesaba, kutfutfumela kubambe umtimba wami. Kwentiwa yini kutsi lababi baphile sikhatsi lesidze, bakhule baze baguge, baphindze babe nemandla lamakhulu? Babona bantfwababo baphumelela, babone ngisho nebatukulu babo. Emakhaya abo avikelekile, akanako kwesaba. Indvuku yaNkulunkulu ayikho etikwabo. Tinkhomati tabo atilatelwa, ngobe tinkunzi tabo tiyatalisa. Bakhipha bantfwana babo njengemhlambi. Bantfwana babo bayajabula bagidze. Bahlabelela ngekuhambisana nemafahlawane, nemahabhu, batijabulise ngekudlala imintjingozi. Timphilo tabo baticitsa ngekunaka umcebo, behlela endzaweni yalabafile ngekuthula. Noko bakhuluma kuNkulunkulu, batsi: ‘Ase uyekele tsine! Site sifiso sekwati tindlela takho. Ngubani yena loSomandla kutsi singakhonta yena? Yini nje lesingayitfola ngekuthandaza kuye?’ Kodvwa umnotfo wabo awukho etandleni tabo, ngako ngiyatecwaya teluleko talababi. “Kukangakhi nje sibane salababi sicinywa? Ngukangakhi kona lababi behlelwa sehlakalo? Nkulunkulu uke abajezise ngentfukutselo yini? Kukangakhi bafanana netinhlanga emoyeni, babe njengemakhoba lapheshulwa sivunguvungu? Kutsiwa: ‘Nkulunkulu ujezisa bantfwana ngenca yetono letentiwa nguyise.’ Cha! Nkulunkulu akajezise toni cobo lwato, kuze titewukwati kahle. Lomubi akatibonele ngemehlo akhe kubhujiswa kwakhe, atinatsele yena lulaka lwaSomandla. Ngobe unandzabani nemndeni lawushiya ngemuva, nakufika kuphela kwetinsuku tekuphila kwakhe? “Ukhona yini umuntfu longafundzisa Nkulunkulu lwati? Ngobe yena wehlulela ngisho nalabangetulu kwabo bonkhe. Lomunye ufa asacine kahle kakhulu, aphephe waze watinta ngalokuphelele, kantsi futsi ukhululekile, umtimba wakhe uphatseke kahle, nematsambo akhe agcwele umnkantja. Lomunye ufa anelusizi emphefumulweni, angazange sekativele nome ngabe yini lemnandzi. Bobabili balala kanyekanye elutfulini, netimphetfu tibahlasela ngalokufananako bobabili. “Ngati kahle kutsi nicabangani, ngisho nemacebo lebeningahle ningone ngawo. Nitsi: ‘Iphi-ke manje lendlu yalomuntfu lomkhulu, aphi emathende lapho lababi bebahlala khona?’ Nake nababuta yini labatihambi? Anizange niyinake yini imibiko lababuya nayo, yekutsi lomubi uyacolelwa ngelilanga lenhlekelele nekutsi uyakhululeka ngelilanga lelulaka? Ngubani longasola simo sakhe embikwakhe? Ngubani lomkhokhelako ngaloko lakwentile? Uyetfwalwa ayiswe edlizeni, lithuna lakhe lihlala ligadziwe. Lenhlabatsi yesigodzi iyanongotela kuye, bonkhe bantfu balandzela yena, sicumbi lesikhulu sihamba embikwakhe. “Ngako-ke ningangidvudvuta kanjani ngalenkhulumo yenu lengumbhedvo? Kute nakunye kwetimphendvulo tenu lokusasele ngaphandle kwemacebo odvwa nje.” Elifazi, umThemani, waphendvula, watsi: “Umuntfu angaba ngilo yini lusito kuNkulunkulu? Umuntfu lohlakaniphile yena angaba lusito yini kuye? Njabulo yini lebeyingatfolwa nguSomandla kube bewulungile? Abetawubuyelwa yini kube tindlela takho betimsulwa? Kungenca yekwesaba kwakho Nkulunkulu yini lokutsi akutsetsise, akubeke emacala? Bubi bakho abubukhulu yini? Tono takho tinaso yini siphetfo? Wafuna sibambiso kubomnakenu ngendlovu yangena ngaphandle kwesizatfu, wahlubula labamphofu tembatfo tabo, wabashiya bangcunu. Labadzangele awuzange ubanatsise emanti, nalabalambile wabema kudla, noko wawungumuntfu lonemandla nalonelive, ungumuntfu lohloniphekile lohlala kulo. Wahambisa bafelokati yabayaba, wapitjita emandla alabatintsandzane. Ngiko nje tonkhe tingibe tikutungeletile, netingoti tikwetfusa kangaka, ngiko nje kumnyama kuze utsi ungetiwubona, netikhukhula temfula tikusibekela. “Nkulunkulu akahlali yini ekuphakameni kwelizulu? Ase ubuke kutsi tinkhanyeti tiphakeme kangakanani! Noko wena utsi: ‘Nkulunkulu watini? Wehlulela akulobumnyama lobunjena yini? Emafu lamnyama ayamsibekela, kuze angasiboni asahamba antontomela etulu emazulwini.’ Usetawuhamba yini ngalendlela lendzala leyayihamba bantfu lababi? Bakhukhuleka, sikhatsi sabo sisengakefiki, netisekelo tabo takhukhuleka. Bakhuluma kuNkulunkulu batsi: ‘Ase usiyekele! Somandla angasentani tsine?’ Noko bekunguye labegcwalise tindlu tabo ngetintfo letinhle, ngako ngima bucalu neteluleko talababi. “Labalungile bajabula, nabakubona kubhujiswa kwabo, labangenacala babaphukuta batsi: ‘Impela titsa tetfu tibhujisiwe, nemlilo umita bunjinga bato.’ “Titfobe kuNkulunkulu, ube nekuthula naye, kuphumelela kuyakuta kuwe ngaleyo ndlela. Yemukela imfundziso lephuma emlonyeni wakhe, emavi akhe uwabeke enhlitiyweni yakho. Nawubuyela kuSomandla, utawusitakala: Nawususa bubi, ububeke khashane nendlu yakho, utsatse nalamatje laligugu uwalahle elutfulini, igolide yakho yase-Ofiri uyilahle emadvwaleni asetigodzini, Somandla-ke uyakuba yigolide yakho, isiliva yakho yelikhetselo lelisembili. Impela, Somandla uyakuba kujabula kwakho, wenyusele buso bakho kuNkulunkulu. Uyawuthandaza kuye, naye akuve, bese ugcwalisa tetsembiso takho. Konkhe loncuma kutsi ukwente kuyawukwenteka, nekukhanya kukhanye etindleleni takho. Kodvwa Nkulunkulu uyabehlisa labo labatigcabhako, amsindzise umuntfu lotitfobako. Umuntfu lonelicala uyakumkhulula, amkhulule ngawe, nangabe tandla takho timhlophe.” Jobe waphendvula, watsi: “Nalamuhla loku ngisakhala kakhulu, ngobe sandla saNkulunkulu simatima kimi, lite nome ngibubula. Kube mane bengati kutsi ngingamtfola kuphi, kube mane benginemandla ekufika lapho ahlala khona! Bengiyawubeka indzaba yami embikwakhe, umlomo wami utfulule onkhe emavi ekutivikela. Bengiyawutfola kutsi utangiphendvula kanjani, ngicabangisise kutsi utawutsini. Abetawumelana nami ngemandla akhe lamakhulu yini? Cha, abengeke angibeke licala. Abeyawubona naye kutsi umelene nemuntfu lowetsembekile, nakanjani kumehluleli wami bengitawutfolakala ngite licala. “Kodvwa nangiya emphumalanga, akekho lapho; nangiya enshonalanga, nalapho angimtfoli. Nasebenta enyakatfo, angimboni; nasaya eningizimu, angimfanisi ngisho nekumfanisa. Kodvwa yena uyayati indlela lengiyitsatsako; utawutsi angangivivinya, ngiphume sengiyigolide. Tinyawo tami tilandzela edvutane netinyatselo takhe. Ngihamba endleleni yakhe, ngingete ngaphambuka. Angikesuki emiyalweni yetindzebe takhe. Emavi emlomo wakhe ngiwente aba ligugu kwendlula kudla kwami kwemalanga onkhe. “Kodvwa nasancumile yena yedvwa, ngubani longamelana naye? Wenta loko lakutsandzako. Ufeza loko lasakuncumile ngami; usenaletinyenti tinhloso letinjalo lasetigcinile. Kungako nje ngitfutfumela embikwakhe; nangicabanga ngako konkhe loku, ngiyamesaba. Nkulunkulu wente inhlitiyo yami yadzinwa; Somandla ungitfutfumelisile. Noko bumnyama abukangibindzisi; yebo, bumnyama lobuphatsekako lobungimbonye buso abukangibindzisi.” “Somandla akatimisi ngani tikhatsi tekwehlulela? Kwentiwa yini kutsi labo labamatiko bangabi nalo lwati ngetikhatsi takhe? Bantfu bayatikhweshisa tikhonkhwane teminyele, belusele khona imihlambi yabo yekwebiwa. Bacosha imbongolo yentsandzane, batsatse nenkhabi yemfelokati ibe sibambiso. Bakhweshisa labeswele endleleni, baphocelele bonkhe labamphofu belive kutsi babhace. Njengetimbongolo tesiganga ehlane, labamphofu bayazulazula bafunane nekudla ehlane, kute lenye indzawo lapho bangatfolela bantfwababo khona kudla. Babutsa kudla kwetifuyo emahlangeni, bakhwimite etivinini talababi. Ngenca yekweswela kwekwembatsa, balala bangcunu busuku bonkhe; kute labangakwembatsa nakumakhata. Banetfwa babe manti timvula temagcuma, banamatsele emadvwaleni, ngobe beswele indlu. Umntfwana longenayise uyahlutfulwa ebeleni, luswane lwalomphofu lutsatselwe kubhadala sikwelede. Ngenca yekweswela kwekwembatsa, bahamba ngcunu, betfwala tinyandza, kodvwa bajinge babulawe yindlala. Bafihlita titselo temincumo etibebesini, bahlikihle ngematje ekuhluta liwayini; noko bajinge babulawe koma. Kuquma kwalabafako kuvakala edolobheni, nemiphefumulo yalabalimele ikhalela kusitwa. Kodvwa Nkulunkulu kute lambeka licala ngaloko lokubi lokwentiwe. “Bakhona labo labamelene nekukhanya, labangatati tindlela tako, nalabangahlali etindleleni tako. Kutsi kungahlwa, umbulali avuke, abulale labamphofu nalabeswele; ebusuku uhamba eba, agcekeza tindlu njengelisela. Liso lesiphingi licaphela bumnyama, sicabange sitsi: ‘Kute lotangibona,’ sihlala ngekufihla buso baso. Nase kumnyama emadvodza agcekeza angene etindlini, kodvwa emini ativalela endlini, akevani nekukhanya. Ngobe kubo bonkhe bumnyama lobukhulu ngusekuseni ngeluvivi, batente bangani netesabiso tebumnyama.” “Bantfu labanjalo bangemagwebu lantanta emantini, sabelo sabo sicalekisiwe eveni, khona kutabate loya etivinini. Njengobe kushisa nesomiso kuhlwitsa sitfwatfwa lesincibilikile, kanjalo nelithuna liyabahlwitsa labo labonako. Sibeletfo siyabakhohlwa, badliwe timphetfu; lababi abasakhunjulwa, kodvwa babhidlika njengesihlahla lesibolile. Bagagadlela inyumba lengenamntfwana, nakumfelokati abakhombisi musa. Kodvwa Nkulunkulu ngemandla akhe uyabahohobisa labo labanemandla, nome bangahlala batinte, noko abanasiciniseko ngekuphila kwabo. Angabenta bativele kuphumula lokuphephile, kodvwa emehlo akhe abuka tindlela tabo. Kwesikhashana nje bayaphakanyiswa banotse, emvakwaloko sebayanyamalala, bayatfotjiswa, batsatfwe njengabo bonkhe, basikwe njengesikhwebu eluhlangeni. “Nangabe akunjalo, ngubani longasho kutsi nginemanga, anciphise emavi ami awente lite?” Bildadi, umShuhi, waphendvula, watsi: “Ligunya nekwesabeka kwaNkulunkulu losungula kuthula etulu emazulwini. Kukhona yini longabala emabutfo akhe? Kukhona yini lokungafiki kuye kukhanya kwakhe? Pho, umuntfu angaba ngulolungile kanjani kuNkulunkulu? Umuntfu lotelwe ngumfati angaba ngulohlantekile kanjani? Nangabe ngisho nenyanga ingakhanyi, nangabe ngisho netinkhanyeti tingakahlanteki emehlweni akhe, kakhulu kangakanani-ke umuntfu loyimphehla, yebo, indvodzana yemuntfu losibungu nje kuphela!” Jobe waphendvula, watsi: “Maye, wena ulusito kulobutsakatsaka! Maye, wena uwusindzisile lomkhono bewute emandla! Maye, wena umyale wamcondzisa lomuntfu longakahlakaniphi! Maye, ukukhombisile kucondza kwakho! Usitwe ngubani wena kutsi ukhulume lamavi? Wabani lomoya lokhulume ngemlomo wakho? “Labafile baselusizini lolukhulu kabi, labo labangaphansi kwemanti nako konkhe lokukuwo. Kufa kungcunu embikwaNkulunkulu; imbhubhiso ayikafihleki kuye. Wendlala inyakatfo emkhatsini longenalutfo, alengise umhlaba eteni. Ugocota emanti emafini akhe, noko lawo manti akavuti kulamafu. Inyanga ledvulungene uyayisitsa, endlale lifu lakhe etikwayo. Udvweba umnyele wemkhatsi etikwemanti, kutsi kube ngumnyele wekukhanya nebumnyama. Tinsika tasezulwini tiyatfutfumela, timangaliswe kutsetsa kwakhe. Ngemandla akhe wathulisa lwandle, ngekuhlakanipha kwakhe wagawula Rahabi waba ticucu. Ngekuphefumula kwakhe emazulu akhanya, angabi nalutfo; sandla sakhe sayigwaza inyoka lentjuzako. Lawa ngemacentselo nje emisebenti yakhe. Maye, lokukhulunywa ngaye sikuva kalufifi! Ngubani nje longakucondza kudvuma kwemandla akhe?” Jobe wachubeka nenkhulumo yakhe, watsi: “Kuphila kwaNkulunkulu, lotsetse lilungelo lami, yena unguSomandla lowente kutsi nginambitse lusizi lwemphefumulo wami, yingci kuphila nakusekhona kimi, nemoya waNkulunkulu usesemakhaleni ami, tindzebe tami tingeke tikukhulume lokubi, nelulwimi lwami lungeke luwacale emanga. Ngingeke ngivume kutsi loko lenikushoko kuliciniso, ngiyawuze ngife ngingakehlukani nebucotfo bami. Ngitawunamatsela kulokulunga kwami, futsi ngingeke ngikuvumele kutsi kusuke kimi. Nembeza wami angeke angisole, yingci nangisaphila. “Shangatsi titsa tami tingaba njengalababi, nalabaphambene nami babe njengalabangakalungi. Ngobe liyini litsemba lalongamesabi Nkulunkulu, nangabe asasusiwe, naNkulunkulu asatsatsa kuphila kwakhe? Nkulunkulu utakuva yini kukhala kwakhe, nasahlaselwa lusizi nenhlupheko? Uyawutijabulisa yini ngaSomandla? Uyawulibita ngaso sonkhe sikhatsi yini libito laNkulunkulu? “Ngitanifundzisa ngemandla aNkulunkulu; ngingeke ngitifihle tindlela taSomandla. Nani nonkhe matfupha nikubonile loku. Pho, niwukhulumelani lombhedvo?” “Nasi-ke siphetfo semuntfu lomubi lasabelwa nguNkulunkulu; lifa lebacindzeteli labalemukela kuSomandla: Nome bantfwabakhe bangaba banyenti, noko bayawuphelela enkembeni, netitukulwane takhe tingeke tibe nekudla lokwenele. Sifo siyawuyicotfula insali yakhe, nebafelokati babo bangeke babalilele. Nome ngabe ubutsisa ticumbi tesiliva kube shangatsi lutfuli, abutsise tembatfo njengeticumbi telibumba, letimphahla letibutsiswa libibi tiyakwembatfwa ngulabalungile, kutsi labangenacala behlukaniselane lesiliva yakhe. Indlu layakhako ifanana nendlu yebulembu, yebo, ifanana nelichugwana lelakhiwe ngumlindzi. Lowo muntfu ulala anjingile, kodvwa angaphindzi abe njalo, nakavula emehlo akhe akhandze sekute lutfo. Kutfutfumela kumgabadzela njengetikhukhula, sivunguvungu simkhukhule sihambe naye ebusuku. Umoya wangasemphumalanga uyametfwala uhambe naye; uyamphephula umsuse kuleyo ndzawo yakhe. Lomoya utijikijela etikwakhe ungasenamusa kuye, agijime ashiye inyosi abalekela emandla awo. Ushaya tandla umhleke lusulu; uyamhhewula umsuse endzaweni yakhe.” “Ukhona umgodzi wekutapa isiliva, yebo, ikhona nendzawo lapho kucengisiswa khona igolide. Insimbi imbiwa emhlabatsini, nelitfusi lincibilikiswa likhishwe etjeni lalo. Umuntfu uyabucedza bumnyama, uphenyisisa aze afinyelele nasetingonini temhlaba, afunana nelitje lensimbi ebumnyameni lobukhulukati. Umba umgodzi loshonako, khashane kabi nalapho kuhlala khona bantfu, lapho kungasahambi khona bantfu; khashane kakhulu nebantfu, ulenga khona ajikite. Umhlaba, lapho kuphuma khona kudla, uyaguculwa lapha ngaphansi kube shangatsi ngungemlilo; isafire iphuma emadvwaleni awo, nelutfuli lwawo lucuketse tigaca tegolide. Kute ngisho nome linye lingce leliwatiko lowo mgudvu lofihlakele, ngisho neliso lalohheya imbala aliwati. Tilwane letinkhulu letitigabatisa ngemandla ato atilubeki lunyawo lwato kulowo mgudvu; kute libhubesi lelizulela khona. “Umuntfu welula sandla sakhe, abhidlite lidvwala kusuke tinhlase, timphandze tetintsaba tihlale ebaleni. Umba imihume emadvwaleni, liso lakhe liwabone onkhe ematje laligugu. Uphenyisisa tiyalu tayo yonkhe imifula, avumbulule tintfo letifihlakele atibeke ebaleni. “Kodvwa kungaze kutfolakale kuphi kuhlakanipha? Kuhlalaphi kucondzisisa kahle tintfo? Umuntfu akabucondzisisi bumcoka bako, akutfolakali eveni lalabaphilako. Kujula nako kuyalandvula kutsi: ‘Akukho lapha kimi,’ nelwandle lutsi: ‘Kute lapha kimi.’ Kungeke kutsengwe ngisho nangalecengiwe igolide, ngisho nentsengo yako ingete yalinganiswa ngesiliva. Ngeke sekutsengwe ngisho nangegolide yase-Ofiri, nangelitje leliligugu i-oniksi nome emasafire. Ingeke ilinganiswe ngisho nanegolide nengilazi, futsi ngeke yenaniswe ngisho nangetintfo letiligugu tegolide. Angisaphatsi-ke ngekhorali nangelitje ijasiphi. Intsengo yekuhlakanipha iphakeme yendlula emarubi. Ngeke kulinganiswe ngisho nanethophazi yaseKushe, kungeke kutsengwe ngisho nangegolide lecengiwe. “Kantsi vele kona kuhlakanipha kuvelaphi? Kuhlalaphi kucondza tintfo kahle? Kufihlakele emehlweni ayo yonkhe intfo lephilako, kuvalelekile ngisho nasemehlweni etinyoni letindiza etulu emoyeni. Imbhubhiso nekufa kutsi: ‘Natsi sive nje emahemuhemu ako lefikile etindlebeni tetfu.’ NguNkulunkulu loyicondza kahle indlela leya kuko, futsi nguye yedvwa lowati lapho kuhlala khona kuhlakanipha. Ngobe yena ubona ekugcineni kwemhlaba, futsi yena ukubona konkhe lokulapha ngaphansi kwemtfunti welilanga. Watsi nakasungula emandla emoya, akala emanti, nakashayela imvula umtsetfo, abhola indlela yemibane yekudvuma kwelitulu, wabuka kuhlakanipha konkhe, wase uyakudvumisa, wakumisa kwaba njalo, wakuvivinya. Wase ukhuluma kumuntfu, watsi: ‘Buka la, kwesaba Nkulunkulu libito lako kuhlakanipha. Kubalekela lokubi loko kukucondza.’ ” Jobe wachubeka nenkhulumo yakhe, watsi: “Maye, ngiyatikhumbula tinsuku tami takucala. Ngikhalela lawa malanga, Nkulunkulu asanginakekela. Ngaleso sikhatsi sibane sakhe sasikhanyisa etikwenhloko yami, ngaloko kukhanya kwakhe ngangihamba ekukhanyeni ngisho nasebumnyameni. Maye! Leto tikhatsi nami ngisamila, bungani betfu naNkulunkulu busashisa, angibusisa kanye nemuti wami, leto tikhatsi Somandla asengakimi, nebantfwabami basesedvute nami, lapho indlela yami isacwile elulateni, nelidvwala lisatfululela kimi imifula yemafutsa emncumo! “Ngangitsi nangisondzela ngasemasangweni elidolobha, ngitsi nangitsatsa sikhundla sami enkhundleni yelidolobha, emajaha enelele kungibona akhweshele eceleni, bese kutsi imisumphe isukume ime ngetinyawo, emadvodza lasembili angete akhuluma ambonye imilomo yawo ngetandla tawo, emavi alabahloniphekile athuliswe, tilwimi tabo tinamatsele elwangeni. Bonkhe lababengivile babekhuluma kahle ngami, nalabo lababengibonile babengincoma, ngobe ngangisindzisa labamphofu lababekhala bacele lusito kimi, netintsandzane letatite boyise lababengatisita. Umuntfu abetsi nase afa angibusise, ngangitijabulisa tinhlitiyo tebafelokati, tihlabele. Kulunga ngangikwente kwaba yingubo yami yekwembatsa, kungakhetsi muntfu kwakungusona sembatfo sami nesigcoko sami. Ngangingemehlo etimphumphutse, netinyawo talabatishosha. Nganginguyise walabeswele, ngangiyitsatsela etulu ngiyihlolisise indzaba yalosihambi eveni. Ngangiwephula ematinyo alababi, ngisindzise labo lasebababambile ngibahlwitse ematinyweni abo. “Ngangicabanga ngitsi: ‘Nami ngiyawufela ekhaya lami, emalanga ami manyenti ngangesihlabatsi saselwandle. Timphandze tami titawutfunguluta tize tifike emantini, ematolo alale emagaleni ami busuku bonkhe. Inkhatimulo yami iyawuhlala iyinsha njalo kimi, nebutjoki bami buhlale bubusha njalo esandleni sami.’ “Bantfu babengilalela ngekungetsemba lokukhulu, bathule balindzele kweluleka kwami. Ngangitsi nasengikhulumile, kungaphindzi kukhulume muntfu emvakwami, emavi ami abewela ngebunono etindlebeni tabo. Babengilindzela njengemvula, banatse emavi ami njengemvula yasentfwasahlobo. Ngangitsi nangimamatseka emehlweni abo, bangete bakukholwa kalula loko, kukhanya kwebuso bami kwakuligugu kubo. Kwakungimi labebakhetsela indlela, ngihlala emkhatsini wabo njengesikhulu sabo. Ngangihlala njengenkhosi emkhatsini wemabutfo ayo; nginjengemuntfu longumdvudvuti walabalilako.” “Kodvwa nyalo sebahlekisa ngami, bantfu labancane kunami, boyise babo lengangingabeyisa ngingabavumeli kutsi basite tinja tami ekweluseni timvu tami. Ngangingatfolani nje ngemsebenti wetandla tabo, bantfu lababemandla abo esukile kubo? Bondziswe kweswela nesigagadvu sendlala, bahhubhana netimphandze tetihlahla tasehlane, yebo, elugwadvule ebusuku. Babehlwatsika titselo letimunyu emahlatsini, kudla kwabo kutimphandze tesihlahla semtsanyelo. Bacoshwa kubantfu bakubo, bekhutwa njengemasela. Bacindzeteleka kutsi bayewuhlala etihosheni letomile, yebo, etihosheni letomile letingenamanti; bahlale emkhatsini wemadvwala nasemigodzini. Babebhonsa ekhatsi emahlatsini njengetimbongolo tesiganga, bahlangane ngetinhloko phasetihlahla, luhlobo lwebantfu lababi nalabalihlazo lelingachazeki, bacoshwa bakhishwa eveni. “Manje sengiyinhlekisa kumadvodzana abo, sengiyingoma kuwo; ngiyintfo yekudlala. Sebayangenyanya, bahambela khashane nami, abasesabi nekungikhafulela ebusweni. Njengobe Nkulunkulu sewungente ngaba butsakatsaka, wangenta ngaba sehluleki, bangitfobisa ngibukile. Ngesekudla sami sive siyahlasela, babekela tinyawo tami tingibe, bakha emasu ekungibhubhisa. Bavimba indlela yami, bayaphumelela ekungibhubhiseni, kantsi kute nalobasitako. Batseleka ngato tonkhe tintfunjana tenqaba batengihlasela. Bafohla lapho kubhidlike khona, batseleke ngekhatsi. Tesabiso tiyangehlula, kuhlonipheka kwami kususiwe kimi, kwaba shangatsi kupheshulwe ngumoya, kuphepha nenhlalakahle yami kunyamalale njengemafu. “Manje kuphila kwami kuyangikhweshela, emalanga eminjunju ayangintfonya. Busuku bubhobosa ematsambo ami, emahlaba ami langihhwebhako akanakuphumula. Ngemandla akhe lamakhulu Nkulunkulu ugucuka abe njengekwekwembatsa kimi. Ungibopha njengentsamo yengubo yami. Ungilahla eludzakeni, sengehliswe ngaze ngaba njengelutfuli nemlotsa. “Ngikhala kuwe, Nkulunkulu wami! Kodvwa wena awungiphendvuli. Ngiyasukuma ngime ngetinyawo, kodvwa wena umane ungibuke nje. Sewujike waba nelulaka kimi, ngemandla esandla sakho uyangihlasela. Uyangihlutfula ungijike ngemuke nemoya, ungiyekele nginhlanhlatse nesivunguvungu. Ngiyati kutsi uyawungehlisela phansi kulabafile, endzaweni lemiselwe bonkhe labaphilako. “Empeleni umhlaselelani umuntfu lobhujiswako, umuntfu longeke asatisite ngalutfo ngaphandle kwekutincengela umusa kuwe? Angizange ngibakhalele yini bantfu labasenhluphekweni? Umphefumulo wami awuzange ubakhalele yini bantfu labamphofu? Kodvwa nangitsi ngifuna lokuhle, kusuke kufike lokubi; nangitsi ngifuna kukhanya, kusuke kuchamuke bumnyama. Inhlitiyo yami iyaphitsitela ayinako kuthula, emalanga etinhlupheko amelene nami. Ngihamba ngizula ngigcungcile, nginyukubele, ngibe ngingakafuswa lilanga, kute kimi injabulo. Ngiyasukuma emkhambatsini ngikhale, ngicela lusito. Sengigucuke ngaba ngumnakabomphungutja, ngaba ngumngani wetahhukulu. Sikhumba sami sesigucuke saba mnyama, sacecebuka; umtimba wami uyavutsa ngumkhuhlane. Lihabhu lami selilungiselelwe kulila, nemntjingozi wami sewulungiselwe umsindvo wekukhala, yebo, umsindvo wekukhala ngimemete.” “Ngenta sivumelwane nemehlo ami kutsi ngingeke ngiyibuke ngenkhanuko intfombi. Ngabe siyini sabelo semuntfu lesiphuma kuNkulunkulu? Siyini sabelo lesilifa leliphuma etulu kuSomandla? Akusiyo yini imbhubhiso kulababi, sehlakalo kulabo labenta sono? Akatiboni yini tindlela tami, abale tonkhe tinyatselo tami? “Nangabe ngihamba ngekungetsembeki, nome-ke lunyawo lwami lusheshisile lwajakela emangeni, Nkulunkulu akangilinganise ngesilinganiso seliciniso, utabe sewuyatfola kutsi ngimsulwa. Nangabe tinyatselo tami tijikile emkhondvweni, nangabe inhlitiyo yami beyidvonswa ngemehlo ami, nome-ke nangabe tandla tami betingcolisiwe, nakunjalo-ke, lomunye umuntfu akadle konkhe loko bengikuhlanyele, netilimo tami atizushunwe. “Nangabe inhlitiyo yami ike yahungwa ngulomunye umfati, nome-ke ngike ngayawukhukhubala emvakwesivalo samakhelwane, nakunjalo-ke, umfati wami akahambe ayewusilela lenye indvodza, alale nalamanye emadvodza. Ngobe loko bekungaba lihlazo nendlisamahloni, sono lesifanele sehlulelwe. Lowo ngumlilo loshisa kube khona imbhubhiso, ngabe kusizuphunile sivuno sami sonkhe. “Nangabe ngingakatiphatsi njengekwemtsetfo tisebenti tami letidvuna naletisikati, natinetikhalo ngami, ngitakwenta njani, nangabe Nkulunkulu asabhekana nami ngaloko? Ngitawuphendvula ngitsini, nasengibutwa? Akusiye yini yena lowo lowabumba mine esiswini lona lowabumba tona? Akusiye yini lowaseluka sonkhe etiswini tabomake? “Nangabe angikahlangabetani neticelo talabamphofu, nome-ke ngenta emehlo emfelokati aphophota tinyembeti, nangabe ngatigodlela mine kudla kwami, ngangete ngahlephulelana nalabatintsandzane, kodvwa ngabondla kusukela ebusheni bami, ngaba njengeyise kubo, kusukela ekutalweni kwami ngabondla bafelokati, nangabe ngake ngabukelela umuntfu afa, abulawa kweswela kwekwembatsa, nome loweswele nje angenasembatfo, inhlitiyo yakhe yangete yangibusisela kumfutfumalisa ngetimfulumane letiphuma etimvini tami, nangabe ngake ngaphakamisa sandla sami etikwaloyintsandzane, ngati kahle kutsi mine ngiyalalelwa enkhundleni, nakunjalo-ke, umkhono wami awumane uncutfuke lapha elungeni lesiphanga, awujubeke elungeni lesiphanga, ulahleke phansi. Ngobe mine ngangiyesaba kakhulu imbhubhiso levela kuNkulunkulu. Nangenca yekwesaba bukhosi bakhe nje, ngangingeke ngiyente intfo lenje. “Nangabe bengibeke litsemba lami egolideni, nome ngasho kuyo igolide lecengiwe ngatsi: ‘Wena usivikelo sami,’ nangabe ngangijatjuliswa bunjinga bami, umcebo lowawakhiwe tandla tami, nangabe nganaka lilanga ekukhanyeni kwalo nome inyeti ekuhambeni kwayo lokumangalisako, kangangekutsi inhlitiyo yami yase iyebeka ngikuhloniphe ngekwanga sandla sami, nakunjalo-ke, konkhe loko tono lokusafanele tehlulelwe, ngobe ngabe bengingaketsembeki kuNkulunkulu losetulu. “Nangabe ngajabulela sitsa sami, nasehlelwa ngulokubi, nome ngagalajela inhlupheko leyasehlela, angizange ngiwuvumele umlomo wami kutsi wone ngekutsi ngikhiphe sicalekiso simelane nemphilo yaso. Bantfu labasekhaya kami abazange sebasho yini batsi: ‘Ngubani longazange asayidle ayesutse inyama yakaJobe?’ Kodvwa kute nasinye sihambi lesake salala ngephandle. ngobe umnyango wami wawuhlala uvulekele tihambi. Ngake ngasifihla yini sono sami, njengobe kuhlale kwenta emadvodza, ngake ngalifihla yini licala lami enhlitiyweni yami? Ngempela, angizange ngesabe kutsi bantfu batawutsini, angizange ngibindze nome ngitivalele endlini ngenca yekubesaba labo bantfu. “Awu! Kube mane kunemuntfu longangiva! Sengiyakusicilela manje kutivikela kwami. Akangiphendvule phela Somandla. Lowo longibeka licala akalibhale phansi. Empeleni bengingaletjatsa, bengingalifaka enhloko njengemchele. Bengingamlandzisa ngato tonkhe tinyatselo tami, bengingalingisa umbusi, ngicondzane naye ngco. “Nangabe live lami likhala ngami, nayo yonkhe imisedlana yalo imanti tinyembeti, nangabe bengidle titselo talo ngaphandle kwekukhokha tindleko talo, nome ngababulalisa ngendlala labo labahlala kulo, nakunjalo-ke, akuvumbuke emanyeva kulo esikhundleni sakolo; kuvumbuke lukhula esikhundleni sebhali.” Aphela lapho-ke emavi aJobe. Njengobe Jobe abeciniseke kangaka ngebumsulwa bakhe, lamadvodza lamatsatfu ase ayayekela lokulibala kwetama kumphendvula. Kodvwa Elihu, umsa waBarakheli, umBuzi, wesive sakaRamu, watfukutselela Jobe kamatima ngekutsi kube nguye lotishoko kutsi umsulwa, kungete kwasho Nkulunkulu. Wabatfukutselela labangani baJobe labatsatfu, ngobe babehlulekile kutfola sici kuJobe, kantsi phela bebakadze bamsolile. Manje-ke Elihu abesethulile yena kukhuluma naJobe, ngobe bona babebadzala kunaye. Kodvwa watsi kube abone kutsi labangani baJobe labatsatfu sebate labangahle bakusho, intfukutselo yakhe yavuka yema ngetinyawo. Ngako Elihu, umsa waBarakheli, umBuzi, wakhuluma watsi: “Ngimncane ngeminyaka, nine nibadzala; ngiko nje bengesaba ngingafuni kunitjela loko lengikwatiko mine. Ngicabange ngatsi: ‘Kukhula lokufanele kukhulume, iminyaka leminyenti lekufanele ifundzise kuhlakanipha.’ Kodvwa umoya lokumuntfu, kuphefumula kwaSomandla, lokunika umuntfu kucondza. Akusibo labadzala bodvwa labanekuhlakanipha, futsi akusibo lase bagugile bodvwa labakwatiko lokulungile. “Ngako-ke ngitsi: Lalelani kimi; nami futsi ngitanitjela loko lengikwatiko. Nginimele ngesikhatsi nisakhuluma, nganilalela nisabeka kubona kwenu ngekuhlakanipha, ngesikhatsi nisaphenya emagama. Nami nginilalele ngayo yonkhe ingcondvo yami, kodvwa kute namunye wenu lokhonile kubeka Jobe licala ngalokukhanyako, kute namunye lokhonile kuphendvula emavi akhe. Ningasho kutsi: ‘Sikutfolile kuhlakanipha, akube nguNkulunkulu lophikisa Jobe, hhayi umuntfu.’ Kodvwa Jobe emavi akhe abengakawacondzisi kimi, ngako-ke ngingeke ngimphendvule ngetinkhulumo tenu. “Sebamangele, abasenako labangakusho; sebaphelelwe ngemavi. Kufanele ngime yini, njengaloku sebathulile nje, njengaloku sebatfomekile nje nyalo bangasenamphendvulo? Nami ngitawubeka inkhulumo yami; nami ngitawukhuluma loko lengikwatiko. Ngobe mine ngigcwele emavi, nemoya longekhatsi kwami uyangicindzetela. Lapha ngekhatsi kwami nginjengeliwayini lelivalelwe ebhodleleni, njengetikhumbasikhwama teliwayini lelisha lesetifuna kupumuka. Kufanele ngikhulume kuze ngitfole kuhhamuleka, kufanele ngivule umlomo wami ngiphendvule. Kute muntfu lengitamkhetsa, futsi kute lengitamyenga ngelite, futsi-ke kube bengiyingcweti ekuyenganeni, uMdali wami abetangisusa masinyane emhlabeni.” “Manje-ke, Jobe, lalela nankha emavi ami, kulalele konkhe loku lengitakukhuluma. Manje-ke, sengitawucala ngikhulume, emavi ami asaselulwimini lwami. Emavi ami ngawo lakhombisa ngalokusebaleni kutsi ngicotfo enhlitiyweni, lulwimi lwami lukhuluma kona cobo loku lengikwatiko. Moya waNkulunkulu ungentile. Umphefumulo waSomandla unginika kuphila. Ngiphendvule-ke, nawungakhona, tilungiselele kubhekana nami. Mine ngifanana nawe embikwaNkulunkulu, nami ngatatjwa ebumbeni. Ngako-ke akukadzingeki kutsi ungesabe, sandla sami ngeke sibe matima etikwakho. “Nawe ukhulume nami ngikhona, ngive onkhe emavi akho, watsi: ‘Mine ngimsulwa, anginasono; ngihlobile, anginacala. Kodvwa Nkulunkulu ungibeka licala, ungitsatsa njengesitsa sakhe. Tinyawo tami utitsekeleta ngetinketane, acaphelisise tonkhe tinyatselo tami.’ “Kodvwa ngiyakutjela ngitsi: Kuloku uyalahleka, ngobe Nkulunkulu mkhulu kunemuntfu. Manje-ke, ukhononelani kuye, ube utsi akawaphendvuli emavi emuntfu? Ngobe Nkulunkulu uyakhuluma nome ngayiphi indlela. Kulesinye sikhatsi kuba ngulomuntfu longacondzi kutsi utsini Nkulunkulu. Ukhuluma ngemaphupho nangemibono yasebusuku, bantfu nabalele emacansini abo, badvodla butfongo etingutjeni tabo. Angakhuluma nasetindlebeni tabo, abesabise ngetecwayiso takhe. Loko ukwentela kutsi ancandze umuntfu ekwenteni tono nasekutishayeni sifuba, entela kugcina umphefumulo wakhe ungashoni emgodzini nemphilo yakhe kutsi ingabhubhi ngenkemba, nome umuntfu angeviswa buhlungu ecansini lakhe ngemahlaba nangekujabha lokungenamkhawulo kwasematsanjeni, kangangekutsi umtimba wakhe ungasakukhanuki nekudla, kunenkhetele inhlitiyo nome abuka kudla lokumnandzi kangakanani, umtimba wakhe wondze ube ngumkhehlekhehle, kutsi ematsambo awo labefihlakele bese avela ebaleni. Umphefumulo wakhe udvonseleke emgodzini, nemphilo yakhe indvonswe titfunywa tekufa. “Kantsi kube bekungaba nengilosi leme ngakuye lengumlamuleli, yinye nje enkhulungwaneni, letabotjela umuntfu kutsi yini lokubi nalokuhle, ibe nemusa kuye itsi: ‘Mane umvikele angayi emgodzini. Sengimtfolele inhlawulo,’ umtimba wakhe bese uyavuseteleka ube musha njengeweluswane, ubuyiseleke ube musha njengasebusheni bakhe. Uyathandaza kuNkulunkulu atfole umusa kuye; ubona buso baNkulunkulu ajabule aze amemete. Nkulunkulu umbuyisela esimeni sakhe sekulunga. Uyabe sewuya kubantfu, afike atsi: ‘Ngonile, ngagwegwisa loko lobekulungile, kodvwa angikakutfoli loko lebengikufanele. Uwephulile umphefumulo wami kutsi ungayi emgodzini, sengitawuhlala ngijatjuliswa kukhanya.’ “Nkulunkulu wenta tonkhe letintfo kumuntfu, kabili nome katsatfu, entela kuncandza umphefumulo wakhe ungangeni emgodzini, kuze kukhanya kwemphilo kukhanye emphilweni yakhe. Lalela la, Jobe, lalela mine. Thula, ngitabe sengiyakhuluma. Nawunako longakusho, ngiphendvule, ukhulume kakhulu, ngobe ngifuna kutsi uhlanguleke kahle. Kodvwa nawute lutfo, lalela la kimi, uthule, ngobe mine ngitakufundzisa kuhlakanipha.” Elihu wase uyakhuluma, watsi: “Vanini emavi ami, nine labahlakaniphile; lalelani mine, nine bantfu labafundze bagogodzela. Ngobe indlebe iyawavivinya emagama, njengobe nelulwimi lunambitsa kudla. Asitibonele nje kwatsine kutsi ngukuphi lokulungile, asifundze kanyekanye sonkhe kutsi yini lenhle. “Jobe utsi: ‘Ngimsulwa, kodvwa Nkulunkulu ungima kulunga. Naloku ngilunge kangaka, ngitsatfwa njengalonemanga, naloku ngingenacala umcibisholo wakhe uhlaba linceba lelingelapheki.’ Jobe kantsi ngumuntfu lonjani, longenayo ngisho inseketse yenhlonipho kuNkulunkulu. Uhlanganyela nalabenta lokubi, umdzibimunye nalababi, ngobe utsi: ‘Umuntfu akumsiti ngalutfo kwetama kujabulisa Nkulunkulu.’ “Ngako lalelani lapha kimi, nine bantfu labanekucondza. Akube khashane naNkulunkulu kuba ngumenti walokubi, kwenta bubi akube khashane naSomandla. Umuntfu umkhokhela njengaloku entile, ambuyisele njengalokufanele kutiphatsa kwakhe. Kumatima kucabanga kutsi Nkulunkulu angahle ente lokubi, nekutsi Somandla angaphambukisa umtsetfo. Ngubani lowambeka lapha emhlabeni kutsi awubuse? Ngubani lowamenta waba ngumphatsi wemhlaba wonkhe? Kube bekuyinhloso yakhe kususa umoya wakhe nemphefumulo wakhe, bonkhe bantfu bebangafisa kwetimphungane bafe batsi ngco, bonkhe babuyele elutfulini. “Nangabe unako kucondza, lalela lapha, lalela loko lengitakusho. Umuntfu lotondza umtsetfo angabusa yini? Ungamlahla yini longuSokulunga nalonguSomandla? Akusiye yini lolawula emakhosi atsi: ‘Aninamsebenti walutfo,’ nakulabahlonishwako atsi: ‘Nibabi,’ longakhetsi ngisho nakuto tikhulu, ngisho nakulabanjingile nalabamphofu, ngobe phela bonkhe bangumsebenti wetandla takhe? Bafa ngekushesha lokukhulu, ekhatsi nebusuku, bantfu bayatfutfumela bafe, labanemandla besuka bangakatsintfwa ngumuntfu ngisho nangesandla sakhe. “Emehlo akhe abuka kuhamba kwemuntfu njalo, ubona tonkhe tinyatselo takhe. Kute bumnyama lobumnyama kuye, kute nelitfunti lelimnyama, lapho benti balokubi bangabhaca khona. Nkulunkulu akadzingi kube solomane aphilikishana nebantfu abavivinya, kutsi bete kuye batekwehlulelwa. Ngaphandle nje kwemibuto uvele esuse labanemandla, abeke labanye etikhundleni tabo. Ngobe uyakunaka lokwenta kwabo, ubaketula ngebusuku bunye nje kube bayaphela njalo. Uyabajezisa ngetento tabo letimbi, akwente ebaleni kubona wonkhe umuntfu, ngobe bagucuka ekulandzeleni yena, abanandzaba nanayinye nje yetindlela takhe. Babangela kutsi lokukhala kwalabamphofu kufike etindlebeni takhe, wadzimate wakuva kukhala kwalabeswele. Kodvwa kube uthulile, ngubani labengamsola? Nakangafihla buso bakhe, ngubani longambona? Noko ubusa etikwemuntfu netive ngalokufananako, kuze avimbe longenaNkulunkulu angabusi, angabekeli bantfu tingibe. “Ake ngitsi nje umuntfu utsi kuNkulunkulu: ‘Nginelicala, kodvwa ngingeke ngiphindze ngone. Ngifundzise loko lengingeke ngikubone, nangabe ngonile, ngingeke ngisaphindza ngone.’ Nkulunkulu angakuvuza yini njengekutsandza kwakho, nawala kuphendvuka? Nguwe lokufanele ukhiphe sincumo, akusimi, ngako-ke, ngitjele loko lokwatiko. “Emadvodza lanekuhlakanipha ayasho, nemadvodza lanekucondza langivako, atangitjela: ‘Jobe ukhulunyiswa kungabi nalwati, emavi akhe eswela kucondza.’ Cabangisisani ngaloku lokukhulunywa nguJobe, ngobe uphendvula njengemuntfu lomubi longenangcondvo, wengeta buvukelambuso kulesono sakhe, ushaya tandla tendzelelo lapha emkhatsini wetfu, alibale kutsakuta, abaliselana naNkulunkulu.” Elihu wase uyakhuluma, watsi: “Usho kutsi kambe ngabe loku kulungile? Utsi: ‘Ngiyawuhlangulwa nguNkulunkulu.’ Kodvwa uyambuta utsi: ‘Kutangisita ngani mine loko, kona mine ngitfolani ngekuhlala ngingoni?’ “Ngitsandza kukuphendvula kuloko, wena nalabangani bakho abakanye nawe. Gucukela ngasemazulwini ubuke, bheka ngasemafini wona lasetulu kangaka kuwe. Nangabe wona wena, loko kumtsintsa ngani yena? Nangabe tono takho titinyenti, loko kumentani yena? Nangabe ulungile, uletsani kuye, nome-ke utfolani yena esandleni sakho? Bubi bakho buhlupha umuntfu lonjengawe, nekulunga kwakho kutsintsana nebantfu bemhlaba. “Bantfu bakhala bumayemaye ngaphansi kwemtfwalo wekucindzetelwa, bancusa kukhululwa kuwo umkhono walabanemandla. Kodvwa kute lotsi: ‘Uphi Nkulunkulu, uMdali wami, lowephana ngetingoma ebusuku, losifundzisa lokunyenti tsine kunetilwane temhlaba, asente sihlakaniphe kakhulu kunetinyoni letindiza emoyeni?’ Akaphendvuli bantfu nabakhala ngenca yekutiphakamisa kwalababi. Liciniso, Nkulunkulu akayilaleli imibhedvo yetikhalo tabo. Somandla akatinaki, njengobe tilite nje. Kangakanani-ke kutsi angalalela, nawutsi awumboni yena, kutsi nome licala lakho lisembikwakhe, wena kufanele ulindzele yena, ngetulu kwaloko, kutsi lulaka lwakhe alujezisani, futsi akanaki lutfo nalolu twi lwalokubi. Ngako-ke Jobe ukhuluma umbhedvo wodvwa nje; ulibala kutsakuta lite nje lodvwa, kodvwa abe angenalwati.” Elihu wachubeka watsi: “Ngicela ungibeketelele kwesikhashana, ngitakukhombisa kutsi kunyenti lokusengashiwo ekumeleleni Nkulunkulu. Lwati lwami ngilulomba khashane kabi, ngitawubonakalisa kutsi Nkulunkulu, uMdali wami, ulungile. Cinisekani-ke kutsi emavi ami akasiwo emanga; lapha embikwenu kume umuntfu lohlakaniphe ngempela. “Nkulunkulu unemandla, kodvwa akabedzeleli bantfu; unemandla, futsi ucinisekile kulenhloso yakhe. Akabagcini lababi baphilile, kodvwa labamphofu uyabanika emalungelo abo. Emehlo akhe akawesusi kulabalungile, ubabeka kanye nemakhosi etihlalweni tebukhosi, abaphakamise kokuphela. Kodvwa bantfu nababoshwe ngetinketane, batsekeletwe ngetibopho tetinhlupheko, uyaye abatjele kutsi yini labayentile, kutsi bone kuye ngemabomu ngekutiphakamisa. Ubenta batfobele kwelulekwa, abayale kutsi baphendvuke ekoneni kwabo. Nabalalela bamkhonte yena, bayawuphila yonkhe imphilo yabo baphumelela neminyaka yabo beneliseka. Kodvwa nabangalaleli, bayawubhubha ngenkemba, bafe bangati nekwati. “Labangamesabi Nkulunkulu bafukamela lulaka, ngisho nome asababopha ngetinketane, abakhali bacele lusito. Bafa basebasha, bafele emkhatsini wetingwadla letindvuna letisetindlini tekukhontela tithico. Kodvwa labo labahluphekako uyabakhulula ekuhluphekeni kwabo, ukhuluma kubo basetinhlungwini tabo. “Nkulunkulu ukwephula emihlatsini yekukhatsateka, ukubeka endzaweni lebanti lengenako kubandzeteleka nome kwani, akubeke ekunetsetekeni uvele ngenhloko enaleni, lapho ungakhetsa lokutsandzako khona. Kodvwa manje sewetfwele sigwebo, lesifanele lababi, sigwebo nemtsetfocotfo sekukubambile. Caphela kutsi kubete lokuhuha ngebunjinga, ungavumi kwedukiswa tinsambansamba temidizo. Emandla akho kanye nebunjinga bakho kungakugcina yini ekutseni ungakhatsateki? Ungabukhaleli busuku kutsi buyawufika nini, sikhatsi lapho tive tonkhe tiyawubhubha tiphele. Caphela ungagucukeli kulokubi, kona lokubonakala shangatsi uyakunconota kunekuhlupheka. “Nkulunkulu uphakeme emandleni akhe, ngubani nje lofundzisa njengaye? Ukhona yini lowake watjela Nkulunkulu kutsi kufanele enteni, nome-ke atsi: ‘Wonile’? Khumbula-ke nawe kudvumisa imisebenti yakhe, njengaloku bantfu bahlala bahlabela ngetindvumiso. Bonkhe bantfu bemhlaba bakubonile loko, bantfu bakugolotela ngemehlo bakhashane. Maye, mkhulu Nkulunkulu! Bukhulu bakhe bungetulu kwekucondza kwetfu. Bunyenti beminyaka yakhe bungetulu kwekubala kwemuntfu. “Ukha ematfonsi emanti, acengeke abe yimvula leyehlela emifudlaneni. Emafu atfululela emhlabatsini ematfonsi awo, tihlambi tetimvula tehlele etikwebantfwana bebantfu. Ngubani nje longacondzisisa kutsi uwendlala kanjani emafu? Udvuma kanjani nje endzaweni yakhe yekuhlala? Ase ubuke nje kutsi uyisakata kanjani imibane yakhe emaceleni akhe, nekutsi ukucwilisa kanjani kujula kwetilwandle. Nguleyo ndlela-ke labusa ngayo tive, atinike inala yekudla. Ugcwalisa tandla takhe ngembane, bese uyawutjela kutsi awubaneke. Kudvuma kwakhe ngelitulu kumemetela kuta kwesihhuhhula semvula, ngobe ngisho netinkhomo tiyakumemetela kuta kwalo.” “Ngenca yaloku ngiva shangatsi inhlitiyo yami iyagcumagcuma, isuka endzaweni yayo. Lalela! Lalela kudvuma kwelivi lakhe, nalokugedletela lokuphuma emlonyeni wakhe. Ujikijela imibane yakhe ngaphansi kwemazulu, ayitfumele emikhawulweni yonkhe yemhlaba. Emvakwaloko kuta umsindvo wekudvuma kwakhe, ubhavumula ngelivi lakhe lebukhosi. Liphimbo lakhe lingabhavumula akusali lutfo lunganyakati. Liphimbo laNkulunkulu libhavumula ngetindlela letimangalisako. Wenta tintfo letinyenti letinkhulu naletingetulu kwetingcondvo tetfu. Utjela ngcocwane atsi: ‘Yehlela emhlabeni,’ nasetihlambini tetimvula atsi: ‘Bani sihhuhhula lesinemandla.’ Usuke entela kutsi bonkhe bantfu labentile bayati imisebenti yakhe, umisa bonkhe bantfu emisebentini yabo. Tilwane tiyabhaca, tihlale emihumeni yato. Sihhushuhhushu sihoshobe siphume emgodzini waso, nelichwa liphume emoyeni lowendlulako. Kuphefumula kwaNkulunkulu kukhafula lichwa, kwente emanti abe tibhelekeca temanti lomile. Wetfwesa emafu ngemswakama, asakate imibane igcwale kuwo. Ngekuyalwa nguye iphitsitela igcwale umhlaba wonkhe jikelele, iphutfuma kwenta loko layitfume kona. Wehlisa emafu, khona atewujezisa bantfu, nome atewunisela umhlaba wakhe, akhombise lutsandvo lwakhe. “Lalela lapha, Jobe, asewume ucabange kahle ngetimanga taNkulunkulu. Uyati yini kutsi Nkulunkulu uwabusa kanjani emafu, nekutsi uyiklazisa kanjani imibane yakhe? Uyawati yini kutsi emafu alenga kanjani eme kahle kangaka emoyeni, angadziliki, leto timangaliso takhe lowo lophelele ngelwati? Wena muntfu loshiswa kwekwembatsa kwakho ngesikhatsi kuhhusha umoya waseningizimu uthulisa live, ungahlanganyela yini naye ekwendlaleni kwakhe sibhakabhaka lesicine njengesibuko selitfusi lelincibilikisiwe? “Sitjele kutsi sifanele sitsini kuNkulunkulu; tingcondvo tetfu timnyama, site lutfo lesingalusho kuye. Kufanele yini kutsi atjelwe kutsi nami ngifuna kukhuluma? Ukhona yini kambe umuntfu longafuna kumitwa eva? Kute umuntfu longabukana nelilanga, ebukhatikhatini balo esibhakabhakeni, emvakwekutsi umoya sewusishanyele sonkhe. Uchamuka enyakatfo ngebukhatikhati bakhe begolide, Nkulunkulu uta ngebuNkulunkulu bakhe lobesabekako. Somandla ungetulu kwemandla etfu, uphakeme ngemandla nangekulunga kwakhe; ngebukhulu bekulunga kwakhe akacindzeteli muntfu. Ngako-ke bantfu bayamhlonipha, ngobe akabanaki yini bonkhe labacabanga kutsi bahlakaniphile enhlitiyweni?” Simakadze waphendvula Jobe asesivunguvungwini, watsi: “Ngubani lona lokhinyabeta teluleko tami ngemavi late lwati? Bhukula-ke njengendvodza; ngitakubuta, wena ungiphendvule. “Bewukuphi wena, nangibeka sisekelo semhlaba? Ngitjele, nawukucondza loko. Ngubani labekala bukhulu bawo? Nakanjani ufanele kukwati loko! Ngubani labedvonsa intsambo yekukala nawukalwako? Tinsika tawo temiswaphi? Labekwa ngubani litje lekusimisa likona, ngesikhatsi tinkhanyeti tentsatsakusa tihlabela kanyekanye, netingilosi tonkhe tihlatjeleliswa kujabula? “Ngubani lowavala emasango ekuvimbela lwandle, naluphuphuma, luphuma esiswini semhlaba, ngesikhatsi ngenta emafu aba yingubo yalo ngilugocota ngebumnyama lobukhulukati, ngesikhatsi ngimisa iminyele yalo, ngibeka iminyango neticabo talo, ngesikhatsi ngitsi: ‘Ungahamba ugcine lapha, ungabe usachubekela embili, emagagasi akho latigcabhako atawugcina lapha’? “Wase wakutfuma yini kusa nome ukhombe intsatsakusa indzawo yayo? Wase wayitjela yini intsatsakusa kutsi ichwage lomhlaba, ishukumise lababi lapho babhace khona? Kuphuma kwenhlavu yelilanga kwenta emagcuma netihosha kubonakale njengemitfungo yengubo, kukhanye njengekugcama kweluphawu ebumbeni. Kukhanya kwemini kunemandla kulababi, kubavimbela kutsi bangakwenti lokubi. “Use waya yini etiyalwini telwandle, nome uhambe ekujuleni kwelwandle? Sewuke wakhonjiswa yini emasango ekufa? Sewuke wawabona yini emasango ematfunti ekufa? Ubucondza kahle yini bubanti bemhlaba? Ase ungitjele, nangabe uyakwati konkhe loku. “Iphi indlela leya ekhaya lekukhanya? Bona bumnyama uyabati yini kutsi buhlalaphi? Ungakumikisa yini etindzaweni tako? Uyatati yini tindlela letiya emakhaya ako? Nakanjani ufanele kukwati loko, ngobe wase utelwe! Maye, sewuwadlile emabele bo! “Wase wangena yini etingungwini tangcocwane, nome uke watibona yini tingungu tesangcotfo, lengikugcinele tikhatsi letimatima, lekutinsuku tekulwa kanye netemphi? Umbane lona usuke uchamuka ngakuphi, nome-ke umoya wasemphumalanga losakateka nemhlaba wonkhe usuke uchamukaphi? Ngubani lomba imisele yetikhukhula temanti emvula, nalomba indlela yekudvuma kwelitulu, kutekunisela live lelingahlalwa ngumuntfu, lihlane kalashameshame, nekwenelisa live lelingenalutfo lihlume libe neluhlata? Imvula inaye yini uyise? Ngubani nje lotala ematfonsi ematolo? Ngcocwane uphuma esiswini sabani? Ngubani lotala sitfwatfwa emazulwini, ngesikhatsi emanti asalukhuni njengelitje, nangesikhatsi kujula kwemanti sekulidvwala? “Ungasibophela yini ndzawonye Silimela lesimengetelako? Ungatichacha yini tintsambo teMtsala? Ungaticondzisa yini tinkhanyeti kutsi tihambe ngekugcina sikhatsi sato? Ungalikhombisa yini liBhele lelitinkhanyeti kanye netinkhanyeti talo letincane kutsi kufanele kuhambe kushonephi? Uyayati yini imitsetfo yasemazulwini? Leyo mitsetfo ungayenta yini kutsi isebente lapha emhlabeni? “Ungawamemeta yini emafu, utembese wena ngelibhudlo lemanti? Ungayitfuma yini imibane kutsi ibaneke? Yona ingakuphendvula yini itsi: ‘Naku sesikhona’? Ngubani nje lowaphakela inhlitiyo ngekuhlakanipha nome wapha ingcondvo kucondza? Ngubani nje lohlakaniphe kangangekutsi angabala emafu? Ngubani longagoboncisa timbita temanti tasemazulwini, ngesikhatsi lutfuli luba lukhuni nemagadze emhlaba anamatselana? “Ungalitingelela yini libhubesikati kudla? Ungakwesutsisa yini kulamba kwemabhubesi, ngesikhatsi abhaca khona emihumeni yawo nome abhace khona etincumatsini? Ngubani lonika emahhwabayi kudla, ngesikhatsi emazini awo akhala kuNkulunkulu azula aswele langakudla?” “Uyati yini kutsi timbuti tentsaba titala nini? Uyaye ubukele yini inyamatane nayitalako? Uyaye utibale yini tinyanga tato tize titale? Uyasati yini sikhatsi sato sekutala? Tiguca phansi titale bantfwabato, kuphele nemihelo yato. Emazinyane ato ayacina, akhulele etigangeni, ahambe angaphindzi abuye. “Ngubani lowenta imbongolo yesiganga kutsi ihambe ikhululekile? Ngubani lowatfukulula tindilimo tayo? Ngayinika lihlane kutsi libe likhaya layo nematsafa eluswayi kutsi abe yindzawo yayo yekuhlala. Ayihlushwa ngimisindvo yemadolobha, kantsi futsi kute nemuntfu longayifuya ayisebentise. Yehla yenyuka nemagcuma abe lidlelo layo, ifunana neluhlata lonkhe. “Inyatsi ingavuma yini kutsi uyisebentise? Ingakutsambela yini kuhlala esibayeni sakho ebusuku? Ungayifaka yini emseleni ngematomu? Ingatilima yini leto tigodzi emvakwakho? Ungawetsemba yini lamandla ayo lamakhulu? Ungawuyekelela yini umsebenti wakho lomkhulu kuyo? Ungetsembela yini kuyo kutsi ingakuletsela sivuno sakho, isibutsisele ndzawonye ebaleni lakho lekubhulela? “Timphiko tenshi tiyaphephetela ngenca yenjabulo. Kodvwa tingeke tilinganiswe netingwabha netinsiba tadvoye. Emacandza ayo iwatalela phansi, iwafukamele ngesihlabatsi, inganaki kutsi angahle anyatseleke ngetinyawo, nekutsi tilwane tesiganga tingawafohlota. Emantjwele ayo iwaphatsa ngelunya, kube shangatsi akasiwo ayo, ayinaki nekutsi yake yahelwa yini ngawo, ngobe Nkulunkulu akazange ayiphe kuhlakanipha, nome-ke ayinike ingcondvo levulekile. Noko nayivula tinsiba tayo yentela kugijima, ivele ilihleke lusulu lihhashi nemgibeli walo. “Lihhashi uyalinika yini emandla alo, nome wembese intsamo yalo ngemdlonga? Uyalenta yini ligcumagcume njengentsetse, ulente likhale ngendlela yekutigcabha lokutfutfumelisako? Lihwaya phansi ngendlela leyesabekako, lijabule emandleni alo, lisukeleke naliya ekuhlaseleni emphini. Likuhleka lunya kwesaba, lingesabi lutfo; alikhweshi futsi aliyibalekeli inkemba. Umgodla wemicibisholo ukhehletela ecebeni lalo, kukanye nesikhali lesimanyatelako nesikhali lesidze. Livukwa lusinga, litsatse emabanga lamakhulu, nakukhala licilongo, kute longakhona kulimisa. Litsi licilongo lingakhala, litsi: ‘Nako-ke!’ Imphi liyiva ngeliphunga isesekhashane, liva netindvuna temphi tidla siga. “Lokuhlakanipha kwakho kuyamfundzisa yini lohheya kutsi ate akwati kundiza, endlalele timphiko takhe ngaseningizimu? Lona lusweti lundiza ngekutjelwa nguwe yini, luze lwakhe nesidleke salo etulu? Luhlala esiweni ngisho nasebusuku, inqaba yalo kube lufantsa lwelidvwala. Nalusuka lapho, luhamba luyewufuna kudla kwalo; emehlo alo avele akubone kusesekhashane. Bantfwabalo lubondla ngengati; lapho kunalokubulewe ngakhona, ngulapho lukhona nalo.” Simakadze wakhuluma kuJobe, watsi: “Lona lophikisana naSomandla angamkhombisa yini indlela? Lowo lobeka Nkulunkulu licala akamphendvule!” Jobe waphendvula Simakadze, watsi: “Mine angikafanelwa lutfo, pho, ngingaphendvula ngitsini kuwe? Ngibeka sandla sami emlonyeni wami. Ngakhuluma kanye, kodvwa angisenamphendvulo, kabili, kodvwa angisenakusho lutfo.” Simakadze wakhuluma kuJobe asesivunguvungwini, watsi: “Bhukula-ke njengendvodza; ngitakubuta, wena utangiphendvula. “Ungakukhombisa yini kungalungi kwami? Ungangilahla yini ngelicala mine, khona utetitfola ungenacala wena? Unawo yini umkhono lofanana newaNkulunkulu? Lona liphimbo lakho liyadvuma yini njengelakhe? Nakunjalo-ke, tihlobise ngekubabateka nangenkhatimulo, utembatsise ngeludvumo nangebukhosi. Khumula sikhahlo sentfukutselo yakho, bukisisa wonkhe umuntfu lotigcabhako, bese umehlisela phansi, buka bonkhe bantfu labatigcabhako, bese uyabatfobisa. Pitjita lababi lapho beme khona. Bonkhe bangcwabe ndzawonye elutfulini, sitselisa buso babo ethuneni. Nami-ke ngitakuvumela kutsi sandla sakho sangesekudla singakusindzisa. “Ase ubuke imvubu lengayidala kanye nawe, nekutsi idla tjani njengenkhabi. Maye, makhulu emandla ayo lasemilenteni! Yebo, emandla ayo asemisisheni lesetibilinini tayo! Umsila wayo untjikita njengemsedari, netinyama temilente yayo titfungene. Ematsambo ayo ayimibhobho yelitfusi, imikhono nemilente yayo injengemigcala yensimbi. Ihamba embili etidalweni taNkulunkulu, noko uMdali wayo angabhekana nayo ngenkemba yakhe. Emagcuma ayivetela sivuno sawo, tonkhe tilwane tesiganga tidlale edvutane nayo. Ilala ngaphansi kwetihlahla temanyeva, ibhace emkhatsini wemihlanga yasechaphotini. Tihlahla temanyeva tiyifihla ematfuntini ato, itungeletwe ngemabhabhabhulomu emfula. Kuhhulukuhlela kwemanti emfula akuyetfusi, idlalisela ngekuntjweza, lite nome iJordane seyigcwele igola tintsetse. Ukhona yini longahle ayibambe ibukile, nome-ke ayetsiye abhobose likhala layo?” “Ungamdvonsa yini Leviyathani ngelidweba? Ungalubopha yini lulwimi lwakhe ngentsambo? Ungamfaka yini siwondvo ekhaleni lakhe, nome-ke ungawubhobosa yini umhlatsi wakhe ngelidweba? Angatincengela yini kutsi umentele umusa, nome akuncenge ngekukhuluma kamnandzi? Sivumelwane angasenta yini nawe kutsi umtsatse abe sigcili sakho kokuphela? Ungamenta yini kutsi abe silwane lesingumnganakho njengenyoni, nome uhambe umbophe ngentsambo, khona atekujabulisa emantfombatana akho? Labatsenga batsengise bangantjintjiselana yini ngaye? Bona bahwebi bangehlukaniselana yini ngaye? Sikhumba sakhe ungasigcwalisa yini ngabondzangumadweba nome-ke inhloko yakhe ngemadweba? Nawungake ubeke sandla sakho etikwakhe, ungeke uwukhohlwe umzabalazo wakhe, futsi ungeke ukuphindze ukwente loko. “Usuke utiyenga nawungatsi ungenta nome yini ngaye, kumbuka nje kukucedza emandla. Kute lonesibindzi sekumchukuluta. Pho, ngubani longakhona kumelana nami? Ngubani-ke lenginelicala kuye lokungafanela kutsi ngilikhokhele? Konkhe lokungaphansi kwemazulu kwami. “Ase ngikutekele ngemilente yakhe, emandla akhe kanye nesimo sakhe lesihle. Ngubani nje longamkhumula libhantji lakhe langaphandle? Ngubani nje longamfaka ematomu? Ngubani longaqunga avule umlomo wakhe, wona lowo logcwele ematinyo akhe lesabekako? Umhlane wakhe unemigca yemahawu lahlanganiswe ndzawonye, asondzelene lelinye kulelinye, kuze kungangeni kwasamoya emkhatsini wawo. Ahlanganiswa lelinye kulelinye, anamatselane, futsi angeke ehlukaniseke. Kutsimula kwakhe kusakata imibane yekukhanya, kantsi emehlo akhe afanana nemisebe yentsatsakusa. Ukhafula imililo ngemlomo wakhe, kusakateke tinhlase temlilo. Emakhaleni akhe kutfucuka intfutfu, kube shangatsi simoko lesiphuma ebhodweni lelibilako nalisemlilweni wetinhlanga. Kuphefumula kwakhe kuvutsela emalahle emlilo abe bovu, kulavuke emalangabi emlonyeni wakhe. Emandla ahlala entsanyeni yakhe, tesabiso timhambela embili. Imitsebe yakhe ihlangene icinile, futsi ayehlukaniseki. Sifuba sakhe silukhuni njengelidvwala, silukhuni njengelitje lekusila. Nakaphakama, labanemandla bayatfutfumela, bahlehla nyova yena asengakagadli. Inkemba legwaza yena ayenti lutfo kuye, kanjalo nesikhali, nemcibisholo kanye nemkhonto. Kuye insimbi ifanana nelutsi lwetjani, litfusi linjengelukhuni lolubolile. Imicibisholo ayimenti abaleke, ematje esidubulelo afanana nemakhoba kuye. Umshiza kuye ufanana nelutsi loluncane; kukhehleta kwelutsi lwesikhali kuyamhlekisa. Lingaphansi lakhe limagebhugebhu njengetindzengelo, kusale umvila lomkhulu eludzakeni lonjengewesihliphi sekubhula emabele. Wenta kujula kucubuke njengekubila kwelibhodo, anyakatise lwandle lube nemagwebu njengelibhodo lemafutsa. Lapho ahambe khona kusala kunemagwebu, ungaze ucabange kutsi kujula kunetinwele letimhlophe. Kute lokulingana naye emhlabeni, usidalwa lesingesabi lutfo. Utibukela phansi tonkhe tilwane letitiphakamisako, uyinkhosi yato tonkhe tilwane letinkhulu letitigabatisa ngemandla ato.” Jobe waphendvula Simakadze, watsi: “Ngiyati kutsi wena unemandla ekwenta konkhe, kute muntfu longaphatamisa loko lese uhlose kukwenta. Ubute watsi: ‘Ngubani yena lona longati lutfo lokhinyabete teluleko tami?’ Empeleni nami ngikhulume ngetintfo lengingaticondzi, tintfo letimangalisa kakhulu kutsi ngingatati. “Wena utsite: ‘Lalela-ke nyalo, ngitawukhuluma; ngitakubuta, wena ungiphendvule.’ Tindlebe tami setike teva ngawe, kodvwa nyalo emehlo ami asakubonile. Ngako-ke manje sengiyatenyanya, ngiyaphendvuka ngitilahla elutfulini nasemlotseni.” Watsi Simakadze nasakhulume lamavi kuJobe, wagucukela ku-Elifazi, umThemani, watsi: “Wena nalabangani bakho lababili nginitfukutselele, ngobe anikakhulumi lokuhle ngami njengobe Jobe, inceku yami, akhulumile. Ngako-ke tsatsani tinkunzi letisikhombisa netihhanca letisikhombisa, nihambe niye kuJobe, inceku yami, nifike ninikele ngato, tibe ngumnikelo wenu wekushiswa. Jobe, inceku yami, utanithandazela, mine-ke ngitawemukela nalomthandazo wakhe nginganiphatsi kamatima njengalokufanele bulima benu. Anikakhulumi lokuhle ngami njengobe Jobe, inceku yami, akhulumile.” Ngako Elifazi, umThemani, naBildadi, umShuhi, naSofari, umNama, benta loko Simakadze abebatjele kona; Simakadze wawemukela umthandazo waJobe. Watsi kube Jobe athandazele labangani bakhe, Simakadze wamenta wanjinga futsi; wanjinga ngalokuphindvwe kabili kunakucala. Bonkhe bomnakabo, nabodzadzewabo, nabo bonkhe lababemati kucala beta kuye badla naye endlini yakhe. Bamkhalela, bamdvudvuta kuko konkhe loko kuhlupheka Simakadze labekuletse etikwakhe; kwatsi lowo nalowo wamupha luhlavu lwesiliva kanye nendandatho yegolide. Simakadze imphilo yaJobe yamuva wayibusisa kakhulu kwengca yakucala. Abenetimvu letiti-14 000, nemakamela lati-6 000, netinkhabi letitinkhulungwane letimbili, netimbongolo letiyinkhulungwane. Abenemadvodzana lasikhombisa nemadvodzakati lamatsatfu. Libito lendvodzakati yakhe yekucala bekunguJemima, yesibili kunguKhesiya, yesitsatfu kunguKhereni Haphukhi. Kulo lonkhe live bekute besifazane lababebahle kwendlula emadvodzakati aJobe; uyise wawabela lifa kanye nebafowabo. Emvakwaloko, Jobe waphila iminyaka leli-140; waze wabona bantfwabakhe, nebantfwana bebantfwabakhe, kwaze kwayawufika esitukulwaneni sesine. Jobe wafa asamdzala, asakhulile ngeminyaka. Ubusisiwe umuntfu longatitsatsi teluleko tebedukisi longahlanganyeli emikhubeni yetigangi, longahlali nasemkhambatsini walabaphukuta Nkulunkulu. Kodvwa kujabula kwakhe kusemtsetfweni waSimakadze, uyacabanga azindle ngawo imini nebusuku. Unjengesihlahla lesihlanyelwe elusentseni lwemifula, sona sitsela titselo ngesikhatsi sato emacembe aso akabuni. Konkhe lakwentako kuyaphumelela. Lababi-ke bona abanjalo, banjengemakhoba wona lapheshulwa ngumoya. Ngako-ke, lababi bangeke bakhone kubhekana nesihlalo sekwehlulela, netoni tingeke tikhone kuma kanye nalabalungile bakhe. Ngobe Simakadze uyayinakekela indlela yalabalungile, kodvwa indlela yalababi iya ekubhujisweni. Kwentiwa yini kutsi tive tisuse lutfutfuva? Bantfu-ke bona balivungamelelani lite? Emakhosi emhlaba asukume phansi ahloma, nebabusi bahlangene bemelana naSimakadze, bemelana neMgcotjwa wakhe batsi: “Asidzabule letibopho tabo labasibophe ngato, sitilahle phansi letintsambo lesiboshwe ngato.” Losesihlalweni sebukhosi ezulwini ubahleka bulima; yebo, Simakadze ubenta inhlekisa. Wase ukhuluma kubo ngentfukutselo yakhe, ubakhahla ngelulaka lwakhe, utsi: “Ngimi loyibekile inkhosi eSiyoni, inkhosi lengiyikhetsile ngiyibeke eSiyoni, intsaba yami lengcwele.” Angimemetele umyalo lowashiwo nguSimakadze kimi, nakatsi: “Wena uyindvodzana yami, lamuhla ngikutele. Cela kimi, mine ngiyawukunika tive tibe lifa lakho, nemhlaba wonkhe ube yingcebo yakho; ubaphahlate ngentfonga yensimbi, ubaphihlite njengeludziwo lwembumbi.” Ngako-ke nine makhosi, hlakaniphani; nifundze sifundvo, nine babusi bemhlaba. Khontani Simakadze ngekwesaba, nijabule ngekutfutfumela. Khotsamani etinyaweni tendvodzana, ingadzimate initfukutselele, nifele endleleni, ngobe lulaka lwayo luvutsa masinyane. Babusisiwe bonkhe lababalekela kuyo. Maye, Simakadze, setinyenti titsa tami! Sebanyenti labo labangivukelako. Banyenti lese bafakana imilomo ngami, batsi: “Nkulunkulu angeke amsindzise.” Cabanga. Kodvwa-ke wena, Simakadze, ulihawu lami, nebukhosi bami, uyangisimisa, unginike sibindzi sekuncoba. Ngelivi lami ngikhala kuSimakadze, uyangiphendvula asentsabeni yakhe lengcwele. Cabanga. Ngicambalele phansi ngatunywa butfongo, ngaphindze ngavuka, ngobe Nkulunkulu uyangicinisa. Bantfu angibesabi, nome bangaba ngemashumi etinkhulungwane labangivimbetele ndzawo tonkhe. Vuka Simakadze, ngisindzise, Nkulunkulu wami, ngobe tonkhe titsa tami utihlakaye imihlatsi, wephula nematinyo alababi. Insindziso ivela kuwe, Simakadze; sibusiso sakho asibesesiveni sakho! Cabanga. Ngiphendvule nangikhala kuwe, wena Nkulunkulu ukulunga kwami. Ekucindzetelweni kwami uyangikhulula; ngihawukele, ukwemukele kuncenga kwami. Madvodza! Kuyawuze kube ngunini libito lami linyembenywa? Kuyawuze kube ngunini nitfungatsa lite nilandzelana nemanga? Cabanga. Kodvwa kufanele nati kutsi Simakadze utehlukanisele lolungile. Simakadze uyangiva nangikhala kuye. Nanitfukutsele ningoni, cabangisisani nisathulile etinhlitiyweni tenu, nisacambalele emacansini enu. Cabanga. Nikelani ngemihlatjelo leyemukeleka kuNkulunkulu, bese nibeka litsemba lenu kuSimakadze. Labanyenti batsi: “Ngubani longasentela tintfo letinhle?” Simakadze, sikhanyisele ngebukhona bakho. Ungiphe injabulo lenkhulu enhlitiyweni yami, leyengca injabulo lababa nayo nabanenala yemabele neyeliwayini. Ngitawutilahla phansi, ngilale butfongo ngekuthula, ngobe nguwe wedvwa, Simakadze, longenta ngihlale ngiphephile. Awu, Simakadze, lalela emavi ami, ubeke indlebe yakho kuwo, ungivele nangibubula kuwe. Vani livi lekukhala kwami, ungisite, Nkhosi yami naNkulunkulu wami, ngobe ngithandaza kuwe, Simakadze. Simakadze, nakudzabuka kusa, uyaliva livi lami; nakudzabuka kusa, ngihlela ticelo tami kuwe, bese ngiyema ngilindzela wena. Ngobe wena, Simakadze, unguNkulunkulu longakutsandzi lokubi, lomubi angeke akhone kuhlala nawe. Labatigabatisako bashayeka phansi nawubhekisa buso bakho ngakubo. Uyabatondza bonkhe labenta lokubi. Uyababhubhisa labacala emanga. Simakadze uyamenyanya umbulali, futsi uyamenyanya lonemacebo. Kepha mine ngiyawungena endlini yakho ngekwengcebo yemusa wakho, ngikukhonte ngenhlonipho yekwesaba ethempelini lakho lelingcwele. Simakadze, ngihole ngekulunga kwakho, ngobe nginetitsa, condzisa indlela yakho embikwami. Kute liciniso emlonyeni wato, etinhlitiyweni tato kunekubulala, umphimbo wato ulithuna lelivulekile, lulwimi lwato lunebucili. Tilahle ngelicala lato, Nkulunkulu, tente tibanjwe nguleto tingibe tato, tidzingise ngenca yetono tato letinyenti, ngobe phela setikuhlubukile. Kepha abajabule bonkhe lababalekele kuwe, abahlabele ngenjabulo kuze kube phakadze. Babiyele labo labakutsandzako, kuze badvumise libito lakho. Simakadze, nguwe lobusisa lolungile. Umfukamela ngemusa wakho, kube shangatsi kungelihawu. Awu, Simakadze, ungangijezisi ngentfukutselo yakho, ungangishayi ngelulaka lwakho. Ngihawukele, Simakadze, ngobe sengidzangele, sengikhatsele, ngiphilise, Simakadze, ngobe ematsambo ami ayatfutfumela. Umphefumulo wami utfutfumela kakhulu. Pho, Simakadze, utawuze ungisite nini? Buya, Simakadze, ungephule ekufeni, khulula umphefumulo wami, ngobe umusa wakho awupheli. Kute lokukhumbulako ekufeni. Ngubani lokudvumisako nje ethuneni? Ngikhatsele kububula kwami, ngimantisa umcamelo wami ebusuku, ngimantise nembhedze wami ngetinyembeti. Liso lami liyadzikita ngenca yelusizi. Liso lami liyaguga ngenca yekukhaliswa titsa tami. Khweshani kimi, nonkhe nine benti balokubi, ngobe Simakadze sewukuvile kukhala kwami. Simakadze sewukuvile kuncusa kwami. Simakadze sewukwemukele kukhuleka kwami. Tonkhe titsa tami tiyawuhlazeka titfutfumele kakhulu, tidliwe ngemahloni, tibaleke masinyane. Yebo, Simakadze, Nkulunkulu wami, sengiphephele kuwe, ngisindzise ungiphephise kubo bonkhe labangitingelako, kuze umphefumulo wami bangawudzabudzabuli njengelibhubesi lelidzabudzabula kubete nalolamulako. Simakadze, Nkulunkulu wami, nangabe kukhona lokubi etandleni tami, nangiphindzisele ngalokubi kumnganami, nome ngaphanga sitsa sami ngaphandle kwesono, nakunjalo-ke: Sitsa sami asingitingele size singibambe, siyigcobagcobe emhlabatsini imphilo yami, ludvumo lwami luphelele elutfulini. Cabanga. Simakadze! Sukuma ngentfukutselo yakho. Vuka ungimele elulakeni lwetitsa tami. Nkulunkulu wami, vuka ungisite. Nguwe wedvwa lonesehlulelo lesimsulwa. Inhlangano yetive ayisondzele ikuhace, bese uyayibusa usesihlalweni sakho sebukhosi. Simakadze akehlulele tive. Simakadze, ngehlulele ngekulunga kwami, uhlole nebucotfo bami. Ncandza bubi balababi, wakha lolungile, ngobe nguwe Nkulunkulu wekulunga lohlola tingcondvo netinhlitiyo. Nkulunkulu usihlangu sami, yena usindzisa labacotfo ngenhlitiyo. Nkulunkulu ungumehluleli lolungile, yena unguNkulunkulu lophambana nebubi onkhe emalanga. Nangabe umuntfu angaphendvuki, Nkulunkulu ulola inkemba yakhe, antsalele kunemba ngebutjoki bakhe, ulungisa tikhali takhe letinebutsi, ente imicibisholo yakhe ivutse umlilo. Asubuke nje kutsi lomubi unemhelo webubi, wemitsa kuganga, atale emanga. Umba umgodzi wekuhholokoshisela labanye, bese kuhholokoshela yena kulomgodzi lawumbile. Kuganga kwakhe kubuyela enhloko yakhe, buhlophoyi bakhe behlele ebuntini lakhe. Simakadze ngiyawumbonga ngekulunga kwakhe, ngihlabelele ngekudvumisa libito laSimakadze Losetikwako Konkhe. Maye, Simakadze, Nkhosi yetfu! Libito lakho liyababateka emhlabeni wonkhe! Wena ubeke ludvumo lwebukhosi bakho ngetulu kwemazulu. Indvumiso yemandla akho uyibeke emilonyeni yetinswane neyebantfwana. Loko ukwentele kutibindzisa titsa takho nalabamelene nawe. Nangibuka etulu esibhakabhakeni sakho ngibona umsebenti wetandla takho, inyanga netinkhanyeti lotimisile, ngitsi: “Pho, umuntfu abeyini-ke kutsi ungadzimate umkhumbule; nendvodzana yemuntfu beyiyini-ke kutsi ungadzimate uyinakekele?” Noko umente wacishe waba ngangawe, Nkulunkulu, wametfwesa umchele webukhosi neludvumo. Umenta abuse etikwemisebenti yetandla takho, konkhe wakubeka ngaphansi kwetinyawo takhe: tonkhe timvu, netinkhomo tonkhe, yebo, netilwane tesiganga, tinyoni letindizako, netinhlanti telwandle, nato tonkhe tidalwa taselwandle. Maye, Simakadze, Nkhosi yetfu, libito lakho liyababateka emhlabeni wonkhe! Simakadze, ngiyawukubonga ngenhlitiyo yami yonkhe, ngilandze ngayo yonkhe imisebenti yakho lemangalisako. Ngiyawujabula ngitfokote kuwe ngidvumise libito lakho, wena Losetikwako Konkhe. Nakuchamuka wena, titsa tami tiyancandzeka; nawutibuka, tiyawa, tiphele. Ngobe wena ulimele lilungelo lami nendzaba yami; uhleti esihlalweni sakho sekwehlulela wakhipha sigwebo lesilungile. Emahedeni uwatsetsisile, lababi wababhubhisa, wesula libito labo phakadze naphakadze. Sitsa sibhujiswe phakadze naphakadze, emadolobha aso uwabhidlitile, angeke asaphushwa nakuphushwa. Kodvwa Simakadze uhleti esihlalweni sakhe sebukhosi baphakadze; lesihlalo sakhe sebukhosi usimisele kwehlulela. Yena uyawukwehlulela umhlaba ngekulunga, nguye futsi loyakwehlulela tive, yebo, uyawutehlulela ngebucotfo, angakhetsi. Simakadze usiphephelo sebantfu labacindzetelwe. Uyinqaba ngetikhatsi tekweswela. Labati libito lakho bayawukwetsembela kuwe, ngobe wena, Simakadze, awubafulatseli labakufunako. Dvumisani Simakadze lohlala eSiyoni! Tjelani tive ngetento takhe! Yena ungumenaneli kulabacitsa ingati, uyabakhumbula labahluphekile, akakukhohlwa kukhala kwalabasenhluphekweni. Ngihawukele, Simakadze! Bona kuhlupheka kwami lengikubangelwe titsa tami. Nguwe longephula emasangweni ekufa, kuze ngilandze ngalo lonkhe ludvumo lwakho emasangweni elidolobha laseSiyoni ngijabulele kungikhulula kwakho. Emahedeni asahholokoshele emgodzini labewumbile; asabanjwe elugibeni lolwetsiywe ngawo. Simakadze sewutibonakalisile, wakhipha sigwebo sakhe, lababi babanjwa ngumsebenti wetandla tabo. Cabanga. Lababi baya ekufeni, yebo, bonkhe labafulatsela Nkulunkulu. Kodvwa labandzindzako bangeke bakhohlakale phakadze naphakadze; litsemba lalabahluphekako lingeke linyamalale siphelane. Vuka, Simakadze! Ungavumi kutsi umuntfu akwedzelele, betive abehlulelwe embikwakho! Bente bakwesabe, Simakadze, kuze bati kutsi babantfu nje. Cabanga. Simakadze, umeleni khashane? Utifihleleni ngesikhatsi sisekuhluphekeni? Ngekuchosha kwalomubi, lomphofu uyahlupheka. Lomubi akabanjwe elugibeni lalwetsiyile. Lomubi utigabatisa ngetinkhanuko takhe; uyamtusa lohlazisako, yebo, lomubi wedzelela Nkulunkulu. Lomubi uyatigabatisa, akanaki lutfo, emicabangweni yakhe yonkhe, utsi: “Kute Nkulunkulu.” Lomubi uyaphumelela etindleleni takhe tonkhe ngaso sonkhe sikhatsi. Tehlulelo taNkulunkulu tiphakamele khashane kulomubi, yebo, lomubi uchoshela titsa takhe. Enhlitiyweni yakhe ucabanga utsi: “Ngingeke nginyakatiswe, ngingeke ngibe nenhlanhla lembi titukulwane ngetitukulwane.” Emlonyeni wakhe kugcwele ticalekiso, nemacebo, nencindzetelo; ngaphansi kwelulwimi lwakhe kucambalale kuganga nebubi. Lomubi uyacatsama abhace etindzaweni letinematfunti emadolobheni, ababulalele ematfuntini labo labate licala, emehlo akhe atse ndlo kulabo langabehlula ngemandla. Uyalala abhace njengelibhubesi, nalibhacela kubamba inyamatane; ubamba labo labehlulako, ahudvule losihlupheki ngelinetha lakhe. Lesihlupheki siyaphihlitwa siwele phansi emhlabatsini; ngako lesihlupheki sitikhandza sesisesandleni sakhe lomubi. Lomubi ucabanga enhlitiyweni yakhe utsi: “Nkulunkulu akanendzaba, akanaki, angeke abuke ngakimi kuze kube phakadze naphakadze.” Sukuma, Simakadze! Awu, Nkulunkulu! Phakamisa sandla sakho! Ungamkhohlwa losekuhluphekeni. Kwentiwa yini kutsi lomubi edzelele wena, Nkulunkulu? Ucabangelani enhlitiyweni yakhe kutsi wena ungeke umjezise? Kantsi wena uyabona, ngobe tinhlupheko netinsizi uyakunaka, kuze ukufumbatse ngetandla takho. Lohluphekile utinikela kuwe, ngobe wena ungumsiti wetintsandzane. Juba sandla salomubi losikhohlakali, jezisa bubi bakhe, kuze kubete lokusalako. Simakadze uyiNkhosi, phakadze naphakadze, impela emahedeni ayakunyamalala eveni lakhe. Yebo, Simakadze! Uyativa tifiso talabacotfo, ucinise nenhlitiyo yabo. Indlebe yakho iyabalalela, kuze tintsandzane nalabacindzetelwe babonelelwe ngekulunga. Kute umuntfu walomhlaba loyawuphindze abe yingoti. KuSimakadze ngitfole siphephelo. Pho, ngabe ningeluleka njani nanitsi: “Ndizela entsabeni njengenyoni! Ase ubuke nje kutsi lababi babhace ebumnyameni lapho bantsala butjoki khona, baciphe imicibisholo yabo kubo, khona batewudubula labacotfo ngenhlitiyo. Nangabe tisekelo setibhidlitwa, lolungile angenta njani?” Simakadze usethempelini lakhe lelingcwele, sihlalo sebukhosi saSimakadze sisezulwini, emehlo akhe ayacaphela, emehlo akhe avivinya bantfu emhlabeni. Simakadze uyamvivinya lolungile, kodvwa uyamtondza lomubi nalotsandza budlova. Lababi uyawubehlisela imvula yemalahle lavutsako nesibabule, abajezise ngemoya lohhusha kabuhlungu. Simakadze ulungile, utsandza tento letinhle, labalungile bayawububona buso bakhe. Awu, Simakadze, sisindzise! Sekute bantfu labacotfo, ngobe labetsembekile sebanyamalele. Bantfu bayayengana la emhlabeni, tilimi tabo tisheleliswa ngemanga, inkhulumo yabo imphacambili. Shangatsi Simakadze angatihhumbula letindzebe letitigabatisa kakhulu, ajube lulwimi loluncemphetako. Shangatsi Simakadze angabajuba tilwimi laba labakhuluma bachoshe batsi: “Sigabe ngelulwimi lwetfu sitawutikhulumela, iphi leyo nkhosi lengasikhona tsine?” Simakadze-ke yena utsi: “Njengobe timphuya setichwagiwe, nanjengobe tihlupheki timpintjekile, ngitakuta ngimephule lowo lofuna lusito, bese ngimbeka endzaweni lengenangoti.” Emavi aSimakadze ate sici, endlula isiliva lehlantisisiwe, yahlanjululwa ngemlilo kasikhombisa. Wena, Simakadze, utasilondvolota usivikele kulababi. Lababi bayahambahamba; bubi sebaba ligugu kubantfu. Hhawu, Simakadze! Utangikhohlwa kuze kube ngunini? Utangifihlela buso bakho kuze kube ngunini? Kutawuze kube ngunini ngilwa nemicabango yami ngifunana netindlela tekuphumelela? Kutawuze kube ngunini sitsa sami singehlula? Bheka ngakimi, ungiphendvule, Simakadze, Nkulunkulu wami. Yenta emehlo ami akhanye, ngingaze ngifikelwe butfongo bekufa. Sitsa sami asingasho kutsi: “Ngimehlule ngamkhipha inkhani,” funa labatitsa tami bajabule, ngobe sebabona kutsi ngiyayendza. Kepha mine ngetsembele emseni wakho; inhlitiyo yami iyawujabula ngensindziso yakho. Ngiyakuhlabela, ngikudvumise, Simakadze, ngobe ube muhle kimi. Silima sikhuluma enhlitiyweni yaso sitsi: “Kute Nkulunkulu la.” Babi, benta emanyala, kute nome munye lowenta lokulungile. Simakadze utsi asezulwini abe abuka bonkhe bantfu, kuze atewubona kutsi ukhona yini umuntfu lohlakaniphile, nome munye nje, lofuna Nkulunkulu. Bonkhe bedukile, bonkhe bonakele, kute lowenta lokulungile; kute, kute ngisho nome munye. Pho, bate yini lwati bonkhe labantfu labenta lokubi? Badla emandla ebantfu bami shangatsi badla sinkhwa, bangathandazi kuSomandla. Bayawufikelwa kwesaba lokukhulu, ngobe Nkulunkulu ume nalabacotfo. Ningabagongonyi labacindzetelwe, nibaphatamise etindleleni tabo, kodvwa Simakadze usiphephelo sabo. Shangatsi ingavela eSiyoni insindziso yesive sema-Israyeli. Mhlazana Nkulunkulu acedza lusizi lwebantfu bakhe, aphindze abahlumelelisa, Jakobe uyawujabula, Israyeli atfokote. Simakadze! Ngubani longaba nemvume yekungenisa ahlale ethempelini lakho, acabe umuti wakhe entsabeni yakho lengcwele? Ngulomuntfu lonetindlela letimsulwa, abe ngumuntfu lowenta lokulungile, akhulume liciniso lelisuka ekujuleni kwenhlitiyo yakhe. Akahlebi ngelulwimi lwakhe. Akabanyembenyi labanye bantfu, akamhlazisi namakhelwane wakhe. Akamtsandzi losalahlwe nguNkulunkulu, kodvwa uyabatisa labesaba Simakadze. Wenta sifungo, asigcine, nome sekumatima. Webolekisa ngemali yakhe angayengeti intalo nase ikhishwa. Akakwemukeli kudizelwa entele kulahla lote licala. Umuntfu lowenta letintfo uyawuhlala atinte kuze kube phakadze. Ngilondvolote, Nkulunkulu, ngobe ngikhosele kuwe. KuSimakadze ngitsi: “Wena uyiNkhosi yami. Kute lokuhle lengingaba nako ngaphandle kwakho.” Kodvwa ngalabangcwele labalapha emhlabeni ngitsi: “Batikhulu letincabile lengijabula ngato.” Tinkhatsato titakwandziswa kulabo labanikela kubonkulunkulu labanye. Ngingeke ngiyicitse ingati kutsi ibe ngumnikelo kulabanye bonkulunkulu. Ngingeke ngikhuleke kubo. Simakadze, wena usabelo lesilifa lami, ungipha konkhe lengikudzingako. Likusasa lami lisetandleni takho. Lifa lelingumhlaba, lengisikelwe wona, liyindzawo lenhle kakhulu. Ngiyamdvumisa Simakadze lowangeluleka, nanembeza wami uyangiyala ebusuku. Emehlo ami ayawunamatsela kuSimakadze phakadze naphakadze. Yena ungasesandleni sami sangesekudla, ngiyawuhlala kuye ngitinte. Ngako-ke inhlitiyo yami iyatfokota, nemoya wami uyajabula, nemtimba wami ulondvolotekile. Ngobe ungeke uvume kungiyekelela endzaweni yalabafile, nome-ke ungeke umvumele lotsandzekako wakho kutsi abole ethuneni. Uyawungifundzisa indlela yekuphila. Lapho kukhona khona wena kunekujabula lokuphelele. Esandleni sakho sangesekudla kunekujabula phakadze naphakadze. Awu, Simakadze, ase ulalele kuncusa kwami lokumsulwa. Beka indlebe yakho emthandazweni wami, lophuma emlonyeni lote inkhohliso. Kwehlulelwa kwami akuvele kuwe, emehlo akho abuke lokulungile. Uvivinye inhlitiyo yami, wangivakashela utengihlolisisa ebusuku, kepha awutfolanga lutfo lolubi kimi. Nome ngicabange lokubi, kodvwa umlomo wami awuzange ukhulume lokubi. Macondzana nemisebenti yebantfu mine ngitigadze ngekulalela livi lakho, ngaticwaya tindlela talabatidlova. Tinyatselo tami tisemikhondvweni yakho, ngiko nje tinyawo tami tingasheleli. Ngincusa kuwe, ngobe wena, Nkulunkulu, utangiphendvula; beka indlebe yakho, ulalele emavi ami. Khombisa ubonakalise umusa wakho lomangalisako. Wena ungumsindzisi walabo labatsi nababaleka etitseni tabo bete kuwe, njengesiphephelo sabo. Ngilondvolote njengenhlavu yeliso. Ngifihle ngaphansi kwemaphiko akho, ungivikele kulababi labangihlaselako nasetitseni tami lese tingitungeleta. Tinhlitiyo tabo atinasihawu, imilomo yabo ikhuluma kutigabatisa kodvwa. Nome siyaphi bayasihaca, emehlo abo bawabhekise ngakitsi, kutsi basiwise. Banjengelibhubesi lelifuna kubamba inyamatane; bafana neliwundlwana lelibhubesi lelibhace etindzaweni letisitsele. Vuka Simakadze! Hlangabeta lomubi umlahle phansi. Sindzisa umphefumulo wami kuye ngenkemba yakho. Simakadze, ngephule ngesandla sakho etandleni talabagungubele ngetintfo talomhlaba. Bajezise ngekuhlupheka lobabekele kona. Shangatsi kungenela bona kanye nebantfwababo, kwendlulele nakubatukulu bebatukulu babo. Mine-ke ngiyawububona buso bakho, ngobe ngingulolungile, mhlazana ngivuka ngiyakweneliswa bukhona bakho. Ngiyakutsandza, Simakadze, wena, longemandla ami. Simakadze, ulidvwala lami, nenqaba yami, neMkhululi wami. Nkulunkulu wami, ulidvwala lami lengiphephela kulo. Usihlangu sami sekungivikela nemandla ensindziso yami. Yena ungumgedze wami wekubhaca. Ngikhala kuSimakadze, bese uyangephula etitseni tami. Akadvunyiswe Simakadze! Tintsambo tekufa tangitungeleta, tikhukhula tembhubhiso tangigabudzela. Tintsambo telithuna tatingitsandzele, tingibe tekufa tangitfonya. Ngakhala kuSimakadze ngisekudzangaleni kwami, ngacela lusito kuNkulunkulu wami. Waliva livi lami asendlini yakhe, kuncusa kwami, nekukhala kwami, nekuthandaza kwami kwangena etindlebeni takhe. Umhlaba watfutfumela, watamatama, netisekelo tetintsaba tatfutfumela, tatamatama, ngobe Somandla abesatfukutsele. Emakhala akhe akhafula intfutfu, umlomo wakhe wakheputa umlilo locotfulako kuwo kwakhehleka emalahle labovu. Wabhobosa emazulu, wehlela phansi. Emafu lamnyama abengaphansi kwetinyawo takhe. Wagibela likherubhi, wandiza, wantjuza asetikwemaphiko emoya. Wenta bumnyama baba yingubo yakhe, watungeletwa ngemafu lahlomile, lamnyama. Ebukhatikhatini bebukhona bakhe kwaphambana imibane, kwavela emafu lamnyama lahlomile, kwehla sangcotfo nemalahle lavutsako. Simakadze wabhavumula asezulwini. Losetikwako Konkhe walivakalisa livi lakhe, kwehla sangcotfo nemalahle lavutsako. Wajijimeta ngemicibisholo yakhe, kwasakateka titsa, watigalela ngemibane, watidzidzitelisa, tasiphuka. Kujula kwetilwandle kwenekeka ebaleni, tisekelo temhlaba tembuleka, ngenca yekutsetsa kwakho, Simakadze, nangenca yekufutsa kwemakhala akho. Welula ingalo yakhe akulelisetulu, wayehlisela phansi, wangibamba, wangenyula ekujuleni kwemanti. Wangephula esitseni sami lesinemandla, wangephula nakulabangitondzako, ngobe babenemandla kakhulu kunami. Bangidvumela ngesikhatsi ngehlelwa sehlakalo, kodvwa Simakadze waba sihlangu sami. Wangikhiphela endzaweni lebanti; wangephula, ngobe abejabula ngami. Simakadze wangiphatsa njengekulunga kwami, wangivuza njengebumsulwa betandla tami, ngobe imiyalo yaSimakadze ngiyigcinile. Angikenti lutfo lolubi; angikamfulatseli Nkulunkulu wami. Yonkhe imiyalo yaNkulunkulu isembikwami, angikatikhweshisi kimi timiso takhe. Bengisolo ngite sici embikwakhe, ngitigcinile ngangete ngona. Ngako-ke Simakadze ungivuze njengekulunga kwami, ngobe uyati kutsi tandla tami timsulwa. Kulowetsembekile wena utibonakalisa wetsembekile, kulongenacala wena utibonakalisa ucotfo, kulohlantekile wena utibonakalisa uhlantekile, kodvwa kulosigwegwe wena utibonakalisa ulukhuni. Wena, losindzisa labatfobekile, uyabatfobisa labatigabatisako. Nguwe lowokhela sibane sami, Simakadze, Nkulunkulu wami; ugucula bumnyama bami abente bube kukhanya. Ngawe ngisengayidvungulula imphi; ngaloNkulunkulu wami ngisengagalaja lubondza lwetitsa. Indlela yaNkulunkulu ilungile, livi laSimakadze letsembekile. Yena usihlangu sabo bonkhe labaphephela kuye. Kambe nje ngubani longuNkulunkulu, ngaphandle kwaSimakadze? Ngubani lolidvwala, ngaphandle kwaloNkulunkulu wetfu? Nguye loNkulunkulu longihlomisa ngemandla, ente indlela yami icondze, ibe msulwa. Wenta tinyawo tami tibe lula njengetenyamatane, angente ngiphephele ekuphakameni. Yena wenta tandla tami tifundzele kulwa, kuze imikhono yami yetayele kugoba butjoki belitfusi. Ungihlomisa ngesihlangu sensindziso yakho. Sandla sakho sangesekudla sangisimisa, utehlisa wena kuze uphakamise mine. Wentele tinyatselo tami indzawo lebanti kuze emacakala ami angabhinyiliki. Titsa tami ngaticosha, ngaze ngatikhandza, ngativimbetela, angizange ngincandzeke ngingakaticedzi. Ngatiphahlata taze tehluleka kuvuka, tawela ngaphansi kwetinyawo tami. Wangihlomisa ngemandla ekulwa imphi. Titsa tami watitfobisa ngaphansi kwami. Titsa tami watidvungulula, tabaleka, ngabacedza bonkhe labangitondzako. Bakhala, bacela lusito, kodvwa kwabate lobasindzisako; bahlaba inyandzaleyo kuSimakadze, kodvwa akazange abaphendvule. Ngabagaya baba njengelutfuli lolupheshulwa ngumoya, ngabasaphata njengeludzaka lwendlela. Wangisindzisa embangweni wesive sakitsi, wangibeka ngaba yinhloko yetive. Sive lengingazange sengisati sitangikhotsama. Betive batsi bangangiva, bangihlonipha masinyane, beta kimi bakhasa. Bonkhe baphelelwa ngemandla, beta bachachatela baphuma emigedzeni yabo. Simakadze uyaphila! Alidvunyiswe lidvwala lami! Akaphakanyiswe Nkulunkulu loyinsindziso yami! UnguNkulunkulu longiphindziselelako, lotsambisa tive ngaphansi kwami. Wangikhulula etitseni tami, wangiphakamisa ngaba ngetulu kwalabo labamelene nami, wangephula kubantfu belutfutfuva. Ngako-ke ngiyawukudvumisa wena, Simakadze, emkhatsini wetive, ngikugambute ngetibongelelo teLibito lakho. Nguwe, Nkhosi, umenti wankhulu, inkhosi yakho uyiphe kuncoba timphi ngetimphi, wentele logcotjiwe wakho umusa wakho longapheli, yebo, Davide netitukulwane takhe, phakadze naphakadze. Emazulu ababata bukhosi baNkulunkulu, nemkhatsi wembula likhono lakhe. Lilanga litjela lelililandzelako, nebusuku bulandzisa lobubulandzelako ngalolwati. Kute inkhulumo, kute nemavi, kute neliphimbo lelivakalako. Noko-ke liphimbo lako liphumele emhlabeni wonkhe, nemavi ako aphumele emhlabeni wonkhe. Lilanga ulakhele umpheme ngaphansi kwesibhakabhaka. Lilanga liphuma licatsame njengemyeni, yebo, njengemyeni acwebetela ahlangabeta makoti wakhe; njengemgijimi lotimisele ngemncintiswano. Liphuma ngale kwemaphetselo elizulu, litungelete lize liyewumbamba unina; kute lokusitsakele ekushiseni kwalo. Imfundziso yaSimakadze iphelele, ihlumelelisa umphefumulo; bufakazi baSimakadze buliciniso, buyabahlakaniphisa labate lwati. Imitsetfo yaSimakadze icondzile, ingumtfombo wekujabula kwenhlitiyo. Umyalo waSimakadze umsulwa, uvula emehlo engcondvo. Kwesaba Simakadze kuhlantekile, kuyawuhlala kukhona naphakadze. Tincumo tetehlulelo taSimakadze tiliciniso, tilunge tonkhe, kantsi atinakusoleka. Titsandzeka kakhulu kunegolide lecengekile, yebo, kakhulu kunegolide lecengekile, timnandzi kakhulu kuneluju, yebo, kakhulu kunematfonsi eluju. Impela, inceku yakho iyalwa ngato, lowo lotigcinako unemvuzo lomkhulu. Ngubani nje longabona tiphosiso takhe? Simakadze, ngikhulule etonweni letifihlekile. Ngijubele ekwenteni tono ngemabomu, ungativumeli kutsi tingibuse; khona-ke ngiyawuphelela, bese ngibate licala esiphambukweni lesikhulu. Emavi emlomo wami netizindlo tenhlitiyo yami atemukeleke kuwe, Simakadze, Dvwala lami, neMkhululi wami. Shangatsi Simakadze angakuphendvula, ngelilanga lekuhlupheka! Shangatsi libito laNkulunkulu waJakobe lingaba siphephelo sakho! Akakutfumelele lusito lwasendlini lengcwele akusekele asentsabeni yakhe iSiyoni. Akayikhumbule yonkhe iminikelo yakho, ayemukele neminikelo yakho yekushiswa. Cabanga. Akakuphe njengekufisa kwenhlitiyo yakho, afeze tonkhe tinhloso takho. Asimemete sijabulele kuncoba kwakho, asibetsele sishaye tandla egameni laNkulunkulu wetfu. Shangatsi Simakadze angaphumelelisa tonkhe ticelo takho. Nyalo sengiyati kutsi Simakadze uyamsindzisa logcotjiwe wakhe, uyawumphendvula asezulwini lakhe lelingcwele, amphendvule ngemandla akhe ekusindzisa, esandla sakhe sangesekudla. Labanye bantfu bachoshe ngetincola temphi, labanye bachoshe ngemahhashi, kodvwa tsine sigabe ngelibito laSimakadze longuNkulunkulu wetfu. Labantfu bacimuleka bawe phansi, kepha tsine sima sitsi zica. Yebo, Simakadze, sindzisa inkhosi, uyiphe kuncoba. Shangatsi Simakadze angasiphendvula, nasikhala kuye. Yebo, Simakadze, inkhosi iyajabula ngemandla loyiphe wona. Kukhulu kanganani kujabula kwayo, ngekuncoba loyentele kona. Uyiphe sifiso senhlitiyo yayo, futsi awuyigodlelanga leyayikucela ngemlomo wayo. Cabanga. Uyihlangabete ngetibusiso letinalokuhle, wayetfwesa enhloko yayo umchele wegolide lecengekile. Yacela imphilo kuwe, wena wayipha emalanga lamadze phakadze naphakadze. Tidvumo tayo tinkhulu, ngenca yelusito lwakho, uyinike ludvumo nebukhosi. Wayenta yabusiseka kakhulu kuze kube phakadze, uyitfokotisa ngenjabulo ebusweni bakho. Inkhosi yetsembele kuSimakadze, ngenca yesihawu saLosetikwako Konkhe ingeke itanyatanyiswe. Sandla sakho siyawutibhadzama tonkhe titsa takho; sandla sakho sangesekudla siyawubabhadzama bonkhe labakutondzako. Mhla kubonakala wena, uyawubashisa babe ngumlilo lowesabekako nalohhumako. Simakadze uyawubacedza ngentfukutselo yakhe, abacotfule ngemlilo. Uyawubhubhisa intalo yabo emhlabeni, ushabalalise nebantfwababo emkhatsini walabanye bantfu. Nome bebahlose lokubi ngawe, bacondze kukugangela, kodvwa bangeke baphumelele. Uyawubenta babaleke, ubadubule ngemicibisholo yakho. Yebo, Simakadze! Awuphakanyiswe emandleni akho! Tsine siyawuhlabela sidvumise emandla akho. Nkulunkulu wami! Nkulunkulu wami! Ungishiyeleni? Ukhashane leni nekungisita? Ukhwesheleni emavini ekukhala kwami? Awu, Nkulunkulu wami! Emini ngiyakhala, kodvwa awungiphendvuli; nasebusuku ngikhale, ngingaphumuli. Wena ungcwele, indvumiso yema-Israyeli sihlalo sakho sebukhosi. Bokhokho betsembela kuwe; bakwetsemba, wabakhulula. Bakhala kuwe, wabasindzisa; bakwetsemba, abazange bajabhiswe. Kepha mine angisesiye muntfu walutfo, sengaba ngumbungu nje, ngisetfuko sebantfu, nenhlekisa esiveni. Bonkhe labangibonako bayangiphukuta, badvubula imilomo bancife, banikine netinhloko, batsi: “Phela lowo wetsembele kuSimakadze, akamkhulule yena-ke, loSimakadze wakhe; amphephise, ngobe phela usime ngaye.” Empeleni nguwe lowangikhipha esiswini samake; wangenta ngetsembela kuwe, kusukela ngisamunya. Ngetfulwa kuwe kwasekutalweni kwami, waba nguNkulunkulu wami kusukela esiswini samake. Ungakhweshi kimi, ngobe inhlupheko isedvute nami, kute nalongangisita. Titsa letinyenti tingitungeletile, tinkunzi letinemandla taseBhashani tingivimbetele. Tingikhamisele imilomo yato njengemabhubesi labhodla adladlabule. Ngicitseke njengemanti, emalunga ami onkhe ahhehlulukile, inhlitiyo yami igucuke yaba ngumtfwebeba, yancibilika ngekhatsi kwami. Emandla ami ome njengeludzengelo, lulwimi lwami lunamatsele elwangeni; wena ungilalisa phansi elutfulini lwekufa. Yebo-ke, tinja tingihace ndzawo tonkhe, nesicumbi salababi singitungeletile, singibhobose tandla netinyawo. Sengondze ngingumbambotiyabalwa, bayangigolotela bangihheletele. Behlukaniselana ngetimphahla tami, bentelane inkatho ngengubo yami. Kodvwa wena, Simakadze, ungabi khashane nami! Awu, mandla ami, ngiphutfume ungisite. Sindzisa umphefumulo wami enkembeni, nekuphila kwami lokuligugu ukwephule emlonyeni wetinja. Ngephule emlonyeni welibhubesi, ungisindzise etimphondvweni tetinyatsi. Ngiyawulimemetela kubomnaketfu libito lakho ngikudvumise emkhatsini welibandla, ngitsi: “Nine lenesaba Simakadze, mdvumiseni! Nani nonkhe madvodzana aJakobe, mtuseni! Nonkhe nine ntalo ya-Israyeli, mhlonipheni! Ngobe akedzelelanga akanengwanga yinhlupheko yalohluphekako. Akabufihlanga buso bakhe kuye, wamuva nakakhala, acela lusito kuye.” Ungivusela lusinga lwekudvumisa emkhatsini welibandla lelikhulu. Tifungo tami ngiyawutifeza tigcwaliseke embikwabo bonkhe labakwesabako. Labatitfobako bayawudla besutse, labafuna Simakadze bayawumdvumisa, bahalaliselwe kutsiwe: “Shangatsi ningaphila phakadze naphakadze!” Umhlaba wonkhe uyakukhumbula ugucukele kuSimakadze, yonkhe imindeni netive temhlaba tiyawukhotsama embikwakhe, ngobe bukhosi baSimakadze, nguye lobusa etikwetive. Yebo, bonkhe labacebile emhlabeni, bayawudla bakhotsame embikwakhe; bonkhe labayakuya phansi elutfulini, bayawuguca embikwakhe bakhonte, yebo, nabo bonkhe labangeke batibambe kutsi bafe. Titukulwane takusasa titawumkhonta, bantfu bayawusala balandzise ngaSimakadze etitukulwaneni nasetitukulwaneni. Sive lesiyawutalwa siyawutjelwa kutsi: “Simakadze wasisindzisa sive sakhe.” Simakadze ngumelusi wami, ngeke ngeswele lutfo. Ungilalisa emadlelweni laluhlata, angiholele nasemantini ekuphumula. Uhlumelelisa umphefumulo wami, angiholele nasetindleleni tekulunga, kuze kudvunyiswe libito lakhe. Nome ngihamba esigodzini lesinelitfunti lekufa, angesabi lutfo lolubi, ngobe wena unami; intfonga yakho neludvondvolo lwakho kuyangivikela. Ungigcebela litafula embikwami netitsa tami tibuka. Ugcobisa inhloko yami ngemafutsa, indzebe yami iyaphuphuma. Impela, lokuhle nemusa kuyawungilandzela imihla yonkhe yekuphila kwami. Ngiyawuhlala endlini yaSimakadze kuze kube phakadze. Umhlaba nako konkhe lokukuwo kwaSimakadze, emave kanye nabo bonkhe labahlala kuwo kwakhe, ngobe wakusimisa etikwetilwandle, wakusekela ekujuleni kwemanti. Ngubani loyakwenyuka intsaba yaSimakadze? Ngubani loyakuma endzaweni yakhe lengcwele? Ngulowo lonetandla letihlantekile nalonenhlitiyo lengenacala longawulibatisi ngelite umphefumulo wakhe, nalongawafungeli emanga. Simakadze uyawumbusisa, yebo, Nkulunkulu wensindziso uyawumenta abe msulwa. Ngulesi-ke situkulwane salabo labamfunako, labafuna buso bakho, Nkulunkulu waJakobe. Cabanga. Nine masango, vulekani! Nani minyango yasemandvulo vulekani nitsi nge, kuze iNkhosi yeludvumo itewungena. Ngubani leNkhosi yeludvumo? NguSimakadze, lichawe lelinemandla, Simakadze lolichawe lekulwa. Nine masango, vulekani! Nani minyango yasemandvulo vulekani nitsi nge, kuze iNkhosi yeludvumo itewungena. Ngubani yona leNkhosi yeludvumo? Nguye Nkulunkulu longuSomandla, nguye loyiNkhosi yeludvumo. Cabanga. Ngiwuphakamisela kuwe, Simakadze, umphefumulo wami. Nkulunkulu wami, ngetsembele kuwe, ngisindzise ehlazweni lekwehlulwa. Titsa tami tingatijabulisi ngami. Yebo, labo labetsembele kuwe kute namunye loyawuhlazeka; kepha bayawuhlazeka labo labakuhlubuka ngelite. Ngikhombise tindlela takho, Simakadze, ungifundzise imikhondvo yakho. Ngihambise ecinisweni lakho, ungifundzise, ngobe wena unguNkulunkulu wensindziso yami. Litsemba lami likuwe lonkhe lilanga. Simakadze, khumbula umusa wakho nelutsandvo lwakho, ngobe kwakuvele kukhona phakadze. Ungatikhumbuli tono tami, netiphambuko tebusha bami, kodvwa ngikhumbule ngekwemusa wakho, Simakadze, ngikhumbule ngekulunga kwakho. Simakadze muhle ulungile, ngako-ke ufundzisa toni indlela lekungiyo sibili. Labatfobekile ubaholela kulokulungile; labatfobekile ubafundzisa indlela yakhe. Tonkhe tindlela taSimakadze tibubele neliciniso kulabo labagcina sivumelwane sakhe kanye nemiyalo yakhe. Simakadze, ngenca yelibito lakho ngitsetselele kona kwami, ngobe kukhulu. Ngubani lowesaba Simakadze? Lowo uyawumfundzisa leyo ndlela, lekhetselwe yena. Yena lucobo uyawuhlala achume, intalo yakhe iyawudla lifa lemhlaba. Timfihlakalo takhe, Simakadze, utinika labamesabako, abafundzise kwati sivumelwane sakhe. Emehlo ami ahlala abheke kuSimakadze, ngobe nguye lokhipha tinyawo tami elugibeni. Gucukela kimi, Simakadze, ube nemusa kimi, ngobe nginesitunge, ngihluphekile. Ngiphumute kuletinhlupheko tenhlitiyo yami, ungikhokhe etinhluphekweni tami. Buka kuhlupheka kwami nekukhandleka kwami, ungitsetselele tonkhe tono tami. Buka titsa tami, kutsi setinyenti kanganani, tingitondza ngelunya. Londvolota imphilo yami, ungephule ngingahlazeki, ngobe naku ngikhosele kuwe. Shangatsi bumsulwa nebucotfo bungangigcina, ngobe litsemba lami likuwe. Awu, Nkulunkulu! Khulula Israyeli etinhluphekweni takhe tonkhe. Hhawu, Simakadze! Ngehlulele, utewubona kutsi ngimsulwa. Ngetsembele kuSimakadze ngaphandle kwekungabata. Simakadze, ngihlole ungivivinye, uhlolisise inhlitiyo yami nengcondvo yami. Umusa wakho usembikwami njalo, ngihamba ecinisweni lakho. Angihambisani nebantfu bemanga, futsi anginabudlelwane nebatentisi. Ngiyayitondza inhlangano yalababi, futsi angihlali nalababi. Yebo, Simakadze, ngigeza tandla tami, ngingenacala, ngihambahamba ngaselatini lakho, kuze ngihlabele ingoma yekubonga ngibalise ngato tonkhe timangaliso takho. Yebo, Simakadze, ngitsandza indlu lohlala kuyo, lapho kuhlala inkhatimulo yakho khona. Umphefumulo wami ungawulahli kanye netoni, nekuphila kwami ungakulahli kanye nebabulali. Labantfu benta lokubi njalo, tandla tabo tesekudla tigcwele imidizo. Kodvwa mine ngihamba ngebucotfo, ngikhulule, ube nemusa kimi. Lunyawo lwami lume endzaweni lephephile. Simakadze ngiyawumdvumisa emibikwemabandla lamakhulu. Simakadze usibane sami nensindziso yami. Ngiyakwesaba bani? Simakadze uyinqaba yami yekufihla kuphila kwami. Pho, ngubani lengingamesaba? Nangihlaselwa ngulababi betama kungimita bangibulale, ngihlaselwe titsa nalabamelene nami, bayawukhubeka, bawele phansi. Nome ngingavinjetelwa yimphi, inhlitiyo yami ingeke yesabe; nome titsa tingangihlasela, noko ngiyawuhlala nginelitsemba kuNkulunkulu. Kunye kuphela lengakucela kuSimakadze, ngiko kodvwa lengikufunako: kutsi ngihlale endlini yaSimakadze onkhe emalanga ekuphila kwami, ngibukisise buhle baSimakadze, ngizindle ngaye ngisethempelini lakhe. Uyawungibhacisa ngaphansi kweluphahla lwakhe ngelilanga lenhlupheko. Uyawungifihla ethendeni lakhe, angisimise edvwaleni leliphakeme. Titsa tami letingitungeletile ngiyawutimela ngenhla, nginikele imihlatjelo ngekudvumisa endlini yakhe. Tibongo teNkhosi ngiyawutihlabela ngenjabulo. Ngive Simakadze, nangikhala kuwe ngelivi lelikhulu, ube nemusa kimi, ungiphendvule. Wena utsite: “Funani buso bami.” Mine-ke enhlitiyweni yami ngitsi: “Buso bakho, Simakadze, ngiyabufuna.” Ungabufihli buso bakho kimi. Ungayincandzi ngentfukutselo inceku yakho, nguwe Somandla, lolusito lwami. Ungangiyekeleli, ungangilahli! Wena unguNkulunkulu wensindziso yami. Nome bobabe namake bangilahlile, kodvwa wena, Simakadze, utangemukela ungigcine. Ngifundzise indlela yakho, Simakadze, ungihole endleleni lecondzile ngenca yetitsa tami. Unganginikeli entsandvweni yalabalwa nami, ngobe bofakazi bemanga bangivukele, baphefumula lusongo nebudlova. Impela ngiyakholwa nguloku: Buhle baSimakadze ngiyawububona ngisaphila kulomhlaba! Tsemba kuSimakadze, cina ungadzangali, ube nesibindzi. Yebo, tsemba kuSimakadze. Ngikhala kuwe, Simakadze, Dvwala lami. Ungabi sihhulu kimi, ngobe nangabe ungangiphendvuli, ngitawufana nalabaya ethuneni. Lalela livi lekuncusa kwami, nangikhalela kusitwa nguwe, nangisaphakamisela tandla tami endzaweni yakho lengcwelengcwele. Ungangilahli kanye nalababi, ungangilahli kanye nalabenta lokubi, labakhuluma kuthula nabomakhelwane babo, kantsi etinhlitiyweni tabo bamumetse bubi. Banike njengekwemisebenti yabo, nanjengekwemisebenti yabo lemibi; baphindzisele ngekwemisebenti yetandla tabo, baphindzisele njengalokubafanele. Njengobe bangayinaki imisebenti yaSimakadze, nome-ke imisebenti yetandla takhe, ngako-ke utabaphihlita, bangaphindzi babuyele esimeni sabo. Akabongwe Simakadze, advunyiswe, ngobe ulivile livi lekuncusa kwami. Simakadze ungemandla ami nesihlangu sami, inhlitiyo yami yetsembele kuye. Wangisita, ngako inhlitiyo yami igcunyagcunyiswa yinjabulo. Ngiyawumbonga ngengoma yami. Simakadze ungemandla ebantfu bakhe, usiphephelo sekusindzisa logcotjiwe wakhe. Sindzisa sive sakho, ubusise labo labalifa lakho. Beluse ubetfwale, kuze kube phakadze naphakadze. Dvumisani Simakadze nine tingilosi telizulu! Simakadze mnikeni bukhosi nemandla! Libito laSimakadze linikeni bukhosi lobulifanele. Khontani Simakadze ngetembatfo tebungcwele. Liphimbo laSimakadze lisetikwemanti, Nkulunkulu weludvumo uyadvuma, Simakadze usetikwemanti lamanyenti. Liphimbo laSimakadze linemandla. Liphimbo laSimakadze linebukhosi. Liphimbo laSimakadze lifohlota tihlahla temisedari, Simakadze ufohlota imisedari yaseLebanoni. Wenta lemisedari yaseLebanoni itjakadvule njengelinkhonyane; ente iLebanoni neSiriyoni itjakadvule njengenkhabi lencane yesiganga. Liphimbo laSimakadze libaneka emalangabi emlilo. Liphimbo laSimakadze linyakatisa lihlane. Simakadze utfutfumelisa lihlane laseKhadeshi. Liphimbo laSimakadze litalisa tinyamatane liphundle emahlatsi asale akhanya, nelithempeli lonkhe lidvumisa ngekumemeta ngavi linye, litsi: “Ludvumo!” Simakadze usesihlalweni sebukhosi, ubusa zamcolo. Simakadze usesihlalweni sebukhosi, kuze kube phakadze naphakadze. Simakadze bantfu bakhe uyawubanika emandla! Simakadze, bantfu bakhe uyawubabusisa ngekuthula! Ngiyawukudvumisa, Simakadze, ngobe ungenyule ebunzimeni, wala kutsi titsa tami titijabulise ngami. Yebo, Simakadze, Nkulunkulu wami, ngatikhalela ngicela lusito kuwe, wena wangiphilisa. Yebo, Simakadze, ungikhiphile endzaweni yalabafile, waphephisa kuphila kwami emkhatsini walababange ekufeni. Nine labangcwele bakhe, hlabelani nidvumise Simakadze, nibonge libito lakhe lelingcwele. Ngobe kutfukutsela kwakhe kuba kwesikhashana, kodvwa umusa wakhe uhlala ukhona njalo umuntfu asaphila. Tinyembeti tingaba khona ebusuku, kodvwa ngakusasa ekuseni kube kujabula. Mine-ke ngisahleti kahle ngatsi: “Ngingeke ngitanyatanyiswe.” Yebo, Simakadze, wangimisa ngaba njengentsaba lecinile; kodvwa watsi kube ungifulatsele, ngahlaselwa kwesaba. Ngakhala kuwe, Simakadze, ngancusa eNkhosini ngatsi: “Nzuzo yini leyawutfolakala ngekubhujiswa kwami, nangabe sengiye ethuneni? Bantfu lese babuyele elutfulini bangakubonga yini? Bangakhuluma yini ngekwetsembeka kwakho? Ngive, Simakadze, ube nemusa kimi. Yebo, Simakadze, bani ngumsiti wami!” Ugucule kulila kwami kwaba ngumgidvo, ungikhumule ingubo yenzilo, wangembatsisa ngekungibopha ngenjabulo. Ngako-ke umphefumulo wami uyawukudvumisa ungabindzi. Yebo, Simakadze, Nkulunkulu wami, ngiyawukudvumisa phakadze naphakadze. Simakadze wena usiphephelo sami, ungacali ungijabhise, ngephule ngekulunga kwakho. Sondzeta indlebe yakho, ungephule ngekushesha, bani lidvwala lesiphephelo sami nenqaba yekungisindzisa. Wena ulidvwala lami nenqaba yami, ngihole ungicondzise ngenca yelibito lakho. Ngengcise elugibeni labangiciphe ngalo, ngobe wena usiphephelo sami. Nginikela umoya wami esandleni sakho, ungihlengile wena Simakadze; unguNkulunkulu lowetsembekile. Ngiyabatondza labakhonta tithico, mine ngetsembele kuSimakadze. Ngiyakwetsaba ngijabule ngemusa wakho, ngobe wena ukubonile kuhlupheka kwami, watati tinsizi temphefumulo wami. Awunginikelanga esandleni sesitsa, tinyawo tami utimise endzaweni lebanti. Bani nemusa kimi, Simakadze, ngobe ngisenhluphekweni, emehlo ami asaphandlwe kuhlupheka, kantsi umphefumulo wami nemtimba wami kukhatsele tinhlupheko. Kuphila kwami kuphelela elusizini, neminyaka yami iphelela ekubibitsekeni; emandla ami aphelile ngenca yekona kwami, nematsambo ami acindzetelekile. Sengaba yinhlamba ngenca yalabamelene nami, ikakhulu kubomakhelwane bami; labangatiko sebayangesaba, nangihlangana nabo endleleni bayangibalekela. Angisakhunjulwa ngumuntfu, ngifana nalofile; senginjengembita lefile yalahlwa etaleni. Yebo, ngiva labanyenti bayangihleba, ngihlala ngetfuka tanya. Bangakhela emacebo, bahlose kungibulala. Kodvwa mine ngetsembele kuwe, Simakadze, ngitsi: “Wena unguNkulunkulu wami.” Emalanga ekuphila kwami asesandleni sakho, ngephule esandleni setitsa tami nakubo labangitingelako. Inceku yakho ayibuve bukhona bakho, ngisindzise ngemusa wakho longapheli. Simakadze, ungangidvumati nangikubita, lababi abadliswe ngemahloni. Abavalwe imilomo baye ekufeni. Shangatsi imilomo lecala emanga ingabindziswa, ngobe ihlambalata lolungile, ikhulume ngekutigcabha nangekwedzelela. Maye, kuyaphuphuma kulunga kwakho, lokulunga lokugcinele labo labakwesabako, ukwente kulabo labakhosele kuwe, ukubonakalise embikwebantfu. Ubafihla ekusitsekeni kwebukhona bakho, baphephe kulabo lababakhela lugibe; ubabhacisa endlini yakho, baphephe etinkhulumeni tembango. Akadvunyiswe Simakadze, ngobe umusa wakhe lomangalisako uwentile kimi ngesikhatsi bangivimbetela edolobheni. Ngetfuka ngadzimate ngakhuluma ngatsi: “Sengisusiwe ngacoshwa ebusweni bakho.” Kodvwa wena wakuva kuncusa kwami, nangicela lusito kuwe. Tsandzani Simakadze, nine nonkhe labangcwele bakhe. Simakadze uyabagcina labetsembele kuye, kodvwa uphindzisela kamatima kulabatatisako. Cinani, tinhlitiyo tenu tibe nesibindzi, nonkhe nine lenilindzele Simakadze. Ubusisiwe umuntfu lotsetselelwe tiphambuko takhe, nalotono takhe tisitjekelwe. Ubusisiwe umuntfu Nkulunkulu langambaleli tiphambuko takhe, lonenhlitiyo lete inkhohliso. Nangingasivumi sono sami, ngidzangaliswa kutikhalela lilanga lonkhe, kuze kushaye ekhatsi emnkantjeni. Imini nebusuku sandla sakho sasimatima etikwami, emandla ami oma njengekomisa kwasehlobo. Cabanga. Ngasivuma kuwe sono sami, angizange ngisifihle siphambuko sami. Ngatsi: “Ngiyawutivuma kuSimakadze tono tami.” Wena walitsetselela licala lesono sami. Cabanga. Ngako-ke wonkhe longcwele uyawuthandaza kuwe ngesikhatsi usenekutfolakala. Ngempela ngesikhatsi emagagasi etinhlupheko adlondlobala, angeke amkhukhule. Wena uyindzawo yami yekubhaca, uyangiphephisa ekuhluphekeni ungisingatse ngetingoma tenkhululeko. Cabanga. Simakadze utsi: “Mine ngiyawukufundzisa ngikukhombise indlela lofanele kuhamba ngayo, ngikweluleke, liso lami lingesuki kuwe. Ningabi njengelihhashi nome umnyuzi kona lokungenakucondza kudzimate kucondziswe ngematomu.” Lomubi unekuhlupheka lokunyenti, kodvwa lowo lowetsembele kuSimakadze uhlala alondvolotwe ngumusa wakhe. Jabulani kuSimakadze, netsabe, nine lenilungile. Nijabule nonkhe nine lenicotfo ngenhlitiyo. Yetsabani kuSimakadze, nine lenilungile; ingoma yekudvumisa ibafanele labacotfo. Simakadze mdvumiseni ngetingubhu, nihlabele kuye ngehabhu lenetintsambo letilishumi. Mhlabeleleni ingoma lensha, niyidlale ngebuciko, nimemete ngekujabula. Ngobe livi laSimakadze licondzile, konkhe lakwentako kwetsembekile. Simakadze utsandza kulunga nebumsulwa. Umhlaba ugcwele umusa waSimakadze. Emazulu entiwa ngelivi laSimakadze, nako konkhe lokukuwo kwentiwa ngemoya wemlomo wakhe. Emanti elwandle wawabutsela ndzawonye, kwaba shangatsi uwagcwalisa embiteni; wenta titiba netitibakati tetilwandle. Umhlaba wonkhe awumesabe Simakadze, bonkhe labasemhlabeni abatfutfumele embikwakhe. Ngobe wakhuluma, kwenteka; wakhalima, kwaba khona lutfo. Simakadze ucitsa emacebo etive; ushabalalisa imicabango yebantfu. Emasu aSimakadze ayawuhlala emile kuze kube phakadze; nemicabango yakhe iyawuhlala imile kuto tonkhe titukulwane. Sibusisiwe leso sive lesiNkulunkulu waso kunguSimakadze, sive latikhetsele sona kutsi sibe lifa lakhe. Simakadze, asezulwini, uyabuka emhlabeni abone bonkhe bantfu. Asesesihlalweni sakhe sebukhosi ubukisisa bonkhe labahleti emhlabeni; nguye lobumba tonkhe tinhlitiyo tabo, abukisise tonkhe tento tabo. Kute inkhosi lencoba sitsa ngobe inemabutfo lamanyenti, nesichwaga asincobi ngebunyenti bemandla aso. Lihhashi lemphi lingeke likukhulule; nome lingaba nemandla lamakhulu, lingeke likusindzise. Empeleni liso laSimakadze likulabo labamesabako, yebo labo labetsemba umusa wakhe, kutsi atewukhulula umphefumulo wabo ekufeni abaphilise endlaleni. Umphefumulo wetfu wetsembele kuSimakadze, yena ungumsiti wetfu nelihawu letfu. Inhlitiyo yetfu ijabula kuye, ngobe setsembele egameni lakhe lelingcwele. Yebo, Simakadze! Umusa wakho awusembese njengobe setsembele kuwe. Simakadze ngiyawumbonga ngato tonkhe tikhatsi, ngimdvumise ngemlomo wami ngingakhawuli. Umphefumulo wami utigabatisa ngaSimakadze, labahluphekako abeve bajabule. Dvumisani Simakadze kanye nami, siphakamise libito lakhe kanyekanye. Ngakhuleka kuSimakadze, wangiphendvula, wangikhulula kuko konkhe kwesaba kwami. Lababheka kuye bayamamatseka, buso babo bungeke budliwe ngemahloni. Ngangingumuntfu losihlupheki, ngakhala kuSimakadze, wangiva, wangisindzisa kuko konkhe kuhlupheka kwami. Ingilosi yaSimakadze yakha umtsangala lotungeleta labo labamesabako, ibakhulule, iphindze ibavikele. Ase ninambitse nibone kutsi Simakadze muhle unemusa! Ubusisiwe lowo lokhosela kuye! Yesabani Simakadze, nine labangcwele, ngobe abesweli lutfo labamesabako. Ngisho nemabhongwana emabhubesi ayeswela alambe, kodvwa labo labafuna Simakadze bangeke beswele lutfo loluhle. Wotani, bantfwabami, ningilalele, ngitanifundzisa kumesaba Simakadze. Ngubani lotsandza kuphila adzimate adle tinyoni tebantfwabakhe? Lowo-ke akagcine lulwimi lwakhe ebubini, netindzebe takhe tingakhulumi emanga. Khwesha kulokubi wente lokuhle; funisisa kuthula, ukubambisise. Emehlo aSimakadze akesuki kulabalungile, tindlebe takhe atisuki ekukhaleni kwabo. Buso baSimakadze buphambene nalabenta lokubi, kuze abashabalalise, bangabe basakhunjulwa emhlabeni. Labalungile nabakhala bacela lusito, Simakadze uyabeva, abakhulule kuto tonkhe tinhlupheko tabo. Simakadze uhlala asedvute nabo labanetinhlitiyo letephukile uyabasindzisa labanemoya lowephukile. Lolungile uhlala ajingwe tinhlupheko letinyenti, kodvwa Simakadze umkhulula kuto tonkhe, alondvolote onkhe ematsambo akhe, kungephuki ngisho nome linye. Sikhohlakali siyawubulawa ngulokubi, nalabatondza lolungile bayawudliwa licala. Simakadze uyakuhlenga kuphila kwetinceku takhe, labakhosela kuye bangeke badliwe licala. Cabana nalabo labacabana nami, ulwe nalabo labalwa nami, Simakadze. Tsatsa lihawu lelincane nalelikhulu, uphutfume utengisita! Hoshula sikhali sakho, uvimbe labo labangicoshako; khuluma emphefumulweni wami, utsi: “Mine ngiyinsindziso yakho!” Shangatsi bangajabha, bahlazeke, labo labafuna umphefumulo wami; shangatsi bangahlakateka labo labacondze kungicitsa. Ababe njengemakhoba wona apheshulwa ngumoya, ingilosi yaSimakadze isabadvungulula. Indlela yabo ayihlwe, ishelele, ingilosi yaSimakadze isabacosha. Njengobe bangibekele lugibe ngaphandle kwesono, bangimbela umgodzi lolugibe ngingenacala, shangatsi bangehlelwa yimbhubhiso ngekutumeka lokukhulu, nelugibe labangetsiye ngalo lubambe bona. Umgodzi lolugibe labangetsiye ngawo uhholokoshisele bona, babhubhe. Ngako umphefumulo wami uyawujabula kuSimakadze, ujabule nangensindziso yakhe. Ematsambo onkhe ami ayawutsi: “Yebo, Simakadze, ngubani lofana nawe, wena lokhulula lobutsakatsaka etandleni tesichwaga, ukhulule lobutsakatsaka naloweswele etandleni temcindzeteli?” Kuvumbuka bofakazi labanebudlova, bangibuta tintfo lengingatati. Bangiphindzisela lokuhle ngalokubi, umphefumulo wami bawudzabukisile. Kantsi nakugula bona, mine ngembatsa inzilo; umphefumulo wami ngawugongonya ngekuzila, noko ngacinisela ekuthandazeni. Kimi kwafanana nekutsi babangani bami nome bomnaketfu. Ngahamba ngikhala, kwaba shangatsi ngifelwe ngumake, ngadzabuka ngaba nelusizi. Kodvwa kwatsi nangikhubeka ngiwa, batsakasa, bahlangana ndzawonye; bahlanganela kumelana nami, tinkhubela lengingatati tingihlanganyela tinginyembenye siphelane. Labantfu bashuca nalabahlambalata Nkulunkulu, bahlose bubi ngami. Simakadze, kuyawuze kube ngunini ungibukelela? Ngisindzise ebudloveni babo, wephule umphefumulo wami kulamabhubesi! Ngiyawubonga ebandleni lelikhulu ngikudvumise nasemkhambatsini lomkhulu webantfu. Ungativumeli titsa tami, letingicambela emanga, kutsi titijabulise ngami. Ungabavumeli labangitondzela lite kutsi baficelane emehlo ngami, bangente inhlekisa. Abakhulumi lokumele kuthula, kodvwa bacala tindzaba letingemanga ngebantfu labanekuthula eveni. Bakhamise imilomo yabo, bakhuluma baphambane nami, batsi: “Hha! Hha! Sikubonile lokukhulu!” Nawe, Simakadze, wakubona lokwenteka; ngako-ke phutfuma ungabindzi, ungakhweshi kimi, Simakadze. Phaphama uvuke, ungiphutfume, Nkulunkulu wami, Nkhosi yami, ngikhulumele ungimele ecaleni lami. Awu, Simakadze, Nkulunkulu wami, ngehlulele ngekulunga kwakho; ungabavumeli kutsi bangente inhlekisa. Ungabavumeli bangicoloshele, batsi: “Yehhehhe! Nako-ke lebesikufuna!” Ungabavumeli bakhulume batsi: “Sesimehlulile.” Bonkhe labatsakasela kuhlupheka kwami abahlazeke, badliwe ngemahloni, abembatsiswe emahloni nelihlazo labo labangicoloshelako. Labo labatsakasele kutsi ngimsulwa abamemete ngekujabula batfokote, njalonjalo, batsi: “Akadvunyiswe Simakadze, lojabulela inhlalakahle yenceku yakhe!” Ngako lulwimi lwami luyakhuluma, lumemetele ngekulunga kwakho, lukudvumise onkhe emalanga. Sono siyakhuluma ekujuleni kwenhlitiyo yalomubi. Yebo, lomubi akamesabi Nkulunkulu. Utiphakamisa kangangekutsi akabuboni nebubi besono sakhe. Inkhulumo yakhe ikuganga nemacebo; ubuyekele bucotfo bakhe nekwenta lokulungile. Utsi alele abe akha emachinga ekuganga, sewuhamba ngendlela lembi, akakwenyanyi lokubi aphambane nako. Simakadze, umusa wakho ufikela amazulwini, kwetsembeka kwakho kufikela emafini. Kulunga kwakho kunjengetintsaba letinkhulu, tincumo takho tijule njengelwandle. Simakadze, ulondvolota bantfu netilwane. Yebo, Nkulunkulu, umusa wakho uligugu lelikhulu. Bantfu basemhlabeni bayakhosela emtfuntini wetimphiko takho. Badla indvodla yekudla, badzimate besutse endlini yakho, ubanatsise emanti emfuleni wakho wentfokoto, ngobe nguwe umtfombo wekuphila, kukhanya sikubona ekukhanyeni kwakho. Chubeka nawo lowo musa wakho, kulabo labakwatiko, uchubeke nekulunga kwakho kulabacotfo ngenhlitiyo. Ungaluvumeli lunyawo lwalotigcabhako kutsi lunginyatsele, nalabangamesabi Nkulunkulu kutsi bangicoshe. Lababi bawe khona lapho bawiswe phansi, bangeke bavuke. Ungatihluphi ngalababi, ungahawukeli kulabenta lokubi. Ngobe phela lababi bayawusheshe bashate njengetjani, babune njengembuya. Tsemba kuSimakadze, wente lokuhle, uhlale eveni, uve bumnandzi bekudla emadlelweni laluhlata. Yenta Simakadze abe yinjabulo yakho, yena-ke utakupha lokufiswa yinhlitiyo yakho. Nikela indlela yakho kuSimakadze, umetsembe, yena-ke uyawukutsatsela tinyatselo. Kulunga kwakho uyawukwenta kugcame njengekukhanya, nebucotfo bakho bukhanye njengemini. Thula embikwaSimakadze, umlindzele ngesineke. Ungahawukeli kumuntfu lonotsa ngebucili bakhe. Tibambe ungatfukutseli, uluyekele lulaka, ungacansuki, ngobe loko kubanga kona. Benti balokubi batawushabalaliswa; kodvwa labalindzela Simakadze bayakudla lifa lemhlaba. Emvakwesikhashana benti balokubi bayawunyamalala, uyakutsi uyabafuna bangabe basatfolakala. Kodvwa labamnene bayawulidla lifa lemhlaba, bahlale kahle, batijabulise ngekuthula lokukhulu. Lomubi usongela lolungile, amsinekele ematinyo. Kodvwa Simakadze uyamhleka lona lomubi, ngobe uyabona kutsi sekuyamphelela. Lababi bahosha inkemba, bantsale imicibisholo ebutjokini, bafuna kucedza labamphofu nalabeswele babulale labo labahamba ngebucotfo. Kodvwa inkemba yabo iyawugwaza tinhlitiyo tabo, imicibisholo yabo iyakwephuka. Lokuhle lokuncane lanako lolungile, kuncono kunemcebo wonkhe walababi. Emandla alababi ayawukwephulwa, kodvwa Simakadze uyabaphasa labalungile. Simakadze uyawati emalanga alabacotfo, nelifa labo liyawuhlala lilabo phakadze naphakadze. Bangeke bajabhiswe ngetikhatsi letimatima, bayawuba nenala ngetikhatsi tendlala. Kodvwa lababi bayawubhubha, netitsa taSimakadze tishabalale njengeluhlata lwemadlelo, bayawunyamalala baphele njengentfutfu. Lomubi uyeboleka angabuyiseli, kodvwa lolungile unesihawu, ephane. Lababusiswe nguSimakadze bayawulidla lifa lemhlaba; kodvwa labacalekiswe nguye bayawushabalaliswa. Tinyatselo temuntfu ticondziswa nguSimakadze. Simakadze uyaticinisa tinyatselo temuntfu lomjabulisako. Nome awa, angeke ahlale angavuki, ngobe Simakadze ubamba sandla sakhe. Bengingumntfwana, manje sengimdzala, angizange sengimbone lolungile alahliwe, ngisho nebantfwabakhe abahambi bacela kudla. Unesihawu lonkhe lilanga, ebolekise, nebantfwana bakhe basibusiso. Khwesha ebubini, wente lokuhle; uhlale uphila njalonjalo. Ngobe Simakadze uyakutsandza kwenta tintfo ngendlela lefanele, angeke abayekelele labangcwele bakhe. Labalungile bayawulondvoloteka phakadze naphakadze; kodvwa bantfwana balomubi bayawushabalaliswa. Labalungile bayawudla lifa lemhlaba, bahlale kulo kuze kube phakadze. Tindzebe talolungile tikhuluma inhlakanipho, lulwimi lwakhe lukhuluma loko lokufanele. Umtsetfo waNkulunkulu uhlala usenhlitiyweni yakhe njalo, nekuhamba kwakhe akuphambuki. Lomubi utingela lolungile, ucondze kutsi ambulale. Simakadze angeke amyekelele esandleni salomubi, futsi lowo lolungile angeke alahlwe ngelicala, nakehlulelwa. Tsemba Simakadze, ugcine indlela yakhe, yena uyawukuphakamisa udle lifa lemhlaba ubone kushabalaliswa kwalababi. Ngake ngabona lomubi asidlova, watenweba njengesihlahla semsedari waseLebanoni. Wafa, kwaba kunyamalala kwakhe; ngabatse ngiyamfuna wangete watfolakala. Ubombekisa lolungile, umcaphelisise locotfo, ngobe umuntfu wekuthula unelikusasa lelihle; kodvwa lababi bayawubhujiswa nya, nebantfwababo bate likusasa. Insindziso yalabalungile iphuma kuSimakadze, usiphephelo sabo ngesikhatsi sekuhlupheka. Simakadze uyabasita abakhulule, ubephula abasindzise kulababi, ngobe babalekela kuye, abe siphephelo sabo. Awu, Simakadze, ungangikhahli ngentfukutselo yakho, ungangijezisi ngelulaka lwakho. Imicibisholo yakho ingihlabe yangena, nesandla sakho sehlele etikwami. Sekute imphilo emtimbeni wami, ngenca yelulaka lwakho; kute ngisho nekuthula ematsanjeni ami, ngenca yesono sami. Tono tami tingigabhile, ngisesiswa ngumtfwalo wato losindzako. Tilondza tami tinuka luvundze, tincinca bovu, ngenca yebulima bami, ngikhonkhobele, ngatfotjiswa kakhulu, ngihamba ngikhala lilanga lonkhe. Lukhalo lwami lucacamba kakhulu, sekute imphilo emtimbeni wami. Ngibutsakatsaka, ngidvubuteke kabi, ngiyabubula ngenca yekutfutfumela enhlitiyweni yami. Nkhosi, kufisa kwami konkhe uyakwati, kububula kwami akukafihleki kuwe. Inhlitiyo yami iyagcuma, ngiphelelwa ngemandla, emehlo ami asacundzekile, akasaboni. Bangani bami nebazalwane bami sebangikhweshele, ngenca yemanceba ami; ngisho nebaketfu imbala sebeme lapha khashane. Bantfu labacondze kungibulala bangetsiye ngetingibe, labacondze kungilimata bakhuluma ngekungicitsa bangibulale, sonkhe sikhatsi bakha emacebo ebubi ngami. Kodvwa mine, nginjengesihhulu, angiva; nginjengesimungulu, angikhulumi. Nginjengendvodza lengeva etindlebeni, nalengakwati kutikhulumela. Mine-ke, Simakadze, ngime ngetsembele kuwe, nguwe, Nkhosi, Nkulunkulu wami lotawuphendvula. Ngobe enhlitiyweni yami ngitsite: “Bangahle bajabule ngami ekusheleleni kwelunyawo lwami. Shangatsi bangete bacolosha ngami.” Ngobe sengisezingeni lekuwa, nebuhlungu bami abusuki kimi. Ngiyalivuma licala lekona kwami, ngidzabukile ngenca yesono sami. Titsa tami tiphila kahle tinemandla, banyenti nalabangitondza ngaphandle kwesici. Labo labangiphindzisela lokubi ngalokuhle, batitsa tami, ngobe ngilandzela lokulungile. Hhawu, Simakadze! Ungangilahli! Nkulunkulu wami, ungakhweshi kimi! Phutfuma ungisite, Nkhosi, nsindziso yami! Ngacabanga ngatsi: “Ngiyawunakekela tindlela tami, kuze ngingoni ngelulwimi lwami, umlomo wami ngiyakuwufaka sifonyo, yingci nangisesembikwalomubi.” Ngaba simungulu, ngabindza, ngangete ngasho lutfo nangalokuhle. Tinhlungu tadlanga. Inhlitiyo yami yavutsa, yashisa ngekhatsi kwami, ngisacabanga ngizindla ngaloko, kwaphembeka umlilo kimi, ngadzimate ngakhuluma ngatsi: “Simakadze, ngatise sigcino sami, ungatise nebungako bekuphila kwami, ncono ngati kutsi ngiyendlula lapha emhlabeni.” Imihla yami ingangemphama yesandla. Kuphila kwami kubukeka kulite kuwe. Impela, kuphila kwemuntfu kunjengenkhungu. Cabanga. Impela, kuphila kwemuntfu kunjengesitfunti. Utihlupha ngelite nje. Ucongelela ingcebo, akabati labatawuyidla. Manje-ke, Nkhosi, ngisalindzeleni? Litsemba lami likuwe. Ngikhulule kuto tonkhe tiphambuko tami, ungavumi ngibe yinhlekisa yetilima. Ngiyawuvala umlomo wami ngingasho lutfo, ngobe kunguwe longente ngahlupheka. Susa kimi umvimba wakho lobuhlungu, sengifile tidvubule tekushaya kwakho. Nawekhuta umuntfu, umjezisa ngenca yekona kwakhe, umhlikite njengendvwangu lenhle kakhulu nayidliwa ngumvunya. Impela, kuphila kwemuntfu kunjengenkhungu. Cabanga. Hhawu, Simakadze! Lalela umkhuleko wami, ubeke indlebe yakho ekuncuseni kwami, ungatitibi tinyembeti tekukhala kwami. Ngobe mine ngingumfokati lokhosele kuwe, ngisihambi njengabokhokho bami bonkhe. Ngiyekele! Ungabe uloku ungigolotele, ngobe ngifuna kuphindze ngijabule, ngingakahambi emhlabeni. Lusito lwaNkulunkulu ngalulindzela ngesineke, wavula indlebe yakhe, wakuva kuncusa kwami. Wangikhipha emgodzini wekufa, wangikhipha eludzakeni lolubishako, wasimisa tinyawo tami etikwelidvwala, wacinisa kuhamba kwami. Wafaka ingoma lensha emlonyeni wami, ingoma yekudvumisa Nkulunkulu wetfu. Labanyenti bayawubona bamesabe, babeke litsemba labo kuSimakadze. Ubusisiwe umuntfu lobeke litsemba lakhe kuNkulunkulu, longagucukeli kulabatigabatisako, nakulabo labedukela etithicweni. Yebo, Simakadze, Nkulunkulu wami, timangaliso losentele tona tinyenti, tingeke tibalwe, wasikhumbula tikhatsi letinyenti. Kute nome munye nje lofana nawe! Kube bengingatilandzisa tonkhe betingeke tibaleke tonkhe. Awujatjuliswa ngumhlatjelo nemnikelo, kodvwa ujatjuliswa kusebentisa tindlebe longiphe tona. Awuzange sewusho kutsi ufuna umhlatjelo loshiswa samuku, nome umnikelo wekuhlawulela sono. Ngase ngiphendvula ngitsi: “Naku ngilapha! Emculwini wencwadzi kubhalwe ngami. Yebo, Nkulunkulu wami, kujabula kwami kusekwenteni intsandvo yakho, imiyalo yakho isenhlitiyweni yami.” Kulunga kwakho ngakushumayela kulabanyenti. Angikatibambi tindzebe tami, naloko nguwe lokwatiko, Simakadze. Kulunga kwakho angikakufihli enhlitiyweni yami. Ngashumayela ngekwetsembeka kwakho nangensindziso yakho. Umusa wakho neliciniso lakho angilifihlanga emikhambatsini. Hhawu, Simakadze, ungangigodleli sihawu sakho; shangatsi umusa wakho, neliciniso lakho, nekwetsembeka kwakho kungangigcina njalonjalo. Ngitungeletwe tinhlupheko letinyenti, licala lekona lingigabhe kangangekutsi angisaboni nekubona. Letinhlupheko tinyenti tendlula tinwele tenhloko yami, sengilahlekelwe litsemba. Akube kuhle kuwe, Simakadze! Ase ungikhulule, Simakadze! Phutfuma ungisite. Bonkhe bantfu labafuna kungibulala abahlazeke basangane. Bantfu labangifisela lokubi abancandzekiswe bahlazekile. Abashaywe luvalo ngenca yelihlazo labo, bonkhe labo labasho kimi batsi: “Yehhehhe!” Abatfokote bajabule kuwe, bonkhe labakufunako, labatsandza insindziso yakho basho njalo batsi: “Akudvunyiswe Simakadze!” Nome ngihlupheka ngimphofu, kepha iNkhosi iyanginakekela. Wena ungumsiti wami nemkhululi wami; Nkulunkulu wami, ungalibali. Ubusisiwe umuntfu lonakekela lobutsakatsaka, Simakadze uyawumsindzisa ngelilanga lekuhlupheka. Simakadze uyawumlondvolotela imphilo yakhe; uyawumenta abe ngulonenhlanhla emhlabeni, angeke amnikele entsandvweni yetitsa takhe. Simakadze uyawumcinisa nakagula, amphilise nakubo bonkhe butsakatsaka bakhe. Mine-ke ngatsi: “Awu, Simakadze, ngihawukele, ungiphilisele umphefumulo wami, ngobe ngonile kuwe.” Titsa tami tikhuluma kabi ngami, titsi: “Kantsi yena uyawufa nini libito lakhe litewuphela?” Nakukhona lotengihlola ufike atentise angitsatse ematfoko, kantsi enhlitiyweni yakhe ugaya tiboti ngami, utsi angesuka lapho ayifafate lonkhe live. Bonkhe labangitondzako bahlebelana ngami, basonge lokubi kakhulu ngami. Batsi: “Ubanjwe sifo lesesabekako, angeke aphindze avuke.” Ngisho nemngani wami lengangimetsemba, nalengangidla esitjeni sinye naye, sewungidlangele ngebunyoka nebumbulu. Kepha wena, Simakadze, ngihawukele ungiphilise, kuze ngitiphindzisele kubo. Ngati kahle kamhlophe kutsi wena uyangitsandza, ngobe sitsa sami awukasivumeli kutsi sitigabatise ngekungehlula. Yebo, ungisimisa ngebucotfo bami ungimise ebukhoneni bakho, phakadze naphakadze. Akabongwe Simakadze, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, kusukela phakadze kuze kube phakadze. Amen! Yebo, Amen! Njengendluzele yomele emanti emfula, kanjalo nemphefumulo wami ulangatelela wena, Nkulunkulu. Umphefumulo wami womele Nkulunkulu, yena lowo Nkulunkulu lophilako. Ngiyawufika nini ngibonakale embikwaNkulunkulu? Tinyembeti tami tikudla kwami busuku nemini, ngobe lilanga lonkhe bantfu bangichwephesha batsi: “Kantsi ushonephi loNkulunkulu wakho?” Nangikhumbula emuva, inhlitiyo yami iyabibitseka ngekhatsi kwami. Ngangihamba nesicuku lesikhulu ngisihola embili ngiya endlini yaNkulunkulu sihlabela ngekujabula lokukhulu. Mphefumulo wami, udzabukeleni? Uvungamelani ngekhatsi kimi? Mani kuNkulunkulu, ngobe ngisetawumdvumisa uMsindzisi wami naNkulunkulu wami. Umphefumulo wami udzabukile ngekhatsi kwami, ngako-ke ngiyawukukhumbula ngiseseJordane, nasetintsabeni taseHemoni netaseMisari. Ngiva umsindvo wemanti lageletako, titiba nemabhudlo timemetana todvwana, shangatsi ngigujetelwa ngemagagasi netikhukhula temfula logcwele. Shangatsi Simakadze angakhombisa umusa wakhe kimi emini, kuze kutsi ebusuku ngihlabele ngimdvumise, ngikhuleke kuNkulunkulu wekuphila kwami. Ngikhuluma kuNkulunkulu ngitsi: “Dvwala lami, kwentiwa yini kutsi ungikhohlwe? Kungani ngihambe ngilila ngenca yekucindzetelwa sitsa?” Shangatsi kufohloteka ematsambo ami titsa natingihheletela lilanga lonkhe, titsi: “Kantsi uphi loNkulunkulu wakho?” Mphefumulo wami, udzabukeleni? Uvungamelani ngekhatsi kwami? Mani kuNkulunkulu, ngobe ngisetawumdvumisa uMsindzisi wami naNkulunkulu wami. Hhawu Nkulunkulu, ngikhulumele ungimele ecaleni lami. Ungephule esiveni lesingamesabi Nkulunkulu, ungikhulule nakumuntfu lonemacebo nalongakalungi! Ngobe wena, Nkulunkulu, uyinqaba yami. Ungilahleleni? Kungani ngihambe ngilila ngenca yekucindzetelwa titsa? Tfumela kukhanya kwakho neliciniso lakho, kutsi kutengihola. Shangatsi kungangiyisa entsabeni lengcwele lapho kuhlala wena khona. Ngiyawusondzela elatini laNkulunkulu, kuNkulunkulu longumtfombo wenjabulo yami, ngikudvumise ngehabhu, ngidvumise Nkulunkulu, Nkulunkulu wami. Mphefumulo wami, udzabukeleni? Uvungamelani ngekhatsi kwami? Mani kuNkulunkulu, ngobe ngisetawumdvumisa uMsindzisi wami naNkulunkulu wami. Yebo, Nkulunkulu! Sivile ngetindlebe tetfu bokhokho nabasitekela, tintfo lewawutenta ngemalanga abo, ngemalanga asendvulo. Nguwe lowacitsa tive ngesandla sakho, wahlanyela bokhokho eveni lato; tive watidvungulula, wahlumisa bobabe betfu. Ngobe live abalichwaganga ngenkemba yabo ngisho nekuncoba abancobanga ngetikhwepha tabo; kodvwa bancoba ngesandla sakho sekudla, nangengalo yakho, nangekukhanya kwebuso bakho, ngobe wena wawubatsandza. Yebo, Nkulunkulu, wena uyiNkhosi yami, yelekelela bakaJakobe ubente bancobe. Labaphambene natsi sitawubehlula sibagicite ngawe, labasivukelako sitabapitjita ngelibito lakho. Angiketsembeli ebutjokini bami, nenkemba yami ayisiyo lengangisindzisa. Kodvwa wena usisindzisile kulabamelene natsi, wabajabhisa labo labasitondzako. Sitincoma ngaNkulunkulu lilanga lonkhe, libito lakho siyawulidvumisa phakadze naphakadze. Cabanga. Noko sewusilahlile wasihlazisa, awusaphumi kanye nemabutfo etfu. Usicoshise ngetitsa tetfu, nalabamelene natsi bayatitapela nje lapha kitsi. Usente saba njengetimvu tekuhlatjwa, wasisakatela etiveni tonkhe. Sive sakho usitsengise ngelinani lelincane, wangete walizuza linani lelikhulu. Usente saba yinhlekisa kubomakhelwane betfu, wasenta sihhala nakulabo labasihacile. Usente siga emkhatsini wetive, wasenta saba yintfo yekubukelwa phansi. Ngihlala ngihlazekile sonkhe sikhatsi, sengize ngidliwa ngemahloni, ngenca yekutsi ngiva bayangihhalatisa bangetfuke, nangenca yekubona sitsa nemphindziseli wami. Konkhe loku kusehlele, kodvwa asikakukhohlwa wena, futsi asikasephuli sivumelwane sakho. Inhlitiyo yetfu ayikakuhlubuki, kantsi netinyawo tetfu atikaphambuki endleleni yakho, noko usipitjitele ehlane letimpungutja, wasembesa ngelitfunti lekufa. Kube bese silikhohliwe libito laNkulunkulu wetfu, safuna lusito kulabanye bonkulunkulu, Nkulunkulu abengeke akwati yini loko? Ngobe yena wati timfihlo tenhlitiyo. Yebo, ngenca yakho sibulawa lonkhe lilanga, sitsatfwe njengetimvu timele kuhlatjwa. Hhawu, Simakadze, phaphama! Ulaleleni? Vuka, ungasiyekeleli kokuphela. Ubufihleleni buso bakho? Ukukhohlweleni kuhlushwa nekucindzetelwa kwetfu? Sidzicilelwe phansi elutfulini, tisu tetfu tinamatsele emhlabatsini. Sukuma utewusisita! Sihlenge ngenca yemusa wakho. Inhlitiyo yami itsintsekile ngalendzaba, ngigeceta nginkentete; ngibalisa ngetibongo enkhosini, lulwimi lwami lunjengelutsi lwekubhala lwalobhala ngebungcweti. Awusemuhle nekadzeni, uphuma embili, umlomo wakho uphuphuma umusa, ngobe Nkulunkulu ukubusise phakadze naphakadze. Hhawu, chawe lemachawe, bophela inkemba yakho elukhalweni lwakho, uhlome ngenkhatimulo yakho nangebukhosi bakho. Yebo, gibela ngebukhosi bakho, uphume imphi, uyewuncoba, umele liciniso, uvikele nekulunga; shangatsi sandla sakho sangesekudla singafundzisa imisebenti yakho lesabekako. Imicibisholo yakho iyakhalipha, ihlaba inhlitiyo yetitsa tenkhosi, udle netive, utilahle ngaphansi kwakho. Sihlalo sakho sebukhosi, Nkulunkulu, saphakadze naphakadze, kubusa kwakho kumsulwa, akukhetsi. Kulunga uyakutsandza, kodvwa uyakutondza lokubi. Ngako-ke, Nkulunkulu, longuNkulunkulu wakho, ukugcobise ngemafutsa enjabulo, wakuphakamisa ngetulu kwebangani bakho. Tonkhe tingubo takho titselwe ngemakha emure, newenhlaba, newemphepho. Esigodlweni lesihlotjiswe ngekwematinyo endlovu, kuvakala tintsambo letikhala kamnandzi naletitfokotisako. Emadvodzakati emakhosi asemkhatsini wetintfombi takho telikhetselo; nangesandleni sakho sangesekudla kume indlovukazi levunule tembatfo tegolide yase-Ofiri. Kuwe-ke, ndvodzakati yami, ngitsi: “Vula indlebe yakho, ulalele naku lengikushoko: Sikhohlwe sive sakini nebakenu. Lobuhle bakho-ke buyawuyikhanga lenkhosi; uyitfobele, ngobe ingumyeni wakho. Wena, ndvodzakati yaseThire, tingcunga tiyawutincengela kuwe ngekukuletsela tipho.” Kucwebetela kodvwa lokusesigodlweni, inkhosatana yembetse tingubo letelukwe ngegolide. Imikiswa enkhosini, yembetse bukhatikhati, ihamba netintfombi letitimphekeleteli, letishuca emvakwayo, nato tiya kuyo. Bamikiswa kuyo ngekujabula nangekutsakasa, nabangena esigodlweni sengwenyama. Emadvodzana akho, nkhosi, ayawubasetikhundleni taboyise, uyakuwabeka abe tikhulu eveni lonkhe. Libito lakho ngiyakulenta likhunjulwe titukulwane ngetitukulwane, ngako-ke tive tiyawukubonga kuze kube phakadze naphakadze. Nkulunkulu siphephelo setfu nemandla etfu, utfolakala alusito ekuhluphekeni. Ngako-ke kute lesikwesabako: nome kugucuka umhlaba utanyatanyiswe, nome tintsaba tingacwila ekujuleni kwelwandle, nome lwandle lugubha luhlokoma, nome tintsaba setitanyatanyiswa lulaka lwalo. Cabanga. Kukhona umfula lonemifudlana lejabulisa labo labasekhaya laNkulunkulu, endlini lengcwele yaLosetikwako Konkhe. Nkulunkulu uhlala kulelo khaya, lingeke litanyatanyiswe, Nkulunkulu uyawulisita ekuseni entsatsakusa. Tive tiyavungama, imibuso iyatamatama; uvakalisa livi lakhe, umhlaba uncibilike. Nkulunkulu Somandla unatsi, Nkulunkulu waJakobe usiphephelo setfu. Cabanga. Wotani nitewubona imisebenti yaSimakadze, emhlabeni wente tintfo letimangalisako. Uvimba acedze timphi kutsi tichubeke emhlabeni wonkhe jikelele. Ufohlota butjoki, ephule sikhali, tincola atishise ngemlilo. Yena utsi: “Yekelani kulwa! Kufanele nati kutsi mine nginguNkulunkulu. Ngengamela tive kanye nemhlaba wonkhe.” Nkulunkulu Somandla unatsi, Nkulunkulu waJakobe usiphephelo setfu. Cabanga. Nonkhe nine tive, shayani tandla. Hlokomani, nidvumise Nkulunkulu! Ngobe Simakadze, Losetikwako Konkhe uyesabeka, uyiNkhosi lenkhulu etikwemhlaba wonkhe. Wagoba tive, netinhlanga tasikhotsamela, sahamba etikwato ngetinyawo. Wasikhetsela live letfu kutsi libe lifa letfu, leliligugu nakuJakobe lotsandvwa nguNkulunkulu. Cabanga. Nkulunkulu ukhuphuke ngenhlokomo, Simakadze wenyuke nakukhala licilongo. Dvumisani Nkulunkulu! Dvumisani! Yidvumiseni iNkhosi yetfu! Yidvumiseni! Ngobe Nkulunkulu uyiNkhosi yemhlaba wonkhe, mdvumiseni ngetihlabelelo. Nkulunkulu ubusa etikwetive, Nkulunkulu uhleti esihlalweni sakhe lesingcwele sebukhosi. Tikhulu tetive tibutsene ndzawonye njengesive saNkulunkulu wa-Abrahama, ngobe tihlangu temhlaba taNkulunkulu. Waphakanyiswa, ubabateka kakhulu! Simakadze mukhulu, ufanele kubongwa kakhulu, ubongeka ekhaya laNkulunkulu wetfu, lekuyintsaba yakhe lengcwele. Yinhle ngekuphakama kwayo, ikujabula kwemhlaba wonkhe. INtsaba iSiyoni isemaphetselweni enyakatfo, ilikhaya leNkhosi lenkhulu. Nkulunkulu usetindlini talo, naye utibonakalisile kutsi uyinqaba yalo sibili. Emakhosi-ke wona abutsana, ayawuhlasela iNtsaba iSiyoni. Atsi kube ayibone amangala, ashaywa luvalo, atsi galu yephuka. Agcwala emanti emadvolweni, efikelwa buhlungu lobukhulu, njengebemfati lobelekako. Imikhumbi lemikhulu yaseThashishi, wayifohlota ngemoya wemphumalanga. Njengobe sivile ngemisebenti layentile Nkulunkulu, namanje sesitibonele ekhaya laNkulunkulu Somandla, ekhaya laNkulunkulu wetfu. Lelo khaya Nkulunkulu uyawulakha, alicinise phakadze naphakadze. Cabanga. Yebo, Nkulunkulu! Siyazindla ngemusa wakho, sisethempelini lakho. Yebo, Nkulunkulu! Ludvumo lwakho lufana nelibito lakho, luhamba luze lufike emaphetselweni emhlaba. Sandla sakho sangesekudla sigcwele kulunga. Shangatsi ingajabula iNtsaba iSiyoni! Shangatsi bantfu bakaJuda bangatfokota, ngenca yetehlulelo takho. Hambani nitungelete iSiyoni, nijikelete nibale imibhoshongo yayo. Bukisisani tindvonga tayo, nihambahambe etindlini tayo tebukhosi, nize nilandzise netitukulwane letitako kutsi loNkulunkulu unguNkulunkulu wetfu phakadze naphakadze; uyawusihola ngisho nasekufeni. Vanini loku, nonkhe nine tive! Bekani indlebe, nonkhe nine lenakhile emhlabeni. Lalelani bantfukatana nani tikhulu, nine tinjinga nani timphuya nonkhe! Umlomo wami utawukhuluma lwati, imicabango yenhlitiyo yami ibonakalise kucondza. Ngiyawubeka indlebe yami ngilalele inkhulumo lenenhlakanipho, ngiphenye imfihlakalo ngekudlala lugubhu lwetintsambo. Pho, ngitakwesabani ngetikhatsi tekuhlupheka, nangabe bubi bebatingeli bami sebungitungeletile, labatsembele badzimate bachosha ngebunyenti bengcebo yabo? Impela kute umuntfu longahlenga umnakabo, nome-ke anike Nkulunkulu intsengo yemphilo yakhe. Ngobe phela kuhlengwa kwemphefumulo wakhe kubita kakhulu, kute intsengo lengakwenela kutsi angachubeka aphile kuze kube phakadze, angayi nekuya nje ethuneni. Yebo, wonkhe umuntfu uyabona kutsi netihlakaniphi tiyafa njengobe tilima netiphukuphuku tifa, tishiye ingcebo yato kutsi idliwe ngulabanye. Emathuna alikhaya labo phakadze naphakadze; bayawuhlala kuwo siphelane, nome bake baba nemave letsiwa ngemabito abo. Umuntfu nome angaba netidvumo, angeke ahlale angafi, unjengetilwane letifa kungabi ndzaba talutfo. Bukani-ke siphetfo salabo labatetsembako, nesebalandzeli babo labavumelana netinkhulumo tabo. Cabanga. Banjengetimvu letimele kubulawa, babhekene nekufa. Labacotfo bayawubabusa ngemuso, tidvumbu tabo tibole ethuneni, balahlekelwe nangemakhaya abo. Kodvwa, Nkulunkulu, umphefumulo wami uyakuwuhlenga emandleni ekufa ngobe uyawungemukela. Cabanga. Ungesabi lutfo, nakanjinga umuntfu, lapho bunjinga bakhe sebandza; ngobe nasafa, kute latawuhamba nako, ngisho nebunjinga bakhe imbala. Nome umuntfu angatidvumisa abuse asaphila, nome bantfu bangamdvumisa ngebuciko bakhe, utawuhamba aye kubakubo lase bafa, lapho kunebumnyama baphakadze. Umuntfu loyingcunga kepha abe ate kucondza, naye uyawufa njengetilwane letifa kungabi ndzaba talutfo. Nkulunkulu wabonkulunkulu unguSimakadze lokhulumako. Umemetela emhlabeni wonkhe, kusukela emphumalanga kuye enshonalanga. ESiyoni lenebuhle lobuphelele, kulapho Nkulunkulu akhatimula khona. Nkulunkulu wetfu uyeta, angeke abindze. Embikwakhe kunemlilo locotfulako, utungeletwe sivunguvungu lesesabekako. Ubita emazulu ngetulu kanye nemhlaba, kutsi atekwehlulela bantfu bakhe, atsi: “Baletseni la bonkhe labangcwele bami labenta nami sivumelwane ngemhlatjelo!” Emazulu amemetela kulunga kwakhe, ngobe Nkulunkulu ungumehluleli. Cabanga. “Lalelani-ke, sive sami, nginitjele. Ye Israyeli, nginibeka licala! Ngimi Nkulunkulu, longuNkulunkulu wenu. Anginitsetsiseli imihlatjelo yenu, yebo, umhlatjelo loshiswa wonkhe uhlala usembikwami sonkhe sikhatsi. Angidzingi kutsatsa tinkunzi emitini yenu, angidzingi ngisho netiphongo etibayeni tenu imbala, ngobe tonkhe tilwane tesiganga tami, ngisho netinkhomo leteluke emagcumeni latinkhulungwane ngetinkhulungwane, ngati tonkhe tinyoni tesiganga, konkhe lokuphilako kwesiganga kwami. “Kube bengilambile, bengingeke nginitjele, ngobe umhlaba nako konkhe lokukuwo kwami. Kantsi mine ngiyayidla yini inyama yetinkunzi, nome ngiyayinatsa yini ingati yetiphongo? Nikela kuNkulunkulu umnikelo wekubonga, ugcine tetsembiso takho kuLosetikwako Konkhe. Khala kimi ngetikhatsi tekuhlupheka, ngiyawukukhulula, bese uyangidvumisa.” Kodvwa kulomubi Nkulunkulu utsi: “Unalungelo lini lekukhuluma ngetimiso tami uphatse sivumelwane sami ngemlomo wakho? Ngobe wena uyakutondza kuyalwa, emavi ami uwengca ngetulu. Utsi ungabona lisela, ube ngematse nelulwimi nalo, umdzibi ndzawonye netiphingi. “Umlomo wakho ulula ekukhulumeni lokubi, lulwimi lwakho lubumba emacebo nenkhohliso. Uhlala ngekuhleba umnakenu, unyembenye indvodzana yenyoko. Loko ukwentile, kodvwa mine ngathula; wenta shangatsi mine ngifanana nawe. Kodvwa sengitakwekhuta, ngitawubeka licala emehlweni akho ubuka. “Caphelani loku nine lenedzelela Nkulunkulu, funa nginiklebhuklebhule, kubete nalongahle aniphephise. Lowo lonikela umnikelo wekubonga, uyangidvumisa. Utiphendlela indlela, kutsi ngimkhombise insindziso yaNkulunkulu.” Ngihawukele, Nkulunkulu, ngekwemusa wakho; yesula tiphambuko tami ngekwesihawu sakho lesikhulu. Ngigezisise ebubini bami, ngihlambulule esonweni sami. Ngobe ngiyatati tiphambuko tami, sono sami sisembikwami njalo. Ngonile kuwe, wena wedvwa, ngente lokunengekako emehlweni akho; ngako kwehlulela kwakho kumsulwa, nekungilahla kwakho ngelicala kulungile. Empeleni ngatalwa vele ngisesonweni, ngaba soni kusukela make atsatsa sisu. Ngempela, wena utsandza liciniso lelingekhatsi enhlitiyweni; ngako-ke uyawungifundzisa timfihlakalo tekuhlakanipha kwakho. Ngihlambulule ngehisophu, ngitewuhlambuluka. Ngigeze ngibe mhlophe kunangcocwane. Ngigcwalise ngekujabula lokujulile, kuze kutsi ematsambo ami lephukile atfokote. Fihla buso bakho etonweni tami, wesule bonkhe bubi bami. Hhawu, Nkulunkulu, dala kimi inhlitiyo lehlantekile, uvuselele kimi umoya wekulunga. Ungangicoshi ebusweni bakho, ungangemuki Moya wakho Longcwele. Buyisela kimi kutfokota kwensindziso yakho, ungisimise ngekungipha umoya lovumako, ngiyawube sengifundzisa lababi tindlela takho, netoni tiyawuphendvuka tibuyele kuwe. Hhawu, Nkulunkulu, ngikhulule ecaleni lengati, Nkulunkulu wensindziso yami, khona lulwimi lwami luyawuhlabela kulunga kwakho. Hhawu, Nkhosi, vula tindzebe temlomo wami, kuze ngivakalise ludvumo lwakho. Ngobe futsi ungeke weneliswe yimihlatjelo, nome bengingakunika yona, ngisho nemhlatjelo wekushiswa wonkhe ungeke ukhone kukujabulisa. Umhlatjelo lowemukeleka kuNkulunkulu ngumoya lowephukile nenhlitiyo ledzabukile. Nkulunkulu ngeke awubukele phansi. Yentela iSiyoni lokuhle ngekwemusa wakho, utakhe kabusha tindvonga taseJerusalema. Khona-ke uyawujabula ngemihlatjelo lengiyo, ngeminikelo leshiswa yonkhe, khona-ke bayawunikela ngetinkunzi elatini lakho. Wena sichwaga, utigabatiselani ngalokubi? Umusa waNkulunkulu uyawuma kuze kube phakadze. Lulwimi lwakho lusonga lokubi lunjengensingo lekhaliphako, wena lowenta emacebo. Utsandza kakhulu bubi kunebuhle utsandze emanga kunekukhuluma liciniso. Cabanga. Wena utsandza kulimata bantfu ngelulwimi lwakho. Ngako-ke Nkulunkulu uyawukubhidlita siphelane, uyawukuhudvula akukhiphe ekhaya lakho, akuzuphune eveni lalabaphilako. Cabanga. Labacotfo bayawukubona batfutfumele, bamhleke lusulu batsi: “Ase nibuke, naso phela sichwaga lesingazange simente Nkulunkulu abe yinqaba yaso, kodvwa setsembela ebunyentini bengcebo yaso, sifuna kuba nemandla ngebunyoka baso.” Kodvwa-ke mine ngifana nesihlahla lesiluhlata, nemncumo losendlini yaNkulunkulu. Umusa waNkulunkulu lomile ngetsembele kuwo phakadze naphakadze. Ngiyawukubonga naphakadze ngaloko lokwentile. Ngiyawumemetela libito lakho emkhatsini walabangcwele, ngobe lona lihle. Silima sikhuluma enhlitiyweni yaso sitsi: “Kute Nkulunkulu la.” Babi, benta emanyala, kute nome munye lowenta lokulungile. Nkulunkulu utsi asezulwini abe abuka bonkhe bantfu, kuze atewubona kutsi ukhona yini umuntfu lohlakaniphile, nome munye nje, lofuna Nkulunkulu. Bonkhe bedukile, bonkhe bonakele, kute lowenta lokulungile; kute, kute ngisho nome munye. Pho, bate yini lwati labantfu labenta lokubi? Badla bantfu bami kube shangatsi badla sinkhwa, bangathandazi nakuNkulunkulu. Bayawufikelwa kwesaba lokukhulu, besabe ngisho nelite. Ngobe Nkulunkulu uyawasakata ematsambo alabo labakuhlaselako, uyawubahlazisa, ngobe Nkulunkulu wabadvuba wabalahla. Shangatsi ingavela eSiyoni insindziso yesive saka-Israyeli. Mhlazana Nkulunkulu acedza lusizi lwebantfu bakhe, aphindze abahlumelelisa, Jakobe uyawujabula, Israyeli atfokote. Nkulunkulu, ngisindzise ngelibito lakho, ngemandla akho ngente ngingabi nacala. Nkulunkulu, beka indlebe yakho emthandazweni wami, wemukele loko lengikushoko. Bafokati bangivukele, bayangihlasela, tidlova letinelunya tifuna kungibulala, atinendzaba naNkulunkulu. Cabanga. Ngempela, Nkulunkulu ungumsiti wami, Simakadze ungumvikeli wemphilo yami. Uyawungenanela etitseni tami letenta lokubi, ticitse ngekwetsembeka kwakho. Ngiyawunikela kuwe, Simakadze, umnikelo wesihle, ngidvumise libito lakho ngobe lona lihle. Ngobe wena ungikhululile kuyo yonkhe inhlupheko yami; titsa tami ngitibuke ngeliso lekuncoba. Hhawu, Nkulunkulu, beka indlebe, ulalele umthandazo wami, ungakufulatseli kuncusa kwami. Nginake, ungiphendvule. Imicabango yami iyangihlupha, sengidzimate ngakhatsateka, ngenca yekuva tinsongo tetitsa nencindzetelo yalababi, ngobe bangiletsele kukhatsateka. Tingiletsele kuhlupheka lokunyenti, tiyangitfukutselela tingibambele emagcubu. Inhlitiyo yami iyatfutfumela ngekhatsi kwami, sengiseluvalweni lwekufa. Ngiphetfwe kwesaba nekutfutfumela, neluvalo selungicedze emandla. Ngase ngitsi: “Kube mane nginetimphiko njengelituba! Ngabe ngindizela le khashane ngiyewuhlala ekuphumuleni. Yebo, bengitawubaleka ngiye khashane, ngiyewuhlala ehlane. Cabanga. “Ngabe ngiphutfuma endzawemi yami yekuphepha, ngibe khashane nemoya nesivunguvungu.” Hhawu, Simakadze, citsa lusongo lwabo, uphambanise inkhulumo yabo, ngobe ngibona umbango nekuphikisana kulelidolobha. Lelidolobha kulitungeleta imini nebusuku, kuhambahambe etikwetindvonga talo; bubi nelusizi kubusa ekhatsi kwalo. Umonakalo ungekhatsi kwalo incindzetelo nebucili akusuki enkhundleni yalo. Akusiso sitsa sami lesingigalajelako, ngobe kube bekungiso, bengingasibeketelela; akusiye longitondzako longibangisako, ngobe kube bekunguye, bengitambhacela. Kodvwa nguwe, ntsanga yetfu, lesishuca nawe, nalongumngani wami. Sasihlalisana kamnandzi nawe sasihamba nawe, nesicumbi, nasiya endlini yaNkulunkulu. Titsa tami atitunywe kufa, tiye endzaweni yalabafile tisaphila, ngobe bubi busemakhaya nasetinhlitiyweni tabo. Kodvwa mine ngikhala kuNkulunkulu, Simakadze uyawungisindzisa. Kusihlwa, nasekuseni, nasemini ngiyatikhalela ngibubule kuye, bese uyaliva livi lami. Uyawungihlenga, anginike kuthula, angivikele kulemphi lengibhekene nayo, nome babanyenti labalwa nami. Nkulunkulu utangiva, angiphindzisele kubo, yena lokhona phakadze. Cabanga. Labantfu abaphendvuki, abamesabi ngisho naNkulunkulu. Lowo mngani-ndzini sewucabana nebangani bakhe, wephula sivumelwane sakhe. Inkhulumo yakhe ishelelisa kwelibhotela, noko inhlitiyo yakhe ifukamele imphi, emavi akhe atsambe kwengca emafutsa, noko atinkemba letilindzele kugwaza. Lahlela imitfwalo yakho kuSimakadze, yena uyawukusimisa; angeke avume phakadze naphakadze kutsi lolungile wakhe atanyatanyiswe. Wena Simakadze nguwe loyawubajikijela phansi, emgodzini wekufa. Bantfu bengati nenkhohliso bangeke baphile, ngisho nencenye yemphilo yabo. Kodvwa mine ngiyakwetsembela kuwe. Ngihawukele, Nkulunkulu, ngobe bantfu bayangigcobagcoba; onkhe emalanga labamelene nami bayangihlasela. Titsa tami tingigcobagcoba onkhe emalanga, ngobe labanyenti balwa nami ngekutigabatisa. Mhlazana ngifikelwa kwesaba ngiyawubeka litsemba lami kuwe. Ngiyawudvumisa livi laNkulunkulu ngekusitwa nguNkulunkulu, ngetsembele kuNkulunkulu angesabi lutfo. Pho, umuntfu angangentani nje? Bahlanekela inkhulumo yami onkhe emalanga, bakha onkhe emacebo lamabi ngami. Bayabutsana bangilalele emasitseleni, tinyatselo tami baticaphele njengobe bashophene nekuphila kwami. Bayawuphunyula yini ebubini babo? Dzilita tive ngelulaka lwakho, Nkulunkulu. Wena ukucaphele kubaleka kwami, yetsa tinyembeti tami egabheni lakho, atikabhalwa yini encwadzini yakho? Ngako titsa tami tiyawuncandzeka ngalelo langa lengiyawukhala ngalo kuwe, ngati kahle kamhlophe kutsi Nkulunkulu ungakimi. Ngidvumisa livi laNkulunkulu, ngidvumise livi laSimakadze. Ngetsembele kuNkulunkulu, angesabi lutfo. Pho, umuntfu angangentani nje? Hhawu, Nkulunkulu, ngibopheleke kuwe ngetetsembiso tami. Ngiyawunikela kuwe iminikelo yekubonga. Ngobe ungephulile ekufeni, wavikela tinyawo tami kutsi tingawi, kuze ngihambe embikwaNkulunkulu, ngisekukhanyeni kwekuphila. Ngihawukele, Nkulunkulu, ngihawukele, ngobe wena usiphephelo semphefumulo wami, ngiyawukhosela emtfuntini wemaphiko akho, kuze kwendlule tivunguvungu temashwa. Ngikhala kuNkulunkulu Losetikwako Konkhe, kuNkulunkulu longifezela tinjongo takhe. Uyawutfumela asezulwini, angisindzise, ahlazise labo labangigcobagcobako. Cabanga. Nkulunkulu uyawubonakalisa umusa wakhe nekwetsembeka kwakhe. Ngisemkhatsini wemabhubesi, labantfu labashwabudzelanako. Ematinyo awo atikhali nemicibisholo, tilwimi tawo tinkemba letikhaliphako. Nkulunkulu, phakama ube ngetulu kwemazulu, inkhatimulo yakho yengamele umhlaba wonkhe. Tinyatselo tami batibekele lugibe, umphefumulo wami ushone phansi. Bembe umgodzi wekungihholokoshisela endleleni yami, kodvwa sekuhholokoshele bona. Cabanga. Inhlitiyo yami ime sibindzi, Nkulunkulu, inhlitiyo yami ime sibindzi, ngiyawuhlabela ngibonge ludvumo lwakho. Vuka, mphefumulo wami, vuka habhu yami, nawe lugubhu lwami. Ngiyawuphaphamisa intsatsakusa. Ngiyawukubonga emkhatsini wetive, Simakadze, ngikudvumise emkhatsini wetive. Ngobe umusa wakho mukhulu, ufikela etulu emazulwini, nekwetsembeka kwakho kufikela emafini. Nkulunkulu, phakama ube ngetulu kwemazulu, inkhatimulo yakho yengamele umhlaba wonkhe. Kambe ngabe nine baholi nehlulela ngalokulungile yini? Bantfu nibehlulela ngekulunga yini? Anehluleli ngekukhetsa yini? Ingani etinhlitiyweni tenu niphehla imisebenti lemibi, tandla tenu ticaphele kwenta budlova emhlabeni. Bantfu lababi batsi batalwa nje, babe bangenela indlela lembi, bacale emanga. Sihlungu sabo sinjengesihlungu senyoka, banjengaphemphetfwane lovale tindlebe takhe, entela kungaliva liphimbo lalabenta imilingo, nome-ke sebalumba emalumbo ngekuhlakanipha. Hhawu, Nkulunkulu, hhohlota ematinyo lasemilonyeni yabo, wephule imihlatsi yelibhubesi, Simakadze. Abashabalale njengemanti lageletako, abuye ashone phansi esihlabatsini; imicibisholo yabo ayibe tidlindzi nabajijimeta ngayo. Bente bancibilike baphele njengemnenkhe lohamba unafutela; babe njengemntfwana lotalwe asafile, longazange alibone nelilanga. Ngekutumeka lokukhulu Nkulunkulu uyawubaphephula bonkhe lababi, ababhubhise, njengelibhodo lelitsi lisandza kubekwa nje etiko, lisengakawuva nalowo mlilo, kufike umoya lomkhulu uphephule letinkhuni, nome tomile nome timanti. Labalungile bayawujabula nababona kuphindziselwa kwalababi, bayawuklabhuta ngetinyawo tabo engatini yalababi. Bantfu batabe sebatsi: “Ngempela lolungile uyavuzwa, ngempela ukhona Nkulunkulu lowehlulela emhlabeni.” Hhawu, Nkulunkulu wami! Ngephule etitseni tami, ungivikele kulabo labangivukele. Ngephule kulabo labatigilamkhuba, ungisindzise kubabulali. Ase ubheke, ngobe bangilalele endleleni bafuna kungibulala, tichwaga titimisele kungihlasela ngaphandle kwesono sami, Simakadze. Batilungiselela kungibulala ngaphandle kwesono. Vuka, ungihlangabete ngelusito, ungelekelele. Wena, Simakadze, Nkulunkulu Somandla, unguNkulunkulu waka-Israyeli; vuka-ke utewujezisa tonkhe tive, ungahawukeli ngisho namunye kulaba labangemambuka. Cabanga. Onkhe emalanga kusihlwa bayaye babuye bashaya umkhulungwane njengetinja, bahambe bazula nalo lonkhe lidolobha. Nabo phela, babhonsa ngemilomo yabo, emilonyeni yabo kunetinkemba ngobe batsi: “Ngubani losinakile?” Kodvwa wena, Simakadze, uyabahleka, tonkhe tive utenta inhlekisa. Yebo, Mandla ami, ngiyawulindzela wena, ngobe wena, Nkulunkulu, uyinqaba yami. Nkulunkulu wami, uyawungihlangabeta ngemusa wakho. Nkulunkulu wami, uyawungenta ngibabukele phansi labatitsa tami. Ungababulali, funa sive sami sikhohlwe; basakate ngemandla akho, ubalahle phansi, Simakadze, sihlangu setfu. Emavi abo asono semilomo yabo. Ababhajwe ekutigcabheni kwabo, ngobe bayacalekisa, bacale nemanga. Bacedze ngekutfukutsela kwakho, ubanyamalalise baphele batsi nya, kuze bantfu bati kutsi: Nkulunkulu ubusa kaJakobe nasemikhawulweni yemhlaba. Cabanga. Bayabuya njalo kusihlwa, bahlabe umkhulungwane njengetinja, bahambe bazula lonkhe lidolobha. Behla benyuka bafunana nekudla, bahhonge nabangakesutsi. Kodvwa mine ngiyawuhlabela ngibabate emandla akho, ngetsabele umusa wakho ekuseni, ngobe wena uyinqaba yami, waba siphephelo sami ngesikhatsi sekuhlupheka kwami. Yebo, Mandla ami, ngiyawuhlabela ngikudvumise, ngobe wena, Nkulunkulu, uyinqaba yami. Nguwe, Nkulunkulu, longiphatsa ngemusa. Awu, Nkulunkulu, usiyekelele wasilahla, wenta netivikelo tetfu tabhidlitwa, kwaya njengobe usitfukutselele. Buya utesilulamisa. Utamatamise umhlaba, wawudzabula timfa; tivale letimfa tawo ngobe uyaceka. Sive sakho usibonise tintfo letimatima, wasinatsisa liwayini sadzakwa, saba ngumhlaba. Ubanike luphawu labakwesabako, wabenta bacocana ngaphansi kwalo, kuze bavikeleke emicibisholweni yetitsa. Cabanga. Sisindzise ngesandla sakho sekudla, usiphendvule, kuze labatsandzekako bakho bakhululwe. Nkulunkulu ukhulume asendzaweni yakhe lengcwele watsi: “Ngiyakwetsaba, ngilehlukanise lakaShekhemu, ngisabe Sigodzi saseSukhothi. Live laGileyadi lami, nelive laManase lami, Efrayimu usivikelo senhloko yami, Juda uyindvuku yami yebukhosi. Mowabi ungumgezelo wami, etikwa-Edomu ngijika sicatfulo sami. Nine maFilisti, memetani, ningikhonte.” Ngitawumikiswa ngubani kulomuti loyinqaba? Ngitawuholwa ngubani kuya ka-Edomu? Awu, Nkulunkulu, wena usilahlile. Awu, Nkulunkulu, awusahambi nemabutfo etfu emphi. Sisite usephule etitseni tetfu, ngobe lusito lwebantfu lulite. Sitawutincoma ngaNkulunkulu. Nguye lotawugcobagcoba titsa tetfu. Lalela kukhala kwami, Nkulunkulu, uve umthandazo wami. Ngikhala kuwe ngikhashane, emajukujukwini emhlaba, ngesikhatsi inhlitiyo yami idzangele. Ngiholele edvwaleni leliphakeme kakhulu kunami. Ngobe wena usiphephelo sami, uyinqaba lengumbhoshongo locinile wekungivikela esitseni sami. Ngiyawukhosela endlini yakho kuze kube phakadze! Ngiyawukhosela ngaphansi kwemaphiko akho. Cabanga. Wena, Nkulunkulu, utivile tetsembiso tami, ngobe nguwe lobanika lifa, labo labalesabako libito lakho. Yenta inkhosi ikhule ize ikhokhobe, yengeta emalanga ekuphileni kwenkhosi, ime titukulwane ngetitukulwane. Ebukhoneni bakho, Nkulunkulu, inkhosi ayihlale esihlalweni sebukhosi, ibuse kuze kube phakadze; uyilondvolote ngemusa wakho nangekwetsembeka kwakho. Ngako libito lakho ngiyawulidvumisa kuze kube phakadze, kuze ngigcwalise tetsembiso tami imihla ngemihla. Umphefumulo wami utithulele kuNkulunkulu kuphela, insindziso yami ivela kuye. Nguye yedvwa lolidvwala lami, nensindziso yami, nenqaba yami, ngingeke ngishukunyiswe. Kuyawuze kube ngunini nidvumela lendvodza nine nonkhe kuze niyibulale? Injengelubondza lolutjekele kuwa, nanjengelutsango loludzilikako. Bafuna licebo lekumketula esikhundleni sakhe lesiphakeme, batsandza emanga. Ngemilomo yabo bayabusisa, kodvwa etinhlitiyweni tabo bayacalekisa. Cabanga. Mphefumulo wami, thula kuNkulunkulu, ngobe litsemba lami livela kuye. Nguye yedvwa lolidvwala lami, nensindziso yami, nenqaba yami, ngingeke ngitanyatanyiswe. Insindziso yami neludvumo lwami kusetandleni taNkulunkulu. Nkulunkulu usiphephelo sami nelidvwala lami lelicinile. Nine sive, yetsembelani kuye ngato tonkhe tikhatsi, tfululelani kuye tinhlitiyo tenu, Nkulunkulu usiphephelo setfu. Cabanga. Bantfukatana bafanana nemoya nje, tikhulu nato tilite lelite. Nome bafakwa esikalini kanyekanye, balula kunemoya. Ungalibeki litsemba lakho ebudloveni, ningatilulati ngematsemba lalite nekugcekeza, nome ngabe ingcebo iyandza, ningatibeki tinhlitiyo tenu kuyo. Nkulunkulu ukhulume kanye, ngeva kwaba kubili: kutsi emandla ngakho, Nkulunkulu, nekutsi umusa wakho, Simakadze. Ngobe wena umuntfu umnika umvuzo njengekwemisebenti yakhe. Nkulunkulu, wena unguNkulunkulu wami! Ngifuna wena. Umphefumulo wami womele wena, umtimba wami ulambele wena, eveni lelomile naleligagadzekile, live lelite emanti. Ngikubonile wena endzaweni yakho lengcwele, ngawabona emandla akho nebukhosi bakho. Ngobe umusa wakho uncono kakhulu kunekuphila; umlomo wami uyawukudvumisa. Ngako-ke ngiyawukubonga, yingci nangisaphila; ngiyawuphakamisa tandla tami, ngikhuleke kuwe. Umphefumulo wami uyakwesutsiswa kube shangatsi ngidle emanoni nemnkantja, nemlomo wami ukudvumise ngenjabulo. Nangilele ngiyakukhumbula; nangicwashile ebusuku ngizindla ngawe, ngobe wena ube lusito lwami. Ngako-ke ngiyawuhlabela ngenjabulo emtfuntini wemaphiko akho. Umphefumulo wami unamatsela kuwe, sandla sakho sekudla siyangisimisa. Kodvwa labafuna kubhubhisa imphilo yami bayawushona phansi ethuneni, bangenelwe ngetikhali nase ibambene, tidvumbu tabo tibe kudla kwemangce. Kodvwa inkhosi iyawujabula ngaNkulunkulu, bonkhe labafunga ngawe bayawukudvumisa; kepha imilomo yebacambimanga iyawuvalwa. Hhawu, Nkulunkulu! Vani livi lami nangikhala, ulondvolote kuphila kwami elusongweni lwetitsa! Ngibhacise etinsongweni talababi, eticunjini talabanemsindvo, yebo, ticumbi talabenta lokubi, labalola lulwimi lwabo lolukhaliphisa kwenkemba, bajijimete ngemavi abo langimicibisholo, kuze bamdubule longenacala bamdubule ngekumtuma, bangesabi. Badudana ngekwakha emacebo lamabi; bacebisana ngekubeka tingibe emasitseleni, bacabange batsi: “Ngubani longasibona?” Basonga tento letimbi bese batsi: “Silakhe ngebuciko lelicebo letfu.” Ingcondvo nenhlitiyo yemuntfu kujulile! Kodvwa Nkulunkulu uyawubadubula ngemicibisholo yakhe, abagwaze ngekubatuma lokukhulu. Lulwimi lwabo luyawubabhubhisa, bonkhe labababonako bayawunikina tinhloko. Bonkhe bantfu bayawushaywa luvalo bashumayele ngalokwentiwe nguNkulunkulu, bakucondze kahle lasakwentile. Lolungile uyawujabula ngaSimakadze, akhosele kuye! Bonkhe labacotfo ngenhlitiyo bayawumdvumisa. Yebo Nkulunkulu, lukufanele ludvumo eSiyoni, tetsembiso tetfu kufanele tigcwaliseke kuwe. Wena uva imithandazo uyiphendvule; bonkhe bantfu bafanele kuta kuwe ngenca yetono tabo. Ngesikhatsi tiphambuko tetfu tisehlula nguwe lositsetselelako. Ubusisiwe umuntfu lokhetfwa nguwe umsondzete kuwe, uyawuhlala endzaweni yakho lengcwele. Siyakwesutsiswa ngalokuhle kwendlu yakho, lithempeli lakho lelingcwele! Usiphendvule ngemisebenti lemangalisako, wena Sokulunga; wena unguNkulunkulu wensindziso yetfu. Bonkhe bantfu emhlabeni wonkhe, nangesheya kwetilwandle, betsembele kuwe. Wena lowamisa tintsaba ngemandla akho, watimisa uvunule emandla. Ubindzisa kudvuma kwetilwandle, uthulise kugubha nekuhlokoma kwemagagasi, ubindzise siphitsiphitsi lesicokotelisa tive. Ngako bonkhe bantfu emhlabeni wonkhe bayawutfutfumela ngenca yetibonakaliso takho; tento takho tiletse kujabula lokukhulu, emini nasebusuku, emhlabeni wonkhe jikelele. Unakekela umhlaba ngekuwupha inala, uwuvundzise kakhulu. Umfula waNkulunkulu ugcwele emanti. Bantfu ubapha emabele. Loku ukwenta kanje: Unisa imvula leyenele emasimini, udvubadvube emagadze awo; utsambise umhlabatsi ngemvula, ubusise nalokukhula kuwo. Uhlobisa umnyaka ngetipho takho, lapho uhambe khona kulandzele inala. Emadlelo elihlane ahlume luhlata, emagcuma avunule injabulo, emadlelo embeswe yimihlambi, tifundza tibe bovu tju emabele, timemete kanyekanye ngekuhlabelela ngenjabulo. Hlokoma, ye mhlaba wonkhe! Dvumisa Nkulunkulu. Hlabelelani nituse libito lakhe, nidvumise bukhosi bakhe. Khulumani kuNkulunkulu nitsi: “Maye, imisebenti yakho mikhulu iyesabeka. Titsa takho titawuta kuwe tikhasa ngemadvolo, ngenca yemandla akho lamakhulu. Bonkhe bantfu bemhlaba bayawukhuleka kuwe bakudvumise; bayawuhlabela badvumise libito lakho.” Cabanga. Wotani nitewubona lokwentiwe nguNkulunkulu, wente lokwesabekako emkhatsini webantfu. Lwandle walugucula lwaba ngumhlabatsi lowomile, bokhokho bewela umfula ngetinyawo. Wotani sijabule kuye. Nguye lobusa ngemandla kuze kube phakadze. Emehlo akhe ahlala alindze tive, labo labanenkhani abangatikhukhumeti. Cabanga. Mbongeni Nkulunkulu wetfu, nine tive, vakalisani ludvumo lwakhe. Nguye logcina umphefumulo wetfu uphilile, akativumeli tinyawo tetfu kutsi tishelele. Wena Nkulunkulu, usivivinyile, usihlambulule ngekusicenga njengekucengwa kwesiliva emlilweni. Wasiholela kutsi sibanjwe elugibeni, wasetfwesa umtfwalo lomatima. Wenta kutsi bantfu bagibele etikwetinhloko tetfu, sangena emlilweni nasemantini, wabuye wasikhuphulela enaleni. Ngiyawungena endlini yakho ngineminikelo yekushiswa; ngigcwalise tetsembiso tami kuwe, leto lengatikhuluma ngemlomo wami, mhlazana ngisekuhluphekeni. Ngiyawunikela iminikelo yekushiswa yetifuyo letikhuluphele; nginikele ngelusi lwetincama, nangetinkunzi netiphongo. Cabanga. Wotani nonkhe nitewuva, nonkhe nine lenesaba Nkulunkulu, ngitanitjela ngako konkhe langentele kona. Ngakhala kuye ngemlomo wami kudvumisa yena kwakuselulwimini lwami. Kube bengicondze bubi enhlitiyweni yami, Simakadze abengeke angive. Ngempela, Nkulunkulu uvile, walilalela livi lemthandazo wami. Akabongwe Nkulunkulu longazange awulahle umthandazo wami, nalongawugodlanga umusa wakhe kimi. Shangatsi Nkulunkulu angaba nemusa kitsi, asibusise, akhanyise buso bakhe etikwetfu. Cabanga. Indlela yakho ayatiwe emhlabeni wonkhe, kwatiwe nensindziso yakho etiveni tonkhe. Tive atidvumise wena, Nkulunkulu, tonkhe tive atidvumise wena. Tive atihlabele ngenjabulo, ngobe wehlulela tive ngebucotfo, uhole tonkhe tive temhlaba. Cabanga. Tive atidvumise wena, Nkulunkulu, tonkhe tive atidvumise wena. Umhlaba waba nesivuno lesihle senala, Nkulunkulu, longuNkulunkulu wetfu, usibusisile. Nkulunkulu usibusisile, yonkhe imikhawulo yemhlaba ayesabe yena. Nkulunkulu nakasukuma, titsa takhe tiyasakateka, labamtondzako babaleke embikwakhe. Bayaphephuka njengekupheshulwa kwentfutfu, bayancibilika njengemtfwebeba nawuseceleni kwemlilo. Bacitfwa kanjalo-ke lababi embikwaNkulunkulu. Kepha labalungile bayajabula betsabe embikwaNkulunkulu, bajabula nekujabula. Hlabelani kuNkulunkulu, nidvumise libito lakhe. Nimlungiselele umgwaco, yena lodzabula ematsafa elugwadvule; nguSimakadze libito lakhe, nihlabele ngenjabulo embikwakhe! Nguye uyise wetintsandzane, nemlondvoloti webafelokati, unguNkulunkulu losendzaweni yakhe lengcwele. Nkulunkulu upha imihambima emakhaya lapho ingahlala khona, lababoshiwe abaholele ekubuseni, kodvwa labaphika inkhani ubahlalisa ehlane. Nkulunkulu! Ekuphumeni kwakho nawuhola sive sakho, udzabula naso ehlane, Cabanga. umhlaba watamatama, emazulu antfontsa imvula, embikwaNkulunkulu, entsabeni yaseSinayi, ngesikhatsi kuta wena, Nkulunkulu, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli. Wanisa imvula lenkhulu, Nkulunkulu, wahlumisa live lakho lelase ligagadzekile. Sive sakho sakha emakhaya aso kulo, ngebuhle bakho, Nkulunkulu, uyabalungisela labeswele. Simakadze wakhipha umyalo wakhe. Sicumbi lesikhulu salabasikati saphuma salilitela satsi: “Emakhosi etimphi ayabaleka nekubaleka.” Labasikati emakhaya bebasehlukaniselana imphango, ngesikhatsi emadvodza asaphumula etibayeni. Imphango bekulituba lelinetimphiko tesiliva, tinsiba tiyigolide lecwebetelako. Ngesikhatsi Somandla advungulula emakhosi lalikhitsika entsabeni iSalmoni. Uyintsaba yaSomandla, wena ntsaba yaseBhashani! Uyintsaba leneticongo letinyenti, wena ntsaba yaseBhashani! Wena ntsaba leneticongo letinyenti, uyibukelani ngeliso lelibi lemona, lentsaba lekhetfwe nguNkulunkulu, watsandza kutsi ibe likhaya lakhe? Simakadze uyawuhlala kulo kuze kube phakadze. Tincola taNkulunkulu titinkhulungwane letingemashumi netinkhulungwane ngetinkhulungwane, Simakadze usemkhatsini wato ngebukhosi bakhe lobunjengebungcwele baseSinayi. Wena, Simakadze, wenyukela entsabeni lendze, watfumba labanyenti labatfunjiwe, wemukele tipho kubantfu, watemukela ngisho nakubo labamelene nawe, kuze uhlale khona wena, Simakadze. Akadvunyiswe Simakadze, ngobe usitfwalela imitfwalo yetfu onkhe emalanga, nguNkulunkulu loyinsindziso yetfu. Cabanga. Nkulunkulu, longuNkulunkulu wetfu, unguNkulunkulu wensindziso, emandla ekubalekela kufa ngewaSimakadze iNkhosi. Empeleni, Nkulunkulu uyawutiphohlota, tinhloko tetitsa takhe, aphihlite netinkhakhayi talabaphikelela etonweni. Simakadze wakhuluma watsi: “Titsa takho ngiyawutibuyisa naseBhashani, ngibuyise naletisekujuleni kwelwandle, kuze tinyawo takho tibhocote engatini yetitsa tenu, netinja takho tibe nesabelo ekudleni lengati yetitsa takho.” Yebo, Nkulunkulu! Tibonwa ngibo bonkhe letindvwendvwe takho, ticondze endlini lengcwele, tindvwendvwe taNkulunkulu wami, iNkhosi yami. Tiholwa ngulabahlabelako, emuva kugcine labashaya tingubhu letinetintsambo, emkhatsini wabo kuhamba tintfombi, letishaya bokhencekhence, titsi: “Bongani Nkulunkulu emikhambatsini nidvumise Simakadze, nine beluhlanga lwaka-Israyeli.” Nango Bhenjamini litfunjana, abahola, tikhulu takaJuda tiyincumbi, nati netikhulu takaZebuloni netakaNaftali. Veta emandla akho, Nkulunkulu! Sibonise emandla akho, Nkulunkulu, lawo mandla lowawabonakalisa kitsi ngesikhatsi usethempelini lakho, eJerusalema, emakhosi atakuletsela tipho takho khona. Sekhute lesilwane semhlanga, iGibhithe, uwekhute nalomhlambi wetinkunzi losemkhatsini wematfole etive. Bayagcobagcobana, babange imali, basakate leto tive, bajatjuliswe kususa lutfutfuva lwemphi. Emancusa ayawuvela eGibhithe, naKushe atinikele kuNkulunkulu. Hlabelani kuNkulunkulu, nine mibuso yemhlaba, hlabelani nidvumise Simakadze. Cabanga. Simakadze ugibela emazulu, wona lawo mazulu asendvulo. Yena uvakalisa liphimbo lelivi lakhe, lona liliphimbo lelinemandla. Memetelani emandla aNkulunkulu, bukhosi bakhe bengamele sive saka-Israyeli, nemandla akhe asetulu esibhakabhakeni. Uyesabeka, Nkulunkulu, endzaweni yakho lengcwele. Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, nguwe lonika bantfu emandla nekucina. Akadvunyiswe Nkulunkulu! Ngisindzise, Nkulunkulu, ngobe emanti asaze efika entsanyeni. Ngiyabisha elubishini lweludzaka, kute nalapho ngisima khona ngelunyawo, sengize ngefika la kushona khona kakhulu, tikhukhula setitangisibekela. Ngidvubuteke kabi ngenca yekukhala kwami, umphimbo wami womile, uyahoshota. Emehlo ami asacundzekile ngenca yekulindzela wena, Nkulunkulu wami. Banyenti kunetinwele tenhloko yami badlanga ngemandla labafuna kungibulala, labo labangitondza ngelite. Ngiphocelelwani kutsi ngikhishiswe intfo lengingakayebi? Yebo, Nkulunkulu, wena uyabati bulima bami, netono tami atikafihleki kuwe. Shangatsi labo labetsembele kuwe bangete behlelwa ngemahloni bajabhiswe ngenca yami. Hhawu, Simakadze, Nkulunkulu wemabandla, shangatsi labo labafuna wena bangete bahlazeka, badvumale ngenca yami, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli. Ngobe ngetfwele lihlazo ngenca yakho, buso bami sebumbonywe ngemahloni. Sengingumfokati emkhatsini wabomnaketfu, ngingumchamuki nakubantfwana baketfu. Ngidliwa kushisekela indlu yakho, tinhlamba talabakwetfukako tehlela etikwami. Ngakhala emphefumulweni wami, ngazila, kwaba yinhlamba labangetfuka ngayo. Inzilo yaba sembatfo sami, ngagucuka ngaba yinhlekisa kubo. Ngiyindzabamlonyeni kulabahlala emasangweni; tidzakwa tihlabela tigiye ngami. Kodvwa mine lo, umthandazo wami uta kuwe, Simakadze, ngesikhatsi lesifanele, Nkulunkulu; ngiphendvule ngebukhulu bemusa wakho nesetsembiso sakho sekungisindzisa. Ngitatulule kuloludzaka lengibisha kulo, ngisindzise kulabo labangitondzako, ungimonyule nasesitibeni lesishonako. Ungativumeli tikhukhula temanti kutsi tingemukise, ungawavumeli emanti kutsi angimite, ungawuvumeli nemgodzi kutsi ungigwinye. Ngiphendvule, Simakadze, ngobe umusa wakho muhle, gucukela kimi ngemusa wakho lomkhulu. Ungayifihleli buso bakho inceku yakho, ngobe ngisebunzimeni, phutfuma ungiphendvule. Sondzela emphefumulweni wami, uwuhlenge, ngephule ngobe titsa tami tinyenti. Wena uyakwati kucoloshelwa kwami, nekuhlazeka kwami, ngehlelwa ngemahloni; tonkhe titsa tami tisembikwakho. Kuhlanjalatwa kuwephulile umphefumulo wami, ngadzimate ngaphelelwa nangemandla. Ngacalata ngifuna longangihawukela, kodvwa kwabate lengimbonako. Ngacalata ngifuna nebadvudvuti, nakhona kwabate lengibabonako. Bangiphakela inyongo esikhundleni sekudla; ekomeni kwami banginatsisa liwayini lelimunyu. Shangatsi lidzili labo lingaba lugibe kubo, shangatsi inhlalakahle yabo ingaba ngusochaka kubo. Shangatsi emehlo abo angafiphatwa, bangete babona, netinyonga tabo ticeke siphelane. Tfululela intfukutselo yakho etikwabo, ubavimbetele ngelulaka lwakho loluvutsako. Shangatsi imiti yabo ingacitseka, kubete lohlala emathendeni abo. Ngobe lowo loshaywe nguwe bayamtingela bamhluphe, bakhuluma ngebuhlungu balabo labalinyatwe nguwe, bengetele sijeziso etikwekona kwabo, ungabavumeli kutsi bangene ekulungeni kwakho. Abesulwe encwadzini yekuphila, bangabhaliswa ndzawonye nalabalungile. Kepha mine ngiselusizini lwetinhlungu. Insindziso yakho, Nkulunkulu, ayingilondvolote, ingigcine endzaweni lephakeme. Libito laNkulunkulu ngiyawulibonga ngemusa, ngimphakamise ngekumbonga. Loko Simakadze ukutsandza kakhulu kunekunikela ngenkunzana, ngisho nangesibheva senkunzi lenetimphondvo nemasondvo. Labatfobekile bayawubona bajabule, nine lenifuna Nkulunkulu tinhlitiyo tenu ativuseleleke. Simakadze uyabeva labamphofu, lababoshiwe bakhe akabadzeli. Akadvunyiswe lizulu, nemhlaba netilwandle, nako konkhe lokuphila kuko. Ngobe Nkulunkulu uyawuyisindzisa iSiyoni, akhe kabusha emadolobha akaJuda, bayawuhlala kuleyo ndzawo ibe yabo. Titukulwane tetinceku takhe tiyawuyidla ibe lifa lato, nalabo labatsandza libito laNkulunkulu bayawuhlala kuyo. Hhawu, Nkulunkulu! Phutfuma ungikhulule! Hhawu, Simakadze! Phutfuma ungisite! Abahlazeke bajabhe labo labafuna kuphila kwami nalabo labafuna kungibulala. Abancandzekiswe bahlazekile labo labangifisela kutsi ngife. Labo labangicoloshelako batsi: “Walayeka!” Shangatsi bangancandvwa ngemahloni. Bonkhe labafuna wena abajabule batfokote kuwe! Nalabo labatsandza insindziso yakho abasho njalonjalo batsi: “Mkhulu Nkulunkulu!” Kodvwa mine ngihluphekile futsi ngeswele, ngiphutfume, Nkulunkulu. Nguwe lolusito lwami nemkhululi wami. Awu, Simakadze, shesha, ungalibali. Awu, Simakadze! Ngikhosela kuwe, ungavumi ngijabhiswe nakanye. Ngisindzise ngekulunga kwakho, ungihlenge, beka indlebe yakho ngakimi, ungisindzise. Bani lidvwala lesiphephelo kimi, lengingaphephela kulo nome nini, wena lowayala kutsi ngisindziswe, ngobe nguwe lidvwala lami nesiphephelo sami. Awu, Nkulunkulu wami! Ngephule emandleni alomubi, esandleni sesidlova lesite bucotfo, kanye nakumuntfu lonelulaka. Ngobe nguwe, Simakadze, lolitsemba lami, Simakadze ulitsemba lami, kwasebusheni bami. Seloku ngatalwa ngeyeme kuwe, nguwe lowangenta ngatalwa, ngiyawukudvumisa ngingakhawuli. Kulabanyenti ngajika ngaba simanga, kepha wena usiphephelo sami lesicinile. Umlomo wami uyawugcwala kukubonga, ngimemetele bukhosi bakho imihla ngemihla. Ungangilahli esikhatsini sebudzala bami, ungangikhohlwa nase ngiphelelwa ngemandla. Ngobe titsa tami tikhuluma kabi ngami, nalabo labafuna kungibulala bahlangene ngami bayangisongela, batsi: “Nkulunkulu umlahlile, asimtingele size simbambe, ngobe kute longaphindze amsindzise.” Hhawu, Nkulunkulu! Ungakhweshi kimi! Hhawu, Nkulunkulu wami! Phutfuma ungihlenge! Shangatsi labo labafuna kuphila kwami bangadliwa ngemahloni babhubhe; shangatsi bangasibekelwa bubi nelihlazo labo labacondze kungilimata. Kepha mine ngiyawukwetsembela kuwe njalonjalo, ngengete kukudvumisa ekukudvumiseni kwami. Umlomo wami uyawulandza ngekulunga kwakho, uvakalise insindziso yakho onkhe emalanga, ngobe yinyenti ngehluleka nekuyikala. Yebo, Simakadze, Nkulunkulu wami, imisebenti yakho lemikhulu ngiyawuyiveta ebaleni, ngibabate kulunga kwakho, wena wedvwa. Yebo, Nkulunkulu, wangifundzisa kusukela ebusheni bami, kuze kube ngunyalo ngisayimemetela imisebenti yakho lemangalisako. Nanyalo-ke nome sengigugile sengimphunga, ungangishiyi, Nkulunkulu, kuze ngishumayele ingalo yakho kuso situkulwane, nemandla akho kubo bonkhe labefikako. Yebo, Nkulunkulu! Kulunga kwakho kukhulu kufikela etulu. Nguwe lowente tintfo letinkhulu. Empeleni, Nkulunkulu, ngubani lofana nawe? Nguwe lowentile kutsi ngibone tinsizi letinyenti naletibuhlungu, wangihlumelelisa futsi; wabuye wangimonyula ekujuleni kwemhlaba, wangikhiphela ngetulu kwawo. Shangatsi ungandzisa bukhulu bami, uphindze ungidvudvute. Ngiyawuphindze ngikudvumise ngehabhu, ngibonge kwetsembeka kwakho, Nkulunkulu wami, ngihlabele ngekukushayela lugubhu, ngibonge wena Longcwele waka-Israyeli. Tindzebe temlomo wami tiyawujabula, ngobe ngiyawudvumisa wena, nemphefumulo wami lowuhlengile uyawukudvumisa. Lulwimi lwami luyawukhuluma ngekulunga kwakho lonkhe lilanga. Ngobe labo bebafuna kungilimata bahlazekile bajabhiswa. Awu, Nkulunkulu! Nika inkhosi likhono lakho lekwehlulela nekubusa ngebucotfo unike lomntfwanenkhosi kulunga kwakho. Shangatsi ingehlulela sive sakho ngekulunga, nalabamphofu ibaphatse ngebucotfo. Tintsaba tiyawuletsa kuthula kubantfu, kanjalo nemagcuma kuchuma kwekulunga. Shangatsi ingabavikela bantfu labatimphofana, ikhulule labeswele, ipitjite bacindzeteli! Shangatsi bangesaba wena, bakwesabe emini kukhanya lilanga, bakwesabe nome sekukhanya inyanga, titukulwane ngetitukulwane. Shangatsi inkhosi ungayenta ibe njengemvula nayehlela emadlelweni, nanjengemvula nayinisela umhlabatsi. Shangatsi ngemalanga ayo kungandza kulunga, kwandze nekuthula siphelane. Shangatsi bukhosi bayo bungagcwala umhlaba, busuke elwandle buye bufike elwandle lolunye; busuke eMfuleni, buze bufike ekugcineni kwemhlaba. Shangatsi tive letihlala ehlane tingakhotsama embikwayo, netitsa tayo tiyikhotsamele. Shangatsi emakhosi aseThashishi nasetichingini, angetfula tipho kuyo. Shangatsi emakhosi aseSheba newaseSeba angetfula kuyo imitselo yawo. Shangatsi onkhe emakhosi angakhotsama kuyo, netive tonkhe tiyikhonte. Iyamkhulula loyibitako, naloweswele, nalomphofu, nalote umsiti. Inesihe kulababutsakatsaka nalabeswele, isindzise kuphila kwalabeswele. Ikhulula kuphila kwalabo labasekubandzetelweni nasebudloveni, ingati yabo iligugu emehlweni ayo. Shangatsi ingakhula idzimate ikhokhobe, iphiwe negolide yaseSheba. Shangatsi ingathandazelwa njalonjalo, icelelwe tibusiso taNkulunkulu ngato tonkhe tikhatsi. Shangatsi kungaba nenala emasimini, lenala isibekele ticongo tetintsaba, kube tiphihli, sincane setihlahla taseLebanoni. Shangatsi lamadolobha angagcwala bantfu, babe ngangetjani. Shangatsi libito layo lingahlala ingunaphakadze, lichubeke latiwe njengelilanga. Tive tonkhe atibusiswe ngayo; tiyawumbita ngekutsi yinkhosi lebusisekile. Akabongwe Simakadze, Nkulunkulu, nguye longuNkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, nguye yedvwa lowenta timangaliso. Alibongwe libito lakhe lenkhatimulo, libongwe kuze kube phakadze, shangatsi umhlaba wonkhe ungagcwala inkhatimulo yakhe. Amen! Yebo, Amen! Siphetfo semithandazo yaDavide, umsa waJese. Ngempela, Nkulunkulu ubaphatsa kahle baka-Israyeli nalabo labamsulwa etinhlitiyweni. Kepha mine, tinyawo tami tacishe taphambuka, kwasala kancane kutsi tinyawo tami tishelele. Ngobe nganginemona nalabatigcabhako, ngesikhatsi ngibona kuchuma kwalababi. Abayiva iminjunju yebuhlungu nabafa, nemitimba yabo icinile, itinsakatja. Tinhlupheko letehlela bantfu bona atisabehleli, abavelelwa ngemashwa njengabo bonkhe bantfu. Ngako-ke kutigcabha bakwegabe entsanyeni njengeligcebesha. Budlova babembetse njengengubo. Kukhuluphala kuwakhukhumukisile emehlo abo, imicabango yetinhlitiyo tabo iphuphuma bubi. Bayaphukuta bakhulume lokubi; bakhuluma incindzetelo ekutiphakamiseni kwabo. Ngemilomo yabo bahlambalata lizulu. Ngetilimi tabo bagcilata umhlaba. Ngako-ke sive sakhe sijikela kubo, sibakholwe kuko konkhe labakushoko. Sitsi: “Nkulunkulu angati kanjani? Kukhona yini lokwatiwa nguLosetikwako Konkhe?” Lababi-ke banjalo, bakhomba ngalosekhatsi, bandzise ingcebo. Impela ngiyihlantele lite inhlitiyo yami, ngageza tandla tami njengalote licala. Ngihlushwa sonkhe sikhatsi, ngitsetsiswe onkhe emalanga. Kube bengitsite: “Ngitawukhuluma njengabo,” ngabe ngihlubuke sive sakho, Simakadze. Kodvwa kwatsi nase ngicabanga kutsi lendzaba ngingayiva njani, kwaba matima ngangete ngabona kahle. Ngaze ngangena endlini lengcwele yaNkulunkulu, lapho ngevisisa khona ngesiphetfo sabo. Ngempela, wena ubabeka endzaweni leshelelako, ubente bawe babhubhe. Maye! Bacitfwa ngekucwabita kweliso, bakhukhulwe tinhlupheko letesabekako. Simakadze, njengekuphela kweliphupho ekuphaphameni, utawulahla titfunti tabo, nawuvuka. Kwatsi ngesikhatsi umphefumulo wami umunyu ngatsi nangihlabeka enhlitiyweni, kwakhandzaniseka kutsi angicondzisisi, nginebulima; mine ngaba nebulwane embikwakho. Noko-ke mine ngihlala nawe onkhe emalanga, ungibambe ngesandla sami sekudla, uyawungihola ungicondzise ngeteluleko takho, ekugcineni uyawungikhatimulisa ebukhosini. Ngubani lenginaye ezulwini ngaphandle kwakho? Nanginawe, kute lengikufunako la emhlabeni. Nome umtimba nemphefumulo wami kwehluleka, kodvwa Nkulunkulu ulidvwala lenhlitiyo yami, nesabelo selifa lami ingunaphakadze. Ngobe labakhashane nawe bayawubhubha, ubacitsa ubacedze labahlubuka kuwe ngekona. Kodvwa mine kungilungele kusondzela kuNkulunkulu, Simakadze, iNkhosi, ngimente waba siphephelo sami, kuze ngishumayele ngako konkhe lakwentile. Awu, Nkulunkulu! Usilahleleni sive sakho siphelane? Intfukutselo yakho ibhunyeleleni timvu telidlelo lakho? Khumbula libandla lakho lowatikhetsela lona kwasemandvulweni, walihlenga kutsi libe sive lesilifa lakho. Khumbula iNtsaba iSiyoni, lapho wawuhlala khona. Yelulela tinyawo takho ekudzilitweni kwaphakadze, sitsa sibhidlite konkhe endlini lengcwele! Titsa takho tibhodle endzaweni yekukhontela, temisa tiboniso tato letikhombisa kuncoba. Tabukeka shangatsi bantfu bayagawula, bageca dukathole welihlatsi ngemazembe. Titsa setibhidlite ngemazembe nangemigcala konkhe lokubatiwe lokusendzaweni lengcwele. Indlu yakho lengcwele tiyokhele ngemlilo, tayingcolisa lendzawo yelibito lakho, tayidzilita tacotfula imbokodvo nesisekelo. Tatsi etinhlitiyweni tato: “Asibacedze nya!” Tishise tonkhe tindzawo, lapho kukhontelwa Nkulunkulu khona. Tibonakaliso tenkholo yetfu asisatiboni, sekute ngisho nemphrofethi, kute ngisho nalapha emkhatsini wetfu lowatiko kutsi kuyawudzimate kube ngunini. Awu, Nkulunkulu! Kuyawudzimate kube ngunini sitsa sikuhlambalata? Sitsa sakho sifanele yini kwetfuka libito lakho kuze kube phakadze? Usigodlelani sandla sakho sangesekudla? Sikhiphe esifubeni sakho ubacitse. Noko wena, Nkulunkulu, uyiNkhosi yami kwasemandvulweni; nguwe lowenta insindziso emhlabeni. Nguwe lowehlukanisa lwandle ngemandla akho, nguwe lowafohlota tilwane letinkhulu taselwandle. Nguwe lowapitjita tinhloko taLeviyathani, wamenta waba kudla kwetidalwa tasehlane. Nguwe lowavula tiyalu nemifula emadvwaleni, womisa nemifula legeletako. Imini yakho, nebusuku bakho, nguwe lowenta kukhanya nelilanga. Nguwe lowenta yonkhe iminyele yemhlaba, nguwe lowenta lihlobo nebusika. Khumbula-ke, Simakadze, kutsi sitsa sikwetfukile sikuhlambalatile. Sive lesilibele silihlambalatile libito lakho. Ungaliyekeleli lijubantsendzele lakho kutsi lidliwe tilwane tesiganga; ungasikhohlwa siphelane sive sakho lesicindzetelwe. Khumbula sivumelwane lowasenta natsi, ngobe tonkhe tindzawo letinematfunti lapha eveni tigcwele budlova. Ungavumi kutsi labacindzetelwe bancandzeke bahlazekile; labamphofu nalabeswele abadvumise libito lakho. Phutfuma, Nkulunkulu, utiphendvulele, ukhumbule labo labalibele, kutsi bakwetfuka imihla nemalanga. Ungawukhohlwa umsindvo wetitsa takho, nekucokotela kwalabakuvukelako kutsi kuya ngekwandza njalo nje. Siyakudvumisa, Nkulunkulu, siyakudvumisa, wena usedvutane nasibita libito lakho, sibalise ngemisebenti yakho lemangalisako. Wena ukhuluma utsi: “Nakufika sikhatsi lesimisiwe sekwehlulelwa, mine ngiyakwehlulela ngebucotfo. Nome umhlaba sewutanyatanyiswa, kanye nabo bonkhe labahlala kuwo, mine ngisimisa tinsika tawo. Cabanga. “Kulabatigcabhako ngitsite: ‘Ningatigcabhi!’ Kulababi ngatsi: ‘Ningatiphakamisi! Ningatiphakamisi nitikhukhumete, ningakhulumi ngekwedzelela!’ ” Ngobe kuphakama nekwehla kwemuntfu akuveli emphumalanga nome enshonalanga, akuveli ngisho nasehlane nasetintsabeni; kodvwa nguNkulunkulu lowehlulelako, wehlisa lomunye aphakamise lomunye. Ngobe esandleni saSimakadze kunendzebe, leneliwayini lelibile laze laloya; ulinatsisa bonkhe lababi bemhlaba baliminyele, ngisho nenseketse yalo. Kepha mine ngiyawujabula kuze kube phakadze, ngidvumise Nkulunkulu waJakobe. Nkulunkulu utsi: “Ngiyawubehlisa bonkhe lababi, ngiphakamise bonkhe labalungile.” Nkulunkulu uyatiwa kaJuda, libito lakhe likhulu ka-Israyeli. Lithende lakhe liseSalema, nendlu yakhe iseSiyoni. Ngulapho ephula khona imicibisholo levutsako, sihlangu, inkemba, kanye netikhali temphi. Cabanga. Maye, kukhanya kwakho kuyakhatimula! Ukhatimula kwendlula tintsaba letivunule kahle. Emachawe latatisako asaphangwe imphango yawo, adzimate efikelwa butfongo alala siphelane; onkhe ehlulekile kusebentisa tandla tawo. Ngesikhahlo sakho, Nkulunkulu waJakobe, bagibeli nemahhashi behlelwe butfongo. Kodvwa uyesabeka, ngubani nje longema embikwakho, nase utfukutsele uvutsa lulaka? Usesemazulwini wevakalisa kwehlulela kwakho, umhlaba wesaba, wathula, mhlazana Nkulunkulu atekwehlulela, kuze asindzise bonkhe labatfobekile bemhlaba. Cabanga. Ngempela lulaka lwebantfu lwengeta indvumiso yakho, labasindze elulakeni lwakho bayimvunulo yakho. Yentani tetsembiso netifungo tenu kuSimakadze longuNkulunkulu wenu, nitigcwalise. Bonkhe labasedvute naye abaletse tipho kulowo lofanele kwesatjwa. Nguye lotfobisa tikhulu, uyesabeka emakhosini emhlaba. Ngakhala kuNkulunkulu, ngakhala kuye, kuze atengiva. Nangiselusizini ngifuna Simakadze, nasebusuku ngiphakamisa tandla tami, ngikhuleke ngingadzinwa, umphefumulo wami wale kudvudvuteka. Ngiyamkhumbula Nkulunkulu bese ngiyabubula; ngiyacabangisisa, bese umoya wami uphelelwa ngemandla. Cabanga. Nguwe lowenta tinkhophe tami kutsi tingasindvwa butfongo, ngehluleka ngisho nekukhuluma. Ngicabanga ngemalanga asemandvulo, ngikhumbule iminyaka yakadzenidzeni. Ngikhumbula kushaya ihabhu yami, ngizindle ngayo enhlitiyweni yami ebusuku, umoya wami ucabangisisa ubute utsi: “Kantsi Simakadze utangilahla siphelane yini? Angeke yini aphindze abe nemusa nesihawu? Umusa wakhe longagucuki sewuphele siphelane yini? Kungabe lesetsembiso sakhe siphelile yini etitukulwaneni ngetitukulwane? Nkulunkulu sewukhohliwe yini kuba nemusa? Kungabe kutfukutsela kwakhe kumente wagodla bubele bakhe yini?” Cabanga. Ngibese ngitsi: “Naku lokungihluphako: Sandla sangesekudla saLosetikwako Konkhe sesijikile.” Yebo, Simakadze, ngitase ngikhumbule imisebenti yaNkulunkulu, yebo, ngikhumbule netimangaliso takho tasendvulo. Ngitawucabangisisa ngawo wonkhe umsebenti wakho, ngijinge ngicabange ngemisebenti yakho yemandla. Yebo, Nkulunkulu, indlela yakho ingcwele, ngumuphi nkulunkulu longuSomandla njengaNkulunkulu wetfu? UnguNkulunkulu lowenta timanga, lobonakalise emandla akhe emkhatsini wetive. Wasihlenga ngengalo yakho sive sakho lesasibatukulu baJakobe naJosefa. Cabanga. Emanti atsi kube abone wena, Nkulunkulu, atfutfumela, netinjolobela telwandle tachachatela. Emafu atsela imvula, tibhakabhaka tadvuma taklaklabula, kwaklwebha imicibisholo yemibane ndzawana tonkhana. Siphepho sasinemsindvo wekudvuma, kwaphambana imibane, kwakhanya umhlaba, umhlaba wagidzitela watamatama. Indlela yakho yadzabula lwandle, umvila wakho uselwandle lolujulile, noko tinyatselo takho tatingabonakali. Sive sakho wasihola njengetimvu, ngesandla saboMosi na-Aroni. Hhawu, sive sami! Lalelani imfundziso yami, nibeke indlebe emavini ami. Ngitawufundzisa ngemifanekiso, ngikhulume imfihlakalo yasemandvulo. Tindzaba lesake sativa satati, ngekutekelwa bokhokho betfu, natsi siyawutitekela batukulu betfu, sitjele titukulwane letitako, sitifundzise imisebenti yebukhosi, kanye nemandla aSimakadze, kanye netimangaliso latentile. Wamisa bufakazi kubakaJakobe, washaya umtsetfo esiveni saka-Israyeli; wayala ngawo bokhokho betfu kutsi bawufundzise bantfwababo, kuze nesitukulwane lesilandzelako siwati, nebatukulu babo labasetawutalwa, nabo bakhule batjela bantfwababo. Litsemba labo batawulibeka kuNkulunkulu, kuze bangayikhohlwa imisebenti yaNkulunkulu, kepha bagcine imiyalo yakhe; bangenti njengobe kwenta bokhokho lekwakusitukulwane lesinenkhani nalesihlubukako, situkulwane lesite inhlitiyo lenebucotfo, nalesasinemoya longaketsembeki kuSomandla. Baka-Efrayimu lababehlome butjoki babaleka, mhlazana ibambene ngetihlutfu. Abasigcinanga sivumelwane saNkulunkulu, bala kuhamba ngemtsetfo wakhe. Bakhohlwa ngimisebenti layentile netimangaliso takhe labakhombisa tona. Wenta timangaliso embikwabokhokho babo, endzaweni yaseSowani eveni laseGibhithe. Wehlukanisa lwandle, wabeweta kulo, wemisa emanti, kwaba shangatsi tindvonga. Emini abebahola ngelifu, kutsi ebusuku abahole ngemlilo. Wacheketa emadvwala ehlane, wabanatsisa badzimate bakholwa. Wamilisa imifula edvwaleni, wageletisa emanti shangatsi ngimifula. Noko, bachubeka nekumona, bamhlubuka ehlane Losetikwako Konkhe. Nkulunkulu bamlinga etinhlitiyweni tabo ngekumfuna kudla lababekufisa. Bakhuluma kabi ngaNkulunkulu batsi: “Nkulunkulu angasondla yini lapha ehlane? Washaya lidvwala kwageleta emanti, imifula yagcwala, yaphuphuma. Pho, angasipha yini kudla alungiselele sive sakhe inyama?” Ngako-ke watsi Simakadze nakuva loko watfukutsela, kwavutsa umlilo wadla bakaJakobe, intfukutselo yakhe yabavutsela bakaJakobe, ngobe babengakholwa kuNkulunkulu, bangete bawetsemba emandla akhe lasindzisako. Wabe sewuyala tibhakabhaka etulu, lizulu lavula iminyango, wanisa imana kutsi bantfu badle, wabapha emabele asezulwini. Bantfu badla sinkhwa setingilosi, wabanika kudla lokwenele. Wenta umoya wemphumalanga kutsi uphephetse emazulwini, emandla akhe abuyisa umoya waseningizimu. Wanisa inyama yaba ngangelutfuli, tinyoni taba ngangetihlabatsi tetilwandle. Lenyama wayinisa emkhatsini wemathende abo, nasemaceleni kwemathende abo. Badla bashaya sentfwala, ngobe abebaphe loko babekuhalela. Kodvwa kwatsi basengakeneliseki ebudlini babo, kudla kusagcwele imilomo yabo, Nkulunkulu wabavukela ngelulaka, wabulala bonkhe lababenemandla babo, wagicita phansi emajaha aka-Israyeli. Etikwako konkhe loku bajinge bachubeka nekona kwabo, abazange bakholwe netimangaliso takhe. Ngako wenta kutsi emalanga abo endlule ashabalale njengemoya, neminyaka yabo yacedvwa tehlakalo. Ngesikhatsi ababhubhisa babetiletsa kuye, baphendvuke bafunisise Nkulunkulu. Bakhumbula kutsi Nkulunkulu ulidvwala labo, Nkulunkulu Losetikwako Konkhe ungumhlengi wabo. Kodvwa babencempheta ngemilomo yabo, bacala emanga kuye ngetilwimi tabo, inhlitiyo yabo yayingakemi kuye, bangaketsembeki evini lesivumelwane naye. Kodvwa yena waba nesihawu, watisibekela tono tabo, akazange ababhubhise abacedze. Kanyenti watibamba ekutfukutseleni kwakhe, akaluvusanga lonkhe lulaka lwakhe. Wakhumbula kutsi batidalwa letabunjwa ngenyama, banjengemoya lotsi hasha, uhambe siphelane. Kukanyenti kangakanani bamhlubuka ehlane, bamdzabukisa ehlane kalashameshame. Balinga Nkulunkulu njalonjalo, bacansula Longcwele waka-Israyeli. Babengayikhumbuli imisebenti yemandla akhe, nelilanga mhlazana abahlenga esitseni, ngesikhatsi enta tibonakaliso takhe eGibhithe, enta netimangaliso takhe eveni laseSowani. Imifula yabo wayigucula yaba yingati, ngako behluleka kunatsa kuyo lemifula. Wabatfumelela emabulo etibawu, tabaluma, kanye neticoco letaba yimbhubhiso leluhlupho. Watfumela tintsetse, tacedza tilimo tabo, sikhonyane sadla titfukutfuku tabo. Wavitsita imivini yabo ngesangcotfo, washaya nemikhiwane yabo ngesitfwatfwa. Wanikela tinkhomo tabo ngesangcotfo, netimvu tabo ngemibane. Watfukulula intfukutselo yakhe levutsako, lulaka, nentfukutselo, neluhlupho, nesishoshomane setitfunywa temashwa. Wadedela lulaka lwakhe, wangete walubamba, wangete wawuphephisa umphefumulo wabo ekufeni, kodvwa timphilo tabo watinikela ngetifo letibulalanako. Wabulala onkhe ematubulo aseGibhithe, lekwakungumgogodla wemphi emathendeni aHhamu. Kepha wakhipha sive sakhe njengetimvu, wasihola ehlane njengemhlambi wakhe. Wabahola baphepha bangesabi lutfo, kepha lwandle lwatimbonya titsa tabo. Wabayisa eveni lakhe lelingcwele, letintsaba, lalitfola ngesandla sakhe sekudla. Wacosha tive embikwabo, lelive walenta laba lifa labo, lapho imindeni yaka-Israyeli yayingamisa khona emathende ayo. Noko bamlinga bamhlubuka Nkulunkulu Losetikwako Konkhe, bangete bayigcina imiyalo yakhe. Benta bucili, bahlubuka, njengabokhokho babo, bajikajika njengesigwegwe sebutjoki. Bamtfukutselisa ngetindzawo tabo temalati, lapho bakhonta khona tithico tabo letibatiwe, loko kwamenta waba nesikhwele. Watsi nakuva loko Nkulunkulu, watfukutsela, wabalahla baka-Israyeli. Wayidzikila indlu yakhe lengcwele leseShilo, lithende labehlala kulo emkhatsini webantfu, wayekelela titsa, tatfumba libhokisi lesivumelwane lelisiboniso semandla nenkhatimulo yakhe. Sive sakhe wasinikela enkembeni, walitfukutselela lifa lakhe. Emajaha abo acotfulwa ngumlilo, tintfombi tabo tandzindza lababengatiteka. Baphristi babo baba kudla kwenkemba, bafelokati babo abazange babalilele. Simakadze, Nkulunkulu, wavuka, njengalophaphama ebutfongweni, nanjengesichwaga lebesesehlulwe tjwala. Watehlula watihlehlisela nyova titsa takhe, watitsela ngelihlazo laphakadze. Wawufulatsela umndeni wakaJosefa, wangete wasikhetsa sive saka-Efrayimu. Kepha wakhetsa sive sakaJuda, iNtsaba iSiyoni, labeyitsandza kakhulu. Wayakha indlu yakhe lengcwele, leyayiphakeme kakhulu njengemhlaba lawusekela, kuze kube phakadze naphakadze. Wakhetsa Davide, inceku yakhe, wamlandza ekweluseni timvu, nasekunakekeleni timvukati nemazinyane ato, kutsi atekwelusa bakaJakobe, sive sakhe, yebo, baka-Israyeli labalifa lakhe. Wabelusa ngebucotfo benhlitiyo, wabahola ngenhlakanipho nangebungcweti besandla sakhe. Awu, Nkulunkulu! Bahedeni sebangene efeni lakho, bangcolisa lithempeli lakho lelingcwele, bagucula iJerusalema bayenta tindzala. Banikele tidvumbu tetinceku takho kutsi tibe kudla kwemangce, netidvumbu talabangcwele bakho tibe kudla kwetilwane tesiganga. Bacitse ingati yetinceku takho, yageleta njengemanti, eJerusalema lonkhe. Kwabate nalongabangcwaba. Sesijike saba yinhlekisa kubomakhelwane betfu, bayasihaya bahlekisa ngatsi kulabakhelene natsi. Kuyawuze kube ngunini, Simakadze, lulaka lwakho luvutsa njengemlilo? Lulaka lwakho luyawuvutsa njengemlilo kuze kube ngunini? Tfululela lulaka lwakho etikwetive letingakwati wena, nasetikwemibuso lengakhuleki kuwe. Ngobe sebabashaye babacotfula bakaJakobe, umuti wakhe bawenta sikhotsa. Ungasibeki licala ngebubi babokhokho betfu, sheshisa usihlangabete ngesihawu sakho, ngobe sesidzangele kakhulu. Sisite, Nkulunkulu wensindziso yetfu, sisite ngenca yenkhatimulo yelibito lakho, sihlenge usitsetselele tono tetfu, ngenca yelibito lakho lelihloniphekile. Betive basholani kutsi: “Uphi-ke loNkulunkulu wabo?” Shangatsi kuphindzisela kwakho singakubona kwenteka kulabo labacitse ingati yetinceku takho. Shangatsi kububula kwetiboshwa kungefika kuwe, bese kutsi ngalamandla akho lamakhulu ubephule labo lababange ekufeni. Yebo, Simakadze, buyisela esifubeni sabomakhelwane betfu seyiphindvwe kasikhombisa lenhlamba labakuhlambalate ngayo. Tsine-ke lesisive sakho netimvu telidlelo lakho, siyawudvumisa wena ingunaphakadze, silandzise ngeludvumo lwakho etitukulwaneni nasetitukulwaneni. Sive, Melusi waka-Israyeli, wena lohola Josefa njengemhlambi wetimvu. Wena lohlala emkhatsini wemakherubhi, bonakala ngekukhatimula kwakho. Vusa emandla akho embikwa-Efrayimu, naBhenjamini, naManase, ute utewusisita. Sibuyisele kuwe, Nkulunkulu. Khanyisa buso bakho bumengetele, kuze sisindziswe. Awu, Simakadze, Nkulunkulu wemabandla! Kutawuze kube ngunini ucansulwa ngimithandazo yesive sakho? Wabapha sinkhwa ngetinyembeti, wabanatsisa ngetinyembeti. Wenta kutsi bomakhelwane betfu basibange, titsa tetfu tisihleke bulima. Sibuyisele kuwe, Nkulunkulu wemabandla! Khanyisa buso bakho bumengetele, kuze sisindziswe. Wazuphuna umvini eGibhithe, wacosha tive, wase uwuhlanyela eveni lato. Wawulungisela umhlaba wekuhlanyela, wakhula, wajula, wenaba, wagcwala live. Tintsaba tambonywa ngematfunti awo, imisedari yambonywa ngemagala awo, enabisa emagala awo adzimate efikela elwandle, ahluma adzimate efika eMfuleni. Pho, wena uludziliteleni lolutsango loluwutungeletile lomvini? Manje bonkhe labendlulako bangateba kalula letitselo tawo. Tingulube tesiganga tiyawuvukuta, tonkhe tilwane tesiganga tiyawudla. Awu, Nkulunkulu wemabandla! Phendvuka futsi! Buka phansi usetulu ezulwini, ubone lomvini wakho, uwunakelele, wona lowo mvini lowawuhlanyela ngesandla sakho sangesekudla, naleligala lotikhulisele lona. Labawujubile bawushisa ngemlilo, bayawubhujiswa kubhekwa buso bakho. Kodvwa shangatsi sandla sakho singamlondvolota, lowo longasesandleni sakho sekudla. Ngiyo indvodzana lotikhulisele yona. Singeke siphindze sikuhlamuke, siphe kuphila siphile, tsine-ke siyawube sesikhuleka egameni lakho. Sibuyisele kuwe, Nkulunkulu wemabandla! Khanyisa buso bakho bumengetele, kuze sisindziswe. Hlabelani kuNkulunkulu longemandla etfu, jabulani nidvumise Nkulunkulu waJakobe. Calani ingoma, nishaye tingubhu, netingitali kanye nemahabhu. Vutselani impalampala ekwetfwaseni kwenyanga, nangesikhatsi seyidvulungile ngelilanga lemkhosi wetfu. Ngobe loku kusimiso saka-Israyeli, nemtsetfo waNkulunkulu waJakobe. Wakwenta kwaba ngumtsetfo kuJosefa, mhlazana ayawukulwa nemaGibhithe. Ngeva livi lengangingalati litsi: “Mine ngesusa umtfwalo emahlombe enu, nganiphumuta ekwetfwaleni kwenu titini. Nangibita nisebunzimeni nganephula, nganiphendvula ngingale kwemafu lahlomile, nganivivinya emitfonjeni yaseMeribha. Cabanga. “Lalelani, sive sami, nginiyale: Awu, ma-Israyeli! Shangatsi ngabe niyangilalela. Ningamkhonti lomunye nkulunkulu, ningakhuleki kubonkulunkulu betive. Ngimi Simakadze longuNkulunkulu wenu, lowanikhuphula eveni laseGibhithe. Khamisisani imilomo yenu, mine-ke ngitanifunta nginesutsise. “Kepha sive sami asililalelanga livi lami. Israyeli akazange anginake. Ngako-ke ngabayekelela enkhanini yetinhlitiyo tabo, kuze batihambele ngekutsandza kwabo. Maye, kube sive sami siyangilalela na-Israyeli ahambe etindleleni tami! Titsa tabo bengitatehlula ngekushesha, ngesandla sami bengitawumelana netitsa tabo. Labangitondzako bebetawuta embikwami, bete bashosha phansi ngemadvolo, kujeziswa kwabo kuhlale ingunaphakadze. Bengiyawunipha kolo lomnandzi kakhulu, yebo, bengiyawunesutsisa ngeluju lwetinyosi temadvwala.” Nkulunkulu ukhuluma emhlanganweni lomkhulu, wehlulela bonkulunkulu utsi: “Kutawuze kube ngunini nehlulela ngalokungakalungi nikhetsa tindlubu nishiye tinkhobe? Cabanga. “Vikelani emalungelo alabamphofu netintsandzane, nimele emalungelo alabacindzetelwe nalabeswele. Bephuleni labamphofu nalabeswele, nibakhulule esandleni salababi. “Abati lutfo, abacondzi lutfo, badvukuta ebumnyameni; tonkhe tisekelo temhlaba tiyatanyatanyiswa. Ngatsi kini: ‘Nibonkulunkulu nine; nonkhe ningemadvodzana aLosetikwako Konkhe.’ Nome kunjalo, niyakufa njengebantfu bonkhe, niphele njengato tonkhe tikhulu.” Vuka-ke, Nkulunkulu, wehlulele umhlaba, ngobe nguwe umnikati wetive tonkhe. Awu, Nkulunkulu! Ungathuli, utente simungulu. Ungatsalalisi, Nkulunkulu. Ase ubuke nje, titsa takho tiyaphitsitela, nalabo labakutondzako bayakucoloshela. Benta sigungu, bahlangane ngebantfu bakho, bafakane imilomo ngalabo labeluswe nguwe. Batsi: “Wotani sibacotfule bangabe basaba ngiso sive, kuze libito laka-Israyeli lingaphindze likhunjulwe.” Bacebisana ngawe nganhlitiyo yinye, bente sivumelwane ngawe. Kuhlangene bonkhe baka-Edomu labasemathendeni, nebaka-Ishmayeli, nebakaMowabi, nebakaHagari, nebakaGebali, nebaka-Amoni, nebaka-Amaleki, nemaFilisti, kanye netakhamiti taseThire. Ngisho nebase-Asiriya bahlangene kanye nabo, babalekeleli bebatukulu baLoti. Cabanga. Baphatse ngesandla lowaphatsa ngaso emaMidiyani, naSisera, naJabini ngasemfuleni iKhishoni, labo lababhubha ngasemtini wase-Eni Dori; bawa njengebulongo, babola baze baba ngumcuba. Emakhosana abo wente abe njengabo-Orebi naZebi, babusi babe njengaboZeba naSalmuna. Batsi: “Asidle lelive libe lifa letfu, lelive lelingemadlelo aNkulunkulu!” Awu, Nkulunkulu wami! Bente babe njengesiwunguwungwana, nanjengemakhoba wona apheshulwa ngumoya. Njengemlilo ushisa lihlatsi, nanjengemalangabi ababela tintsaba, nawe badvungulule ngesivunguvungu sakho, ubetfuse ngesiphepho sakho. Yebo, Simakadze! Tsela buso babo ngelihlazo, badzimate balifune libito lakho. Shangatsi bangahlazeka baphele emandla kuze kube phakadze, shangatsi bangehluleka babhubhe. Shangatsi bangati kutsi nguwe wedvwa lolibito lakhe linguSimakadze, nguwe Losetikwako Konkhe, lophakeme abuse umhlaba wonkhe. Maye, iyatsandzeka indlu yakho! Simakadze wemabandla! Umphefumulo wami ulangatelela emagceke akho, inhlitiyo yami nemtimba wami kuhlabela kumemete ngekujabula lokukhulu kuNkulunkulu lophilako. Ncedze uyayitfola indzawo yesidleke, nenkonjane iyayitfola indzawo yekwakhela indlu yayo, lapho ingachobosela khona emazini ayo. Lendzawo ingasemalatini endlu yakho, Simakadze wemabandla, Nkhosi yami, naNkulunkulu wami. Babusisiwe labo labahlala endlini yakho, bayawuhlala babonga wena njalo. Cabanga. Babusisiwe labo bantfu emandla abo lakuwe, labalangatela etinhlitiyweni tabo kutsi bayewukhonta eSiyoni. Bayawutsi nome bahamba eSigodzini Lesomile, kubo sibe yindzawo lechume tiyalu, netimvula tekucala timbonye tibusiso. Bayatfutfuka emandleni baye emandleni; Nkulunkulu wabonkulunkulu uyawubonakala eSiyoni. Hhawu, Simakadze, Nkulunkulu wemabandla, vani, ulalele umthandazo wami, beka indlebe yakho, Nkulunkulu waJakobe! Cabanga. Nkulunkulu, buka sihlangu setfu, buka, ubone buso balogcotjiwe wakho. Ngobe lilanga linye etibuyeni tendlu yakho, lincono kunalayinkhulungwane lacitselwe ngaphandle. Ngingamane ngibe ngumlindzi wemnyango wendlu yaNkulunkulu, kunekutsi ngingahlala ngibuse emakhaya alababi. Ngobe Simakadze, Nkulunkulu ulilanga letfu nesihlangu sekusivikela. Simakadze usipha umusa asente sihlonipheke. Angeke abagodlele lutfo loluhle labo labahamba ngebucotfo embikwakhe. Yebo, Simakadze wemabandla! Ubusisiwe umuntfu lowetsembele kuwe! Awu, Simakadze! Ulitsandzile live lakho, wabuyisela tibusiso taJakobe. Watsetselela emacala esive sakho, wambombota tonkhe tono tabo. Cabanga. Waluyekela lulaka lwakho, wabhodla ekutfukutseleni kwakho lokumatima. Sibuyise, Nkulunkulu wensindziso yetfu! Lahla kucansuka kwakho ngatsi. Utasitfukutselela kuze kube phakadze yini? Kantsi lulaka lwakho utalwelula titukulwane ngetitukulwane yini? Ungeke yini usivuselele siphile, kuze kutsi sive sakho sijabule kuwe? Simakadze, sivise umusa wakho, usiphe insindziso yakho. Ase ngilalele loko lokutawukhulunywa nguNkulunkulu Simakadze, ngobe ukhuluma kuthula esiveni sakhe nakulabangcwele bakhe, nabangancandzeki babuyele ebubini. Ngempela insindziso yakhe isedvute kulabo labamesabako, kuze live letfu libe neludvumo lwakhe, bese kuhlangabetana umusa neliciniso, kwangane kulunga nekuthula. Kuyawuhluma liciniso emhlabatsini, kulunga kulungute emhlabeni kusezulwini. Yebo, Simakadze, uyawusipha lokuhle, live letfu liyawutsela titselo. Kulunga kuyawuhamba embikwaSimakadze, kuphendle indlela latawuhamba kuyo. Awu, Simakadze! Beka indlebe yakho, ungiphendvule, ngobe ngiselusizini nginguloweswele. Londvolota kuphila kwami, ngobe nginamatsele kuwe. Sindzisa inceku yakho lekwetsembako, ngobe wena unguNkulunkulu wami. Bani nemusa kimi, Nkulunkulu, ngobe ngikhala kuwe lonkhe lilanga. Tfokotisa umphefumulo wenceku yakho, ngobe umphefumulo wami ngiwuphakamisela kuwe, Simakadze. Ngobe wena, Nkhosi, ulungile futsi ulungele kutsetselela, umusa wakho uyabaphuphumela labo labakhala kuwe. Awu, Simakadze! Beka indlebe yakho ekukhulekeni kwami, uve livi lekuncusa kwami. Ngelilanga lekuhlupheka kwami ngikhala kuwe, ngobe wena uyangiphendvula. Kubo bonkhe bonkulunkulu kute lofanana nawe, Simakadze; kute nalokufanana nemisebenti yakho. Tonkhe tive lotentile tiyawuta kuwe, tikhotsame embikwakho, Nkhosi yami, tibabate libito lakho. Ngobe wena umkhulu, ungumenti wetimangaliso, nguwe wedvwa longuNkulunkulu. Ngifundzise indlela yakho, Simakadze, ngiyawuhamba ecinisweni lakho; yenta inhlitiyo yami ihlose intfo yinye: kutsi ilesabe libito lakho. Ngiyawukubonga, Simakadze, Nkulunkulu wami, ngikudvumise ngenhlitiyo yami yonkhe, ngidvumise libito lakho kuze kube phakadze. Ngobe umusa wakho mkhulu kimi, uwephulile umphefumulo wami ekujuleni kwekufa. Awu, Nkulunkulu! Tihlangananhloko tingivukele; lesishoshomane setidlova sifuna kungibulala, tona atikwati nekutsi uyini. Kodvwa wena, Simakadze, unguNkulunkulu lonesihawu, nebubele, nekubeketela, uphuphuma umusa nekwetsembeka. Gucukela ngakimi, ube nemusa kimi inceku yakho uyiphe emandla akho, usindzise indvodzana yencekukati yakho. Ngente sibonakaliso sebuhle bakho, kuze labo labangitondzako basibone, badliwe ngemahloni, ngobe wena, Simakadze, uyangisita, ungidvudvute. Simakadze ubeke likhaya lakhe etikwentsaba lengcwele. Emasango aseSiyoni uwatsandza kakhulu kunayo yonkhe imiti yakaJakobe. Maye, kuhle loko lokukhulunywa ngawe, wena khaya laNkulunkulu: Cabanga. “Ngibala iRahabi neBhabhulona, emkhatsini walabo labangatiko. Yebo, emaFilisti, nebaseThire, nebaseKushe, bonkhe labo bantfu batalelwa eSiyoni.” NgeSiyoni kuyawukhulunywa kutsiwe: “Lona nalona batalelwa lapho, ngobe Losetikwako Konkhe uyayicinisa.” Simakadze uyawutibhalisa tonkhe tive atsi: “Lesi satalelwa eSiyoni.” Cabanga. Bahlabeleli nebadlali ngalokufanako batsi: “Yonkhe imitfombo yami ikuwe.” Simakadze, Nkulunkulu wensindziso yami. Ngikhala kuwe imini nebusuku. Shangatsi umkhuleko wami ungefikela kuwe, beka indlebe yakho, uve kukhala kwami. Ngobe umphefumulo wami ugcwele tinsizi, nekuphila kwami sekusondzele ethuneni. Ngibalwa kanye nalabacondze emgodzini, nginjengendvodza lete emandla. Sengibalelwa kulabafile njengalababulewe, lese balala emathuneni, bona labo longasabakhumbuli, yebo, lese bancunywa kuwe. Ungifake emgodzini lojule kunayo yonkhe, etindzaweni letimnyama nasetingungwini. Lulaka lwakho luyangisindza. Emagagasi akho ayangicindzetela. Cabanga. Bangani bami ubakhweshisile kimi, wangenta ngaba sinengiso kubo. Ngivalelekile, angikhoni kuphuma. Liso lami liyafa ngenca yelusizi, ngikhala kuwe, Simakadze, imini nebusuku ngiphakamisa tandla tami, ngikhuleka kuwe. Labafile uyabentela yini timanga? Bayavuka yini emathuneni bakudvumise? Cabanga. Umusa wakho kungakhulunywa yini ngawo ethuneni? Kwetsembeka kwakho kungakhulunywa yini ngako ekubhujisweni? Timangaliso takho tingatiwa yini ebumnyameni? Kulunga kwakho kuyatiwa yini eveni lalabo labangasakhumbuli? Kodvwa mine, Simakadze, ngikhala kuwe, ngicela lusito, kutsi kusa ube uhlangabetana nemkhuleko wami. Awu, Simakadze! Ungilahlelani? Ungifihlelelani buso bakho? Ngihlupheke kakhulu ngabasengotini yekufa, kwasebusheni bami; ngashaywa luvalo, ngasangana. Lulaka lwakho loluvutsako lungehlele, kwesabisa kwakho kungicedzile. Kungitungeleta njengemanti onkhe emalanga, kungitungeleta kanyekanye. Sihlobo sami nemngani wami ubacoshile, bakhashane nami; bumnyama sebungumngani wami. Yebo, Simakadze! Ngiyawuhlabela kuze kube phakadze ngemisebenti yemusa wakho. Kwetsembeka kwakho ngiyawukumemetela ngemlomo wami etitukulwaneni nasetitukulwaneni. Ngobe ngitsite: Umusa wakho utawuma kuze kube phakadze, nekwetsembeka kwakho utakumisa ezulwini. Wena ukhulume watsi: “Sengente sivumelwane nalokhetsiwe wami, ngafunga kuDavide inceku yami ngatsi: ‘Ngiyawumisa intalo yakho phakadze naphakadze, ngikwakhele sihlalo sakho sebukhosi etitukulwaneni ngetitukulwane.’ ” Cabanga. Yebo, Simakadze! Shangatsi emazulu angadvumisa timanga takho nekwetsembeka kwakho enhlanganweni yalabangcwele! Ngubani nje losesibhakabhakeni longalinganiswa nawe, Simakadze? Ngubani nje, emkhatsini wemadvodzana aNkulunkulu, longafananiswa naSimakadze? UnguNkulunkulu lowesatjwa emikhandlwini yalabangcwele. Umkhulu, futsi wesabeka ngetulu kwabo bonkhe labakuhacile. Yebo, Simakadze! Nkulunkulu wemabandla! Ngubani nje lofanana nawe, wena lonemandla, Simakadze? Kwetsembeka kwakho kuyakuhaca. Nguwe lobusa kutichenya kwelwandle nakaphakama emagagasi alo, wena uyawabindzisa. Nguwe lowapitjita Rahabi, wambulala. Titsa takho watisakata ngesandla sakho lesinemandla. Emazulu ngewakho, nemhlaba wakho, umhlaba nako konkhe lokukuwo kwadalwa nguwe. Inyakatfo neningizimu kwadalwa nguwe. Intsaba iThabhori nentsaba iHemoni kudvumisa libito lakho ngenjabulo. Unengalo lenemandla, nesandla sakho sinemandla, nesandla sakho sekudla siphakeme. Kulunga nebucotfo tisekelo tesihlalo sakho sebukhosi, umusa nekwetsembeka kungemavulandlela lahamba embikwakho. Yebo, Simakadze! Sibusisiwe sive lesati kahle kutsi kuyini kumpompoloza ngenjabulo, sihambe ekukhanyeni kwebuso bakho. Lesive sijabula njalo nje egameni lakho, siphakanyiswe ngenca yekulunga kwakho. Ngobe wena uludvumo lwemandla aso, ngekusikhetsa kwakho luphondvo lwemandla etfu luyaphakanyiswa. Sihlangu setfu sakho, Simakadze, siyinkhosi yetfu lesayinikwa nguLongcwele waka-Israyeli. Endvulo wase wakhuluma embonweni, kuye lowetsembekile wakho, watsi: “Ngimsitile, ngambeka lolichawe, ngamphakamisa lotsandzekako wami. Ngimtfolile Davide, inceku yami, sengimgcobe ngemafutsa ami langcwele. Sandla sami siyawuma naye njalo simcinise, ngempela ingalo yami iyawumcinisa. Sitsa singeke simphocelele kutsi etfule kuso, nalomubi angeke amhluphe. Ngiyawupitjita titsa takhe embikwakhe, ngibacitse labo labamtondzako. Kwetsembeka kwami nemusa wami kuyawuhlala naye; ngelibito lami kuyawuphakanyiswa luphondvo lwakhe. Ngiyawumenta abuse etikwelwandle nasetikwemifula kanyekanye. Uyawukhala kimi atsi: ‘Wena unguBabe, unguNkulunkulu wami, nelidvwala lensindziso yami.’ Ngiyawumenta abe litubulo, abe yinkhosi lephakeme kunemakhosi emhlaba. Ngiyawumgcinela umusa wami kuze kube phakadze. Sivumelwane sami naye siyawuhlala simile. Ngiyawumisa intalo yakhe, kuze kube phakadze, nesihlalo sakhe sebukhosi sisime, yingci nakusekhona sibhakabhaka etulu. “Nangabe bantfwabakhe bawulahla umtsetfo wami, bangahambi ngendlela yetincumo tami, bedzelela timiso tami, bangayigcini imiyalo yami, ngiyawube sengibafaka luswati, ngibajezise ngenca yekona kwabo, ngibanike imivimba ngenca yebubi babo. Kodvwa ngingeke ngiwususe umusa wami kuye, ngingeke futsi ngikuphikise kwetsembeka kwami. Sivumelwane sami ngingeke ngisephule; nemavi lese ngiwakhulumile ngingeke ngiwagucule. “Ngifunge kwaba kanye ebungcweleni bami, ngingeke ngiwacale emanga kuDavide. Intalo yakhe iyawuma kuze kube phakadze, nesihlalo sakhe sebukhosi asiyiwugucuka, siyawuma njengelilanga lelisembikwami. Uyawumiswa siphelane, njengenyanga, ngobe yona ingufakazi lowetsembekile losemafini.” Cabanga. Kodvwa manje sewumlahlile wamala, wamtfukutselela logcotjiwe wakho. Sewusicitsile sivumelwane senceku yakho, umchele wayo uwutsele ngelihlazo, wawudzicela phansi. Utidzilitele phansi tonkhe tindvonga, tinqaba tasala titindvundvuma. Bonkhe labendlula ngendlela bayatikhwanyela kuyo. Seyigucuke yaba yinhlekisa kubomakhelwane bayo. Uyente yancotjwa ngulabamelene nayo, wajabulisa tonkhe titsa tayo. Nenkemba yayo ayikadli enyameni, wayenta yehluleka ngisho nekubhekana nemphi. Uyemuke indvuku yebukhosi esandleni sayo, wasidzaceka phansi sihlalo sayo sebukhosi. Uwafinyetile emalanga ebusha bayo, wayembesa ngemahloni. Cabanga. Kuyawuze kube ngunini, Simakadze, utifihla siphelane ngingakuboni? Kuyawuze kube ngunini lulaka lwakho luvutsa njengemalangabi emlilo? Khumbula-ke kutsi sikhatsi sami singakanani emhlabeni. Bonkhe bantfu lowabadala bendlula njengemoya kulomhlaba. Ngubani nje umuntfu loyawuphila angafi? Ngubani nje longatigodla yena angayi ethuneni? Cabanga. Awu, Nkhosi yami! Uphi kantsi umusa wakho lomkhulu lowawubonakalisa endvulo, wenta sifungo ngawo kuDavide ngekwetsembeka kwakho? Awu, Nkhosi yami! Khumbula kuphukutwa kwenceku yakho, nekutsi tive tingibhaceka ngetinhlamba. Awu, Simakadze! Titsa takho tiyayihhalatisa lenkhosi loyigcobile, tiyayilandzela tiyibambe, tiyibhaceke ngetinhlamba. Simakadze akabongwe nini nanini! Amen! Yebo, Amen! Yebo, Simakadze! Wena ube siphephelo setfu etitukulwaneni nasetitukulwaneni. Ngaphambi kwekudalwa kwetintsaba, yebo, ungakawudali nemhlaba, kusukela phakadze kuze kube phakadze, wena Nkulunkulu ukhona. Umuntfu umbuyisela elutfulini utsi: “Buyelani nine bantfwana bebantfu nibe lutfuli lenabunjwa ngalo.” Ngobe inkhulungwane yeminyaka kuwe ingangelilanga linye, injengelilanga layitolo nase lendlulile, yimfishane, ingangemlindvo wasebusuku. Bantfu ubakhukhula njengesihlambi semanti, baphele njengebutfongo, ekuseni bakhula njengeluhlata: nome ekuseni luyahluma luchakaze, kodvwa entsambama luyasikwa lubune. Intfukutselo yakho isicedza emandla, lulaka lwakho luyasesabisa. Bubi betfu busembikwakho, tono tetfu letifihlakele tisekukhanyeni kwebuso bakho. Onkhe emalanga etfu ekuphila endlula ngaphansi kwelulaka lwakho, iminyaka yetfu iyefika ibuye yendlule, sincane sesibibitfwane sesikhashana. Iminyaka yekuphila kwetfu ingiminyaka lengemashumi lasikhombisa, nangabe sisacinile iba ngiminyaka lengemashumi lasiphohlongo; noko linyenti laleyo minyaka seliphetse kuhlupheka nelusizi. Kuphila kwetfu kwendlula ngekushesha, yebo, siyandiza sihambe. Ngubani lowati emandla entfukutselo yakho, yebo, nelulaka lwakho, kuze akwesabe ngalokufanele? Sifundzise kutsi sikwati kubala emalanga etfu, kuze sibe nenhlitiyo lehlakaniphile. Buya, Simakadze! Kuyawudzimate kube ngunini solomane usifulatsela? Hawukela tinceku takho. Senelise ngemusa wakho njalo ekuseni, kuze sijabule sitfokote onkhe emalanga etfu letako. Siphe emalanga ekujabula, langangemalanga ekusihlupha kwakho; akabe ngangeminyaka yekuhlupheka kwetfu. Shangatsi tinceku takho tingake tikubone usebenta, nemandla akho ebukhosi abonakale nasetitukulwaneni tato. Shangatsi lutsandvo lweNkhosi lenguNkulunkulu wetfu, lungabasetikwetfu. Shangatsi ungawubusisa umsebenti wetandla tetfu; yebo, phumelelisa umsebenti wetandla tetfu. Lowo lohlala ekusitsekeni kuLosetikwako Konkhe ukhosele ekhwapheni laSomandla. Angasho kuSimakadze atsi: “Wena usiphephelo sami nenqaba yami, unguNkulunkulu wami lengetsembele kuye.” Nguye-ke Simakadze lotakwephula elugibeni lwebacuphi, akuvikele nasetifeni letitsatselwanako. Uyawukusibekela ngetimphiko takhe, uphephele ngaphansi kwemaphiko akhe, kwetsembeka kwakhe kulihawu lekukuvikela. Awudzingi kwesaba tingoti tasebusuku, nemicibisholo lentjuzako emini, nengoti lenkhulu levumbuka ebumnyameni, namashayacotfule wesifo lobhubhisako emini. Labatinkhulungwane bangawa eceleni kwakho, nalabatinkhulungwane letilishumi bawele ngasesandleni sakho sekudla, kodvwa wena usale ungenamyocu. Uyawubuka nje kuphela ngemehlo akho, ubone kujeziswa kwalababi. Ngobe wena Simakadze umente waba siphephelo sakho, Losetikwako Konkhe umente inqaba yakho. Ungeke wehlelwe ngemashwa, nesifo singeke sisondzele ekhaya lakho. Ngobe Nkulunkulu uyawuyala tingilosi takhe ngawe tikulondvolote ekuhambeni kwakho konkhe. Tiyawukutsatsa tikwetfwale ngetandla, kuze lunyawo lwakho lungete lwakhutjwa etjeni. Uyawuhamba etikwemabhubesi netinyoka, ugcobagcobe etikwemawundlu emabhubesi kanye nasetikwetinyoka. Nkulunkulu yena utsi: “Njengobe naku ubambelele kimi ngelutsandvo, ngitamephula ngimbeke endzaweni lephakeme, ngimvikele ngobe alati libito lami. Uyawungibita ngiphendvule ngibe naye ekuhluphekeni, ngimuphe kuphepha nekuhlonipheka. Ngiyawumesutsisa ngebudze bemalanga akhe ngimkhombise emandla ensindziso yami.” Kuhle kubonga wena, Simakadze, nekuhlabelela egameni lakho, wena Losetikwako Konkhe, nekuvakalisa umusa wakho ekuseni, nekwetsembeka kwakho ebusuku, nakushaywa ihabhu lenetintsambo letilishumi, nelugitali, netintsambo telire. Ngobe nguwe, Simakadze, longente ngatfokota ngaloko lokwentile, imisebenti yetandla takho ingente ngahlabelela ngekujabula. Maye, mikhulu imisebenti yakho, Simakadze! Imicabango yakho ijule kakhulu. Sihhundzahhundza singeke sikwati loko, umuntfu losilima angeke acondze kutsi nome lababi bangahluma njengetjani, nato tonkhe tigilamkhuba tichuma, noko tiyawubhujiswa phakadze naphakadze. Kodvwa wena, Simakadze, uphakeme phakadze naphakadze. Ngobe nato titsa takho, tiyawubhubha; bonkhe lababi bayawusakatwa. Kodvwa luphondvo lwami uluphakamisile njengeluphondvo lwenkhabi lengumlalandle, ungigcobe ngemafutsa lamasha. Titsa tami ngitibuke emehlweni, netindlebe tami titivile tinsongo talabo lababi labemelene nami. Lolungile uhluma njengelisundvu, akhule njengemsedari waseLebanoni. Labo-ke banjengetihlahla letihlanyelwe endlini yaSimakadze, bachuma etibuyeni taNkulunkulu wetfu. Ebudzaleni babo bayawuchubeka batsele titselo, bafanane netihlahla letihlala tiluhlata, ngobe tona tihlala ticinile, kuze kubonakale kutsi Somandla ulungile, yena ulidvwala lami, yena unguSokulunga. Simakadze uyabusa, wembetse inkhatimulo, Simakadze wembetse, wavunula emandla. Ngempela, umhlaba wonkhe utintile, ungeke utanyatanyiswe. Sihlalo sakho sebukhosi seloku sema sicinile kwasemandvulweni, wena wawuvele ukhona kwasemaphakadzeni. Imifula idlondlobele, Simakadze, imifula idlondlobele ngekuhlokoma, imifula idlondlobele ngekudvuma. Kepha wena, Simakadze, umkhulu kunekudvuma kwemanti lamanyenti, umkhulu kunemagagasi aselwandle. Bufakazi bakho buciniseke kakhulu, bungcwele buyifanele indlu yakho, phakadze naphakadze, Simakadze. Yebo, Simakadze, nguwe Nkulunkulu wemphindziselo! Wena unguNkulunkulu wekuphindzisela. Phumela ebaleni ukhanye. Phakama, Mehluleli wemhlaba, uphindzisele kubemhlaba labatidlako. Awu, Simakadze! Kuyawuze kube ngunini lababi batikhukhumeta? Kuyawuze kube ngunini lababi bachoshile? Kuyawuze kube ngunini lababi batidla bakhuluma kabi bahlambalata? Simakadze, sive sakho bayasipitjita, balinyatsela phansi lifa lakho. Babulala bafelokati, netihambi, basontse netintsandzane, ngobe tite boyise. Batsi: “Simakadze akaboni, Nkulunkulu waJakobe akanaki.” Caphelani nine leninenhloko lelukhuni, emkhatsini wesive. Nine tilima, niyawuhlakanipha nini? Nguye lowadala indlebe, pho, angehluleka yini kuva? Nguye lowadala liso, pho, angehluleka yini kubona? Nguye longumcondzisi wetive, pho, angeke ehlulele yini? Nguye lofundzisa lwati kubo bonkhe bantfu, pho, angabate kanjani lwati? Simakadze uyayati imicabango yebantfu, kutsi ifana nemoya lotsi shwi wendlule. Yebo, Simakadze! Ubusisiwe umuntfu loyalwa nguwe, afundziswe nguwe emtsetfweni wakho, umuphe kuthula ngesikhatsi sebumatima, kusambiwa umgodzi wekuchilitela lababi. Ngobe Simakadze angeke asilahle sive sakhe, angeke alishiye lifa lakhe. Kulunga kuyawuphindze kubuyele ekwehlulelweni, bonkhe labacotfo ngenhlitiyo bayawukulandzela. Ngubani longangisita kulababi? Ngubani longangiphendvula kulabaphambene nami? Kube Simakadze abengesilo lusito lwami, ngabe ngasheshe ngafa. Ngatsi nangifuna kutsi: “Naku sengiwa,” Simakadze wangisekela ngemusa wakhe, ngabuye ngema futsi. Ngesikhatsi inhlitiyo yami iphitsiteliswa ngimicabango, kudvudvuta kwakho kuyawutfokotisa umphefumulo wami. Babusi lababi bangaba nenhlanganyelo yini nawe, labo labenta bubi kube shangatsi ngumtsetfo? Bakha lisu lekuhlasela labalungile, balahla bantfu labangenacala. Kodvwa Simakadze uyinqaba yami, Nkulunkulu wami ulidvwala lelisiphephelo sami. Uyawukwehlisela tono tabo etikwabo, ababhubhise ngenca yebubi babo; Simakadze, Nkulunkulu wetfu, uyawubabhubhisa. Wotani, sitewuhlabela kuSimakadze, sihlabele ngenjabulo kulo lidvwala lensindziso yetfu! Asiye kuye ngekuhlabela, simbonge ngetibongo nangetingoma. Ngobe Simakadze nguNkulunkulu lomkhulu, unguMbusi lomkhulu lonemandla kunabo bonkhe bonkulunkulu. Esandleni sakhe kunekujula kwemhlaba, kanye nekuphakama kwetintsaba. Lwandle lwakhe, ngobe walwenta, nemhlaba lowomile wakhe, ngobe wawubumba ngetandla takhe. Wotani, sikhuleke, simkhotsamele, asiguce embikwaSimakadze, uMenti wetfu. Ngobe yena unguNkulunkulu wetfu, tsine sitimvu telidlelo lakhe, nesive lesisetandleni takhe. Lamuhla shangatsi ningalilalela livi lakhe nalitsi: “Ningatenti lukhuni tinhlitiyo tenu, njengaseMeribha nanjengamhlazane baseMasa, lapho bangilinga khona boyihlo, bangivivinya, nome babeyibonile imisebenti yami. Iminyaka lengemashumi lamane nganengwa nguleso sive, ngadzimate ngatsi: ‘Basive, lesinhlitiyo yaso yedukile, abaticaphelanga tindlela tami.’ Ngako-ke ngatfukutsela ngadzimate ngafunga ngabo ngatsi: ‘Bangeke bangene ekuphumuleni kwami.’ ” Hlabelani ingoma lensha kuSimakadze, hlabelani kuSimakadze, mhlaba wonkhe! Hlabelani kuSimakadze, nidvumise libito lakhe, memetelani insindziso yakhe imihla ngemihla. Vakalisani bukhosi bakhe etiveni, nitjele tonkhe tive ngetimanga takhe. Simakadze mkhulu, ufanele kudvunyiswa kakhulu, ufanele kwesatjwa kunabo bonkhe bonkulunkulu. Ngobe bonkhe bonkulunkulu betive batithico, kantsi nguSimakadze lowenta emazulu. Ludvumo nebukhosi kusembikwakhe, emandla nenkhatimulo kusendlini yakhe lengcwele. Phakamisani Simakadze esikhundleni sakhe, nine mindeni yetive. Nikani Simakadze ludvumo nemandla. Nikani Simakadze lolufanele ludvumo libito lakhe. Ngenani emabaleni endlu yakhe, niletse kuye umnikelo. Khotsamani nikhuleke kuSimakadze, nembatse bungcwele, nitfutfumele embikwakhe, mhlaba wonkhe. Memetelani emkhatsini wetive nitsi: “Simakadze yiNkhosi, uyabusa! Yebo, umhlaba usinyisiwe, ungeke utanyatanyiswe, nguye loyakwehlulela tive ngebucotfo.” Jabulani mazulu, tsakasa nawe mhlaba, kubhodle lwandle nako konkhe lokukulo. Emadlelo, nako konkhe lokukuwo, akujabule, tonkhe tihlahla tesiganga atijabule embikwaSimakadze, ngobe uyeta, yebo, uyeta kutakwehlulela umhlaba. Uyakwehlulela umhlaba ngekulunga, yebo, ehlulele tive ngekwetsembeka kwakhe. Simakadze uyabusa, umhlaba awujabule netichingi tonkhe tijabule. Emafu lamnyama amtungeletile, kulunga nebucotfo sisekelo lamise kuso sihlalo sakhe sebukhosi. Embikwakhe kuvutsa umlilo udle titsa ngala nangala. Imibane yakhe ikhanyisa umhlaba, umhlaba ungayibona lemibono, uyatfutfumela. Tintsaba tincibilika njengemtfwebeba embikwaSimakadze, yebo, tiyancibilika tiphele embikweNkhosi yemhlaba wonkhe. Emazulu amemetela kulunga kwakhe, tonkhe tive tibubone bukhosi bakhe. Bayahlazeka badliwe ngemahloni bonkhe labakhonta tithico, bachoshe ngetithico letingenamsebenti. Bonkhe bonkulunkulu bakhotsama kuSimakadze. BaseSiyoni bayeva bajabule, yebo, netakhamiti takaJuda tiyatsakasa ngenca yetehlulelo takho, Simakadze. Ngobe wena, Simakadze, unguLosetikwako Konkhe, ubusa umhlaba wonkhe, uphakeme ngetulu kwabonkulunkulu. Nine lenitsandza Simakadze, tondzani konkhe lokubi, ngobe uyabelusa labametsembako, abephule etandleni talababi. Kukhanya kuhlanyelelwa labalungile, nekujabula kuhlanyelelwa labanetinhlitiyo letinhle. Tfokotani nijabule nine lenilungile, bongani libito lakhe lelingcwele. Sihlabelelo. Hlabelani ingoma lensha kuSimakadze, ngobe wente tintfo letinkhulu; wancoba ngesandla sakhe sekudla nangengalo yakhe lengcwele. Simakadze uyente yatiwa insindziso yakhe, kulunga kwakhe ukwembulile emehlweni ebetive. Uwukhumbulile umusa wakhe nekwetsembeka kwakhe kubaka-Israyeli. Imikhawulo yonkhe yemhlaba iyibonile insindziso yaNkulunkulu. Hlokomani nidvumise Nkulunkulu, nine bantfu bemhlaba. Mdvumiseni ngengoma yekujabula, nihlabele ngekumdvumisa. Hlabelani nidvumise Nkulunkulu ngehabhu, hlabelani ngehabhu nangeliphimbo. Shayani emacilongo nelivenge. Hlokomani embikwaSimakadze iNkhosi. Akubhodle lwandle, nako konkhe lokukulo. Akubhodle umhlaba nalabahlala kuwo! Imifula ayishaye tandla ibetsele. Tintsaba tihlabele kanyekanye ngenjabulo embikwaSimakadze, ngobe uyeta kutakwehlulela umhlaba ngekulunga, yebo, ehlulele tive ngebucotfo. Simakadze uyabusa! Tive atitfutfumele! Uhleti etikwemakherubhi. Umhlaba awutfutfumele! Simakadze mkhulu eSiyoni, uphakeme ngetulu kwetive tonkhe. Atidvumise tibabate libito lakho, ngobe lona likhulu, futsi liyesabeka, yena ungcwele. Simakadze, nguwe losimise kulunga kwenkhosi letsandza kubusa ngekungakhetsi muntfu; nguwe lowehlisela lokuhle kuJakobe, waletsa kulunga nebucotfo. Phakamisani Simakadze, Nkulunkulu wetfu, nikhuleke kuso senabelo setinyawo takhe, yena ungcwele. BoMosi kanye na-Aroni baba ngulabanye bebaphristi bakhe. Samuweli abengulomunye walabo bebabita libito lakhe. Bakhala kuSimakadze, wabaphendvula. Wakhuluma kubo asensikeni yelifu, bayigcina imiyalo yakhe kanye netimiso takhe labebanike tona. Yebo, Simakadze, Nkulunkulu wetfu, wabaphendvula wena, waba nguNkulunkulu lotsetselelako kubo, noko wabajezisa ngenca yetono tabo. Phakamisani Simakadze, Nkulunkulu wetfu, mkhotsameni nimkhonte kulentsaba yakhe lengcwele. Simakadze, Nkulunkulu wetfu, ungcwele! Dvumisani Simakadze ngenjabulo, nine mhlaba wonkhe! Khontani Simakadze ngentfokoto! Sondzelani kuye ngekuhlabela kwenjabulo. Yatini kutsi Simakadze nguNkulunkulu! Sadalwa nguye, asitidalanga, sisive sakhe, netimvu telidlelo lakhe. Ngenani emasangweni akhe ngekubonga, nasetibuyeni tendlu yakhe ngekumdvumisa. Mbongeni, nidvumise libito lakhe. Ngobe Simakadze muhle, umusa wakhe uhlala umile kuze kube nguphakadze naphakadze; nekwetsembeka kwakhe kuhlala kumile titukulwane ngetitukulwane. Ngiyawuhlabela kuwe, Simakadze, ngibonge umusa wakho nebuhle bakho bekungakhetsi bala. Angicaphelisise kuhamba ngendlela yebucotfo. Uyawuze ufike nini kimi? Ngiyawuhamba ngimsulwa endlini yami. Ngingeke ngitimisele kwenta lokubi. Ngiyayenyanya imisebenti yalabahlubuka Nkulunkulu, futsi ngingeke ngihambisane nayo. Inhlitiyo lesigwegwe ayisuke kimi, ngingakwenti lokubi. Lowo lohleba makhelwane wakhe emasitseleni mine ngiyawumcitsa. Lowo lonemehlo lachoshile nenhlitiyo letigcabhako angihambisani naye. Ngiyabanconota labo labetsembeke kuNkulunkulu, kulelive, kutsi bangahlala nami. Lowo lohamba ngendlela yebucotfo angaba yinceku yami. Umuntfu lonemacebo ngeke ngimvumele ahlale endlini yami. Wonkhe umuntfu localemanga ngingeke ngimbeketelele. Kusa ngekusa, ngiyawubabhubhisa ngibabulale bonkhe lababi eveni, kuze ngibacotfule bonkhe lababi bangabikho ekhaya laSimakadze. Awu, Simakadze! Vani umthandazo wami. Kukhala kwami akufinyelele kuwe. Ungabufihli buso bakho kimi, ngesikhatsi sekuhlupheka kwami! Beka indlebe yakho kimi; usheshe ungiphendvule njalo nje nangikhala kuwe. Emalanga ami endlula njengentfutfu, ematsambo ami ashise njengemlilo. Inhlitiyo yami ihashukile yabuna njengetjani. Angisadli, nekudla akusangeni, ngobe inhlitiyo yami imnyama. Sengondze ngingumbambotiyabalwa, ngenca yekububula kwami kakhulu. Sengifanana nelingce lasehlane, ngifanane nesikhova setindzala. Ngiyacwasha, butfongo abehli, ngifanana nenyoni ledliwa situnge, lehleti etikwendlu. Titsa tami tingetfuka onkhe emalanga, laba labangiphukutako bacalekisa betfukane ngelibito lami. Ngiyakhala, umlotsa sekudla kwami, tinyembeti titfontsela esinatfweni sami, ngenca yelulaka nekutfukutsela kwakho, ngobe ungisundvutile wangilahla. Emalanga ami anjengesitfunti sentsambama, ngiyabuna njengetjani. Kodvwa wena, Simakadze, uyawuba khona kuze kube phakadze. Uyawukhunjulwa titukulwane ngetitukulwane. Uyawusukuma uhawukele iSiyoni, ngobe sengiso sikhatsi sekuyiphatsa ngemusa, yebo, sikhatsi lesimiselwe loko sesifikile. Tinceku takho tiyitsandza ngisho nematje ayo; tihawukela lutfuli lwayo. Tive tiyawulesaba libito laSimakadze, nemakhosi onkhe emhlaba esabe bukhosi bakhe. Ngobe Simakadze utawube asayakhe kabusha iSiyoni, asabonakele enkhatimulweni yakhe, anake imikhuleko yalabangenabani, angayibukeli phansi imithandazo yabo. Loku akubhalwe phansi, kugcinelwe situkulwane lesitako, kuze naleso sive lesiyawuvela naso sidvumise Simakadze. Ngobe Simakadze wabuka phansi, asendzaweni yakhe lephakeme lengcwele, wabuka emhlabeni asezulwini, kutsi atewuva kububula kwetiboshwa, atewukhulula labo labagwetjelwe intsambo, kuze bantfu bavakalise libito laSimakadze eSiyoni, neludvumo lwakhe eJerusalema, ngesikhatsi sekuhlangene tive ndzawonye, kanye nemibuso kutawukhonta Simakadze. Wacedza emandla ami ngisesemkhatsini, wafinyeta emalanga ekuphila kwami. Ngitsi: “Hhawu, Nkulunkulu wami, ungaphangisi ungitsatse ngisakhula. Iminyaka yakho yetitukulwane netitukulwane. Emandvulo wabeka tisekelo temhlaba, emazulu angumsebenti wetandla takho. Kuyakwendlula konkhe, wena uhlale unjalo nje, konkhe kuyawuguga njengengubo. Yebo, njengengubo uyawukugucula kusakateke. Kepha wena seloku unjalo nje, iminyaka yakho ayinasiphetfo. Bantfwana betinceku takho bayawuhlala baphephile, intalo yabo ihlale isimiswe embikwakho.” Mphefumulo wami, dvumisa Simakadze, nako konkhe lokukimi akudvumise libito lakhe lelingcwele! Mphefumulo wami, dvumisa Simakadze, ungatikhohlwa tento takhe temusa kimi. Ungitsetselela lonkhe licala letono tami angelaphe tonkhe tifo tami. Ungihlenga ngiphephe ekufeni, enhloko yami ungifaka umchele longumusa nesihawu. Wenelisa kuphila kwami ngalokuhle, kuvuseleleke emandla ebusha bami, ngivuseleleke ngibe njengelusweti. Bonkhe labacindzetelwe Simakadze ubentela kulunga, angakhetsi muntfu. Imisebenti yakhe wayenta yatiwa nguMosi, tento takhe tatiwa sive saka-Israyeli. Simakadze unemusa nesihawu, uyephuta kutfukutsela, andze ngemusa. Akatsetsi ngaso sonkhe sikhatsi, futsi akahlali atfukutsele kuze kube phakadze. Akasiphatsi njengalokufanele tono tetfu, futsi akasivuzi njengekwemacala etfu. Njengobe emazulu aphakeme ngetulu kwemhlaba, unjalo-ke nemusa wakhe kulabamesabako. Njengobe imphumalanga yehlukene nenshonalanga utikhweshise kangako-ke tono tetfu kitsi. Njengobe uyise anesihe kubantfwabakhe, ngalokufananako Simakadze unesihe kulabamesabako. Ngobe uyakwati kubunjwa kwetfu, uyakhumbula kutsi silutfuli nje. Emalanga emuntfu anjengetjani, uyabhahela njengembali yesiganga. Ngesikhatsi umoya uphephetsa wendlule etikwayo, kube kuphela kwayo njalo, ingeke iphindze yatiwe kuleyo ndzawo. Kodvwa umusa waSimakadze ukubo bonkhe labamesabako, futsi uyawuhlala ukubo phakadze naphakadze, nekulunga kwakhe etikwebantfwana bebantfwana, kubo labagcina sivumelwane sakhe, bakhumbule kwenta imiyalo yakhe. Simakadze wasimisa ezulwini sihlalo sakhe sebukhosi, konkhe lokukhona kungaphansi kwembuso wakhe. Dvumisani Simakadze, nine tingilosi takhe, nani machawe lanemandla, nine labenta livi lakhe, nilalele kukhuluma kwelivi lakhe. Dvumisani Simakadze, nine mabandla akhe nonkhe, nani tikhonti takhe letenta intsandvo yakhe. Bongani Simakadze, nonkhe nine misebenti yakhe, kuto tonkhe tindzawo embusweni wakhe. Mphefumulo wami, dvumisa Simakadze. Mphefumulo wami, dvumisa Simakadze! Yebo, Simakadze, Nkulunkulu wami, wena umkhulu kakhulu! Wembetse ludvumo nebukhosi. Kukhanya kuyingubo lotembese ngayo, weneke emazulu njengekumiswa kwelithende; indlu yakho yebukhosi, uyakhe etikwemanti lasetulu. Emafu lamnyama lahlomile ayincola yakho, ugibele emaphiko emoya. Nguwe lowenta titfunywa takho tibe ngimimoya, wente tinceku takho tibe ngimibane. Wasimisa umhlaba etikwetisekelo tawo, kuze ungatanyatanyiswa, phakadze naphakadze, wawembesa ngemanti lamanyenti, njengekwembeswa ngengubo, emanti agcwala adzimate acwilisa tintsaba. Wawekhuta abaleka, ngekubhonga kwelivi lakho asubatsa ngematubane abaleka, adzilika etintsabeni ehlela etigodzini, aphutfuma endzaweni lowawuyimisele wona. Wawabekela iminyele langeke ayengce, angete asabuyela kuyakwembesa umhlaba wonkhe. Wenta tiyalu tigelete etihosheni, ageletise imifula emkhatsini wetintsaba. Kunatsa kuyo tonkhe tilwane tesiganga, netimbongolo tesiganga ngulapho tikucima khona koma kwato. Tinyoni tesiganga takhela ngakuyo, tintjilote emkhatsini wemagala. Unisela tintsaba ngemvula utihlalele etulu, nemhlaba weneliswe sitselo semsebenti wakho: Uhlumisa tjani, kuze kudle imfuyo, uhlumise lokumilako kusitakale bantfu, kuze kuvele kudla emhlabeni, neliwayini lelijabulisa tinhlitiyo tabo, nemafutsa ekugcobisa buso bakhe buze bucwebetele, nekudla lokuyinsika yemphilo yemuntfu. Tihlahla taSimakadze tiniselwe ngalokwenele, imisedari yaseLebanoni layihlanyelile, tinyoni letakhele tidleke tato kuyo, gilonki wakhela etulu emagaleni ato. Tintsaba letindze tiyinkhundla yemagoga, emadvwala asiphephelo setimbila. Wenta inyanga kutsi yehlukanise tikhatsi, lilanga liyasati sikhatsi salo sekuya kunina. Wenta bumnyama bube busuku, bese kweluka tonkhe tilwane temahlatsi. Emabhubesi ayabhodla atamule, atingele tinyamatane, afuna kudla kwawo kuNkulunkulu. Naliphumako lilanga ayahoshoba, abange emihumeni yawo, afike alale phansi. Umuntfu uyaphuma aye emsebentini wakhe, akhandleke kudzimate kushone lilanga. Awu, Simakadze! Maye, minyenti imisebenti yakho! Yonkhe uyente ngekuhlakanipha; umhlaba ugcwele tidalwa takho. Naluya lwandle lolukhulu, nalolubanti, loluphetfuka tintfo umuntfu langeke akhone kutibala, tintfo letiphilako letincane naletinkhulu. Nansiya imikhumbi intjweza kulo nemikhoma lowayenta yatjakadvula kulo. Tonkhe letidalwa tibheke wena, kutsi utiphe kudla kwato ngesikhatsi lesifanele. Utipha kudla tidle, nawuvula sandla sakho, teneliswa ngetintfo letinhle. Nawufihla buso bakho, tiyetfuka, nawutsatsa kuphefumula kwato, tiyafa, tibuyele elutfulini. Nawutfumela Moya wakho, tiyadaleka, uhlumise kabusha imvelo yemhlaba. Shangatsi ludvumo lwaSimakadze lungema kuze kube ngunaphakadze. Shangatsi Simakadze angatfokota ngemisebenti yakhe, yena lotsi nakabuka umhlaba utfutfumele, atsintse tintsaba tibhunye. Simakadze ngiyawumhlabelela, yingci nangisaphila. Ngiyawudvumisa Nkulunkulu wami, ngisaphila lapha emhlabeni. Shangatsi kuzindla kwami kungamjabulisa, ngiyawutfokota kuSimakadze. Shangatsi toni tingasishulwa emhlabeni, lababi bangabe basaphushwa nakuphushwa. Mphefumulo wami, dvumisa Simakadze! Dvumisa Simakadze! Bongani Simakadze, nibite libito lakhe, nimemetele tento takhe emkhatsini wetive. Hlabelani kuye, nimdvumise, nibalise ngetimangaliso takhe tonkhe. Tibongeni ngelibito lakhe lelingcwele, atijabule tinhlitiyo talabafuna Simakadze. Funani kwati Simakadze nemandla akhe, nifunisise buso bakhe onkhe emalanga. Khumbulani timangaliso takhe latentile, nikhumbule tibonakaliso takhe, kanye netehlulelo temlomo wakhe, nine situkulwane sa-Abrahama, inceku yakhe, nine madvodzana aJakobe, labakhetsiwe bakhe. Yena Simakadze unguNkulunkulu wetfu, tehlulelo takhe tisemhlabeni wonkhe. Uyasikhumbula sivumelwane sakhe phakadze naphakadze; livi layala ngalo uyalikhumbula titukulwane ngetitukulwane. Sivumelwane lasenta na-Abrahama, nesifungo sakhe ku-Isaka, wasicinisa kuJakobe, saba ngumtsetfo, ku-Israyeli saba sivumelwane saphakadze. Watsi: “Wena ngiyakupha live laseKhenani leliyawuba sabelo lesilifa lakho.” Babesembalwa ngesibalo, yebo, babeyingcosana, batihambi kulelo live. Bazula bandzindza etiveni ngetive, basuka kulomunye umbuso baya kulomunye, kodvwa akavumelanga muntfu kutsi abahluphe, ngenca yabo wajezisa ngisho emakhosi. Watsi: “Ningabatsintsi labagcotjiwe bami, ningacali nilimate baphrofethi bami.” Watfumela indlala kulelo live, kwaphela kudla, kati walala etiko. Watfuma indvodza yahamba kucala kunabo, Josefa, lowatsengiswa waba sigcili. Tinyawo takhe batibopha ngetinketane, naye lucobo lwakhe waboshwa ngetinsimbi, kwaze kwaba sikhatsi lekwagcwaliseka ngaso livi lakhe, nelivi laSimakadze lamvivinya lamtfola kutsi ucinisile. Faro, inkhosi, watfumela kutsi akhululwe, yebo, umbusi wetive wamkhulula. Wamenta waba sikhulu semuti wakhe, waba ngundvunankhulu welive lonkhe, kuze acondzise tikhulu takhe; nebaholi bakhe wabafundzisa kuhlakanipha. Israyeli wase uyefika eGibhithe, Jakobe wakhonta eveni lakaHhamu. Simakadze wasandzisa kakhulu sive sakhe, wasenta sandza saba nemandla kunetitsa taso. Wayigucula inhlitiyo yebaseGibhithe, kuze itondze bantfu bakhe, babaphatsa ngebucili. Watfumela Mosi, inceku yakhe, wahamba na-Aroni labekhetfwe nguSimakadze. Benta tibonakaliso taSimakadze emkhatsini wabo, netimangaliso eveni lakaHhamu. Watfumela bumnyama, wenta live laba mnyama, kepha bemelana nemavi akhe. Wagucula emanti abo aba yingati, wabhubhisa tinhlanti tabo. Live labo lanyakatela tigogodvolo, taphetfuka ngisho nasemakamelweni emakhosi. Wakhuluma, kwavela emabulo etibawu, kanye netimphungane eveni labo lonkhe. Wabapha sangcotfo, saba yimvula yabo, kwaklwebha imibane eveni labo lonkhe. Wavitsita imivini nemakhiwane abo, washaya netihlahla eveni labo. Wakhuluma, kwavela sikhonyane, kwavela inkhasa lengeke ibaleke, kwadla yonkhe intfo lemilako eveni, kwacedza sitselo semhlaba emasimini abo. Wabulala onkhe ematubulo abo eveni, lababetibone ngawo kutsi sebakhulile. Wase uyabakhipha baka-Israyeli eGibhithe, bahamba sebanesiliva negolide; kute nome munye lowawa emindenini yabo. EmaGibhithe ajabula ekuphumeni kwabo ngobe abesafile kubesaba. Wendlala lifu, laba ngumpheme wekubambonya, wabentela umlilo wekubakhanyisela ebusuku. Bacela, wabapha tigwaca, wabesutsisa ngesinkhwa lesivela ezulwini. Wavula lidvwala, kwampompota emanti, ageleta ehlane njengemfula. Ngobe wakhumbula livi lakhe lelingcwele, lalikhuluma ku-Abrahama, inceku yakhe. Wase ukhipha sive sakhe ngenjabulo, labakhetsiwe bakhe bahamba ngekutfokota. Wabapha emave ebetive, badla lifa lelititfukutfuku tebetive, kuze bacaphele timiso takhe, bagcine imitsetfo yakhe. Haleluya, dvumisani Simakadze! Haleluya, dvumisani Simakadze! Bongani Simakadze ngobe muhle, nemusa wakhe ume kuze kube phakadze. Ngubani longalandzisa ngemisebenti lemikhulu yaSimakadze, avakalise lonkhe ludvumo lwakhe? Babusisiwe labo labahamba ngebucotfo bente kulunga ngato tonkhe tikhatsi. Awu, Simakadze, ngikhumbule nawusentela umusa sive sakho, nami ungisindzise kanye naso, kuze ngibone kuchuma kwalabakhetsiwe bakho, ngitfokote ekujabuleni kwesive sakho, ngitigabise kanye nalabalifa lakho. Sonile tsine kanye nabokhokho betfu, sente lokubi, sonakele. Ngesikhatsi bokhokho baseseGibhithe abazange bacaphele timangaliso takho, futsi abazange bakhumbule bunyenti betento takho temusa, kodvwa bakuhlubuka ngaseLwandle Lolubovu. Noko, Simakadze wabasindzisa, ngenca yelibito lakhe, kuze abonakalise emandla akhe lamakhulu. Wakhalimela Lwandle Lolubovu, lwasha, wabeweta ekujuleni kwalo, kwaba shangatsi bahamba ehlane. Ngako wabasindzisa esandleni sesitsa, wabahlenga emandleni esitsa. Emanti atimbonya titsa tabo, kute ngisho nasinye sato lesasala. Base bayawakholwa emavi akhe, bahlabela, bamdvumisa. Kodvwa basheshe bayikhohlwa imisebenti yakhe, abazange basatilindzela teluleko takhe. Bahamba bashangashanga ehlane, bamlinga Nkulunkulu kalashameshame. Wabapha leto tintfo bebaticela kuye, kodvwa wabatfumela kufa lokwabacedza. Basesendleleni baba nemona naMosi kanye na-Aroni, longcwele waSimakadze. Umhlaba wakhamisa wamita Dathani, wagcibedzela Abiramu nebalandzeli bakhe, kwalumekeka umlilo ebutfweni labo, lilangabi lashisa lacedza bonkhe lababi. Babumba sitfombe selitfole eHorebe, bakhotsama kuso sithico lesibunjiwe. Bamnyembenya lowo abeludvumo lwabo, bakhetsa sitfombe senkhomo ledla tjani. Bamkhohlwa Nkulunkulu, uMsindzisi wabo, labebentele tintfo letinkhulu eGibhithe, lekwakuyimisebenti lemangalisako eveni lakaHhamu, netintfo letesabekako ngaseLwandle Lolubovu. Ngako-ke watsi utababhubhisa, kepha Mosi, lokhetsiwe wakhe, wema emkhatsini, wabalamlela ngekubashweletela kuNkulunkulu, kutsi lulaka lwakhe lungababhubhisi. Baledzelela live lelihle, abazange balikholwe livi laSimakadze. Bakhonona basemathendeni abo, abazange balilalele livi laSimakadze. Ngako-ke waphakamisa sandla sakhe wafunga kubo kutsi uyawubabhubhisa bafele ehlane, asakate intalo yabo emkhatsini wetive, ayihlakatele emaveni. Base batihlanganisa nalababekhonta sithico lesasinguBhali wasePheyori, badla lokwakuhlatjelwe labaphansi, bacunula Simakadze ngetento tabo, kwabhoboka sifo emkhatsini wabo. Kwase kusukuma Finehasi walamula ngekubulala letephulamtsetfo; lesifo saphela. Loku kwabalelwa kuye njengekulunga titukulwane ngetitukulwane kuze kube phakadze. Bacunula Simakadze ngaseticojeni taseMeribha, Mosi wamhambela kabi ngenca yabo, ngobe baphambana naMoya waNkulunkulu, naMosi waze wakhuluma kubo ngemawala. Abazange batibhubhise tive, njengobe Simakadze abebayalile; kodvwa batihlanganisa nebetive, bafundza kwenta imikhuba yato. Bakhonta tithico tato, letagucuka taba lugibe kubo. Banikela ngemadvodzana abo nemadvodzakati abo, kutsi abe yimihlatjelo yemadimoni. Bacitsa ingati lete licala, ingati yemadvodzana abo nemadvodzakati abo, labawahlabela tithico taseKhenani; ngaloko bangcolisa lonkhe live ngengati. Batingcolisa ngetintfo lababetenta, bangete betsembeka kuNkulunkulu, bafana netiphingi. Ngako-ke intfukutselo yaSimakadze yasivutsela sive sakhe, loko lokulifa lakhe kwaba sinengiso kuye. Wabanikela emandleni ebetive, labo lababatondzako bababusa. Titsa tabo tabacindzetela, batfotjiswa ngephansi kwesandla sato. Wabakhulula emahlandla lamanyenti, kepha batimisela kumelana naye, bawiswa phansi ngebubi babo. Noko walunaka lusizi lwabo, asakuvile kukhala kwabo. Wabevela, wasikhumbula sivumelwane sakhe, ngenca yemusa wakhe lomkhulu wabuye wabahawukela. Wenta bonkhe batfumbi babo kutsi babahawukele. Sisindzise, Simakadze, Nkulunkulu wetfu, sibutse etiveni usicocele ndzawonye, kuze sibonge libito lakho lelingcwele, sigungubale ngeludvumo lwakho. Akabongwe Simakadze, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, kusukela phakadze kuze kube phakadze! Sive sonkhe asitsi: “Amen!” Haleluya! Dvumisani Simakadze! “Dvumisani Simakadze, ngobe yena muhle, nemusa wakhe ume kuze kube phakadze.” Labahlengwe nguSimakadze abasho njalo, bona labo labahlengwe emandleni ebacindzeteli babo. Wababutsa emaveni onkhe emphumalanga nasenshonalanga, enyakatfo naseningizimu. Labanye bazulazula ehlane, kalashameshame, kepha abazange batfole ngisho nemuti wekungenisa. Balamba, boma, umphefumulo wabo waphela emandla kubo. Base bakhala kuSimakadze basesekulolo lusizi lwabo, wabephula kulo. Wabahola ngendlela lecondzile kutsi bahambe baze befike emtini lababengangenisa kuwo. Akabongwe Simakadze ngemusa wakhe, ngekwentela bantfu imisebenti lemangalisako: Ngobe wenelisa umuntfu lowomile, lolambile umesutsisa ngalokuhle. Labanye babehleti ebumnyameni nasetfuntini lekufa, baboshwe tinsizi netinketane, ngobe baphambana nemavi aNkulunkulu, bakwedzelela kuyalwa kwaLosetikwako Konkhe. Yebo, wabayendzisa ngekudvonsa kamatima, basakateka phansi, kwabate lobasitako. Base bakhala kuSimakadze basesekulolo lusizi lwabo, wabasindzisa kulo. Wabakhipha kulobo bumnyama nakulelo tfunti lekufa, wajuba tibopho letatibabophile. Akabongwe Simakadze ngemusa wakhe, ngekwentela bantfu imisebenti lemangalisako: Ngobe wafohla emasango elitfusi, wajuba nemishudvo yetinsimbi. Labanye baba tilima ngenca yekona nebubi babo behlelwa kuhlupheka. Tinhlitiyo tabo taba mnyama, behluleka kudla, ngako bondza bacishe bafa. Base bakhala kuSimakadze basesekulolo lusizi lwabo, wabasindzisa kulo. Wakhipha umyalo wakhe, wabaphilisa, wabenta bagejwa kufa. Akabongwe Simakadze ngemusa wakhe, ngekwentela bantfu imisebenti lemangalisako. Abanikele ngemihlatjelo yekubonga, bamemetele imisebenti yakhe ngenjabulo. Labanye babehla benyuka ngemikhumbi elwandle, babephila ngekuhweba. Bayibona imisebenti yaSimakadze, netimangaliso takhe ekujuleni kwalo. Wakhuluma kwavuka sivunguvungu, sadlondlobalisa emagagasi elwandle. Abatsatsa abajika etulu, aphindza abagoboncisela ekujuleni, badzimate batfutfumeliswa kwesaba. Badzayitela, bayendza, njengemuntfu nadzakiwe, lwati lwabo lwefika lapho luphela khona. Base bakhala kuSimakadze basesekulolo lusizi lwabo, wabakhulula kulo. Wathulisa kubhenguta kwelwandle, emagagasi alo abindza. Batfokota ngobe kwase kuba nekuthula, wabaholela esikhumulweni lababecondze kuso. Akabongwe Simakadze ngemusa wakhe, ngekwentela bantfu imisebenti lemangalisako. Abamphakamise emkhambatsini wesive, bamdvumise emhlanganweni webaholi. Imifula wayigucula yaba lihlane, tiyalu toma taba lubhubhushi, live lelivundzile laba lugagadvu ngenca yebubi betakhamiti talo. Wagucula lihlane laba ngumena, umhlaba lowomile wamila tiyalu. Kulapho abeka khona labalambile, bacaba, bakha khona imiti yabo, bahlala batinta. Balima emasimi, bahlanyela tivini, bavuna sivuno lesikhulu. Wababusisa, bandza kakhulu, netifuyo tabo tandza kakhulu. Babuye bancipha baphunguka, ngenca yekucindzetelwa nangekuhlushwa, watsela kwedzelewa etikwetikhulu, wabazulazulisa ehlane lelite indlela. Kodvwa waphakamisa labamphofu wabakhipha elusizini, wenta imindeni yaba njengemihlambi yetimvu. Labacotfo bayakubona loku bajabule, kodvwa bonkhe lababi bayathula. Lohlakaniphile akacaphele letintfo, bantfu abayicondzisise imisebenti yemusa waSimakadze. Yebo, Nkulunkulu, ngitimisele ngenhlitiyo yami yonkhe! Ngiyawuhlabela ngidvumise wena, nawe mphefumulo wami, phaphama. Vukani lugitali nehabhu! Ngikunyakatisa ngivuse intsatsakusa. Simakadze, ngiyawukubonga emkhatsini webantfu, ngihlabele ngekukudvumisa emkhatsini wetive. Ngobe umusa wakho mkhulu ungetulu kwemazulu nekwetsembeka kwakho kuze kube ngusemafini. Phakama, Nkulunkulu, ube ngetulu kwemazulu, ludvumo lwakho luwusibekele umhlaba wonkhe jikelele. Kuze kukhululwe labo labaligugu lakho, ngisindzise ngesandla sakho sekudla, ngive ungiphendvule. Nkulunkulu ukhulume endzaweni yakhe lengcwele, watsi: “Ngiyakwetsaba ekuncobeni kwami, ngiyawuyidzabula ngiyabe iShekhemu ngiklaye Sigodzi saseSukhothi. Wami Gileyadi, wami naManase, Efrayimu usivikelo senhloko yami, Juda yintfonga yami yekubusa. Mowabi ngumgezelo wami, etikwa-Edomu ngulapho ngijika khona sicatfulo sami, etikweFilistiya ngiyetsaba ngidle siga.” Ngubani lotangiyisa kulelidolobha leliyinqaba? Ngiyawuholwa ngubani kuya kulaka-Edomu? Akusiwe yini Nkulunkulu losilahlile? Awusaphumi netimphi tetfu. Sisite uselekelele kulomelene natsi, ngobe lusito lwemuntfu lulite. Nangabe Nkulunkulu eme ngakitsi, sitawuncoba, ngobe nguye loyawugcobagcoba titsa tetfu. Awu, Nkulunkulu lengimdvumisako, ungathuli ungibukelele. Ngobe lababi netikhohlakali tinginyundzele, baphambene nami bangicalela emanga. Bangitungeleta ngemavi enzondo, balwa nami ngaphandle kwesizatfu. Umusa wami bawubonga ngekungibeka licala, noko mine ngihlala ngikhuleka. Mine ngabentela lokuhle, bona bangibonga ngalokubi, lutsandvo lwami balwenana ngenzondo. Bakhuluma batsi: “Akagwetjwe ngumehluleli lomubi, ummangaleli wakhe amelane naye. Ekwehlulelweni kwakhe akalahlwe licala, umthandazo wakhe awubalwe njengesono. Shangatsi imihla yekuphila kwakhe ingafinyetwa, lomunye atsatse sikhundla sakhe. Shangatsi bantfwabakhe bangaba tintsandzane, nemkakhe abe ngumfelokati. Shangatsi bantfwabakhe bangaba tindzindzi letiphila ngekucela; shangatsi bangakhishwa nakuto letindzala labahlala kuto kwamanje. Shangatsi konkhe lanako kungadliwa ngumtjelekisi; shangatsi titfukutfuku takhe tingadliwa bafokatana. Akubete loba nemusa kuye, kubete nalohawukela tintsandzane takhe. Shangatsi intalelwane yakhe ingaphela nya; libito lakhe lesulwe esitukulwaneni lesitako. Shangatsi Simakadze angakhumbula bubi baboyise, nesono senina singete sesulwa. Shangatsi tono tabo tingema embikwaSimakadze njalo. Shangatsi bangete baphindze bakhunjulwe emhlabeni. “Ngobe lomuntfu akazange akhumbule kwenta umusa, kodvwa labamphofu, nalabandzindzako, nalabanetinhlitiyo letidzabukile wabahlupha kwaze kwabasekufeni kwabo. Abetsandza kucalekisa. Shangatsi leticalekiso tingehlela etikwakhe; akazange asitsandze sibusiso, shangatsi sibusiso singakhwesha kuye. Abembatsa ticalekiso njengengubo, tangena etibilinini takhe njengemanti, nasematsanjeni akhe njengemkantja. Shangatsi tingamembesa njengelijazi, nanjengelibhande latibopha ngalo elukhalweni yonkhe imihla le.” Shangatsi Simakadze angangiphindziselela etitseni tami, kulabo labakhuluma kabi ngami. Kodvwa wena, Nkulunkulu, Nkhosi yami, ngivikele ngenca yelibito lakho, ungephule ngenca yemusa wakho. Ngobe mine ngisihlupheki nalomphofu, inhlitiyo yami idzabukile. Ngiyanyamalala kancane kancane, njengesitfunti nase kuhwalala; ngiyavitsitwa njengentsetse. Emadvolo ami ayaceka ngenca yekuzila kudla, umtimba wami wonkhe uyesabeka. Ngiyinhlekisa yetitsa tami; nabangibona, banikina tinhloko. Ngisite, Simakadze, Nkulunkulu wami, ngisindzise ngelutsandvo lwakho lwaphakadze. Shangatsi bangati kutsi sandla sakho, Simakadze, lesente loku. Bona bangangicalekisa, kodvwa wena utangibusisa. Shangatsi labangihlaselako bangehluleka, shangatsi mine, nceku yakho, ngingatfokota. Shangatsi labangimangalelako bangahlazeka, shangatsi emahloni angabambonya njengengubo. Ngiyawumemeta ngibonge Simakadze, ngimdvumise esicunjini lesikhulu; ngobe ume ngesekudla salomphofu kutsi amsindzise kulabamgwebela intsambo. Simakadze watsi enkhosini yami: “Hlala lapha ngesekudla sami, ngize ngifake titsa takho ngaphansi kwetinyawo takho.” Intfonga yebukhosi bakho lobunemandla uyawuyelula wena, Simakadze, useSiyoni, utsi: “Busa wena emkhatsini wetitsa takho.” Sive sakho siyawutinikela mhlazana ulwa netitsa takho, emabutfo akho ayawuta kuwe ahlobe ngemvunulo lengcwele, ayawuvela njengematolo asentsatsakusa. Simakadze wafunga, futsi angeke agucuke, watsi: “Wena ungumphristi loyawuhlala akhona kuze kube phakadze ngekuma kwaMelkhisedeki.” Simakadze ungesekudla sakho, uyawuwacitsa onkhe emakhosi, mhlazana asatfukutsele. Uyakwehlulela tive, kuyawulala lucaca lwetidvumbu, aphihlite onkhe emakhosi emhlaba. Inkhosi iyawunatsa emfuleni longasendleleni, ngako-ke iyawuphakamisa inhloko yayo. Haleluya, dvumisani Simakadze! Ngiyawubonga Simakadze ngenhlitiyo yami yonkhe, ngimbonge emihlanganweni yalabacotfo, neyalabangcwele. Mikhulu imisebenti yaSimakadze! Iphenywa ngibo bonkhe labatfokota ngayo. Imisebenti yakhe inebukhosi neludvumo, nekulunga kwakhe kume ingunaphakadze. Wente timangaliso takhe kutsi tikhumbuleke. Simakadze unemusa nebubele. Ubapha kudla labo labamesabako, sivumelwane sakhe uyasikhumbula phakadze naphakadze. Sive sakhe usikhombise emandla emisebenti yakhe, wasinika emave aletinye tive. Imisebenti yetandla takhe yetsembekile, futsi ilungile; yonkhe imitsetfo yakhe yetsembekile. Ayinawugucuka phakadze naphakadze, yentiwa ngeliciniso nangekulunga. Sive sakhe wasitfumelela kuhlengwa, wemisa sivumelwane sakhe kuze kube phakadze. Lingcwele liyesabeka libito lakhe. Kwesaba Nkulunkulu sicalo sekuhlakanipha. Bonkhe labahamba ngemitsetfo yakhe banengcondvo lenhle. Umelwe kudvunyiswa phakadze naphakadze. Haleluya, dvumisani Simakadze! Ubusisiwe umuntfu lowesaba Simakadze, lotijabulisa ngekugcina imiyalo yakhe. Intalo yakhe iyawuba nemandla emhlabeni; situkulwane salabacotfo siyakubusiswa. Ingcebo nemfuyo kusendlini yakhe, kulunga kwakhe kume kuze kube phakadze. Labacotfo batfola kukhanya ebumnyameni. Simakadze unemusa, nesihe, nekulunga. Ubusisiwe umuntfu lowephanako, ebolekise ngesihle, lowenta tonkhe tintfo ngekwetsembeka. Lolungile angeke anyakatiswe; uyawuhlala akhunjulwa phakadze naphakadze. Imibiko lemibi ayimesabisi, inhlitiyo yakhe icinile, yetsembele kuSimakadze. Unesibindzi, angeke esabe, aze abone kujabhiswa kwetitsa takhe. Labamphofu ubapha ngekukhululeka; kulunga kwakhe kuyawuma kuze kube phakadze. Uyawuba nemandla, ahlonipheke. Lomubi uyawubona loku acanuke, acucudze ematinyo, ahusheke, adzimate aphele. Tinhloso talomubi tiyawushabalala. Haleluya, dvumisani Simakadze! Dvumisani nine tinceku taSimakadze, dvumisani libito laSimakadze. Alibongwe libito laSimakadze, manje kuze kube phakadze! Kusukela ekuphumeni kwelilanga, lize liyewushona, libito laSimakadze liyabongeka. Simakadze ungetulu kwato tonkhe tive, nenkhatimulo yakhe idlondlobele ngetulu kwemazulu. Ngubani nje lofana naSimakadze, Nkulunkulu wetfu, lotsi ahleti ekuphakameni agobondzele abuke phansi emazulwini nasemhlabeni? Uphakamisa luphuya elutfulini, aphakamise loswele etaleni lemlotsa, amtsatse amhlalise netikhulu, yebo, tikhulu tesive sakhe. Inyumba uyipha umuti wayo, ayente ijabule ibe ngunina webantfwana. Haleluya, dvumisani Simakadze! Mhlazana baka-Israyeli baphuma eGibhithe, mzukwana indlu yakaJakobe iphuma kubantfu labakhuluma lolunye lulwimi, Juda waba sive lesingcwele saSimakadze, Israyeli waba sive lesibuswa nguye. Lwandle Lolubovu lwakubona loku lwabaleka, umfula iJordane wema, wangete wageleta. Tintsaba tatjakadvula njengetimbuti, emagcuma atjekula njengemazinyane etimvu. Kwenteke njani kuwe, Lwandle Lolubovu, kutsi bewungaze ubaleke? Nawe Jordane, wentiwe yini kuma ungageleti? Nine-ke tintsaba, nitjakadvuleleni njengetimbuti? Nani magcuma, nitjekuleleni njengemazinyane etimvu? Mhlaba, tfutfumela embikwaSimakadze, yebo, embikwaNkulunkulu waJakobe. Simakadze ugucula lidvwala libe lichibi lemanti, ancibilikise tiphongotja tetintsaba tibe ngimitfombo yemanti. Yenta kungabi ngitsi, Simakadze, yenta kungabi ngitsi, kepha akudvunyiswe libito lakho ngenca yemusa wakho nangenca yekwetsembeka kwakho. Kungani betive batsi: “Sewushonephi loNkulunkulu wabo?” Phela, Nkulunkulu wetfu usemazulwini, wenta konkhe lakutsandzako. Kodvwa tithico tebetive tentiwa ngesiliva nangegolide, tingumsebenti wetandla temuntfu. Tinemilomo, kodvwa atikhulumi, tinemehlo, kodvwa atiboni. Tinetindlebe, kodvwa ativa, tinemakhala, kodvwa atiliva liphunga. Tinetandla, kodvwa atiphatsi, tinetinyawo, kodvwa atihambi. Tite nemalakanya emiphinjeni yato. Laba labatentako bafanana nato, bonkhe labetsembele kuto bafanana nato. Awu, Israyeli, yetsembelani kuSimakadze. Nguye longumsiti wenu nesihlangu senu! Awu, wena ndlu yaka-Aroni, beka litsemba lakho kuSimakadze. Nguye longumsiti wakho nesihlangu sakho! Nine lenesaba Simakadze, yetsembelani kuye. Nguye longumsiti wenu nesihlangu senu! Simakadze usikhumbulile, utasibusisa; utayibusisa nendlu yaka-Israyeli, ayibusise nendlu yaka-Aroni. Utababusisa bonkhe labamesabako Simakadze, labancane nalabakhulu. Shangatsi Simakadze anganandzisela nine kanye nebantfwabenu. Shangatsi ningabusiswa nguSimakadze, yena lowenta lizulu nemhlaba. Emazulu ayindzawo yaSimakadze, yena yedvwa, kodvwa umhlaba wawuniketela kubantfu. Nkulunkulu akadvunyiswa ngulabafile; yebo, akadvunyiswa ngulabo lase bathula emathuneni. Kodvwa tsine, lesiphilako, siyawumbonga Simakadze, kusukela manje kuze kube phakadze. Haleluya, dvumisani Simakadze. Ngiyamtsandza Simakadze, ngobe ulivile livi lami nekuncusa kwami. Ngobe ubekile indlebe yakhe kimi, ngako-ke sengiyawukhuleka kuye imphilo yami yonkhe. Tingibe tekufa tangitungeleta, iminjunju yekufa yangihlasela, ngabandzetelwa tinhlupheko nelusizi. Ngase ngibita libito laSimakadze, ngatsi: “Awu, Simakadze, ngiyakuncenga, ngisindzise.” Simakadze unemusa nekulunga; Nkulunkulu wetfu unesihe. Simakadze uyamlondvolota londzindzako; ngangisengotini wangisindzisa. Mphefumulo wami, ake uphindze uphumule, ngobe Simakadze ukuphetse ngemusa. Wena, Simakadze, uwephulile umphefumulo wami ekufeni, wephula emehlo ami etinyembetini netinyawo tami ekuweni. Ngiko nje ngihamba ebukhoneni baSimakadze kulelive lalabaphilako. Ngachubeka ngakholwa, nome sengitsi: “Maye, ngiphelile tinhlupheko!” Ngajabha, ngadzimate ngatsi: “Bonkhe bantfu banemanga!” Ngiyawumentelani Simakadze, ngimbonge ngako konkhe lokuhle langentela kona? Ngiyawuphakamisa indzebe yensindziso, ngikhuleke kuSimakadze, ngibonga libito lakhe. Tifungo tami ngiyawutifeza kuSimakadze, embikwabo bonkhe bantfu bakhe. Kuligugu emehlweni aSimakadze kufa kwalabangcwele bakhe. Awu, Simakadze! Mine ngiyinceku yakho, indvodzana letalwa yincekukati yakho. Utfukulule tibopho lebengiboshwe ngato. Ngiyawunikela kuwe ngemhlatjelo wekubonga, ngikhuleke kuSimakadze, ngibonga libito lakhe. Tifungo tami ngitatifeza kuSimakadze embikwabo bonkhe bantfu bakhe, ngisetibuyeni tendlu yaSimakadze, ekhatsi nawe, Jerusalema. Haleluya, dvumisani Simakadze! Dvumisani Simakadze, nonkhe nine tive! Mbabateni nonkhe nine mindeni! Ngobe umusa wakhe mukhulu kitsi, nekwetsembeka kwaSimakadze kume kuze kube phakadze. Haleluya, dvumisani Simakadze! Bongani Simakadze, ngobe muhle, umusa wakhe ume kuze kube phakadze. Baka-Israyeli abavume batsi: “Umusa wakhe ume kuze kube phakadze.” Bendlu yaka-Aroni abatsi: “Umusa wakhe ume kuze kube phakadze.” Labo labesaba Simakadze abatsi: “Umusa wakhe ume kuze kube phakadze.” Ngakhala kuSimakadze ngiselusizini lwami, yena wangiphendvula ngekungikhulula. Simakadze ungakimi angesabi lutfo. Umuntfu angangentani nje? Simakadze ungakimi, ungumsiti wami, labangitondzako ngiyawubabuka ngibacoloshele. Kuncono kuphephela kuSimakadze kunekwetsembela kumuntfu. Kuncono kuphephela kuSimakadze kunekwetsembela emakhosini. Tonkhe tive tangivimbetela ndzawo tonkhe, kodvwa ngelibito laSimakadze ngatishaya ngatibhuca. Tangitungeleta, tangicindzetela ndzawo tonkhe, kodvwa ngelibito laSimakadze ngatishaya ngatibhuca. Tangibunganyela njengelibulo letinyosi, tasha njengemlilo wemanyeva; kodvwa ngelibito laSimakadze ngatishaya ngatibhuca. Ngafucwa matima ngacishe ngawa; kodvwa Simakadze wangisita. Simakadze ungemandla ami nengoma yami, sewuyinsindziso yami. Kuvakala emaphimbo ekwetsaba laphuma etindlini talabangcwele atsi: “Sandla sekudla saSimakadze sisebenta ngemandla. Sandla sekudla saSimakadze siphakanyiselwe etulu. Sandla sekudla saSimakadze sisebenta ngemandla.” Ngingeke ngife, kodvwa ngitawuphila, ngibalise ngemisebenti yaSimakadze. Simakadze wangishaya kabuhlungu kabi, kodvwa akazange anginikele ekufeni. Ngivuleleni emasango ekulunga, kuze ngingene ngawo ngibonge Simakadze. Ngilo leli lisango laSimakadze, labalungile bangena ngalo. Ngiyawukubonga ngobe ungiphendvulile, waba yinsindziso yami. Litje lekwakha lelaliwa bakhi, ngobe batsi alinamsebenti, seligucuke laba litje lekusimisa indlu. Loku kwentiwe nguSimakadze, kuyamangalisa kitsi. Leli lilanga lelentiwe nguSimakadze, asijabule setsabe kulo. Awu, Simakadze, sisindzise, siyakuncenga! Awu, Nkhosi, siphumelelise, siyakuncenga! Ubusisiwe lotako egameni laSimakadze. Sinibusisa sisendlini yaSimakadze. Simakadze nguNkulunkulu, wasipha kukhanya, wasikhanyisela. Hlabani lihele leMkhosi, niphatse emacembe ngetandla tenu, nize nifike etimphondvweni telilati. Wena unguNkulunkulu wami, ngiyakubonga; wena unguNkulunkulu wami, ngiyakudvumisa. Bongani Simakadze, ngobe muhle, nemusa wakhe ume kuze kube phakadze. Babusisiwe labo labatindlela tabo timsulwa, labo labahamba ngemitsetfo yaNkulunkulu. Babusisiwe labo labagcina imiyalo yaSimakadze, bamfunisise ngayo yonkhe inhlitiyo yabo. Labo-ke abakwenti lokungakalungi, kodvwa bahamba ngetindlela takhe. Wena, Simakadze, usinike imiyalo yakho, wasiyala kutsi siyitfobele ngenhlonipho. Shangatsi tindlela tami tingacondza njalo ekutigcineni timiso takho. Nangingayigcina yonkhe imiyalo yakho, ngingeke ngihlazeke. Ngiyawukudvumisa ngenhlitiyo lecotfo ngesikhatsi ngifundza tehlulelo takho letilungile. Timiso takho ngitawutilalela; ungangishiyi nakancane. Umuntfu lomusha angayigcina kanjani imphilo yakhe ihlantekile? Ngekucaphela kuhamba ngelivi lakho. Ngikufuna ngayo yonkhe inhlitiyo yami, shangatsi ngingete ngaphambuka emiyalweni yakho. Livi lakho ngililondvolote enhlitiyweni yami, kuze ngingoni kuwe. Awubongwe, Simakadze! Ngifundzise timiso takho. Ngimemetela ngemlomo wami tonkhe tehlulelo takho letiphuma emlonyeni wakho. Ngijabulela kuhamba ngemiyalo yakho, kunekutsi ngibe nebunjinga bonkhe. Ngiyawuzindla ngemiyalo yakho, emehlo ami ngingawesusi etindleleni takho. Ngiyawutfokota ngetimiso takho; ngingeke ngilikhohlwe livi lakho. Mine, sisebenti sakho, ngicela ungiphatse ngebubele, kuze ngitewuphila ngekunakekela livi lakho. Vula emehlo ami, kuze ngibone timangaliso letisemtsetfweni wakho. Ngisihambi lapha emhlabeni, ungangifihleli imiyalo yakho. Umphefumulo wami sewufile kulangatelela kwati imitsetfo yakho, ngato tonkhe tikhatsi. Uyabatsetsisa labatidlako; bacalekisiwe labedukile emiyalweni yakho. Ngikhulule etinhlambeni nasekungedzeleleni kwabo, ngobe imiyalo yakho ngiyigcinile. Nome emakhosi asahlangene ngami, mine, sikhonti sakho, ngiyawuzindla ngetimiso takho. Timfundziso takho tikujabula kwami, ngito letibeluleki bami. Ngilahleke phansi elutfulini. Vuselela kuphila kwami njengekwelivi lakho. Tonkhe tindlela tami ngateneka kuwe, wena wangiphendvula, ngako-ke ngifundzise timiso takho. Ngente ngiticondzisise timiso takho, kuze ngikhulume ngetimangaliso takho. Lusizi selungicedze emandla, ngicinise, njengelivi lakho. Tindlela temacebo tikhweshise kimi, ungifundzise umtsetfo wakho ngemusa. Ngitikhetsele indlela yeliciniso. Tehlulelo takho ngitibeke embikwami njalo. Ngibambelele emiyalweni yakho, Nkulunkulu, ungangijabhisi, ungidlise ngemahloni. Ngiyawugijima ngendlela yemiyalo yakho, ngobe nguwe lotakwandzisa kucondza kwami. Ngifundzise, Simakadze, kuhamba ngetimiso takho, khona ngiyawuhamba ngato, kuze kubesekupheleni. Ngiphe ingcondvo yekwati umtsetfo wakho, kuze ngiwugcine kahle, ngiwulalele ngenhlitiyo yami yonkhe. Ngiholele endleleni yemiyalo yakho, ngobe lendlela iyinjabulo yami. Condzisa inhlitiyo yami ekutfobeleni timiso takho, ingalitjatiswa yingcebo. Fulatselisa emehlo ami ekubukeni tintfo letingenamsebenti; ngiphe kuphila ngekwelivi lakho. Gcina setsembiso sakho, lowanginika sona, mine nceku yakho. Lesetsembiso salabo labakwesabako. Ngiphephise ehlazweni lengilesabako, ngobe timiso takho tilungile. Maye, ngiyatilangatelela timiso takho! Hlumelelisa kuphila kwami ngekulunga kwakho. Shangatsi ungangiphatsa ngemusa wakho, Simakadze; ungigone ngensindziso yakho njengekwesetsembiso sakho. Khona-ke ngiyawukwati kubaphendvula labo labangetfukako, ngobe livi lakho ngiyaletsemba. Ngiphe emandla ekukhuluma liciniso, ngobe litsemba lami ngilibeke etimisweni takho. Umtsetfo wakho ngiyakuwugcina phakadze naphakadze. Ngiyawuhamba ngekukhululeka, ngobe ngetamile kuhlonipha imitsetfo yakho. Imiyalo yakho, Nkulunkulu, ngiyawuyimemetela nasembikwemakhosi, ngingeke ngibe nemahloni ngayo. Ngiyatfokota ngemiyalo yakho, ngobe ngiyayitsandza. Imiyalo yakho ngiyayihlonipha ngiyitsandze futsi; ngiyawuhlala ngizindla ngetimiso takho. Khumbula setsembiso sakho lowasenta kimi, mine nceku yakho, ngobe ngiso lesinginike litsemba. Indvudvuto yami ekuhluphekeni kwami kutsi setsembiso sakho singinika kuphila. Labatigcabhako bangihleka bulima; kepha ngingeke ngiphambuke emtsetfweni wakho. Awu, Simakadze, ngiyayikhumbula imitsetfo yakho yasendvulo, bese ngiyadvudvuteka ngayo. Nangibona tikhohlakali tephula umtsetfo wakho ngemabomu, ngitfukutsela ngigcwale kokana. Timiso takho tingumgogodla wetingoma lengitihlabelako, nome kukuphi lapha ngihlala khona. Ebusuku ngikhumbula libito lakho, Simakadze, ngizindle ngemtsetfo wakho. Nguloku bengikwenta: Kulalela timiso takho. Simakadze usabelo lesilifa lami, ngetsembisa kuwagcina emavi akho. Buso bakho ngibufune ngayo yonkhe inhlitiyo yami. Bani nemusa kimi ngekwesetsembiso sakho. Nangicabanga ngetindlela tami, ngijikisa tinyatselo tami, ngiticondzise etimisweni takho. Angicitsi sikhatsi, ngivele ngiphutfume, ngigcine imiyalo yakho. Nome lababi banginkinka ngetintsambo, ngingeke ngiwukhohlwe umtsetfo wakho. Ekhatsi nebusuku ngiyavuka ngikubonge, ngobe imitsetfo yakho ilungile. Ngingumngani wabo bonkhe labakwesabako, labahamba ngetimiso takho. Simakadze, umhlaba ugcwele umusa wakho; ngifundzise timiso takho. Yentele lokuhle inceku yakho, Simakadze, kuye ngekwelivi lakho. Ngifundzise umcondvo lomuhle nekwati, ngobe litsemba lami lisemiyalweni yakho. Lokwa ngisengakahlupheki ngenca yekushaywa kwami, ngangivamise kweduka, manje sengiyaligcina livi lakho. Wena umuhle, konkhe lokwentako kuhle, ngifundzise timiso takho. Labatigabatisako bakhuluma emanga ngami; kodvwa mine, ngitfobela imitsetfo yakho ngenhlitiyo yami yonkhe. Inhlitiyo yabo ilukhunisa kwelitje, kepha mine ngitfokotiswa ngumtsetfo wakho. Kwaba kuhle kutsi ngihlushwe kuze ngifundze timiso takho. Umtsetfo lophuma emlonyeni wakho muhle kunemali yonkhe yemhlaba. Tandla takho tangidala tangibumba; ngiphe ingcondvo yekufundza imiyalo yakho. Labesaba wena bayawutsi nabangibona bajabule, ngobe mine ngetsemba livi lakho. Ngiyati, Nkulunkulu, kutsi tehlulelo takho tilungile, nekutsi ungijezise njengobe kungifanele. Umusa wakho awube yindvudvuto yami ngekwesetsembiso sakho kimi, mine, nceku yakho. Shangatsi sihawu sakho singehlela kimi, khona ngiyawuphila, ngobe umtsetfo wakho uyinjabulo yami. Shangatsi labatigabatisako bangahlazeka, ngobe bangicindzetela ngaphandle kwesizatfu; kepha mine ngiyawuzindla ngetimiso takho. Shangatsi labakwesabako bangagucukela ngakimi, bona labo labati imitsetfo yakho. Shangatsi inhlitiyo yami ingagcina timiso takho, kuze ngingehlelwa ngemahloni, ngihlazeke. Umphefumulo wami ulambele insindziso yakho, litsemba lami ngilibeke evini lakho. Sengigolotele sekuze kubuhlungu emehlo, solomane ngilindzele setsembiso sakho; solomane ngiyatibuta namanje, ngitsi: “Uyawungidvudvuta nini?” Kambe mine ngisewani nje? Sengifanana neludzengelo lolusetaleni, noko imiyalo yakho angikayikhohlwa. Inceku yakho iyawulindzela kuze kube ngunini? Uyawubehlulela nini laba labangitingelela kungihlupha? Labatigabatisako bangimbela imigodzi, ngisho bona kanye labaphambene nemtsetfo wakho. Imiyalo yakho yonkhe yetsembekile. Ngisite, ngobe bantfu bangitingela ngaphandle kwesono. Bacishe bangibulala, kepha mine angiphambukanga emiyalweni yakho. Londvolota imphilo yami ngekwemusa wakho, kuze ngigcine timiso takho. Yebo, Simakadze, livi lakho lime kuze kube phakadze, lime licinile ezulwini. Kuyawendlula titukulwane netitukulwane, kodvwa kwetsembeka kwakho kungeke kugucuke, wamisa umhlaba, nanyalo usemile. Seloku kwema mhlazana kumiswa nguwe, ngobe konkhe kufanele kukhonte wena. Kube umtsetfo wakho bewungesiyo injabulo yami, ngabe sengabhubhela ekuhluphekeni kwami. Ngingeke ngitikhohlwe timiso takho, ngobe ungiphilise ngato. Ngingewakho, ngisindzise, Nkulunkulu, ngobe ngifuna kugcina timiso takho. Lababi bahlose kungibulala, kodvwa mine ngiyawucaphela timiso takho. Ngifundze kutsi: Yonkhe intfo, nome iyinhle kanganani, inemkhawulo; kodvwa imiyalo yakho ite umkhawulo. Maye, ngiyawutsandza umtsetfo wakho! Ngizindla ngawo imini yonkhe. Imiyalo yakho ingenta ngihlakaniphe kwengca titsa tami, ngobe ihlala kimi njalo. Ngicondza kancono kunabo bonkhe labangifundzisako, ngobe ngihlala ngizindla ngetimiso takho. Lwati lwami lwendlula lwalabadzala kunami, ngobe ngigcina timiso takho. Ngiyatincandza tinyawo tami etindleleni letimbi, ngobe ngifuna kugcina livi lakho. Angikaphambuki emtsetfweni wakho, ngobe nguwe longifundzisile. Maye, timnandzi tetsembiso takho kimi! Tinongotela kwengca luju lwetinyosi emlonyeni wami. Ngetimiso takho ngitfola kucondza, ngako-ke ngiyatitondza tindlela temanga. Livi lakho lisibane etinyaweni tami, likukhanya endleleni yami. Ngifungile ngafungisisa kutsi ngiyawuyilalela imitsetfo yakho yekulunga. Simakadze, kuhlupheka kwami kumatima, ngihlumelelise ngelivi lakho. Simakadze, yemukela iminikelo yami yekukudvumisa, ungifundzise imitsetfo yakho. Imphilo yami isengotini njalo, noko angiwukhohlwa umtsetfo wakho. Lababi bangibekele lugibe, kodvwa mine ngingeke ngeduke emtsetfweni wakho. Timiso takho tilifa lami laphakadze, yebo, tiyinjabulo yenhlitiyo yami. Inhlitiyo yami ngiyitfobisele kutsi yente timiso takho ngize ngife. Ngiyabatondza bantfu labamphacambili, kodvwa umtsetfo wakho ngiyawutsandza. Wena, Nkulunkulu, usiphephelo sami nesihlangu sami, litsemba lami ngilibeke evini lakho. Sukani kimi, nine lababi, kuze ngigcine imiyalo yaNkulunkulu wami. Ngisimise ngelivi lakho, kuze ngiphile, ungangijabhisi ngelitsemba lami. Ngisekele, kuze ngisindziswe, ngiyawubheka timiso takho njalonjalo. Uyabadzela bonkhe labeduka etimisweni takho, yebo, bucili babo bulite. Bonkhe lababi bemhlaba ubacitsa njengetibi, kungako ngitsandza timiso takho nje. Umtimba wami uyatfutfumela ngenca yekwesaba wena, netehlulelo takho ngiyatesaba. Sengikwentile lokulungile nalokucotfo, ungangiyekeleli kulabangicindzetelako. Yetsembisa kutsi utayisita inceku yakho, labatigabatisako bangete bangicindzetela. Emehlo ami asacundzekile, ngifunana nensindziso yakho, nekugcwaliseka kwesetsembiso sakho. Phatsa inceku yakho ngemusa wakho, ungifundzise timiso takho. Mine ngiyinceku yakho, ngiphe ingcondvo yekwati timfundziso takho. Simakadze, sesikhatsi sakho sekutsi utsatse tinyatselo, ngobe umtsetfo wakho uyephulwa. Imiyalo yakho ngiyitsandza kakhulu, kwendlula igolide, ngisho igolide lecengeke kakhulu. Ngako-ke tinyatselo tami ngiticondzisa ngato tonkhe timiso takho; ngiyatitondza tindlela letimbi. Timiso takho tiyamangalisa, ngako ngiyatilalela. Kwembuleka kwemavi akho kuveta kukhanya, kuletse kuhlakanipha kulabangenakucondza. Ngimita ematse ngilangatelela kufundza imiyalo yakho. Ase ugucukele ngakimi, ube nemusa kimi, njengobe wenta kubo bonkhe labakutsandzako. Condzisa tinyatselo tami evini lakho, angingabuswa ngisho nangulobuncane bubi. Ngihlenge ekucindzetelweni bantfu, kuze ngitewugcina timiso takho. Ngikhanyise ngebuso bakho mine, nceku yakho; ungifundzise timiso takho. Emehlo ami ageleta tinyembeti, ngobe bantfu abawugcini umtsetfo wakho. Wena, Simakadze, ulungile, nemitsetfo yakho ilungile. Timiso takho tetsembekile, tetsembeke kakhulukati. Kushisekela kwami kungicedzile, ngobe titsa tami tiwakhohliwe emavi akho. Tetsembiso takho tihlanteke ngalokuphelele, nenceku yakho iyatitsandza. Nome ngimncane, ngedzelelekile, noko angiyikhohlwa imiyalo yakho. Kulunga kwakho kukulunga kwaphakadze, nemtsetfo wakho uliciniso. Nome kuhlupheka nelusizi kungehlela, kodvwa imiyalo yakho ikujabula kwami. Timiso takho tiliciniso phakadze naphakadze; ngifundzise tona ngitewuphila ngato. Ngikhala kuwe ngayo yonkhe inhlitiyo yami, ngiphendvule, Simakadze; ngiyawutigcina timiso takho. Ngikhala kuwe ngitsi: “Ngisindzise, khona ngitawugcina umtsetfo wakho.” Ngivuka lokwa kuseluvivi, ngicele lusito, litsemba lami libambelele evini lakho. Ebusuku ngiyacwasha ngingalali, kuze ngizindle ngetetsembiso takho. Vani livi lami ngemusa wakho; Simakadze, londvolota imphilo yami ngekwehlulela kwakho. Bayasondzela labo labangitondzako, labanemacebo ebubi, kodvwa bakhashane nemtsetfo wakho. Kodvwa wena, Simakadze, usedvute nami, nemiyalo yakho iliciniso sibili. Timiso takho ngatifundza kadzeni, watimisa ingunaphakadze. Buka kuhlupheka kwami ungikhulule, ngobe angikawukhohlwa umtsetfo wakho. Mela indzaba yami, ungikhulule, hlumelelisa kuphila kwami njengekwetsembisa kwakho. Insindziso ikhashane nalababi, ngobe abatifuni timiso takho. Sihawu sakho sikhulu, Simakadze, hlumelelisa kuphila kwami ngekwehlulela kwakho. Banyenti labangitingelako nalabamelene nami, kodvwa ngingeke ngikhweshe etimisweni takho. Nangibuka tihlubuki, ngifikelwa kumangala, ngobe atiyigcini imiyalo yakho. Nawe, Simakadze, uyatibonela kutsi timiso takho ngititsandza kanganani. Londvolota kuphila kwami ngemusa wakho. Umgomo welivi lakho liciniso sibili; tonkhe timiso takho letilungile tiyawuma kuze kube phakadze. Tikhulu tingitingela ngaphandle kwesizatfu, kodvwa livi lakho liyangitfutfumelisa. Livi lakho ngiyalijabulela, ngijabule njengemuntfu lotfole umcebo. Emanga ngiyawatondza ngiwenyanye, kodvwa ngitsandza umtsetfo wakho. Ngiyakudvumisa kasikhombisa ngelilanga ngenca yetehlulelo takho tekulunga. Bantfu labatsandza umtsetfo wakho banekuthula lokuphelele, kute lokuyawubakhuba endleleni. Yebo, Simakadze, ngetsemba insindziso yakho, ngiyayenta imiyalo yakho. Ngigcina timfundziso takho, ngobe ngititsandza ngenhlitiyo yami yonkhe. Ngigcina timiso takho nemiyalo yakho, ngobe tonkhe tindlela tami tisembikwakho. Kukhala kwami akufike kuwe, Simakadze, ngiphe kucondza njengekwelivi lakho. Kuncusa kwami akute kuwe, ungikhulule njengekwelivi lakho. Ngiyawukudvumisa ngaso sonkhe sikhatsi, ngobe ungifundzisa timiso takho. Ngiyawuhlabela ngelivi lakho, ngobe imiyalo yakho yonkhe ilungile. Shangatsi sandla sakho singahlala silungele kungisita, ngobe ngitikhetsele kugcina timiso takho. Ngomele insindziso yakho, Simakadze, nemtsetfo wakho ukujabula kwami. Ase ungiphe kuphila, khona ngitewukudvumisa; shangatsi nemiyalo yakho ingangisimisa. Ngedukile, njengemvu lelahlekile. Ngifune, mine nceku yakho, ngobe imiyalo yakho angikayikhohlwa. Nangisekuhluphekeni, ngiyakhala kuSimakadze, yena angiphendvule. Simakadze, ngisindzise kulabangicalela emanga nakubakhohlisi. Nine labacala emanga, Nkulunkulu uyakwentani kini? Uyawunijezisa kanjani? Niyawujeziswa ngemicibisholo lekhaliphako yemphi; nijeziswe nangemlilo wemalahle embondvo. Maye kimi, lengingumchamuki lapha kaMesheki, ngihlala emathendeni akaKhedari. Sengihleti kakhulu, kwaze kwengca, emkhatsini walabatondza kuthula. Mine ngitsandza lucolo nekuthula, kodvwa nangitsi ngiyakhuluma nje, bavuka indlwabane. Ngiphakamisela emehlo ami etintsabeni; lusito lwami luyawuchamuka kuphi? Lusito lwami luchamuka kuSimakadze lowenta lizulu nemhlaba. Angeke avume kutsi lunyawo lwakho lushelele, lowo longumlondvoloti wakho aketeli. Ngempela lowo longumlondvoloti waka-Israyeli aketeli, akalali. Simakadze ngumlondvoloti wakho, ungumtfunti wakho esandleni sakho sekudla. Lilanga lingeke likubhadlise emini nenyanga ebusuku. Simakadze uyawukuvikela kuko konkhe lokubi, alondvolote imphilo yakho. Simakadze uyawulondvolota kuphuma kwakho nekungena kwakho, kusukela manje kuze kube phakadze. Ngajabula ngesikhatsi batsi kimi: “Asambe siye endlini yaSimakadze.” Sesime emkhatsini wemasango akho, Jerusalema! IJerusalema lidolobha lelakheke kahle lavivaniswa. Ngulapho ikhuphukela khona imindeni yaSimakadze, iyewudvumisa Nkulunkulu, njengobe yena ayala Israyeli. Ngulapho kuhlala khona tihlalo tebukhosi tekwehlulela, tihlalo tebukhosi tendlu yaDavide. Thandazelani kutsi kube nekuthula eJerusalema: “Shangatsi bangaphumelela babe nenhlanhla, bantfu labatsandza wena, Jerusalema. Akube nekuthula ngekhatsi kwetindvonga takho, kube nekuphepha etigodlweni takho.” Ngenca yebazalwane bami nebangani bami ngitsi: “Kuthula akwandze ngekhatsi kwakho.” Ngenca yendlu yaSimakadze, Nkulunkulu wetfu, ngikucelela inchubekelaphambili. Ngiphakamisela emehlo ami ngakuwe, wena lohleti ebukhosini bakho ezulwini. Yebo, njengobe inceku yencike enkhosini yayo, nanjengobe umzanyana encike kumphatsi wakhe, natsi-ke sincike kuSimakadze, longuNkulunkulu wetfu, aze abe nesihawu kitsi. Sihawukele, Simakadze, sihawukele, ngobe sesiphetfwe ngensila, kwaze kwendlula. Umphefumulo wetfu ukhatsele kakhulu kweyiwa ngulabanjingile, nakwedzelelwa ngulabatigabatisako. “Kube Simakadze abengekho ngakitsi ngabe siseyini nje?” akasho njalo Israyeli. “Kube Simakadze abengekho ngakitsi ngesikhatsi bantfu basihlasela, ngabe basigwinye siva ngekuvutsa kwelulaka lwabo; emanti ngabe asimbonyile, sikhukhula ngabe sengce natsi, ngabe tikhukhula tisikhukhulile.” Akabongwe Simakadze, longazange avume kutsi titsa tetfu tisibulale. Siphunyule njengenyoni iphunyula elugibeni lwebaciphi. Tingibe utidzabulile, saphunyula. Lusito lwetfu lusegameni laSimakadze lowente lizulu nemhlaba. Labo labetsembele kuSimakadze bafanana neNtsaba iSiyoni, lengeke itanyatanyiswe, kodvwa leyawuma kuze kube phakadze. Njengobe tintsaba tihace iJerusalema, kanjalo Simakadze uhace sive sakhe, kusukela manje kuze kube phakadze. Umbuso walababi ungeke ubuse eveni lalabalungile, funa nalabalungile bese benta lokubi. Simakadze, yenta lokuhle kulabo labalungile, bona labo labacotfo ngenhlitiyo. Kodvwa labaphambukela etindleleni tabo letimagiligombo Simakadze uyawubacosha kanye nalabenta lokubi. Kuthula akube ku-Israyeli! Kwakungatsi siyabhudza tsine batfunjwa baseSiyoni, ngesikhatsi Nkulunkulu asibuyisela eJerusalema. Sahleka safa, sahlabela tingoma tenjabulo. Tive letibomakhelwane tatsi: “Nkulunkulu ubentele tintfo letinkhulu.” Vele, Nkulunkulu usentele tintfo letinkhulu, sajabula. Simakadze, sibuyisele eveni lakitsi, njengobe nemvula ibuyisela emanti etihosheni temifula. Labo labahlanyela ngetinyembeti bayawuvuna ngekujabula. Bantfu labahamba bakhala betfwele inhlanyelo yekuhlanyela, bayawufika ekhaya bampompoloza ngenjabulo, baphetse tinyandza tesivuno. Indlu nayingakhiwa nguNkulunkulu, basebentela lite labo labayakhako. Lidolobha nalingagadvwa nguNkulunkulu, basebentela lite labo labaligadzako. Kulite kini kuvuka ekuseni nephute nekulala, nidle nekudla kwekuhlupheka, ngobe Nkulunkulu uyamupha lotsandzekako wakhe ebusuku aselele. Bantfwana balifa leliphuma kuSimakadze, basibusiso lesivela kuye. Bantfwana bebusha banjengemicibisholo lesesandleni selichawe. Ibusisiwe indvodza, lemgodla wayo ugcwele imicibisholo lenjalo. Bangeke bahlazeke nabamelene netitsa tabo emasangweni ekwehlulela. Babusiswe labo labesaba Nkulunkulu, labo labahamba ngetindlela takhe. Uyawudla titfukutfuku takho, ube nenhlanhla nemphumelelo. Umkakho uyawufanana nemvini lotselako nasahleti endlini yakho, bantfwabakho babe njengemahlumela emncumo nase bahleti etafuleni lakho. Ibusiswa kanjalo-ke, indvodza leyesaba Nkulunkulu. Shangatsi Nkulunkulu angakubusisa aseSiyoni, shangatsi ungabona kuchuma kweJerusalema emphilweni yakho yonkhe. Shangatsi ungaphila uze ukhokhobe, uze ubone nebatukulu bakho. Kuthula akube na-Israyeli. “Bangihlupha kwasebusheni bami,” akasho njalo Israyeli atsi: “Bangihlupha kwasebusheni bami, kodvwa abazange bangehlule. Balimi babelima emhlane wami, bembe lemikhulu imisele. Kodvwa Simakadze ulungile, utijubile tindilimo talababi lababengibophe ngato.” Shangatsi bonkhe labatondza Siyoni, bangancandvwa bahlazekile. Shangatsi bangafanana netjani lobumila etikwetindlu, bubune busengakakhuli. Kute nalobuvunako, abubutse, nome lobetfwala ngetitfungo. Nalabendlulako abayiwusho ngisho nekutsi: “Shangatsi Simakadze anganibusisa. Sinibusisa ngelibito laSimakadze.” Nangisekujuleni kwetinhlupheko, ngikhala kuwe, Simakadze. Vani kukhala kwami, Simakadze, ngive nangicela lusito kuwe. Kube wena, Simakadze, bewusibalela tono tetfu, ngubani labengaphunyula, angalahlwa? Kodvwa wena uyasitsetselela, kuze sitewuhlala ngekukwesaba. Lusito lwaSimakadze, ngilubheke ngalabovu, umphefumulo wami uyawumlindzela. Ngiyaletsemba livi lakhe. Umphefumulo wami ubheke Simakadze ngemehlo labovu. Ngimlindzele kwengca bomantjingelane nabalindzele kudzabuka kwekusa, yebo, kwendlula bomantjingelane nabalindzele kudzabuka kwekusa. Israyeli, yetsembela kuSimakadze, ngobe umusa ukuSimakadze nekukhululwa sibili kukuye. Nguye lotawuhlenga baka-Israyeli abephule etonweni tabo tonkhe. Simakadze, inhlitiyo yami ayitigabatisi, nemehlo ami akaphakanyiswa ngumgcabho. Angitilibatisi ngetintfo letibonakala titinkhulu kimi nome letisimangaliso kakhulu kimi. Umphefumulo wami wenelisekile kuwe; njengemntfwana lolunyulwe kunina, unjalo umphefumulo wami kimi. Israyeli yetsembela kuSimakadze, kusukela manje kuze kube phakadze. Yebo, Simakadze, khumbula Davide, kanye nato tonkhe tinhlupheko takhe. Khumbula tifungo takhe kuSimakadze, netetsembiso latenta kuSomandla waJakobe nakatsi: “Ngingeke ngingene endlini yami, nome ngicambalale nasembhedzeni wami, nemehlo ami ngingeke ngiwanike butfongo, netinkhophe tami kwetela, ngingakamtfoleli Simakadze indzawo, ngakhe likhaya laSomandla waJakobe.” Seva ngelibhokisi lesivumelwane ngesikhatsi siseBhetlehema, salikhandza kulaseJeyarimu. Asambe siye lapho ahlala khona, siyewukhonta esenabelweni setinyawo takhe. Phakama, Simakadze, uye endzaweni yakho yekuphumula, wena nelibhokisi lesivumelwane sakho, lelingumfanekiso wemandla akho. Baphristi bakho abembatse kulunga, labangcwele bakho bahlabele ngekwetsaba. Ngenca yaDavide, inceku yakho, ungamfulatseli umgcotjwa wakho. Simakadze wafunga kuDavide, wenta sifungo langeke ajike kuso, watsi: “Lomunye wemadvodzana akho ngiyawumenta abe yinkhosi emvakwakho. Nangabe bantfwabakho bagcina sivumelwane sami netimiso tami lengiyawubafundzisa tona, nebantfwababo futsi bayawuhlala esihlalweni sakho sebukhosi, kuze kube phakadze.” Ngobe Simakadze uyikhetsile iSiyoni, kutsi ibe likhaya lakhe, watsi: “Lena yindzawo yami yekuphumula, ngiyawuhlala kuyo phakadze naphakadze; lena yindzawo lengifuna kuyibusa. Ngiyawuyibusisa ngako konkhe lekudzingako; ngesutsise timphuya tayo ngekudla. Baphristi bayo ngiyawubembatsisa ngensindziso, labangcwele bayo bahlabele ngekujabula. Ngiyawuvusa lomunye wetitukulwane taDavide, ngimente abe yinkhosi lenkhulu. Umgcotjwa wami ngimlungiselele sibane, kutsi bukhosi bakhe bukhanye njalo. Titsa takhe ngiyawutembesa ngelihlazo, kodvwa umbuso wakhe uyawuphumelela uchume.” Maye, kuhle kumnandzi kuhlalisana kwebazalwane ngekuvana. Kuhle kufana nemakha, lanuka kamnandzi, nakatselwe enhloko, ageleta, adzimate ehlela esilevini, yebo, esilevini sa-Aroni atfontsela nasetiphikeni tetingubo takhe. Kufana nematolo eNtsaba iHemoni, nakehlela eNtsabeni iSiyoni. Kulapho-ke lapho Simakadze ehlisela khona tibusiso takhe, yebo, nekuphila, kuze kube phakadze. Dvumisani Simakadze, nine nonkhe tinceku taSimakadze, nine lenima nasebusuku endlini yaSimakadze. Phakamiselani tandla tenu endzaweni lengcwele, nibonge Simakadze. Shangatsi Simakadze anganibusisa aseSiyoni, yena lowadala lizulu nemhlaba. Haleluya, dvumisani Simakadze! Dvumisani libito laSimakadze! Mdvumiseni Simakadze, nine tinceku takhe, nine lenikhonta endlini yaSimakadze nasemabaleni endlu yaNkulunkulu wetfu. Dvumisani Simakadze, ngobe yena muhle. Hlabelani nidvumise libito lakhe, ngobe yena unelutsandvo. Ngobe Simakadze utikhetsele Jakobe kutsi abe wakhe, ukhetse Israyeli kutsi abe lifa lakhe. Ngiyati kutsi mkhulu Simakadze, nekutsi Simakadze wetfu ungetulu kunabo bonkhe bonkulunkulu. Konkhe Simakadze lakutsandzako uyakwenta emazulwini nasemhlabeni, etilwandle kanye nasekujuleni konkhe. Nguye lokhuphula tinkhungu emikhawulweni yemhlaba. Wenta imibane ilandzelwe yimvula. Ukhipha imimoya etingosini takhe. Nguye lowashaya ematubulo aseGibhithe, ebantfu kanye newetilwane. Watfumela tibonakaliso netimangaliso, emkhatsini wakho, wena Gibhithe, wamelana naFaro kanye netinceku takhe tonkhe. Washaya tive letinyenti, wabulala emakhosi lanemandla. Wabulala Sihoni, inkhosi yema-Amori. Wabulala Ogi, inkhosi yaseBhashani, kanye nawo onkhe emakhosi aseKhenani. Wenta live lawo laba lifa, walenta lifa laka-Israyeli, sive sakhe. Simakadze, libito lakho lime kuze kube phakadze. Nkhosi, titukulwane ngetitukulwane tiyawuhlala tikukhumbula. Simakadze uyawubavikela bantfu bakhe, ahawukele tinceku takhe. Tithico tebetive tiyigolide nesiliva, tingumsebenti wetandla temuntfu. Tinemilomo, kodvwa atikhulumi, tinemehlo, kodvwa atiboni, tinetindlebe, kodvwa ativa, atikwati ngisho nekuphefumula imbala. Labo labatentako bayawufanana nato, nabo bonkhe labetsembele kuto. Dvumisani Simakadze, nine mndeni waka-Israyeli! Dvumisani Simakadze, nani mndeni waka-Aroni! Dvumisani Simakadze, nine mndeni wakaLevi, nani nonkhe, lenesaba Simakadze, mdvumiseni! Akabongwe Simakadze eSiyoni, yena lohlala eJerusalema. Akabongwe Simakadze. Bongani Simakadze, ngobe muhle, ngobe umusa wakhe ume kuze kube phakadze. Bongani Nkulunkulu wabonkulunkulu, ngobe umusa wakhe ume kuze kube phakadze. Bongani iNkhosi yemakhosi, ngobe umusa wakhe ume kuze kube phakadze. Nguye yedvwa lowenta timangaliso letinkhulu, ngobe umusa wakhe ume kuze kube phakadze. Nguye lowenta emazulu ngekuhlakanipha kwakhe, ngobe umusa wakhe ume kuze kube phakadze. Nguye lowendlala umhlaba etikwemanti, ngobe umusa wakhe ume kuze kube phakadze. Wenta tibane letinkhulu, ngobe umusa wakhe ume kuze kube phakadze. Wenta kutsi lilanga libuse imini, ngobe umusa wakhe ume kuze kube phakadze, nekutsi inyanga netinkhanyeti kubuse busuku, ngobe umusa wakhe ume kuze kube phakadze. Nguye lowabhubhisa ematubulo aseGibhithe, ngobe umusa wakhe ume kuze kube phakadze. Wahola Israyeli wamkhipha emkhatsini wawo, ngobe umusa wakhe ume kuze kube phakadze; ngesandla lesinemandla nengalo leyeluliwe, ngobe umusa wakhe ume kuze kube phakadze. Nguye lowehlukanisa kabili Lwandle Lolubovu, ngobe umusa wakhe ume kuze kube phakadze. Wewelisa ema-Israyeli ekhatsi nalo, ngobe umusa wakhe ume kuze kube phakadze. Wacitsa Faro nemphi yakhe ngalo, ngobe umusa wakhe ume kuze kube phakadze. Nguye lowahola sive sakhe ehlane, ngobe umusa wakhe ume kuze kube phakadze. Wabhubhisa emakhosi lamakhulu, ngobe umusa wakhe ume kuze kube phakadze. Wabulala nemakhosi lanemandla, ngobe umusa wakhe ume kuze kube phakadze. Wabulala Sihoni, inkhosi yema-Amori, ngobe umusa wakhe ume kuze kube phakadze. Wabulala na-Ogi, inkhosi yase-Bhashani, ngobe umusa wakhe ume kuze kube phakadze. Wephana ngelive labo laba lifa, ngobe umusa wakhe ume kuze kube phakadze, laba lifa la-Israyeli, inceku yakhe, ngobe umusa wakhe ume kuze kube phakadze. Nguye lowasikhumbula ekwehlulekeni kwetfu, ngobe umusa wakhe ume kuze kube phakadze. Wasikhulula etitseni tetfu, ngobe umusa wakhe ume kuze kube phakadze. Nguye lowondla bonkhe bantfu netilwane tonkhe, ngobe umusa wakhe ume kuze kube phakadze. Bongani Nkulunkulu welizulu, ngobe umusa wakhe ume kuze kube phakadze. Sahlala ngasemifuneli yaseBhabhulona, sakhala khona nasikhumbula iSiyoni. Saphanyeka emahabhu etfu, etulu eminyetaneni. Batfumbi betfu batsi asibahlabelele, nebagcilati betfu basiphukuta ngekutsi asihlabele tingoma tekujabula, batsi: “Ase nisihlabelele lenye yetingoma tenu taseSiyoni.” Singatihlabela kanjani tingoma taSimakadze sikulelinye live? Nangingakhohlwa wena Jerusalema, sandla sami sekudla singamane sishwaphane. Shangatsi nelulwimi lwami lunganamatsela elwangeni lwami, nangingakhohlwa wena, ngingayenti iJerusalema ibe kujabula kwami lokukhulu. Khumbula, Simakadze, lokwentiwa ngema-Edomu mzukwana kutfunjwa iJerusalema. Khumbula kutsi bakusho kanjani kutsi: “Yibhidliteni! Yibhidliteni iphele nya!” Wena Bhabhulona, uyawubhidlitwa. Ubusisiwe umuntfu loyawubuyisela kuwe tento takho lowake watenta kitsi, loyawubamba tinswane takho atisacate emadvwaleni. Ngiyakubonga, wena Simakadze, ngayo yonkhe inhlitiyo yami; ngikunika ludvumo embikwabo bonkhe bonkulunkulu. Ngiyawukhuleka embikwelithempeli lakho lelingcwele, ngibonge libito lakho ngenca yemusa wakho nekwetsembeka kwakho. Ngobe libito lakho nelivi lakho uliphakamisele ngetulu kwako konkhe. Ngatsi nangikhala kuwe, wangiva wangiphendvula, wanginika sibindzi ngekungicinisa. Onkhe emakhosi emhlaba ayawukubonga wena, Simakadze, ngobe awevile emavi akho. Ayawuhlabelela wena, Simakadze, ngobe bukhulu bukhosi baSimakadze. Nome Simakadze aphakeme kangaka, uyabanakekela labatitfobako; kodvwa labatiphakamisako ubabukela khashane. Nome sengitungeletwe tinhlupheko, wena, Simakadze, uyayiphephisa imphilo yami, ungivikele elulakeni lwetitsa tami, unginyomule ngesandla sakho sekudla. Simakadze uyawusifeza kimi setsembiso sakhe; umusa waSimakadze ume kuze kube phakadze. Cedzela lomsebenti wakho lowawusungula, ungawukhohlwa umsebenti wetandla takho. Simakadze ungihlolisisile, uyangati. Uyakwati kuhlala kwami nekuvuka kwami, imicabango yami uyati ingakaveli. Uhlolisisa kuhamba kwami nekulala kwami, uyatati tonkhe tindlela tami. Livi litsi liselulwimini lwami, wena, Simakadze, ube sewulati ngalokuphelele. Ungitungeletile ngemuva nangembili, wangivikela ngesandla sakho. Indlela longati ngayo iyangimangalisa, iphakeme, ngingeke ngifinyelele kuyo. Ngingayaphi ngisuke kuMoya wakho? Ngingashona kuphi ngibaleke ebusweni bakho? Nangikhuphukela emazulwini, wena ulapho, nangendlala licansi lami endzaweni yalabafile, wena ulapho. Nangingandiza ngetimphiko tentsatsakusa, ngiye ngihlale emikhawulweni yelwandle, nakhona lapho sandla sakho besiyawungihola, sekudla sakho singibambe singicinise. Nome bengingatsi: “Bumnyama abungisibekele, kukhanya kugucuke kube busuku lobungitungeletile,” bumnyama bebungeke bube mnyama kuwe, busuku bebuyawukhanya njengemini, ngobe bumnyama bufanana nekukhanya kuwe. Ngobe nguwe lowadala imibilini yami, wangeluka esiswini samake. Ngiyakudvumisa ngobe ngentiwe ngendlela leyesabekako nalemangalisako. Imisebenti yakho iyamangalisa, loko ngikwati kahle kamhlophe. Ematsambo ami abengakafihlakali kuwe, ngesikhatsi ngibunjwa ekusitsekeni ngelukwa esiswini samake. Wangibona ngiselihlwili. Onkhe emalanga ami abhalwa encwadzini yakho, ajutjwa, lisengakefiki nalinye lawo. Imicabango yakho ijulile, Nkulunkulu! Maye, bukhulu bunyenti bayo! Nangingayibala, ingaba minyenti kwendlula tinhlavu tesihlabatsi. Nangivuka, wena usenami. Shangatsi wena, Nkulunkulu, ungababhubhisa lababi. Ngako-ke sukani kimi, nine bantfu bengati. Bayakuhlambalata, laba labatitsa takho bakhuluma kabi ngelibito lakho. Simakadze, angibatondzi yini labo labatondza wena? Anginengwa yini ngulabo labakuvukelako? Ngibazonda ngenzondo lephelele. Ngibatsatsa njengetitsa tami. Ngihlolisise, Nkulunkulu, wati inhlitiyo yami! Ngilinge, wati imicabango yami, ubone kutsi kute yini lokubi ekuhambeni kwami, bese ungiholela endleleni yaphakadze. Simakadze, ngisindzise kubantfu lababi, ngephule kubantfu labatidlova, bantfu labahlose lokubi etinhlitiyweni tabo. Onkhe emalanga bacubungula emasu etimphi. Balola tilimi tabo tibe njengetetinyoka. Sihlungu sato sisemilonyeni yabo. Cabanga. Simakadze, ngeluse ungivikele emandleni alababi; ngephule kubantfu labatidlova, labahlose kungigila ngiwe. Bantfu labatigabatisako bangibekele lugibe, bangicuphe ngetintsambo telugibe, bangibophele emafindvo endleleni yami. Cabanga. Ngatsi kuwe, Simakadze: “Wena unguNkulunkulu wami.” Nkhosi, ngive nangikhalela lusito kuwe. Awu, Simakadze, Nkulunkulu wami, Msindzisi wami lonemandla, wena uvikela inhloko yami ngesikhatsi semphi. Simakadze, tifiso talababi ungatiphumelelisi, ungawaphumelelisi emasu abo lamabi, funa batigabatise. Cabanga. Labo labangitungeletile labatigcabhako bubi labasongela kubenta kimi abehlele kubo. Shangatsi emalahle labovu lavutsako angatfululelwa etikwabo, bajikijelwe emgodzini loshonako, bangaphindzi baphume. Shangatsi labo labacambela labanye emanga, bangete baphumelela. Shangatsi bubi bungahlasela tidlova. Ngiyati kutsi Simakadze uyayimelela indzaba yalohluphekile, awamelele nemalungelo alomphofu. Impela labalungile bayawubonga libito lakho, labacotfo bayawuhlala ebukhoneni bakho. Ngikhala kuwe, Simakadze; vani livi lami, nangikhala kuwe. Shangatsi umthandazo wami ungaba njengemphepho kuwe; nekuphakamisa kwami tandla akube kuwe njengemihlatjelo yakusihlwa. Simakadze, beka umlindzi emlonyeni wami; ungeluse, ngingakhulumi lutfo ngemawala. Ngente ngingakutsandzi kwenta lokubi, ngingahlanganyeli nalababi emisebentini yabo lemibi, ngingahlanganyeli nasemadzilini abo. Ngingamane ngijeziswe ngumuntfu lolungile, loko kungumusa kimi; angamane angitsetsise, loko kungemafutsa enhloko yami, kodvwa umkhuleko wami uphambene netento letimbi talababi. Mhlazana babusi babo bayawujikijelwa phansi emaweni, ngumzukwana bayawufundza kutsi emavi ami aliciniso. Njengetinkhuni tijutjwa tiba ticucu, ngalokufananako ematsambo abo ayawusakateka ngasekungeneni kwelithuna. Awu, Simakadze, Somandla, emehlo ami anamatsele kuwe ngiphephela kuwe, ungangiyekeleli ekufeni. Ngihlenge elugibeni labangibekele lona, ungigcine kubosochaka balababi. Lababi ababanjwe tingibe tabo, kodvwa mine ngendlule ngiphephile. Ngikhala kuSimakadze ngelivi lami. Ngincenga Simakadze ngelivi lami. Ngititfululela kuye tonkhe tikhalo tami, ngimtjele tonkhe tinhlupheko tami. Umoya wami nase uphelelwa ngemandla, wena ucaphela tinyatselo tami. Endleleni lapho ngitawuhamba khona bangifihlele lugibe. Nangicalata eceleni kwami, ngikhandza kutsi kute namunye longangisita, kute longivikelako, kute nalonginakile. Ngikhala kuwe, Simakadze, ngitsi: “Wena usiphephelo sami, nesabelo sami ngisaphila.” Vani kukhala kwami, ngobe ngicindzeteleke kakhulu. Ngephule kulabo labangitingelako, ngobe banemandla kunami. Ngikhulule kulelijele lengikulo, kuze ngitewubonga libito lakho. Labalungile bayawungihaca, ngobe wena uyawungiphatsa kahle. Simakadze, vani umkhuleko wami ubeke indlebe yakho ekuncengeni kwami, ungiphendvule njengekwetsembeka kwakho nangekulunga kwakho. Ungangibeki licala mine, nceku yakho, ngobe kute umuntfu lomsulwa kuwe. Sitsa siyangitingela, singicindzetela phansi emhlabatsini singivimbetela ebumnyameni njengalabakadze bafa. Ngako-ke umoya wami udzangele, nenhlitiyo yami iyatfutfumela. Ngikhumbula emalanga asendvulo. Ngizindla ngemisebenti yakho yonkhe, ngicabange ngato tonkhe tento takho. Tandla tami ngitiphakamisela kuwe, umphefumulo wami womela wena njengemhlabatsi lowomele imvula. Cabanga. Sheshisa, Simakadze, ungiphendvule; umoya wami ushona phansi. Ungangifihleli buso bakho, funa ngibe njengalabashona emgodzini. Ngivise umusa wakho ekuseni nakudzabuka kusa, ngobe litsemba lami lonkhe likuwe. Ngifundzise indlela lekufanele ngihambe ngayo, ngobe umphefumulo wami ngiwuphakamisela kuwe. Ngikhulule etitseni tami, Simakadze, sengibalekele kuwe ngabhaca. Ngifundzise kwenta intsandvo yakho, ngobe wena unguNkulunkulu wami. Moya wakho lomuhle akangiholele endleleni lebekile. Ngenca yelibito lakho, Simakadze, ngigcinele imphilo yami; ngekulunga kwakho ngephule etinhluphekweni. Bhubhisa tonkhe titsa tami ngekwemusa wakho, ubacedze bonkhe labemelene nami, ngobe mine ngiyinceku yakho. Akabongwe Simakadze lolidvwala lami, lowente tandla tami tafundzela kuhlasela neminwe yami yafundzela kulwa. UnguNkulunkulu wami lowetsembekile nenqaba yami lengibalekela kuyo, usiphephelo sami nemkhululi wami, usihlangu sami lengiphephela kuso. Wenta tive tikhotsame kimi. Awu, Simakadze, uyini umuntfu kutsi ungadzimate umnake? Indvodzana yemuntfu bekuyini kutsi ungadzimate uyikhumbule? Umuntfu ufanana nemoya nje; emalanga ekuphila kwakhe afanana nesitfunti lesendlulako. Khotsamisa emazulu akho, Simakadze, wehle; tsintsa tintsaba tibhunye. Bashaye ngelitulu ubadvungulule bacibe ngemicibisholo yakho, baphitsitele. Yelula sandla sakho wena Longetulu, ngikhulule, ungenyule etikhukhuleni temanti lanemandla, ungenyule nasesandleni sebetive, labamlomo wabo ukhuluma inkhohliso, bafunga bagomele ngesandla sabo sangesekudla bafungele bufakazi lobungemanga. Ngiyawuhlabela kuwe, Nkulunkulu, ngihlabele ingoma lensha, ngishaye ihabhu lenetintsambo letilishumi. Nguwe lonika emakhosi kuncoba, uphephise inceku yakho lenguDavide. Ngisindzise enkembeni lenelunya, ungiphephise esandleni sebafokati labamlomo wabo ukhuluma inkhohliso, nesandla sabo sekudla singesekudla semanga. Shangatsi emadvodzana etfu angaba njengetitfombo letinhle ebusheni bawo, nemadvodzakati etfu afanane nematje labatiwe, alungiselelwa kwakha tigodlo temakhosi. Shangatsi tinyango tetfu tingagcwaliswa ngesivuno sekudla lokunhlobonhlobo. Kanjalo netifuyo tetfu shangatsi tingandza, titalane ngetinkhulungwane nangemashumi etinkhulungwane. Shangatsi tinkhomo tetfu tingawatsela emankhonyane, kubete letiphuntako naletilatelwako, shangatsi kungabate kukhala nekuhlupheka eveni letfu. Sibusisiwe sive lesinaletibusiso! Sibusisiwe leso sive Nkulunkulu waso lekunguSimakadze! Ngiyawuphakamisa wena, Nkulunkulu wami neNkhosi yami, ngituse libito lakho phakadze naphakadze. Ngiyawukubabata onkhe emalanga, ngidvumise libito lakho phakadze naphakadze. Mkhulu Simakadze, ufanele kudvunyiswa kakhulu, bukhulu bakhe abuphenyisiseki. Titukulwane ngekwelamana kwato tiyawubikelana ngemisebenti yakho; tiyawumemetela ngemisebenti yakho yemandla. Tiyawukhuluma ngenkhatimulo yakho, tikhulume ngebukhosi bakho; mine ngiyawuzindla ngemisebenti yakho lemangalisako. Bantfu bayawubabata bukhulu bemandla akho, nami ngibabate bukhulu bakho. Bayawubalisa ngeludvumo lwakho, nangebukhulu betento takho letinhle, bahlabele ngekulunga kwakho. Simakadze unemusa nesihawu, uyephuta kutfukutsela, andze ngemusa. Simakadze muhle kubo bonkhe, uyayihawukela imisebenti yakhe yonkhe. Yonkhe indalo netidalwa takho tiyawubonga tidvumise wena, Simakadze, nalabangcwele bonkhe bakudvumise. Bayawudvumisa ngenkhatimulo yebukhosi bakho, bashumayele ngemandla akho; kuze bonkhe bantfu emhlabeni bayati imisebenti yakho yemandla, kanye nenkhatimulo yebukhosi bembuso wakho. Umbuso wakho ungumbuso lome kuze kube phakadze, lombuso uyawuhlala ukhona, titukulwane ngetitukulwane. Simakadze wetsembekile kuto tonkhe tetsembiso takhe. Unemusa kuyo yonkhe imisebenti yakhe. Simakadze uyabaphasa bonkhe labawako, abaphakamise bonkhe labatfotjisiwe. Emehlo endalo yonkhe abheke kuwe, uyipha kudla ngesikhatsi lesifanele. Uvula sandla sakho, wesutsise tonkhe tifiso talokuphilako. Simakadze ulungile kuto tonkhe tindlela takhe, unemusa emisebentini yakhe yonkhe. Simakadze usedvute nabo bonkhe labambitako, bonkhe labambita ngeliciniso. Wesutsisa kufisa kwabo bonkhe labamesabako, uyabeva nabakhalako, abasindzise. Simakadze uyabalondvolota bonkhe labamtsandzako, kepha lababi bonkhe uyawubabhubhisa. Umlomo wami uyawukhuluma ludvumo lwakho, Simakadze, tonkhe tidalwa atibonge libito lakho lelingcwele kuze kube phakadze naphakadze. Mphefumulo wami, dvumisa Simakadze. Simakadze ngiyawumdvumisa ngisaphila, ngihlabele kuNkulunkulu wami yonkhe imphilo yami. Ningetsembeli etikhulwini nakubantfu, kute kubantfu lusito. Nakuphuma umphefumulo, umuntfu ubuyela emhlabatsini, tinhloso netifiso takhe tiphele ngalelo langa. Ubusisiwe umuntfu lomsiti wakhe kunguNkulunkulu waJakobe, lolitsemba lakhe likuSimakadze, Nkulunkulu wakhe. Yena unguMdali wako konkhe: Wadala lizulu, nemhlaba, nelwandle, nako konkhe lokukuko. Ugcina setsembiso sakhe kuze kube phakadze. Labacindzetelwe yena uyabemelela, abaphe kudla labalambile. Simakadze ukhulula tiboshwa, Simakadze uvula emehlo etimphumphutse, Simakadze uyabaphakamisa labatfotjisiwe, Simakadze uyabatsandza labalungile. Simakadze uyabalondvolota bafokati, uyabaphasa bafelokati netintsandzane, kodvwa indlela yalababi uyayibhubhisa. Simakadze uyawubusa kuze kube phakadze. Nkulunkulu wakho, Siyoni, ubusa kuto tonkhe titukulwane. Haleluya, dvumisani Simakadze. Haleluya, dvumisani Simakadze! Maye, kuhle kuhlabela kuNkulunkulu wetfu. Kumnandzi, futsi kufanele kutsi advunyiswe! Simakadze wakha iJerusalema kabusha, ubutsa labasakatekile baka-Israyeli. Labanetinhlitiyo letephukile uyabaphilisa, abophe emanceba abo. Ubala inombolo yetinkhanyeti, atibite tonkhe ngemabito ato. Mkhulu Simakadze wetfu, nemandla akhe makhulu, kuhlakanipha kwakhe akunakulinganiswa. Simakadze uyabaphakamisa labatfobekile, kepha lababi ubehlisela phansi. Hlabelani kuSimakadze ngekubonga; dvumisani Nkulunkulu wetfu ngekushaya ihabhu. Yena losibekela sibhakabhaka ngemafu, alungisele umhlaba imvula, ahlumise tjani etintsabeni. Tilwane utipha kudla, afunte emazini emahhwabayi nasalambile. Simakadze akatfokotiswa ngemandla emahhashi emphi; nemasotja lahlomile lahamba ngetinyawo angeke amjabulise. Simakadze ujatjuliswa ngulabamesabako nalabetsemba umusa wakhe. Awu, Jerusalema, dvumisa Simakadze! Awu, Siyoni, dvumisa Nkulunkulu wakho! Ngobe nguye locinisa imivalo yemasango akho, abusise bantfu bakho, ente iminyele yakho ibe nekuthula, anesutsise ngakolweni lomnandzi. Ukhipha umyalo wakhe uye emhlabeni, livi lakhe ligijima ngalamakhulu ematubane. Ukhitsikisa lichwa njengeboya betimvu, asakate sitfwatfwa njengemlotsa, ehlise sangcotfo sakhe njengetinhlavu. Ngubani nje longemelana nemakhata akhe? Utfumela livi lakhe likuncibilikise, avuse umoya wakhe, emanti agobhote. Wembula livi lakhe kuJakobe, timiso nemiyalo yakhe ku-Israyeli. Kute sive lake wenta njalo kuso, kute sive lesake sati timiso takhe. Haleluya, dvumisani Simakadze. Dvumisani Simakadze nine mazulu laphakeme, nidvumise Simakadze nani lenisezulwini. Mdvumiseni nine tingilosi takhe, nimdvumise nani nonkhe mabutfo akhe. Mdvumise wena langa, nawe nyanga, nimdvumise nani nonkhe tinkhanyeti letikhatimulako! Mdvumiseni nine mazulu laphakeme, nani manti langetulu kwesibhakabhaka. Konkhe akudvumise libito laSimakadze, ngobe wakhuluma kwadaleka. Wakumisa etindzaweni tako phakadze naphakadze, wakushayela umtsetfo longenakweciwa. Dvumisani Simakadze nine lenisemhlabeni, nani tilwane letesabekako taselwandle, nawe kujula kwelwandle, nawe mlilo nesangcotfo, nelichwa, netinkhungu, nemoya lonemandla lolalela imiyalo yakhe. Mdvumiseni nine magcuma netintsaba tonkhe, nimdvumise nani tihlahla tetitselo, nani nonkhe mahlatsi, nine tilwane tesiganga netekufuywa, nani lenihamba ngesisu, netinyoni letindizako. Mdvumiseni nine makhosi netive tonkhe, nimdvumise nani tikhulu nebabusi bonkhe bemhlaba, nani majaha netintfombi, nani labadzala nalabancane. Bonkhe abadvumise libito laSimakadze, ngobe lakhe kuphela libito leliphakeme; inkhatimulo yakhe ingetulu kwemhlaba nelizulu. Sive sakhe usivusele insindziso, kuze kudvunyiswe bonkhe labangcwele bakhe, lekusive saka-Israyeli, lesisedvute naye. Haleluya, dvumisani Simakadze! Simakadze mhlabeleleni ingoma lensha, nimdvumise ebandleni lalabangcwele. Israyeli akajabule ngenca yeMdali wakhe, bantfu beSiyoni batfokote ngeNkhosi yabo. Abadvumise ngekugidza nangesigubhu nangehabhu. Simakadze uyasijabulela sive sakhe, labatitfobako ubapha umchele wekuncoba. Labangcwele abahlabele ngebukhosi, bahlabele ngenjabulo bonkhe busuku. Shangatsi emaphimbo abo angadvumisa Nkulunkulu, netandla tabo tihlome inkemba lekhalipha tinhlangotsi totimbili. Khona batewuphindzisela kubetive, bajezise nebahedeni, babophe nemakhosi abo ngemaketane, netikhulu tabo batibophe ngabozankosi, batewufeza sijeziso sabo njengobe kubhaliwe. Loku kuludvumo lwalabangcwele bakhe bonkhe. Haleluya, dvumisani Simakadze! Haleluya, dvumisani Simakadze! Dvumisani Nkulunkulu, endlini yakhe lengcwele! Mdvumiseni emazulwini akhe lanemandla. Mdvumiseni ngemisebenti yakhe yemandla, nimdvumise ngebukhulu bakhe lobumangalisako. Mdvumiseni ngekushaya licilongo, nimdvumise ngehabhu nangelugitali. Mdvumiseni ngetingubhu nangekugidza, nimdvumise ngetintsambo nangefluthi. Mdvumiseni ngekukhencetisa bokhencekhence, yebo nimdvumise ngekukhencetisa bokhencekhence. Konkhe lokuphilako akudvumise Simakadze. Haleluya, dvumisani Simakadze! Taga taSolomoni, umsa waDavide, inkhosi yema-Israyeli. Letaga tenta umuntfu akwati kuhlakanipha nekwekhuteka, acondzisise inchazelo yemavi lajulile. Tifundzisana kuphila ngebucotfo bengcondvo, nekwenta kulunga, nekungakhetsi. Tenta losengakaliboni live abe nekuhlakanipha, tifundzise labasha kuba nelwati nekuzitsa. Labahlakaniphile batsi bangatilalela kwengeteke lwati lwabo; nalabanengcondvo batsi bangatifundza batente, batfole bungcweti, khona batekuvisisa kahle letaga, nemifanekiso, nenchazelo yaletimphicabadzala. Kwesaba Simakadze kusicalo selwati, tilima tiyakwedzelela kuhlakanipha nemiyalo. Ndvodzana yami, lalela umyalo weyihlo, ungayali imfundziso yenyoko, ngobe iyakuba ngumhlobiso lonjengemchele wenhloko yakho, nanjengeligcebesha lentsamo yakho. Ndvodzana yami, nangabe toni tikuyenga, ungacali uvume, natitsi kuwe: “Kota, sambe sifune lesingahle simbulale; asihambe silalele labangenacala, sibajabhalate ngaphandle kwesono. Asibagwinye baphila baye endzaweni yalabafile, njengalabo labangena baye phansi ethuneni. Sitawutfola tonkhe tintfo letiligugu, sigcwalise tindlu tetfu ngetimphahla lesitichwagile. Kota, utihlanganise natsi; khona sitewuba nesikhwama sinye nawe.” Ndvodzana yami, ungahambisani nebantfu labanje; ungalubeki lunyawo lwakho etindleleni tabo, ngobe tinyawo tabo tigijimela lokubi, basheshe bacitse ingati. Akusiti lutfo kuvula sochaka, kantsi lenyoni lofuna kuyibamba iyakubuka. Kodvwa bantfu labanjalo batetsiyela sifu sekutibulala bona; babhacele kutisontsa bona, batibulale. Tinjalo tindlela talabo labatfola ingcebo ngebugelekece; timphilo tabo titsatfwa bugelekece babo. Kuhlakanipha kumemeta etitaladini; kumemeta kakhulu nasetimakethe. Kumemeta kakhulu nasemahlanganweni emigwaco; kukhulume nasemasangweni emadolobha kutsi: “Nine leningati lutfo! Niyawuhlala ningati lutfo kuze kube ngunini? Baphukuti bayawuphukuta kuze kube ngunini? Tona tilima titawutondzana nelwati kuze kube ngunini? Ase nilalele kunitsetsisa kwami; imicabango yami ngitayitfululela kini, nginitjele lokusenhlitiyweni yami. Njengobe nginimemetile nala kulalela, ngelula sandla sami nala kusibamba, nangete nasitsatsa seluleko sami, nala nekutsi nginekhute, nami-ke ngitanihleka nase nehlelwe tinhlupheko. Ngitanicoloshela nase nehlelwe sigemegeme, nase nifikelwe kutfutfumela lokunjengesiphepho, nesigemegeme lesinjengesihhushuhhushu, nekudzangala kanye nekudzabuka. “Bayawube sebayangibita, kodvwa ngingeke ngisabele; batangifunisisa, kodvwa bangeke bangitfole. Ngobe batondza lwati, abazange bakhetse kwesaba Simakadze. Abazange basitsatse seluleko sami, nekubacondzisa kwami bakwedzelela. Ngako-ke batawutfola titselo tetindlela tabo, bacunjiswe ngemacebo abo. Labate lwati babulawa kweduka kwabo; tilima tibulawa kweneliseka kwato. Kodvwa lowo lolalela mine utawuhlala aphephile, akhululeke, angesabi lutfo lolubi.” Ndvodzana yami, yemukela loku lengikufundzisa kona, uyigcine imiyalo yami. Lalela ubambisise kuhlakanipha; inhlitiyo yakho ibe nekucondza. Yebo cela lwati, ucele nekucondza; kufunisise njengesiliva, ukumbe njengemcebo lofihliwe. Nangabe ukwenta konkhe loko, utawucondzisisa kutsi kuyini kwesaba Simakadze, utfole nekutsi kuyini kwati Nkulunkulu. NguSimakadze lowephana ngekuhlakanipha; emlonyeni wakhe kuphuma lwati nekucondza. Labacotfo ubabekele kuhlakanipha; ulihawu kulabo labatiphatsa ngekwetsembeka. Ugadza tindlela talabo labaphatsa labanye ngekungakhetsi, alindze indlela yalabangcwele bakhe. Ngako, wena utakucondza kulunga, nebumsulwa, nebucotfo, ukwati nalokufanele. Kuhlakanipha kutawungena enhlitiyweni yakho, nelwati lube yinjabulo emphefumulweni wakho. Kucophelela kutakugadza, nekucondzisisa kutakwelusa, kukuphephise endleleni yebubi nakubantfu bemanga, labalahla tindlela tekulunga bahambe etindleleni tebumnyama, labajabula ngekwenta lokubi, bajatjuliswe kwandza kwemacebo, labatindlela tabo tigwegwile, nalabahamba ngetindlela tekweduka. Kucophelela nekucondzisisa kutakusindzisa kulomsikati loyingwadla, umfati walenye indvodza, lonelulwimi lolushelelako, lowala lowo lashade naye ebusheni bakhe, wakhohlwa sivumelwane sakhe kuNkulunkulu wakhe. Indlu yakhe ibishela ekufeni, netindlela takhe tigcina endzaweni yalabafile. Kuye akuyi lolubuyako; lowo loke wangena kuye akaphindzi futsi abuyele etindleleni tekuphila. Ngako kufanele utsatse sibonelo kubantfu labalungile; uhambe etindleleni tekulunga. Bantfu labacotfo labatawukwakha kulelive; ngulabetsembekile bodvwa labayawuhlala kulo. Kodvwa lababi bayawususwa eveni, nalabanemacebo bayawusishulwa kulo. Ndvodzana yami, ungayikhohlwa imfundziso yami, kodvwa inhlitiyo yakho ayigcine imiyalo yami, ngobe ngiyo letakunika emalanga neminyaka leminyenti ekuphileni kwakho; ikunike nekuchuma. Ungehlukani nenhlonipho nekwetsembeka; kukhungele entsanyeni yakho, ukubhale etibhelekeceni tenhlitiyo yakho. Loko kuyawukwenta ube neludvumo loluhle utsandvwe nguNkulunkulu nebantfu. Tsemba Simakadze ngayo yonkhe inhlitiyo yakho, ungeyami ekwatini kwakho. Matise kuko konkhe lokwentako, yena uyakucondzisa tindlela takho. Ungatenti sihlakaniphi, yesaba Simakadze, ukuyekele lokubi. Ngiko loko lokuyakwelapha umtimba wakho, kuphilise nematsambo akho. Dvumisa Simakadze ngalokuhle lonako nangetitselo tekucala tako konkhe lokulimile, netincolobane takho tiyakugcwaliswa ngenala, imiphandza yakho iphuphume liwayini. Ndvodzana yami, ungakwedzeleli kucondziswa nguSimakadze, ungadzinwa kutsetsiswa nguye. Ngobe Simakadze uyamtsetsisa amcondzise lowo lamtsandzako, njengobe neyise enta endvodzaneni yakhe lajabula ngayo. Ubusisiwe umuntfu lotfola kuhlakanipha nalowo lowemukela kucondza. Ngobe kuhlakanipha kwendlula isiliva ngekucebisa umuntfu, nenzuzo yako yinkhulu kuneyegolide. Kuhlakanipha kuligugu kakhulu, kwengca ematje laligugu; kute lokufisako longakulinganisa nako. Imphilo lendze isesandleni sako sekudla, kantsi esandleni sako sesancele kunengcebo neludvumo. Tindlela tako kutindlela tekujabula, netindlela tako tonkhe ngetekuthula. Kusihlahla sekuphila kulabakuphutfumako; labo labakubamba bakunkonkoshele ngulabo labajabulako. Simakadze wasekela umhlaba ngekuhlakanipha, wamisa emazulu endzaweni yawo ngekucondza. Ngelwati lwakhe wehlukanisa emanti langaphansi kwemhlaba, nangelwati lwakhe emafu ehlisa imvula. Ndvodzana yami, bambelela ekuhlakanipheni nasekuzitseni; ungakuvumeli kusuke kuwe. Kuyawuba kuphila emphefumulweni wakho, kube ngumhlobiso entsanyeni yakho. Endleleni yakho uyakuhamba ngekuphepha, nelunyawo lwakho lungakhubeki. Nawucambalala phansi, ungeke wesabe; nawulala, uyawutfola butfongo lobumnandzi. Ungesabi kutunywa yinhlekelele yengoti nekuhlaselwa bantfu lababi; ngobe Simakadze uyawuba siphephelo sakho; uyawulondvolota lunyawo lwakho lungabanjwa lugibe. Yenta lokuhle kulabo labakudzingako, nangabe unawo emandla ekukwenta. Ungasho kumakhelwane wakho utsi: “Hamba, ngitawubuye ngikunike kusasa,” kantsi unako nalamuhla. Ungatimiseli ngekwenta lokubi kumakhelwane wakho lohlala ngekukwetsemba. Ungaphikisani nemuntfu ngelite angakakukhubi nekukukhuba. Ungabi namhawu ngemuntfu losidlova; ungacali ukhetse ngisho nome yinye yetindlela takhe. Ngobe umuntfu losidlova usinengiso kuSimakadze, kodvwa labalungile balitsemba lakhe. Sicalekiso saSimakadze sisemndenini walomubi, kodvwa indlu yalolungile uyayibusisa. Uyabahleka labo labeyisako, kodvwa unemusa kulabatfobekile. Labahlakaniphile bayawudvunyiswa, kodvwa tilima tiyawuhlazeka. Madvodzana ami, yilaleleni ngekucophelela imiyalo yeyihlo, khona nitawuba nekucondza. Ngininika imiyalo lemihle, ningacali niyilahle nje imfundziso yami. Ngisengumfanyana wekuphela, kubabe namake, babe abengifundzisa atsi: “Shangatsi inhlitiyo yakho ingawabambisisa emavi ami, nemiyalo yami, khona utawuphila. Zuza kuhlakanipha uzuze nekuvisisa. Ungakhohlwa, futsi ungesuki emavini emlomo wami. Ungakulahli, kuyawukuphephisa; kutsandze, kuyawukugadza. Kucala kwekuhlakanipha, naku: Zuza kuhlakanipha, uzuze nekucondza, nome kukubitani. Kutuse, kona-ke kuyawukuphakamisa, kugone, kona-ke kuyawukwatisa. Kuyawukwetfwesa ludvumo enhloko, kukwetfwese umchele lomuhle.” Ndvodzana yami, lalela wemukele emavi ami, khona iminyaka yekuphila kwakho itakwandza. Ngikufundzise indlela yekuhlakanipha, ngakuholela etindleleni tekulunga. Nawuhambako, sinyatselo sakho singeke siphatamiseke; nawugijimako, ungeke ukhubeke. Bambelela emyalweni ungawuyekeli, uwulondvolote, ngobe uyimphilo yakho. Ungalubeki lunyawo lwakho endleleni yalababi, futsi ungahambi endleleni yebantfu lababi. Yikhweshele, ungahambi kuyo, yifulatsele uchubeke. Bantfu lababi abalali bangakenti lokubi, bayacwasha bangalali nabangakoni muntfu. Bubi bukudla kwabo, budlova businatfo sabo. Kodvwa indlela yalabalungile ifanana nekukhanya kwentsatsakusa, lokuya ngekuya kuze kube ngusemini. Indlela yalababi ifanana nebumnyama, lababi abati nalapho bakhubeka bawe khona. Ndvodzana yami, bambisisa emavi ami, ubeke indlebe yakho emavini ami. Ungawavumeli kutsi alahleke emehlweni akho, walondvolote enhlitiyweni yakho. Lamavi akuphila kulowo lowatfolako, aphilise wonkhe umtimba wakhe. Ngetulu kwako konkhe londvolota inhlitiyo yakho ngekunakekela konkhe, ngobe kuyo kugeleta tiyalu tekuphila. Yisuse kuwe inkhulumo lesigwegwe, inkhulumo lekhohlisako yikhweshisele khashane nawe. Emehlo akho akacondze ngco embili, ubukisise embikwakho. Caphelisisa indlela yetinyawo takho, tonkhe-ke tindlela takho tiyawuba nekuciniseka. Ungajikeli ngesekudla nome ngesancele, lunyawo lwakho ungalubeki ebubini. Ndvodzana yami, lalelisisa kuhlakanipha kwami, ubeke indlebe ekucondzeni kwami. Khona-ke uyawukwati kukhetsa lokufanele, netindzebe temlomo wakho tilulondvolote lwati. Tindzebe temfati loyingwadla tivuta luju, inkhulumo yakhe ishelela kwengca emafutsa; kodvwa ekugcineni ubaba njengenyongo, akhaliphe njengenkemba lekhalipha nhlangotsi totimbili. Tinyawo takhe tehlela ekufeni, tinyatselo takhe tihamba ngendlela leya ethuneni. Akahambi ngendlela yekuphila, tindlela takhe tiyazula, akati nekutsi kwentekani. Ndvodzana yami, ngilalele, ungesuki emavini emlomo wami. Mkhweshele ube khashane naye, ungasondzeli ngisho nasemnyango wendlu yakhe, funa ludvumo lwakho lutsatfwe ngulabanye bantfu, nekuphila kwakho kuphelele etandleni talabangenasihe. Nebachamuki futsi bangahle batesutsise ngemcebo wakho netitfukutfuku takho tiye endlini yewetive. Ekupheleni kwemphilo yakho uyawububula ecansini, sekudleka tinyama nemtimba wakho. Uyawudzimate ukhale utsi: “Empeleni nje, mine ngangikutondzelani kuyalwa nekufundziswa? Ingabe ngangikutondzelani kutsetsiswa? Angizange ngibalalele bafundzisi bami lababengifundzisa; nome-ke kube mane ngalalela bacondzisi bami. Ngatsi ngetfuka ngabe sengisekhatsi elubishini lwelihlazo ebandleni nakubantfu.” Natsa emanti esicobho sakho, emanti lageleta aphuma esiyalwini sakho. Kufanele yini imitfombo yakho isakateke igcwale yonkhe indzawo, lemifudlana yemanti imoseke ngekusakateka kuto tonkhe tindlela? Emanti esicobho sakho akabe ngewakho wedvwa, angabi ngemanti etengcamgwaco. Shangatsi ungabusiseka umtfombo wakho, ube nenjabulo ngemfati webusha bakho. Muhle, uyabukeka njengenhlangu, utsandzeka njengemphala; shangatsi emabele akhe angakwenelisa ngaso sonkhe sikhatsi, shangatsi nelutsandvo lwakhe lungakuhaca. Ndvodzana yami, ungavumi kutfunjwa lutsandvo lwemfati loyingwadla. Utsandzelani kugaca libilo lakho kumfati walenye indvodza? Tindlela temuntfu tisemehlweni aSimakadze, tonkhe tindlela umuntfu lahamba ngato uyatigadzisisa. Imisebenti yemuntfu lomubi ilugibe, ubanjwa elugibeni lwesono sakhe. Uyakufa ngenca yekungatibambi kwakhe; bulima bakhe lobukhulu buyamedukisa. Ndvodzana yami, nangabe umelele makhelwane wakho nome-ke umuntfu wetive ngesikwelede lasentako, nangabe ungene elugibeni lwesetsembiso sakho, wabanjwa ngemavi akho, naku-ke, ndvodzana yami, lofanele kukwenta khona utewukhululeka: Hamba uye kulomuntfu lokubambile umncenge aze akuvele. Ungalali, ungavali ngisho nemehlo. Tisindzise njengenyamatane ibalekela umtingeli, nanjengenyoni lephunyule esandleni semtingeli. Hamba ufundze entfutfwaneni, wena vila-ndzini, kutsi iphila njani, khona utawuhlakanipha. Lite tintfutfwane tite sikhulu nome indvuna nome umbusi, kodvwa kudla kwato tikubutsa ehlobo tikulondvolote ngesikhatsi sekuvuna. Wena vila-ndzini, uyawulala embhedzeni kudzimate kube ngunini? Ukhuluma utsi: “Kulalalala kancane, kwetelatela kancane, kugocagoca tandla kancane, kuphumula kancane.” Kodvwa buphuya butawufika kuwe bukunyonyobele njengelisela, nekweswela kukuhlasele njengesihlupheki. Sihlangananhloko nome sihlophoyi sitfunguluta yonkhe indzawo sihamba sicala emanga, sifica liso lapha nalapha, sisusa luchuku ngekuhlokolota nangekunyatsela lowa nalowa. Sonkhe sikhatsi sakha emachinga ebubi enhlitiyweni yaso, sisuse nelutfutfuva lwekulwa. Ngenca yaloku siyakwehlelwa yingoti masinyane sipitjitwe ngaphandle kwesecwayiso, singaphindzi sisindze. Tisitfupha tintfo letenyanywa nguSimakadze, empeleni letisikhombisa uphambene nato kakhulu: Ngemehlo latichenyako, nelulwimi lolucala emanga, nembulali walote licala, nengcondvo lebumba emacebo ebubi, nemuntfu lotsandza lokubi, nafakazi lotfulula emanga, nemuntfu locabanisa bazalwane. Ndvodzana yami, gcina umyalo weyihlo, ungayilahli imfundziso yenyoko. Kucoboshele enhlitiyweni yakho, ukugace entsanyeni yakho. Nawuhamba kuyawukucondzisa, nawulala kukugadze, nawuvukako kukweluleke. Ngobe umyalo usibane, imfundziso ikukhanya, kucondziswa ngekutsetsiswa kuyindlela yekuphila. Kuyawukuphephisa kumfati lomubi, nasemlonyeni lomnandzi wemfati walenye indvodza. Ungacali kumkhanukela buhle bakhe enhlitiyweni yakho, nome-ke akutfumbe ngemashiya akhe. Ngobe ingwadla ungayicasha ngemkhama wesinkhwa, kodvwa umgomo wemfati losiphingi kuhliphita nome kutfumba indvodza. Ikhona yini indvodza lengetfwala emalahle lavutsako ngetimphahla tayo, tendlule tingashi? Kungenteka yini ihambe etikwemalahle lavutsako, tinyawo tayo tingashi? Kanjalo-ke, nendvodza lelala nemfati walenye indvodza, ingeke ikubalekele kujeziswa. Bantfu abalibukeli phansi lisela lelebela kucosha indlala ngobe lilambile, kodvwa nangabe libanjwa, kufanele likukhokhe sekuphindvwe kasikhombisa, tonkhe timphahla tendlu yakhe atetfule. Lophingako weswela ingcondvo, nangabe aphinga nemfati, utibulala yena. Uyakushaywa ahlaziswe njengobe kufanele; lihlazo lakhe lingeke lesulwe. Ngobe sikhwele sivusa lulaka lwalendvodza yakhe lephingelwe, nase iphindzisela, ingeke ibe nesihawu. Kute nenhlawulo leyawukwenta lendvodza lephingelwe ibuyisane naye, futsi kute kwekuncenga lengamnika kona nome ngabe kukhulu kanganani. Ndvodzana yami, ubokhumbula emavi ami, ugcine imiyalo yami engcondvweni yakho. Yenta letintfo lengikutjela tona, khona uyawuphila, netimfundziso tami tente tibe ligugu njengemehlo akho, utembatse njengendandatho eminweni yakho, uticophe engcondvweni yakho. Khuluma ekuhlakanipheni, utsi: “Wena ungudzadzewetfu,” nasekucondzeni ukhulume utsi: “Sihlobo sami.” Ngaloko uyawuphepha kumfati losiphingi, umfati walenye indvodza nalonemavi latobotanako. Ngalelinye lilanga ngime ngasefasitelweni lendlu yami, ngabuka phansi emgwacweni. Ngabona sicunjana setinsizwa letatingenako kuhlakanipha, emkhatsini wato ngabona lenye leyayingenalwati. Yayihamba esitaladini eceleni kwelikona, icondzene nendlu yalomfati yaze yayawungena khona. Kwase kucundzeka emehlo entsambama, sekuhwalala, kusihlwa. Masinyane lomfati wahlangabeta lensizwa, embatsise kwengwadla, agcwele bucili. Ungulalunyawana kantsi uyatatisa, futsi akuvumi kutsi ake atihlalele ekhaya; ngalelinye lilanga usesitaladini, mhlawumbe abesemakethe, ukhanga acotsele kuwo onkhe emakona. Wayibamba lensizwa wayanga, wase ukhuluma nayo utsi: “Nginekudla lebekungekwemnikelo wekubonga wekufeza nekugcwalisa tifungo tami. Ngiko nje ngite lapha kutekuhlangabeta, ngitele kutewufuna wena, manje-ke sengikutfolile. Umbhedze wami ngiwuhlobise ngendvwangu lenhle lenemibalabala, yekwakhiwa eGibhithe. Ngiwufake emakha emure, nenhlaba, nesinamoni. Ake sitijabulise bonkhe lobusuku, sitenelise ngekulalana; ngobe phela indvodza yami ayikho ekhaya, itsetse luhambo loludze yaya khashane. Ihambe nemali lenyenti, kutawuphela cishe emaviki lamabili ingekho.” Ngako wavele wayimelela kutsi iphambukele kuye, wayihuha ngemavi akhe. Wavele wayikha etulu, yamlandzela njengenkhabi itawuhlatjwa nanjengenyamatane ingena esihibeni, nanjengenyoni icotfota iya esifini. Yayingati kutsi loko itakukhokhela ngemphilo yayo. Ngako-ke madvodzana ami, ngilaleleni, nilalelisise loku lesengikushito. Ningacali niphambukele kulomfati, ningayi lapho aya ngakhona, ngobe sewubulele emadvodza lamanyenti; ungeke uwabale emadvodza lasawacedzile. Indlela leya endzaweni yalabafile icala endlini yakhe, yewuke yehlele etindlini tekufa. Utsi kambe kuhlakanipha akumemeti yini? Kona kucondza akuliphakamisi yini liphimbo lako? Kume embonisweni eceleni kwemgwaco; kume nasemahlanganweni emigwaco. Kumemeta kakhulu emasangweni elidolobha nasetimphundvwini temasango kutsi: “Bonkhe bantfu abalalele kimi, ngikhuluma kubo bonkhe. Yeyi nine leningakakhuli engcondvweni, fundzani nikhule ekuhlakanipheni. Nine lenilibele, buyisani tingcondvo tenu. Lalelani kimi, ngobe ngitawukhuluma tintfo letibalulekile; emlonyeni wami kutawuphuma liciniso. Yebo, konkhe lengikukhulumako kuliciniso; emavi ebubi ngiyawatondza. Konkhe lengikukhulumako kwetsembekile; kute lokugwegwile, kute nalokungemanga. Kumuntfu lonekucondza, konkhe kucondzile; kulabanelwati, konkhe kuyakhanya. Khetsani imfundziso yami kunesiliva, nikhetse lwati lwami kunegolide lecengiwe. “Ngobe kuhlakanipha kuncono kunematje laligugu; kute umcebo longawulinganisa nako. Mine lengikuhlakanipha, ngingumnikati webucotfo; lwati nemicabango lemihle kwami. Kwesaba Simakadze kukutondza lokubi. Ngiyakutondza kutigcabha, neluchuku, nekutiphatsa dlephu, nebumbulu. Kweluleka lokuhle nekwehlulela kahle kwami, kucondza kanye nemandla kwami. Emakhosi abusa kahle ngami, nebabusi bashaya umtsetfo ngami. Bonkhe lababusa ngekungakhetsi basitwa ngimi, nome ngabe tikhulu nome tindvuna. Ngiyabatsandza laba labangitsandzako, nalabo labangifunisisako bayangitfola; batfola ngami ingcebo neludvumo, babutfole ngami bunjinga lobungapheli kanye nekuchuma. Labakutfola kimi kuncono kunegolide lecengiwe, sitselo sami sendlula isiliva lecengiwe. Ngihamba endleleni yekulunga, yebo, emikhondvweni yebumsulwa. Ngibahlobisa ngekuceba labo labangitsandzako, tikhwama tabo batigcwalise ngemali. “Simakadze wangidala, ngaba wekucala emisebentini yakhe, ngaba wekucala endalweni yakhe, ngiwasendvulo. Ngemiswa phakadze, ekucaleni, umhlaba ungakadalwa. Ngatalwa, kusete ngisho nekujula kwetilwandle, kusete tiyalu temanti lageletako. Tintsaba tisengakasekelwa etindzaweni tato, nemagcuma asengabibikho, mine ngase ngikhona, umhlaba nemave abesengakakwenti, ngisho nelitsantsana lemhlabatsi imbala. Ngangikhona mhlazana amisa emazulu, mhlazana abeka umkhatsi ehlukanisa sibhakabhaka netilwandle, mhlazana asimisa emafu etulu, acinisa imitfombo yetilwandle, mhlazana asika imincele yetilwandle, kuze emanti angalengci livi lakhe, mhlazana abeka tisekelo temhlaba, ngangiseceleni kwakhe, njengengcweti yekwakha. Nganginentfokoto lenkhulu onkhe emalanga, ngijabula embikwakhe njalonjalo. Ngangidlalisela umhlaba wakhe, ngijabulela bantfu bonkhe. “Manje-ke, madvodzana ami, ngilaleleni, babusisiwe labo labagcina imiyalo yami. Lalelani imfundziso yami, ningayedzeleli; nitawuhlakanipha. Ubusisiwe umuntfu longilalelako, longilindzela onkhe malanga emasangweni ami, logadza etimphundvwini teminyango yami. Umuntfu lotfola mine utfola kuphila, utakwemukela kutsandvwa nguSimakadze; kodvwa logeja kungitfola, utilimata yena, bonkhe labangitondzako batsandza kufa.” Kuhlakanipha kwakhe indlu yako, kwayisimisa ngetinsika letisikhombisa. Kuhlabile, kwadidiyela liwayini lako, kwadeka litafula lako. Kutfumele tincekukati tako kutsi tiphume tiye kuyawumemeta eticongweni telidolobha, titsi: “Nine labate lwati, wotani lapha! Nine labate ingcondvo, wotani nitewudla kudla kwami, ninatse neliwayini lengilihlanganisile. Shiyani bulima benu, khona nitewuphila nihambe ngendlela yekucondza.” Naweluleka sedzeleli, utilandzela inhlamba; nawucondzisa umuntfu lomubi, utawusuke akulimate. Ungaseluleki sedzeleli, ngobe sitakutondza; yeluleka lohlakaniphile, yena utakutsandza. Nawuyala umuntfu lohlakaniphile, utawusuka ahlakaniphe kakhulu; nawufundzisa umuntfu lolungile, yena usuka engete kulokufundza kwakhe. Kwesaba Simakadze kusicalo sekuhlakanipha, nekumati Longcwele kuba nekucondza sibili. Mine kuhlakanipha, ngitakwandzisa emalanga akho neminyaka yekuphila kwakho. Nawuhlakaniphile, kusitakala wena; kodvwa nangabe usedzeleli, kutawuhlupheka wena. Bulima bufanana nemfati lonemsindvo, longalati lihlazo nalongati lutfo, lohlala emnyango wendlu yakhe embonisweni yelidolobha, amemete emadvodza lendlulako atihambela ngemisebenti yawo, atsi: “Wotani lapha, nine tilima.” Ukhuluma kubo bonkhe labate lwati atsi: “Emanti ekwebiwa amnandzi, nekudla lokudlelwa emasitseleni kwehla esiphundvu.” Lendvodza lasayitfumbile ayati kutsi akuyi lolubuyako lapho, nekutsi labangena kuye basemajukujukwini elithuna. Leti-ke taga taSolomoni: Indvodzana lehlakaniphile ijabulisa uyise, kodvwa indvodzana lelibele ikhuba unina. Ingcebo letfolakale ngebubi ayikusiti ngalutfo, kodvwa kutiphatsa kahle kukusindzisisa ekufeni. Simakadze akavumi kutsi lolungile alambe; kodvwa lababi uyabavimba kutsi bakutfole loko labakufunako. Buvila benta umuntfu abe luphuya; kodvwa kukhutsala kwenta umuntfu abe yinjinga. Indvodzana lehlakaniphile ngulebutsa kudla emasimini nase kulungile; kodvwa lelalako nakuvunwako iyahlazisana. Umuntfu lolungile uphiwa tibusiso letinyenti; kodvwa lomubi ufihla budlova bakhe ngekukhuluma kwakhe lokunyenti. Kukhunjulwa kwemuntfu lolungile kuyawuba sibusiso; kodvwa libito lalomubi liyawubhubha. Umuntfu lohlakaniphile uyakwemukela kuyalwa; kodvwa lowo lokhulumela futsi uyawukhubeka, awe. Umuntfu lowetsembekile uhamba aphephile; kodvwa lokhetsa tindlela letimagiligombo uyawugcina atfolakele. Umuntfu loficelana liso lebucili uvisana buhlungu; kodvwa losheshe ekhute lokubi usebentela kuthula. Emavi ebantfu labalungile angumtfombo wekuphila; kodvwa lababi bafihla budlova babo ngekukhuluma kwabo lokunyenti. Inzondo ibanga kucabana; kodvwa lutsandvo lusibekela tonkhe tono. Umuntfu lonengcondvo ukhuluma ngekuhlakanipha; kodvwa longenangcondvo udzinga kushaywa. Bantfu labahlakaniphile babutsa lwati, kodvwa silima nasikhuluma njalo nje, sibanga ingoti. Umcebo wesicebi uyinqaba yaso; buphuya buletsa ingoti eluphuyeni. Umvuzo wekulunga kuphila lokuphuphumako; kodvwa kujeziswa kungumholo walabonako. Umuntfu lowemukela kuyalwa uyawuphila; kodvwa lona longakufuni kucondziswa uyakweduka. Umuntfu lofihla inzondo yakhe unemanga, nalowo lowandzisa emanga usilima. Kukhuluma lokunyenti kubanga kona, ngako umuntfu lohlakaniphile uyawabamba emavi akhe. Emavi emuntfu lolungile afanana nesiliva lecengiwe, umcondvo webantfu lababi awunamsebenti. Emavi emuntfu lolungile ondla bantfu labanyenti; kodvwa tilima tifa ngenca yekweswela lwati. Sibusiso saSimakadze lesenta umuntfu acebe, akengeti kuhlupheka kuso. Injabulo yesilima isekwenteni lokubi; kodvwa injabulo yemuntfu lonekucondza isekutfoleni kuhlakanipha. Lokwesatjwa ngumuntfu lomubi kuyamehlela; kodvwa lolungile uphiwa loko lakufunako. Nase kwendlule sihhushuhhushu, kubate losindzako kulababi; kodvwa lolungile uyawusima phakadze naphakadze. Njengeliwayini lelimunyu nalingena ematinyweni, nanjengentfutfu emehlweni, linjalo livila kulabalitfumako. Kwesaba Simakadze kwandzisa kuphila kwemuntfu; kodvwa iminyaka yalomubi iyancishiswa. Lokujabulisa bantfu labalungile nguloko labakwetsembako; kodvwa litsemba lalababi liyanyamalala. Indlela yaSimakadze iyinqaba yalabalungile; kodvwa ikubhubha kulababi. Umuntfu lolungile angeke asishulwe; kodvwa lomubi angeke asale eveni. Umuntfu lolungile ukhuluma kuhlakanipha; kodvwa lulwimi lwenkhohliso luyawujutjwa. Umlomo wemuntfu lolungile ukhuluma lokufanele; kodvwa emavi esikhohlakali ayakhubana. Simakadze uyasenyanya sikali lesonakele; kodvwa ujabula ngalabo labasebentisa tikali letisemtsetfweni. Kutiphakamisa kulandzelwa lihlazo; kodvwa kuhlakanipha kuhambisana nekutitfoba. Kwetsembeka kungumcondzisi walabacotfo; kodvwa bucili buyabacitsa labangaketsembeki. Ingcebo ingeke isite lutfo ngelilanga lentfukutselo; kodvwa kutiphatsa kahle kusindzisa umuntfu ekufeni. Indlela yebantfu labate kusoleka yentiwa ibe ngulebekile ngekutiphatsa kahle kwabo; kodvwa kuwa kwemuntfu lokhohlakele kusungulwa nguye matfupha. Bantfu labacotfo bakhululwa kutiphatsa kahle kwabo; kodvwa labo labangaketsembeki babanjwa lugibe lolubukhali babo. Nakufa lokhohlakele, ufa kanye nematsemba akhe, nekwetsembela kwakhe ebunjingeni kuyashabalala. Umuntfu lolungile uvikelekile etinhluphekweni; kodvwa umuntfu lomubi tiyamehlela. Umuntfu longesabi Nkulunkulu ubulala makhelwane wakhe ngekukhuluma kwakhe; kodvwa bantfu labalungile bavikelwa lwati lwabo. Nakuchuma bantfu labalungile, takhamiti telidolobha labo tiyatsakasa; kantsi nakufa lomubi, wonkhe umuntfu uyajabula. Nangabe bantfu labacotfo babusisa lidolobha, liba neludvumo; kodvwa nakukhuluma lomubi, liyafa. Umuntfu longenangcondvo umbukela phansi makhelwane wakhe; kodvwa umuntfu lohlakaniphile uyalubamba lulwimi lwakhe. Ndzabakatibutwa wembula timfihlo; kodvwa umuntfu lowetsembekile uyatilondvolota. Sive siyawa ngenca yekweswela kucondziswa; siyawuphepha nangabe sinebeluleki labanyenti. Umuntfu angahle angene ekuhluphekeni lokukhulu, nangabe sihambi asentele sibambiso; kodvwa nangabe uyala, kute langakwesaba. Umuntfu lomsikati lonemusa utfola ludvumo ngako, kantsi bantfu labanelutfutfuva batfola ludvumo ngemcebo wabo. Umuntfu lonemusa kulabanye utisita yena; kodvwa umuntfu lote sihe utilimata yena. Umuntfu lomubi utfola inzuzo ngendlela lembi; kodvwa lohlanyela ngebucotfo utfola sivuno lesikhonsako. Lotimisele kwenta lokulungile uyawuphila; kodvwa loneluphike lwekwenta lokubi uyakufa. Simakadze uyabenyanya bantfu labanenhlitiyo lembi; kodvwa ujatjuliswa ngulabo labangasoleki. Kuliciniso kutsi bantfu lababi bayawujeziswa; kodvwa bantfu labalungile bayawusindza. Buhle balomsikati lote similo bufanana nendandatho yegolide lesekhaleni lehhontji. Tifiso talabalungile tigcina ebuhleni; kodvwa ematsemba alababi agcina ebubini. Umuntfu lowephana ngemali yakhe wandzisa umcebo wakhe; lomunye uyemana, asuke agcine asaluphuya. Umuntfu lowephanako, lanako kuyandza; lona lonatsisa lowomile naye uyawunatsiswa. Bantfu bayamcalekisa umuntfu logodla kudla; kodvwa bamfisele lokuhle lowo lotsengisa ngako. Umuntfu lofunana nalokuhle ufunana nemvuzo; kodvwa lofunana nebubi uhlangabetana nabo. Umuntfu loncike ebunjingeni bakhe utakuwa; kodvwa lolungile uyawuhluma njengemacembe laluhlata. Umuntfu loletsa kuhlupheka ekhaya lakhe ulahlekelwa lifa lakhe. Silima siyakuhlala sisisebenti sesihlakaniphi. Sitselo salolungile sisihlahla sekuphila; kodvwa lohlakaniphile uzuza imiphefumulo. Umuntfu lolungile utfola loko lokumfanele asesemhlabeni; kakhulu kangakanani-ke umuntfu lomubi nalosoni! Umuntfu lotsandza kuyalwa utsandza lwati; kodvwa lotondza kucondziswa usilima. Umuntfu lolungile uyemukeleka kuSimakadze; kodvwa lohlosa lokubi uyamlahla. Umuntfu akasimamiswa kwenta bubi; kodvwa lolungile angeke ashukunyiswe. Umfati lolungile ungumchele wendvodza yakhe; kodvwa loyihlazisako ufanana nekubola ematsanjeni ayo. Emasu alabalungile mahle; kodvwa teluleko talababi tiyedukisana. Emavi ebantfu lababi acotsele kucitsa ingati; kodvwa emavi alabalungile ayabakhulula bantfu. Bantfu lababi bayaketulwa banyamalale; kodvwa imindeni yalabalungile iyawuhlala imile. Umuntfu udvunyiswa ngekunakekela kwakhe; kodvwa lonenhlitiyo lembi ubukeleka phansi. Uncono umuntfu lotitfobako atisebentele kunemuntfu lotsi ucebile kantsi uyalamba. Umuntfu lolungile uyatinakekela tifuyo takhe; kodvwa lomubi utiphatsa dlephu. Lolima umhlaba wakhe uyawuba nenala yekudla; kodvwa lolibala kulandzelana netintfo letingenamsebenti akanangcondvo. Bantfu lababi betama kutiphephisa ngebubi; kodvwa labalungile bayakuma banganyakatiswa. Umuntfu ubanjwa tinkhulumo takhe letimbi; kodvwa lolungile uyasindza enhluphekweni. Lomunye utfola inzuzo ngekukhuluma kwakhe; kantsi lomunye uyitfola ngekusebentisa tandla takhe. Silima sicabanga kutsi konkhe lokwentiwa ngiso kulungile; kodvwa umuntfu lotsatsa teluleko uhlakaniphile. Kutfukutsela kwesilima kusheshe kubonakale; kodvwa umuntfu lohlakaniphile uyayitsalalisela inhlamba. Fakazi lowetsembekile ukhuluma bufakazi lobuliciniso; kodvwa fakazi lonemanga wandzisa emanga. Emavi lakhulumeke ngebudlabha ahlaba njengesikhali; kodvwa emavi lakhulumeke ngekuhlakanipha ayaphilisa. Umuntfu lokhuluma liciniso uyakhonsa; kodvwa lokhuluma emanga akakhonsi. Inkhohliso isetinhlitiyweni talabo labahlose lokubi; kodvwa labo labasebentela kutsi kube nekuthula bayawujabula. Labalungile bayawuhlala baphephile etingotini; kodvwa lababi bayawuhlala basetinhluphekweni. Imilomo lecala emanga isinengiso kuSimakadze; kodvwa laba labetsembekile bayinjabulo kuye. Umuntfu lohlakaniphile uyalufihla lwati lwakhe; kodvwa tilima tikubeka ebaleni kungati kwato. Sandla lesikhutsele emsebentini sigcina siphetse; kodvwa livila ligcina lisigcili. Kukhatsateka kuyamondzisa umuntfu; kodvwa livi lemusa limenta ajabule. Umuntfu lolungile ungumholi kumakhelwane wakhe; kodvwa lababi bayedukisana. Umuntfu lolivila uyalamba; kodvwa lokhutsele ugcina aphumelele. Kutiphatsa kahle kwalolungile kuyindlela leya ekuphileni; kodvwa kutiphatsa kabi kuyindlela leya ekufeni. Indvodzana lehlakaniphile iyayitsatsa imiyalo yeyise; kodvwa sedzeleli asiyemukeli imiyalo. Umuntfu lolungile udla titselo letimnandzi taloko lakushoko; kodvwa bantfu lababi balambela kwenta budlova. Umuntfu lobamba lulwimi lwakhe ulondvolota kuphila kwakhe; yebo, umuntfu lokhulumela futsi ulandza kuhlupheka. Umuntfu lolivila ufisa lokunyenti agcine angakatfoli lutfo; kodvwa lokhutsele unikwa lokunyenti. Umuntfu lolungile uyawatondza emanga; kodvwa lomubi uletsa lihlazo nemahloni. Kulunga kuyamgadza lophila ngendlela lecondzile; kodvwa sono siyabawisa lababi. Umuntfu lomunye utenta shangatsi ucebile, kantsi akanalutfo; lomunye atente shangatsi uphuyile, kantsi unjingile. Bunjinga bemuntfu bungaba yinhlawulo yekuphila kwakhe; kodvwa luphuya alusongelwa lutfo. Kukhanya kwalabalungile kukhanya kakhulu; kodvwa sibane salababi siyacima. Ligcabho lichamusela incabano; kodvwa kuhlakanipha kutfolakala kulabo labemukela teluleko. Umuntfu lotfola ingcebo ngekushesha isheshe imphunyuke; kodvwa loyitfola kancane kancane iyamandzela. Nangabe kufezeka kwematsemba emuntfu kwephuta, inhlitiyo yakhe iyacindzeteleka; kodvwa kufezeka kwesifiso kuletsa emandla. Lowo lowedzelela livi utibulala yena; kodvwa lowo lolalela imiyalo utiphephisa yena. Timfundziso temuntfu lohlakaniphile tingumtfombo wekuphila, umuntfu timncandza etingibeni tekufa. Umuntfu locondza kahle uyatsandzeka; kodvwa labo labangetsembeki basendleleni leya ekufeni. Bonkhe bantfu labacotfo benta tintfo ngelwati; kodvwa silima sibubeka ebaleni bulima baso. Sitfunywa lesingetsembeki sibanga tinhlupheko; kantsi lincusa leletsembekile liletsa kuphila. Umuntfu longayinaki imphatfocotfo uyaphuya ahlazeke; kodvwa umuntfu lowemukela kutsetsiswa uyakuhlonipheka. Sifiso lesifezekile siluju emphefumulweni. Lababi abakufuni kwehlukana nebubi. Lohambisana nebantfu labahlakaniphile naye ugcina asahlakaniphile; kodvwa umngani wetilima uyawuhlupheka. Lishwa licoshana nesoni; kodvwa imphumelelo ingumvuzo walolungile. Lifa lemuntfu lolungile lidliwa titukulwane takhe; kodvwa ingcebo lempongiswa soni igcina ilifa lalabalungile. Umhlaba walomphofu ungaba nesivuno lesinyenti; kodvwa bantfu lababi bayamvimbela kutsi awulime. Longayifaki luswati indvodzana yakhe usuke ayitondza; kodvwa loyitsandzako uyayicondzisa. Umuntfu lolungile udla esutse; kodvwa sisu salababi sihlala silambile. Umfati lohlakaniphile uyawakha umuti wakhe; kepha losilima uwubhidlita ngetakhe tandla. Umuntfu lohamba ngebucotfo wesaba Simakadze; kodvwa lotindlela takhe tigwegwile wedzelela Simakadze. Ligcabho lesilima livakala enkhulumeni yaso; kodvwa emavi ebantfu labahlakaniphile ayabaphephisa. Umuntfu lote tinkhabi uhlala angenalutfo encolobaneni yakhe; kodvwa utawutfola sivuno lesihle nanetinkhabi. Fakazi lowetsembekile akawacali emanga; kodvwa fakazi longaketsembeki uphefumula emanga. Sedzeleli sifuna kuhlakanipha singakutfoli; kodvwa lwati lutfolakala kalula kumuntfu lonekucondza. Sikhweshele silima, ngobe kute lwati lotalutfola kuso. Kuhlakanipha kwemuntfu locotfo kumholela endleleni lelungile; kodvwa tilima tedukiswa bulima bato. Lababi abanandzaba nome bona; kodvwa bantfu labacotfo bayemukeleka kuNkulunkulu. Inhlitiyo yemuntfu buhlungu bayo itetfwalela yona yodvwa, futsi kute longase abe nesabelo ekujabuleni kwayo. Imiti yalababi iyawucitseka; kodvwa imiti yalabacotfo iyakuphumelela. Kukhona indlela lebonakala iyinhle emehlweni emuntfu; kodvwa siphetfo sayo kufa. Umuntfu angahleka nome inhlitiyo yakhe ibuhlungu; emvakweluhleko inhlitiyo isala solomane ilusizi. Umuntfu lojikajikako utfola loko lokufanelwe similo sakhe; nemuntfu lolungile naye wemukela umvuzo wemisebenti yakhe. Umuntfu lonengcondvo lencane wetsemba yonkhe intfo; kodvwa lohlakaniphile indlela yakhe uyayibukisisa angakacali kuhamba ngayo. Umuntfu lohlakaniphile unesineke akubalekele lokubi; kodvwa silima siyahlaphata, sitetsembe kakhulu. Umuntfu lonenhlitiyo lencane wenta tintfo letibulima; kodvwa lonesineke uyabeketela. Bantfu labanengcondvo lencane bazuza bulima; kodvwa labahlakaniphile banemchele welwati. Bantfu lababi bakhotsamela bantfu labalungile, nalabangakalungi bema emasangweni alolungile. Luphuya alutsandvwa ngisho nangumakhelwane walo; kodvwa sicebi sitsandvwa bantfu labanyenti. Umuntfu lobukela phansi makhelwane wakhe uyona; kodvwa ubusisiwe umuntfu lonemusa kulabamphofu. Labo labakha emacebo ebubi abeduki yini? Umusa nekwetsembeka kuyawuba kwalabo labanemacebo lamahle. Kuko konkhe kusebenta matima kunemvuzo; kodvwa labo labalibala kukhulumela futsi bahlala beswele. Umvuzo wesihlakaniphi kuhlakanipha kwaso; kodvwa bulima ngumchele wetilima. Fakazi lokhuluma liciniso usindzisa kuphila kwebantfu; kodvwa fakazi locala emanga utsengisa bantfu. Kwesaba Simakadze umuntfu kumenta abe nenqaba yekuphephela; lenqaba iba siphephelo sebantfwabakhe. Kwesaba Simakadze ngumtfombo wekuphila, khona umuntfu atekwati kubalekela tingibe tekufa. Bukhosi benkhosi busime ebunyentini bebantfu labayilalelako; ngaphandle kwebantfu ayikho ikhona. Umuntfu lowephuta kutfukutsela unekucondza lokukhulu; kodvwa umuntfu lonenhlitiyo lencane utibonakalisa kutsi usilima. Ingcondvo lenekuthula iletsa imphilo emtimbeni; kodvwa umona ufanana nekubola kwematsambo. Nawucindzetela luphuya, wetfuka uMdali walo; kodvwa nawuphetse kahle loweswele, udvumisa uMdali wakhe. Umuntfu lomubi ucitfwa kutiphatsa kabi kwakhe; kodvwa lolungile uyasindza ngekuhlonipheka kwakhe. Inhlitiyo yemuntfu lonekucondza ilikhaya lenhlakanipho; kodvwa ayatiwa enhlitiyweni yetilima. Kulunga kuyasiphakamisa sive; kodvwa sono silihlazo nome ngukusiphi sive. Inkhosi itsandza inceku yayo leyenta tintfo ngemphumelelo; kodvwa iyayitfukutselela inceku leyihlazisako. Imphendvulo letfobekile icitsa intfukutselo; kodvwa leyedzelelako nalenelulaka iyatfukutselisa. Emavi emuntfu lohlakaniphile enta lwati lutsandzeke; kodvwa tilima titfulula bulima ngemlomo wato. Emehlo aSimakadze abuka yonkhe indzawo, abone bonkhe bantfu labalungile nalabangakalungi. Emavi ekubuyisana angumutsi wekuphila; kodvwa emavi elulaka ephula umphefumulo. Silima siyakwedzelela kuyalwa nguyise; kodvwa indvodzana leyemukela kuyalwa inekucondza. Endlini yemuntfu lolungile kunemcebo lomnyenti; kodvwa inzuzo yalomubi iletsa inhlupheko. Emavi emuntfu lohlakaniphile andzisa lwati; kodvwa tinhlitiyo tetilima atinjalo. Imihlatjelo lenikelwa ngulababi isinengiso kuSimakadze; kodvwa imithandazo yebantfu labetsembekile iyamjabulisa. Simakadze uyayitondza indlela yekutiphatsa kwalomubi; kodvwa uyamtsandza lowo lohlose kwenta lokulungile. Umuntfu lowedukako ubuyiswa kamatima; kodvwa lowala kucondziswa uyawukufa. Kufa nekubola kusemehlweni aSimakadze. Pho, umuntfu angayifihla kanjani imicabango yakhe kuSimakadze? Tihlangananhloko atikufuni kucondziswa, tibalekelana nebantfu labahlakaniphile. Inhlitiyo lejabulile yenta buso bujabule; kodvwa ngelusizi umoya uyephuka. Ingcondvo yemuntfu lohlakaniphile ifuna lwati; kodvwa tilima titondla ngebulima. Emalanga emuntfu lohluphekako mabi; kodvwa lonenhlitiyo lejabulile kuphila kwakhe kulidzili. Kuncono kuba nalokuncane kanye nekwesaba Simakadze kunekuba nemcebo lomnyenti netinkhatsato tawo. Kuncono kudla umbhidvo ngekuvana kunekudla inyama lenonile ngekutondzana. Umuntfu lonenhlitiyo lencane ususa lutfutfuva; kodvwa umuntfu lobeketelako uletsa kuthula lapho kunembango khona. Indlela yelivila iyena, ivinjwe ngemanyeva; kodvwa indlela yemuntfu locotfo ifanana nemgwaco lomkhulu lokhanyako. Indvodzana lehlakaniphile itfokotisa uyise; kodvwa silima siyamedzelela unina. Umuntfu lokhohlakele ujatjuliswa bulima; kodvwa umuntfu lonekucondza akeduki. Tinhloso atiphumeleli ngaphandle kweteluleko; kodvwa nangabe kunebeluleki labanyenti tiyakuphumelela. Umuntfu uyajabula nakanika imphendvulo lengiyo. Maye! Kuhle kunika imphendvulo lefanele ngesikhatsi lesifanele! Umuntfu lohlakaniphile uhamba ngendlela yekuphila lecondze etulu, khona ateyigwema indlela yekufa leya phansi emangcwabeni. Simakadze uyawubhidlita umuti wemuntfu lotigcabhako; kodvwa iminyele yendzawo yemfelokati uyayigcina. Imicabango lemibi isinengiso kuSimakadze; kodvwa emavi lalungile ayamjabulisa Simakadze. Umuntfu lofuna inzuzo ngendlela lembi uletsa kuhlupheka ekhaya lakhe; kodvwa umuntfu lotondza kudizelwa uyawuphila. Umuntfu lolungile ucabanga kucala angakaphendvuli; kodvwa bantfu lababi batfulula bubi ngemilomo yabo. Simakadze ukhashane nebantfu lababi; kodvwa uyayiva imithandazo yebantfu labalungile. Buso lobumamatsekako buyajabulisana, tindzaba letimnandzi ticinisa ematsambo. Umuntfu lolalelako nakekhutwako uyawuphila, uyawutivela asekhaya nasasemkhatsini webantfu labahlakaniphile. Umuntfu longakunaki kuyalwa utedzelela yena matfupha; kodvwa lolalelako nayalwa ufundza kucondza. Kwesaba Simakadze kufundzisa umuntfu kuhlakanipha. Nangabe umuntfu afuna kudvunyiswa, kufanele atitfobe kucala. Umuntfu uhlela tinhloso engcondvweni yakhe; kodvwa kutiphumisela ngelulwimi kuvela kuSimakadze. Umuntfu angacabanga kutsi tonkhe tindlela takhe tinhle; kodvwa Simakadze wehlulela imicabango yakhe. Yekelela konkhe lokwentako kuSimakadze, nakanjani tinhloso takho tiyawuphumelela. Konkhe Simakadze lakwentile kunesiphetfo sako, ngisho nalomubi umentele lilanga lakhe lekubhujiswa. Umuntfu lotiphakamisako usinengiso kuSimakadze; nome kanjani uyawujeziswa. Ngekutinikela nekwetsembeka umuntfu uyawutfola kutsetselelwa, ngekwesaba Simakadze umuntfu uyawubalekela lokubi. Nangabe umuntfu ajabulisa Simakadze ngesimilo sakhe, Simakadze ubese wenta titsa takhe tihlalisane kahle naye. Kuncono kutsi ube nalokuncane lokutfole ngekwetsembeka, kunekutsi ube nenzuzo lenkhulu loyitfole ngebubi. Umuntfu angayihlela indlela yakhe; kodvwa nguSimakadze locondzisa tinyatselo takhe. Inkhosi ikhuluma ngeligunya lasezulwini, tehlulelo tayo atikhetsi. Tikali letikala kahle taSimakadze, tonkhe tisindvo letisesikhwameni tingumsebenti wakhe. Emakhosi ayakwenyanya kwenta bubi, ngobe umbuso usima ngekwenta lokulungile. Bantfu labaneliciniso bajatjulelwa ngemakhosi; yebo, emakhosi atsandza bantfu labakhuluma liciniso. Kutfukutsela kwenkhosi kunjengesitfunywa sekufa; kodvwa umuntfu lohlakaniphile uyayidvudvuta inhlitiyo yayo. Inkhosi nayimoyitela, kusho imphilo lenhle; sisa sayo sinjengemafu emvula yasehlobo. Kuncono kuzuza kuhlakanipha kunekuzuza igolide; kuncono nekukhetsa kucondza kunekuzuza isiliva. Bantfu labalungile bahamba ngendlela lekugegako lokubi, ngekwenta loko basuke baphephisa timphilo tabo. Kutigcabha kwendvulela kufa, nemoya wekutiphakamisa wendvulela kuwa. Kuncono kuhlala nalabacindzetelwe ube phansi, kunekutsi ube nesabelo neticebi. Umuntfu lonakekela umyalo naloko lakufundziswako uyaphumelela; nemuntfu lowetsemba Simakadze ubusisiwe. Umuntfu lohlakaniphile ngenhlitiyo watiwa ngekucondza kwakhe; bumnandzi bemavi akhe benta inkhulumo yakhe yemukeleke. Kuhlakanipha kungumtfombo wekuphila kulabo labanako; kodvwa kubulima kwetama kufundzisa silima. Inhlitiyo yemuntfu lohlakaniphile iyakwati kukhetsa emavi, onkhe emavi lawakhulumako ayalandzeleka. Emavi lajabulisako afanana neluju, anambitseka kamnandzi aphilise umtimba. Kukhona indlela lebonakala ilungile emehlweni emuntfu; kodvwa ekugcineni idvonselana ekufeni. Lutsandvo lwekudla lwemuntfu losisebenti lwenta sisebente ngemandla aso onkhe; ngobe kulamba kwaso kuyasibandzetela kusichubele embili. Bantfu lababi bafunana netindlela tekuvisa labanye buhlungu, ngisho nemavi abo avutsa emalangabi ebubi. Umuntfu loguculela lokuliciniso ususa luchuku nekulwa, umuntfu wenhlebo wehlukanisa bangani labetsembene. Sidlova siwunga makhelwane waso, simholele etindleleni tekonakala. Umuntfu loficelana liso usuke acondze bubi, nemuntfu losinekelana ematinyo usuke ahlose bubi. Budzala bungumvuzo wemphilo yekulunga; timvu tingumchele walabalungile. Kuncono kuba ngumuntfu lobeketelako kunekuba silwi. Uncono umuntfu lotibambako kunemncobi nemtfumbi wemadolobha. Bantfu bangayenta inkatho nabafuna intsandvo yaNkulunkulu; kodvwa imphendvulo incunywa nguye, Simakadze. Kuncono kudla liphalishi lodvwa uhlale ngekuthula kunekuhlala ngekulwa endlini lenenala. Sigcili lesihlakaniphile siyakhula sibe ngetulu kwendvodzana lekuyimfanayo; lesigcili sigcina sesiyindlalifa kanye nemadvodzana. Isiliva negolide kuhlolisiswa ngemlilo, kodvwa Simakadze uvivinya tinhlitiyo tebantfu. Sigangi siyalalelisisa nakukhulunywa ngekuganga, nemuntfu lonelulwimi lolubi uvula tindlebe atsatse onkhe emavi ekulimata labanye bantfu. Nawuphukuta luphuya, usuke wetfuka uMdali walo; nawuhhalatisa umuntfu lowehlelwe ngulokubi, nakanjani ungeke uhlale ungajeziswa. Kubantfu labadzala kungumchele lomuhle kuba nebatukulu; nasetinsizweni kunjalo, boyise baludvumo lwato. Inkhulumo lenengcondvo ayikabhekeki kuphuma kumuntfu losihhema; kanjalo nemanga akabhekeki kuphuma emlonyeni wemuntfu lozitsile. Umuntfu ubheka kutsi umdizo wakhe usebente njengemlingo, ukholwa kutsi ungamentela nome yini layifunako. Umuntfu lotsetselelako angaphindziseli uhlumelelisa lutsandvo; kodvwa lolibala kukhuluma ngaleyo ndzaba wehlukanisa ngisho bangani labetsembene. Umuntfu lohlakaniphile ufundza kancono ngekwekhutwa kanye; kantsi umuntfu losilima akafundzi lutfo nome asashaywe imivimba lelikhulu. Umuntfu lomubi natimisela kuphambana nemtsetfo, uyaye atfunyelelwe umgijimi lote sihe kutsi atewubhekana naye. Kuncono kubhekana nelibhele lelitfukutseliswe kwemukwa bantfwabalo, kunekubhekana nesilima lesiphishaneke ngebulima baso. Nangabe umuntfu achubeka kuphindzisela lokuhle ngalokubi, lokubi kungeke kuphindze kuphume endlini yakhe. Kususa incabano kufanana nekubhobosa imbobo emantini lavalelwe; kufanele ivalwe lembobo emanti asengakayandzisi. Kungamlahli ngelicala lowonile nekulahla ngelicala longenacala, kokubili kusinengiso kuSimakadze. Silima singayicitsa imali sitsenge tifundvo tenhlakanipho; kodvwa kutawusitani nangabe singenangcondvo? Umngani unelutsandvo ngaso sonkhe sikhatsi; kantsi umnakenu utalelwe kutsi netfwalisane naye tinhlupheko. Ngumuntfu longenangcondvo kuphela lowetsembisa kuba sibambiso ekukhokheni tikwelede talomunye umuntfu. Umuntfu lotsandza kulwa utsandza sono. Umuntfu lotigabatisa ngebunjinga bakhe utibitela kufa. Umuntfu lonetifiso letimbi angeke aphumelele; kantsi nemuntfu lonelulwimi lolumphacambili uwela etinhluphekweni. Kulusizi kuba nendvodzana lesilima; yebo, kute kujabula kuyise wesilima. Kuhlala ujabulile kungumutsi lophilisako; kodvwa lohlala akhubekile utsatsa lejubako leya ekufeni. Umuntfu lomubi uwemukela ngasese umdizo, khona atewuphambukisa umtsetfo. Umuntfu lonekucondza utimisela ngekuhlakanipha, kodvwa emehlo esilima acalata yonkhe indzawo. Indvodzana lesilima iletsela uyise lusizi, nemmunyu kunina lowayitala. Kubi kuhlawulisa umuntfu longenacala; kodvwa kubi kakhulu kushaya umuntfu lolungile. Umuntfu lofundze kuhlakanipha uyalubamba lulwimi lwakhe, lonemoya wekucondza uhlala apholile. Ngisho nesilima sibukeka sihlakaniphile, nasithulile, singakhulumi. Umuntfu longakhoni kutihlanganisa nalabanye utatisa yena; uyatfukutsela nakayalwa. Umuntfu losilima akanandzaba nome intfo uyayiva nome akayiva, lakufunako kutsi atibonakalise yena kutsi uhlakaniphe kanganani. Sono nekwedzelela kuyahambisana; nawulahlekelwa kutihlonipha, utfola lihlazo esikhundleni sako. Emavi lakhulunywa bantfu afanana nemtfombo wekuhlakanipha, ashona njengelwandle, ahlumelelise njengemfula logeletako. Kubi kungamlahli ngelicala umuntfu lowonile, nekugodla emalungelo alongenacala kubi. Emavi esilima abanga kucabana, naloko lakushoko kumbangela kutsi bantfu bamshaye. Sicitfo sesilima ngumlomo waso; emavi emlomo waso atingibe kuso. Emavi enhlebo afanana nemtsamo wekudla lokumnandzi; ehla kamnandzi afinyelele ngekhatsi etibilinini temuntfu. Umuntfu lolidlabha emsebentini wakhe ufanana nemuntfu lobhubhisako. Libito laSimakadze liyinqaba lecinile, lapho kungabalekela khona bantfu labalungile basindze. Ingcebo yemuntfu lonjingile siphephelo sakhe. Uyaye acabange kutsi nguyona nqaba yakhe lengamvikela. Umuntfu lotigcabhako uyawubhujiswa, umuntfu lotitfobako uyadvunyiswa. Kubulima nelihlazo kuphendvula umbuzo ungakeva kutsi utsini. Umoya wemuntfu umenta akubeketelele kugula; kodvwa umoya lodzabukile ngubani longawubeketelela? Umuntfu lonengcondvo leyehlukanisako uyaluzuza lwati, nendlebe yalohlakaniphile ifunana nelwati. Sipho sakhe umuntfu simphendlela indlela, simholele kulabakhulu. Sikhulumi sekucala ecaleni sibonakala shangatsi sicinisile, kuze kufike lomunye asibute. Inkatho icedza umbango, ilamule tichwaga letilwako. Sita umnakenu, uyawukusita akuvikele abe njengelubondza lwelidolobha; kodvwa nawucabana naye, uyawukuvalela umnyango. Umuntfu weneliswa nguloko lakukhulumako; angeneliswa tento temlomo wakhe. Lulwimi lunemandla ekuphila newekufa; labo labatsandza kulusebentisa bayakudla titselo talo. Lowo lotfola umfati utfole intfo lenhle, uzuze umusa kuSimakadze. Umuntfu lomphofu ukhuluma ngekutincengela acela umusa; kodvwa injinga ikhuluma ngebudlabha. Labanye bangani bayakuhlamuka; kodvwa labanye bangani basondzela kakhulu kwengca banakenu bengati. Kuncono kuba luphuya wetsembeke kunekutsi ube silima lesicalemanga. Akukuhle kuba nenshisekelo ungenalo lwati. Umuntfu lonematata ulahlekelwa yindlela. Lomunye umuntfu ulimata imphilo yakhe yonkhe ngebulima bakhe; kodvwa usuka lapho asole Simakadze. Utsi umuntfu angaceba abe nebangani labanyenti; kodvwa utsi nasaphuya alahlekelwe ngisho nangumngani wekugcina. Fakazi locala emanga uyawujeziswa, nalokhuluma emanga angeke asindze ekujezisweni. Banyenti labafuna kutsandvwa ngulabakhulu; wonkhe umuntfu ufuna kuba ngumngani wemuntfu lonemvula yetipho. Nangabe umuntfu alahlwa bomnakabo ngenca yebuphuya bakhe, nakanjani nebangani bakhe batambalekela. Angetama kubawunga ngemavi, kodvwa angeke aphumelele. Umuntfu lotfola kuhlakanipha utsandza kuphila kwakhe. Lowo lowatisa kucondza nakanjani uyakuphumelela. Fakazi locala emanga angeke ahlale angajeziswa, nalowo lotfulula emanga uyawubhubha. Umuntfu losilima akukafaneli atamase; kanjalo nesigcili akukafaneli kutsi sibuse emakhosi. Umuntfu lonekucondza uyakubamba kutfukutsela kwakhe; nangabe umuntfu amkhuba, kuba ludvumo kuye kumtsetselela. Intfukutselo yenkhosi ifanana nekubhodla kwelibhubesi; kodvwa umusa wayo ufanana nematfonsi emvula. Indvodzana lesilima iletsela uyise kufa. Umfati lotsetsela futsi ufanana nelitfonsi lemvula lelingenelako endlini litsi ntfo-ntfo-ntfo. Indlu nemcebo lifa lelitfolakala kubatali, kodvwa umfati lohlakaniphile utfolakala kuSimakadze. Buvila benta umuntfu adzakwe butfongo, nemuntfu longasebenti uyalamba. Umuntfu logcina umyalo waNkulunkulu uyawuphila; kantsi lowedzelela livi uyakufa. Lowo lopha lomphofu uboleka Simakadze; Simakadze uyakumvuza ngaloko lakwentile. Jezisa indvodzana yakho lisekhona litsemba ekwakhekeni kwayo; kodvwa ungayishayi kakhulu, ungahle uyibulale. Umuntfu lonenhlitiyo lencane ufanelwe kujeziswa; nawuke wamsita kanye, kufanele umsite siphelane. Lalela umyalo, wemukele kufundziswa, kuze utfole kuhlakanipha. Umuntfu angaba netinhloso letinyenti engcondvweni yakhe; kodvwa kugcina kuphumelele inhloso yaSimakadze. Umuntfu angatimisela ngaloko lakufunako, kodvwa kuncono kuba ngulomphofu kunekutsi ube ngulocalemanga. Kwesaba Simakadze kuholelana ekuphileni lokwenelisako, umuntfu lonako angeke ehlelwe yingoti. Livila liyasifaka sandla salo ekudleni endishini; kodvwa bese liyavilapha kusimikisa emlonyeni. Nawujezisa sidvwaladvwala, silima sifundza kuhlakanipha; nawutsetsisa umuntfu lohlakaniphile, yena utawuzuza lwati. Nangabe umuntfu ashaya uyise acoshe nenina, ubanga lihlazo nendlisamahloni. Ndvodzana yami, nangabe awulaleli nabakucondzisa, utakukhohlwa konkhe lofundziswe kona. Fakazi lomubi wedzelela kulunga; imilomo yalababi imita bubi. Kujeziswa kwemiselwa baphukuti; nekubhanjabulwa kwemiselwa imihlane yetilima. Liwayini lenta umuntfu abe sidvwaladvwala, abange nemsindvo. Kute umuntfu lotiphatsa kahle nasadzakiwe. Kutfukutsela kwenkhosi kufanana nekubhodla kwelibhubesi, lowo loyitfukutselisako ulengisela imphilo yakhe ekufeni. Umuntfu longakufuni kulwa uzuza ludvumo; silima sihlala ngekususa lutfutfuva singatibambi. Livila liyehluleka kulima ngesikhatsi lesifanele, nase kuvunwa lona alibuyi nalutfo etsafeni. Tinjongo tenhlitiyo yemuntfu tifanana nekujula kwemanti emtfombo; kodvwa lonekuhlakanipha angatikhipha. Banyenti bantfu labatishoko kutsi banelutsandvo sibili; kodvwa ngubani longatfola lowetsembeke ngempela? Babusisiwe labo bantfwana labatalwa yindvodza lephila ngebucotfo nangekwetsembeka. Inkhosi itsi ingahlala esihlalweni sayo sekwehlulela, ivele imbone zisuka nje lowo lowonile. Ngubani longasho atsi: “Inhlitiyo yami ngiyigcine imsulwa, ngihlantiwe esonweni sami”? Tisindvo tebucili netilinganiso tebucili, kokubili, Simakadze uyakwenyanya. Ngisho nemntfwana wembula similo sakhe ngendlela latiphetse ngayo; tento takhe tikhombisa kutsi similo sakhe sihle yini nome sibi. Simakadze usiphe emehlo ekubona netindlebe tekuva: kokubili kwentiwa nguye. Ungalibali kulala, ngobe utawugcina umphofu. Hlala usebenta, khona utawuba nenala yekudla. Umtsengi ukhala kumtsengisi atsi: “Idule kakhulu lentfo, ngephulele,” atsi esuka lapho lomtsengi abe atigabatisa ngekutsi umcindzetele waze wamephulela. Igolide nematje laligugu lamanyenti ungaba nako; kodvwa umlomo lokhuluma lwati ungetulu kwentsengo yematje laligugu. Nangabe sihambi seboleka bese sibambisa ngelijazi laso, litsatse. Lelijazi lisiciniseko kuwe, ngobe ungasati lesihambi. Kudla lokutfolakale ngekwebiwa kucala kube njengeluju kulona lokwebile; kodvwa ekugcineni kugcwala umlomo kube shangatsi udla umhlabatsi. Yenta tinhloso takho ngekutfola teluleko letilungile; ungacali uhlasele emphini ungenamasu. Inhlebo ivumbulula timfihlo; ngako-ke mgweme umuntfu lokhulumela futsi. Umuntfu localekisa uyise nome unina siphetfo sakhe siyawufanana nekucima kwesibane ebumnyameni lobuphatsekako. Ingcebo letfolakale ngekushesha igcina ingenasibusiso. Ungasho kutsi: “Ngitatiphindziselela ngalokubi;” tsembela kuSimakadze, yena utakulungiselela. Simakadze uyabenyanya bantfu labasebentisa tikali netisindvo letinebucili. Tinyatselo temuntfu ticondziswa nguSimakadze. Pho, umuntfu angayati ngani indlela lahamba ngayo kutsi icondzephi? Ungasheshi wente tetsembiso kuNkulunkulu, bese utisola kamuva. Inkhosi lehlakaniphile iyaphenyisisa ize imtfole lowonile, bese imjezisa ngaphandle kwesihe. Umoya wemuntfu usibane saSimakadze, uphenyisisa konkhe ngisho nalokujulile kumuntfu. Umbuso wenkhosi utawuchubeka ume, nangabe ibusa ngekwetsembeka, nangelutsandvo, nangekungakhetsi. Ludvumo lwalabasha ngemandla abo; labadzala bahlonishelwa bumphunga babo. Kushaywa kamatima kwenta umuntfu abuyekele bubi bakhe, nekubhanjabulwa kuphilisa lingekhatsi lakhe. Inhlitiyo yenkhosi isesandleni saSimakadze, uyicondzisa kalula njengemanti emfula. Yonkhe indlela yemuntfu ibonakala iyinhle emehlweni akhe; kodvwa Simakadze wehlulela inhlitiyo. Kwenta kulunga nekungakhetsi kumjabulisa kakhulu Simakadze kunekumentela iminikelo yemihlatjelo. Kutigabatisa nekutiphakamisa sono, loku luphawu lwalababi. Emasu emuntfu lokhutsele amdvonsela ekuphumeleleni; kanjalo nematata aholelana ebumphofini. Umcebo lotfolakale ngemacebo ugcina unyamalele; kodvwa lomnikati wawo ugcina afile. Lababi abafuni kwenta lokulungile; ngako-ke budlova babo buyababhubhisa. Tindlela talababi tigwegwile; kodvwa tento talabalungile timsulwa. Kuncono kuhlala wedvwana etaleni kunekuhlala ngekhatsi endlini kanye nemkakho lotsetsela futsi. Umuntfu lomubi unebuyanga bekwenta lokubi; akanawo umusa ngisho nakubomakhelwane bakhe. Longenalwati ufundza kuhlakanipha, nakabona lesinye silima sijeziswa; lohlakaniphile nakafundziswa, utfola lwati. Nkulunkulu, Sokulunga, uyakwati lokwentekako emitini yalababi; yebo, uyababhubhisa lababi. Umuntfu longafuni kulalela sikhalo salomphofu, naye angeke aphendvulwe nakakhalela lusito. Intfukutselo yemuntfu ungayiphotisa ngekumnika sipho ngasese, nekutfukutsela kwakhe ungakuphotisa ngemdizo wekutfukuswa. Bantfu labalungile bayajabula, nangabe tintfo tentiwa ngendlela lengiyo, ngekujezisa lofanele; kodvwa benti balokubi bayatfutfumela. Nangabe umuntfu eduka etindleleni tekucondza, usheshe aye kulabafile. Umuntfu lotsandza kutijabulisa ugcina asaphuyile; umuntfu lotsandza kutamasa angeke acebe. Umuntfu lomubi uyajeziswa, kuze labalungile batewutfola inkhululeko; umuntfu longaketsembeki uyajeziswa, kuze labalungile batewuphepha. Kuncono kuhlala wedvwana ehlane, kunekuhlala nemkakho lotsetsako nalotetemako. Umuntfu lohlakaniphile utibekela kudla nemafutsa endlini yake; kodvwa silima sidla sicedze konkhe, singatibekeli. Umuntfu lowetama kutiphatsa ngekulunga nangekwetsembeka, uyawuphila imphilo lehloniphekile. Umuntfu lohlakaniphile angangena emtini lomkhulu nome ulindvwe ngemabutfo, abhidlite inqaba lebeyatiwa ngekutsi ayingeneki futsi ingeke ibhidlitwe. Umuntfu lotibambako kuko konkhe lakushoko uyatiphephisa etinhluphekweni. Ligama lelitsi “sidvwaladvwala” lisho umuntfu longahloniphi nalotigcabhako, nalongabanaki bantfu. Livila litsandza kuhlala nje, ngiko loko lokuyawubanga kufa kwalo, ngobe alisebenti. Sonkhe sikhatsi liticabangela lona; kodvwa umuntfu lolungile akaticabangeli yena yedvwa, uyephana. Imihlatjelo lenikelwa bantfu lababi isinengiso, ikakhulu nayinikelwe ngetinjongo letimbi. Fakazi wemanga uyawubhujiswa; kodvwa fakazi lowetsembekile uyakuma kuze kube phakadze. Umuntfu lomubi utiphatsa ngekutentisa; kodvwa lowetsembekile uyatinakekela tindlela takhe. Kuhlakanipha kwemuntfu, nekucondza kanye nemyalo longiwo sibili kungeke kukusite, nangabe kucondzene nekumelana naSimakadze. Nome bantfu emahhashi abo bangawalungiselela imphi, kodvwa kuncoba kusetandleni taSimakadze. Kudvuma ngalokuhle kuncono kunemcebo lomnyenti, kuhlonipheka kuncono kunekuceba. Tinjinga netimphuya tifanana ngantfo yinye: Bobabili badalwa nguNkulunkulu. Umuntfu lohlakaniphile ingoti uyibona iseta, bese uyayibalekela; kantsi longenangcondvo ucondza ngco kuyo, bese utisola emvakwesikhatsi. Titfobe, wesabe Simakadze, yena uyakukuvuza ngemcebo, neludvumo, nekuphila. Indlela yemuntfu longaketsembeki igcwele emanyeva netingibe; kodvwa lowo lonakekela imphilo yakhe uyakuyigegela leyo ndlela. Khulisa umntfwana ngendlela lekufanele aphile ngayo; kuyakutsi nome asakhulile angesuki kuyo. Injinga iba yinkhosi yeluphuya, nemboleki uba sigcili sembolekisi. Umuntfu lohlanyela inhlanyelo yebudlova uvuna tingoti nekuhlupheka; kucindzetela kwakhe labanye bantfu kutawuphela. Lowephanako naye uyawubusiswa, ngobe kudla kwakhe ukudla netimphuya. Cosha sedzeleli kutawuphela kuphikisana, nekulwa kanye nenhlamba. Umuntfu lotsandza kuhlanteka kwenhlitiyo nenkhulumo lenemusa uyawuba ngumngani wenkhosi. Emehlo aSimakadze alindza lwati; kodvwa uyawacitsa emavi alabacalemanga. Livila litsi: “Kunelibhubesi lapha ngaphandle; ngitawutsi ngiyaphuma lingidle.” Emavi engwadla afanana nemgodzi lojulile; labo labangaphansi kwelulaka lwaSimakadze bagcumkela kuwo. Bulima buboshelwe engcondvweni yemntfwana; kodvwa luswati luyabutsintsitsa bonkhe. Lowo locindzetela lomphofu entela kuticebisa, yena nalowo lopha tipho kulabacebile, bobabili bagcina baphuyile. Lalelisisa uvisise kahle emavi alabahlakaniphile, ubambisise ngengcondvo lwati lengikuhlephulela lona. Utawubusiswa nawuwagcina engcondvweni yakho, ukwati kuwasho ngenhloko ungangabati. Ngentela kutsi utewubeka litsemba lakho kuSimakadze; ngiko nje ngikufundzisa lamavi. Nankha-ke emavi lahlakaniphile langemashumi lamatsatfu lengikubhalele wona; agcwele lwati nemiyalo lelungile. Lamavi atakufundzisa kutsi ukwati kubona liciniso nalikhulunywa. Ngako-ke nawutfunywa kutsi uyekulifuna leliciniso, uyawukwati kubuya nemphendvulo lengiyo sibili. Umuntfu loweswele ungamphatsi dlephu ngobe abukeka eswele, nalomphofu ungamdleleli ecaleni; nawenta njalo, Simakadze uyakummelela, atsatse kuphila kwalowo lophetse lomunye dlephu. Ungabi ngumngani wemuntfu lonenhlitiyo lencane, ungabi nebudlelwane nemuntfu losheshe acansuke. Nawuba ngumngani wakhe, ungahle ufundze imikhuba yakhe, loko kube lugibe emphilweni yakho yonkhe. Ungaboba sibambiso nome fakazi wemuntfu, nakenta tikwelede. Nakehluleka kukhokha letikwelede, wena utawudliwa ngisho nembhedze wakho. Ungayiguculi iminyele leyabekwa bokhokho bakho. Use wambona nje umuntfu loyingcweti emsebentini wakhe? Nguye lowo loyawusetjentiswa ngemakhosi, angeke aweswele nemsebenti. Nangabe umbusi akumeme kutsi utekudla naye, ubokhumbula kutsi ungubani lowo mmemi wakho. Nawulambile, tibambe ungadli. Ungakuhawukeli kudla lakunika kona nome kumnandzi kanganani, tibambe; kungahle kube lugibe. Caphela ungatibulali ngekucoshana nebunjinga; tsatsa kuhlakanipha nekutibamba. Bunjinga buyawunyamalala emehlweni akho ububuka; buyawushesha bundize njengelusweti. Ungadli nemuntfu lowemanako; ungakuhaleli nekudla kwakhe nome kungaba mnandzi kanganani. Nawukudla lokudla, kuyawukubamba emphinjeni. Ungamuva atsi: “Dlani, unatse,” kantsi inhlitiyo yakhe ayikho lapho. Uyawukuhlanta naloko lokuncane lokudlile, ukhandze kutsi ubongele lite. Ungasicitsi sikhatsi sakho ngekukhuluma intfo lenengcondvo esilimeni, ngobe singeke siwemukele lamavi akho. Ungayisusi iminyele lese yabekwa kadzeni nome-ke udle live letintsandzane. UMvikeli wato unemandla, uyakutitsatsela sikhundla emelane nawe. Yenta ingcondvo yakho yemukele imiyalo, ulalelisise loko lofundziswa kona. Ungesabi kumcondzisa umntfwana; ngobe nawumfaka luswati, angeke afe. Kumshaya ngeluswati kuyawusindzisa imphilo yakhe ekufeni. Ndvodzana yami, nangabe unekuhlakanipha enhlitiyweni yakho, inhlitiyo yami iyawujabula. Ngiyawutfokota enhlitiyweni yami, nangiva ukhuluma emavi ekuhlakanipha. Ungahawukeli lutfo etonini, kodvwa yesaba Simakadze ngetikhatsi tonkhe; ngobe likusasa lakho liyawuba nekuciniseka nemphumelelo. Ndvodzana yami, lalela; ubolalela, khona utekuhlakanipha. Ingcondvo yakho yibeke endleleni lengiyo sibili. Ungabi ngumngani wetidzakwa nome timiti. Tidzakwa netimiti tiphetsa ngebuphuya. Nawuphila ngekulala ungasebenti, uyawugcina wembatsa emanikiniki. Lalelisisa uyihlo, ngobe nguye lowakutala; ungamedzeleli nenyoko ngobe asagugile. Tsenga liciniso ungatsengisi ngalo. Zuza kuhlakanipha, nemiyalo, nekucondza konkhe; ungakhohlwa ngiko. Uyise wendvodzana lelungile uyajabula; nangabe indvodzana ihlakaniphile, uyise uyatfokota. Yenta uyihlo nenyoko batigcabhe ngawe; yebo, ajabule nenyoko lowakutala. Ndvodzana yami, ngilalele utigcine ngekunakekela tindlela tami. Tingwadla tingumgodzi lojulile, nemfati losiphingi ulugibe lolubulalako. Betsiya emadvodzana ebantfu bawabhacele emasitseleni njengetigebengu, batfumbe emadvodza lamanyenti bawente angasetsembeki. Ngubani lotsi: “Maye?” Ngubani lonelusizi? Ngubani lonenkhani? Ngubani lokhononako? Ngubani lonemanceba nemihuzuko ngelite? Ngubani lonemehlo labovu? Ngulabo labacitsa sikhatsi lesinyenti ekunatseni liwayini lelidzakanako netjwala. Nome liwayini libila, nome lihaza, nome limnandzi lehla ngesiphundvu, kodvwa libalekele. Ekugcineni liluma njengenyoka, linhlonhlotse njengesitfozi selibululu. Emehlo akho ayawubona tintfo letingekho, emlonyeni wakho kuphume emavi langenamcondvo. Liyawukwenta uve shangatsi untanta emagagasini elwandle nome njengemuntfu lolele etsala letintsambo letiboshelwe ensikeni yemkhumbi. Utawutsi: “Bangilimatile, kodvwa angikabuva buhlungu; bangishayile, kodvwa angikhumbuli. Nginelibhabhalazi, ngifuna kuyawunatsa futsi.” Ungabi namona nebantfu lababi, futsi ungafisi kutsi babe bangani bakho. Etingcondvweni tabo bacabanga budlova, imilomo yabo ikhuluma ngekulimatana. Umuti wakhiwa ngekuhlakanipha, usimiswe ngekucondza; ngelwati tindlu tigcwaliswe ngemicebo lemihle lengakavami. Umuntfu lohlakaniphile unemandla kakhulu, kwendlula sichwaga; yebo, lonelwati uncono kunalonetikhwepha. Ubotsatsa umyalo lohlakaniphile, nawuphuma imphi; kuncoba kusekubeni nebeluleki labalungile labanyenti. Kucondza kungetulu kwemandla esilima; nase kukhulunywa ngempela, kute lesingahle sikusho silima. Umuntfu lohlose kwenta lokubi uyawuba neludvumo lolubi. Tinhloso tesilima tisono, nebantfu bayamtondza umuntfu lowedzelelako. Nawukhubatela ngesikhatsi lesibucayi, usuke unemandla lamancane. Nawubona bantfu bayawubulawa, ngaphandle kwesizatfu, baphephise; ungasho kutsi: “Bengingakwati-ke loku,” ngobe Nkulunkulu uyati, ehlulele tinhloso takho. Lowo lokwelusako uyakwati loko. Yena uyawuvuza lowo nalowo njengekwemisebenti yakhe. Ndvodzana yami, ubodla luju ngobe lumnandzi, nematfonsi etinhlanga tetinyosi ayanongotela. Yati futsi kutsi kuhlakanipha kumnandzi; ngobe nawutfole kona, unesiciniseko ngelikusasa lakho, nelitsemba lakho alinawuphelela eteni. Ungasilingisi sigelekece ngekunyenyela lolungile kutsi umlimate endlini yakhe, ungayihlaseli ngisho nendzawo lapho ahlala khona; ngobe nome lolungile angawa emahlandla lasikhombisa, noko uyawuvuka; kodvwa lababi bayawubhubha. Ungakujabuleli kuwa kwesitsa sakho, inhlitiyo yakho ingatfokoti nasikhubatela; ngobe Simakadze angahle akubone angete ajabula, esuse lulaka lwakhe kuso. Ungahlupheki ngebantfu lababi, ungabi namona nabo; ngobe umuntfu lomubi akanalo likusasa lelihle. Bumnyama bodvwa lobummele. Ndvodzana yami, ubohlonipha Simakadze nenkhosi yeluhlanga. Ungahambisani nalabamelene naSimakadze nenkhosi, ngobe bayawubhubha masinyane. Ngubani nje longati tehlakalo letingehliswa nguSimakadze nenkhosi? Nati-ke futsi letinye taga talabahlakaniphile: Kubi nangabe umehluleli ehlulela ngekukhetsa. Nangabe akhuluma kulona lolahlwa licala atsi: “Ute licala,” bonkhe bantfu bayakumcalekisa bamtondze; kodvwa behluleli labayawuchuma babusiseke, ngulabo labajezisa labo labafanele kujeziswa. Umuntfu lonika imphendvulo leyetsembekile ukhombisa bungani lobungibo sibili. Cedzela kucala imisebenti yakho yangaphandle, ulungise emasimi akho, bese wakha indlu yakho. Ungabenti bufakazi bekulahla makhelwane wakho ngelicala ngaphandle kwesizatfu, ungamcaleli ngisho nemanga. Ungasho nekutsi: “Ngitamenta loko langenta kona! Ngitakwenana njengobe enta kimi!” Ngase ngendlula eceleni kwensimi yelivila, bekusivini semuntfu longenangcondvo. Kwakunemena wesaphulamshini, nembabatane, nelutsango lwakhona seluwile. Ngatsi kube ngikubone loku, ngafundza nasi sifundvo: “Kulalalala kancane nekwetelatela kancane, kanye nekugoca tandla kancane, uphumule;” kodvwa utawutsi usalele, buphuya bukuhlasele njengesigebengu, nekweswela kukuvimbetele njengesifo. Leti nguletinye taga taSolomoni letabhalwa bantfu baHezekiya, inkhosi yakaJuda. Bukhosi baNkulunkulu bubonakala kuloko lakufihlile; kodvwa bukhosi bemakhosi busekuphenyisiseni tintfo. Njengekuphakama kwesibhakabhaka nekujula kwemhlaba, kunjalo kucabanga kwenkhosi, ungeke ukwati. Susa kungcola kuyo isiliva, khona lomkhandzi atewukhandza intfo lenhle ngayo; susa beluleki lababi edvute nenkhosi, kuze itewubusa ngekulunga. Nawusembikwenkhosi, ungatenti lohlakaniphile nome utibeke esigabeni salabakhulu; ngobe kuncono kwenyuselwa esikhundleni lesiphakeme kunekwehliselwa phansi, bantfu labakhulu bakubuka. Ungasheshi uye enkantolo ngaloko lokubonile, ngobe nase kuphele lelicala lomunye wafakaza wakwenta silima, utawube sewentani-ke? Nawunelicala namakhelwane wakho, khulumisana naye nilungisane; ungayibhabati imfihlo yalomunye umuntfu, funa lona lokuvile akutsele ngelihlazo, bantfu bangaphindzi bakwetsembe. Livi lelikhulunywe ngesikhatsi lesifanele lifanana nemahhabhula egolide labekwe etindishini tesiliva. Njengelicici legolide, nanjengemhlobiso loligugu, linjalo livi leseluleko kulolivako alente. Sitfunywa lesetsembekile sijabulisa lowo lositfumile, njengemanti lacandzako ehlobo; yebo, sihlumelelisa umoya wenkhosi yaso. Njengemoya nemafu late imvula, unjalo umuntfu lotigabatisa ngetipho langatenti. Ngekubeketela umbusi angancengeka aze avume, nelulwimi lolumnandzi lungatsambisa ematje. Nawutfole luju, ubodla lolo loludzingako; ungaludli kakhulu, ngobe lutakugulisa. Ungavamisi kuvakashela makhwelwane wakho, funa adzinwe nguwe bese uyakutondza. Umuntfu lofakaza emanga ngamakhelwane wakhe uyingoti njengesicwayi, nome njengenkemba, nome njengesikhali lesikhaliphako. Kwetsembela kumuntfu longetsembeki ngesikhatsi lesibucayi kufanana nekwetsemba litinyo lelibolile nome kwetsemba lunyawo lolwenyele. Kuhlabelela umuntfu lodzabukile kufanana nekukhumula tingubo takhe kucandza nome nekutsela viniga esilondzeni. Nangabe sitsa sakho silambile, siphe kudla sidle; nasomile, siphe emanti sinatse. Ngekwenta loko utawube usidlisa ngemahloni, Simakadze utakuvuza. Njengobe umoya wasenyakatfo uletsa imvula, kanjalo nenhlebo iletsa kutfukutsela. Kuncono kutihlalela wedvwana etaleni kunekuhlala endlini yinye nemfati lotsetsela futsi. Tindzaba letimnandzi letiphuma eveni lelikhashane tifanana nemanti lacandzako emphefumulweni lokhatsele. Njengemtfombo lodvungekile nome siyalu lesinashevu, unjalo umuntfu lolungile nakatihlanganisa nemuntfu lomubi. Bubi bekuhalela ludvumo bufanana nekudla kakhulu luju. Umuntfu lowehluleka kutibamba ufanana nelidolobha lelibhidlikelwe tindvonga talo. Njengesitfwatfwa ehlobo nome imvula nakuvunwako, kunjalo kudvumisa silima. Njengancedze londiza angahlali, nenkonjane lendiza ingahlali, sinjalo sicalekiso; asimehleli umuntfu longakasifaneli. Emahhashi ayatalajwa, timbongolo tifakwa ematomu, netilima tiyashaywa. Ungasiphendvuli silima ngebulima baso; nawenta njalo, nawe utawuba silima njengaso. Phendvula silima njengalokufanele bulima baso, khona sitawubona kutsi asikahlakaniphi njengobe siticabanga. Nangabe utfumela umbiko ngesilima, utiletsela inhlupheko, ngobe kufanana nekutsi ujuba tinyawo takho. Emavi lahlakaniphile lakhulunywe silima akanamsebenti, afanana nemilente yesishosha. Njengekubophela litje esidubulelweni, kunjalo kudvumisa silima. Njengesidzakwa nasikhipha linyeva esandleni, anjalo emavi lahlakaniphile nasemlonyeni wesilima. Umuntfu locasha silima nome ngubani nje lowendlulako, ufanana nemuntfu lodubula nome ngukuphi nje ngebutjoki alimate konkhe. Silima lesenta intfo lembi kuze kube kabili sifanana nenja yona lebuyela iyekudla emahlante ayo. Wake wambona kambe umuntfu locabanga kutsi uhlakaniphile? Silima sincono kakhulu kunaye. Livila liyatitila litsi: “Ngingeke ngiphume, ngobe kunelibhubesi endleleni!” Liphindze litsi: “Kunelibhubesi emgwacweni.” Njengesivalo sijikajika sibanjwe ngemahhuka, kanjalo nelivila lilala lijilajila embhedzeni walo. Livila liyasifaka sandla salo endishini, kodvwa bese lehluleka kusifaka emlonyeni walo. Livila liyaye licabange kutsi lihlakaniphe kakhulu kwendlula emadvodza lasikhombisa laphendvula ngekuhlakanipha. Umuntfu longena ekucabaneni kwalabanye ufanana nemuntfu lobamba inja lengumkhenkhetse ngemadlebe. Njengeluhlanya loludubula nome ngukuphi ngebutjoki, uyingoti kanjalo umuntfu loyenga makhelwane abese utsi: “Cha, mine bengidlala.” Ngaphandle kwetinkhuni umlilo uyacima; yebo, nangaphandle kwenhlebo incabano iyaphela. Emalahle enta umlilo ukhehleke, tinkhuni tivutsisa umlilo, nemuntfu welutfutfuva ubhedla inkhani. Emavi enhlebo afanana nemtsamo wekudla lokumnandzi; ehla kamnandzi afinyelele ngekhatsi kwemuntfu. Njengeludziwo loluhucwe ngesiliva, anjalo emavi ekuyengana laphuma emlonyeni lonenhlitiyo lembi. Umuntfu lotentisako ukhuluma kamnandzi, kantsi enhlitiyweni yakhe ufihle kuyengana. Nome inkhulumo yakhe ingaba mnandzi kanjani, ungakholwa; ngobe ngekhatsi inhlitiyo yakhe igcwele bucili. Inzondo yakhe angayimbonya ngemavi ekutentisa, kodvwa bubi bakhe buyawubasebaleni ngalelinye lilanga. Nangabe umuntfu emba umgodzi wekwetsiya labanye, kuyakugcumkela yena; nome agicitela labanye ematje, kodvwa ayakugicikela kuye. Umuntfu localemanga uyabatondza labo labacalela emanga, nelulwimi lolumphacambili luletsa kufa. Ungatigabatisi ngelikusasa lakho, ngobe awati kutsi lilanga ngelilanga likutela nani. Ungatidvumisi wena, kodvwa dvunyiswa ngulabanye; dvunyiswa ngulabanye bantfu, hhayi wena. Litje limatima, nesihlabatsi siyasindza, ungeke ukwetfwale; kodvwa kucansulwa silima kukwengca konkhe. Lulaka lungesabeka nentfukutselo ibe nebudlova; kodvwa kute longakhona kumelana nemona. Kuncono uvele umuntfu umtsetsise kukhanye kunekumyekela ungamtsetsisi ngesizatfu sekutsi uyamtsandza. Umngani usuke atimisele lokuhle ngawe, nome akulimatile; kodvwa ubocaphela ingoti, nangabe sitsa sakho sikwanga kanyenti. Nawesutsi, ngisho nekudla lokumnandzi uyakuchwensa; kodvwa nawulambile, ngisho nekudla lokubi kuba mnandzi. Umuntfu loshiya likhaya lakhe ufanana nenyoni lese ilahle sidleke sayo. Emakha nemafutsa lanuka kamnandzi ajabulisa inhlitiyo; kodvwa bungani sibili buyawuphakamisa umphefumulo. Ungakhohlwa umngani wakho nemngani weyihlo. Nawehlelwa yinhlupheko ungayi kuyawucela lusito kumnakenu; kuncono uye kumakhelwane losedvutane kunekuya kumnakenu lokhashane. Ndvodzana yami, hlakanipha, khona ngitewujabula, ngitekwati kuphendvula nome ngabe ngubani longedzelelako. Umuntfu lohlakaniphile uyibona iseta ingoti bese uyayibalekela, uyabhaca; kodvwa longakahlakaniphi uyatfusha nje, etfuke asasetikwayo, atisole kamuva. Tsatsa sibambiso salofungela sihambi kutsi sitekutsatsa sikwelede; sitsatse sibe sibambiso salesihambi. Nangabe umuntfu avusela makhelwane wakhe ngemsindvo ekuseni, kuyawutsatfwa ngekutsi uyacalekiswa. Umfati lotsetsela futsi ufanana nekuntfontsa kwemanti latsi ntfo-ntfo-ntfo nalina. Kwetama kumthulisa kufanana nekwetama kuvimba umoya nome kwetfwala emafutsa lancibilikile ngesandla. Njengensimbi lelola lenye insimbi, kanjalo nebantfu bayahlakaniphisana. Umuntfu lohlakulela umkhiwa uyakudla titselo tawo, nalowo lophetse kahle umcashi wakhe uyakwemukela ludvumo. Nawutibuka emantini, ubona lingephandle lakho lelibuso bakho; nawutibuka enhlitiyweni, ubona lingekhatsi lakho lelinguwe sibili. Njengobe emehlo emuntfu angeke eneliswe, kanjalo lithuna nekufa kungeke kweneliswe. Isiliva negolide ihlolwa ngemlilo; kodvwa umuntfu uhlolwa ngeludvumo lalunikwa bantfu. Nome silima ungasigaya etjeni lekusila sibe yimphuphu nome inhlama, kodvwa bulima baso ungeke ubukhiphe kuso. Nakekela imihlambi yetimvu netinkhomo takho, uyeluse kahle, ngobe ingcebo ayihlali siphelane, iyaphunyula; ngisho nekubusa kwemakhosi akuhlali kukhona siphelane. Nakusikwe tjani, kwase kuhluma lobusha, lemihlambi ingadla. Timvu tiyawukungenisela timphahla tekwembatsa, timbuti tikungenisele imali yekutsenga emasimi. Uyawuba nelubisi lwetimbuti lolunyenti lwekutsi utondle wena nebantfwabakho kanye netisebenti takho. Bantfu lababi babaleka ngisho nome kute umuntfu lobacoshako; kodvwa lolungile unesibindzi lesinjengeselibhubesi. Nakukhona kuvukela umbuso eveni, live liba makhosikhosi; kodvwa nangabe baholi balelo live banekuhlakanipha nekucondza, kuba nekuthula. Umholi lomubi lophuyile acindzetele labamphofu ufanana nesikhukhula selitulu leligcoba livungule. Labo labephula umtsetfo ngemabomu badvumisa lababi; kodvwa labo labahlonipha umtsetfo baphambana nebantfu lababi. Bantfu lababi abacondzi kahle lokulungile kutsi kuyini; kodvwa labo labakhonta Simakadze bakucondzisisa kahle konkhe. Kuncono kuba mphofu kodvwa ube wetsembekile, kunekutsi ucebe ube ungaketsembeki. Indvodzana lelalela umtsetfo ihlakaniphile; kodvwa lengumngani wetiyingayinga ihlazisa uyise. Nangabe umuntfu acetjiswa kwebolekisa ngekubita intalo lenkhulu, ingcebo yakhe itakuya kubantfu labaphatsa kahle timphuya. Nangabe umuntfu angafuni kugcina umtsetfo, ngisho nemithandazo yakhe iyenyanyeka kuNkulunkulu. Lowo loholela lolungile endleleni lembi kuyawubanjwa yena kulolo lugibe. Lolungile uyawuvuzwa kakhulu. Sicebi singacabanga kutsi sihlakaniphile; kodvwa luphuya loluhlakaniphile lwati kancono kutsi liciniso liyini. Nangabe labalungile baba baholi, bonkhe bantfu bayajabula; kodvwa nangabe baholi kuba ngulababi, bantfu baphila ngekubhaca. Umuntfu lofihla tono takhe angeke aphumelele; kodvwa lotivumako atishiye uyawutfola umusa. Ubusisiwe umuntfu lowesaba Simakadze. Lowenta inhlitiyo ibe lukhuni uyawubhujiswa. Njengelibhubesi lelibhodlako nelibhele lelihhongako, unjalo umbusi lomubi lobusa bantfu labeswele. Umbusi lobusa ngencindzetelo usilima; kodvwa lotondza kutsengeka uyawuphila sikhatsi lesidze. Umuntfu nakanelicala lekubulala, myekele abaleke aze afe. Umuntfu lophila ngekwetsembeka uyawuphepha; kodvwa lophila imphilo legwegwile uyakuwa. Umuntfu lowulimako umhlaba wakhe uhlala anenala; kodvwa lolibala kulandzelana nemisebenti lelite uyakwesutsa bumphofu. Umuntfu lowetsembekile uyawuchuma; kodvwa lojaka kuceba uyawutfola sijeziso. Kubi kukhetsa bantfu; kodvwa labanye bayona ngekukhetsana ngenca yekudizelwa kancane nje. Lifelela litimisela ngekutsi licebe; alati kutsi linyonyobelwa buphuya. Loyalako ubongwa kakhulu ekugcineni kunalowo lolutsa lomunye ambonge ngelite. Umuntfu lowebela uyise nenina abe atiyenga atsi: “Akusiso sono loko,” ufanana nesigelekece lesisidlova. Umuntfu loligovu ususa lutfutfuva; kodvwa lowo lowetsemba Simakadze uyawuchuma. Umuntfu lotetsemba yena usilima; kodvwa lohamba ngekuhlakanipha uyawuphepha. Umuntfu lopha timphuya angeke eswele; kodvwa lotitsalaliselako uyawutfola ticalekiso letinyenti. Nakungena bantfu lababi etikhundleni, bantfu bayabhaca; kodvwa nakuwa lababi, labalungile bayaphumelela bahlale etikhundleni. Umuntfu lotsi nakelulekwa acinise inhloko, uyakufohlotwa masinyane. Nakungena bantfu labalungile ebuholini, bantfu bayajabula; kodvwa nakubusa bantfu lababi, bantfu bayakhonona. Umuntfu lotsandza kuhlakanipha ujabulisa uyise; kodvwa longumngani wetingwadla uhlaphata lifa lakhe. Inkhosi lebusa ngekulunga, live layo liba nesizotsa; kodvwa lebeka imali embili ibhubhisa live layo. Umuntfu lolutsa makhelwane wakhe ambonge ngelite, utetsiya yena. Kunelugibe etentweni letimbi temuntfu, kodvwa lolungile uhamba ajabula. Umuntfu lolungile unakekela emalungelo alabamphofu; kodvwa lomubi akanandzaba naloko. Tedzeleli letingenandzaba nebantfu, tingesusa lutfutfuva kuwo onkhe emadolobha; kodvwa bantfu labahlakaniphile baletsa kuthula nelucolo. Nangabe umuntfu lohlakaniphile amangalela silima, lesilima sisuke sihleke setfuke ngenhlamba. Babulali bayamtondza umuntfu lowetsembekile; kodvwa labalungile betama kuphephisa kuphila kwakhe. Silima siyabonakalisa nase sitfukutsele; kodvwa lohlakaniphile uyatibamba angatibonakalisi. Nangabe umbusi anaka labakhuluma emanga, tonkhe tindvuna takhe tiba nemanga. Umcindzeteli nalocindzetelwe bafanana ngantfo yinye, kutsi: Bobabili Nkulunkulu wabapha emehlo ekubona. Nangabe inkhosi iwavikela ngekungakhetsi emalungelo ebantfu labamphofu, iyawubusa sikhatsi lesidze. Luswati nekuyalwa kunika inhlakanipho; kodvwa umntfwana longashaywa nalongayalwa uhlazisa unina. Nangabe bantfu lababi basetikhundleni, bubi buyandza; kodvwa labalungile bayakubona kuwa kwalabo lababi. Condzisa indvodzana yakho, khona itakunika kuthula kwemphefumulo. Ingeke ikuhlazise. Lapho kute khona kwembulelwa nguNkulunkulu, bantfu bayeduka; kodvwa ubusisiwe umuntfu logcina umtsetfo waNkulunkulu. Sisebenti ungeke usicondzise nawutawulibala kukhuluma ngemlomo; ngobe nome singeva, singeke sente. Uyamati nje umuntfu lophike kukhuluma angakacabangi? Sincono silima kunaye. Nangabe wetayeta sisebenti ngekusinika konkhe lesikufunako, nase sikhulile sitakwemuka konkhe lokukwakho. Umuntfu losheshe atfuketsele ususa lutfutfuva; yebo, umuntfu lonenhlitiyo lencane ubanga tono letinyenti. Kutigcabha kwemuntfu kumletsela kuwa; kodvwa lotfobekile utfola kuhlonipheka. Umngani welisela usitsa sakhe cobo lwakhe. Umehluleli uyakumjezisa nakakhuluma liciniso, kantsi Nkulunkulu uyakumcalekisa nakangalikhulumi. Kwesaba bantfu kulugibe; kodvwa lowo lowetsembekile kuSimakadze ulondvolotekile. Bantfu labanyenti bafunana nekutsandvwa ngumbusi; kodvwa imphatfo lengakhetsi muntfu itfolakala kuSimakadze kuphela. Labalungile bayabatondza lababi; nalababi bayabatondza labalungile. Leti-ke taga ta-Aguri, umsa waJakhe waseMasa: “Nkulunkulu ungilahlile, ungilahle mbamba, sengiphelelwe ngemandla! Sengifanana nesilwane, angisesiye umuntfu, ngobe tintfo angisaticondzi njengemuntfu. Angikakufundzi kuhlakanipha; angimati naLongcwele. “Ngubani lowake waya ezulwini waphindze wabuya? Ngubani lophetse imimoya etandleni takhe? Ngubani logocotele emanti ngengubo yakhe? Ngubani lowamisa yonkhe imikhawulo yemhlaba? Ngubani libito lakhe nelendvodzana yakhe? Ungangitjela nje? “Nkulunkulu wetsembekile etetsembisweni takhe. Uyabaphephisa labo labeta kutewukhosela kuye. Ungengeti lutfo etetsembisweni takhe. Uma uke wengeta nje, uyakukutsetsisa utfolakale ungumuntfu wemanga.” Ticelo tami timbili, Nkulunkulu, lengicela kutsi ungiphe ngisengakafi: Ngisindzise ekukhulumeni emanga. Buphuya nebunjinga ungangiphi, kodvwa umane ungiphe lengikudzingako. Nangingaba nako kube kunyenti, ngingahle ngicabange kutsi wena angisakudzingi, ngidzimate ngitsi: “Ngubani yena loSimakadze?” Nome-ke nangingaba luphuya, ngingahle ngebe, ngaloko ngihlazise Nkulunkulu wami. Ungakhulumi kabi ngesisebenti kumphatsi waso; nawenta loko, sitakucalekisa uhlupheke. Labanye bantfu bacalekisa boyise, bangabongi ngisho nekubonga kubonina. Labanye bantfu bacabanga kutsi bona bahlantekile; kantsi bangcole kakhulu, abakahlantwa. Labanye bayatigcabha, bahlala ngekuchukuluta labanye bantfu. Labanye bantfu banematinyo latinkemba, nemihlatsi lengimikhwa; yebo, babukhali. Baloshela bamite tonkhe timphuya emhlabeni. Simunyangati unemadvodzakati lamabili; emabito awo boNgiphe naNgiphe. Tintsatfu tintfo letingeneliswa, kantsi empeleni tine letingeke tisho titsi: “Sekwenele”: Lithuna, nemfati loyinyumba, nemhlabatsi lowomele imvula, nemlilo longacimeki. Liso leliphukuta uyise, ledzelele nenina nasagugile, liyawukhokhwa ngemahhwabayi; yebo, lowo muntfu uyawuba kudla kwemangce. Kukhona tintfo letintsatfu letiyimfihlakalo, kantsi empeleni tine lengingaticondzi kahle: Yindlela yelusweti esibhakabhakeni, nendlela yenyoka edvwaleni, nendlela yemkhumbi elwandle, nendlela yelijaha entfombini. Lena-ke yindlela yemfati loyingwadla: Udla esule umlomo, bese utsi: “Angikenti lutfo mine lolubi.” Tintsatfu tintfo letitfutfumelisa umhlaba, kantsi empeleni tine umhlaba lowehluleka kutibeketelela: Kubekwa kwesigcili kuba yinkhosi, silima nasishaye inala, kushada kwentfombi lebeyenyanywa ngemajaha, nesidzandzane lesisisebenti, nase sengcelele umfati endvodzeni yakhe. Lapha emhlabeni kukhona tilwanyakatana letincane, kodvwa tihlakaniphe kakhulu: Tintfutfwane: tibutsakatsaka, kodvwa tikwekhweta ehlobo kudla kwato. Timbila: tilwanyakatana letite emandla, noko takha emakhaya ato emadvwaleni. Sikhonyane: site inkhosi, noko sihamba ngemaviyo. Tibankhwa: ungatibamba ngesandla, kodvwa ungatikhandza ngisho nasetindlini temakhosi. Kunetintfo letintsatfu letihamba ngekutigcabha; kodvwa leti letine tihamba ngekutigabatisa: Libhubesi: linemandla kunato tonkhe tilwane, futsi alesabi lutfo. Lichudze: liyantontomela emkhatsini wetikhukhukati. Siphongo: singumholi wemhlambi wetimbuti. Inkhosi: nayime embikwemabutfo ayo. Nangabe wente bulima watiphakamisa nome wacabanga kwenta lokubi, sale sewuyekela. Kuphehla lubisi kuveta liphehla. Kushaya likhala kuveta ingati. Kanjalo, nekususa luchuku kuveta kucabana. Leti-ke taga taLemuweli, inkhosi yaseMasa, latifundziswa ngunina: “Lalela, ndvodzana yami, ndvodzana yesisu sami! Wena uyimphendvulo yemthandazo wami. Emandla akho ungawacitsi kulabasikati; yebo, emandla ekuphila kwakho ungawacitseli kulabo lababhubhisa emakhosi. Lalela-ke, Lemuweli: Emakhosi kufanele angalinatsi liwayini nome ngabe yini lokudzakanako. Nase banatsa bayayikhohlwa lemitsetfo lebekiwe, bese bakhohlwa emalungelo alabacindzetelwe. Tjwala bebantfu labafako kanye nalabo labaselusizini. Bayekele banatse batewudzakwa bakhohlwe tinhlupheko tabo, bangalukhumbuli lusizi lwabo. “Khuluma ubemelele labo labehluleka kutikhulumela. Vikela emalungelo alabo labangenalusito. Khuluma wehlulele kahle. Vikela emalungelo alabeswele nalabamphofu.” Ngubani longatfola umfati sibili? Uligugu lelengca onkhe ematje laligugu. Indvodza yakhe yetsembele kuye ngenhlitiyo yayo yonkhe, futsi ingeke yeswele lutfo. Uyentela lokuhle ngaso sonkhe sikhatsi sekuphila kwakhe, akayenteli lokubi. Ukhetsa insontfo lenhle nakotini lokahle, asebente ngetandla letivumako. Njengemikhumbi yebahwebi, kudla kwemndeni wakhe ukulandza khashane. Uvuka kungakasi alungisele umndeni wakhe kudla, bese wabela tidzandzane takhe imisebenti. Utsi angatfola indzawo, ayitsenge ngemali latentele yona ngetandla takhe, bese uyayilima wenta sivini. Ukhutsele, uyabhukula afinyete tidvwaba, acinise tandla, asebente. Uyacaphelisisa kutsi umsebenti wakhe uyayingenisa yini inzuzo, asebente kuze kube ngusebusuku. Uyatitfungela atelukele. Unesandla ekusiteni labamphofu, aphe nalabeswele. Kukhitsika kwelitulu akumetfusi, ngobe bonkhe bemndeni wakhe banetimphahla letifutfumalako. Wenta tembeso temibhedze, embatse timphahla letentiwe ngakotini locolisakele naletibukhwebeletane. Indvodza yakhe iyahlonishwa emasangweni, lapho ingulenye yemalunga emsumphe khona. Utfunga tingubo ngendvwangu lecolisakele, bese utsengisela bahwebi. Wembetse emandla nekuhlonipheka, futsi akesabi lutfo ngelikusasa. Ukhuluma kuhlakanipha, lulwimi lwakhe lugcwele teluleko temusa. Ucaphelisisa konkhe lokwenteka ekhaya lakhe, akavilaphi. Bantfwabakhe bayamhlonipha, nendvodza yakhe futsi iyamdvumisa idzimate itsi: “Banyenti bafati labenta tintfo letinhle, kodvwa wena ubendlula bonkhe.” Buhle buyayengana, nekubukeka kulite; kodvwa umfati lowesaba Simakadze ufanele kudvunyiswa. Mbonge ngako konkhe lakwenta ngetandla takhe; umdvumisele imisebenti yakhe layentile ngisho nasemkhatsini webantfu. Lawa ngemavi eMshumayeli, umsa waDavide, inkhosi yaseJerusalema: “Lite lelite!” kusho uMshumayeli. “Kulite mbamba! Konkhe kulite.” Umuntfu utfolani ngawo wonkhe umshikashika lawusebentelako lapha ngaphansi kwemtfunti welilanga? Titukulwane tiyefika, titukulwane tiyendlula, kodvwa umhlaba uyakusala unjalo phakadze naphakadze. Lilanga liyaphuma, lilanga liyashona, libuyele endzaweni yalo lapho liphuma khona. Umoya uphephetsela ngaseningizimu, bese uyajika ucondza ngasenyakatfo, ushaye situngeletane, ujikeleta lapho uhambe khona. Yonkhe imifula ingenisa elwandle, noko lwandle alugcwali, lapho ichamuka ngakhona imifula, iphindze ibuyele khona futsi. Tonkhe tintfo tiyadzinana, kute umuntfu longatichaza. Liso alizange leneliswe kubuka, kantsi nendlebe ayigcwali ngekuva. Lokwake kwaba khona kuyawuphindze kube khona futsi, lokwase kwentiwa kuyawuphindze kwentiwe futsi; kute intfo lensha, lapha ngaphansi kwemtfunti welilanga. Kukhona yini intfo umuntfu langasho ngayo atsi: “Ase nibuke, kusha-ke loku”? Cha, kwase kwaba khona endvulo, kwakukhona sisengakabikho. Bantfu bakadzeni abakhunjulwa, nalabo labalandzelako abayiwukhunjulwa ngulabo lababalandzelako. Mine, Mshumayeli, ngangiyinkhosi yema-Israyeli eJerusalema. Ngatimisela kutsi ngekuhlakanipha ngifundze ngiphenyisise ngako konkhe lokwentiwa emhlabeni. Maye, mkhulu umtfwalo Nkulunkulu lawetfwese bantfu! Ngikubone konkhe lokwentiwako ngaphansi kwemtfunti welilanga; konkhe kulite, kufanana nekucosha umoya. Loko lokugwegwile kungeke kucondziseke, loko lokungekho kungeke kubalwe. Ngaticabangela ngatsi: “Mine ngikhulile, ngacokelela incumbi yekuhlakanipha, ngabendlula bonkhe labase babusela eJerusalema ngaphambi kwami; sengikubone kakhulu kuhlakanipha kanye nelwati.” Ngatimisela engcondvweni yami kukwati kuhlakanipha, nebuhlanya nebulima, kodvwa ngefika lapho ngibona khona kutsi nako loko kufanana nekucosha umoya. Ngobe kuhlakanipha lokukhulu kutala lusizi lolukhulu: Umuntfu utsi angaba nelwati lolukhulu, nekuhlupheka kwakhe kube kukhulu. Ngacabanga enhlitiyweni yami, ngatsi: “Ngitatitika ngato tonkhe tinhlobo tenjabulo ngitsi ngiyatijabulisa, ngifuna kubona kutsi yini lenhle.” Kodvwa ngatfola kutsi naloko kulite. Ngabona, ngatsi: “Cha, kuhleka kubuhlanya. Yini nje lenhle ngekutijabulisa?” Ngako ngetama kutijabulisa ngeliwayini, ngagona bulima. Kodvwa ingcondvo yami yayidvonswa kuhlakanipha. Ngangifuna kubona kutsi yini lokungukona kufanele kwentiwe bantfu lapha emhlabeni kulamalangana emphilo yabo. Ngesukela imisebenti lemikhulu: Ngatakhela tindlu, ngahlanyela tivini. Ngahlanyela tingadze, ngakha netindzawo tekuphumula, ngahlanyela tonkhe tinhlobo tetihlahla tetitselo lapha ngekhatsi kuletingadze, ngatakhela emadamu ekunisela lamahlatsi etihlahla letikhulako, ngatsenga tigcili letidvuna naletisikati, kantsi futsi nganginaleti letatalelwa khona ekhaya kami. Ngetulu kwaloko ngangifuyile, nginemihlambi yetinkhomo, neyetimbuti, neyetimvu, ngendlula bonkhe laba labake bahlala kucala kunami eJerusalema. Ngabutsisa ndzawonye isiliva negolide kanye nengcebo yemakhosi neyemave. Ngatibutsela bahlabeli labadvuna nalabasikati nako konkhe umuntfu langahle atijabulise ngako. Ngaba mkhulu, ngadvuma kakhulu, kwendlula bonkhe laba labase babusela eJerusalema kucala kunami. Kuko konkhe loko kuhlakanipha kwami kwakuloku kukimi. Konkhe emehlo ami labefisa kukubuka, ngangiwanika kona. Angizange ngitibambe ngisho nakukunye kutijabulisa. Ngatijabulisa ngawo wonkhe umsebenti wami; loku kwaba ngumvuzo wami ngawo wonkhe umsebenti wami. Ngako ngesuka lapho ngayibukisisa kahle yonkhe imisebenti yetandla tami, wonkhe umshikashika nekukhandleka kwami bekulite, kufanana nekucosha umoya! Kute lokwaba yinzuzo lapha ngaphansi kwemtfunti welilanga. Ngabe sengicabangisisa ngekuhlakanipha, nangebuhlanya kanye nangebulima. Yini nje lengentiwa ngulowo lolandzela inkhosi embusweni ngaphandle kwaloko lesekwentiwe? Ngabona kutsi kuhlakanipha kuncono kunebulima, njengobe nekukhanya kuncono kunebumnyama. Umuntfu lohlakaniphile uyabona lapho aya khona, kodvwa silima sona sihamba ebumnyameni; noko ngase ngiyabona kutsi bobabili befikelwa siphetfo lesifananako. Ngabe sengicabanga enhlitiyweni, ngatsi: “Ngisho nami imbala siphetfo sesilima siyakungifikela. Pho, kungisita ngani kuhlakanipha kwami?” Ngacabanga enhlitiyweni yami, ngatsi: “Nako loko kulite.” Kukhunjulwa kwesihlakaniphi akukwendluli ngalutfo kukhunjulwa kwesilima, ngobe ngekuhamba kwemalanga bobabili bayawukhohlakala. Lohlakaniphile nalosilima bafa kufa kunye! Ngako ngakutondza kuphila, ngobe konkhe lokwentiwako lapha ngaphansi kwemtfunti welilanga kuhlupheka kimi. Konkhe loku kulite, kufanana nekucosha umoya. Ngase ngifika lapho ngiwutondza khona wonkhe umshikashika nekukhandleka kwami lengase ngikwentile ngaphansi kwemtfunti welilanga, ngobe titselo tako kufanele ngitishiyele lowo loyakuta emvakwami. Empeleni ngubani lowatiko kutsi utawuba sihlakaniphi yini nome utawuba silima? Noko kutawuba nguye lotakwengamela tonkhe titselo temsebenti wami netebungcweti bami lapha ngaphansi kwemtfunti welilanga. Nako loko kulite. Ngako inhlitiyo yami yacala kuphelelwa ngemandla kuko konkhe kukhandleka kwami lengikwentile lapha ngaphansi kwemtfunti welilanga. Ngobe kunjalo, umuntfu umsebenti wakhe angawenta ngekuhlakanipha, nangelwati kanye nangekucophelela, kodvwa kufanele konkhe loko lokungekwakhe akushiyele umuntfu longakaze wakusebentela. Nako loko kulite nebubi lobukhulu. Umuntfu utfolani ngako konkhe kukhandleka kwakhe nekushikaneka kwakhe lakwentako lapha ngaphansi kwemtfunti welilanga? Kuto tonkhe tinsuku tekuphila kwakhe, umsebenti wakhe yiminjunju nekuhlupheka; ngisho nasebusuku ingcondvo yakhe ayinako kuphumula. Nako loko kulite. Kute lokuncono umuntfu langakwenta ngaphandle kwekutsi adle anatse eneliseke ngemsebenti wakhe. Nako loku futsi ngikubona kuphuma esandleni saNkulunkulu, ngobe ngubani longadla ajabule ngaphandle kwakhe? Nkulunkulu uphana ngekuhlakanipha, nangelwati kanye nangenjabulo kumuntfu lotfokotisa yena, kodvwa soni usinika umshikashika wekubutsisa nekucongelela bunjinga, kuze kunikwe lowo lotfokotisa Nkulunkulu. Nako loko kulite, kufanana nekucosha umoya. Konkhe kunesikhatsi sako, yonkhe intfo leyentekako inesikhatsi sayo lapha emhlabeni: Kunesikhatsi sekutalwa nesikhatsi sekufa, sikhatsi sekuhlanyela nesikhatsi sekusiphula, sikhatsi sekubulala nesikhatsi sekuphilisa, sikhatsi sekubhidlita nesikhatsi sekwakha, sikhatsi sekukhala nesikhatsi sekuhleka, sikhatsi sekulila nesikhatsi sekugidza, sikhatsi sekusakata ematje nesikhatsi sekuwabutsa, sikhatsi sekugona nesikhatsi sekuchilita, sikhatsi sekufuna nesikhatsi sekuyekela, sikhatsi sekulondvolota nesikhatsi sekulahla, sikhatsi sekudzabula nesikhatsi sekuchibela, sikhatsi sekubindza nesikhatsi sekukhuluma, sikhatsi sekutsandza nesikhatsi sekutondza, sikhatsi semphi nesikhatsi sekuthula. Umuntfu losebentako ubuyelwa yini ngekukhandleka kwakhe? Ngiwubonile umshikashika Nkulunkulu lawunike bantfu kutsi bawente. Konkhe ukwente kwalungela sikhatsi sako. Uphindze wabeka liphakadze etinhlitiyweni tebantfu; noko abakhoni kuyicondza imisebenti yaNkulunkulu kusukela ekucaleni kwayo kuze kube ngusekugcineni. Ngiyati kutsi kute lokuncono ngaphandle kwekutsi bajabule baphile imphilo lekahle basesemhlabeni. Ngetulu kwaloko kutsi umuntfu adle anatse atijabulise ngayo yonkhe imishikashika yakhe kusipho saNkulunkulu. Ngiyati kutsi konkhe lokwentiwa nguNkulunkulu kuyakuma phakadze naphakadze; kute lokungengetwa nalokungacetunwa kuko. Konkhe ukwenta ngendlela yekutsi bantfu batfutfumele ebukhoneni bakhe. Konkhe lokukhona ngulokwake kwaba khona, naloko lokuyawuba khona sekwake kwaba khona, Nkulunkulu uyakubuyisa loko lekwake kwenteka kutsi kuphindze kwenteke ngesikhatsi sako. Ngetulu kwaloko kukhona lokunye lengaphindze ngakubona lapha ngaphansi kwemtfunti welilanga: lapho kwakufanele kusebenta khona umtsetfo, kwasebenta umonakalo; lapho kwakufanele kusebente khona kulunga, kwasebenta umonakalo. Ngacabanga enhlitiyweni yami, ngatsi: “Nkulunkulu uyakwehlulela labalungile nalababi, ngobe kutawuba nesikhatsi sako konkhe lokwentiwako, nesikhatsi sawo wonkhe umsebenti.” Ngaphindze ngacabanga ngatsi: “Macondzana nebantfu Nkulunkulu uyaye abavivinye, khona batewubona kutsi bafanana netilwane. Ngobe siphetfo semuntfu siyafanana nesiphetfo setilwane; kokubili kumelwe siphetfo lesifananako: Njengobe lokunye kufa, naloku lokunye kuyafa. Konkhe kunemiphefumulo lefananako, umuntfu kute lancono ngako kunesilwane. Ngako konkhe kulite. Konkhe kuya endzaweni yinye; konkhe kuphuma elutfulini kuphindze kubuyele elutfulini. Ngubani lowatiko kutsi umphefumulo wemuntfu wenyukela etulu yini, nekutsi umphefumulo wesilwane wehlela phansi emhlabatsini?” Ngako ngase ngiyabona kutsi kute lokuncono kumuntfu ngaphandle kwekutsi atijabulise ngemsebenti wakhe lawentako, ngobe phela leso ngusona sabelo sakhe. Empeleni ngubani nje longamvusa kuze atewubona kutsi kutakwentekani nase afile? Ngaphindze ngabuka ngabona konkhe kucindzetelana lokwentiwako lapha ngaphansi kwemtfunti welilanga: Ngabona tinyembeti talabacindzetelwe, bate ngisho nemdvudvuti; emandla abengakubacindzeteli babo, kodvwa labo labacindzetelwe bate ngisho nemdvudvuti. Ngakhandza kutsi labafile bayajabula; labo lasebalala bancono kunalaba labaphilako. Kodvwa loncono kunabo bonkhe ngulowo losengakatalwa losengakawuboni lomonakalo lowenteka lapha ngaphansi kwemtfunti welilanga. Ngabona kutsi wonkhe umshikashika nako konkhe kuphumelela kwemuntfu kusukela ekuhawukeleni kwakhe lutfo kumakhelwane wakhe. Nako loko kulite, kufanana nekucosha umoya. Silima sigoca tandla, silambe size sife. Kuncono kubamba ngesandla sinye ube nekuthula emoyeni, kunekubamba emabhabha ngemshikashika nekucosha umoya. Ngaphindze futsi ngabona lokunye lokulite lapha ngaphansi kwemtfunti welilanga: Bekunemuntfu labehleti yedvwana, abengenandvodzana ate nemnakabo. Abeshikaneka siphelane ajinge angeneliseki ngebunjinga bakhe, watibuta watsi: “Empeleni ngikhandlekela bani? Ngitemukelani lokujabula?” Nako loko kulite, umsebenti lolusizi! Babili bancono kunamunye, ngobe batfola umvuzo lomuhle ngemsebenti wabo: Nakuwa lomunye wabo, lomngani wakhe uyamsita amsukumise, kodvwa maye kulowo muntfu loyedvwa, lotsi nakawa angabi naye lotamsita amsukumise. Kantsi futsi bantfu nabalele bababili bayafutfumetana; kodvwa umuntfu angatifutfumeta kanjani alele yedvwa? Nangabe umuntfu ayedvwa, angehlulwa nakahlaselwa; kantsi nabababili bangativikela. Intsambo lenemicu lemitsatfu ayisheshi idzabuke. Uncono umuntfu lomusha lophuyile nalohlakaniphile kunenkhosi lendzala lesilima nalengasatitsatsi teluleko. Umuntfu lomusha angaphuma ejele angene esihlalweni sebukhosi, nome abengulotelwe angulomphofu embusweni walenkhosi. Ngabona kutsi bonkhe bantfu labake baphila lapha ngaphansi kwemtfunti welilanga balandzela lona lomusha labetsetse sikhundla senkhosi. Bangaba banyenti kabi bantfu labangabuswa yinkhosi. Kodvwa itawutsi ingakhotsama, bantfu bangakubongi loko lekwentile. Nako loko kulite, kufanana nekucosha umoya. Caphela tinyatselo takho, nawuya endlini yaNkulunkulu. Ngobe kuncono kusondzela nekulalela kunekutsi unikele ngemhlatjelo wetilima, letingati kutsi ngekwenta loko tiyona. Ungasheshi ukhulume ngemlomo wakho, ungabi nematata enhlitiyweni yakho kutsi ukhulume nome yini kuNkulunkulu. Nkulunkulu usezulwini, wena usemhlabeni, ngako emavi akho akabe mbalwa. Njengobe liphupho likuhlasela nawuneminako leminyenti, kanjalo nenkhulumo yesilima ibonakala ngemavi lamanyenti. Nawenta sifungo kuNkulunkulu, ungacali wephute ekusifezeni. Akatijabuleli tilima; sifungo sakho sifeze. Kuncono kutsi ungasenti setsembiso kunekutsi usente ungabe usasifeza. Ungawuvumeli umlomo wakho kutsi ukuholele esonweni, bese ukhuluma engilosini yaNkulunkulu utsi: “Cha, loko ngikushito ngesiphosiso.” Kudzingeke ngani kutsi Nkulunkulu aze atfukutseliswe ngemavi akho nekutsi yonkhe imisebenti yakho ibe lite kuye? Kwandza kwemaphupho nemavi lamanyenti kulite. Ngako wena yesaba Nkulunkulu. Nawubona lophuyile acindzetelwe endzaweni letsite, asemukwe emalungelo akhe nekwehlulelwa ngebucotfo, kungakumangalisi loko. Lowo nalowo lophetse unemuntfu longetulu kwakhe, kantsi nalowo longetulu kwakhe unemuntfu longetulu kwabo bonkhe. Inala yemhlaba itfolwa ngibo bonkhe bantfu; ngisho nenkhosi imbala nayo iyabuyelwa nguloko lokutfolakala emhlabatsini. Umuntfu lotsandza imali akeneliseki ngayo; nemuntfu lotsandza bunjinga lobukhulu akeneliswa nguloko lakutfolile. Nako loko kulite. Ngekwandza kwetimphahla, nalabo labatisebentisako bayandza. Pho, timsita ngani-ke lomnikati ngaphandle kwekutsi atitsaphe ngemehlo? Maye, butfongo besisebenti bumnandzi, lite nome sidle kancane nome sidle sesutsa; kodvwa inala yemuntfu lonjingile ayimniki butfongo. Ngibone intfo lembi lelusizi lapha ngaphansi kwemtfunti welilanga: Umcebo lobutselwe ndzawonye bese usuka ulimata umnikati wawo, nome-ke lomcebo bese ulahleka ngelishwa lelitsite, nendvodzana yalomnikati ingasatfoli lutfo. Umuntfu uphuma angcunu esiswini senina, kanjalo nome asahamba, uyawuhamba angcunu. Kute layawukuphatsa ngesandla sakhe kuko konkhe lakusebentele. Nako loko kuyimvisabuhlungu: Kufika kwemuntfu kufanana nekuhamba kwakhe; utfolani-ke umuntfu, nangabe kantsi wonkhe lomshikashika wakhe ungumoya nje? Onkhe emalanga akhe udlela ebumnyameni, ngekukhatsateka lolukhulu, nelusizi, nelulaka. Ngase ngiyabona kutsi kuhle kutsi umuntfu adle, anatse, atijabulise ngayo yonkhe imisebenti yakhe layentako lapha ngaphansi kwemtfunti welilanga, atijabulise ngawo onkhe lawo malangana Nkulunkulu lamuphe wona kutsi awaphile ngaphansi kwemtfunti welilanga, ngobe loko kusabelo sakhe, ngetulu kwaloko kusipho saNkulunkulu kuye wonkhe umuntfu lamuphe bunjinga, nemcebo, nemandla, kutsi atijabulise ngako, asemukele leso sabelo sakhe, ajabule emsebentini wakhe. Ngobe akayikutikhumbula kakhulu tinsuku tekuphila kwakhe, ngobe phela Nkulunkulu umenta ahlale amatasatasa ngekujabula enhlitiyweni yakhe. Ngibone lenye intfo lembi lapha ngaphansi kwemtfunti welilanga, futsi ingumtfwalo lomatima kubantfu: Nkulunkulu upha umuntfu ingcebo, netimphahla letinyenti, nekuhlonipheka, kuze kutsi kubete lakweswelako lokufiswa yinhlitiyo yakhe, kodvwa Nkulunkulu angamvumeli kutsi atijabulise ngayo, esikhundleni saloko kube ngumfokati nje lotijabulisa ngayo. Nako loko kulite nemvisabuhlungu lembi. Indvodza ingaba nebantfwana labalikhulu, iphile iminyaka leminyenti; kodvwa nome ingaphila sikhatsi lesidze, ingakwati kutijabulisa ngetintfo letinhle tekuphila, bese kutsi ekugcineni ingabe insangcwatjwa nakahle, ngitsi umntfwana lotelwe asafile uncono kakhulu kunayo. Kutalwa kwakhe kulite, unyamalala ebumnyameni nelibito lakhe lifihlakale ebumnyameni. Nome angazange alibone lilanga, angazange ati nalutfo, kuphumula kwakhe kuncono kunekwaleyo ndvodza, lite nome leyo ndvodza ingaphila iminyaka leyinkhulungwane lephindvwe kabili, kodvwa ibe yehluleka kutijabulisa ngalengcebo yayo. Abayi ndzawonye bonkhe yini? Yonkhe imitamo yemuntfu ngeyekutfola kudla, noko lutsandvo lwekudla alweneliseki. Umuntfu lohlakaniphile uncono ngani kunemuntfu losilima? Umuntfu lophuyile utfolani ngekwati kutiphatsa kahle embikwebantfu? Kuncono kweneliswa nguloko lokubona ngemehlo akho kunekushangashangiswa lutsandvo lwekudla. Nako loko kulite, kufanana nekucosha umoya. Konkhe lokukhona sekwetsiwa libito lako, nemvelo yemuntfu iyatiwa. Kute umuntfu longamelana nalonemandla kunaye. Ngekwandza kwemavi, kwandza nebute bawo. Kona loko kumbuyiselani nje umuntfu? Empeleni ngubani longahle ati kutsi yini lenhle lefanele umuntfu kulokuphila, nakulamalangana lambalwa nalalite lendlula kuwo njengesitfunti? Ngubani nje longatjela lomunye umuntfu kutsi kutakwentekani lapha ngaphansi kwemtfunti welilanga nangasekho? Libito lelihle lincono kunemakha lamnandzi, nelilanga lekufa lincono kunelekutalwa. Kuncono kuya endlini lapho kulilwa khona kunekuya endlini lapho kunelidzili khona, ngobe kufa kusiphetfo sabo bonkhe bantfu; labo labaphilako kufanele bakufake enhlitiyweni yabo loko. Lusizi luncono kuneluhleko, ngobe buso lobudzabukile buyayilungela inhlitiyo. Inhlitiyo yalabahlakaniphile isendlini yalabalilako, kodvwa inhlitiyo yetilima isendlini yalabatsakasile. Kuncono kulalela nawekhutwa ngumuntfu lohlakaniphile kunekunaka kubongelelwa tilima. Njengekusasamba kwemanyeva nakasha ngaphansi kwelibhodo, lunjalo-ke neluhleko lwetilima. Nako loko kulite. Ngempela, inkhohliso yenta umuntfu lohlakaniphile abe silima; umdizo wonakalisa inhlitiyo nengcondvo. Siphetfo sentfo sincono kunesicalo sayo, nekubeketela kuncono kuneligcabho. Ungasheshi ucansuke emoyeni wakho, ngobe intfukutselo ihlala esifubeni sesilima. Ungabuti utsi: “Kwabangelwa yini kutsi tinsuku takadzeni tibe ncono kunaleti tetfu?” Ngobe akukahlakaniphi kubuta leyo mibuto. Kuhlakanipha kuyintfo lenhle njengelifa, kantsi futsi kusita labo labasabona lilanga. Kuhlakanipha kuyintfo yekukhosela njengobe nemali kuyintfo yekukhosela, kodvwa buhle belwati kutsi: Kuhlakanipha kuyawulondvolota kuphila kwemnikati wako. Cabangisisa ngemisebenti yaNkulunkulu. Ngubani longacondzisa loko lakwenta kwaba sigwegwe? Natintfo tihamba kahle, tsakasa; kodvwa natintfo tingahambi kahle, khumbula naku: Nkulunkulu ukuvumela kutsi kwenteke kokubili. Ngako-ke umuntfu angeke akwati kubona lutfo ngelikusasa lakhe. Kulokuphila kwami lokulite ngikubone kokubili loku: Umuntfu lolungile ufela ekulungeni kwakhe, nemuntfu lomubi uphila sikhatsi lesidze ebubini bakhe. Ungatenti umuntfu lolunge kakhulu, futsi ungabi ngulohlakaniphe kunabo bonkhe; empeleni utibulalelani nje? Ungatenti umuntfu lomubi kakhulu, kantsi futsi ungatenti silima kakhulu; empeleni ufunelani kufa, sikhatsi sakho sekufa singakefiki? Kuhle kutsi ukubambe loku, kodvwa ungakuyekeli-ke lokwa. Umuntfu lowesaba Nkulunkulu uyawuphumelela kuko konkhe. Kuhlakanipha kwenta umuntfu munye abe nemandla kakhulu kunebabusi belidolobha labalishumi. Kute nome munye umuntfu lolungile emhlabeni lowenta lokuhle kuphela, kubete lakonako. Ungawanaki onkhe emavi lakhulunywa bantfu, ungahle uve nesisebenti sakho sikuhlambalata, ngobe ngisho nawe wati kahle enhlitiyweni yakho kutsi kukanyenti kangakanani uhlambalata labanye bantfu. Konkhe loku ngakuhlolisisa ngekuhlakanipha, ngase ngitsi: “Ngitimisele kuba ngulohlakaniphile,” kodvwa loko bekungetulu kwemandla ami. Lokungiko sibili kukhashane kakhulu, kantsi futsi kujule kakhulu, ngubani longakutfola? Ngase ngijikisela ingcondvo yami ekufunisiseni kwati nasekuphenyisiseni kuhlakanipha nekuhleleka kwetintfo, nasekucondzisiseni bulima bebubi kanye nebuhlanya bebulima. Ngikhandza lokubaba kakhulu kunekufa: umfati lolugibe nalonenhlitiyo lengusochaka, yebo, umfati lotandla takhe titibopho. Indvodza lejabulisa Nkulunkulu iyawubaleka kuye, kodvwa indvodza lesoni uyakuyibamba. UMshumayeli utsi: “Ase ubuke naku lengikutfolile: Kuhlanganisa intfo lencane ngayinye ngayinye kulokunye, kuze ngitfole indzikimba. Ngatsi ngisaphenyisisa ngingatfoli lutfo, ngatfola indvodza yinye lecondzile kulayinkhulungwane, kodvwa kwabate ngisho namunye umfati locondzile kubo bonkhe. Naku kuphela lengikutfolile: kutsi Nkulunkulu wadala umuntfu, wamenta waba ngulocondzile, kodvwa bantfu besuka bayawufuna emachinga abo lamanyenti.” Ngubani umuntfu lonjengalohlakaniphile? Ngubani lowati inchazelo yetintfo? Inhlakanipho ikhanyisa buso bemuntfu igucule kunyukubala kwebuso bakhe. Ngitsi hlonipha umyalo wenkhosi ngenca yesifungo lowasenta kuNkulunkulu. Ungasheshi usuke embikwenkhosi. Ungacali futsi ukusukumele lokubi, ngobe itakwenta nome ngabe yini leyikutsandzako. Njengobe livi lenkhosi liyabusa, ngubani longasho kuyo atsi: “Yini lena loyentako?” Lohlonipha umyalo wenkhosi, kute lokungamfaka engotini. Umuntfu lohlakaniphile uyati enhlitiyweni yakhe sikhatsi lesilungile nendlela lekahle yekwenta tintfo. Ngobe yonkhe indzaba inesikhatsi sayo nendlela yayo, noko lusizi lwemuntfu luhlala lumatima etikwakhe. Njengobe kute umuntfu lowati likusasa lakhe kutsi limphatseleni, ngubani nje longasho kutsi yini letakwenteka? Kute umuntfu lonemandla ekubamba umoya, futsi kute nalonemandla ekujikisa lilanga lekufa kwakhe. Njengobe kute umuntfu lokhululekile nakuliwa imphi, kanjalo futsi nebubi bungeke bubakhulule labo lababentako. Konkhe loku ngakubona ngisacabangisisa ngako konkhe lokwenteka lapha ngaphansi kwemtfunti welilanga. Sikhona sikhatsi lapho umuntfu usuke atihlisibete etikwalabanye kantsi utilimata yena. Ngase ngabona lababi, babengcwatjwa, labo babephuma bangena endzaweni lengcwele babatjatwe badvunyiswe edolobheni lapho bebakwenta khona loko. Nako loko kulite. Ngenca yekutsi sigwebo sentfo lembi siyephuta kukhishwa, tinhlitiyo tebantfu setihlosa kwenta bubi ngesibindzi. Nome lomubi enta bubi kalikhulu, achubeke aphile sikhatsi lesidze, ngiyati kutsi kuyakubahambela kahle labo labesaba Nkulunkulu, bahloniphe Nkulunkulu. Kodvwa kungeke kubahambele kahle lababi, futsi imphilo yabo ingeke yeluleke njengematfunti, ngobe bangamesabi Nkulunkulu. Kukhona lokunye lokulite lokwentekako lapha emhlabeni: Kukhona bantfu labalungile labehlelwa nguloko lokufanele kwehlele lababi, kantsi futsi kukhona nalababi labehlelwa nguloko lokufanele kwehlele labalungile. Ngatsi nako loko kulite. Ngako mine ngincoma kutsi umuntfu kufanele atijabulise ngekuphila kwakhe, ngobe umuntfu ute lutfo loluhle lapha ngaphansi kwemtfunti welilanga, ngaphandle kwekutsi adle, anatse, atijabulise; ngobe loku kuyawuhlala kukuye kuwo wonkhe umshikashika wekuphila kwakhe, Nkulunkulu lamuphe wona lapha ngaphansi kwemtfunti welilanga. Ngatsi nangitimisela engcondvweni yami kufunisisa kwati nekuhlakanipha nekutfolisisa kutsi yini umshikashika lowentiwa ngumuntfu emhlabeni, angalali emini nebusuku, ngayibona yonkhe imisebenti yaNkulunkulu kutsi umuntfu angeke ayicondze yonkhe imisebenti leyentiwako lapha ngaphansi kwemtfunti welilanga. Nome umuntfu angatihlupha kangakanani afunisisa, angeke ayicondze; nome lohlakaniphile angatsi yena uyati, angeke ayicondze. Ngacabangisisa ngako konkhe loko, ngabona kutsi lolungile nalohlakaniphile nako konkhe labakwentako kusesandleni saNkulunkulu, nome kulutsandvo nome kuyinzondo; kute lowatiko. Konkhe lokusembikwabo kulite. Bonkhe banasiphetfo sinye: labalungile nalabangakalungi, labahle nalababi, labahlantekile nalabangcolile, labenta imihlatjelo nalabangayenti. Njengobe kunjalo kumuntfu lolungile, kuyawuba njalo nakulosoni; nanjengobe kunjalo kulabo labenta tifungo, kutawuba njalo nakulabo labesaba kutenta. Naku lokubi kuko lokwentekako lapha ngaphansi kwemtfunti welilanga: Bonkhe behlelwa siphetfo lesifananako. Ngetulu kwaloko tinhlitiyo tebantfu tigcwele bubi, kantsi kunebuhlanya etinhlitiyweni tabo basaphila, emvakwaloko bangena ekufeni. Kodvwa kulowo losabalelwa kulabaphilako litsemba lisekhona; khumbula kutsi inja lephilako incono kunelibhubesi lelifile. Liciniso, labaphilako bayati kutsi batakufa, kodvwa labafile abati lutfo; sebate umvuzo, abasakhunjulwa ngisho nekukhunjulwa. Kubo lutsandvo, nenzondo, nemona sekwaphela, bangeke baphindze babe nesabelo kuko konkhe lokwentiwako lapha emhlabeni. Hamba udle kudla kwakho ngenjabulo, unatse liwayini lakho ngenhlitiyo lejabulako, ngobe Nkulunkulu uyakuvumela kuloku lokwenta nyalo. Tembatfo takho atihlale timhlophe, nenhloko yakho ihlale igcotjiswe ngemafutsa enjabulo. Tijabulise ngekuphila nemfati wakho lomtsandzako, kuto tonkhe tinsuku letendlula ngekushesha, Nkulunkulu lakuphe tona lapha ngaphansi kwemtfunti welilanga. Ngobe phela loko sabelo sakho ekuphileni kwakho nasekukhandlekeni kwakho lapha ngaphansi kwemtfunti welilanga. Wonkhe umsebenti losetandleni takho wente ngemandla akho onkhe, ngobe ethuneni lapho uya khona, kute kusebenta, nekucabanga, nelwati kanye nekuhlakanipha. Kukhona lokunye lengikubonile lapha ngaphansi kwemtfunti welilanga: Ematubane lamakhulu akusiwo lenta umuntfu aphumelele emncintiswaneni, nemandla akusiwo lenta uncobe ekulweni, kantsi nekudla akutfolwa ngulabahlakaniphile bodvwa, nebunjinga abusibo balabakhaliphe ngengcondvo kuphela, nemphumelelo ayisiyo yalabanelikhono; kodvwa sikhatsi nematfuba kubehlela bonkhe. Ngetulu kwaloko kute umuntfu lowatiko kutsi sikhatsi sakhe siyawufika nini: Njengenhlanti ibanjwa enetheni, nenyoni igcotjwa sifu, kanjalo nebantfu babanjwa kufikelwa tikhatsi letimbi bangakaticapheli. Ngiphindze ngabona lokunye futsi lapha ngaphansi kwemtfunti welilanga, lekwaba sibonelo lesikhulu sekuhlakanipha kimi. Bekunelidolobha lelincane lelalinebantfu labambalwa kulo. Kwefika lenkhulu inkhosi lenemandla itekulihlasela, yalivimbetela, yakha takhiwo tekulihlasela lelidolobha. Kwakukhona indvodza lemphofu kulelo dolobha leyayinekuhlakanipha; yona yodvwa nje ngekuhlakanipha kwayo yalisindzisa lelidolobha. Kodvwa kwabate namunye lowakhumbula lutfo ngaleyo ndvodza. Ngako enhlitiyweni yami ngatsi: “Kuhlakanipha kuncono kunetikhwepha.” Kodvwa lokuhlakanipha kwalomuntfu lomphofu kwatsatselwa phansi, nemavi akhe akazange anakwe ngumuntfu. Umuntfu lohlakaniphile lokhuluma inhlitiyo yakhe ngalelipholile kuncono alalelwe kakhulu kunekulalela umphatsi lolibala kumemeta, anika imiyalo etilimeni. Kuhlakanipha kuncono kunetikhali temphi, kodvwa soni lesisodvwa sibhubhisa lokuhle lokukhulu, lokwentiwe kahle. Njengobe timphungane letifile tenta emakha abe neliphunga lelibi, kanjalo nebulima lobuncane nje benta kuhlakanipha neludvumo kulahlekelwe simo sako. Inhlitiyo yalohlakaniphile ibheke ekulungeni, kodvwa yesilima ibuke ebubini. Nome sihamba emgwacweni, silima asikhombisi ingcondvo, sihambe sikhombisa bonkhe bantfu kutsi singiso. Nangabe intfukutselo yembusi ikuvukela, ungawushiyi umsebenti wakho. Kutfobeka kulungisa emaphutsa lamakhulu. Kukhona bubi lengibubonile lapha ngaphansi kwemtfunti welilanga, sono lesentiwa ngumbusi: Tilima tifakwa etikhundleni letiphakeme, kutsi labakhulu nalabanjingile bafakwe kuletiphansi. Ngibone tigcili tigibele emahhashi, kwatsi bantfu labakhulu bahamba phansi ngetinyawo njengetigcili. Umuntfu lomba umgodzi angahle awele kuwo. Umuntfu lobhidlita lubondza angahle alunywe yinyoka. Umuntfu lomba ematje enkwali angahle alinyatwe ngiwo; lowo locheketa tingodvo angahle alinyatwe ngito. Nangabe lizembe lisidlindzi lingakacali lalolwa, umuntfu kudzingeka asebentise emandla lamakhulu; kodvwa likhono liletsa imphumelelo. Nangabe inyoka iluma ingakatfotjiswa, kute inzuzo kulowo mwungi wayo. Emavi laphuma emlonyeni wemuntfu lohlakaniphile amentela ludvumo, kodvwa silima sidliwa tindzebe taso. Ekucaleni emavi aso abulima, kutsi ekugcineni abe kwedzelela nebuhlanya; silima siba nemavi lamanyenti. Kodvwa ekugcineni kubate lowatiko kutsi yini letako. Ngubani nje longamtjela kutsi kutakwentekani emvakwakhe? Silima sitigugisa sona ngemisebenti yaso size sife, ngobe asiyati nendlela leya edolobheni. Nako kuwe wena live, nangabe sigcili sesigucuke saba yinkhosi yakho, kantsi nebantfwabenkhosi belive lakini badla lidzili ekuseni. Libusisiwe live, nangabe inkhosi yalo yatalwa ingulehlakaniphile, nebantfwabenkhosi balo badla ngesikhatsi lesingiso, labadlela emandla, hhayi kudzakwa. Nangabe umnikati wendlu avilapha, luphahla lwendlu yakhe luyahhibika; kantsi futsi nakayingileka nje, indlu yakhe igcina seyingenela. Lidzili lentelwa injabulo, neliwayini lenta kutsi kutsakaswe; kodvwa imali iyimphendvulo yako konkhe. Ungakhulumi kabi ngenkhosi, ngisho nangekucabanga kwakho, nangalonjingile ekamelweni lakho, ngobe inyoni yemoya ingahle iwetfwale emavi akho, nesitfunywa lesinemaphiko singahle sisho kutsi utsiteni. Jika sinkhwa sakho emantini, ngobe utawuphindze usitfole emvakwemalanga lamanyenti. Yaba timphahla takho tekutsengiswa kulabasikhombisa, yebo, kulabasiphohlongo, ngobe awati kutsi yini lengahle yehlele umhlaba. Nangabe emafu agcwele imvula, lemvula ayitfululela etikwemhlaba. Nangabe sihlahla siwe sabheka ngaseningizimu nome ngasenyakatfo, siyawulala ngaleyo ndlela lesiwe ngayo. Lowo lonaka umoya angeke aze ahlanyele; nalowo lolindzela emafu emvula angeke aze avune. Njengobe ungati kutsi umoya uvelaphi, nekutsi kwenteka kanjani kutsi umfati lotetfwele abe nemtimba lonemoya lophilako esiswini sakhe, kanjalo ungeke wati kutsi Nkulunkulu uMdali wako konkhe, usebenta kanjani. Ekuseni hlanyela inhlanyelo yakho, ungayekeli kusebenta lize liyewushona, ngobe awuyati lenguyona itawuphumelela, kutsi ngulena yini nome nguleyo, nome totimbili tiyawuphumelela kahle ngalokufananako. Kukhanya kwelilanga kumnandzi, nekubonakala kwenhlavu yelilanga kuyawajabulisa emehlo. Nangabe umuntfu aphiwe iminyaka leminyenti yekuphila emhlabeni, akatijabulise ngayo yonkhe, kodvwa noko akakhumbule kutsi ayeta emalanga lamanyenti ebumnyama. Konkhe lokutako kuyawuba lite lelite. Jabula jaha, ebusheni bakho, inhlitiyo yakho ayikujabulise ngemalanga ebusha bakho. Landzela tindlela tenhlitiyo yakho nako konkhe lokubonwa ngemehlo akho; kodvwa ukhumbule kutsi Nkulunkulu uyawukwehlulela ngako konkhe lokwentile. Ngako-ke cosha kungeneliseki engcondvweni yakho, utsintsitse tinhlupheko emtimbeni wakho, ngobe busha nekucala kwemphilo kulite nje. Khumbula uMdali wakho etinsukwini tebusha bakho, tinsuku tekuhlupheka tisengakefiki, neminyaka isengakasondzeli lapho uyawusho ngayo utsi: “Kuphila angisakujabuleli.” Mkhumbule yena, lilanga, nekukhanya, nenyanga netinkhanyeti kusengakafiphali, nemafu asengakabuyeli emvakwemvula. Ngaleso sikhatsi balindzi bendlu bayawutfutfumela, nemadvodza lanemandla ayawutfotfobala, lapho basili bayakuyekela kusila, ngobe nalabo basili bayawube sebambalwa; nalabo labalunguta ngemafasitelo bangabe basahlola; ngesikhatsi neminyango lephumela esitaladini seyivalekile, nemsindvo wesigayo sewushabalala; ngesikhatsi bantfu bavuswa kuntjilota kwenyoni, nalokuhlabelela kwato sekuvakala kancane, ngesikhatsi bantfu besaba konkhe lokuphakeme, kanye netingoti tasetitaladini, ngesikhatsi tihlahla te-alimondi setichakaza, nentsetse itotoba endleleni yayo, nenkhabunkhabu iphela. Umuntfu uya ekhaya lakhe laphakadze, labalilako bazulazula etitaladini. Mkhumbule yena, intsambo yakho yesiliva isengakadzabuki, nesitja segolide sisengakaphahlaki, imbita yemanti isengakaphahlaki ngasemtfonjeni wemanti, nelisondvo lingakephukeli ngasemtfonjeni. Mkhumbule yena, lutfuli lusengakabuyeli emhlabatsini, lapho lwatsatfwa khona, nemoya usengakabuyeli kuNkulunkulu lowawuniketa. UMshumayeli utsi: “Lite lelite, konkhe kulite.” Wachubeka kanjalo-ke uMshumayeli afundzisa bantfu ngekuhlakanipha kwakhe konkhe lakwatiko naye. Abecabangisisa aphenyisise, aphindze atihlelise kahle taga letinyenti engcondvweni yakhe, bese uphenyisisa kutsi angatimisa kanjani. Abewahlela kahle emavi akhe kuze abe mnandzi, kodvwa loko lakubhala kwakuliciniso lodvwa. Taga tebantfu labahlakaniphile tinemavi lakhalipha njengentjumentju yemelusi, nanjengetipikili letishayelwe tacina, tinjalo taga natihlanganiswe ndzawonye, ngobe bavela kumelusi munye. Ndvodzana yami, caphela kungabikho lokwengetekako. Kubhalwa kwetincwadzi kungeke kuphele, kantsi nekufundza kakhulu kuyawudzinisa umtimba. Konkhe sekuvakele. Nasi-ke siphetfo sendzaba: Yesaba Nkulunkulu, ugcine imiyalo yakhe, kute lokunye lokungetulu kwaloko lokudzingekako kumuntfu. Ngobe Nkulunkulu uyakuyehlulela yonkhe imisebenti lesiyentile, ngisho nalokufihlakele lesikwentako, nome kuhle nome kubi. Ingoma yetingoma yaSolomoni. Akangicabuze ngekwanga kwemlomo wakhe, ngobe lutsandvo lwakho lumnandzi, kwendlula liwayini. Liyajabulisa liphunga lemakha akho; libito lakho linjengemakha latfululwako. Nguko nje tintfombi tikutsandza kangaka! Ngitsatse ngihambe nawe, asisheshise! Inkhosi ayingingenise esigodlweni sayo. Siyajabula sikutsakasele; sitaludvumisa lutsandvo lwakho, siludvumise kwendlula liwayini. Kufanele kutsi bakutsandze. Ngiluhlata, kodvwa ngiyatsandzeka, awu, madvodzakati aseJerusalema, ngiluhlata njengemathende aseKhedari; yebo, njengetindvwangu temathende aSolomoni. Ningangibukisisi ngobe ngiluhlata, ngobe ngifuswe lilanga. Emadvodzana amake angitfukutselela, angenta ngalindza tivini, sakami sivini ngasiyekelela. Ngitjele-ke, wena lengikutsandzako, ngukuphi lapho udlisa khona umhlambi wakho, nalapho tihlabulela khona timvu takho emini. Kudzingeke ngani kutsi ngifanane nemfati longaphansi kweveyili, ngehle ngenyuka ngasemihlambini yebangani bakho? Nangabe awati, wena mfati lomuhle kakhulu, landzela etinyatselweni temhlambi wetimvu, uyewudlisa khona emazinyane etimbuti ngasemathendeni ebelusi. Sitsandvwa sami, ngitakufananisa nelihhashi lelisikati leliboshelwe kulenye yetincola taFaro. Tihlatsi takho timomondziya nje nase tinemacici, nentsamo yakho nase yegatjiswe ingcibo. Sitakwentela emacici egolide lahlotjiswe ngesiliva. Kwatsi inkhosi isesetafuleni layo, emakha ami ayitsela ngeliphunga lelimnandzi. Longitsandzako unjengemgodla wemakha emure kimi, lolele emkhatsini wemabele ami. Lotsandzekako wami, usicheke setimbali tehena kimi, letivela etivinini tase-Eni Gedi. Maye, umuhle, sitsandvwa sami bo! Awu, maye, mahle emehlo akho! Kimi angematuba. Maye, umuhle, sitsandvwa sami bo! Awu, maye, kona uyakhanga! Yebo, nembhedze wetfu utsite klaba! Emakabha endlu yetfu angimisedari; imishayo yetfu ingimisayiphuresi. Ngiyimbali yaseSharoni, umnduze wetigodzi. Njengemnduze emkhatsini wemanyeva, unjalo lotsandzekako wami emkhatsini wetintfombi. Njengesihlahla semahhabhula emkhatsini wetihlahla telihlatsi, unjalo lotsandzekako wami emkhatsini wemajaha. Ngiyakujabulela kuhlala emtfuntini wakhe, nesitselo sakhe siyanongotela, nangisinambitsa. Ungitsetse wangiyisa endlini yelidzili, luphawu lwakhe kimi bekulutsandvo. Ngiciniseni ngemagelebisi lomisiwe, ningihlumelelise ngemahhabhula, ngobe ngiyafa lutsandvo. Umkhono wakhe wangesancele ungumcamelo wenhloko yami, nemkhono wakhe wangesekudla uyangigona. Ngiyaniyala, madvodzakati aseJerusalema, ngetimphala nangetinyamatane letinsikati tesiganga, ngitsi: Ningaluvusi lutsandvo, futsi ningalunyakatisi, luze lutivukele lona. Lalela, nasi sitsandvwa sami! Bukela, nanguya eta angcabisha engca etintsabeni, agiya etikwemagcuma. Longitsandzako unjengemphala nanjengelitfole lemgankla. Bukela! Nango phela aseme emvakwelubondza lwakitsi, uhlola ngemafasitelo, alungute ngetikhala telutsango. Longitsandzako wakhuluma kimi, watsi: “Sukuma, sitsandvwa sami, lotsandzekako wami, wota sambe. Buka la, busika sebendlulile, timvula setendlulile, atisekho. Timbali setiyamila emhlabeni, sekufike sikhatsi sekuhlabela, nekububula kwematuba sekuvakele kulelive letfu. Sihlahla semkhiwa sesitsela titselo taso tekucala, nemivini lebhahelako itsela liphunga layo lelimnandzi. Sukuma sambe, sitsandvwa sami, sitsandvwa sami lesihle, asambe nawe.” Tuba lami lelisemifantfwini yemadvwala, etindzaweni tekubhaca emaceleni etintsaba, ngikhombise buso bakho, ungivise neliphimbo lakho; ngobe liphimbo lakho liyanongotela, nebuso bakho buyatsandzeka. Sibambeleni timphungutja, timphungutja letincane, ngobe ngito letibhubhisa tivini, yebo, tivini tetfu letibhahelako. Longitsandzako wami ngedvwa; nami ngiwakhe yedvwa, udlisa umhlambi wakhe emkhatsini weminduze. Kuze kudzabuke kusa, kubaleke titfunti, buya, wena longitsandzako, bani njengemphala nanjengemgankla losemncane nawusemagcumeni langemahhelekehle. Onkhe emalanga ebusuku, nangilele embhedzeni wami, bengimfuna lowo lotsandvwa yinhlitiyo yami; ngamfuna, kodvwa angizange ngimtfole. Ngitawuvuka-ke nyalo, ngiyewuyaluka nasedolobheni, etitaladini talo nasetinkhundleni talo. Ngiyawuphenya lowo lotsandvwa yinhlitiyo yami. Ngako ngamfunisisa, kodvwa angimtfolanga. Balindzi basebusuku bangitfola ngesikhatsi bajikeleta ekhatsi edolobheni. Ngatsi kubo: “Nimbonile yini lotsandvwa yinhlitiyo yami?” Ngatsi nje ngitsi shelele kubo, ngase ngiyamtfola lotsandvwa yinhlitiyo yami. Ngamgaca ngemikhono ngamnkonkoshela, ngangabe ngisamyekela, ngaze ngayawumngenisa endlini ketfu, endlini yalowo lowangetfwala. Ngiyaniyala, madvodzakati aseJerusalema, ngetimphala nangetinyamatane letinsikati tesiganga, ngitsi: Ningaluvusi lutsandvo, futsi ningalunyakatisi, luze lutivukele lona. Ngubani loya lokhuphuka achamuka ehlane, lofanana nensika yentfutfu, lotsaphuka emakha emure newemphepho leyakhiwe ngato tonkhe tinongo temhwebi? Bukela! Sihlalo saSolomoni lesetfwalwako, sisingatfwe tingwazi letingema-60, emadvodza lahlonipheke kakhulu ka-Israyeli, onkhe ahlome ngetinkemba, onkhe bokadzebona etimphini, nguleyo ifake inkemba yayo engculwini, ilungele kulwa nalokwesabisanako kwasebusuku. Inkhosi Solomoni yatakhela leso sihlalo: Yasakha ngetingodvo taseLebanoni. Tinsika taso watakha ngesiliva, kwatsi liphansi laso walenta ngegolide. Sihlalo sona sentiwa ngalokubukhwebeletane; lonkhe lingekhatsi laso lakhiwa ngebunono, lakhiwa ngetintfombi taseJerusalema. Phumani, nine madvodzakati aseSiyoni, nitewubukela inkhosi Solomoni, nasafake umchele wakhe, umchele lawetfweswa ngunina ngelilanga lagidzisa ngalo umfati, mhlazana inhlitiyo yakhe ijabulile. Maye, umuhle, sitsandvwa sami! Maye, umuhle bo! Emehlo akho ngaphansi kweveyili yakho afanana nematuba. Tinwele takho tifanana nemhlambi wetimbuti, yebo, wetimbuti natehla eNtsabeni iGileyadi. Ematinyo akho afanana nemhlambi wetimvu letisandza kuhhulwa, natikhuphuka ekugezweni. Nguleyo ihamba naleyo leliphahla kanye nayo, kute nayinye lehamba ngayodvwa. Tindzebe temlomo wakho tinjengetincotfo letiboshiwe letibovu, umlomo wakho uyatsandzeka. Tinhlafuno takho ngaphansi kweveyili yakho tinjengetincetu temahananandza. Intsamo yakho injengembhoshongo waDavide, lowakhiwe ngemihlobiso, uyindingilizi, kuwo kulenga emahawu layinkhulungwane, onkhe angemahawu etingwazi tasemphini. Emabele akho lamabili anjengemazinyane lamabili, yebo, njengemazinyane langemaphahla emphala, ladla emkhatsini weminduze. Kudzimate kudzabuke kusa, titfunti tibaleka, ngiyawukhuphukela entsabeni yemure nasegcumeni lemphepho. Umuhle wonkhe, sitsandvwa sami; kute nalesincane sici kuwe. Wota nami sisuke eLebanoni, makoti wami, wota sambe nawe lapha eLebanoni. Yehla esicongweni sase-Amana, esicongweni saseSeniri, ingcongwane yeHemoni, sisuke emhumeni wemabhubesi, nakuso sidleke sekudlalela tingwe. Uyitfumbile inhlitiyo yami, dzadzewetfu, makoti wami. Uyitfumbile inhlitiyo yami ngekungikha kanye nje ngemehlo akho, ngelucu lunye nje lwengcibe yentsamo yakho. Maye, lumnandzi bo lutsandvo lwakho, dzadzewetfu, makoti wami. Lujabulisa kangakanani-ke lutsandvo lwakho kuneliwayini, neliphunga lemakha akho limnandzi kunelesinongo! Tindzebe temlomo wakho tintfontsa kunongotela lokunjengekweluju lwetinyosi, makoti wami. Lubisi neluju kungaphansi kwelulwimi lwakho. Kutsaphuka kwemakha etingubo takho kunjengalokwa kwaseLebanoni. Utungeletwe ngelutsango njengengadze, dzadzewetfu, makoti wami. Usiyalu lesakhelwe lutsango, umtfombo lobekwe luphawu. Tilimo takho tilihlatsi lemahananandza lanetitselo telikhetselo, nehena, nenadi, inadi nesafroni, ikalamu nesinamoni, nayo yonkhe inhlobo yesihlahla semphepho, nesemure, nesenhlaba, nato tonkhe tinandzisi leticolisakele. Ngingumtfombo wasengadzeni, siyalu semanti lagobhotako, lageleta ehla esuka eLebanoni. Vuka, moya wasenyakatfo, ute nawe, moya waseningizimu! Hhusha etikwengadze yami, kuze kutsaphuka kwemakha ayo kwandze kabanti. Longitsandzako akete engadzeni yakhe atewunambitsa titselo tayo telikhetselo. Sengifikile engadzeni yami, dzadzewetfu, mntfwanaketfu, ngibutse imure yami nemakha ami. Ngiludlile luhlanga lwami lwetinyosi neluju; sengilinatsile liwayini lami nelubisi lwami. Dlanini, bomngami, ninatse; natsisisani lutsandvo, nine titsandzani. Ngalala, kodvwa inhlitiyo yami ayizange seyibutsi cutfu butfongo. Lalela! Longitsandzako uyanconcotsa, utsi: “Ngivulele, dzadzewetfu, sitsandvwa sami, tuba lami, wena longenasici wami. Inhloko yami seyinetfwe ngematolo, tinwele tami tinemswakama wasebusuku.” Ngiwukhumulile umjiva wami, ngiphindze ngiwembatse yini? Ngitigezile tinyawo tami, ngiphindze ngitingcolise yini? Longitsandzako wami wase ufaka sandla sakhe esikhaleni semnyango, inhlitiyo yami yase icala kumhawukela. Ngase ngiyavuka ngayawuvulela longitsandzako wami; sandla sami sasintfontsa imure, tingalo tami tigeleta imure, lapha etibambeni tesivalo. Ngamvulela longitsandzako wami, kodvwa longitsandzako wami abesahambile, angasekho. Inhlitiyo yami yayiphumele kuye ngesikhatsi akhuluma. Ngamfuna, kodvwa angizange ngimtfole. Ngambita, kodvwa akazange asabele. Balindzi basebusuku bangitfola ngesikhatsi bajikeleta ekhatsi edolobheni. Bangidzindza ngendvuku, bangilimata; bangemuka lijazi lami, labo balindzi betibondza! Ngiyaniyala, madvodzakati aseJerusalema, nanimtfola longitsandzako, nitamtjela kutsini? Nibomtjela kutsi ngiyafa lutsandvo. Unjani yena lona lotsandzekako wakho, uncono yini kunalabanye, wena lomuhle kunabo bonkhe besifazane? Kantsi lomkhwenyane wakho muhle kwendlula bonkhe yini, lokwekutsi ungaze usitjele kanjalo? Longitsandzako wami uyakhanga ngelibala; uyabonakala ngisho nome sebahlangene baba tinkhulungwane letilishumi. Inhloko yakhe iyigolide lecengiwe cobo; tinwele takhe tiyakhephuka njengemagagasi, kantsi timnyama njengelihhwabayi. Emehlo akhe anjengematuba langasemitfonjeni yemanti, agezwe ngelubisi, ahleti ngasemfuleni. Tihlatsi takhe tinjengemibhedze yetitfombo tetinandzisi letitsaphukisa liphunga lato. Tindzebe temlomo wakhe tinjengeminduze lentfontsa emakha emure. Imikhono yakhe injengemigcala yegolide lokufakwe kuyo ematje laligugu. Umtimba wakhe ushelela njengematinyo endlovu, uhlotjiswe ngemasafire. Imilente yakhe ifanana netinsika letibatwe ngelitje lelimhlophe, letibekwe etisekelweni tegolide lecengekile. Lutsi lwemtimba wakhe lufanana neLebanoni, likhetselo lemisedari yayo. Umlomo wakhe ukunongotela cobo lwako; yena empeleni muhle ngalokuphelele. Lowo-ke ngulongitsandzako wami, ungumngani wami, nine madvodzakati aseJerusalema. Uyephi lolokutsandzako wakho, wena lomuhle kunabo bonkhe besifazane? Ujikele ngakuyiphi indlela lona lokutsandzako wakho, khona sitekufunisa yena? Longitsandzako wami wehlele engadzeni yakhe, emibhedzeni yetitfombo tetinandzisi, kuyekwelusa umhlambi wakhe etingadzeni kanye nekubutsa iminduze. Mine ngiwalongitsandzako wami, yedvwa; nalongitsandzako wami, ungewami ngedvwa, welusa umhlambi wakhe emkhatsini weminduze. Umuhle, sitsandvwa sami, unjengeThisa, umuhle njengeJerusalema, uhlonipheke njengemabutfo laphetse imijekwa yawo. Susa emehlo akho kimi, ayangisindza. Tinwele takho tinjengemhlambi wetimbuti natewuka tehla eGileyadi. Ematinyo akho anjengemhlambi wetimvu natikhuphuka tiphuma ekugezweni. Nguleyo naleyo ihamba naleliphahla kanye nayo, kute nayinye lehamba ngayodvwa. Tinhlafuno takho ngaphansi kweveyili yakho tinjengetincetu temahananandza. Kungaba nemakhosikati langema-60, nemaphovela langema-80, netintfombi letingenakubalwa, kodvwa lituba lami, lowakheke kahle wami, yena wehluke yedvwa ngebuhle, uyindvodzakati leyodvwa kunina, ligcabi lalowo lowalitala. Tintfombi tatsi natimbona, tambita tatsi ungulobusisiwe; emakhosikati nemaphovela amdvumisa. Ngubani lona lochamuka njengekusa lomuhle njengenyeti, akhanye njengelilanga, atsatse emehlo njengetinkhanyeti ekushulunganeni kwato? Ngehlela entansi ensimini yemantongomane, kuyawubuka kuhluma lokusha esigodzini, ngiyewubuka kutsi imivini seyidvumbile yini nemahananandza kutsi abesabhahela yini. Ngatsi ngingakacapheli, kulangatela kwami kwangibeka emkhatsini wetincola tebukhosi tebantfu bami. Buya, buya, wena ntfombi yaseShulami; buya, buya, khona sitekubuka! Nitayibukelani intfombi yaseShulami, igidza emkhatsini wemabutfo lamabili? Maye, tinhle tinyawo takho kuleto tincabule tato, awu, ndvodzakati yemntfwanenkhosi! Ematsanga akho atindingilizi njengemachuzu, umsebenti wesandla sachwephesha. Inkhaba yakho isiyingiliti injengenkomishi lengenasibambo lengahlali ingenalo liwayini leliphiswe kahle. Sisu sakho siyindvundvuma yakolo letungeletwe ngiminduze. Emabele akho anjengemazinyane lamabili, yebo, emaphahla emphala. Intsamo yakho injengembhoshongo lowakhiwe ngematinyo endlovu. Emehlo akho angemachibi aseHeshboni ngasesangweni laseBhathi Rabhimu. Likhala lakho linjengembhoshongo waseLebanoni lobuke ngaseDamaseko. Inhloko yakho iyakuchelisa njengeNtsaba iKhameli. Tinwele takho tinjengendvwangu lebukhwebeletane yebukhosi, inkhosi ibanjwe njengesigcili, ikhangwa ngimichino yato. Maye, umuhle, kantsi futsi uyajabulisa, awu, sitsandvwa, ngebuhle bakho! Lutsi lwemtimba wakho lunjengesihlahla selisundvu, nemabele akho anjengetitfungo tetitselo. Ngatsi: “Ngitasekhwela lesihlahla selisundvu, ngitatikha titselo taso.” Shangatsi emabele akho angaba njengetikhehle temavini, kutsaphuka kwemakha ekuphefumula kwakho kube njengemahhabhula, nemlomo wakho ube njengeliwayini lelendlula tonkhe tinhlobo. Shangatsi liwayini lingacondza ngco kulongitsandzako wami, lishelele kamnandzi etindzebeni takhe temlomo nasematinyweni akhe. Mine ngiwalongitsandzako, naye uyangilangatelela. Wota, wena longitsandzako, sambe siye esigangeni, busuku asibucitsele emitini. Asivuke ekuseni siye etivinini siyewubona kutsi tihlahla temivini atikadvumbi yini, nekutsi imidvumba yato seyichakazile yini, nekutsi emahananandza asabhahele yini wona, ngulapho-ke ngitakunikela khona lutsandvo lwami. Emamandraki asatsaphuka emakha awo, nangasemnyango wetfu kunabo bonkhe bunandzi, lobusha nalobudzala, lengisolo ngabulondvolotela wena, sitsandvwa sami. Kube mane bewungumnaketfu lowamunya bele linye nami kumake! Lapho-ke kube bengingakukhandza ungaphandle, bengitawuvele ngikucabuze, bekuyawubate ngisho namunye labeyakungedzelela. Bengitakuhola ngikumikise endlini ketfu, lapho bewutangifundzisa khona. Bengiyakukunika liwayini lelivangiwe kutsi ulinatse, emanti lamnandzi emahananandza ami. Umkhono wakhe wangesancele ungumcamelo wenhloko yami, nemkhono wakhe wangesekudla uyangigona. Ngiyaniyala, madvodzakati aseJerusalema, ngitsi: Ningaluvusi lutsandvo, futsi ningalunyakatisi, luze lutivukele lona. Ngubani lona lochamuka ehlane eyeme kulamtsandzako? Ngakuvusa ngaphansi kwesihlahla semahhabhula; ngulapho-ke lapho unyoko akwemitsela khona, ngulapho-ke lona labephetfwe ngumhelo, akubelekela khona. Ngibeke njengeluphawu etikwenhlitiyo yakho, yebo, njengeluphawu emkhonweni wakho; ngobe lutsandvo lunemandla njengekufa, sikhwele salo asitfobiseki, sinjengelithuna. Lushisa njengemlilo lovutsako, yebo, njengelilangabi lelinemandla. Emanti lamanyenti ngeke alucime lutsandvo, nemifula ingeke ilukhukhule. Nome ngabe umuntfu abenganikela ngawo wonkhe umcebo wasekhaya lakhe kuze atewutsenga lutsandvo, loko bekuyawuba yinhlekisa yodvwa nje. Sinadzadzewetfu lomncane, usengakaphumi ngisho nemabele. Siyakwenta njani ngalodzadzewetfu, nangabe kukhona lofuna kumenta umkakhe? Nangabe yena alubondza, etikwakhe sitakwakha imibhoshongo yesiliva; nangabe yena asivalo, sitamvalela ngemicabo yemisedari. Ngilubondza, emabele ami anjengemibhoshongo. Ngako-ke emehlweni akhe sengibe ngumuntfu loletsa kweneliseka. Solomoni abenensimi yemivini eBhali Hamoni; wase ucashisa lesivini sakhe kubacashi. Kwakufanele kube ngulowo nalowo aletse loko lokusitselo saso, kube tinhlavu tesiliva letiyinkhulungwane. Kodvwa lesi sivini sami, ngimi lengingephana ngaso; awu, Solomoni, letinhlavu takho letiyinkhulungwane, kantsi tinhlavu letingema-200 talabo labanakekela titselo taso. Wena lohlala etingadzeni uhlale nebangani labakusingatsile, ngivise liphimbo lakho! Phumela ebaleni, wena longitsandzako, bani njengemgankla, nome-ke njengelizinyane lenyamatane, etintsabeni letigcwele emakha. Lona ngumbono lowabonwa ngu-Isaya, umsa wa-Amose, ngebakaJuda nangebaseJerusalema ngesikhatsi kusabusa bo-Uziya, naJothamu, na-Ahazi, naHezekiya, emakhosi akaJuda. Lalelani, nine mazulu! Lalela nawe, mhlaba! Ngobe Simakadze sewukhulume, watsi: “Bantfwabami ngibondlile ngabakhulisa, kodvwa sebangihlamukile. Inkhabi iyamati umniyo, nembongolo sibaya semniyo, kodvwa Israyeli akati lutfo, sive sami asicondzi.” Awu, sive lesonako, bantfu labasindvwa kona, nine ntalelwane yalabenta lokubi, bantfwana labasimilo sabo sonakele. Simakadze sebamshiyile; bamhlubukile Longcwele waka-Israyeli, bagucuka bamfulatsela. Kona nisashayelwani nje? Nisachubekelani nekuhlubuka? Inhloko yenu yonkhe ilimele, nenhlitiyo yenu yonkhe ishayiwe. Kusukela elutwaneni lwelunyawo lwenu kuze kuyewufika enhloko yenu, kute nakunye lokukahle, kugcwele emanceba, nemihuzuko, netilondza letikhamisile, lekungazange kugezwe nome kuboshwe kubuye kugcotjiswe ngemafutsa. Live lenu selilihlane, emadolobha enu asashiswe ngemlilo; bachamuki batsatsa sivuno semasimi enu embikwenu nibuka. Live lenu selilihlane, labhujiswa ngabo. INdvodzakati yaseSiyoni seyisele njengendlu yekukhosela esivinini, nanjengelichugwana ensimini yemajoti, yebo, njengelidolobha lelivinjetelwe. Kube Simakadze longuSomandla akasishiyelanga insali, ngabe sesifanana neSodoma, yebo, ngabe sesifanana neGomora. Lalelani livi laSimakadze, nine babusi baseSodoma; lalelani imfundziso yaNkulunkulu wetfu, nine bantfu baseGomora! Simakadze utsi: “Lemihlatjelo yenu leminyenti iyini lapha kimi? Sengesutsi ngiminikelo yekushiswa yetihhanca neyemanoni etifuyo letikhuluphalisiwe, futsi angijatjuliswa yingati yetinkunzi, neyemazinyane etimvu neyetiphongo. Nisuke nicelwe ngubani kutsi ningiletsele leminikelo, nanitengikhonta? Ngubani lonicele kutsi nitekudzidzitela lapha ethempelini? Khawulani kuletsa iminikelo lengasho lutfo! Imphepho yenu isinengiso kimi. Imikhosi yenu yekwetfwasa kwenyanga, nemaSabatha, nemihlangano yenu yekukhonta, ngingeke ngiyibeketelele lemihlangano yenu lemibi. Emadzili enu ekwetfwasa kwenyanga nalawo madzili leniwenta ngetikhatsi tawo umphefumulo wami uyawatondza. Asangumtfwalo kimi; sengidziniwe kuwetfwala. Naniphakamisa tandla tenu niteneka, nithandaza, ngiyakuwafihla emehlo ami kini; nome senenta imithandazo leminyenti kangakanani, ngingeke ngiyilalele. Tandla tenu tigcwele ingati; gezani, nibe ngulabahlantekile. Susani tento tenu letimbi embikwami! Yekelani kwenta lokubi, nifundze kwenta lokulungile! Funani umtsetfocotfo, nikhutsate labacindzetelwe. Vikelani labo labate boyise, niyimele indzaba yemfelokati.” Simakadze utsi: “Wotani manje sitewubonisana. Nome tono tenu tibovu njengengati, titawuba mhlophe njengangcocwane, nome tibovu tju, titawuba mhlophe njengeboya bemvu. Nangabe nivuma futsi nilalela, niyawudla sivuno lesihle kakhulu selive; kodvwa nanicinisa tinhloko nihlubuka, nitawudliwa yinkemba.” Umlomo waSimakadze sewukukhulumile loko. Ase nibuke kutsi lelidolobha lebeletsembekile seligucuke laba yingwadla kanjani! Lona lake lagcwala umtsetfocotfo, belilikhaya lekulunga, kodvwa manje seligcwele babulali! Isiliva yenu seyigucuke yaba ngemanyela, liwayini lenu selidvungwe ngemanti. Babusi benu babahlubuki, babangani bemasela; bonkhe batsandza imidizo, balandzelana netipho. Ababavikeli labo labate boyise; ngisho nendzaba yemfelokati abayinaki. Ngako-ke iNkhosi Simakadze lenguSomandla, lowo longuMnikati Wemandla waka-Israyeli utsi: “Awu, ngitake ngiphumule etitseni tami, ngitiphindzisele kulabangitondzako. Ngitawugucula sandla sami, ngimelane nani, ngitawacengisisa onkhe emanyela enu, ngisuse konkhe kungcola kwenu. Ngitawubuyisela tikhulu tenu tifanane naleto beninato ekucaleni, ngibuyisele beluleki benu, bafanane nalabo beninabo ekucaleni. Emvakwaloko nitawubitwa ngekutsi: Lidolobha Lekulunga, Lidolobha Leletsembekile.” ISiyoni itawuhlengwa ngekwemtsetfocotfo, labatisolako bahlengwe ngekulunga. Kodvwa bahlubuki netoni bayawufohlotwa bonkhe kanyekanye, nalabo labalahla Simakadze bayawubhubha. “Niyakudliwa ngemahloni ngenca yema-okhi latithico, lese nitijabulise ngawo; niyawuhlazeka ngenca yetingadze tekukhontela tithico, lese nitikhetsile. Niyawufanana nesihlahla se-okhi lesinemacembe labunako, nibe njengengadze lete emanti. Emadvodza lanemandla ayawuba timbhaca, umsebenti wawo ufanane nenhlase: kokubili kuyawusha ndzawonye, kubete longawucisha lowo mlilo.” Leli livi lelefika ku-Isaya, umsa wa-Amose, mayelana nesive sakaJuda nesaseJerusalema: Ngemalanga ekugcina intsaba yelithempeli laSimakadze iyawucina, ibe ngulephakeme kwendlula tonkhe tintsaba; iyawuphakanyiswa ibe ngetulu kwemagcuma, tonkhe tive tiyawubekelela tiye kuyo tingasakhawuli. Bantfu labanyenti bayawufika batsi: “Wotani, senyukele entsabeni yaSimakadze, endlini yaNkulunkulu waJakobe. Utasifundzisa tindlela takhe, khona sitewuhamba emikhondvweni yakhe.” Ngobe umtsetfo uyawuphuma eSiyoni, livi laSimakadze liphume eJerusalema. Uyakwehlulela emkhatsini wetive, acatulule imibango yetive letinyenti. Tona-ke tiyawukhandza tinkemba tato, titente tibe ngemakhuba, tikhali tato tibe tikelo tekutsena tihlahla. Sive singeke sihlasele lesinye ngenkemba, futsi tive tingeke tisaceceshelwa kulwa imphi. Kota, wenandlu yakaJakobe, sitewuhamba ekukhanyeni kwaSimakadze. Ubalahlile bantfu bakho, indlu yakaJakobe, ngobe sebagcwele bungoma basemphumalanga; bagcwele nekuphengula njengemaFilisti, bamdzibimunye nemahedeni. Live labo ligcwele isiliva negolide; ingcebo yabo ayinasiphetfo. Live labo ligcwele emahhashi; tincola temphi tinyenti kakhulu. Live labo ligcwele tithico; bakhotsamela umsebenti wetandla tabo, loko lokwentiwe ngemino yabo. Ngako umuntfu utakwehliswa neluntfu lonkhe lutfotjiswe, ungabatsetseleli. Hambani niyewungena emadvwaleni, nibhace elutfulini, nibalekele kwesabeka kwaSimakadze nebumengemenge bebukhosi bakhe! Emehlo ebantfu labatikhukhumetako ayawutfotjiswa, kutsi kutigcabha kwebantfu kwehliswe; Simakadze yena yedvwa uyawuphakanyiswa ngalelo langa. Simakadze longuSomandla umise lilanga, ulibekele bonkhe labatigcabhako nalabatiphakamisako, nako konkhe lokuphakanyisiwe, kuze kutfotjiswe; lilanga lelibekelwe yonkhe imisedari yaseLebanoni, lephakeme naletiphakamisako, futsi libekelwe onkhe ema-okhi aseBhashani; lilanga lelimiselwe tonkhe tintsaba letiphakeme, futsi limiselwe onkhe emagcuma laphakeme; lilanga lelibekelwe yonkhe imibhoshongo lephakeme, futsi libekelwe tonkhe tibondza letitinqaba; lilanga lelimiselwe yonkhe imikhumbi yekuhweba, libekelwe yonkhe imikhumbi lemikhulu letfwele imicebo nemagugu. Kutiphakamisa kwebantfu kuyakwehliselwa phansi, nekutigcabha kwebantfu kutfotjiswe; Simakadze yena yedvwa uyawuphakanyiswa ngalelo langa, netithico tiyawunyamalala tiphele nya. Bantfu bayawubalekela emigedzeni yasemadvwaleni, nasemigodzini lesemhlabatsini, babalekele kwesabeka kwaSimakadze nebumengemenge bebukhosi bakhe, nakasukumela kunyakatisa umhlaba. Ngalelo langa bantfu bayawulahla tithico tabo emagundvwaneni nasemalulwaneni; yebo, tithico tabo tesiliva kanye netithico tabo tegolide, lababetentele kutikhonta. Bayawubalekela emihumeni lesemadvwaleni kanye naseticongweni tetihhehle, babalekela kwesabeka kwaSimakadze nebumengemenge bebukhosi bakhe, nakasukumela kunyakatisa umhlaba. Yekelani kwetsembela kubantfu, emakhaleni abo kunekuphefumula nje. Empeleni bayini nje? Buka-ke nyalo, iNkhosi Simakadze lenguSomandla seyitawususa eJerusalema nakaJuda lokungenako nako konkhe lokubasekelako: konkhe kudla lokungenako nawo onkhe emanti langenako, lichawe nelisotja, umehluleli nemphrofethi, sangoma nemholi, indvuna yema-50 nendvodza lenesikhundla, umeluleki nengcweti lenelikhono, kanye nemtsakatsi lohlakaniphile. Ngiyakwenta bafana babe tindvuna tabo; bayawuphatfwa bantfwana nje. Bantfu bayawucindzetelana, umuntfu acindzetele lomunye, makhelwane acindzetele makhelwane. Labasha bayawuvukela labadzala, bantfu phaca bavukele lababaphetse. Lomunye uyawubamba umnakabo emtini weyise, atsi: “Wena unelijazi, bani ngumholi wetfu; busa etikwanansi imfuhlululu!” Kodvwa ngalelo langa uyawukhala atsi: “Ngeke ngibe ngumphilisi! Ngite kudla nekwekwembatsa endlini yami; ungangenti umholi wesive.” IJerusalema iyayendza, Juda uyawa; emavi abo kanye netento tabo kuphambene naSimakadze, bedzelela nebukhosi bakhe. Kukhetsa kwabo buso ekwehluleleni kubufakazi lobumelene nabo; bashengetisa ngesono sabo njengeSodoma, abasifihli nakancane. Maye kubo! Batiletsele inhlekelele etikwabo. Tjelani labalungile kutsi kutabahambela kahle, ngobe bayawudla titselo tetento tabo. Maye kulababi! Inhlekelele isetikwabo! Kuyawuphindziselwa kubo njengekwenta kwetandla tabo. Awu, sive sami, nicindzetelwa bantfwana, bafati babusa etikwenu. Awu, sive sami, labo baholi benu bayanedukisa; banikhipha endleleni, lenifanele nihambe ngayo. Simakadze utilungiselele kutsetsa emacala; uyasukuma atekwehlulela sive. Simakadze ungena ekwehluleleni, wehlulela labadzala nebaholi besive sakhe, utsi: “Ngini lenicedze sivini sami, imphango leniyitsetse kulabamphofu igcwele etindlini tenu. Nisho kutsini ngalokupitjita sive sami, nigaye buso balabamphofu?” kusho iNkhosi, Simakadze longuSomandla. Simakadze utsi: “Bafati baseSiyoni bayatigcabha; bahamba belule tintsamo, bacwashacwashata ngemehlo abo, nabahambako, bashayela etulu, emacakaleni abo kukhehleta imihlobiso labayigabile. Ngako-ke Simakadze utawuveta tilondza etinhloko tebafati baseSiyoni; Simakadze utawucotfula tinhloko tabo, tibe timphandla.” Ngalelo langa Simakadze uyawubemuka lemihlobiso yabo: emabhengela, nemibhodze leticebedvu kanye nemagcebesha asentsanyeni, nemacici, nemasongo, netimvakazi, nemaduku enhloko, netigcoko, nebuhlalu basemacakaleni, nemijijimba, nemabhodlela emakha, nabomdvonseni, netindandatho tetimphawu, netindandatho tasemakhaleni, nemijiva lemihle, netiphika, nemajazi, netipatji, netibuko, netingubo telineni lecolisakele, nemishuculo kanye nematjalo. Esikhundleni sekunuka kwemakha, kutawunuka luboti; esikhundleni semijijimba kube tintsambo, esikhundleni setinwele letentiwe kahle kutawuba nemphandla; esikhundleni setembatfo letinhle kutawuba ngemasaka; esikhundleni sebuhle kutawuba nesishadza. Emadvodza akho ayawubulawa ngenkemba, tihlabani takho tifele emphini. Emasango aseSiyoni ayawukhala alile, lidolobha selisiganga, yebo, bantfu balo batawuhlala phantsi emhlabatsini. Ngalelo langa labasikati labasikhombisa bayawuhlanganyela indvodza yinye, batsi kuyo: “Sitatidlela kudla kwetfu siphindze sitembatsise; intfo nje, sicela kutsi simane sibitwe ngawe. Susa lelihlazo letfu!” Ngalelo langa Ligala laSimakadze liyawuba lihle likhatimule, netitselo talelo live tiyawuba ludvumo nebuhle betinsali taka-Israyeli. Labo labashiyiwe eSiyoni, labasasele eJerusalema, bayawubitwa ngekutsi ngulabangcwele, bonkhe labo labayawube babhaliswe nalabaphila eJerusalema. Simakadze uyawukugeza kungcola kwalabasikati baseSiyoni; uyawuhlanta emacabhacabha engati aseJerusalema ngemoya wekwehlulela nangemoya wemlilo. Ngako Simakadze uyawudala lifu emini, intfutfu nelilangabi lemlilo ebusuku, lisibekele iNtsaba yonkhe iSiyoni nabo bonkhe labahlanganela kuyo; etikwayo yonkhe lenkhatimulo kuyawuba nempheme. Uyawuba sivikelo nemtfunti emini nakushisa lilanga, kube yindzawo yekuphephela neyekukhosela esivunguvungwini nasemvuleni. Ngitawuhlabelela lowo lengimtsandzako ingoma ngesivini sakhe, ngitsi: Lowo lengimtsandzako abenesivini egcumeni lelivundzile. Wasimba wesusa onkhe ematje kuso, wahlanyela kuso imivini yelikhetselo. Wakha umbhoshongo wekulindza ekhatsi kuso, wacopha nesikhamo seliwayini edvwaleni. Abetsembe kutsi sitawutsela emagelebisi lamahle, kodvwa satsela emagelebisi esiganga lamunyu. “Nine lenihlala eJerusalema, nani madvodza akaJuda, yehlulelani emkhatsini wami nesivini sami. Bekufanele ngenteni lokunye kulesivini sami, ngetulu kwaloku lese ngikwentile? Pho, kwentiwe yini kutsi nangifuna emagelebisi lamahle kuso, sona sitsele emagelebisi esiganga lamunyu? Manje-ke senginitjela kutsi ngitakwentani kulesivini sami: Ngitawususa lolutsango lwaso, lesivini sibhujiswe, ngitawuhhihlita nalolubondza lwaso, sinyatselwe phansi. Ngitawusenta sibe siganga lesingenalutfo, nemvini longatsenwa, nemhlaba waso awuyikulinywa. Kuyawukwena tinchachabutane nemanyeva. Ngitawuyala nemafu kutsi anganisi imvula kuso.” Phela, sivini saSimakadze longuSomandla yindlu yaka-Israyeli, kantsi sive sakaJuda sona sititfombo tekujabula kwakhe. Abebheke umtsetfocotfo, kodvwa wakhandza kucitfwa kwengati, wabheka kulunga, kodvwa weva kukhala kwelusizi. Maye kini nine lenengeta indlu kulenye indlu, nengete insimi kulenye insimi, kuze kubete nesikhadlana nje lesisalako, bese nihlala nodvwana eveni. Simakadze longuSomandla ufunge etindlebeni tami, watsi: “Impela tindlu letinyenti titawuba tindzala, netindlu letinkhulu naletinhle tisale tingenamuntfu. Sivini lesingalinywa tinkhabi letimbili ngemalanga lalishumi siyawuba nesivuno lesilibhasikidi linye nje lemagelebisi, nelisaka lenhlanyelo liyawuba nesivuno lesiyimbita yinye kuphela.” Maye kulabo labavuka ekuseni ngeluvivi bagijimele etinatfweni letidzakanako, batihlalele kuze kube ngusebusuku kakhulu, badzimate behlulwe nguleliwayini labo. Banemahabhu nemalire emadzilini abo, nemafahlawane nemintjingozi kanye neliwayini, kodvwa abatinaki tento taSimakadze, abayiboni imisebenti yetandla takhe. Ngako-ke lesive sami sitawutfunjwa ngenca yekubate kucondza, emadvodza aso lanetikhundla atakuwa abulawe yindlala, tincumbi taso tiyawuhashulwa komela emanti. Ngako-ke lithuna selandzise kakhulu kukhanuka kwalo kudla, selivule umlomo walo ngalokwengcile; bahlonishwa baso bayakwehlela khona kanye nabo bonkhe bantfu baso nabo bonkhe labajabulako babanga umsindvo lomkhulu. Ngako umuntfu uyakwehliselwa phansi, neluntfu lonkhe lutfotjiswe; nemehlo alabanekutigcabha ayawutfotjiswa. Kodvwa Simakadze longuSomandla utawuphakanyiswa ngekwehlulela kwakhe lokumsulwa. Nkulunkulu longcwele utabubonakalisa bungcwele bakhe ngekulunga kwakhe. Timvu tiyakudla kube shangatsi ngusemadlelweni ato; emazinyane etimvu ayakudla emkhatsini wetindzala talabanjingile. Maye kulabo labahudvula sono ngetintsambo temacebo, badvonse bubi kube shangatsi kungetintsambo tetincola, maye kulabo labatsi: “Nkulunkulu akasheshise, akaphangise umsebenti wakhe, khona sitewubona. Longcwele waka-Israyeli akakwente masinyane loko latimisele kukwenta, khona sitekwati.” Maye kulabo labatsi lokubi kuhle, nalokuhle batsi kubi, lababeka bumnyama bube kukhanya, babeke kukhanya kube bumnyama, lababeka lokubabako kube ngulokunongotelako, babeke lokunongotelako kube ngulokubabako. Maye kulabo labatibona bahlakaniphile emehlweni abo, batibone bona kutsi bahlakaniphile. Maye kulabo labangemachawe ekunatseni liwayini, nakulabo labangemachawe ekudidiyeleni sinatfo lesinemandla, labemukela umdizo, khona batawukhulula labo labanelicala, kuze babalahle ngelicala labo labate licala. Ngako-ke, njengobe lulwimi lwemlilo lukhotsa tibi, nanjengobe tjani lobomile bushona phansi, nabushiswa ngemalangabi, kanjalo timphandze tabo tiyawubola, netimbali tabo tiphephuke njengelutfuli; ngobe bawalile umtsetfo waSimakadze longuSomandla, bedzelela livi laLongcwele waka-Israyeli. Ngako-ke intfukutselo yaSimakadze yasivutsela sive sakhe; waphakamisa sandla sakhe wabashaya wabalahla phansi, tintsaba tatamatama. Tidvumbu tabo taba njengemfuhlululu etitaladini. Noko ngako konkhe loku lulaka lwakhe alukagucuki, sandla sakhe sisephakeme. Tive letikhashane uyakutiphakamisela siboniso, ashaye impembe atibite khona emaphetselweni emhlaba. Ngekushesha lokukhulu tiyakuta. Kute lodziniwe, kute lokhubatelako, kute lowetelako nome lolalako, kute lonelibhande lelicekako elukhalweni, kute lonencabule lenemchilo lodzabukile; imicibisholo yabo iyakhalipha, bonkhe butjoki babo sebugotjiwe, tinselo temahhashi abo tilukhuni njengematje, emasondvo etincola tabo temphi afanana nesiwunguwungwana semoya. Kubhodla kwabo kufanana nekwemabhubesi, yebo, babhodla njengemabhubesi lamancane, atsi ahhonga abe abamba imphango yawo, ayetfwale ahambe nayo kubete longayisindzisa. Ngalelo langa bayawubhodla etikwa-Israyeli njengekubhodla kwelwandle. Umuntfu uyawutsi nakabuka live, abone bumnyama lobesabekako; ngisho nekukhanya imbala emafu ayawukwenta kube bumnyama. Kwatsi ngemnyaka wekufa kwenkhosi Uziya, ngabona Simakadze ahleti esihlalweni sakhe sebukhosi, naso lesisetulu futsi siphakeme, umsila wesembatfo sakhe ugcwalise lonkhe lithempeli. Ngetulu kwakhe kwakunemaserafi amkhonta, ngulelo nalelo lalinetimphiko letisitfupha: ngetimphiko letimbili atimbonya buso bawo, ngaletimbili atimbonya tinyawo tawo, bese kutsi ngaleti letimbili abe andiza. Abememetana odvwana, ngulelo nalelo litsi: “Ungcwele, ungcwele, ungcwele, Simakadze longuSomandla! Umhlaba wonkhe ugcwele bukhosi bakhe.” Ngemsindvo wemaphimbo alamaserafi tinsika teminyango kanye netisekelo tayo kwatfutfumela, nelithempeli lagcwala umusi wentfutfu. Ngase ngitsi: “Maye kimi, mine ngiphelile! Ngobe ngingumuntfu lotindzebe temlomo wakhe tingcolile, futsi ngihlala emkhatsini webantfu labatindzebe tabo tingcolile. Emehlo ami ayibonile iNkhosi, Simakadze longuSomandla.” Kepha lelinye lemaserafi landiza leta kimi, liphetse lilahle lelivutsako esandleni salo, lelalilitsetse ngeludlawu elatini. Lafike latsintsa umlomo wami ngalo, latsi: “Buka la, loku sekutsintse umlomo wakho, ngako licala lakho selesuliwe, nesono sakho sesihlawulelwe.” Ngase ngiva livi laSimakadze litsi: “Ngitawutfuma bani? Ngubani lotasiyela?” Ngase ngitsi: “Nangu mine, tfuma mine!” Watsi: “Hamba utjele lesive utsi: “ ‘Lalelani njalo, kodvwa ningeva; bukani njalo, kodvwa ningaboni.’ Yenta inhlitiyo yalabantfu ibe ndzindzima, netindlebe tabo tibe butfuntfu ekuveni, uvale nemehlo abo, bangahle babone ngemehlo abo, beve ngetindlebe tabo, bacondzisise ngetinhlitiyo tabo, bagucuke, bese bayaphiliswa.” Ngase ngitsi: “Awu! Simakadze, kutawuze kube ngunini?” Wangiphendvula watsi: “Kuyawuze kubhujiswe emadolobha, kubete bantfu labahlala kuwo; tindlu tize tibe tindzala, nemasimi abhujiswe aze onakale, naSimakadze aze abasakatele khashane bantfu, live lisale lingasenalutfo selikhohlakele. Nome ngabe kusekhona kwelishumi lokusasele kulo live, nako futsi kuyawulahlwa kungabi namsebenti. Kodvwa-ke njengobe umtherebinte nem-okhi kushiya tiphunti nakugawuliwe, kanjalo nenhlanyelo lengcwele iyawuba siphunti eveni.” Kwatsi ngesikhatsi Ahazi, umsa waJothamu, umsa wa-Uziya, ayinkhosi yakaJuda, boResini, inkhosi yaseSiriya, naPhekha, umsa waRemaliya, inkhosi yaka-Israyeli, bashuca bayawulwa neJerusalema, kodvwa noko abazange bayehlule. Indlu yakaDavide yatjelwa kwatsiwa: “ISiriya itihlanganise nelaka-Efrayimu.” Ngako tinhlitiyo tabo-Ahazi kanye netebantfu bakhe tesaba tatfutfumela njengetihlahla telihlatsi, natinyakatiswa ngumoya. Simakadze wakhuluma ku-Isaya, watsi: “Phuma wena nemsa wakho Sheyari Jashubi niyewuhlangabeta Ahazi ngasemseleni wesitiba lesisenhla, emgwacweni loya eNsimini yeMgezi Wetingubo. Ubosho kuye utsi: ‘Caphela, uthule, ume sibindzi, ungaphelelwa ngemandla ngenca yaletiphintana letibili taletikhuni letishuncako, nangekuvutsa kwelulaka lwaResini nemaSiriya akhe nelwemsa waRemaliya. Siriya, na-Efrayimu, nemsa waRemaliya bakwakhela luzungu, batsi: “Asikhuphuke siyewuvimbetela lakaJuda silidzabule ekhatsi, sitehlukanisele lona, bese sibeka umsa waThabheyali kutsi abe yinkhosi etikwalo.” Kodvwa naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: “ ‘Kungeke kwenteke, futsi kungeke kuphumelele. Ngobe inhloko yaseSiriya yiDamaseko, nenhloko yeDamaseko nguResini kuphela. Kusengakapheli iminyaka lengema-65, baka-Efrayimu bayawube sebahlakateke kakhulu, sebangasesiso sive. Inhloko yaka-Efrayimu yiSamariya, nenhloko yeSamariya ngumsa waRemaliya kuphela. Naningakemi nacina ekukholweni kwenu, ningeke nisema nicinile.’ ” Simakadze wabuye wakhuluma ku-Ahazi, watsi: “Ticelele sibonakaliso kuSimakadze Nkulunkulu wakho, nome sibe ngulesisekujuleni nome-ke lesiphakeme njengelizulu.” Kodvwa Ahazi watsi: “Ngingeke ngisicele. Ngingeke ngivivinye Simakadze.” Isaya wase utsi: “Lalela lapha, wenandlu yakaDavide! Kuyini kini lokube solomane nihluphana netinhlitiyo tebantfu? Nyalo senifuna nekuhlupha Nkulunkulu wami yini kantsi? Ngako-ke, Nkulunkulu, yena cobo lwakhe, utawuninika sibonakaliso: Intfombi iyawukhulelwa itale indvodzana, yetsiwe libito kutsiwe ngu-Imanyuweli. Iyakudla tikhihli temasi netinyosi idzimate ikwati kwala lokubi ikhetse lokuhle. Kodvwa kuyawutsi lomfana asengakakwati kwala lokubi akhetse lokuhle, lelo live lalamakhosi lamabili lowesabako, liyawube selingasenalutfo. Simakadze uyawuletsa kuwe nasetikwesive sakini, nasetikwendlu yeyihlo, sikhatsi lesingazange sesibe khona kusukela baka-Efrayimu bahlephuka kubakaJuda; uyawuletsa inkhosi yase-Asiriya.” Ngalelo langa Simakadze uyawushaya inkwela abite timphungane letingasemifuleni yaseGibhithe kanye netinyosi taseveni lase-Asiriya. Tiyawubuya tonkhe titewubutsana etihosheni letehlelako kanye nasemifantfwini yemadvwala, nasetikwato tonkhe tihlahla temanyeva nasetimbotjeni tonkhe temanti. Ngalelo langa Simakadze uyawusebentisa insingo lecashwe ngesheya kweMfula, inkhosi yase-Asiriya, kutsi itewuhhula ngayo tinhloko tenu, kanye netiboya letisemilenteni yenu, isuse netilevu tenu. Ngalelo langa indvodza iyawufuya litfokati linye netimbuti letimbili. Ngenca yekutsi tiyawube tehlisa kakhulu, iyawuba netikhihli temasi letinyenti tekutondla. Bonkhe labayawube basele kulelo live bayawudla tikhihli temasi kanye netinyosi. Ngalelo langa kuto tonkhe tindzawo lapho kwakunenkhulungwane yemivini leyayingabita tinhlavu letiyinkhulungwane tesiliva, sekuyakwena kube netitfwetfwe nemanyeva. Emadvodza ayakuya lapho aphetse butjoki bawo nemicibisholo yawo, ngobe lelo live liyawube selene ngetitfwetfwe nangemanyeva. Mayelana nato tonkhe tintsatjana letake talinywa ngemakhuba etandla, ningeke nisaya kuto, ngenca yekwesaba titfwetfwe nemanyeva; setiyawuba tindzawo lapho kudla khona imihlambi yetinkhomo, kugcobagcobe khona netimvu. Simakadze wakhuluma kimi, watsi: “Tsatsa incwadzi lenkhulu legocotwako ubhale kuyo ngelutsi lolwetayelekile, utsi: Maheri Shalali Hashi Bazi. Ngiyawubita Uriya, umphristi, naZakhariya, umsa waJeberekhiya, bangimele njengabofakazi bami labetsembekile.” Ngabe sengiya kumphrofethikati, wase uyakhulelwa, watala indvodzana. Simakadze wakhuluma kimi, watsi: “Metse libito utsi nguMaheri Shalali Hashi Bazi. Kwatsi lomfanyana asengakakwati nakahle kutsi ‘Babe’ nome ‘Make’, umcebo waseDamaseko nemphango yaseSamariya kuyawube sekutfunjwa yinkhosi yase-Asiriya.” Simakadze wakhuluma kimi futsi, watsi: “Njengobe lesive siwalile emanti aseShilowa lehla kamnandzi, sajabulela Resini nendvodzana yaRemaliya, ngako-ke Simakadze sewutakwehlisela etikwaso sikhukhula semanti lanemandla emfula iYufrathe, yinkhosi yase-Asiriya nabo bonkhe bukhosi bayo. Lomfula uyawugcwala uphuphume kuyo yonkhe imifula yakhona, netihoshana takhona, ugole tintsetse, uze utseleke kulakaJuda uligumbucele lonkhe, ulikhukhule uze uyewukhawula entsanyeni. Ngetimphiko tawo uyawulimbonya bubanti balo lonkhe lelo live lakho, awu Imanyuweli!” Hlabani inyandzaleyo, nine tive, nitfutfumele! Lalelani, nine nonkhe mave lakhashane. Tilungiseleleni kulwa imphi, nesabe! Tilungiseleleni kulwa imphi, nehlulwe! Takheleni emasu enu, kodvwa atakwehlulekiswa; yentani emachinga enu, kodvwa ngeke aphumelele; ngobe Nkulunkulu unatsi. Simakadze wakhuluma kimi ngesandla sakhe lesinemandla, angecwayisa kutsi ngingatilandzeli tindlela talesive, watsi: “Ningabosho kutsi luzungu, konkhe loku labakushoko labantfu kutsi luzungu, ningakwesabi loko labakwesabako; futsi ningabi naluvalo ngako. Simakadze longuSomandla, nguye lekufanele nimati ngekutsi ungcwele. Nguye lekufanele nimesabe nimhloniphe. Nguye lekumele nitfutfumele ngaye. Nguye loyawuba siphephelo senu; kodvwa kuto totimbili tindlu tema-Israyeli uyawuba litje leliyawukhuba bantfu nelidvwala leliyawubenta bawe. Kubantfu baseJerusalema uyawuba lugibe nasochaka. “Labanyenti babo bayawukhubatela; bayakuwa bephuke nekwephuka, bayakwetsiywa baze babanjwe.” Bophisisa lobufakazi, uvalele umtsetfo wami emkhatsini webafundzi bami. Ngitawulindzela Simakadze lofihla buso bakhe kuyo indlu yakaJakobe. Ngiyawubeka litsemba lami kuye. Ngilapha mine kanye nalabo bantfwana Simakadze langiphe bona. Sitibonakaliso netimangaliso taSimakadze longuSomandla, esiveni sema-Israyeli, yena lohlala eNtsabeni iSiyoni. Bantfu batanitjela kutsi: “Yanini etangomeni nakulababhulako, labo labahlebako banhhinklile.” Batsi: “Sive akukafaneli yini kutsi sibute kuNkulunkulu waso?” Indlela ifunelwani kulabafile egameni lalabaphilako? Buyelani kuwo umtsetfo waNkulunkulu nasebufakazini bakhe! Nabangakhulumi njengekwalelivi, abayiwuba nako kukhanya kwekusa. Bayawukwehla benyuka eveni bajabhile futsi balambile, ngesikhatsi sebahwaywe yindlala, bayawuvutsa ngelulaka, babuke etulu, bacalekise inkhosi yabo kanye naNkulunkulu wabo. Bayawube sebabuka phansi emhlabatsini babone inhlupheko yodvwa nebumnyama nelitfunti lelesabekako, nabo bayawulahlelwa ebumnyameni lobesabekako. Noko kungeke kusaba nelitfunti kulabo labebahluphekile. Kadzeni walitfobisa live lakaZebuloni nelive lakaNaftali, kodvwa ngesikhatsi lesitako uyakuliphakamisa live laseGalile lebetive, endleleni leya elwandle, ngesheya kweJordane. Bantfu labahamba ebumnyameni bakubonile kukhanya lokukhulu; kulabo labahlala eveni lelitfunti lekufa kukhanya sekuchamukile. Sewusandzisile sive, wandzisa nekujabula kwaso; siyajabula embikwakho njengebantfu bajatjuliswa sivuno, nanjengebantfu nabajatjuliswa kwaba imphango. Ngobe njengasemihleni yekwehlulwa kwakaMidiyani, ulifohlotile lelijoko belingumtfwalo kubo, nemgcala losindzako lobewusemahlombe abo, nendvuku yemcindzeteli wabo. Tonkhe ticatfulo temasotja labetisebentisa emphini, nato tonkhe tembatfo tawo letibhucabhucwe engatini titawushiswa, tibe kudla kwemlilo. Ngobe tsine sitalelwe umntfwana, siphiwe indvodzana. Umbuso uyawubasemahlombe akhe. Uyawutsiwa nguMeluleki Lomangalisako, nguNkulunkulu Lonemandla, nguBabe Waphakadze, yiNkhosi Yekuthula. Umbuso wakhe uyawukhula, kuthula nenhlalakahle kungeke kuphele. Uyawubusa esihlalweni sebukhosi saDavide, nasembusweni wakhe. Uyakuwumisa awusekele ngekwemtsetfocotfo nangekulunga, kusukela kuleso sikhatsi kuze kube nguphakadze naphakadze. Inshisekelo yaSimakadze longuSomandla iyawukwenta loko. Simakadze utfume livi kuyewumelana nebakaJakobe, liyakwehlela ku-Israyeli. Bonkhe bantfu bayakulati, baka-Efrayimu kanye nalabakhile eSamariya, labakhuluma bachoshe, basho nangekutigabatisa kwenhlitiyo, batsi: “Titini tidzilikele phansi, kodvwa tsine sitakwakha kabusha ngematje labatwe kahle. Tihlahla temakhiwa tigawuliwe, kodvwa tsine sitatenana ngetihlahla temisedari.” Kodvwa Simakadze ubacinisele titsa takaResini kutsi tikwati kubhekana nabo, wahlohla titsa tabo. EmaSiriya ngasemphumalanga nemaFilisti ngasenshonalanga, asakhamisele kushwabudzela ema-Israyeli. Noko ngako konkhe loku lulaka lwakhe alukagucuki; sandla sakhe sisephakeme. Kodvwa bantfu abakaphendvukeli kuye lowo lowabashaya, futsi abakamfunisisi Simakadze longuSomandla. Ngako Simakadze uyawujuba ka-Israyeli inhloko nemsila kokubili, ligala lelisundvu nemhlanga kokubili, ngalanga linye. Labadzala nemadvodza langimisumphe ngubona bayinhloko. Baphrofethi labafundzisa emanga bona bangumsila. Labo labahola lesive bayasedukisa, nalabo labaholwako bayalahlekiswa. Ngako-ke Simakadze ngeke ajabule ngemajaha abo, futsi ngeke abadzabukele labo labangenaboyise kanye nebafelokati, ngobe bonkhe abanaNkulunkulu, futsi babi, bonkhe bakhuluma emanyala. Noko ngako konkhe loku, lulaka lwakhe alukagucuki, sandla sakhe sisephakeme. Ngempela bubi buvutsa njengemlilo; budla bucotfule tinchachabutane nemanyeva, bulumeka emahlatsi etihlahla ngemalangabi, kutsi titewushunca tibheke etulu ngaletikhulu tikhatsa tentfutfu. Ngelulaka lwaSimakadze longuSomandla live liyawugagadzeka, nebantfu bayawuba tinkhuni temlilo; kute loyawuphephisa umnakabo. Ngesekudla bayawushwabudzela, kodvwa bachubeke balambe; ngesancele bayawudla, kodvwa bangeke besutse. Ngulowo nalowo uyakutondla ngenyama yentalelwane yakakhe; bakaManase bayawutondla ngebaka-Efrayimu, nebaka-Efrayimu batondle ngebakaManase, bonkhe bayawugucukela bakaJuda. Noko ngako konkhe loku, lulaka lwakhe alukagucuki, sandla sakhe sisephakeme. Maye kulabo labashaya imitsetfo lengakalungi, kulabo labashaya imitsetfo yekucindzetela, bentele kwemuka labamphofu emalungelo abo, badlelele bantfu bami labacindzetelekile emalungelo abo emtsetfocotfo, batsatse imphango kubafelokati, badlelele labangenaboyise. Niyakwenta njani ngelilanga lekwehlulelwa, ngesikhatsi sehlakalo sichamuka khashane? Niyawubalekela kubani nicele lusito? Niyakuwushiya nabani lomcebo wenu? Kute leningakwenta ngaphandle kwekushosha phansi kanye nalabatfunjwako, nome niwele phansi emkhatsini walababulewe. Noko ngako konkhe loku, lulaka lwakhe alukagucuki, nesandla sakhe sisephakeme. “Maye kulo lase-Asiriya, indvuku yelulaka lwami, lelisandla salo sifumbetse sagila selulaka lwami. Ngilitfumela esiveni lesingenaNkulunkulu, ngilikhiphele kubantfu labangitfukutselisako, kutsi lihlutfule imphango, litsatse lokuphangiwe, nekutsi libagcobagcobe phansi njengeludzaka lwendlela. Kodvwa loko akusiko lebekuhloswe yinkhosi yase-Asiriya, akusiko lebekusengcondvweni yayo. Inhloso yayo kubhubhisa, nekucedza tive letinyenti. Itsi: ‘Akusito tonkhe yini tindvuna tami lesetingemakhosi? IKhalno ayikafanani yini neKhakhemishi? IHamathi ayifanani yini ne-Aphadi? ISamariya yona ayifanani yini neDamaseko? Njengobe sandla sami sayibamba imibuso yetithico, imibuso leyayimifanekiso yayo yayendlula leya yaseJerusalema neyaseSamariya, ngingeke yini ngimelane nayo iJerusalema kanye netithico tayo, njengaloku ngemelana nayo iSamariya netithico tayo?’ ” Simakadze nase acedzile yonkhe imisebenti yakhe lemelene nentsaba iSiyoni neJerusalema, uyakutsi: “Ngiyakuyijezisa inkhosi yase-Asiriya ngenca yeligcabho layo langemabomu lelisenhlitiyweni yayo nangenca yekutiphakamisa kwayo lokusemehlweni ayo. Ngobe itsi: “ ‘Ngemandla esandla sami ngikwentile loku, nangekuhlakanipha kwami, ngobe nginako kucondza. Ngayisusa iminyele yetive, ngayiphanga imicebo yato. Njengalonemandla ngabawisa labakhe khona. Njengalofinyelela esidlekeni senyoni, kanjalo sandla sami safinyelela kuyo imicebo yetive; njengobe bantfu babutsa emacandza lashiyiwe, kanjalo nami ngawabutsa onkhe emave, kute nalinye lelake labhengutisa luphiko nome lavula umlomo lantjilota.’ ” Lizembe liyatiphakamisa yini lona, libe ngetulu kwalowo lolijikitisako? Lona lisaha liyamhhongela yini lolisebentisako? Kube shangatsi umzaca bewungamjikitisa lowo lowuphetse nome sagila singamjikitisa lowo longesiso sigodvo! Ngako-ke, iNkhosi Simakadze lenguSomandla iyawutfumela sifo lesondzisanako kulabo labanemandla base-Asiriya; ngephansi kwalokutikhukhumeta kwabo kuyakokheleka umlilo, yebo, umlilo lofanana nemalangabi lavutsako. Kukhanya kwa-Israyeli kuyawuba ngumlilo, Longcwele wakhe abe lilangabi. Ngelilanga linye uyawuvutsa, udle emanyeva akhe netitfwetfwe takhe. Uyawucedza buhle bemahlatsi akhe, nemasimi akhe lavundzile, kuphele umtimba nemphefumulo, kube njengekuphela kwemuntfu logulako. Nemisalela yetihlahla telihlatsi lakhe iyawuba mbalwa kangangekutsi ngisho nemntfwana angatibhala phansi. Ngalelo langa insali yaka-Israyeli, ngisho labo labasasele bendlu yakaJakobe, bangeke basetsembela kuye lowo lowabashaya balahleka phansi; kodvwa bayakwetsembela ngeliciniso kuSimakadze, Longcwele waka-Israyeli. Insali iyawubuyela emuva, insali yakaJakobe iyawubuyela kuSomandla longuNkulunkulu. Nome sive sakho, wena Israyeli, singaba sinyenti ngangesihlabatsi saselugwini lwelwandle, kuyawubuyela insali kuphela. Imbhubhiso ikhishwe, iphuphume ngekulunga. INkhosi Simakadze lenguSomandla nguye loyawuchuba lembhubhiso lekhishiwe kulo lonkhe live. Ngako-ke naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi, Simakadze lenguSomandla, itsi: “Awu, sive sami lesihlala eSiyoni, ningawesabi ema-Asiriya wona lanishaya ngendvuku aniphakamisele sagila, njengobe kwakwenta baseGibhithe. Masinyane intfukutselo yami kini itawuncamuka. Intfukutselo yami seyiyawumelana nema-Asiriya, iwabhubhise.” Simakadze longuSomandla uyakuwashaya ngesiswebhu, njengamzukwana ashaya emaMidiyani edvwaleni lase-Orebi, uyawuphakamisa indvuku yakhe ngetulu kwemanti, njengobe enta eGibhithe. Ngalelo langa umtfwalo wema-Asiriya uyawususwa emahlombe enu, nelijoko lawo lisuswe entsanyeni yenu; lijoko litakwephulwa njengobe senikhuluphele kangaka nje. Ema-Asiriya angena e-Aya, adzabula eMigroni, alondvolota imphahla yawo eMikmashi. Angena emsahweni atsi: “Sitawumisa busuku bunye eGeba.” IRama iyatfutfumela, iGibeya yakaSawula iyabaleka. Khala, Ndvodzakati yaseGalimu! Lalela, nawe Layisha! Nine base-Anathothi labahluphekile. IMadmena iyabaleka; baseGebimu bagijimela kubhaca. Lamuhla nje ema-Asiriya ayawumisa eNobi; ayawujikitisa tibhakela tawo entsabeni yeNdvodzakati yaseSiyoni, egcumeni laseJerusalema. Bukani la, iNkhosi Simakadze lenguSomandla iyawujuba emagala ngemandla lamakhulu. Tihlahla letiphakeme tiyawugawulwa, leto letidze tiyawuwiswa phansi. Uyawugawula tihlahla telihlatsi ngelizembe; iLebanoni iyakuwa embikwakhe Lonemandla Onkhe. Kuyawuhluma lihlumela esiphuntini sakaJese; ligala lelimila etimphandzeni takhe liyawutsela titselo. Moya waSimakadze uyawubasetikwakhe, Moya wekuhlakanipha newekucondza, Moya wekweluleka newemandla, Moya welwati newekwesaba Simakadze, uyawutijabulisa ekwesabeni Simakadze. Angeke ehlulele ngalakubona ngemehlo akhe, nome ente sincumo ngalakuve ngetindlebe takhe; kodvwa labeswele uyawubehlulela ngekwemtsetfocotfo, labamphofu belive abehlulele ngekungakhetsi. Uyawushaya umhlaba ngendvuku yemlomo wakhe; ngekuphefumula kwemlomo wakhe uyawubulala lababi. Kulunga kuyawuba libhande lakhe, kwetsembeka kube ngumbhenso welukhalo lwakhe. Imphisi iyawuhlalisana nelizinyane lemvu, ingwe iyawulala ndzawonye nembuti; linkhonyane, nelibhubesi lelincane, nenkhomo lekhuluphele kuyawuhlala ndzawonye; konkhe kuyakweluswa ngumntfwana lomncane. Inkhomati iyakudla dlelo linye nelibhele, emankhonyane ako acambalale ndzawonye, libhubesi lidle tjani njengenkhabi. Luswane luyawudlala ngasemgodzini wemfeti, kutsi nemntfwana lomncane afake sandla sakhe emgodzini welibululu. Kungeke kulimate futsi kungeke kubulale nome ngangukuphi entsabeni yami lengcwele, ngobe umhlaba uyawugcwala kwati Simakadze, njengobe nemanti agcwalisa lwandle. Ngalelo langa iMphandze yaJese iyakuma ibe siboniso kubetive, tive tiyawuhlangana kuyo, indzawo yayo yekuphumula ibe neludvumo. Ngalelo langa Simakadze uyakwelula sandla sakhe kwesibili atibutsele imisalela yesive sakhe leyawube isasele e-Asiriya, naseGibhithe Lengentansi, neGibhithe Lengenhla, naseKushe, nase-Elamu, naseBhabhulona, naseHamathi, nasemaveni langaselwandle. Uyakuphakamisela tive siboniso, abutse batfunjwa baka-Israyeli; uyawuhlanganisa bantfu bakaJuda labasakatekele emagumbini omane emhlaba. Umona wa-Efrayimu uyawunyamalala, titsa takaJuda ticedvwe nya; Efrayimu angeke aphindze abe nemona ngaJuda, naJuda angeke aphindze abe nebutsa ku-Efrayimu. Bayawukwehla emaceleni aseFilistiya bawahlasele enshonalanga, bobabili bayawuphanga bantfu labahlala emphumalanga. Bayawulidla live laka-Edomu nelakaMowabi, babuse etikwema-Amoni. Simakadze uyakomisa sihlenge selwandle lwaseGibhithe; uyakwelula sandla sakhe lesinemandla etikweYufrathe, ayihamule ngemoya loshisako. Lomfula uyakuwehlukanisa ekhatsi, ube ngimifula lesikhombisa, khona bantfu batekwewela bafake tincabule. Kuyawuba nemgwaco lomkhulu wemisalela yesive sakhe leyawube isele e-Asiriya, njengobe wawukhona nakubaka-Israyeli ngesikhatsi baphuma eGibhithe. Ngalelo langa uyakutsi: “Ngiyakudvumisa, wena Simakadze, lite nome bewungitfukutselele, kodvwa kutfukutsela kwakho akusekho, esikhundleni saloko sewungidvudvutile. Impela, Nkulunkulu uyinsindziso yami; ngiyakumetsemba ngingesabi, Simakadze, Simakadze ungemandla ami nengoma yami; nguye loyinsindziso yami.” Ngekujabula niyawukha emanti emitfonjeni yensindziso. Ngalelo langa niyawutsi: “Bongani Simakadze, nibite Libito lakhe; yatisani tive ngaloko lakwentile, nimemetele kutsi Libito lakhe liphakeme. Hlabelani kuSimakadze, ngobe wente tintfo letincomekako; loku akwatiwe emhlabeni wonkhe. Memetani kakhulu, nihlabele ngenjabulo, nine bantfu baseSiyoni, ngobe mkhulu lowo Longcwele waka-Israyeli losemkhatsini wenu.” Leli livi lesembulo ngeBhabhulona, lelefika ku-Isaya, umsa wa-Amose, ngembono: “Phakamisani siboniso semphi, nisiphakamisele esicongweni sentsaba. Memetani kakhulu, nibakhwebe, khona batewuncandzeka babuye, bangene emasangweni alabaphakeme. Labangcwele bami ngibatfumile, ngiwabitile emachawe ami lanemandla kutsi ayewufeza sigwebo sentfukutselo yami, wona lawo lajabulela kungincobela. “Lalelani, umsindvo etintsabeni, ufanana nalowentiwa sicumbi sebantfu! Lalelani, sidvumo emkhatsini wemibuso! Unjengetiphitsiphitsi tetive! Simakadze longuSomandla uvivisa emabutfo kutsi aphume ayekulwa imphi. Baphuma emaveni lakhashane, lasekugcineni kwemazulu, nguye Simakadze netikhali telulaka lwakhe, utewubhubhisa wonkhe umhlaba. “Lilani, ngobe lilanga laSimakadze selisondzele, litawufika liyimbhubhiso levela kuSomandla. Ngenca yaloko, tonkhe tandla tiyawujikita, inhlitiyo yabo bonkhe bantfu iphelelwe ngemandla, kutfutfumela kubabambe, tinhlungu nekucacamba kubantfonye, bajilajileke njengemfati aphetfwe ngumhelo. Bayawubukana ngekumangala, buso babo buvutse emalangabi. Bukani, lilanga laSimakadze liyasondzela, lilanga lelinelulaka, nentfukutselo, nelulaka lolwesabekako; litekwenta live libe lihlane, libuye libhubhise netoni letikulo. Umtsentse welizulu kanye nato tonkhe tinkhanyeti ngemabutfo ato kungeke kukuvete kukhanya kwako. Lilanga leliphumako litakwentiwa libe mnyama, ngisho nenyanga iyakwehluleka kukhanyisa. “Umhlaba ngiyakuwujezisa ngenca yebubi bawo, ngijezise nalababi ngenca yetono tabo. Ngiyakulicedza ligcabho lalabo labatigcabhako, ngikutfobise kutigcabha kwalabo labanelunya. Umuntfu ngiyakumenta asweleke kakhulu kunegolide lecengekile, ngimente abe yindlala kunegolide yase-Ofiri, lengatfolakali kalula. Ngako-ke emazulu ngiyakuwenta atfutfumele, nemhlaba utanyatanyiswe usuke endzaweni yawo, ngenca yelulaka lwaSimakadze longuSomandla, ngalelo langa lentfukutselo yakhe levutsako. “Njengenyamatane letingelwako, nanjengetimvu letingenamelusi, ngulowo nalowo uyawubalekela esiveni sakubo, ngulowo nalowo abalekele eveni lakubo. Lowo loyawutfunjwa uyawugwazwa; bonkhe labayawubanjwa bayawudliwa yinkemba. Tinswane tabo tiyawuphahlatwa tibe ticucu embikwabo babuka, tindlu tabo tiyawuphangwa, nebafati babo badlwengulwe. “Bukani la, ngiyawuvusa emaMede kutsi abahlasele, bantfu labangatsengeki ngesiliva nalabangeke balingwe ngegolide. Ngebutjoki babo lobugobile bayawudubula emajaha, abanamusa ngetinswane, futsi bate nesihawu ngebantfwana. IBhabhulona ligugu lemibuso, ibuhle beligcabho lemaBhabhulona, Nkulunkulu uyakuyiketula iwe njengeSodoma neGomora. Kungeke kuphindze kuhlale muntfu kuyo, kute loyawuphindze ahlale kuyo titukulwane ngetitukulwane; kute um-Arabu loyawumisa lithende lakhe lapho, kute nemelusi loyawuphumulisa imihlambi yakhe kuyo. Kodvwa tilwane tasehlane tiyawulala khona, timphungutja tiyawugcwala etindlini takhona, tikhova tiyawuhlala khona, netimbuti tesiganga tiyawutjakadvula khona. Timphisi tiyawushaya umkhulungwane kuleto tinqaba tayo, kanjalo netimphungutja etigodlweni tayo. Sikhatsi sayo sesisondzele, nemalanga ayo angeke andziswe.” Simakadze utawubonakalisa sihawu sakhe kuJakobe, utawuphindza futsi akhetse ema-Israyeli, awabuyisele eveni lawo. Betive batawutihlanganisa nawo, batihlanganise nendlu yaJakobe. Tive tiyakuwatsatsa tiwamikise endzaweni yawo. Lababendlu yaka-Israyeli bayawutsatsa betive, babasebentise njengetigcili tabo letidvuna naletisikati eveni laSimakadze. Batfumbi babo bayawubenta batfunjwa babo, babuse etikwebacindzeteli babo. Kuyawutsi ngalelo langa Simakadze layawukuphumuta ngalo, wena Israyeli, ekuhluphekeni kwakho, nasekukhatsatekeni, nasebugcilini lobunesihluku, uhlabele siga uphukute inkhosi yaseBhabhulona utsi: “Ase nibuke kuphela kwemcindzeteli! Intfukutselo yakhe seyifike ekugcineni! Simakadze uyephulile indvuku yalababi, yebo, uyephulile indvuku yebabusi, labahlasele tive ngelulaka, batigadla ngaphandle kwesihe, batigcobagcoba phansi ngentfukutselo, baphekehla lutfutfuva bahlasela. Manje, njengobe umhlaba wonkhe usaphumulile unekuthula, sebayakhululeka bahlabele. Ngisho tipheshula nemisedari yaseLebanoni nayo seyijabula ngawe, Bhabhulona, itsi: ‘Manje, njengaloku sewalaliswa phansi, sekute ngisho namunye umgawuli lotasijuba.’ “Indzawo yalabafile ngaphansi nayo iyanyakata itsakasele kutsi ikuhlangabete nawuta kuyo. Lendzawo ivusa umoya walasebalala kutsi itekuvusela bonkhe labo bebabaholi emhlabeni, ibente basukume etihlalweni tabo tebukhosi bonkhe nalababengemakhosi etive. “Bonkhe bayawuphendvula batsi kuwe: ‘Nawe sewubutsakatsaka njengatsi, nawe sewufanana natsi.’ Bonkhe bukhatikhati bakho nekuhlabela kwemahabhu akho sekwehliselwe phansi endzaweni yalabafile; timphetfu setilicansi lakho, netibungu setisembatfo sakho. “Maye, lokuwa kwakho ezulwini! Awu, nkhwekhweti yekusa! Ndvodzana yentsatsakusa! Ugeciwe walahlwa phansi, wena lowake walalisa tive lunja! Ukhulume enhlitiyweni yakho watsi: ‘Ngiyakwenyukela etulu ezulwini. Ngiyawuphakamisa sihlalo sami sebukhosi, sibe ngetulu kwetinkhanyeti taNkulunkulu. Ngiyawuhlala esihlalweni sebukhosi etikwentsaba yenhlanganiso yabonkulunkulu, esicongweni sentsaba lengcwele. Ngiyakwenyukela ngetulu kweticongo temafu. Ngiyawutenta ngifanane naNkulunkulu Losetikwako Konkhe.’ Kodvwa sewehliselwe phansi endzaweni yalabafile, emajukujukwini emgodzi. “Labo labakubonako bayakugolotela bakucaphele, batsi: ‘Utsi lomuntfu ngabe nguye mbamba lona lowake wadvungutelisa umhlaba, wanyakatisa nemibuso? Utsi ngabe nguye lowenta umhlaba lihlane, wabhidlita emadolobha awo, longazange atikhulule tiboshwa takhe kutsi tihambe tibuyele emakhaya ato?’ Onkhe emakhosi etive angcwatjwe ngeludvumo, nguleyo naleyo ethuneni layo. Kodvwa wena ulahliwe wangete wangcwatjwa, walahlwa njengeligala lelaliwe, walala encunjini yetidvumbu tebantfu, lababulewe ngenkemba, lese bewukele phansi emgodzini wematje. Njengesidvumbu lesinyatselwa phansi ngetinyawo, ungeke usangcwatjwa kanye nalamanye emakhosi, ngobe ulibhubhisile live lakho, wabulala bantfu bakini. “Situkulwane semuntfu lomubi ngeke kuphindze kukhulunywe ngaso. Ngenca yetono taboyisemkhulu tilungiseleleni kubulala emadvodzana akhe. Akukafaneli avuke adle lelive njengelifa, bese akha emadolobha yonkhe indzawo.” Simakadze longuSomandla utsi: “Ngiyawusukuma ngilwe nabo, ngiyawubhubhisa iBhabhulona, ngiyishiye ite libito nemisalela, ingenabantfwana natitukulwane,” usho njalo Simakadze. “Ngiyawuyenta ibe yindzawo yetikhova, kube yindzawo lelichaphoti. Ngiyawuyishanyela ngemshanyelo wembhubhiso,” usho njalo Simakadze longuSomandla. Simakadze longuSomandla ufungile, watsi: “Impela, loku sengikuhlelile, futsi nakanjani kutakwenteka; njengobe sengikuhlosile nje, nakanjani kungeke kugucuke. Ema-Asiriya ngitakuwapitjita eveni lami, ngiwagcobagcobele etintsabeni tami. Lelijoko lawo belibekwe etikwesive sami litawususwa etikwaso; nalomtfwalo besetfweswe wona utakwetfulwa ususwe etikwaso. “Loku-ke kuluhlelo lwami lolucondzene nemhlaba wonkhe jikelele, loku-ke kusandla sami leselulelwe etikwetive tonkhe, ngitehlulele.” Ngobe Simakadze longuSomandla sewutimisele ngaloko, ngubani nje longamvimbela kuloko? Sandla sakhe selulekile, ngubani nje longasijikisa? Leli livi lesembulo lelefika ngemnyaka wekufa kwenkhosi Ahazi, latsi: “Ningajabuli, nine nonkhe maFilisti, ngobe nitsi lendvuku leyanishaya seyephukile; nanjengobe lokumila kusuka emphandzeni bese kutsela titselo, kanjalo nasenyokeni kuyawuvela libululu lelinesihlungu kabi. Timbhukudvu tetimphuya tiyawutfola emadlelo, kutsi labeswele bacambalale phansi baphephile. Kodvwa titukulwane tenu, maFilisti, ngiyakutibhubhisa ngendlala lenkhulu leyawuhhela ngisho nemisalela. “Awu, sango, lila! Awu, dolobha, hhewula! Ttutfumela, wena Filistiya! Ngobe emabutfo emphi lenemandla ayeta, aphuma ngasenyakatfo; ate ngisho nome linye lisotja leliligwala. “Sitawuphendvula sitsini kuletitfunywa letiphuma kulesive? Sitawusho, sitsi: Simakadze sewuyakhile yatinta iSiyoni, ngulapho sive sakhe lebesihlushwa sitawuphephela khona.” Leli livi lesembulo lelimacondzana neMowabi: Ngebusuku lekwabhujiswa ngabo i-Ari, live lonkhe lakaMowabi laphela laba tindzala. Ngebusuku lekwabhujiswa ngabo iKhiri, live lonkhe lakaMowabi lasala selitindzala. IDiboni seyenyukele ethempelini, endzaweni lephakeme yekukhontela, kuyawukhala. Sive sakaMowabi sikhalela iNebo neMedeba. Tonkhe tinhloko tihhuliwe, tonkhe tilevu tihhuliwe. Etitaladini bembetse emasaka, bakhala etikwetindlu, bakhale nasetinkhundleni, etihlatsini tabo kugeleta tinyembeti. Bantfu baseHeshboni nebase-Eleyale bayakhala, emaphimbo esililo sabo evakala khashane, ngisho naseJahasi. Ngako-ke nemabutfo emphi akaMowabi lahlomile ayakhala, tinhlitiyo tawo tiyatfutfumela. Inhlitiyo yami ikhalela Mowabi, bantfu bakhe babaleka kuye bacondza eSowari, labanye bacondza e-Eglathi Shelishiya. Benyuka bahamba bakhala baya eLuhithi, bahamba ngemgwaco baya eHoronayimu, bakhaliswa kubhujiswa kwabo. Emanti aseNimrimu omile, netjani bubunile; lokumilako sekuphele konkhe, sekute lokuluhlata lokusasele. Ngako leyo ngcebo yabo bese bayitfolile bayibutsisa ndzawonye, bayetfwala, bahamba nayo; bayawushona ngale kwemfudlana wemabhabhabhulomu. Kulila kwabo kuhaza ngesheya kwemnyele wakaMowabi. Kukhala kwabo kuvakala e-Eglayimu, kulila kwabo kuvakale eBheri Elimu. Emanti aseDiboni agcwele ingati, kodvwa iDiboni ngisetayengetela; yebo, libhubesi kulabo lababaleka kaMowabi, nakulabo labangimisalela kulelo live! Tfumelani emazinyane etimvu lesuka eSela, ngasehlane, aye entsabeni yeNdvodzakati yaseSiyoni, abe setfulo enkhosini yelive. Njengetinyoni letizulazulako nangabe tikhishwa etidlekeni, bayawuba njalo-ke nebafati bakaMowabi ematubukweni ase-Anoni. Batsi kubakaJuda: “Sinikeni seluleko, nisentele sincumo. Nisisibekele ngesitfunti senu sibe njengebusuku emini, kala bha. Fihlani labo lababalekile, ningatsengisi ngalababalekele kini. Hlalani nabo lababaleke kulakaMowabi, nibe sivikelo sabo kumbulali.” Umcindzeteli utawuphela, bese iyema imbhubhiso; umuntfu welutfutfuva utawunyamalala eveni; bese sihlalo sebukhosi sima ngelutsandvo; nangekwetsembeka kuyawuhlala umuntfu kuso, umuntfu loyawuvela endlini yakaDavide, umehluleli loyakwehlulela ngekungakhetsi, ayisheshisise indlela yekulunga. Sivile ngekutiphakamisa kwebakaMowabi, nangekuchosha kwabo lokukhulu nekutigcabha kwabo, nangekutigabatisa kwabo, nekucolosha kwabo; noko kutishaya sifuba kwabo kulite. Ngako-ke emaMowabi ayawutikhalela; ayawulila ndzawonye ngelakaMowabi. Lilani nidzabuke ngenca yemakhekhe emagelebisi lomisiwe langasatfolakali eKhiri Heresi. Emasimi aseHeshboni ayabuna, nemivini yaseSibima iyoma. Babusi betive babehlulwa liwayini lemivini yelikhetselo. Yebo, imivini leyake yenabela naseJaseri, yadzimate yefika nasehlane, yenaba yaze yayawufika naselwandle. Ngako ngiyakhala, njengobe kukhala iJaseri, ngikhalela imivini yaseSibima. Awu! Heshboni, nawe Eleyale, nginenye etinyembetini! Kumemeta kwenjabulo ngetitselo tenu lesetivutsiwe kuthulisiwe, kwabindziswa nenjabulo ngetivuno tenu. Injabulo nekutsakasa kususiwe emahlatsini etitselo lahlanyelwe; kute namunye losahlabela amemete etivinini, sekute losahluta liwayini ematjeni ekulihluta, ngobe ngikucedzile kumemeta. Inhlitiyo yami ililela iMowabi, ikhala njengelihabhu, lingekhatsi lami lilila ngeKhiri Heresi. Ngesikhatsi bakaMowabi babonakala endzaweni yabo lephakeme bavele batigugise bona nje; ngesikhatsi bayewukhuleka kuletithico tabo, abasasitakali ngalutfo. Leli livi Simakadze lasavele alikhulumile macondzana nebakaMowabi. Kodvwa nyalo Simakadze utsi: “Njengesisebenti lesenta sivumelwane seminyaka lemitsatfu nemcashi waso, balisisa kahle emalanga, ngobe ekugcineni kwaleso sikhatsi ludvumo lwakaMowabi luyawuba lihlazo, nalabo labayawube basele bayawuba mbalwa kakhulu futsi nabo bawombile.” Livi lesembulo lelimacondzana neDamaseko: “Buka la, iDamaseko ingeke isaba lidolobha, kodvwa seyitawuba yindvundvuma nje yetindzala. Emadolobha ase-Siriya atawushiywa abe ngemadlelo emihlambi yetimvu netimbuti, lapho iyawulala khona sekute nalotayesabisa. Lidolobha leliyinqaba liyawunyamalala kulaka-Efrayimu, kuphele nebukhosi bendlunkhulu yaseDamaseko. Insali yaseSiriya iyawuba njengebukhosi baka-Israyeli,” kusho Simakadze longuSomandla. “Ngalelo langa bukhosi bakaJakobe buyawunyamalala; nemitsebe lebhubuka emtimbeni wakhe iyawuhusheka iphele. Kuyawuba njengemvuni nakageca tinhlanga letimile, avuna tibhuluja ngetandla takhe, kube njengemuntfu lobutsa lokuwa nakavunako eSigodzini semaRefa. Noko letinye tibhuluja tiyawusala, njenganakuphundlwa sihlahla semncumo, bese kusala titselo temncumo letibili nome letitsatfu emagaleni lasetulu esicongweni sesihlahla, kusale lamane nome lasihlanu emagaleni latsele kakhulu,” kusho Simakadze longuNkulunkulu wema-Israyeli. Ngalelo langa bantfu bayawubuka kuMdali wabo, bajikise emehlo abo bawabhekise kuye Longcwele waka-Israyeli. Bangeke basabuka emalatini, lekungimisebenti yetandla tabo, futsi bangeke basatihlupha ngekunaka tinsika ta-Ashera nemalati emphepho labentiwa ngimino yabo. Ngalelo langa emadolobha abo latinqaba, lababewashiyiswe ngema-Israyeli, ayawufanana netindzawo lesetishiyelwe tinchachabutane nemitfuma. Onkhe ayawubate bantfu. Umkhohliwe Nkulunkulu uMsindzisi wakho; awukalikhumbuli lidvwala lelisiphephelo sakho. Ngako-ke nome ungahlanyelela tithico takho titfombo letinhle kakhulu, uhlanyele tivini letiphuma kulamanye emave, nome ngalelo langa lotihlanyela ngalo uvele utente tikhule, kutsi ekuseni nawutihlanyela utente tihlume, noko sivuno sato siyawufanana nelite ngelilanga lesifo neletinhlungu letingelapheki. Awu, ngekuhlokoma kwetive letinyenti, tihlokoma njengekuhlokoma kwelwandle! Awu, kuhokoma kwemsindvo webetive, tihokoma njengekuhlokoma kwemanti lamanyenti! Naloku tive tihokoma njengekuhokoma kwemabhudlo emanti, Nkulunkulu nakabatsetsisa, babaleka baye khashane, bapheshulwe emoyeni njengemakhoba, nakaphephuka etulu emagcumeni, nanjengelukhula loluzushuniwe, nalukhukhulwa sihhuhhula semoya. Kutsi kungahlwa, bahlanyele budlova! Kutsi kusa, babe bangasekho! Lesi sabelo salabo labaphanga tsine, likoyi lalabo labasiphangako. Maye kuwe wena live leligubhutisa timphiko, lingesheya kwemifula yaseSudani, lelitfumela titfunywa ngelwandle, tintante ngetikebhe temhlanga etikwemanti, ngitsi: “Hambani masinyane, mancusa lanematubane, nibuyele esiveni sakini lesibantfu baso babadze, kantsi banesikhumba semtimba lesibusheleleti, sive lesesatjwa kuyo yonkhe indzawo, sive lesineluchweba nelulwimi lolungatiwa, sive lesilive laso lehlukaniswe ngimifula. “Nonkhe nine tive temhlaba, nine lenihlala kulomhlaba, nakuphakanyiswa siboniso semphi entsabeni, nibobuka, nakukhala licilongo, nilalelisise. Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze kimi: ‘Ngitawuhlala nje ngithule, ngibuke nje ngisendzaweni yami yekuhlala, nakuphakama sivuvu ekushiseni kwelilanga, yebo, sivuvu sematolo lakhuntsisa sivuno.’ Ngobe, kusengakavunwa, nase kuhhohloke tishakato, netimbali setiba titselo lesetivutsiwe temagelebisi, uyawujuba emahlumela ngesikelo sekutsena tihlahla, awalalise phansi, esuse lemiliba leyenabako. Iyawusala yonkhe etulu etintsabeni, idliwe tinyoni tetintsaba netilwane tesiganga. Tinyoni tiyawutondla ngayo lihlobo lonkhe, netilwane tesiganga busika bonkhe.” Ngaleso sikhatsi tipho tiyakwetfulwa kuSimakadze longuSomandla, letiphuma esiveni lesibantfu baso babadze, kantsi banesikhumba semtimba lesibusheleleti, sive lesesatjwa kuyo yonkhe indzawo, sive lesineluchweba nelulwimi lolungatiwa, sive lesilive laso lehlukaniswe ngimifula. Letipho tiyawumikiswa entsabeni iSiyoni, indzawo yeLibito laSimakadze longuSomandla. Livi lesembulo lelimacondzana nelive laseGibhithe: Buka la, Simakadze ugibela lifu leligijima kakhulu, ubange kulaseGibhithe. Tithico taseGibhithe tiyawutfutfumela embikwakhe, netinhlitiyo tebantfu baseGibhithe tiyancibilika ngekhatsi kwabo. “Ngitawuchukuluta umGibhithe avukele umGibhithe, umnakabo uyakulwa nemnakabo, makhelwane acabane namakhelwane, lidolobha lihlasele lidolobha, umbuso uvukele umbuso. EmaGibhithe ayawuphelelwa ngemandla; emasu awo ngiyawuwacedza atsi nya. Ayawuya etithicweni ayewuphengula, aze ayewufuna labaphansi, netangoma, nalababhulako. BaseGibhithe ngitabanikela etandleni tenkhosi lenemandla nalenelulaka. Bayawubuswa yinkhosi leyesabekako,” kusho iNkhosi Simakadze lenguSomandla. Emanti emfula iNayili ayakusha ome, nekujula kwemfula kuyawukoma; yebo, kuyawusala kusebaleni. Imisele yemanti iyawunuka luvundze, yebo, imifula yonkhe yaseGibhithe iyawubotja yome. Umhlanga nelikhwane kuyawubuna, yebo, nayo yonkhe intfo lehlumako eceleni kwemfula lomkhulu iNayili, ekungeneleni kwawo elwandle. Tonkhe tivandze letihlanyelwe ngasemfuleni iNayili tiyawuhamuka tome, tingaphindzi tibonwe. Badwebi betinhlanti bayawukhala, balile, bonkhe labajika emahhuka abo emfuleni iNayili, labo labajika emanetha abo emantini, yebo, bayawujabha baphelelwe ngemandla. Labo bafati labankwefa imitiya yelineni bayawujabha, bephotseli labeluka ilineni lemhlophe bayawuphelelwa litsemba. EmaGibhithe latfungako ayawuphela emandla, nabo bonkhe labahola ngelilanga bayawudzabuka etinhlitiyweni. Tiphatsimandla taseSowani atisilo lutfo, kuphela nje, titibhungayeti; beluleki labahlakaniphile bakaFaro beluleka ngeteluleko letingenangcondvo. Ungasho kanjani kuFaro utsi: “Ngingulomunye walabahlakaniphile, intalo yemakhosi akadzeni”? Aphi nyalo emadvodza akho lahlakaniphile? Akakukhombise, akwatise loko, Nkulunkulu longuSomandla lasahlose kukwenta ngeGibhithe. Tiphatsimandla taseSowani setitibhungayeti, baholi baseMemfisi sebakhohlisiwe; imisumphe yebantfu bakhona seyedukise lonkhe live laseGibhithe. Simakadze sewutfululele kubo umoya wekudzidzeka; benta iGibhithe iyendze kuko konkhe leyikwentako, iyendze njengesidzakwa emahlanteni aso. Kute lokungabe kusentiwa yiGibhithe, inhloko nome umsila, ligala lelisundvu nome umhlanga. Ngalelo langa baseGibhithe bayawuba njengebafati. Bayawutfutfumela ngenca yekwesaba ingalo yaSimakadze longuSomandla leyawube iphakanyiselwe kumelana nabo. Live lakaJuda liyawutsela kwesaba kubantfu baseGibhithe; bonkhe labayakuva nje kuphatfwa lelibito laJuda, bayakwetfuka, ngenca yaloko Simakadze longuSomandla losahlose kukwenta kubo. Ngalelo langa emadolobha lasihlanu aseGibhithe ayawukhuluma siHebheru, lulwimi lwaseKhenani, ente sifungo kuSimakadze longuSomandla. Lelinye lawo kuyawutsiwa liDolobha Lembhubhiso. Ngalelo langa kuyawuba nelilati laSimakadze ekhatsi eveni laseGibhithe, nensika lesikhumbuto saSimakadze eminyeleni yaseGibhithe. Kuyawuba tibonakaliso letikhumbuta ngaSimakadze longuSomandla eveni laseGibhithe. Nase bakhala kuSimakadze ngenca yebacindzeteli babo, uyawubatfumelela umsindzisi nemvikeli, yena loyawufike abephule. Ngako Simakadze uyakwenta kutsi emaGibhithe amati; ngalelo langa bayawumhlonipha Simakadze. Bayawumkhonta ngemihlatjelo nangeminikelo yalokutinhlavu, bayakwenta tetsembiso kuSimakadze, futsi bayawutigcina. Simakadze uyawushaya iGibhithe ngesifo lesibulalanako; uyawubashaya ngaso, aphindze abaphilise. Bayawuphendvukela kuSimakadze, naye uyawukuva kuncusa kwabo, bese uyabaphilisa. Ngalelo langa kuyawuba nemgwaco losuka eGibhithe uye e-Asiriya. Base-Asiriya bayakuya eGibhithe, nebaseGibhithe bayakuya e-Asiriya. Bantfu baseGibhithe nebase-Asiriya bayakukhonta ndzawonye. Ngalelo langa Israyeli uyawuba ngewesitsatfu kanye neGibhithe ne-Asiriya, kube sibusiso emhlabeni. Simakadze longuSomandla uyawubabusisa, atsi: “Ayibusiswe iGibhithe, sive sami, ne-Asiriya lengumsebenti wetandla tami, na-Israyeli lolifa lami.” Ngemnyaka indvuna lenkhulu yemphi, leyayitfunywe nguSagoni, inkhosi yase-Asiriya, yefikela e-Ashdodi, yayihlasela, yayitfumba, ngaleso sikhatsi Simakadze wakhuluma nga-Isaya, umsa wa-Amose. Wakhuluma kuye, watsi: “Khumula lamasaka emtimbeni wakho, naletincabule lapha etinyaweni takho.” Wakwenta loko Isaya, wahamba asangcunu, angakafaki lutfo nasetinyaweni. Simakadze wase utsi: “Njengobe inceku yami, Isaya, beyihamba ngcunu ingakafaki lutfo nasetinyaweni iminyaka lemitsatfu, lokusibonakaliso nemhlolo kwalokutawuvelela iGibhithe neSudani, kanjalo inkhosi yase-Asiriya iyawuhola baseGibhithe nebaseSudani labatfunjwe bangcunu, bangakafaki lutfo nasetinyaweni, labancane nalabadzala, bayawushwebheta ngetibunu tabo tisebaleni, kube lihlazo laseGibhithe. Labo lababetsemba iSudani, batigabatisa ngeGibhithe, bayawukwesaba, batseleke ngelihlazo. Ngalelo langa bantfu labahlala kulolugu bayawutsi: ‘Ase nibuke kutsi sekwentekeni kulabantfu lebesetsembele kubo, labo lesabalekela kubo sayawucela lusito nekukhululwa enkhosini yase-Asiriya! Pho-ke, sesitawuphunyula kanjani?’ ” Leli livi lesembulo lelimacondzana neBhabhulona, lihlane lelingaselwandle: Njengetiwunguwungwana tihhusha tendlula eveni laseningizimu, kanjalo umhlaseli uchamuka ngasehlane, eveni lelesabekako. Ngikhonjiswe umbono lowesabekako: Bantfu labangemambuka bayatsengisana, baphangi batsatsa imphango. Hlaselani, nine ma-Elamu! Vimbetelani, nani maMede! “Ngitakucedza konkhe loko kububula lobekubangwa baseBhabhulona.” Nginelusizi ngalombono lengiwubonile, buhlungu bungibambile, njengemhelo ufikela umfati nasatawubeleka. Kuyangetfusa loko lengikuvako, ngiyamangala ngaloko lengikubona ngemehlo ami. Inhlitiyo yami iyaphatamiseka, kwesaba kuyangitfutfumelisa; kuhlwa lebengiloku ngikufisa sekujike kwaba sesabiso kimi. Bendlala ematafula, bendlale emacansi, bayadla, banatse! Bese kuphuma simemetelo sitsi: “Sukumani, nine tindvuna! Gcobisani emahawu enu!” Naku-ke lokushiwo nguSimakadze kimi, utsi: “Hamba ubeke umlindzi, umtjele akubikele ngako konkhe lakubonako. Nakabona tincola temphi letiboshelwe, letinemahhashi laboshelwe ngamabili, nebagibeli betimbongolo bagibele, nome bagibeli bemakamela basetulu, akahlale acaphele ngesineke lesikhulu.” Lomlindzi wamemeta watsi: “Lilanga ngelilanga, nkhosi yami, ngima etulu embhoshongweni wekulindza, busuku ngebusuku ngihlala ngisemsebentini wami. Asubuke nje, naku kuta umuntfu ugibele incola yakhe yemphi, lenemahhashi laboshelwe ngamabili. Lomuntfu waphendvula watsi: ‘IBhabhulona seyiwile, iwile! Tonkhe titfombe tetithico tayo setibhidlikele phansi emhlabatsini!’ ” Awu, sive sami, senipitjitelwe phansi ebaleni lekubhulela kolo, ngiyanitjela loko lengikuvile kuSimakadze longuSomandla, kuNkulunkulu wema-Israyeli. Leli livi lesembulo lelimacondzana neDuma lelitsi: Kukhona longimemetako kaSeyiri, utsi: “Mlindzi, sekusele kangakanani kutsi kuse? Mlindzi, sekusele kangakanani kutsi kuse?” Umlindzi uyaphendvula, utsi: “Kuyeta kusa, kodvwa kusesebusuku. Nanifuna kubuta, butani, nibophindze nibuye futsi.” Leli livi lesembulo lelimacondzana ne-Arabiya lelitsi: Nine ludvwendvwe lwemakamela akaDedani, nine lenimisa emavungwini ase-Arabiya, baletseleni emanti laba lasebomile; nine lenihlala eThema, baletseleni kudla laba lababalekile. Babalekela tinkemba, yebo, tinkemba letiphakanyisiwe, nebutjoki lobucishiwe, nekushisa kwemphi. Naku-ke lokushiwo nguSimakadze kimi, utsi: “Njengesisebenti lesenta sivumelwane semnyaka munye nemcashi waso, balisisa kahle emalanga, ngobe ekugcineni kwawo lonkhe ludvumo lwakaKhedari lutawuphela. Imisalela yemadvodza lanemba ngebutjoki, langemachawe akaKhedari itawuba mbalwa.” Simakadze longuNkulunkulu wa-Israyeli sewukhulumile. Leli livi lesembulo lelimacondzana neSigodzi Sembono lelitsi: Kwentiwa yini kutsi bonkhe bantfu bakho bakhwele baye etulu etingcongwaneni tetindlu? Awu dolobha leligcwele siyaluyalu! Awu dolobha lemsindvo nekujabula! Bantfu bakho labafile abakabulawa yinkemba, futsi abafelanga emphini. Bonkhe baholi bakho babaleke kanyekanye; batfunjwe bangakalwi nekulwa ngebutjoki. Nonkhe nine lenibanjiwe naboshwa kanyekanye, nivele nabaleka, nome sitsa besisekhashane. Ngako-ke ngatsi: “Sukani lapha kimi, ase ngikhale kabuhlungu. Ningacali netame kungidvudvuta ngekubhujiswa kwesive sakitsi.” INkhosi Simakadze lenguSomandla ibeke lilanga lesiyaluyalu, lekugcotjwagcotjwa nelekudzidzeka eSigodzini Sembono, lilanga lekuhhihlitwa kwetibondza, lilanga lekutikhalela etintsabeni. Elamu utsatsa umgodla wemicibisholo, utseleka nebagibeli bakhe betincola kanye nemahhashi; emadvodza aseKhiri agwabula emahawu. Tihosha tenu telikhetselo tigcwele tincola temphi, nebagibeli bemahhashi babekwe emasangweni elidolobha; Juda sewemukwe tonkhe tivikelo takhe. Ngaleso sikhatsi nahlola tikhali taseNdlini Yelihlatsi. Nabona kutsi Lidolobha laDavide linetindzawo letinyenti letibhidlikile; navimbela emanti ema eSitibeni Lesingentansi. Nabala tindlu taseJerusalema, nabhidlita tindlu letinye nentela kucinisa lubondza. Nakha lidamu emkhatsini wetindvonga letimbili, lidamu lekugcina emanti eSitiba Lesidzala, kodvwa anizange nibuke kuLowo lowakwenta nome nimnake Lowo lowakuhlela endvulo. INkhosi Simakadze lenguSomandla yanibita ngalelo langa kutsi nitewukhala nilile, kutsi nitewuhhula tinwele tenu, nembatse emasaka. Kodvwa bukani, kuyajatjulwa kubuswe, kuhlatjwa tinkhomo netimvu, yebo, kudliwa inyama, kunatfwe liwayini! Nitsi: “Asidle, sinatse, ngobe kusasa sitakufa!” Simakadze longuSomandla ukwembulile loku kimi, ngakuva: “Niyawuze nife solomane lesono singakahlawulelwa”, isho njalo iNkhosi Simakadze lenguSomandla. Naku-ke lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze lenguSomandla, itsi: “Hamba, uye endvuneni, kuShebna lophetse sigodlo, ufike utsi: Wentani lapha, kona ngubani lokunike lemvume yekumba lithuna lakho lapha, nekukapuluta lithuna lakho lapha etulu ngekucota indzawo yakho yekuphumula lapha edvwaleni? “Caphela-ke, Simakadze sewutakuntfonya akujikijele khashane, awu, wena ndvodza lenemandla. Utakugicita kamatima njengebhola, akujikijele eveni lelikhulu. Ngulapho-ke uyawufela khona, lapho tincola takho letinhle tiyawusala khona, wena hlazo lendlu yenkhosi yakho! Ngiyawukwehlisa esikhundleni sakho, ususwe esikhundleni sakho,” kusho Simakadze. “Ngalelo langa ngiyawubita inceku yami, Eliyakimu, umsa waHilkiya. Ngiyakumembatsisa ngemjiva wakho, ngimbophe ngelibhande lakho; emandla nemagunya akho ngiwanike yena. Uyawuba nguyise walabo labahlala eJerusalema nakubendlu yakaJuda. Ngiyawubeka sikhiya sendlu yakaDavide emahlombe akhe; lakuvulako kute loyawukuvala, nalakuvalako kute loyawukuvula. Ngiyakumbetsela njengesipikili esikhundleni sakhe, yena uyawuba njengesihlalo seludvumo emndenini weyise. Kuleso sipikili kuyawuphanyekwa sonkhe sisindvo semndeni weyise, titukulwane takhe nemiliba yakhe, ngisho tonkhe titja letincane takhona, kusukela etindishini kuye emajekeni.” Simakadze longuSomandla uyakhuluma utsi: “Ngalelo langa lesipikili besiyawushayelwa sishone sisime, siyawuphuma siwe, bese kutsi lomtfwalo bewuphanyekwe kuso udzilikele phansi emhlabatsini.” Simakadze ukhulumile. Leli livi lesembulo lelimacondzana neThire lelitsi: Lilani, nine mikhumbi yaseThashishi, ngobe iThire seyibhujisiwe, yasala ite indlu nome sikhumulo. Nivile ngalombiko ngesikhatsi nibuya eSiphrosi. Bindzani, nine sive sesichingi, nani bahwebi baseSidoni, nine leseninjingiswe bashayeli bemikhumbi. Sivuno salokutinhlavu sesigodzi semfula iNayili sefika ngelwandle, saba sivuno saseThire; kwatsi ngaso iThire yatsengiselana netive. Bani nemahloni, wena Sidoni, bani nemahloni, nawe nqaba yaselwandle, ngobe lwandle selukhulumile lwatsi: “Angikaze ngibe nemhelo, kantsi futsi angikaze ngitale umntfwana. Angizange ngikhulise emadvodzana, nemadvodzakati futsi angizange ngiwakhulise.” Nakufika tindzaba eGibhithe, bayawuba nelusizi lolukhulu, nabeva umbiko lophuma eThire. Yewelani, niye eThashishi, lilani, nine sive sasesichingini. Kungabe leli lidolobha lenu yini, lenake najabula nitigcabha ngalo, lelasungulwa kadzenidzeni, nalelibantfu balo bake bahamba ngetinyawo tabo bayawucaba emaveni lakhashane? Ngubani lowahlela lokulwa neThire, lidolobha lebukhosi, lelibahwebi balo batikhulu, nebatsengisi balo bahlonishwa emhlabeni wonkhe? NguSimakadze longuSomandla lokuhlelile kutsi entele phansi ligcabho labo bonkhe bukhatikhati, nekutsi atfobise bonkhe labadvumile emhlabeni. Limani live lenu, nine baseThashishi, njengabaseNayili. Sikhumulo singeke siphindze sibe yindzawo yekutsenga nekutsengisa. Simakadze welule sandla sakhe wasiphakamisela etikwelwandle, wenta imibuso yalo yatfutfumela, wayala namacondzana nelaseFenisiya, kutsi tinqaba tayo atibhujiswe. Ukhulumile watsi: “Ungeke uphindze utijabulise, wena Ndvodzakati yaseSidoni, sewupitjitiwe! Sukumani newelele eSiphrosi, nakhona lapho ngeke nikutfole kuphumula.” Bukani live lemaBhabhulona, lesive lese silite nyalo! Ema-Asiriya lelive asalente laba yindzawo yetilwane telihlane. Akhe imibhoshongo yekuvimbetela, ahlubula tinqaba talo, taba tindzala. Lilani, nine mikhumbi yaseThashishi, inqaba yenu seyibhujisiwe! Ngaleso sikhatsi iThire iyawukhohlakala iminyaka lengema-70, sikhatsi lesingangekuphila kwenkhosi. Kodvwa ekupheleni kwaleminyaka lengema-70, iThire iyawuba njengengwadla kulengoma letsi: “Manje, wena ngwadla asakukhohliwe emadvodza, tsatsa ilire yakho, uyewuzula edolobheni! Dlala tingoma letinyenti kakhulu ngelihabhu, khona emadvodza atekukhumbula.” Ekupheleni kweminyaka lengama-70, Simakadze utayihambela iThire. Itawubuyela emsebentini wayo webugwadla, yonkhe imibuso yemhlaba itawugwadla nayo. Noko inzuzo yayo nemali yayo leyitfolako ingeke ibutsiswe ndzawonye, kodvwa iyakwehlukaniselwa Simakadze. Iyakwabelwa labo labakhonta Simakadze, babe nekudla lokunyenti netimphahla letinhle. Bukani la, Simakadze utawubhubhisa umhlaba, awente ube lihlane. Umhlaba utawenta ubhidlike, asakate bonkhe labahlala kuwo. Bonkhe bantfu bayawuhlupheka ngalokufananako: Umphristi njengebantfu, umcashi njengesisebenti, inkhosikati njengencekukati, umtsengisi njengemtsengi, umbolekisi njengemboleki, umkweledisi njengemkweledi. Umhlaba utawubhidlitwa ube lite, uphangwe nekuphangwa. Simakadze ulikhulumile lelivi. Umhlaba uyoma ubune, live lonkhe liyahhohhobala libune, labaphakeme bemhlaba nabo bayahhohhobala. Umhlaba ungcoliswe bantfu bawo. Umtsetfo waNkulunkulu abawulalelanga, bephule imiyalo, bephula sivumelwane saphakadze. Ngako-ke sicalekiso siyawushwabudzela umhlaba, bantfu bawo kufanele baletfwale licala labo. Ngako-ke labahlala emhlabeni bayashiswa, kusale babe mbalwa kakhulu. Liwayini lelisha liyoma, nemvini uyabuna; bonkhe labatijabulisako bayabubula. Kutsakasa kwemafahlawane sekubindzisiwe, nemsindvo walabatijabulisako sewuthulisiwe, lihabhu lekutjakadvula selibindzile. Liwayini abasalinatsi ngengoma, tjwala sebuyababa kubanatsi babo. Lidolobha lelibhidlitiwe, selisele lilihlane; onkhe emasango asavaliwe, akusangeni muntfu. Etitaladini bakhalela liwayini; konkhe kujabula sekugucuke kwaba lusizi, konkhe kutsakasa sekudzingisiwe emhlabeni. Lidolobha selisele litindzala, emasango alo abhidlitwe aba ticucu. Kuyawuba njalo emhlabeni, nakuto tonkhe tive kube njengesihlahla semncumo nasivitsitiwe, nanjengaloko lokusele nakuvunwa emagelebisi. Bantfu baphakamisa emaphimbo abo, bamemeta ngenjabulo; kusukela ngasenshonalanga badvumisa bukhosi baSimakadze. Ngako-ke nine basemphumalanga, nikani Simakadze ludvumo, niphakamise Libito laSimakadze, longuNkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, nimphakamise etichingini taselwandle. Siva kuhlabela kuchamuka emikhawulweni yemhlaba, kutsi: “Ludvumo kuLolungile!” Kodvwa mine ngatsi: “Ngiyahusheka! Ngiyahusheka! Maye kimi! Labenta luzungu bachubeka ngeluzungu! Luzungu lwekutsengisa labanye bantfu!” Kwesabisa, nemgodzi kanye nelugibe kulindzele nine, yebo, nine bantfu bemhlaba. Lowo lobalekela umsindvo wekwesabisa, uyakuhholokoshela emgodzini; lowo loyawukhuphuka kulomgodzi, uyawubanjwa lugibe. Tivalo temanti emazulwini tivuliwe, tisekelo temhlaba tiyanyikatiswa. Umhlaba wephukile, umhlaba uchekeke ekhatsi, umhlaba unyakatiswa kakhulu. Umhlaba uyadzayitela njengesidzakwa, ujikita njengesidleke senyoni emoyeni. Umhlaba usindvwa kakhulu licala lawo lekuhlubuka, sewuze uyawa, futsi ungeke uphindze usukume. Ngalelo langa Simakadze uyawujezisa tiphatsimandla tasemazulwini etulu, nemakhosi asemhlabeni phansi. Bayawubutselwa ndzawonye njengetiboshwa letiboshelwe ekhulukuthu, bayawuvalelwa ejele, bajeziswe emvakwemalanga lamanyenti. Inyanga iyawufiphala, lilanga lidliwe ngemahloni; ngobe Simakadze longuSomandla uyawubusa eNtsabeni yaseSiyoni naseJerusalema, yebo, abuse ngeludvumo embikwebaholi bayo. Awu, Simakadze, wena unguNkulunkulu wami, ngiyakukuphakamisa, ngilidvumise Libito lakho, ngobe ngekwetsembeka kwakho lokuphelele wente tintfo letimangalisako, tintfo letahlelwa endvulo. Lidolobha ulente laba yindvundvuma yemfuhlululu, yebo, lidolobha lelibiyelwe laba tindzala; siphephelo sebetive sangabe sisaba ngilo lidolobha, lingeke liphindze lakhiwe kabusha. Ngako-ke tive letinemandla tiyawukudvumisa, emadolobha etive letinelunya ayawukuhlonipha. Bewusiphephelo salabamphofu, siphephelo salabeswele elusizini lwabo, siphephelo sekuvikela etivunguvungwini, nemtfunti ekushiseni kwelilanga. Ngobe kuphefumula kwalabanelunya kufanana nesivunguvungu lesitimukula elubondzeni; kunjengekushisa kwelihlane. Wena ubindzisa lutfutfuva lwebetive; njengekushisa nakuphotiswa litfunti lelifu, ibindziswa kanjalo-ke ingoma yalabanelunya. Kulentsaba Simakadze longuSomandla utakwentela bantfu bonkhe lidzili lalokukhuluphele, lelimnandzi, yebo, lidzili leliwayini lelidzala lakadzeni, inyama lenhle kakhulu, netinhlobo letimnandzi teliwayini. Kulentsaba uyawususa simbonyo lesisibekele tonkhe tive, nalendvwangu lembonye tonkhe tive, amite kufa phakadze naphakadze. Somandla longuSimakadze uyawukwesula tinyembeti kubo bonkhe buso; uyawususa lihlazo lesive sakhe emhlabeni wonkhe. Simakadze sewukhulumile. Ngalelo langa bayakutsi: “Ngempela, lona nguNkulunkulu wetfu, besetsembela kuye, naye wasisindzisa. Lona nguSimakadze lebesetsembele kuye; asijabule sitfokote ngensindziso yakhe.” Emandla aSimakadze ayakuyengama lentsaba, kodvwa Mowabi utawunyatselwa phansi ngetinyawo, njengetibi natigcotjwagcotjwa emcubeni. Bayawukweneka tandla tabo ekhatsi kuwo njengemuntfu lohlambako nakeneka tandla takhe. Nkulunkulu uyakulidzilita ligcabo labo, abubukele phansi bucwepheshe betandla tabo. Uyakudzilitela phansi tibondza takaMowabi letiphakeme naletitinqaba, atihhihlitele phansi; uyakutihhihlitela phansi elutfulini. Ngalelo langa kuyawuhlatjelelwa ingoma kaJuda, letsi: “Sinelidolobha lelicinile; Nkulunkulu usentela insindziso ngetibondza talo netinqaba talo.” Vulani emasango, kuze sitewungena sive lesilungile, sive lesigcina kukholwa. Wena Simakadze, lowo lotimiselako ngawe uyamlondvolota, umuphe kuthula nenhlalakahle, ngobe abeke litsemba lakhe kuwe. Yetsembelani kuSimakadze kuze kube phakadze, ngobe Simakadze nguSimakadze loLidvwala laphakadze. Uyabatfobisa labo labahlala ekuphakameni, ulalisa phansi lidolobha leliphakeme, alente lilingane nemhlabatsi, alilahle phansi elutfulini. Ulenta linyatselwe phansi ngetinyawo, yebo, ngetinyawo talabacindzetelwe, ngetinyatselo talabamphofu. Indlela yalolungile ibekile. Awu, wena Locondzile, wenta indlela yalolungile icondze. Yebo, Simakadze, sihamba endleleni yemitsetfo yakho, silindzela wena; Libito lakho neludvumo lwakho ngutona tifiso tetinhlitiyo tetfu. Umphefumulo wami ulangatelela wena ebusuku; ekuseni umoya wami ulangatelela wena. Ngesikhatsi tehlulelo takho tehlela etikwemhlaba, tive temhlaba tifundza kulunga. Naloku umusa sewuphiwe lababi, bona solo abakufundzi kulunga; ngisho naseveni lebucotfo bachubeka benta lokubi, bangabunaki bukhosi baSimakadze. Simakadze, sandla sakho siphakamele etulu, kodvwa noko abasiboni. Bente babone inshisekelo yakho ngesive sakho, batewudliwa ngemahloni. Akutsi umlilo lowugcinele titsa takho udle bona ubacedze. Simakadze, wena usentela kuthula, konkhe loku lesiphumelele kukwenta, sikwentelwe nguwe. Awu, Simakadze, Nkulunkulu wetfu, lamanye emakhosi langasiye wena abusile etikwetfu; kodvwa Libito lakho, ngilo lodvwa lesilihloniphako. Nyalo asafile lawo makhosi, akasaphili, lowo moya wawo lowanyamalala awube usaphindza uvuke. Wawajezisa wawabhubhisa, wesula konkhe kukhunjulwa kwawo. Simakadze, usikhulisile sive, yebo, wena usandzisile sive. Utizuzele wena ludvumo. Uyinwebile yonkhe iminyele yelive. Simakadze, beta kuwe ekudzabukeni kwabo, ngesikhatsi ubajezisa babehluleka ngisho nekuhebeta umkhuleko. Njengemfati lokhulelwe nasatawubeleka, uyajilajileka, akhale ngenca yemihelo, natsi sasinjalo ebukhoneni bakho, awu, Simakadze! Sasikhulelwe, sajilajileka ngetinhlungu, kodvwa sesuka satala umoya. Asikayiletsi insindziso emhlabeni; asikatitali tive letisemhlabeni. Kodvwa labafile bakho bayawuphila; imitimba yabo iyawuvuka. Nine lenihleti elutfulini lwemhlaba, vukani nimemete ngenjabulo. Ematolo akho anjengematolo asekuseni laphilisako, umhlaba uyawubakhipha labafile bawo. Balekani, sive sami, ngenani etindlini tenu, nitivalele ngekhatsi. Tifihleni ngekhatsi kwesikhashana, kuze kwendlule lulaka lwakhe. Bukani, Simakadze uphumela ngephandle kwendzawo yakhe yekuhlala, utewujezisa tive temhlaba ngenca yetono tato. Umhlaba utawuveta ebaleni yonkhe ingati leyacitsekela kuwo, lababulewe kuwo ungeke usabafihla. Ngalelo langa Simakadze uyawujezisa ngenkemba yakhe leyesabekako, lenkhulu nalenemandla lamakhulu, uyawujezisa Leviyathani, inyoka lenyelelako, yebo, Leviyathani, inyoka letibutsako; yena uyawubulala silo saselwandle. Ngalelo langa: “Hlabelani ngesivini lesitselako. Mine, longuSimakadze, ngiyaselusa, ngisinisela njalo nje, ngiselusa imini nebusuku, kuze kutsi kubete muntfu losonako. Angikatfukutseli. Kube mane bekunetinchachabutane nemanyeva langisukelako! Bengitawushuca ngiyekuwahlasela emphini; bengitawahloseka onkhe ngemlilo. Nome-ke wona abaleke atewubhaca kimi, akabuyisane nami, yebo, akabuyisane nami.” Ngemalanga letako, Jakobe uyawumila timphandze asime, Israyeli uyawuhluma achakaze timbali, agcwalise umhlaba wonkhe ngetitselo. Kungabe kambe, Simakadze umgadlile, njengaloku agadla labo labamgadlako? Ngabe kambe sewubulewe yini njengekubulawa kwalabo lababulala yena? Kulwa kwakhe nebaseJerusalema kugcina ngekutsi abadvungulule baye ekutfunjweni, abakhiphe ngesikhahlo sakhe njengekuhhusha kwemoya wasemphumalanga. Ngaloku-ke licala lakaJakobe liyawube selihlawulelwe, loku kuyawuba sitselo lesiphelele sekwesulwa kwesono sakhe: Ngesikhatsi enta onkhe emalati ematje, kutsi abe njengematje emcakaco, aphushuke abe timvutfu, kute nayinye insika ya-Ashera nome lilati lemphepho leliyawusala limile. Lidolobha leliyinqaba lisala lite muntfu, sabelo lesishiyiwe sisale sinjengelihlane, lapho sekuyabe kudla khona ematfole, alale khona ahlabule, aphundle emagala akhona aze abe mhlophe. Kuyawutsi emagala akhona nasomile, ephulwe, kufike bafati bawatfote, bayekuwabasa. Ngobe lesi sive lesingeva emadlebeni, ngako, uMenti waso akasenamunyu ngaso, uMdali waso akasenasihawu ngaso. Ngalelo langa Simakadze uyawubabhula kusukela emfuleni iYufrathe kuze kuyewufika emfuleni waseGibhithe, nine-ke ma-Israyeli, niyawubutfwa ngamunye ngamunye. Ngalelo langa kuyawukhala licilongo lelikhulu. Labo lababelahlekile bedukela e-Asiriya, nalabo lababetfunjelwe eGibhithe bayakuta batewukhonta Simakadze entsabeni lengcwele, eJerusalema. Maye kulowo mchele letitigabatisa ngawo tidzakwa taka-Efrayimu, nakuleyo mbali lebunako, bukhatikhati bebuhle bakhe lobumiswe enhloko yesigodzi lesivundzile; maye kulelo dolobha, ligcabho lalabo lasebalaliswa phansi liwayini! Buka la, Simakadze unaye lonemandla nalocinile. Njengesangcotfo nesivunguvungu lesibhubhisako, nanjengemvula lekhukhulako, nesihhuhhula semanti, uyakulisacata phansi emhlabatsini ngemandla lamakhulu. Lowo mchele letitigabatisa ngawo tidzakwa taka-Efrayimu, uyawugcotjwagcotjwa phansi ngetinyawo. Leyo mbali lebunako, bukhatikhati bebuhle bakhe lobumiswe enhloko yesigodzi lesivundzile, iyawuba njengelikhiwa lelivutfwe kungakavunwa, lekutsi lowo nje lolibone kucala alikhe ngesandla sakhe, alifake emlonyeni, alimite masinyane. Ngalelo langa Simakadze longuSomandla uyawuba ngumchele webukhosi, umchele lomuhle wensali yesive sakhe. Uyawuba ngumoya wemtsetfocotfo kulowo lohlalela kwehlulela, abe sisusa semandla kulabo labajikisa imphi esangweni. Nabo labo bayayendza ngenca yeliwayini, babhadzatele ngenca yetjwala, baphristi nebaphrofethi bayayendza ngenca yetjwala, basangene ingcondvo ngenca yeliwayini, badzayiteliswa tjwala, bayayendza nababona imibono, bayakhubatela nabakhipha tincumo. Onkhe ematafula agcwele emahlante, kute ngisho lesincane sikhadlana lesingakangcoli. “Ngubani yena lona lowetama kumfundzisa, uwuchazela bani wona lombiko wakhe? Kubantfwana labesusiwe yini elubisini lwabo, labo labavele balunyulwa nje emabeleni abonina? Uyahhema utsi: Savu lasavu, savu lasavu, khavu lakhavu, khavu lakhavu, ziyere shamu, ziyere shamu.” Kulungile-ke, ngetindzebe temlomo wekuchamuka nangetilimi letingatiwa Nkulunkulu uyawukhuluma kulesive, lakhuluma kuso watsi: “Lena yindzawo yekuphumula, labakhatsele abaphumule kuyo,” nekutsi: “Lena yindzawo yekucambalala,” kodvwa bangeke balalele. Ngako-ke livi laSimakadze kubo liyawuba kutsi: “Savu lasavu, savu lasavu, khavu lakhavu, khavu lakhavu, ziyere shamu, ziyere shamu,” kuze batewuhamba baze bawe ngetiphundvu, balimale babanjwe, bese bayatfunjwa. Ngako-ke vanini livi laSimakadze, nine tedzeleli lenibusa lesive eJerusalema. Niyatigabatisa nitsi: “Sesente sivumelwane nekufa, sente sivumelwane nelithuna. Ngesikhatsi sivunguvungu lesishisako siphephula sendlula kitsi, singeke sisitsintse tsine, ngobe sente emanga aba siphephelo setfu, sente emacebo aba yindzawo yetfu yekubhaca.” Ngako-ke naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze longuSomandla, utsi: “Buka la, ngibeka litje eSiyoni, litje lelihloliwe, litje leliligugu lekusimisa indlu, lelisisekelo lesetsembekile sendlu; lowo lowetsembele kimi ngeke ajabhe. Ngitakwenta kwehlulela ngekwemtsetfocotfo kube ngumugca wekulinganisa, nekulunga kube ngumugca wekucondzisa, sangcotfo siyawuhlwitsa lesiphephelo senu lesingemanga, nesikhukhula semanti siyakwemukisa lendzawo yenu yekubhaca. Sivumelwane senu lenisente nekufa siyakwentiwa sibe lite; sivumelwane senu lenisente nelithuna singeke sime. Kuyawutsi sivunguvungu sekushisa nasiphephula sendlula kini, sinishaye sinilahle phansi. Njalo nje nasifika nome nini, siyakwendlula nani sinitfumbe kusa ngekusa, busuku nemini.” Kuvakala kwalomlayeto kuyawuletsa kwesaba nekutfutfumela kuphela nje. Umbhedze mfishane kakhulu kutsi ungenaba kuwo, netingubo tingumntjuntju kakhulu kutsi umuntfu angatishumphetela ngato. Simakadze utawuvuka, njengobe wake wenta eNtsabeni yasePherasimu, lulaka lwakhe luyakumvuselela njengaseSigodzini saseGibeyoni, kutsi ente umsebenti wakhe, yebo, umsebenti wakhe lomangalisako kutsi aphelelisele umsebenti wakhe, yebo, umsebenti wakhe longaketayeleki. Nyalo-ke yekelani lokuphukuta kwenu, nakungenjalo, tinketane tenu titakuba matima, iNkhosi Simakadze lenguSomandla ingitjelile ngembhubhiso leseyimiselwe live lonkhe. Lalelani, nive livi lami; linakekeleni, nive kutsi ngitsini. Umlimi nakalima atawuhlanyela, uyaye alibale kulima yini? Vele, ulibala kugucula yini ahhalige umhlaba wakhe? Nase awulime kahle umhlabatsi wakhe wawuhlanganisa waba kahle, uyaye angabe asayihlanyela yini inhlanyelo yakhe yetinandzisi, asakate nekhumini yakhe? Akahlanyeli kolo yini endzaweni yakhe, nebhali ensimini yayo, nemabele ensimini yawo? Nkulunkulu wakhe uyamtjela amfundzise indlela lelungile. Ikhumini ayibhulwa ngesihliphi, kanjalo nekhumini lemnyama ayibhulwa ngekuhambisa inkalishi etikwayo; kodvwa ikhumini ibhulwa ngesibhulo, kutsi ikhumini lemnyama ibhulwe ngendvuku. Lokutinhlavu kufanele kusilwe kutekwentiwa sinkhwa; ngako-ke akulitjalwa kukubhula siphelane. Nome achuba emasondvo enkalishi yakhe yekubhula etikwako, emahhashi akhe akakusili. Konkhe loku kuphuma kuSimakadze longuSomandla, lomangalisako ekwelulekeni kwakhe, nalobabatekako ngenhlakanipho yakhe. Maye kuwe, Ariyeli, Ariyeli, lidolobha lapho kwafike kwangenisa Davide khona! Yengetani umnyaka ngemnyaka, vumelani umjikeleto wemadzili enu uchubeke. Noko ngiyakuvimbetela i-Ariyeli, iyawukhala ilile kimi, iyawuba njengelilati lemlilo. Ngiyawumisa emabutfo ami akutungelete. Ngiyawukutungeleta ngemibhoshongo, ngimise tindvonga tekukuvimbetela. Uyawukhuluma sewulele phansi sengikwehlisile; inkhulumo yakho kuyawuba kuvungama nje kwaselutfulini. Liphimbo lakho liyawuvakala njengelesipoko emhlabatsini; livi lakho liyawuvumbuka livela elutfulini. Kodvwa titsa takho letinyenti titawuba njengelutfuli lwemhlabatsi, leticumbi tebantfu labanelunya tiyawuba njengemakhoba lapheshulwa ngumoya. Ngekushesha, ngekuphatima kweliso Simakadze longuSomandla uyakuta ngekudvuma nangekutamatama kwemhlaba, nangemsindvo lomkhulu, nangesikhukhula semoya nesihhushuhhushu, nangemalangabi emlilo lodlako. Ngako lemilalandle yato tonkhe tive lelwa ne-Ariyeli naleyihlaselako kanye netinqaba tayo, iyivimbetele, iyawuba njengeliphupho, nanjengembono ebusuku. Njengemuntfu losabulewe yindlala nakabhudza adla, kodvwa utsi navuka ekuseni akhandze indlala imphetse, nanjengemuntfu nakomile abhudze anatsa, kodvwa atsi navuka ekuseni atikhandze afile koma, kuyawuba njalo-ke nangalemilalandle yato tonkhe tive letilwa neNtsaba yaseSiyoni. Yetfukani nimangale, banini timphumphutse nibe ngulabangenamehlo, dzakwani, kodvwa hhayi ngenca yeliwayini, yendzani, kodvwa ningayendziswa tjwala. Simakadze wehlisele etikwenu butfongo lobukhulu: Uwavalile emehlo enu, baphrofethi, utimbonyile tinhloko tenu, baboniswa. Kini wonkhe nje lombono awusilo lutfo, ngaphandle kwemagama nje lavalelwe encwadzini legocotwako. Naninika lomunye, lokwatiko kufundza, lencwadzi legocotwako, nitsi: “Fundza naku, tsine,” uyawuphendvula atsi: “Ngingeke ngikhone, ivaliwe yananyatsiselwa.” Nome-ke naninganika lomunye longakwati kufundza lencwadzi legocotwako, nitsi: “Fundza naku, tsine,” angaphendvula atsi: “Angikwati kufundza.” Simakadze utsi: “Labantfu basondzela kimi ngemilomo yabo, bangihlonipha ngetindzebe temilomo yabo kuphela; kodvwa tinhlitiyo tabo tikhashane kabi nami. Kungikhonta kwabo kukwenta nje leyo mitsetfo lefundziswa bantfu. Ngako-ke ngisetawuphindze ngibamangalise labantfu ngetigigaba etikwetigigaba. Inhlakanipho yetihlakaniphi tabo itawuphela, kukhalipha kwemcondvo kwalabanengcondvo lekhaliphile kutawuphela.” Maye kulabo labaya ematfunjini emhlaba, bayewufihla emasu abo, bawafihlele Simakadze, labentela imisebenti yabo ebumnyameni, bacabange batsi: “Ngubani nje losibonako? Ngubani loyawukwati?” Niguculela tintfo, liphansi libheke etulu, nente shangatsi ngumbumbi longuyena afanana nelibumba! Loko lokwentiwe, kungasho yini kulomenti wako kutsi: “Akazange asangente mine”? Ludziwo lungasho yini kumbumbi walo kutsi: “Akati lutfo loyo”? ILebanoni ingete yaguculwa yini ngesikhashana lesincane nje ibe yinsimi levundzile, nensimi levundzile ibonakale seyinjengelihlatsi? Ngalelo langa tihhulu tiyakuva emavi alencwadzi legocotwako; ekhatsi ebumnyameni kahlongasibi emehlo etimphumphutse ayawubona. Labatfobekile bayawubuye bajabule ngaSimakadze; labeswele bayawujabula ngaLongcwele waka-Israyeli. Labanelunya bayawunyamalala, baphukuti bayawuphela, bonkhe labaneliso lengulube bayawuncanyulwa, labo labenta umuntfu adliwe licala ngeligama linye nje, bambekele lugibe lowo lotsetsa emacala enkhundleni, ngebufakazi bemanga baphambukise umtsetfocotfo, badlelele longenacala. Ngako-ke naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze lowahlenga Abrahama, macondzana nendlu yakaJakobe Simakadze utsi: “Jakobe akasayikuba nemahloni; nebuso babo abusayikuphaphatseka. Nababona emkhatsini wabo bantfwababo, umsebenti wetandla tami, bayawuligcina lingcwele Libito lami; bayawubuhlonipha bungcwele baLongcwele wakaJakobe, bamangale ngaNkulunkulu wema-Israyeli. Labo labanhlanhlatselako emoyeni bayawuba nelwati, labo labakhononako bayakwetsabela kufundziswa.” Simakadze utsi: “Maye kulabo bantfwana labanenkhani, nakulabo labakha emasu langesiwo ami, nakulabo labenta sivumelwane kungesiko ngaMoya wami, bengete sono esonweni, labo labehlela entasi eGibhithe babe bangakaceli kimi, labafunana nelusito kuFaro kutsi abavikele, nesitfunti saseGibhithe sekuphephela. Kodvwa siphephelo saFaro siyakunijabhisa, sitfunti saseGibhithe siyakunitsela ngelihlazo. Nome banetiphatsimandla eSowani netigijimi tabo tefika eHanesi, bonkhe bantfu bayawuba nemahloni ngenca yebantfu labangenamsebenti kubo, nalabangasiti ngalutfo nalabangaletsi lutfo ngaphandle kwenjabhiso nendlisamahloni.” Livi lesembulo lelimacondzana netilwane taseNegevu: Emancusa adzabula eveni lebulukhuni nenjabhiso, live lemabhubesi lamadvuna nalamasikati, lemabululu kanye netinyoka letindizako, ayalidzabula etfwala imicebo yawo ngetimbongolo, neminotfo yawo ngemalundza emakamela, aya kuleso sive lesingenanzuzo, kuyo iGibhithe lengenalusito lwalutfo. Ngako-ke ngiyibita ngekutsi nguRahabi, uMenti Welite. Hamba nyalo uyekubabhalela esibhelekeceni, kucophe encwadzini legocotwako, kuze kutsi ngemalanga letako kube bufakazi baphakadze. Babantfu labahlubukako, bantfwana labanemanga, nalabangafuni kulalela imiyalo yaSimakadze. Bakhuluma kubaboniswa batsi: “Sale ningabe nisayibona imibono,” nakubaphrofethi batsi: “Sale ningabe nisasitjela tembulo talokungiko. Sitjeleni tintfo letikitalakitanako, phrofethani emanga. Yishiyeni lendlela, nisuke kulomkhondvo, niyekele nalokumelana natsi ngaLongcwele waka-Israyeli!” Ngako-ke naku lokushiwo nguLongcwele waka-Israyeli, utsi: “Ngobe niwalile lomlayeto, netsembela kumcindzeteli, natesekela ngekuyengwa, lesono lesi siyawuba ngangelubondza loluphakeme kini, loseluklatuka ekhatsi selugobana, lona lolusuke selutawuhhibika masinyane. Lutawucetuka tincetu njengeludziwo loluphihlitwe ngelunya, kangangekutsi emkhatsini wetincetu talo ungeke sewutfole ngisho neludzengelo lwekubutsa emalahle etiko, nome nje lwekukhelela emanti emgodzini.” Naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, Longcwele waka-Israyeli, utsi: “Ekuphendvukeni nasekuphumuleni ngulapho kunensindziso yenu khona; ekuthuleni nasekwetsembeni ngulapho kunemandla enu khona; kodvwa ningeke nitsandze lutfo lwako. Natsi nine: ‘Cha, tsine sitawubaleka ngemahhashi.’ Ngako-ke nitawubaleka! Nine natsi: ‘Sitawugibela emahhashini lagijimisa kwembane.’ Ngako-ke laba labanicoshako nabo bayawugijimisa kwembane! Inkhulungwane iyawubaleka icoshwe kwetfuswa ngumunye nje, ngekusonga kwalabasihlanu niyawubhedvuka nonkhe nibaleke, nize nisale seninjengesibhonga lesisiboniso lesisele esicongweni sentsaba, nanjengendvwangu lephakanyiswe egcumeni.” Noko Simakadze ulangatelela kangaka kutsi abe nemusa kini. Uyaphakama kutsi anihawukele, ngobe Simakadze nguNkulunkulu lowehlulela ngemtsetfocotfo. Babusisiwe bonkhe labalindzela yena. Awu, bantfu baseSiyoni, nine lenihlala eJerusalema, anisayikubuye nilile. Maye, uyawuba nemusa kini, nanikhala kuye nicela lusito! Uyakwenelela kuva nje, bese uyaniphendvula. Naloku Simakadze anipha sinkhwa sekuhlupheka nje, nemanti etinhlungu, bafundzisi benu abasayikufihlakala, seniyakubabona ngemehlo enu enyama. Nome nijikela ngesekudla nome ngesancele, tindlebe tenu tiyakuva livi emvakwenu litsi: “Nansi indlela, hambani ngayo.” Niyawube seniyatedzelela letithico tenu letembeswe ngesiliva, naletitfombe tenu letimbonywe ngegolide, niyakutilahla khashane, kube shangatsi tidvwedvwe letingcolile, nitsi kuto: “Sukani la.” Utawubuye anitfumelele imvula ngenca yenhlanyelo yenu leseniyihlanyele phansi emhlabatsini, kudla lokuphuma emhlabatsini kutawunona, futsi kube kunyenti. Ngalelo langa tinkhomo tenu tiyawukudla emadlelweni labanti nalaluhlata. Tinkhabi netimbongolo letiwusebentako lomhlaba tiyakudla lifolishi neluhlata lolwendlalwe ngetimfologo nangemafosholo. Ngalelo langa lekuhlaba lokukhulu, ngesikhatsi nakuwa imibhoshongo, imifudlana yemanti iyawugobhota kuto tonkhe tintsaba letiphakeme, nakuwo onkhe emagcuma lamadze. Inyanga iyawukhanya njengelilanga, nekukhanya kwelilanga kuyawuphindvwa kasikhombisa, ngangekukhanya kwemalanga lagcwele lasikhombisa, ngesikhatsi Simakadze nakabopha emanceba esive sakhe, elapha tilondza letavetwa nguye. Bukani, Libito laSimakadze lichamuka khashane, lita nelulaka loluvutsako nangelifu lelimnyama lentfutfu, tindzebe temlomo wakhe tigcwele lulaka, nelulwimi lwakhe lungumlilo lodlako. Kuphefumula kwakhe kunjengesikhukhula semanti lesigeletako, nasikhuphuka size sifike ngasentsanyeni. Unyakatisa tive esisefeni sakhe sembhubhiso; ubeka emihlatsini yebantfu litomu lekubaholela ekwedukeni. Niyawuhlabela njengalobo busuku lenenta ngabo lidzili lelingcwele, tinhlitiyo tenu tiyawujabula njengesikhatsi bantfu bakhuphuka ngemintjingo, bakhuphukela eNtsabeni yaSimakadze, eDvwaleni lema-Israyeli. Simakadze uyakwenta bantfu kutsi babuve bukhosi belivi lakhe, uyawubabonisa kwehla kwemkhono wakhe ngentfukutselo lekhephukako nangemlilo lodlako, nangekucheketeka kwemafu, nangekudvuma, nangesangcotfo. Livi laSimakadze liyawuphihlita i-Asiriya, ngendvuku yakhe yebukhosi uyakuyishaya ayilahle phansi. Kuyawutsi njalo indvuku yaSimakadze nayehlela e-Asiriya, ngisho loluswati lwakhe lwekujezisa, kuyawuhambisana nekushaywa kwemafahlawane nemahabhu, asalwa nabo emphini ngengalo yakhe lematima. IThofethi seyalungiswa kadzeni, yentiwa yalungela inkhosi. Umgodzi wayo wemlilo sewagujwa waba banti wabuye washona, kwatfotwa netinkhuni letinyenti temlilo; kuphefumula kwaSimakadze lokugeleta njengemfula wesibabule lesivutsako kuyakuyilumeka ivutse. Maye kulabo labaya eGibhithe bayewucela khona lusito, labetsembela emahhashini, betsembele nasebunyentini betincola tabo temphi, nasemandleni lamakhulu ebagibeli babo bemahhashi, kodvwa bangabuki kuLongcwele waka-Israyeli, nome-ke bafune lusito kuSimakadze. Noko naye uhlakaniphile, futsi angayehlisa inhlekelele, emavi akhe akaphindzi awabuyise. Uyawusukuma amelane nendlu yalababi, emelane nalabo labasita labenta lokubi. Kodvwa baseGibhithe bantfu nje, abasiye Nkulunkulu, nemahhashi abo ayinyama nje, akasiwo umoya. Simakadze utsi nakaphakamisa sandla sakhe, kutsi lowo lositako akhubatele, nalowo lositwako yena awe, babhubhe bonkhe kanyekanye. Naku-ke lokushiwo nguSimakadze kimi, utsi: “Njengobe libhubesi lihhonga, libhubesi lelikhulu, nalibambe inyamatane yalo, ngisho nome sekuhlatjwa umkhosi kubitwa belusi labanyenti kutsi batekulwa nalo, aletfuswa kumemeta kwabo, futsi aliphatanyiswa ngulomsindvo wabo, kanjalo-ke naSimakadze longuSomandla uyakwehlela esicongcweni seNtsaba iSiyoni kutsi atekulwa imphi. Njengenyoni lendizela etikwesidleke sayo, Simakadze longuSomandla uyakuvikela iJerusalema; uyakuyivikela abuye ayisindzise, uyakwendlula kuyo, ayilamulele.” Buyelani kuNkulunkulu, nine ma-Israyeli, nine lesenimhlubuke kangaka. Ngobe ngalelo langa ngulowo nalowo wenu uyakutilahla tithico tesiliva netegolide lenitente ngetandla tenu letigcwele kona. “Ema-Asiriya ayawubhujiswa ngenkemba, inkemba lengesiyo yendvodza, inkemba lengesiyo yebantfu lababhubhako, itawagwinya. Ayakuyibalekela lenkemba, nemajaha awo ayawusetjentiswa kamatima. Inqaba yawo iyawudzilika ngenca yekwesaba, netindvuna tawo tiyawutfutfumela kakhulu ekubonakaleni kwesiboniso semphi,” usho Simakadze, lomlilo wakhe useSiyoni, nembutfuma yakhe yemlilo iseJerusalema. Buka la, inkhosi iyawubusa ngekulunga, nebabusi bayawubusa ngekwemtsetfocotfo. Ngulowo nalowo wabo uyawufanana nesiphephelo emoyeni, abe ngumkhoselisi kuso sivunguvungu, abe njengemifula yemanti ehlane, afanane nelitfunti lelidvwala lelikhulu eveni lelomele emanti. Emehlo alabo lababonako angeke asavaleka, netindlebe talabo labevako setiyawulalela. Ingcondvo yalabanematata iyawukwati ibuye icondze, nelulwimi lolungingitako luyawusheshisa kukhuluma kahle nangalokuvakalako. Silima singeke siphindze sibitwe ngekutsi ngumhlonishwa, yebo, nasidlani angeke ahlonishwe kakhulu. Ngobe silima sikhuluma bulima, ingcondvo yaso ishikaneka ngalokubi, siphila ngekungamesabi Nkulunkulu, sisakate emanga ngaSimakadze; lolambile simshiya angenalutfo, kutsi nalowomile singamniki emanti. Emasu asidlani mabi, wakha emacebo ebubi ekubhubhisa labamphofu ngemanga, ngisho nome sikhalo saloweswele sicotfo. Kodvwa umuntfu locotfo wakha emasu lacotfo; imisebenti yakhe lehloniphekile imente eme. Nine bafati labakhibikile, sukumani nilalele kimi, nine madvodzakati lenitivela niphephile, lalelani naku lengitakusho! Ngesikhatsi nje lesingetudlwana kwemnyaka nine lenitiva niphephile nitawutfutfumela; sivuno semagelebisi siyawuba sibi, kutawubate nesivuno setitselo. Tfutfumelani, nine bafati labakhibikile; yesabani, nine madvodzakati lenitivela niphephile! Khumulani kwekwembatsa kwenu. Vunulani emasaka etinkhalo tenu. Yetfwalani tandla enhloko, ngenca yemasimi lamahle, nangenca yetitselo tenu letinhle temivini, nangenca yelive lesive sami, live lelene emanyeva netinchachabutane, yebo, lilelani tonkhe tindlu tekutijabulisa kanye nalelidolobha lekutijabulisa. Inqaba iyawusala yodvwa, lidolobha lemsindvo lisale likhala libhungane, indlu leyinqaba kanye nembhoshongo kuyawuba lihlane lelingenalutfo phakadze naphakadze, kube kujabula kwetimbongolo nelidlelo lemihlambi, aze Moya wasezulwini atfululelwe etikwetfu, bese kutsi lihlane libe yinsimi levundzile, nensimi levundzile ifanane nelihlatsi. Umtsetfocotfo uyawuhlala ehlane, kulunga kuhlale ensimini levundzile. Sitselo sekulunga siyawuba kuthula nenhlalakahle, umphumela wekulunga uyawuba kuphumula nekulondvoloteka phakadze naphakadze. Sive sami siyawuhlala etindzaweni tekuthula, emakhaya laphephile, etindzaweni tekuphumula letite lokuphatamisako. Nome sangcotfo singalivitsita lihlatsi, nelidolobha silibhidlite liphele nya, maye, nine niyawubusiswa, nihlanyele inhlanyelo yenu eceleni kwayo yonkhe imifula, nikhulule tinkhabi tenu netimbongolo tenu, tidle ngekutsandza. Maye kuwe, wena mbhubhisi, wena losengakabhujiswa! Maye kuwe, wena lolimbuka, wena losengakatsengiswa! Nawuyekela kubhubhisa, uyakubhujiswa nawe. Nawuyekela kutsengisa bantfu, uyakutsengiswa nawe. Awu Simakadze, bani nemusa kitsi; tsine silangatelela wena. Bani ngemandla etfu njalo nje ekuseni, nensindziso yetfu ngesikhatsi selusizi. Ngekubhavumula kweliphimbo lakho, tive tiyabaleka; nawuphakama wena, tive tiyasakateka. Imphango yenu, nine tive, iyavunwa, kube shangatsi kucatsama inkhasa yesikhonyane; emadvodza ayayibunganyela, yebo, njengelibulo lesikhonyane. Simakadze uphakeme, ngobe uhlala endzaweni lephakeme, utawugcwalisa iSiyoni ngekwehlulela ngemtsetfocotfo nangekulunga. Utawuba sisekelo sakho lesingusonasona ngawo onkhe emalanga akho, abe lifa lakho lensindziso, nelekuhlakanipha, nelwati. Kwesaba Simakadze kungumcebo wakhe. Buka la, emadvodza akubo lanesibindzi akhala kakhulu ngephandle; emancusa ekuthula akhala kabuhlungu. Imigwaco lemikhulu idvutjiwe, kute tihambi letikuleyo migwaco. Sivumelwane sephuliwe, bofakazi baso bayedzelelwa, kute namunye lohlonishwako. Live liyalila ligedvuke, iLebanoni ihlazekile, iyabuna; iSharoni ifanana nelihlane i-Arabha, iBhashani neKhameli kuhhohlota emacembe ayo. Simakadze utsi: “Nyalo sengitawusukuma, nyalo sengitawuphakanyiswa, nyalo sengitakwenyuselwa etulu. Nemitsa emakhoba, nitale tibi; kuphefumula kwenu kungumlilo lonicotfulako. Tive tiyakushiswa kube shangatsi ngumcakaco; njengetihlahla temanyeva letigawuliwe, tiyawulunyekwa ngemlilo.” Nine lenikhashane, lalelani loku lengikwentile; nine lenisedvute, vumani emandla ami! Toni taseSiyoni tiyatfutfumela, kutfutfumela kubabambile labangamesabi Nkulunkulu: “Ngubani emkhatsini wetfu longahlala nemlilo locotfulako? Ngubani emkhatsini wetfu longahlala nekuvutsa kwaphakadze?” Ngulowo lohamba ngekulunga, akhulume lokungiko, lowo lowala inzuzo yekucindzetela, logodla sandla sakhe singayemukeli imidizo, avale tindlebe takhe kulababopha luzungu, avale emehlo akhe ekubukeni lokubi. Ngulowo-ke umuntfu lotawuhlala ekuphakameni, losiphephelo sakhe kutawuba yinqaba yemadvwala. Uyakunikwa sinkhwa sakhe, angawesweli emanti ekunatsa. Emehlo akho ayakuyibona inkhosi ebuhleni bayo, abuke nelive lelingematsafa lamahle. Emicabangweni yakho uyakuzindla ngekwesatjiswa kwakucala: “Iphi lendvuna lenkhulu? Uphi lona abetsatsa imitselo? Iphi yona lendvuna lebeyibala imibhoshongo?” Ungeke uphindze usibone lesive lesinebudlova, labo bantfu belulwimi lolungatiwa kahle, labalulwimi lwabo lungatiwa futsi lungevakali. Buka iSiyoni, lidolobha lemadzili etfu; emehlo akho ayakuyibona iJerusalema, indzawo yekuhlala lenekuthula, nelithende lelingeke lisuswe; tikhonkhwane talo tingeke tisishulwe, kungeke kudzabuke ngisho nayinye yetindophi talo. Lapho-ke Simakadze uyawuba nguLonemandla wetfu. Kuyawufanana nendzawo lenemifula lebanti nemifudlana. Kute sikebhe lesinetigwedlo lesiyawuhamba kuyo, kute ngisho nemkhumbi lonemandla lotawuntjweza kuyo. Ngobe Simakadze ngumehluleli wetfu; Simakadze nguyena sishayamtsetfo setfu, Simakadze yinkhosi yetfu, nguye lotasisindzisa. Tindophi takho tekubopha liseyili setiyaceka: Insika yemkhumbi ayikaboshwa yacina, liseyili alikendlaleki. Imphango lenyenti itakwehlukaniswa, ngisho nalochutako uyakuyitfola imphango. Kute lohlala eSiyoni loyakutsi: “Ngiyagula,” netono talabo labahlala khona tiyawutsetselelwa. Sondzelani, nine tive, nitewulalela; lalelisisani, nine tive! Umhlaba awuve, nako konkhe lokukuwo, umhlaba, nako konkhe lokuphuma kuwo! Simakadze utitfukutselele tonkhe tive; intfukutselo yakhe isetikwawo onkhe emabutfo ato. Uyakuwabhubhisa onkhe awacedze, awanikele kutsi agwazwe. Lababulewe bawo bayawulahlwa ngephandle, tidvumbu tawo tiyawunuka luboti; tintsaba tiyawucwila engatini yawo. Tonkhe tinkhanyeti tasemazulwini tiyawuncibilika, nesibhakabhaka sigocotwe njengencwadzi legocotwako; tonkhe letinkhanyeti tasesibhakabhakeni tiyakuwa njengemacembe lomile lahhohloka esihlahleni semvini, nanjengemakhiwa lasabunile nakahhohloka esihlahleni semkhiwa. Inkemba yami seyinatse yenela emazulwini, bukani, yehla ngekwehlulela, yehlela kulaka-Edomu, sive lengitasibhubhisa ngisicedze. Inkemba yaSimakadze icwiliswa engatini, inemanoni yonkhe indzawo, igcwele ingati yemazinyane etimvu, nengati yetimbuti, nemanoni lesuka etinsweni tetihhanca. Ngobe Simakadze unemhlatjelo eBhosra nekuhlaba lokukhulu kulaka-Edomu. Tinkhabi tesiganga tiyakuwa nabo, tinkunzana kanye netinkunzi letinkhulu. Live labo liyawucwila engatini, nelutfuli luyawuba manti emanoni. Ngobe Simakadze unelilanga lekuphindzisela, umnyaka wekubuyisela ngenca yendzaba yaseSiyoni. Imifudlana yaka-Edomu iyawuba litiyela, lutfuli lwakhona lube sibabule lesivutsako, live labo libe litiyela lelivutsako. Singeke sicinywe ebusuku nasemini, intfutfu yaso iyawubhunya phakadze naphakadze, kusukela etitukulwaneni kuye etitukulwaneni live liyawuhlala lilihlane, kute namunye loyawuphindza adzabule ekhatsi kulo. Sahhukulu sasehlane nesahhukulu lesikhalako kuyawuyitsatsa lendzawo ibe yako. Sahhukulu lesikhulu nelihhwabayi kuyawukwakhela tidleke tako khona lapho. Nkulunkulu uyakuselula etikwelive laka-Edomu silinganiso sesiphitsiphitsi, yebo, nekwekulinganisa lokuyincitsakalo. Babusi balo kuyawubate labayawukubita batsi bukhosi, bonkhe baholi balo bayawunyamalala. Emanyeva ayakwehlula tigodlo talo, emanyeva netinchachabutane kunyatsele tinqaba talo. Kuyawuba yindzawo yekujangaza timphungutja, nelikhaya letahhukulu. Tilwane tesiganga tiyawuhlangana netimphisi, netimbuti tesiganga timemetane todvwana, netilwane tasebusuku tiyawulala lapho, tititfolele khona indzawo yekuphumula. Sahhukulu siyakwakha sidleke saso lapho, sitalele emacandza, siwachobosele khona lapho, sifukamele emazini aso, ngaphansi kwemtfunti wetimphiko taso; ngisho nabolohheya bayawuhlangana lapho, ngulowo ahambe nesingani sakhe. Ase nibuke encwadzini legocotwako yaSimakadze nifundze. Kute nakunye kwaloku lokuyawusilela, kute lokuyakweswela singani sako. Ngobe ngumlomo wakhe lona lokhiphe lomyalo, naMoya wakhe uyawukubutsela ndzawonye. Ukunika tabelo tako ngenkatho, sandla sakhe siyakwabela live njengekwesilinganiso, seliyawuba lako kokuphela, kuhlale khona situkulwane ngesitukulwane. Lihlane nelive lelihamukile kuyawujabula, lugwadvule luyawujabula luchakaze timbali. Njengembali luyawuchakaza lube lusha; luyawutfokota kakhulu, lumemete ngenjabulo. Ludvumo lweLebanoni luyawunikwa lona, yebo, luyawunikwa ludvumo lweKhameli nelweSharoni; bantfu bayawubona bukhosi baSimakadze, nebukhatikhati baNkulunkulu wetfu. Cinisani tandla letibutsakatsaka, nikhutsate emadvolo lacekako. Khulumani kulabanetinhlitiyo letesabako nitsi: “Cinani, ningesabi, Nkulunkulu wenu uyeta, uyawufika nekuphindzisela nekujezisa kwakhe, utawufika atenisindzisa.” Emehlo etimphumphutse ayawuvuleka, netindlebe tetihhulu tiyawuva. Labachutako bayawusuka emagonso njengenyamatane, nelulwimi lwesimungulu luyawumemeta ngenjabulo. Emanti ayawugeleta ehlane, kube nemifudlana elugwadvule. Sihlabatsi lesishisako siyawuba sitiba, umhlabatsi lowomile uphetfuke tiyalu. Nalapho kwake kwahlala timphungutja khona, kuyawumila tjani nemhlanga, kanye nemhlanga iphaphira. Kuyawuba khona umgwaco lomkhulu lapho, uyawubitwa ngekutsi Yindlela Yebungcwele. Labangcolile ngeke bahambe ngawo, uyakuba walabo labahamba ngawo lomgwaco, tilima letikhohlakele ngeke tihambahambe ngawo. Kuyawubate libhubesi lapho, kute ngisho nesilwane lesinelulaka, lesiyawutfolakala kuwo. Kodvwa ngulabahlengiwe bodvwa labayawuhamba kulowo mgwaco, labahlengiwe baSimakadze bayawubuya. Bayawungena eSiyoni ngekuhlabela, nangekujabula kwaphakadze lokuyawuba ngumchele etinhloko tabo. Bayawuhamba ngekutfokota nangekujabula, lusizi nekububula kuyawubaleka. Ngemnyaka weli-14 wekubusa kwenkhosi Hezekiya, kwesuka Senaheribi, inkhosi yase-Asiriya, wahlasela onkhe emadolobha latinqaba akaJuda, wawatfumba. Inkhosi yase-Asiriya yase itfumela indvuna yayo lenkhulu yemphi kanye nalelikhulu libutfo lemphi lelesuka eLakhishi, laya enkhosini Hezekiya eJerusalema. Kwatsi lendvuna lenkhulu yemphi nayima ngasemseleni wesitiba lesisenhla, emgwacweni loya eNsimini yeMgezi Wetingubo, kwaphuma bo-Eliyakimu, umsa waHilkiya, indvuna yesigodlo, naShebna labengumabhalane, naJowa, umsa wa-Asafa, umbhalisi, baya kuyo. Indvuna lenkhulu yemphi yafike yakhuluma kubo, yatsi: “Tjelani Hezekiya, nitsi: “ ‘Naku lokushiwo yinkhosi lenkhulu yase-Asiriya, itsi: Ulibeke kubani litsemba lakho? Utsi unemasu nemabutfo emphi lanemandla, kodvwa ukhuluma lite nje. Ngubani lona lowetsembele kuye, lokwenta kutsi ngaye ungivukele? Buka la, nyalo wetsembele eGibhithe, kulolubhatu lwendvuku yemhlanga, lolugwaza sandla semuntfu lumlimate, nakatsi ubambelela kulo! Unjalo-ke Faro, inkhosi yaseGibhithe, kubo bonkhe labetsembela kuye. Nangabe utsi kimi: “Setsembele kuSimakadze Nkulunkulu wetfu,” akusiye yini lona Hezekiya ladzilita tindzawo takhe letiphakeme tekukhontela nemalati akhe, atsi kubakaJuda nebaseJerusalema: “Kufanele nikhonte embikwanali lilati leliseJerusalema”? “ ‘Buya-ke nyalo, wente sivumelwane nemphatsi wami, inkhosi yase-Asiriya: Ngitakunika emahhashi lati-2 000, nawungaba nebantfu labangawagibela. Ungayeyisa yini yona yinye nje kuto tonkhe tindvuna letincane temphatsi wami, nome ngabe wetsembele eGibhithe ngetincola temphi kanye nebagibeli bemahhashi? Ngetulu kwaloko nje, kantsi lapha ngitele kutawuhlasela nekubhubhisa lelive ngaphandle kwaSimakadze yini? Simakadze nguye cobo lwakhe longitjele kutsi angishuce ngite kulelive ngitelibhubhisa.’ ” Bo-Eliyakimu, naShebna, naJowa bakhuluma kulendvuna lenkhulu, batsi: “Sicela umane ukhulume ngesiSiriya etincekwini takho, ngobe ngulona lulwimi lesiluvako. Ungakhulumi natsi ngesiHebheru kuva bonkhe labantfu labalapha etulu elubondzeni.” Kodvwa lendvuna lenkhulu yemphi yaphendvula, yatsi: “Kantsi inkhosi yami beyingitfume kini nalenkhosi yenu nodvwa yini kutsi ngitewukhuluma lamagama? Beyingakangitfumi yini nakubo labantfu labalapha etulu elubondzeni, nabo labanjengani, labatawudla emangcoliso abo, baphindze banatse nemichamo yabo?” Lendvuna lenkhulu yemphi yase iyasukuma yamemeta ngesiHebheru, yatsi: “Lalelani emavi enkhosi lenkhulu, inkhosi yase-Asiriya! Naku lokushiwo yinkhosi, itsi: ‘Ningacali niyengwe nguHezekiya. Angeke akhone kunikhulula! Ningavumi kutsi Hezekiya aniyenge netsembele kuSimakadze, nakatsi: “Simakadze utasephula ngempela, lelidolobha lingeke linikelwe esandleni senkhosi yase-Asiriya.” ’ “Inkhosi yase-Asiriya itsi: ‘Ningamlaleli Hezekiya, yentani sivumelwane nami, niphume nite kimi, nguleyo naleyo ndvodza-ke iyawube seyitidlela kahle esivinini sayo, nasemkhiwaneni wayo, inatse nemanti laphuma emtfonjeni wayo, ngize ngifike nginitsatse nginimikise eveni lelifanana nelenu, live lelinalokutinhlavu, nalelineliwayini lelisha, live lesinkhwa neletivini.’ “Ningavumi kutsi Hezekiya anedukise, nakatsi: ‘Simakadze utasikhulula.’ Ukhona yini nkulunkulu wanome ngusiphi sive lowake wakhulula live lakhe esandleni senkhosi yase-Asiriya? Baphi nje bonkulunkulu baseHamathi, nebase-Aphadi? Baphi bonkulunkulu baseSefavayimu? Bayisindzisile yini iSamariya esandleni sami? Ngumuphi kubo bonkhe labonkulunkulu balamave lowake wakhona kusindzisa live lakhe esandleni sami? Simakadze-ke yena angayisindzisa kanjani iJerusalema esandleni sami?” Kodvwa labantfu babindza nje bambuka bangete basho lutfo, ngobe inkhosi yayibadvonse ngendlebe yatsi: “Ningacali nimphendvule.” Bo-Eliyakimu, umsa waHilkiya, labeyindvuna yesigodlo, naShebna, labengumabhalane, kanye naJowa, umsa wa-Asafa, labengulobhalisako, bahamba bayawubikela Hezekiya sebadzabule tingubo tabo, bafike bamtjela konkhe lokwakushiwo yindvuna lenkhulu yemphi yase-Asiriya. Hezekiya, inkhosi, watsi kube akuve loko, wadzabula tingubo takhe wembatsa emasaka, wahamba wangena ethempelini laSimakadze. Watfumela bo-Eliyakimu, indvuna yasesigodlweni, naShebna, labengumabhalane, kanye nebaholi bebaphristi, bonkhe bagcoke emasaka baya kumphrofethi Isaya, umsa wa-Amose. Bamtjela batsi: “Naku lokushiwo nguHezekiya, utsi: ‘Lelilanga lalamuhla lilanga lenjabhiso, nekutsetsiswa, nelihlazo, njenganakufika tikhatsi tekubelekwa kwebantfwana kube kute emandla ekubabeleka. Kungenteka kube Simakadze Nkulunkulu wakho utaweva emavi endvuna lenkhulu, letfunywe ngumphatsi wayo, inkhosi yase-Asiriya, kutsi itewuhlazisa Nkulunkulu lophilako, nekutsi yena utayitsetsisela emavi Simakadze Nkulunkulu wakho lawevile. Ngako-ke thandazela lensali lesolomane isasele.’ ” Tatsi letindvuna takaHezekiya natifika ku-Isaya, Isaya wakhuluma kuto, watsi: “Tjelani inkhosi yenu nitsi: ‘Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze utsi: Ningesatjiswa nguloko lenikuvile, lawo mavi ledzelelako etinceku tenkhosi yase-Asiriya letingihlambalate ngawo. Lalelani! Ngitawufaka kuye umoya lotamenta kutsi atsi nakeva umbiko lotsite, ancandzeke abuyele eveni lakhe, ngulapho-ke ngiyawumenta kutsi afele khona ngenkemba.’ ” Lendvuna lenkhulu yemphi yatsi kube ive kutsi inkhosi yase-Asiriya ayisekho eLakhishi, yase iyancandzeka nayo, yakhandza inkhosi ibambene etulu neLibna. Senaheribi watfola umbiko wekutsi Thihakha, inkhosi yaseKushe, nayo iyashuca itewuhlasela yena. Watsi nakeva loku, watfumela tigijimi kuHezekiya nelivi lelitsi: “Tjelani Hezekiya, inkhosi yakaJuda, nitsi: ‘Ungayengwa ngulonkulunkulu wakho lometsembako nakatsi: “IJerusalema ngeke inikelwe etandleni tenkhosi yase-Asiriya.” Angitsi sewuvile kutsi entani emakhosi ase-Asiriya kuwo onkhe lamanye emave, acotfula imbokodvo nesisekelo kuwo. Wena-ke ungaphepha kanjani? Labonkulunkulu betive letabhujiswa bobabemkhulu, batikhulula yini letive tabo, bonkulunkulu baseGozani, nebaseHarani, nebaseResefu kanye nebebantfu base-Edeni lababeseThelasari? Iphi inkhosi yaseHamathi, nenkhosi yase-Aphadi, nenkhosi yelidolobha laseSefavayimu, neyaseHena, neyase-Ava?’ ” Hezekiya watsatsa lencwadzi kuletigijimi wayifundza, wase ukhuphukela nayo ethempelini laSimakadze, wafike wayendlala embikwaSimakadze. Hezekiya wase uyathandaza kuSimakadze watsi: “Awu, Simakadze Somandla, Nkulunkulu wesive sema-Israyeli, wena lohleli emkhatsini wemakherubhi, wena wedvwa unguNkulunkulu etikwayo yonkhe imibuso yemhlaba. Wena wadala lizulu nemhlaba. Vula indlebe yakho! Awu, Simakadze, vani; uvule emehlo akho, Simakadze, ubone; lalela onkhe emavi latfunyelwe nguSenaheribi ekwetfuka wena, Nkulunkulu lophilako. “Kuliciniso kona, Simakadze, kutsi emakhosi ase-Asiriya atibhubhisile tonkhe letive kanye nemave ato. Bajikijele bonkulunkulu bato emlilweni, bababhubhisa, ngobe bebangesibo bonkulunkulu sibili, bekutingodvo nje nematje labatwe tandla tebantfu. Manje-ke, Simakadze Nkulunkulu wetfu, sephule esandleni sakhe, kuze yonkhe imibuso yemhlaba yati kutsi wena wedvwa, Simakadze, unguNkulunkulu.” Isaya, umsa wa-Amose, wase utfumela kuHezekiya, atsi: “Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, utsi: Njengobe uthandaze kimi mayelana naSenaheribi, inkhosi yase-Asiriya, nali-ke livi lelikhulunywe nguSimakadze lelimelene naye, litsi: “INdvodzakati yaseSiyoni iyakwedzelela, ikubukela phansi. INdvodzakati yaseJerusalema igencetisa inhloko yayo nawubaleka. Ngubani lona lometfukile wamhlambalata? Ngubani lona bewumbhodlela umetfwalela emehlo? NguLongcwele waka-Israyeli! Ngetigijimi takho umpongise tindvundvuma tetinhlamba kuSimakadze, futsi watsi: ‘Ngetincola tami temphi letinyenti ngigibele ticongo tetintsaba, ticongo letiphakeme kakhulu taseLebanoni. Ngijube imisedari yakhona lemidze kakhulu, kanye netipheshula telikhetselo. Ngifinyelele kuletikhashane tindzawo takhona, emahlatsi akhona elikhetselo. Ngimbe imitfombo emaveni etive, nganatsa nemanti ayo khona lapho. Ngetitsendze tetinyawo tami ngomise yonkhe imifula yaseGibhithe.’ “Awuzange uve yini? Ngakumisa kadzeni. Ngakuhlela ngemalanga asendvulo, manje sesikhatsi sekutsi kwenteke, kutsi ugucule emadolobha latinqaba, wawaphihlita aba tindvundvuma tematje. Bantfu bawo baphelelwe ngemandla, badzangele, batselwa ngelihlazo. Bafanana netihlahla tesiganga, banjengemidvumba leluhlata yemahlumela, emahlumela etjani lobusungula etikwetindlu, base bubhadliswa lilanga busamila. “Kodvwa ngiyati kutsi uhlalaphi, ngikwati nawungena nome uphuma, nekutsi ungibhodlela kanjani. Njengobe uyangibhodlela, nanjengobe kungicoloshela kwakho sekufikile etindlebeni tami, ngitawufaka umkhala wami ekhaleni lakho, nelitomu lami emlonyeni wakho. Ngiyawukuncandzekisa ngaleyo ndlela lote ngayo. “Loku-ke kuyawuba sibonakaliso kuwe, Hezekiya: “Kulomnyaka utawudla loko lokutimilele, ngemnyaka wesibili udle emahlumela ako, kodvwa ngemnyaka wesitsatfu uyawuhlanyela uvune, uyawuhlanyela tivini ubuye udle emagelebisi ato. Insali yendlu yakaJuda iyawuphindza futsi ifake timphandze tayo phansi, ngetulu itsele titselo tayo. Ngobe eJerusalema kuyawuvela insali. ESiyoni kuyawuvela libutfo lalabasindze ekufeni. Kushisekela kwaSimakadze longuSomandla kuyawukuphelelisa loko. “Ngako-ke naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze macondzana nenkhosi yase-Asiriya: “Ngeke ingene kulelidolobha nome icibishele imicibisholo kulo. Ngeke ime embikwalo ngelihawu, futsi ngeke yente lutfo lwekulivimbetela. Iyawuncandzeka ngaleyo ndlela lete ngayo. Ngeke ingene kulelidolobha,” kusho Simakadze. “Ngitalivikela lelidolobha ngilisindzise, ngenca yami nangenca yenceku yami Davide.” Ngako ingilosi yaSimakadze yaphuma yabhubhisa emadvodza lati-185 000, labesenkambu yema-Asiriya. Batsi bantfu nabavuka ekuseni ngakusasa, bakhangwa lucaca lwetidvumbu! Ngako-ke Senaheribi, inkhosi yase-Asiriya, wadzilita inkambu yakhe, wahamba wabuyela eNineve, wayawuhlala khona. Kwatsi ngalelinye lilanga aselibele kukhonta ethempelini lankulunkulu wakhe Nisroki, kwesuka emadvodzana akhe, bo-Adrameleki naShareseri, bamjuba ngenkemba, besuka lapho babalekela eveni lase-Ararathi. Esahadoni, umsa wakhe, waba yinkhosi yase-Asiriya esikhundleni sakhe. Kulawo malanga Hezekiya wagula wabangwa netibi. Umphrofethi Isaya, umsa wa-Amose, waya kuye, wafike watsi: “Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: Sale ulungisa kahle tonkhe tintfo tasemndenini wakakho, ngobe sewutakufa, ngeke usindze.” Hezekiya wagucuka wabheka ngaselubondzeni, wathandaza kuSimakadze, watsi: “Awu, Simakadze, khumbula kutsi bengihamba ngekwetsembeka lokunjani embikwakho, nekutsi bengitinikele kangakanani embikwakho ngayo yonkhe inhlitiyo yami, ngenta lokuhle emehlweni akho.” Hezekiya wakhala kabuhlungu. Livi laSimakadze lefika ku-Isaya, latsi: “Hamba uyewutjela Hezekiya, utsi: ‘Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, Nkulunkulu weyihlomkhulu, Davide, utsi: Ngiwuvile umthandazo wakho, ngatibona netinyembeti takho. Ngitakwengetela iminyaka leli-15 ebudzeni bemphilo yakho. Ngitawukhulula wena kanye nalelidolobha esandleni senkhosi yase-Asiriya. Ngitalivikela lelidolobha. “ ‘Nasi sibonakaliso saSimakadze kuwe, sekutsi Simakadze utakwenta loko lakwetsembisile: Ngitakwenta sitfunti lesentiwe lilanga siye emuva tinyatselo letilishumi lese sitewuke etitebhisini tekukala sikhatsi ta-Ahazi.’ ” Ngako-ke kukhanya kwelilanga kwafinyela ngetinyatselo letilishumi lebesekutewukile. Umbhalo waHezekiya, inkhosi yakaJuda, emvakwekugula nekusindza kwakhe: Ngatsi mine: “Kantsi kutawutsi nase ngikhulile nginemandla, ngiyakwendlula emasangweni ekufa, ngidlelelwe incenye yeminyaka lesasele yemphilo yami?” Ngatsi mine: “Angisayiwuphindze ngimbone Simakadze, ngibone Simakadze eveni lalabaphilako. Angisayikuphindze ngibabuke bantfu, nome-ke ngiphindze ngihlale kanye nalabo labahleti kulomhlaba. Njengelithende lemelusi, indlu yami ihhihlitelwe phansi yesuswa kimi. Njengemeluki imphilo yami uyisongile, ungincamulile emculwini webudze bemphilo, busuku nemini wetamana nekungicedza. Ngilindzile ngekubeketela kwaze kwadzabuka kusa; kodvwa yena njengelibhubesi uwabhobabhobe onkhe ematsambo ami. Busuku nemini wetamana nekungicedza. Ngantjilota ngikhalisa kwenkhonjane, ngabubula ngakhalisa kwelituba, emehlo ami aba luvitsi, nangitsi ngibuka etulu emazulwini, ngihluphekile. Awu Simakadze, wota ungelekelele.” Kodvwa ngingatsini nje? Sewungitjelile, futsi yena cobo lwakhe ukwentile loko. Ngitawuhamba ngekubonyabonyeka yonkhe iminyaka yami, ngenca yalobuhlungu bemphefumulo wami. Simakadze, bantfu baphila ngetintfo letinje, nami-ke umoya wami utfola imphilo ngato. Ubuyisele kuphila kwami kimi, wangenta ngaphila. Empeleni wentele kusita mine lokutsi ngive tinhlungu letinje. Elutsandvweni lwakho wangisindzisa emgodzini wembhubhiso, utsatse tonkhe tono tami watilahla emvakwakho. Ngobe lidliza lingeke likudvumise, nekufa ngeke kutigambute tibongo takho; labo labashona phansi emgodzini bangeke babeke litsemba labo ekwetsembekeni kwakho. Ngulabaphilako, labaphilako bodvwa, labakudvumisako wena, njengaloku ngenta nje nami lamuhla. Bobabe batjela bantfwababo ngekwetsembeka kwakho. Simakadze utangisindzisa; siyawuhlabela ngetingubhu letinetintsambo onkhe emalanga emphilo yetfu sisethempelini laSimakadze. Isaya abeshito watsi: “Futfumetani sitfobo semakhiwa, bese nisifaka kulelitfumba, utabe sewuyaphila.” Hezekiya abebute watsi: “Sitawuba yini sibonakaliso sekutsi ngitawukhuphukela ethempelini laSimakadze?” Ngaleso sikhatsi Merodaki Baladani, umsa waBaladani, inkhosi yaseBhabhulona, watfumela Hezekiya tincwadzi nesipho, njengobe abebikelwe ngekugula nangekuphiliswa kwakhe. Hezekiya watemukela ngekujabula letitfunywa, watikhombisa loko lokwakusetindlini takhe tengcebo, lekwakuyisiliva, negolide, netinongo tekudla, nemafutsa lamahle, nato tonkhe tikhali takhe tekulwa, nako konkhe lokwakungatfolakala endlini yakhe yengcebo. Kwabate ngisho nakunye lokwakusesigodlweni sakhe nalokwakusembusweni wakhe wonkhe lokwasala wangete watikhombisa kona. Umphrofethi Isaya wase uya ku-Hezekiya, inkhosi, wambuta watsi: “Atsiteni lamadvodza, kona abebuyaphi?” Hezekiya waphendvula watsi: “Abephuma eveni lelikhashane kakhulu, eBhabhulona, ete kimi.” Lomphrofethi wabuta watsi: “Baboneni lapha esigodlweni sakho?” Hezekiya watsi: “Babone konkhe lapha esigodlweni sami. Kute nakunye lokusengcebeni yami lengingakabakhombisi kona.” Isaya wase utsi kuHezekiya: “Vani livi laSimakadze longuSomandla. Sikhatsi sitawufika ngempela, lapho konkhe lokusesigodlweni sakho, nako konkhe loko lokwalondvolotwa boyihlomkhulu kusukela kadzenidzeni kuze kube ngulamuhla, kutakwetfwalwa kuyiswe eBhabhulona. Kute nakunye lokutawusala, kusho Simakadze. Labanye betitukulwane takho, labayinyama nengati yakho, lewuyawutalelwa bona, bayawutfunjwa bayekwentiwa tigcili, baphakulwe esigodlweni senkhosi yaseBhabhulona.” Hezekiya waphendvula watsi: “Livi laSimakadze lolikhulumile lihle,” ngobe abecabanga atsi: “Kutawuba nekuthula nekuvikeleka ngesikhatsi sekuphila kwami.” “Badvudvuteni, dvudvutani bantfu bami,” kusho Nkulunkulu wenu. “Khulumani kahle kubaseJerusalema, nimemetele kubo kutsi umshikashika wabo wemsebenti sewuphelelisiwe, nekutsi licala lesono sabo selihlawulelwe, nekutsi sebatfole ngalokuphindziwe esandleni saSimakadze ngaletono tabo.” Livi lalomemetako litsi: “Lungisani indlela yaSimakadze ehlane; yentani ucondze ekhatsi ehlane umgwaco lomkhulu waNkulunkulu wetfu. Tonkhe tigodzi tiyawugcwaliswa; tonkhe tintsaba nemagcuma kuyakwehliswa. Umhlaba lomagebhugebhu uyawulinganiswa, ematsafa latigodzigodzi entiwe abeke. Inkhatimulo yaSimakadze iyakwembulwa, nalo lonkhe luntfu luyakuyibona; ngobe umlomo waSimakadze sewukhulumile.” Livi litsi: “Memeta.” Mine ngitsi: “Ngimemete kutsini?” “Bonkhe bantfu banjengetjani, nako konkhe kudvuma kwabo kunjengembali yesiganga. Tjani buyabuna netimbali tiyahhohloka, ngobe umoya waSimakadze uhhusha etikwako. Ngempela bantfu batjani. Tjani buyabuna, netimbali tiyahhohloka, kodvwa livi laNkulunkulu wetfu limile kuze kube nguphakadze.” Wena loletsa tindzaba letimnandzi eSiyoni, khuphukela entsabeni lephakeme. Wena loletse tindzaba letimnandzi eJerusalema, phakamisa livi lakho, umemete, liphakamise, ungesabi. Tsanini kuwo emadolobha akaJuda: “Nangu Nkulunkulu wenu!” Bukani, Simakadze longuSomandla ute ngemandla, nangemkhono wakhe uyabusa. Bukani, umvuzo wakhe unaye, nenkhokhelo yakhe ihamba naye. Welusa umhlambi wakhe njengemelusi: Ugona emazinyane akhe ngemikhono yakhe, awasondzete edvutane nenhlitiyo yakhe; utihola kahle leto letinemazinyane. Ngubani lolinganise emanti ngentsendze yesandla sakhe, nome lowatsi ngebubanti besandla sakhe wemisa imikhawulo yemazulu? Ngubani lolinganisa lutfuli lwemhlaba ngembita, nome lowake wakala tintsaba ngesikali, wakala nemagcuma ngesilinganiso? Ngubani loke wacondza Moya waSimakadze, nome wamfundzisa angumeluleki wakhe? Ngubani lowake wabutwa nguSimakadze kutsi akamkhanyisele lokutsite? Ngubani lowake wamlayela indlela lengiyo? Ngubani yena lona lowamfundzisa lwati nome wamlayela indlela yekucondza? Buka, tive tifanana nelitfonsi embiteni, titsatfwa njengelutfuli esikalweni; ukala tichingi kube shangatsi tilutfuli lolucolisakele. Lihlatsi laseLebanoni alikaweneli umlilo wemalati, netifuyo talo atikaweneli umnikelo wekushiswa. Tonkhe tive tinjengelite emehlweni akhe, kuye titsatseka njengentfo lengenamsebenti, futsi tingaphansi kwelite. Ungamfanisa nabani-ke Nkulunkulu? Ungamlinganisa nasiphi-ke sitfombe? Sithico-ke sona, intfo lebunjwa yingcweti, umfuli nje usembesa ngegolide, asentele netinketane tesiliva. Umuntfu lomphofu lowehluleka kunikela ngeminikelo lenjena, ukhetsa lukhuni lolungaboli kalula. Utifunela ingcweti yembumbi lohlakaniphile itemmisela sithico lesingeke siwe. Anati yini? Anikeva yini? Anizange senitjelwe yini kona kwasekucaleni? Anizange nicondzisise yini kusukela umhlaba wasekelwa? Nkulunkulu uhleti esihlalweni sebukhosi etikwembulunga lengumhlaba, nebantfu bakhona bafanana netintsetse. Wendlala emazulu njengempheme, awendlale njengeliseyili entele bantfu kutsi batewuhlala kuwo. Utsatsa tikhulu atente lite, ehlise babusi bakulomhlaba babe lite. Batsi basengakahlanyelwa, basengakatjalwa nekutjalwa, basengakasimi ngisho nasemhlabatsini, bese uyabaphuphutsa, babune, kutsi umoya losiwunguwungwane ubaphephule, ubalahle khashane njengemakhoba. “Ningangilinganisa nabani nje mine? Nome-ke ngubani lofanana nami?” kusho Yena Longcwele. Phakamiselani emehlo enu ezulwini: Ngubani lowadala konkhe loku? Nguye lokhipha emabutfo etinkhanyeti ngayinye ngayinye, atibite tonkhe tinkhanyeti nguleyo naleyo ngelibito layo. Ngenca yemandla akhe lamakhulu nangebukhulu bemandla akhe, kute nome yinye lesilelako. Ukhononelani, wena Jakobe? Wena Israyeli, usolelani ngekutsi: “Indlela yami ifihlakele kuSimakadze; lilungelo lami alikanakeki kuNkulunkulu wami”? Awati yini? Awukeva yini? Simakadze unguNkulunkulu waphakadze, uMdali wemikhawulo yemhlaba. Angeke adzinwe, futsi ngeke akhatsale, nekucondza kwakhe kute longakuphenyisisa. Ubapha emandla labo labakhatsele, awandzise emandla alababutsakatsaka. Nalabasha bayaphela emandla, badzinwe, nemajaha ayakhubatela awe, kodvwa labo labetsembele kuSimakadze batfola emandla lamasha. Bayawukhuphuka ngemaphiko njengetinsweti, bayawugijima bangadzinwa, bayawuhamba bangaphelelwa ngemandla. “Thulani embikwami, nine tichingi! Tive ativuselele emandla ato! Atiphumele ebaleni tikhulume, asihlangane kanyekanye endzaweni yekwehlulela. Ngubani lochukulute lomunye kutsi esuke emphumalanga, wambitela ekulungeni kutsi ahlangabetane nekuncoba kuso sonkhe sinyatselo? Tive utinikela kuye, atfobise emakhosi embikwakhe. Ngenkemba yakhe uyabagucula babe lutfuli, nangebutjoki bakhe uyabaphephula njengemakhoba. Ubalandzela ngemuva angavinjwa lutfo, abacoshe ngendlela langazange asanyatsele kuyo. Ngubani lowente loku wadzimate wakuphumelelisa, wabita titukulwane kusukela ekucaleni? Mine, Simakadze, lengangikhona ekucaleni nalengiyawube ngikhona nasekugcineni, solo nginguye.” Tichingi tikubonile tesaba, imikhawulo yemhlaba iyatfutfumela, bantfu bayasondzela, baphumela ebaleni. Ngulowo usita lomunye, akhulume kumnakabo atsi: “Cina!” Ingcweti kutekubata ikhutsata umbumbi wetegolide, nalowo lobetsela ngesandvo ushiyela kulowo locandvulako. Kulowo loshiselako utsi: “Kuhle.” Ubetsela sithico khona singetikuwa. “Kodvwa wena, Israyeli, nceku yami, Jakobe, wena lengikukhetsile, wena situkulwane sa-Abrahama umngani wami, ngakutsatsa emaphetselweni emhlaba, ngakubita emagunjini awo lakhashane. Ngakubita ngatsi: ‘Wena uyinceku yami,’ ngikukhetsile, ngangete ngakwala. Ngako-ke ungesabi, ngobe mine nginawe; ungajabhi, ngobe mine nginguNkulunkulu wakho. Ngitakucinisa ngikusite, ngiyakukubamba ngesandla sami sekudla lesilungile. “Bonkhe labakubhavumulelako, impela, bayakudliwa ngemahloni, bahlazeke; labo labemelene nawe bayawuba lite, babhubhe baphele. Nome sewutiphenyisisa titsa takho, ungeke utitfole. Labo labaphekehla imphi nawe bayawuba lite lelite. Ngobe mine nginguSimakadze, Nkulunkulu wakho, lobamba sandla sakho sangesekudla, atsi kuwe: ‘Ungesabi, ngitakusita.’ Ungesabi, wena mphetfu, Jakobe, awu, mntfwanyana, Israyeli, ngobe mine matfupha ngitakusita,” kusho Simakadze, uMhlengi wakho, Longcwele waka-Israyeli. “Buka la, ngitakwenta ube sihhudlo sekubhula kolo, lesisha nalesikhaliphako lesinematinyo lamanyenti. Uyawushaya tintsaba utifohlote, wehlise emagcuma abe ngemakhoba. Uyakuwela, umoya uwakhetse, sivunguvungu siyakuwaphephula. Kodvwa wena uyawujabula ngaSimakadze, utibonge ngaLongcwele waka-Israyeli. “Labamphofu nalabeswele batfungatsa emanti, kodvwa kute; tilwimi tabo tomile ngenca yekweswela emanti. Kodvwa mine Simakadze ngitabevela, mine, Nkulunkulu waka-Israyeli, ngingeke ngibashiye. Ngiyawukwenta imifula igelete etindzaweni letiphakeme letilugwadvule, netiyalu ekhatsi etihosheni. Ngiyawugucula lihlane libe titiba temanti, nemhlaba logagadzekile ube netiyalu temanti. Ehlane ngiyawubeka umsedari, nemgamba, nemabovana, nemncumo. Ngiyawumilisa tipheshula eveni leligagadzekile imferi nemsayipuresi kanyekanye, kuze bantfu batewubona bati futsi, bacabange bese bayacondza kutsi sandla saSimakadze lesente loku, nekutsi Longcwele waka-Israyeli ukudalile loku.” Simakadze utsi: “Bekani indzaba yenu.” INkhosi yakaJakobe itsi: “Khulumani kutsi niphika nitsini.” Ngenisani tithico tenu titesitjela kutsi kutakwentekani. Tisitjele kutsi tintfo takucala kwakuyini, kuze natsi siteticabanga sati siphetfo sato. Nome-ke nisitjele ngetintfo letitakwenteka, nisitjele kutsi likusasa liphetseni, kuze sitekwati kutsi nibonkulunkulu. Ase nente lutfo, loluhle nome lolubi, kuze sitewujabha sesabe. Kodvwa nibancane kabi kunelite, nemisebenti yenu ilite nje. Lowo lokhetsa nine unengekile. “Ngivuse longasenyakatfo, futsi uyeta lomunye lophuma ngasemphumalanga lobita Libito lami. Unyatsela etikwebabusi kube shangatsi baludzaka nje, kube shangatsi yena ungumbumbi nakanyatsela libumba. Ngubani lowase wakhuluma ngaloku kusukela ekucaleni, kuze sitewukwati, nome-ke kwasendvulo, kuze natsi sitekusho sitsi: ‘Abecinisile’? Kute lowase wasitjela ngaloku, kute nalowakusho kungakenteki, kute lowake weva emavi enu. Ngaba wekucala kutjela iSiyoni, ngatsi: ‘Bukani, naba!’ IJerusalema ngayipha sitfunywa setindzaba letimnandzi. Ngiyabuka, kodvwa kute namunye, kute namunye emkhatsini wabo longeluleka, kute longaphendvula nangibabuta. Bukani la, bonkhe balite! Tento tabo tilite; titfombe tabo tingumoya nesiphitsiphitsi.” Simakadze utsi: “Nayi-ke inceku yami, lengiyicinisako, lokhetsiwe wami lengijabulako ngaye; ngiyawubeka Moya wami kuye, yena uyawuletsa umtsetfocotfo wami etiveni. Angeke amemete, futsi ngeke akhale, nome aphakamise livi lakhe etitaladini. Umhlanga lofecekile ngeke awephule; intsambo yesibane lebhunyako ngeke ayicime. Ngekwetsembeka kwakhe uyawuletsa umtsetfocotfo, ngeke angabate nome ajabhiswe, aze emise umtsetfocotfo wami emhlabeni. Tichingi tiyawubeka litsemba lato kulomtsetfo wakhe.” Naku lokushiwo nguNkulunkulu longuSimakadze, yena lowo lowadala emazulu, waweneka, wendlala nemhlaba nako konkhe lokumila kuwo, lonika kuphefumula kubantfu labakuwo, nekuphila kulabo labahamba etikwawo, utsi: “Mine, Simakadze, ngikubite ngekulunga, ngiyawubamba sandla sakho. Ngitawugcina ngikwente kutsi ube sivumelwane sami nesive sami, ube kukhanya kubetive, uvule emehlo langaboni, ukhulule tiboshwa ejele, ubatfukulule emgodzini lolijele labo labahlala ebumnyameni. “NginguSimakadze; lelo libito lami! Inkhatimulo yami ngingeke ngiyinike lomunye, nome-ke ludvumo lwami etithicweni. Buka la, tintfo takucala setentakele, sengimemetela tintfo letinsha; tisengakacali kubonakala ebaleni, senginatisa tona.” Hlabelani ingoma lensha kuSimakadze, netibongo takhe kusukela emikhawulweni yemhlaba, nine lenintjweza ngemikhumbi elwandle, nako konkhe lokukulo, nine tichingi, nani nonkhe lenihlala kuto. Lihlane nemadolobha alo akuphakamise emaphimbo ako; tabelo, lapho kuhlala khona bakaKhedari, atijabule. Bantfu baseSela abahlabele ngekujabula, abamemete baseticongweni tetintsaba. Abanike Simakadze ludvumo, bamemetele ludvumo lwakhe etichingini. Simakadze utawushuca njengendvodza lenemandla, njengelisotja uyawuchukuluta inshisekelo yakhe; uyawumemeta ahlabe inyandzaleyo, titsa takhe atehlule. Simakadze utsi: “Sesikhatsi lesidze ngibindzile, bengibindzile, ngitibambile. Kodvwa nyalo, njengemfati nakabeleka, ngiyakhala, ngiyacucumuka. Ngitawucitsa tintsaba nemagcuma, ngomise konkhe lokumila kuto, ngitawugucula imifula ibe tichingi, ngomise emachibi. Labatimphumphutse ngitabahola ngetindlela labangazange batati, ngibahole ngetindlela letingakavami. Bumnyama ngitabenta bube kukhanya embikwabo, ngente tindzawo letimagebhugebhu tibe ngematsafa. Leti tintfo lengitawutenta; ngingeke ngitiyekele. Kodvwa labo labetsembele etithicweni, labakhuluma etitfombeni batsi: ‘Nine nibonkulunkulu betfu,’ bayawuncandzekiswa bajabhile bahlazeke kakhulu.” “Vanini, nine tihhulu; bukani, nine timphumphutse, nibone! Ngubani loyimphumphutse ngaphandle kwenceku yami? Ngubani losihhulu njengesitfunywa lengisitfumako? Ngubani loyimphumphutse njengalotinikele kimi, loyimphumphutse njengenceku yaSimakadze? Ubone tintfo letinyenti, kodvwa awukanaki, tindlebe takho tivulekile, kodvwa awuva lutfo.” Kwamjabulisa Simakadze ngenca yekulunga kwakhe kutsi ente umtsetfo wakhe ube mkhulu, futsi ube neludvumo. Kodvwa lesi sive lesiphangiwe sabuye sahlutjulwa, bonkhe babambeke emigodzini nome bafihlakele emajele. Sebayimphango, kute nalongabephula; bentiwe baba yimphango, kwabate nalotsi: “Bancandzeni.” Ngubani emkhatsini wenu lotawulalela loku akunakisise kulesikhatsi lesitako? Ngubani lowanikela Jakobe kutsi abe yimphango, wanikela Israyeli kubaphangi? Kwakungesiye yini Simakadze lesone kuye? Ngobe abazange bahambe ngetindlela takhe, abazange bawulalele umtsetfo wakhe. Ngako watfululela etikwabo intfukutselo yakhe levutsako, nebudlwangudlwangu bemphi. Yabasibekela ngemalangabi, noko abazange bacondze; yabadla, kodvwa abakufakanga enhlitiyweni. Kodvwa nyalo, naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, lowo lowakudala, wena Jakobe, lowo lowakubumba, wena Israyeli, utsi: “Ungesabi, ngobe ngikuhlengile, Ngikubite ngelibito lakho, wena uwami. Nawudzabula ekhatsi emantini, mine ngitawuba nawe; nanawudzabula ekhatsi emifuleni, ingeke ikukhukhule. Nawuhamba udzabula ekhatsi emlilweni, ngeke ushe, emalangabi ngeke akulumekele. Ngobe mine nginguSimakadze Nkulunkulu wakho, Longcwele waka-Israyeli, uMsindzisi wakho, ngitawuhlawula ngelive laseGibhithe, ngishintjiselane iKushe neSheba ngawe. Njengobe wena uligugu kimi, uhloniphekile emehlweni ami, nanjengobe ngikutsandza nje, ngitawunikela bantfu ngenca yakho, netive ngitishintjise ngekuphila kwakho. Ungesabi, ngobe nginawe; bantfwabakho ngitabaletsa kusuka emphumalanga, ngikubutse wena kusukela enshonalanga. Ngiyawukhuluma nenyakatfo ngitsi: ‘Bakhulule,’ neningizimu ngikhulume kuyo ngitsi: ‘Ungabagodli.’ Buyisani emadvodzana ami kusukela khashane, nemadvodzakati ami kusukela emikhawulweni yemhlaba, bonkhe lababitwa ngelibito lami, labo lengabadalela ludvumo lwami, yebo, labo lengababumba ngabenta.” Letsani labo labanemehlo kodvwa babe batimphumphutse, labo labanetindlebe kodvwa babe batihhulu. Tonkhe tive tibutsana ndzawonye, nebantfu bonkhe bayahlangana. Ngusiphi emkhatsini wetithico tabo lesake sakukhuluma kucala loku kungakenteki, samemetela kitsi tintfo takadzeni? Abaletse bofakazi babo, batewusikhombisa kahle kutsi bebasho kona, khona labanye batewuva batsi: “Kuliciniso.” Simakadze utsi: “Nine ma-Israyeli, nibofakazi bami kanye nenceku yami lengiyikhetsile, kuze nitewukwati nikholwe kimi, nicondze nekutsi mine Nginguye. Ngaphambi kwami kute nkulunkulu lowake wabunjwa, futsi kute loyawubuye abe khona emvakwami. Mine, nginguye Simakadze, ngaphandle kwami kute umsindzisi. Ngembulile, ngasindzisa, ngamemetela, ngimi, akusiso sithico sebetive lesisemkhatsini wenu. Nine nibofakazi bami kutsi mine nginguNkulunkulu,” kusho Simakadze. “Yebo, kusukela endvulo solomane Nginguye. Kute longakhulula esandleni sami. Nangenta lutfo, ngubani longakujikisa loko?” Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, uMhlengi wenu, Longcwele waka-Israyeli, utsi: “Ngenca yenu ngitawutfumela eBhabhulona, ngibabuyise njengemambuka bonkhe baseBhabhulona, ngibabuyise ngemikhumbi lababetigabatisa ngayo. NginguSimakadze, Longcwele wenu, uMdali wema-Israyeli, iNkhosi yenu.” Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, lowo lowavula indlela ekhatsi elwandle, wenta umkhondvo ekhatsi emantini lanemandla, lowadvonsa tincola temphi kanye nemahhashi, emabutfo nemachawe onkhe kanyekanye kwalala khona lapho, akuyiwuphindze futsi kuvuke, kwacinywa, kwaphuphutfwa njengentsambo yesibane. Watsi: “Tikhohlweni tintfo takadzeni; ningahlali etintfweni lesetengca. Bukani la, ngenta intfo lensha! Manje seyiyavumbuka, aniyiboni yini? Ngenta indlela ehlane, nemifula eveni leligagadzekile. Tilwane tesiganga tiyangihlonipha, yebo, timphungutja kanye netahhukulu, ngobe ngiveta emanti ehlane nemifula eveni leligagadzekile, ngentele kunatsisa sive sami lesikhetsiwe, sive lengatibumbela sona, kuze sitewumemetela ludvumo lwami.” “Noko awukangibiti, wena Jakobe, awukatihluphi ngami, wena Israyeli. Awukatiletsi kimi timvu temnikelo wakho wekushiswa, futsi awukangihloniphi nangemihlatjelo yakho. Angikakwetfwesi umtfwalo ngeminikelo yalokutinhlavu, nome-ke ngikuhluphe ngekufuna imphepho kuwe. Awukangitsengeli nayinye imphepho letsaphukako, wangete wangenelisa nangemanoni emihlatjelo yakho. Kodvwa wena ungetfwese umtfwalo ngetono takho, wangikhatsata ngetikhubekiso takho. “Mine, ngimi, losusa tiphambuko takho ngenca yami, tono takho angiphindzi ngitikhumbule. Asibuyekete loko lese kwentekile, ase sikhulumisane ngalendzaba; beka indzaba yakho yekuba msulwa kwakho. Uyihlomkhulu wekucala wenta sono; nalabo lababengumlomo wakho bangivukela. Ngako-ke nami ngitatihlazisa tikhulu telithempeli lenu, ngivele ngitfumele Jakobe ekubhujisweni, na-Israyeli kutsi edzelelwe.” “Kodvwa lalela, wena Jakobe, nceku yami, Israyeli, wena lengikukhetsile. Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, lowo lowakwenta, wakubumba esiswini, nalonguyena atakukusita, utsi: Ungesabi, wena Jakobe, nceku yami, Jeshuruni, lengimkhetsile. Ngobe ngiyawutfululela emanti eveni lelomile, nemifula emhlabatsini lowomile; ngiyawutfululela Moya wami kubantfwana bakho, nesibusiso sami etitukulwaneni takho. Bayawuhluma njengetjani emadlelweni, nanjengemabhabhabhulomu ngasemfuleni logeletako. Lomunye uyawutsi: ‘Mine ngiwaSimakadze;’ lomunye utatibita ngelibito laJakobe; nalomunye uyawubhala esandleni sakhe, atsi: ‘NgiwaSimakadze,’ atsatse libito la-Israyeli.” “Naku-ke lokushiwo nguSimakadze, iNkhosi neMkhululi wema-Israyeli, Simakadze longuSomandla, utsi: Mine ngiwekucala newekugcina; ngaphandle kwami kute Nkulunkulu. Ngubani-ke lofanana nami? Lowo akakumemetele. Akakumemetele, akubeke embikwami, loko lokwentekile kusukela ngasungula sive sami sakadzenidzeni, naloko lokuseta, yebo, akasho kucala phela kutsi kutakwentekani. Ningatfutfumeli, ningesabi. Angizange ngikumemetele yini loku, ngakhuluma ngako kungakenteki kadzeni? Nine nibofakazi bami. Kukhona yini lomunye Nkulunkulu ngaphandle kwami? Cha, kute lelinye Lidvwala, kute nalinye lengilatiko.” Bonkhe labenta tithico balite, naletintfo letiligugu kangaka kubo tilite. Labo lababetikhulumela batimphumphutse, futsi abati lutfo, lokulihlazo kubo. Ngubani lobumba sithico, asente asilolonge kahle, lesingeke simbuyisele lutfo? Yena nalahambisana nabo bayawuhlaziswa; tingcweti kutekubumba atisilo lutfo, kodvwa tibantfu nje. Ababutsane ndzawonye bonkhe, beme kuloko labasime kuko; bayawehliselwa ekwesabekeni kwelihlazo lalokubi. Umfuli utsatsa lithulusi asebente ngalo emalahleni; abumbe sithico ngetandvo, akubetsele ngemandla akhe onkhe. Uyalamba, aphelelwe ngemandla; anganatsi ngisho emanti, bese uyoma aze acaleke. Umbati ulinganisa ngentsambo, ente luhlaka ngelutsi lwekubhala; akucandvule ngemashizolo, abekise ngemakhampasi. Ukubumba kube nesimo semuntfu, kufanane nemuntfu ngebunjalo bakhe bonkhe, entele kutsi kutewuhlaliswa endlini yetithico. Ugawula imisedari, mhlawumbe atsatse umsayipuresi nome um-okhi. Uyakuyekela kukhule emkhatsini wetihlahla telihlatsi, nome ahlanyele sipheshula, imvula bese iyakukhulisa. Umuntfu ukusebentisa ekubaseni umlilo; lokunye kwako akutsatse atifutfumete ngako, ubasa umlilo apheke sinkhwa. Kodvwa uphindze abate nkulunkulu wakhe, bese uyamkhonta; wenta sithico, bese ukhotsama kuso. Incenye yaleso sigodvo usibasa emlilweni, alungise kudla kwakhe kulowo mlilo; wosa inyama yakhe kuwo, ayidle, esutse. Uphindze otse kuwo, atsi: “Inhhi! Sengifutfumele; ngibona umlilo.” Kulesigodvo lesisele ubata nkulunkulu, lekusithico sakhe, akhotsame kuso, asikhonte. Uthandaza kuso atsi: “Ngisindzise; wena ungunkulunkulu wami.” Abati lutfo, abacondzi lutfo; emehlo abo abhadziwe, kuze bangetiwubona, netingcondvo tabo tivaliwe, khona bangetiwucondzisisa. Kute loke eme, acabangisise. Kute namunye lonelwati; kute nalonekucondza lotsi: “Incenye yalolukhuni ngiyibasile, ngidzimate ngapheka nesinkhwa kulamalahle alo, ngose inyama, ngayidla. Pho, ngingayenta yini intfo lesinengiso ngalolukhuni lolusele? Ngingasikhotsamela yini lesizemuzemu selugodvo?” Utondla ngemlotsa, edukiswe yinhlitiyo lekhohlisiwe; angeke atisindzise nome atsi: “Lentfo lesesandleni sami sangesekudla ayisiwo yini emanga?” “Khumbula letintfo, wena Jakobe, ngobe uyinceku yami, wena Israyeli. Ngikwentile, wena uyinceku yami, ngingeke ngikukhohlwe, wena Israyeli. Tikhubekiso takho ngitishanyele njengelifu. netono takho njengenkhungu yasekuseni. Buyela kimi, ngobe sengikuhlengile.” Hlabelani ngekujabula, nine mazulu, ngobe loku kwentiwe nguSimakadze; memetani kakhulu, nine tindzawo temhlaba letijulile. Hlokomani ngengoma, nine tintsaba, nine mahlatsi, nato tonkhe tihlahla tenu. ngobe Simakadze sewuhlenge Jakobe, ubonakalisa bukhosi bakhe ka-Israyeli. “Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, uMhlengi wakho, lowakubumba esiswini, utsi: NginguSimakadze, lowente tonkhe tintfo, yena yedvwa loweneke emazulu, lowendlala umhlaba ayedvwana, lophuntisa tibonakaliso tebaphrofethi bemanga, labaphengulako abente tilima, acitse kufundza kwalabahlakaniphile, akugucule akwente kube ngumbhedvo. Ngimi lofeza emavi etinceku takhe, aphumelelise tiphrofetho tetitfunywa takhe, lotsi ngeJerusalema: ‘Itawuhlalwa bantfu,’ nangemadolobha akaJuda atsi: ‘Atakwakhiwa,’ nangetindzala tawo atsi: ‘Ngitativusetela.’ Ngimi lokhuluma nekujula kwemanti atsi: ‘Yoma, ngitakomisa imifudlana yakho.’ Ngimi futsi lokhuluma ngaKhuresi atsi: ‘Ungumelusi wami, uyawukwenta konkhe loko lengikutsandzako; uyawukhuluma ngeJerusalema, atsi: “Ayakhiwe kabusha,” nangelithempeli atsi: “Akwakhiwe tisekelo talo.” ’ ” “Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze kulogcotjiwe wakhe, kuKhuresi, lengibambe sandla sakhe sangasekudla, ngentela kwehlula tive embikwakhe, ngemuke emakhosi tikhali tawo, ngivule neminyango embikwakhe, kuze emasango angetiwuvalwa, ngitsi kuye: Ngiyawuhamba embikwakho ngente tintsaba tibeke. Ngiyakwephula emasango elitfusi, ngijube imigcala yetinsimbi lengimishudvo. Ngiyawukunika ingcebo yebumnyama, bunjinga lobubekwe etindzaweni letiyimfihlo, khona utewukwati kutsi mine nginguSimakadze, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, lokubita ngelibito lakho. Ngenca yaJakobe, inceku yami, Israyeli lokhetsiwe wami, ngikubita ngelibito lakho ngikunika libito leludvumo, noko wena awungemukeli. NginguSimakadze, futsi kute lomunye, ngaphandle kwami kute Nkulunkulu; ngiyawukuhlomisa, wena ungakangemukeli nje, khona kutewutsi kusukela emphumalanga kuze kube ngusenshonalanga, tive tati kutsi kute lomunye ngaphandle kwami. NginguSimakadze, futsi kute lomunye. Ngenta kukhanya, ngidale bumnyama, ngiletsa lokuhle, ngidale lokubi, mine Simakadze, ngitenta tonkhe letintfo.” “Nisani kulunga, nine mazulu lasetulu; emafu akakutfululele phansi. Umhlaba awuvuleke kabanti, insindziso ayihlume, kulunga akukhule nayo; mine, Simakadze, ngikudalile. Maye kulowo lolwa neMenti wakhe, kuye lowo loludzengelo nje emkhatsini wetindzengelo temhlaba. Libumba like lisho yini kumbumbi walo litsi: ‘Ubumbani?’ Umsebenti wakho ungake usho yini utsi: ‘Ute tandla’? Maye kulowo lotsi kuyise: ‘Utele ini?’ nome kunina atsi: ‘Yini lena loyitele?’ “Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, Longcwele waka-Israyeli, neMenti wakhe, utsi: Macondzana netintfo letitako, niyangibuta yini ngebantfwabami, nome ningibekele umtsetfo ngemsebenti wetandla tami? Ngimi lowenta umhlaba, ngadala nebantfu bonkhe labahlala kuwo. Tandla tami taweneka emazulu, ngalawula nemabutfo awo etinkhanyeti. Ngiyawuvusa Khuresi ngekulunga kwami; ngiyakwenta tonkhe tindlela takhe ticondze. Uyawulakha kabusha lidolobha lami, akhulule labatfunjiwe bami, kodvwa loko akwente ngaphandle kwentsengo nemvuzo, kusho Simakadze longuSomandla.” Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: “Umkhicito waseGibhithe nalokuhwebiwe kwaseKushe, kanye nalawo maSeba, bantfu labadze, kuyawuta kuwe kube kwakho, Siyoni, bayawuhamba badzembuluka emvakwakho, bete kuwe baboshwe ngetinketane. Bayawukhotsama embikwakho bakuncenge, batsi: ‘Ngempela Nkulunkulu unani, futsi kute lomunye, kute lomunye Nkulunkulu.’ ” Ngempela unguNkulunkulu lotifihlako, awu, Nkulunkulu, neMsindzisi wema-Israyeli. Bonkhe babumbi betithico bayawuhlaziswa, bahlazeke; bayawulahlwa badliwe ngemahloni kanyekanye. Kodvwa Israyeli uyawusindziswa nguSimakadze ngensindziso yaphakadze; ningeke nidliwe ngemahloni nome nihlazeke phakadze naphakadze. Ngobe naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, lowo lowadala emazulu, unguNkulunkulu, lowo lowadala wabumba umhlaba, wawusekela; akazange awudalele kutsi ubete lutfo, kodvwa wawubumbela kutsi uhlale bantfu, utsi: “NginguSimakadze, kute lomunye. Angikakhulumi ekusitsekeni, kulenye indzawo lelive lebumnyama. Angikasho etitukulwaneni taJakobe, ngatsi: ‘Ngifuneleni lite.’ Mine, Simakadze, ngikhuluma liciniso, ngikhuluma loko lokulungile.” “Butsanani ndzawonye, nite; hlanganani, nine lenibaleke etiveni. Abati lutfo labo labetfwala tithico tetingodvo, bathandaze etithicweni letingeke tisindzise. Shanoni loko lokutako, nikwetfule; abelulekane kanyekanye. Ngubani lowase wakhuluma ngaloku kungakenteki kadzeni, wakukhuluma kusesekhashane endvulo? Kwakungesimi yini, Simakadze? Futsi kute lomunye Nkulunkulu ngaphandle kwami, Nkulunkulu lolungile nalonguMsindzisi; kute lomunye ngaphandle kwami. “Buyani kimi, nisindziswe, nonkhe nine mikhawulo yemhlaba; ngobe nginguNkulunkulu, futsi kute lomunye. Ngitifunge mine, umlomo wami ukhulume ngabo bonkhe bucotfo livi lelingeke liphindze liguculwe, litsi: Emadvolo onkhe ayawukhotsama embikwami; tonkhe tilimi tiyawufunga ngami. Bayawukhuluma ngami, batsi: ‘KuSimakadze kuphela kunekulunga nemandla.’ ” Bonkhe labemelene naye bayawuta kuye badliwe ngemahloni. Kodvwa kuSimakadze tonkhe titukulwane taka-Israyeli tiyawusindziswa, futsi tiyawumdvumisa. Beli uyaguca, Nebo uyakhotsama. Titfombe tabo tetfwelwe tilwane tekwetfwala. Letitfombe tabo lababetetfwala setiyasindza, tingumtfwalo kuletilwane letidziniwe. Tiyakhotsama tiguce phansi kanyekanye tehluleke kuyetfula lemitfwalo letitfombe tato, tona cobo lwato tiyahamba tiye ekutfunjweni. “Lalelani kimi, awu ninendlu yakaJakobe, nonkhe nine lenisasele bendlu yaka-Israyeli, nine lesolo nganetfwala kwasesiswini, lenganetfwala kusukela ekutalweni kwenu. Ngisho nasebudzaleni benu nome senimphunga, nginguye, nginguloyo loyakunisimisa. Nginentile, futsi ngitanetfwala; ngitanilondvolota, nginisindzise. “Nitangilinganisa nabani-ke, nome-ke ngubani lengilingana naye? Nitangifananisa nabani kwekutsi singaze silinganiswe naye? Labanye batfulula igolide etikhwameni tabo, balinganise isiliva etikalini tabo, bacashe umbumbi wetegolide kutsi abentele kube sithico, bese baguca kuso basikhonte. Basibeka emahlombe abo basetfwale, basibeke endzaweni yaso, bese siyema kuleyo ndzawo, asikwati nekutsi khushu. Nome umuntfu angamemeta kanjani kuso atikhalela, asikwati kumphendvula; singeke simsindzise umuntfu etinhluphekweni takhe. “Khumbulani loku, nime nicinile, nikufake etinhlitiyweni, nine bahlubuki. Khumbulani tintfo takadzeni, leto takadzenidzeni. Ngobe nginguNkulunkulu, futsi kute lomunye; nginguNkulunkulu, futsi kute lonjengami. Ngimemetela siphetfo kusukela ekucaleni, kusukela etikhatsini takadzeni ngimemetela loko lokutakwenteka. Ngitsi mine: ‘Injongo yami iyakuma, ngiyawukwenta konkhe loko lese ngikuhlelile.’ Ngibita lingce emphumalanga, eveni lelikhashane ngibite umuntfu atewufeza injongo yami. Loko lese ngikushito, nguloko lengiyawukuphumelelisa; loko lese ngikuhlelile, nguloko lengiyawukwenta. Lalelani kimi, nine bonhlitiyo letinenkhani, nine lenikhashane nekulunga. Ngisondzeta kulunga kwami edvutane, akusekho khashane, nekusindzisa kwami kungeke kwephute. Ngitawupha iSiyoni insindziso, nenkhatimulo yami kuma-Israyeli.” Simakadze utsi: “Yehla, uhlale elutfulini, wena Ndvodzakati yaseBhabhulona. Hlala emhlabatsini, ungasahlali esihlalweni sebukhosi, Ndvodzakati yebaseBhabhulona. Awusayikubitwa ngekutsi ungulobutsakatsaka nalotsambile. Tsatsa ematje ekusila, usile fulaha, yembula liveyili lakho. Phakamisa tidvwaba takho, uhlubule imilente yakho, wewele udzabule imifula. Bungcunu bakho buyawubekeka ebaleni, lihlazo lakho lembuleke. Ngiyawuphindzisela, futsi kute loyawusala.” UMhlengi wetfu, Simakadze longuSomandla libito lakhe, unguLongcwele waka-Israyeli. “Hlala uthule, ungene ebumnyameni, Ndvodzakati yemaBhabhulona, awusayikuphindza ubitwe ngekutsi Ndlovukazi yemibuso. Ngangisitfukutselele sive sami, ngalilahla lifa lami, ngabanikela esandleni sakho, nawe awuzange ubahawukele ngemusa; ngisho nalasebagugile, wabagaca ngelijoko lelimatima. Watsi wena: ‘Ngiyawuchubeka ngibe yindlovukazi kokuphela,’ kodvwa awuzange uticaphele letintfo nome sewubone loko lokungahle kwenteke. “Nyalo-ke, lalela, wena mtsandzi wekukhibika, wena lotibusa ngekuvikeleka kwakho, ucabange utsi: ‘Ngimi ngimi, futsi kute lomunye. Ngingeke ngize ngibe ngumfelokati, nome ngive kufelwa bantfwana.’ Kokubili-ke loko kuyawukukhandza ngesikhashana nje, ngalanga linye, kufelwa bantfwana nebufelokati. Kuyawukufikela ngemandla lamakhulu, ngetulu kwebunyenti bekutsakatsa kwakho, nasemkhatsini webunyenti bemalumbo akho. Wetsembele ebubini bakho, watsi: ‘Kute namunye longibonako.’ Kuhlakanipha nekwati kwakho kuyakonisa, nawuticabanga utsi: ‘Ngimi ngimi, kute lomunye ngaphandle kwami.’ Sehlakalo siyawukufikela, futsi awuyikwati kutsi uyawusicosha kanjani. Incitsakalo iyakwehlela etikwakho, ungakwati kuphunyula kuyo ngisho nangenhlawulo. Inhlekelele longasoze wayibona iseta, iyakwehlela kuwe ngekushesha. “Chubeka-ke manje nalamaloyo akho, nebunyenti bekutsakatsa kwakho, lowakushikashikela kusukela ebuntfwaneni; mhlawumbe uyawuphumelela, encenye utibangele kwesaba titsa takho. Tonkhe teluleko lotitfolile temacebo setikugugisile. Abavele ebaleni phela lababhuli bakho, labo labahlola tinkhanyeti, bese bayakutjela inyanga ngenyanga kutsi utakwehlelwa yini, abakusindzise kuloko lokutakwehlela. Empeleni banjengemabibi etinhlanga layakusha onkhe ngemlilo, bangeke batisindzise kwabona kulamandla elilangabi. Lapha kute emalahle ekufutfumeta umuntfu, kute nemlilo longawotsa. Nguloko nje kuphela labangakwentela kona, labo lebewushikashikeka nabo, solomane uhambisene nabo kusukela ebuntfwaneni. Ngulowo nalowo atichubekela ngekwakakhe kona; kute namunye longakusindzisa.” “Lalelani lapha, ninendlu yakaJakobe, nine lenibitwa ngelibito la-Israyeli, futsi niyintalelwane yakaJuda, nine lenenta tifungo egameni laSimakadze, nikhonte Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, kodvwa kungabi ngeliciniso nangekulunga, nine lenitibita ngekutsi nitakhamiti tasedolobheni lelingcwele, netsembele kuNkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, Simakadze longuSomandla libito lakhe, lalelani naku: Ngakhuluma ngetintfo takucala tingakefiki, ngakhuluma ngato kadzeni, umlomo wami watimemetela, ngatenta tatiwa; ngase ngiyatenta masinyane, tavele tenteka. Ngobe nganginati kutsi ninenkhani kangakanani. Imisipha yetintsamo tenu kutinsimbi, nemabunti enu kungewelitfusi. Nginitjele tonkhe-ke letintfo kadzenidzeni, kucala tingakenteki ngatimemetela kini, kuze ningetikusho kutsi: ‘Tithico tami takwenta loku; titfombe tami tetigodvo nabonkulunkulu lababunjwe ngensimbi bakulayeta.’ Nitivile tonkhe-ke letintfo, tibukeni tonkhe. Ningete nativuma yini? “Kusukela nyalo sengitabonitjela tintfo letinsha, tintfo letifihlakele kini, leningatati, tintfo letidalwe nyalo, hhayi kadzeni, anizange senive ngato phambilini. Ngako-ke ningeke nisho kutsi: ‘Yebo, mine ngangivele ngati ngato.’ Anikeva, futsi anikacondzi, kusukela endvulo tindlebe tenu tatisolomane tivalekile. Empeleni bengati kahle hle kutsi naniyengana kanjani, nanibitwa ngekutsi nibahlubuki kusukela ekutalweni. Ngenca yeLibito lami ngiyalwephutisa lulaka lwami, ngenca yeludvumo lwami ngiyalubamba, ngingalwehliseli kini, kuze ngingetikunicedza. Bukani la, nginicolisisile, noko hhayi njengesiliva; nginivivinyile ngemlilo wetinhlupheko. Ngenca yami, nangekwami ngiyakwenta loku. Ngingeke ngivume kutsi Libito lami lihlazeke. Ngingeke nginike lomunye inkhatimulo yami.” “Lalela kimi, wena Jakobe, wena Israyeli lengakubita: Nginguye. Ngiwekucala, futsi ngiwekugcina. Tandla tami tatibeka tisekelo temhlaba. Sandla sami sangesekudla sawendlala emazulu; nangikubita, kuyavela konkhe kanyekanye. “Butsanani nonkhe, nitewulalela: Ngusiphi saletithico lesake satisho letintfo tingakenteki? Sihlobo lesikhetsiwe saSimakadze siyakuyifeza injongo yakhe simelane neBhabhulona. Ingalo yaso iyawumelana nebaseBhabhulona. Mine, yebo mine ngekwami, sengishito, yebo sengimbitile, ngitamletsa, futsi utawuphumelela kulomsebenti wakhe. “Sondzelani edvutane nami, nilalele naku: “Kusukela esimemetelweni sekucala angizange ngikhulume emasitseleni, ngalesikhatsi nakwenteka, mine ngisuke sengikhona.” Manje-ke, iNkhosi Simakadze ingitfumile kanye naMoya wayo. Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, uMhlengi wenu, Longcwele waka-Israyeli, utsi: “NginguSimakadze Nkulunkulu wenu, longuyena anifundzisa kutsi ngukuphi lokuncono kunako konkhe kini, lonilayela indlela lekufanele nihambe ngayo. Kube mane naniyilalela imiyalo yami, kuthula nenhlalakahle yenu ngabe kunjengemifula, kulunga kwenu kube njengemagagasi elwandle. Titukulwane tenu ngabe tingangetihlabatsi. Bantfwabenu ngabe bangangetinhlavu letingenakubalwa, emabito abo abengayiwuncanyulwa lutfo, abengayiwubhujiswa embikwami.” Sukani lapha eBhabhulona. Wabalekeleni emaBhabhulona. Kumemeteleni loku ngenjabulo lenkhulu, nikubabate, kutfumeleni emikhawulweni yemhlaba, nitsi: “Simakadze umhlengile Jakobe, inceku yakhe.” Abazange sebome ngesikhatsi abahola ehlane; wabavulela emanti agobhota edvwaleni, wacheketa lidvwala, kwampompota emanti. Simakadze utsi: “Kute kuthula kulababi.” Lalelani kimi, nine tichingi, vanini loku, nine tive letikhashane, Simakadze wangibita ngisengakatalwa, kusukela ekutalweni walibita libito lami. Umlomo wami wawenta waba njengenkemba leloliwe, wangitfukusa emtfuntini wesandla sakhe; wangenta ngaba ngumcibisholo lololongiwe, wangivalela emgodleni wetikhali takhe. Watsi kimi: “Wena uyinceku yami. Israyeli nguloyo lengiyawukhombisa kuye inkhatimulo yami.” Kodvwa ngatsi: “Ngisebentele lite. Titfukutfuku tami ngitijulukele lite, ngisebentele emahhala. Kodvwa lilungelo lami lisesandleni saSimakadze; nemvuzo wami ukuNkulunkulu wami.” Manje-ke utsi Simakadze, lowo lowangibumba esiswini kutsi ngibe yinceku yakhe, kuze ngitewubuyisela Jakobe kuye, ngibutsele ema-Israyeli kuye, ngobe ngihloniphekile emehlweni aSimakadze, naNkulunkulu wami waba ngemandla ami, utsi: “Kuyintfo lelula kakhulu kuwe kuba yinceku yami kubuyisela tive takaJakobe, nekubuyisa labo labasasele bema-Israyeli lengitigcinele bona. Ngitakwenta futsi ube kukhanya kubetive, kuze utewumikisa insindziso yami emikhawulweni yonkhe yemhlaba.” Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, uMhlengi, naLongcwele waka-Israyeli, kuye lowake wedzelelwa wenyanywa sive, kuyo inceku yebabusi, utsi: “Emakhosi ayawukubona asukume, tikhulu tiyawukubona tikhotsame, ngenca yaSimakadze lowetsembekile, Longcwele waka-Israyeli, lokukhetsile.” Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: “Ngiyawukuphendvula ngesikhatsi sami lengisitsandzako, nangelilanga lensindziso ngiyawukusita. Ngiyawukugcina, ngikwente ube sivumelwane sami nebantfu, kuze kubuyiselwe live, banikwe kabusha emafa labese acitsekile. Utawutsi kulabatfunjiwe: ‘Phumani!’ nakulabo labasebumnyameni: ‘Khululekani!’ “Bayawudlela eceleni kwemigwaco, batfole emadlelo kuto tonkhe tintsatjana letigagadzekile. Abaseyikulamba, abaseyikoma; nekushisa kwaselugwadvule nekwelilanga akuseyikubashaya. Lowo lonesihawu nabo uyakubahola, abahambise ngasemitfonjeni yemanti. Ngiyawugucula tonkhe tintsaba tami tibe ngimigwaco, nemigwaco yami lemikhulu iyawuphakanyiswa. Buka la: Bayawuchamuka khashane, labanye enyakatfo, labanye enshonalanga, labanye etigodzini taseSinimu.” Memetani ngenjabulo, mazulu! Tsakasa, nawe mhlaba! Klabalazani nihlabele, nani tintsaba! Ngobe Simakadze uyabadvudvuta bantfu bakhe, futsi uyawuba nesihawu kulabo labadzabukisiwe bakhe. Kodvwa iSiyoni yatsi: “Simakadze ungifulatsele, Simakadze ungikhohliwe.” “Umfati angalukhohlwa yini luswane lolusesebeleni lakhe nekutsi abete sihawu kumntfwana lamtalako? Nome angakhohlwa, kodvwa mine ngingeke ngikukhohlwe wena. Buka la; ngikucophe entsendzeni yetandla tami; tibondza takho tisembikwami njalo. Bantfwabakho bancandzeka ngekushesha, nalabo labakwenta lite nalabalwa nawe bayawukubalekela. Phakamisa emehlo akho ucalate, bonkhe bantfwana bakho bayabutsana, babuyele kuwe.” Simakadze utsi: “Ngifunga kuphila kwami, impela uyakubembatsa bonkhe njengemhlobiso wemvunulo, uyakubagcoka njengamakoti. “Naloku wawuhhihlitelwe phansi, wasala ebaleni, live lakho lasala lingasenamsebenti; nyalo-ke sewutawuba mncane kakhulu kubantfu bakho, nalabo labake bakudla bayawuba khashane kakhulu. Bantfwana labatelwe ngetikhatsi tekuhlupheka kwakho bayawukhuluma uva, batsi: ‘Lendzawo seyincane kakhulu kitsi, sinike indzawo lenkhulu yekuhlala.’ Uyawucabanga enhlitiyweni yakho utsi: ‘Ngubani lowangitalela laba, njengobe ngangihluphekile ngiyinyumba, ngangitfunjiwe futsi ngilahliwe? Bakhuliswa ngubani kepha laba? Ngasala ngingedvwa vo, kodvwa laba nyalo, sebaphumaphi?’ ” Naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: “Buka la; ngiyawuchweba betive, ngiyawuphakamisa siboniso sami kubantfu. Bayawuletsa emadvodzana akho bawagodle ngemikhono, betfwele emadvodzakati akho emahlombe. Emakhosi ayawuba bacizeli bakho, nemakhosikati awo amunyise bantfwabakho. Bayawuguca embikwakho, buso babo bubheke phansi emhlabatsini, bayawukhotsa lutfuli lwetinyawo takho ngelulwimi. Uyawube sewuyati-ke lapho kutsi mine nginguSimakadze. Labo labetsembela kimi bangeke bajabhiswe.” Emabutfo angemukwa yini imphango nome tigcili letitfunjiwe tisindziswe kulabanelunya? Kodvwa naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: “Yebo, emabutfo ayakwemukwa labatfunjiwe, nalabanelunya bemukwe imphango. Kodvwa ngiyakulwa nalabo labalwa nawe, ngibasindzise bantfwabakho. Bacindzeteli bakho ngiyakubenta badle inyama yemtimba wabo, bayawudzakwa kunatsa ingati yabo kube shangatsi bebanatsa liwayini. Tive tonkhe-ke tiyawube setiyati kutsi mine Simakadze nginguMsindzisi wakho, uMhlengi wakho, longuSomandla waJakobe.” Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: “Iphi incwadzi yenyoko yesehlukaniso, lengamcosha ngayo kutsi ahambe? Nome-ke nganitsengisa kumuphi kulengibakweledako? Natsengiswa ngenca yetono tenu, ngenca yemacala enu unyoko wacoshwa. Kwaya ngani ngingakhandzi muntfu nangifika? Ngesikhatsi ngimemeta, kwabate leni losabelako? Ingalo yami yayiyimfisha kakhulu yini kwekutsi yayinganisindzisa? Ngite yini mine emandla ekunephula? Mine ngekhuta kanye nje kome lwandle, ngigucula imifula ibe lugwadvule, tinhlanti tayo tibole ngenca yekweswela emanti, tife, tibulawe koma. Ngembatsisa sibhakabhaka ngebumnyama, ngente emasaka kube simbonyo saso.” INkhosi Simakadze inginike lulwimi lolufundzisiwe, kuze ngati livi lekucinisa labamadvolo abo asaceka. Ungivusa njalo nje, ekuseni avuse indlebe yami itewulalela, njengemuntfu nakafundziswa. INkhosi Simakadze itivulile tindlebe tami, nami angikayivuseli umdlonga, angikagucuki kuyo. Nganikela ngemhlane wami kulabo labebangishaya, ngabanika tihlatsi labo lababengidvonsa ngesilevu. Angizange ngibufihle buso bami ekuphukutweni nasekukhafulelweni ngematse. Ngobe iNkhosi Simakadze iyangisita, ngingeke ngihlazeke, ngijabhiswe. Ngaloko-ke sengacinisa buso bami, baze baba njengelitje lemlilo, futsi ngiyati kutsi ngeke ngihlazeke, ngijabhe. Lowo longivikelako sewusedvutane. Ngubani-ke longangibeka emacala? Asibhekane buso nebuso! Ngubani ummangaleli wami? Akangisukele phela! YiNkhosi Simakadze lengisitako. Ngubani-ke lowo longangilahla ngelicala? Bayawuguga bonkhe njengengubo, bayawucedvwa ngimivunya. Ngubani emkhatsini wenu lowesaba Simakadze nalolalela livi lenceku yakhe? Lowo lohamba ebumnyameni, longenako kukhanya, aketsembele kulo Libito laSimakadze, asime kuNkulunkulu wakhe. Kodvwa nyalo, nonkhe nine lenilumekela imilidlwana, nitentele nine tidlwane letivutsako, hambani-ke ningene kuloko kukhanya kwaleyo milidlwana yenu nekwaleto tidlwane tenu lesenitilumekele tona. Naku leniyawukutfola esandleni sami: Niyawulala phansi etinhlungwini letimatima. “Lalelani kimi, nine lenifunisisa kulunga, nalenifuna Simakadze: Bukani kulelo dvwala lenacetulwa kulo nakuleyo nkwali lenacotwa kuyo, bukani ku-Abrahama, uyihlo, nibuke nakuSara lowanitala. Ngesikhatsi nangimbita abesemunye kuphela, ngambusisa, ngamenta waba mnyenti. “Ngempela, Simakadze uyakuyidvudvuta iSiyoni, uyawutibuka ngesihawu tonkhe tindzala tayo; emahlane ayo uyakuwenta abe njenge-Edeni, tindzawo tayo letilihlane atente tibe njengensimi yaSimakadze. Kujabula nekutfokota kuyawutfolakala kuyo, yebo, kubonga kanye nemsindvo wekuhlabela. “Lalelani kimi, bantfu bami, ngiveni, sive sami: Umtsetfo uyawuphuma kimi, umtsetfocotfo wami uyawuba kukhanya etiveni. Kulunga kwami kusondzela ngekushesha, insindziso yami isendleleni, ngiyakwehlulela tive ngemkhono wami. Tichingi tiyawubuka kimi, tilindzele ngekwetsemba umkhono wami. Phakamiselani emehlo enu emazulwini, niwubuke nemhlaba phansi; emazulu ayawunyamalala njengentfutfu, nemhlaba uguge njengengubo, nalabahlala kuwo bafe njengetimphungane. Kodvwa insindziso yami iyawukhonsa phakadze naphakadze, kulunga kwami ngeke kuphele. “Ngilaleleni, nine lenati kutsi kuyini lokulungile, nine bantfu leninemtsetfo wami etinhlitiyweni tenu: Ningakwesabi kusolwa bantfu, ningetfuswa ngisho natinhlamba tabo. Ngobe umvunya uyawubadla njengengubo, imphetfu iyawubamita njengensontfo. Kodvwa kulunga kwami kuyawukhonsa phakadze naphakadze, nensindziso yami iyakuma titukulwane ngetitukulwane.” Vuka, vuka! Tembatsise ngemandla, wena mkhono waSimakadze; vuka, ube nguloku bewungiko kucala, njengasetitukulwaneni takadzeni. Kwakungesiwe yini lona lowacoba Rahabi waba ticucu, lowagwaza leso silwane lesikhulu nalesesabekako? Kwakungesiwe yini lowa lowomisa lwandle, emanti alapho kushona khona kakhulu, lowenta umgwaco ekujuleni kwelwandle, kuze labahlengiwe bewelele ngesheya? Labahlawulelwe baSimakadze bayawubuya. Bayawungena eSiyoni ngekuhlabela nangekujabula kwaphakadze lokuyawuba ngumchele etinhloko tabo. Kutfokota nekujabula kuyawuba kubo, lusizi nekububula kubabalekele. “Mine, mine ngekwami, nginguye lonidvudvutako. Benibobani-ke nine kutsi ningesaba bantfu lababhubhako, emadvodzana ebantfu, latjani nje, kutsi ningakhohlwa Simakadze, uMenti wenu, loweneka emazulu, wabeka tisekelo temhlaba, kutsi seningahlala ngekutfutfumela onkhe emalanga ngenca yelulaka lwemcindzeteli, lotilungiselela kunibhubhisa? Ngobe lukuphi nje lulaka lwemcindzeteli? Labo labatiboshwa batawukhululwa masinyane; bangeke bafele kulomgodzi welijele labo, futsi bangeke bakweswele kudla. Ngobe nginguSimakadze Nkulunkulu wakho, lonyakatisa lwandle kubhodle emagagasi alo, nguSimakadze longuSomandla libito lakhe. Ngibeke emavi ami emlonyeni wakho, ngakusibekela ngemtfunti wesandla sami; mine lengibeke emazulu endzaweni yawo, nalengabeka tisekelo temhlaba, ngikhuluma neSiyoni ngitsi: ‘Wena usive sami!’ ” Vuka, vuka, sukuma, wena Jerusalema, wena lonatse esandleni saSimakadze indzebe yentfukutselo yakhe, wena lominyele sinatfo lesiseludziweni lesenta bantfu badzayitele. Kuwo onkhe emadvodzana lowawatala kwabate nayinye yekukucondzisa endleleni; kuwo onkhe emadvodzana lowawakhulisa, kwabate nayinye leyakubamba ngesandla sakho. Lamaphindze etinhlekelele ehlele etikwakho, ngubani nje longakudvudvuta? Kulokuphihlitwa nekubhujiswa, kuyo indlala kanye nenkemba, ngubani longakudvudvuta? Emadvodzana akho acalekile, adzindzibele ekugcineni kwato tonkhe titaladi njengenyamatane ibanjwe elugibeni. Emadvodzana akho ehlelwe yintfukutselo yaSimakadze, ahlaselwa kwekhutwa nguNkulunkulu wakho. Ngako-ke, vani naku, wena lohlushwako, nalosadzakisiwe, kodvwa hhayi ngeliwayini. Naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, Nkulunkulu wakho, lovikela sive sakhe, utsi: “Uyabona, sengiyisusile esandleni sakho indzebe beyikwenta udzayitele; kuleyo ndzebe, ludziwo lwentfukutselo yami, ungeke uphindze unatse kuyo futsi. Ngiyakuyifaka etandleni tebahluphi bakho, labakhuluma kuwe batsi: ‘Khotsama phansi, khona sitewuhamba etikwakho.’ Umhlane wakho uwente ufanane nesiyilo, ufanane nemgwaco lekungahanjwa etikwawo.” Vuka, vuka, wena Siyoni, yembatsa emandla. Yembatsa tingubo takho tebukhosi, wena Jerusalema, dolobha lelingcwele. Labangakasoki nalabangcolile bangeke baphindze bangene emasangweni akho. Titsintsitse lutfuli lokulo; sukuma, uhlale esihlalweni sebukhosi, wena Jerusalema. Tikhulule etinketaneni letisentsanyeni yakho, wena Ndvodzakati yaseSiyoni letfunjiwe. Ngobe naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: “Watsengiswa ngelite, uyawuhlengwa ngaphandle kwemali.” Ngobe naku-ke lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: “Ekucaleni sive sami sehla sayawuhlala eGibhithe; emvakwaloko i-Asiriya yasicindzetela.” Simakadze utsi: “Pho, yini nje manje loku lese ngikukhandza lapha? Ngobe sive sami sitsetfwe kwahanjwa naso mahhala, nalabo labasibusako bayaphukuta,” kusho Simakadze. “Libito lami liyahlanjalatwa ngaso sonkhe sikhatsi. Ngako-ke sive sami siyawulati Libito lami. Ngalelo langa bayawukwati kutsi ngimi lowakusho loko kungakenteki. Yebo, ngimi.” Maye, tinhle etintsabeni tinyawo talabo labashumayela tindzaba letimnandzi, labamemetela kuthula, baletse tindzaba letimnandzi, bamemetele insindziso kuyo iSiyoni, batsi: “Nkulunkulu wakho uyabusa!” Lalela! Balindzi bakho bayamemeta; bonkhe bamemeta ngekujabula. Bayawutibonela ngewabo emehlo Simakadze nakabuyela eSiyoni. Hlokomani ngetingoma tekujabula kanyekanye, nine tindzala taseJerusalema, ngobe Simakadze ubadvudvutile bantfu bakhe, iJerusalema uyikhululile. Simakadze uyakwembula umkhono wakhe longcwele embikwato tonkhe tive, nayo yonkhe imikhawulo yemhlaba iyawuyibona insindziso yaNkulunkulu wetfu. Sukani, sukani, niphume eBhabhulona! Ningatsintsi lutfo lolungcolile ngekwemtsetfo! Phumani kulelo dolobha, nitihlambulule nibe msulwa, nine leniphatsa titja taSimakadze. Kodvwa ningeke nisuke ngekushesha, nome niphume njengalababalekako; ngobe Simakadze uyawuhamba embikwenu, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli uyawuba ngumvikeli wenu wangasemuva. “Buka la, inceku yami iyawuphumelela emsebentini wayo, iyawuvuswa iphakanyiselwe etulu kakhulu. Njengobe bebabanyenti babeyesaba, kubonakala kwayo kwakuhliphikile kwendlula bonkhe bantfu, nesimo sayo sasonakele kunesabo bonkhe bantfu. Ngako tive letinyenti tiyawumangala ngayo, nemakhosi ayawuvala imilomo yawo ngenca yayo, ngobe bayawukubona loko labangazange sebatjelwe ngako, naloko labangazange sebakuve bayawukucondza.” Ngubani lowakholwa ngumbiko wetfu? Wona umkhono waSimakadze wembulwa kubani? Inceku yakhe yakhula embikwakhe njengelihlumela lelitsambile, nanjengemphandze emhlabatsini lowomile. Yayite buhle nome bukhosi kuze isikhange kutsi sisondzele kuyo, kute lebeyibonakala inako lokwakungenta kutsi siyilangatelele, siye kuyo. Yedzelelwa yaliwa bantfu, umuntfu wetinsizi labekwetayele kuhlupheka. Njengemuntfu bantfu labangafuni kumbuka, yedzelelwa, asizange siyishaye mkhuba. Impela yabetfwala butsakatsaka betfu, yatetjatsa netinhlungu tetfu, noko tsine sayitsatsa ngekutsi ishaywe nguNkulunkulu, yamukulwa nguye, yahlushwa. Kodvwa yagwazwa ngenca yetiphambuko tetfu, yafihlitwa ngenca yekona kwetfu, sijeziso saba setikwayo, kuze tsine sibe nekuthula; ngemanceba emivimbo yayo siyaphiliswa tsine. Tsine sonkhe sedukile njengetimvu, ngulowo nalowo utihambele ngendlela yakhe, Simakadze wayetfwesa kona kwetfu sonkhe. Yacindzetelwa, yahlushwa, kodvwa ayizange iwuvule umlomo wayo; yaba njengelizinyane lemvu leliyiswa ekuhlatjweni, nanjengemvu lebindzile embikwebahhuli bayo, nayo ayizange iwuvule umlomo wayo. Yaboshwa, yalahlwa ngelicala, yesuswa. Ngubani nje wesitukulwane sayo labenaka kutsi yancunywa eveni lalabaphilako, yashaywa ngenca yesono sebantfu bami? Babeka lithuna layo nalababi, yaba kanye nalabanjingile ekufeni kwayo, noko yayingazange yente budlova, nemacebo abengekho emlonyeni wayo. Simakadze utsi: “Noko kwaba yintsandvo yaSimakadze kutsi ayinyatsele, ayente ihlupheke, nome Simakadze enta kuphila kwayo kwaba ngumhlatjelo welicala, iyawubona situkulwane sayo, yandzise nemalanga ekuphila kwayo, intsandvo yaSimakadze iyawuphumelela ngesandla sayo. Emvakwekuhlupheka kwemphefumulo wayo iyawukubona kukhanya kwekuphila, yeneliswe, ngelwati lwayo inceku yami lelungile iyakwenta labanyenti bemukeleke kuNkulunkulu kutsi balungile, njengobe yetfwele tiphambuko tabo. Ngako-ke ngiyawuyinika sabelo emkhatsini walabakhulu, iyakwehlukanisa imphango nalabanemandla, ngobe yatfululela kuphila kwayo ekufeni, yabalwa kanye netoni. Ngobe yetfwala tono talabanyenti, yancusela toni.” “Hlabela, wena mfati loyinyumba, wena longazange sewumtale umntfwana; hlokoma uhlabele, memeta ngekujabula, wena longazange sewuhelwe, ngobe banyenti bantfwana bemfati lolahliwe kunebemfati lonendvodza,” kusho Simakadze. “Yandzisa indzawo yelithende lakho, yendlala tindvwangu telithende lakho, ungatibambi, yelula tintsambo takho, ucinise tikhonkhwane takho. Ngobe utalendlalela ngesekudla nangesancele, titukulwane takho tiyakudla emave etive, tihlale emadolobheni ato latindzala. “Ungesabi, ungeke ube nemahloni. Ungakwesabi kuhlazeka, ngeke wehliswe. Utalikhohlwa lihlazo lebusha bakho, ungaphindzi uwakhumbule emahloni ebufelokati bakho. Ngobe uMenti wakho yindvodza yakho, nguSimakadze longuSomandla libito lakhe, Longcwele waka-Israyeli unguMhlengi wakho, ubitwa ngekutsi nguNkulunkulu wemhlaba wonkhe. Simakadze uyawukubita ubuye, kube shangatsi bewungumfati lolahliwe nalodzabukile emoyeni, umfati lowendza asemncane wabuye futsi waliwa,” kusho Nkulunkulu wakho. “Kwesikhashana nje ngakushiya, kodvwa ngesihawu lesikhulu ngiyawukubuyisa. Ngemfutfo wentfukutselo yami ngakufihlela buso bami kwesikhashana, kodvwa ngemusa waphakadze ngiyawuba nesihawu kuwe,” kusho Simakadze uMhlengi wakho. “Kimi loku kufanana nemalanga aNowa, ngesikhatsi ngifunga kutsi emanti aNowa angeke aphindze awumbonye umhlaba. Ngako-ke manje sengifungile kutsi ngingeke ngiphindze ngikutfukutselele, ngingeke ngiphindze ngikutsetsise. Nome tintsaba tingatanyatanyiswa nemagcuma esuswe, noko lutsandvo lwami lolungapheli lengikutsandza ngalo, lungeke lutanyatanyiswe, nesivumelwane sami sekuthula singeke sisuswe,” kusho Simakadze lonesihawu kuwe. “Awu, wena, dolobha lelihlushiwe lashaywa tivunguvungu langete ladvudvutwa, ngiyawukwakha ngematje lamahle, tisekelo takho ngitakhe ngemasafire. Imibhoshongo yakho ngiyakuyenta ngemarubhi, emasango akho ngiwente ngematje lamanyatelako, nato tonkhe tibondza takho ngitente ngematje laligugu. “Bonkhe bantfu bakho bayawufundziswa nguSimakadze, inhlalakahle nekuthula kwebantfwana bakho kuyawuba kukhulu. Uyawusinyiswa ekulungeni: Kubuswa ngelunya kuyawuba khashane nawe; kute loyawukwesaba. Luvalo luyawususwa lulahlwe khashane, lungasondzeli kuwe. Nakukhona lokuhlaselako, kuyawube kungaveli kimi; nome ngubani lokuhlaselako uyawutinikela kuwe. “Buka la, ngimi lowadala umbumbi wetetinsimbi, lovutsela emalahle kutsi abe lilangabi, ente sikhali silungele umsebenti waso. Futsi ngimi lowadala umbhubhisi kutsi ente imbhubhiso; kute sikhali lesilolelwa kulwa nawe lesiyawuphumelela, uyakuyicitsa yonkhe inkhulumo lekubeka licala. Leli lifa letinceku taSimakadze, loku ngukona kutivikela kwami,” kusho Simakadze. “Wotani, nonkhe nine lenomile, wotani emantini; nani nine lenite imali, sondzelani, nitsenge nidle! Wotani, nitsenge liwayini nelubisi ngaphandle kwemali nangaphandle kwetindleko. Niyicitselani imali kuloko lokungesiso sinkhwa? Niyisebentelani intfo lengenelisi? Lalelani, lalelani kimi, nidle loko lokulungile, nemphefumulo wenu uyawujabula ngekudla lokumnandzi kakhulu. Bekani indlebe, nite kimi; vanini, kuze imiphefumulo yenu itewuphila. Ngitakwenta sivumelwane saphakadze nani, nginiphe tibusiso lengatetsembisa Davide. Buka la, ngimbeke waba ngufakazi etiveni, yebo, umholi nendvuna yetive. Impela, nawe uyawubita tive longatati, netive letingakwati tiyawusheshisa tite kuwe, ngenca yaSimakadze Nkulunkulu wakho, Longcwele waka-Israyeli, ngobe yena ukuphe bukhosi.” Funani Simakadze asenekutfolakala; mbiteni asesedvute. Lomubi akayiyekele indlela yakhe lembi, nalokhohlakele ayekele imicabango yakhe lemibi. Akaphendvuke abuyele kuSimakadze, uyawuba nemusa kuye, akabuyele kuNkulunkulu wetfu, ngobe uyawumtsetselela ngenkhululeko. “Ngobe imicabango yami ayisiyo imicabango yenu, netindlela tenu akusito tindlela tami,” kusho Simakadze. “Njengobe emazulu aphakeme kunemhlaba, kanjalo netindlela tami tiphakeme kunetenu, nemicabango yami iphakeme kuneyenu. Njengobe imvula nesitfwatfwa kwehla kuchamuka ezulwini, kungaphindzi kubuyele kulo kungakawuniseli umhlaba, kuwente uhlume uphindze utsele titselo, khona kutewutsela inhlanyelo yemhlanyeli nesinkhwa salowo lodlako, linjalo-ke nelivi lami leliphuma emlonyeni wami: Lingeke libuye kimi yabayaba, kodvwa liyawukwenta loko lengikuhlosile, liwufeze umgomo walo lengilikhiphele wona. Nine niyawuphuma ngenjabulo nichubekele embili ngekuthula, tintsaba nemagcuma kuyawuhlokoma kuhlabele ingoma imbikwenu, kutsi tonkhe tihlahla tesiganga tishaye tandla tato. Esikhundleni setihlahla temanyeva kuyawukhula tihlahla tesipheshula, esikhundleni senchachabutane kukhule mabovana. Loku kuyawuba sikhumbuto sekudvumisa Simakadze, kube sibonakaliso saphakadze, lesingeke sibhujiswe.” Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: “Yentani umtsetfocotfo ningawuyekeleli, nente lokulungile, ngobe insindziso yami seyisedvute, kulunga kwami kutakwembulwa masinyane. Ubusisiwe umuntfu lokwentako loko, umuntfu lobambelela kuko, lowo logcina liSabatha angaloni, abambe sandla sakhe singakwenti lokubi.” Akubete wekuhamba losatibophele yena kuSimakadze, lotsi: “Ngempela Simakadze uyakungehlukanisa nesive sakhe.” Akubete nemtsenwa lokhononako, atsi: “Ngisihlahla nje lesomile.” Ngobe ngunaku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: “Batsenwa labagcina emaSabatha ami, bakhetsa kwenta lokungijabulisako, babambelele esivumelwaneni sami, labo ngiyakubanika sikhumbuto ekhatsi ethempelini lami nasemkhatsini wetibondza talo, ngiyakubanika nelibito lelihle kwengca emadvodzana nemadvodzakati. Ngiyakubanika libito laphakadze, libito lelingasoze laphela nakadzeni. Betive labatibophela bona kuSimakadze kutsi batemkhonta, batsandze neLibito laSimakadze bakhonte yena, bonkhe labagcina liSabatha bangaloni, lababambelela esivumelwaneni sami, labo ngiyakubayisa entsabeni yami lengcwele, ngibanike kujabula endlini yami yekukhuleka. Iminikelo yabo yekushiswa nemihlatjelo yabo iyakwemukeleka elatini lami, ngobe indlu yami iyawutsiwa yindlu yemkhuleko yato tonkhe tive.” INkhosi Simakadze, lena lebutsa labatfunjiwe baka-Israyeli, itsi: “Ngiyawubutsela kubo labanye ngaphandle kwalabo lasebabutsiwe.” Wotani, nonkhe nine tilwane tesiganga, wotani nitewudla, nonkhe nine tilwane telihlatsi! Balindzi bema-Israyeli batimphumphutse, bonkhe abati lutfo; batigolwane, abakwati ngisho nekutsi buku; balibala kutsi bunyalala, babhudze kuphela, bayakutsandza kulala. Batinja letitsandza kakhulu kudla, abesutsi. Babelusi labangenakucondza, bonkhe bajikela etindleleni tabo, ngulowo nalowo bese utifunela kwakhe. Ngulowo nalowo uyatikhalela atsi: “Wotani, ngitalilandza liwayini! Asinatseni tjwala njengekutsandza kwetfu! Likusasa nalo litawuba njengalamuhla, nome-ke libe ncono kakhulu!” Lolungile uyabhubha, kubete nalotihluphako ngako enhlitiyweni yakhe. Bantfu labatinikelako bayesuswa, kubete nalokucondzako loko kutsi labalungile bayesuswa, kuze batewuphephiswa kulokubi. Labo labahamba ngebucotfo bangena ekuthuleni; batfola kuphumula, nabangena ekufeni. “Kodvwa nine, wotani la, nine madvodzana esangoma lesisikati, nine ntalo yetiphingi neyetingwababane! Ngubani lona lenimphukutako? Ngubani lona lenikhombana ngaye ngetinhloko, nisinekelane ematinyo ngaye? Anisiyo yini intalelwane yebahlubuki? Anisiwo yini umliba webacali bemanga? Nishiselwa tinkhanuko etihlahleni tema-okhi nangaphansi kwato tonkhe tihlahla letendlala emagala ato. Ninikela ngebantfwabenu emifudlaneni nangaphansi kwemifantfu yemadvwala. Emkhatsini wematje labusheleleti asemifudlaneni ukhetsa tithico takho, tona titabelo takho. Yebo, utfululele kuto iminikelo yetinatfo, wanikela nangeminikelo yalokutinhlavu. Ngifanele ngeneliseke yini ngato tonkhe letintfo? Wendlale umbhedze wakho etulu etintsabeni letiphakeme, wase wenyukela khona kuyawushisa imihlatjelo. Emvakwetivalo nasemvakwetinsika temnyango wakho, ubeke titfombe tetithico takho. Ungikhohliwe mine, wagwabula umbhedze wakho, wagibela kuwo, wawandzisa kakhulu, wavumelana nalabo lotsandza imibhedze yabo, wabukana nebungcunu babo. Waya kuMoloki nemafutsa emncumo, wandzisa emakha akho. Watfumela emancusa akho khashane, wehlela edlizeni cobo lwalo! Ukhatsatwe ngito tonkhe letindlela takho, kodvwa awuzange usho kutsi: ‘Akusiti lutfo.’ Watfola kuvusetelwa kwemandla akho, ngiko nje ungazange ucaleke. “Ngubani lona lebewumvevela kangaka, umesaba, uze ungetsembeki kimi, ungasangikhumbuli, futsi ungasangicabangi ngisho nasenhlitiyweni yakho? Akwentiwa kutsi sengithule sikhatsi lesidze yini lokutsi ungasangesabi? Ngitakudalula kulunga kwakho kanye nemisebenti yakho, futsi ingeke ikusite ngalutfo. Nawukhala ucela kusitwa, leticumbi takho tetithico atikusindzise! Umoya uyawutiphephula tonkhe, umoyana lomncane nje uyawutikhukhula. Kodvwa lowo lowenta mine ngibe siphephelo sakhe, uyawudla lifa lelive, adle lifa lentsaba yami lengcwele.” Kuyawutsiwa: “Yakhani, yakhani, lungisani umgwaco. Susani emavimbela endleleni yebantfu bami.” Ngobe nguloko lokushiwo nguLophakeme Losetulu, lolibito lakhe linguLongcwele, utsi: “Ngihlala etulu endzaweni lengcwele, kodvwa nakuye lodzabukile nalotfobekile emoyeni, kutewuvuselela umoya walabatfobekile nekuvuselela tinhlitiyo talabephukile emoyeni. Ngingeke ngihlale ngisola njalonjalo, futsi ngingeke ngihlale ngitfukutsele, ngobe phela umoya wemuntfu ungaze ucaleke embikwami, umphefumulo wemuntfu lengamdala. Bengitfukutseliswe ngulesono sakhe sekuba bukhali, ngase ngiyamjezisa, ngabufihla buso bami ngenca yekutfukutsela, noko wachubeka nekuhlubuka kwenhlitiyo yakhe, ahamba ngendlela yakhe. Sengitibonile tindlela takhe, kodvwa ngitamphilisa, ngimhole, ngibuyisele indvudvuto kuye, ngidale tibongelelo etindzebeni temlomo walabalilako baka-Israyeli. Kuthula, kuthula, kulabo labakhashane nalabasedvute,” kusho Simakadze, “ngitawubaphilisa.” Kodvwa lababi banjengelwandle loluyalutelako, lwandle lolute kuphumula, lolumagagasi alo akhephuta ludzaka nelubishi. “Kute kuthula kulababi,” kusho Nkulunkulu wami. Nkulunkulu utsi: “Kumemetele ngelivi lelikhulu, ungatibambi. Phakamisa livi lakho njengelicilongo. Tjela bantfu bami kuhlubuka kwabo, indlu yakaJakobe tono tayo. Ngobe bangifuna onkhe emalanga, babonakala shangatsi banenshisekelo yekwati tindlela tami, kube shangatsi basive lesenta lokulungile, lesingakayishiyi imiyalo yaNkulunkulu waso. Babuta kimi tehlulelo leticotfo, babonakale shangatsi bashisekela kutsi Nkulunkulu asondzele kubo. Babuta batsi: ‘Sizileleni kudla, wena wangete wakubona loko? Sititfobeleni, wena wangete wanaka?’ “Noko ngelilanga lenu lekuzila kudla nenta njengekutsandza kwenu, nicindzetele tonkhe tisebenti tenu. Kuzila kwenu kudla kugcina sekuyimphi nemphikiswano, nishayane ngetibhakela tekonakala. Kungeke kulunge kutsi nizile kudla njengobe nenta lamuhla, bese nibheka kutsi livi lenu livakale ezulwini. Ngiyona leyo yini inhlobo yekuzila kudla lengiyikhetsile mine, lilanga linye nje kutsi indvodza ititfobe? Lokuzila kwekutsi umuntfu akhotsame nje kuphela yini, ngekubhekisa inhloko phansi njengemhlanga, nekutsi embatse emasaka atitsele ngemlotsa? Nguloko-ke yini nine lenitsi kuzila kudla, lilanga lelemukelekile kuSimakadze? “Ngiyo lena yini inhlobo yekuzila kudla lengiyikhetsile? Akusiko yini kutfukulula tibopho tebubi, nekukhumula tintsambo telijoko, nekukhulula labacindzetelwe, nekwephula onkhe emajoko? Akusiko yini kuhlephulelana kudla kwakho nalabalambile, nekulalisa tihambi endlini yakho, nekutsi nawubona lohlubulile umembulele, ungagucukeli labo labayinyama nengati yakho? Ngulapho-ke kukhanya kwakho kuyawugcama njengekukhanya kwekusa, nekuphiliswa kwakho kuyawuvela masinyane, kulunga kwakho-ke kuyawube sekukuhambela embili. Bukhosi baSimakadze buyawuba sivikelo sakho lesingemuva kwakho. Uyawumemeta, Simakadze akuphendvule, uyawukhala ucele lusito, atsi yena: ‘Ngilapha.’ “Nawususa lijoko lekucindzetela, nemino lekhombako, nekukhuluma ngenzondo, nawutinikela ekondleni labalambile, wenetise tidzingo talabacindzetelwe, ngulapho-ke kukhanya kwakho kuyawuphuma ebumnyameni kukukhanyisele, nebusuku bakho buyawufanana nasemini kala bha. Simakadze uyawukuhola njalo, uyakwenetisa tidzingo takho, eveni lapho libalele likhipha inhlanti emantini, uyakucinisa ematsambo akho. Uyawuba njengengadze leniseleke kahle, nanjengemtfombo lapho emanti akhona angomi. Bantfu bakini bayakutivusa tindzala takadzeni, bayawumisa tisekelo tasendvulo, wena uyawubitwa ngekutsi unguMvusi Wetindvonga Letiwile, uMlungisi Wetitaladi kutsi tibuye tibe nemakhaya.” “Nawugcina tinyawo takho tingalephuli liSabatha, ungakwenti loko lokutsandvwa nguwe ngelilanga lami lelingcwele, nawubita liSabatha ngekutsi lilanga lenjabulo nelilanga lelingcwele laSimakadze lelihloniphekile, futsi nawulihlonipha ngekungahambi ngendlela yakho, ungenti njengekutsandza kwakho, ungakhulumi emavi lalite, ngulapho uyawutfola khona-ke kujabula kwakho kuSimakadze, ngiyawukwenta ukhuphukele eticongweni telive, ube nenala udle nelifa leyihlomkhulu Jakobe.” Umlomo waSimakadze sewukhulumile. Nembala, ingalo yaSimakadze ayiyimfisha kangako kutsi ingete yasindzisa, nendlebe yakhe ayisiso sihhulu kutsi ingete yeva. Kodvwa tiphambuko tenu tinehlukanisile naNkulunkulu wenu; tono tenu tibusitsile buso bakhe kini, kuze angetikuniva. Ngobe tandla tenu tingcoliswe yingati, nemino yenu igcwele emacala. Imilomo yenu ikhulume emanga, netilwimi tenu tihebeta tintfo letimbi. Kute kini lofuna umtsetfocotfo, kute lowehlulela ngebucotfo beliciniso. Bonkhe betsembele ekuphikisaneni kwelite, bakhuluma emanga, bemitsa inhlupho, batale bubi. Bachobosela emacandza emabululu, bephotsele bulembu. Bonkhe labadla emacandza awo bayakufa, nakuchamusela linye, kuphuma libululu. Bulembu babo abunamsebenti ekwembatseni, abakwati kutembesa ngaloko labakwakhako. Tento tabo timbi, nemisebenti yebudlova isetandleni tabo. Tinyawo tabo tigijimela esonweni, bayashesha kucitsa ingati lengenacala. Imicabango yabo ngemacebo. Imbhubhiso nekucitsa kutimphawu tetindlela tabo. Indlela yekuthula abayati; kute umtsetfocotfo emikhondvweni yabo. Bayigucule bayenta tindlela letimatombetombe, kute namunye lohamba ngato loyawutfola kuthula. Ngako kwehlulela ngebucotfo kukhashane natsi, nekulunga akufinyeleli kitsi. Sifuna kukhanya, kodvwa konkhe kumnyama, sifune bucwebecwebe, kodvwa sihambe kulamnyama ematfunti. Njengemphumphutse, siphutsata indlela ngetandla sigudla lubondza, siphutsate indlela njengebantfu labate emehlo. Emini siyakhubatela kube shangatsi sekuhlwile, emkhatsini walabanemandla sinjengalabafile. Sonkhe siyavungama njengemabhele, siyakhala sibubula njengematuba, sifuna umtsetfocotfo, kodvwa asiwutfoli; sifuna nekukhululwa, kodvwa kukhashane natsi. Tiphambuko tetfu tinyenti emehlweni akho, netono tetfu tiyasimangalela. Tiphambuko tetfu tikitsi njalo nje, kona kwetfu siyakuvuma: kuhlubuka nekumbulutela Simakadze, nekumfulatsela kwetfu Nkulunkulu wetfu. Sivusa umoya wencindzetelo newekuvuka indlwabane, tinhlitiyo tetfu temitse kukhuluma emanga. Ngako kwehlulela ngebucotfo kukhweshiselwe emuva, nekulunga kume khashane, liciniso likhubatele etindleleni, kwetsembeka akusangeni ndzawo. Liciniso alisatfolakali ndzawo. Bonkhe lababalekela bubi batingelwa njengetinyamatane. Simakadze wabuka wangete wajabula, ngenca yekutsi sekute kulandzela umtsetfocotfo. Wabona kutsi kute muntfu, wamangala kakhulu ngekutsi kute namunye lomela kulunga, ngako ingalo yakhe yalwela insindziso yakhe, nekulunga kwakhe kwamsimamisa. Wembatsa kulunga njengesivikelo sakhe sesifuba, nesigcoko sensindziso enhloko yakhe. Wembatsa tingubo tekukhipha sibhongobhongo, watishumphetela ngenshisekelo njengesembatfo. Uyawubabuyisela njengaloko labakwentile: lulaka etitseni takhe, nekujeziswa kulabamelana naye. Tichingi uyawutikhokhela njengekwetento tato. Kusukela enshonalanga kuye lapho kuphuma ngakhona lilanga, bantfu bayawulesaba Libito laSimakadze, bahloniphe bukhosi bakhe. Ngobe uyawufika njengesikhukhula semfula lokhukhulwa kuphefumula kwaSimakadze. “Umhlengi uyawufika eSiyoni kulabo bakaJakobe labaphendvukako etonweni tabo,” kusho Simakadze. Simakadze utsi: “Mine-ke, nasi sivumelwane sami nabo, Moya wami losetikwakho nemavi ami lengiwafake emlonyeni wakho, ngeke esuke emlonyeni wakho, ngisho nasemlonyeni webantfwabakho, kanye nasemlonyeni wetitukulwane takho, kusukela kulesikhatsi kuze kube nguphakadze,” kusho Simakadze. “Vuka, Jerusalema, ukhanye njengelilanga, ngobe kukhanya kwakho kufikile. Inkhatimulo yaSimakadze iphumela etikwakho. Buka la, bumnyama buyawusibekela umhlaba, nebumnyama lobumatima busetikwetive, kodvwa Simakadze uyaphuma etikwakho, nenkhatimulo yakhe ibonakala etikwakho. Tive tiyawusondzela ekukhanyeni kwakho nemakhosi ete ebukhatikhatini bekusa kwakho. “Phakamisa emehlo akho, ucalate ubone: Bahlangane bonkhe bete kuwe, emadvodzana akho aphuma khashane, emadvodzakati akho wona etfwelwe ngemkhono. Utawube sewuyabuka umoyitele, inhlitiyo yakho iyawugcumagcuma, inetsetele ngenca yekujabula. Imicebo leselwandle iyawuletfwa kuwe, bunjinga betive buyawuta kuwe. Imihlambi yemakamela iyawugcwala eveni lakho, emakamela lamancane akaMidiyani newase-Efa. Bonkhe baseSheba bayawuta, betfwele igolide nemphepho, bamemetela ludvumo lwaSimakadze. Yonkhe imihlambi yaseKhedari iyawubutsanela kuwe, tihhanca takaNebayothi tiyawukukhonta, tibe ngiminikelo leyemukeleka elatini lami, ngiyawulihlobisa lithempeli leludvumo lwami. “Bobani laba labandiza etulu njengemafu, nanjengematuba aya etidlekeni tawo? Nayi imikhumbi yetichingi icondza kimi, kuhamba embili imikhumbi yaseThashishi, iletse emadvodzana akho laphuma khashane labuya nesiliva negolide yawo, atewudvumisa Simakadze Nkulunkulu wakho, longuLongcwele waka-Israyeli, ngobe ukwetfwese inkhatimulo. “Betive bayawutivusa tibondza takho, emakhosi abo ayawuhlehla kuwe. Noko ngakushaya ngenca yekutfukutsela, ngebubele bami ngiyawukuhawukela. Emasango akho ayawuhlala avulekile, ngeke aze avalwe, busuku nemini, kuze emadvodza aniletsele lemicebo yetive, emakhosi ato achutjwe atiboshwa. Ngobe sive nome umbuso longayiwuhlehla kuwe, uyakufa wona, uyawubhubha uphele. “Tihlahla telikhetselo taseLebanoni tiyakuta kuwe, sipheshula, nemferi, nemsayipuresi konkhe kanyekanye, kutewuhlobisa indzawo yami lengcwele. Ngiyakuyikhatimulisa indzawo yetinyawo tami. Emadvodzana ebacindzeteli bakho ayawuta kuwe akhotsama, bonkhe laba labakwedzelelako bayawukhotsama etinyaweni takho, bayawukubita batsi uLidolobha laSimakadze, Siyoni waLongcwele waka-Israyeli. “Noko uke walahlwa, watondvwa, kungekho muntfu lowendlula kuwe, ngiyawukwenta ligcabho laphakadze, nenjabulo yato tonkhe titukulwane. Uyawunatsa lubisi lwetive, umunyiswe emabeleni ebukhosi. Uyawube sewuyati-ke kutsi mine, Simakadze, nginguMsindzisi wakho, nekutsi Somandla wakaJakobe unguMhlengi wakho. Ngiyawukuletsela igolide esikhundleni selitfusi, nesiliva esikhundleni sensimbi. Esikhundleni selukhuni ngiyawukuletsela litfusi, nensimbi esikhundleni sematje. Kuthula ngiyawukwenta kube ngumbusi wakho, kulunga ngikwente kube ngumholi wakho. Akuseyiwuba nekulwa eveni lakho, kuyawubate incitsakalo nembhubhiso emikhawulweni yelive lakho. Kodvwa uyawubita tibondza takho ngekutsi yiNsindziso, nemasango akho ngekutsi Ludvumo. Lilanga aliseyikuba kukhanya kwakho emini, ngisho nekukhanya kwenyeti kungeke kusakukhanyisela wena, ngobe Simakadze uyawuba kukhanya kwakho kwaphakadze, Nkulunkulu wakho abe ludvumo lwakho. Lilanga lakho alisayiwuphindza lishone, nenyanga yakho ayisayiwuphindza ifiphale. Simakadze uyawuba kukhanya kwaphakadze kuwe, emalanga akho ekudzabuka ayawuphela. Lapho-ke bonkhe bantfu bakho bayawuba ngulabalungile, bayawuba banikati belive kokuphela. Bangimiliba lengiyihlanyele, umsebenti wetandla tami, wekubonakalisa inkhatimulo yami. Lomncane wenu uyawuba yinkhulungwane, lophansi kakhulu abe sive lesinemandla. NginguSimakadze, ngesikhatsi sako ngiyawukwenta loko ngekushesha lokukhulu.” Moya weNkhosi Simakadze ukimi, ngobe Simakadze ungigcobile, kutsi ngishumayele tindzaba letimnandzi kulabamphofu. Ungitfume kutsi ngitewubopha labo labatinhlitiyo tabo tidzabukile. Ungitfume kutawumemetela kukhululwa kulabatfunjiwe, nekukhululwa kulababoshiwe. Ungitfume kutsi ngitewumemetela umnyaka wemusa waSimakadze, nelilanga lekuphindzisela kwaNkulunkulu wetfu, nelekudvudvuta bonkhe labalilako, labakhala eSiyoni babonelelwe, banikwe umchele webuhle esikhundleni semlotsa, banikwe nemafutsa enjabulo esikhundleni sesililo, banikwe ingubo yekudvumisa esikhundleni semoya lodzabukile. Bayawubitwa ngekutsi batihlahla tekulunga, letihlanyelwe nguSimakadze, kuze kubonakaliswe inkhatimulo yakhe. Bayawutakha kabusha tindzala takadzeni, bativusetele tindzawo letabhidlitwa kadzenidzeni; bayawuvusa kabusha emadolobha lahhihlitwa, labhidlitwa etitukulwaneni tasendvulo. Betive bayakwelusa imihlambi yenu, bachamuki bayawulima emasimini enu nasetivinini tenu. Nine niyawubitwa ngekutsi nibaphristi baSimakadze, niyakwetsiwa emabito, kutsiwe nitikhonti taNkulunkulu wetfu. Niyawudla imfuyo yetive ngetive, nangebunjinga bato niyawutigabatisa. Esikhundleni selihlazo lenu, nine bantfu bami, niyawuphiwa ngalokuphindziwe; esikhundleni sekuhlazeka niyawujabula efeni lenu; ngako niyawudla lifa ngalokuphindziwe eveni lenu, kujabula kwaphakadze kuyawuba kwenu. “Ngobe mine, Simakadze, ngiyakutsandza kwehlulela ngebucotfo. Ngiyakutondza kudlelela nekona, bantfu bami ngiyawubakhokhela njengekwetsembeka kwami, ngente sivumelwane saphakadze naphakadze nabo. Titukulwane tabo tiyakwatiwa emkhatsini wetive, nentalelwane yabo emkhatsini wetive. Bonkhe labababonako bayawuvuma kutsi basive lesibusiswe nguSimakadze.” Ngiyajabula kakhulu ngaSimakadze; umphefumulo wami uyajabula ngaNkulunkulu wami. Ngobe ungembatsise ngetingubo tensindziso, wangihlobisa ngemjiva wekulunga, njengemyeni ahlobisa inhloko yakhe njengemphristi, nanjengamakoti lotihlobise ngebuhlalu bakhe. Ngobe njengaloku nemhlaba uhlumisa emahlumela, nengadze ihlumisa inhlanyelo ikhule, kanjalo-ke neNkhosi Simakadze iyawuhlumisa kulunga neludvumo, kuhlume embikwato tonkhe tive. Ngenca yeSiyoni nje, ngingeke ngibindze, ngenca yeJerusalema ngingete ngathula, kuze kulunga kwayo kukhanye njengekusa, nensindziso yayo ibe njengesidlwane lesivutsako. Tive tiyawukubona kulunga kwakho, nawo onkhe emakhosi abone emandla akho. Uyawubitwa ngelibito lelisha leliyawubekwa ngumlomo waSimakadze. Uyawuba ngumchele wenkhatimulo esandleni saSimakadze, umchele webukhosi esandleni saNkulunkulu wakho. Abasayiwukubita ngekutsi unguLahliwe, nome betse live lakini batsi nguShiywayedvwa. Kodvwa uyawubitwa ngekutsi unguHefsiba, nelive lakini kutsiwe yiBhewula, ngobe Simakadze uyawujabula ngawe, nelive lakini liyakwendza kuye. Njengelijaha nalishada nentfombi, kanjalo-ke nemadvodzana akho ayawushada nawe; njengemyeni nakajabula ngamakoti wakhe, kanjalo-ke naNkulunkulu wakho uyawujabula ngawe. Ngibeke balindzi etibondzeni takho, Jerusalema, bangeke bathule imini nebusuku. Nine lenibita Simakadze, ningatiniki kuphumula, naye ningamniketi kuphumula, adzimate ayakhe kabusha iJerusalema, ayente ibe ludvumo emhlabeni. Simakadze ufunge ngesandla sakhe sekudla nangemkhono wakhe lonemandla, watsi: “Angisayiwuphindza ngephane ngekudla kwakho kutsi kube kudla kwetitsa takho, nebetive abasayiwuphindze balinatse liwayini lelisha lolishikashikanele kangaka. Kodvwa labo labakuvunako bayawukudla badvumise Simakadze, nalabo lababutsa emagelebisi, liwayini bayawulinatsela etibuyeni tendlu yami lengcwele.” Phumani, phumani emasangweni! Lungiselelani bantfu umgwaco! Yakhani, yakhani umgwaco lomkhulu! Susani ematje. Phakamiselani tive siboniso sekuncoba, titesibona. Lalelani la: Simakadze sewente simemetelo lesiya emikhawulweni yonkhe yemhlaba, lesitsi: “Tjela iNdvodzakati yaseSiyoni, utsi: ‘Buka, nanguya uMsindzisi wakho uyeta! Bukela, umvuzo wakhe ukuye, nenkhokhelo yakhe ihamba embikwakhe.’ ” Bayawubitwa ngekutsi Sive Lesingcwele, Labahlengiwe baSimakadze. Wena uyawubitwa ngekutsi unguLofuniwe, Lidolobha Lelingakalahlwa. Ngubani lona lochamuka ka-Edomu, lobuya eBhosra, lonetingubo letibhocwe ngalokubovu njengengati? Ngubani yena lona, lowembetse umjiva webukhosi lokhatimulako, lohamba acanase ngebukhulu bemandla akhe? “Ngimi, lengikhuluma ngekulunga, lonemandla ekusindzisa.” Tentiwa yini tingubo takho kutsi tibe bovu njengetemuntfu lobekahluta emagelebisi? “Nginyatsele sikhamo seliwayini ngingedvwa; kuto tonkhe tive kute namunye labekanye nami. Ngibagcobagcobile ngentfukutselo yami, ngabapitjita ngelulaka lwami. Ingati yabo yasaphatela tembatfo tami; ngatingcolisa tonkhe timphahla tami. Ngobe lilanga lekuphindzisela belisenhlitiyweni yami; nemnyaka wekuhlenga labangebami sewufikile. Ngabuka, kodvwa kwabate namunye labengasita. Ngamangala kakhulu kutsi kubete lowelekelelako, ngako umkhono wami wangentela insindziso yami, nelulaka lwami lwangisekela. Ngagcobagcoba tive ngentfukutselo yami; ngelulaka lwami ngatenta tadzakwa, ngatfululela ingati yato emhlabatsini.” Ngiyawukhuluma ngebukhulu bemusa waSimakadze, ngibonge tento takhe lekufanele advunyiselwe tona, ngidvumise konkhe loko Simakadze lasentele kona, yebo, tintfo letinyenti letinhle latentele indlu yaka-Israyeli, ngesihawu sakhe nangemusa wakhe lomkhulukati. Watsi: “Ngempela, basive sami, emadvodzana langeke angiyenge;” ngaloko-ke waba nguMsindzisi wabo. Kuko konkhe kukhatsateka kwabo naye abekhatsatekile, ingilosi yebukhona bakhe yabasindzisa, ngelutsandvo lwakhe nangemusa wakhe wabahlenga. Wabatsatsa wabetfwala kuwo onkhe emalanga akadzeni. Noko, bamhlubuka, badzabukisa Moya wakhe Longcwele. Ngako-ke wagucuka waba sitsa sabo, yena cobo lwakhe walwa nabo. Sive sakhe sase siyawakhumbula emalanga akadzeni, emalanga aboMosi kanye nesive sakhe, batsi: “Uphi lowa lowabeweta lwandle lolubovu bona kanye nebelusi bemhlambi wetimvu takhe? Uphi lowa lowafaka Moya wakhe Longcwele emkhatsini wabo, lowatfumela umkhono wakhe lonemandla lamangalisako, kutsi ube ngasesandleni saMose sekudla, lowehlukanisa emanti embikwabo, aze atakhele yena Libito lelineludvumo lwaphakadze? “Uphi lowa lowabahola badzabula ekujuleni kwelwandle?” Njengelihhashi eveni lelibekile, abazange sebakhubatele. Njengetinkhomo letehlela ematsafeni, banikwa kuphumula ngaMoya waSimakadze. Wasihola kanjalo-ke sive sakho, watakhela wena Libito lelinebukhosi. Buka phansi usezulwini lakho, ubone, usesihlalweni sakho sebukhosi lesingcwele. Kuphi kushisekela kwakho nemandla akho? Kunakekela kwakho nesihawu sakho kugodliwe kitsi. Kodvwa wena unguBabe wetfu, nome nje Abrahama angasati tsine, na-Israyeli angasemukeli tsine, kodwva wena, Simakadze, unguBabe wetfu, uMhlengi wetfu; kwasemandvulo lelo Libito lakho. Awu Simakadze, usivumelelani kutsi seduke etindleleni takho, utenteleni kutsi tibe lukhuni tinhlitiyo tetfu, kuze singetikuhlonipha wena? Mane ubuye ngenca yetinceku takho, tive letilifa lakho. Kwaba sikhashana nje sive sakho saba tindlalifa tendzawo yakho lengcwele, kodvwa nyalo titsa tetfu setiyinyatsele phansi indlu yakho lengcwele. Tsine sibakho kusukela kadzenidzeni; kodvwa shangatsi wena awukabusi etikwetfu, asikaze sabitwa ngeLibito lakho. Awu, shangatsi ungadzabula emazulu, wehlele phansi. Shangatsi tintsaba tingatfutfumela embikwakho! Shangatsi kungafanana nemlilo nawulumekela tinsaba, ushisise emanti aze abile! Yehla, utekwenta kutsi titsa takho tilati Libito lakho, wente netive titfutfumele embikwakho! Ngobe watsi nawenta tintfo letesabekako lesasingazange sitilindzele, wehla, tintsaba tatfutfumela embikwakho. Kusukela kadzenidzeni kute lowase weva, kute nendlebe leyase yeva, kute liso lelase labona lomunye Nkulunkulu ngaphandle kwakho, lomelela labo labalindzele yena. Uyabasita labo labajabulela kwenta lokulungile, labatikhumbulako tindlela takho. Kodvwa tsine sachubeka sona, wena wasitfukutselela. Kepha siyawusindziswa kanjani? Sonkhe sesifanana nebantfu labangcolile, nato tonkhe tento tetfu letinhle setifanana netidvwedvwe letingcolile. Sonkhe siyabuna njengelicembe, njengemoya tono tetfu tiyasiphephula. Kute namunye lobita Libito lakho, nome lotimisela kubambelela kuwe, ngobe ubufihlile buso bakho kitsi, wasicedza ngenca yetono tetfu. Noko, wena Simakadze, unguBabe wetfu. Tsine silibumba, wena ungumbumbi, sonkhe singumsebenti wetandla takho. Awu Simakadze, ungatfukutseli kwekwengca, ungatikhumbuli tono tetfu phakadze naphakadze. Awu, siyakuncusa, sibuke, ngobe sonkhe sibantfu bakho. Emadolobha akho langcwele asalihlane, ngisho neSiyoni imbala seyilihlane, iJerusalema iyincitsakalo. Lithempeli letfu lelingcwele nalelikhatimulako, lapho bobabemkhulu bebakukhonta khona, selishiswe ngemlilo, nako konkhe lebekuligugu kitsi sekuyimfuhlululu nje. Awu, Simakadze, emvakwako konkhe loku utawuchubeka yini utibambe? Wena utawuthula nje, usijezise ngalokungetulu kwemandla etfu? Simakadze utsi: “Ngatembula kulabo lababengazange bangicele, ngatfolwa ngulabo lababengazange sebangifune. Esiveni lesingazange silibite Libito lami, ngatsi: ‘Ngilapha, ngilapha.’ Lonkhe lilanga ngelule tandla tami kubantfu labanenhloko lelukhuni, labahamba etindleleni letimbi, bacoshana nemicabango yabo, bantfu labachubeka nekungicunula njalo nje embikwami ngibuka, banikele ngemihlatjelo etivandzini, batfuncise nemphepho emalatini etitini, labahlala emkhatsini wemadliza, bacitse busuku babo emilindzelweni leyimfihlo, badle inyama yetingulube, nemabhodo abo aphatse bubendze benyama lengcolile ngekwemtsetfo, bese batsi: ‘Suka, ungasondzeli kimi, ngobe ngingcwele kakhulu kunawe!’ Bantfu labanjalo bayintfutfu emakhaleni ami, umlilo lohlala uvutsa lilanga lonkhe. “Buka la, kuhlala kubhaliwe embikwami, kutsi: Ngingeke ngibindze, kodvwa ngitakukhokhela ngalokugcwele, ngitakukhokhela ematsangeni abo, yebo, tono tabo netono taboyise,” kusho Simakadze. “Njengobe bashisa imihlatjelo etintsabeni, bangihlambalata emagcumeni, ngiyawukala umvuzo wabo ngiwehlisele ematsangeni abo ngalokuphelele, ngenca yetono tabo takadzeni.” Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: “Njengobe kutfolakala luju lwemagelebisi esikhehleni semagelebisi, bantfu batsi: ‘Ungasibulali, kusekhona lokuhle kuso,’ ngitakwenta kanjalo nami ngenca yetinceku tami; ngingeke ngitibhubhise tonkhe. Ngiyawuveta titukulwane kuJakobe, nakuJuda labo labayawuba tindlalifa tetintsaba tami; sive sami lesikhetsiwe siyawutidla, tinceku tami tiyawuhlala lapho. ISharoni iyawuba lidlelo lemihlambi yetimvu netimbuti, kutsi Sigodzi sase-Akhori sibe yindzawo yekuphumula imihlambi yetinkhomo, yebantfu bami labangifunako. “Kodvwa nine lenilahla Simakadze, nikhohlwe intsaba yami lengcwele, nine lenendlala litafula nendlalele sithico lesinguNhlanhla, nigcwalise tindziwo ngeliwayini lelididiyelwe, nitigcwalisele sithico lesinguSimiselo, ngiyawunimisela inkemba, nonkhe niyawukhotsamela kuhlatjwa, ngobe nganibita, kodvwa anizange nisabele, ngakhuluma, kodvwa anizange nilalele. Nenta lokubi emehlweni ami, nakhetsa loko lokungangijabulisi.” Ngako-ke naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: “Tinceku tami tiyawudla, kodvwa nine niyawulamba; tinceku tami tiyawunatsa, kodvwa nine niyawukoma; tinceku tami tiyawujabula, kodvwa nine niyawuhlazeka, nijabhe. Tinceku tami tiyawuhlabela ngenca yekujabula lokuphuma etinhlitiyweni tato; kodvwa nine niyawukhala ngenca yekudzabuka kwetinhlitiyo, nilile ngenca yekudzabuka kwemoya. Libito lenu niyawulishiya kulabakhetsiwe bami libe sicalekiso: iNkhosi Simakadze iyawunibulala. Kodvwa tinceku tayo iyawutinika lelinye libito. Lowo loncenga sibusiso eveni uyawutibusisa ngaNkulunkulu lowetsembekile; lowo lowenta sifungo eveni uyawufunga ngaNkulunkulu lowetsembekile. Ngobe tinhlupheko letendlulile tiyawukhohlakala, tifihlakale emehlweni ami.” “Buka la, ngiyawudala emazulu lamasha nemhlaba lomusha. Tintfo takadzeni tingeke tikhunjulwe, futsi tingeke tisabuya nasengcondvweni. Kodvwa jabulani nitfokote phakadze naphakadze ngaloko lengiyawukudala, ngobe iJerusalema ngiyawuyidala ibe yintfokoto, nebantfu bayo babe yinjabulo. Ngiyawutfokota ngeJerusalema, ngijabule ngebantfu bami, umsindvo wekulila newekukhala awuyiwuphindza uvakale kuyo. “Kungeke kuphindze kube nemntfwana kuyo loyawuphila emalangana lambalwa, nome kube nelichegu lelingeke likhule lize likhokhobe. Umuntfu loyakufa aneminyaka lelikhulu ngebudzala uyawutsatfwa ngekutsi abesemusha, lowo longayiwufika eminyakeni lelikhulu budzala uyawutsatfwa ngekutsi ucalekisiwe. Bantfu bayakwakha tindlu, bahlale kuto, bayawuhlanyela tivini, badle titselo tato. Bangeke baphindze bakhe tindlu, bese kuhlala labanye bantfu kuto, nome bahlanyele, bese kudla labanye. Ngobe njengemalanga esihlahla ayawuba njalo-ke nemalanga ebantfu bami. Labakhetsiwe bami bayawutijabulisa sikhatsi lesidze ngemisebenti yetandla tabo. Bangeke bashikanekele lite nome batale bantfwana labayawudliwa sehlakalo; ngobe bayawuba sive lesibusiswe nguSimakadze, bona kanye netitukulwane tabo. Bayawutsi bangakangibiti, ngisabele, bayawutsi basakhuluma, ngive. Imphisi nelizinyane lemvu kuyawudla edlelweni linye, nelibhubesi liyawudla tjani njengenkhomo, kodvwa lutfuli luyawuba kudla kwenyoka. Kute lokuyawulimata nalokuyawuba yingoti kuyo yonkhe intsaba yami lengcwele,” kusho Simakadze. Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: “Lizulu lisihlalo sami sebukhosi, umhlaba usenabelo setinyawo tami. Iphi-ke lendlu leningangakhela yona? Itawuba kuphi-ke indzawo yami yekuphumula? Tonkhe letintfo atikentiwa sandla sami yini, kuze kutsi tibe khona?” kusho Simakadze. “Ngulowo-ke mine lengimatisako, lowo lotfobekile nalodzabukile emoyeni, nalolitfutfumelelako livi lami. Batikhetsele tindlela tabo: Lowo lonikela ngemhlatjelo wenkunzi ufanana nemuntfu lobulala indvodza, nalowo lonikela ngelizinyane lemvu ufanana nemuntfu lowephula intsamo yenja. Lowo lowenta umnikelo walokutinhlavu ufanana nemuntfu lonikela ngengati yengulube, nalowo lotfuncisa imphepho yesikhumbuto ufanana nemuntfu lokhonta sithico. Imiphefumulo yabo iyatijabulisa kuleto tinengiso tabo. Ngako-ke nami ngiyawukhetsa kubaphatsa ngesandla lesicinile, ngehlisele etikwabo loko labakwesabako. Ngobe ngatsi nangimemeta, kwabate losabelako; ngatsi nangikhuluma, kwabate lolalelako. Benta lokubi emehlweni ami, bakhetsa loko lokungangijabulisi.” Vanini livi laSimakadze, nine lenitfutfumeliswa livi lakhe, utsi: “Bomnakenu labanitondzako banikhiphe inyumbazana ngenca yeLibito lami, batsite: ‘Akadvunyiswe Simakadze, kuze sitewubona injabulo yenu!’ Noko bayawutseleka ngelihlazo. Vanini umsindvo losedolobheni, nive nemsindvo losethempelini! Ungumsindvo waSimakadze atiphindzisela etitseni takhe ngenca yetento tato. “Umfati uyabeleka yini angakahelwa? Angayitala yini indvodzana angakaze wahlaselwa ngiminjunju? Ngubani lowase weva ngentfo lefanana naleyo? Ngubani lowase watibona tintfo letinjengaleto? Live lingatalwa yini ngalanga linye? Sona sive sake savela yini ngesikhashana nje? Noko iSiyoni itsite ingakaphatfwa ngumhelo yatala bantfwana bayo.” Simakadze utsi: “Ngiyasiletsa yini mine sikhatsi sekubeleka ngingabe ngisakufikisa kubeleka? Ngiyasivala yini sinye nase ngifikise ekubelekeni?” kusho Nkulunkulu wakho. “Tfokotani kanye neJerusalema, niyitsakasele, nonkhe nine leniyitsandzako, jabulani nayo kakhulu, nonkhe nine leniyililelako. Ngobe niyawumunya kuyo, neneliswe ngemabele ayo ladvudvutako; niyawunatsa neneliseke, nitijabulise ngenala yayo lenkhulu.” Ngobe naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: “IJerusalema ngiyakuyiletsela kuthula lokuyawugobhota njengemfula, bunjinga betive bute kuyo njengemfula longenelako. Niyawumunya kuyo, netfwalwe ngumkhono wayo, nidlaliselwe emadvolweni ayo. Njengemfati nakadvudvuta umntfwanakhe, nami ngiyawunidvudvuta kanjalo, nginidvudvutele eJerusalema.” Niyawutsi nanikubona loku, inhlitiyo yenu ijabule, niyawuhluma njengetjani; sandla saSimakadze siyawukwatiwa etincekwini takhe, atitfukutselele titsa takhe. Bukani la, Simakadze uta ngemlilo, netincola takhe temphi tifanana nesiwunguwungwana; uyawukwehlisa intfukutselo yakhe ngalokwesabekako, nekutsetsa kwakhe kute ngemalangabi emlilo. Ngobe uyakwehlulela bonkhe bantfu ngemlilo nangenkemba; labo lababulewe nguSimakadze bayawuba banyenti. “Labo labatihlambululako, batingcwelisele kungena etivandzini, balandzela lowo losemkhatsini walabo labadla inyama yetingulube, nemagundvwane kanye naletinye tintfo letinengekako, bayawuphelela lapho kanyekanye,” kusho Simakadze. “Mine-ke, ngenca yetento tabo nangemicabango yabo, sekusondzele kutsi ngite ngibutsele ndzawonye tonkhe tive netilwimi, khona tiyakuta tibone bukhosi bami. “Ngiyawubeka sibonakaliso emkhatsini wabo, bese ngitfumela labanye balabo labaphephile etiveni: eThashishi, nakumaLibhiya, nemaLudi, labadvume ngekuba banembi ngebutjoki, naseThubhali, naseGrisi, nasetichingini letikhashane letingazange setive ngeludvumo lwami nome tibone bukhosi bami. Bayawumemetela bukhosi bami kubetive. Bayawuletsa bonkhe bomnakenu, babakhipha kuto tonkhe tive, babayise entsabeni yami lengcwele eJerusalema, babe ngumnikelo kuSimakadze. Bayawubetfwala ngemahhashi, nangetincola temphi, nangetinkalishi, nangeminyuzi, nangemakamela,” kusho Simakadze. “Bayawuta nabo njengema-Israyeli nakaletsa iminikelo yawo yalokutinhlavu ngetitja letihlantekile ngekwemtsetfo, ateyetfula ethempelini laSimakadze. Ngiyawukhetsa labanye emkhatsini wabo ngibente babe baphristi nemaLevi,” kusho Simakadze. Simakadze utsi: “Njengobe emazulu lamasha nemhlaba lomusha lengikudalako kuyawuhlala kukhona embikwami, kanjalo libito lakho netitukulwane takho tiyawuhlala tikhona. Kusukela ekwetfwaseni kwenyanga kuye kulelandzelako, nekusukela kulelinye liSabatha kuye kulelinye, bonkhe bantfu bayakuta bakhotsame embikwami,” kusho Simakadze. “Bayawuphumela ngephandle babuke tidvumbu talabo labangihlubukile; imphetfu lebadlako ngeke ife, kanjalo nemlilo lobashisako ungeke ucinywe, bayakwenyanyeka kubo bonkhe bantfu.” Emavi aJeremiya, umsa waHilkiya, lomunye webaphristi base-Anathothi, eveni lakaBhenjamini. Livi laSimakadze lefika kuye emnyakeni weli-13 wekubusa kwaJosaya, umsa wa-Amoni, inkhosi yakaJuda; labuye lefika futsi ngesikhatsi sekubusa kwaJehoyakimu, umsa waJosaya, inkhosi yakaJuda, kwaze kwaba yinyanga yesihlanu emnyakeni weli-11 wekubusa kwaSedekiya, umsa waJosaya, inkhosi yakaJuda, ngesikhatsi sekutfunjwa kwebantfu baseJerusalema. Livi laSimakadze lefika kimi, latsi: “Ngisengakakubumbi esitalweni senyoko ngakwati, watsi usengakatalwa, ngavele ngakwehlukanisela; ngakubeka kutsi ube ngumphrofethi etiveni.” Mine ngaphendvula ngatsi: “Awu, Nkhosi Simakadze, mine angikwati kukhuluma; ngisengumntfwana.” Kodvwa Simakadze wakhuluma kimi, watsi: “Ungasho kutsi, ‘ngisengumntfwana.’ Kufanele uhambe uye kubo bonkhe bantfu lengikutfuma kubo, ufike usho loko lengikutfuma kona. Ungabesabi, ngobe mine nginawe, futsi ngiyawukuphephisa,” kusho Simakadze. Simakadze wase welula sandla sakhe watsintsa umlomo wami, watsi kimi: “Manje-ke, sengifake emavi ami emlonyeni wakho. Buka la, lamuhla ngikubeka etikwetive nasetikwemibuso kutsi usiphule ubuye uhhihlite; ubhidlite ubuye uketule, nekutsi wakhe ubuye uhlanyele.” Livi laSimakadze lefika kimi, latsi: “Jeremiya, ubonani?” Mine ngaphendvula ngatsi: “Ngibona ligala lesihlahla se-alimondi.” Simakadze wakhuluma kimi, watsi: “Ubone kahle impela, ngobe ngicaphele kona kutsi livi lami ligcwaliseke.” Livi laSimakadze laphindza lefika kimi, latsi: “Ubonani?” Mine ngaphendvula ngatsi: “Ngibona libhodo lelibilako, litjekile lafulatsela inyakatfo.” Simakadze wakhuluma kimi, watsi: “Kusukela ngasenyakatfo kutawutfululwa inhlekelele, itseleke kubo bonkhe labahlala kulelive. Sekusedvutane kutsi ngibite tonkhe tive temibuso yangasenyakatfo,” kusho Simakadze. “Emakhosi ato ayakuta, atewumisa tihlalo tawo tebukhosi ekungeneni kwemasango aseJerusalema. Ayakuta ahlasele lonkhe lubondza loluyitungeletile kanye nawo onkhe emadolobha akaJuda. Ngiyawukhipha tigwebo tami esiveni sami ngenca yabo bonkhe bubi baso: ngekungifulatsela kwaso, ngekutfuncisa imphepho kulabanye bonkulunkulu, nangekukhonta loko lokwentiwe tandla tabo. “Tilungiselele! Sukuma ukhulume kubo konkhe loko lengikutfume kona. Ungabesabi, ngobe ngingahle ngikwetfuse lapha embikwabo. Lamuhla ngikwente waba lidolobha leliyinqaba, waba yinsika yensimbi nelubondza lwelitfusi kutsi utewumelana nalo lonkhe live; umelane nemakhosi akaJuda, netiphatsimandla takhona, nebaphristi bakhona kanye nesive sonkhe sakulelo live. Bayakulwa nawe, kodvwa bangeke bakwehlule, ngobe mine nginawe, futsi ngiyawukwelekelela,” kusho Simakadze. Livi laSimakadze lefika kimi, latsi: “Hamba uyewumemetela eJerusalema, ukhulume beva utsi: Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: “ ‘Ngiyakukhumbula kutinikela kwakho ebusheni bakho, kutsi wawungitsandza kanjani usengumakoti, wangilandzela kulo lonkhe lihlane, eveni lelalingakahlanyelwa lutfo. Israyeli abengcwele kuSimakadze, tilinga tesivuno sakhe; bonkhe labamshwabudzela babekwa licala, inhlekelele yehlela etikwabo,’ ” kusho Simakadze. Vanini livi laSimakadze, ninendlu yakaJakobe, nonkhe nine bantfu belusendvo lwendlu yaka-Israyeli. Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: “Cala lini boyihlo labalitfola kimi, kutsi bangaze baphambuke kangaka kimi? Balandzela tithico letingenamsebenti, nabo sebagucuka baba lite. Abazange babute, batsi: ‘Uphi Simakadze lowasikhipha eGibhithe, wasihola sadzabula lihlane lelingenalutfo, sadzabula live lelinetingagadvu nemigedze, live lesomiso nebumnyama, live lelingahanjwa ngumuntfu nalelingahlalwa ngumunfu?’ Nganiletsa eveni lelivundzile kutsi nitewudla titselo talo kanye nesivuno salo lesinonile, kodvwa nefika nalingcolisa live lami, nenta lifa lami laba ngulelinengekako. Baphristi abazange babute, batsi: ‘Uphi Simakadze?’ Labo labafundzisa ngemtsetfo abazange bangati, nebaholi bangivukela. Baphrofethi baphrofetha ngaBhali, balandzela tithico letingenamsebenti.” “Ngako-ke ngiyaphindza nginibeka emacala,” kusho Simakadze. “Yebo, nebantfwana bebantfwabenu ngiyawubabeka emacala. Yewelelani ngesheya niye elugwini lwaseKhithimu nibuke, tfumelani eKhedari nibukisise kahle, nibone kutsi yake yaba khona yini intfo lefanana nale: Sive sake santjintjiselana yini ngabonkulunkulu baso? Yebo kona abasibo bonkulunkulu balutfo. Kodvwa sive sami sintjintjise ngenkhatimulo yaNkulunkulu waso, sakhonta tithico letingenamsebenti. Awu mazulu, tfutfumelani nimangale ngaloku! Yetfukani ngekwetfuka lokukhulu,” kusho Simakadze. “Sive sami sente tono letimbili: Singishiyile mine, mtfombo wemanti ekuphila, satimbela ticojana taso emadvwaleni, ticojana letinetimbobo letingeke tiwemise emanti.” “Kungabe Israyeli uyinceku yini nome usigcili sekutalwa? Kepha, kwentiwe yini kutsi abe yimphango? Emabhubesi abhodlile, amhhongela. Live lakhe alente laba lihlane lelingenalutfo, emadolobha akhe ashisiwe, asala akhala libhungane. Kanjalo futsi nebantfu baseMemfisi nebaseThaphanesi bahhumbule lukhakhayi lwenhloko yakho. Ngabe anikatiletseli nine yini loku, ngalokutsi nishiye Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu ngesikhatsi asanihola kahle endleleni? Manje niyelani eGibhithe kuyawunatsa emanti aseShihori? Kona niyeleni e-Asiriya kuyawunatsa emanti alowo Mfula? Bubi benu butanijezisa, nekuhlubuka kwenu kutanitsetsisa. Cabangani-ke nibukisise kahle kutsi kubi kangakanani nekutsi kunibabela kangakanani, nanishiya Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu, ningangesabi mine,” kusho Simakadze, Simakadze longuSomandla. “Lijoko lakho walephula, lokwa kadzeni, watidzabula tibopho takho, watsi: ‘Ngingeke ngikukhonte!’ Ngempela, kuwo onkhe emagcuma laphakeme nangaphansi kwato tonkhe tihlahla letendlala emagala ato, walala phansi, walala njengengwababane. Bengikuhlanyele njengemvini welikhetselo, weluhlobo lolucinile nalolwetsembekile. Pho, ungigucukele kanjani lokutsi bese uba ngumvini lokhohlakele longewesiganga? Nome utigezisa ngasota usebentisa nensipho lenyenti, noko lelo chashata lelilicala lakho solomane limile embikwami,” kusho iNkhosi Simakadze. “Ungasho kanjani-ke utsi: ‘Angikangcoliswa, angikabalandzeli boBhali’? Ase ubuke kutsi watiphatsa njani esihosheni, cabangisisa ngaloko lokwentile. Ulikamela lelisikati leligijima kakhulu, leligijima lapha nalapha, unjengembongolo yesiganga, leyetayele lihlane, lehosha umoya nase ikhanuka, ngubani nje longayivimbela nase ifuna kwekhwelwa? Tonkhe tinkunzi tetimbongolo letiyicoshako atikafaneli kutsi titikhatsate, ngesikhatsi sekwekhwelwa titayitfola. Ungagijimi kuze kudzabuke ticatfulo takho nemphimbo wakho uze wome. Kodvwa wena watsi: ‘Akusiti lutfo! Ngiyatitsandza tithico tebetive, futsi tona ngitatilandzela.’ ” “Njengobe lisela lihlazeka nase libanjiwe, kanjalo nendlu yaka-Israyeli ihlazekile, bona, nemakhosi abo, netindvuna tabo, nebaphristi babo kanye nebaphrofethi babo. Bakhuluma elugodvweni batsi: ‘Wena ungubabe wami,’ nasetjeni bakhulume batsi: ‘Wena wangitala.’ Bangifulatsele, bafihla buso babo kimi, kodvwa batsi nase bahluphekile bese batsi: ‘Kota utesisindzisa!’ Baphi kantsi labonkulunkulu benu lenatentela bona? Abete phela, nangabe banganisindzisa nanisekuhluphekeni! Maye Juda, ninabonkulunkulu labanyenti ngangemadolobha enu. “Ningibekelani emacala? Nine nonkhe ningihlubukile,” kusho Simakadze. “Ngajezisa bantfu bakini, kodvwa akukanisiti, abakaphendvuki nasekujezisweni kwabo. Inkemba yenu ishwabudzele baphrofethi benu, njengelibhubesi lelifukutsako. “Nine balesitukulwane, zindlani ngelivi laSimakadze lelitsi: Mine bengilihlane yini ku-Israyeli, nome-ke live lebumnyama lobukhulu? Sive sami sisholani kutsi: ‘Sikhululekile kutsi singajangaza, singeke siphindze site kuwe’? Intfombi iyabukhohlwa yini buhlalu bayo lobuligugu, nome makoti imihlobiso yakhe nakashada? Noko sive sami singikhohlwe emalanga lamanyenti langeke abalwe. Maye, unemasu ekucoshaneni nelutsandvo! Ngisho nebesifazane labangcole kabi bangafundza tindlela takho. Etingutjeni takho tekugcoka emadvodza atfola umnyombo wekuphila kwalabamphofu labangenacala, nome ungazange ubabambe bagcekeza. Noko ngetulu kwako konkhe loku, wena utsi: ‘Angati lutfo; akangitfukutseleli.’ Kodvwa mine ngitakwehlulela, ngobe utsi: ‘Angikoni lutfo.’ Utiguculelani kangaka tindlela takho? IGibhithe itakujabhisa, njengaloku wake wajabhiswa yi-Asiriya. Nawe utawusuka kuleyo ndzawo, utawusuka ujabhile, ngobe Simakadze sewubalahlile labo bewukadze ubetsemba, bangeke bakusite ngalutfo.” “Nangabe indvodza ilahla umkayo, bese lomfati wendza kulenye indvodza, lendvodza ingabuyela yini kulomfati? Utsi kepha lelive lingete langcola lonkhe? Kodvwa utiphatsise kwengwababane ngekuphinga nemadvodza lamanyenti; manje sewungabuyela njani kimi?” kusho Simakadze. “Phakamisela emehlo akho etulu eticongweni letingenalutfo, ubone. Ikhona yini indzawo lapho bangazange sebakulale khona? Njengalondzindzako ehlane, wahlala eceleni kwemgwaco ulindzele tiphingi. Ulingcolisile lelive ngebugwadla bakho nangekukhohlakala kwakho. Ngako-ke imvula yabanjwa langete lana, kwabate nembodlisamahlanga. Noko waba nelibunti lelomile lebugwababane, wangete wadliwa nangemahloni ngaloko. Akusiwe yini lotsandza kungibita ngekutsi: ‘Babe wami, mngani wami kwasebusheni bami? Utangitfukutselela kokuphela yini? Lulaka lwakho lutawuchubeka kuze kube phakadze yini?’ Ukhuluma kanjalo-ke, kodvwa ube wenta konkhe lokubi longakwenta.” Ngesikhatsi kusabusa inkhosi Josaya, Simakadze wakhuluma kimi, watsi: “Ukubonile yini lokwentiwe ngu-Israyeli longaketsembeki? “Wenyukele etulu kuwo onkhe emagcuma laphakeme, waya nangaphansi kwato tonkhe tihlahla letendlala emagala ato, waphingela khona lapho. Bengicabanga ngitsi emvakwekwenta konkhe loko, nakanjani utawubuyela kimi, kodvwa akakwenti loko, ngisho nadzadzewabo longaketsembeki, Juda, ukubonile loko. Ngamnika Israyeli longaketsembeki sitifiketi sesehlukaniso, ngamcosha ngenca yako konkhe loko kuphinga kwakhe. Noko ngakubona loko kungetsembeki kwadzadzewabo longuJuda kutsi akesabi; naye waphindze waphuma wayawuphinga. Njengobe bugwadla ba-Israyeli abusho lutfo kuye, walingcolisa live, waphinga netithico letingematje naletitigodvo. Ngetulu kwako konkhe loko, dzadzewabo longetsembeki, Juda, akazange abuyele kimi ngayo yonkhe inhlitiyo yakhe, kodvwa kwaba ngekutentisa nje,” kusho Simakadze. Simakadze wakhuluma kimi, watsi: “Israyeli longaketsembeki ulunge kakhulu kunaJuda longaketsembeki. Hamba, umemetele lombiko ngasenyakatfo utsi: “ ‘Buya Israyeli longaketsembeki,’ kusho Simakadze. ‘Ngingeke ngisaphindza ngikuswacele, ngobe nginemusa,’ kusho Simakadze. ‘Ngingeke ngisakutfukutselela siphelane. Intfo-nje, vuma licala lakho lekutsi umhlubukile Simakadze Nkulunkulu wakho, usakate kutsandza kwakho kubonkulunkulu betive ngaphansi kwato tonkhe tihlahla letendlala emagala ato, wangete wangilalela mine,’ ” kusho Simakadze. “Buyani, nine bantfu labangaketsembeki,” kusho Simakadze, “ngobe mine ngiyindvodza yenu. Ngiyawukhetsa munye wenu kuwo onkhe emadolobha enu, ngikhetse babili kuto tonkhe tinsendvo tenu, bese nginimikisa eSiyoni. “Ngiyawube sengininika belusi benhlitiyo yami, labayakunihola ngelwati nangekucondza. Ngalawo malanga nase nandzile naba banyenti kakhulu eveni,” kusho Simakadze, “bantfu bangeke basasho batsi: ‘Libhokisi lesivumelwane saSimakadze.’ Kungeke kusangena ngisho nasetingcondvweni tabo, futsi kungeke kukhunjulwe kugejeke, futsi kungeke kuphindze kwenteke. Ngalawo malanga iJerusalema bayawuyibita ngekutsi Sihlalo Sebukhosi SaSimakadze, tonkhe tive tiyawubutsana eJerusalema, tiyewuhlonipha Libito laSimakadze. Bangeke basayilandzela inkhani yetinhlitiyo tabo letimbi. Kulawo malanga indlu yakaJuda iyawutihlanganisa nendlu yaka-Israyeli, bete kanyekanye baphuma eveni lelingasenyakatfo, batewungena eveni lengalipha boyisemkhulu kutsi libe lifa labo.” “Mine cobo lwami, ngatsi: ‘Bengingajabula kanjani kuniphatsisa kwemadvodzana ami, ngininike live lelifanelekile kakhulu, lifa lelihle kakhulu kwendlula tonkhe letinye tive.’ Bengicabanga ngitsi nitangibita, nitsi kimi: ‘Babe,’ ningajiki ekulandzeleni mine. Kodvwa njengemfati longaketsembeki endvodzeni yakhe, kanjalo, wenandlu yaka-Israyeli, awuketsembeki kimi,” kusho Simakadze. Kuvakala sililo etindzaweni letiphakeme letingamili lutfo, yebo, kukhala nekuncenga kwesive saka-Israyeli, ngobe siphambukise tindlela taso, samkhohlwa Simakadze Nkulunkulu waso. “Ncandzekani sive lesingaketsembeki, ngiyawunelapha kulokuhlubuka kwenu.” “Yebo, siyakuta kuwe, ngobe wena unguSimakadze Nkulunkulu wetfu. Impela, kukhonta kwetfu tithico, yebo, kuyaluka emagcumeni nasetintsabeni kutiyenga nje. Impela insindziso yaka-Israyeli ikuSimakadze Nkulunkulu wetfu. Kusukela ebusheni betfu bonkulunkulu labangemahlazo badle titselo tetitfukutfuku tabokhokho betfu, lekungimihlambi yabo yetimvu neyetimbuti nemihlambi yabo yetinkhomo, yebo, emadvodzana abo nemadvodzakati abo. Asilale phansi ngenca yelihlazo letfu, sidliwe ngemahloni. Sonile kuSimakadze Nkulunkulu wetfu, yebo, tsine kanye nabobabe betfu; kusukela ebusheni betfu kuze kube ngulamuhla, asikamlaleli Simakadze Nkulunkulu wetfu.” “Awu, Israyeli, nawungamane uphendvuke nje, ubuye kimi,” kusho Simakadze. “Nawungesusa letithico takho letitinengiso, lapha embikwami, ungabe usanhlanhlatseka, nawungafunga futsi kimi ngekweliciniso nangekulunga, utsi: ‘Ngifunga kuphila kwaSimakadze,’ tive-ke tiyawubusiswa ngaye tidvumise kuye futsi.” Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze emadvodzeni akaJuda newaseJerusalema, utsi: “Limani umhlaba wenu longakalinywa, ningahlanyeli nje ekhatsi emanyeveni. Tisokeni nine kuSimakadze, sokani tinhlitiyo tenu, nitinikele kuye ngalokuphelele, nine madvodza akaJuda nesive saseJerusalema. Ngaphandle kwaloko lulaka lwami lutawucitseka luvutse njengemlilo ngenca yebubi lenibentile, luvutse, kubete nalongalucisha.” “Memetelani kaJuda nibatjele nebaseJerusalema, nitsi: “ ‘Shayani licilongo kulo lonkhe live!’ Memetani kakhulu nitsi: ‘Butsanani ndzawonye! Asibalekeni siye emadolobheni labiyelwe.’ Hlabani inyandzaleyo kuyiwe eSiyoni! Balekani nitewusindza, ningephutisi. Ngobe ngiletsa inhlekelele lechamuka ngasenyakatfo, yebo, imbhubhiso leyesabekako.” Libhubesi liphumile emhumeni walo; umbhubhisi wetive sewuphumele ngephandle. Selisukile endzaweni yalo, litewuphundla lelive lenu. Emadolobha enu atawuba tindzala, abete bantfu labahlala kuwo. Ngako yembatsani emasaka, khalani, nilile, ngobe intfukutselo leyesabekako yaSimakadze ayikesuki kitsi. Simakadze utsi: “Ngalelo langa, inkhosi netindvuna bayawuphelelwa ngemandla, baphristi bayawukwesaba, nebaphrofethi bayawutfutfumela.” Ngakhuluma ngatsi: “Yebo, Nkhosi Simakadze, maye, usiyengile lesive kanye nebantfu baseJerusalema, watsi: ‘Niyawuba nekuthula,’ kwabe kungulapho inkemba isemiphinjeni yetfu.” Ngalelo langa lesive kanye nebantfu baseJerusalema bayawutjelwa kutsiwe: “Umoya loshisako lochamuka etindzaweni letiphakeme tasehlane uhhusha ucondze kulesive sami, kodvwa hhayi kutewuhlunga nome kutewuhlambulula; yebo, umoya lonemandla kakhulu kunaloko uphuma kimi. Manje sengimemetela sigwebo sami kubo.” Bukelani, usondzela ukhephuka njengemafu, tincola takhe temphi tiyayalutela njengesiwunguwungwana, emahhashi akhe agijima kwendlula tinsweti. Maye kitsi, ngobe sibhujisiwe. Maye Jerusalema, geza bubi lobusenhlitiyweni yakho, khona utewusindziswa. Uyawuyifukamela kuze kube ngunini lemicabango yakho lemibi? Liphimbo liyamemetela lichamuka kaDani, limemetela inhlekelele lesuka emagcumeni aka-Efrayimu. “Khulumani loku etiveni, nikumemetele eJerusalema, nitsi: ‘Imphi letewuvimbetela iphuma eveni lelikhashane, isuse umsindvo wekuhlaba inyandzaleyo, kutsi kuhlaselwe emadolobha akaJuda. Akaka wena Jerusalema, njengemadvodza lagadze insimi, ngobe ungihlubukile,’ ” kusho Simakadze. “Kutiphatsa kwakho netento takho, nguko lokwehlisele loku etikwakho. Lesi sijeziso sakho. Maye, kubuhlungu bo! Maye, kuyayihlaba inhlitiyo bo!” Maye, tinhlungu tami, tinhlungu tami! Ngiyashumpha etinhlungwini tami. Maye, kuqaqamba kwenhlitiyo yami! Inhlitiyo yami iyaqaqamba ngekhatsi kwami, ngehluleka nekubindzisa. Ngobe ngikuvile kukhala kwelicilongo, ngikuvile kuhlatjwa kwemkhosi wemphi. Inhlekelele ilandzela inhlekelele, live lonkhe lisele litindzala. Ngekucwabita kweliso emathende ami asabhidlitiwe, yebo, umkhukhu wami ngesikhashana nje. Sekuyawuze kube ngunini solomane ngibuka lesiboniso semphi, ngilalele umsindvo welicilongo? “Bantfu bami batilima, abangati. Babantfwana labangenangcondvo, abanako nekucondza. Babochwephesha ekwenteni lokubi, abakwati kwenta lokuhle.” Ngabuka umhlaba, wawungenasimo, ungenalutfo; ngabuka nasemazulwini, kukhanya kwawo kwase kunyamalele. Ngabuka tintsaba, nato tatinyikanyika, onkhe emagcuma abeyendza. Ngatsi ngiyabuka, ngakhandza kute muntfu, tonkhe tinyoni tesibhakabhaka tase tindizile, tabaleka. Ngatsi ngiyabuka, ngakhandza lelive lelalivundzile selilihlane, onkhe emadolobha alo abesatindzala embikwaSimakadze, embikwentfukutselo yakhe leyesabekako. Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: “Live lonkhe litawuphundleka, noko ngingeke ngilibhubhise liphele nya. Ngako-ke umhlaba utawulila, nemazulu ngetulu agucuke abe mnyama, ngobe sengikhulumile, futsi ngingeke ngibuye ngigucuke, sengincumile, futsi ngingeke ngijike.” Kutsi nakuvakala umsindvo webagibeli bemahhashi nalabanemba ngebutjoki, onkhe emadolobha abaleke. Labanye bantfu babaleka bayewubhaca emahlatsini, labanye bekhwela etulu emadvwaleni. Onkhe emadolobha asele akhala libhungane, kute namunye lohlala kuwo. Wentani wena lobhidlitiwe? Utembatsiselani ngaletibovu klebhu wegabe nebuhlalu begolide? Emehlo akho uwagcobiseleni ngapende? Utihlobisela lite. Emashende akho ayakwedzelela, afuna kukubulala. Ngiva kukhala lokunjengekwemfati lophetfwe ngumhelo, kuquma lokunjengekwalowo lobeleka litubulo lakhe, kukhala kweNdvodzakati yaseSiyoni, lephefumulela etulu, leyelula tandla tayo itsi: “Maye, ngiyacaleka, kuphila kwami kunikelwe etandleni tebabulali.” “Yehlani nenyuka etitaladini taseJerusalema, calatani ndzawo tonkhe nicabange kahle, phenyisisani tonkhe tinkhundla tayo. Naningakhandza nome munye nje umuntfu lowenta tintfo ngekwetsembeka, afune liciniso, ngitalitsetselela lelidolobha. Nome bakhuluma batsi: ‘Ngifunga kuphila kwaSimakadze,’ noko basafunga emanga.” Awu Simakadze, emehlo akho akafuni lona yini liciniso? Wabashaya, kodvwa abazange babuve buhlungu, wabapitjita, kodvwa bakwala kucondziswa. Benta buso babo baba lukhuni kunelitje, bala kuphendvuka. Ngacabanga ngatsi: “Laba ngulabamphofu bodvwa, batilima, ngobe abayati indlela yaSimakadze, imiyalo lefunwa nguNkulunkulu wabo, kubo. Ngako ngiyakuya kubaholi, ngikhulume kubo, ngempela, bayayati indlela yaSimakadze, imiyalo lefunwa nguNkulunkulu wabo, kubo.” Kodvwa nabo futsi nganhlitiyonye balephula lijoko, batidzabula netibopho. Ngako-ke batawuhlaselwa libhubesi leliphuma ehlatsini, batawuphangwa yimphisi lephuma ehlane, ingwe itawubalalela endleleni edvutane nemadolobha abo; itemdzabudzabula abe ticucu nome ngubani lotsi uyaphuma, ngobe kuhlubuka kwabo kukhulu, nekweduka kwabo kunyenti. “Kufanele ngani kutsi nginitsetselele? Bantfwabenu bangishiyile mine, bafunga ngemabito abonkulunkulu labangesibo bonkulunkulu. Ngabanika konkhe lababekweswele, noko bachubeka nekuphinga, babutsana etindlini tetingwadla. Bondleke kahle, batinkunzi temahhashi lanenkhanuko, nguleyo ikhalela umfati walenye indvodza. Akukafaneli yini kutsi ngibajezise ngaloko?” kusho Simakadze. “Akukafaneli yini ngitenanele mine kulesive lesifanana nalesi? “Dzabula tivini taso utone, kodvwa ungatibhubhisi tiphele titsi nya. Waphundle emagala ato, ngobe labantfu abasibo baSimakadze. Indlu yaka-Israyeli nendlu yakaJuda betingaketsembeki nakancane nje kimi,” kusho Simakadze. Bacale emanga ngaSimakadze batsi: “Kute latakwenta! Kute lokubi lokutasehlela, singeke siyibone inkemba nome indlala. Baphrofethi bangumoya nje, kute nelivi kubo; ngako akwenteke kubo loko labakushoko.” Ngako naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze Nkulunkulu longuSomandla, utsi: “Njengobe bantfu bakhulume lamavi, emavi ami ngitawenta abe ngumlilo emlonyeni wakho, labantfu babe tinkhuni letitawudliwa ngiwo. Yebo, wenandlu yaka-Israyeli,” kusho Simakadze, “ngitawuletsa sive lesikhashane sitekulwa nani, sive sasendvulo lesicinile, sive lesikhuluma lulwimi leningalwati, yebo, lesikhuluma lulwimi leningaluva. Imigodla yaso injengelithuna lelivulekile, bonkhe bangemachawe lanemandla. Bayawushwabudzela sivuno senu nekudla kwenu, bashwabudzele emadvodzana nemadvodzakati enu, bashwabudzele imihlambi yenu yetimvu neyetinkhomo, bashwabudzele emavini enu nemikhiwa yenu. Lamadolobha enu labiyelwe lenetsembele kuwo batawabhubhisa ngenkemba.” Simakadze utsi: “Noko ngisho nakulawo malanga ngingeke nginibhubhise nginicedze. Bantfu nabakubuta, Jeremiya, batsi: ‘Simakadze ukwenteleni konkhe loku kitsi?’ uyawubatjela utsi: ‘Njengobe ningishiyile mine nakhonta labanye bonkulunkulu betive eveni lenu, ngako manje seniyawukhonta betive eveni lekungesilo lenu.’ ” “Memetelani loku endlini yaJakobe, nikumemetele nakaJuda nitsi: Lalelani naku, nine bantfu labatilima nalabangenangcondvo, labatsi banemehlo kodvwa babe bangaboni, labatsi banetindlebe kodvwa babe bangeva: Kufanele ningangesabi yini mine?” kusho Simakadze. “Akufanele yini nitfutfumele ebukhoneni bami? Ngenta sihlabatsi saba ngumnyele welwandle, umtsangala waphakadze lolungeke luwengce. Emagagasi angakhephuka, kodvwa angeke aphumelele, angabhodla, kodvwa angeke awengce. Kodvwa labantfu banenkhani netinhlitiyo letihlubukako, bakhweshele eceleni bahamba. Abatekhuti bona batsi: ‘Asesabe Simakadze Nkulunkulu wetfu, lowehlisa timvula tasekwindla netasentfwasahlobo, ngesikhatsi lesifanele; losinika siciniseko ngekutsi sikhatsi sekuvuna sitawufika.’ Konkhe loku kuvinjwe kona kwenu, tono tenu tinemuke lokuhle. “Emkhatsini wesive sami kukhona emadvodza lamabi labahlala bagadzile njengebantfu labetsiya tinyoni, nanjengalabo lababekela bantfu tingibe tekubabamba. Tindlu tabo tigcwele emacebo njengetindlu tetinyoni letigcwele tinyoni; sebaze banjinga baba nemandla, sebakhuluphele baze bamanyatela. Tento tabo letimbi atinamkhawulo, ababameleli labo labate boyise kutsi bangalahlwa licala, abawalweli nemalungelo alabamphofu.” Simakadze utsi: “Akukafaneli yini kutsi ngibajezise ngaloku? Akukafaneli yini kutsi ngitenanele kulesive lesinje? “Kwenteke intfo lembi naleshacisako eveni: Baphrofethi baphrofetha emanga, baphristi baphetse ngeligunya labo, nebantfu bami bakutsandza ngaleyo ndlela. Kodvwa nitakwenta njani ekupheleni?” “Balekani niyewubhaca, sive sakaBhenjamini! Sukani eJerusalema nibaleke! Shayani impalampala eThekhowa! Phakamisani siboniso semlilo eBhethi Hakheremu! Ngobe kulunguta inhlekelele, ichamuka ngasenyakatfo, yebo, imbhubhiso lenkhulu. Ngiyawuyibhubhisa iNdvodzakati yaseSiyoni, lenhle kangaka naleyincelencele kangaka. Iyawusukelwa belusi kanye nemihlambi yabo balwe nayo, bayawumisa emathende abo bayitungelete, ngulowo nalowo anakekele indzima yakakhe.” Batsi: “Tilungiseleleni imphi yekubhekana nayo! Sukumani nihlasele kusesemini! Kodvwa bukani, kukhanya kwelilanga sekuyafiphala, nematfunti akusihlwa semadze. Ngako-ke sukumani, asihlasele ebusuku, sibhubhise tinqaba tayo!” Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze longuSomandla, utsi: “Gawulani tihlahla, nibutsise tindvundvuma tekuvimbetela iJerusalema. Lelidolobha kufanele lijeziswe; ligcwele incindzetelo. Njengemtfombo umpompota emanti awo, nalo liwukhafula kanjalo-ke umonakalo walo. Budlwangudlwangu nembhubhiso kuhokoma kulo, kugula kwalo nemanceba alo asembikwami njalo. Tsatsa seluleko, wena Jerusalema, nome-ke ngitakufulatsela nawungasitsatsi, live lakho ngilente lisale lilihlane, khona kutebate umuntfu lohlala kulo.” Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze longuSomandla, utsi: “Abakhukhute insali yaka-Israyeli, bayikhwimite njengemvini; phindza wendlulise sandla sakho etikwemagala, ulingise umuntfu lovuna emagelebisi.” Ngubani nje lengingakhuluma kuye ngimecwayise? Ngubani lotangilalela? Tindlebe tabo tivalekile, kuze bangetikuva. Livi laSimakadze lisikhubekiso kubo, abajabuli ngalo. Kodvwa mine ngigcwele lulaka lwaSimakadze, futsi ngingeke ngisalubeketelela lukimi. Simakadze wase utsi kimi: “Lutfululele kubantfwana labasetitaladini, nasemajaheni labutsene ndzawonye; bonkhe bafati nemadvodza abo bayawubhajwa kulo, kanye nalabadzala labo lasebahanjelwe ngiminyaka. Tindlu tabo tiyawunikwa labanye, konkhe kanye nemasimi abo nebafati babo, nangiphindza ngelula sandla sami kulabo labahlala kulelo live,” kusho Simakadze. “Kusukela kulomncane kakhulu kuye kulomkhulu kakhulu, bonkhe babogubhela kwesabo; baphrofethi nebaphristi bayafanana, bonkhe bayayengana. Babopha emanceba ebantfu bami kube shangatsi yintfo nje lengenamsebenti, babe batsi: ‘Kuthula, kuthula,’ kube kantsi kute nalokuthula. Kantsi banawo yini emahloni ngemanyala abo labawentako? Cha, bate nalamancane nje emahloni, abakwati ngisho nekukhophota. Ngako batakuwela kulabawile, bayawukwehliselwa phansi nangibajezisa,” kusho Simakadze. Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: “Manini emahlanganweni etindlela, nibuke, butani tindlela takadzeni, butani kutsi nguyiphi indlela lelungile, bese nihamba ngayo, niyawutfola kuphumula kwemiphefumulo yenu. Kodvwa nine natsi: ‘Singeke sihambe ngayo.’ Ngabeka balindzi etikwenu, ngatsi: ‘Lalelani kukhala kwempalampala,’ kodvwa nine natsi: ‘Ngeke sikulalele.’ Ngako lalelani, nine tive. Caphelisisani, nani bofakazi, kutsi kuyakwenteka njani kubo. Awu mhlaba, vani! Ngitakwehlisela inhlekelele kulesive, sitselo semacebo abo, ngobe abakawalaleli emavi ami, bawala nemtsetfo wami. Nginandzabani mine nemphepho yaseSheba, nome-ke nemakha ekhalamusi lanongotelako laphuma eveni lelikhashane? Iminikelo yenu yekushiswa ayikemukeleki kimi, nemihlatjelo yenu ayingijabulisi.” Ngako-ke naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: “Ngiyawubeka emavimbandlela embikwalesive. Boyise kanye nemadvodzana bayawukhutjwa kuwo, bomakhelwane kanye nebangani bayawubhubha.” Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: “Buka, kuta imphi, lechamuka eveni langasenyakatfo, sive lesikhulu sichukulutiwe, sisukela emikhawulweni yemhlaba. Bahlome ngebutjoki nangesikhali; banelulaka, abanamusa. Bevakala njengelwandle loludvumako, nabagijima ngemahhashi abo; beta njengebantfu labavivele imphi, batewuhlasela wena, awu, Ndvodzakati yaseSiyoni.” Siyivile imibiko ngabo, saphela emandla, imikhono yetfu iyalenga nje kitsi, sibanjwe kudzabuka nekwesaba lokukhulu, tinhlungu letifanana netemfati lobelekako. Ningaphumeli emasimini, nome-ke nihambe emigwacweni, ngobe sitsa siphetse inkemba, kuyesabeka yonkhe indzawo. Awu, sive sami, yembatsani emasaka, nitiphucaphuce emlotseni; lilani ngekudzabuka lokukhulu, kube shangatsi kwendvodzana lekukuphela kwayo, ngobe umbhubhisi uyakusitselekela ngekushesha lokukhulu. “Ngikwente waba ngumhloli wetinsimbi, nebantfu bami bayinsimbi, khona utewucaphela utivivinye tindlela tabo. Bonkhe babonhloko ayivutfwa, nebahlubuki, bahambe bahlambalata. Balukhuni balitfusi nensimbi, bonakele bonkhe ngetento tabo letimbi. Umfutfo uyafutseka kuyesabisa, kutsi utewushisa umtfofu ngemlilo, kodvwa kucengisiselwa lite nje, ngobe laba lababi abakhishwa. Babitwa ngekutsi bayisiliva lelahlwako, ngobe mine Simakadze ngibalahlile.” Leli livi laSimakadze lelefika kuJeremiya, latsi: “Mani esangweni lendlu yaSimakadze; ushumayele umemetele nankha emavi: “ ‘Vanini livi laSimakadze, nonkhe nine sive sakaJuda leningena kulamasango kuyawukhonta Simakadze. Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze longuSomandla, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, utsi: Guculani tindlela tenu kanye netento tenu tilunge, khona ngiyawunivumela kutsi nihlale kulendzawo. Ningawetsembi lamagama langemanga nitsi: “Leli lithempeli laSimakadze, lithempeli laSimakadze, lithempeli laSimakadze!” Nanitigucula ngempela tindlela tenu netento tenu, niphatsane ngekwemtsetfocotfo, naningabacindzeteli labo bekuhamba, nalabangenaboyise, nebafelokati, ningayicitsi nengati lengenacala kulendzawo, ningabalandzeli labanye bonkulunkulu kutsi nitilimate nine, mine-ke ngiyawunenta nihlale kulendzawo, eveni lengalipha boyihlomkhulu kutsi libe labo phakadze naphakadze. Kodvwa bukani la, nine netsembele emavini langemanga nalangenamsebenti. “ ‘Nisetakweba yini, nibulale, niphinge, nifungele emanga, nitfuncise imphepho kuBhali, nilandzele labanye bonkulunkulu leningazange senibati, bese niyeta nitewuma lapha embikwami kulendlu leneLibito lami, nitsi: “Siphephile,” kambe niphephele kutsi nente tonkhe letintfo letisinengiso? Kungabe lendlu, leneLibito lami, seyigucuke yaba ngumhume wabosidlani yini lapha kini? Kodvwa bengisolomane ngibuka! Kusho Simakadze. “ ‘Hambani nyalo niye endzaweni leseShilo, lapho ngacala khona kwenta indzawo yekubeka Libito lami, nibone kutsi ngentani kuyo ngenca yebubi besive sami, ema-Israyeli. Ngesikhatsi nenta tonkhe letintfo, bengikhuluma kini njalonjalo ngaletintfo, kodvwa anikangilaleli; nginibitile, kodvwa anikasabeli, kusho Simakadze. Ngako-ke loko lengakwenta eShilo, ngisetakwenta nanyalo kulendlu lebitwa ngeLibito lami, lelithempeli lenetsembele kulo, nendzawo lengayipha nine kanye naboyihlomkhulu. Ngitanikhipha lapha ebukhoneni bami nginilahle, njengaloku ngenta kubomnakenu, sonkhe sive saka-Efrayimu.’ ” “Ngako-ke, wena Jeremiya, ungabathandazeli labantfu, futsi ungabancuseli, ungabancengeli; ungangincengi nami, ngobe ngingeke ngikuve. Awuboni yini kutsi bentani kulamadolobha akaJuda, nasetitaladini taseJerusalema? Bantfwana batfota tinkhuni, emadvodza alumekela imililo, bafati badovana nenhlama, babhaka emakhekhe eNdlovukazi yeliZulu. Batfulula iminikelo yetinatfo kulabanye bonkulunkulu bentela kuchukuluta lulaka lwami. Kodvwa ngimi yini lona labamchukulutako? kusho Simakadze. Abatilimati bona yini, batitsele bona ngelihlazo? “Ngako-ke naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: Intfukutselo yami kanye nelulaka lwami kutawutfululelwa etikwalendzawo, etikwebantfu netinkhomo, etikwetihlahla tesiganga kanye nasetikwetitselo temhlaba, lutawuvutsa lungaphindzi lucimeke. “Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze longuSomandla, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, utsi: Chubekani, yengetani leminikelo yenu yekushiswa kulena leminye imihlatjelo yenu, nijinge nitidlele kwanine lenyama! Ngobe ngesikhatsi ngikhipha boyihlomkhulu eGibhithe, ngikhuluma kubo, angizange ngibanike imiyalo ngeminikelo yekushiswa nangemihlatjelo, kodvwa ngabanika umyalo lotsi: Ngilaleleni, mine-ke ngiyawuba nguNkulunkulu wenu, nine nibe sive sami. Hambani ngato tonkhe tindlela tami lenginiyale ngato, kuze kunihambele kahle. Kodvwa abazange balalele, futsi abanakanga nekunaka; esikhundleni saloko balandzela kutsambekela kwenkhani yetinhlitiyo tabo letimbi. Babuyela emuva, bangete baya embili. Kusukela ngesikhatsi lekwaphuma ngaso boyihlomkhulu eveni laseGibhithe, kuze kube ngunyalo, benginitfumelela tinceku tami baphrofethi lilanga ngelilanga njalo nje. Kodvwa abazange bangilalele, abanginakanga nekunginaka. Bacinisa tinhloko tabo, benta tono letinyenti kakhulu kunaletentiwa boyisemkhulu. “Nawubatjela konkhe loku, bangeke bakulalele; nawubabita, bangeke basabele. Ngako-ke tsani kubo: ‘Lesi sive lesingamlalelanga Simakadze Nkulunkulu waso, futsi asiphendvukanga nasicondziswa. Liciniso seliphelile; linyamalele emilonyeni yabo. Hhulani tinwele tenu, nine bantfu baseJerusalema, nitilahle, nilile sililo emagcumeni laphakeme, ngobe Simakadze usilahlile, wasishiya lesitukulwane lesingaphansi kwelulaka lwakhe.’ ” “ ‘Sive sakaJuda sente bubi emehlweni ami, kusho Simakadze. Bagcumeke tithico tabo letitinengiso endlini lebitwa ngeLibito lami, bayingcolisa. Bakhe tindzawo letiphakeme taseThofethi eSigodzini sakaBheni Hinomu kutsi bayewushisa emadvodzana nemadvodzakati abo emlilweni, intfo lengingazange ngibayale ngayo, futsi lengazange ingene nasengcondvweni yami. Ngako-ke caphelani, ayeta emalanga, kusho Simakadze, lapho bantfu bangasayikuyibita ngekutsi yiThofethi nome batsi Sigodzi sakaBheni Hinomu, kodvwa bayawutsi Sigodzi Sekuhlatjwa, ngobe bayawungcwaba labafile eThofethi, kuze kubete indzawo. Tidvumbu talabo bantfu tiyawuba kudla kwetinyoni tasemoyeni nekwetilwane tesiganga; kuyawubate nalokuyatetfusa, aticoshe. Ngiyawucedza imisindvo yekujabula neyekutsakasa, ngicedze neliphimbo lemyeni nelamakoti emadolobheni akaJuda nasetitaladini taseJerusalema, ngobe lelive liyawusala likhala libhungane.’ ” “ ‘Simakadze utsi: Ngaleto tikhatsi, ematsambo emakhosi newetindvuna takaJuda, nematsambo ebaphristi newebaphrofethi, nematsambo ebantfu baseJerusalema ayawususwa emadlizeni abo. Ayawukwenekwa elangeni, nasenyangeni, nakuto tonkhe tinkhanyeti tasemazulwini lababekutsandzile, bakusebentela, bakulandzela, bakufuna, bakukhotsamela. Akayiwubutfwa futsi akayiwungcwatjwa, kodvwa ayawuba njengemfucuta yetibi lelahlwe emhlabatsini. Yonkhe indzawo lapho ngiyakuyicoshela khona lensali yalesive lesibi iyawucolela kufa kunekuphila, kusho Simakadze longuSomandla.’ ” “Khuluma kubo utsi: ‘Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: “ ‘Bantfu nabawa, bayaye bangabe basavuka yini? Umuntfu nakahlubuka, uyaye angabe asabuya yini? Bahlubukeleni kepha labantfu? IJerusalema yentiwa yini lokuhlubuka njalo nje? Banamatsela ekuyengweni, bala kubuya. Ngibalalele kahle hle, kodvwa abakhulumi lokulungile. Kute namunye lophendvukako ebubini bakhe, atibute, atsi: “Ngenteni kantsi?” Ngulowo nalowo utihambela ngendlela yakhe njengelihhashi nalihlasela ekulweni. Ngisho nagilonki esibhakabhakeni uyatati tikhatsi takhe letimisiwe, nelituba, nenkonjane, nadvoye, kuyatigcina tikhatsi tako tekuhamba, kodvwa sive sami asitati timiso taSimakadze. “ ‘Ningasho kanjani kutsi: “Sihlakaniphile tsine, ngobe sinemtsetfo waSimakadze,” ibe kantsi lutsi lwemanga lwebabhali lukucobele phansi lokungemanga? Labahlakaniphile bayawuhlazeka; bayawujabhiswa, babhajwe elugibeni. Njengobe balilahlile livi laSimakadze nje, banakuphi-ke kuhlakanipha? Ngako-ke bafati babo ngibanikela kulamanye emadvodza, nemasimi abo ngiwanike labanye bantfu, kutsi abe ngewabo. Kusukela kulomncane kakhulu kuye kulomkhulu kakhulu, bonkhe babogubhela kwesabo. Baphrofethi nebaphristi bayafanana, bonkhe bayayengana. Babopha emanceba ebantfu bami, kube shangatsi yintfo nje lengenamsebenti, babe batsi: “Kuthula, kuthula,” kube kantsi kute nalokuthula. Kantsi banawo yini emahloni ngalamanyala abo labawentako? Cha, bate nalamancane nje emahloni; abakwati ngisho nekukhophota. Ngako bayakuwela kulabawile, bayakwehliselwa phansi, nabajeziswako, kusho Simakadze. “ ‘Simakadze utsi: Ngiyawususa sivuno sabo, kuyawubate emagelebisi emvinini. Kuyawubate emakhiwa esihlahleni semkhiwa, nemacembe aso ayawubuna. Loko lengabanika kona kuyawutsatfwa kubo.’ ” “Sihlaleleni kantsi lapha? Butsanani ndzawonye! Asibalekeni siye emadolobheni labiyelwe, siyewufela khona! Ngobe Simakadze Nkulunkulu wetfu sewusimisele kutsi sibhubhe, wasinika emanti lanashevu kutsi siwanatse, ngobe sonile kuye. Besetsembe kuthula, kodvwa kute lokuhle lokufikile, besetsembe sikhatsi sekuphiliswa, kwefika lokwesabisako kodvwa nje. Kuthimula kwemahhashi etitsa kuyevakala kuvela kulakaDani, kukhala kwetinjomane tabo kutfutfumelisa lonkhe live. Tifikele kutawushwabudzela live nako konkhe lokukulo, lidolobha kanye nabo bonkhe labahlala kulo.” “Buka-ke, ngitawutfumela tinyoka letinesihlungu lesibi emkhatsini wenu, tindlondlo letingeke titsetjulwe ngumuntfu titewuniluma,” kusho Simakadze. Kute likhambi kulolusizi lwami, inhlitiyo yami iselusizini. Lalelani kukhala kwesive sami, sikhala eveni lelikhashane kakhulu, sitsi: “Simakadze akekho yini eSiyoni? Kungabe iNkhosi yayo ayikho yini lapho?” “Bangitfukutseliseleni ngaletitfombe tabo, ngaletithico tabo tebetive letingenamsebenti?” “Kuvuna sekwendlulile, lihlobo seliphelile, kodvwa tsine asikasindziswa.” Njengobe bantfu bami bayabhujiswa, nami ngiyabhujiswa; ngiyalila, nekwesaba kuyangintfonya. Sekute yini ibhalisamu kulakaGileyadi? Sekute yini inyanga lapho? Kepha sekute leni kuphiliswa kwemanceba ebantfu bami? Kube mane inhloko yami beyisiyalu semanti nemehlo ami abe ngumtfombo wetinyembeti, bengitawukhala busuku nemini, ngenca yekubulawa ngesihluku kwesive sami! Kube mane benginendzawo yekuphumulela tihambi ehlane, lapho bengingashiya khona sive sami, ngisuke kuso, ngobe bonkhe batiphingi, sicumbi sebantfu labangaketsembeki. “Balola tilwimi tabo njengebutjoki, bentele kudubula emanga. Abaphumeleli ngalo liciniso eveni. Besuka esonweni baye esonweni, abanginaki nekunginaka,” kusho Simakadze. “Caphelani bangani benu; ningabetsembi banakenu. Ngobe bonkhe bomnakenu banemanga, nabo bonkhe bangani bayayengana. Umngani uyenga bangani, kute namunye lokhuluma liciniso. Bafundzise tilwimi tabo kukhuluma emanga; bayatiphuphisa bona ngekwenta sono. Wena uhlala emkhatsini wemanga odvwa, ngalamanga abo bayala kungemukela,” kusho Simakadze. Ngako-ke naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze longuSomandla, utsi: “Buka la, ngitabavivinya ngibacolisise, ngobe yini lenye lengingayenta macondzana nesono sebantfu bami? Lulwimi lwabo lungumcibisholo lobulalanako, lukhuluma emanga odvwana. Ngulowo nalowo uncempheta ngalo kumakhelwane wakhe, kantsi ngenhlitiyo umbekela lugibe. Ngingete ngabajezisa yini ngaloku?” kusho Simakadze. “Ngingete ngatiphindziselela yini mine esiveni lesifanana nalesi?” Ngiyawukhala ngililele tintsaba, ngikhihlite sililo ngenca yemadlelo asehlane. Alahliwe omile akasahanjwa ngumuntfu, nekubhonsa kwetinkhomo akusevakali. Tinyoni tasemoyeni setibalekile, netilwane tihambile. “IJerusalema ngitayenta indvundvuma yematje, ngiyente umgedze wetimphungutja. Emadolobha akaJuda ngiyakuwenta abe tindzala, kuze kubete muntfu lohlala kuwo.” Ngubani umuntfu lohlakaniphile kangangekutsi angakucondza loku? Ngubani lofundziswe nguSimakadze kutsi angakuchaza loku? Lelive lentiwe leni laba tindzala njengelihlane lokutsi kubete muntfu lowendlula ekhatsi kulo? Simakadze watsi: “Kungenca yekutsi bawufulatsele umtsetfo wami lengababekela wona; abakangilaleli, kantsi futsi abakawulandzeli umtsetfo wami. Esikhundleni saloko, balandzele inkhani yetinhlitiyo tabo, balandzela boBhali, njengemfundziso yaboyise.” Ngako-ke, naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze longuSomandla, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, utsi: “Buka la, labantfu ngitabadlisa kudla lokubabako, ngibanatsise emanti lanashevu. Ngiyawubasakatela emkhatsini wetive labangazange sebatati, bona kanye naboyise, ngiyawubacosha ngenkemba ngize ngibacedze.” Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze longuSomandla, utsi: “Caphelani-ke manje! Bitani bafati besililo kutsi bete; ngibiteleni labo labahlakaniphile babo. Abefike masinyane, batesikhihlela sililo, emehlo etfu adzimate aphophote tinyembeti; kugobhote imifula yemanti etinkhopheni tetfu. Umsindvo wesililo sewuvakele uvela eSiyoni, utsi: ‘Maye, likhulu bo lihlazo letfu! Sekufanele silishiye lelive letfu, ngobe tindlu tetfu setiyimfuhlululu.’ ” Awu, nine labasikati, vanini livi laSimakadze. Vulani tindlebe tenu kuwo emavi laphuma emlonyeni wakhe. Fundzisani emadvodzakati enu kukhihla sililo, fundzisani ngulowo nalowo kulila. Kufa sekufohle emafasitelo etfu kwangena ngekhatsi, kwadzimate kwangena nasetinqabeni tetfu, kwancamula bantfwana lapha etindleleni, nemajaha ancamuka etinkhundleni. Tsani: “Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: “ ‘Tidvumbu temadvodza tiyawulala lunja ematsafeni njengetibi, kube shangatsi ngemabele lajutjiwe, asala ngemvakwalovunako, yebo, emabele lasala ate lowabutsako emvakwalovunako.’ ” Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: “Lohlakaniphile akangatigabatisi ngekuhlakanipha kwakhe, kanjalo nemuntfu lonemandla akangatigabatisi ngemandla akhe, kanjalo futsi nemuntfu lonjingile angatigabatisi ngebunjinga bakhe. Kodvwa lowo lotigabatisako akatigabatise ngaloku: Kwekutsi uyangicondza, futsi uyangati mine, kutsi nginguSimakadze lophatsana ngemusa, ehlulele ngekwemtsetfocotfo, abuse nangekulunga emhlabeni, ngobe ngiyajabula-ke kuloko,” kusho Simakadze. Simakadze umemetela utsi: “Lalela ngikutjele! Ayeta emalanga, lapho ngiyawujezisa bonkhe labasoke enyameni kuphela, baseGibhithe, nebakaJuda, nebaka-Edomu, nebaka-Amoni, nebakaMowabi, nabo bonkhe labahlala ehlane etindzaweni letikhashane. Ngobe tonkhe leto tive empeleni atikasoki, ngisho nayo yonkhe indlu yaka-Israyeli ayikasoki enhlitiyweni.” Vanini lokushiwo nguSimakadze kini, ninendlu yaka-Israyeli. Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: “Ningatifundzi tindlela tebetive nome-ke netfuswe tibonakaliso letisesibhakabhakeni, nome ngabe tive tiyatfutfumela ngato. Ngobe emasiko etive akanamsebenti, bajuba sihlahla ehlatsini, bese kutsi umbati usibata ngelishizolo lakhe, bakuhlobise ngesiliva nangegolide, bakutsekeletele ngehhamela nangetipikili, kuze kungetiwuntengetela. Njengemlindzansimi esivandzini semajoti, letithico tabo atikwati kukhuluma, kudzingeka tize tetfwalwe, ngobe atikwati kutihambela. Ningatesabi, tingeke tinente lutfo lolubi, kantsi futsi kute naloluhle letingalwenta.” Awu, Simakadze umkhulu, kute lonjengawe; nemandla eLibito lakho makhulu kakhulu. Ngubani longete akuhlonipha wena, awu, wena Nkhosi yetive? Lolu ludvumo lolufanele wena. Kute namunye lofanana nawe, kuto tonkhe tihlakaniphi tetive, nakuyo yonkhe imibuso yato. Tonkhe atinangcondvo tetfwele bulima, tifundziswa tithico letingenamsebenti tetigodvo. Isiliva legcotjiwe iyaletfwa isuka eThashishi, negolide legcotjiwe isuka e-Ufazi. Loko lokubatwe ngumbati nangumbumbi wetegolide, kubese kwembatsiswa letiluhlata njengesibhakabhaka naletibukhwebeletane, konkhe kwakhiwe tingcweti. Kodvwa Simakadze nguyena Nkulunkulu sibili, unguNkulunkulu lophilako, iNkhosi yaphakadze. Nakatfukutsele yena, kutfutfumela umhlaba, tive atikhoni kumelana nelulaka lwakhe. “Batjele naku: ‘Labonkulunkulu labangazange sebalibumbe lizulu nemhlaba, batawubhubha baphele emhlabeni, ngisho nangaphansi kwemazulu.’ ” Kodvwa Nkulunkulu wawudala umhlaba ngemandla akhe lamakhulu; wesekela umhlaba ngekuhlakanipha kwakhe, weneka emazulu ngekucondza kwakhe. Utsi nakabhavumula, emanti asemazulwini advume; ukhuphula emafu emikhawulweni yemhlaba. Utfumela imibane kanye nemvula, akhiphe umoya lohhushako etingungwini takhe. Bonkhe abanangcondvo, futsi abanalwati, bonkhe babumbi betegolide bahlazekile ngetithico tabo. Titfombe tabo tiyinkhohliso, atinamphefumulo. Atinamsebenti walutfo, tintfo nje tekuhlekisa, kuyawutsi nakufika kwehlulelwa kwato, tibhubhe. Lowo Losabelo sakaJakobe akafanani naleti, ngobe yena unguMenti wato tonkhe tintfo, wamenta na-Israyeli, sive lesilifa lakhe, nguSimakadze Somandla libito lakhe. Butsani timphahla tenu titewusuka kulelive, nine lenihlala nivinjetelwe yimphi. Ngobe naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: “Ngalesikhatsi ngiyawubadzacata labo labakhile kulelive. Ngiyawubacindzetela ngenjabhiso lembi, kuze bakuve bonkhe.” Maye kimi ngenca yekulimala kwami! Silondza sami aselapheki! Noko ngatitjela, ngatsi: “Lesi sifo sami, kufanele ngisibeketelele.” Lithende lami libhidlitiwe; tonkhe tindophi talo tidzabukile. Emadvodzana ami esukile kimi, akasekho; kute namunye losasele nyalo, kute longangimisela lelithende lami, nome-ke angimisele lelidlangala lami. Belusi abanangcondvo, abambuti naSimakadze; ngako abaphumeleli, nayo yonkhe imihlambi yabo isakatekile. Lalelani! Livi lembiko liyasondzela, siphitsiphitsi lesikhulu, lesivela eveni langasenyakatfo! Utakwenta emadolobha akaJuda asale akhala libhungane, angumgedze wetimphungutja. Awu, Simakadze, ngiyati kutsi kute umuntfu lotiphatsele yena imphilo yakhe. Akusiko kwemuntfu kutsi aticondzisele yena tinyatselo takhe. Awu, Simakadze, ngicondzise, loko ukwente ngemtsetfocotfo wakho kuphela, kungabi ngekwelulaka lwakho, funa ungehlise ngidzimate ngibe lite. Tfululela lulaka lwakho etikwetive letingakwemukeli wena, etikwetive letingalibiti Libito lakho. Ngobe Jakobe timudle tamshwabudzela, timudle taze tamshwabudzela, tabhubhisa live lakhe lekutalwa. Leli livi lelefika kuJeremiya liphuma kuSimakadze, litsi: “Lalela timiso talesivumelwane utikhulume esiveni sakaJuda nakulabo labahlala eJerusalema. Batjele kutsi: Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze Nkulunkulu waka-Israyeli, utsi: ‘Ucalekisiwe umuntfu longalaleli timiso talesivumelwane, timiso lengayala ngato bokhokho benu mhlazane ngibakhipha eGibhithe, embawuleni yemlilo loncibilikisa insimbi.’ Ngatsi: ‘Lalelani mine, nente konkhe lenginiyala ngako, khona niyawuba sive sami, nami ngibe nguNkulunkulu wenu. Mine ngiyawube ngifeza sifungo lengasenta kubokhokho benu, kutsi ngibanike live leligcwele lubisi neluju lwetinyosi,’ lekulive lenu lamuhla.” Ngaphendvula ngatsi: “Amen, Simakadze.” Simakadze wakhuluma kimi, watsi: “Wamemetele onkhe lamavi emadolobheni akaJuda nasetitaladini taseJerusalema, utsi: ‘Lalelani timiso talesivumelwane, nitilandzele. Kusukela ngesikhatsi lengakhipha ngaso bokhokho benu eGibhithe kuze kube ngulamuhla, ngangibayala njalo nje, ngitsi: Ngilaleleni. Kodvwa abazange bangilalele, abazange sebanginake nekunginaka, esikhundleni saloko bonkhe balandzela inkhani yetinhlitiyo tabo letimbi. Ngako ngehlisela etikwabo tonkhe ticalekiso talesivumelwane lengangibayale ngaso kutsi basilandzele kodvwa labangazange basigcina.’ ” Ngako Simakadze wakhuluma kimi, watsi: “Kukhona luzungu emkhatsini wesive sakaJuda nakulabo labahlala eJerusalema. Babuyela etonweni tabokhokho babo, labala kulalela emavi ami. Balandzele labanye bonkulunkulu, bakhonta bona. Indlu yaka-Israyeli nendlu yakaJuda, totimbili tisephulile sivumelwane lengasenta nabokhokho bato. Ngako-ke naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: ‘Ngiyakwehlisela etikwabo inhlekelele labangeke bakhone kuyibalekela. Nome bangakhala bacele lusito kimi, ngingeke ngibalalele. Emadolobha akaJuda kanye nebantfu baseJerusalema bayawuhamba bayewukhala kubonkulunkulu labatfuncisa kubo imphepho, kodvwa bangeke babasite nakancane nje nase behlelwa ngulenhlekelele. Ninabonkulunkulu labanyenti labangangalamadolobha enu, nine maJuda; nalamalati leniwamisele kutfuncisa imphepho kuwo, niyitfuncisele sithico lesilihlazo lesinguBhali, manyenti angangetitaladi taseJerusalema.’ “Wena-ke Jeremiya, ungabathandazeli labantfu, ungabaceleli, futsi ungabancuseli, ngobe ngingeke ngilalele nase bangibita ngesikhatsi selusizi lwabo. “Lotsandzekako wami wentani ethempelini lami, ngesikhatsi enta emacebo akhe ebubi nalabanyenti? Inyama lenikelwe ingasijikisa yini sijeziso sakho? Nase wenta bubi bakho uyajabula.” Simakadze wakubita ngekutsi wena usihlahla semncumo lesikhula kahle, lesitsela titselo letihle impela. Kodvwa ngekubhodla kwesivunguvungu lesinemandla uyakusilumeka ngemlilo, emagala aso ayakwephuka. Simakadze Somandla lowakuhlanyela, sewukumisele inhlekelele, ngobe indlu yaka-Israyeli nendlu yakaJuda tente lokubi tangicunula, ngatfukutsela ngekutfuncisa kwato imphepho kuBhali. Njengobe Simakadze alwembula luzungu lwabo kimi, ngabe sengiyalwati, ngobe ngaleso sikhatsi wangibonisa kutsi bentani. Bengifanana nelizinyane lemvu lelitfobile liyewuhlatjwa; ngangingati kutsi kantsi bese bente lisu lekungenta silo sengubo, batsi: “Asisibhubhise lesihlahla kanye netitselo taso, asimkhweshise eveni lalabaphilako, kuze libito lakhe lingaphindzi likhunjulwe.” Kodvwa, awu, Simakadze Somandla, wena lowehlulela ngekulunga, uvivinye inhlitiyo nengcondvo, ngicela kubona wena utikhiphela sibhongo kubo, ngobe mine ngitinikele kuwe ngatilahla ematsambo. Ngako-ke naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze ngemadvodza ase-Anathothi lafunana nemphilo yami, atsi: “Ungaphrofethi ngelibito laSimakadze, funa sikubulale ngetandla tetfu,” ngako-ke naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze longuSomandla, utsi: “Ngitabajezisa. Emajaha abo atawubulawa ngenkemba, emadvodzana nemadvodzakati abo abulawe yindlala. Kute ngisho lencane insali leyawusala kubo, ngobe ngiyakwehlisela inhlekelele etikwemadvodza ase-Anathothi ngemnyaka wekujeziswa kwawo.” Yebo Simakadze, wena uhlala ungcwele, nangiletsa indzaba embikwakho. Noko ngifuna kukhuluma nawe macondzana nekwehlulela kwakho. Kwentiwa yini kutsi indlela yalomubi iphumelele? Kwentiwa yini kutsi labangaketsembeki bahlale kahle bakhululekile? Ubahlanyele, bamila; bayakhula batsele titselo. Sonkhe sikhatsi uhlala usetindzebeni temilomo yabo, kodvwa ukhashane netinhlitiyo tabo. Noko uyangati mine, Simakadze; uyangibona, uvivinye imicabango yami ngawe. Bahudvule phansi njengetimvu tiyawuhlatjwa! Babeke eceleni, ubabekele lilanga lekuhlatjwa! Kuyawudzimate kube ngunini solomane live lihleti ligagadzekile, netjani bawo onkhe emasimi bubunile? Njengobe labo labahlala kulo bakhohlakele, tilwane netinyoni sekubhubhe kwaphela. Ngetulu kwaloko bantfu batsi: “Angeke akubone loko lokwenteka kitsi.” “Nangabe uke wancintisana nemadvodza ngekugijima ngetinyawo bakushiya bakuhlolela, ungancintisana kanjani nemahhashi? Nawukhubatela eveni leliphephile, ungalunga kanjani emahlatsini langaseJordane? Bomnakenu nemndeni wakenu nabo futsi bakutsengisile, baphakamisa sililo lesikhulu kakhulu ngekutsi abakufuni. Ungabetsembi nome bakhuluma kahle kuwe.” “Ngiyakuyilahla indlu yami, ngilishiye lifa lami; ngiyawunikela lowo lengimtsandzako etandleni tetitsa takhe. Lifa lami selifanana nelibhubesi lasehlatsini kimi. Liyangihhongela; ngako ngiyalenyanya. Lifa lami alifanani yini kimi nenyoni yekuhlasela lengemabhadvubhadvu letungeletwa nguletinye tinyoni tekuhlasela? Hambani niyewubutsa tonkhe tilwane tesiganga, nitiletse titewudla. Belusi labanyenti bayawubhubhisa sivini sami, bagcobagcobe insimi yami. Batayigucula insimi yami lenhle, bayente umhlaba losigagadvu. Itakwentiwa ibe sigagadvu lesilahliwe, yebo, lesihangukile nalesisikhotsa embikwami. Yebo, lonkhe live litawuba sikhotsa, ngobe kute lonakile. Etikwawo onkhe emadvundvu latingagadvu babhubhisi bayawunyakatela, ngobe inkemba yaSimakadze iyawubadla bantfu, kusukela ngala kwelive kuye ngale kwalo, kute namunye loyawusindza. Bayawuhlanyela kolo, kodvwa bavune emanyeva; bayawutikhandla, kodvwa bangazuzi lutfo ngako. Ngako yetfwalani lihlazo ngesivuno senu, ngenca yentfukutselo leyesabekako yaSimakadze.” Naku-ke lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: “Bonkhe labomakhelwane bami labakhohlakele labatsatsa ngendlovuyangena lifa lami lengalipha sive sami, ema-Israyeli, ngitabazuphuna kulamave abo, ngiphindze ngizuphune nendlu yakaJuda emkhatsini wabo. Kodvwa ngitawutsi ngingabazuphuna, ngiphindze ngibe nesihawu kubo ngibuyisele ngulowo nalowo eveni lakhe lekulifa lakhe. Nangabe bafundze kahle tindlela tebantfu bami base bafunga ngeLibito lami, batsi: ‘Ngifunga kuphila kwaSimakadze,’ njengaloku bake bafundzisa bantfu bami kutsi bafunge ngaBhali, bayawube sebayahlaliswa emkhatsini wesive sami. Kodvwa nangabe nome ngusiphi nje sive singalaleli, ngiyawusizuphuna sonkhe ngisibhubhise,” kusho Simakadze. Naku lokwashiwo nguSimakadze kimi, watsi: “Hamba uyewutsenga libhande lelineni ulivunule elukhalweni lwakho, kodvwa lingawatsintsi emanti.” Ngako ngavele ngatsenga libhande, njengobe Simakadze abeshito, ngabe sengilivunula elukhalweni. Livi laSimakadze lase liyefika kimi kwesibili, latsi: “Tsatsa lelibhande lolitsengile lolivunule elukhalweni lwakho uhambe nyalo uye eYufrathe, ufike ulifihle khona elufantfwini lwemadvwala.” Ngako ngahamba ngafike ngalifihla eYufrathe, njengobe Simakadze abengitjelile. Emvakwemalanga lamanyenti Simakadze wakhuluma kimi, watsi: “Hamba-ke manje uye eYufrathe, ufike utsatse lelibhande lengakutjela kutsi uyekulifihla khona.” Ngako ngahamba ngaya eYufrathe, ngafike ngemba lelibhande ngalitsatsa kulendzawo lapho bengilifihle khona, kodvwa manje lase libhudluke kakhulu selingenamsebenti. Livi laSimakadze lase liyefika kimi, latsi: “Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: ‘Ngalokufananako ngitalibhidlita ligcabho lakaJuda kanye neligcabho lelikhulu laseJerusalema. Labantfu lababi labalako kulalela emavi ami balandzele inkhani yetinhlitiyo tabo, balandzele labanye bonkulunkulu kutsi batewubasebentela babakhonte, bayawufanana nalelibhande, bangabi namsebenti walutfo ngalokuphelele! Ngobe njengobe libhande livunulwa elukhalweni lwendvodza, kanjalo indlu yonkhe yaka-Israyeli kanye neyakaJuda ngitibophele kimi,’ kusho Simakadze, ‘kutsi babe sive sami lengitakwatiwa ngaso, ngibatjatwe ngaso ngidvunyiswe ngaso. Kodvwa abakangilaleli.’ ” “Khuluma kubo utsi: ‘Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, utsi: Leso naleso sikhumbasikhwama kufanele sigcwaliswe ngeliwayini.’ Nabakhuluma kuwe, batsi: ‘Asati yini tsine kutsi leso naleso sikhumbasikhwama kufanele sigcwaliswe ngeliwayini?’ ubobatjela, utsi: ‘Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: Bonkhe labahlala lapha eveni ngitawubagcwalisa ngekudzakwa, kanye nemakhosi lahlala esihlalweni sebukhosi saDavide, nebaphristi, nebaphrofethi, nabo bonkhe labahlala eJerusalema. Ngitabashayanisa lomunye kulomunye, boyise nemadvodzana ngalokufananako, kusho Simakadze. Ngingeke ngisivumele sihe nome sihawu nome luvelo kutsi kungivimbele ngingababhubhisi.’ ” Vanini, nilalelisise, ningatigabatisi, ngobe Simakadze sewukhulumile. Mnikeni ludvumo Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu, asengakabuletsi bumnyama, tinyawo tenu tisengakakhubateli emagcumeni lahwalalisako. Netsembele ekukhanyeni, kodvwa utakugucula, akwente kube bumnyama lobuphatsekako, yebo, akwente kube lusizi lolujulile. Kodvwa naningalaleli, ngiyawukhala emasitseleni ngenca yeligcabho lenu. Emehlo ami ayawukhala kabuhlungu kabi agobhote tinyembeti, ngobe umhlambi waSimakadze uyawube utfunjiwe. Khuluma enkhosini nasendlovukazini, utsi: “Yehlani etihlalweni tenu tebukhosi, ngobe lemichele yenu lemanyatelako itawudzilika lapha etinhloko tenu.” Emadolobha aseNegevu ayawuvalwa, futsi kuyawubate loyakuwavula. Juda wonkhe uyawutfunjwa, ayiswe ekudzingisweni, atsatfwe wonkhe. Phakamisani emehlo enu nibone labo labaphuma enyakatfo. Uphi lomhlambi lebewubekwe etandleni tenu, timvu lebenitigabatisa ngato? Uyawutsini-ke ngesikhatsi Simakadze asabeka etikwakho labo lebewubetayeta kutsi babe bangani bakho? Buhlungu bungeke yini bukubambise kwemfati nakabeleka? Nawutibuta utsi: “Loku kwentekeleni kimi?” phela kungenca yetono takho letinyenti, lokutsi tidvwaba takho tidzatjulwe, nemtimba wakho uphatseke kabi. UmTopiya angasigucula yini sikhumba sakhe nome ingwe emabala ayo? Nani ningeke nikwente lokuhle, ngobe senetayele kwenta lokubi. “Ngitanisakata njengemakhoba wona lapheshulwa ngumoya wasehlane. Loku ngulokusabelo sakho, sabelo lese ngikumisele sona, ngobe sewungikhohliwe, wetsemba bonkulunkulu,” kusho Simakadze. “Ngitawugwabula tidvwaba takho tibuye ebusweni, khona kutewubonakala bungcunu bakho: konkhe kuphinga kwakho, nako konkhe kushangashangiswa kwakho yinkhanuko, nebugwadla bakho lobulihlazo! Ngitibonile tento takho letisinengiso emagcumeni nasetikhotseni. Awu, nako kuwe, Jerusalema! Uyawuhlala ungcolile kuze kube ngunini?” Leli livi laSimakadze kuJeremiya macondzana nesomiso, utsi: “Juda uyalila, emadolobha akhe ayajanqula akhalela live, yebo, kukhala kuqubuka eJerusalema. Bahlonishwa batfumela tisebenti tabo kutsi tiyewubakhelela emanti; tiya etitibeni temanti kodvwa tikhandze kute emanti. Tibuya netimbita tato temanti tingenalutfo, tijabhile futsi tiphelelwe litsemba. Umhlabatsi sewugatukile, ngobe kute imvula eveni: Balimi bayajabha, bambonye buso babo. Ngisho nenyamatane esikhotseni ilahla lizinyane layo lelisandza kutalwa, ngobe kute luhlata. Timbongolo tesiganga tima emadvundvwini lagagadzekile etintsaba tikhefutele njengetimphungutja; atisaboni nasemehlweni ngenca yekweswela luhlata.” Nome tono tetfu tisilahla ngelicala, awu Simakadze, mane wente lutfo ngenca yeLibito lakho. Ngobe kuhlubuka kwetfu kukhulu, sonile kuwe. Awu, Tsemba la-Israyeli, Msindzisi wakhe ngetikhatsi telusizi, wentelani kuba njengemfokati eveni, nanjengesihambi lesihlala busuku bunye nje? Wentelani kufanana nemuntfu lomangele, ube njengelisotja lelite emandla ekusindzisa? Awu Simakadze, wena usemkhatsini wetfu, tsine sibitwa ngeLibito lakho, ungasilahli! Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze ngalesive, utsi: “Bakutsandza kakhulu kuzulazula; abatibambi tinyawo tabo. Ngako Simakadze akabemukeli, nyalo sewutabukhumbula nebubi babo, abajezisele tono tabo.” Ngako Simakadze wakhuluma kimi, watsi: “Ungakuthandazeli kuphumelela kwalabantfu. Nome bangazila, ngingeke ngikulalele kukhala kwabo; nome banganikela ngeminikelo yekushiswa nangeminikelo yalokutinhlavu, ngingeke ngibemukele. Esikhundleni saloko ngitababhubhisa ngenkemba, nangendlala, nangesifo lesibulalanako.” Kodvwa ngatsi: “Awu Nkhosi Simakadze, baphrofethi balibala kubatjela, batsi: ‘Ningeke niyibone inkemba nome nihlushwe yindlala. Impela, ngiyakuninika kuthula lokungeke kuphele kulendzawo.’ ” Simakadze wakhuluma kimi, watsi: “Baphrofethi baphrofetha emanga ngelibito lami. Angikabatfumi, futsi angikabatjeli, kantsi futsi angikakhulumi kubo. Baphrofetha kini imibono lengemanga, babhule, bakhonte tithico, bashumayele nenkhohliso yetingcondvo tabo. Ngako-ke, naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze ngalabaphrofethi labaphrofetha ngelibito lami, utsi: Angizange sengibatfume, noko batsi: ‘Kute inkemba nome indlala letalitsinta lelive.’ Bona labo baphrofethi bayawubhubha ngenkemba nangendlala. Labantfu labaphrofetha kubo bayawulahlelwa etitaladini taseJerusalema ngenca yendlala nenkemba. Kuyawubate namunye loyawubangcwaba, bona kanye nebafati babo, nemadvodzana nemadvodzakati abo. Ngiyawutfululela kubo inhlekelele lebafanele. “Khuluma lamavi kubo utsi: “ ‘Emehlo ami akagobhote tinyembeti busuku nemini, angakhawuli; ngobe indvodzakati yami leyintfombi sibili, sive sami, igwazwe linceba lelibi, yalinyatwa kakhulu. Nangingena eveni, ngibona labo lababulewe ngenkemba; nangingena edolobheni, ngibona umonakalo lobangwe yindlala. Umphrofethi nemphristi bahambe kanyekanye, baya eveni labangalati.’ ” Sewumlahle kokuphela yini Juda? Umbukela phansi yini Siyoni? Usishayelani sive singete sakhona kuphiliswa nje? Sasetsemba kutsi kutawuba nekuthula nenhlalakahle, kodvwa kute nakunye lokuhle lokusehlele. Setsemba sikhatsi sekuphiliswa, kodvwa kwaba nekutfutfumela kuphela. Awu Simakadze, siyabuvuma bubi betfu kanye nelicala labobabe betfu; impela sonile kuwe. Ngenca yeLibito lakho ungasibukeli phansi, ungasenteli phansi sihlalo sakho sebukhosi bakho lobukhulu. Khumbula sivumelwane sakho lowasenta natsi, ungasephuli. Sikhona yini sona sinye setithico tebetive letingenamsebenti lesiletsa imvula? Tona tibhakabhaka ngekwato tiyatehlisa yini tihlambi temvula? Cha, nguwe, lowenta loko, Simakadze Nkulunkulu wetfu. Ngako-ke litsemba letfu likuwe, ngobe nguwe lowenta konkhe loku. Simakadze wakhuluma kimi, watsi: “Ngisho nome boMosi naSamuweli bebangema embikwami, inhlitiyo yami beyingeke iye kulesive. Bacoshe! Abesuke lapha embikwami! Nabakubuta, batsi: ‘Sitawuyaphi?’ batjele utsi: ‘Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: “ ‘Labo labamiselwe kufa, ekufeni; labo labamiselwe inkemba, enkembeni, labo labamiselwe indlala, endlaleni, labo labamiselwe kutfunjwa, ekutfunjweni.’ ” Simakadze utsi: “Ngiyawutfumela tinhlobo letine tebabhubhisi labatakulwa nabo: inkemba yekubulala, netinja tekuhudvulela khashane, netinyoni tasemoyeni, netilwane tesiganga tekushwabudzela nekubhubhisa. Ngiyakubenta benyanyeke kuyo yonkhe imibuso yemhlaba ngenca yaloko lokwentiwa eJerusalema nguManase, umsa waHezekiya, inkhosi yakaJuda. “Awu Jerusalema, ngubani lotakuhawukela? Ngubani lotakulilela? Ngubani loyakuma akubute kutsi unjani?” Simakadze utsi: “Ungilahlile mine. Ulibele kuchubeka nekuhlubuka. Ngako ngitawubeka tandla tami etikwakho, ngikubhubhise, ngingeke ngisaba nesihe kuwe. Ngiyakubahlunga ngemfologo yekuhlenga ngasemasangweni emadolobha elive. Ngitawuletsa sifo nembhubhiso esiveni sami, ngobe abakatiguculi tindlela tabo. Ngiyakwenta bafelokati babo babe banyenti kwendlula sihlabatsi saselwandle. Emini ngiyawuletsa umbhubhisi loyawucondzana nabonina bemajaha, ngekushesha ngibehlisele buhlungu nekutfutfumela. Unina webantfwana labasikhombisa uyawucaleka, aphefumule kwekugcina. Lilanga liyawumshonela emini, uyawutseleka ngelihlazo, adliwe ngemahloni. Ngiyawubulala insali yesive sami ngenkemba embikwetitsa tayo,” kusho Simakadze. Maye, make lowangitala, wangiletsa emhlabeni, indvodza, umhlaba wonkhe lowetama kumelana nayo! Angikebolekisi kantsi futsi angikeboleki, noko wonkhe umuntfu uyangicalekisa. Simakadze watsi: “Impela ngiyawukukhululela injongo lenhle, impela ngiyawukwenta titsa takho titincengele kuwe, ngetikhatsi tenhlekelele nangetikhatsi tenjabhiso. “Umuntfu angayephula yini insimbi, insimbi lephuma enyakatfo, nome litfusi?” “Bunjinga bakho nengcebo yakho ngitayinikela ibe yimphango lengabiti lutfo ngenca yato tonkhe tono takho kulo lonkhe live lakho. Ngiyawukugcilata ngetitsa takho, eveni longalati, ngobe lulaka lwami luyawulumeka umlilo loyawuvutsa umelane nani.” Awu Simakadze, uyacondza, ngikhumbule unginakekele. Ngiphindziselele kubahluphi bami. Uyakwati kubeketela, ungangilahleli khashane, yati kutsi ngisolwa kangakanani ngenca yakho. Emavi akho atsi nakefika kimi, ngawadla, aba yinjabulo yami nentfokoto yenhlitiyo yami, ngobe ngibitwa ngeLibito lakho, awu, Simakadze Nkulunkulu longuSomandla. Angizange sengihlale emkhambatsini webatsandzi bemadzili, angizange sengitijabulise kanye nabo. Ngahlala ngedvwana, ngobe sandla sakho sasisetikwami, wawungigcwalise ngentfukutselo enhlityweni. Kwentiwa yini kutsi iminjunju yami ingapheli, nelinceba lami libe libibitseka, futsi lingelapheki? Vele, kimi utawuba njengemfula lolite yini nanjengemtfombo lote emanti? Ngako-ke naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: “Nawuphendvuka, ngiyawukubutsa, khona utekungikhonta; nawukhuluma emavi lafanelekile, hhayi emavi langenamsebenti, uyawuba lincusa lami. Labantfu abagucukele kuwe, kodvwa wena ungagucukeli kubo. Ngiyawukwenta ube lubondza kulesive, yebo, lubondza lwelitfusi lolucinile: bayakulwa nawe kodvwa bangeke bakwehlule, ngobe nginawe kutsi ngikwephule ngibuye ngikusindzise,” kusho Simakadze. “Ngiyawukusindzisa etandleni talababi, ngikuhlenge ekubanjweni ngulabanelulaka.” Livi laSimakadze lase liyefika kimi, latsi: “Awuyikutitsatsela umfati, futsi awuyikuwatala emadvodzana nemadvodzakati kulendzawo.” Ngobe naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze ngemadvodzana nangemadvodzakati latalelwa kulelive, nangebafati lababonina nangemadvodza laboyise, utsi: “Bayawukufa babulawe sifo lesibulalanako. Abayiwulilelwa, futsi bangeke bangcwatjwe, kodvwa bayawuba njengemfucuta nje lelahlwe phansi. Bayawubhubha ngenkemba nangendlala, netidvumbu tabo tiyawuba kudla kwetinyoni tasemoyeni kanye nekwetilwane tesiganga.” Ngobe naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: “Ungangeni endlini lapho kunekudla kwemngcwabo, ungayi khona kuyawukhala, nome ukhombise kuvelana nabo, ngobe sengisisusile sibusiso sami, nelutsandvo lwami kanye neluvelo lwami kulabantfu,” kusho Simakadze. “Labaphakeme nalabaphansi bayawufela kulelive. Bangeke bangcwatjwe, futsi abayiwukhalelwa, futsi kute labayawubazilela nalabayawuhhula ngenca yabo. Kute naloyawuphekela labo labafukeme kuze batewudvudvuteka, ngisho nalonguyise nome longunina, kute naloyawubanika sinatfo sekubadvudvuta. “Ungangeni nasendlini lapho kunelidzili khona, uhlale phansi nabo, udle nabo, unatse nabo. Ngobe naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze longuSomandla, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, utsi: ‘Ngiyakwehlisela siphetfo, embikwemehlo enu nasemihleni yenu, siphetfo semisindvo yekujabula neyentfokoto, liphimbo lamakoti nelemyeni kulendzawo.’ “Nawubatjela tonkhe letintfo labantfu bese bayakubuta batsi: ‘Simakadze uwukhipheleni lomtsetfo lomelana natsi kangaka wesehlakalo lesikhulu kangaka? Soneni? Sono sini lesisentile kuSimakadze Nkulunkulu wetfu?’ Ubobe sewuyabatjela utsi: ‘Kungobe boyihlo bangilahla balandzela labanye bonkulunkulu, babasebentela, babakhonta. Bangifulatsela mine, bangete bawugcina umtsetfo wami, kusho Simakadze. Kodvwa nine senitiphetse kabi kakhulu kwendlula boyihlo. Bukani nje kutsi ngulowo nalowo wenu uyilandzela kanjani inkhani yenhlitiyo yakhe lembi, esikhundleni sekutsi ahloniphe mine. Ngako-ke ngitanikhipha kulelive, nginiyise eveni leningazange senilati, nine kanye naboyihlo; lapho-ke niyawufike nikhonte labanye bonkulunkulu busuku nemini, ngobe angisayikuniphatsa ngesihe.’ ” Simakadze utsi: “Noko, ayeta emalanga, lapho bantfu bangaseyikutsi: ‘Ngifunga kuphila kwaSimakadze, lowakhipha ema-Israyeli eveni laseGibhithe,’ kodvwa bayakutsi: ‘Ngifunga kuphila kwaSimakadze, lowakhipha ema-Israyeli eveni lasenyakatfo, nakuwo onkhe emave lapho abebacoshele khona.’ Ngobe ngiyakubabuyisela kulelo live lengalinika boyisemkhulu.” “Kodvwa nyalo sengitawutfumela badwebi babe banyenti, futsi batababamba baka-Israyeli. Emvakwaloko ngitawutfumela batingeli babe banyenti, batawubatingela yonkhe indzawo, ngisho nasetintsabeni, nasemagcumeni, nasemifantfwini yemadvwala,” kusho Simakadze. “Emehlo ami asetikwato tonkhe tindlela tabo, atikafihlakali kimi, nesono sabo asikasitsakali emehlweni ami. Ngitabaphindzisela ngalokuphindziwe ngenca yetono tabo nangebubi babo, ngobe balingcolisile live lami ngetinhlobonhlobo tetitfombe tabo letingenamphefumulo, bagcwalisa lifa lami ngetithico tabo letinengekako.” Awu Simakadze, mandla ami nesiphephelo sami, nqaba yami ngesikhatsi sekuhlupheka, tive tiyakuta kuwe tisuka emikhawulweni yonkhe yemhlaba, titsi: “Bobabe betfu babengenalutfo ngaphandle kwabonkulunkulu labalite, tithico letingenamsebenti letingazange setibentele lutfo loluhle. Umuntfu angatentela yini bonkulunkulu bakhe? Yebo, kodvwa abasibo bonkulunkulu!” “Ngako-ke ngitabafundzisa, yebo, kulesikhatsi ngitabafundzisa emandla ami, yebo, emandla ami lamakhulu. Batawube sebayati-ke kutsi mine nginguSimakadze libito lami.” “Sono saJuda sicoshwe ngelutsi lwensimbi, sabhalwa ngesihloko sedayimane etibhebheni tetinhlitiyo tabo nasetimphondvweni temalati abo. Ngisho nebantfwababo bakhumbula emalati abo netinsika tabo-Ashera, eceleni kwetihlahla letendlala emagala ato, nasemagcumeni laphakeme, nasetintsabeni tesiganga. Bunjinga benu nayo yonkhe imicebo yenu ngiyakuyisaphata njengemphango, kanye netindzawo tenu letiphakeme, ngenca yetono kulo lonkhe live lenu. Ngenca yemacala enu niyawulahlekelwa lifa lenganinika lona. Ngitanigcilata ngetitsa tenu eveni leningalati, ngobe niluchukulutile lulaka lwami, futsi lutanivutsela phakadze naphakadze.” Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: “Ucalekisiwe umuntfu lowetsembela kumuntfu, umuntfu lowencike emandleni alomunye umuntfu, nalonhlitiyo yakhe imfulatsela Simakadze. Uyawufanana nesihlahla eveni lelingenalutfo; angeke ayibone imphumelelo nayitako. Uyawulibala kuhlala emacwatseni etindzawo tasehlane, eveni lelimunyu, lapho kukhala libhungane khona. “Kodvwa ubusisiwe umuntfu lowetsembela kuSimakadze, lotsemba lakhe linguSimakadze. Uyawufanana nesihlahla lesihlanyelwe ngasemfuleni wemanti, lesenabisela timphandze taso ngasemfuleni. Asesabi nakuta kushisa, emacembe aso ahlala aluhlata. Asihlupheki nangemnyaka wesomiso, asihlali singatseli titselo taso.” Inhlitiyo iyayengana ngetulu kwato tonkhe tintfo, futsi yonakele ngalokwengcile. Ngubani nje longayicondza? “Mine Simakadze ngiphenya inhlitiyo, ngihlolisise nengcondvo, kuze ngimvuze umuntfu njengekwekutiphatsa kwakhe nanjengekwemisebenti yakhe.” Njengentsendzele lechobosele emacandza lengakawataleli, unjalo umuntfu lotfola bunjinga ngetindlela letingakalungi. Kuyawutsi nakasekhatsi nekhatsi nemphilo yakhe bumhlamuke, ekugcineni abonakale asasilima. Sihlalo lesicwebetelako sebukhosi lesaphakanyiswa kusukela ekucaleni, yindzawo yetfu lengcwele. Awu, Simakadze, tsemba lema-Israyeli, bonkhe labakushiyako bayawuhlazeka. Labo labakufulatselako bayawubhalwa elutfulini, ngobe bamshiyile Simakadze, umtfombo wemanti laphilako. Awu, Simakadze, ngelaphe, ngitawuphila, ngephule, ngitawusindziswa, ngobe nguwe lengimdvumisako. Balibala kungibuta batsi: “Liphi livi laSimakadze? Aligcwaliseke-ke nyalo!” Angikakubalekeli kuba ngumelusi wakho, uyati kutsi angikalilangateleli lilanga lekuphelelwa litsemba. Loko lokwendlula etindzebeni temlomo wami kusebaleni emehlweni akho. Ungabi silwane kimi, ngobe usiphephelo sami ngelilanga lesehlakalo. Bahluphi bami abatseleke ngelihlazo, kodvwa mine ungikhweshise ehlazweni, abesatjiswe bona, kodvwa mine ngingesatjiswa. Yehlisela etikwabo lilanga lenhlekelele, babhubhise ngembhubhiso lephindvwe kabili. Naku lokwashiwo nguSimakadze kimi, watsi: “Hamba ume esangweni lalabantfu, lapho emakhosi akaJuda aphuma angena khona, ume nakuwo onkhe emasango aseJerusalema. Batjele, utsi: ‘Vanini livi laSimakadze, nine makhosi akaJuda, nani nonkhe bantfu bakaJuda, nani nonkhe lenihlala eJerusalema, leniphuma ningena kulamasango. Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: Caphelani ningawetfwali umtfwalo ngeliSabatha, nome niwungenise emasangweni aseJerusalema. Ningayetfwali imitfwalo niphume nayo etindlini tenu, nome-ke nente leminye nje imisebenti ngeliSabatha, kodvwa gcinani lilanga leliSabatha libe ngcwele, njengaloku ngayala boyihlomkhulu. Noko abazange bangilalele, abanginakanga nekunginaka; baba nenkhani, bangete bangilalela, futsi abazange baphendvuke nome sebajeziswa. “ ‘Simakadze utsi: Kodvwa nanicaphela ningilalele ningete nangenisa imitfwalo emasangweni alelidolobha nakuliSabatha, kodvwa nigcine liSabatha lingcwele, ngekungenti namunye umsebenti ngalelo langa, ngako-ke emakhosi lahlala esihlalweni sebukhosi saDavide, ayawungena ngemasango alelidolobha akanye netindvuna tawo. Wona kanye netindvuna tawo ayawuta agibele tincola temphi kanye nemahhashi, baphekeletelwa bantfu bakaJuda nalabo labahlala eJerusalema; lelidolobha seliyawuhlala linebantfu phakadze naphakadze. Bantfu bayawuchamuka emadolobheni akaJuda, kanye nasetabelweni letitungelete iJerusalema, naseveni lakaBhenjamini, nasemaceleni angasenshonalanga, naseveni letintsaba, naseNegevu, beta baletsa iminikelo yekushiswa nemihlatjelo, neminikelo yalokutinhlavu, nemphepho kanye neminikelo yekubonga endlini yaSimakadze. Kodvwa naningangilaleli mine, kutsi nigcine liSabatha lami lingcwele ngekutsi ningetfwali nalomncane umtfwalo ngesikhatsi nisangena emasangweni aseJerusalema ngeliSabatha, ngako ngiyawube sengilumeka umlilo longacimeki emasangweni aseJerusalema, loyawudla netinqaba tayo.’ ” Leli livi lelefika kuJeremiya liphuma kuSimakadze, litsi: “Yehlela endlini yembumbi, ngulapho-ke lapho ngitakunikela khona umlayeto wami.” Ngako-ke ngehlela endlini yembumbi, ngamkhandza enta umsebenti wakhe esondvweni. Kodvwa imbita labeyibumba ngelibumba yonakala etandleni takhe, ngako lombumbi wase ubumba lenye inhlobo yembita, kwaya ngekubona kwemehlo akhe kutsi ufuna ibe njani. Livi laSimakadze lase liyefika kimi, latsi: “Awu, wenandlu yaka-Israyeli, ngingete ngenta yini kini njengaloku kwenta lombumbi?” kusho Simakadze. “Njengelibumba etandleni tembumbi, ninjalo nani esandleni sami, ninendlu yaka-Israyeli. Nome ngangusiphi sikhatsi nangimemetela kutsi sive nome umbuso utawuzushunwa, ubhidlitwe uze ubhubhe, nangabe futsi leso sive lengisecwayisile siphendvuka ebubini baso, ngiyawube sengiyasiyekela, ngingabe ngisasehlisela leso sehlakalo lebesengisilungisele sona. Futsi-ke nangabe ngalesinye sikhatsi sengimemetela kutsi sive nome umbuso utakwakhiwa usime kahle, nase sibuye senta bubi emehlweni ami, sangete sangilalela mine, ngiyawube sengiyasiyekela ngingabe ngisasentela loko lokuhle lebesengikulungisele sona. “Manje-ke khuluma kulabantfu bakaJuda nakulabo labakhile eJerusalema, utsi: ‘Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: Bukani la, ngilungiselela kunehlisela inhlekelele, nginibumbele luzungu. Ngako-ke phendvukani etindleleni tenu letimbi, ngulowo nalowo wenu aphendvuke, nitigucule tindlela tenu netento tenu.’ Kodvwa bayawuphendvula batsi: ‘Akunamsebenti. Sitatichubekela ngemasu etfu, ngulowo nalowo wetfu utatichubekela ngenkhani yenhlitiyo yakhe lembi.’ ” Ngako-ke naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: “Butani kuletinye tive nitsi: ‘Ngubani lowake weva ngentfo lenje?’ Intfo leyesabeka kakhulu yentiwe yiNtfombi lengu-Israyeli. Sitfwatfwa saseLebanoni sake sanyamalala yini emawukeleni ayo langemadvwala? Emanti awo lapholile, latiyalu tawo tikhashane, ake ema yini angete ageleta? Noko sive sami singilahlile mine; satfuncisa imphepho etithicweni letingenamsebenti, letabakhubatelisa etindleleni tabo nasemikhondvweni yakadzeni. Tabahambisa ngetindlela letijubako nangemigwaco lengakakhiwa kahle. Live labo liyawusala likhala libhungane, libe yintfo yekuba yinhlekisa; bonkhe labendlulako bayawumangala banikine tinhloko. Njengemoya wasemphumalanga, ngiyawubasakata embikwetitsa tabo; ngiyawubafulatsela, ngingabheki ngakubo, ngelilanga lesehlakalo sabo.” Batsi: “Wotani sente lisu ngaJeremiya, ngobe imfundziso yemtsetfo lefundziswa baphristi ngeke ize iphele, naleteluleko tetihlakaniphi, nalelivi leliphuma kubaphrofethi. Ngako buyani simhlasele ngemagama etfu, singayinaki yonkhe lentfo layishoko.” Awu Simakadze, ngiyacela ungilalele! Vani kutsi batsini, bahluphi bami! Kufanele yini kutsi lokuhle kukhokhelwe ngalokubi? Noko bangimbele umgodzi. Khumbula kutsi ngema embikwakho ngabancengela kuwe kutsi ngincandze lulaka lwakho kubo. Ngako-ke nikela bantfwababo endlaleni, banikele emandleni enkemba. Yenta bafati babo bemukwe bantfwababo babe bafelokati, emadvodza abo akabulawe ngesifo lesibulalanako, emajaha abo ajutjwe ngenkemba emphini. Akuvakale kukhala emakhaya abo, ngesikhatsi nawutfumela bahlaseli kubo, ngobe bangimbele umgodzi wekungigcumukisela, bangibekele tingibe tekungigila. Awu Simakadze, kodvwa wena uyawati onkhe lamasu abo labafuna kungibulala ngawo. Ungawatsetseleli lamacala abo, futsi-ke ungacali utesule leto tono tabo embikwakho. Abaketulwe embikwakho, bavukele ngesikhatsi sentfukutselo yakho. Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: “Hamba uyewutsenga ludziwo lapha kumbumbi. Tsatsa labanye balabadzala kanye nebebaphristi, uphumele eSigodzini sakaBheni Hinomu, lesisekungeneni kweLisango leLudzengelo. Ufike lapho umemetele nangu umlayeto lengikutjela wona, utsi: ‘Vanini nali livi laSimakadze, nine makhosi akaJuda, nani bantfu baseJerusalema. Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze longuSomandla, Nkulunkulu wesive sema-Israyeli, utsi: Lalelani! Ngitakwehlisela inhlekelele kulendzawo letakwenta kutsi tonkhe tindlebe letiyakuva ngayo tilume. Ngobe bangishiyile mine, benta lendzawo yaba yabonkulunkulu betive, bashise imihlatjelo kuyo kubonkulunkulu labangabati, bona kanye naboyisemkhulu, ngisho nemakhosi akaJuda, bagcwalise lendzawo ngengati lengenacala. Bakhe tindzawo letiphakeme tekukhontela boBhali, bentela kushisa emadvodzana abo emlilweni abe ngiminikelo kuBhali, intfo lengingazange sengibayale ngayo futsi lengingazange sengiyisho, nalengazange seyifike nasengcondvweni yami. Ngako-ke caphelani, ayeta emalanga lapho bantfu bangasayikuyibita khona lendzawo ngekutsi yiThofethi nome batsi Sigodzi sakaBheni Hinomu, kodvwa sebayawutsi Sigodzi Sekuhlatjwa, kusho Simakadze. “ ‘Emacebo akaJuda ngiyakuwahhihlitela kulendzawo kanye newaseJerusalema. Ngiyawubenta bawe ngenkemba embikwetitsa tabo, ngetandla talabo labatfungatsana netimphilo tabo, ngiyawunika tidvumbu tabo tibe kudla kwetinyoni tasemoyeni kanye nekwetilwane tesiganga. Ngiyawulibhidlita lelidolobha, ngilente libe yintfo yekuhlekisa; bonkhe labendlulako bayawumangala kakhulu, bahleke lusulu ngenca yemanceba alo. Ngiyawubenta badle inyama yemadvodzana abo neyemadvodzakati abo, badle ngulowo nalowo inyama yemnakabo, ngenca yencindzetelo yekuvinjetelwa lokuyabe kwentiwa titsa letitfungatsana netimphilo tabo.’ “Bese-ke ubhidlita loludziwo embikwalabo lotabe uhamba nabo bakubukile, utsi kubo: ‘Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze longuSomandla, utsi: Ngitasibhidlita lesive kanye nalelidolobha njengaloludziwo lwalombumbi lolubhidlitiwe, futsi lolungasayiwuphindze luvusetelwe kabusha. Bayawungcwaba labafile babo eThofethi, bagcwale kuze kubete nendzawo yekubembela. Nako-ke lengitakwenta kulendzawo nakulabo labahlala kuyo, kusho Simakadze: Lelidolobha ngitalenta lifanane neThofethi. Emakhaya laseJerusalema nalawo emakhosi akaJuda, ayawungcola njengalendzawo, iThofethi, yebo, tonkhe tindlu lapho batfuncisele khona imphepho eluphahleni, batfuncisela emabutfo etinkhanyeti tasemazulwini, batfulula iminikelo yetinatfo kulabanye bonkulunkulu!’ ” Jeremiya wase uyancandzeka esuka eThofethi, lapho abetfunywe khona nguSimakadze kutsi ayewuphrofetha, wema esibuyeni selithempeli laSimakadze wakhuluma kubantfu watsi: “Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze longuSomandla, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, utsi: ‘Lalelani! Ngitatehlisela kulelidolobha nakuto tonkhe tabelo talo, tonkhe tehlakalo lengitimemetelele ngabo, kumelana nabo, ngobe babe nenkhani, bangete bawalalela emavi ami.’ ” Kwatsi umphristi Phashuri, umsa wa-Imeri, indvuna lenkhulu yasethempelini laSimakadze, nakeva Jeremiya aphrofetha ngaletintfo, watsi akushaywe Jeremiya, umphrofethi, abanjwe afakwe esitokisini lesingaseSangweni LakaBhenjamini Lelisetulu lelalisethempelini laSimakadze. Kwatsi ngakusasa nase Phashuri akhulule Jeremiya esitokisini, Jeremiya watsi kuPhashuri: “Libito lakho kuSimakadze akusesiye Phashuri, kodvwa sewunguMagori Misabibi. Ngobe nguloko lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: ‘Ngitakwenta ube sesabiso ngisho nakuwe cobo lwakho nakubo bonkhe bangani bakho; uyakubabona ngewakho emehlo bawa ngenkemba babulawa titsa tabo. Ngiyawuniketela wonkhe Juda enkhosini yaseBhabhulona, leyawubetfwala iye nabo eBhabhulona nome ibabulale ngenkemba. Ngiyawubunikela bonkhe bunjinga balelidolobha etitseni tabo, sonkhe sivuno salo, konkhe kwalo lokuligugu, nayo yonkhe ingcebo yemakhosi akaJuda. Bayakuyitsatsa bahambe nayo ibe yimphango yabo, bayetfwale baye nayo eBhabhulona. Wena-ke Phashuri, nabo bonkhe basekhaya kakho, niyawutfunjelwa eBhabhulona. Niyawufike nifele khona lapho, ningcwatjwe khona, wena kanye nabo bonkhe labangani bakho lophrofethe kubo emanga.’ ” Awu Simakadze, wangiyenga, nami ngayengeka, wangehlula ngemandla, waphumelela. Nyalo sengiyinhlekisa kubantfu lonkhe lilanga, bonkhe bantfu bayangiphukuta. Njalo nje nangikhuluma, ngikhala ngimemetela kulwa nembhubhiso. Ngako livi laSimakadze selingitsele ngenhlamba nenhlekisa lonkhe lilanga. Kodvwa nangitsi: “Ngingeke ngisambita, futsi ngeke ngisakhuluma egameni lakhe,” livi lakhe lisenhlitiyweni yami lishisa njengemlilo lovalelwe ematsanjeni ami. Sengidziniwe kulibandzetela ngekhatsi kimi, ngempela angisakhoni. Ngiva bayahebeta labanyenti batsi: “Sesabiso yonkhe indzawo! Mcebe! Asimcebe!” Bonkhe bangani bami balindzele mine kutsi ngishelele, batsi: “Mhlawumbe utawuyengeka; khona sitawube sesiyamehlula, sitiphindzisele kuye.” Kodvwa Simakadze ume ngakimi njengelichawe lemphi lelinemandla; ngako-ke bahluphi bami bayawukhubatela, ngeke baphumelele. Batakwehluleka batseleke ngalelikhulu lihlazo, badliwe ngemahloni langayiwuphindze akhohlakale. Awu Simakadze, longuSomandla, wena lohlola lolungile, uphenye inhlitiyo nengcondvo, angikubone kuphindzisela kwakho kubo, ngobe indzaba yami sengiyiniketele kuwe. Hlabelani kuSimakadze! Mnikeni ludvumo Simakadze! Uyatephula timphilo talabeswele, yebo, ubasindzisa etandleni talababi. Alicalekiswe lilanga lengatalwa ngalo! Lilanga langibeleka ngalo make alingabi ngulelibusisiwe! Akacalekiswe umuntfu lowabikela babe, lowamjabulisa kakhulu nakatsi: “Utalelwe umntfwana, ngumfana!” Lowo muntfu akafanane nemadolobha labhidlitwa nguSimakadze angasenasihawu nawo. Akeve sililo ekuseni, nenhlabamkhosi emini. Ngobe akazange angibulalele esiswini, ente make wami kube ngulona thuna lami, sinye sakhe senwebeka phakadze. Ngangiphumelani vele esiswini? Ngaphumela kubona inhlupheko nelusizi, nekucedzela emalanga ami ehlazweni yini? Livi laSimakadze lefika kuJeremiya ngesikhatsi inkhosi Sedekiya itfumela kuye boPhashuri, umsa waMalkhiya, nemphristi Zefaniya, umsa waMaseya. Bafike batsi: “Ase usibutele nyalo kuSimakadze, ngobe naku Nebukhadnezari, inkhosi yaseBhabhulona, sewuyasihlasela. Mhlawumbe Simakadze utawusentela timanga njengasetikhatsini takadzeni, khona Nebukhadnezari atawusiyekela.” Kodvwa Jeremiya wabaphendvula, watsi: “Tjelani Sedekiya, nitsi: ‘Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, utsi: Sengitanijikela ngilwe nani ngetikhali temphi letisetandleni tenu, lenitisebentisako ekulweni nenkhosi yaseBhabhulona kanye nemaBhabhulona lanivimbetele langephandle kwelubondza. Ngitatihlanganisa ndzawonye ngekhatsi kwalelidolobha. Mine matfupha ngiyakulwa nani ngesandla leselulekile, nangengalo lenemandla, nangentfukutselo, nangesikhahlo, nangelulaka lolukhulu. Ngiyawushaya labo labahlala kulelidolobha, emadvodza netilwane, bayakufa babulawe sifo lesibulalanako. Simakadze utsi: Emvakwaloko Sedekiya, inkhosi yakaJuda, netindvuna tayo, nebantfu balelidolobha labayawusindza kulesifo lesibulalanako, nenkemba, nendlala, ngiyakubanikela kuNebukhadnezari, inkhosi yaseBhabhulona, nasetitseni tabo letifunana nemphilo yabo. Uyawubabulala ngenkemba, angabi naso nakancane nje sihawu, nesihe kanye neluvela.’ ” Simakadze wakhuluma kuJeremiya, watsi: “Tjela sive, utsi: ‘Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: Buka la, ngibeka embikwakho indlela yekuphila neyekufa. Ngulowo nalowo loyawusala kulelidolobha uyakufa ngenkemba, nangendlala, nangesifo lesibulalanako. Kodvwa ngulowo nalowo lophuma atinikele kulamaBhabhulona lanivimbetele, uyawuphila; uyawusindzisa kuphila kwakhe. Ngitimisele kwenta lokubi kulelidolobha, hhayi lokuhle, kusho Simakadze. Liyawuniketelwa etandleni tenkhosi yaseBhabhulona, ilibhubhise ngemlilo.’ ” “Ngetulu kwaloko, khuluma kulendlu yenkhosi yakaJuda, utsi: ‘Vanini livi laSimakadze, awu, wenandlu yakaDavide, naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: “ ‘Sebentisani umtsetfocotfo njalo nje ekuseni; nimephule esandleni semcindzeteli lowo lodlelelwe; ngaphandle kwaloko intfukutselo yami itawuvuka ivutse njengemlilo ngenca yebubi lenibentile, yebo, ivutse kubete nalongayicima. Ngiphambene nawe, Jerusalema, wena lohlala ngetulu kwalesihosha entsabeni lengemadvwala, kusho Simakadze. Nine lenikhulumako, nitsi: “Ngubani nje longasihlasela? Ngubani longangena kulenqaba yetfu?” Ngitanijezisa njengobe nifanelwe tento tenu. Emahlatsi enu ngitawokhela ngemlilo lotawucotfula konkhe lokusedvute nani, kusho Simakadze.’ ” Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: “Yehla uye esigodlweni senkhosi yakaJuda ukhulume khona nali livi, utsi: ‘Vani livi laSimakadze, wena nkhosi yakaJuda, wena lohlala esihlalweni saDavide sebukhosi, wena, netindvuna takho, nebantfu bakho labangena kulamasango. Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: Yentani loko lokucotfo nalokulungile. Nimephule esandleni semcindzeteli wakhe lowo lodlelelwe. Ningakwenti lokubi nome nimphatse ngebudlova lowo losihambi nalongenayise, nemfelokati, futsi ningayicitsi ingati yemuntfu longenacala kulendzawo. Nangabe ninakekele kuyenta lemiyalo, lawo makhosi lahlala esihlalweni sebukhosi saDavide ayawungena kulamasango alesigodlo, agibele tincola temphi nemahhashi, aphekeletelwa tindvuna tawo nebantfu bawo. Kodvwa nangabe aniyihloniphi lemiyalo, ngifunga ngami kutsi lesigodlo sitawuba tindzala, kusho Simakadze.’ ” Ngobe naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze ngesigodlo senkhosi yakaJuda, utsi: “Nome ufanana neGileyadi kimi, ufanana nesicongo saseLebanoni, impela ngiyakukwenta ufanane nelihlane, ufanane nemadolobha langahlalwa ngumuntfu. Ngiyawutfumela babhubhisi batekulwa nawe, lowo nalowo ngetikhali takhe, bayakuwageca lamakabha akho lamahle emsedari bawalahle emlilweni. “Bantfu labaphuma etiveni letinyenti bayawukwendlula eceleni kwalelidolobha babutane batsi: ‘Simakadze uyenteleni intfo lenjena kulelidolobha lelikhulu kangaka?’ Imphendvulo yabo iyawutsi: ‘Kungobe basilahla sivumelwane saSimakadze Nkulunkulu wabo, bakhonta labanye bonkulunkulu, basebentela bonkulunkulu labanye.’ ” Ningayikhaleli lenkhosi lefile, ningakulileli futsi nekulahlekelwa ngiyo, lokungenani, mkhaleleni kakhulu lowo lotfunjiwe, ngobe angeke aphindze abuye futsi, angeke aphindze alibone live lakhe latalelwa kulo. Ngobe naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze ngaShalumi, umsa waJosaya, lowalandzela uyise waba yinkhosi yakaJuda, kodvwa losahambile lapha kulendzawo, utsi: “Angeke aphindze abuye. Uyawufela kuleyo ndzawo lapho bamtfumbele khona; angeke aphindze alibone futsi lelive lakhe.” “Nako kulowo lowakha sigodlo sakhe, asakhe ngebubi, lowakha emakamelo akhe lasetulu ngebuhumusha, lowenta takhamiti takhe tisebentele lite, angatikhokheli ngekusebenta kwato. Nako kulowo lokhuluma atsi: ‘Ngitatakhela sigodlo lesikhulu lesitawuba nemakamelo lamakhulu lasetulu.’ Ngako utentela emafasitelo lamakhulu kuso asembese ngemsedari, asihlobise nangalokubovu. “Kukwenta inkhosi yini kuba nemisedari leminyenti? Uyihlo akazange abe nekudla nekwekunatsa yini? Wenta loko lokulungile nalokucotfo, ngako konkhe kwamhambela kahle. Wammelela lophuyile naloweswele, ngako konkhe kwamhambela kahle. Loko akusho kona yini kwati mine?” kusho Simakadze. “Kodvwa emehlo akho nenhlitiyo yakho uwabeke enzuzweni lembi, ekucitseni ingati yalongenacala, yebo, nasencindzetelweni nasekudizeni.” Ngako-ke naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze ngaJehoyakimu, umsa waJosaya, inkhosi yakaJuda, utsi: “Bangeke bamlilele, batsi: ‘Awu, mnaketfu! Awu, dzadzewetfu!’ Bangeke bamlilele, batsi: ‘Awu, nkhosi yami! Awu, buhle bakhe!’ Uyawungcatjwa njengembongolo, ahudvulwe alahlwe le khashane, ngephandle kwemasango aseJerusalema.” “Yenyuka uye eLebanoni, umemete, liphimbo lakho alivakale eBhashani, khala use-Abarimu, ngobe bonkhe bangani bakho bapitjitiwe. Ngakwecwayisa ngesikhatsi usativela uphephile, kodvwa wena watsi: ‘Ngingeke ngilalele!’ Lena bekunguyona ndlela yakho kusukela kwasebusheni bakho, awuzange ungilalele. Umoya uyawubaphephula bonkhe belusi bakho, nebangani bakho bayawutfunjwa. Uyawuba nemahloni uhlazeke ngenca yabo bonkhe bubi bakho. Wena lohlala ‘eLebanoni,’ lotitfukuse etindlini temisedari, maye uyawufa kuquma kanjani nase wehlelwa tinhlungu, tinhlungu letifanana netemhelo wemfati nakabeleka!” Simakadze utsi: “Kuphila kwami, ngisho nawe Jehoyakhini, msa waJehoyakimu, inkhosi yakaJuda, bewuyindandatho yeluphawu esandleni sami sekudla, nanyalo ngisengakudvonsa ngikususe. Ngitakwetfula kulabo labafuna kuphila kwakho, kulabo lobesabako, kuNebukhadnezari, inkhosi yaseBhabhulona, nakumaBhabhulona. Wena nenyoko lowakutala ngitanikhukhulela kulelinye live, lapho ningatalelwanga khona nobabili, ngulapho niyawufela khona. Ningeke niphindze nibuye kulelive lenifisa kubuyela kulo.” Lendvodza lenguJehoyakhini iyedzeleleka yini, ilibhodo lelephukile yini, nome iyintfo lengafunwa ngumuntfu yini? Pho, yena nebantfwabakhe batawukhukhulelwani bakhishwe, bese balahlelwa eveni labangalati? Awu live, live, live, vani livi laSimakadze! Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: “Bhalisa lendvodza njengalete umntfwana, indvodza lengeke ichume emphilweni yayo, ngobe kute lokutalwa ngiyo lokuyawuchuma, kute loyawuhlala esihlalweni sebukhosi saDavide nome aphindze abuse kaJuda.” Simakadze utsi: “Naku kulabo belusi lababulala basakate timvu telidlelo lami!” Ngako-ke naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, longuNkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, kubelusi labelusa bantfu bami, utsi: “Njengobe senisakate lomhlambi wami nawuyisa le khashane, nangete nawunakekela, ngitanehlisela sijeziso, ngaloko lokubi lenikwentile,” kusho Simakadze. “Mine matfupha ngiyawutibutsela lensali yemhlambi wami emaveni onkhe, lapho ngiwusakatele khona, ngiwubuyisele edlelweni lawo, lapho uyawukwandza khona, ukhule wandze ngesibalo. Ngiyawubeka etikwawo belusi labayakuwunakekela, ungeke uphindze wesabe nome wetfuswe lutfo, futsi kute nayinye leyawulahleka,” kusho Simakadze. Simakadze utsi: “Ayeta emalanga, lapho ngiyawukuvusela khona Davide Ligala lelilungile, iNkhosi leyawubusa ngekuhlakanipha, yente lokucotfo nalokulungile eveni. Ngalawo malanga ayo Juda uyawusindziswa, na-Israyeli uyawuhlala aphephile. Leli libito lakhe layawubitwa ngalo, kutsiwe: Simakadze Kulunga Kwetfu.” Simakadze utsi: “Ngako-ke ayeta emalanga, lapho bantfu bangeyikube basasho khona, batsi: ‘Kuphila kwaSimakadze, lowakhipha ema-Israyeli eGibhithe,’ kodvwa bayawutsi: ‘Kuphila kwaSimakadze, lowakhipha titukulwane taka-Israyeli eveni lelingasenyakatfo nakuwo onkhe emave lapho abeticoshele khona,’ tiyawube setihlala eveni lato.” Macondzana nebaphrofethi: Inhlitiyo yami yephukile ngekhatsi kwami; onkhe ematsambo ami ayatfutfumela. Ngifanana nemuntfu lodzakiwe, yebo, umuntfu lowehlulwe liwayini, ngenca yaSimakadze nemavi akhe langcwele. Live ligcwele tiphingi; ngenca yesicalekiso live ligagadzekile, nemadlelo asehlane asahangukile. Baphrofethi balandzela bubi, basebentise ligunya labo ngalokungekho emtsetfweni. “Umphrofethi kanye nemphristi, bobabili, abakholwa kuNkulunkulu, ngisho nasethempelini ngitfola bubi babo,” kusho Simakadze. “Ngako-ke indlela yabo itawushelela, bayawutfunjelwa ebumnyameni, lapho bayawuwela khona. Ngiyakwehlisela inhlekelele etikwabo ngemnyaka labayawujeziswa ngawo,” kusho Simakadze. “Emkhatsini webaphrofethi baseSamariya ngayibona lentfo leyenyanyekako: Babephrofetha egameni laBhali, bedukisa bantfu bami ema-Israyeli. Emkhatsini webaphrofethi baseJerusalema ngabona intfo leyesabekako: Benta buphingi, baphile imphilo lengemanga. Bacinisa tandla talabenta lokubi, kuze kutsi kubete ngisho namunye lophendvukako ebubini bakhe. Bonkhe bafanana neSodoma kimi, bantfu baseJerusalema bafanana neGomora.” Ngako-ke naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze Somandla macondzana nebaphrofethi, utsi: “Ngiyawubenta badle kudla lokubabako banatse nemanti lanashevu, ngobe kusukela kubaphrofethi baseJerusalema kungamesabi Nkulunkulu sekwandze nalo lonkhe live.” Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze Somandla, utsi: “Ningakulaleli lokuphrofethwa baphrofethi kini, banigcwalisa ngematsemba langemanga. Bakhuluma imibono yetingcondvo tabo, hhayi lokuphuma emlonyeni waSimakadze. Bachubeka bakhulume kulabangedzelelako batsi: ‘Simakadze utsi: Nitawuba nekuthula.’ Kubo bonkhe labalandzela inkhani yetinhlitiyo tabo, batsi: ‘Kute lokubi lokutanehlela.’ “Kodvwa ngubani emkhatsini wabo loke wema ebandleni laSimakadze kutsi abone nome eve livi lakhe? Ngubani lolalele weva livi lakhe? Buka la, sivunguvungu saSimakadze sitawubhamuka ngelulaka lwakhe, siwunguwungwana lesihhushako sehlele etinhloko talababi. Intfukutselo yaSimakadze ingeke incandzeke, aze akufeze loko lokujongwe yinhlitiyo yakhe. Kulawo malanga letako niyawukucondzisisa kahle loko. Angizange sengibatfume labaphrofethi, noko bagijime nemilayeto yabo; angizange sengikhulume kubo, noko sebaphrofethile. Kodvwa kube bebeme ebandleni lami, ngabe bamemetele emavi ami kubantfu bami, futsi ngabe babancandzile etindleleni tabo letimbi kanye nasetentweni tabo letikhohlakele.” Simakadze utsi: “Kantsi mine nginguNkulunkulu losedvute kuphela yini? Angisiye yini futsi Nkulunkulu lokhashane? Ukhona yini longabhaca etindzaweni letisitsele, entele kutsi ngingamboni?” kusho Simakadze. “Angikaligcwalisi yini lizulu nemhlaba?” kusho Simakadze. “Ngikuvile loko lokushiwo baphrofethi, nabaphrofetha emanga egameni lami. Batsi: ‘Ngiphuphile! Ngiphuphile!’ Loku kutawuchubeka kuze kube ngunini etinhlitiyweni talabaphrofethi labacala emanga, labaphrofetha inkhohliso yetingcondvo tabo? Bacabanga kutsi lamaphupho labatjelana wona atakwenta labantfu bami balikhohlwe Libito lami, njengobe naboyise balikhohlwa Libito lami ngekukhonta Bhali. Umphrofethi loneliphupho akakhulume liphupho lakhe, kodvwa lowo lonelivi lami akakhulume lona ngekwetsembeka. Ngobe empeleni emakhoba ayini nje kukolo?” kusho Simakadze. “Livi lami alinjengawo yini umlilo? Kona alinjengaso yini sandvo, sona lesibhidlita lidvwala libe ticucu?” kusho Simakadze. Simakadze utsi: “Ngako-ke, ngiphambene nebaphrofethi labebelana emavi lekutsiwa akhulunywe ngimi.” Simakadze utsi: “Yebo, ngimelene nebaphrofethi labajikitisa tilwimi tabo babe bakhuluma batsi: ‘Simakadze uyakhuluma.’ Impela ngimelene nalabo labaphrofetha emaphupho langemanga,” kusho Simakadze. “Bayabalandzisa bedukise bantfu bami ngemanga abo ebudlabha; noko angikabatfumi, futsi angikababeki. Labantfu ababasiti ngalutfo ngisho nangalokuncane nje,” kusho Simakadze. “Nangabe labantfu nome umphrofethi nome umphristi akubuta atsi: ‘Sitsini siphrofetho saSimakadze?’ ubobaphendvula utsi: ‘Siphi siphrofetho? Ngitanilahla, kusho Simakadze.’ Nangabe umphrofethi nome umphristi nome ngubani atisholo atsi: ‘Nasi siphrofetho saSimakadze,’ lowo muntfu ngiyakumjezisa kanye nemndeni wakhe. Naku nine nonkhe lenivame kukusho ngulowo nalowo kumngani wakhe nome esihlotjeni sakhe, nitsi: ‘Itsini imphendvulo yaSimakadze?’ nome: ‘Simakadze ukhulume watsini?’ Kodvwa ningacali nisisho ‘siphrofetho saSimakadze’ futsi, ngobe emavi alowo nalowo muntfu aba sembulo sakhe, ngaloko nibese niyawaguculela emavi aNkulunkulu lophilako, Simakadze Somandla, Nkulunkulu wetfu. Naku lenivame kukusho kumphrofethi, nitsi: ‘Itsini imphendvulo yaSimakadze kuwe?’ nome: ‘Simakadze ukhulumeni?’ Nome ningasho nitsi: ‘Lesi sembulo saSimakadze,’ naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze: Nasebentisa emavi latsi: ‘Lesi sembulo saSimakadze,’ lite nome nganitjela kutsi ningasho nitsi: ‘Lesi sembulo saSimakadze.’ Ngako-ke ngitanikhohlwa ngempela nginisuse ebukhoneni bami, nine kanye nalelo dolobha lenganipha lona, nine kanye naboyihlo benu. Ngitakwehlisela etikwenu lihlazo laphakadze, yebo lihlazo laphakadze lelingeke likhohlakale.” Emvakwekutsi Jehoyakhini, umsa waJehoyakimu, inkhosi yakaJuda, netindvuna, nebakhandzi betinsimbi kanye nebabati labatingcweti kaJuda sebatfunjiwe eJerusalema bayiswa eBhabhulona nguNebukhadnezari, inkhosi yaseBhabhulona, Simakadze wangibonisa titja letimbili temakhiwa tibekwe embikwelithempeli laSimakadze. Lesinye saletitja sasinemakhiwa lamahle kakhulu, afanana nalasheshe avutfwa. Lesinye sasinemakhiwa lamabi kakhulu, amabi kangangekutsi abengeke adleke. Simakadze wangibuta watsi: “Ye Jeremiya, ubonani?” Mine ngaphendvula ngatsi: “Ngibona emakhiwa. Lawa lamahle, mahle kakhulu, kodvwa lawa lamabi, mabi kangangekutsi angeke adleke.” Livi laSimakadze lefika kimi, latsi: “Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, utsi: ‘Njengalamakhiwa lamahle, labatfunjiwe bakaJuda ngibabuka kanjalo nabo, labo lengabesusa kulendzawo ngabatfumela eveni lemaBhabhulona. Emehlo ami ayawubelusa kube lusito kubo, ngiyawuphindze ngibabuyise kulelive. Ngiyawubakha ngingababhidliti; yebo, ngiyawubahlanyela ngingabazuphuni. Ngiyawubapha inhlitiyo yekwati mine kutsi mine nginguSimakadze. Bayawuba bantfu bami, mine ngibe nguNkulunkulu wabo, ngobe bayawuphendvukela kimi ngayo yonkhe inhlitiyo yabo. “ ‘Kodvwa njengalamakhiwa lamabi langadleki ngiyakwenta njalo kuSedekiya, inkhosi yakaJuda, netindvuna takhe, nensali yaseJerusalema, nome basele lapha kulelive nome bahlala eGibhithe,’ kusho Simakadze. ‘Ngiyawubenta babe sinengiso nesikhubekiso kuyo yonkhe imibuso yemhlaba, babe lihlazo nesiga, babe yintfo yekuhlekisa nesicalekiso, nome ngukuphi lapho ngibadzingisele khona. Ngiyawubatfumelela inkemba, nendlala kanye nesifo lesibulalanako lokuyawubehlela baze babhujiswe kulelive lengalinika bona naboyisemkhulu.’ ” Livi lefika kuJeremiya macondzana nabo bonkhe bantfu bakaJuda emnyakeni wesine wekubusa kwaJehoyakimu, umsa waJosaya, inkhosi yakaJuda, lekwakungumnyaka wekucala wekubusa kwaNebukhadnezari, inkhosi yaseBhabhulona. Ngako Jeremiya, umphrofethi, wakhuluma kubo bonkhe bantfu bakaJuda nakubo bonkhe lababehlala eJerusalema, watsi: Iminyaka lengema-23, kusukela emnyakeni weli-13 wekubusa kwaJosaya, umsa wa-Amoni, inkhosi yakaJuda, kuze kube ngulamuhla, livi laSimakadze belifika kimi, nami ngilikhulume kini emaphindzephindze, kodvwa anizange senilalele. Lite nome Simakadze asanitfumelele tonkhe tinceku takhe baphrofethi emaphindzephindze, anikalaleli, futsi aninakanga nekunaka. Batsi: “Gucukani nyalo, ngulowo nalowo kini, niyiyekele imihambo yenu lemibi kanye netento tenu letimbi, khona nitewuhlala kulelive Simakadze lanipha lona nine naboyihlomkhulu phakadze naphakadze. Ningabalandzeli labanye bonkulunkulu kutsi nibasebentele nikhonte bona. Ningacali ningicunule ngize ngitfukutsele ngaloko lenikwente ngetandla tenu. Khona-ke ngingeke nginilimate.” Simakadze utsi: “Kodvwa anizange ningilalele, seningicunule ngaloko lokwentiwe tandla tenu, natiletsela kulinyatwa etikwenu.” Ngako-ke Simakadze Somandla utsi: “Njengobe ningakawalaleli emavi ami, ngitawubita tonkhe tive tangasenyakatfo kanye nenceku yami Nebukhadnezari, inkhosi yaseBhabhulona, ngibaletse batekulwa nalelive kanye netakhamiti talo nato tonkhe tive letibomakhelwane,” kusho Simakadze. “Ngiyawubabhubhisa ngibacedze nya, ngibente intfo yekwesabisa, nenhlekisa, nencitsakalo yaphakadze. Imisindvo yekujabula nekutfokota ngiyawuyisusa kubo, ngisuse nemaphimbo abomakoti nemyeni, nemsindvo wematje ekusila kanye nekukhanya kwesibane. Lonkhe live liyawusala lilihlane lelikhala libhungane, naletive tiyawukhonta inkhosi yaseBhabhulona iminyaka lengema-70. “Kodvwa kuyawutsi kungaphela leminyaka lengema-70, bese ngijezisa inkhosi yaseBhabhulona nesive sayo, nelive lemaBhabhulona, ngenca yelicala labo, bese lelive lawo ngilenta liba lihlane phakadze naphakadze,” kusho Simakadze. “Lelive ngiyawuliletsela tonkhe letintfo lengikhulume ngato letimelene nalo, ngilehlisele konkhe lokubhalwe kulencwadzi kwaphrofethwa nguJeremiya ngato tonkhe letive. Bona matfupha bayawugcilatwa tive letinyenti nangemakhosi lamakhulu. Ngiyawubakhokhela ngaloko lokubafanele ngetento tabo nangemsebenti wetandla tabo.” Naku-ke lokwashiwo nguSimakadze Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli kimi, watsi: “Tsatsa lapha esandleni sami nansi inkomishi legcwele liwayini lentfukutselo yami, bese unatsisa tonkhe letive lengikutfumela kuto kutsi tilinatse. Titawutsi tingalinatsa, bese tiyadzayitela, tihlanye, ngenca yenkemba lengitayitfumela emkhatsini wato.” Ngako ngatsatsa lenkomishi esandleni saSimakadze nganatsisa tonkhe letive Simakadze labengitfumele kuto: IJerusalema nemadolobha akaJuda, emakhosi netindvuna tawo, kubenta kutsi babe yincitsakalo, nentfo yekwesabisa neyekuhlekisa, nesicalekiso, njengobe banjalo nalamuhla; Faro, inkhosi yaseGibhithe, netinceku takhe, netiphatsimandla takhe kanye nabo bonkhe bantfu bakhe, nabo bonkhe bantfu betive labalapho; onkhe emakhosi ase-Usi; onkhe emakhosi emaFilisti e-Ashkeloni, nase-Gaza, nase-Ekroni, nebantfu labasele e-Ashdodi; bonkhe baka-Edomu, nebakaMowabi, nebaka-Amoni; onkhe emakhosi aseThire naseSidoni; emakhosi langaselugwini ngesheya kwelwandle; iDedani, neThema, neBuze, nabo bonkhe labasetindzaweni letikhashane; onkhe emakhosi ase-Arabiya kanye nawo onkhe emakhosi ebantfu betive labahlala ehlane; nawo onkhe emakhosi aseZimri, newase-Elamu, newaseMediya; nawo onkhe emakhosi asenyakatfo, edvutane nakhashane, lenye emvakwalenye, nayo yonkhe imibuso lesebusweni bemhlaba. Kuyawutsi emvakwabo bonkhe inkhosi yaseSheshaki nayo iyawulinatsa. “Uyawubatjela-ke utsi: ‘Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze Somandla, longuNkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, utsi: Natsani, nidzakwe, nihlante, bese niyawa ningaphindzi nivuke, ngenca yenkemba lengitayitfumela emkhatsini wenu.’ Kodvwa nangabe bayala kutsatsa lenkomishi esandleni sakho banatse, batjele utsi: ‘Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze Somandla, utsi: Kufanele niyinatse! Bukani, sengiyacala kwehlisela inhlekelele kulelidolobha lelineLibito lami, ngempela kungenteka yini kutsi nihlale ningajeziswa? Ningeke nihlale ningajeziswa, ngobe sengibita inkemba etikwabo bonkhe labahlala emhlabeni, kusho Simakadze Somandla.’ “Nyalo-ke phrofetha kubo onkhe lamavi lamelana nabo, utsi: “ ‘Simakadze uyawubhavumula asetulu, livi lakhe uyawuliphakamisa asendzaweni yakhe lengcwele, uyawubhavumula ngemandla emelane nelive lakhe. Uyawumemeta njengalabahluta emagelebisi, amemete emelane nabo bonkhe labahlala emhlabeni. Sidvumo siyawuhokoma sivakale nasemikhawulweni yemhlaba, ngobe Simakadze tive uyawutibeka emacala, uyakwehlulela bonkhe bantfu, lababi abalalise phansi ngenkemba,’ ” kusho Simakadze. Naku-ke lokushiwo nguSimakadze longuSomandla, utsi: “Bukani! Inhlekelele yandza tive ngetive, kukhuphuka sivunguvungu lesinemandla emikhawulweni yonkhe yemhlaba.” Ngaleso sikhatsi labo labayawube sebabulewe nguSimakadze bayawugcwala yonkhe indzawo, kusukela ngala kwemhlaba kuye ngale kwawo. Bangeke balilelwe, futsi bangeke babutfwe nome bangcwatjwe, kodvwa bayawufanana netibi letisakateke phansi emhlabatsini. Khalani nilile, nine belusi; gicikani elutfulini, nine baholi bemhlambi. Ngobe sikhatsi sekuhlatjwa kwenu sesifikile, niyakuwa niphihlike njengeludziwo loluhle. Kute lapho belusi bayawubalekela khona, nebaholi bemhlambi abayiwuba naso siphephelo. Lalelani kukhala kwebelusi nekulila kwebaholi bemhlambi, ngobe Simakadze ubhidlita lidlelo labo. Tibaya tekuthula tiyawubhujiswa ngenca yentfukutselo leyesabekako yaSimakadze. Njengelibhubesi umelusi uyawuphuma ashiye umhume wakhe, live labo liyawusala likhala libhungane ngenca yenkemba yemcindzeteli, nangenca yelulaka lolwesabekako lwaSimakadze. Kwatsi nje ekucaleni kwekubusa kwaJehoyakimu, umsa waJosaya, inkhosi yakaJuda, kwefika livi livela kuSimakadze, litsi: “Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: Mani esibuyeni selithempeli laSimakadze, ukhulume kubo bonkhe bantfu basemadolobheni akaJuda labayaye bete batewukhontela lapha ethempelini laSimakadze. Batjele konkhe lengikutfume kona, ungashiyi nalinye livi. Mhlawumbe bayawulalela, kube ngulowo nalowo aphendvuke endleleni yakhe lembi. Ngiyawube sengiyagucuka ngingabe ngisabehlisela lenhlekelele lebese ngitilungiselele kuyehlisela kubo ngenca yebubi lababentile. Khuluma kubo utsi: ‘Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: Naningalaleli kimi nilandzele umtsetfo wami lengiwubeke embikwenu, futsi naningawalaleli emavi etinceku tami, baphrofethi, lengititfumele kini emaphindzephindze, nine solomane ningalaleli, lendlu-ke ngitabe sengiyenta ifanane neShilo, nalelidolobha seliyawuba yintfo yekucalekisa emkhatsini wato tonkhe tive temhlaba.’ ” Baphristi, nebaphrofethi kanye nabo bonkhe bantfu bamuva Jeremiya, nakakhuluma lamavi basekhatsi ethempelini laSimakadze. Kodvwa watsi acedza nje Jeremiya kubatjela bonkhe labantfu onkhe emavi labewatfunywe nguSimakadze kutsi atebatjela wona, kwesuka baphristi, nebaphrofethi kanye nabo bonkhe bantfu bambamba batsi kuye: “Ufanele ufe! Uphrofethelani egameni laSimakadze kutsi lelithempeli litawufanana neShilo, nalelidolobha litawusala selikhala libhungane, kungasahlali muntfu kulo?” Bonkhe bantfu babunganyela Jeremiya bamkaka ekhatsi endlini yaSimakadze. Kwatsi tiphatsimandla takaJuda nativa ngalesento, tesuka esigodlweni taphikelela khona ethempelini laSimakadze, tefike tahlala phansi etindzaweni tato, ekungeneni kweLisango Lelisha lelithempeli laSimakadze. Baphristi nebaphrofethi base bakhuluma kuletiphatsimandla nakubo bonkhe bantfu, batsi: “Lomuntfu kufanele agwetjwe intsambo, ngobe uphrofethe lokumelana nalelidolobha. Nani nitivele ngetenu tindlebe!” Jeremiya wase ukhuluma kuto tonkhe letiphatsimandla nakubo bonkhe labantfu, watsi: “Simakadze ungitfumile kutsi ngitewuphrofetha ngalendlu nangalelidolobha tonkhe letintfo lesenitivile. Manje-ke, guculani tindlela tenu tekuphila netento tenu nilalele Simakadze Nkulunkulu wenu. Simakadze-ke utawube sewuyagucuka angabe asanehlisela lenhlekelele labesayishito kini. Macondzana nami-ke, mine ngisetandleni tenu; yentani kimi nome ngabe yini lenikubona kukuhle nekutsi kulungile. Noko kufanele nati nekwati, nikhumbule kutsi nangabe ningibulala, niyakwehlisela licala lengati lengenacala etikwenu, nasetikwalelidolobha, nasetikwalabo labahlala kulo, ngobe ecinisweni, nguSimakadze longitfume kini kutawukhuluma onkhe lamavi etindlebeni tenu niva.” Ngako letiphatsimandla nabo bonkhe bantfu bakhuluma kubaphristi nakubaphrofethi, batsi: “Lomuntfu akukafaneli kutsi agwetjwe intsambo! Ukhulume kitsi egameni laSimakadze Nkulunkulu wetfu.” Labanye balabadzala belive beta ngembili bakhuluma kuwo wonkhe umhlangano webantfu, batsi: “Mikha waseMoreshethi waphrofetha ngetikhatsi taboHezekiya, inkhosi yakaJuda. Watjela bonkhe bantfu bakaJuda watsi: ‘Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze longuSomandla, utsi: “ ‘ISiyoni iyawulinywa njengensimi. IJerusalema iyawuba yincumbi yencintsakalo, intsaba yelithempeli ibe yindvundvuma lehlume lihlatsi letinchachabutane.’ “Kungabe kambe Hezekiya, inkhosi yakaJuda, yena nome-ke lomunye nje wakaJuda wambulala yini? Hezekiya akazange yini esabe Simakadze wafuna sihawu saSimakadze? Akazange agucuke yini yena Simakadze kwekutsi angabe asasehlisa lesehlakalo labesasishito kubo? Tsine nje sesitakwehlisela sehlakalo lesibi etikwetfu!” Manje-ke, bekukhona na-Uriya, umsa waShemaya, waseKhiriyathi Jeyarimu, abengulomunye webantfu labaphrofetha egameni laSimakadze; waphrofetha ngalelidolobha nangalelive njengawo onkhe lamavi aJeremiya. Kwatsi inkhosi Jehoyakimu nato tonkhe tindvuna takhe netiphatsimandla takhe nativa lamavi a-Uriya, inkhosi yahlosa kumbulala. Kodvwa Uriya weva ngaloko, wase ubalekela eGibhithe ngenca yekwesaba. Noko inkhosi, Jehoyakimu, yatfumela Elnathani, umsa wa-Akbori, eGibhithe, aphekeletelwa ngulamanye emadvodza. Bamkhipha Uriya eGibhithe, bammikisa enkhosini Jehoyakimu, lowafike watsi akagalelwe ngenkemba, wafa, sidvumbu sakhe salahlwa emadlizeni ebantfukatana. Kodvwa Ahikamu, umsa waShafani, wema ngakuJeremiya, ngako wangabe asaniketelwa kubantfu kutsi abulawe. Kwatsi nje ekucaleni kwekubusa kwaSedekiya, umsa waJosaya, inkhosi yakaJuda, kwefika nali livi kuJeremiya livela kuSimakadze, litsi: Naku lokwashiwo nguSimakadze kimi, watsi: “Yenta emajoko ngetitilobho nemicabo, lelinye lawo ulibeke entsanyeni yakho, bese utfumela lawa lamanye kanye nelivi enkhosini yaka-Edomu, neyakaMowabi, neyaka-Amoni, neyaseThire, neyaseSidoni ngemancusa lefike eJerusalema kuSedekiya, inkhosi yakaJuda. Wanike imilayeto yebaphatsi bawo, utsi: ‘Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze longuSomandla, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, utsi: “Tjelani baphatsi benu naku: Ngemandla ami lamakhulu nangengalo yami leyelulekile, ngadala umhlaba kanye nebantfu labahlala kuwo kanye netilwane letikuwo, futsi ngiwunika nome ngubani lengimtsandzako. Manje-ke ngitawunikela onkhe lamave enu encekwini yami Nebukhadnezari, inkhosi yaseBhabhulona; ngitakwenta ngisho netilwane tesiganga kutsi timtfobele. Tive tonkhe tiyawumkhonta, nendvodzana yakhe kanye nemtukulu wakhe, kuze kube sikhatsi lapho live lakhe liwa khona, tive letinyenti nemakhosi lamakhulu amehlule. “ ‘ “Noko nome ngabe ngusiphi sive nome-ke ngumuphi umbuso longayiwukhonta Nebukhadnezari, inkhosi yaseBhabhulona, ungagobisi inhloko yawo ejokweni lakhe, ngiyawusijezisa leso sive ngenkemba, nangendlala, nangesifo lesibulalanako, ngize ngisibhubhise ngesandla sakhe, kusho Simakadze. Ngako-ke ningabalaleli baphrofethi benu, nebaphenguli benu, nebahumushi benu bemaphupho, netangoma, nalababhulako labanitjela batsi: ‘Ningeke niyikhonte inkhosi yaseBhabhulona.’ Baphrofetha emanga kini, khona nitewususwa emaveni enu niyiswe khashane nawo; ngitanicosha eveni lenu, niyawuphela. Kodvwa nangabe sive, nome ngusiphi, siyawukhotsamisa inhloko yaso ngaphansi kwelijoko lenkhosi yaseBhabhulona, simkhotsamele, leso sive ngiyawusenta sihlale eveni laso, sililime siphile kulo, kusho Simakadze.” ’ ” NaSedekiya, inkhosi yakaJuda, ngamniketa umlayeto lofanana nawona lona, ngatsi: “Khotsamisani tinhloko tenu ngaphansi kwelijoko lenkhosi yaseBhabhulona, khontani yona kanye nebantfu bayo, nitewuphila. Uyawufelani wena kanye nebantfu bakho ngenkemba, nangendlala, nangesifo lesibulalanako, Simakadze layale ngako nome ngusiphi sive lesingayiwuyikhonta inkhosi yaseBhabhulona? Ningawalaleli emavi ebaphrofethi labatsi kini: ‘Ningeke niyikhonte inkhosi yaseBhabhulona,’ ngobe baphrofetha emanga. ‘Angikabatfumi, baphrofetha emanga egameni lami,’ kusho Simakadze. ‘Ngako-ke ngitanicosha eveni lenu, niyawuze niphele, nine kanye nebaphrofethi labaphrofetha kini.’ ” Ngabe sengikhuluma kubaphristi nakubo bonkhe labantfu, ngatsi: “Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: ‘Ningabalaleli baphrofethi labatsi: “Masinyane nje khona nyalo tintfo tasethempelini laSimakadze tiyawubuyiswa tisuka eBhabhulona.” Baphrofetha emanga kini. Ningabalaleli. Khontani inkhosi yaseBhabhulona, nitawuphila. Lelidolobha lingaba yincitsakalo leni? Nangabe babaphrofethi futsi banelivi laSimakadze, abakhulumisane naSimakadze longuSomandla, bancenge kutsi letimphahla letisasele ethempelini laSimakadze, nasesigodlweni senkhosi yakaJuda, naseJerusalema, tingatsatfwa tiyiswe eBhabhulona.’ Ngobe ngunaku lokushiwo nguSimakadze longuSomandla mayelana netinsika, nanelwandle lolwakhelwe, netincodlana, naletinye nje-ke timphahla letisasele kulelidolobha, langatitsatsanga Nebukhadnezari, inkhosi yaseBhabhulona, ngesikhatsi atfumba Jehoyakhini, umsa waJehoyakimu, inkhosi yakaJuda, ayiyisa ekudzingisweni, ayisusa eJerusalema ayiyisa eBhabhulona kanye nabo bonkhe labahloniphekile bakaJuda nebaseJerusalema. Yebo, nguloko lokushiwo nguSimakadze longuSomandla, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, mayelana naletimphahla letatisasele ethempelini laSimakadze, nasesigodlweni senkhosi yakaJuda, naseJerusalema, utsi: ‘Tiyawutsatfwa tiyiswe eBhabhulona, lapho tiyawuhlala khona, kuze kube ngulelo langa lengiyawufika ngalo ngitilandze. Ngiyawube sengiyatitsatsa-ke ngitibuyisele kulendzawo yato,’ kusho Simakadze.” Ngenyanga yesihlanu kuwo lowo mnyaka, umnyaka wesine, ekucaleni nje kwekubusa kwaSedekiya, inkhosi yakaJuda, umphrofethi Hananiya, umsa wa-Azuri, waseGibeyoni, wakhuluma kimi asendlini yaSimakadze embikwebaphristi kanye nabo bonkhe bantfu, watsi: “Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze longuSomandla, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, utsi: ‘Ngiyakulephula lijoko lenkhosi yaseBhabhulona. Ingakapheli nje iminyaka lemibili ngiyawutibuyisa kulendzawo tonkhe timphahla tasendlini yaSimakadze letatsatfwa nguNebukhadnezari, inkhosi yaseBhabhulona, latisusa lapha watiyisa eBhabhulona. Ngitawubuyisa futsi kulendzawo naJehoyakhini, umsa waJehoyakimu, inkhosi yakaJuda, nabo bonkhe labatfunjwa kaJuda bayiswa eBhabhulona, ngobe ngitakulephula lijoko lenkhosi yaseBhabhulona,’ kusho Simakadze.” Ngako umphrofethi Jeremiya wase uphendvula lomphrofethi Hananiya embikwebaphristi nabo bonkhe bantfu lababemile endlini yaSimakadze. Watsi: “Amen! Shangatsi Simakadze angenta njalo! Shangatsi Simakadze angawagcwalisa lawo mavi lowaphrofethe ngekubuyisa letimphahla tasendlini yaSimakadze nabo bonkhe labatfunjwa besuswa eBhabhulona baletfwa kulendzawo. Noko lalela naku lengitakusho kuwe nakubo bonkhe labantfu niva: Kusukela etikhatsini takucala, baphrofethi labangembili kwetfu, bake baphrofetha ngemphi, nangesehlakalo, nangesifo lesibulalanako, bamelana nemave lamanyenti nanemibuso lemikhulu. Kodvwa umphrofethi lophrofetha kuthula nguye loyawulalelwa, anakwe njengemuntfu longuyena atfunywe nguSimakadze ngempela, kuphela nje nangabe lesiphrofetho sakhe sigcwaliseka.” Ngako umphrofethi Hananiya wesusa lelijoko entsanyeni yemphrofethi Jeremiya, walephula, wakhuluma embikwabo bonkhe bantfu watsi: “Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: ‘Ngiyakulephula kanjalo-ke lijoko laNebukhadnezari, inkhosi yaseBhabhulona, ngilisuse etintsanyeni tetive tonkhe temhlaba ingakapheli iminyaka lemibili.’ ” Emvakwaloko-ke umphrofethi Jeremiya wachubeka wahamba indlela yakhe. Kwatsi sikhashana nje emvakwekube umphrofethi Hananiya asalephulile lijoko lelalisentsanyeni yemphrofethi Jeremiya, kwefika livi laSimakadze kuJeremiya, latsi: “Hamba utjele Hananiya, utsi: ‘Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: Wena wephule lijoko lesigodvo, kodvwa esikhundleni salo wena uyawutfola lijoko lensimbi. Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze longuSomandla, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, utsi: Ngitawubeka lijoko lensimbi entsanyeni yaletive kuze titewukhonta Nebukhadnezari, inkhosi yaseBhabhulona, futsi tiyawuhlehla kuye. Futsi ngitamnika abuse ngisho netilwane tesiganga.’ ” Ngako umphrofethi Jeremiya wase ukhuluma kuHananiya, umphrofethi, watsi: “Lalela lapha, Hananiya! Wena awukatfunywa nguSimakadze, kodvwa lesive ulibele kusenta setsembe emanga akho. Ngako-ke naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: ‘Sekusondzele kutsi ngikukhweshise emhlabeni. Kuwo nje lomnyaka lona utakufa, ngobe ushumayele kuhlubuka Simakadze.’ ” Kwatsi ngenyanga yesikhombisa kuwo lowo mnyaka, Hananiya, umphrofethi, wafa. Lena yincwadzi leyabhalwa ngumphrofethi Jeremiya, wayitfumela isuka eJerusalema iya kumisalela leyayisasele yalabadzala kulabo labebatfunjiwe, nakubaphristi, nakubaphrofethi, nakubo bonkhe bantfu lababetfunjwe nguNebukhadnezari, abesusa eJerusalema wabayisa eBhabhulona. Lapha kwakusemuva kwenkhosi Jehoyakhini, nendlovukazi, nebatsenwa, nebaholi bakaJuda nebaseJerusalema, nebakhandzi betinsimbi kanye nebabati labatingcweti sebatfunjiwe bayiswa ekudzingisweni besuswa eJerusalema. Lencwadzi Jeremiya wayiphatsisa bo-Elasa, umsa waShafani, naGemariya, umsa waHilkiya, lababetfunywe nguSedekiya, inkhosi yakaJuda, kuNebukhadnezari, inkhosi yaseBhabhulona. Lencwadzi yayitsi: “Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze longuSomandla, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, kubo bonkhe labo lengabatfumba ngabesusa eJerusalema baya eBhabhulona, utsi: ‘Yakhani tindlu nitinte; hlanyelani tivandze nidle loko letikutselako. Tsatsani bafati nitale emadvodzana nemadvodzakati, nitsatsele emadvodzana enu bafati, nendzise nemadvodzakati enu, kuze kutsi nabo batewuba nemadvodzana nemadvodzakati. Talanani nandze nangesibalo lapho, ninganciphi. Funani futsi kuthula nekuphumelela kulelo dolobha lenganitfumbela kulo kutsi niyewudzingiswa. Likhulekeleni kuSimakadze, ngobe naliphumelela, nani niyawuphumelela.’ Yebo, nguloko lokushiwo nguSimakadze longuSomandla, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, utsi: ‘Ningavumi kuyengwa baphrofethi nalabaphengulako labasemkhatsini wenu. Ningalaleli lamaphupho lenibakhutsata kutsi babe nawo. Baphrofetha emanga kini egameni lami. Angikabatfumi mine,’ kusho Simakadze. “Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: ‘Naseyiphelile iminyaka lengema-70 yeBhabhulona, ngitawufika kini ngitewugcwalisa setsembiso sami semusa kutsi nginibuyise kulendzawo. Ngobe ngiyawati emasu lenginawo ngani, yebo, emasu ekuniphumelelisa, hhayi ekunilimata, emasu ekuninika litsemba nelikusasa. Niyawube seniyangibita-ke nite nitewuthandaza kimi, mine ngiyawuniva. Niyakungifuna ningitfole, naningifunisisa ngayo yonkhe inhlitiyo yenu. Ngiyawutfolwa ngini nginibuyise ekutfunjweni kwenu,’ kusho Simakadze. ‘Ngiyawunibutsa kuto tonkhe tive netindzawo, lapho benginicoshele khona,’ kusho Simakadze. ‘Ngiyawunilandza nginibuyisele kuyo lendzawo lapho nganitsatsa khona naya ekudzingisweni.’ “Ningasho nitsi: ‘Simakadze usivusele baphrofethi lapha eBhabhulona.’ Kodvwa naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze ngenkhosi lehlala esihlalweni sebukhosi saDavide nangabo bonkhe bantfu labasasele kulelidolobha, bantfu belive lenu labangahambanga kanye nani kuya ekudzingisweni, yebo, naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze longuSomandla, utsi: ‘Ngiyawutfumela inkemba, nendlala, nesifo lesibulalanako kutsi kuyewumelana nabo, ngiyawubenta babe njengemakhiwa labune adzimate abola lokwekutsi kute nalongawadla. Ngiyawubagijimisa ngenkemba, nangendlala, nangesifo lesibulalanako, ngibente banengeke kuyo yonkhe imibuso yasemhlabeni, babe yintfo yesicalekiso nesesabiso, intfo yekuhlekisa nelihlazo emkhatsini wato tonkhe tive, lapho ngibayisa khona.’ Simakadze utsi: ‘Ngobe abakawalaleli emavi ami, emavi lengangibatfumelela wona njalonjalo ngetinceku tami baphrofethi; nani nine batfunjwa, nani anikangilaleli,’ kusho Simakadze. “Ngako-ke vanini livi laSimakadze, nonkhe nine labatfunjiwe, lengabacosha eJerusalema ngabayisa eBhabhulona. Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze longuSomandla, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, mayelana na-Ahabi, umsa waKholaya, nangaSedekiya, umsa waMaseya, labaphrofetha emanga kini egameni lami, utsi: ‘Ngitawubanikela kuNebukhadnezari, inkhosi yaseBhabhulona, yena uyawufike ababulale embikwemehlo enu nibuka. Ngenca yabo, bonkhe labatfunjiwe labesuka kaJuda labaseBhabhulona bayawusebentisa lesicalekiso, batsi: “Simakadze akakulingise boSedekiya na-Ahabi labashiswa yinkhosi yaseBhabhulona ngemlilo.” Ngobe babente intfo lesinengiso kabi ka-Israyeli, baphinga nebafati babomakhelwane babo, bakhuluma emanga ngeLibito lami, lengangingazange sengibatfume kutsi bakwente. Ngiyakwati loko futsi ngingufakazi wako,’ kusho Simakadze.” Ubofike utjele Shemaya waseNehelamu, utsi: “Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze longuSomandla, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, utsi: Utfumele tincwadzi ngelibito lakho kubo bonkhe bantfu baseJerusalema, nakuZefaniya, umsa waMaseya, umphristi, nakubo bonkhe labanye baphristi. Watjela Zefaniya watsi: ‘Simakadze sewubeke wena kutsi ube ngumphristi esikhundleni saJehoyada, kutsi wengamele indlu yaSimakadze; kufanele-ke kutsi bonkhe bantfu labahlanyako batente shangatsi bayaphrofetha, ubafake esitokisini ubabophe tintsamo ngetinketane. Kepha manje awukamkhalimeli ngani loJeremiya wase-Anathothi, lotishaya shangatsi nguyena mphrofethi lapho emkhatsini wenu? Usitfumelele nangu umlayeto lapha eBhabhulona lotsi: Kusetawuba sikhatsi lesidze. Ngako-ke yakhani tindlu nihlale nitinte; hlanyelani tivandze, nidle sivuno sato.’ ” Ngempela Zefaniya, umphristi, wafike wafundzela umphrofethi Jeremiya lencwadzi. Kwase kufika livi laSimakadze kuJeremiya, latsi: “Tfumela lomlayeto kubo bonkhe labatfunjiwe, utsi: ‘Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze ngaShemaya waseNehelamu, utsi: Ngenca yekutsi Shemaya sewuphrofethile kini, nome abengakatfunywa ngimi nje, wanidvonsela ekutseni netsembe emanga, naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze utsi: Ngempela, ngitamjezisa Shemaya waseNehelamu kanye nesitukulwane sakhe. Kute namunye loyawusala kulabantfu laba, futsi akayiwubona nakunye kwetintfo letinhle lengiyawutentela bantfu bami, ngobe yena ushumayele kuhlubuka mine, kusho Simakadze.’ ” Leli livi laSimakadze lelefika kuJeremiya, litsi: “Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, utsi: ‘Bhala encwadzini onkhe emavi lengiwakhulume kuwe.’ Simakadze utsi: ‘Ayeta emalanga, lapho ngiyawulandza khona sive sami saka-Israyeli nesakaJuda ekutfunjweni ngibabuyisele eveni lengalipha boyisemkhulu kutsi libe ngelabo,’ kusho Simakadze.” Lawa-ke ngemavi lakhulunywa nguSimakadze macondzana nema-Israyeli kanye nemaJuda: “Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: “ ‘Kuvakala kukhala kwekwesaba, kwekwetfuka, hhayi kwekuthula. Butani nibone: Umuntfu lomdvuna wake wamtala yini umntfwana? Manje-ke kwenteka kanjani lokutsi ngibone onkhe emadvodza lanemandla abambe tisu njengemfati nakaphetfwe ngumhelo, onkhe anebuso lobugcungce kwekufa? Maye, liyesabeka lelo langa, kute leliyawuse libe njengalo. Kuyawuba sikhatsi senhlupheko kaJakobe, kodvwa uyawusindziswa kuso. “ ‘Ngalelo langa ngiyawulephula lijoko etintsanyeni tabo, ngitidzabule tibopho tabo; betive abaseyiwubagcilata,’ kusho Simakadze longuSomandla. ‘Esikhundleni saloko sebayawukhonta Simakadze longuNkulunkulu wabo, naDavide, inkhosi yabo, lengiyawubavusela yena. “ ‘Ngako-ke ungesabi, wena Jakobe, nceku yami, ungapheli emandla, wena Israyeli,’ kusho Simakadze. ‘Ngempela ngiyawukusindzisa eveni lelikhashane, netitukulwane takho eveni lekutfunjwa kwato. Jakobe usetawubuye abe nekuthula kanye nekuvikeleka, kute namunye loyawubuye amesabise. Nginawe, futsi ngiyawukusindzisa. Noko ngiyatibhubhisa ngiticedze tonkhe letinye tive, lebengikusakatele kuto, kodvwa wena ngingeke ngikubhubhise ngikucedze. Ngiyawukujezisa ngikucondzise noko ngekwehlulela ngebucotfo bemtsetfo, ngingeke ngikuyekele uhambe nje ungasashaywa nawonile,’ kusho Simakadze. “Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: “ ‘Linceba lakho alelapheki, yebo, silondza sakho sesingale kwekuphola. Sekute namunye longakuncengela kulelicala lakho, sekute nelikhambi lalesilondza sakho, kute longakwelapha. Bonkhe bangani bakho sebakukhohliwe, abasanaki lutfo lwakho. Ngikushaye njengesitsa, ngakujezisa njengalonelulaka, ngobe licala lakho lilikhulu kakhulu, netono takho titinyenti. Manje, ukhalelani ngalelinceba lakho, ngalobuhlungu bakho lobungenakwelapheka? Ngenca yelicala lakho lelikhulu netono takho letinyenti, ngikwentile loku kuwe. “ ‘Kodvwa bonkhe labakushwabudzelako bayawushwabudzelwa nabo. Tonkhe titsa takho tiyawuyiswa ekutfunjweni. Labo labakuphangako nabo bayawuphangwa. Bonkhe labenta wena imphango, nami ngiyawubenta baphangwe. Kodvwa wena ngiyawukubuyisela emphilweni, ngiphilise emanceba akho, nome ubitwa ngekutsi ungulolahliwe, iSiyoni lenganakwa ngumuntfu,’ kusho Simakadze. “Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: “ ‘Ngiyawubuyisela inhlanhla emathendeni akaJakobe, ngibe neluvelo emakhaya akhe; lidolobha liyakwakhiwa kabusha etindzaleni talo, nesigodlo siyawuma kabusha endzaweni yaso lefanele. Kuyawuvela kubo tingoma tekubonga nemsindvo wekujabula. Ngiyawubandzisa ngebunyenti bangete bancishiswa; ngiyawubenta bahlonipheke, futsi bangeke bedzeleleke. Bantfwana babo bayawuba njengasetikhatsini takadzenidzeni, libandla labo liyawuma litinte embikwami, ngibajezise bonkhe lababacindzetelako. Umholi wabo kuyawuba ngulomunye wesive sabo; umbusi wabo uyawuvela emkhatsini wabo. Ngiyakumsondzeta, naye uyawuvele asondzele kimi, ngobe vele ngubani lowake watinikela yena, abesedvute nami?’ kusho Simakadze. “ ‘Ngako-ke nine niyawuba sive sami, mine ngibe nguNkulunkulu wenu.’ ” Buka la, sivunguvungu saSimakadze sitawubhamuka ngelulaka lwakhe, sivunguvungu lesivunguta sehlele etikwetinhloko talababi. Lulaka lolwesabekako lwaSimakadze lungeke luncandzeke, aze asiphumelelise ngalokuphelele sifiso lesisenhlitiyweni yakhe. Loku niyawukucondza kahle ngemalanga letako. Simakadze utsi: “Ngaleso sikhatsi ngiyawuba nguNkulunkulu wato tonkhe tinsendvo taka-Israyeli, tona tiyawuba sive sami.” Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: “Sive lesisindze enkembeni siyawuzuza umusa ehlane; ngiyawuta ngitewuletsa kuphumula ka-Israyeli.” Simakadze wabonakala kitsi kadzeni, watsi: “Ngikutsandze ngelutsandvo lwaphakadze, futsi ngisachubeka nekukunakekela ngemusa. Ngitawuphindze ngikwakhe kabusha, futsi utakwakheka wena Ntfombi lengu-Israyeli. Uyawuphindze utsatse emafahlawane akho, uphumele ngephandle, uyewugidza nalabajabulako. Uyawuphindze futsi uhlanyele tivini emagcumeni aseSamariya; balimi bayawutihlanyela, bajabule ngetitselo tato. Kuyawuba khona lilanga lapho balindzi bayawumemeta emagcumeni aka-Efrayimu, batsi: ‘Wotani, sikhuphukele eSiyoni kuSimakadze longuNkulunkulu wetfu.’ ” Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: “Hlabelani ngenjabulo kuJakobe; memetelani kulesive lesikhulu kunato tonkhe. Vakalisani kumdvumisa kwenu, nitsi: ‘Awu Simakadze, sindzisa sive sakho, imisalela yaka-Israyeli!’ Buka la, ngiyawubabuyisa besuka eveni lasenyakatfo, ngibagcogce emikhawulweni yonkhe yemhlaba. Emkhatsini wabo kuyawuba netimphumphutse kanye netinchute, bafati labakhulelwe kanye nalasebaphetfwe ngumhelo; kuyawubuya sicumbi lesikhulu. Bayawuta bakhala; bayawuthandaza ngisababuyisela emuva. Ngiyawubaholela ngasemifuleni yemanti endleleni lebekile, lapho bangeyiwukhubatela khona, ngobe mine nginguyise wa-Israyeli, Efrayimu uyindvodzana yami yematubulo. “Vanini livi laSimakadze, nine tive; limemeteleni etichingini letikhashane, nitsi: ‘Lowo lowasakata Israyeli uyawumbutsa futsi, uyakwelusa umhlambi wakhe njengemelusi.’ Ngobe Simakadze uyawubahlenga bakaJakobe, abakhulule esandleni salabo labanemandla kunabo. Bayawufika bamemete ngenjabulo eticongweni tentsaba yaseSiyoni; bayawutfokota ngekwephana kwaSimakadze: lokusatinhlavu, neliwayini lelisha, nemafutsa, nemazinyane emihlambi yetimvu netimbuti, nemankhonyane emihlambi yetinkhomo. Bayawufanana nengadze leniselwa kahle, bangeke baphindze babe lusizi. Tintfombi tiyawugidza tijabule, kanjalo futsi nemajaha nalabadzala. Ngiyawugucula kulila kwabo kube kujabula, ngibanike indvudvuto nekujabula esikhundleni selusizi. Baphristi ngiyawubesutsisa ngenala, sive sami ngisigcwalise ngekwephana kwami,” kusho Simakadze. Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: “Kuvakala livi lekukhala eRama, yebo, livi lekulila nekukhala lokukhulu, Rakheli akhalela bantfwabakhe angasavumi nekudvudvutwa, ngobe bantfwabakhe bebangasekho.” Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: “Bamba livi lakho, ungakhali, ubambe tinyembeti emehlweni akho, ngobe umsebenti wakho uyawunikwa umvuzo. Bayawubuya eveni lesitsa,” kusho Simakadze. “Ngako likhona litsemba ngelikusasa lakho. Bantfwabakho bayawubuyela eveni labo,” kusho Simakadze. “Impela ngikuvile kububula kwa-Efrayimu, kutsi: “ ‘Wangicondzisa njengelitfole lelisichomoketi, futsi vele sengifundzisekile. Ngibuyisele, ngitawubuyela, ngobe wena unguSimakadze longuNkulunkulu wami. Emvakwekweduka kwami ngaphendvuka; emvakwekucondza kwami ngatisola. Ngadliwa ngemahloni, ngatfotjiswa, ngobe ngetfwele lihlazo lebusha bami.’ Efrayimu akasiyo yini indvodzana yami letsandzekako, umntfwana lengijabulako ngaye? Nome ngivamise kukhuluma ngimelane naye, kodvwa noko ngisamkhumbula. Ngako-ke inhlitiyo yami iyamlangatelela; nginesihawu lesikhulu ngaye,” kusho Simakadze. “Beka timphawu temgwaco; umise tinsika letitikhombandlela. Wunake umgwaco lomkhulu, yebo, umgwaco lohamba ngawo. Ncandzeka, Ntfombi lengu-Israyeli, buyela emadolobheni akho. Uyawuzulazula kuze kube ngunini, awu, ndvodzakati lengaketsembeki? Simakadze uyawudala intfo lensha emhlabeni, umfati uyakuyivikela indvodza.” Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze longuSomandla, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, utsi: “Ngiyawutsi nangibabuyisa ekutfunjweni, bantfu labaseveni lakaJuda nasemadolobheni akhona bayawuphindze basebentise nankha emagama batsi: ‘Simakadze akakubusise, awu wenandlu yekulunga, awu wena ntsaba lengcwele.’ Bantfu bayawuhlala ndzawonye kaJuda nakuwo onkhe emadolobha akhona, balimi nalabo labahambe bakhotsisa imihlambi yabo yetimvu netimbuti. Ngiyawubahlumelelisa labo lasebadzangele, ngicinise labo labaphelelwa ngemandla.” Loku kwangenta ngavuka ngacalata ndzawo tonkhe. Butfongo bami bebumnandzi kimi. Simakadze utsi: “Emalanga ayeta, lapho ngiyawuhlanyela khona indlu yaka-Israyeli nendlu yakaJuda ngentalelwane yebantfu neyetilwane. Njengobe ngangibalindzile kutsi ngibazuphune, ngibadladlabule, ngibaketule, ngibabhubhise, ngibaletsele inhlekelele, kanjalo ngiyawubalindza kuze ngibakhe ngibahlanyele,” kusho Simakadze. “Ngalawo malanga bantfu bangeke basasho batsi: “ ‘Bobabe badle emagelebisi lamunyu, nematinyo ebantfwana asayashelela.’ “Esikhundleni saloko ngulowo nalowo muntfu uyakufa ngenca yesono sakhe. Wonkhe lodla emagelebisi lamunyu ematinyo akhe ayawushelela.” Simakadze utsi: “Sikhatsi siyeta, lapho ngiyawukwenta khona sivumelwane lesisha nendlu yaka-Israyeli neyakaJuda. Lesivumelwane singeke sifanane naleso lengasenta naboyisemkhulu ngesikhatsi ngibabamba ngesandla ngibahola ngibakhipha eGibhithe, ngobe basephula sivumelwane sami, nome ngangiyindvodza kubo,” kusho Simakadze. Simakadze utsi: “Ngulesi sivumelwane lengiyakusenta nendlu yaka-Israyeli emvakwaleso sikhatsi: Ngiyawufaka umtsetfo wami etingcondvweni tabo, ngiwubhale etinhlitiyweni tabo. Ngiyawuba nguNkulunkulu wabo, bona babe bantfu bami. Sekuyawubate umuntfu loyawufundzisa makhelwane wakhe, nome indvodza ifundzise umnakabo, itsi: ‘Yati Simakadze,’ ngobe bonkhe sebayawungati kusukela kulomncane kuye kulomkhulu,” kusho Simakadze. “Ngobe ngiyawubatsetselela bubi babo, tono tabo ngingasaphindzi ngitikhumbule.” Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, lowo lowabeka lilanga kutsi likhanyise emini, wamisa inyanga netinkhanyeti kutsi tibokhanyisa ebusuku, lowo lotamatisa lwandle kuze emagagasi alo abhodle, nguSimakadze longuSomandla libito lakhe, utsi: “Kuphela nangabe letimiso tinganyamalala embikwami, titukulwane taka-Israyeli tiyawunyamalala phakadze naphakadze, tingabe tisaba sive embikwami,” kusho Simakadze. Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: “Kuphela nje nangabe emazulu lasetulu angalinganiswa, netisekelo temhlaba letingaphansi tiphenywe, nami-ke ngulapho ngiyawusilahla sonkhe situkulwane saka-Israyeli, ngenca yako konkhe labakwentile,” kusho Simakadze. Simakadze utsi: “Emalanga ayeta lapho khona ngiyakwakhelwa kabusha lelidolobha kusukela eMbhoshongweni waHananeli kuye eSangweni Lelikona. Intsambo yekulinganisa iyakweluleka kusukela lapho kuye entsabeni iGarebi, isuke lapho ijikele ngaseGowa. Sonkhe leso sigodzi lapho kulahlwa khona tidvumbu nemlotsa, nato tonkhe tibebesi kuye emfudlaneni iKhidroni, kuze kuyewufika ekoneni leLisango Lelihhashi ngasemphumalanga, kuyawuba ngcwele kuSimakadze. Lelidolobha lingeke liphindze lizuphunwe nome libhidlitwe.” Leli livi lelefika kuJeremiya liphuma kuSimakadze emnyakeni welishumi wekubusa kwaSedekiya, inkhosi yakaJuda, lekwakungumnyaka weli-18 wekubusa kwaNebukhadnezari. Imphi yenkhosi yaseBhabhulona yase ivimbetele iJerusalema, Jeremiya umphrofethi abevalelwe esibuyeni sabogadzi, esigodlweni senkhosi yakaJuda. Sedekiya, inkhosi yakaJuda, yayimvalele lapho, yatsi: “Uphrofethelani ngalendlela lophrofetha ngayo? Utsi: ‘Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: Lelidolobha sengitalinikela enkhosini yaseBhabhulona letawulitfumba. Sedekiya, inkhosi yakaJuda, ngeke aphunyule etandleni temaBhabhulona, yena nakanjani utawunikelwa enkhosini yaseBhabhulona. Uyawukhuluma nayo umlomo nemlomo, ayibone ngewakhe emehlo. Iyawutsatsa Sedekiya imyise eBhabhulona, lapho ayawuhlala khona ngize ngimcondzise, kusho Simakadze. Nanilwa nemaBhabhulona ngeke niphumelele.’ ” Jeremiya wakhuluma watsi: “Livi laSimakadze lefika kimi, latsi: Hanameli, umnakenu, umsa waShalumi, utawuta kuwe afike atsi: ‘Tsenga insimi yami e-Anathothi, njengobe usihlobo sami lesisedvutane kakhulu nje, kulilungelo lakho nemsebenti wakho kutsi uyitsenge.’ “Ngako-ke, njengobe Simakadze abeshito, umzala wami Hanameli weta kimi esibuyeni sabogadzi, watsi: ‘Tsenga insimi yami e-Anathothi, eveni lakaBhenjamini. Njengobe kulilungelo lakho kutsi uyihlenge ibe yakho, titsengele yona.’ “Ngavele ngati kutsi leli bekulivi laSimakadze; ngako ngayitsenga lensimi e-Anathothi kulomzala wami, Hanameli, ngase ngimkalela isiliva lengemagremu langema-200, ngamnika. Lencwadzi yesivumelwane ngayisayina, ngayivala ngeluphawu, ngafakazelwa, ngase ngikala lesiliva etikalini. Ngatsatsa lencwadzi yekutsenga, incwadzi leyayivalwe ngeluphawu inayo yonkhe iminantiso nemininingwane yekutsenga kanye nencwadzi leyayingakangcivitwa. Ngakunika Bharuki, umsa waNeriya, umsa waMahaseya, embikwemzala wami Hanameli nabofakazi lababesayine lencwadzi, nasembikwawo onkhe emaJuda labehleti esibuyeni sabogadzi. “Embikwabo nganika Bharuki nansi imiyalo, ngatsi: ‘Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, utsi: Tsatsa letincwadzi tesivumelwane totimbili, lena lengcivitiwe nalengakangcivitwa, lekungemakhophi alencwadzi yekutsenga, utifake ejekeni lelibumba, khona titewuhlala sikhatsi lesidze. Ngobe naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze longuSomandla, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, utsi: Tindlu, nemasimi kanye netivini kuyawuphindze kutsengwe kulelive.’ ” “Emvakwekutsi lencwadzisivumelwane yekutsenga sengiyinike Bharuki, umsa waNeriya, ngathandaza kuSimakadze, ngatsi: “Awu, Nkhosi Simakadze, wena wenta emazulu nemhlaba ngemandla akho lamakhulu nangengalo yakho leyelulekile. Kute lokulukhuni kakhulu kuwe. Ubaphatsa ngelutsandvo labatinkhulungwane, kodvwa wehlisele sijeziso ngetono taboyise ematsangeni ebantfwababo emvakwabo. Awu Nkulunkulu, wena lomkhulu nalonemandla, lolibito lakhe kunguSimakadze longuSomandla, imigomo yakho mikhulu, yebo, nemisebenti yakho inemandla. Emehlo akho avulekile kuto tonkhe tindlela tebantfu; ngulowo nalowo umnika umvuzo wakhe ngangekutiphatsa kwakhe nangalokufanele imisebenti yakhe. Wenta tibonakaliso letimangalisako netimanga eGibhithe, uchubeke nato kwaze kwaba ngulamuhla, lapha ka-Israyeli nakubo bonkhe bantfu bemhlaba, waze watfola ludvumo nekwatiwa lokusekwakho nanyalo. Wakhipha sive sakho ema-Israyeli eveni laseGibhithe ngetibonakaliso nangetimangaliso ngesandla sakho lesinemandla nangengalo yakho leyelulekile, nangekutfutfumelisa lokukhulu. Wabanika lelive lewawufunge kutsi utalinika bokhokho babo, live leligcwele luju lwetinyosi nelubisi. Beta kulo bafike bangena balidla lelive; kodvwa abazange bakulalele wena nome bawulandzele umtsetfo wakho. Abazange bakwente loko wawubayale ngako kutsi bakwente. Ngako wase wehlisela etikwabo yonkhe lenhlekelele. “Buka-ke kutsi takhiwe njani tindvundvuma tekuvimbetela lelidolobha lize litfunjwe. Ngenca yenkemba, nendlala kanye nesifo lesibulalanako lelidolobha selitawunikelwa etandleni temaBhabhulona lalihlaselako. Loko lowakusho sekwentekile, njengobe ubona nje. Nome lelidolobha selitawunikelwa kumaBhabhulona, kodvwa wena Nkhosi Simakadze, utsi kimi: ‘Tsenga lensimi ngesiliva, wente lesivumelwane saloko sibe nebufakazi.’ ” Livi laSimakadze lefika kuJeremiya, latsi: “Mine nginguSimakadze, Nkulunkulu wabo bonkhe bantfu. Kukhona yini lokungehlulako mine? Ngako-ke naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: Lelidolobha sengitalinikela etandleni temaBhabhulona nakuNebukhadnezari, inkhosi yaseBhabhulona, labatalitfumba. LamaBhabhulona lahlasela lelidolobha atawungena alilumeke ngemlilo. Atalishisa alicedze, kanye naletindlu lapho kuhlala khona labantfu labangitfukutselisa ngekutfuncisa imphepho etikweluphahla kuBhali kanye nangekutfululela iminikelo yetinatfo kulabanye bonkulunkulu. “Bantfu baka-Israyeli nebakaJuda kute labakwentile ngaphandle kwekwenta lokubi embikwami, kusukela ebusheni babo. Yebo, sive saka-Israyeli kute lesikwentile ngaphandle kwekungicunula ngaloko labakwente ngetandla tabo, kusho Simakadze. Kusukela mhlazana lakhiwa kuze kube ngunyalo lelidolobha lingitfukutselise langicunula kangangekutsi kufanele ngilisuse embikwami. Bantfu baka-Israyeli nebakaJuda bangicunula ngabo bonkhe bubi lababentile: bona kanye nemakhosi abo, netindvuna tabo, nebaphristi babo, nebaphrofethi babo, nemadvodza akaJuda kanye nabo bonkhe baseJerusalema. Bangifulatsela bangete bangibuka, lite nome ngangibafundzisa njalonjalo, abazange balalele, futsi abazange bakunake nekukunaka kujezisa kwami. Bemisa tithico tabo letinengekako endlini leneLibito lami bayingcolisa. Bakhela Bhali tindzawo letiphakeme eSigodzini sakaBheni Hinomu bentela kutsi bente umhlatjelo ngemadvodzana nemadvodzakati abo kuMoloki, noko angizange sengibayale kutsi bakwente, futsi bengingazange sengikucabange nasengcondvweni yami kutsi bangayenta intfo lesinengiso kangaka ngaloko bonise sive sakaJuda.” “Lenikushoko ngalelidolobha nine kutsi: ‘Lelidolobha litawunikwa inkhosi yaseBhabhulona, ngenkemba, nangendlala kanye nangesifo lesibulalanako,’ kodvwa naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, utsi: Ngempela ngiyakubabutsa kuwo onkhe emave, lapho ngangibasakatela khona ngekutfukutsela kwami lokukhulu nangelulaka lwami lolwesabekako. Ngiyawubabuyisela kuyo lendzawo, ngibente bahlale kuyo bavikelekile. Bayawuba bantfu bami, mine ngibe nguNkulunkulu wabo. Ngiyawubanika inhlitiyo yebunye nekwenta intfo yinye, khona batewuhlala bangesaba mine, loko kube lusito kubo nakubantfwababo emvakwabo. Ngiyakwenta nabo sivumelwane saphakadze: Ngingeke ngiyekele kwenta lokuhle kubo, nabo ngibafake umoya wekungesaba, khona bangeyiwuphindze bahlubuke kimi. Ngiyawujabula kubentela lokuhle, ngempela ngiyawubahlanyela kulelive ngayo yonkhe inhlitiyo yami nangawo wonkhe umphefumulo wami. “Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: Njengobe lesive ngisehlisele yonkhe lenhlekelele lenkhulu kangaka, kanjalo futsi ngiyawusinika konkhe kuphumelela kahle nekunotsa lengisetsembise kona. Emasimi ayawuphindze atsengwe abe manyenti kulendzawo lenisho ngayo nitsi: ‘Lendzawo ilihlane, ayinabantfu natilwane, ngobe seyinikelwe etandleni temaBhabhulona.’ Emasimi ayawutsengwa ngesiliva, netincwadzisivumelwane tekutsenga tiyawusayinwa, tivalwe ngeluphawu, tibuye tifakazelwe eveni lakaBhenjamini, nasemakhaya lakhelene neJerusalema, nasemadolobheni akaJuda, nasemadolobheni laseveni letintsaba nasemaceleni etintsaba ngasenshonalanga, nasemadolobheni aseNegevu, ngobe ngiyawutibuyisela kubo tibusiso tabo, kusho Simakadze.” Kwatsi ngesikhatsi Jeremiya asevalelwe esibuyeni sabogadzi, livi laSimakadze laphindze lefika kuye kwesibili, latsi: “Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, yena lowadala umhlaba, Simakadze lowawubumba wawusimisa, nguSimakadze libito lakhe, utsi: ‘Ngibite, ngitakuphendvula ngikutjele tintfo letinkhulu naletingaphenyeki, wena longatati.’ Ngobe naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, ngetindlu talelidolobha netigodlo temakhosi akaJuda letihhihlitelwe phansi kuze titewusetjentiswa ekukhuphuleni umtsangala wekutivikela kuletivimbetelo nakuyo inkemba nabalwa nemaBhabhulona, utsi: ‘Tiyawugcwala tidvumbu temadvodza lengitawabulala ngentfukutselo nangelulaka lwami. Ngiyawulifihlela buso bami elidolobha ngenca yabo bonkhe bubi balo. “ ‘Noko, lelidolobha ngiyawuliletsela kuphila nekuphiliswa. Labantfu bami ngiyawubaphilisa, ngibente bativele banekuthula nekuphepha lokuphuphumako. Ngiyawubuyisa bakaJuda nema-Israyeli ekutfunjweni, ngibuye ngibakhe kabusha babe njengaloku babenjalo kucala. Ngiyawubahlanta kuso sonkhe sono labasente kimi, ngibuye ngibatsetselele tonkhe tono tekungihlubuka kwabo. Ngako lelidolobha liyawungiletsela ludvumo, nekujabula, netibongo kanye nekuhlonishwa kuto tonkhe tive temhlaba letiyakuva ngato tonkhe letintfo letinhle lengilentela tona, futsi tiyawumangala titfutfumele ngalobunyenti bemnotfo lophuphumako lengilinika kona.’ “Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: ‘Ngalendzawo nitsi: “Lendzawo ilihlane lelingenalutfo, ayinabantfu nome tilwane.” Noko emadolobheni akaJuda nasetitaladini taseJerusalema letibhidlitiwe letingasahlalwa bantfu nome tilwane, kuyawuphindze kuvakale imisindvo yenjabulo neyentfokoto, nemaphimbo abomakoti nemyeni, kanye nemaphimbo alabo labaletsa iminikelo yekubonga endlini yaSimakadze, batsi: “ ‘ “Bongani Simakadze longuSomandla, ngobe Simakadze ulungile; umusa wakhe ume kuze kube phakadze.” Ngobe ngiyakutibuyisela tibusiso talelive tibe njengobe tatinjalo kucala,’ kusho Simakadze. “Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze longuSomandla, utsi: ‘Kulendzawo lelihlane lelingenabantfu netilwane, nakuwo onkhe emadolobha ayo kuyawuphindze kube nemadlelo, lapho iyawuphumulela khona imihlambi yetimvu neyetimbuti tebelusi. Emadolobheni elive letintsaba, newasemahlandzeni ngasenshonalanga neNegevu, newaseveni lakaBhenjamini, nasemitini letungelete iJerusalema, nasemadolobheni akaJuda imihlambi yetimvu neyetimbuti iyawuphindze yendlule ngaphansi kwesandla salowo lotibalako,’ kusho Simakadze. “Simakadze utsi: ‘Ayeta emalanga, lapho ngiyawusifeza khona setsembiso semusa lengasenta kuyo indlu yaka-Israyeli kanye nendlu yakaJuda. “ ‘Kulawo malanga nangaleso sikhatsi ngiyawuhlumisa Ligala Lelilungile leliyawuhluma elusendvweni lwendlu yakaDavide. Uyakwenta lokubucotfo bemtsetfo nalokulungile eveni. Kulawo malanga Juda uyawusindziswa, neJerusalema ihlale iphephile. Lelo-ke libito lalo leliyawubitwa ngalo: Simakadze Kulunga Kwetfu.’ “Ngobe naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: ‘Davide ngeke eswele indvodza leyawuhlala esihlalweni sebukhosi sendlu yaka-Israyeli, ngisho nebaphristi imbala labangemaLevi, bangeke beswele indvodza letakuma embikwami njalonjalo kutekwenta iminikelo yalokutinhlavu, kanye nekwetfula imihlatjelo.’ ” Livi laSimakadze lefika kuJeremiya, latsi: “Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: ‘Naningephula sivumelwane sami nelilanga, nesivumelwane sami nebusuku, kuze kutsi lilanga nebusuku kungabe kusasebenta ngesikhatsi sako, ngako sivumelwane sami naDavide, inceku yami, kanye nesivumelwane sami nemaLevi labaphristi labakhonta embikwami, naso-ke siyakwephulwa, naDavide ngeke abe asaba nesitukulwane lesitawubusa esihlalweni sakhe sebukhosi. Ngiyakwenta titukulwane taDavide, inceku yami, nemaLevi lakhonta embikwami tibe tinyenti tibe ngangetinkhanyeti tesibhakabhaka, tidzimate tingabaleki njengesihlabatsi saselusentseni lwaselwandle.’ ” Livi laSimakadze lefika kuJeremiya, latsi: “Awukanaki yini kutsi labantfu batsi: ‘Simakadze uyilahlile lemibuso lemibili layikhetsa’? Ngako bababukela phansi labantfu bami, ababatsatsi ngekutsi nabo basive. Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: ‘Kube bengingakasimisi sivumelwane sami nelilanga, nebusuku, ngingakamisi nemitsetfo yelizulu nemhlaba, bengitakutilahla titukulwane taJakobe netaDavide, inceku yami, futsi bengingayikuyikhetsa lenye yemadvodzana akhe kutsi ibuse etikwetitukulwane ta-Abrahama, na-Isaka, naJakobe. Ngobe ngiyawubuyisela tibusiso tabo, ngibe nesihawu kubo.’ ” Kwatsi ngesikhatsi Nebukhadnezari, inkhosi yaseBhabhulona, nawo onkhe emabutfo akhe, nayo yonkhe imibuso yakhe, netive tonkhe letatingaphansi kwakhe tisalwa neJerusalema nawo onkhe emadolobha layitungeletile, kwefika livi kuJeremiya liphuma kuSimakadze, latsi: “Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, utsi: Hamba uye kuSedekiya, inkhosi yakaJuda, ufike umtjele utsi: ‘Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: Lelidolobha sengitalinikela enkhosini yaseBhabhulona, futsi italibhubhisa ngemlilo. Ngeke uphunyule esandleni sakhe nase akubambile, kodvwa nakanjani utawutfunjwa unikelwe esandleni sakhe. Inkhosi yaseBhabhulona utayibona ngemehlo akho, futsi itawukhuluma nawe buso nebuso. Wena utakuya eBhabhulona. “ ‘Noko vani setsembiso saSimakadze, wena Sedekiya, nkhosi yakaJuda. Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze macondzana nawe, utsi: Ungeke ubulawe ngenkemba, uyakufa ngekuthula. Njengobe bantfu benta umngcwabo wemlilo, bahlonipha boyihlo, emakhosi akucala lakwendvulela, kanjalo nawe bayawukwentela umlilo bakuhloniphe balile, batsi: “Maye! Awu, nkhosi!” Mine matfupha ngenta nasi setsembiso, kusho Simakadze.’ ” Ngako Jeremiya, umphrofethi, konkhe loku wakutjela Sedekiya, inkhosi yakaJuda, eJerusalema, ngesikhatsi emabutfo enkhosi yaseBhabhulona alwa neJerusalema kanye nalamanye emadolobha akaJuda labesabambelele angakehlulwa, iLakhishi ne-Azekha. Lawa bekungiwo odvwana emadolobha labebiyelwe labesele kaJuda. Livi laSimakadze lefika kuJeremiya emvakwekutsi inkhosi Sedekiya seyente sivumelwane nabo bonkhe bantfu baseJerusalema kutewumemetela inkhululeko yetigcili. Bonkhe bantfu kwakufanele bakhulule tigcili tabo letingemaHebheru, bonkhe labadvuna nalabasikati; bekufanele kubete namunye losagcilate umnakabo longumJuda. Ngako tonkhe tindvuna nebantfu labangena kulesivumelwane bavumelana kutsi batatikhulula tigcili tabo letidvuna naletisikati, bangabe basabagcilata. Bavumelana, base bayatikhulula letigcili. Kodvwa emvakwaloko bajikisa tingcondvo tabo, baphindze batibuyisa tigcili tabo lababetikhululile batigcilata futsi. Livi laSimakadze lase liyefika kuJeremiya, latsi: “Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, utsi: Ngenta sivumelwane nabokhokho benu ngesikhatsi ngibakhipha eGibhithe, eveni lebugcili. Ngatsi: ‘Njalo nje ngemnyaka wesikhombisa ngulowo nalowo wenu kufanele akhulule sigcili sakhe lesingumHebheru lotitsengise yena. Nasakusebentele iminyaka lesitfupha, kufanele umkhulule.’ Noko boyihlo abazange bangilalele, futsi abanginakanga nekunginaka. Khona nyalo nje nike naphendvuka nenta lokuhle emehlweni ami, kwaba ngulowo nalowo wenu wamemetela inkhululeko kubantfu bakubo. Nidzimate nenta ngisho nesivumelwane embikwami nisendlini leneLibito lami. Kodvwa manje senijikile nahlambalata Libito lami; ngulowo nalowo wenu sewubuyise letigcili letidvuna naletisikati lebese nitikhululile kutsi tihambe tiye lapho titsandza khona. Seniticindzetele kutsi tiphindze tibe tigcili tenu futsi! “Ngako-ke, naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: Anikangilaleli; anikayimemeteli inkhululeko yebantfu bakini. Ngako manje sengimemetela ‘inkhululeko’ yenu, kusho Simakadze, ‘inkhululeko’ yekubulawa ngenkemba, nangesifo lesibulalanako kanye nangendlala. Ngiyawunenta nenyanyeke kuyo yonkhe imibuso yemhlaba. Lamadvodza lephule sivumelwane sami angete atigcwalisa timiso tesivumelwane lasente embikwami, ngiyakuwaphatsa njengalelinkhonyane lalihlahlela ekhatsi laba tincetu letimbili ase ahamba emkhatsini waletincetu acinisa lesivumelwane. Baholi bakaJuda nebaseJerusalema, nebatsenwa, nebaphristi kanye nabo bonkhe bantfu belive labebahamba emkhatsini waletincetu talelinkhonyane, ngiyawubanikela etitseni tabo, letifuna timphilo tabo. Tidvumbu tabo tiyawuba kudla kwetinyoni telizulu nekwetilwane tesiganga. “Sedekiya, inkhosi yakaJuda, kanye netindvuna takhe ngiyawubanikela etitseni tabo letifunana netimphilo tabo, ebutfweni lenkhosi yaseBhabhulona leseyisukile kini. Simakadze utsi: Ngiyawukhipha umlayeto ngibabuyise kulelidolobha. Bayakulwa nalo, balitfumbe bese bayalishisa. Emadolobha akaJuda ngiyakuwenta abe tindzala, kuze kusale kukhala libhungane kuwo.” Leli livi leleta kuJeremiya liphuma kuSimakadze ngesikhatsi kusabusa Jehoyakimu, umsa waJosaya, inkhosi yakaJuda, litsi: “Hamba uye emndenini wemaRekhabi, ubameme kutsi bete kulelinye lemakamelo lasemhlubulweni wendlu yaSimakadze, ubanike liwayini kutsi banatse.” Ngako ngahamba ngayawulandza Jazaniya, umsa waJeremiya, umsa waHabasiniya, nabomnakabo, nawo onkhe emadvodzana akhe, wonkhe umndeni wemaRekhabi. Ngabangenisa endlini yaSimakadze, ekamelweni lemadvodzana aHanana, umsa wa-Igdaliya, umuntfu waNkulunkulu. Laliseceleni kwelikamelo letindvuna, lelalingetulu kwaleli laMaseya, umsa waShalumi, labengumahlalesangweni. Ngase ngibeka titja letatigcwele liwayini nalamanye emakomishi embikwemadvodza emndeni wemaRekhabi, ngakhuluma kuwo ngatsi: “Ase ninatse nali liwayini.” Kodvwa baphendvula batsi: “Asilinatsi liwayini, ngobe khokho wetfu Jonadabi, umsa waRekhabi, wasinika lowo myalo watsi: ‘Nine netitukulwane tenu ningacali nilinatse liwayini.’ Waphindze watsi futsi: ‘Ningacali nakhe tindlu, nihlanyele inhlanyelo nome tivini. Ningacali nibe nako ngisho nome kunye kwaletintfo, kodvwa kufanele nihlale emathendeni ngato tonkhe tikhatsi. Ngenca yaloko niyawuphila sikhatsi lesidze kulelo live, lapho niyimihambima khona.’ Sikwentile konkhe khokho wetfu, Jonadabi, umsa waRekhabi, lasiyala ngako. Tsine, nabomnaketfu, nemadvodzana etfu, nemadvodzakati etfu asizange sesilinatse liwayini, nome sakhe tindlu tekuhlala, kantsi futsi asizange sibe netivini, nemasimi nome tivuno. Seloku sihlala emathendeni; sakuhlonipha ngalokuphelele konkhe khokho wetfu Jonadabi lasiyala ngako kutsi sikwente. Kodvwa kwatsi Nebukhadnezari, inkhosi yaseBhabhulona, navimbetela lelive, satsi: ‘Wotani, kufanele sihambe siye eJerusalema sitewubalekela emabutfo emaBhabhulona newema-Aramu.’ Nguko nje silapha eJerusalema.” Livi laSimakadze lase lifika kuJeremiya, latsi: “Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze longuSomandla, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, utsi: Hamba uyewutjela bantfu bakaJuda nebaseJerusalema, utsi: Simakadze utsi: ‘Ningeke yini nifundze sifundvo nilalele emavi ami? Jonadabi, umsa waRekhabi, wayala emadvodzana akhe kutsi angalinatsi liwayini, lowo myalo awugcinile. Kuze kube ngulamuhla akalinatsi liwayini, ngobe ahlonipha umyalo wakhokho wawo. Kodvwa mine sengikhulume kini emaphindzephindze, kodvwa nine anikangilaleli. Ngatfumela kini tonkhe tinceku tami baphrofethi emaphindzephindze. Babetsi: “Ngulowo nalowo kini kufanele atiyekele tindlela takhe letimbi, nijikise imihambo yenu. Ningacali nilandzele labanye bonkulunkulu kutsi nibakhonte. Nanenta njalo-ke, niyawuhlala kulelive lengalipha nine naboyihlo.” Kodvwa anikanginaki, futsi anikangilaleli. Titukulwane taJonadabi, umsa waRekhabi, tona tiwentile lomyalo letanikwa wona ngukhokho wato, kodvwa labantfu abakangilaleli mine.’ “Ngako-ke, naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze Nkulunkulu longuSomandla, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, utsi: ‘Lalelani! Ngitakwehlisela etikwaJuda nasetikwabo bonkhe labahlala eJerusalema yonkhe inhlekelele lengitsite itawubehlela. Ngakhuluma kubo, kodvwa abazange bangilalele; ngababita, kodvwa abazange basabele.’ ” Ngako Jeremiya wakhuluma kulomndeni wemaRekhabi, watsi: “Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze longuSomandla, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, utsi: ‘Niwulalele nawenta umyalo wakhokho wenu Jonadabi, nenta konkhe lanitjela kona kutsi nibokwenta.’ Ngako-ke, naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze longuSomandla, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, utsi: ‘Jonadabi, umsa waRekhabi, ngeke eswele umuntfu lotawukhonta mine.’ ” Ngemnyaka wesine waJehoyakimu, umsa waJosaya, inkhosi yakaJuda, kwefika nali livi kuJeremiya livela kuSimakadze, litsi: “Tsatsa incwadzi legocotwako ubhale kuyo onkhe emavi lengiwakhulumile kuwe mayelana na-Israyeli naJuda kanye nato tonkhe letinye tive, kusukela esikhatsini lengacala ngaso kukhuluma kuwe, ekubuseni kwenkhosi Josaya, kuze kube ngunyalo. Mhlawumbe bantfu bakaJuda nabeva ngato tonkhe letigameko lengase ngitimisele kubashaya ngato, ngulowo nalowo kubo uyawuphendvuka endleleni yakhe lembi, ngako-ke ngiyawube sengiyabatsetselela ebubini babo nasetonweni tabo.” Ngako Jeremiya wase ubita Bharuki, umsa waNeriya; kwatsi ngesikhatsi Jeremiya amtjela onkhe emavi labewatjelwe nguSimakadze, Bharuki wabe sewuyawabhala phansi encwadzini legocotwako. Jeremiya wase utjela Bharuki watsi: “Ngivalelwe; angikwati kuyawungena ethempelini laSimakadze. Ngako-ke uboya endlini yaSimakadze, mhlazana kuzilwe kudla, ufike ufundzele bantfu onkhe lamavi aSimakadze lowabhale kulencwadzi, njengobe uwatjeliwe. Wafundze embikwabo bonkhe bantfu bakaJuda labetile, baphuma emadolobheni abo. Mhlawumbe bayawutincengela embikwaSimakadze, ngulowo nalowo aphendvuke endleleni yakhe lembi, ngobe lulaka nentfukutselo lasayibekile Simakadze kumelana nalabantfu yinkhulu kakhulu.” Bharuki, umsa waNeriya, wenta konkhe loko labekutjelwe ngumphrofethi Jeremiya kutsi akwente; wavele wafundza lamavi aSimakadze kuleyo ncwadzi asethempelini laSimakadze. Kwatsi ngenyanga yemfica yemnyaka wesihlanu waJehoyakimu, umsa waJosaya, inkhosi yakaJuda, kwamenyetelwa sikhatsi sekuzila kudla embikwaSimakadze kubo bonkhe baseJerusalema nabo bonkhe lababephuma emadolobheni akaJuda. Kwatsi Bharuki asekamelweni laGemariya, umsa waShafani, labengumabhalane, lelalisesibuyeni lesisetulu ekungeneni kweLisango Lelisha lasethempelini, wabafundzela bonkhe bantfu lababesethempelini laSimakadze emavi emphrofethi Jeremiya, awafundza kulencwadzi legocotwako. Kwatsi Mikhaya, umsa waGemariya, umsa waShafani, nakeva onkhe lamavi aSimakadze lakulencwadzi legocotwako, wehlela ekamelweni lamabhalane esigodlweni senkhosi, lapho kwakuhleti khona onkhe emalunga abandlancane: bo-Elishama, labengumabhalane, naDelaya, umsa waShemaya, na-Elnathani, umsa wa-Akbori, naGemariya, umsa waShafani, naSedekiya, umsa waHananiya, kanye nato tonkhe letinye tiphatsimandla. Kwatsi emvakwekube Mikhaya asabatjele konkhe labekuve ngaBharuki akufundzela bantfu kulencwadzi legocotwako, tonkhe tiphatsimandla tatfumela Jehudi, umsa waNethaniya, umsa waShelemiya, umsa waKushi, kutsi ayewutjela Bharuki atsi: “Wota lapha naleyo ncwadzi lebewufundza kuyo, ufundzela bantfu.” Ngako Bharuki, umsa waNeriya, waya kubo nalencwadzi legocotwako, ayiphetse ngesandla. Batsi kuye: “Sicela uhlale lapha phansi, usifundzele yona natsi.” Ngako Bharuki wabafundzela yona. Batsi nabaweva onkhe lamavi, babukana bodvwana betfukile, bakhuluma kuBharuki batsi: “Kufanele siwabikele inkhosi onkhe lamavi.” Base babuta Bharuki batsi: “Asewusho, kwenteke kanjani kutsi ubhale konkhe loku? Ukutjelwe nguJeremiya yini?” Bharuki wabaphendvula watsi: “Yebo, ungitjele onkhe lamavi ngemlomo, mine ngawabhala phansi ngenki kulencwadzi legocotwako.” Letiphatsimandla tase titjela Bharuki, tatsi: “Wena naJeremiya, hambani niyewubhaca. Akubete namunye umuntfu lowatiko kutsi nikuphi.” Batsi nase babeke lencwadzi legocotwako ekamelweni la-Elishama labengumabhalane, base baya enkhosini esibuyeni, bafike bayibikela konkhe. Inkhosi yatfumela Jehudi kutsi ayewulandza lencwadzi legocotwako. Jehudi wabuya nayo ekamelweni la-Elishama labengumabhalane, wayifundzela inkhosi kanye netiphatsimandla tayo tonkhe letatiyisingatsile. Kwase kuyinyanga yemfica, inkhosi yayihleti endlini yayo yasebusika yotsa imbawula yemlilo leyayisembikwayo. Kwakutsi njalo nje Jehudi nase afundze tinhlu letintsatfu nome letine talencwadzi legocotwako, inkhosi itijube ngemukhwa webabhali, itijike kulembawula yemlilo, yaze yaphelela yonkhe lencwadzi legocotwako ishiswa emlilweni. Inkhosi kanye nabo bonkhe lababeyisingatsile, labaweva onkhe lawo mavi, abazange sebakhombise nalokuncane nje kwesaba, futsi abatihluphanga ngekudzabula tingubo tabo ngekutisola. Kwala nome bo-Elnathani, naDelaya, naGemariya sebayincenga inkhosi kutsi ingayishisi lencwadzi legocotwako, ayizange seyifune nekuva kutsi batsini. Esikhundleni saloko, inkhosi yatfumela boJerameli, umntfwanenkhosi, naSeraya, umsa wa-Azriyeli, naShelemiya, umsa wa-Abdeyeli, kutsi bayewubopha boBharuki, umbhali, naJeremiya, umphrofethi, kodvwa Simakadze abesabafihlile. Emvakwekube inkhosi seyishise lencwadzi legocotwako leyayetfwele lamavi labebhalwe nguBharuki atjelwa nguJeremiya, kwefika livi laSimakadze kuJeremiya, latsi: “Tsatsa lenye incwadzi legocotwako ubhale kuyo onkhe emavi labekulencwadzi yakucala legocotwako, leyashiswa nguJehoyakimu, inkhosi yakaJuda. Umtjele futsi Jehoyakimu, inkhosi yakaJuda, utsi: ‘Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: Ushise lencwadzi legocotwako watsi: “Ubhaleleni kuyo kutsi inkhosi yaseBhabhulona ngempela iyawuta itewubhubhisa lelive, icotfule imbokodvo nesisekelo?” Ngako-ke, naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze ngaJehoyakimu, inkhosi yakaJuda, utsi: Iyakubate muntfu wakayo loyawuhlala esihlalweni saDavide sebukhosi; sidvumbu sayo siyawulahlwa ngephandle, sitfoswe lilanga emini, sicandziswe sitfwatfwa ebusuku. Ngiyawumjezisa yena kanye nebantfwana bakhe, kanye netinceku takhe letimsingatsile ngenca yebubi babo; ngiyakwehlisela etikwabo kanye nakubo bonkhe labakhile eJerusalema nakubantfu bakaJuda tonkhe tigameko lengitikhulumile ngemelana nabo, ngobe abakangilaleli.’ ” Ngako Jeremiya wabuye watsatsa lenye incwadzi legocotwako wayiniketa umbhali Bharuki, umsa waNeriya; watsi Jeremiya nakakhulumako, Bharuki wabe abhala kuyo onkhe emavi alencwadzi legocotwako leyashiswa nguJehoyakimu, inkhosi yakaJuda, emlilweni. Manyenti futsi lamanye emavi lafananako lengetelwa kuwo. Sedekiya, umsa waJosaya, wabekwa waba yinkhosi yakaJuda, abekwa nguNebukhadnezari, inkhosi yaseBhabhulona; wabusa esikhundleni saJehoyakhini, umsa waJehoyakimu. Yena netinceku takhe letatimsingatsile kanye nebantfu nje belive abazange sebawanake emavi labekhulunywe nguSimakadze ngemphrofethi Jeremiya. Noko Sedekiya, inkhosi, watfumela Jukhali, umsa waShelemiya, kanye nemphristi Zefaniya, umsa waMaseya, kuJeremiya, umphrofethi, nemlayeto lotsi: “Siyakucela kutsi umane usithandazele kuSimakadze Nkulunkulu wetfu.” Jeremiya abesakhululekile kutsi angangena aphume emkhatsini webantfu, ngobe abesengakafakwa ejele. Imphi yaFaro yase ishuce yaphuma eGibhithe, kwatsi baseBhabhulona labebavimbetela iJerusalema nabeva umbiko ngaloko, base bayayiyekela iJerusalema. Livi laSimakadze lase liyefika kuJeremiya, umphrofethi, litsi: “Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, utsi: Tjelani inkhosi yakaJuda lenitfume kutsi nitewubuta kimi nitsi: ‘Emabutfo aFaro, labeshucele kutanelekelela, atawuncandzeka abuyele eveni lawo, eGibhithe. BaseBhabhulona-ke batabe sebayabuya batewuhlasela lelidolobha, balitfumbe, bese balilumeka ngemlilo lishe liphele.’ “Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: Ningatiyengi nicabange nitsi: ‘BaseBhabhulona ngempela batawuyekela.’ Bangeke! Ngisho nome benitayeyisa yonkhe imphi yebaseBhabhulona lenihlaselako, kusale kuphela nje tinkhubela temadvodza lapha emathendeni awo, betitawuphuma titelishisa lelidolobha.” Kwatsi imphi yaseBhabhulona nase incandzekile yashiya iJerusalema ngenca yemabutfo akaFaro, naJeremiya wase uyalishiya lelidolobha waya eveni lakaBhenjamini kutsi ayewutfola naye sabelo sakhe selifa emkhatsini wesive sakhona. Kodvwa watsi nakefika eSangweni lakaBhenjamini, umphatsi wabogadzi, libito lakhe lekwakunguJiriya, umsa waShelemiya, umsa waHananiya, wambopha watsi kuye: “Uhlubukela kubaseBhabhulona!” Jeremiya watsi: “Akusilo liciniso lelo, angihlubukeli kuya kubaseBhabhulona.” Kodvwa Jiriya akazange amlalele, esikhundleni saloko wabopha Jeremiya, wase ummikisa kuto tiphatsimandla. Tamtfukutselela Jeremiya, tatsi akashaywe; tase tiyambopha tamfaka endlini kaJonathani, labengumabhalane, ngobe yayentiwe lijele. Jeremiya wafakwa emgodzini welijele, lapho agcinwa khona sikhatsi lesidze. Inkhosi Sedekiya wase uyatfumela kutsi akalandvwe aletfwe kuye esigodlweni, lapho wafike wambuta ngasense, watsi: “Likhona yini livi lelivela kuSimakadze?” Jeremiya waphendvula watsi: “Yebo, likhona, litsi: Wena utawuniketelwa enkhosini yaseBhabhulona.” Jeremiya wakhuluma enkhosini Sedekiya, watsi: “Cala lini lengilentile kuwe, nome-ke etindvuneni takho, nome kulesive lokwekutsi ningaze ningivalele ejele? Baphi labaphrofethi benu labaniphrofethela batsi: ‘Inkhosi yaseBhabhulona ingeke ikuhlasele, nalelive ingeke ilente lutfo’? Kodvwa-ke nyalo, nkhosi yami, inkhosi, mane ungilalele. Angiletse sikhalo sami kuwe: Mane ungete wangibuyisela endlini yakaJonathani longumabhalane, ngobe ngitawufela khona lapho.” Inkhosi Sedekiya yase ikhipha umyalo kutsi Jeremiya akabekwe esibuyeni sabogadzi anikwe sinkhwa lesibuya esitaladini sebabhaki onkhe emalanga, size siphele sonkhe sinkhwa edolobheni. Ngako Jeremiya wahlala esibuyeni sabogadzi. BoShefathiya, umsa waMathani, naGedaliya, umsa waPhashuri, naJukhali, umsa waShelemiya, naPhashuri, umsa waMalkhiya, beva ngaloko Jeremiya labebatjele kona bonkhe bantfu ngesikhatsi atsi: “Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: ‘Wonkhe lohlala kulelidolobha uyakufa ngenkemba, nome ngendlala, nome ngesifo lesibulalanako, kodvwa wonkhe lohambako aye kumaBhabhulona, uyawuphila. Uyawuphepha nekuphila kwakhe; uyawuphila.’ Naku futsi lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: ‘Ngempela, lelidolobha liyawunikwa emabutfo enkhosi yaseBhabhulona layakulitfumba.’ ” Tiphatsimandla takhuluma enkhosini, tatsi: “Lomuntfu kufanele abulawe. Utsela emanti emadvolweni emasotja lasele kulelidoloba, nakuwabo bonkhe bantfu, ngaletintfo latishoko kubo. Lomuntfu akacondzi lokuhle ngalabantfu, kodvwa ubafisela lokubi.” Inkhosi Sedekiya yaphendvula yatsi: “Usetandleni tenu, inkhosi ingeke yente lutfo lolungamelana nani.” Ngako batsatsa Jeremiya bamfaka emgodzini wakaMalkhiya, umntfwanenkhosi, lowawusekhatsi esibuyeni sabogadzi. Jeremiya bamehlisa ngetindophi, bamehlisela emgodzini, noko wawute emanti lapha kuwo, kwakuneludzaka nje. Jeremiya watika kuloludzaka. Kodvwa Ebedi Meleki, umKushe, labengumtsenwa esigodlweni senkhosi, weva kutsi Jeremiya sebamfake kulomgodzi. Kwatsi inkhosi isehleti eSangweni lakaBhenjamini, Ebedi Meleki waphuma esigodlweni waya kuyo watsi: “Nkhosi yami, inkhosi, labantfu bente sento lesibi kabi kuJeremiya, umphrofethi. Sebamfake emgodzini lapho atawubulawa yindlala adzimate afe, ngobe sekute sinkhwa lapha edolobheni.” Inkhosi yase ikhipha Ebedi Meleki, umKushe, yamtfuma, yatsi: “Tsatsa emadvodza langema-30 lapha, nihambe nawo niyewukhipha Jeremiya, umphrofethi, lena emgodzini nyalo, asengakafi.” Ngako Ebedi Meleki watsatsa emadvodza wahamba nawo, bangena endlini leyayingaphansi kwendlu yengcebo yasesigodlweni senkhosi. Watsatsa emanikiniki netidvwedvwe, wakwehlisa netindophi taya kuJeremiya emgodzini. Ebedi Meleki, umKushe, wakhuluma kuJeremiya watsi: “Faka nankho emanikiniki netidvwedvwe emakhwapheni akho, khona ungetiwuhhudlwa nguletindophi.” Jeremiya wenta njalo, base bamdvonsa ngaletindophi bamkhiphela ngephandle kwalomgodzi. Jeremiya wahlala esibuyeni sabogadzi. Inkhosi Sedekiya yase itsi akulandvwe Jeremiya, umphrofethi, yatsi akaletfwe esangweni lesitsatfu lelithempeli laSimakadze, yatsi kuJeremiya: “Ngitawubuta lutfo. Ungafihli lutfo kimi.” Jeremiya watsi kuSedekiya: “Nangikuphendvula, ungeke yini ungibulale? Ngisho nome ngikweluleka, ngeke ungilalele mine.” Kodvwa inkhosi Sedekiya yafunga lesifungo ngasense kuJeremiya, yatsi: “Ngifunga kuphila kwaSimakadze, lowasinika umphefumulo, ngingeke ngikubulale, futsi ngingeke ngikunikele nakulabo labatingela imphilo yakho.” Ngako Jeremiya wakhuluma kuSedekiya, watsi: “Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze Nkulunkulu longuSomandla, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, utsi: ‘Nawuphakamisa tandla kuto tiphatsimandla tenkhosi yaseBhabhulona, utitfobe, imphilo yakho iyawuphepha, nalelidolobha lingeke lishiswe; wena nemndeni wakho niyawuphila. Kodvwa nawungeke ukhotsame kuto tiphatsimandla tenkhosi yaseBhabhulona, lelidolobha litawunikelwa etandleni temaBhabhulona, futsi bayakulishisa, nawe cobo lwakho ungeke uphunyule esandleni sabo.’ ” Inkhosi Sedekiya yakhuluma kuJeremiya, yatsi: “Ngiyawesaba lamaJuda lasahlubuke aya kumaBhabhulona, ngobe encenye laba baseBhabhulona bangahle banginikele kuwo, afike angiphatse kabi.” Jeremiya wayiphendvula watsi: “Bangeke bakunikele. Lalela Simakadze, ngekwenta loku lengikutjele kona. Khona-ke kutabe sekukuhambela kahle konkhe, imphilo yakho iphunyule ekufeni. Kodvwa nawala kuphakamisa tandla, naku Simakadze lakwembulile kimi kutsi: Onkhe lamakhosikati lasele esigodlweni senkhosi yakaJuda, atawukhishwa ayiswe kuto tiphatsimandla tenkhosi yaseBhabhulona. Lamakhosikati ayawukhuluma kuwe, atsi: “ ‘Bakwedukisa baze bakwehlula, labo bangani bakho lobetsembako. Tinyawo takho titike ekhatsi eludzakeni; bangani bakho bakulahlile.’ “Onkhe emakhosikati akho nebantfwabakho bayawuyiswa kubaseBhabhulona, nawe cobo lwakho ngeke uphunyule etandleni tabo, kodvwa uyawubanjwa yinkhosi yaseBhabhulona, nalelidolobha liyawubhujiswa ngemlilo.” Sedekiya wakhuluma kuJeremiya, watsi: “Ungatjeli muntfu ngalengcoco yetfu; ngaphandle kwaloko utakufa. Natingeva letiphatsimandla kutsi bengicoca nawe, tite kuwe tifike titsi: ‘Sitjele kutsi utsiteni enkhosini, nekutsi inkhosi itsiteni kuwe, ungasifihleli, ngaphandle kwaloko siyawukubulala,’ ubobe sewutitjela utsi: ‘Bengitincengela enkhosini kutsi imane ingangibuyiseli endlini kaJonathani kuyawufela khona.’ ” Tonkhe letiphatsimandla teta kuJeremiya tatawumbuta, watitjela konkhe loko labekutjelwe yinkhosi kutsi akusho. Ngako tangabe tisasho lutfo kuye, ngobe kute namunye labeyivile lengcoco yakhe nenkhosi. Jeremiya wahlala esibuyeni sabogadzi, kwaze kwaba lilanga leyatfunjwa ngalo iJerusalema. IJerusalema yatfunjwa kanjena-ke: Ngemnyaka wemfica wekubusa kwaSedekiya, inkhosi yakaJuda, ngenyanga yelishumi, Nebukhadnezari, inkhosi yaseBhabhulona, washuca wayawuhlasela iJerusalema, washuca nayo yonkhe imphi yakhe wayivimbetela. Kwatsi ngelilanga lemfica enyangeni yesine ngemnyaka welishumi nanye waSedekiya, batifohla tibondza telidolobha bangena. Tonkhe tiphatsimandla tenkhosi yaseBhabhulona tase tiyangena tatsatsa tindzawo tato eSangweni Lelisekhatsi Nendzawo: boNegali Sareseri waseSamgari, naNebo Sasekhimi, labengumphatsi wetindvuna, naNegali Sareseri labesiphatsimandla lesikhulu, kanye nato tonkhe letinye tiphatsimandla tenkhosi yaseBhabhulona. Kwatsi Sedekiya, inkhosi yakaJuda, nawo onkhe emabutfo nakatibona letiphatsimandla, babaleka; baphuma kulelidolobha ebusuku, babaleka ngendlela yengadze yenkhosi, ngelisango lelisemkhatsini wetibondza letimbili, babhekisa emabombo kuyo i-Arabha. Kodvwa lamabutfo aseBhabhulona abacosha, akhandza Sedekiya etsafeni laseJerikho. Ambamba ammikisa kuNebukhadnezari, inkhosi yaseBhabhulona, labeseRibla, eveni laseHamathi, lapho akhipha khona sigwebo sakhe kuye. Kwatsi khona lapho eRibla inkhosi yaseBhabhulona yabulala emadvodzana aSedekiya embikwemehlo akhe abukile, yabulala nabo bonkhe labahloniphekile bakaJuda. Wase ukupuluta emehlo aSedekiya, wambopha ngetinketane telitfusi kuze amyise eBhabhulona. BaseBhabhulona basilumeka ngemlilo sigodlo senkhosi kanye netindlu tebantfu; babhidlita netibondza taseJerusalema. Nebuzaradani, indvuna yabomahlalesangweni benkhosi, watfumba bantfu lababesele edolobheni kanye nalabanye nje bantfu labebasele, wabayisa eBhabhulona kanye nalabo labahlubuke baya kuye. Kodvwa Nebuzaradani, indvuna yabomahlalesangweni benkhosi, washiya eveni lakaJuda labanye balabo labamphofu lababengenalutfo, kwatsi ngaleso sikhatsi wabanika tivini nemasimi. Nebukhadnezari, inkhosi yaseBhabhulona, abesanike Nebuzaradani, indvuna yabomahlalesangweni, umyalo ngaJeremiya, watsi: “Ubomtsatsa, umnakekele kahle, ungamenti lutfo, kodvwa umentele konkhe lakucelako.” Ngako Nebuzaradani, indvuna yabomahlalesangweni, naNebushazbani, indvuna lenkhulu yesigodlo, naNegali Sareseri, labesiphatsimandla lesikhulu, kanye nato tonkhe letinye tiphatsimandla tenkhosi yaseBhabhulona tatfumela umyalo wekutsi Jeremiya akakhishwe esibuyeni sabogadzi. Base bammikisa kuGedaliya, umsa wa-Ahikamu, umsa waShafani, kutsi amtsatse ambuyisele ekhaya lakhe. Ngako wahlala nebantfu bakubo. Ngesikhatsi Jeremiya asevalelwe lapha esibuyeni sabogadzi, kwefika livi laSimakadze kuye, latsi: “Hamba utjele Ebedi Meleki, umKushe, utsi: ‘Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze longuSomandla, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, utsi: Sengitawugcwalisa emavi ami lamelana nalelidolobha ngitakuwagcwalisa ngesigameko, hhayi ngalokuhle. Ngaleso sikhatsi ayawugcwaliseka embikwemehlo akho. Kodvwa ngiyakukwephula wena ngalelo langa, ngeke uniketelwe etandleni talabo lobesabako, kusho Simakadze. Ngiyawukusindzisa, ngeke ufe ngenkemba, kodvwa wena uyawuphunyula nemphilo yakho, ngobe wena wetsembele kimi, kusho Simakadze.’ ” Kwefika livi laSimakadze kuJeremiya emvakwekube Nebuzaradani, indvuna yabomahlalesangweni, asamkhululile eRama. Abemkhandze Jeremiya aboshwe ngetinketane emkhatsini wabo bonkhe batfunjwa lababephuma eJerusalema nakaJuda, batfunjwa bayiswa eBhabhulona. Kwatsi lendvuna yabomahlalesangweni nayimtfola Jeremiya, yakhuluma kuye, yatsi: “Simakadze longuNkulunkulu wakho wakhipha livi kutsi lendzawo yehlelwe ngulesigemegeme. Manje Simakadze sewusehlisile vele, sewente njengaloku abevele ashito kutsi utakwenta. Konkhe loku kwentiwe kutsi nine bantfu none kuSimakadze, nangete namlalela. Kodvwa lamuhla sengiyakukhulula kuletinketane letisetandleni takho. Wota sambe nawe siye eBhabhulona, nawutsandza, ngitakunakekela. Kodvwa nawungafuni, ungeti. Buka la, lonkhe lelive lisembikwakho, yani lapho utsandza kuya khona.” Noko, Jeremiya angakagucuki kutsi ahambe, Nebuzaradani wengeta watsi: “Buyela emuva kaGedaliya, umsa wa-Ahikamu, umsa waShafani, lobekwe yinkhosi yaseBhabhulona etikwemadolobha akaJuda, uyewuhlala naye kanye nebantfu, nome-ke uye nome ngukuphi lapho utsandza kuya khona.” Ngako indvuna yabomahlalesangweni yamnika umphako nesipho, yase iyamyekela, wahamba. Ngako Jeremiya wahamba waya kaGedaliya, umsa wa-Ahikamu, eMispa, wahlala naye asemkhatsini webantfu lababesele eveni. Kwatsi kube tonkhe tindvuna temphi kanye nemadvodza ato labesasele etigangeni, beve kutsi inkhosi yaseBhabhulona yase ibeke Gedaliya, umsa wa-Ahikamu, kutsi abe ngumbusi welive, wambeka nekutsi engamele emadvodza, nebafati, nebantfwana lababemphofu kakhulu kulelo live lababengakatfunjwa bayiswa eBhabhulona, befika kaGedaliya eMispa, bo-Ishmayeli, umsa waNethaniya, naJohanani kanye naJonathani, emadvodzana aKhareya, naSeraya, umsa waThanhumethi, nemadvodzana a-Efayi waseNethofa, naJazaniya, indvodzana yemMakha, nemadvodza abo. Gedaliya, umsa wa-Ahikamu, umsa waShafani, wafunga kubo nakulamadvodza abo, watsi: “Ningesabi kukhonta emaBhabhulona. Yakhani lapha eveni nihlehle enkhosini yaseBhabhulona, kutabe sekunihambela kahle-ke. Mine-ke ngitawuhlala eMispa kutsi ngitewumelela nine kumaBhabhulona labeta lapha kitsi; kodvwa nine nitawuvuna liwayini, netitselo tasehlobo kanye nemafutsa, nikufake etitjeni tenu tekulondvolota, nihlale kulamadolobha leseniwatsetse.” Kwatsi onkhe emaJuda labekaMowabi, naka-Amoni, naka-Edomu, nakuwo onkhe lamanye emave, nakeva kutsi inkhosi yaseBhabhulona ishiye imisalela kaJuda, yase ibeka Gedaliya, umsa wa-Ahikamu, umsa waShafani, kutsi abe ngumbusi wabo, onkhe abuyela eveni lakaJuda, kuGedaliya eMispa, esuka kuwo onkhe emave lapho abesakateleke khona. Afike avuna lesikhulu sivuno seliwayini nesetitselo tasehlobo. Johanani, umsa waKhareya, kanye nato tonkhe tindvuna temphi letatisesetigangeni, teta kuGedaliya eMispa tatsi kuye: “Awati yini kutsi Bhalisi, inkhosi yema-Amoni, utfumele Ishmayeli, umsa waNethaniya, kutsi atekubulala?” Kodvwa Gedaliya, umsa wa-Ahikamu, akazange abakholwe. Ngako Johanani, umsa waKhareya, wakhuluma kuGedaliya ngasense eMispa, watsi: “Ngivumele ngiyewubulala Ishmayeli, umsa waNethaniya, kute namunye loyawukwati ngaloko. Kudzingeke ngani kutsi abulale wena, ente onkhe lamaJuda lasabutsene lapha kuwe asakateke, nensali yakaJuda iphele?” Kodvwa Gedaliya, umsa wa-Ahikamu, wakhuluma kuJohanani, umsa waKhareya, watsi: “Ungacali wente intfo lenjalo! Loku lokushoko nga-Ishmayeli akusilo nani liciniso.” Ngenyanga yesikhombisa, Ishmayeli, umsa waNethaniya, umsa wa-Elishama, labewendlu yasebukhosini, kantsi futsi abengulomunye wetindvuna tenkhosi, wefika nemadvodza lalishumi kuGedaliya, umsa wa-Ahikamu, eMispa. Batsi basadla ndzawonye lapho, Ishmayeli, umsa waNethaniya, kanye nalamadvodza lalishumi labenawo asukuma akhipha tinkemba tawo abulala Gedaliya, umsa wa-Ahikamu, umsa waShafani. Gedaliya abebekwe yinkhosi yaseBhabhulona, kutsi abe ngumbusi welive. Ishmayeli wachubeka wabulala onkhe emaJuda labenaGedaliya eMispa kanye nemadvodza emphi yemaBhabhulona labelapho. Ngakusasa, kusengakatiwa nekutsi Gedaliya ubulewe, kwefika emadvodza langema-80 aphuma eShekhemu, naseShilo, naseSamariya. Abehhule tilevu tawo, aklebhule timphahla tawo, atisika emitimbeni yawo, etfwele iminikelo yalokutinhlavu nenhlaka atewukunikela endlini yaSimakadze. Ishmayeli, umsa waNethaniya, waphuma eMispa kuyakuwahlangabeta, ahamba akhala; nasahlangane nawo, wafike watsi kuwo: “Wotani kuGedaliya, umsa wa-Ahikamu.” Atsi kube angene ngekhatsi edolobheni, Ishmayeli, umsa waNethaniya, nalabehamba nabo wawabulala, tidvumbu tawo watijikijela emgodzini wemanti. Kodvwa kwaba khona emkhatsini wawo emadvodza lalishumi lacela Ishmayeli, atsi: “Sicela kutsi mane ungasibulali! Siphetse kolo nebhali, nemafutsa kanye neluju lwetinyosi lesikufihle lena esikhotseni.” Ngako wabayekela, wangete wababulala kanye nalaba labanye. Lomgodzi lapho alahla khona tonkhe letidvumbu talamadvodza labesawabulele kanye naGedaliya, bekungiwo lowo mgodzi lomkhulu lowawentiwe yinkhosi Asa, nakativikela ekuhlaselweni nguBhasha, inkhosi yaka-Israyeli. Nguwo-ke Ishmayeli, umsa waNethaniya, lawugcwalisa ngaletidvumbu. Ishmayeli wabe sewutfumba bonkhe labantfu lababeseMispa, emakhosatana kanye nabo bonkhe labanye lababesele lapho, Nebuzaradani, indvuna yabomahlalesangweni labebeke Gedaliya, umsa wa-Ahikamu, kutsi abe ngumbusi wabo. Ishmayeli, umsa waNethaniya, wabatfumba, washuca nabo wacondza ngesheya eveni laka-Amoni. Watsi kube Johanani, umsa waKhareya, netindvuna tonkhe temabutfo letatinaye beve ngayo yonkhe lenhlekelele leyase yentiwe ngu-Ishmayeli, umsa waNethaniya, bahlomisa onkhe emadvodza abo, bahamba bayawuhlasela Ishmayeli, umsa waNethaniya; bamkhandza ngasesitibeni lesikhulu eGibeyoni. Batsi kube bonkhe bantfu lababena-Ishmayeli babone Johanani, umsa waKhareya, nebaholi balemphi banaye, bajabula. Bonkhe lababetfunjwe ngu-Ishmayeli eMispa bancandzeka baya kuJohanani, umsa waKhareya. Kodvwa Ishmayeli, umsa waNethaniya, kanye nalamadvodza akakhe lasiphohlongo babalekela Johanani, bacondza ngesheya eveni lema-Amoni. Johanani, umsa waKhareya, kanye nato tonkhe tindvuna temphi letatinaye bahola yonkhe imisalela leyayiphuma eMispa lababeyemuke Ishmayeli, umsa waNethaniya, emvakwekubulala kwakhe Gedaliya, umsa wa-Ahikamu: emasotja, nebafati, nebantfwana, nebatsenwa, Johanani labebuye nabo eGibeyoni. Bachubeka, baze bayakuma eGeruthi Khimhamu lengaseceleni kweBhetlehema bacondze eGibhithe, babalekela emaBhabhulona. Babewesaba, ngobe Ishmayeli, umsa waNethaniya, abesabulele Gedaliya, umsa wa-Ahikamu, labesabekwe yinkhosi yaseBhabhulona kutsi abe ngumbusi welive. Kwatsi bonkhe baholi bemabutfo kanye naJohanani, umsa waKhareya, na-Azariya, umsa waHoshaya, beta nebantfu bato tonkhe tigaba, bafika kuJeremiya, umphrofethi, batsi: “Sicela ulalele nasi sicelo setfu, bese uthandazela yonkhe lensali kuSimakadze longuNkulunkulu wakho. Njengobe ubona nje, nome sake saba banyenti, kodvwa nyalo sesisele simbalwa. Thandaza ucele kuSimakadze Nkulunkulu wakho kutsi asitjele kutsi sesitakuya kuphi nekutsi kufanele senteni.” Jeremiya, umphrofethi, wabaphendvula, watsi: “Senginivile, ngempela ngitawuthandaza kuSimakadze Nkulunkulu wenu, njengobe nicelile. Ngitanitjela konkhe Simakadze lakushoko, futsi kute lengitanigodlela kona.” Ngako base bakhuluma kuJeremiya, batsi: “Shangatsi Simakadze angaba ngufakazi loneliciniso nalowetsembekile lotawuphambana natsi, nasingakwenti ngendlela lengiyo konkhe Simakadze longuNkulunkulu wakho lakutfume kona kutsi usitjele. Nome ngabe kuvumelana natsi nome kuyasilahla, sitamlalela Simakadze, Nkulunkulu wetfu, lesikutfuma kuye, kuze kusihambele kahle, ngobe sitamlalela Simakadze longuNkulunkulu wetfu.” Emvakwemalanga lalishumi livi laSimakadze lefika kuJeremiya. Ngako wabita wahlanganisa Johanani, umsa waKhareya, nato tonkhe tindvuna temabutfo letatinaye kanye nabo bonkhe bantfu kusukela kulomncane kuye kulomkhulu. Wakhuluma kubo, watsi: “Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze longuNkulunkulu wema-Israyeli lebeningitfume kuye kutsi ngiyekwetfula sicelo senu, utsi: ‘Nanihlala kulelive, ngitawunakha nginganibhidliti; ngiyawunihlanyela nginganizuphuni, ngobe ngidzabuke kabi ngalenhlekelele lengiyehlisele etikwenu. Ningayesabi inkhosi yaseBhabhulona leseniyesaba nyalo. Simakadze utsi: Ningayesabi, ngobe nginani, futsi ngitanisindzisa nginikhulule etandleni tayo. Ngitaniphatsa ngesihawu, kuze kutsi nayo itewuba nesihawu kini, bese inibuyisela eveni lenu.’ “Noko nine nanitsi: ‘Tsine singeke sihlale kulelive,’ ngaloko ningamlaleli Simakadze longuNkulunkulu wenu, nome nitsi: ‘Cha, sitawuhamba siyewuhlala eGibhithe, lapho singetiwuyibona khona imphi, nome sive kukhala kwempalampala, nome silambele sinkhwa,’ ngako vanini livi laSimakadze, nine nsali yakaJuda. Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze longuSomandla, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, utsi: ‘Nanitimisele kuhamba niye eGibhithe, bese vele niyaya nekutsi niyewuhlala khona, inkemba leniyesabako itanikhandza khona lapho, nalendlala leniyesabako itanilandzela ize iyenikhandza eGibhithe, lapho nitawufike nifele khona. Ngempela, bonkhe labo labatimisele kuya eGibhithe bafike bayewuhlala khona, bayawubulawa ngenkemba, nangendlala, nangesifo lesibulalanako; kute nome munye wabo loyawusindza nome aphunyule kulenhlekelele lengitayehlisela etikwabo.’ “Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze longuSomandla, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, utsi: ‘Njengobe intfukutselo yami nelulaka lwami sekutfululelwe kulabo labebahlala eJerusalema, kanjalo lulaka lwami lutawutfululelwa etikwenu, naniya eGibhithe. Niyawuba yintfo yekucalekisa neyekwesabisa, nibe yintfo yekwetfuka nelihlazo; ningeke niphindze niyibone lendzawo.’ “Awu, nsali yakaJuda, Simakadze sewunitjelile watsi: ‘Ningayi eGibhithe.’ Kufanele nati kahle kutsi: Lamuhla ngiyanecwayisa kutsi nenta siphosiso lesesabekako ngesikhatsi ningitfuma kuSimakadze longuNkulunkulu wenu, natsi: ‘Sithandazele kuSimakadze wetfu; sitjele konkhe lakushoko, sitakwenta.’ Lamuhla senginitjelile, kodvwa seloku anikamlaleli Simakadze longuNkulunkulu wenu kuko konkhe langitfume kona kutsi nginitjele. Ngako nyalo, yatini nekwati kutsi: Nitakufa ngenkemba, nangendlala, nangesifo lesibulalanako kuyo leyo ndzawo lapho nifuna kuyawuhlala khona.” Watsi kube Jeremiya acedze kutjela bantfu onkhe lamavi aSimakadze longuNkulunkulu wabo, konkhe Simakadze labemtfume kutsi abatjele, Azariya, umsa waHoshaya, naJohanani, umsa waKhareya, nawo onkhe emadvodza labetibeka embili akhuluma kuJeremiya, atsi: “Unemanga! Simakadze longuNkulunkulu wetfu akakutfumi kutsi utewutsi: ‘Kufanele ningayi eGibhithe kuyawuhlala khona.’ Kodvwa Bharuki, umsa waNeriya, ukufake umoya wekuphambana natsi kutsi asinikele esandleni semaBhabhulona, khona atesibulala nome asitfumbele eBhabhulona.” Ngako Johanani, umsa waKhareya, kanye nato tonkhe tindvuna temabutfo nebantfu bonkhe abawulalelanga umyalo waSimakadze kutsi bahlale eveni lakaJuda. Esikhundleni saloko, Johanani, umsa waKhareya, nato tonkhe tindvuna temabutfo tayihola embili yonkhe imisalela yakaJuda leyayibuyele kuhlala eveni lakaJuda, isuka etiveni tonkhe lapho yayisakateleke khona. Tayihola embili yonkhe: emadvodza, nebafati, nebantfwana, nemadvodzakati enkhosi, Nebuzaradani, indvuna yabomahlalesangweni, abewashiye naGedaliya, umsa wa-Ahikamu, umsa waShafani, tahamba naboJeremiya, umphrofethi, naBharuki, umsa waNeriya. Ngako bangena eGibhithe ngekungamlaleli Simakadze, baze bayawufika eThaphanesi. Livi laSimakadze lefika kuJeremiya aseThaphanesi, latsi: “Akatsi emaJuda asakubuka, wena bese utsatsa ematje lamakhulu uhambe nawo uwagcibedzele kulo libumba lendlela yesitini lesemphundvwini yesigodlo saFaro eThaphanesi. Ubobe sewukhuluma kuwo utsi: ‘Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze longuSomandla, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, utsi: Ngitawutfumela inceku yami Nebukhadnezari, inkhosi yaseBhabhulona, ngiyawumisa sihlalo sakhe sebukhosi etikwalamatje lengiwagcibedzele lapha. Uyakwendlala umpheme wakhe webukhosi etikwawo. Uyawuta ahlasele iGibhithe, abaletsele kufa labo labemiselwe kufa, aletsele nekutfunjwa kulabo labamiselwe kutfunjwa, nenkemba kulabo labemiselwe inkemba. Uyakokhela umlilo emathempelini abonkulunkulu baseGibhithe; uyawubashisa abetfwale ahambe nabo batitfunjwa; live laseGibhithe uyawulihlantisisa, njengemelusi ahlantisisa lijazi lakhe kuze atsintsitse tonkhe tintfwala talo, aphume eGibithe angenamyocu. Lapho ethempelini lelilanga eGibhithe uyawubhidlita tinsika lekutsiwa tingcwele, ashise emathempeli abonkulunkulu baseGibhithe.’ ” Leli livi lelefika kuJeremiya macondzana nawo onkhe emaJuda labehlala eGibhithe Lengentansi, eMigdoli, naseThaphanesi, naseMemfisi, naseGibhithe Lengenhla, litsi: “Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze longuSomandla, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, utsi: Nayibona lenhlekelele lenkhulu lengayehlisela etikweJerusalema nasetikwawo onkhe emadolobha akaJuda. Lamuhla asahleti atindzala, kute muntfu lohlala kuwo, ngenca yebubi lobentiwe ngulabo bantfu. Bangicunula, ngabatfukutselela ngekutfuncisa kwabo imphepho nangekukhonta labanye bonkulunkulu labangazange babati bona kanye nani naboyihlo. Nganitfumelela tinceku tami baphrofethi emaphindzephindze letatitsi: ‘Ningayenti lentfo lesinengiso kimi.’ Kodvwa anizange ningilalele nome ninginake; anizange nigucuke nibushiye bubi nibo, nome nikuyekele kutfuncisa imphepho kulabanye bonkulunkulu. Ngako-ke, intfukutselo yami leyesabekako yatfululwa; yawavutsela lamadolobha akaJuda kanye netitaladi taseJerusalema, ngatenta taba tindzala letasala tikhala libhungane, njengobe kunjalo nalamuhla. “Nyalo-ke, naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze longuSomandla, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, utsi: Niyehliselelani lenhlekelele lenkhulu kangaka etikwenu ngekubesusa laba bakaJuda emadvodza, nebafati, nebantfwana kanye netinswane, kuze nisale senite insali? Ningicunulelani ningitfukutselise ngaloko lokwentiwe tandla tenu, nangekutfuncisa imphepho kulabanye bonkulunkulu baseGibhithe, lapho nitewuhlala khona? Nitatibhubhisa nine, nitente nibe yintfo yekucalekisa nelihlazo etiveni tonkhe temhlaba. Senibukhohliwe yini lobubi lobentiwa boyihlo, nemakhosi akaJuda nemakhosikati awo kanye nebubi lobentiwa ngini nebafati benu eveni lakaJuda nasetitaladini taseJerusalema? Kuze kube ngulamuhla basengakatitfobi nome bakhombise inhlonipho, futsi abakaze bawulandzele umtsetfo wami netimiso tami lengatimisa embikwenu naboyihlo. “Ngako-ke naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze longuSomandla, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, utsi: Ngitimisele kwehlisela inhlekelele etikwenu nekubhubhisa Juda wonkhe. Ngitayisusa insali yakaJuda leyayitimisele kuyawuhlala eGibhithe; bonkhe bayawubhubhela khona eGibhithe; bayawubulawa ngenkemba, nome babulawe yindlala. Kusukela kulomncane kakhulu kuye kulomkhulu kakhulu, bayawubulawa ngenkemba nome babulawe yindlala. Bayawuba yintfo yekucalekisa neyekwesabisa, babe yintfo yekwetfuka nelihlazo. Labo labahlala eGibhithe ngiyawubajezisa ngenkemba, nangendlala, nangesifo lesibulalanako, njengobe neJerusalema ngayijezisa. Kute namunye wensali yakaJuda lowayawuhlala eGibhithe loyawuphunyula nome loyawusala bese uyancandzeka ubuyela eveni lakaJuda, lapho afisa kubuyela khona ayewuhlala. Kute nome munye loyawuncandzeka ngaphandle kwalabo labambalwa labayawubaleka.” Kwabe sekutsi onkhe emadvodza labati kutsi bomkawo batfuncisa imphepho kulabanye bonkulunkulu, akanye nabo bonkhe bafati bebalapho, yonkhe lenhlangano lenkhulu, ngisho bonkhe bantfu lababehlala eGibhithe Lengentansi naLengenhla, bakhuluma kuJeremiya batsi: “Singeke sililalele lelivi lolikhulume kitsi ngelibito laSimakadze. Nakanjani sitawukwenta konkhe lesitsite sitakwenta: Sitawutfuncisela imphepho kuyo iNkhosikati yeLizulu, sitfululele iminikelo yesinatfo kuyo, njengobe tsine nabobabe, nemakhosi etfu, netiphatsimandla tetfu tatenta emadolobheni akaJuda nasetitaladini taseJerusalema. Ngaleso sikhatsi sasinekudla lokunyenti kakhulu, sime kahle, singahlushwa lutfo. Kodvwa seloku sayekela kutfuncisa imphepho kuyo iNkhosikati yeLizulu sayekela nekutfululela iminikelo yesinatfo kuyo, asisenalutfo, futsi solo siyabhubha siyaphela ngenkemba nangendlala.” Bafati nabo bachubeka batsi: “Satsi nasitfuncisa imphepho kuyo iNkhosikati yeLizulu sitfululela neminikelo yesinatfo kuyo, emadvodza etfu akazange ati yini kutsi sasenta emakhekhe labefanana nesitfombe sayo sayitfululela neminikelo yesinatfo?” Jeremiya wabe sewukhuluma kubo bonkhe bantfu, emadvodza nebafati lababemphendvula, watsi: “Simakadze akayikhumbulanga yini wayicabanga imphepho leyayitfunciswa emadolobheni akaJuda nasetitaladini taseJerusalema, itfunciswa ngini naboyihlo nemakhosi enu, netiphatsimandla tenu, kanye nebantfu balelive? Watsi Simakadze nasehlulekile kubeketelela tento tenu tebubi naletintfo letisinengiso lenanitentile, live lenu laba yintfo yekucalekisa nendzawo lelihlane lelite bantfu, njengobe linjalo lamuhla. Njengobe nitfuncise imphepho, nona kuSimakadze, nangete namlalela nome nilandzele umtsetfo wakhe, netimiso takhe, netecwayiso takhe, lenhlekelele seyehlele etikwenu, njengobe nibona nje lamuhla.” Ngako Jeremiya wakhuluma kubo bonkhe bantfu kanye nebafati, watsi: “Vanini livi laSimakadze, nonkhe nine bantfu bakaJuda leniseGibhithe. Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze longuSomandla, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, utsi: Nine nabomkenu nikhombise ngetento tenu loko lenakwetsembisa nanitsi: ‘Nakanjani, sitatifeza tifungo lesatenta sitayitfuncisa imphepho sitsele neminikelo yesinatfo eNkhosikatini yeLizulu.’ “Chubekani-ke, nikwente loko lenakwetsembisa! Gcinani tifungo tenu! Kodvwa vanini livi laSimakadze, nonkhe nine maJuda lenihlala eGibhithe: Simakadze utsi: ‘Ngifunga ngeLibito lami lelikhulu kutsi ngingeke ngiphindze ngimvumele nome munye nje umuntfu wakaJuda emkhatsini wenu kutsi afunge ngeLibito lami atsi: “Ngifunga kuphila kweNkhosi Simakadze.” Ngobe sengibabekele lokubi, hhayi lokuhle; emaJuda laseGibhithe ayawubhubha ngenkemba nangendlala, aze abhujiswe onkhe. Labo labayawubalekela inkemba babuyele eveni lakaJuda besuke eGibhithe, bayawuba mbalwa kakhulu. Kuyawutsi-ke yonkhe insali yakaJuda leyeta kutawuhlala eGibhithe iyawukwati kutsi labani livi leliyawuma, lingagucuki, lami nome labo. “ ‘Loku kuyawuba sibonakaliso kini kutsi ngiyawunijezisa kulendzawo, khona nitewukwati kutsi kusonga kwami ngani nakanjani kuyakuma kungagucuki,’ kusho Simakadze. Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: ‘Faro Hofra, inkhosi yaseGibhithe, ngitamnikela esandleni setitsa takhe letifunana nemphilo yakhe, njengobe naSedekiya, inkhosi yakaJuda, ngamnikela kuNebukhadnezari, inkhosi yaseBhabhulona, sitsa lesasifunana nemphilo yakhe.’ ” Naku Jeremiya, umphrofethi, lakutjela Bharuki, umsa waNeriya, ngemnyaka wesine wekubusa kwaJehoyakimu, umsa waJosaya, inkhosi yakaJuda, emvakwekutsi Bharuki asabhale encwadzini legocotwako emavi Jeremiya labemtjele wona, watsi: “Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, ukhuluma kuwe Bharuki, utsi: Watsi kimi: ‘Nako kimi! Simakadze sewengete iminjunju etinhlungwini tami, sengiphelile ngenca yekububula kwami, angisatfoli nekuphumula.’ ” Simakadze watsi: “Khuluma kuye, utsi: ‘Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: Loko lesengikwakhile ngiyawukuketula, ngikuzuphune naloko bengikuhlanyelile eveni lonkhe. Pho, ungatifunela yini wena tintfo letinkhulu? Ungatifuni. Ngobe ngiyakwehlisela inhlekelele etikwabo bonkhe bantfu, kodvwa wena nome ngukuphi lapho uya khona, ngiyawukwenta uphunyule kanye nemphilo yakho, kusho Simakadze.’ ” Leli livi laSimakadze lelefika kuJeremiya, umphrofethi, macondzana netive: Macondzana neGibhithe: Lona ngumlayeto macondzana nemphi yaFaro Nekho, inkhosi yaseGibhithe, leyehlulwa eKhakhemishi ngasemfuleni iYufrathe, yehlulwa nguNebukhadnezari, inkhosi yaseBhabhulona, ngemnyaka wesine wekubusa kwaJehoyakimu, umsa waJosaya, inkhosi yakaJuda, utsi: “Lungisani emahawu enu, yebo, lamancane nalamakhulu, niphume nishuce niye emphini! Bophelani emahhashi enu, nigibele, nine bagibeli bemahhashi! Manini ngetigaba tenu teticheme, nifake netimphantitje tenu etinhloko! Lolani tikhali tenu, nigcoke nemajazi ensimbi enu emphi! Kodvwa ngabe ngibonani? Bayesaba, bayakhwesha, emabutfo abo ayehlulwa. Bagijima bashiya inyosi, bayabaleka, abasabuki ngisho nasemuva, futsi sekunekwesabeka neluvalo yonkhe indzawo,” kusho Simakadze. “Labanematubane bangeke bakhone kubaleka, nalabanemandla bangeke baphunyule. Bayakhubatela bawe, enyakatfo, ngasemfuleni iYufrathe. “Ngubani lona lokhuphuka njengemfula iNayili, anjengemifula lenemanti lagubhutelako? IGibhithe ikhuphuka njengeNayili, injengemifula lenemanti lagubhutelako. Itsi: ‘Ngitawuvumbuka ngigcibedzele umhlaba; ngitawubhubhisa emadolobha kanye nebantfu labahlala kuwo.’ Awu, subatsani, mahhashi! Nani bagibeli betincola, tigijimiseni, kube shangatsi senitinhlanya! Hlaselani, nani tingwazi: Nine madvodza aseKushe newasePhuthi, lenibambe emahawu, nani madvodza aseLidiya lajijimeta ngebutjoki. Kodvwa lelo langa ngilo lilanga laSimakadze, Simakadze longuSomandla, lilanga lemphindziselo, lekutiphindzisela etitseni takhe. Inkemba itawudla idzimate yesutse, idzimate ikucedze ngekudla ingati koma kwayo. Ngobe Simakadze, Simakadze longuSomandla, utawunikela ngemhlatjelo eveni lasenyakatfo, ngasemfuleni iYufrathe. “Khuphukela kaGileyadi uyewutfola ibhalisamu, awu, wena ntfombi, Ndvodzakati yaseGibhithe. Kodvwa wandzisa imitsi yakho yekwelapha, wayandzisa mahhala. Yeka, solo awelapheki. Tive tiyawuva ngelihlazo lakho, kukhala kwakho kuyawugcwalisa wonkhe umhlaba. Ingwazi lenye iyawugilwa ngulenye, tikhubatele tiwe tonkhe kanyekanye.” Lona ngumlayeto Simakadze lawutjela Jeremiya, umphrofethi, ngekuta kwaNebukhadnezari, inkhosi yaseBhabhulona, kutawuhlasela iGibhithe, watsi: “Memetelani loku eGibhithe, nikwatise futsi naseMigdoli; kumemeteleni futsi naseMemfisi kanye naseThaphanesi, nitsi: ‘Manini ngetigaba tenu nilungele, ngobe inkemba iyawudla labo labanitungeletile.’ Emabutfo ayawulaliselwani lunja? Bangeke beme, ngobe Simakadze uyawubadvudvula abalahle phansi. Bayawukhubatela njalo nje; bawe lomunye etikwalomunye. Bayawutsi: ‘Vukani, sibuyele emuva kubantfu bakitsi nasemaveni etfu, sibaleke kulenkemba yemcindzeteli.’ Lapho bayawubabata batsi: ‘Faro, inkhosi yaseGibhithe, ungumsindvo nje lomkhulu, ulilahlile litfuba lakhe.’ “Ngifunga kuphila kwami,” kusho iNkhosi, lelibito layo kunguSimakadze longuSomandla, “kuyawufika lowo lonemandla njengeThabori emkhatsini wetintsaba, nanjengeKhameli ngaselwandle. Butsani timphahla tenu tekudzingiswa, nine lenihlala eGibhithe, ngobe iMemfisi iyawusala yodvwa isale ingemabolela langasahlali muntfu. “IGibhithe ilitfokati lelihle kakhulu, kodvwa siyeta sibawu lesitayihlasela, sita sichamuka enyakatfo. Emabutfo ayo lacashiwe anjengematfole londleke kahle eGibhithe. Nawo futsi atawuncandzeka abaleke kanyekanye, angeke ayimele lemphi, ngobe lilanga lawo lesehlakalo sawo seliwehlele, sikhatsi sawo sekutsi ajeziswe. IGibhithe iyawuntjweza ihashate njengenyoka lebalekako ngesikhatsi sitsa sisondzela ngemandla; bayawubhekana nayo ngemazembe, njengebantfu bajuba tihlahla. Bayawucobela phansi lihlatsi layo, naloku lihlangene kangaka nje. Banyenti bendlula libulo lesikhonyane, abanawubalwa ngumuntfu,” kusho Simakadze. “INdvodzakati yaseGibhithe iyawuhlazeka, inikelwe kubantfu basenyakatfo.” Simakadze Somandla, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, utsi: “Sengitamjezisa Amoni, sithico saseThebesi, naFaro, neGibhithe kanye netithico tayo, nemakhosi ayo, nabo bonkhe labo labetsembele kuFaro. Ngitabanikela kulabo labafuna timphilo tabo, nakuNebukhadnezari, inkhosi yaseBhabhulona, kanye netindvuna tayo. Noko emvakwaloko, iGibhithe iyawuphindza ibe nebantfu njengasetikhatsini takadzeni,” kusho Simakadze. “Ungesabi, wena Jakobe, nceku yami; ungajabhi, wena Israyeli. Ngempela, ngitakusindzisa usendzaweni lekhashane, netitukulwane takho eveni lato lekutfunjwa. Jakobe uyawuphindze abe nekuthula nekuvikeleka, futsi kute namunye loyawumetfusa. Ungesabi, wena Jakobe, nceku yami, ngobe nginawe,” kusho Simakadze. “Noko, nome ngitibhubhisa ngiticedza tonkhe tive, lapho ngikucoshele khona, wena angiyiwukubhubhisa ngikucedze. Ngiyawukujezisa nje kuphela, nako loko ngikwente ngalokufanele umtsetfo, ngobe ngingeke ngikuyekele nje ngingakushayi.” Leli livi laSimakadze lelefika kuJeremiya umphrofethi, macondzana nemaFilisti, Faro asengakayihlaseli iGaza, litsi: Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: “Buka kutsi aqubuka kanjani emanti ngasenyakatfo, atakuba sikhukhula lesikhulu. Atawukhukhula lelive kanye nako konkhe lokukulo, emadolobha kanye nebantfu labahlala kuwo. Bantfu bayawukhala bumayemaye, bonkhe labahlala kulelive bayawulila, nabeva umsindvo wetinselo temahhashi akhe, nebukhehlekhehle betincola takhe temphi, nemsindvo wemasondvo ato. Boyise bangeke baphendvuke babasite bantfwababo, ngobe tandla tabo tiyawulenga. Ngobe lilanga lona selifikile lekubhubhisa onkhe emaFilisti, nekubhubhisa nekucedza bonkhe labayinsali lababengasita iThire neSidoni. Simakadze sewutawabhubhisa emaFilisti, imisalela yalabo labaphuma eKhrethe. IGaza iyawuhhula inhloko yayo ilile, i-Ashkeloni yona iyawuvalwa umlomo, ibhubhe. Awu, nsali yasetsafeni, niyawutikhipha umkhuphulwane kuze kube ngunini? “Nikhala nitsi: ‘Awu, nkemba yaSimakadze, uyawudzimate uphumule nini? Buyela emgodleni wakho; sale uma ubindzise.’ Kodvwa ingaphumula kanjani, nangabe Simakadze akhiphe umyalo kuyo kutsi ihlasele i-Ashkeloni nelusentse lwelwandle?” Macondzana neMowabi: Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze longuSomandla, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, utsi: “Maye kuyo iNebo, ngobe itawubhidlitwa. IKhiriyathayimu iyawuhlazeka itfunjwe, inqaba iyawuhlazeka ihhihlitelwe phansi. IMowabi ayisayiwuphindza idvunyiswe; eHeshboni emadvodza ayawuyakhela emasu ekuyiwisa atsi: ‘Buyani sitewusicedza lesive, singaphindzi sibe sive.’ Nawe futsi wena Madmeni, uyawubindziswa, uyawuvalwa umlomo, uyawube ucoshwa yinkemba. Lalelani kukhala lokuvela eHoronayimu, kukhala kwemonakalo lomkhulu nekwembhubhiso. IMowabi iyawubhidlitwa, tinswane tiyawukhala kabuhlungu. Bayakwenyuka ngendlela leya eLuhithi bahambe bakhihlita sililo lesibuhlungu; emgwacweni lobheke entansi eHoronayimu kuvakala kukhala kamunyu ngenca yalembhubhiso. Balekani niphephise imphilo yenu, banini njengesihlahla lesisehlane. Njengobe netsembele etentweni tenu nasebunjingeni benu, nani niyawutsatfwa niyiswe ekutfunjweni, naKhemoshi, sithico senu, uyawuyiswa ekudzingisweni kanye nebaphristi bakhe netindvuna takhe. Umbhubhisi uyawusukela onkhe emadolobha, kute nalinye lidolobha leliyawuphunyula. Sigodzi siyawuhhihlitwa nelitsafa libhujiswe, ngobe Simakadze sewukhulumile. Fakani luswayi kaMowabi, ngobe uyawuba yincitsakalo, emadolobha akhona ayawusala akhala libhungane, sekute muntfu longahlala kuwo. “Akacalekiswe umuntfu loyeketsisako ekwenteni umsebenti waSimakadze! Akacalekiswe umuntfu lokhweshisa inkemba yakhe ekucitseni ingati! “Mowabi abesaphumulile kusukela kwasebusheni bakhe, njengeliwayini lelisele emashiceni, lingakatfululwa kuloludziwo lafakwa kulolwa; akakayi ekudzingisweni. Ngako usanambitseka njengobe abenjalo, neliphunga lakhe alikagucuki.” Simakadze utsi: “Kodvwa ayeta emalanga, lapho ngiyawutfumela emadvodza latfululanako etindziweni, naye ayakumcitsa, ayawutfulula tindziwo takhe abhidlite letimbita takhe phansi. Ngako Mowabi uyawuba nemahloni ngaKhemoshi, sithico sakhe, njengobe nendlu yaka-Israyeli yaba nemahloni nase betsembela eBetheli. “Ningasho kanjani kutsi: ‘Sitingwazi tsine, emadvodza labokadzebona bemphi’? Mowabi uyawubhujiswa, nemadolobha akhe ayawuvinjetelwa, emajaha akhona elikhetselo lamahle ayakwehliselwa ekuhlatjweni abulawe, kusho iNkhosi, lelibito layo kunguSimakadze longuSomandla. Kuwa kwaMowabi sekusedvute, sigameko sakhe sesitawufika masinyane. Mdvudvuteni nine nonkhe labahlala edvute naye, nonkhe nine lenati ludvumo lwakhe, tsanini: ‘Yephuke njani lendvuku lenemandla kangaka; yephuke kanjani lendvuku yebukhosi!’ “Yehlani ekubabatekeni kwenu nihlale emhlabatsini logagadzekile, awu, nine takhamiti taseDiboni, ngobe lowo lobhubhisa Mowabi utanisukela nani, atewubhidlita emadolobha enu labiyelwe. Manini emigwacweni nibukele, nine lenihlala e-Aroyeri. Butani kulamadvodza lasubatsako nakulabafati lababalekako nitsi: ‘Kwenteke njani?’ IMowabi seyitseleke ngelihlazo, ngobe seyihhihlitiwe. Lilani nikhale kakhulu! Memetelani ngase-Anoni kutsi iMowabi seyibhujisiwe. Sijeziso sehlele emadolobha lasetsafeni: iHoloni, neJahasi, neMefathi, neDiboni, neNebo, neBhethi Diblathayimu, neKhiriyathayimu, neBhethi Gamuli, neBhethi Meyoni, neKheriyothi, neBhosra, nawo onkhe emadolobha akaMowabi lasedvute nakhashane. Luphondvo lwaMowabi lujubekile, luganyuliwe, nemkhono wakhe uganyuliwe,” kusho Simakadze. “Mdzakiseni, ngobe wedzelele Simakadze. Mowabi akabhucute emahlanteni akhe, akabe yintfo yekuhlekisa. Israyeli abengasiyo yini intfo yakho yekuhlekisa? Abebanjwe emkhatsini wemasela yini kwekutsi ungaze unikine inhloko uhlekise ngaye njalo nje, nawuphatsa libito lakhe? Shiyani emadolobha enu niyewuhlala emkhatsini wemadvwala, nine lenihlala kaMowabi. Lingisani lituba, lona lakha sidleke salo ekungeneni kwemgedze. Sivile ngekutigabatisa kwaMowabi, kutigcabha kwakhe lokukhulu, nangelicholo lakhe, ligcabho lakhe, nekutiphakamisa kanye nekutikhukhumeta kwenhlitiyo yakhe. Ngiyakwati kuchosha kwakhe, kodvwa kulite, nekutishaya sifuba kwakhe akumsiti ngalutfo, konkhe lakwentako kulite,” kusho Simakadze. Ngako-ke ngiyamkhalela Mowabi, ngililela bonkhe bakaMowabi. Ngiyawakhalela emadvodza aseKhiri Heresi. Nginikhalela kwendlula kuyikhalela kwami iJazeri, awu, nine tivini taseSibima. Emagala enu endlaleka aze efika elwandle, enaba aze efika elwandle lwakaJazeri. Umbhubhisi sewutselekele titselo tenu, nemagelebisi enu lavutsiwe. Kutsakasa nenjabulo sekusukile emahlatsini etitselo nasemasimini akaMowabi. Ngikumisile kugeleta kweliwayini ematjeni ekuhlutela, kute nalosawagcobagcoba ngekumemeta kwenjabulo. Nome-ke kukhona lokumemeta, kodvwa akusiko kwenjabulo. “Umsindvo wekukhala kwabo uyenyuka usuka eHeshboni uye e-Eleyale naseJahasi, kusukela eSowari kuze kuyewufika eHoronayimu nase-Eglathi Shelishiya, ngobe ngisho nemanti aseNimrimu asomile. Ngiyawubacedza kaMowabi labo labashisa iminikelo etindzaweni letiphakeme, batfuncise nemphepho etithicweni tabo,” kusho Simakadze. “Ngako inhlitiyo yami ikhala njengemntjingozi, ikhalela iMowabi, intjilota njengemntjingozi ngenca yemadvodza aseKhiri Heresi. Umcebo labewutfola awusekho. Tonkhe tinhloko tawo titimphandla, nato tonkhe tilevu tihhuliwe, tonkhe tandla tijutjiwe, nato tonkhe tinkhalo tembeswe emasaka. Kulo lonkhe luphahla lwakaMowabi nasetinkhundleni tesive kute lokunye ngaphandle kwesililo, ngobe sengiyephulile iMowabi njengeludziwo lolungafunwa ngumuntfu,” kusho Simakadze. “Maye kufabaka kwayo! Maye, bayalila bo! Hhawu, kushwebheta kwaMowabi sekuyindlisamahloni kuyo; Mowabi sewugucuke waba yintfo yekuhlekisa, waba yintfo nje yekwesabisa kubo bonkhe labakhelene naye.” Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: “Bukani lusweti luntjweza lwehla, lwendlala emaphiko alo etikweMowabi. Emadolobha atawutfunjwa, kudliwe netinqaba tawo. Ngalelo langa tinhlitiyo tetihlabani takaMowabi tiyawufanana nenhlitiyo yemfati nasaphetfwe ngumhelo. Mowabi uyawubhujiswa angabe asaba sive, ngobe wedzelela Simakadze. Sesabiso, nemgodzi, nelugibe kunihlalele, awu, nine bantfu bakaMowabi,” kusho Simakadze. “Wonkhe lobalekela sesabiso uyawuhholokoshela emgodzini. Wonkhe lokhuphukako emgodzini uyawubhajwa elugibeni; ngobe ngiyawehlisela etikwaMowabi umnyaka wakhe wesijeziso,” kusho Simakadze. “Esitfuntini saseHeshboni lababalekako bayema nje bangasitakali, ngobe kubhedvuke umlilo eHeshboni, lilangabi lelikhulu ligqamuke ekhatsi eSihoni, lashisa emabunti akaMowabi, netinkhakhayi talabatigabatisako babange umsindvo. Maye kuwe, wena Mowabi! Bantfu bakaKhemoshi babhujisiwe; emadvodzana akakho adzingisiwe, nemadvodzakati akho ayiswa ekutfunjweni. “Noko ngiyawubuyisela tibusiso takaMowabi ngemalanga letako,” kusho Simakadze. Kuphelela lapha-ke kwehlulelwa kwaMowabi. Macondzana nema-Amoni: Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: “Israyeli akanamadvodzana yini? Ute yini tindlalifa? Kepha kwentiwa yini kutsi Moloki atsatse Gadi amente wakhe? Kwentiwa yini kutsi bantfu bakhe bahlale emadolobheni akhe?” Simakadze utsi: “Kodvwa ayeta emalanga, lapho ngiyakwenta kutsi kuhlatjwe umkhosi, ngimelane neRabha yema-Amoni; iyawuba yindvundvuma yemadzibikelo, netabelo tayo letiyitungeletile tiyawulunyekwa ngemlilo. Israyeli-ke uyawubadvungulula labo labamkhipha ngendlovuyangena,” kusho Simakadze. “Khala, wena Heshboni, ngobe i-Ayi ibhujisiwe! Khalani nimemete, nine lenihlala eRabha! Yembatsani emasaka nilile, gijimani lapha nalapha ekhatsi emitsangaleni, ngobe Moloki utawuyiswa ekudzingisweni, yena kanye nebaphristi bakhe netiphatsimandla takhe. Nitishayelani tifuba ngenca yetigodzi tenu, nitigabatise ngetigodzi tenu letitselako? Awu, ndvodzakati lengaketsembeki, wetsembela ebunjingeni bakho utsi: ‘Ngubani lotangihlasela?’ Ngitakwehlisela sesabiso etikwakho sichamuke kubo bonkhe lababomakhelwane bakho, nonkhe niyawudvungululwa nicoshwe, kute loyawubutsa lababalekile,” kusho Simakadze, Simakadze longuSomandla. “Noko emvakwaloko ngiyawutibuyisela tibusiso tase-Amoni,” kusho Simakadze. Macondzana ne-Edomu: Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze longuSomandla, utsi: “Sekwabate yini kuhlakanipha eThemani? Setaphela yini teluleko kulabahlakaniphile? Kuhlakanipha kwabo sekwabola yini? Jikani nibaleke, bhacani emigedzeni leshonako, nine lenihlala eDedani, ngobe ngiyakwehlisela inhlekelele ka-Esawu, ngesikhatsi nangimjezisa. Kube bavuni bemagelebisi bebangefika lapha kini, bebangete banishiyela yini lambadlwana? Kube emasela abengefika ebusuku, abengete akweba yini loko lakutsandzako kuphela? Kodvwa Esawu yena ngitamhlubula abe ngcunu, ngitatigwabula tindzawo lapho abhace khona, kuze angetutifihla ndzawo. Bantfwabakhe, netihlobo nabomakhelwane bakhe bayawubhubha, angeke aphindze abe khona. Shiya tintsandzane takho, ngitativikela timphilo tato, nebafelokati bakho nabo bangetsembela kimi.” Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: “Nangabe labo labangakafaneli kunatsa kulendzebe, kumelwe bayinatse, kudzingeke ngani-ke kutsi wena ungajeziswa? Ungeke uhlale ungajeziswa, kufanele nawe uyinatse. Ngitifunga mine, kutsi iBhosra iyawubhidlitwa ibe yintfo yekwesabisa, intfo yelihlazo, neyekucalekisa, nawo onkhe emadolobha ayo ayawuba ngemadzibikelo aphakadze,” kusho Simakadze. Ngive umlayeto lovela kuSimakadze. Kwatfunyelwa emancusa etiveni atewutsi: “Hlanganani niteyihlasela! Sukumelani imphi!” “Nyalo-ke, sengitawukwenta ube ngulomncane emkhatsini wetive, wedzeleleke emkhatsini webantfu. Lokwesabeka kwakho nekukhukhumala kwenhlitiyo yakho kukuyengile, wena lohlala ekhatsi emifantfwini yemadvwala, wena lohlala eticongweni teligcuma. Nome wakha sidleke sakho lapha etulu njengelusweti, kodvwa ngiyawukwehlisela phansi,” kusho Simakadze. “I-Edomu itawuba sesabiso; bonkhe labendlula ngendlela bayawumangala bahleke bulima ngenca yawo onkhe emanceba ayo. Njengobe neSodoma neGomora yagumbucelwa kanye nemadolobha labeyitungeletile, kanjalo nakuyo i-Edomu kuyawubate lohlala kuyo, kute muntfu loyakwakha kuyo,” kusho Simakadze. “Njengelibhubesi nalichamuka emahlatsini aseJordane liya eveni lelinemadlelo laluhlata, ngiyawubatuma base-Edomu, ngibacoshe eveni labo. Ngubani lokhetsiwe, lengiyawumbekela loku? Ngubani lonjengami? Kona nje ngubani longangicela insayeya? Ngumuphi umelusi longamelana nami? Ngako-ke, vanini losekulungiswe nguSimakadze engcondvweni yakhe nge-Edomu, loko lasatimisele kukwenta kulabo labahlala eThemani: Ematfole emhlambi ayawuhudvulwa, uyakuwabhubhisa awacedze emadlelo abo ngenca yabo. Ngemsindvo wekuwa kwabo umhlaba uyawutfutfumela; kukhala kwabo kuyawuvakala kuklaza naseLwandle Lolubovu. Njengelusweti lwendlele timphiko talo uyawujubalata antjweze ehlele etikweBhosra. Ngalelo langa tinhlitiyo tetingwazi taka-Edomu tiyawuba njengenhlitiyo yemfati, nakaphetfwe ngumhelo.” Macondzana neDamaseko: “IHamathi ne-Aphadi kujabhile, ngobe kuve tindzaba letimbi. Kuphelelwe tinhlitiyo, kugubhutele njengemagagasi elwandle. IDamaseko seyibutsakatsaka, seyigucukele kubaleka, nekutfutfumela kuyibambile, kudzabuka kwenhlitiyo neminjunju kuyibambile, iminjunju lenjengeyemfati, nakaphetfwe ngumhelo. Lelidolobha lelineludvumo lolungaka alikayekelwa ngani, lelidolobha lami lapho ngitijabulisa khona? Ngempela, emajaha akhona ayakuwela etitaladini talo; onkhe emabutfo alo ayawuvalwa umlomo, abhujiswe ngalelo langa,” kusho Simakadze. “Ngiyawulumeka umlilo etibondzeni taseDamaseko; umlilo uyawudla tinqaba taBheni Hadahi.” Macondzana neKhedari nemibuso yaseHasori, leyahlaselwa nguNebukhadnezari, inkhosi yaseBhabhulona: Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: “Sukumani nihlasele iKhedari, nibhubhise bantfu basemphumalanga. Emathende abo kanye nemihlambi yabo kuyawutsatfwa, nemadlangala abo ayakwetfwalwa atfunjwe nato tonkhe timphahla tabo nemakamela abo. Bantfu bayawumemeta kubo, batsi: ‘Tesabekiso yonkhe indzawo.’ “Phangisani nibaleke! Bhacani emigedzeni leshonako, nine lenihlala eHasori,” kusho Simakadze. “Nebukhadnezari, inkhosi yaseBhabhulona, seyinakhele lisu; sewubophe luzungu ngani,” kusho Simakadze. “Sukumani nihlasele lesive lesikhibikile, lesihleti ngesibindzi, sive lesingenamasango lacinile, ngisho nemicabo. Bantfu baso bahlala ngabodvwa,” kusho Simakadze. “Emakamela abo atsi atawuba yimphango, nemihlambi yabo lemikhulu itawuba yimphango. Ngiyawubasakatela emoyeni labo labasemaveni lakhashane, ngiyawubehlisela tigemegeme letivela ndzawo tonkhe,” kusho Simakadze. “IHasori kuyawuba yindzawo lehlushwa timphungutja, indzawo leyawusala ikhala libhungane kuze kube nguphakadze. Kute muntfu loseyawubuye ahlale kuyo, yebo, kute loyawukwakha kuyo.” Leli livi laSimakadze lelafika kuJeremiya, umphrofethi, macondzana ne-Elamu, ekucaleni nje kwekubusa kwaSedekiya, inkhosi yakaJuda: Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze longuSomandla, utsi: “Buka la, butjoki ba-Elamu ngitabephula, yebo, sisekelo semandla abo. Ngiyawutfumela imimoya lemine e-Elamu, imimoya lesuka emagumbini lamane emazulu. Ngiyawubasakatela emimoyeni lemine, kuyawubate sive, lapho kungayikuba khona base-Elamu labacoshiwe. Ngiyakwenta i-Elamu kutsi iphele emandla embikwetitsa tayo, emehlweni alabo labatfungatsa timphilo tayo. Ngiyakwehlisela sigemegeme etikwabo, yebo, ngisho nekutfukutsela kwami lokwesabekako,” kusho Simakadze. “Ngiyawubacosha ngenkemba, ngidzimate ngibabhubhise ngibacedze. Ngiyawumisa sihlalo sami sebukhosi e-Elamu, ngibhubhise inkhosi yayo netiphatsimandla tayo,” kusho Simakadze. “Noko, ngiyawuphindze ngitibuyisele tibusiso tase-Elamu, ngemalanga letako,” kusho Simakadze. Leli livi Simakadze lalikhuluma ngemlomo waJeremiya, umphrofethi, macondzana neBhabhulona nangelive lemaBhabhulona, litsi: “Memetelani nikhulume emkhatsini webetive, phakamisani siboniso semphi, nimemetele, ningafihli lutfo, kodvwa tsanini: ‘IBhabhulona itawutfunjwa, Bheli utawuhlazeka, Maduki yena agcwale kwesaba. Titfombe tayo tiyawuhlazeka netithico tayo tigcwale kwesaba.’ Sive lesichamuka enyakatfo siyawuyihlasela, live layo silishiye lingenalutfo. Kute muntfu loyawuhlala kulo, bantfu netilwane kuyawulibalekela.” Simakadze utsi: “Kulawo malanga, nangaleso sikhatsi, bantfu baka-Israyeli nebantfu bakaJuda bayawuhamba kanyekanye, bonkhe bayawukhala tinyembeti sebahamba bafunana naSimakadze Nkulunkulu wabo. Bayawubuta indlela leya eSiyoni, emabombo abo bawabhekise khona. Bayawuta batetibophela bona kuSimakadze ngesivumelwane saphakadze lesingeke siphindze sikhohlakale. “Bantfu bami babetimvu letilahlekile, belusi bato batedukisile, batenta tasabalala etulu etintsabeni. Babezulazula etikwetintsaba nemagcuma, baze bayikhohlwa nendzawo yabo, lapho baphumula khona. Bonkhe lababatfola babadla, titsa tabo tatsi: ‘Site tsine licala, ngobe bona kuSimakadze labelidlelo labo sibili, Simakadze, litsemba laboyisemkhulu.’ “Balekani niphume eBhabhulona; lishiyeni lelive lemaBhabhulona, nibe njengetiphongo letihola umhlambi. Ngobe ngiyawuchukuluta letive letinemandla ngitiletse titewusukela iBhabhulona tiyihlasele, tichamuka emaveni angasenyakatfo, tiyawutihlela kahle ize itfunjwe. Imicibisholo yato ifanana neyetingcweti tetihlabani letingabuyeli emuva tilengisa tandla. Live lemaBhabhulona liyawuphangwa, bonkhe labaliphangako bayakwesutsa,” kusho Simakadze. “Njengobe nijabula futsi nitsakase, nine leniphanga lifa lami, njengobe niyatjakadvula njengesitfokati nasibhula kolo, ninhinhile njengetinkunzi temahhashi, unyoko iBhabhulona uyawutseleka ngemahloni, lowo lowanitala uyawuhlazeka. Uyawuba ngulomncane emkhatsini wetive, abe lihlane, indzawo lelugwadvule. Ngenca yentfukutselo yaSimakadze angeke asahlalwa bantfu, kodvwa sewuyawusala ayedvwa. Bonkhe labendlula eBhabhulona bayakwetfuka bafe, bahleke lusulu, ngenca yawo onkhe emanceba ayo. “Manini ngemumo, nitungelete iBhabhulona, nonkhe nine lenijijimeta ngemicibisholo. Yijijimeteni, kungasali namunye umcibisholo, ngobe yonile kuSimakadze. Hlabani umkhosi kuyo yonkhe indzawo! Iphakamisa tandla, imibhoshongo yayo iyawa, tibondza tayo tihhihlitelwa phansi. Njengobe loku kukuphindzisela kwaSimakadze, yikhipheleni sibhongo, yentani kuyo njengobe nayo yentile kulabanye. Susani umhlanyeli eBhabhulona nemvuni lobambe lisikela lakhe ngesikhatsi sekuvuna. Ngenca yenkemba yemcindzeteli, akube ngulowo nalowo abuyele kubakubo, ngulowo nalowo akabalekele eveni lakubo.” “Israyeli unjengemhlambi wetimvu letisakatekile ticoshwe ngemabhubesi. Lekucala lelamudla kwaba yinkhosi yase-Asiriya; lekugcina lelabhoba ematsambo akhe, kwaba nguNebukhadnezari, inkhosi yaseBhabhulona.” Ngako-ke, naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze longuSomandla, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, utsi: “Ngitayijezisa inkhosi yaseBhabhulona nelive layo, njengobe ngajezisa inkhosi yase-Asiriya. Kodvwa Israyeli ngitambuyisela emuva edlelweni lakhe, uyawuklaba eKhameli naseBhashani. Kukhanuka kudla kwakhe kuyakweneliseka etintsabeni taka-Efrayimu nakaGileyadi. Kulawo malanga, nangaleso sikhatsi, kuyawuphenywa ngelicala laka-Israyeli, kodvwa aliyiwutfolakala, kuphenywe nangetono takaJuda, kodvwa kute nasinye lesiyawutfolakala, ngobe ngiyakuyitsetselela insali lengayishiya,” kusho Simakadze. “Hlasela live laseMerathayimu nalabo labahlala ePhekodi. Bacoshe, ubabulale, ubabhubhise ubacedze. Wente konkhe lengikuyale ngako,” kusho Simakadze. “Kukhona umsindvo wemphi eveni, umsindvo wembhubhiso lenkhulu! Maye, kubhidlitwa nekuhhohloka kwesandvo sawo wonkhe umhlaba! Maye, icitsiwe iBhabhulona emkhatsini wetive! Ngakubekela lugibe, wena Bhabhulona, wavele wabhajwa ungakati ngalo, watfolakala, wabanjwa, ngobe wemelana naSimakadze. Simakadze ugwabule umphandza wakhe wetikhali, wakhipha tikhali telulaka lwakhe, ngobe iNkhosi Simakadze lenguSomandla inemsebenti letawenta eveni lebantfu baseBhabhulona. Lelive lisukeleni nilihlasele, nisuka emikhawulweni yalo. Gwabulani tingungu talo, nilimpongise njengetindvundvuma talokutinhlavu. Libhubhiseni nilicedze, ningalishiyeli nalencane insali. Bulalani tonkhe tinkunzi talo letisetincane: Tehliseleni ekuhlatjweni. Maye kubo! Ngobe lilanga selifikile, sikhatsi sabo sekutsi bajeziswe. Lalelani lababalekako nebakhoseli labesuka eBhabhulona, bamemetela baseSiyoni kutsi Simakadze Nkulunkulu wetfu utiphindziselele kanjani, atiphindziselela ngenca yelithempeli lakhe. “Butsani banembi bamelane neBhabhulona, bonkhe labakwati kujijimeta ngebutjoki, niyitungelete yonkhe, kubete lophunyulako. Yikhokheleni njengetento tayo; yentani kuyo njengobe nayo yenta. Ngobe yedzelele Simakadze, longuLongcwele waka-Israyeli. Ngako-ke emajaha ayo ayawufela etitaladini tayo, onkhe emabutfo ayo ayawubhujiswa ngalelo langa,” kusho Simakadze. “Buka la, ngimelene nawe, live lemaBhabhulona, awu, wena lotiphakamisako, ngobe lilanga lakho selifikile, sikhatsi sakho sekutsi ujeziswe,” kusho iNkhosi Simakadze lenguSomandla. “Lotiphakamisako utawukhubatela awe, kute namunye lotamsita amsukumise; ngiyawulumeka umlilo emadolobheni akhe, umlilo loyawudla bonkhe labakhelene naye.” Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze longuSomandla, utsi: “Bantfu baka-Israyeli bacindzetelekile, kanye nebantfu bakaJuda futsi. Bonkhe batfumbi babo babankonkoshele, bayala kubayekela bahambe. Noko uMhlengi wabo unemandla; nguSimakadze Somandla libito lakhe. Uyakumela indzaba yabo ngemandla, kuze atewuletsa kuphumula eveni labo, kodvwa kungabi nakuthula kulabo labahlala eBhabhulona. “Kulengela inkemba etikwemaBhabhulona! Ilengela etikwalabo labakhile eBhabhulona, nasetikwetiphatsimandla takhona netihlakaniphi tayo!” kusho Simakadze. “Kulengela inkemba etikwebaphrofethi bayo bemanga, bayawuba tilima. Inkemba ilengela etikwemabutfo ayo, agcwale kwesaba. Inkemba ilengela etikwemahhashi ayo nasetikwetincola takhona temphi, nasetikwato tonkhe tihambi etigabeni tato! Bayawuba njengebafati. Inkemba ilengela etikwemcebo weBhabhulona! Bayawuphangwa. Kulengela somiso etikwemanti ayo! Ayawukoma, ngobe kulive letithico, bantfu balo bahlanyiswa kwesaba leto tithico. “Ngako-ke tidalwa tasehlane netimphisi kuyawuhlala khona lapho, nesahhukulu siyakwakhela khona. Akusayiwuphindze kwakhe muntfu, nome ahlale khona, titukulwane ngetitukulwane. Njengobe Simakadze agumbucela iSodoma neGomora kanye nemadolobha labomakhelwane bayo, kanjalo sekuyawubate namunye lohlala lapho, kute muntfu loyakwakha kuyo,” kusho Simakadze. “Bukela, kuchamuka imphi enyakatfo; sive lesikhulu nemakhosi lamanyenti achukulutiwe emikhawulweni yemhlaba. Bahlome ngebutjoki nangetikhali; bavutsa lulaka, abanamusa. Bevakala njengekudvuma kwelwandle sebagibele emahhashini abo; beta ngeticheme temabutfo emphi, bete kutawuhlasela wena, Ndvodzakati yaseBhabhulona. Inkhosi yaseBhabhulona ive imibiko ngabo, nyalo imikhono yayo seyiyalenga nje, kucacamba kwenhlitiyo sekuyibambile, iminjunju lenjengeyemfati nakaphetfwe ngumhelo. Njengelibhubesi nalichamuka emahlatsini aseJordane liya eveni lelinemadlelo laluhlata, ngiyawubatuma baseBhabhulona, ngibacoshe eveni labo. Ngubani lokhetsiwe, lengiyawumbekela loku? Ngubani lonjengami? Kona nje ngubani longangicela insayeya? Ngumuphi umelusi longamelana nami?” Ngako-ke, vanini losekulungiswe nguSimakadze engcondvweni yakhe ngeBhabhulona, loko lasatimisele kukwenta kulabo labahlala eBhabhulona: Ematfole emhlambi ayawuhudvulwa, uyakuwabhubhisa awacedze emadlelo abo ngenca yabo. Umhlaba uyawutfutfumela ngemsindvo wekutfunjwa kweBhabhulona; kukhala kwayo kuyawuhokoma emkhatsini wetive. Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: “Buka la, ngiyawuvusa umoya wembhubhisi usukele iBhabhulona kanye nebantfu baseLebu Khamayi. Ngiyawutfumela tihambi eBhabhulona kutsi titeyihlunga tibhubhise nelive layo. Tiyawumelana nayo ndzawo tonkhe, ngelilanga lenhlekelele yayo. Umnembi waseBhabhulona akangacibisheli ngebutjoki bakhe, futsi angahlomi ngetikhali takhe. Ungabashiyi labasha bayo, yibhubhise uyicedze imphi yayo yonkhe. Bayakuwela phansi bagwaziwe eveni lemaBhabhulona, balimele bamancebanceba etitaladini talo. Ngobe baka-Israyeli nebakaJuda abakashiywa nguNkulunkulu wabo, Simakadze longuSomandla, noko live lemaBhabhulona liphuphuma ngemacala kuLongcwele waka-Israyeli. “Phumani nibaleke eBhabhulona! Phephisani timphilo tenu! Ningabhujiswa ngenca yetono tayo. Sesikhatsi sekuphindzisela kwaSimakadze; utayikhokhela ngaloko lokuyifanele. IBhabhulona bekuyindzebe yegolide esandleni saSimakadze; yadzakisa wonkhe umhlaba. Tive tanatsa liwayini layo, ngako manje setiyahlanya. Ngalokutumako iBhabhulona iyakuwa ibhidlitwe. Yilileleni bo! Yitfoleleni ibhalisamu yekwelapha leminjunju yayo; mhlawumbe ingelapheka. “ ‘Ngabe sesiyiphilisile iBhabhulona, kodvwa ayelapheki, asiyishiye, ngulowo nalowo aye eveni lakubo, ngobe kwehlulelwa kwayo kufikela esibhakabhakeni. “ ‘Simakadze usivikele. Wotani siyewukhuluma eSiyoni kutsi Simakadze Nkulunkulu wetfu usenteleni.’ “Lolani imicibisholo, nitsatse emahawu! Simakadze uchukulute emakhosi aseMediya, ngobe injongo yakhe kubhubhisa iBhabhulona. Simakadze utawutiphindzisela, akhiphe sibhongo ngenca yelithempeli lakhe. Phakamisani siboniso semphi, ngasetibondzeni taseBhabhulona! Cinisani bogadzi, nimise kahle balindzi, kulalela titsa endleleni! Simakadze utayiphumelelisa injongo yakhe, utakukwenta loko labekukhuluma kubantfu baseBhabhulona. Wena lohlala ngasemantini lamanyenti futsi lonjingile ngemcebo, siphetfo sakho sesifikile, sikhatsi sakho sekutsi uncanyulwe.” Simakadze longuSomandla utifunge yena, watsi: “Ngiyawukugcwalisa ngemadvodza, kube shangatsi ngemabulo etintsetse, bayawumemeta ngelivi lelikhulu bahalalise ngawe.” “Umhlaba wawenta ngemandla akhe, wawusekela ngekuhlakanipha kwakhe, wendlala emazulu ngekucondza kwakhe. Nakabhavumula yena, emanti asemazulwini ayabhodla, ukhuphula emafu emikhawulweni yonkhe yemhlaba. Utfumela umbane nemvula, akhiphe umoya etingungwini takhe. “Wonkhe umuntfu akanangcondvo, futsi akanalwati; wonkhe umbumbi wetegolide unemahloni ngetithico takhe. Titfombe takhe tiyinkhohliso nje, atinamphefumulo. Atinamsebenti walutfo, tintfo nje tekuhlekisa. Tiyawuphela mhlazana kufika kwehlulelwa kwato. Lowo Losabelo sakaJakobe akafanani naleti, ngobe yena unguMenti wato tonkhe tintfo, ngisho newesive lesilifa lakhe. Libito lakhe nguSimakadze longuSomandla. “Ulizembe lami lemphi, nesikhali sami semphi, ngawe ngiphihlita tive, ngawe ngibhubhise imibuso. Ngawe ngiphihlita lihhashi nemgibeli walo, ngawe ngiphihlita incola yemphi nemshayeli wayo. Ngawe ngiphihlita umfati nendvodza, ngawe ngiphihlita emakhehla nalabasebancane, ngawe ngiphihlita lijaha nentfombi, ngawe ngiphihlita umelusi nemhlambi wakhe wetimvu, ngawe ngiphihlita umlimi netinkhabi takhe, ngawe ngiphihlita babusi netiphatsimandla.” “Embikwemehlo enu ngiyawutiphindzisela kuyo iBhabhulona, nakubo bonkhe labahlala eveni lemaBhabhulona ngako konkhe labona ngako eSiyoni,” kusho Simakadze. “Ngimelene nawe, wena ntsaba lebhubhisako, wena lobhubhisa umhlaba wonkhe,” kusho Simakadze. “Ngiyakwelula sandla sami silwe nawe, ngikugicite ngikwehlise eticongweni, ngikwente ube yintsaba leshisiwe. Kute lidvwala leliyawutsatfwa kuwe liyekwentiwa sisekelo sendlu, kute nome litje leliyakwentiwa sisekelo, ngobe sewuyawusala kukhala libhungane phakadze naphakadze,” kusho Simakadze. “Phakamisani emhlabeni siboniso semphi! Shayani impalampala emkhatsini wetive! Lungisani tive, nitilungiselele kulwa neBhabhulona. Butsani lemibuso, niyisukele niyihlasele: nibite i-Ararathi, neMini kanye ne-Ashkenazi. Bekani indvuna yemphi, nimelane neBhabhulona. Tfumelani emahhashi lanjengemabulo esikhonyane. Lungisani tive nitilungiselele kulwa nayo, emakhosi aseMediya, nebabusi bawo, netiphatsimandla tawo tonkhe, kanye nemave onkhe letiwabusako. Live liyatfutfumela ligidzitele, ngobe injongo yaSimakadze ngeBhabhulona imile, kutsi abhubhise live laseBhabhulona, kuze kutsi kubete namunye longahlala kulo. Emabutfo aseBhabhulona aseyekele kulwa, asahleti nje etinqabeni tawo. Emandla awo asaphelile, asanjengebafati. Tindzawo tayo tekuhlala setilunyekwe ngemlilo; imicabo yemasango ayo seyephuliwe. Sigijimi lesinye silandzela lesinye, nesitfunywa silandzela lesinye sitfunywa kuyawubikela inkhosi yaseBhabhulona kutsi lonkhe lidolobha layo selitfunjiwe. Ematubuko avinjiwe, imihlanga ishiswe ngemlilo, emasotja atfutfumela.” Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze longuSomandla, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, utsi: “INdvodzakati yaseBhabhulona injengendzawo yekubhulela kolo ngesikhatsi nayigcotjwagcotjwa, sikhatsi sekuyivuna iBhabhulona sitawufika masinyane.” “Usidlile Nebukhadnezari, inkhosi yaseBhabhulona, wasicedza, wasenta saba ludziwo lolungenalutfo. Njenganyokangwenya usigwinyile, wagcwalisa sisu sakhe ngebumnandzi betfu, wabuya wasihlanta. Shangatsi lobudlwangudlwangu lobentiwe enyameni yetfu bungabasetikweBhabhulona,” kusho takhamiti taseSiyoni. “Shangatsi ingati yetfu ingabasetikwalabo labatakhamiti eveni lemaBhabhulona,” kusho iJerusalema. Ngako-ke, naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: “Buka la, ngiyakuyivikela indzaba yakho, ngikubuyiselele; ngiyakomisa lwandle lwelive lemaBhabhulona ngente imitfombo yalo yome. IBhabhulona iyawuba yindvundvuma yematje, kube ngumgedze wetimphungutja, sesabiso nentfo yekuphukutwa, yebo, indzawo lengahlalwa ngumuntfu. Bantfu bakhona bonkhe babhodla njengemabhubesi lasemancane, bayahhonga njengemankhonyane emabhubesi. Kodvwa bayawutsi nase bavutsa, ngibentele lidzili labo, ngibadzakise, kuze batewumemeta ngenjabulo, bese balala kokuphela bangaphindzi bavuke,” kusho Simakadze. “Ngiyawubehlisela phansi bayiswe ekuhlatjweni njengemazinyane nanjengetihhanca netiphongo.” “Maye, iyawutfunjwa iSheshaki bo! Yona lebeyiludvumo lwemhlaba wonkhe itawubanjwa. Maye, iyawuba sesabiso iBhabhulona emkhatsini wetive! Lwandle luyawukhuphukela etikweBhabhulona, emagagasi alo ladvumako ayawuyisibekela. Emadolobha ayo ayawusala akhala libhungane, ibe live lelomile nalelilihlane, live lapho kungahlali muntfu khona, lapho kungahambi muntfu khona. Ngiyakumjezisa Bheli eBhabhulona, ngimente akuhlantele phansi konkhe loko lakumitile. Tive atisayikubekelela tiye kuye, nelubondza lwaseBhabhulona luyakuwa. “Phumani kuyo, sive sami! Balekisani timphilo tenu! Balekelani intfukutselo leyesabekako yaSimakadze. Ningajabhi, futsi ningesabi, nakuvakala emahemuhemu eveni. Lenye indzaba itawufika lonyaka, lenye ifike nyakenye, emahemuhemu ebudlwangudlwangu eveni, newembusi lovukela umbusi. Ngobe ngempela sikhatsi siyawufika, lapho ngiyawujezisa khona tithico taseBhabhulona. Live layo lonkhe liyawuhlazeka, nabo bonkhe labagwaziwe bakhona bayawulala lucaca ekhatsi kuyo. Ngulapho-ke lizulu nemhlaba nako konkhe lokukuko kuyawumemeta ngenjabulo ngeBhabhulona, ngobe kuyawuchamuka babhubhisi ngasenyakatfo bateyihlasela,” kusho Simakadze. “IBhabhulona kufanele iwe ngenca yema-Israyeli labulewe, njengaloko labo lababulewe emhlabeni wonkhe bawa ngenca yeBhabhulona.” “Nine leniphunyulile enkembeni, hambani ningabe nisalibala! Khumbulani Simakadze, niseveni lelikhashane, nicabange ngeJerusalema.” “Sihlazekile, ngobe setfukiwe, lihlazo lisimbonye buso betfu, ngobe bantfu bekuhamba bangenile etindzaweni letingcwele tendlu yaSimakadze.” “Kodvwa ayeta emalanga, lapho ngiyawujezisa khona tithico tayo, kulo lonkhe live layo labalimele bayawububula,” kusho Simakadze. “Ngisho nome iBhabhulona ingefikela esibhakabhakeni icinise tonkhe tinqaba tayo letiphakeme, ngiyawutfumela babhubhisi bayisukele,” kusho Simakadze. “Umsindvo wekukhala uchamuka eBhabhulona, umsindvo wekubhubhisa lokukhulu uchamuka eveni lemaBhabhulona. Simakadze uyakuyibhubhisa iBhabhulona, uyawuvala imilomo yemisindvo yayo. Emagagasi etitsa ayawugubha njengemanti lamakhulu, kudvuma kwemavi ato kuyawuvakala kuhlokoma. Umbhubhisi uyawufika emelane neBhabhulona, emabutfo ayo ayawutfunjwa, nebutjoki bawo buyakwephulwa. Ngobe Simakadze unguNkulunkulu wemivuzo, uyawukhokhela ngalokuphelele. Ngiyawudzakisa tindvuna tayo kanye nalabahlakaniphile bayo, nebabusi bayo, netiphatsimandla tayo, kanye nemabutfo ayo nawo. Bayawulala kokuphela bangaphindzi bavuke,” kusho iNkhosi, lelibito layo kunguSimakadze longuSomandla. Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze longuSomandla, utsi: “Lubondza lolulicinsi lwaseBhabhulona luyakwendlaleka phansi, nemasango ayo laphakeme alunyekwe ngemlilo, bantfu batikhatsate ngelite, umshikashika wetive ungemafutsa nje ekubasela emalangabi.” Lona ngumlayeto Jeremiya umphrofethi lawutjela Seraya, umsa waNeriya, umsa waMahaseya, ngesikhatsi aya eBhabhulona, ahamba naSedekiya, inkhosi yakaJuda, ngemnyaka wesine wekubusa kwakhe. Seraya abeyindvuna yekulungisa tindzawo tekuphumula neyekwaba kudla netimphahla temabutfo emphi. Jeremiya abebhale encwadzini legocotwako ngato tonkhe tigemegeme letatitakwehlela iBhabhulona, konkhe loko lokwakubhaliwe macondzana neBhabhulona. Wakhuluma kuSeraya, watsi: “Nawufika eBhabhulona, ubocaphela kutsi uyawafundza onkhe lamavi kakhulu. Bese utsi: ‘Awu, Simakadze, utsite utakuyibhubhisa lendzawo, kangangekutsi kute umuntfu nome silwane lesiyawuhlala kuyo, seyiyawusala ikhala libhungane phakadze naphakadze.’ Ubotsi ungacedza kufundza lencwadzi legocotwako, ubophele litje kuyo, bese uyijika emfuleni iYufrathe, bese utsi: ‘Iyawucwila kanjalo-ke iBhabhulona, ingasayiwuphindza ivuke, ngenca yesigemegeme lengiyawusehlisela kuyo. Nebantfu bakhona bayakuwa.’ ” Emavi aJeremiya aphelela lapha-ke. Sedekiya abeneminyaka lengema-21 budzala nakabekwa kuba yinkhosi, wabusela eJerusalema iminyaka leli-11. Libito lenina bekunguHamutali, indvodzakati yaJeremiya, waseLibna. Wenta lokubi emehlweni aSimakadze, njengobe naJehoyakimu abentile. Kwabangelwa yintfukutselo yaSimakadze lokutsi kwenteke loku eJerusalema nakaJuda, kwaze kwatsi ekugcineni wabasusa ebukhoneni bakhe. Sedekiya wase uyayivukela inkhosi yaseBhabhulona. Kwatsi ngemnyaka wemfica wekubusa kwaSedekiya, ngelilanga lelishumi, enyangeni yelishumi, Nebukhadnezari, inkhosi yaseBhabhulona, washuca wayawuhlasela iJerusalema kanye nawo onkhe emabutfo ayo. Bemisa ngephandle kwelidolobha, bakha tivimbetelo letatilitungeleta lonkhe. Lelidolobha lahlala livinjetelwe kwaze kwaba ngumnyaka weli-11 wekubusa kwenkhosi Sedekiya. Kwatsi ngelilanga lemfica lenyanga yesine, indlala lapha edolobheni yase imatima kangangekutsi kwase kute nekudla kwalabantfu labebangakudla. Lubondza-ke lwalelidolobha lwase luyafohlwa, imphi yonkhe yesuka yabaleka. Besuka edolobheni ebusuku, baphuma ngelisango lelisemkhatsini wetibondza letimbili letiseceleni kwengadze yenkhosi, lite nome emaBhabhulona abelitungeletile lelidolobha. Babaleka babhekisa emabombo ngase-Arabha, kodvwa emabutfo aseBhabhulona acosha inkhosi Sedekiya, aze ayikhandza etsafeni laseJerikho. Onkhe emasotja aSedekiya esuswa kuye asakatwa, yena wabe sewuyatfunjwa. Watfunjwa wayiswa enkhosini yaseBhabhulona eRibla, eveni laseHamathi, lapho yefike yakhipha sigwebo sayo kuye. Khona lapho eRibla inkhosi yaseBhabhulona ngulapho yabulalela khona emadvodzana aSedekiya embikwemehlo akhe, abukile, yaphindze futsi yabulalela khona tonkhe tindvuna takaJuda. Yase ikupuluta emehlo aSedekiya, yambopha ngetinketane telitfusi, yamtsatsa yamyisa eBhabhulona lapho yefika yamvalela ejele kwaze kwaba lilanga lakhe lekufa. Kwatsi elangeni lelishumi lenyanga yesihlanu ngemnyaka weli-19 wekubusa kwaNebukhadnezari, inkhosi yaseBhabhulona, Nebuzaradani, indvuna yabomahlalesangweni leyayikhonta inkhosi yaseBhabhulona, yefika eJerusalema. Walumeka umlilo ethempelini laSimakadze nasesigodlweni senkhosi, nakuto tonkhe tindlu taseJerusalema; tonkhe letatibalulekile watishisa. Yonkhe-ke imphi yaseBhabhulona, leyayingaphansi kwendvuna yemphi yabomahlalesangweni, yabhidlita tonkhe tibondza letatitungeleta iJerusalema. Nebuzaradani indvuna yabomahlalesangweni, watfumba labanye balababemphofu kakhulu nalabo labebasasele edolobheni, kanye nalabebasele betingcweti, nalabo lababehlubuke baya enkhosini yaseBhabhulona, wabayisa ekutfunjweni. Kodvwa Nebuzaradani wabashiya labanye labebamphofu kakhulu balelo live, kuze batewulima tivini nemasimi. BaseBhabhulona bafohlota tinsika telitfusi, netincodlana, kanye nelibhavu lelitfusi, lokwakusethempelini laSimakadze, betfwala lonkhe litfusi baya nalo eBhabhulona. Batsatsa ngisho nemabhodo, nemafosholo, netijubantsambo, netitja tekunyenyeta, netingwembe, nato tonkhe tintfo telitfusi letatisetjentiswa enkhonzweni yelithempeli. Indvuna yabomahlalesangweni yatsatsa imigezelo, netitja tekushisela imphepho, netitja tekunyenyeta, nemabhodo, netintsi tetibane, netingwembe, netitja teminikelo yetinatfo, nako konkhe lokwakwentiwe ngegolide lecengekile nome ngesiliva lecengekile. Litfusi laletinsika letimbili, nalelibhavu kanye naletinkunzi letatili-12 letatingaphansi kwalo, naletincodlana letatakhiwe yinkhosi Solomoni, atakhele lithempeli laSimakadze, kwakungetulu kwekukalwa. Iyinye yaletinsika yayingemamitha labengaba siphohlongo kuphakama, nemamitha labengaba sihlanu nesigamu kuyitungeleta, yayingimino lemine bucinsi, ingumhume lapha ekhatsi. Lengcongwane yaletinsika iyinye yayingaba ngemamitha lamabili nesigamu kuphakama, yayihlotjiswe ngesiviliya nangemahananandza elitfusi layitungeletile. Nalena lenye insika nalamahananandza yayifanana nayo yekucala. Kwakunemahananandza langema-96 ngakulolunye luhlangotsi, asawonkhe emahananandza labengetulu kwalesiviliya lesitungeletile abelikhulu. Indvuna yabomahlalesangweni yatfumba boSeraya, umPhristi Lomkhulu, naZefaniya, umphristi longaphansi kwakhe ngesikhundla, kanye nebagcini beminyango labatsatfu. Kulabo lababesesedolobheni watsatsa indvuna leyayiphetse emadvodza emphi. Watsatsa nebeluleki benkhosi lababesikhombisa namabhalane wendvuna yekubutsekisa bantfu balelove, kanye nemadvodza labengema-60 labetfolakele edolobheni. Nebuzaradani, indvuna yabomahlalesangweni, wabatsatsa bonkhe wayawubetfula enkhosini yaseBhabhulona, eRibla. Lapho eRibla, eveni laseHamathi, inkhosi yafike yababulalela khona. Ngako Juda waya ekutfunjweni, khashane nelive lakhe. Leli-ke linani lebantfu labatfunjwa nguNebukhadnezari wabayisa ekudzingisweni: Ngemnyaka wesikhombisa kwaba ngemaJuda lati-3 023; ngemyaka waNebukhadnezari weli-18 kwaba bantfu labangema-832 lababephuma eJerusalema. Ngemnyaka wakhe wema-23 kwaba ngemaJuda langema-745 layiswa nguNebuzaradani, indvuna yabomahlalesangweni, ekudzingisweni. Sebabonkhe kwakubantfu labati-4 600. Ngemnyaka wema-37 wekudzingiswa kwaJehoyakhini, inkhosi yakaJuda, ngemnyaka lapho Evili Merodaki abekwa khona waba yinkhosi yaseBhabhulona, wakhulula Jehoyakhini, inkhosi yakaJuda, wamkhipha ejele mhla ingema-25 enyangeni yeli-12. Wakhuluma kahle naye, wabe sewumnika sihlalo lesihloniphekile, lesingetulu kwelamanye emakhosi labenaye lapha eBhabhulona. Ngako Jehoyakhini wababeka eceleni labomfengeni bakhe basejele, kusukela ngalelo langa abedla etafuleni lenkhosi njalo nje, imphilo yakhe yonkhe. Onkhe emalanga inkhosi yaseBhabhulona yayinika Jehoyakhini imbasha nalokunye lekwakusabelo sakhe lesimile semihla ngemihla, yingci nasaphila, kwadzimate kwaba lilanga lakhe lekufa. Maye! laze lasala likhala libhungane lidolobha, yebo, lidolobha lelake lanyakatela bantfu! Awu! laze lafanana nemfelokati, lidolobha lelake ladvuma emkhatsini wetive! IJerusalema leyake yaba yindlovukazi emkhatsini wemave, nyalo seyigucuke yaba sigcili. Ebusuku likhala kabuhlungu, tihlatsi talo tigeleta tinyembeti. Kute namunye longalidvudvuta, kubo bonkhe labalitsandzako. Bonkhe bangani balo balihlamukile, sebagucuke baba titsa talo. Emvakwekushaywa nekukhandleka kamatima, Juda sewuyiswe ekutfunjweni. Sewuhlala emkhatsini wetive, akayitfoli indzawo yekuphumula. Bonkhe labacoshana naye sebamkhandzile, bamkhandza asekhatsi elusizini. Imigwaco leya eSiyoni iyalila, ngobe sekwabate namunye lota emikhosini yayo lemisiwe. Onkhe emasango ayo asasala anesitunge, baphristi bayo bayabubula, emantfombatana ayo ayadzabuka, isebuhlungwini lobumatima kakhulu. Titsa tayo setigucuke taba baphatsi bayo; titsa tayo tikhibikile. Simakadze sewehlisele kuyo kudzabuka ngenca yetono tayo letinyenti. Bantfwabayo bayiswa ekutfunjweni, sebatigcili kuto titsa tayo. Bonkhe lobucwebecwebe sebunyamalele kuyo iNdvodzakati yaseSiyoni. Babusi bayo bafanana netinyamatane letilambako; letibaleka ngekutayiya, natibalekela batingeli bato. Ngemalanga ekushaywa nekundzindza kwayo iJerusalema iwakhumbula onkhe emagugu ayo labengewayo ngemalanga akadzeni. Ngaleto tikhatsi bantfu bayo nabawela etandleni tetitsa, kwabate namunye labengayilamlela. Titsa tayo tayibuka, tayihleka bulima nayibhidlika. IJerusalema yone kakhulu, ngaloko seyisinengiso. Bonkhe lababeyihlonipha sebayayedzelela, ngobe sebabubonile bungcunu bayo; yona cobo lwayo iyabubula ifulatsele. Kungcola kwayo kunamatsele etidvwabeni tayo; ayizange ilinakekele likusasa layo. Kuwa kwayo kwakumangalisa, kwabate labengayidvudvuta. “Awu Simakadze, buka kushaywa kwami, ngobe sitsa siyangehlula.” Sitsa sabeka tandla taso kuyo yonkhe imicebo yayo; iJerusalema yabona betive bangena ethempelini layo, labo lowabalela kutsi bangene ebandleni lakho. Bonkhe bantfu bayo bayabubula ngesikhatsi bafunana kudla bantjintjisa imicebo yabo ngenca yekudla, batsi bentele kutsi batiphilise. “Awu Simakadze, buka unake, ngobe ngibukelwa phansi.” “Akusho lutfo yini kini, nonkhe nine lenendlula ngendlela? Calatani ndzawo tonkhe nibone. Kukhona yini kuhlupheka lokufanana nekwami kuhlupheka lokwehliselwa kimi, kuhlupheka Simakadze langishaya ngako ngelilanga lekutfukutsela kwakhe lokwesabekako? “Watfumela umlilo asetulu, wawehlisela phansi ematsanjeni ami. Webekela tinyawo tami linetha, wangincandzekisa. Wangenta ngaba ngulolahliwe, ngacaleka lilanga lonkhe. “Tono tami taboshwa ngesandla sakhe taba lijoko. Watephotsela yena watihlanganisa, setikhuphukele entsanyeni yami, naSimakadze uwesusile emandla ami. Unginiketele kulabo lengingeke ngikhone kumelana nabo. “Simakadze uwalahlile onkhe emabutfo lengisemkhatsini wawo, sewuhlomise imphi letewumelana nami kutsi itewuhlifita onkhe emajaha akami. Simakadze uyihlifitile iNtfombi yakaJuda njengemagelebisi etjeni lekuhlutela liwayini. “Nguloko lokungenta ngilile, nemehlo ami aphophota tinyembeti. Kute namunye losedvutane longidvudvutako, kute namunye longabuyisa umoya wami. Bantfwabami bahlutjuliwe, ngobe sitsa singehlulile.” ISiyoni yelula tandla tayo, kodvwa kute namunye longayidvudvuta. Simakadze ushaye umtsetfo ngaJakobe kutsi bomakhelwane bakhe babe titsa takhe. IJerusalema seyigucuke yaba yintfo lesinengiso emkhatsini wabo. “Simakadze ulungile, noko ngayihlubuka imitsetfo yakhe. Lalelani, nonkhe nine tive, bukani kuhlupheka kwami. Emajaha akami netintfombi takami sebatfunjiwe. “Ngabamemeta labo labangakimi, kodvwa bona bangihlamuka. Baphristi bami, nebaholi bami babhubhela edolobheni, ngesikhatsi balibele kuchwandza kudla batsi betama kutiphilisa. “Awu Simakadze, buka nje kutsi ngihlupheke kangakanani! Ngisemalahleni lapha ngekhatsi, inhlitiyo yami ikhatsatekile, ngobe bengingulelikhulu lihlubuka. Ngephandle, inkemba iyabulala; ngekhatsi ekhaya, kunekufa kodvwa. “Bantfu bakuvile kububula kwami, kodvwa kute namunye longidvudvutako. Tonkhe titsa tami tivile ngekuhlupheka kwami. Tiyajabula ngaloko lokwentile. Mane sale uliletsa lelilanga lowalimemetela, kuze nabo batewuba njengami. “Kodvwa konkhe kungalungi kwabo akute embikwakho, nabo ubaphatse njengaloku wentile kimi, ngenca yato tonkhe tono tami. Kububula kwami kunyenti, nenhlitiyo yami iyacaleka.” Maye! Simakadze uyimbonye kanjani iNdvodzakati yaseSiyoni ngelifu lentfukutselo yakhe! Ubudzaceke phansi bukhosi baka-Israyeli, busuka ezulwini buya emhlabeni. Akazange asikhumbule senabelo setinyawo takhe ngelilanga lentfukutselo yakhe. Simakadze ushwabudzele onkhe emakhaya akaJakobe, ngaphandle kwekuwahawukela. Ngelulaka lwakhe udladlabule tinqaba teNdvodzakati yakaJuda. Uwehlisele phansi emhlabatsini ngelihlazo umbuso wayo kanye netikhulu tayo. Ngentfukutselo leyesabekako uncamule tonkhe timphondvo taka-Israyeli. Usifinyetile sandla sakhe sekudla ngesikhatsi kuchamuka sitsa. Ushise Jakobe, kwaba shangatsi kulavutela emalangabi emlilo, yebo, umlilo lodla ucotfule konkhe lokusedvutane nawo. Ujijimete umcibisholo wakhe njengesitsa, sandla sakhe sangesekudla silungele kulwa. Njengesitsa ujube bonkhe labebajabulisa emehlweni; watfulula lulaka lwakhe njengemlilo etikwelithende leNdvodzakati yaseSiyoni. Simakadze unjengesitsa; umgwinyile Israyeli. Ugwinye tonkhe tigodlo takhe, wabhubhisa tinqaba takhe. Wandzise kulila nekukhala kabuhlungu kuyo iNdvodzakati yakaJuda. Indzawo yakhe yekuhlala uyicitse njengelidlangala lasensimini, uyibhubhisile indzawo yakhe yekuhlangana. Simakadze wente iSiyoni yawakhohlwa emadzili ayo lemisiwe, nemaSabatha ayo. Ngentfukutselo yakhe ukudvube kokubili: inkhosi yayo nemphristi wayo. Simakadze ulilahlile lilati lakhe, wayishiya indzawo yakhe lengcwele. Unikele tibondza tetigodlo taseSiyoni etitseni; tamemeta kakhulu ekhatsi endlini yaSimakadze, kwaze kwaba shangatsi ngungelilanga lelidzili lelamiswa. Simakadze watimisela kudzilitela phansi lubondza lolutungelete iNdvodzakati yaseSiyoni. Welula intsambo yekukala, wangete wasincandza sandla sakhe ekubhubhiseni. Wenta tibondza tekuvikela, netindvonga kwakhala, konkhe kwaguga kanyekanye. Emasango ayo ashone emhlabatsini; imicabo yayo wayifohlota wayibhubhisa. Inkhosi yayo netikhulu tayo tahlakatwa tayiswa etiveni, umtsetfo sekwabate, Nebaphrofethi bayo abasayitfoli imibono levela kuSimakadze. Babusi beNdvodzakati yaseSiyoni bahlala phansi bathule, batsele lutfuli etinhloko tabo, bembatse emasaka. Emantfombatana aseJerusalema atfobile, abhekisa tinhloko tawo phansi. Emehlo ami aluvitsi ngenca yekukhala. Ngiyasha ngiyabhadla emphefumulweni wami, inhlitiyo yami itfululeleke phansi emhlabatsini, ngobe bantfu bakitsi babhujisiwe, bantfwana netinswane kuyacaleka etitaladini telidolobha. Bakhuluma kubonina batsi: “Kuphi kudla neliwayini?” ngesikhatsi nabacaleka njengemadvodza lagwaziwe etitaladini telidolobha, ngesikhatsi imiphefumulo yabo iphuma ihamba, basetandleni tabonina. Ngingatsini nje ngawe? Ngingakufananisa nani nje, wena Ndvodzakati yaseJerusalema? Yini nje lengingakulinganisa nayo, kuze ngikudvudvute, wena Ntfombi yaseSiyoni? Linceba lakho lishona njengelwandle. Ngubani longakwelapha? Imibono yebaphrofethi bakho yayingemanga, futsi ingenamsebenti. Baphrofethi bakho abazange batibeke ebaleni tono takho, kuze uvikeleke kuloko kugcilateka. Letembulo labakunika tona tatitemanga netekwedukisa. Bonkhe labo labendlula ngakuwe bashaya tandla tabo ngawe. Bayancifa, banikine tinhloko ngayo iNdvodzakati yaseJerusalema, batsi: “Kungabe kambe ngilo leli lelidolobha lelalibitwa ngekutsi kuphelela kwebuhle, nenjabulo yemhlaba wonkhe?” Tonkhe titsa takho tikukhamisela imilomo lemikhulu. Tiyancifa tigugudze imihlatsi titsi: “Lidolobha sesilimitile. Leli lilanga lebesivele sililindzele, besihlalele kubona lona.” Simakadze wente loko labesakumisile; ulifezile livi lakhe lalimemetela kadzeni. Sewubhidlitile, wangete waba nesihawu, wente sitsa sakucoloshela, uluphakamisile luphondvo lwetitsa takho. Tinhlitiyo tebantfu tikhala kuSimakadze. Awu, wena lubondza lweNdvodzakati yaseSiyoni, tinyembeti takho atigobhote njengemfula busuku nemini, ungatiniki kuphumula, emehlo akho angaphumuli. Vuka ukhale kusengusebusuku, ngesikhatsi balindzi bangena emsebentini wabo, utfulule inhlitiyo yakho njengemanti ebukhoneni baSimakadze. Phakamisela tandla takho kuye ngenca yetimphilo tebantfwana bakho lasebacaleka ngenca yendlala, ekucaleni nasekupheleni kwato tonkhe titaladi. “Buka, Simakadze, unakisise. Ngubani nje lowake wamphatsa ngalendlela? Kufanele yini bafati badle batukulu babo, bantfwana lababongile babakhulisa? Baphrofethi nebaphristi kufanele yini babulawe bafele endlini lengcwele yaSimakadze? “Labasha nalabadzala kulale lunja kanyekanye elutfulini lwetitaladi; emajaha ami netintfombi tami kuwe ngelusiko lwenkemba. Ubabhubhisile ngelilanga lentfukutselo yakho; ubabulale ngenkemba ungenasihawu nabo. “Wabutsisa tesabiso tami ndzawo tonkhe, kwaba shangatsi umemela bantfu edzilini. Ngelilanga lentfukutselo yaSimakadze kute namunye lowaphunyula nalowasindza. Titsa tami tibashaye tabacotfula labo lengangibongile ngabanakekela.” Mine ngingumuntfu lokubonile kuhlupheka ngendvuku yelulaka lwaSimakadze. Ungicoshile, wangenta ngahamba ngetinyawo, ngahamba ebumnyameni kungesiko ekukhanyeni. Ngempela, sandla sakhe usiguculele ngakimi, simelana nami njalo nje, onkhe emalanga. Usigugisile sikhumba sami nenyama yami, ematsambo ami uwafohlotile. Ungivimbetele, wangitungeleta ngalokubabako nangekuhlupheka lokukhulu. Ungihlalise ebumnyameni, nginjengalabo lasebalala kadzeni emadlizeni. Ungibiyele ngetindvonga, ngako angikhoni kuphunyula ngibaleke. Ungibophe ngetinketane letimatima. Ngisho nome sengimemeta, ngikhalela kusitwa, uyivalela ngaphandle imikhuleko yami. Indlela yami uyivale ngetinguzanguza tematje; wagwegwisa indlela yami, yaba matombetombe. Njengelibhele lelibhacele inyamatane, nanjengelibhubesi lelitifihlile, ungihudvule endleleni, wangisitila, wangishiya ngingenamsiti. Ujijimete umcibisholo wakhe, wangenta ngaba yinkoyoyo yemicibisholo yakhe. Ugwaze inhlitiyo yami ngemicibisholo yasengculwini yakhe. Ngagucuka ngaba yintfo yekuhlekisa kubo bonkhe bantfu, bahlabela tingoma ngami bangihaya lonkhe lilanga. Ungesutsise ngemitsi lebabako, wangigcwalisa ngenyongo. Ematinyo ami uwagamule ngelukhetse, wangigcobagcoba elutfulini. Ngidlelelwe kuthula, ngadzimate ngakhohlwa nekutsi kuyini kuphumelela. Nguko ngitsi: “Bukhosi bami buhambile kanye nako konkhe lebengetsembele ngako kuSimakadze.” Ngikhumbula kushaywa kwami kanye nekundzindza kwami, loko kubaba kanye nenyongo. Ngikukhumbula kahle, umphefumulo wami uphansi, udzabukile ngekhatsi kwami. Yebo, noko ngiyakubuyisa engcondvweni, ngako nginelitsemba: Ngenca yelutsandvo lolukhulu lwaSimakadze asikadliwa sacedvwa, ngobe sihawu sakhe singeke siphele. Sisha onkhe emalanga ekuseni, kwetsembeka kwakho kukhulu. Ngiyatitjela ngitsi: “Simakadze usabelo sami, ngako ngitawulindzela yena.” Simakadze ulungile kulaba lababeke litsemba labo kuye, kulaba labamfunisisako. Kuhle kuyilindzela ngekuthula nangekubeketela insindziso yaSimakadze. Kuhle kumuntfu kutsi etfwale lijoko ngesikhatsi asesemusha. Akahlale yedvwa athule, ngobe nguSimakadze lona lometfwese lona. Akembele buso bakhe elutfulini, mhlawumbe kusengaba khona litsemba. Akaniketele sihlatsi sakhe kulowo longamshaya ngemphama, atseleke ngemahloni nangelihlazo. Ngobe Simakadze bantfu akabalahli kokuphela. Nome akuletsa kudzabuka, kodvwa uyawubuye ahawukele, lukhulu kangako-ke lutsandvo lwakhe. Ngobe bantfu akabahluphi ngobe atsandza kubevisa buhlungu nome-ke kubadzabukisa. Kuhlifita ngetinyawo tonkhe tiboshwa eveni, nekudlelela umuntfu emalungelo akhe embikwaSimakadze Longetulu Kwako Konkhe, nekudlelela umuntfu lilungelo lakhe lekwehlulelwa ngebucotfo bemtsetfo, kungabe Simakadze angeke yini atibone tintfo letinjengaleto? Ngubani longakhuluma, ente kwenteke, nangabe Simakadze angakakumiseli kutsi kube njalo? Akuphumi lokuhle nalokubi yini emlonyeni wakhe, Longetulu Kwako Konkhe? Umuntfu nje lophilako ukhononelani, nakajeziswa ngenca yetono takhe? Asihlolisise tindlela tetfu sitivivinye, bese sibuyela kuSimakadze. Asiphakamisele tinhlitiyo tetfu kanye netandla tetfu etulu, sitiphakamisele kuNkulunkulu, sitsi: “Sonile sahlubuka, awukatsetseleli. “Utimbonye ngelulaka, wasisukela wasicosha, wabulala ngaphandle kwesihawu. Utimbonye ngelifu, kuze kutebate umthandazo longefika kuwe. Usente emagwebu netilahlwa emkhatsini wetive tonkhe. “Tonkhe titsa tetfu setisikhamisele imilomo lemikhulu. Sehlelwe kwesaba neluvalo, nemigodzi, kubhujiswa, nekucitfwa.” Imifula yetinyembeti iyageleta isuka emehlweni ami, ngobe bantfu bami babhujisiwe. Emehlo ami ayawugobhota angemi, angabi nako kuphumula, adzimate Simakadze abuke phansi asezulwini kutsi abone. Loku lengikubonako kuletsa lusizi emphefumulweni wami, ngenca yabo bonkhe besifazane basedolobheni lami. Labo lababetitsa tami ngaphandle kwesizatfu babengitingela njengenyoni. Betama kucedzela imphilo yami emgodzini, bangijikijela ngematje, emanti ayisibekela inhloko yami, ngacabanga ngatsi akusesingakanani ngincanyulwe. Ngalibita Libito lakho, Simakadze, ekujuleni kwemgodzi lohlokomako. Wakuva kuncusa kwami: “Ungativali tindlebe takho ekukhaleni kwami; ngicela kuphunyutwa.” Wasondzela kimi nangikubita, watsi: “Ungesabi.” Awu Simakadze, wayimela indzaba yami, wayihlenga imphilo yami. Awu Simakadze, nawe ukubonile lokubi lokwentiwe kimi. Phumelelisa indzaba yami! Ukubonile kujula kwemphindziselo yabo, onkhe emacebo labangibophele wona ngasense. Awu Simakadze, utivile tinhlamba tabo, onkhe emacebo abo labangimisele wona, loko titsa tami letikuhlebako, tingumtela ngami lonkhe lilanga. Tibuke! Natihleti nome timile, tiyangihaya nangetingoma tato. Awu Simakadze, buyisela kuto loko lokufanele tandla tato. Mbonya tinhlitiyo tato ngendvwangu, shangatsi sicalekiso sakho singaba setikwato! Ticoshe ngentfukutselo yakho, utibhubhise, tingaphindzi tibe khona ngaphansi kwemazulu aSimakadze. Yeka legolide leseyilahlekelwe bucwebecwebe bayo, igolide lebeyicolisakele seyigucuke yafiphala. Ematje laligugu endlu lengcwele asasakateleke emaphetselweni ato tonkhe titaladi. Maye, emadvodzana labalulekile aseSiyoni, noko nawo ake alingana negolide lecengekile, njengaloku nyalo asatsatfwa njengetindziwo telibumba nje, umsebenti wetandla tencondzi yetekubumba ngelibumba! Ngisho netimphungutja tiyayikhipha imibele yato timunyise emazinyane ato, kodvwa bantfu bami sebagucuke bangabi nanhlitiyo, baba njengetinshi tasehlane. Ngenca yekoma, lulwimi lwalabamunyako lunamatsela elwangeni; bantfwana bacela kudla, kodvwa kubete lobapha kona. Labo labake badla kahle batamasa, nyalo sebangimizulane netindzindzi etitaladini. Labo lababekhuliswa ngaletibukhwebeletane, nyalo sebalala emataleni etincunjini temlotsa. Sijeziso sebantfu bami sikhulu kunesalabo baseSodoma, lababhujiswa ngemzuzwana munye, kwabate nasinye sandla lesabelekelela. Tikhulu tabo taticwebetela kwendlula sitfwatfwa, timhlophe kwendlula lubisi. Imitimba yato yayibovu yendlula emarubi, kubonakala kwato kwakunjengekwemasafire. Kodvwa nyalo setimnyama kwengca umsiti, atatiwa ngisho nasetitaladini. Sikhumba sato sesishwaphene sanamatsela ematsanjeni ato, sesome saba njengelukhuni. Labo lababulawa ngenkemba bancono kunalabo labafa babulawa yindlala; badvutjutwe yindlala, baze baguga baphela ngenca yekweswela kudla emasimini. Bafati labanesihawu badzimate bapheka bantfwababo ngetabo tandla, bagucuka baba kudla kwabo ngesikhatsi bantfu bakitsi babhujiswa. Simakadze ulufeze ngalokuphelele lulaka lwakhe, uyitfululile intfukutselo yakhe levutsako. ESiyoni uphembe umlilo lowadla tisekelo tayo. Kute emakhosi emhlaba, ngisho nasinye sive lesisemhlabeni, lesake sakukholwa kutsi titsa nalabaphambene nayo bangangena emasangweni aseJerusalema. Kodvwa kwenteka ngenca yetono tebaphrofethi bayo, nangetiphambuko tebaphristi bayo, labacitsa ingati yalabamsulwa ekhatsi kuyo. Nyalo baphrofethi nebaphristi sebadvukuta etitaladini njengemadvodza latimphumphutse. Tingubo tabo setishone ingati, tadzimate tangcola lokwekutsi sekute namunye lofisa nekutitsintsa ngesandla tembatfo tabo. Bantfu bayabacosha, batsi: “Hambani la! Sukani la! Ningcolile! Khweshani! Khweshani! Ningasitsintsi!” Ngesikhatsi baphrofethi nebaphristi babaleka bayewuzulazula, bantfu betive ngetive batsi: “Bangeke basachubeka nekuhlala lapha!” Simakadze cobo lwakhe ubasakatile, akasabelusi. Baphristi abasahlonishwa, nalabadzala abasaphatfwa ngemusa. Ngetulu kwaloko, emehlo etfu adzimate akhatsala solomane agolotele lusito lungaveli, sabukisisa emibhoshongweni yetfu, silindzele sive lesasingeke sisisindzise. Emadvodza asibekela lugibe kuto tonkhe tinyatselo tetfu, ngaloko asikhonanga kuhamba etitaladini tetfu, kuphela kwetfu kwakusedvute, nemalanga etfu abesabaliwe, ngobe kuphela kwetfu kwase kufikile. Batingeli betfu babegijima kwendlula lusweti lwasesibhakabhakeni; basigijimisa etintsabeni, basibhacela ehlane. Logcotjiwe waSimakadze, lokunguyena angimitsambo yekuphila kwetfu, wabhajwa etingibeni tabo. Besicabanga kutsi siyawukhosela ngaphansi kwematfunti akhe, siphile emkhatsini wetive ngetive. Awu, Ndvodzakati yase-Edomu, jabula utsakase, wena lohlala eveni lase-Usi. Kodvwa nakuwe itakwendluliselwa lendzebe, uyawudzakwa uhlutjulwe ube ngcunu. Awu, Ndvodzakati yaseSiyoni, kujeziswa kwakho kutawuphela; Simakadze angeke aselule sikhatsi sekudzingiswa kwakho. Kodvwa, awu, wena Ndvodzakati yase-Edomu, uyawujeziswa ngenca yesono sakho, abubeke ebaleni bubi bakho. Awu Simakadze! Khumbula kutsi kwentekeni kitsi. Buka ulibone lihlazo letfu. Lifa letfu selijikisiwe lanikwa bafokati, nemakhaya etfu anikwa bachamuki. Sesigucuke saba tintsandzane, sabate nabobabe, nabomake sebabafelokati. Emanti lesiwanatsako kufanele siwatsenge, netinkhuni sititfola ngemali kuphela. Labo labasicoshako basihleti emsileni, sikhatsele sidziniwe, asikutfoli kuphumula. Satinikela kubaseGibhithe nakubase-Asiriya, kuze sitfole kudla lokwenele. Bobabemkhulu labona sebafa, tsine sesetfwele licala labo. Tigcili tibusa etikwetfu, kute namunye longasikhulula etandleni tato. Kudla kwetfu sikutfola ngekutidzela ematsambo ngenca yenkemba lesehlane. Sikhumba setfu sishisa njengelitiko, siyavevetela ngenca yekulamba. Bafati badlwenguliwe eSiyoni, netintfombi tadlundlulutwa emadolobheni akaJuda. Tikhulu tilengiswe ngetandla tato; labadzala bangete bahlonishwa. Emajaha ayaphishaneka etigayweni, bafana bayadzayitela ngaphansi kwetinyandza tetinkhuni. Baholi besukile emasangweni elidolobha, emajaha asewuyekele umculo wawo. Injabulo iphelile etinhlitiyweni tetfu; kugidza kwetfu kwenjabulo sekugucuke kwaba sililo. Umchele udzilikile etinhloko tetfu. Maye kitsi! Ngobe sonile. Ngenca yako konkhe loku tinhlitiyo tetfu tidzabukile, nangenca yato tonkhe letintfo emehlo etfu ayadvumba, ngobe intsaba iSiyoni seyisele ikhala libhungane, timphungutja tiyajangaza kuyo. Awu, wena Simakadze, uyabusa kuze kube phakadze. Sihlalo sakho sebukhosi sihlala sicinile titukulwane ngetitukulwane. Usikhohlwelani njalo nje? Usilahleleni sikhatsi lesidze kangaka? Awu! Simakadze, sibuyisele kuwe, kuze natsi sitewubuyela kuwe; sivusetele emalanga etfu abe njengemalanga asendvulo. Nome sewusilahle kokuphela yini? Sekute yini siphetfo ekutfukutseleni kwakho? Ngemnyaka wema-30, enyangeni yesine, ngelilanga lesihlanu, ngangisesemkhatsini walababetfunjiwe, ngasemfuleni iKhebari, kwavuleka emazulu, ngabona imibono yaNkulunkulu. Kwatsi mhlazana tisihlanu enyangeni, ngemnyaka wesihlanu inkhosi Jehoyakhini yatfunjwa, kwefika livi laSimakadze kumphristi Hezekeli, umsa waBuzi, ngasemfuleni iKhebari eveni lemaBhabhulona. Ngulapho-ke lapho sandla saSimakadze sasisetikwakhe khona. Ngabuka, ngabona sivunguvungu sichamuka ngasenyakatfo, bekulifu lelikhulukati linebumanyamanya bembane, lalitungeletwe kukhanya lokumengetelako. Ekhatsi enkhabeni yalomlilo kwakukhona lokwakufanana nelitfusi lelimanyatelako, ekhatsi kulowo mlilo kukhona lokwakufanana netidalwa letine letiphilako. Tatibonakala tinesimo semuntfu, kodvwa nguleso naleso sasinebuso lobune netimphiko letine. Tatinemilente lecondzile; tinyawo tato tatifanana netelitfole timanyatela njengelitfusi lelilolongiwe. Ngaphansi kwetimphiko tato kulemihlubulo yato lemine tatinetandla temuntfu. Totine tatinebuso netimphiko, letimphiko tato tatitsintsana. Nguleso naleso sidalwa sasihamba sicondze embili; tatingagucuki ngesikhatsi natihamba. Buso bato babubukeka kanje: Nguleso naleso kuletidalwa letine sasinebuso bemuntfu, ngesekudla kwaso sinebuso belibhubesi, ngesancele sinebuso benkhomo, ngemuva sinebuso belusweti. Babunjalo-ke buso bato. Timphiko tato tatendlalekele etulu; sisinye sasinetimphiko letinye letimbili, lunye luphiko lutsintsana neluphiko lwalesinye sidalwa ngala nangale, bese kutsi leti letinye timphiko letimbili tembese umtimba waso. Nguleso naleso sasihamba sicondze embili. Njalo nje lapho kuya khona Moya, nato tatiya khona; tatingagucuki ekuhambeni kwato. Simo saletidalwa letiphilako sasifanana nemalahle lavutsako emlilo nome tinjengetidlwane. Umlilo wawehla wenyuka lapha emkhatsini waletidalwa. Lomlilo wawumanyatela, kuphuma umbane kuwo. Letidalwa tatigijima tiye emuva nasembili, njengekubaneka kwembane. Ngatsi ngisabuka kuletidalwa letiphilako, ngabona lisondvo emhlabatsini emhlubulweni waleso naleso sidalwa lesinebuso lobune. Kubonakala nekwakhiwa kwalamasondvo kwakume kanje: Abemanyatela njengekhrisolithe, onkhe omane abefanana. Ngulelo nalelo sondvo lalibukeka lakheke njengelisondvo leligabance kulelinye lisondvo. Njengobe abehamba nje abengahamba acondze kunome nguyiphi indzawo kuleti letine, lapho letidalwa tatibheke ngakhona; lamasondvo abengagucuki, nakuhamba letidalwa. Emarimu alamasondvo abephakeme esabeka, omane abegcwele emehlo yonkhe indzawo. Kwakutsi letidalwa letiphilako natihamba, nalamasondvo lasemihlubulweni yato ahambe; tatitsi natiphakama emhlabatsini letidalwa letiphilako, nalamasondvo nawo aphakame. Nome ngukuphi lapho Moya abengaya khona naletidalwa tatiya khona, nalamasondvo abeyaye aphakame kanye nato, ngobe lomoya waletidalwa letiphilako wawukulamasondvo. Tatitsi natihamba letidalwa, nawo ahambe; natima letidalwa, nalamasondvo eme, atsi dvu; titsi letidalwa natiphakama emhlabatsini, nalamasondvo aphakame kanye nato, ngobe umoya waletidalwa letiphilako wawukulamasondvo. Lokwakwendlaleke ngetulu kwetinhloko taletidalwa kwakuyintfo leyayifanana nemkhatsi, kucwebetela njengangcocwane, futsi kwesabeka. Ngaphansi kwalomkhatsi timphiko tato tatendlalekele kuyawutsintsana todvwana, nguleso naleso sasinetimphiko letimbili letatembese umtimba waso. Tatitsi natihamba letidalwa, ngive umsindvo wetimphiko tato unjengekudvuma kwemanti lagijimako, nanjengeliphimbo laSomandla, nanjengemdvumo wemphi. Tatitsi natima, tehlise timphiko tato. Kwase kufika livi liphuma ngetulu kwalomkhatsi lowawusetikwetinhloko tato, ngesikhatsi tima, timphiko tato setehlile. Ngetulu kwalomkhatsi lowawusetikwetinhloko tato bekunentfo leyayifanana nesihlalo sebukhosi lesakhiwe ngesafire, ngetulu kwalesihlalo sebukhosi kwakunentfo leyayinesimo lesasifanana nesemuntfu. Ngabona kutsi kusukela kuloko lokwakubonakala shangatsi kulukhalo lwakhe kuya ngenhla kwalo abefanana nelitfusi lelimanyatelako, kube shangatsi ligcwele umlilo, bese kutsi kusuka elukhalweni kuye phansi abefanana nemlilo. Abetungeletwe kukhanya lokumanyatelako. Lokukhanya kwakumtungeletile njengemushi wenkosazana ubonakala emafini, ngelilanga lekuna kwemvula. Loku bekukubonakala lokwakubonakalisa bukhosi baSimakadze. Ngatsi kube ngikubone konkhe loku, ngawa ngibhekise buso bami phansi, ngase ngiva livi lalokhulumako. Wakhuluma kimi, watsi: “Ndvodzana yemuntfu, sukuma ume ngetinyawo takho, ngitawukhuluma nawe.” Watsi asakhuluma, Moya wangena kimi wangisukumisa, ngema ngetinyawo tami, ngamuva akhuluma kimi. Watsi: “Ndvodzana yemuntfu, ngikutfumela kuma-Israyeli, esiveni lesihlubukako nalesingihlubukile; bona naboyise solomane bayangihlubuka kuze kube ngulamuhla. Lesive lengikutfumela kuso sinenkhani nenhloko lelukhuni. Khuluma kuso, utsi: ‘Naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze.’ Nome bayakulalela nome abakulaleli, ngobe phela bayindlu lenenkhani, kodvwa bayawukwati kutsi bekunemphrofethi emkhatsini wabo. Wena-ke, ndvodzana yemuntfu, ungabesabi ngisho nemavi abo. Ungesabi ngisho nome tinchachabutane nemanyeva sekukutungeletile, yebo, nome sewuhlala emkhatsini wabofecela. Ungakwesabi loko labakushoko, futsi ungesatjiswa ngibo, lite nome bayindlu yekuhlubuka nje. Kufanele wena ukhulume emavi ami kubo, nome bayakulalela nome abakulaleli, ngobe banenkhani. Kodvwa wena, ndvodzana yemuntfu, lalela loko lengikushoko kuwe. Ungahlubuki njengalendlu lehlubukako; vula umlomo wakho udle loko lengikunika kona.” Ngase ngiyabuka, ngabona sandla selulelwe ngakimi. Ekhatsi kuso kwakunencwadzi legocotwako, layisombulula embikwami. Ngala nangale kwayo kwakubhalwe emavi ekulila, newekukhala kanye newelusizi. Wakhuluma kimi, watsi: “Ndvodzana yemuntfu, dlani loko lokusembikwakho, dlani lencwadzi legocotwako; bese uyahamba uyawukhuluma kuyo indlu yaka-Israyeli.” Ngako ngavula umlomo wami, wanginika lencwadzi legocotwako kutsi ngiyidle. Wase ukhuluma kimi, utsi: “Ndvodzana yemuntfu, dlani lencwadzi legocotwako lengikunika yona, ugcwalise sisu sakho ngayo.” Ngako ngayidla, ngayiva inongotela njengeluju emlonyeni wami. Wakhuluma kimi, watsi: “Ndvodzana yemuntfu, hamba nyalo uye kuyo indlu yaka-Israyeli, ufike ukhulume emavi ami kuyo. Awutfunyelwa kubantfu labanelulwimi lolungacondzakali nalolulukhuni, kodvwa utfunyelwa kuyo indlu yaka-Israyeli, hhayi etiveni letinyenti letinelulwimi lolungacondzakali nalolulukhuni, naletikhuluma emavi longeke uwacondze. Nembala kube bengikutfumele kuto, betitakulalela. Kodvwa indlu yaka-Israyeli ayikatimiseli kukulalela, ngobe ayikatimiseli nekulalela mine, ngobe yonkhe indlu yaka-Israyeli inenhloko lelukhuni nenhlitiyo lelitje. Kodvwa wena ngitakwenta ungabatsambeli futsi ube lukhuni njengabo. Ngiyakwenta libunti lakho libe lukhuni njengelitje lelilukhuni kakhulu, libe lukhuni kwendlula litje lemlilo. Ungabesabi futsi ungetfuswa ngibo, lite nome bayindlu lehlubukako nje.” Wakhuluma kimi, watsi: “Ndvodzana yemuntfu, lalelisisa, bese uyawatsatsa onkhe lamavi lengiwakhuluma kuwe uwafake enhlitiyweni yakho. Hamba nyalo uye kubantfu bakini labatfunjiwe, ufike ukhulume kubo, utsi: ‘Naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze,’ nome bayakulalela nome abakulaleli.” Moya wase uyangiphakamisa, ngeva emvakwami livi lemsindvo lomkhulu lodvumako, litsi: “Bukhosi baSimakadze abudvunyiswe endzaweni yakhe yekuhlala!” Ngeva umsindvo wekutsintsana kwetimphiko tetidalwa letiphilako, nemsindvo wemasondvo lasemihlubulweni yato, lowawudvuma kakhulu njengekutamatama kwemhlaba. Moya wangiphakamisela etulu wangisusa, ngahamba ngibuhlungu, umoya wami umunyu; ngobe sandla lesimatima saSimakadze sasisetikwami. Ngefika kulabatfunjiwe lababehlala eTheli Abibi ngasemfuleni iKhebari. Ngefika lapho bebahlala khona, ngahlala emkhatsini wabo emalanga lasikhombisa, ngimangele. Ekupheleni kwemalanga lasikhombisa livi laSimakadze lefika kimi, latsi: “Ndvodzana yemuntfu, sengikubeke kutsi ube ngumlindzi wendlu yaka-Israyeli; ngako-ke vani livi lengilikhulumako, ubanike secwayiso lesiphuma kimi. Nangikhuluma kumuntfu lomubi, ngitsi: ‘Nakanjani utakufa,’ wena-ke ungete wamecwayisa nome ukhulume kuye kutsi atiyekele tindlela takhe letimbi, khona utewusindzisa imphilo yakhe, lowo muntfu lomubi uyakufa ngenca yesono sakhe; mine-ke ingati yakhe ngiyakuyibita esandleni sakho. Kodvwa nangabe wena uyamecwayisa umuntfu lomubi, yena ajinge achubeke nebubi bakhe nome etindleleni takhe letimbi, uyakufa ngenca yesono sakhe, kodvwa wena uyawube utisindzisile. “Kantsi futsi, nangabe umuntfu lolungile ajika ekulungeni kwakhe ente lokubi, bese ngibeka intfo letamgila embikwakhe, yena uyakufa. Njengobe wena ungakamecwayisi, yena uyakufa ngenca yesono sakhe. Konkhe lokulungile lakwentile kungeke kukhunjulwe; mine-ke ingati yakhe ngiyakuyibita esandleni sakho. Kodvwa nangabe wena umecwayisa umuntfu lolungile kutsi angoni, avele angete ona, impela uyawuphila yena, ngobe asitsetse leso secwayiso, nawe uyawube utisindzisile.” Sandla saSimakadze sasisetikwami lapho, wakhuluma kimi, watsi: “Sukuma, uhambe uye etsafeni, ngitawakhuluma nawe lapho.” Ngako ngasukuma, ngahamba ngaya etsafeni. Inkhatimulo yaSimakadze yayime khona lapho, ifanana nenkhatimulo lengangiyibone ngasemfuleni iKhebari, ngakhotsama ngibhekise buso bami phansi. Moya wase ungena kimi, wangisukumisa, ngema ngetinyawo. Wakhuluma kimi, watsi: “Hamba uyewutivalela endlini yakho. Wena-ke, ndvodzana yemuntfu, batakubopha ngetindophi; utawuboshwa, kuze ungetiwukhona kuphumela ngephandle uye kubantfu. Lulwimi lwakho ngitalunamatsisela elwangeni lwakho, khona utewubindza ungakwati kubakhalima, nome bayindlu lehlubukako nje. Kodvwa mine nangikhuluma nawe, ngitawuvula umlomo wakho, futsi utabatjela utsi: ‘Naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze.’ Lowo loyakuva akeve, nalowo longafuni akale; ngobe bayindlu lehlubukako.” “Manje-ke, ndvodzana yemuntfu, tsatsa sibhelekeca selibumba, usibeke embikwakho, bese udvweba lidolobha laseJerusalema kuso. Ubobe sewenta siboniso sekuvinjetelwa kwalo: Yakha tindvonga tekuvimbetela, wakhe lutsango lwekulivimbetela, umise tinkambu eceleni kwalo, bese ufaka imigcala yekulibhidlita ilitungelete, ubobe sewutsatsa lipani lensimbi ulibeke libe njengelubondza lwensimbi emkhatsini wakho nalelidolobha, bese uyagucuka uyalibuka. Liyawube selivimbetelekile, futsi uyawulivimbetela. Loku kuyawuba sibonakaliso kuyo indlu yaka-Israyeli. “Ubobe sewulala ngemhlubulo wakho wangesancele, ubeke sono sendlu yaka-Israyeli etikwakho. Kufanele usetfwale lesono sabo emalanga langangalawo ekulala kwakho ngalowo mhlubulo. Ngikumisele emalanga langangeminyaka yekona kwabo. Ngako kutawuphela emalanga langema-390 wetfwele sono sendlu yaka-Israyeli. “Utawutsi ungakucedza loku, uphindze ulale phansi futsi, ngemhlubulo wakho wangesekudla, wetfwale sono sendlu yakaJuda. Ngikumisele emalanga langema-40, lilanga lilinye limele umnyaka munye. Gucula buso bakho ububhekise ngasekuvinjetelweni kweJerusalema, nangemkhono lohlutjuliwe phrofetha umelane nabo. Wena ngitakubopha ngetindophi, kuze ungetiwukhona kugucuka kulomhlubulo uye kulomunye, uze ucedze lawo malanga ekuvimbetela kwakho. “Tsatsa kolo nebhali, emabhontjisi netinhlumaya, nemabele nesipileti, ukufake esitjeni sekuphatsa, bese utentela sinkhwa. Kufanele udle sona kulamalanga langema-390 lotawulala ngawo ngemhlubulo wakho. Kala kudla lokungemagremu langema-230 lekufanele ukudle njalo nje ngelilanga, ukudle ngetikhatsi letimisiwe. Ubophindze futsi ukale tinkomishi letimbili letinkhulu temanti lekufanele uwanatse ngetikhatsi letimisiwe. Lokudla ubokudla njenganawudla licebelengwane lebhali; ubokupheka embikwebantfu babuka, lomlilo uwubase ngemigodvo yebantfu leyomile.” Simakadze watsi: “Ngalendlela bantfu baka-Israyeli bayakudla kudla lokungcolile emkhatsini wetive, lapho ngiyawubacoshela khona.” Mine ngaphendvula ngatsi: “Cha, Nkhosi Simakadze! Mine angizange sengitingcolise. Kusukela kwasebusheni bami kuze kube ngunyalo angizange sengiyidle ingcuba nome inyama yesilwane lesibulewe tilwane tesiganga. Akuzange sekungene nyama lengcolile ngekwemtsetfo kulomlomo wami.” Wakhuluma watsi: “Kulungile. Ngitakuvumela kutsi usebentise emalongo etinkhomo esikhundleni sewemuntfu ekuphekeni lesinkhwa sakho.” Wachubeka watsi kimi: “Ndvodzana yemuntfu, ngitawunciphisa kutfolakala kwekudla lapha eJerusalema. Bantfu bayawudla kudla kwekwemukeliswa bancenekile, banatse nemanti ekwemukeliswa bakhatsatekile, ngobe kudla nemanti kuyawube kweswelekile. Bayawumangala nababonana, bayawukondza babe tingodvo ngenca yesono sabo.” “Nyalo-ke, wena ndvodzana yemuntfu, tsatsa inkemba lekhaliphako, uyisebentise njengensingo yemhhuli, uhhule inhloko nesilevu sakho. Ubobe sewutsatsa tikali, wehlukanise letinwele takho katsatfu. Ngesikhatsi nakuphelela emalanga ekuvinjetelwa, shisa incenye yesitsatfu yaletinwele ngemlilo ekhatsi edolobheni. Tsatsa lenye incenye yesitsatfu uyisakate ngenkemba yonkhe indzawo edolobheni. Lencenye lenye yesitsatfu uyisakatele emoyeni. Ngobe ngitabacosha ngenkemba. Kodvwa ubotsatsa imicu lembalwa yaletinwele uyitfukuse emificitweni yalengubo yakho. Ubophindze futsi utsatse imicu yato lembalwa uyijike emlilweni uyishise. Umlilo uyawukwandza kusukela lapho, uyigcwalise yonkhe indlu yaka-Israyeli. “Naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: Lena yiJerusalema, lengiyimise emkhatsini wetive, nemave ayitungelete yonkhe indzawo. Noko ngebubi bayo iyihlubukile imitsetfo yami netimiso tami, kwendlula tive nemave layitungeletile. Iyilahlile imitsetfo yami, yangete yatilandzela netimiso tami. “Ngako-ke naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: Nine nibe ngemahlongandlebe kakhulu kwendlula letive letinitungeletile, nangete natilandzela timiso tami kanye nemitsetfo yami. Empeleni lizinga lekuphila kwenu alikefiki ngisho nakuleli letive letinitungeletile. “Ngako-ke naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: Mine, matfupha, ngimelene nawe, Jerusalema, futsi ngiyawukushaya ngesijeziso embikwato letive tibukile. Ngenca yato tonkhe letithico takho letisinengiso, ngiyakwenta kuwe loko lengingazange sengikwente ngaphambili, futsi ngingeke ngiphindze ngikwente. Ngako-ke ngekhatsi kwakho boyise bayawudla bantfwababo, nebantfwana badle boyise. Ngitakushaya ngesijeziso, ngisakate yonkhe insali yakho emimoyeni. Ngako-ke ngifunga kuphila kwami, kusho iNkhosi Simakadze, njengobe ungcolise indzawo yami lengcwele ngato tonkhe letitfombe takho letingemanyala nangetento takho letinengekako, ngitakususa lokukubonelela kwami kuwe; ngingeke ngisakubuka ngesihawu nome ngikuphephise. Incenye yesitsatfu yebantfu bakho, Jerusalema, itakufa ngesifo lesibulalanako, nome ibhujiswe yindlala ngekhatsi kwakho; incenye yesitsatfu itakufa ngenkemba ngaphandle kwetibondza takho; kutsi lenye incenye yesitsatfu isakateleke emimoyeni, ngiyicoshe ngenkemba leyeluliwe. “Intfukutselo yami-ke iyakube seyiyaphela, nelulaka lwami kubo lubohle, ngikhipheleke sibhongo. Ngiyawutsi nase ngilukhiphele kubo lulaka lwami, bayawukwati kutsi mine Simakadze sengikhulumile ngenshisekelo yami. “Ngiyawukwenta ube yincitsakalo nelihlazo emkhatsini wetive letibomakhelwane bakho, embikwabo bonkhe bantfu labendlulako. Uyawuba lihlazo, nesihhala, nesecwayiso, nentfo leyesabisako kuletive letikutungeletile, nase ngikwehlulela ngentfukutselo, nangelulaka, nangekutsetsisa lokubuhlungu. Mine, Simakadze, sengikhulumile. Nanginidubula ngemicibisholo yami lenashevu nalebhubhisako ngendlala, ngiyawudubulela kutsi nginibhubhise. Ngiyakunehlisela indlala etikwendlala, nekudla lokuta kini ngikuncamule. Ngiyawutfumela indlala netilwane tesiganga letiyawumelana nani, futsi tiyawunishiya nite bantfwana. Tifo letibulalanako nekucitseka kwengati kuyawunikhukhula, ngiyawunihlasela ngenkemba leyawumelana nani. Mine, Simakadze, sengikhulumile.” Livi laSimakadze lefika kimi, latsi: “Ndvodzana yemuntfu, buka ngasetintsabeni taka-Israyeli, phrofetha kuto, utsi: ‘Awu, tintsaba taka-Israyeli, lalelani livi leNkhosi Simakadze. Naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze kini, nine tintsaba nemagcuma, nani mifudlana netihosha, itsi: Sekusedvutane kutsi ngehlisele inkemba etikwenu, futsi ngitatibhubhisa letindzawo tenu letiphakeme tekukhontela tithico. Emalati enu atawubhidlitwa, nemalati enu emphepho atawuphihlitwa, ngitawubulala bantfu benu embikwetithico tenu. Ngitakwendlala tidvumbu tebantfu baka-Israyeli embikwetithico tabo, ngisakate ematsambo enu atungelete lamalati enu. Nome ngukuphi lapho nihlala khona, emadolobha enu ayawudzilitelwa phansi, asale atindzala, netindzawo letiphakeme tibhidlitwe, kuze emalati enu asale angemabolela, tithico tenu tiyawuphihlitwa tibe tindvundvuma, nemalati enu emphepho adzilitelwe phansi, naloko lenikubumbile kwesulwe kungabikho. Bantfu bakini bayawubulawa bawele phansi emkhatsini wenu, kuze nati kutsi mine nginguSimakadze. “ ‘Kodvwa ngitawushiya insali, ngobe labanye benu bayawuphunyula enkembeni ngesikhatsi nisakatekele emaveni ngemave, nasetiveni. Kuyawutsi-ke etiveni lapho bebatfunjelwe khona, labo labaphunyulile bangikhumbule, kutsi ngeva buhlungu kanjani ngalokungihlubuka kwabo ngetinhlitiyo tabo, bakhonta labanye bonkulunkulu, besuka kimi, ngeva buhlungu nangemehlo abo labukeka akhanuka tithico tabo. Bayawutenyanya kwabona ngalobubi labayawube babentile, nangato tonkhe tintfo tabo letinengekako labatentako. Ngulapho-ke bayakungati kahle kutsi mine nginguSimakadze. Akusho kutsi ngangimane ngikhuluma nje, nangitsi ngitakwehlisela letigemegeme etikwabo. “ ‘Naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: Yetfwalani tandla etinhloko, nishaye ngetinyawo phansi nikhale, nimemete, nitsi: “Maye!” ngenca yato tonkhe letento letimbi tendlu yaka-Israyeli; nyalo sebatawubulawa ngenkemba, nangendlala, nangesifo lesibulalanako. Lowo lokhashane kakhulu uyawubulawa sifo lesibulalanako, lowo losedvutane abulawe ngenkemba, kutsi lowo lophunyulile wasala, abulawe yindlala. Ngiyakulufeza kanjalo-ke lulaka lwami etikwabo. Ngulapho-ke bayawungati kahle kutsi mine nginguSimakadze, bantfu babo nase balele lunja emkhatsini wetithico tabo, batungelete emalati abo kuwo onkhe emagcuma laphakeme, nakuto tonkhe ticongo tetintsaba, nangaphansi kwato tonkhe tihlahla letendlala emagala ato, nangaphansi kwawo onkhe ema-okhi lanemacembe lacebetelako, tindzawo lapho bebentela khona iminikelo yemphepho lenuka kamnandzi kuto tonkhe tithico tabo. Ngiyakwelula sandla sami etikwabo, ngente lelive labo lisale likhala libhungane, kusukela ehlane kuze kuyewufika eDibla, kuyo yonkhe indzawo lapho bahlala khona. Ngulapho-ke bayawukwati khona kutsi mine nginguSimakadze.’ ” Livi laSimakadze lefika kimi, latsi: “Ndvodzana yemuntfu, naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, eveni laka-Israyeli, itsi: Kuphela! Kuphela sekufikile emagumbini omane elive. Siphetfo nyalo sesifikile kuwe, ngiyawutfululela lulaka lwami etikwakho. Ngiyakukwehlulela njengekutiphatsa kwakho, ngikukhokhele ngangekwetento takho tonkhe letinengekako. Angiyikukubuka ngesihawu, nome ngikushiye, ngempela ngiyakukubuyisela njengekutiphatsa kwakho nangaletinengiso letisemkhatsini wenu. Ngulapho-ke niyawukwati khona kutsi mine nginguSimakadze. “Naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: Sigemegeme! Sigemegeme lekungazange sekuvakale ngaso siyeta. Kuphela sekufikile! Kuphela sekufikile! Sekufikile kulwa nawe. Sekufikile! Kubhujiswa sekufikile kuwe, wena lohlala eveni. Sikhatsi sesifikile, lilanga selisondzele, kunekwesaba, hhayi kujabula etikwetintsaba. Sengitawutfululela lulaka lwami etikwakho, ngifeze intfukutselo yami kuwe; ngitakwehlulela njengekutiphatsa kwakho, ngikukhokhele ngangekwetento takho tonkhe letinengekako. Ngingeke ngikubuke ngesihawu nome ngikushiye, ngitakukhokhela njengekutiphatsa kwakho nangaletinengiso letisemkhatsini wenu. Khona-ke utawube sewuyati kutsi mine Simakadze ngimi lona logalela ngalendvuku. “Lilanga selilapha! Selifikile! Imbhubhiso seyehlile, indvuku seyihlumile, kutidla kwachakaza! Budlwangudlwangu sebukhule baba yindvuku yekujezisa bubi, kute namunye loyawusala angajeziswa kulabo bantfu, kute namunye kuleso sicumbi, kute lokuyawusala ebunjingeni nasebukhosini babo. “Sikhatsi sesifikile, lilanga selikhona. Lowo lotsengako akangajabuli, nalowo lotsengisako angadzabuki, ngobe lulaka lusetikwaso sonkhe lesicumbi. Umtsengisi angeke aphindze abuyelwe ngaloko lakutsengisile, yingci nabasaphila bobabili, ngobe umbono macondzana naso sonkhe lesicumbi ngeke usahlehliselwa nyovana. Ngenca yetono tabo, kute namunye wabo loyawuphephisa kuphila kwakhe. Nome bakhalisa licilongo, batilungiselele ngako konkhe, kute namunye loyakuya emphini, ngobe lulaka lwami lusetikwalesicumbi sonkhe.” “Ngephandle yinkemba, ngekhatsi sifo lesibulalanako nendlala; labo labasemaphandleni bayakufa ngenkemba, nalabo labasedolobheni bayawudliwa yindlala nesifo lesibulalanako. Bonkhe labasele labaphunyulile bayawubasetintsabeni babubule njengematuba asetihosheni, ngulowo ngenca yetono takhe. Tonkhe tandla tiyawube ticeka, nemadvolo onkhe ayawugedletela. Bayawukwembatsa emasaka, bagcokiswe lusizi. Buso babo bonkhe buyakwembatsa emahloni, netinhloko tabo bonkhe tiyawuhhulwa. Bayawulahla isiliva yabo etitaladini, negolide yabo iyawuba yintfo lengcolile lengenamsebenti. Isiliva negolide yabo ingeke ikhone kubasindzisa ngelilanga lelulaka lwaSimakadze. Ingeke ikwesutsise kulamba kwabo, futsi bangeke batigcwalise tisu tabo ngayo, ngobe ngiyo lebente bakhubatela baze bangena esonweni. Babetigabatisa ngetimvunulo tabo nangekwekugaba kwabo lokuhle lababekusebentisa ekubumbeni kwabo letithico tabo letisinengiso, netitfombe letingenamsebenti. Ngako-ke ngiyawutigucula ngitente tingcole tingabi namsebenti. Ngiyawukunikela konkhe kube yimphango yebetive nentfo lephangwe ngulababi bemhlaba, futsi bayawukungcolisa. Ngiyawubafulatsela, nabo bayawuyonakalisa lendzawo yami leligugu kangaka; bosidlani bayawungena ngekhatsi kuyo bayingcolise. “Lungisani tinketane, ngobe lelive ligcwele kugobhota kwengati, nelidolobha ligcwele budlwangudlwangu. Ngiyawuletsa tive letimbi kakhulu kutsi titewutsatsa tindlu tabo; ngiyawukucedza kutigabatisa kwalabanemandla, netindzawo tabo lekutsiwa tingcwele tiyawungcoliswa. Nakufika kwesabisa, bayawukufuna kuthula, kodvwa abayiwukutfola. Kuyawufika sigemegeme etikwesigemegeme, nemahemuhemu etikwemahemuhemu. Bayakwetama kutfola sembulo kumphrofethi; kulahleke nemfundziso yemtsetfo kumphristi, kuphele neteluleko talabadzala. Inkhosi iyawulila, sikhulu sembatse kujabha, netandla tebantfu eveni tiyawuchachatela. Ngiyawubaphatsa njengalokufanele kutiphatsa kwabo, ngibehlulele njengekwemitsetfo yabo. Ngulapho-ke bayawungati khona kutsi mine nginguSimakadze.” Ngemnyaka wesitfupha, enyangeni yesitfupha, ngelilanga lesihlanu, ngisahleti endlini yami ngikanye nebaholi bakaJuda bahleti embikwami, sandla seNkhosi Simakadze sehlela etikwami khona lapho. Ngabuka, ngabona intfo lenesimo semuntfu. Kusukela lapho lokwakungatsi kulukhalo lwakhe kuya phansi kwakunjengemlilo, kusukela elukhalweni lwakhe kuya etulu abebonakala shangatsi umanyatela njengekucwebetela kwelitfusi lelivutsako. Welula loko lokwakungatsi kusandla, wangibamba ngesihlutfu. Moya wangiphakamisela emkhatsini wemhlaba nelizulu: Wangitsatsa embonweni waNkulunkulu, wangitsatsa saya eJerusalema, ekungeneni kwelisango langasenyakatfo lesibuya lesisekhatsi nekhatsi, lapho kwakume khona lesithico lesibanga intfukutselo lenkhulu. Lokubukhosi baNkulunkulu wema-Israyeli kwakulapho embikwami, njengasembonweni lengawubona etsafeni. Wase uyakhuluma kimi, utsi: “Ndvodzana yemuntfu, buka ngasenyakatfo.” Ngako ngabuka, ngasenyakatfo ekungeneni kwelisango lelilati, ngabona lesithico lesibanga intfukutselo. Wase utsi kimi: “Ndvodzana yemuntfu, uyabona yini kutsi bentani, letintfo letinengeka kangaka letentiwa yindlu yaka-Israyeli lapha, tintfo letitangicoshela khashane kakhulu nendzawo yami lengcwele? Kodvwa usetawubona letinye tintfo letinengeka kakhulu kunaleti.” Wase ungiyisa ekungeneni kwesibuya. Ngabuka, ngabona imbobo elubondzeni. Watsi kimi: “Ndvodzana yemuntfu, manje-ke gubha lapha elubondzeni;” ngako ngase ngigubha elubondzeni, ngabona umnyango lapho. Watsi kimi: “Ngena ngekhatsi utewubona letintfo letimbi naletinengekako labatentako lapha.” Ngako ngangena ngekhatsi ngabuka, ngabona kudvwetjwe tonkhe letibondza yonkhe inhlobo yetintfo letinwabutelako, netilwane letinengekako, nato tonkhe tithico tendlu yaka-Israyeli. Embikwato bekume baholi bendlu yaka-Israyeli labangema-70, naJazaniya, umsa waShafani, abeme emkhatsini wabo. Ngulowo abephetse sitja sekutfuncisa esandleni sakhe, kwakutsaphuka lifu lemphepho lenyuka. Watsi kimi: “Ndvodzana yemuntfu, ubonile kambe kutsi bentani baholi bendlu yaka-Israyeli lapha entimeni, nguloyo endvumbeni yesithico sakhe? Batsi: ‘Simakadze akasiboni. Simakadze sewulishiyile lelive.’ ” Waphindza futsi watsi kimi: “Utawubabona benta letinye tintfo letinengeka kakhulu kunaloku.” Wase ungiyisa ekungeneni kwelisango lelingasenyakatfo lendlu yaSimakadze, ngabona bafati bahleti phansi lapho, balilela Thamuzi. Watsi kimi: “Uyakubona loku, ndvodzana yemuntfu? Usetawubona letinye futsi tintfo letinengeka kakhulu kunaloku.” Wase ungiyisa esibuyeni lesisekhatsi nekhatsi endlini yaSimakadze, lapho ekungeneni kwelithempeli, emkhatsini wemhubhe nelilati, kwakunemadvodza langema-25. Imihlane yawo ibheke ngasethempelini laSimakadze, buso bawo bubheke ngasemphumalanga, babekhotsamela lilanga ngasemphumalanga. Watsi kimi: “Ndvodzana yemuntfu, ukubonile loko? Kuyintfo lencane yini kutsi indlu yakaJuda yente letintfo letisinengiso kangaka labatentako lapho? Kufanele yini kutsi nabo baphindze bagcwalise nelive ngebudlwangudlwangu bachubeke nekungichukuluta kutsi ngitfukutsele? Ase ubabuke nje, nase bahlohlela ligala emakhaleni abo! Ngako-ke ngitawubesukela ngente kubo njengekwentfukutselo yami; ngingeke ngibabuke ngemehlo esihawu, futsi ngeke ngibayekele. Nome bangamemeta badzatimule etindlebeni tami, ngingeke ngibeve.” Ngase ngiyamuva Simakadze amemeta ngelivi lelikhulu, atsi: “Sondzelani lapha nine lenitawujezisa lelidolobha, ngulowo nalowo aphatse sikhali sekubulala esandleni sakhe.” Ngase ngibona kuchamuka emadvodza lasitfupha ngasesangweni lelingenhla, lelibuke ngasenyakatfo, nguleyo naleyo iphetse silimato lesibi ngesandla sayo. Emkhatsini wawo kwakunendvodza leyayembetse telineni, leyayinesipatji setintfo tekubhala engculwini yayo. Angena lamadvodza, afike ema eceleni kwelilati lelitfusi. Ngaleso sikhatsi inkhatimulo yaNkulunkulu wema-Israyeli yenyuka isuka etikwemakherubhi, lapho yayisolo ikhona, yaya emnyango welithempeli. Simakadze wase ubita lendvodza leyayigcoke telineni, leyayinesipatji sekwekubhala engculwini yayo, watsi kuyo: “Lihlamahlame lonkhe lidolobha laseJerusalema, ubeke luphawu emabuntini abo bonkhe labakhatsatekile babubula ngenca yato tonkhe letintfo letinengekako letentiwa lapha kulo.” Ngatsi ngisalalele, watsi kulaba labanye: “Nani mlandzeleni kulo lonkhe lelidolobha nibulale, ningabuki muntfu ngesihawu, ningabi naluvelo. Bulalani nicedze emadvodza lamadzala, nemajaha, netintfombi, nebafati, nebantfwana, kodvwa ningatsintsi namunye loneluphawu. Calani endlini yami lengcwele.” Ngako bacala ngebaholi lababesembikwelithempeli. Wase utsi kubo: “Ngcolisani lelithempeli, nigcwalise tibuya talo ngetidvumbu talababulewe. Hambani!” Ngako baphuma-ke, bacala kubulala kulo lonkhe lidolobha. Kwatsi basabulala, sengisele ngedvwa, ngawa phansi ngebuso, ngakhala kakhulu ngatsi: “Awu, Nkhosi, Simakadze! Sewutawubhubhisa yonkhe yini lensali yaka-Israyeli kulokuphuphuma kwelulaka lwakho etikweJerusalema?” Wangiphendvula watsi: “Sono sendlu yaka-Israyeli neyakaJuda sikhulu ngalokwengcile; live seligobhota ingati, nelidolobha seligcwele kungabi namtsetfo. Batsi: ‘Simakadze ulikhohliwe lelive; Simakadze akaboni.’ Ngako ngingeke ngibabuke ngemehlo esihawu, futsi ngeke ngibayekele, kodvwa ngiyakwehlisela etinhloko tabo loko labakwentile.” Lendvodza leyayigcoke telineni inesipatji sekwekubhala engculwini yayo yase ibuyisa livi, itsi: “Sengente njengobe bewungitjelile.” Ngabuka, ngabona lokwakufanana nesihlalo sebukhosi sesafire kusetikwemkhatsi lowawungetulu kwetinhloko temakherubhi. Simakadze wakhuluma kulendvodza leyayigcoke telineni, watsi: “Ngena lapha emkhatsini wemasondvo ngaphansi kwemakherubhi. Gcwalisa tandla takho ngemalahle lavutsako lasemkhatsini wemakherubhi, bese uwasakata etikwalelidolobha.” Ngatsi ngisabukile, yangena. Emakherubhi-ke wona abeme ngaseningizimu nelithempeli ngesikhatsi lendvodza ingena, lifu lasibekela sibuya lesisekhatsi nendzawo. Inkhatimulo yaSimakadze yase iyesuka etikwemakherubhi, yehlela emnyango welithempeli. Lifu lagcwalisa lithempeli, nesibuya sagcwaliswa bukhatikhati benkhatimulo yaSimakadze. Umsindvo wetimphiko temakherubhi wawungevakala khashane, ngisho nasesibuyeni sangephandle, njengelivi laNkulunkulu Somandla, nakakhulumako. Kwatsi Simakadze nakatjela lendvodza yetelineni, atsi: “Tsatsa umlilo lapha emkhatsini wemasondvo lasemkhatsini wemakherubhi,” lendvodza yangena yema eceleni kwelisondvo. Lelinye lemakherubhi lelulela sandla salo kulomlilo lowawusemkhatsini wawo. Lahlaphuta lomunye wawo, lawubeka etandleni talendvodza yetelineni, leyawutsatsa yaphumela nawo ngephandle. Ngaphansi kwemaphiko emakherubhi kwakubonakala intfo leyayifanana netandla temuntfu. Ngabuka, ngabona eceleni kwemakherubhi emasondvo lamane, lilinye licondzene nalinye lemakherubhi; lamasondvo abecwebetela njengekhrisolithe. Macondzana nekubukeka kwawo, abefanana omane, lilinye lalifanana nelisondvo leligabance kulelinye lisondvo. Njengobe abehamba nje, abengahamba acondze kunome ngukuyiphi indzawo kuleti letine, lapho lamakherubhi abheke ngakhona; lamasondvo abengagucuki nakuhamba lamakherubhi. Lamakherubhi abebheka nome ngukuphi lapho kubheke ngakhona leli leliyinhloko, ngaphandle kwekugucuka nakahamba. Wonkhe umtimba wawo, ngisho nemihlane yawo kanye netandla tawo, netimphiko tawo tatigcwele emehlo yonkhe indzawo, futsi nawo lamasondvo awo lamane abegcwele emehlo. Ngeva lamasondvo abitwa ngekutsi “ngemasondvo lashulunganako.” Lilinye lalamakherubhi lalinebuso lobune: Bekucala buso kwakubuso belikherubhi, besibili kubuso bemuntfu, besitsatfu kubuso belibhubesi, besine kubuso belusweti. Lamakherubhi ase ayaphakama. Loko-ke bekutidalwa letiphilako lengangitibone ngasemfuleni iKhebari. Kwakutsi lamakherubhi nakanyakata ahamba, nalamasondvo lasemihlubulweni yawo ahambe, kutsi lamakherubhi nakavula timphiko tawo afuna kundiza, esuke emhlabatsini, lamasondvo angete esuka lapha emihlubulweni yawo. Kwakutsi lamakherubhi nakemile, nalamasondvo eme, lamakherubhi nakaphakama nawo aphakame kanye nawo, ngobe lomoya waletidalwa letiphilako wawukuwo lamasondvo. Inkhatimulo yaSimakadze yase iyesuka kulomnyango welithempeli, yaya yayakuma ngetulu kwalamakherubhi. Ngatsi ngisabukile, emakherubhi ase avula timphiko tawo, esuka lapha emhlabatsini, atsi asaphakama, nalamasondvo aphakama kanye nawo. Efika ema emnyango welisango langasemphumalanga lelithempeli laSimakadze, nenkhatimulo yaNkulunkulu wesive sema-Israyeli yayisetikwawo. Loko-ke bekutidalwa letiphilako lengatibona ngaphansi kwaloNkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, ngasemfuleni iKhebari, ngase ngiyabona kutsi kwakungemakherubhi. Lilinye lalinebuso lobune, netimphiko letine, nangaphansi kwetimphiko tawo kwakunentfo leyayifanana netandla temuntfu. Buso bawo babufanana nebalawa lengangiwabone ngasemfuleni iKhebari. Ngulelo nalelo lahamba lacondza embili. Moya wangiphakamisa wangiyisa esangweni lendlu yaSimakadze lelalibheke ngasemphumalanga. Ekungeneni kwalelisango bekunemadvodza langema-25, emkhatsini wawo ngabona naJazaniya, umsa wa-Azuri, naPhelatiya, umsa waBhenaya, lekwakubaholi besive. Simakadze wakhuluma kimi, watsi: “Ndvodzana yemuntfu, laba bantfu labakha luzungu lwebubi baphindze beluleke ngalokubi kulelidolobha. Batsi: ‘Kungeke yini kusheshe kube sikhatsi sekwakha tindlu? Lelidolobha lilibhodo lekupheka, tsine-ke siyinyama.’ Ngako-ke, phrofetha umelane nabo; phrofetha, ndvodzana yemuntfu.” Ngako Moya waSimakadze wehlela etikwami, wangitjela kutsi angitsi: “Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: Loku nguloku lenikushoko ninendlu yaka-Israyeli, kodvwa ngiyakwati loko lokusetingcondvweni tenu. Nibulele bantfu labanyenti kulelidolobha, titaladi talo natigcwalisa ngetidvumbu. “Ngako-ke naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: Letidvumbu talabo lenibabulele lapho tiyinyama, lelidolobha lona lilibhodo, kodvwa ngitanikhipha kulo. Niyayesaba inkemba; ngiyakunehlisela inkemba, kusho iNkhosi Simakadze. Ngitanikhipha kulelidolobha, ngininiketele etandleni tebetive nginijezise. Nitawubulawa ngenkemba, bese ngehlisela sigwebo kini ngaseminyeleni yaka-Israyeli. Ngulapho-ke niyawungati khona kutsi mine nginguSimakadze. Lelidolobha lingeke libe libhodo kini, nani futsi ningeke nibe yinyama lekulo, ngiyakwehlisela sigwebo kini ngaseminyeleni yaka-Israyeli. Ngulapho-ke niyawungati khona kutsi mine nginguSimakadze, ngobe anikatilandzeli timiso tami, nemitsetfo yami anikayigcini, kodvwa nisuke nalingisa letive letinitungeletile.” Ngatsi ngisaphrofetha, Phelatiya, umsa waBhenaya, wafa. Ngawa ngebuso bami bubheke phansi, ngakhala kakhulu, ngatsi: “Hhawu, Nkhosi, Simakadze! Lensali yaka-Israyeli utayibhubhisa yonkhe yini?” Livi laSimakadze lefika kimi, latsi: “Ndvodzana yemuntfu, bomnakenu, yebo, bomnakenu lekutihlobo takho tengati kanye nayo yonkhe indlu yaka-Israyeli, ngulabo bantfu baseJerusalema labakhulume ngabo, batsi: ‘Labatfunjiwe bakhashane kakhulu naSimakadze, lelive selinikwe tsine kutsi libe lifa letfu.’ “Ngako-ke tsani: ‘Naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: Nome ngibatfumele khashane emkhatsini wetive, ngabasakatela emaveni, noko kwesikhashana bengiyindzawo yabo lengcwele kulawo mave lapho bebakhona khona.’ “Ngako-ke tsani: ‘Naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: Ngitanibutsa kuto tonkhe tive nginibuyise, nisuke kuwo onkhe lawo mave lebenginisakatele kuwo, ngiyawuphindze futsi ngininike lelive laka-Israyeli.’ “Bayawubuyela kulo, besuse tonkhe letitfombe talo letimbi kanye netithico letinengekako. Ngiyawubanika inhlitiyo yinye, ngifake umoya lomusha ekhatsi kubo; ngiyakuyisusa kubo inhlitiyo yabo yelitje, ngibanike inhlitiyo yenyama. Bayawube sebalandzela timiso tami, banakekele kugcina imitsetfo yami. Bayawuba bantfu bami, mine ngibe nguNkulunkulu wabo. Kodvwa-ke labo labanetinhlitiyo letitinikele etitfombeni letingemanyala nakuto tithico letinengekako, ngiyakwehlisela etikwetinhloko tabo loko labakwentile, kusho iNkhosi Simakadze.” Kwabe sekutsi emakherubhi labenemasondvo emihlubulweni yawo, endlala timphiko tawo, inkhatimulo yaSimakadze wema-Israyeli yayisetikwawo. Inkhatimulo yaSimakadze yakhuphukela etulu isuka ngekhatsi kwalelidolobha, yema ngetulu kwentsaba lengasemphumalanga kwalo. Moya wangiphakamisa wangimikisa kulabo labebatfunjelwe eBhabhulona ngisembonweni lengangiwunikwe nguMoya waNkulunkulu. Lombono lengangiwubonile wenyuka wesuka kimi, ngabe sengitjela lababetfunjiwe konkhe loko Simakadze labengikhombise kona. Livi laSimakadze lefika kimi, latsi: “Ndvodzana yemuntfu, uhlala emkhatsini wesive lesihlubukako. Banemehlo ekubona kodvwa ababoni, banetindlebe tekuva kodvwa abeva, ngobe basive lesihlubukako. “Ngako-ke, wena ndvodzana yemuntfu, bopha timphahla takho tekutfunjwa, phuma lapho ukhona, uphume emini babuka, uye kulenye indzawo. Mhlawumbe batakucondzisisa loko, lite nome bayindlu lehlubukako. Kutawutsi emini babuka, ukhiphe lomtfwalo wakho wetimphahla takho sewuvele ulungele kuya ekutfunjweni. Kutawutsi kusihlwa, basabuka, uphume uhambe njengalabo labaya ekutfunjweni. Batawutsi basabukile, umbe lubondza ulubhobose imbobo, bese uphuma kuyo lembobo kanye netimphahla takho. Tetjatse ehlombe lakho babukile uhambe nato nakucala kuhwalala, buso bakho ubumbonyile, khona ungetulibona live, ngobe sengikwente sibonakaliso kuyo indlu yaka-Israyeli.” Ngako ngenta njengobe ngangitjeliwe. Kwatsi emini ngakhipha timphahla tami letase tingumtfwalo wekuya ekutfunjweni. Kwase kutsi kusihlwa ngemba ngabhobosa lubondza ngetandla tami. Ngatsatsa timphahla tami nakucala kuhwalala, ngatetjatsa ehlombe babukile. Ekuseni livi laSimakadze lefika kimi, latsi: “Ndvodzana yemuntfu, ayikakubuti yini lendlu yaka-Israyeli lehlubukako, kutsi: ‘Wentani?’ “Khuluma kubo, utsi: ‘Naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: Lelivi lesiphrofetho limacondzana nenkhosi leseJerusalema kanye nayo yonkhe indlu yaka-Israyeli lelapho.’ Khuluma kubo, utsi: ‘Mine ngisibonakaliso kini.’ “Njengobe ngentile nje, kuyakwenteka kanjalo nakubo. Bayakuya ekutfunjweni batitfunjwa. “Lenkhosi lesemkhatsini wabo iyakwetjatsa timphahla tayo ehlombe kusihlwa ihambe, kuyawumbiwa imbobo elubondzeni, imbelwe yona, kutsi itewuphuma kuyo. Iyawumbonya buso bayo, khona ingetilibona lelive. Ngiyakuyetsiya ngelinetha lami, futsi iyawubanjwa kulolo lugibe lwami; ngiyakuyiyisa eBhabhulona, eveni lemaKhaledi, kodvwa ngeke ilibone, ngulapho iyawufela khona. Ngiyawubasakatela emimoyeni, bonkhe labo labayisingatsile, tisebenti tayo nawo onkhe emabutfo ayo, ngiyawubacosha ngenkemba. “Bayawukwati kutsi mine nginguSimakadze, nase ngibahlakatele emkhatsini wetive, ngibasakatele emaveni ngemave. Kodvwa ngiyawubaphephisa labambalwa babo enkembeni, nasendlaleni kanye nasesifweni lesibulalanako, kuze kutsi kuleto tive lapho baya khona bativume tonkhe tento tabo letimbi letisinengiso. Ngulapho-ke bayawungati khona kutsi mine nginguSimakadze.” Livi laSimakadze lefika kimi, latsi: “Ndvodzana yemuntfu, tfutfumela nawudla kudla kwakho; yebo, utfutfumele ngekwesaba usanatsa emanti akho. Khuluma kulabantfu balelive, utsi: ‘Naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze ngalabo labahlala eJerusalema naseveni lema-Israyeli, itsi: Bayawudla kudla kwabo baseluvalweni, banatse emanti abo bangasenatsemba, ngobe live labo liyakwemukwa konkhe lelinako ngenca yebudlova babo bonkhe labahlala kulo. Lamadolobha lanebantfu ayawudzilitelwa phansi, nalelive libe lihlane. Ngulapho-ke niyawungati khona kutsi mine nginguSimakadze.’ ” Livi laSimakadze lefika kimi, latsi: “Ndvodzana yemuntfu, saga sini lesi leninaso lapha eveni laka-Israyeli, lesitsi: ‘Emalanga ayendlula, yonkhe imibono igucuka ibe lite’? Khuluma kubo, utsi: ‘Naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: Ngitasicedza lesaga, bangaphindzi basikhulume lapha ka-Israyeli.’ Khuluma kubo, utsi: ‘Emalanga asasondzele lapho yonkhe imibono iyawugcwaliseka. “ ‘Ngobe sekuyawubate imibono yemanga nekubhula lokutsandzekako emkhatsini wesive saka-Israyeli. Kodvwa mine, Simakadze, ngiyawukhuluma loko lengikutsandzako, futsi kuyagcwaliseka ngaphandle kwekulibala. Ngobe ngemalanga enu, ninendlu lehlubukako, ngiyawukufeza konkhe lengikukhulumile, kusho iNkhosi Simakadze.’ ” Livi laSimakadze lefika kimi, latsi: “Ndvodzana yemuntfu, indlu yaka-Israyeli itsi: ‘Lombono lawubonako ngeweminyaka leminyenti kusukela nyalo, futsi uphrofetha ngetintfo letiyakwenteka kadzeni.’ “Ngako-ke khuluma kubo, utsi: ‘Naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: Kute nalinye lemavi ami leliyawulibala, konkhe lengikushoko kuyawugcwaliseka, kusho iNkhosi Simakadze.’ ” Livi laSimakadze lefika kimi, latsi: “Ndvodzana yemuntfu, phrofetha umelane nebaphrofethi baka-Israyeli labaphrofethako nyalo. Khuluma kulabo labaphrofetha loko labakususela emicabangweni yabo, utsi: ‘Vanini livi laSimakadze! “ ‘Naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: Maye kulabo baphrofethi labatilima, labalandzela umoya wabo, babe bangakaboni lutfo! Awu, Israyeli, baphrofethi bakho bafanana netimphungutja letisemfuhlululwini. Anikenyukeli etulu etikhaleni letiselubondzeni lwendlu yaka-Israyeli, kutsi nitivale khona lutakuma lucine lulungele imphi ngelilanga laSimakadze. Imibono yabo iyinkhohliso, nekubhula kwabo kungemanga. Bakhuluma batsi: “Kusho Simakadze,” abe Simakadze angazange asabatfume; kunjalo nje, babheke kutsi lamavi abo agcwaliseke. Ngitsi kubo: Anizange niyibone yini imibono leyinkhohliso nekubhula lokungemanga ngesikhatsi nitsi: “Kusho Simakadze”, nome ngingakaze ngikhulume? “ ‘Ngako-ke naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: “Ngenca yemavi enu layinkhohliso nangemibono yenu lengemanga, ngimelene nani,” kusho iNkhosi Simakadze. Sandla sami siyawumelana nebaphrofethi lababona imibono leyinkhohliso, baphengule lokungemanga. Bangeke babe belibandla lebantfu bami nome babhaliswe etincwadzini tebantfu bendlu yaka-Israyeli, futsi bangeke bangene eveni lema-Israyeli. Ngulapho-ke niyawungati khona kutsi mine ngiyiNkhosi Simakadze. “ ‘Njengobe bedukisa bantfu bami, batsi: “Kuthula”, kube kute naloko kuthula, nangenca yekutsi nakwakhiwa lubondza lolulula, bona baluhuca ngemcakaco, ngako-ke batjele labo labaluhuca ngemcakaco kutsi lutakuwa lolubondza. Imvula lenkhulu itakuna, futsi ngitawutfumela sangcotfo lesitawutfululekela phansi, kuvungute imimoya lenemandla. Nase luwa lolubondza, bantfu bangeke yini banibute batsi: “Uphi lomcakaco beniluhuce ngawo?” “ ‘Ngako-ke naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: Ngiyawudedela sivunguvungu lesinemandla ngenca yelulaka lwami, ngentfukutselo lenkhulu ngitfulule sangcotfo, nemvula lenkhulu iyakwehla ngentfukutselo yami lenkhulu yembhubhiso. Ngiyakuluhhihlitela phansi lolubondza loluhucwe ngemcakaco, ngiludzilite lube litsafa, kuze tisekelo talo tisale ebaleni. Ngesikhatsi naluwa, nani niyawubhujiswa kulo. Ngulapho-ke niyawukwati khona kutsi mine nginguSimakadze. Ngako lulaka lwami ngiyakulusebentisa ekulweni nelubondza nasekulweni nalabo labaluhuce ngemcakaco. Ngiyawukhuluma kini ngitsi: “Lubondza alusekho, kanjalo nalabo labaluhucile abasekho, kanye nebaphrofethi baka-Israyeli labaphrofetha kuyo iJerusalema, babona nemibono yekuthula kwayo, kube kona kungekho kuthula, kusho iNkhosi Simakadze.” ’ ” “Nyalo-ke, ndvodzana yemuntfu, bhekisa buso bakho kuwo emadvodzakati esive sakini laphrofetha loko lokusuka emicabangweni yawo. Phrofetha umelane nawo, utsi: ‘Naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: Maye kubo bonkhe labo labasikati labegaba imitsi yekuhhungula etihlakaleni tetandla, bente imiyeko lemihibahiba ngebudze lobehlukene, bentele kumbonya tinhloko tabo, khona batekwetsiya bantfu. Ningatetsiya yini timphilo tebantfu bami, kodvwa nine nisindze? Nine ningihlambalatile emkhatsini wesive sami, ngobe nicondze kutfola emabinta lambalwa nje ebhali netingebhuta letimbalwa tesinkhwa. Ngekukhuluma emanga esiveni sami, lesilalela emanga, nibabulele labo lebekufanele bangafi, nasindzisa lebekufanele bafe. “ ‘Ngako-ke naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: Ngimelene nalobutsi benu bekuhhungula lenihhungula ngabo bantfu nibetsiye njengetinyoni, futsi ngitabudzabula lapho emikhonweni yenu. Ngiyawubakhulula labo bantfu lese nibetsiye njengetinyoni. Ngiyakuyidzabula lemiyeko yenu ngisindzise sive sami etandleni tenu, singeke siphindze sibe yimphango yemandla enu. Ngulapho-ke niyakungati khona kutsi mine nginguSimakadze. Njengobe nibajabhisile labalungile ngalamanga enu, ngibe mine ngingakabadzabukisi, nangenca yekutsi nikhutsate lababi kutsi bangaphendvuki etindleleni tabo letimbi kuze basindzise timphilo tabo, ngako-ke ningeke nisayibona imibono leyinkhohliso, ningabe nisabhula ngekubhula lokungemanga. Ngiyakubasindzisa bantfu bami etandleni tenu. Ngulapho-ke niyawungati khona kutsi mine nginguSimakadze.’ ” Labanye bebabaholi baka-Israyeli beta kimi, bafike bahlala embikwami. Livi laSimakadze lefika kimi, latsi: “Ndvodzana yemuntfu, lamadvodza asafake tithico etinhlitiyweni tawo, emisa nematje lamabi ekukhubekisa embikwebuso bawo. Kufanele ngiwavumele yini kutsi abute kimi? “Ngako-ke khuluma kuwo uwatjele, utsi: ‘Naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: Nome ngabe ngumuphi kuma-Israyeli lofaka tithico enhlitiyweni yakhe, emise nelitje lelibi lekukhubekisa embikwebuso bakhe, bese uya kumphrofethi, mine Simakadze ngiyakumphendvula mine cobo lwami ngangekwebukhulu bekukhonta kwakhe tithico. Loko ngiyawukwenta kuze ngitetibamba kabusha tinhlitiyo tebantfu baka-Israyeli, lase bangilahle bonkhe baya etithicweni tabo.’ “Ngako-ke khuluma kuyo indlu yaka-Israyeli, utsi: ‘Naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: Phendvukani! Gucukani nishiye letithico tenu, nikulahle konkhe lokunengekako ningasakwenti. “ ‘Nangabe nome ngumuphi um-Israyeli nome wetive lohlala ka-Israyeli lowehlukana nami afake tithico enhlitiyweni yakhe, emise litje lelibi lelisikhubekiso embikwakhe, bese uya kumphrofethi ayewubuta ngami, mine Simakadze ngiyakumphendvula mine cobo lwami. Ngiyawubhekisa buso bami ngakulowo muntfu, ngimente abe sibonelo nentfo yekuhlekisa. Ngiyakumncuma esiveni sami. Ngulapho-ke niyawungati khona kutsi mine nginguSimakadze. “ ‘Nangabe umphrofethi acindzetelekile kutsi aphimisele siphrofetho, ngimi Simakadze lomcindzetele lowo mphrofethi, futsi ngiyakwelula sandla sami ngimelane naye, ngimbhubhise emkhatsini wesive sami, ema-Israyeli. Bayakwetfwala licala labo, lowo mphrofethi uyawuba nelicala ngalokufananako nalowo muntfu labute kuye. Yebo, sive sema-Israyeli singeke siphindze seduke kimi, futsi singeke siphindze sitingcolise ngato tonkhe letono taso. Bayawuba bantfu bami, mine ngibe nguNkulunkulu wabo, kusho iNkhosi Simakadze.’ ” Livi laSimakadze lefika kimi, latsi: “Ndvodzana yemuntfu, nangabe live lona kimi ngekungetsembeki, bese ngelula sandla sami ngimelane nalo ngekuncamula umtfombo wekudla kwalo, ngitfumele indlala kulo, ngibulale bantfu labakulo kanye netilwane, ngisho nome nalamadvodza lamatsatfu, boNowa, naDanyela, naJobe bebakulo, bebayakutisindzisa bona kuphela ngekulunga kwabo, kusho iNkhosi Simakadze. “Kube bengingatfumela tilwane tesiganga kulelo live, tilishiye lite bantfwana, libe lihlane kangangekutsi kubete namunye longendlula kulo alidzabule ekhatsi ngenca yaleto tilwane, iNkhosi Simakadze itsi: Ngifunga kuphila kwami, ngisho nome ngabe lamadvodza lamatsatfu abekulo, abengeke awasindzise emadvodzana nemadvodzakati awo. Ngawo kuphela labengasindziswa, kodvwa live lona beliyakuba lihlane. “Nome kube bengingaletsa inkemba ngitewumelana nalelo live ngitsi: ‘Lenkemba ayidzabule kulo lonkhe lelo live,’ ngibulale bantfu balo netilwane talo, iNkhosi Simakadze itsi: Ngifunga kuphila kwami, ngisho nome ngabe lamadvodza lamatsatfu abekulo, abengeke awasindzise emadvodzana nemadvodzakati awo. Ngawo kuphela labengasindziswa. “Nome kube bengingatfumela sifo lesibulalanako kulelo live, ngitfululele lulaka lwami etikwalo ngekubhubhisa lokukhulu, ngibulale bantfu balo netilwane talo, iNkhosi Simakadze itsi: Ngifunga kuphila kwami, ngisho nome ngabe boNowa, naDanyela, naJobe bebakulo, babengeke basindzise indvodzana nome indvodzakati. Bebayawutisindzisa bona kuphela ngekulunga kwabo. “Ngobe naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: Kuyawuba kubi kangakanani-ke nangitfumela tehlulelo tami letine letiyawumelana neJerusalema: inkemba, nendlala, netilwane tesiganga kanye nesifo lesibulalanako, kutsi titewubulala bantfu bayo netilwane tayo! Noko kuyawuba khona insali, emadvodzana nemadvodzakati, leyawukhishwa kuyo. Iyawuta kini, nani niyawutsi nanibona kutiphatsa kwayo netento tayo, bese niyadvudvuteka macondzana nalenhlekelele lengiyehlisele etikweJerusalema, yebo, yonkhe inhlekelele lengiyehlisele etikwayo. Niyawudvudvuteka, nanibona simo sekutiphatsa kwayo netento tayo, ngobe niyawukwati kutsi kute lengikwente ngaphandle kwesizatfu, kusho iNkhosi Simakadze.” Livi laSimakadze lefika kimi, latsi: “Ndvodzana yemuntfu, lukhuni lwemvini luncono ngani kunelweligala lalesinye nje sihlahla lesisehlatsini? Lukhuni luke lutsatfwe yini kuwo kutsi kutekwentiwa ngalo intfo lenelusito? Bayawenta yini emahhuka ngawo ekulengisa timphahla? Lutsi lungafakwa emlilweni njengelukhuni, nemlilo ulushise ngala nangale, luvutse ekhatsi nendzawo, luphindze lube nawo yini lomunye umsebenti? Nangabe belungenamsebenti walutfo lusaphelele, belutawuba lusito kancane kangakanani-ke, nase lulunyekwe ngemlilo lwasha lwaphela? “Ngako-ke naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: Njengobe nginike lukhuni lwemvini emkhatsini wetihlahla telihlatsi kutsi lubaswe emlilweni, ngiyawubaphatsa kanjalo-ke bantfu labahlala eJerusalema. Ngiyawubhekisa buso bami ngakubo ngimelane nabo. Nome baphumile emlilweni, noko lomlilo usetawubacedza. Ngesikhatsi ngibhekisa buso bami ngakubo ngimelana nabo, niyawukwati-ke kutsi mine nginguSimakadze. Ngiyawukwenta live libe lihlane, ngobe bebangaketsembeki, kusho iNkhosi Simakadze.” Livi laSimakadze lefika kimi, latsi: “Ndvodzana yemuntfu, sukela iJerusalema uyitjele ekhaleni ngaletintfo letinengekako letentile, utsi: ‘Naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, kuwe Jerusalema, itsi: Inkhaba yakho nekutalwa kwakho kwakuseveni lemaKhenani; uyihlo abengum-Amori, unyoko angumHethi. Ngelilanga lowatalwa ngalo, inongwane yakho ayizange ijutjwe, futsi nawe awuzange ugezwe ngemanti kuze utewuhloba, futsi awuzange ukhuhlelwe ngeluswayi nome uphutfwe ngeticephu. Kute namunye lowake wakubuka ngesihawu nome lowaba neluvelo ngawe, lolwenele kutsi akwentele kunye kwaletintfo. Esikhundleni saloko walahlelwa ngaphandle esigangeni, ngobe ngelilanga lowabelekwa ngalo, wavele wedzeleleka nje. “ ‘Ngatsi ngiyendlula nje kuwe, ngakubona ukhahlela usengatini yakho, watsi uselele lapho engatini yakho, ngakhuluma kuwe ngatsi: “Phila!” Ngakwenta wakhula njengesihlahla sesiganga. Wakhula waya etulu, watfutfuka, waze waba buhlalu lobuhle ngalokwendlulele kubo bonkhe. Kwaphuma timphumamlotsa, netinwele takho takhula, wena lowawungcunu uhamba bhushubhushu. “ ‘Kamuva ngatsi ngengca ngakuwe, ngatsi ngiyabuka ngakuwe, ngabona kutsi sewukhulile, sewungagana, ngakumbonya ngesembatfo sami ngakwembesa ngaso, ngivala bungcunu bakho. Ngakunika sifungo sami lesicinile, ngangena esivumelwaneni nawe, wena wase uba wami, kusho iNkhosi Simakadze. “ ‘Ngakugezisa ngemanti, ngageza ingati kuwe, ngase ngikugcobisa ngemafutsa. Ngakwembatsisa ngengubo lehlotjiswe kahle, ngakufaka tincabule tesikhumba etinyaweni takho. Ngakwembatsisa ngelineni lecolisakele, ngakwembesa ngetembatfo letidulile. Ngakuvunulisa ngemihlobiso yebuhlalu: Ngakwegabisa busenga emkhonweni wakho nengcibo entsanyeni yakho, ngakufaka indandatho ekhaleni lakho, nemacici etindlebeni, nemchele lomuhle enhloko yakho. Ngako wase uhlotjiswe ngegolide nangesiliva; kwekwembatsa kwakho kwakukwelineni lecolisakele nekwemtiya lodulile, nendvwangu lehlotjisiwe. Kudla kwakho kwakukwafulaha locolisakele, nekweluju lwetinyosi, nekwemafutsa emncumo. Wagucuka waba muhle wacitsa sikhatsi, wadzimate waba yinkhosikati yasebukhosini. Ludvumo lwakho lwandza etiveni ngenca yebuhle bakho, ngobe phela lobucwebecwebe lengakupha bona benta kutsi buhle bakho buphelele, kusho iNkhosi Simakadze. “ ‘Kodvwa wena wesuke wase wetsembela kulobuhle bakho, lelidvumela lakho lakwenta waba yingwababane. Watfululela konkhe kukhanuka kwakho kunome ngubani labendlula ngendlela, buhle bakho baba bake. Watsatsa letinye tetimphahla takho wenta ngato tindzawo letiphakeme letinemibala lemihle, lapho wawuchubela khona bugwababane bakho bekukhontela tithico. Tintfo letinjalo atikafaneli kutsi tenteke, futsi akukafaneli nje kutsi tibe khona. Wabuye watsatsa leyo mihlobiso lengakunika yona, imihlobiso leyayentiwe ngegolide yami nangesiliva yami, watibumbela ngayo tithico letidvuna lewawugwadla nato. Watsatsa tembatfo takho letihlotjisiwe wembatsa tona, wase unikela ngemafutsa ami nangemphepho yami kuto. Wanikela nangekudla lengangikunikete wena kutsi udle: fulaha locolisakele, nemafutsa emncumo, neluju lengakunika kona kutsi ukudle, wakunikela kuto, kwaba yimphepho letsaphuka liphunga lelimnandzi. Nguloko-ke lokwenteka, kusho iNkhosi Simakadze. “ ‘Watsatsa emadvodzana nemadvodzakati akho lowangitalela wona, wawenta umhlatjelo wekudla kwetithico. Lobugwadla bakho babungakeneli yini? Wahlaba bantfwana bami wenta ngabo umhlatjelo kuletithico. Kuto tonkhe letento takho letinengekako, nakulobugwababane bakho, awuzange sewuwakhumbule emalanga ebusha bakho, ngesikhatsi usengcunu, ungakembatsi lutfo, usakhahlekhahlela esitibeni sengati yakho.’ ” “ ‘Maye! Maye kuwe, kusho iNkhosi Simakadze. Ngetulu kwako konkhe lokukhohlakala kwakho, watakhela wena sibundvuma, kuto tonkhe tinkhundla watentela sitfombe lesihle lesikhontwako. Ekucaleni kwato tonkhe titaladi watimisela khona tindzawo letiphakeme tekukhontela tithico, watehlisa wena ebuhleni bakho, ngekunikela ngemtimba wakho ngekugwadla nekuphinga nabo bonkhe labendlula ngendlela. Wacala kugwadla nebaseGibithe, bomakhelwane bakho labagcwele inkhanuko, wangitfukutselisa ngebugwadla nebuphingi bakho lobandzako. Ngako-ke ngelulela sandla sami etikwakho, ngalinciphisa live lakho; ngakunikela ebugovini betitsa takho, emadvodzakati emaFilisti, labeshacekile ngekutiphatsa kabi kwakho. Wesukelana nekugwadlisa base-Asiriya futsi, ngobe wawusolo ungakeneliseki; nangemva kwaloko futsi wasala ungakeneli. Wase uyabandzisa bugwadla bakho, kuze kubeseveni lebahwebi, ngisho eveni lemaBhabhulona, kodvwa awuzange weneliswe ngisho nangulobo. “ ‘Maye, ulihatsa bo, kusho iNkhosi Simakadze, nase wenta tonkhe letintfo, uyaye ulingise ingwadla lengatibambi ledle lubangalala! Ngesikhatsi wakha tibundvuma ekucaleni kwato tonkhe titaladi, wenta tindzawo takho letiphakeme tekukhontela tithico kuto tonkhe tinkhundla, wawungafanani nengwababane, ngobe wawukubukela phansi kubhadalwa. “ ‘Wena mfati loyingwadla! Ucolela kuba nemashende esikhundleni sekuba nendvodza yakho! Tonkhe tingwadla titfola imbhadalo, kodvwa wena nguwe lowawubhadala onkhe lamashende akho, uwadizela wentele kutsi ete kuwe achamuke kuto tonkhe tinkhalo, etele lokutawugwadla nawe. Ngako-ke ngebugwadla bakho wena awufanani nalabanye, kute namunye lobangisana nawe kulamashende akho. Wena nje wehlukile kuletinye tingwadla, ngobe wena nguwe lobapha tipho, kube kute lutfo lolunikwe wena.’ ” “ ‘Ngako-ke, wena ngwababane, vani livi laSimakadze! Naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: Ngenca yekutsi watfulula bunjinga bakho, weneka bungcunu bakho ebaleni ngebuphingi nangebugwadla bakho nalamashende akho, nangenca yato tonkhe letithico takho letinengekako, nangenca yekutsi watinika ingati yebantfwana bakho, ngako-ke sengitawabutsa onkhe lamashende akho, lebewutijabulisa ngawo, lawo lebewuwatsandza nalawo lebewuwenyanya. Ngiyakuwabutsa kuyo yonkhe indzawo, akuvukele onkhe ngikungcunule embikwawo, futsi ayakububona bonkhe bungcunu bakho. Ngiyawukugweba ngesijeziso sebafati labagwadlako nalabacitsa ingati; ngiyakwehlisela etikwakho imphindziselo yengati ngekwelulaka lwami nangekwentfukutselo yesikhwele sami. Ngiyawube sengikunikela kulamashende akho, layawutihhihlitela phansi letibundvuma takho, abhubhise letindzawo takho letiphakeme tekukhontela tithico. Ayakukhumula tonkhe timphahla takho, atsatse lemihlobiso yakho lemihle kakhulu, akushiye ungcunu, uhamba bhushubhushu. “ ‘Bayawuta kuwe nelibutfo labosidlani leliyawukugcoba ngematje, likuhlahlele ube ticucu ngetinkemba talo. Liyawushisa tindlu takho, lehlisele sijeziso etikwakho embikwebafati labanyenti. Ngiyawubucedza lobugwadla bakho, futsi awuseyiwuphindza utibhadale letiphingi takho logwadla nato. Ngulapho-ke lapho intfukutselo yami kuwe iyawubotja khona, nentfukutselo yami yesikhwele iyawuncandzeka kuwe, ngiyawutithulela ngingabe ngisakutfukutselela. “ ‘Njengobe awuzange uwakhumbule emalanga ebusha bakho, kodvwa wangitfukutselisa ngato tonkhe letintfo, ngempela ngiyawukwehlisela etikwenhloko yakho loku lokwentile, kusho iNkhosi Simakadze. Awukabengeti nje lobugwababane bakho kuto tonkhe letindlela takho letinengekako?’ ” “ ‘Bonkhe labacaphuna etishweni bayawucaphuna kulesisho ngawe, batsi: “Ludziwo lufute imbita.” Uyindvodzakati sibili ufute unyoko, labeyedzelela indvodza yakhe nebantfwabakhe, futsi wena vele wafuta bodzadzewenu wangete wabashiya, lababengawahloniphi emadvodza abo nebantfwababo. Unyoko abengumHethi, uyihlo angum-Amori. Dzadzewenu lomdzala abenguSamariya, labehlala nemadvodzakati akhe ngasenyakatfo kwakho; dzadzewenu lomncane bekunguSodoma labehlala nemadvodzakati akhe ngaseningizimu kwakho. Wena-ke awuzange umane ubalingise nje kuphela, nome-ke ukope kuphela nje letindlela tabo letinengekako, kodvwa kuto tonkhe tindlela takho wena washesha wase wonakala kakhulu kunabo. Ngifunga kuphila kwami, kusho iNkhosi Simakadze, dzadzewenu Sodoma kanye nebantfwabakhe, akazange asakwente naku lokwentiwe nguwe nemadvodzakati akho. “ ‘Manje-ke, lesi bekungusona sono sadzadzewenu Sodoma: Yena nemadvodzakati akhe babetigcabha, bondleke kakhulu bangenandzaba nalutfo, babengabasiti labamphofu nalabeswele. Babetiphakamisa, benta tintfo letinengekako emehlweni ami. Ngako-ke ngabalahla, njengobe ubonile nje. Samariya akazange ente ngisho nencenye nje yaletono lotentile wena. Wena wente tintfo letinyenti letinengekako kunabo, wadzimate wenta labodzadzewenu babonakala shangatsi bona sebalungile ngato tonkhe letintfo lotentile wena. Letfwale-ke lelihlazo lakho, ngobe nguwe lowente tizatfu tabodzadzewenu babonakale shangatsi bona balungile. Ngenca yekutsi tono takho tibe tibi kakhulu kunetabo, bona sebabonakala shangatsi balungile kunawe. Ngako-ke bani nemahloni, uletfwale lelihlazo lakho, ngobe nguwe lowente bodzadzewenu babonakala balungile.’ ” “ ‘Noko, ngiyawutibuyisela tinhlanhla taSodoma netemadvodzakati akhe, netaSamariya netemadvodzakati akhe, ngibuyisele netinhlanhla takho kanye netabo, kuze utewuletfwala lelihlazo lakho udliwe ngemahloni ngako konkhe loku lokwentile kwekubadvudvuta. Bodzadzewenu Sodoma nemadvodzakati akhe, naSamariya nemadvodzakati akhe, bayawubuyela babe nguloku labebanguko kucala; wena kanye nemadvodzakati akho niyawubuyela kuloko lenaninguko ngaphambili. Wawungeke sewumbite nangelibito dzadzewenu Sodoma ngetikhatsi tekutiphakamisa kwakho, ngesikhatsi busengakangcunuleki bubi bakho. Noko nanyala asakubukela phansi emadvodzakati a-Edomu kanye nabo bonkhe bomakhelwane bakhe nemadvodzakati emaFilisti, bonkhe laba labakutungeletile labakubukela phansi. Utawutfola umvuzo walobugwababane bakho, newetento takho letinengekako, kusho Simakadze.’ ” “ ‘Naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: Ngitakuphatsa ngendlela lekufanele ngikuphatse ngayo, ngobe usedzelele sifungo sami ngekutsi wephule lesivumelwane. Noko ngiyawusikhumbula sivumelwane lengasenta nawe ngesikhatsi sebusha bakho, ngiyawube sengimisa sivumelwane saphakadze nawe. Uyawube sewuyatikhumbula-ke tindlela takho, ube nemahloni nase wemukela bodzadzewenu, yebo, labo labadzala kunawe kanye nalabo labancane kunawe. Ngiyawukunika bona njengemadvodzakati, noko, hhayi njengekutsi ngente nawe sivumelwane. Ngako-ke ngiyawumisa sivumelwane sami nawe, uyawube sewuyati-ke kutsi nginguSimakadze. Ngiyawutsi-ke nase ngikwentele inhlawulo yakho, yako konkhe loku lose ukwentile, bese uyakhumbula udliwe ngemahloni, ungaphindzi uwuvule umlomo wakho ngenca yalokuhlazeka kwakho lokungaka, kusho iNkhosi Simakadze.’ ” Livi laSimakadze lefika kimi, latsi: “Ndvodzana yemuntfu, beka imfumbe, utjele indlu yaka-Israyeli umfanekiso. Khuluma kubo, utsi: ‘Naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: Kwefika lusweti lolukhulu eLebanoni, lusweti lolunetimphiko letinemandla netinsiba letindze, tinsiba letiphelele futsi timibalabala. Lwefika lwatsatsa sihloko semsedari, lwahlutfula ligala lelisha lelisetulu, lwaletfwala lwaya nalo eveni lebahwebi, lapho lwefike lwalihlanyela khona edolobheni lebatsengisi. “ ‘Lwatsatsa letinye tetinhlanyelo telive lenu lwatifaka emhlabatsini lovundzile. Lwatihlanyela njengemnyetane ngasemitfonjeni yemanti, tahluma taba ngumvini lomfisha lowenabako. Kwatsi emagala awo agucukela ngakulo, kodvwa timphandze tawo tasala ngephansi kwalo; kanjalo-ke waba ngumvini lowaba nemagala lahluma, waba nemacembe lamanyenti. “ ‘Kodvwa kwakukhona lolunye lusweti lolukhulu lolwalunetimphiko letinemandla netinsiba letindze. Lomvini wabhekisa timphandze tawo ngakulo kusuka kulendzawo lapho wawuhlanyelwe khona, wase wenabisa emagala awo, aya kulo kuyawufuna emanti. Wawuhlanyelwe emhlabatsini lomuhle ngasemantini lamanyenti kuze utewuhlumisa emagala, utsele titselo, ube ngumvini lomuhle.’ “Khuluma kubo utsi: ‘Naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: Lomvini utawuphumelela yini? Ungeke yini usishulwe netimphandze tawo, uhhululwe tonkhe letitselo tawo, khona utewubuna? Onkhe lamahlumela awo lamasha atawubuna. Ungeke udzinge emandla lamakhulu nome nje-ke bantfu labanyenti kutsi bawusiphule ngetimphandze tawo. Kona kube bewungahlanyelwa kabusha, bewungaphumelela yini? Ungete wabuna yini uphele, nawushaywa ngumoya wasemphumalanga? Ungete wabuna yini kulendzawo lapho wakhulela khona?’ ” Livi laSimakadze lefika kimi, latsi: “Khuluma kulendlu lehlubukako, utsi: ‘Anati yini kutsi tisho kutsini letintfo?’ Shano kubo utsi: ‘Inkhosi yaseBhabhulona yaya eJerusalema yatsatsa inkhosi yakhona nalabahloniphekile bakhona, yeta nabo eBhabhulona. Yatsatsa lomunye wasebukhosini, yenta naye sivumelwane, yamfungisa. Yatfumba nebaholi balelo live, kuze lowo mbuso wehle, ungaphindzi uvuke futsi, uphumelele nje kuphela ngekutsi ugcine sivumelwane sakhe. Kodvwa inkhosi lensha yayivukela inkhosi yaseBhabhulona ngekutsi itfumele emancusa ayo eGibhithe kutsi ayewutfola emahhashi nemphi lenkhulu. Iyawuphumelela yini? Uyawuphumelela yini umuntfu lowenta tintfo letinje? Angasephula yini sivumelwane aphindze aphumelele? “ ‘Ngifunga kuphila kwami, uyawufela eBhabhulona, eveni laleyo nkhosi leyambeka esihlalweni sebukhosi, lowo lowedzelela sifungo sayo wephula nesivumelwane sayo, kusho iNkhosi Simakadze. Faro kanye nemphi yakhe lenemandla nemabutfo akhe lamakhulu bangeke bamsite ndzawo kulemphi, nase kwakhiwe tintsango tekubhidlita kanye netinqaba setimisiwe titewubhubhisa imiphefumulo leminyenti. Wedzelela sifungo ngekwephula sivumelwane. Njengobe naye wafaka sandla kulesetsembiso, noko wenta tonkhe letintfo, kodvwa angeke aphunyule. “ ‘Ngako-ke naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: Ngifunga kuphila kwami, ngiyakwehlisela etikwenhloko yakhe lesifungo sami lasedzelele, kanye nalesivumelwane sami lasephulile. Ngiyawumendlalela linetha lami, uyawuvele abhajwe elugibeni lwami. Ngiyakumyisa eBhabhulona, ngikhiphe sigwebo kuye khona lapho, ngobe angazange etsembeke kimi. Onkhe lamabutfo akhe labalekako ayakuwa ngenkemba, nalabo labayawuphunyula bayawusakatelwa emimoyeni. Ngulapho-ke niyawukwati khona kutsi mine Simakadze ngikhulumile.’ ” “ ‘Naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: Mine, cobo lwami, ngiyawusincamula etulu sihloko semsedari ngisihlanyele. Ngiyawuhlutfula umdvumba wesihloko sawo losetulu kakhulu ngiwuhlanyele entsabeni lephakeme nalendze, ngiwuhlanyele eticongweni tetintsaba letiphakeme taka-Israyeli. Uyawukhipha emagala utsele titselo, ube sihlahla lesihle semsedari. Kuyawukwakhela kuso tinhlobonhlobo tato tonkhe tinyoni, tiyawukhosela emtfuntini wemagala aso. Tonkhe tihlahla tesiganga tiyawukwati kutsi mine Simakadze ngehlisa sihlahla lesidze, bese ngenta sihlahla lesifishane sikhule sibe sidze. Ngomisa sihlahla lesiluhlata, bese ngihlumisa sihlahla lesomile sibe luhlata. “ ‘Mine Simakadze sengikhulumile, futsi ngitawukwenta loko.’ ” Livi laSimakadze lefika kimi, latsi: “Nisho kutsini nine bantfu nanisuke nicaphune lesaga eveni lema-Israyeli lesitsi: “ ‘Boyise badla emagelebisi lamunyu, bese kutsi ematinyo ebantfwana ayaphatima’? “INkhosi Simakadze, itsi: Ngifunga kuphila kwami, anisayikusicaphuna lesaga lapha ka-Israyeli. Ngobe wonkhe umuntfu lophefumulako, wami, uyise kanye nemsa wakhe, bonkhe ngalokufananako, bami. Umuntfu lowonako nguye loyakufa. “Ase sitsi kunemuntfu lolungile lowenta lokucotfo nalokulungile: Akadleli etindvumbeni tetithico letisetintsabeni, akabuki futsi kuletithico tendlu yaka-Israyeli. Akamoni nemfati wamakhelwane wakhe, nome-ke alale nemfati losesikhatsini. Akacindzeteli muntfu, kodvwa ubuyisela sibambiso lasitsatsile nakenta sebolekiso. Akadleleli, kodvwa wephana nangekudla kwakhe kulabalambile, anikele ngekwekwembatsa kulabo labahlubulile. Akebolekiseli kutsi atfole inzuzo lenkhulu, nome-ke atsatse intalo lenkhulu kakhulu. Uyasibamba sandla sakhe ekwenteni lokubi, futsi wehlulela ngekungakhetsi emkhatsini wemuntfu nemuntfu. Ulandzela timiso tami, agcine nemitsetfo yami ngekwetsembeka. Lowo muntfu ulungile, ngempela uyawuphila, kusho iNkhosi Simakadze. “Ase sitsi lomuntfu unemntfwana losidlova, lohlala ngekucitsa ingati njalo nje, nome ente lokunye nje kwaletintfo letinye, nome ngabe loyise akenti nakunye kwato: “Udlela etindvumbeni tetithico letisetintsabeni. Wona umfati wamakhelwane wakhe. Ucindzetela labamphofu nalabeswele, adlelele bantfu. Akasibuyiseli sibambiso. Ubuka tithico. Wenta tintfo letisinengiso. Webolekisela kutsi atfole inzuzo lenkhulu, atsatse nentalo lenkhulu kakhulu. Umuntfu lonjalo angaphila kanjani-ke? Ngeke! “Njengobe ente tonkhe letintfo letisinengiso, ngempela loyo uyawubulawa, nengati yakhe iyawubasetikwenhloko yakhe. “Ase sitsi-ke lendvodzana nayo seyinendvodzana lebona tonkhe letono letentiwa nguyise, itsi nome itibona ingete yatenta yona tintfo letinjalo: “Ayidleli etindvumbeni tetithico letisetintsabeni, nome ibuke kuletithico tendlu yaka-Israyeli. Ayimoni umfati wamakhelwane wayo. Ayicindzeteli muntfu nome-ke ifune sibambiso sesebolekiso. Ayidleleli muntfu, kodvwa inikela ngekudla kwayo kulabalambile nangetintfo tekwembatsa kulabangcunu. Iyasibamba sandla sayo ekoneni. Ayebolekiseli inzuzo lenkhulu, ayiyitsatsi intalo lenkhulu kakhulu. Igcina imitsetfo yami, ilandzele netimiso tami. “Leyo-ke ngeke ife ngenca yesono seyise; ngempela leyo iyawuphila. Kodvwa uyise yena uyakufa ngenca yesono sakhe, ngobe nguye lowenta kuphanga ngebugebengu, wadlelela umnakabo, wenta lokubi kubantfu bakubo. “Kodvwa nine niyabuta nitsi: ‘Kwentiwa yini kutsi indvodzana ingetfwali licala leyise?’ Njengobe indvodzana yente lokulungile nalokucotfo, futsi beyivele icaphele kutsi igcine tonkhe timiso tami, ngempela iyawuphila. Umuntfu lowonako nguye loyakufa. Indvodzana ngeke iletfwale licala leyise, futsi neyise ngeke aletfwale licala lendvodzana. Kulunga kwalolungile kuyawukhokhelwa ngalokuhle kuye, nebubi balomubi buyawubitwa kuye. “Kodvwa nangabe umuntfu lomubi aphendvuka kuto tonkhe tono latentile, agcine tonkhe timiso tami, ente lokucotfo nalokulungile, akasayikufa, uyawuphila. Kute nasinye setono labesatentile lesiyawukhunjulwa kuye simelane naye. Ngenca yebucotfo layawube asabentile sewuyawuphila. Ngiyajabula yini mine ngekufa kwalomubi? Kunaloko angijabuli kakhulu yini nakaphendvuka etindleleni takhe aphile? Kusho iNkhosi Simakadze. “Kodvwa nangabe lolungile agucuka ekulungeni kwakhe ente sono, ente tintfo letifananako netalomubi letisinengiso, utsi kambe lonjalo angaphila? Cha, kute nakunye kwetintfo letinhle latentile lokuyawukhunjulwa. Ngenca yekungetsembeki lasanelicala lako, nangenca yetono layawube asatentile, uyawukufa. “Kodvwa nine nitsi: ‘Indlela yaSimakadze ayikalungi.’ Lalelani-ke, ninendlu yaka-Israyeli, ayikalungi yini indlela yami? Angitsi tindlela tenu letingakalungi? Nangabe umuntfu lonebucotfo agucuka ekulungeni kwakhe, ente sono, uyakusifela; uyawukufa ngenca yesono lasentile yena. Kodvwa nangabe umuntfu lomubi agucuka ebubini bakhe labentile, ente lokucotfo nalokulungile, lowo uyawusindzisa imphilo yakhe. Ngenca yekutsi atinake tonkhe tono takhe labesatentile, agucuke kuto, lowo ngempela uyawuphila; angeke afe. Noko indlu yaka-Israyeli itsi: ‘Indlela yaSimakadze ayikalungi.’ Atikalungi yini tindlela tami, ninendlu yaka-Israyeli? Akusito tindlela tenu yini leti letingakalungi? “Ngako-ke, awu, wenandlu yaka-Israyeli, ngiyawukwehlulela, ngulowo nalowo ngekwetindlela takhe, kusho iNkhosi Simakadze. Phendvukani! Gucukani kuto tonkhe tiphambuko tenu; khona-ke sono senu ngeke sibe kufa kwenu. Titsintsitseni kuto tonkhe letono tenu lebesenitentile, nitfole inhlitiyo lensha nemoya lomusha. Nitawufelani nje, ninendlu yaka-Israyeli? Ngobe angijabuli ngekufa kwanome ngubani. Phendvukani nitewuphila! Kusho iNkhosi Simakadze.” “Phakamisa sililo ulilele tikhulu taka-Israyeli, utsi: “ ‘Maye, unyoko abelibhubesikati emkhatsini walamanye emabhubesi! Abelala phansi emkhatsini wemabhubesi lamancane, afuye emagomodlwane akhe. Wakhulisa lelinye lalamagomodlwane akhe, lakhula laba libhubesi lelinemandla. Lafundza nalo kudladlabula tinyamatane litidle, lashwabudzela nebantfu. Tive teva ngalo, lagcumukela emdzibini wato. Talidvonsa ngetintweba, talimikisa eGibhithe. “ ‘Latsi lelibhubesikati nalibona litsemba lalo lingakafezeki, nelitsemba lalo seliphelile, latsatsa lelinye lemazinyane alo, lalenta laba libhubesi lelinemandla. Lajangaza emkhatsini wemabhubesi, ngobe phela lase lilibhubesi lelicinile. Lafundza kudladlabula tinyamatane, lakhona nekushwabudzela bantfu. Labhidlita tinqaba tabo, labhubhisa nemadolobha abo. Live kanye nalabo labakhile kulo betfuka batfutfumela ngenca yekubhavumula kwalo. Tive tase tiyalihlasela, leto letisemaveni lakhelene nalo. Taletsiya ngekwendlala lugibe lwato, lavele labhajwa emgodzini wato. Talidvonsa ngetintweba, talifaka ehhokweni, tase tilimikisa enkhosini yaseBhabhulona, talivalela ejele, ngako akuzange kuphindze kuvakale kubhavumula kwalo, etintsabeni taka-Israyeli. “ ‘Unyoko abefanana nesihlahla semvini esivinini, sihlahla lesasihlanyelwe ngasemantini; sasitsela kakhulu futsi sinemagala laluhlata, ngenca yalamanti lamanyenti. Emagala aso abecinile, alungele nekuba yindvuku yebukhosi. Sakhula saphakama saba ngetulu kwawo onkhe emacembe lamanyenti; sabonakala ngekuphakama kwaso nangemagala aso lamanyenti. Kodvwa sazuphuneka ngenca yelulaka, salahlwa phansi emhlabatsini. Umoya wasemphumalanga wasomisa, saphundleka titselo taso, emagala aso lacinile abuna, umlilo wawadla. Nyalo sesihlanyeleke ehlane, eveni lelomile naleligagadzekile. Umlilo wabhebheteleka kulelinye lemagala aso lamakhulu wadla titselo taso. Kute nalinye ligala lelicinile lelisasele kuso lelilungele kutsi libe yindvuku yebukhosi.’ “Lesi-ke sililo, lesaba sililo lesisetjentiswa njalo nje.” Kwatsi ngemnyaka wesikhombisa, enyangeni yesihlanu, ngelilanga lelishumi, labanye baholi bema-Israyeli beta batawutibutela kuSimakadze, befika bahlala phansi embikwami. Livi laSimakadze lase liyefika kimi, latsi: “Ndvodzana yemuntfu, khuluma kulabaholi bema-Israyeli, utsi kubo: ‘Naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: Nitele kutawubuta mine yini? Ngifunga kuphila kwami, ngingeke nginivumele kutsi nibute lutfo kimi, kusho iNkhosi Simakadze.’ “Utawubehlulela yini, ndvodzana yemuntfu? Nakunjalo-ke, besukele ubacondze ngetintfo letisinengiso letentiwa boyise, utsi kubo: ‘Naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: Ngelilanga lengakhetsa ngalo ema-Israyeli, ngafunga ngiphakamise sandla kuto titukulwane tendlu yakaJakobe, ngatembula mine kubo baseseGibhithe. Ngatsi ngiphakamise sandla sami, ngatsi kubo: “NginguSimakadze Nkulunkulu wenu.” Ngalelo langa ngafunga kubo kutsi ngiyawubakhipha eGibhithe, ngibayise eveni lengilicingele bona, live leligcwele lubisi neluju lwetinyosi, live lelihle kwendlula onkhe lamanye emave. Ngabuye ngatsi kubo: “Ngulowo nalowo wenu akalahle letitfombe letenyanyekako lese nibeke emehlo enu kuto, ningatingcolisi ngaletitfombe taseGibhithe. NginguSimakadze Nkulunkulu wenu.” “ ‘Kodvwa bangivukela, bangete bangilalela; abazange batilahle letitfombe tabo letenyanyekako lebese babeke emehlo abo kuto, futsi abazange batilahle tithico taseGibhithe. Ngako ngatsi ngitawutfululela lulaka lwami etikwabo, ngicedzele kutfukutsela kwami etikwabo eGibhithe. Kodvwa ngenca yeLibito lami, ngenta loko lokwakungaligcina lingakonakali emehlweni etive labebahlala emkhatsini wato, nalengatembula embikwato kuma-Israyeli ngekubakhipha eveni laseGibhithe. Ngako-ke ngabahola ngabakhipha eGibhithe, ngabefikisa ehlane. Ngabanika timiso tami, ngabatisa imitsetfo yami, ngobe umuntfu loyilalelako uyawuphila ngayo. Ngabuye ngabanika emaSabatha ami abe sibonakaliso emkhatsini wetfu, kuze bati kutsi mine Simakadze ngimi lengabenta baba ngcwele. “ ‘Noko bantfu baka-Israyeli bangivukela ehlane. Bangete bahamba ngetimiso tami, bayala imitsetfo yami, noko umuntfu loyilalelako uyawuphila ngayo, bawona kakhulu emaSabatha ami. Ngako ngatsi ngitawutfululela lulaka lwami etikwabo ngibabhubhisele ehlane. Kodvwa ngenca yeLibito lami, ngenta loko lokwakungaligcina lingakonakali emehlweni etive, leto lengangibakhiphe embikwato. Ngafunga futsi kubo ngekuphakamisa sandla ehlane, kutsi ngingeke ngisabayisa kulelive lengangibanike lona, live leligcwele lubisi neluju lwetinyosi, live lelihle kwendlula onkhe lamanye emave, ngobe bayala imitsetfo yami, bangete bahamba ngetimiso tami, bawona emaSabatha ami. Ngobe tinhlitiyo tabo babetinikele ngalokuphelele etithicweni tabo. Noko ngababuka ngesihawu, ngangete ngababhubhisa, ngangete ngabacedza ehlane. Ngakhuluma kubantfwababo ehlane, ngatsi: “Ningatilandzeli timiso taboyihlo, futsi ningagcini nanemitsetfo yabo, nome nitingcolise ngetithico tabo. NginguSimakadze Nkulunkulu wenu, landzelani timiso tami, nicaphele kugcina imitsetfo yami. Gcinani emaSabatha ami angcwele, kuze abe sibonakaliso emkhatsini wetfu. Ngulapho-ke niyakwati khona kutsi nginguSimakadze longuNkulunkulu wenu.” “ ‘Kodvwa bantfwababo bangivukela: Abazange bahambe ngetimiso tami, abazange bakunakekele kugcina imitsetfo yami, noko umuntfu loyilalelako uyawuphila ngayo, bawona emaSabatha ami. Ngako ngatsi ngiyawutfululela lulaka lwami etikwabo, ngicedzele intfukutselo yami etikwabo ehlane. Kodvwa ngasibamba sandla sami, nangenca yeLibito lami ngenta loko lokwakungaligcina lingakonakali emehlweni etive leto, lengangibakhiphe embikwato. Ngafunga kubo ngiphakamise sandla ehlane kutsi ngiyawubasakatela emkhatsini wetive, ngibahlakatele emaveni ngemave, ngobe abayilalelanga imitsetfo yami, kodvwa batala timiso tami, bawona emaSabatha ami, emehlo abo anaka tithico taboyise. Ngabe sengibanikela etimisweni letingakalungi nasemitsetfweni lababengeke baphile ngayo; ngabenta baba ngulabangcolile ngekwemtsetfo ngenca yetipho tabo, umhlatjelo wako konkhe lokulitubulo, khona ngitekubesabisa, kuze batekwati kutsi mine nginguSimakadze.’ “Ngako-ke, ndvodzana yemuntfu, khuluma kulabantfu baka-Israyeli utsi kubo: ‘Naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: Kuloku naboyihlo bangihlambalata ngekungikhohlwa: Nangibafikisa eveni lengafunga kutsi ngitalinika bona, benelela kufika kulo, babona tonkhe tintsaba letiphakeme netihlahla letimacembe ato avoshokile, base besuka banikelela khona imihlatjelo yabo, benta iminikelo leyangicunula mine ngase ngiyatfukutsela, betfula imphepho yabo letsaphukako, batfulula iminikelo yabo yetinatfo. Ngase ngitsi kubo: Iyini yona lendzawo lephakeme leniya kuyo?’ ” Kuze kube ngulamuhla solomane kusatsiwa yiBhama. “Ngako-ke khuluma kuyo indlu yaka-Israyeli, utsi: ‘Naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: Nitawutingcolisa yini nani njengaloku boyihlo benta bakhanukana netitfombe tabo letenyanyekako? Nanetfula tipho tenu, imihlatjelo lengemadvodzana enu emlilweni, nichubeka nekutingcolisa ngato tonkhe letithico tenu kuze kube ngulamuhla. Mine-ke sekufanele nginivumele yini kutsi nibute kimi, ninendlu yaka-Israyeli? Kona ngifunga kuphila kwami, ngingeke nginivumele nibute kimi, kusho iNkhosi Simakadze. “ ‘Nikhuluma nitsi: “Sifuna kuba njengaletinye tive natsi, sibe njengetive temhlaba letikhonta tigodvo nematje.” Kodvwa loko leninako engcondvweni kungeke kuze kwenteke.’ ” “ ‘Ngifunga kuphila kwami, ngiyawubusa etikwenu ngesandla lesinemandla, nangemkhono locinile, nangekutfululelwa kwelulaka, kusho iNkhosi Simakadze. Ngiyawunibuyisa kuleto tive, nginibutse emaveni ngemave, konkhe lapho niyawube nisakatelwe khona, nginibuyise ngesandla lesinemandla nangemkhono locinile, nangekutfululwa kwelulaka. Ngiyawunimikisa ehlane letive, lapho-ke siyawube sibukene buso nebuso, ngiyawukhipha sigwebo senu kini. Njengaloku ngagweba boyihlo ehlane laseveni laseGibhithe, nani ngiyakunigweba kanjalo-ke, kusho iNkhosi Simakadze. “ ‘Ngiyawunicaphela ngesikhatsi nendlula ngaphansi kwendvuku yami, bese nginifaka kuso sibopho sesivumelwane. Ngiyawuphenya emkhatsini wenu bonke labo labangivukelako bahlubuke kimi. Nome ngiyawubakhipha eveni lapho bahlala khona nje, noko bangeke bangene eveni laka-Israyeli. Ngulapho-ke niyawungati khona kutsi mine nginguSimakadze. “ ‘Macondzana nani, ninendlu yaka-Israyeli, naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: Hambani niyewukhonta tithico tenu, nonkhe! Kodvwa ngicinisile ngitsi, emvakwaloko niyawulalela mine, ningasaphindzi nilihlambalate Libito lami lelingcwele ngetipho tenu nangetithico tenu. Ngobe entsabeni yami lengcwele, intsaba lephakeme yaka-Israyeli, lapho kulelo live yonkhe indlu yaka-Israyeli iyawukhonta mine, lapho-ke ngulapho ngiyawubemukela khona, kusho iNkhosi Simakadze. Lapho-ke ngiyakuyifuna iminikelo yenu netipho tenu telikhetselo, kanye nemihlatjelo yenu lengcwele. Ngiyawunemukela njengeliphunga lelimnandzi lemphepho, nanginikhipha emkhatsini wetive, nginibutsa emaveni lapho benisakatelwe khona, ngiyawutibonakalisa mine ngingcwele emkhatsini wenu emehlweni etive. Ngulapho-ke niyawungati khona kutsi mine nginguSimakadze, nanginimikisa eveni laka-Israyeli, live lengalifungela ngekuphakamisa sandla sami kutsi ngitalipha boyihlo. Lapho-ke niyawukhumbula kutiphatsa kwenu nato tonke tento tenu lenatingcolisa ngato, nani niyawutenyanya ngabo bonkhe bubi lenibentile. Niyawube seniyati-ke kutsi mine nginguSimakadze, nase nginisukele nginiphetse matima, ngenca yeLibito lami, hhayi njengekwetindlela tenu letimbi, nangetento tenu temonakalo, ninendlu yaka-Israyeli, kusho iNkhosi Simakadze.’ ” Livi laSimakadze lefika kimi, latsi: “Ndvodzana yemuntfu, bhekisa buso bakho ngaseningizimu; shumayela ubhekise ngaseningizimu, uphrofethe umelane nelihlatsi langaseningizimu nelive. Khuluma kulo lihlatsi langaseningizimu, utsi: ‘Vani livi laSimakadze. Naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: Sekusedvute kutsi ngikulumeke ngemlilo, futsi utawushwabudzela tonkhe tihlahla takho, tonkhe letiluhlata naletomile. Lelilangabi lelilavukako lemlilo lingeke licishwe ngumuntfu, nabo bonkhe buso kusuka ngaseningizimu kuya enyakatfo buyawubhadliswa ngilo. Bonkhe bantfu bayawubona-ke kutsi mine Simakadze ngiwulumekile; ungeke ucisheke.’ ” Ngase ngitsi: “Awu, Nkhosi, Simakadze! Bakhuluma ngami batsi: ‘Utsi akakhulumi tinganekwane nje yena lo?’ ” Livi laSimakadze lefika kimi, latsi: “Ndvodzana yemuntfu, bhekisa buso bakho ngaseJerusalema, ushumayele umelane netindzawo tekukhontela lekutsiwa tingcwele. Phrofetha umelane nelive laka-Israyeli, ukhulume kulo, utsi: ‘Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: Ngimelene nawe. Ngitawukhokha inkemba yami emgodleni wayo, ngibabulale ngayo ngibesuse kuwe labalungile nalababi. Njengobe ngitawubesusa kuwe labalungile nalababi, inkemba yami itawuphuma emgodleni wayo, iphumele kubo bonkhe bantfu kusukela eningizimu kuye enyakatfo. Ngulapho-ke bonkhe bantfu bayawukwati khona kutsi mine Simakadze ngiyikhokhile inkemba yami emgodleni wayo; futsi ngingeke ngiphindze ngiyibuyisele.’ “Ngako-ke bubula, ndvodzana yemuntfu! Bubula embikwabo ngenhlitiyo leyephukile nalenelusizi lolukhulu. Nabakubuta batsi: ‘Ububulelani?’ ubobaphendvula utsi: ‘Ngibubula ngenca yaletindzaba letitako. Tonkhe tinhlitiyo tiyawuncibilika, nato tonkhe tandla tiyawuceka; yonkhe imiphefumulo iyawukhatsala, nawo onkhe emadvolo ayawugeba angenwe ngemanti.’ Kuyeta! Nakanjani kutakwenteka loko, kusho iNkhosi Simakadze.” Livi laSimakadze lefika kimi, latsi: “Ndvodzana yemuntfu, phrofetha utsi: ‘Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: “ ‘Inkemba, inkemba, leloliwe nalelolongiwe, ilolelwe kugwaza, ilolongwe kuze imanyatele njengembane! “ ‘Singajabula yini? Wena, ndvodzana yami uludzelele luswati nato tonkhe teluleko. “ ‘Inkemba seyibekelwe kulolongwa, kutsi ibanjwe ngesandla; seyiloliwe yalolongwa, seyilungele sandla semgwazi. Khala ulile, ndvodzana yemuntfu, ngobe lenkemba imelene nesive sami; imelene nato tonkhe tikhulu tema-Israyeli. Tilahlelwe enkembeni kanye nesive sami. Ngako-ke yetfwala imikhono enhloko. “ ‘Nakanjani kuvivinywa kuyeta. Kwentiwa yini kutsi wedzelele luswati? Kungaba njani nalungete lwaphumelela? Kusho iNkhosi Simakadze.’ “Ngako phrofetha, ndvodzana yemuntfu, ugcizelele ngekushaya tandla. Inkemba ayigadle kabili nakatsatfu. Yinkemba yekugwaza, yinkemba yekugwaza lokukhulu, lebavimbetela ndzawo tonkhe. Kuze tinhlitiyo titewujabha, nalabawile babe banyenti, inkemba sengiyimisele kugwaza kuwo onkhe emasango abo. Awu! Yentelwe kumanyatela njengembane, ibanjelwe kugwaza. Awu nkemba, gawula ubheke ngesekudla, bese uya ngesancele, nome ngukuphi lapho kudla kwakho kubheke ngakhona. Nami futsi ngitabe sengishaya tandla, nelulaka lwami luyawubohla. Mine, Simakadze sengikhulumile.” Livi laSimakadze lefika kimi, latsi: “Ndvodzana yemuntfu, bekisa imigwaco lemibili lengeta ngayo inkemba yenkhosi yaseBhabhulona, yomibili isuke eveni linye. Mbela sikhombandlela lapho lomgwaco uphambuka khona ucondze edolobheni. Bekisa lomunye umgwaco wenkemba itewumelana neRabha yema-Amoni, nalomunye kuze itewumelana nelakaJuda, ngisho neJerusalema lebiyelwe. Ngobe inkhosi yaseBhabhulona itakuma lapho lomgwaco wehlukana khona, esiphambanweni semigwaco lemibili, bese iyaphengula: Itakwenta inkatho ngemicibisholo, ibute etithicweni tayo, ihlole nasesibindzini sesilwane. Esandleni sayo sangesekudla kuyawuta inkatho yaseJerusalema, lapho itakwakha khona imigcala yekudzilita lubondza, iyale kutsi kugwazwe, kuhlatjwe umkhosi, nekutsi kwakhiwe imigcala yekudzilita macondzana nemasango, kwakhiwe lutsango netakhiwo tekuvimbetela. Kuyawubonakala shangatsi lokuphengula kungemanga kulabo labafungele kuyihlonipha lenkhosi, kodvwa iyakubakhumbuta ngelicala labo ibatfumbe. “Ngako-ke naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: ‘Njengobe nine bantfu seningikhumbute ngelicala lenu ngekuhlubuka kwenu lokusebalenni, navumbulula tono tenu ngako konkhe loku lenikwentako, ngiko ngitsi njengobe-ke nente konkhe loku, nitawutfunjwa. “ ‘Awu, mbusi waka-Israyeli, wena lohlambalatako nalokhohlakele, wena lolilanga lakhe selifikile, nalosikhatsi sakhe sekujeziswa sesifikile, naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: Khumula lomshuculo wenhloko, ususe lomchele. Kungeke kube njengaloko kwakunjalo: Lotfobekile uyawuphakanyiswa, lophakeme ehliswe. Imbhubhiso! Imbhubhiso! Lelidolobha ngiyakulenta libe yimbhubhiso! Kodvwa kungeke kwenteke, aze yena efike lowo lokunguyena kungelakhe sibili; ngiyakulinika yena.’ ” “Wenka-ke, ndvodzana yemuntfu, phrofetha, utsi: ‘Naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze ngema-Amoni nangetinhlamba tawo, utsi: “ ‘Inkemba, inkemba, ikhokhelwe kugwaza, ilolongelwe kutsi ibhubhise, nekutsi imanyatele njengembane. Lite nome sekunemibono leyinkhohliso ngawe nekubhula lokungemanga ngawe, iyawubekwa etintsanyeni talababi lekufanele babulawe, labalilanga labo lekuphela selifikile, nalabasikhatsi sabo sekujeziswa sesifikile. Buyisela inkemba emgodleni wayo. Endzaweni lapho wadalelwa khona, eveni labokhokho bakho ngiyawukwehlulela. Ngiyawulutfululela etikwakho lulaka lwami, ngikuphefumulele ngentfukutselo yami levutsako. Ngiyawukwetfula etandleni tebantfu labanelunya, bantfu labanelikhono lekubhubhisa. Uyawuba tinkhuni tekubasa umlilo, ingati yakho iyawucitselwa eveni lakho, ungeke uphindze ukhunjulwe; ngobe mine, Simakadze sengikhulumile.’ ” Livi laSimakadze lefika kimi, latsi: “Ndvodzana yemuntfu, uyakulehlulela yini? Uyakulehlulela yini lelidolobha lekucitsa ingati? Ngako lisukele umelane nalo ngato tonkhe tento talo letisinengiso, utsi: ‘Naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: Awu, wena dolobha lelitiletsela lona imbhubhiso ngekucitsa ingati ekhatsi kulo, liphindze litingcolise ngekwakha tithico, sewunelicala ngenca yekucitsa ingati, wabuye watingcolisa ngetithico lotentile. Sewente emalanga akho ashesha kuphela, nesiphetfo seminyaka yakho sesifikile. Ngako-ke ngitakwenta ube yintfo yekuhlekisa nentfo yekuphukutwa kuwo onkhe emave. Labo labasedvutane nalabo labakhashane kakhulu kuwe bayawukuphukuta, wena dolobha lelilihlazo naleligcwele siphitsiphitsi. “ ‘Ase ubuke kutsi leso naleso sikhulu saka-Israyeli lesikuwe siwasebentisa kanjani emandla aso ekucitseni ingati. Kuwe tikhulu tabaphatsa kabi boyise, nabonina tabedzelela; ekhatsi kuwe tabacindzetela betive, taphatsa kabi intsandzane nemfelokati. Utedzelele tintfo tami letingcwele, wawona emaSabatha ami. Kuwe kunebantfu labahlebako, labanhloso yabo isekucitseni ingati; ekhatsi kuwe kunalabo labadlela etintsabeni lekutsiwa tingcwele, bavusele khona tinkhanuko tekulalana. Kuwe kunalabo labalalana nabomkayise, ekhatsi kuwe kunalabo labalala nebesifazane nabasesikhatsini basesengcolile ngekwemtsetfo. Kuwe kunemuntfu lophinga nemfati wamakhelwane wakhe, lomunye ente lihlazo ngekuphinga namalukatane wakakhe, lomunye adlwengule indzodzakati letalwa nguyise cobo. Kuwe kunemadvodza lemukela imidizo entele kucitsa ingati; utsatsa intalo ugale inzuzo lenkhulu, wente intalo yebutulujane kumakhelwane wakho ngekumcindzetela. Sewungikhohliwe mine, kusho iNkhosi Simakadze. “ ‘Ngempela, ngiyakwetfwala imikhono enhloko ngaleyo nzuzo lembi loyitfolile, nangengati loyicitse emkhatsini wenu. Siyawukuma yini leso sibindzi sakho? Tona tandla takho tiyawucina yini ngelilanga lengiyawubhekana nawe ngalo? Mine Simakadze sengikhulumile, futsi ngitakwenta loko. Ngitanisakatela emkhatsini wetive, nginihlakatele emaveni ngemave; ngiyawukucedza kungcola kwenu. Niyawutsi-ke nase ningcolisiwe emehlweni etive, bese niyati kutsi mine nginguSimakadze.’ ” Livi laSimakadze lefika kimi, latsi: “Ndvodzana yemuntfu, indlu yaka-Israyeli seyingemanyela kimi; bonkhe sebalitfusi, nemfimfi, nensimbi kanye nemtfofu lokusele ekhatsi embutfumeni yemlilo. Bangemanyela nje esiliva. Ngako-ke naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: ‘Njengobe nonkhe seniphendvuke naba ngemanyela, ngitanibutsela eJerusalema. Njengobe bantfu bacocela ndzawonye isiliva, nelitfusi, nensimbi, nemtfofu, nemfimfi bakufake embutfumeni yemlilo batewukuncibilikisa ngemlilo lovutsako, kanjalo nami ngiyakunigcogcela ndzawonye ngentfukutselo yami nangelulaka lwami, nginifake ekhatsi edolobheni nginincibilikise. Ngiyawunigcogcela ndzawonye bese nginivutsela ngelulaka lwami lolushisako, niyawuncibilikela ekhatsi kulo. Njengesiliva incibilikiswa yimbutfuma yemlilo, kanjalo nani ngiyakunincibilikisela ekhatsi kulo, niyawube seniyati-ke kutsi mine Simakadze ngitfululele lulaka lwami etikwenu.’ ” Livi laSimakadze laphindze lefika kimi, latsi: “Ndvodzana yemuntfu, khuluma eveni, utsi: ‘Wena ulive lelingakahlanteki nome linetfwa yimvula ngelilanga lelulaka lwami.’ Kuneluzungu lwetikhulu talo letisekhatsi kulo njengelibhubesi lelibhodlako nalidladlabula inyamatane yalo lelitayidla, tishwabudzela bantfu, titsatse ingcebo netintfo letingemagugu, tente bafelokati labanyenti ekhatsi kulo. Baphristi balo bephula umtsetfo wami bahlambalate tintfo tami letingcwele; abehlukanisi emkhatsini walokungcwele nalokutintfo nje; bafundzisa kutsi kute umehluko emkhatsini walokuhlantekile nalokungcolile ngekwemtsetfo; bavala emehlo abo bangakunaki kugcina emaSabatha ami, khona ngitewuhlanjalatwa emkhatsini wabo. Tiphatsimandla talo letisemkhatsini welive tifanana netimphisi letidladlabula tinyamatane tato; ticitsa ingati tibulale bantfu, khona titewutfola inzuzo lembi. Baphrofethi balo bahuca letento tabo ngemcakaco ngemibono leyinkhohliso nekubhula lokungemanga. Batsi: ‘Naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze,’ kube Simakadze angakaze wakhuluma lutfo. Bantfu bakulelive baphanga nekuphanga bagcekeze nekugcekeza; bacindzetela labamphofu nalabeswele, babaphatse kabi bekuhamba, bangabaphatsi ngekwemtsetfocotfo. “Ngafuna umuntfu emkhatsini wabo labengakha lubondza eme embikwami esikhaleni, emele lelive, kuze ngingetikulibhubhisa, kodvwa angitfolanga namunye. Ngako-ke ngiyawutfululela lulaka lwami etikwabo, ngibagwinye ngentfukutselo yami levutsako, ngikwehlisele etinhloko tabo konkhe loko labakwentile, kusho iNkhosi Simakadze.” Livi laSimakadze lefika kimi, latsi: “Ndvodzana yemuntfu, kwakukhona emantfombatana lamabili, tintfombi letitalwa ngumfati munye. Tagucuka taba tingwababane eGibhithe. Tagwadla kusukela kwasebusheni bato. Kulelo live emabele ato abebhujungwa, netingono tebuntfombi bato tatiphiciketwa khona. Libito lalendzala bekungu-Ohola, dzadzewabo kungu-Oholibha. Babe ngebami, base batala emadvodzana nemadvodzakati. Ohola yiSamariya, kantsi Oholibha yiJerusalema. “Ohola wangenela bugwababane asewami; wakhanuka emashende akhe, ema-Asiriya, lekwakutihlabani letatembatsa letiluhlata njengesibhakabhaka, babusi netindvuna temphi, bonkhe babengemajaha lamahle, kwakubagibeli bemahhashi. Watinikela kuba yingwababane, wagwadla nawo onkhe emadvodza elikhetselo ase-Asiriya ladvumile, watingcolisa ngato tonkhe tithico tabo bonkhe bantfu labebakhanuka. Akazange akuyekele kugwadla labekucale eGibhithe, lekwatsi ngesikhatsi sebusha bakhe emadvodza alala naye, amphiciketa khona tingono tebutjitji bakhe, atfululela inkhanuko yawo kuye. “Ngako-ke ngavele ngamnikela etandleni temashende akhe, ema-Asiriya, labewakhanuka. Amdlundluluta bume eneka bungcunu bakhe ebaleni, atsatsa emadvodzana nemadvodzakati akhe, yena ambulala ngenkemba. Wagucuka waba siga emkhatsini webafati, wanikwa sijeziso. “Dzadzewabo Oholibha wakubona loku, noko yena ekukhanukeni nasekugwadleni kwakhe abengembili kakhulu kunalodzadzewabo. Naye futsi wakhanuka ema-Asiriya, babusi, netindvuna temphi, netihlabani letatembatsa temphi, babebagibeli bemahhashi, bonkhe kwakungemajaha lamahle lasemancane. Ngabona kutsi naye futsi watingcolisa; bobabili bahamba ngandlelanye. “Kodvwa Oholibha bugwababane bakhe bendlulela ngembili. Abebona emadvodza ladvwetjwe elubondzeni, titfombe temaKhaledi ladvwetjwe ngalokubovu, atibophe ngemabhande etinkhalweni tawo, kukhephuka imishuculo etinhloko tawo; onkhe abefanana netindvuna tetincola temphi taseBhabhulona, imisinsi yekutimilela eBhabhulona. Watsi nje kube awabone, washa emashushu ngawo, wase utfumela titfunywa kuwo eBhabhulona. Ngako emaBhabhulona ase ayeta kuye, atewulala naye, amngcolisa ngenkhanuko yawo. Watsi kube angcoliswe ngawo, wesuka kuwo asawenyanya. Watsi ngesikhatsi agwadla ebaleni ahlubula nebungcunu bakhe, ngagucuka ngamfulatsela ngijabhile, njengaloku ngangifulatsele dzadzewabo. Noko yena wachubeka wadlanga ngalobugwababane bakhe, njengobe abekhumbula emalanga ebusha bakhe ngesikhatsi asagwadla eGibhithe. Lapho wakhanukana nalamashende akhe labenemitoto leyayifanana neyetimbongolo leyayikhihlita sidvodza lesifanana nesemahhashi. Ngako wafisa kuba neluntjingintjingi lwenkhanuko yebusha bakho, ngesikhatsi useseGibhithe lapho tingono temabele akho tatiphiciketwa khona netimphumamlotsa takho tatibhujungwa khona.” “Ngako-ke, Oholibha, naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: Ngiyawuchukuluta emashende akho akuvukele, lawo lowawafulatsela ujabhile, ngiyakuwaletsa atekuhlasela aphuma ndzawo tonkhe, emaBhabhulona nawo onkhe emaKhaledi, emadvodza asePhekodi, newaseShowa, newaseKhowa kanye nawo onkhe ema-Asiriya lanawo, emajaha lamahle, onkhe lababusi netindvuna temphi, netindvuna tetincola temphi kanye nemadvodza laphakeme, bonkhe bagibele emahhashi. Bayakuta batekumelana nawe ngetikhali, nangetincola temphi, nangetinkalishi, nesicumbi sebantfu; bayawutsatsa tindzawo tabo bamelane nawe yonkhe indzawo ngemahawu lamakhulu nalamancane, bafake timphantitje enhloko. Ngiyawukunikela kubo kutsi bakujezise, futsi bayakukujezisa njengekwehlulela kwabo. Intfukutselo yami lenesikhwele ngiyakuyicondzisa ngco imelane nawe; yebo, bayawukuphatsa ngelulaka, bayakuhhumbula emakhala akho netindlebe takho, yebo, nemisalela yenu iyawubulawa ngenkemba. Bayawuwatsatsa emadvodzana akho nemadvodzakati akho, bese kutsi labo benu labasele bashwabudzelwe ngumlilo. Bayawuphindze bakuhlubule timphahla takho batsatse lokwekutihlobisa kwakho lokuligugu. Ngiyawulucedza kanjalo-ke loluntjingintjingi lwakho lwebugwadla lowabucala eGibhithe. Ungeke letintfo utibuke ngesifiso sekutsi ungaze uphindze ukhumbule iGibhithe futsi. “Ngobe naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: Sengitakunikela kulabo lobatondzako, labo loncandzeke wesuka kubo ujabhile. Batakuphatsa ngenzondo, bakwemuke konkhe loko lokusebentele. Batakushiya ungcunu ungenalutfo, nelihlazo lebugwababane bakho libekeke ebaleni. Luntjingintjingi lwenkhanuko yakho nebugwababane bakho kukwehlisele loku, ngobe washa emashushu, wakhanuka tive ngetive, watingcolisa wena ngetithico tato. Uhambe ngendlela yadzadzewenu; ngako ngitawubeka indzebe yakhe esandleni sakho. “Naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: “Uyawunatsa indzebe yadzadzewenu, yebo, indzebe lenkhulu legubhile; iyawuletsa kwedzelelwa nekuphukutwa, ngobe inemtsamo lomkhulu. Uyakugcwaliswa kudzakwa nelusizi, indzebe yembhubhiso neyencitsakalo, indzebe yadzadzewenu Samariya. Uyakuyinatsa uyicedze, iphele, uyibhidlite ibe ticucu, uklebhule emabele akho. “Sengikhulumile, kusho iNkhosi Simakadze. “Ngako-ke naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: Njengobe sewungikhohliwe wangilahla ngemuva kwakho, ufanele uwetfwale umphumela weluntjingintjingi lwakho lwenkhanuko nebugwababane bakho.” Simakadze wakhuluma kimi, watsi: “Ndvodzana yemuntfu, utawubehlulela yini bo-Ohola na-Oholibha? Ngako bhekana nabo ngaletento tabo letinengekako, ngobe baphingile, nengati isetandleni tabo. Baphinge netithico tabo; baze benta nemhlatjelo ngebantfwababo lababengitalele bona kutsi babe kudla kwato. Baphindze bakwenta kimi loku: Ngasona leso sikhatsi bangcolisa indzawo yami lengcwele, bangete bawahlonipha nemaSabatha ami. Ngalona lelo langa benta umhlatjelo ngebantfwababo etithicweni tabo, bangena endzaweni yami lengcwele bayingcolisa. Nguloko labakwenta endlini yami. “Badzimate batfumela titfunywa kutsi tilandze emadvodza labephuma khashane kakhulu, atsi kube efike wageza, wagezela wona, wapenda emehlo akho, wegaba imihlobiso yakho. Wahlala etikwembhedze lomuhle, kunelitafula lelendlalwe embikwawo, lapho wawubeke khona imphepho yami nemafutsa labengewami. “Umsindvo wesicuku sebantfu labanganaki wawumtungeletile; emaSeba aletfwa esuka ehlane akanye nemadvodza labephuma esicukwini setihlangananhloko, bagabisa lomfati emabhengele emikhonweni yakhe kanye nadzadzewabo, bafaka nemichele lemihle etinhloko tabo. Ngabe sengikhuluma ngalona labesagugiswe kuphinga, ngatsi: ‘Nyalo-ke sale bamsebentisa njengengwababane, ngobe nguloko kuphela langiko.’ Balala naye njengobe emadvodza alala nengwababane, alala kanjalo-ke nalamantfombatane labephetfwe luntjingintjingi lwenkhanuko, bo-Ohola na-Oholibha. Kodvwa emadvodza lalungile ayakubalahla ngesijeziso salabasikati labagwadlako nalabacitsa ingati, ngobe batingwadla, ingati isetandleni tabo. “Naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: Letsa lolucucaba lwetihlangananhloko lutewumelana nabo bese ubanikela ekwesatjisweni nasekuphangweni. Lolucucaba lwetihlangananhloko lutawubagcoba ngematje lubajube ngetinkemba talo; luyawubulala emadvodzana nemadvodzakati abo, lushise netindlu tabo. “Ngiyawulucedza kanjalo-ke loluntjingintjingi lwenkhanuko eveni, kuze kutsi bonkhe besifazane batsatse lesecwayiso bangalingisi nine. Nine niyakusetfwala lesijeziso seluntjingintjingi lwenu lwenkhanuko, netfwale nemiphumela yetono tenu tekukhonta tithico. Ngulapho-ke niyawungati khona kutsi mine ngiyiNkhosi Simakadze.” Ngemnyaka wemfica, enyangeni yelishumi, ngelilanga lelishumi, livi laSimakadze lefika kimi, latsi: “Ndvodzana yemuntfu, libhale phansi lelilanga, lelilanga lona leli, ngobe inkhosi yaseBhabhulona seyivimbetele iJerusalema ngalo lelilanga. Tjela lendlu lehlubukako nankhu umzekeliso, utsi: ‘Naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: “ ‘Beka etiko lelibhodo lekupheka; libeke etiko, bese utsela emanti ekhatsi kulo. Faka ekhatsi kulo lamacatsa enyama, tonkhe letitfo letikhetsekile, umlente nemkhono. Ligcwalise ngalancono alamatsambo, khetsa telikhetselo emhlambini wetimvu. Fumbela tinkhuni ngaphansi kwalo wentele lamatsambo, ubase kuze kubile, upheke lamatsambo lasebhodweni. “ ‘Ngobe naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: “ ‘Maye kulelo dolobha lekucitsa ingati, kulelo bhodo lese linetincwencwe, letincwencwe talo tingeke tisesuka. Khipha kulo licatsa ngalinye ngalinye ngaphandle kwekuwentela inkatho. “ ‘Ngobe lengati leliyicitsile isekhatsi kulo: Layitsela edvwaleni lelingenalutfo; alizange liyitsele emhlabatsini, lapho beyitawumbonywa khona lutfuli. Kuze nginyakatise lulaka ngitikhiphele nesibhongo, ngabeka ingati yalo edvwaleni lelingenalutfo, kuze ingetiwumbonyeka. “ ‘Ngako-ke, naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: “ ‘Maye kulelo dolobha lekucitsa ingati! Nami futsi ngiyawufumbela tinkhuni timponge. Ngako fumbela tinkhuni, ulumeke umlilo. Yipheke kahle lenyama, uyihlanganise netinandzisi; nalamatsambo adzimate ashe. Ubobe sewubeka lelibhodo lelingenalutfo etikwemalahle, lize lishise nelitfusi lalo limanyatele, kuze kutsi nekungcola kwalo kuncibilike, netincwencwe talo tize tishe tiphele. Liyikhinyabete yonkhe imitamo; tincwencwe talo letinkhulu atikesuswa ngisho nangemlilo. “ ‘Manje kungcola kwakho luntjingintjingi lwenkhanuko yakho. Ngobe ngetama kukugeza, kodvwa wangete wavuma kugezwa kulokungcola kwakho, ungeke uphindze uhlanteke, luze lubotje lulaka lwami kuwe. “ ‘Mine Simakadze sengikhulumile. Sikhatsi sami sesifikile sekutsi ngikwente. Ngingeke ngisatibamba; ngingeke ngisaba nesihawu, futsi nenhlitiyo yami ingeke isabohla. Uyakwehlulelwa ngangekutiphatsa kwakho nangekwetento takho, kusho iNkhosi Simakadze.’ ” Livi laSimakadze lefika kimi, latsi: “Ndvodzana yemuntfu, ngekugadla kanye nje sengitawususa kuwe loko lokuyinjabulo yemehlo akho. Noko ungalili, futsi ungasidzindzi sililo nome ukhale tinyembeti. Bubula nje uthule; ungamlileli lowo lofile. Umshuculo wakho awuhlale uboshelwe enhloko, netincabule takho tihlale etinyaweni takho; ungalimbonyi lingentansi lebuso bakho, futsi ungakudli kudla kwelisiko kwalabalilako.” Ngako ngakhuluma kubantfu ekuseni, kwatsi entsambama umkami wafa. Ngakusasa ekuseni ngenta njengobe ngangitjeliwe. Bantfu bangibuta, batsi: “Ungete wasitjela yini kutsi letintfo tiphatselene ngani natsi?” Ngako ngakhuluma kubo ngatsi: “Livi laSimakadze lefika kimi, latsi: ‘Khuluma kulendlu yaka-Israyeli, utsi: Naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: Indzawo yami lengcwele sengitayingcolisa, lenqaba lenitigcabha ngayo, injabulo yemehlo enu, intfo lehawukelwa ngumphefumulo wenu. Emadvodzana nemadvodzakati lenawashiya emuva atawubulawa ngenkemba. Nani niyawukwenta njengobe nami ngentile. Aniyikulimbonya lingentansi lebuso benu, kantsi futsi ningeke nikudle kudla kwelisiko kwalabalilako. Imishuculo yenu nitakuyiyekela ibesetinhloko tenu netincabule tenu tisetinyaweni tenu. Ningeke nizile nome nilile, kodvwa niyawukondza ngenca yetono tenu, nibubule lomunye kulomunye. Hezekeli utakuba sibonakaliso kini; niyawukwenta njengobe naye entile. Nakwenteka-ke loku, ngulapho-ke niyawukwati khona kutsi mine ngiyiNkhosi Simakadze.’ “Wena-ke, ndvodzana yemuntfu, ngalelilanga lengiyawutsatsa ngalo inqaba yabo, kujabula kwabo neludvumo lwabo, injabulo yemehlo abo, nesifiso senhlitiyo yabo, kanye nemadvodzana nemadvodzakati abo, ngalelo langa umkhoseli uyawuta kuwe atekutjela letindzaba. Ngaleso sikhatsi umlomo wakho uyawuvuleka; uyawukhuluma naye ungasabindzi. Ngako uyawuba sibonakaliso kubo, futsi-ke bayawukwati kutsi mine nginguSimakadze.” Livi laSimakadze lefika kimi, latsi: “Ndvodzana yemuntfu, bhekisa buso bakho ngakuma-Amoni, uphrofethe umelane nawo. Khuluma kuwo utsi: ‘Vanini livi leNkhosi Simakadze. Naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: Ngobe nakhuluma natsi: “Hha” kuyo indzawo yami lengcwele ngesikhatsi ingcoliswa, nakulo live laka-Israyeli nalicitfwa, nakubo bantfu bakaJuda nabatfunjwa, ngako-ke ngiyawunikela ngani kuso sive sasemphumalanga kutsi nibe lifa laso; labo bantfu bayakumisa tinkambu tabo, bemise emathende abo emkhatsini wenu; bayawukudla titselo tenu, banatse nelubisi lwenu. Ngiyakuyigucula iRabha ibe lidlelo lemakamela, kutsi i-Amoni ngiyente ibe yindzawo yekuphumulela timvu. Ngulapho-ke niyawungati khona kutsi mine nginguSimakadze. Ngobe naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: Njengobe ushaye tandla takho wagidza ngetinyawo takho, wajabula ngabo bonkhe bubi benhlitiyo yakho umelene nelive laka-Israyeli, ngako-ke ngiyakwelula sandla sami ngimelane nawe, ngikunikele kutsi ube yimphango yetive. Ngiyawukkususa etiveni, ngikutsanyele emaveni. Ngiyawukubhubhisa. Ngulapho-ke uyawungati khona kutsi mine nginguSimakadze.’ ” “Naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: ‘Njengobe boMowabi naSeyiri batsi: “Ase nibuke indlu yakaJuda seyigucuke yafanana nato tonkhe letinye tive,” ngako-ke umhlubulo welakaMowabi ngitawembula usale ungenamadolobha, kusukela emadolobheni alo langasemnyeleni, iBhethi Jeshimothi, neBhali Meyoni kanye neKhiriyathayimu, lokungemagugu alelo live. IMowabi kanye nema-Amoni ngitabanikela esiveni lesisemphumalanga kutsi babe lifa laso, kuze kutsi ema-Amoni angaphindzi akhunjulwe emkhatsini wetive; iMowabi yona ngiyakuyishaya ngesijeziso. Ngulapho-ke bayakungati khona kutsi mine nginguSimakadze.’ ” “Naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: ‘Njengobe Edomu wakhiphela sibhongo endlini yakaJuda waba nelicala kakhulu ngekwenta njalo, ngako-ke, naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: Ngiyakwelula sandla sami ngimelane na-Edomu, ngibulale bantfu bakhe netilwane takhe. Ngiyakumenta abe lihlane, kusukela eThemani kuze kuyewufika eDedani bayawubulawa ngenkemba. Ngiyawukhiphela sibhongo etikwa-Edomu ngesandla sesive sami ema-Israyeli, i-Edomu bayakuyiphatsa ngendlela lefanele intfukutselo yami nelulaka lwami; bayakuyati imphindziselo yami, kusho iNkhosi Simakadze.’ ” “Naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: ‘Njengobe emaFilisti enta imphindziselo, akhipha sibhongo ngebubi lobusetinhlitiyweni tawo, nangenzondo yakadzeni leyayicondze kubhubhisa Juda, ngako-ke, naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: Sekusedvute kutsi ngelule sandla sami ngimelane nemaFilisti, ngitawacedza emaKherethi, ngiwabhubhise lawo lasesele kugudla lwandle. Ngiyakwehlisela imphindziselo lenkhulu etikwawo, ngiwajezise ngelulaka lwami. Ngulapho-ke bayawungati khona kutsi mine nginguSimakadze, nase ngehlisela imphindziselo etikwawo.’ ” Ngemnyaka weli-11, ngelilanga lekucala lenyanga, kwefika livi laSimakadze kimi, latsi: “Ndvodzana yemuntfu, njengobe iThire seyikhulume ngeJerusalema, yatsi: ‘Hha! Lisango lebetive selephukile, netivalo talo setigedvukele kimi, njengaloku seyibhidlikile iJerusalema, mine Thire sengitawuphumelela.’ Ngako-ke naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: Ngimelana nawe, wena Thire, futsi ngitakuvusela tive letinyenti tikuhlasele, njengelwandle nalugubha emagagasi alo. Tiyawubhidlita tibondza taseThire, tihhihlite nemibhoshongo yayo, ngiyawukhekhebula yonkhe imfuhlululu yayo, ngiyente ibe lidvwala lelingenalutfo. Lena ekhatsi nelwandle iyawuba yindzawo yekweneka emanetha ekudweba, ngobe sengikhulumile, kusho iNkhosi Simakadze. Iyawuba yimphango yetive ngetive, netabelo tayo letingaselwandle eveni layo tiyawuklabelwa ngenkemba. Ngulapho-ke bayawungati khona kutsi mine nginguSimakadze. “Ngobe naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: Ngiyawuvusela iThire Nebukhadnezari, inkhosi yaseBhabhulona, avela ngasenyakatfo ayinkhosi yemakhosi lenemahhashi, netincola temphi, nebagibeli bemahhashi, nemphi lenkhulu. Uyawuklabela tabelo tenu eveni lenu ngenkemba; uyawukwakha tinqaba tekuvimbetela nine, akhe lutsango lwekuvimbetela luze lufike elubondzeni lwenu, anihlasele ngekuphakamisa emahawu, alwe nani. Uyawucondzisa imijijimeto yakhe yemigcalakati yekubhidlita ngasetibondzeni takho, ashaye abhidlite imibhoshongo yakho ngetilimato takhe. Emahhashi akhe ayawuba manyenti kangangekutsi lutfuli lalususako luyawunimbonya. Tibondza takho tiyawudledletela ngenca yemsindvo wemahhashi emphi, netinkalishi, netincola temphi, ngesikhatsi angena emasangweni akho njengebantfu nabangena edolobheni lelitibondza talo tifohliwe. Tinselo temahhashi akhe tiyawugcobagcoba tonkhe titaladi takho, uyawubulala bantfu bakho ngenkemba, netinsika takho leticinile tiyawulahleka phansi. Bayawuphanga bunjinga bakho, batfumbe netimphahla takho letitsengwa titsengiswe, bayawubhidlitela phansi tibondza takho, bahhihlite tindlu takho letinhle, balahle ematje akho, netingodvo leticinile, nayo yonkhe imfuhlululu elwandle. Ngiyakuticedza tonkhe tingoma takho letinemsindvo; nemculo wemahabhu akho awusayiwuphindza uvakale. Ngiyawukwenta ube lidvwala lelingenalutfo, uyawuba yindzawo yekweneka emanetha ekudweba. Awusayiwuphindza wakhiwe kabusha, ngobe mine Simakadze sengikhulumile, kusho iNkhosi Simakadze. “Naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze kuyo iThire, itsi: Akayiwutfutfumela yini emave langaselwandle ngenca yemsindvo wekuwa kwakho, ngesikhatsi labanemanceba babubula bakhala nase babulawa ngenkemba kuwe, Thire? Lapho-ke bonkhe labakhulu bemave langaselwandle bayawukwehlela phansi, besuka etihlalweni tabo tebukhosi, babeke eceleni imijiva yabo, bakhumule tembatfo tabo letihlotjisiwe. Bayawuhlala phansi emhlabatsini bembetse kwesaba, batfutfumela ngato tonkhe tikhatsi, bamangaliswe nguwe. Bayawube sebadzindza sililo macondzana nawe, batsi: “ ‘Awu, dolobha lelidvume kangaka, ubhujiswe kanjani, bewugcwele emadvodza aselwandle! Wawungemandla etikwetilwandle, wena kanye nebantfu labahlala kuwe; wagcwalisa ngekwesaba bonkhe lababehlala lapho. Manje asayatfutfumela emave langaselwandle ngelilanga lekuwa kwakho; tichingi taselwandle tiyesaba ngekubhubha kwakho.’ “Naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: Nangikwenta lidolobha lese likhala libhungane njengemadolobha langasahlalwa bantfu, nangesikhatsi ngikhuphula tisekelo telwandle ngitibeke ngetulu kwakho nemanti alo akusibekela, ngulapho-ke ngiyawukwehlisa nawe kanye nalabo labehlela phansi emgodzini, kubantfu basemandvulo. Ngiyawukuhlalisa endzaweni lengaphansi kwemhlaba, njengasetindzaleni takadzeni kanye nalabo labehlela phansi emgodzini, futsi ngeke ubuye nome utewutsatsa indzawo yakho eveni lalabaphilako. Ngiyawukufikisa esiphetfweni lesesabekako, futsi ngeke uphindze ube khona. Uyawufunwa, ungete watfolakala, kusho iNkhosi Simakadze.” Kwefika livi laSimakadze kimi, latsi: “Ndvodzana yemuntfu, dzindza sililo macondzana neThire. Khuluma kuyo iThire, lengasesangweni lelibheke ngaselwandle, ingumhwebi webantfu basemaveni lagudla lwandle, utsi: ‘Naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: “ ‘Awu, Thire, ukhuluma utsi: “Ngimuhle ngiphelele.” Indzawo yakho yekubusa yayisetilwandle letijulile; bakhi bakho benta buhle bakho baphelela, waba ngumkhumbi lomuhle. Benta tonkhe tigodvo takho tetipheshula taseSeniri, balandza umsedari eLebanoni kutsi batekwakhela insika ngawo. Ngema-okhi aseBhashani bakwentela emaphini ekugwedla. Ngetigodvo temsayipuresi lesuka elusentseni lwaseSiphrosi benta indzawo yakho yekuhambahamba emkhunjini, yahlotjiswa ngematinyo etindlovu. Ilineni lecolisakele nalehlotjisiwe yaseGibhithe kwakungulona seyili lakho lelalisebenta njengesiboniso sakho; emathende akho abentiwe ngalokuluhlata njengesibhakabhaka nangalokubukhwebeletane lokuphuma etichingini tase-Elisha. Emadvodza aseSidoni newase-Avadi bekunguwona madvodza ekugwedla umkhumbi wakho; emadvodza akho labetingcweti, wena Thire, abekhwele emkhunjini angematilosi akho. Bongcongcoshe betingcweti taseGebali babekhwele emkhunjini babakhi bemikhumbi labahlalele kuvala timbobo. Yonkhe imikhumbi yaselwandle nebagibeli bayo beta nabo, batewutsengiselana nawe. “ ‘Emadvodza asePheresiya, newaseLidiya, newasePhuthi abengemasotja emphini yakho. Agaca emahawu awo netimphantitje tawo kuwe, akuletsela ludvumo nekwatiwa. Emadvodza ase-Avadi newaseHeleki abesetibondzeni takho yonkhe indzawo; emadvodza aseGamadi abesemibhoshongweni yakho. Agaca emahawu awo etikwetibondza takho, befikisa buhle bakho ekupheleleni. “ ‘IThashishi yatsengiselana nawe ngenca yebunyenti bebunjinga bakho betimphahla; babeshintjiselana nawe ngesiliva, nangensimbi, nangemfimfi, nangemtfofu, ngetimphahla takho. “ ‘BaseGrisi, nebaseThubhali kanye nebaseMesheki babetsenga timpahla takho; babeshintjiselana nawe ngetigcili nangetintfo telitfusi ngetimphahla takho. “ ‘Emadvodza aseBhethi Togama ashintjiselana nawe ngemahhashi emisebenti, newemphi nangeminyuzi ngetimphahla takho. “ ‘Emadvodza aseDedani atsengiselana nawe, nemave lamanyenti langaselwandle abekutsengisela kakhulu; abuyisela kuwe ematinyo etindlovu netigodvo letimnyama temsimbithi. “ ‘Base-Aramu babetsengiselana nawe ngenca yebunyenti bemikhitsito yakho, babekutsengisela timphahla takho ngematje laligugu laluhlata, nangetindvwangu letibukhwebeletane, naletihlotjisiwe, nangelineni lecolisakele, nangekhorali, nangemarubhi. “ ‘Bahwebi bakaJuda nebaka-Israyeli babetsengiselana nawe; babekutsengisela timphahla takho ngakolo labephuma eMinithi, nangabojece, nangeluju lwetinyosi, nangemafutsa, nangebhalisamu. “ ‘BaseDamaseko nabo babekutsengisela kakhulu ngemikhitsito yakho nangebunjinga bakho lobukhulu betinhlobonhlobo tetimphahla letitsengiswako, bona-ke babekutsengisela tona ngeliwayini laseHelboni nangensontfo yaseSahari. “ ‘BakaDani nemaGriki ase-Uzali babetsenga timphahla takho ngensimbi lebunjiwe, nangetinandzisi ikhasiya nekhalamusi. “ ‘BaseDedanki bona babetsengiselana nawe ngetingubo tetihlalo temahhashi. “ ‘Base-Arabiya nabo bonkhe labakhulu baseKhedari bekunguwona makhasimende akho lamakhulu, bona-ke babetsengiselana nawe ngemazinyane etimvu, nangetihhanca tetimvu kanye netimbuti. “ ‘Bahwebi baseSheba nebaseRama babetsengiselana nawe; ngetimphahla takho tekutsengiswa babekunika tinhlobonhlobo tetinongo leticolisakele, netematje laligugu, negolide. “ ‘BaseHarani, nebaseKhane, nebase-Edeni kanye nebahwebi baseSheba, nebase-Asiriya, nebaseKhilmadi nabo babetsengiselana nawe. Emakethe yakho babetsengiselana nawe ngekwekwembatsa lokuhle, nangetindvwangu letiluhlata njengesibhakabhaka, nangetintfo letihlotjisiwe, nangematjalo langemabhadvubhadvu, nangetimvakazi letephotfwe kahle tase tifinywa lifindvo lelihle nalelicinile. “ ‘Imikhumbi yaseThashishi nguyona yetfwala timphahla takho letitsengiswako. Wena wetfwele uyasesa imitfwalo lematima ekhatsi nekhatsi elwandle. Bagwedli bakho bemikhumbi bakuvakashisa etilwandle letijulile. Kodvwa umoya wasemphumalanga uyawukucoba ube timvutfu ekhatsi emajukujukwini elwandle. Bunjinga bakho, netimphahla takho tekutsengiswa, nematilosi akho, nebashayei bakho bemikhumbi, nebalungisi bemikhumbi, nebahwebi bakho, nawo onkhe emasotja akho, nabo bonkhe labanye labasemikhunjini bayawushona phansi ekhatsi emajukujukwini elwandle, mhlazana kubhidlika umkhumbi wakho. Emave langaselwandle ayawutfutfumela, ngesikhatsi sekukhala kwematilosi akho. Bonkhe labasebentisa emaphini ekugwedla imikhumbi bayakuyishiya imikhumbi yabo. Ematilosi nabo bonkhe bashayeli bemikhumbi bayakuma elusentseni lwelwandle. “ ‘Bayawuphakamisa emavi abo bakhale kabuhlungu ngenca yakho. Bayawutsela lutfuli etinhloko tabo batigicite emlotseni. Bayawuhhula tinhloko tabo ngenca yakho, bembatse emasaka. Bayawukukhalela tinyembeti ngemiphefumulo ledzabukile nangekulila lokumunyu. Bayawukhihla lesikhulu sililo ngesikhatsi babubula bakhala ngenca yakho, batsi: “Ngubani nje lowake wathuliswa njengeThire, letungeletwe lwandle?” Ngesikhatsi timphahla takho tekutsengiswa tisatfunyelwa elwandle, kwakusitakala tive letinyenti; ngebunjinga bakho lobunyenti nangetimphahla takho tekutsengiswa wawanjingisa emakhosi emhlaba. Manje sewucitfwe lwandle, lwakufaka emajukujukwini emanti; timphahla takho letitsengiswako nabo bonkhe lonabo sekushone kanye nawe phansi ekujuleni. Bonkhe labahlala emaveni langaselwandle bayamangala ngawe; emakhosi abo ayatfutfumela ngenca yeluvalo, nebuso bawo sebuhhwabile ngenca yekwesaba. Bahwebi emkhatsini wetive bayekhuta bababate ngenca yakho; sewufike ekwephetseni lokwetfusanako, futsi ungeke uphindze ube khona.’ ” Kwefika livi laSimakadze kimi, latsi: “Ndvodzana yemuntfu, shano kumbusi waseThire, utsi: ‘Naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: “ ‘Ukhuluma ngekutigcabha enhlitiyweni yakho, utsi: “Mine ngingunkulunkulu; ngihlala esihlalweni sebukhosi sankulunkulu ekhatsi nekhatsi elwandle.” Kodvwa ungumuntfu, awusiye nkulunkulu, nome nje uticabanga kutsi uhlakaniphe njengankulunkulu. Uhlakaniphile yini kunaDanyela? Kute yini imfihlo lengakakhanyi kuwe? Ngekuhlakanipha kwakho nangekucondza kwakho utibutsele wena bunjinga, netindvundvuma tegolide netesiliva etingungwini takho tengcebo. Ngebuchwephesha bakho ekutsengiseni ubandzisile bunjinga bakho; nangenca yebunjinga bakho inhlitiyo yakho seyikhukhumukiswe ngumgcabho. “ ‘Ngako-ke naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: “ ‘Njengobe uticabanga kutsi uhlakaniphile, uhlakaniphe njengankulunkulu, ngako-ke ngitawuvusa tive tikuhlasele, tive letinelulaka nelunya kakhulu, tiyawukhokha tinkemba tato titibhekise ngasebuhleni bakho nangasekuhlakanipheni kwakho, tigwaze bukhatikhati beludvumo lwakho. Bayawukwehlisela phansi emgodzini, uyawufa kabuhlungu ekhatsi nekhatsi kwetilwandle. Uyawube usasho yini kutsi: “Ngingunkulunkulu mine” ebukhoneni balabo labakubulalako? Noko uyawuba ngumuntfu nje, hhayi nkulunkulu, etandleni talabo labayawube bakubulala. Uyawufa kufa kweligwala etandleni tebachamuki. Sengikhulumile, kusho iNkhosi Simakadze.’ ” Kwefika livi laSimakadze kimi, latsi: “Ndvodzana yemuntfu, dzindza sililo ngenkhosi yaseThire, utsi kuyo: ‘Naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: “ ‘Wena bewusibonelo sekuphelela, ugcwele kuhlakanipha, futsi uphelele ngebuhle. Wawuse-Edeni, sivandze saNkulunkulu. Wawuhlotjiswe ngawo onkhe ematje laligugu: ngemarubhi, nangemathophazi, nangema-emeraldi, nangemakhrisolithe, nangema-oniksi, nangemajasiphi, nangemasafire, nangemathekhosi, nangemabherili. Kwekuhlanganisa lamatje akho laligugu nekwekuwanamatsisela kwakwentiwe ngegolide. Kwalungiswa kahle konkhe loko ngelilanga lowadalwa ngalo. Wagcotjwa waba likherubhi lelingumelusi, ngobe ngakugcobela kona loko. Wawusentsabeni lengcwele yaNkulunkulu; wawuhambahamba emkhatsini wematje emlilo. Wawungasoleki etindleleni takho kusukela ngelilanga lowadalwa ngalo, kwadzimate kwaba ngumhlazana bubi butfolakala kuwe. Ngekutsengisa kwakho lokunyenti wagcwala budlova, wase uyona. Ngako ngakulahla ngobe ungcolile ngekwemtsetfo, ngakususa entsabeni yaNkulunkulu, ngakucosha, awu, kherubhi lelalingumelusi, wesuka emkhatsini wematje emlilo. Inhlitiyo yakho yakhukhumuka ngenca yebuhle bakho, wona buhlakaniphi bakho ngenca yekucwebetela kwakho. Ngako ngase ngikulahlela emhlabeni, ngakwenta inhlekisa embikwemakhosi. Utingcolisile tindzawo takho letingcwele ngetono takho letinyenti nangekungetsembeki kwakho ekutsengiseni kwakho. Ngako ngase ngenta kutsi kuphume umlilo kuwe, waphuma wadla wena, ngakwehlisa waba ngumlotsa emhlabatsini, embikwabo bonkhe lababekubukile. Tonkhe tive letatikwati, timangele ngawe; ngobe sewufike ekugcineni lokubi, futsi ngeke uphindze ube khona.’ ” Kwefika livi laSimakadze kimi, latsi: “Ndvodzana yemuntfu, bhekisa buso bakho ngaseSidoni; uphrofethe umelane nayoy, utsi: ‘Naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: “ ‘Awu, Sidoni, ngiyemelana nawe, futsi ngitawutibutsela ludvumo ngawe. Bayawukwati kutsi mine nginguSimakadze, nangehlisela sijeziso etikwakho, ngitikhombise mine ngingcwele ekhatsi kuwe. Ngiyawutfumela sifo lesibulalanako etikwakho, ngigeletise ingati etitaladini takho. Labahlatjiwe bayawusacatekela ekhatsi kuwe, inkemba iyawukuhlasela macala onkhe. Ngulapho-ke bayawukwati khona kutsi mine nginguSimakadze.’ ” “ ‘Bantfu baka-Israyeli abaseyikuba nabo bomakhelwane labanetinhlitiyo letedzelelako, labangemanyeva lanesitfozi nalacijile. Ngulapho-ke bayawukwati khona kutsi mine ngiyiNkhosi Simakadze. “ ‘Naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: Nangibutsa sive saka-Israyeli etiveni, lapho besihlakatelwe khona, ngiyawutibonakalisa ngingcwele emkhatsini waso embikwetive. Siyawube sesihlala eveni lelingelaso, lengaliniketa inceku yami Jakobe. Siyawuhlala lapho siphephile, sakhe tindlu, sihlanyele emasimi emagelebisi; sona siyawuhlala siphephile, nase ngehlisela sijeziso kubo bonkhe bomakhelwane baso labasidlela umona. Ngulapho-ke bayawukwati khona kutsi mine nginguSimakadze Nkulunkulu wabo.’ ” Ngemnyaka welishumi, enyangeni yelishumi, ngelilanga leli-12, kwefika livi laSimakadze kimi, latsi: “Ndvodzana yemuntfu, bhekisa buso bakho ngakuFaro, inkhosi yaseGibhithe, uphrofethe umelane nayo kanye nayo yonkhe iGibhithe. Khuluma kuyo utsi: ‘Naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: “ ‘Ngimelene nawe, Faro, nkhosi yaseGibhithe, wena nyokangwenya lenkhulu, wena locambalele emkhatsini wemifudlana yakho. Ukhuluma utsi: “INayili yami, ngatakhela yona mine.” Kodvwa ngiyawufaka emadweba emihlatsini yakho, ngente tinhlanti temifula yakho tinamatsele etincwencweni takho. Ngiyawukukhipha emkhatsini wemifudlana yakho, ngikukhiphe nato tonkhe tinhlanti letinamatsele etincwencweni letisemtimbeni wakho. Ngiyawukulahla ehlane wena kanye nato tonkhe tinhlanti temifula yakho. Uyakuwela ebaleni kalashameshame, ungaphindzi ubutfwe nome ugcogcwe. Ngiyawukwenta ube kudla kwetilwane tesiganga nekwetinyoni tasemoyeni. “ ‘Ngulapho-ke bonkhe labahlala eGibhithe bayawukwati khona kutsi mine nginguSimakadze. “ ‘Bewuyindvuku yemhlanga kuyo indlu yaka-Israyeli. Batsi nabakubamba ngetandla tabo, wavavabuka ekhatsi, wadzabula emahlombe abo avuleka; batsi beyama kuwe, wephuka, imihlane yabo yashumphuka. “ ‘Ngako-ke naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: Ngiyawutfumela inkemba imelane nawe, ngibulale bantfu bakakho netifuyo tabo. IGibhithe iyawuba lihlane lelingenamsebenti walutfo. Ngulapho-ke bayawukwati khona kutsi mine nginguSimakadze. “ ‘Njengobe watsi: “INayili ngeyami, ngayenta,” ngako-ke ngiyemelana nawe kanye nemifula yakho, live laseGibhithe ngiyawulenta libe yimfuhlululu, lisale likhala libhungane, kusukela eMigdoli kuye e-Aswani, kuze kuyewufika emnyeleni waseKushe. Kute lunyawo lwemuntfu nome lwesilwane loluyawunyatsela kulo. Kute loyawuhlala kulo kuze kuphele iminyaka lengema-40. Live laseGibhithe ngiyawulenta libe lihlane kunawo onkhe emave lagagadzekile, nemadolobha alo ayawusala angenabantfu iminyaka lengema-40 emkhatsini wemadolobha labhidlitiwe. Ngiyawubahlakata baseGibhithe ngibayise etiveni, ngibasakatele emaveni ngemave. “ ‘Noko naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: Ekupheleni kweminyaka lengema-40 ngiyawubabutsa baseGibhithe etiveni ngetive, lapho bebahlakatekele khona. Ngiyawubabuyisa ekutfunjweni, ngibabuyisele ePhathrosi, live labokhokho babo. Lapho-ke bayawuba ngumbuso lotfobekile. Kuyawuba ngumbuso lotfobe kunayo yonkhe leminye, futsi ngeke uphindze utiphakamise ngetulu kwaletinye tive. Ngiyakuwenta ube butsakatsaka kakhulu kangangekutsi ungasaphindzi ubuse etikwetive. IGibhithe ingeke isaba ngumtfombo wemandla esibindzi kubantfu baka-Israyeli, kodvwa iyawuba sikhumbuto sesono sabo, nabajikela kuyo bacela lusito. Ngulapho-ke bayawukwati khona kutsi mine ngiyiNkhosi Simakadze.’ ” Kwefika livi laSimakadze kimi ngemnyaka wema-27, enyangeni yekucala, ngelilanga lekucala, latsi: “Ndvodzana yemuntfu, Nebukhadnezari, inkhosi yaseBhabhulona, washucisa emabutfo akhe kamatima wahlasela iThire; tonkhe tinhloko tasingwa taba tincacadvu, nawo onkhe emahlombe abo aba nesikofu. Noko yena kanye nemabutfo akhe abazange babuyelwe lutfo ngalomkhankhaso labawenta ngekuhlasela iThire. Ngako-ke naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: Ngitawunikela iGibhithe kuNebukhadnezari, inkhosi yaseBhabhulona, uyawutfumba umcebo wayo. Uyawuphanga atfumbe ingcebo yalelive kube yinkhokhelo yemabutfo akhe. Ngimnike iGibhithe, yaba yinkhokhelo yekukhandleka kwakhe, ngobe yena nemabutfo akhe bakwentela mine, kusho iNkhosi Simakadze. “Ngalelo langa ngiyawukhulisa luphondvo lwendlu yaka-Israyeli, futsi ngiyawukuvumela, wena Hezekeli, kutsi ubuye uvule umlomo wakho emkhatsini wabo. Ngulapho-ke bayawukwati khona kutsi mine nginguSimakadze.” Kwefika livi laSimakadze kimi, latsi: “Ndvodzana yemuntfu, phrofetha, utsi: ‘Naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: “ ‘Lilani nitsi: “Maye ngalelo langa!” Ngobe lilanga selisedvute, lilanga laSimakadze selisondzele, lilanga lemafu, sikhatsi sekubhubha kwetive. Inkemba iyawubefikela baseGibhithe, nebuhlungu benhlitiyo buyawubehlela baseKushe. Ngesikhatsi lasebagwaziwe bawa eGibhithe, umcebo wayo uyawutfunjwa, netisekelo tayo tiyawucheketwa ekhatsi. “ ‘Tonkhe tihlabani letaticashiwe: taseKushe netasePhuthi, netaseLidiya, netakuyo yonkhe i-Arabiya, netaseLibhiya kanye nebantfu belive lesivumelwane sami nabo bayakuwa ngenkemba kanye nebaseGibhithe. “ ‘Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: “ ‘Labo labalekelelana nebaseGibhithe, bayakuwa, nemandla ayo letigabatisa ngawo ayawukwehluleka. Bayakuwela ekhatsi kuyo ngenkemba, kusukela eMigdoli kuye e-Aswani, kusho iNkhosi Simakadze. Ngulapho-ke bayawuba lihlane emkhatsini wemave langemahlane. Emadolobha abo ayawubasemkhatsini wemadolobha lasabhidlitiwe. Ngulapho-ke bayawukwati khona kutsi mine nginguSimakadze, nangilumeka umlilo eGibhithe nabo bonkhe labasitana nayo bayawupitjitwa. “ ‘Ngalelo langa kuyawuphuma titfunywa kimi, tiphume ngemikhumbi tiyekwesabisa baseKushe, kuze baphelelwe kutamasa kwabo. Bayakwehlelwa kwesaba lokukhulu, mhlazana baseGibhithe behlelwa sehlakalo, ngobe ngempela siyawufika. “ ‘Naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: “ ‘Ngiyawuticedza leticumbi taseGibhithe, ngitibulale ngesandla saNebukhadnezari, inkhosi yaseBhabhulona. Yena nemphi yakhe, bantfu labanelunya lolukhulu etiveni tonkhe, bayawuletfwa batewubhubhisa live. Bayawukhokha tinkemba tabo batibhekise eGibhithe, bagcwalise live ngetidvumbu talabagwaziwe. Ngiyakomisa imifudlana yaseNayili, ngitsengise live kubantfu lababi; ngetandla tebachamuki live ngiyawulibhubhisa nako konkhe lokukulo. Mine Simakadze sengikhulumile. “ ‘Naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: “ ‘Ngiyawutibhubhisa tithico, ngiticedze tonkhe titfombe eMemfisi. Akusayikuba nambusi eGibhithe, futsi ngiyawusakata kwesaba kulo lonkhe live. IPhathrosi ngiyakuyenta ibe lihlane, iSoyani ngiyilumeke ngemlilo, iThebesi ngiyehlisele sijeziso. Ngiyawutfululela lulaka lwami etikwePhelusiyumi, lekunguyona nqaba yaseGibhithe, futsi ngincamule ticumbi tebantfu baseThebesi. Ngiyawulumeka umlilo eGibhithe; iPhelusiyumi iyawujilajileka ngenca yebuhlungu. IThebesi iyawuhlaselwa ifohlwe; iMemfisi iyawukhukhulwa. Emajaha aseHeliyopholisi newaseBubastisi ayakuwa ngenkemba, nemadolobha cobo lwawo ayawutfunjwa. Lilanga liyawuba bumnyama eThaphanesi, mhlazana ngigamula lijoko laseGibhithe; lapho-ke emandla ayo letigabatisa ngawo ayawuphela. Iyawusibekelwa ngemafu, netabelo tayo tiyawutfunjwa. Ngako ngiyakwehlisela sijeziso eGibhithe, futsi bayawukwati kutsi mine nginguSimakadze.’ ” Ngemnyaka weli-11, enyangeni yekucala, ngelilanga lesikhombisa, livi laSimakadze lefika kimi, latsi: “Ndvodzana yemuntfu, ngiwephulile umkhono waFaro, inkhosi yaseGibhithe. Bewungakaboshelwa kutsi uphiliswe, futsi ungakasinyiswa nangetindvuku kuze ucine ngalokwenele kutsi ubambe inkemba. Ngako-ke naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: Ngimelene naFaro, inkhosi yaseGibhithe. Ngiyakuyephula yomibili imikhono yakhe, wona lona losengakephuki kanye nalona losewephukile, ngidzilite inkemba esandleni sakhe. BaseGibhithe ngiyawubasakatela etiveni ngetive, ngibasakatele emaveni ngemave. Ngiyakuyicinisa imikhono yenkhosi yaseBhabhulona, ngifake inkemba yami esandleni sayo, kodvwa yona imikhono yaFaro ngiyakuyigamula. Uyawububula embikwenkhosi yaseBhabhulona njengemuntfu phaca logwaziwe. Ngiyakuyicinisa imikhono yenkhosi yaseBhabhulona, kodvwa imikhono yaFaro iyawulenga ijikite. Ngulapho-ke bayawukwati khona kutsi mine nginguSimakadze, mzukwana ngibambisa inkhosi yaseBhabhulona inkemba yami ngesandla sayo, iyijikitisele bona baseGibhithe. BaseGibhithe ngiyakubahlakatela, etiveni ngetive, ngibasakatele emaveni ngemave. Ngulapho-ke bayawukwati khona kutsi mine nginguSimakadze.” Ngemnyaka weli-11, enyangeni yesitsatfu, ngelilanga lekucala, livi laSimakadze lefika kimi, latsi: “Ndvodzana yemuntfu, khuluma kuFaro, inkhosi yaseGibhithe, nakuletihlwele takhe temabutfo, utsi: “ ‘Ngubani nje longalinganiswa nawe ngekuhlonipheka? Cabanga nge-Asiriya, leyake yaba ngumsedari waseLebanoni, lewawunemagala lamahle wengamele lihlatsi; waphakamela etulu kakhulu, sihloko sawo sasingetulu kwemacembe lahlangene. Emanti awunisela, tiyalu letijulile tawukhulisa, waba mudze; imifudlana yato yayigeleta ngala nangala kwawo, emanti ageleta ngemisele yawo ayawunisela tonkhe tihlahla tesiganga. Ngako wakhula waya etulu, wengca tonkhe tihlahla tesiganga; emagala awo lamakhulu andza, yebo, emagala akhula aba madze, enaba ngenca yekutfola emanti lamanyenti. Tonkhe tinyoni tasemoyeni takhela tidleke tato emagaleni awo lamakhulu, netilwane tonkhe tesiganga tatalela ngaphansi kwemagala awo; tive tonkhe letikhulu tahlala ngaphansi kwemtfunti wawo. Bewuhlonipheka ngebuhle bawo, nemagala awo lamakhulu lenebe, ngobe timphandze tawo tatishone phansi, taya lapho kunemanti lamanyenti khona. Imisedari leyayisengadzeni yaNkulunkulu ayizange ikhone kulinganiswa nawo, ngisho netihlahla tetipheshula tatingeke tilingane nemagala awo lamakhulu, ngisho netihlahla tepleni tatingeke tilinganiswe nemagala awo, kute sihlahla engadzeni yaNkulunkulu lebesingalinganiswa nebuhle bawo. Ngawenta waba muhle ngemagala lamanyenti, wahawukelwa ngito tonkhe tihlahla tase-Edeni ensimini yaNkulunkulu. “ ‘Ngako-ke naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: Njengobe wawuphakeme, wengamele onkhe emacembe lahlangene, nanjengobe bewutigcabha ngalobudze bawo, ngawuniketela etandleni tembusi wetive, kuze kutsi yena atewuphatsa ngaleyo ndlela yebubi bawo. Ngawukhweshisela eceleni, kwase kutsi tive tangaphandle letinelunya kakhulu tawujuba, tase tiyawushiya. Emagala awo lamakhulu awela etintsabeni nasetigodzini tonkhe; emagala awo asala phansi ephukile kuto tonkhe tihosha telive. Tonkhe tive temhlaba taphuma ngaphansi kwemtfunti wawo, tawushiya. Tonkhe tinyoni tasemoyeni tahlala etikwalesihlahla lesiwile, nato tonkhe tilwane tesiganga tabasemkhatsini walamagala awo. Ngako-ke kute letinye tihlahla letingasemantini letiyawuphakama tiye etulu ngekutigcabha, tiphakamisele tihloko tato tengamele emacembe lahlangene. Kute letinye tihlahla letiniselwa kahle letiyawuke tikhule tibe tidze ngangaleso sihlahla; tonkhe timiselwe kufa, tiye ngaphansi kwemhlaba, emkhatsini webantfu lababhubhako, kanye nalabo labehlela emgodzini. “ ‘Naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: Ngalelo langa lomsedari lowehliselwa ngalo ethuneni ngambonya tiyalu letingaphansi kwemhlaba ngekuwulilela; ngavimbela imifudlana yato, kwatsi lamanti ato lamanyenti ema, angete ageleta. Ngenca yawo iLebanoni ngayembatsisa lusizi, kwatsi tonkhe tihlahla tesiganga tabuna. Tive ngatitfutfumelisa ngemsindvo wekuwa kwawo ngesikhatsi ngiwehlisela ethuneni kanye nalabo labehlela emgodzini. Ngako tonkhe tihlahla tase-Edeni, telikhetselo naletinhle kakhulu taseLebanoni, tonkhe tihlahla letatiniselwa kahle, tadvudvuteka emhlabeni longaphansi. Labo labebahlala emtfuntini wawo, tihlobo tawo emkhatsini wetive, nabo behlela nawo ethuneni, bahlangana nalabo lababulewe ngenkemba. “ ‘Ngutiphi taletihlahla tase-Edeni letingalinganiswa nawe ngebukhatikhati nangekuhlonipheka? Noko nawe, futsi, utakwehliswa kanye naletihlahla tase-Edeni niye emhlabeni longaphansi; uyawulala emkhatsini walabebangakasokwa, kanye nalababebulewe ngenkemba. “ ‘Lona nguFaro nato tonkhe tihlwele takhe temabutfo, kusho iNkhosi Simakadze.’ ” Ngemnyaka weli-12, enyangeni yeli-12, ngelilanga lekucala, livi laSimakadze lefika kimi, latsi: “Ndvodzana yemuntfu, lila, ulilele Faro, inkhosi yaseGibhithe, utsi: “ ‘Ufanana nelibhubesi emkhatsini wetive; ufanana nanyokangwenya etilwandle, ushaya lidamu emifudlaneni yakho, uphehle emanti ngetinyawo takho, udvunge lemifudlana. “ ‘Naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: “ ‘Ngesicumbi lesikhulu sebantfu ngiyawuphonsa linetha lami etikwakho, bayawukuhudvulela ngaphandle ngelinetha lami. Ngiyawukulahla emhlabatsini, ngikujikijele esigangeni. Ngiyawukwenta tonkhe tinyoni telizulu takhele etikwakho, bese kutsi tonkhe tilwane temhlaba tikudle tikushwabudzele. Ngiyakwembesa tintsaba ngetidvumbu takho letibolako, ngigcwalise tihosha ngenseketse yakho. Live ngiyakulenya engatini yakho legeletako yonkhe indlela kuya etintsabeni, kutsi tigodzi tigcwaliswe ngenyama yakho. Nase ngikucisha, ngiyakuwasibekela emazulu, ngente tinkhanyeti tawo tibe mnyama. Lilanga ngiyakulimbonya ngelifu, nenyanga ingakukhiphi kukhanya kwayo. Tonkhe tikhanyisi leticwebetelako emazulwini ngiyawutenta tibe mnyama etikwakho; ngiyakwehlisela bumnyama etikwelive lakho, kusho iNkhosi Simakadze. “ ‘Ngiyawutihlupha tinhlitiyo tetive letinyenti, nase ngiletsa imbhubhiso yakho emkhatsini wetive, yebo, emaveni longazange sewuwati. Tive letinyenti ngiyawutenta titfutfumele ngawe, nemakhosi ato ayawushaciswa kwesaba ngenca yakho, nase ngijikitisa inkemba yami embikwawo. Ngelilanga lekuwa kwakho ngulowo nalowo uyawutfutfumela ngekuphila kwakhe kuyo yonkhe imizuzwana yalelo langa. “ ‘Ngobe naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: “ ‘Inkemba yenkhosi yaseBhabhulona iyawuta itewukuhlasela. Ticumbi tebantfu bakho ngiyawutilahla phansi ngetinkemba temachawe lanemandla, yebo, emachawe lanelunya kwendlula tonkhe tive. Umgcabho waseGibhithe ayakuwuphihlita, kutsi tonkhe ticumbi tebantfu bayo tiketulwe. Ngiyakutibhubhisa tonkhe tinkhomo tayo eceleni kwemanti lamanyenti, langaseyiwuphindze anyakatiswe lunyawo lwemuntfu, nome advungwe tinselo tetinkhomo. Emanti ayo ngiyakuwenta aphindze ahlobe, nemifudlana yayo igelete njengemafutsa, kusho iNkhosi Simakadze. Ngiyawutsi nase ngenta iGibhithe ibe lihlane, live ngilihlubule konkhe lelinako, nase ngibashaya bonkhe labaphilako lapho, ngulapho-ke bayawukwati khona kutsi mine nginguSimakadze.’ “Lesi sililo labayakuyihlabelela sona. Emadvodzakati etive ayakusihlabela; ngobe ayawulilela iGibhithe neticumbi tayo, kusho iNkhosi Simakadze.” Ngemnyaka weli-12, ngelilanga leli-15 lenyanga yekucala, livi laSimakadze lefika kimi, latsi: “Ndvodzana yemuntfu, lilela ticumbi tebantfu baseGibhithe, bese ubehlisela emhlabeni longaphansi, yona kanye nemadvodzakati etive letinemandla kanye nalabo labehlela emgodzini. Khuluma kubo utsi: ‘Nine nitsandvwe kwendlula labanye yini? Yehlani niyewulaliswa emkhatsini walabangakasoki.’ Bayawukuwa emkhatsini walabo lababulewe ngenkemba. Inkemba seyikhokhiwe; iGibhithe ayihudvulwe kanye nato tonkhe leto ticumbi tayo tebantfu. Tingwazi letatinemandla kanye nalabebasitana neGibhithe, bemukela emaGibhithe eveni lalabafile. Bememeta batsi: ‘Labangakasoki sebehlile, sebalele lapha, sebabulewe ngenkemba!’ “I-Asiriya ikhona lapho kanye nayo yonkhe imphi yayo; itungeletwe ngemathuna abo bonkhe lababulewe bayo, bonkhe labo lababulewe ngenkemba. Emathuna abo asekujuleni kwemgodzi, nemphi yayo ilala itungelete lithuna layo. Bonkhe labo lababange kutfutfumela eveni lalabaphilako bagwaziwe, balahlwa phansi ngenkemba. “I-Elamu ilapho, kanye nato tonkhe ticumbi tebantfu bayo labatungelete lithuna layo. Bonkhe bagwaziwe, balahlwa phansi ngenkemba. Bonkhe labo lababange kutfutfumela eveni lalabaphilako behla bangakasoki baya ngaphansi kwemhlaba. Betfwele lihlazo labo kanye nalabo labehlela emgodzini. I-Elamu yendlalelwe umbhedze emkhatsini walabagwaziwe, kanye nato tonkhe ticumbi tebantfu bayo letitungelete lithuna layo. Bonkhe abakasokwa, babulewe ngenkemba. Njengobe kutfutfumelisa kwabo sekwandze nelive lonkhe lalabaphilako, betfwele lihlazo labo kanye nalabo labehlela emgodzini; balaliswe emkhatsini walabagwaziwe. “BoMesheki naThubali balapho, bakanye nato tonkhe ticumbi tebantfu babo letitungelete emathuna abo. Bonkhe abakasokwa, babulewe ngenkemba ngobe babange kutfutfumela eveni lalabaphilako. Abalali yini kanye nalamabutfo langakasokwa lasabulewe, lehlele phansi ethuneni kanye netikhali tawo temphi, latinkemba tawo tabekwa ngaphansi kwetinhloko tawo? Sijeziso ngetono tawo sahlala ematsanjeni awo, lite nome kwesatjwa kwalamabutfo kwase kulisibekele lelive lalabaphilako. “Awu Faro, nawe futsi utakwephulwa ulale emkhatsini walabangakasoki, labo lababulewe ngenkemba. “I-Edomu ilapho, emakhosi ayo nato tonkhe tiphatsimandla tayo; nome babenemandla, noko balaliswe kanye nalababulewe ngenkemba nalabo labangakasokwa, kanye nalabo labehlela emgodzini. “Tonkhe tiphatsimandla tasenyakatfo nabo bonkhe baseSidoni balapho; behlela phansi kanye nalabagwaziwe bahlazekile, lite nome kwase kunekwesaba lokwase kubangwe ngemandla abo. Balele bangakasokwa kanye nalabo lababulewe ngenkemba, betfwala lihlazo labo kanye nalabo labehlela emgodzini. “Faro, yena kanye nayo yonkhe imphi yakhe, utawubabona, bese uyadvudvuteka ngenca yato tonkhe leticumbi tebantfu bakhe letabulawa ngenkemba, kusho iNkhosi Simakadze. Lite nome ngamenta wabanga kutfutfumela eveni lalabaphilako, kodvwa Faro nato tonkhe ticumbi tebantfu bakhe bayawulaliswa emkhatsini walabangakasoki, nalabo lababulewe ngenkemba, kusho iNkhosi Simakadze.” Livi laSimakadze lefika kimi, latsi: “Ndvodzana yemuntfu, khuluma kubantfu bakini, utsi: ‘Nase ngiletsa inkemba ngimelana nelive lelitsite nebantfu balo, bese bakhetsa indvodza ibe yinye emkhatsini wabo bayente ibe ngumlindzi wabo, lotawutsi nakabona inkemba ita itekumelana nelive, bese ushaya impalampala ecwayise bonkhe bantfu, nangabe lomunye ayiva lempalampala kodvwa angasinaki lesecwayiso, inkemba ize ifike imbulale, ingati yakhe iyawubasenhloko yakhe. Njengobe abeyivile impalampala nayikhala, kodvwa wangete wasinaka lesecwayiso, ingati yakhe iyawubasetikwakhe. Kube abesinakile lesecwayiso, abetawusindzisa kuphila kwakhe. Kodvwa nangabe lomlindzi abona inkemba ita, angayishayi impalampala kwecwayisa bantfu, bese kuta inkemba idle munye wabo, lowo muntfu uyawususwa ngenca yesono sakhe, kodvwa ingati yalowo muntfu ngiyawuyibita kulowo mlindzi.’ “Ndvodzana yemuntfu, sengikubeke kutsi ube ngumlindzi wendlu yaka-Israyeli; ngako-ke vani livi lengilikhuluma kuwe, ubanike secwayiso lesiphuma kimi. Nangikhuluma kumuntfu lomubi, ngitsi: ‘Awu wena muntfu lomubi, ngempela utakufa,’ wena-ke ungabe usakukhuluma loko kuye kutsi atiyekele tindlela takhe letimbi, lowo muntfu lomubi uyakufa ngenca yesono sakhe, mine-ke ngiyakuyibita kuwe ingati yakhe. Kodvwa nangabe wena umecwayisa lomuntfu lomubi kutsi atiyekele tindlela takhe letimbi, yena angete atiyekela, lowo muntfu uyakufa ngenca yesono sakhe, kodvwa wena uyawube utisindzisile.” “Ndvodzana yemuntfu, khuluma kuyo indlu yaka-Israyeli, utsi: ‘Naku lenikushoko nitsi: “Tikhubekiso tetfu netono tetfu kusidvonsela phansi, natsi sesiyahusheka ngenca yato. Manje-ke sitawuphila kanjani?” ’ Khuluma kubo utsi: ‘Ngifunga kuphila kwami, kusho iNkhosi Simakadze, angikujabuleli kufa kwalomubi, kodvwa ngitsandza kutsi agucuke etindleleni takhe letimbi aphile. Gucukani! Gucukani etindleleni tenu letimbi! Ningafelani, ninendlu yaka-Israyeli?’ “Ngako-ke, ndvodzana yemuntfu, khuluma kulabantfu bakini, utsi: ‘Kulunga kwemuntfu lolungile kungeke kumsindzise nangabe aphambuka, nebubi bemuntfu lomubi bungeke bumente awe, nangabe agucuka kubo. Umuntfu lolungile, nangabe ona, angeke avunyelwe kutsi aphile ngenca yekulunga kwakhe kwakucala.’ Nangabe ngitjela lolungile kutsi ngempela utawuphila, kodvwa yena bese wetsembela kuloko kulunga kwakhe, ente lokubi, kute nome sinye kuletento takhe letinhle latente kucala lesiyawukhunjulwa; uyakufa ngenca yaloko lokubi lakwentile. Nangabe ngikhuluma kumuntfu lomubi, ngitsi: ‘Ngempela utakufa,’ kodvwa bese uyaphendvuka esonweni sakhe, ente loko lokucotfo nalokulungile, nangabe abuyisela loko lakutsatsa njengesibambiso seseboleko, abuyisele naloko lakweba, alandzele timiso tekuphila, angakwenti lokubi, ngempela uyawuphila; angeke afe. Kute nome sinye sono kuleto latentile lesiyawukhunjulwa simelane naye. Wente lokucotfo nalokulungile; ngempela uyawuphila. “Noko bantfu bakini batsi: ‘Indlela yaSimakadze ayikalungi.’ Kodvwa yindlela yabo lena lengakalungi. Nangabe umuntfu lolungile agucuka ekulungeni kwakhe ente lokubi, loko uyawukufela. Kantsi nangabe umuntfu lomubi agucuka ebubini bakhe ente lokucotfo nalokulungile, uyawuphila ngekwenta loko. Noko, wenandlu yaka-Israyeli, utsi: ‘Indlela yaSimakadze ayikalungi.’ Kodvwa ngulowo nalowo wenu ngiyakumehlulela ngekwetindlela takhe.” Ngemnyaka weli-12 wekutfunjwa kwetfu, enyangeni yelishumi, ngelilanga lesihlanu, indvodza leyayibaleke eJerusalema yeta kimi, yefika yatsi: “Lidolobha seliwile!” Ngayitolo kusihlwa lendvodza isengakefiki, sandla saSimakadze sasisetikwami, wavula umlomo wami ekuseni lendvodza isengakefiki. Ngako umlomo wami wavuleka, ngangabe ngisabindza. Livi laSimakadze lase liyefika kimi, latsi: “Ndvodzana yemuntfu, bantfu labahlala kulawo madzibikelo eveni laka-Israyeli, batsi: ‘Abrahama bekunguye yedvwa, noko lonkhe lelive belilakhe. Kodvwa tsine sibanyenti; nakanjani lelive linikwe tsine kutsi libe letfu.’ “Ngako-ke khuluma kubo, utsi: ‘Naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: Njengobe senidla inyama lenengati, nibuke tithico tenu, nicitse ingati, kufanele yini kutsi lelive libe lenu? Netsembele enkembeni yenu, nente tintfo letinengekako, ngulowo nalowo wenu ungcolisa umkamakhelwane wakhe. Kufanele yini kutsi lelive libe lenu?’ “Khuluma kubo, utsi: ‘Naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: Ngifunga kuphila kwami, labo labasemadzilikelweni bayawubulawa ngenkemba, labo labasemaphandleni ngiyawubanikela etilwaneni tesiganga kutsi tibashwabudzele, kutsi labo labasetinqabeni nasemigedzeni babulawe sifo lesibulalanako. Live ngiyawulenta libe lihlane lelingenalutfo, nemandla abo labebatigcabha ngawo ayakuphela atsi nya, tintsaba taka-Israyeli tiyakuba sikhotsa, kangangekutsi kubete nalowengca kuto. Ngulapho-ke bayawukwati khona kutsi mine nginguSimakadze, nase ngente lelive laba lihlane lelingenalutfo ngenca yato tonkhe letintfo letinengekako labatentile.’ ” “Wena-ke, ndvodzana yemuntfu, bantfu bakini bakhuluma ngawe ngasetindvongeni nangaseminyango yetindlu, bakafana imilomo ngawe, batsi: ‘Wotani nitekuva livi leliphuma kuSimakadze.’ Bantfu bami beta kuwe, njengobe bavame kwenta, bahlale embikwakho balalele emavi akho, kodvwa abawenti. Ngemilomo yabo bakhuluma kutsi batinikele, kodvwa tinhlitiyo tabo tibukhali, tifuna inzuzo lembi. Yebo, kubo awusilutfo, ufanana nemuntfu lohlabela tingoma telutsandvo ngeliphimbo lelimnandzi, adlale nemntjingozi kamnandzi, ngobe emavi akho bayaweva, kodvwa bangawenti. “Kuyawutsi konkhe loku nase kwenteka, ngobe vele kutakwenteka, ngulapho-ke bayawukwati khona kutsi umphrofethi abesemkhatsini wabo.” Livi laSimakadze lefika kimi, latsi: “Ndvodzana yemuntfu, phrofetha umelane nebelusi baka-Israyeli; phrofetha ukhulume kubo, utsi: ‘Naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: Nako kubelusi baka-Israyeli labatinakekela bona kuphela! Belusi akukafaneli yini kutsi banakekele umhlambi? Nidla lihongo, nitembatsise ngetimphahla tensontfo, nitihlabele tifuyo telikhetselo, kodvwa aniwunakekeli umhlambi. Anikaticinisi letibutsakatsaka naletigulako, anikatelaphi nabopha nemanceba aletilimele. Letedukile anikatifuni natibuyisa, nangete natifuna naletilahlekile. Nitibuse ngelunya, natiphatsa ngesihluku. Ngako timvu tavele tasakateka, ngobe bekute umelusi, tatsi kube tisakateke, tagucuka taba kudla kwato tonkhe tilwane tesiganga. Timvu tami tazulazula kuto tonkhe tintsaba nakuwo onkhe emagcuma laphakeme. Tasakateka kuwo wonkhe umhlaba, kwabate lotifunako nalotelusako. “ ‘Ngako-ke, nine belusi, vanini livi laSimakadze, lelitsi: Ngifunga kuphila kwami, kusho iNkhosi Simakadze, njengobe umhlambi wami weswele umelusi, waze waphangwa wagucuka waba kudla kwato tonkhe tilwane tesiganga, nanjengobe belusi bami bangazange bawufune umhlambi wami, kodvwa batinakekela bona kakhulu kunekunakekela umhlambi wami, ngako-ke, awu, belusi, vanini livi laSimakadze, lelitsi: Naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: Ngimelene nalabelusi, futsi ngiyawubabeka licala ngalomhlambi wami. Ngiyawubesusa ekweluseni lomhlambi, khona labelusi bangetiwuchubeka nekutondla bona. Ngiyawutephula timvu tami emilonyeni yabo, futsi tingeke tiphindze tibe kudla kwabo.’ ” “ ‘Ngobe naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: Mine ngekwami ngitatifunela letimvu tami, ngitelusele. Njengemelusi nakeluse umhlambi wetimvu takhe losakatekile, nakanato, kanjalo nami ngiyawutelusela timvu tami. Ngiyawutephula kuto tonkhe tindzawo lapho tisakatelwe khona ngalelo langa lemafu nelebumnyama. Ngiyawutikhipha emkhatsini wetive, ngitibutse emaveni, bese ngitibuyisela eveni lato. Ngiyakutelusela etintsabeni taka-Israyeli, ngasemifuleni, nasetindzaweni tonkhe letakhiwe eveni. Ngiyawutelusela edlelweni lelihle, netintsaba letiphakeme taka-Israyeli tiyawuba ngemadlelo ato. Lapho-ke tiyawulala phansi edlelweni lelihle, ngulapho tiyawuklaba khona edlelweni lelineluhlata, etintsabeni taka-Israyeli. Mine ngekwami ngiyawukwelusa timvu tami ngitilalise phansi, kusho iNkhosi Simakadze. Ngiyakutifuna letilahlekile, naletedukile ngitibuyise. Letilimele ngiyawutibopha emanceba, ngiticinise emadvolo letibutsakatsaka, kodvwa letesulekile naleticinile ngiyawutibhubhisa. Ngiyakwelusa umhlambi ngemtsetfocotfo. “ ‘Wena-ke, mhlambi wami, naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: Ngiyawukwehlulela emkhatsini wemvu nemvu nasemkhatsini wetihhanca netiphongo. Akukeneli yini kini kutsi niklabe edlelweni lelihle? Futsi kufanele yini kutsi nigcobagcobe lencenye yelidlelo ngetinyawo tenu? Akukeneli yini kini kunatsa lamanti lahlobile? Kufanele yini kutsi niwadvunge ngetinyawo tenu lamanti? Lomhlambi wami kufanele yini udle loko lese nikugcobagcobile, uphindze unatse loko lese kudvungwe tinyawo tenu? “ ‘Ngako-ke naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze kubo, itsi: Bukani la, mine matfupha ngitakwehlulela emkhatsini wetimvu letikhuluphele netimvu letondzile. Njengobe nitifuca ngemhlubulo nangelihlombe, nitigcubule ngetimphondvo tenu tonkhe timvu letibutsakatsaka, nize niticoshe tihambe, mine-ke ngitawusindzisa umhlambi wami, ungeke uphindze uphangwe. Ngiyakwehlulela emkhatsini wemvu nemvu. Ngiyawubeka etikwato umelusi abe munye, inceku yami Davide, yena uyawutinakekela; uyakuba ngumelusi wato, atinakekele. Mine Simakadze ngiyawuba nguNkulunkulu wato, nenceku yami Davide abe yinkhosi emkhatsini wato. Mine, Simakadze, sengikhulumile. “ ‘Ngiyakwenta sivumelwane sekuthula nato kutsi tilwane tesiganga ngitisuse eveni, khona timvu tami titewuhlala ehlane tilale emahlatsini tiphephile. Ngiyawubusisa tona kanye netindzawo letitungelete ligcuma lami. Ngiyakwehlisa timvula ngesikhatsi sato; kuyawuba netimvula tesibusiso. Tihlahla tesiganga tiyawutsela titselo tato, nemhlaba umilise tilimo tawo; bantfu bayawuhlala baphephile eveni labo. Bayawukwati kutsi mine nginguSimakadze, nase ngephula lijoko labo lensimbi, ngibephula etandleni talabo lababagcilatile. Bangeke baphiindze baphangwe tive, netilwane tesiganga futsi tingeke tiphindze tibashwabudzele. Bayawuhlala baphephile, kute futsi loyawubesabisa. Ngiyawubalungiselela live lelatiwa ngetilimo talo, bangeke baphindze babe kudla kwendlala kulelo live, nome babe yintfo yekwedzelelwa tive. Ngulapho-ke bayawukwati khona kutsi mine Simakadze longuNkulunkulu wabo nginabo, nekuktsi bona labayindlu yaka-Israyeli, basive sami, kusho iNkhosi Simakadze. “ ‘Nine, timvu tami, timvu telidlelo lami, nisive sami, mine nginguNkulunkulu wenu, kusho iNkhosi Simakadze.’ ” Livi laSimakadze lefika kimi, latsi: “Ndvodzana yemuntfu, bhekisa buso bakho ngaseveni letintsaba i-Edomu, phrofetha, umelane nayo, utsi: ‘Naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: Ngimelene nawe, Edomu, live letintsaba, ngiyakwelula sandla sami ngimelane nawe, ngikwente ube lihlane lelingenalutfo. Emadolobha akho ngiyakuwagucula abe ngemadzibikelo, live lakho libe lihlane. Ngulapho-ke uyawukwati khona kutsi mine nginguSimakadze. “ ‘Njengobe wafukamela butsa bakadzeni, wanikela ema-Israyeli enkembeni ngesikhatsi senhlekelele yawo, ngesikhatsi sesijeziso sawo sekuphela, ehlulelwa ngenca yalokubi kwawo, ngako-ke, ngifunga kuphila kwami, ngiyawukunikela ekucitfweni kwengati yakho, futsi kuyawukucosha ngemuva, kusho iNkhosi Simakadze. Njengobe ungazange sewukutondze kucitsa ingati, kucitsa ingati kuyawukucosha ngemuva. Live laka-Edomu letintsaba ngiyawulenta libe lihlane lelingenalutfo, ngincamule bonkhe labaphuma bangene kulo. Tintsaba takho ngiyawutigcwalisa ngalabo labagwaziwe; yebo, labo lababulewe ngenkemba bayakuwa etikwemagcuma akho, nasetihosheni takho, nakuyo yonkhe imifudlana yakho. Ngiyawukwenta ube lihlane phakadze; emadolobha akho angeke abe nebantfu. Ngulapho-ke uyawukwati khona kutsi mine nginguSimakadze. “ ‘Njengobe ukhulume watsi: “Letive letimbili nalamave lamabili kutawuba kwetfu, futsi siyawukutsatsa kube kwetfu,” lite nome mine Simakadze bengikhona lapho, ngako-ke, ngifunga kuphila kwami, ngiyawukuphatsa ngentfukutselo nangemona lowakubonakalisa kubaka-Israyeli ngekubatondza kwakho, nami ngiyawutenta ngatiwe emkhatsini wabo, nangikwehlulela, kusho iNkhosi Simakadze. Ngulapho-ke uyawukwati khona kutsi mine Simakadze ngitivile tonkhe letintfo tekwedzelela letimbi lotikhulume ngetintsaba taka-Israyeli. Watsi: “Tentiwe taba lihlane, taniketwa tsine kutsi sitishwabudzele.” Wangichoshela, wakhuluma kabi ngami ngaphandle kwekutibamba, ngakuva loko. Naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: Kuyawutsi umhlaba wonkhe usajabula, wena ngikwente ube lihlane. Njengobe wajabula ngesikhatsi lifa lendlu yaka-Israyeli liba lihlane, nami-ke ngiyawukuphatsa kanjalo. Uyawuba lihlane, wena live letintsaba taseSeyiri, yebo, wena nalo lonkhe laka-Edomu. Ngulapho-ke bayawukwati khona kutsi mine nginguSimakadze.’ ” “Ndvodzana yemuntfu, phrofetha kuto tintsaba taka-Israyeli, utsi: ‘Awu nine, tintsaba taka-Israyeli, vanini livi laSimakadze. Naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: Sitsa sakhuluma ngani, satsi: “Hha! Ticongo takadzeni setilifa letfu.” ’ Ngako-ke phrofetha, utsi: ‘Naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: Ngenca yekutsi banona kangaka banicosha yonkhe indzawo, naze naba lifa lato tonkhe letinye tive, nentfo yekuhlekisa neyekucashatwa bantfu, ngako-ke vanini livi leNkhosi Simakadze, nine tintsaba taka-Israyeli: Naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, kuto tintsaba nemagcuma, nasemifudlaneni, nasetihosheni, nakuto tindzawo letidzilitiwe, nakumadolobha lasala akhala libhungane, laphangwa laphukutwa ngito tonkhe tive letisele letinitungeletile. “ ‘Naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: Ngentfukutselo yami levutsako ngikhulume ngemelana nato tonkhe tive letisele, kanye nalo lonkhe laka-Edomu, ngobe batsatsa live lami balenta labo ngekujabula, nangenhlitiyo lembi, bentela kuphanga emadlelo alo.’ “Ngako-ke phrofetha macondzana nelive laka-Israyeli, ukhulume kuto tintsaba nemagcuma, nasemifudlaneni netihosha, utsi: ‘Naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: Ngikhuluma ngelulaka lwami nangesikhwele sami, ngobe senive buhlungu bekwedzelelwa tive. Ngako-ke naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: Ngifunga ngekuphakamisa sandla sami, ngitsi, tive lenakhelene nato tiyawuva buhlungu bekwedzelelwa. “ ‘Kodvwa nine, tintsaba taka-Israyeli, niyawuhluma emagala, nitselele sive sami ema-Israyeli titselo tenu, ngobe siyawubuya ekhaya masinyane. Ngobe ngihluphekile ngani, futsi ngiyawunibuka ngeluvelo, niyawulinywa nihlanyelwe, ngibuye ngandzise sibalo sebantfu kini, yebo yonkhe indlu yaka-Israyeli. Emadolobha ayawuphindze ahlalwe bantfu, netindzawo letibhidlitiwe takhiwe kabusha. Ngiyakwandzisa sibalo sebantfu nesetilwane kini, yebo, kuyawutalana kwandze. Ngiyawuhlalisa bantfu kini njengaloku kwakwenteka kucala, ngibuye nginente niphumelele ninjinge kakhulu kunakucala. Ngulapho-ke niyawukwati khona kutsi mine nginguSimakadze. Ngiyawukwenta bantfu, lekusive sami ema-Israyeli, kutsi bahambe etikwenu. Nine seniyawuba babo, nibe lifa labo; aniseyiwuphindze nibemuke bantfwababo. “ ‘Naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: Ngenca yekutsi bantfu bakhuluma kuwe, live laka-Israyeli, batsi: “Udla bantfu, udlelele sive sakho bantfwabaso,” ngako-ke awusayikudla bantfu nome wente sive sakho singabi nabantfwana, kusho iNkhosi Simakadze. Angisayikwenta uphindze uve kuchukulutwa tive, futsi awusayikubuva buhlungu bekuhlekwa betive nome uwise sive sakho, kusho iNkhosi Simakadze.’ ” Livi laSimakadze laphindze lefika kimi, latsi: “Ndvodzana yemuntfu, ngesikhatsi sive sema-Israyeli sisahlala eveni laso, salingcolisa ngekutiphatsa kabi kwaso nangetento taso. Kutiphatsa kwaso emehlweni ami kwakufanana nekungcola kwemfati kwanyangatonkhe. Ngako ngatfululela lulaka lwami etikwabo, ngobe bese bacitse ingati kulelo live, nangobe bese balingcolise ngaletithico tabo. Ngabahlakatela emkhatsini wetive, basakateka emaveni ngemave; ngabehlulela ngangekwekutiphatsa kwabo, nangangekwenta kwabo. Yonkhe indzawo lapho baya khona etiveni balihlambalata Libito lami lelingcwele, ngobe kwakukhulunywa ngabo kutsiwe: ‘Lesi sive saSimakadze, kodvwa noko kwakufanele balishiye live lakhe.’ Ngaphatseka kabi ngeLibito lami lelingcwele, lelahlanjalatwa yindlu yaka-Israyeli emkhatsini wetive, lapho bebaye khona. “Ngako-ke khuluma kuyo indlu yaka-Israyeli, utsi: ‘Naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: Akusiko ngenca yakho, wenandlu yaka-Israyeli, lokutsi ngitatenta letintfo, kodvwa kungenca yeLibito lami lelingcwele lewulihlambalatile emkhatsini wetive lapho wawuhlanhlatseke waya khona. Ngitawukhombisa bungcwele beLibito lami lelikhulu, lebeselihlanjalatwe emkhatsini wetive, Libito lenilihlambalate emkhatsini wato. Ngulapho-ke tive tiyawukwati khona kutsi mine nginguSimakadze, nase ngitibonakalisa ngani kutsi mine ngingcwele, embikwemehlo ato, kusho iNkhosi Simakadze. “ ‘Ngobe ngiyawunikhipha emkhatsini wetive, ngiyawunibutsa kuwo onkhe emave, nginibuyisele eveni lelingelenu. Ngiyawunifafata ngemanti lahlobile, bese niyahlanteka; ngiyawunihlanta kuko konkhe kungcola kwenu nakuto tonkhe tithico tenu. Ngiyawuninika inhlitiyo lensha, ngifake umoya lomusha ekhatsi kini; ngiyawuyikhipha inhlitiyo lelitje kini, ngininike inhlitiyo yenyama. Ngiyawufaka Moya wami kini, nginente nilandzele timiso tami, nicaphele kugcina imitsetfo yami. Niyawuhlala eveni lengalipha boyihlomkhulu, niyawuba sive sami, mine ngibe nguNkulunkulu wenu. Ngiyawuniphephisa kuko konkhe kungcola kwenu. Ngiyawubita lokutinhlavu, ngikwandzise kube kunyenti, ngingayehliseli kini indlala. Nigyakwandzisa titselo tetihlahla, netivuno temasimi, kuze ningetiwutseleka ngelihlazo emkhatsini wetive ngenca yendlala. Lapho-ke niyawutikhumbula tindlela tenu letimbi netento tenu letinengekako, niyawutenyanya ngenca yetono tenu nangetento tenu letinengekako. Ngifuna nati kutsi loko angikwenti ngenca yenu. Banini nemahloni nihlazeke ngenca yekutiphatsa kwenu kabi, ninendlu yaka-Israyeli, kusho iNkhosi Simakadze. “ ‘Naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: Mzukwana nginihlanta kuto tonkhe tono tenu, ngiyakuwatintisa kabusha emadolobha enu, netindzawo tenu lebetibhidlitiwe tiyakwakhiwa kabusha. Live lelase likhala libhungane liyawulinywa esikhundleni sekutsi lisale liliihlane lelingenalutfo emehlweni abo bonkhe labengca kulo. Bayawutsi: “Lelive belilihlane lelingenalutfo selihlume laba njengensimi yase-Edeni; emadolobha labesasele atindzala, sekukhala libhungane kuwo, asabhujisiwe, nyalo asabiyelwe futsi asahlalwa bantfu.” Lapho-ke tive leniyawube nakhelene nato letiyawube tisasele tiyawukwati kutsi mine Simakadze, ngikwakhe kabusha loko lokwase kubhujisiwe, ngabuye ngahlumisa loko lokwase kulihlane. Mine Simakadze sengikhulumile, futsi ngitawukwenta.’ “Naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: Nangaloku ngiyawulalela kukhala kwendlu yaka-Israyeli, ngibentele naku: Ngiyawukwenta sive sabo sandze sibe ngangetimvu, babe banyenti ngangemihlambi yeminikelo eJerusalema, ngetikhatsi temikhosi yakhona lemisiwe. Kanjalo-ke kulamadolobha labebhidlitiwe kuyawunyakatela bantfu. Ngulapho-ke bayawukwati khona kutsi mine nginguSimakadze.” Sandla saSimakadze sasisetikwami, wangikhiphela ngaphandle ngaMoya waSimakadze, wangimisa ekhatsi nendzawo esigodzini. Lesigodzi sasigcwele ematsambo. Wangihola angiyisa enhla nentasi emkhatsini walamatsambo. Ngabona kutsi sonkhe lesigodzi sasigcwele ematsambo lapha phansi, lamatsambo futsi abome nkhwa. Wangibuta watsi: “Ndvodzana yemuntfu, lamatsambo angaphila yini?” Ngatsi mine: “Awu, Nkhosi, Simakadze, nguwe wedvwa lowatiko.” Wase utsi kimi: “Phrofetha kulamatsambo, utsi kuwo: ‘Nine matsambo lomile, vanini livi laSimakadze! Naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze kulamatsambo, itsi: Ngitakwenta umphefumulo ungene kini, nitabe seniyaphila. Ngitawuhlumisa imisipha kini, ngente inyama imile kini, nginembese ngesikhumba, ngitawufaka umphefumulo kini, nitawube seniyaphila. Ngulapho-ke niyawukwati khona kutsi mine nginguSimakadze.’ ” Ngako ngaphrofetha njengobe ngangiyaliwe. Ngatsi ngisaphrofetha, kwaba nemsindvo, kwakhala bukhehlekhehle, ematsambo ahlangana, litsambo laya etsanjeni. Ngatsi ngiyabuka, kwavela kuwo imisipha nenyama, ngabona sikhumba siwembesa, kodvwa kwakute umphefumulo kuwo. Wakhuluma kimi, watsi: “Phrofetha emphefumulweni, phrofetha, ndvodzana yemuntfu, ukhulume kuwo, utsi: ‘Naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: Wena mphefumulo, chamuka emimoyeni yomine, uphefumulele kulaba lababulewe, khona batewuphila.’ ” Ngako ngaphrofetha njengaloku abengiyalile, umphefumulo wangena kuwo, ase ayaphila, asukuma ema ngetinyawo, kwakuyimphi lenkhulu kakhulu. Wase utsi kimi: “Ndvodzana yemuntfu, lamatsambo lawa, angiyo yonkhe indlu yaka-Israyeli. Batsi: ‘Ematsambo etfu omile, nelitsemba letfu liphelile; sincanyuliwe saphela nya.’ Ngako-ke phrofetha, utsi kubo: ‘Naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: Awu, sive sami, ngitawugwabula emadliza enu, nginikhiphe kuwo; ngiyawunibuyisela eveni lenu laka-Israyeli. Ngulapho-ke niyawukwati khona, nine bantfu bami, kutsi mine nginguSimakadze, mhlazane ngivula emathuna enu nginikhipha kuwo. Ngiyawufaka Moya wami kini, bese niyaphila, ngiyawunihlalisa eveni lenu. Lapho-ke niyawube seniyati kutsi mine Simakadze sengikhulumile, futsi sengikwentile, kusho Simakadze.’ ” Livi laSimakadze lefika kimi, latsi: “Ndvodzana yemuntfu, tsatsa umzaca ubhale kuwo, utsi: ‘LongewakaJuda nema-Israyeli latihlanganise naye.’ Bese utsatsa lomunye futsi umzaca ubhale kuwo, utsi: ‘Longewaka-Efrayimu, nalongewakaJosefa nabo bonkhe bendlu yaka-Israyeli labatihlanganise naye.’ Yihlanganise ndzawonye, uyente ibe ngumzaca munye, khona itewuba yintfo yinye esandleni sakho. “Nabakubuta bantfu bakini, batsi: ‘Ungete wasitjela yini kutsi usho kutsini ngaloku?’ ubobatjela kutsi mine, iNkhosi Simakadze, ngitawutsatsa lomzaca lomelele baka-Israyeli ngiwubeke kanyekanye nalona lomelele bakaJuda. Ngalemizaca lemibili ngitakwenta umzaca ube munye lengitawuphatsa ngesandla sami. “Bamba ngesandla sakho lemizaca yomibili lobhale kuyo, wentele kutsi bantfu bayibone, bese-ke uyabatjela kutsi: ‘Naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: Ngitawubutsa sonkhe sive sami saka-Israyeli kuto tonkhe tive lapho sahlakatekela khona, ngisibutsele ndzawonye ngize ngisibuyisele eveni lelingelaso. Ngiyawubenta babe sive sinye kulelo live, etintsabeni taka-Israyeli. Kuyawuba nenkhosi yinye leyawubabusa bonkhe, futsi abasayiwuphindze babe tive letimbili letehlukene nome behlukane babe ngimibuso lemibili. Abasayikutingcolisa bona ngetithico tabo nangetitfombe letinengekako, nanganome ngusiphi setono tabo, ngobe ngiyawubasindzisa kuto tonkhe tono tabo tekuhlubuka, ngibageze. Bayakuba bantfu bami, mine ngibe nguNkulunkulu wabo. “ ‘Inceku yami, Davide, iyawuba yinkhosi yabo, futsi bonkhe bayawuba nemelusi munye. Bayawulandzela imitsetfo yami, bacaphele kugcina timiso tami. Bayawuhlala eveni lengalipha inceku yami Jakobe, live lapho kwakuhlala khona boyihlomkhulu. Bona kanye nebantfwababo, kanye nebantfwana bebantfwababo, bayawuhlala lapho phakadze naphakadze; naDavide, inceku yami, uyawuba yinkhosi yabo phakadze naphakadze. Ngiyawukwenta sivumelwane sekuthula nabo, siyawuba sivumelwane saphakadze. Ngiyawubahlalisa kahle batinte, ngibente bandze, ngibeke indzawo yami lengcwele emkhatsini wabo phakadze naphakadze. Indzawo yami yekuhlala iyawuba kubo; mine ngiyawuba nguNkulunkulu wabo, bona babe bantfu bami. Ngulapho-ke tive tiyawukwati khona kutsi mine Simakadze ngenta Israyeli kutsi abe ngcwele, ngesikhatsi indzawo yami lengcwele iyawuba kubo phakadze naphakadze.’ ” Livi laSimakadze lefika kimi, latsi: “Ndvodzana yemuntfu, bhekisa buso bakho ngakuGogi waseveni lakaMagogi, indvuna lenkhulu yesive sakaMesheki nakaThubali. Phrofetha kuye, utsi: ‘Naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: Ngimelene nawe, wena Gogi, ndvuna lenkhulu yakaMesheki nakaThubali. Ngitakushayisa situngeletane, ngifake emadweba emihlatsini yakho, ngikukhiphe kanye nayo yonkhe imphi yakho, emahhashi akho, nebagibeli bakho bemahhashi labahlome baphelela, nelucucaba lwebantfu labahlome ngisho nangemahawu lamakhulu nalamancane, bonkhe bamengetelisa tinkemba tabo. IPheresiya, neKushe, nePhuthi iyawuba kanye nabo, bonkhe banemahawu netimphantitje, kanye neGomeri inawo onkhe emabutfo ayo, neBhethi Togama lengasekugcineni kwasenyakatfo nawo onkhe emabutfo akhona; tive letinyenti tikanye nawe. “ ‘Caphela, tilungiselele, wena kanye nalolucucaba lwebantfu lababutsene lapha kuwe, ubahole. Emvakwemalanga lamanyenti utawubitelwa embutfweni. Kuleminyaka letako utawuhlasela live leselibuyiswe emphini, lelibantfu balo babutfwa etiveni letinyenti, bayiswa etintsabeni taka-Israyeli letase tikhala libhungane kadzenidzeni. Bakhishwe etiveni ngetive, kodvwa nyalo bonkhe sebahlala bavikelekile. Wena kanye nawo onkhe emabutfo akho netive letinyenti letinawe niyawukhuphuka, nishulungane njengesihhuhhula semoya, niyawuba njengelifu lelimbonya live. “ ‘Naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: Ngalelo langa kuyawufika imizindlo engcondvweni yakho, uyawukwakha lisu lelibi. Uyakutsi: “Ngitawungenela live lelitabelo talo tingakabiyelwa, ngiyawuhlasela sive lesinekuthula, sive lesingakacapheli lutfo, bonkhe bahlala ebaleni bangakavikeleki, abanamasango namicabo. Ngiyawubaphanga, ngibemuke timphahla, bese ngijikisela sandla sami kuletindzawo lebetidzilitiwe lesetakhiwe kabusha, nakulabantfu lababutfwe etiveni ngetive, sive lesesifuye kakhulu, kantsi sinetimphahla letinyenti futsi, bantfu labahlala enkhabeni yelive.” BaseSheba, nebaseDedani, nebahwebi baseThashishi nebakuyo yonkhe imiti yayo bayawutsi kuwe: “Utewuphanga yini? Lolucucaba lwakho ulubutsele kutasemuka timphahla yini, wetfwale isiliva kanye negolide, utsatse tifuyo netimphahla, utsatse nemphango lenyenti?” ’ “Ngako-ke, ndvodzana yemuntfu, phrofetha utsi kuGogi: ‘Naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: Ngalelo langa, mzukwana sive sami, ema-Israyeli, sesihlala sivikelekile, awuyiwukubona yini? Uyawuchamuka endzaweni yakho lesenyakatfo lekhashane, wena netive letinyenti letikanye nawe, bonkhe bagibele emahhashi, inyakanyaka yemabutfo, imphi lenemandla kakhulu. Uyawushuca usukele sive sami, ema-Israyeli, njengelifu lelisibekela live. Kulamalanga letako wena, Gogi, ngitakuyisa eveni lami, kuze tive titewungati mine nase ngitibonakalisa bungcwele bami ngawe tibukile. “ ‘Naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: Akusiwe yini lona lengakhuluma ngaye ngemalanga akadzeni ngetinceku tami baphrofethi baka-Israyeli? Ngaleso sikhatsi baphrofetha iminyakanyaka kutsi ngitawutfumela wena uyewumelana nabo.’ ” “ ‘Naku-ke lokuyakwenteka ngalelo langa: Mzukwana Gogi ahlasela live laka-Israyeli, intfukutselo yami leshisako iyawuvuka, kusho iNkhosi Simakadze. Ngenshisekelo yami nangelulaka lwami loluvutsako, ngiyasho ngitsi: Ngalelo langa kuyawuba nalokukhulu kutamatama kwemhlaba eveni laka-Israyeli. Tinhlanti taselwandle, netinyoni tasemoyeni, netilwane tesiganga, nato tonkhe tilwanyakatana letinwabutelako emhlabatsini, nabo bonkhe bantfu labasebusweni bemhlaba, kuyawutfutfumela ebukhoneni bami. Tintsaba tiyawugumbuceleka, emawa ahhihlikele phansi, nato tonkhe tindvonga tiyawudzilikela emhlabatsini. Ngiyawumbitela inkemba Gogi, imelane naye kuto tonkhe tintsaba tami. Inkemba yalowo nalowo muntfu iyawumelana nemnakabo, kusho iNkhosi Simakadze. Ngiyawukhipha sigwebo sesifo lesibulalanako nesekucitseka kwengati; ngiyakwehlisela sihhuhhula semvula lenesangcotfo nesibabule lesivutsako etikwakhe nasetikwemabutfo akhe, nasetikwetive letinyenti letikanye naye. Ngiyawubukhombisa kanjalo-ke bukhulu bami nebungcwele bami, ngiyawutenta kutsi ngatiwe emehlweni etive letinyenti. Ngulapho-ke bayawungati khona kutsi mine nginguSimakadze.’ ” “Ndvodzana yemuntfu, phrofetha umelane naGogi, utsi: ‘Naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: Ngimelene nawe Gogi, wena ndvuna lenkhulu yakaMesheki nakaThubali. Ngitakushayisa situngeletane ngikuhudvule. Ngiyawukususa enyakatfo lekhashane, ngikuyise kuyawumelana netintsaba taka-Israyeli. Ngiyawube-ke sengivitsita butjoki bakho esandleni sakho sangesancele, ngiyilahle phansi imicibisholo yakho lesesandleni sakho sangesekudla. Uyakuwa etintsabeni taka-Israyeli, wena kanye nawo onkhe emabutfo akho netive letikanye nawe. Ngiyawukwenta ube kudla kuto tonkhe tinhlobonhlobo tetinyoni letidla letinye tilwane, nasetilwaneni tesiganga. Uyawuwela phansi esigangeni kalashameshame, ngobe sengikhulumile, kusho iNkhosi Simakadze. Ngiyawutfumela umlilo kuMagogi, nakulabo labahlala bavikelekile emaveni lagudla lwandle, bayawukwati kutsi mine nginguSimakadze. “ ‘Libito lami lelingcwele ngiyawulenta latiwe emkhatsini wesive sami, ema-Israyeli. Yebo, Libito lami lelingcwele ngingeke ngisaliyekela lihlanjalatwe, netive tiyawukwati kutsi mine nginguSimakadze, Longcwele ka-Israyeli. Kuyeta! Nome kanjani kutakwenteka! Kusho iNkhosi Simakadze. Leli ngilo lilanga lengakhuluma ngalo. “ ‘Labo-ke labahlala emadolobheni aka-Israyeli bayawuphuma bayewubutsa tikhali lebetilahlwe ngemabutfo akho batewutibasa. Bayawubasa emahawu lamakhulu nalamancane, nebutjoki, nemicibisholo, netizeze, netikhali. Kuyawuba ngiminyaka lesikhombisa basebentisa tona ekubaseni umlilo. Abasayiwudzinga kutsi bayewutfota tinkhuni etigangeni, nome batikabhe emahlatsini, ngobe bayawusebentisa letikhali ekubaseni umlilo. Bayawuphanga labo labebaphangile, babemuke timphahla labo lababebemuke timphahla tabo, kusho iNkhosi Simakadze.’ ” “ ‘Ngalelo langa ngiyawuniketa Gogi indzawo yekungcwatjwa ka-Israyeli, esigodzini salabo labahamba besuka emphumalanga babheke ngaselwandle. Lendzawo iyawuvimba indlela yetihambi, ngobe Gogi kanye nalo lonkhe lolucucaba lwakhe bayawungcwatjwa lapho. Ngako-ke seyiyawubitwa ngekutsi sigodzi sakaHamona Gogi. “ ‘Kuyawudzimate kuphele tinyanga letisikhombisa solomane indlu yaka-Israyeli ibangcwaba, kuze kuhlanteke lelive. Bonkhe bantfu belive bayawubangcwaba, futsi lelo langa lengiyawukhatimuliswa ngalo kuyawuba lilanga leliyawuba yincophamlandvo kubo, kusho iNkhosi Simakadze. “ ‘Kuyawukhetfwa emadvodza latsite kutsi ehle enyuke nalo lonkhe live ahambe angcwaba tonkhe tidvumbu latitfola tidzindzibele eveni, entele kuhlanta live. Kuyawutsi ekupheleni kwaletinyanga letisikhombisa acale kuphenya. Kuyawutsi ekuhambeni kwabo eveni lonkhe, ngulowo atsi nakakhandza litsambo lemuntfu afinye lifindvo eceleni kwalo, kuze kufike laba labangcwabako, balitsatse bayelingcwaba esigodzini sakaHamona Gogi. Lidolobha lekutsiwa yiHamona liyawuba khona lapho. Bayawulihlanta kanjalo-ke live.’ “Ndvodzana yemuntfu, naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: Bita tonkhe tinhlobo tetinyoni, nato tonkhe tilwane tesiganga, utsi: ‘Butsanani ndzawonye nonkhe nisuka kuyo yonkhe indzawo, nite edzilini lenginilungiselele lona, umhlatjelo lomkhulu etintsabeni taka-Israyeli. Lapho-ke niyawufike niniphite inyama, nibuye nehlise ngengati. Niyawudla inyama yemadvodza lanemandla, ninatse ingati yebabusi bemhlaba, kube shangatsi bekutimvu nemazinyane, timbuti netinkunzi, konkhe kutilwane letikhuluphalisiwe taseBhashani. Kulo lelidzili lenginilungisela lona, niyakudla emanoni nize ninafune, ninatse ingati nize nidzakwe. Edzilini lami niyawudla nize nidzabuke tisu yinyama yemahhashi neyebagibeli bawo, neyetingwazi letinemandla neyayo yonkhe inhlobo yetihlabani,’ kusho iNkhosi Simakadze.” “Ngiyawubonakalisa bukhosi bami emkhatsini wetive, tonkhe tive tiyawusibona sijeziso sami kuto nesandla sami lengisibeka etikwato. Kusukela ngalelo langa kuye embili indlu yaka-Israyeli iyawungati kutsi mine nginguSimakadze Nkulunkulu wayo. Netive titakwati kutsi sive saka-Israyeli saya ekutfunjweni ngenca yetono taso, ngobe babengaketsembeki kimi. Ngako ngase ngiyabufihla buso bami kubo, ngabaniketa etandleni tetitsa tabo. Bonkhe bafa ngenkemba. Ngabaphatsa njengalokungcola kwabo, nanjengekona kwabo, ngabufihla buso bami kubo. “Ngako-ke naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: Manje sengitambuyisa Jakobe ekutfunjweni, ngibe nesihawu kubo bonkhe bantfu baka-Israyeli, ngiyawulishisekela Libito lami lelingcwele. Bayakulikhohlwa lihlazo labo nako konkhe kungetsembeki kwabo labakwenta kimi, ngesikhatsi basahleti eveni labo bavikelekile, kute namunye labengabesabisa. Nase ngibabuyisile etiveni sengibabutsile emaveni etitsa tabo, ngiyawubonakalisa bungcwele bami ngabo, emehlweni ato tonkhe tive. Lapho-ke bayawube sebayati kutsi mine nginguSimakadze longuNkulunkulu wabo, ngobe nome ngabayisa ekutfunjweni emkhatsini wetive, ngiyawuphindze ngibabutsisele eveni lelingelabo, ngingashiyi namunye ngemuva. Angisayikubufihla buso bami kubo, ngobe ngiyawutfululela Moya wami kuyo indlu yaka-Israyeli, kusho iNkhosi Simakadze.” Kwatsi ngemnyaka wema-25 sitfunjiwe, ekucaleni nje kwemnyaka, tilishumi enyangeni, ngemnyaka weli-14 emvakwekuwa kweJerusalema, ngalona lelo langa nje sandla saSimakadze sasisetikwami, wangitsatsa wangiyisa khona. Emibonweni yaNkulunkulu wangitsatsa wangiyisa eveni laka-Israyeli, wafike wangimisa entsabeni lephakeme kakhulu, lekwatsi ngaseningizimu kwayo kwakunetindlu letatibukeka shangatsi ngulelikhulu lidolobha. Wangiyisa khona, ngafike ngabona indvodza leyayibukeka njengelitfusi; yayime esangweni inelucotfo lwelineni nendvuku yekulinganisa esandleni sayo. Lendvodza yakhuluma kimi, yatsi: “Ndvodzana yemuntfu, buka ngemehlo akho uve ngetindlebe takho, ulalelisise konkhe lengitakukukhombisa kona, ngobe nguloko lokungukona ukuletselwe lapha. Tjela indlu yaka-Israyeli konkhe loku lokubonako.” Ngabona lubondza lolutungelete yonkhe lendzawo yelithempeli. Budze balendvuku yekulinganisa leyayisesandleni salendvodza babungemamitha labengaba matsatfu, wakala lolubondza. Lwalungemamitha labengaba matsatfu kuphakama, nemamitha labengaba matsatfu bucinsi balo. Wase uya ngasendlini yelisango lelibheke ngasemphumalanga. Wakhuphuka titebhisi talo, wase ukala lobubanti bemphundvu yelisango, babungemamitha labengaba matsatfu. Ngale kwemphundvu yelisango kwakunemhubhe lowawunemakamelo abogadzi lamatsatfu ngala nangala kwawo, likamelo lilinye lalisikwele lesimacala angemamitha labengaba matsatfu lilinye, letibondza letisemkhatsini wawo tatingemamitha labengaba mabili nesigamu bucinsi bato. Ngale kwalamakamelo abogadzi, kwakunalenye imphundvu yelisango leyayingemamitha labengaba matsatfu bubanti leyayingena emhubheni lowawubukene nelithempeli. Wase ukala umhubhe welisango; wawungemamitha labengaba mane bubanti, tibondza tawo tatingaba limitha linye bucinsi. Lomhubhe walendlu yelisango wawubukene nelithempeli. Ngekhatsi kwalendlu yelisango langasemphumalanga kwakunemakamelo lamatsatfu luhlangotsi lulunye, omatsatfu abelingana ngebukhulu, naletibondza kuwo onkhe emacala awo tatilingana. Lendvodza yase ilinganisa bubanti basekungeneni kwalelisango; babungemamitha labengaba sihlanu, bese kutsi budze bonkhe balo bube ngemamitha labengaba sitfupha nesigamu. Embikwalelo nalelo kamelo labogadzi kwakunelubondza lolufishatane lolwalungaba sigamu selimitha kuphakama, nesigamu selimitha bucinsi balo, lamakamelo abesikwele lesingemamitha labengaba matsatfu. Lendvodza yase ilinganisa bubanti balendlu yelisango, kusuka etulu elubondzeni lolungemuva kwelikamelo linye kuya etulu elubondzeni lolungemuva lwalelinye likamelo lelicondzene nalo lelimshiya ngaloya kwemhubhe wangekhatsi; yatfola kutsi babungemamitha labengaba li-12 nesigamu. Lendvodza yakala kugudla lingembili letibonza, letiphume taphondla kutungeleta lingekhatsi lendlu yelisango, kwakungemamitha labengaba ngema-30. Lesilinganiso sasifikela kulomhubhe lowawubukene nesibuya. Sebubonkhe budze balendlu yelisango kusukela elubondzeni lolungephandle ngasekungeneni kwalelisango kuya ekugcineni kwalomhubhe wekugcina, babungemamitha labengaba ngema-25. Bekunemafasitelo lamancane kulolubondza lolungephandle lwalamakamelo abogadzi nakuleti letatisemkhatsini walamakamelo kanye nakulomhubhe yonkhe indzawo. Bekunetihlahla temasundvu letaticoshwe kuletibondza letingekhatsi letatibheke kulomhubhe wangekhatsi. Lendvodza yase ingimikisa esibuyeni lesasingephandle. Nalapho ngafike ngabona emakamelo nesiyilo lesasakhiwe kuso sonkhe lesibuya kusitungeleta; kwakunemakamelo langema-30 kulesibuya, embikwawo kwakunelibala lelaliyilwe ngematje. Lesiyilo sasiseceleni kwaletindlu temasango, bubanti baso babulingene nebudze baletindlu temasango. Lesi kwakusiyilo lesasingentansi. Kwakunendlu yelisango leyayingenhla iphumela kuso sibuya sangekhatsi. Lendvodza yase ilinganisa budze kusukela ekugcineni kwalendlu yelisango kuya ekungeneni kwalena lenye, kwakungemamitha labengaba ngema-50. Lendvodza yase ilinganisa budze nebubanti bendlu yelisango langasenyakatfo leyayiphumela esibuyeni lesingephandle. Emakamelo ayo abogadzi, omatsatfu ngalapha nangalapha kwemhube wangekhatsi, netibondza letatisemkhatsini wawo, kanye nalomhubhe lobukene nesibuya, konkhe bekulingana nekwelisango langasemphumalanga. Sebubonkhe budze balendlu yelisango babungemamitha labengaba ngema-25, nebubanti bayo bungemamitha labengaba li-12 nesigamu. Umhubhe wayo lobukene nesibuya, nemafasitelo ayo, netihlahla temasundvu letaticoshwe kuyo, konkhe kwakufanana tjika nalokwa kwendlu yelisango langasemphumalanga. Lapha titebhisi letisikhombisa tatikhuphukela emnyango walelisango, lomhubhe wayo wawusekugcineni, ubuke lesibuya. Mshiya ngaloya kwalesibuya, kusuka kulendlu yelisango langasenyakatfo kwakunalenye indlu yelisango leyayiphumela kulesibuya sangekhatsi, njengasemphumalanga. Lendvodza yase ikala budze emkhatsini waletindlu temasango omabili, yakhandza kutsi bungemamitha labengaba ngema-50. Lendvodza yase ingiyisa ngaseluhlangotsini lwangaseningizimu, nalapho sabona lenye indlu yelisango. Yakala tibondza tayo nemhubhe wayo lobukene nesibuya, konkhe kwakufanana tjika naloku lokunye. Lendlu yelisango, nemhubhe wayo, kwakunemafasitelo yonkhe indzawo, njengakuleta letinye. Sebubonkhe budze balendlu yelisango babungemamitha labengaba ngema-25, bubanti bayo bungemamitha labengaba li-12 nesigamu. Kwakunetitebhisi letisikhombisa letatikhuphukela kuyo, umhubhe wakhona nawo wawusekugcineni ubuke kulesibuya. Nakhona kwakunetihlahla temasundvu letaticoshwe kuletibondza letatibheke kulomhubhe wangekhatsi. Nakhona lapha kwakunendlu yelisango leyayiphumela kulesibuya sangekhatsi. Lendvodza yase ikala budze kusuka kulelisango kuya kulelisango langaphandle ngaseningizimu, yakhandza kutsi bungemamitha labengaba ngema-50. Lendvodza yangitsatsa yangidzabulisa indlu yelisango langaseningizimu, yaya nami kulesibuya sangekhatsi. Yayikala lendlu yelisango, yakhandza kutsi iyafanana naleti letinye letatikulolubondza lwangephandle. Emakamelo ayo abogadzi, netibondza tayo tangekhatsi kanye nalomhubhe wayo kwakulingana nekwaleti letinye. Lendlu yelisango nalomhubhe wayo kwakunemafasitelo yonkhe indzawo. Yayingemamitha labengaba ngema-25 budze, nemamitha labengaba li-12 nesigamu bubanti. Imihubhe yaletindlu temasango letatitungeleta sibuya sangekhatsi yayingemamitha labengaba li-12 nesigamu budze, nemamitha labengaba mabili nesigamu bubanti. Umhubhe walendlu yelisango langaseningizimu wawukulesibuya sangephandle; tihlahla temasundvu taticoshwe kuletibondza tayo tangekhatsi. Kwakunetitebhisi letisiphohlongo letatikhuphukela ekungeneni kwelisango. Lendvodza yangidzabulisa indlu yalelisango langasemphumalanga, yangingenisa esibuyeni sangekhatsi. Yayikala lendlu yelisango, yakhandza kutsi ilingana tjika naleti letinye. Emakamelo ayo abogadzi netibondza tayo tangekhatsi kanye nalomhubhe wayo kwakulingana ncamashi nekwaleti letinye. Lendlu yelisango nalomhubhe wayo kwakunemafasitelo yonkhe indzawo. Sebubonkhe budze bayo babungemamitha labengaba ngema-25, nebubanti bayo babungemamitha labengaba li-12 nesigamu. Lomhubhe wayo wawubheke esibuyeni sangephandle. Kwakucoshwe tihlahla temasundvu kuletibondza tayo tangekhatsi emaceleni omabili. Kwakunetitebhisi letisiphohlongo letatikhuphukela ekungeneni kwelisango. Lendvodza yase ingiyisa endlini yelisango langasenyakatfo. Yayikala, yakhandza kutsi ilingana tjika naleti letinye. Njengato nayo yayinemakamelo abogadzi, netibondza tangekhatsi, nemhubhe lobukene nesibuya, nemafasitelo yonkhe indzawo. Sebubonkhe budze bayo babungemamitha labengaba ngema-25, nebubanti bayo babungemamitha labengaba li-12 nesigamu. Lomhubhe wayo lomunye wawubheke kulesibuya sangephandle. Kwakucoshwe tihlahla temasundvu kuletibondza tangekhatsi emaceleni omabili. Kwakunetitebhisi letisiphohlongo letatikhuphukela ekungeneni kwelisango. Kulesibuya sangephandle kwakunesakhiwo, lesasichunywe kulendlu yelisango lelingekhatsi ngasenyakatfo. Sasiphumela kulomhubhe wayo lowawubheke kulesibuya, lapho-ke ngulapho babegezela khona letilwane letatitekwentiwa umhlatjelo wekushiswa samuku. Kulomhubhe lobukene nesibuya kwakunematafula lamane, kumunye ngamunye umhlubulo wawo amabili, kutsi kuhlatjelwe etikwawo tilwane temhlatjelo wekushiswa samuku, netemhlatjelo wesono, netemnikelo wenhlawulo. Ngephandle kwalomhubhe lobukene nesibuya kwakunematafula lamane lafananako, amabili ngala nangale kwemnyango welisango langasenyakatfo. Asawonkhe lamatafula abesiphohlongo, lapho letilwane letatiba ngumhlatjelo tatibulawelwa khona: Lamane abengekhatsi kulomhubhe, lamane angephandle esibuyeni. Lamatafula lamane lekwakulungiselelwa kuwo imihlatjelo leyayitawushiswa samuku, abengewematje lacotwe kahle. Abengaba sigamu selimitha kuphakama kwawo, bese kutsi lingetulu lawo lalisikwele lesasingemasentimitha labengaba ngema-75. Tonkhe letimphahla letatisetjentiswa ekuhlabeni letilwane temihlatjelo tatibekwa kulamatafula. Kwakunemingcengcema leyayingemamilimitha labengaba ngema-75 bubanti, leyayitungeleta lamatafula. Yonkhe inyama yemihlatjelo yayibekwa etikwalamatafula. Lendvodza yase ingimisa kulesibuya sangekhatsi. Kwakunemakamelo lamabili lavulekela kulesibuya sangekhatsi, lilinye laliseceleni kwelisango langasenyakatfo, lalibheke ngaseningizimu, leli lelinye liseceleni kwelisango langaseningizimu libheke ngasenyakatfo. Lendvodza yangitjela kutsi lelikamelo lelibheke ngaseningizimu lalilebaphristi lababekhonta ethempelini, lelikamelo lelalibheke ngasenyakatfo lalilebaphristi lababekhonta elatini. Labaphristi kwakuyintalelwane yaSadoki, kwakungabo kuphela emalunga labewesive semaLevi labenelilungelo lekusondzela ebukhoneni baSimakadze ayewumkhonta. Lendvodza yakala lesibuya sangekhatsi, yatfola kutsi sasisikwele lesasingemamitha labengaba ngema-50. Lithempeli lalingasenshonalanga, embikwalo kwakunelilati. Yase iyangitsatsa yangiyisa kulomhubhe wekungena ethempelini. Yakala umnyango wawo, wawungemamitha labengaba mabili nesigamu budze, nemamitha labengaba sikhombisa bubanti, netibondza tawo tatingaba limitha linye nesigamu bucinsi bato, ngala nangale. Kwakunetitebhisi letatikhuphukela emnyango walomhubhe wekungena ethempelini, lomhubhe wawungemamitha labengaba lishumi bubanti, nemamitha labengaba sitfupha budze. Kwakunetinsika letimbili lapha ekungeneni, iyinye ngala nangale kwemnyango. Lendvodza yase ingingenisa endzaweni lengcwele, yakala tibhonga temnyango, bubanti bato babungemamitha labengaba matsatfu ngala nangale. Lomnyango wawungemamitha labengaba sihlanu bubanti, kwatsi lolubondza ngala nangale kwaba ngemamitha labengaba mabili nesigamu. Yaphindze yakala lendzawo lengcwele yangephandle; yayingemamitha labengaba ngema-20 budze nemamitha labengaba lishumi bubanti. Yase ingena kulendzawo lengcwele leyayingekhatsi, yakala letibhonga temnyango, sisinye sasingaba limitha bubanti. Lomnyango wawungemamitha labengaba matsatfu bubanti, budze betibondza tangasemaceleni emnyango babungemamitha labengaba matsatfu nesigamu. Yabe seyikala lendzawo lengcwele yangekhatsi, yayingemamitha labengaba lishumi budze, nemamitha labengaba lishumi bubanti. Yakhuluma kimi yatsi: “Lena yindzawo lengcwelengcwele.” Lendvodza yase ilinganisa lubondza lwelithempeli; yalukhandza lungemamitha labengaba matsatfu bucinsi, bubantsi balelo nalelo kamelo latungeleta lithempeli babungemamitha labengaba mabili. Lamakamelo asemaceleni abetitezi letintsatfu, lesinye singetulu kwalesinye, kuleso nakuleso sitezi kwakunemakamelo langema-30. Lingephandle lwelubondza lwelithempeli kuleso naleso sitezi kwakunemingcengcema leyayitungelete lolubondza lwelithempeli leyayisimisa lamakamelo lasemaceleni, kuze tisimiso tingafakwa elubondzeni lwelithempeli. Lamakamelo lasemaceleni kutungeleta lithempeli abeya ngekuba banti kakhulu kuleso nakuleso sitezi lesilandzelako. Lesakhiwo lesasitungelete lithempeli sasakhiwe ngekwenyuka kwetigaba, ngaloko lamakamelo abeya ngekuba banti, nawenyukela etulu. Kwakunetitebhisi letenyukako kusukela esitezi lesingaphansi kuye esitezi lesisetulu ekugcineni, kwendlula kulesisekhatsi. Ngabona kutsi lelithempeli lalinendzawo lephakeme lelitungeletile. Lendzawo lephakeme ngiyo leyayakha sisekelo salamakamelo lasemaceleni. Lesisekelo salamakamelo sasingemamitha labengaba matsatfu kuphakama kwaso. Lubondza lwangaphandle lwalamakamelo lwalungemamitha labengaba mabili nesigamu bucinsi balo. Lelibala lelisemkhatsini walamakamelo lasemaceleni elithempeli nemakamelo ebaphristi lalingemamitha labengaba lishumi bubanti; lelibala lalitungeleta lithempeli. Lamakamelo abeneminyango lebheke ngakulelibala, lomunye ungasenyakatfo lomunye ungaseningizimu; lendzawo lephakeme leyayigudla lelibala yayinemamitha labengaba mabili nesigamu bubanti yonkhe indzawo. Lendlu leyayibhekene nelibala lelithempeli ngasenshonalanga yayingemamitha labengaba ngema-35 bubanti. Lubondza lwalendlu lwalungemamitha labengaba mabili nesigamu bucinsi, kutungeleta yonkhe indzawo, bese kutsi budze balendlu bube ngemamitha labengaba ngema-45. Lendvodza yase ilinganisa lelithempeli; lalingemamitha labengaba ngema-50 budze, bese kutsi ngasenshonalanga libala lelithempeli nalendlu yakhona netibondza tayo kwakungemamitha labengaba ngema-50 budze. Bubanti balelibala lelithempeli ngasemphumalanga, kanye nelingembili lelithempeli kwakungemamitha labengaba ngema-50. Yase ikala budze balendlu leyayibheke ngasebaleni ngemuva kwelithempeli, kanye nematsala ayo ngala nangale kwaba ngemamitha labengaba ngema-50. Lendzawo lengcwele, nendzawo lengcwelengcwele, nemhubhe lobhekene nesibuya, kanye neminyango, nemafasitelo lamancane, nematsala labetungeleta letindzawo letintsatfu, kanye nako konkhe lokunye kanye nelingephandle leminyango kwakwembeswe ngelugodvo. Siyilo nelubondza kuze kuyewufika emafasitelweni, kwakumbonyiwe. Ngetulu kwemnyango longena endzaweni lengcwele, nasetibondzeni, kuletikhala letifananako, kutungeleta lingekhatsi nelingephandle lendzawo lengcwele, bekucoshwe umhlobiso wemakherubhi netihlahla temasundvu. Letihlahla tatilandzelana nemakherubhi. Likherubhi lilinye lalinebuso lobubili: Nganhlanye kwakunebuso bemuntfu lobabubheke ngasesihlahleni selisundvu, bese kutsi ngakulesinye sihlahla selisundvu kubheke buso belibhubesi. Bekucoshwe kuyo yonkhe indzawo ethempelini. Kusukela phansi kuye ngetulu kwemnyango, emakherubhi netihlahla temasundvu bekucoshwe elubondzeni lwendzawo lengcwele. Tibhonga temnyango wendzawo lengcwele tatingucaladze, kanjalo netemnyango wendzawo lengcwelengcwele tatifanana nato. Bekunelilati letigodvo lelalingaba limitha nesigamu kuphakama, nelimitha budze nebubanti; emakona alo, nesisekelo salo, nemihlubulo yalo kwakukwetigodvo. Lendvodza yatsi kimi: “Leli litafula lelisembikwaSimakadze.” Indzawo lengcwele nendzawo lengcwelengcwele kokubili bekunetivalo letingatimbili. Ngulowo nalowo mnyango wawunetivalo letingumphacambili, tivalo letimbili letijikitako esivalweni sisinye. Kuletivalo talendzawo lengcwele bekucoshwe emakherubhi netihlahla temasundvu njengaloko lokwakusetibondzeni, bekunesivikelo lesasentiwe ngesigodvo singetulu kwemnyango wemhubhe. Kuletibondza tasemaceleni temhubhe bekunemafasitelo lamancane netihlahla temasundvu letaticoshwe ngala nangale. Lamakamelo lasemaceleni elithempeli nawo abenato leto tivikelo. Lendvodza yangihola yangicondzisa ngasenyakatfo esibuyeni sangephandle, yangiyisa emakamelweni lamacondzana nelibala lelithempeli namalungana nelubondza lwangephandle ngasenyakatfo. Lendlu leyayinemnyango lowawubheke ngasenyakatfo, yayingemamitha labengaba ngema-50 budze, nemamitha labengaba ngema-25 bubanti. Kuyo yomibili lemihlubulo, umhlubulo lowawungemamitha labengaba lishumi, kanye nalomhlubulo lomalungana nesiyilo sesibuya sangephandle, lendlu yayinelitsala lelibhekene nelitsala etigabeni letintsatfu. Embikwalamakamelo ayo bekunemhubhe wangekhatsi lowawungemamitha labengaba sihlanu bubanti, nemamitha labengaba ngema-50 budze. Iminyango yalemihubhe yayingasenyakatfo. Lamakamelo langetulu abengumntjuntju, ngobe lamatsala abetsetse indzawo lenkhulu kuwo kunakulamakamelo langaphansi nakulawo lasemkhatsini waleyondlu. Lamakamelo lasesitezi sesitsatfu abete tinsika njengaletibuya; abenetiyilo letincane kunetalawa labengaphansi netalawa labesemkhatsini. Kwakunelubondza lwangephandle lolwalulinganise nalamakamelo nalesibuya sangephandle, lwalujuba embikwalamakamelo emamitha labengaba ngema-25 budze. Loluhla lwemakamelo langasesibuyeni sangephandle lwalungemamitha labengaba ngema-25 budze, bese kutsi loluhla lolusedvutane nendzawo lengcwele lona lube ngemamitha labengaba ngema-50 budze. Lamakamelo langaphansi wona abenemnyango ngasemphumalanga, nangabe umuntfu angena esuka esibuyeni sangephandle. Ngaseningizimu kwelibala lelithempeli kugudla lubondza lwesibuya sangephandle, kwakunemakamelo labhekene nelubondza lwangephandle. Lamakamelo abenemhubhe embikwawo, abefanana nalamakamelo langasenyakatfo; afanana ngebudze, nangebubanti, nangeminyango yekuphuma, nangebukhulu. Leminyango leyayingasenyakatfo yayifanana ncamashi neyemakamelo langaseningizimu. Kwakunemnyango ekucaleni kwalomhubhe lowawulinganise nalolubondza lolwalushona ngasemphumalanga, lekwakungenwa ngawo emakamelweni. Lendvodza yakhuluma kimi, yatsi: “Lamakamelo langasenyakatfo nangaseningizimu labhekene nelibala lelithempeli ngemakamelo langcwele ebaphristi, lapho baphristi labatakuya kuSimakadze batawufike badlele khona iminikelo lengcwelengcwele. Ngulapho-ke lapho bayawubeka khona iminikelo lengcwelengcwele: iminikelo yalokutinhlavu, neminikelo yesono kanye neminikelo yelicala, ngobe lendzawo ingcwele. Batawutsi labaphristi bangangena kulendzawo lengcwele, bangabe basangena esibuyeni lesingephandle, bangakakhumuli tingubo labatembatsako nabakhontako, ngobe leti tingcwele. Kufanele bembatse letinye timphahla basengakasondzeli etindzaweni tebantfu.” Yatsi kube icedze kukala lokungekhatsi ethempelini, yangikhipha ngelisango lelingasemphumalanga, yakala yonkhe leyo ndzawo ngephandle. Yakala umhlubulo wangasemphumalanga ngendvuku yekukala; kwaba ngemamitha labengaba ngema-250. Yakala umhlubulo wangasenyakatfo ngalendvuku yekukala; kwaba ngemamitha labengaba ngema-250. Yakala umhlubulo wangaseningizimu ngalendvuku yekukala; kwaba ngemamitha labengaba ngema-250. Yabe seyigucukela emhlubulweni wangasenshonalanga yalukala ngalendvuku yekukala; kwaba ngemamitha labengaba ngema-250. Ngako yabe seyikala lendzawo kuyo yonkhe imihlubulo yomine. Yayinelubondza lolwaluyitungeleta, kwakungemamitha labengaba ngema-250 budze, nemamitha labengaba ngema-250 bubanti, lwehlukanisa lokungcwele kulokungengcwele. Lendvodza yangitsatsa yangimikisa esangweni lelibheke ngasemphumalanga, lapho ngabona khona inkhatimulo yebukhona baNkulunkulu wema-Israyeli ichamuka ngasemphumalanga. Livi lakhe lalifanana nekudvuma kwemabhudlo emanti, live lalicwebetela ngenca yenkhatimulo yakhe. Lombono lengawubona wawufanana nembono lengangiwubone, nakefika kutewubhubhisa lidolobha, uphindze ufanane nemibono lengangiyibone eceleni kwemfula iKhebari, ngawa ngibhekise buso phansi. Inkhatimulo yaSimakadze yangena ethempelini ngelisango lelibheke ngasemphumalanga. Moya wase uyangiphakamisa wangingenisa esibuyeni sangekhatsi, inkhatimulo yaSimakadze yagcwalisa lithempeli. Yatsi lendvodza iseme eceleni kwami, ngeva lomunye akhuluma kimi ngekhatsi ethempelini. Wakhuluma kimi, watsi: “Ndvodzana yemuntfu, lena yindzawo yesihlalo sami sebukhosi nendzawo yekwenabela tinyawo tami. Ngulapha-ke lapho ngitawuhlala khona emkhatsini wema-Israyeli kuze kube phakadze. Indlu yaka-Israyeli ingeke iphindze ilihlambalate Libito lami lelingcwele, yona kanye nemakhosi ayo, ngebugwadla bayo nangetithico letingaphili temakhosi ayo etindzaweni tayo letiphakeme. Nababeka umnyango wabo eceleni kwemnyango wendlu yami, netinsika tabo temnyango eceleni kwetinsika tami temnyango, kunelubondza kuphela emkhatsini wami nabo, balihlambalata Libito lami lelingcwele ngetintfo tabo letinengekako labatentako. Ngako ngase ngiyababhubhisa ngentfukutselo yami. Manje-ke ababususe kimi lobugwadla babo naletithico letingaphili temakhosi abo, ngiyawube sengihlala emkhatsini wabo phakadze naphakadze. “Ndvodzana yemuntfu, chaza lithempeli esiveni saka-Israyeli, kuze batewuba nemahloni ngetono tabo. Bente balicabangisise lelipulani. Nangabe banemahloni ngako konkhe labakwentile, bachazele ngelipulani lelithempeli, nekuhleleka kwalo, iminyango yalo yekuphuma neyekungena, lonkhe lipulani lalo, nayo yonkhe imiyalo nemitsetfo yalo. Kubhale phansi loku embikwabo, khona batekwetsembeka kulelipulani lalo, balandzele nemitsetfo yalo. “Lona ngumtsetfo welithempeli: Yonkhe lendzawo lelitungeletile esicongweni sentsaba iyakuba ngcwelengcwele. Unjalo-ke umtsetfo welithempeli.” “Leti-ke tilinganiso telilati, nase usebentisa indvuku yekukala lefanana naleyo yekukala lithempeli: Kutungeleta sonkhe sisekelo selilati bekunemsedlana lewawungemasentimitha labengaba ngema-50 kushona, nemasentimitha labengaba ngema-50 bubanti, bese kutsi lapha emaceleni emngcengcemeni ube ngemasentimitha labengaba ngema-25 kuphakama. Kusuka kulomsedlana phansi kuye etulu bekungaba limitha linye bese kutsi bubanti bube sigamu selimitha. Lencenye lelandzelako yayentiwe yaba ngemasentimitha labengaba ngema-50 bubanti, bese kuba ngemamitha labengaba mabili kuphakama. Lencenye lelandzela leyo nayo yayihleleke kusukela emngcengcemeni wayo kwaba ngemasentimitha labengaba ngema-50 kutungeleta. Lendzawo lengetulu, lapho kwakushiselwa khona imihlatjelo, bekungemamitha labengaba mabili kuphakama. Timphondvo talo temakona lamane tatiphakeme kunalesibebesi salo. Lingetulu lelilati lalisikwele lesingemamitha labengaba sitfupha yonkhe indzawo. Likhatsinendzawo lalo nalo lalisikwele, lingemamitha labengaba sikhombisa, yonkhe indzawo lalinemngcengcema lolitungeleta ngephandle ungemasentimitha labengaba ngema-25 kuphakama. Lomsedlana wawungemasentimitha labengaba ngema-50 bubanti. Titebhisi letatenyukela etulu kulelilati tatingasemhlubulweni wangasemphumalanga.” Wabe sewukhuluma kimi, utsi: “Ndvodzana yemuntfu, naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: Lena kutawuba ngimitsetfo yeminikelo yemhlatjelo yekushiswa neyekunyenyeta ingati etikwelilati, nase lakhiwe: Kufanele unikele ngenkunzana kutsi ibe ngumnikelo wesono kubaphristi, labangemaLevi, bendlu yakaSadoki, labasondzelako kutewukhonta embikwami, kusho iNkhosi Simakadze. Kufanele utsatse lenye yengati yayo uyibeke kuletimphondvo letine telilati, nasemakoneni omane emngcengcema longetulu, nakuwo wonkhe lomngcengcema, khona utewuhlambulula lilati ulentele inhlawulo. Wena kufanele utsatse lenkunzana ibe ngumnikelo wesono, uyishisele lapho imiselwe kushiselwa khona, lekuyindzawo yelithempeli lengephandle kwendzawo lengcwele. “Ngelilanga lesibili kufanele unikele ngesiphongo lesingenasiyela kube ngumnikelo wesono, nelilati kufanele lihlanjululwe, njengobe lalihlanjululwe ngenkunzi. Utawutsi ungacedza kulihlambulula, uyawube sewunikela ngenkunzana kanye nangesihhanca lesiphuma emhlambini, kokubili kungabi nasiyela. Kufanele konkhe ukunikele embikwaSimakadze, baphristi kufanele banyenyete ngeluswayi etikwako, bakunikele kube ngumhlatjelo wekushiswa kuSimakadze. “Kuwo onkhe lamalanga lasikhombisa kufanele unikele ngesiphongo kube ngumnikelo wesono, kufanele futsi kube nenkunzana nesihhanca lesiphuma emhlambini, kokubili kungabi nasiyela. Kuwo onkhe lamalanga lasikhombisa kufanele bente inhlawulo yelilati, balihlambulule. Ekupheleni kwalamalanga, kusukela elangeni lesiphohlongo kuya embili, baphristi kufanele betfule iminikelo yenu yekushiswa kanye neminikelo yenu yekuthula etikwelilati. Ngiyawube sengiyanemukela-ke, kusho iNkhosi Simakadze.” Lendvodza yase ingibuyisela emuva esangweni lelingephandle lendzawo lengcwele, lelo lelibheke emphumalanga, lalivaliwe. Simakadze wakhuluma kimi, watsi: “Lelisango kufanele lihlale livaliwe. Kufanele lingavulwa; akubete namunye longena ngalo. Kufanele lihlale livaliwe, ngobe Simakadze, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, ungene ngalo. Inkhosi lengumbusi ngiyo kuphela lengahlala ngekhatsi kwelisango kutsi itewudla embikwaSimakadze. Kufanele ingene ngendlela yemhubhe welisango, iphindze iphume ngaleyo ndlela.” Lendvodza yase ingihola ngendlela yelisango langasenyakatfo ingiyisa embikwelithempeli. Ngatsi ngiyabuka, ngabona inkhatimulo yaSimakadze igcwalisa lithempeli laSimakadze, ngawa ngibhekise buso bami phansi. Simakadze wakhuluma kimi, watsi: “Ndvodzana yemuntfu, bukisisa, sondzela ulalele ukunakisise konkhe loko lengikutjela kona macondzana nayo yonkhe imitsetfo lephatselene nelithempeli laSimakadze. Yinakekele yonkhe imitsetfo yekungena ethempelini nayo yonkhe yekuphuma endzaweni lengcwele. “Khuluma kuyo indlu lehlubukako yaka-Israyeli, utsi: ‘Naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: Awu, wenandlu yaka-Israyeli, setenele letento tenu letinengekako! Ngetulu kwato tonkhe letinye tintfo tenu lenitentako letinengekako niletse betive labangakasokwa enhlitiyweni nasenyameni, nabangenisa endzaweni yami lengcwele, nangcolisa lithempeli lami ngesikhatsi ninikela kimi ngekudla, nangemanoni, nangengati, nephula sivumelwane sami. Esikhundleni sekwenta umsebenti wenu macondzana netintfo tami letingcwele, nibeke labanye bantfu kutsi baphatse indzawo yami lengcwele. “ ‘Naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: Kufanele kubete namunye wetive longakasokwa enhlitiyweni nasenyameni longena endzaweni yami lengcwele, kubete ngisho nebetive labahlala emkhatsini wema-Israyeli.’ ” “ ‘EmaLevi langibalekela ngesikhatsi ema-Israyeli eduka nangesikhatsi azulazula esuka kimi, alandzela tithico tawo, kufanele ayetfwale leyo miphumela yesono sawo. Angakhonta endzaweni yami lengcwele, engamele emasango alelithempeli, akhonte ngekhatsi kulo; angabahlabela bantfu iminikelo yabo yekushiswa kanye nemihlatjelo, eme embikwebantfu, abakhonte. Kodvwa njengobe abebakhonta embikwetithico tabo enta indlu yaka-Israyeli yawela esonweni, ngako-ke ngifunge ngesandla lesiphakanyisiwe kutsi kufanele etfwale imiphumela yesono sawo, kusho iNkhosi Simakadze. Akukafaneli asondzele atengikhonta njengebaphristi nome-ke asondzele nome ngangukutiphi tintfo tami letingcwele nome iminikelo lengcwelengcwele; kufanele aletfwale lihlazo ngaletento tabo letisinengiso. Noko ngiyawubabeka kutsi bengamele imisebenti letsite yasethempelini nawo wonkhe umsebenti lekufanele wentiwe ekhatsi kulo.’ ” “ ‘Kodvwa baphristi, labangemaLevi lababatukulu baSadoki, labebayenta ngekwetsembeka imisebenti yendzawo yami lengcwele ngesikhatsi ema-Israyeli aphambuka kimi, kufanele bona basondzele batewukhonta embikwami. Kufanele beme embikwami batewunikela ngemhlatjelo wemanoni newengati, kusho iNkhosi Simakadze. Ngabo bodvwa lekufanele bangene endzaweni yami lengcwele; ngabo bodvwa lekufanele basondzele elatini lami kutawukhonta embikwami, bente inkonzi yami. “ ‘Nabangena emasangweni esibuya lesingekhatsi, kufanele bembatse timphahla telineni; akukafaneli bembatse imphahla leyentiwe ngensontfo, ngesikhatsi benta inkonzo emasangweni esibuya sangekhatsi nome ngekhatsi ethempelini. Kufanele bashucule ngemishuculo yelineni etinhloko tabo, netimphahla tabo tangaphansi tibe telineni etinkhalo tabo. Akukafaneli bembatse nome ngabe yini letabenta bajuluke. Nase baphumela esibuyeni lesingephandle, lapho kunebantfu khona, kufanele batikhumule letimphahla tabo bebatembetse nabakhontako, bese batishiya emakamelweni langcwele, bembatse letinye timphahla, kuze bangetiwulimata bantfu ngetimphahla tabo letingcwele. “ ‘Kufanele bangatihhuli tinhloko tabo nome bavume tinwele tabo tibe tindze, kodvwa kufanele tinwele tihlale tiphunguliwe. Kufanele kubete umphristi lonatsa liwayini, nakatawungena esibuyeni lesingekhatsi. Abakafaneli batsatse nebafelokati, nome bafati labalahliwe, bangatsatsa tintfombi tema-Israyeli ngekutalwa nome bafelokati bebaphristi. Kufanele bafundzise bantfu bami umehluko emkhatsini walokungcwele nalokungengcwele, babakhombise kwehlukanisa emkhatsini walokungcolile nalokuhlantekile ngekwemtsetfo. “ ‘Kuyo yonkhe imibango, baphristi kufanele babe behluleli, bakhiphe sincumo lesihambisana netimiso tami. Kufanele bayigcine imitsetfo yami netimiso tami tayo yonkhe imikhosi yami lebekiwe, bagcine nemaSabatha ami angcwele. “ ‘Umphristi akukafaneli atingcolise ngekusondzela edvute nesidvumbu; noko, nangabe lomuntfu lofile abenguyise nome unina, indvodzana nome indvodzakati, umnakabo nome dzadzewabo losengakendzi, ngako angatingcolisa. Nasahlanjululiwe, kufanele eme angakhonti elatini emalanga lasikhombisa. Mhlazana angena esibuyeni lesingekhatsi sendzawo lengcwele kutewukhonta endzaweni lengcwele, kufanele atentele umnikelo wesono, kusho iNkhosi Simakadze. “ ‘Kufanele kube ngimi kuphela lolifa lebaphristi. Kufanele banganikwa lifa ka-Israyeli; mine ngiyawuba lifa labo. Bayawudla iminikelo yalokutinhlavu neminikelo yesono, neminikelo yesono, neminikelo yelicala. Konkhe lokunikelwe kuSimakadze ka-Israyeli kuyawuba kwabo. Tonkhe tilinga tetitselo telikhetselo nako konkhe kwetipho tenu telikhetselo kuyawuba kwebaphristi. Niyawubanika sabelo sekucala semphuphu legayiwe, kuze sibusiso sehlele etikwetindlu tenu. Baphristi kufanele bangadli lutfo, inyoni nome silwane, lokutfolakele kutifele nome kudladlabulwe tilwane tesiganga.’ ” “ ‘Nase kwabiwa live ngenkatho kunikwa leso naleso sive lifa laso, lesinye sabelo sibohlukaniselwa Simakadze. Kufanele sibe ngemakhilomitha langaba li-12 nesigamu budze, nemakhilomitha langaba sihlanu bubanti. Yonkhe-ke leyo ndzawo iyawuba ngcwele. Kulesabelo kufanele kube nendzawo lesikwele, lendzawana yelithempeli ibe ngemamitha langaba ngema-250 luhlangotsi lulunye, kufanele kube nelibala leliyitungeletile, nalo libe ngemamitha langaba ngema-25 bubanti. Kulendzawo incenye yayo lengemakhilomitha langaba li-12 nesigamu budze, inebubanti lobungemakhilomitha langaba sihlanu, kufanele ikalwe kahle, ngobe itawuba yelithempeli, indzawo lengcwelengcwele. Kuyawuba yindzawana lengcwele eveni, leyehlukaniselwe baphristi labasondzela kuSimakadze bakhonte ethempelini lakhe. Iyakuba yindzawo yetindlu tabo, ibe nendzawo yelithempeli. Indzawo lesele lengemakhilomitha langaba li-12 nesigamu budze, nebubanti lobungemakhilomitha langaba sihlanu, kufanele ibe sabelo semaLevi languwona enta inkonzo ethempelini. Kuyawuba nemadolobha lapho batawuhlala khona. “ ‘Lapho eceleni kwalendzawo lengcwele kufanele kube nalenye indzawo lengemakhilomitha langaba li-12 nesigamu budze, nemakhilomitha langaba mabili nesigamu bubanti, ibekelwe kwakhiwa kwelidolobha, lapho kuyawuhlala nome ngubani waka-Israyeli.’ ” “ ‘Kufanele kube nelive futsi lelehlukaniselwa umbusi lobusako. Kusukela emnyeleni longasenshonalanga wendzawo lengcwele liyawuchubekela elwandle iMedithera; kusuka ngasemnyeleni wasemphumalanga liyawuchubekela ngasemphumalanga yelive, kuze kutsi budze balo bulingane nebudze balenye yetindzawo letabelwe tive taka-Israyeli. Lendzawo iyawuba sabelo sembusi lobusako eveni laka-Israyeli, kuze angasayiwuphindza acindzetele bantfu bami, kodvwa uyawuvumela lonkhe leli lelinye live libe letive tema-Israyeli.’ ” “ ‘Naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: Senone kakhulu, nine babusi baka-Israyeli. Khawulani lobudlova benu bekucindzetela bantfu. Yentani lokulungile nalokwemukelekako kuNkulunkulu kutsi kulungile. Ningaphindzi nicoshe bantfu bami eveni labo, kusho iNkhosi Simakadze. “ ‘Kufanele nisebentise tisindvo netikali letetsembekile letisemtsetfweni, kube: yi-efa lengiyo nebhathi lengiyo. “ ‘I-efa yekukala lokomile kufanele ilingane nebhathi yalokumanti. Lizingasikali yihomeri. Lokuphumako lapha kutsi: “ ‘Ihomeri ilingane nema-efa lalishumi, kulingane nemabhathi lalishumi. Tisindvo tenu tifanele tibe kanje: emagera langema-20 alingane nelishekheli, emashekheli langema-60 alingane nemina.’ ” “ ‘Lena nguyona ndlela leniyawukala ngayo iminikelo yenu yelikhetselo: “ ‘Kolo: Niyawutsatsa kunye kwema-60 kwesivuno senu, ibhali: kunye kwema-60 kwesivuno senu, emafutsa emncumo: kunye kwelikhulu kwetitselo tetihlahla tenu; nikukale ngebhathi; ngobe emabhathi lalishumi alingana nehomeri, ihomeri yinye ilingene nekhori yinye. Timvu: Imvu yinye itsatfwe kuwo umhlambi wema-200 tasemadlelweni lanemanti aka-Israyeli. Kufanele niletse iminikelo yalokutinhlavu, netilwane letitawushiswa samuku, netilwane temnikelo webudlelwane, kuze kutewuhlawulela tono tenu. Mine iNkhosi Simakadze sengikhulumile. “ ‘Bonkhe bantfu bakulelive kufanele bayitsatse leminikelo bayimikise kumbusi lobusako ka-Israyeli. Kuyawuba ngumsebenti wakhe kutsi aletse tilwane letitawushiswa samuku, neminikelo yalokutinhlavu, neminikelo yesinatfo saso sonkhe sive saka-Israyeli ngemikhosi yekwetfwasa kwenyanga, nangemaSabatha, nangaleminye imikhosi. Kufanele aletse iminikelo yesoni, neminikelo yalokutinhlavu, neminikelo yekushiswa, neminikelo yebudlelwane, kuze atewuhlawulela tono tesive saka-Israyeli.’ ” “ ‘Naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: Ngenyanga yekucala elangeni lekucala kufanele nitsatse inkunzana leseyincane, lengenasiyela, nihlambulule lithempeli. Umphristi uyawutsatsa incenye yengati yemnikelo wesono, ayibhoce etinsikeni temnyango wasethempelini, nasemakoneni omane emngcengcemeni longetulu elatini, nasetinsikeni temasango laphumela esibuyeni lesingekhatsi. Ngelilanga lesikhombisa lenyanga uyakwenta njalo futsi, entele nome ngubani lowone ngesiphosiso, nome one ngekungati. Ngaleyo ndlela-ke niyawulihlawulela lithempeli. “ ‘ Ngelilanga leli-14 lenyanga yekucala niyawugubha uMkhosi weliPhasika. Kuyawuphela emalanga lasikhombisa bonkhe bantfu badla sinkhwa lesingenamvubelo. Ngelilanga lekucala lemkhosi, umbusi lobusako kufanele anikele ngenkunzi, kube ngumhlatjelo wetono takhe netabo bonkhe bantfu. Onkhe-ke lawo malanga lasikhombisa lombusi kufanele anikele kuSimakadze tinkunzi letisikhombisa, netihanca letisikhombisa, letingenasiyela, akushise samuku. Kufanele futsi ente umhlatjelo wesiphongo onkhe emalanga kube ngumnikelo wesono. Inkunzi iyinye nesihhanca sinye lesentiwe umhlatjelo, kufanele selekelwe ngemnikelo walokutinhlavu longemalitha langaba li-17 nencenye, nangemafutsa emncumo langemalitha langaba mane. “ ‘NgeMkhosi Wemadlangala locala ngelilanga leli-15 enyangeni yesikhombisa, umbusi uyawunikela onkhe emalanga umnikelo lofananako wesonok, kuze kuphele lamalanga lasikhombisa, anikele nangemnikelo lofananako wekushiswa samuku, nemnikelo lofananako walokutinhlavu kanye nemafutsa emncumo.’ ” “ ‘Naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: Lisango langasemphumalanga lelingenela esibuyeni sangekhatsi kufanele lihlale livaliwe kuwo onkhe lamalanga lasitfupha emsebenti, kodvwa kufanele libovulwa ngeliSabatha nangemikhosi yekwetfwasa kwenyanga. Lombusi lobusako uyawuphuma kulesibuya sangephandle angene emhubheni welisango, eme ngasensikeni yelisango, ngesikhatsi baphristi basashisa umnikelo wakhe wekushiswa, banikele nangeminikelo yakhe yebudlelwane. Kufanele akhonte akhotsame khona lapho emphundvwini, bese usuka lapho uyaphuma. Lelisango kufanele lingavalwa kuze kuhlwe. Ngawo onkhe emaSabatha nangayo yonkhe imikhosi yekwetfwasa kwenyanga, bonkhe bantfu kufanele batewukhotsama phansi bakhonte Simakadze embikwalelisango. “ ‘NgeliSabatha umbusi kufanele aletse kuSimakadze umhlatjelo wekushiswa samuku, kube ngemazinyane etimvu lasitfupha nesihhanca, konkhe kungabi nasiyela. Sisinye sihhanca kufanele aselekele ngemnikelo walokutinhlavu longemalitha langaba li-17 nencenye, nelizinyane lilinye lemvu kufanele alelekele nganome yini lafuna kuyinikela. Umunye umnikelo walokutinhlavu kufanele awuletse nemalitha langaba mane emafutsa emncumo. Ngemkhosi wekwetfwasa kwenyanga, uyawunikela ngenkunzana, nangemazinyane etimvu lasitfupha, nangesihhanca, konkhe kungabi nasiyela. Iyinye inkunzana, nesihhanca sisinye lomnikelo kufanele ube nemalitha langaba li-17 nencenye yalokutinhlavu, nemazinyane etimvu kufanele lombusi awelekele nganome yini lafuna kuyinikela. Wonkhe umnikelo walokutinhlavu longangemalitha langaba li-17 nencenye kufanele awengetele ngemalitha langaba mane emafutsa emncumo. Lombusi kufanele naphuma lapha emhubheni welisango, aphume ngaleyo ndlela langene ngayo. “ ‘Bantfu nabeta kutawukhonta Simakadze nome ngukumuphi umkhosi, labo labangena ngelisango langasenyakatfo kufanele baphume ngelisango langaseningizimu, nase bacedze kukhonta; nalabo labangene ngelisango langaseningizimu kufanele baphume ngelisango langasenyakatfo. Kute namunye lokufanele aphume ngelisango langene ngalo, kodvwa kufanele aphume ngalelinye lisango lelimalungana nalelo langene ngalo. Umbusi naye kufanele angene, nakungena labanye bantfu, aphume nase baphuma nabo. Ngemalanga emadzili nangemikhosi lemisiwe, umnikelo walokutinhlavu uyawuba ngemalitha langaba li-17 nencenye, uhambisane nenkunzi yinye, nemalitha langaba li-17 nencenye lahambisana nesihhanca, nemazinyane etimvu nanome ngabe yini-ke leyo loyo lokhontako lafuna kuyinikela. Umnikelo lonjalo walokutinhlavu kufanele uhambisane nemalitha langaba mane emafutsa emncumo. “ ‘Nangabe umbusi alungisa umnikelo wakhe wesihle kuSimakadze, nome ngumhlatjelo wekushiswa samuku nome iminikelo yebudlelwane, lisango langasemphumalanga lelingenela esibuyeni sangekhatsi liyawuvulelwa yena. Uyawukwenta umnikelo wakhe njenganakenta ngemalanga emaSabatha, lelisango kufanele liphindze livalwe, nase aphumile.’ ” “ ‘Simakadze utsi: Onkhe emalanga ekuseni kufanele kwentiwe umhlatjelo wekushiswa samuku, welizinyane lelinemnyaka munye budzala, futsi lingabi nasiyela, kube ngumnikelo kuSimakadze. Lomnikelo kufanele wentiwe onkhe emalanga. Kufanele kwentiwe nemnikelo walokutinhlavu njalo nje ekuseni, kube ngufulaha longemakhilogremu langaba mabili, nemafutsa emncumo langaba lilitha linye nencenye yesitsatfu yelilitha kutewubhucwa ngawo lofulaha. Lemitsetfo yaleminikelo lena kuSimakadze iyawuhlala imile phakadze naphakadze. Lizinyane lemvu, nafulaha, nemafutsa emncumo kufanele kunikelwe kuSimakadze onkhe emalanga ekuseni.’ ” “ ‘Naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: Nangabe umbusi lobusako apha indvodzana yakhe incenye yelive lakhe, njengesipho nje, seliyawuba laleyo ndvodzana yakhe neletitukulwane tayo, kuhlale kuyincenye yelifa lakabo. Kodvwa nangabe umbusi lobusako apha nome ngubani nje lamsebentelako incenye yelive lakhe, lelo live liyawubuye libe lalombusi futsi, nase kufike uMnyaka Wekubuyiselwa; futsi ngawo nemadvodzana awo kuphela lelingaba labo kokuphela lelo live. Umbusi lobusako akufanele emuke ngenkhani bantfu bakhe live labo. Live layakulipha emadvodzana akhe kufanele kube nguleliyincenye yelive lakhe, lelisabelo sakhe, khona angayiwuze acindzetele bantfu bami ngekubemuka live labo.’ ” Lendvodza yase ingiyisa ekungeneni kwemakamelo labheke ngasenyakatfo eceleni kwelisango langaseningizimu kwesibuya sangekhatsi. Lawo-ke bekungemakamelo langcwele ebaphristi. Yase ingikhombisa lenye indzawo ngasenshonalanga kwalamakamelo, yatsi: “Lena-ke yindzawo, lapho baphristi batabobilisela khona inyama yemhlatjelo welicala neyemnikelo wesono, nalapho batawubhakela khona umnikelo wafulaha, kuze kutebate nakunye lokungcwele lokuyawukhishelwa esibuyeni lesingephandle, lapho kungahle kulimate bantfu khona.” Yase ingiyisa esibuyeni lesingephandle, yangitungeletisa kuwo onkhe emakona aso omane, ngabona kulelo nalelo kona lesinye sibuya. Kulamakona omane alesibuya lesingephandle, kwakunetibuya letibiyelwe, sisinye singemamitha labengaba ngema-20 budze, nebubanti bungemamitha labengaba li-15, nguleso naleso sibuya kulamakona lamane kwakulingana. Kutungeleta lingekhatsi laleso naleso sibuya saletibuya letine kwakunemngcengcema wematje nematiko lakhiwe ngaphansi kwalomngcengcema. Lendvodza yangitjela yatsi: “Lawa-ke ngemadladla, lapho tisebenti tasethempelini tibilisela khona lemihlatjelo lenikelwa bantfu.” Lendvodza yangibuyisela ekungeneni kwelithempeli. Kwakunesiyalu semanti lesasicubuka phansi emnyango, emanti aso agelete abheke ngasemphumalanga, lapho kwakubuke khona umnyango welithempeli. Abegeleta ehla esuka ngaseningizimu kwelithempeli endlule ngaseningizimu kwelilati. Lendvodza yase ingikhiphela ngephandle kwendzawo yelithempeli ngendlela yelisango langasenyakatfo, yangigegisa, saze sefika esangweni langephandle lelibheke emphumalanga. Nalapho kwakunemfudlana wemanti lowawumpompota, usuka ngaseningizimu kwelisango. Ngalendvuku yayo yekukala lendvodza yase ikala emamitha labengaba ngema-500 kwehla nalomfudlana, abheka ngasemphumalanga, yase ingitjela kutsi angiklabhute kulomfula khona lapho. Emanti akhuphuka efika emacakaleni. Yaphindza yakala lamanye emamitha labengaba ngema-500 emanti akhuphukela emadvolweni. Yakala lamanye futsi emamitha labengaba ngema-500 kwewuka, emanti efika elukhalo. Yabuye yakala lamanye futsi emamitha labengaba ngema-500, lapho-ke umfula wase ushona kakhulu, kangangekutsi ngangingasakhoni kuklubhuta ngetinyawo. Kwase kushona kakhulu kumatima kwewela ngaphandle kwekuhlamba. Yangibuta yatsi: “Ndvodzana yemuntfu, uyakubona-ke loku?” Yase iyangihola njalo yangibuyisela elusentseni lwemfula. Ngatsi nangifika lapho, ngabona lihlatsi ngala nangale kwemfula. Yatsi kimi: “Lamanti lawa ageletela ngaseveni langasemphumalanga, ehle aze ayewufika eSigodzini saseJordane i-Arabha, lapho afike angene khona elwandle, emanti-ke lapho afike abe mnandzi. Emabulo etintfo letiphilako naletinwabutelako kuyawuphila nome ngukuphi lapho ayawugeletela khona. Kuyawuphetfuka incumbi yetinhlanti lapho, ngobe lamanti ageletela khona ente lamanti lamunyu abe mnandzi; ngako lapho lamanti ageletela khona, konkhe kuyawuphila. Badwebi betinhlanti bayawukuma lugele lapha elusentseni; kusukela e-Eni Gedi kuye e-Eni Eglayimu kuyawuba netindzawo tekwendlala emanetha. Letinhlanti kuyawuba tinhlobonhlobo, letingangetetinhlanti taseLwandle Lolukhulu tibe tinyenti. Kodvwa emachaphoti nematete akayiwuhluma abe luhlata abe mahle, ayawusala aluswayi. Kuyawukhula tinhlobonhlobo tetihlahla tetitselo ngala nangale elusentseni lwemfula. Emacembe ato akasoze abune, netitselo tato tingeke tiphele. Tiyawutsela ngato tonkhe tinyanga, ngobe emanti lasuka ethempelini ageletela kuto. Titselo tato tiyawuba tekudla, bese kutsi emacembe ato abe ngewekuphilisa.” Naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: “Lena-ke ngiminyele leniyakwehlukanisa ngayo live lekulifa letive letili-12 tema-Israyeli, sive sakaJosefa sona sibe netabelo letimbili. Kufanele nehlukaniselane ngalokulinganako emkhatsini wato. Ngobe mine ngafunga ngekuphakamisa sandla kutsi ngiyawulinika boyihlomkhulu, lelive leli liyawuba lifa lenu. “Lona-ke kuyawuba ngumnyele welive: “Ngasenyakatfo uyawusuka eLwandle Lolukhulu, ujube ngemgwaco waseHethiloni, wendlule eLebo Hamathi uyewushona eSedadi, naseBerotha, naseSibrayimu lesemkhatsini weminyele yelive laseDamaseko neyalaseHamathi, udzimate uyewufika eHaseri Hathikhoni, lesemnyeleni waseHawurani. Lomnyele uyawuchubeka kusukela elwandle kuya eHasari Enani, ugudle umnyele welaseDamaseko kanye nemnyele welaseHamathi longasenyakatfo. Lowo-ke kuyawuba ngumnyele wasenyakatfo. “Ngasemphumalanga umnyele uyawudzabula emkhatsini weHawurani neDamaseko, ugudle iJordani, emkhatsini weGileyadi nelive laka-Israyeli, ucondze elwandle lwasemphumalanga, uze uyewufika eThamari. Lowo-ke kuyawuba ngumnyele wangasemphumalanga. “Ngaseningizimu uyawusuka eThamari ubange ngasemantini aseMeribha Khadeshi, ugudle uMfudlana waseGibhithe, ucondze eLwandle Lolukhulu. Lowo-ke kuyawuba ngumnyele wangaseningizimu. “Ngasenshonalanga umnyele kuyawuba Lwandle Lolukhulu kuze kube ngulapho kubukene khona neLebo Hamathi. Lowo-ke kuyawuba ngumnyele wangasenshonalanga. “Lelive niyakulehlukaniselana emkhatsini wenu ngekwetive taka-Israyeli. Kufanele nilabe ngenkatho njengelifa lenu nalabo lababetive labahlala emkhatsini wenu, lasebatele nebantfwana. Niyakubatsatsa njengemisinsi yekutimilela yema-Israyeli. Nabo njengani kufanele babelwe lifa emkhatsini wetive tema-Israyeli. Nome ngukusiphi sive lapho lona wetive ahleti khona, kufanele nimabele khona lapho naye sabelo selifa,” kusho iNkhosi Simakadze. “Leti-ke tive lese tilandzelaniswe ngemabito ato: Emnyeleni wangasenyakatfo, Dani uyawuba nesabelo sinye, siyawujuba ngemgwaco waseHethiloni, siye eLebo Hamathi. I-Hasari Enani, nemnyele wangasenyakatfo weDamaseko, eceleni kweHamathi, kuyakuba yincenye yemnyele waso, losukela ngasemphumalanga uye ngasenshonalanga. “Asheri uyawuba nesabelo sinye; siyawugudla umnyele welive lakaDani kusukela ngasemphumalanga kuye ngasenshonalanga. “Naftali uyawuba nesabelo sinye; siyawugudla umnyele welive laka-Asheri kusukela ngasemphumalanga kuye ngasenshonalanga. “Manase uyawuba nesabelo sinye; siyawugudla umnyele welive lakaNaftali kusukela ngasemphumalanga kuye ngasenshonalanga. “Efrayimu uyawuba nesabelo sinye; siyawugudla umnyele welive lakaManase kusukela ngasemphumalanga kuye ngasenshonalanga. “Rubeni uyawuba nesabelo sinye; siyawugudla umnyele welive laka-Efrayimu kusukela ngasemphumalanga kuye ngasenshonalanga. “Juda uyawuba nesabelo sinye; siyawugudla umnyele welive lakaRubeni kusukela ngasemphumalanga kuye ngasenshonalanga. “Ngasemnyeleni welive lakaJuda, kusuka ngasemphumalanga kuye enshonalanga, kuyawuba sabelo leniyawusenta umnikelo wenu welikhetselo. Siyawuba ngemakhilomitha langaba li-12 nesigamu bubanti, budze baso kusukela emphumalanga kuye ngasenshonalanga, silingane nalesinye setabelo tetive tenu. Lithempeli liyawubasenkhabeni yalesabelo. “Lesabelo senu selikhetselo leniyawusinikela kuSimakadze siyawuba ngemakhilomitha langaba li-12 nesigamu bubanti, nemakhilomitha langaba sihlanu budze. Lena-ke kuyawuba yindzawo lengcwele leyehlukaniselwe baphristi. Iyawuba ngemakhilomitha langaba li-12 nesigamu budze ngasenyakatfo, nemakhilomitha langaba sihlanu bubanti ngasenshonalanga, nemakhilomitha langaba sihlanu bubanti ngasemphumalanga, nemakhilomitha langaba li-12 nesigamu budze ngaseningizimu. Kuyawutsi enkhabeni yalo kube nelithempeli laSimakadze. Leyo-ke kuyawuba yebaphristi labehlukaniselwe, bakaSadoki, lababetsembekile ekungikhonteni, bangete beduka njengobe kwenta emaLevi ngesikhatsi kweduka ema-Israyeli. Kuyawuba sipho selikhetselo kubo, esabelweni lesingcwele selive, indzawo lengcwelengcwele, ngasemnyeleni welive lemaLevi. “Kugudla live lebaphristi, emaLevi ayawuba nesabelo lesingemakhilomitha lali-12 nesigamu budze, nemakhilomitha langaba sihlanu bubanti. Sebubonkhe budze baso buyawuba ngemakhilomitha langaba li-12 nesigamu, nemakhilomitha langaba sihlanu bubanti. Abayikusitsengisa, futsi abayiwuntjintjisa nangalokuncane kwaso. Lena nguyona ncenye yelive yelikhetselo, akukafaneli yendluliselwe kuletinye tandla, ngobe ingcwele kuSimakadze. “Lendzawo lesele lengemakhilomitha langaba li-12 nesigamu budze, nemakhilomitha langaba mabili nesigamu bubanti, yona ayisingcwele, kodvwa yekusetjentiswa ngunome ngumuphi umsebenti welidolobha, wekwakha tindlu newemadlelo etinkhomo. Lidolobha liyawubasenkhabeni yawo, liyawuma kanje: Ngasenyakatfo liyawuba ngemamitha langaba ti-2 250 budze, ngaseningizimu libe ngulati-2 250, ngasemphumalanga libe ngemamitha lati-2 250 budze, nangasenshonalanga libe ngulati-2 250 budze. Emadlelo alelidolobha ayawuba ngemamitha langaba li-125 ngasenyakatfo, nemamitha langaba li-125 ngaseningizimu, nemamitha langaba li-125 ngasemphumalanga, nemamitha langaba li-125 ngasenshonalanga. Incenye lesele yaleyo ndzawo lesemnyeleni wendzawo lengcwele, igudla budze bayo, iyawuba ngemakhilomitha langaba sihlanu budze ngasemphumalanga, nemakhilomitha langaba sihlanu budze ngasenshonalanga. Sivuno sayo siyawukondla tisebenti takulelidolobha. Balimi bakulelidolobha labayawulima kulo bayawube bachamuka kuto tonkhe tive tema-Israyeli. Yonkhe leyo ndzawo iyawuba sikwele, emacala ayo ayawuba ngemakhilomitha langaba li-12 nesigamu lilinye. Njengesipho senu selikhetselo, niyawubeka eceleni lendzawo lengcwele kanye nendzawo yelidolobha. “Loko lokuyawusala macala omabili alendzawo lengcwele, nalendzawo yelidolobha, kuyawuba kwembusi lobusako. Kuyawubheka ngasemphumalanga kusuka kulamakhilomitha langaba li-12 nesigamu alelithempeli kuya ngasemnyeleni wasemphumalanga, nangasenshonalanga kusuka kulamakhilomitha langaba li-12 nesigamu kuya emnyeleni wangasenshonalanga. Totimbili-ke letindzawo letigudla tabelo tetive, tiyawuba tembusi lobusako, nendzawo lengcwele lenendzawo lengcwelengcwele yasethempelini, iyawubasenkhabeni yato. Ngako indzawo yemaLevi nendzawo yelidolobha iyawubasenkhabeni yalendzawo lengiyona iyembusi. Lendzawo yembusi iyawubasemkhatsini wemnyele wakaJuda nemnyele wakaBhenjamini. “Mayelana netive letisele: Bhenjamini uyawuba nesabelo sinye; siyawusukela ngasemphumalanga siye ngasenshonalanga. “Simeyoni uyawuba nesabelo sinye, siyawugudla umnyele welive lakaBhenjamini kusukela ngasemphumalanga kuye ngasenshonalanga. “Isakhari uyawuba nesabelo sinye; siyawugudla umnyele welive lakaSimeyoni kusukela ngasemphumalanga kuye ngasenshonalanga. “Zebuloni uyawuba nesabelo sinye; siyawugudla umnyele welive laka-Isakhari kusukela ngasemphumalanga kuya ngasenshonalanga. “Gadi uyawuba nesabelo sinye; siyawugudla umyele welive lakaZebuloni kusukela ngasemphumalanga kuye ngasenshonalanga. “Umnyele wangaseningizimu wakaGadi uyawushona ngaseningizimu kusukela eThamari kuye emantini aseMeribha Khadeshi, ugudle uMfudlana waseGibhithe kuya eLwandle Lolukhulu. “Leli-ke live leniyawulaba ngenkatho njengelifa letive tema-Israyeli, loko-ke kuyawuba tabelo tabo,” kusho iNkhosi Simakadze. “Lawa-ke kuyawuba ngemasango elidolobha ekuphuma: Kusukela emhlubulweni wangasenyakatfo, longemamitha langaba ti-2 250 budze, emasango alelidolobha ayakwetsiwa ngemabito etive taka-Israyeli. Emasango lamatsatfu angasenyakatfo kuyawuba: lisango lakaRubeni, nelakaJuda, nelakaLevi. “Ngasemhlubulweni wangasemphumalanga, longemamitha langaba ti-2 250 budze, kuyawuba nemasango lamatsatfu: lisango lakaJosefa, nelakaBhenjamini, nelakaDani. “Ngasemhlubulweni wangaseningizimu, longemamitha langaba ti-2 250 budze, kuyawuba nemasango lamatsatfu: lisango lakaSimeyoni, nelaka-Isakhari, nelakaZebuloni. “Ngasemhlubulweni wangasenshonalanga, longemamitha langaba ti-2 250 budze, kuyawuba nemasango lamatsatfu: lisango lakaGadi, nelaka-Asheri, nelakaNaftali. “Sebubonkhe budze balelidolobha kutungeleta lonkhe buyawuba ngemakhilomitha langaba yimfica. “Libito lalelidolobha kusukela ngaleso sikhatsi sekuyawutsiwa: ngusimakadze ulapha.” Ngemnyaka wesitsatfu wekubusa kwaJehoyakimu, inkhosi yakaJuda, Nebukhadnezari, inkhosi yaseBhabhulona, wefika eJerusalema wayivimbetela. Simakadze wanikela Jehoyakimu, inkhosi yakaJuda, kanye naletinye timphahla tasethempelini laNkulunkulu esandleni saNebukhadnezari. Letimphahla watetfwala watiyisa ethempelini lankulunkulu wakhe kulaseBhabhulona, wafike watibeka endlini yengcebo yankulunkulu wakhe. Inkhosi yabe seyitfuma Ashpenazi, indvuna yetiphatsimandla tayo tasesigodlweni, kutsi aletse lamanye ema-Israyeli endlu yebukhosi netikhulu. Kwakufanele kube ngemajaha lamahle langenasiyela, labenemandla nenhlitiyo yako konkhe kufundziswa, lanelwati, lanengcondvo lekhaliphile, lalungele kusebenta esigodlweni senkhosi. Kwakufanele awafundzise lulwimi netincwadzi taseBhabhulona. Inkhosi yawehlukanisela sabelo sekudla kwawo onkhe emalanga neseliwayini lasetafuleni lenkhosi. Bekufanele aceceshwe iminyaka lemitsatfu, emvakwaloko bese angena emsebentini wenkhosi. Emkhatsini wawo bekunemajaha labephuma kaJuda: boDanyela, naHananiya, naMishayeli, na-Azariya. Lendvuna yawetsa emabito lamasha: Danyela yatsi nguBhelteshasari, Hananiya yatsi nguShadraki, Mishayeli yatsi nguMeshaki, Azariya yatsi ngu-Abednego. Kodvwa Danyela watincumela enhlitiyweni yakhe kutsi yena angeke atingcolise ngalokudla kwenkhosi kanye nangaleliwayini lakhona; wacela imvume endvuneni lenkhulu kutsi yena angatingcolisi ngalendlela. Manje Nkulunkulu abesente lendvuna kutsi ibe nemusa nesihawu kuDanyela, kodvwa lendvuna yamtjela Danyela, yatsi: “Ngiyayesaba inkhosi yami, inkhosi, lekunguyona inehlukanisele leliphakelo lenu lekudla nesinatfo senu. Kufanele ngani kutsi inibone senibukeka nondzile kunalawa lamanye emajaha labontsanga yenu? Inkhosi itangijuba inhloko yami ngenca yenu.” Danyela wakhuluma kulomahlalesangweni labebekwe ngulendvuna kutsi engamele boDanyela, naHananiya, naMishayeli kanye na-Azariya, watsi: “Ngicela kutsi uke ulinge tinceku takho emalanga lalishumi. Sinike kuphela tibhidvo sitekudla nemanti sitewunatsa. Ubobe-ke sewuyasicatsanisa kubukeka kwetfu nekwalamajaha lamanye ladla kudla kwenkhosi, bese tinceku takho utiphatsa ngaleyo ndlela loyibonako.” Ngako lomahlalesangweni wakuvuma loko, wabalinga emalanga lalishumi. Ekupheleni kwemalanga lalishumi babukeka baphile kancono kakhulu, futsi bondleke kakhulu kunawo onkhe lawa lamanye emajaha labedla kudla kwenkhosi. Ngako lomahlalesangweni wavele wakususa lokudla kwelikhetselo neliwayini labebafanele balinatse lekwakusabelo sabo; esikhundleni sako wabanika tibhidvo. Lamajaha lamane Nkulunkulu wawanika lwati nekucondza kwato tonkhe tinhlobo temfundvo netetincwadzi letatibhaliwe. Danyela abesayicondza yonkhe imibono nemaphupho ato tonkhe tinhlobo. Kwatsi ekupheleni kwalesikhatsi lesasimiswe yinkhosi kutsi bangeniswe, lendvuna yavele yabetfula kuNebukhadnezari. Inkhosi yakhuluma nabo, yakhandza kutsi kute namunye labelingana naboDanyela, naHananiya, naMishayeli kanye na-Azariya; ngako base bangena emsebentini wenkhosi. Kuyo yonkhe indzaba yekuhlakanipha neyekucondza, inkhosi leyayibabuta ngayo yabakhandza bancono ngalokuphindvwe kalishumi kunato tonkhe tangoma nebatsebuli lababe kuwo wonkhe umbuso wayo. Danyela wahlala lapho kwaze kwaba ngumnyaka wekucala wekubusa kwenkhosi Khuresi. Ngemnyaka wesibili wekubusa kwakhe, Nebukhadnezari wabhudza emaphupho; inhlitiyo yakhe yakhatsateka kakhulu, wehluleka ngisho nekulala. Ngako inkhosi yabita tangoma, nebatsebuli, nebaphenguli, kanye nabosonkhanyeti kutsi batemtjela kutsi ubhudzeni. Batsi kube befike beme embikwenkhosi, yatsi kubo: “Ngibhudze liphupho lelingihlupha kakhulu, manje ngifuna kwati kutsi lisho kutsini.” Ngako bosonkhanyeti baphendvula inkhosi ngesi-Aramu batsi: “Awu nkhosi, lunwele loludze, wena waphakathi, tjela tinceku takho liphupho, tsine-ke sitabe sesiyalichaza.” Inkhosi yaphendvula labosonkhanyeti, yatsi: “Naku-ke lese ngikuncumile ngema kuko: Naningangitjeli kutsi leliphupho lami belitsini bese niyalichaza, ngitanicoba nibe ticucu, ngibhidlite netindlu tenu tibe tindvundvuma temfuhlululu. Kodvwa naningitjela leliphupho nilichaze, nitakwemukela kimi tipho, nemivuzo, neludvumo lolukhulu. Ngako-ke ngitjeleni leliphupho, bese ningichazela lona.” Baphindza baphendvula futsi, batsi: “Sicela inkhosi kutsi itjele tinceku tayo leliphupho, tsine-ke sitabe sesiyalichaza.” Inkhosi yaphendvula yatsi: “Cha, sengiyabona kutsi nicondze kungicitsela sikhatsi, ngobe nani niyabona kutsi loku ngukona lese ngikuncumile ngema kuko: Naningangitjeli leliphupho, sinye kuphela sijeziso senu. Nihlanganise emasu ekungitjela tintfo letedukisako naletikhohlakele netsembe kutsi tintfo titawugucuka. Ngako-ke ngitjeleni liphupho, ngitawube sengiyati-ke kutsi ningangichazela lona.” Bosonkhanyeti baphendvula inkhosi, batsi: “Kute nome munye umuntfu lapha emhlabeni longenta loku lokufunwa yinkhosi! Kute inkhosi nome ngulenkhulu kangakanani nalenemandla, leyase yabuta intfo lenje nakusinye sangoma, nome umtsebuli, nome kusonkhanyeti. Loku lokufunwa yinkhosi kulukhuni kakhulu. Kute namunye longakwembula loku enkhosini ngaphandle kwabonkulunkulu, bona-ke abahlali emkhatsini webantfu.” Loku kwenta inkhosi yatfukutsela yatselwa ngemanti, yatsi: “Tonkhe tati taseBhabhulona atibulawe.” Ngako inkhosi yakhipha umtsetfosimemetelo kutsi akubulawe tati; kwabe sekukhishwa bantfu kutsi bayewufuna boDanyela nebangani bakhe kutsi nabo batewubulawa. Kwatsi ngesikhatsi Ariyoki, indvuna yabomahlalesangweni benkhosi, asahambile kuyawubulala tati taseBhabhulona, Danyela wakhuluma kuye ngekuhlakanipha lokukhulu nangekucophelela. Wabuta lendvuna yenkhosi, watsi: “Inkhosi iwukhipheleni lomtsetfosimemetelo lonesihluku lesibi kangaka?” Ariyoki wabe sewuchazela Danyela kahle yonkhe lendzaba. Ngaloko Danyela wesuka waya enkhosini wayawucela litfuba lekutsi ayichazele leliphupho layo. Danyela wancandzeka wabuyela endlini yakhe, wafike wachazela labangani bakhe boHananiya, naMishayeli kanye na-Azariya ngalendzaba. Wabacela kutsi bancuse umusa kuNkulunkulu welizulu ngalemfihlakalo, kuze kutsi yena kanye nebangani bakhe bangete babulawa kanye nato tonkhe tati taseBhabhulona. Kwatsi ebusuku lemfihlakalo yembulwa kuDanyela ngembono. Danyela wadvumisa Nkulunkulu welizulu, watsi: “Alidvunyiswe Libito laNkulunkulu phakadze naphakadze; kuhlakanipha nemandla kwakhe. Ugucula tikhatsi netikhatsi temnyaka; ubeka emakhosi aphindze awehlise. Ubanika kuhlakanipha labahlakaniphile, anike lwati kulabacondzako. Wembula tintfo letijulile naletifihlakele, uyakwati konkhe lokubhace ebumnyameni, nekukhanya kuhlala kukuye. Ngiyakubonga ngidvumise wena, Nkulunkulu wabobabe: Ungiphe kuhlakanipha nemandla, ungatisile loko besikucela kuwe, usatisile liphupho lenkhosi.” Danyela wahamba waya ku-Ariyoki, labebekwe yinkhosi kutsi abulale tonkhe tati taseBhabhulona, wafike wakhuluma kuye, watsi: “Ungatibulali tati taseBhabhulona. Ngitsatse ungimikise enkhosini, ngitayichazela leliphupho layo.” Ariyoki watsatsa Danyela wamyisa enkhosini ngekushesha, watsi: “Ngitfole indvodza emkhatsini webatfunjwa bakaJuda lengayitjela inkhosi kutsi leliphupho layo lisho kutsini.” Inkhosi yabuta Danyela, labesabitwa ngekutsi nguBhelteshasari, yatsi: “Ungakhona yini kungitjela kutsi ngiboneni ephusheni lami, bese uyangichazela kutsi lisho kutsini?” Danyela wayiphendvula inkhosi, watsi: “Kute sati, nome umtsebuli, nome sangoma, nome inyanga lokungayichazela inkhosi ngalemfihlakalo leyicelile, kodvwa ukhona Nkulunkulu losezulwini lowembula timfihlakalo. Nguye lobonise inkhosi Nebukhadnezari loko lokutakwenteka kulamalanga letako. Liphupho lakho nemibono yakho leyendlule lapha engcondvweni yakho usalele embhedzeni wakho ngunaku: “Ngesikhatsi usalele lapho, wena waphakathi, ingcondvo yakho igucukele ngasetintfweni letitako, kwase kutsi umembuli wetimfihlakalo wakubonisa loko lokutakwenteka. Lemfihlo yembuliwe kimi, hhayi ngobe mine nginekuhlakanipha lokukhulu kwendlula labanye bantfu labaphilako, kodvwa kuze kutsi wena, nkhosi, utekwatiswa inchazelo, khona utewucondzisisa loko lokwendlule engcondvweni yakho. “Wabuka, wena waphakathi, wabona kume embikwakho sitfombe lesikhulu, sasisikhulukati kusitfombe lesicwebetelako, sesabeka nawusibuka. Inhloko yalesitfombe yayentiwe ngegolide lecengekile, sifuba saso nemikhono yaso iyesiliva, sisu saso nematsanga aso kulitfusi, imilente yaso kuyinsimbi, tinyawo taso kuyinhlanganisela yensimbi nelibumba lelishisiwe. Utsite usabukile, kwahleshulwa lidvwala, kodvwa alihleshulwanga tandla temuntfu. Lelidvwala lashaya lesitfombe etinyaweni taso letatitensimbi nelibumba, latiphihlita. Lensimbi, nalelibumba, nalelitfusi, nalesiliva, nalegolide kwabhidlika kwaba ticucu ngasikhatsi sinye, kwaze kwafanana nemakhoba lasebaleni lekubhula ehlobo. Umoya wakuphephula konkhe, kwangete kwasala lutfo. Kodvwa lelidvwala lelalishaye lesitfombe lakhula laba yintsaba lenkhulu, lagcwala wonkhe umhlaba. “Ngilo-ke leliphupho, manje inkhosi sitayichazela kutsi lisho kutsini. Wena waphakathi, nkhosi, wena uyinkhosi yemakhosi. Nkulunkulu welizulu ukunike kubusa, nemandla, neligunya, neludvumo; etandleni takho ubeke bantfu netilwane tesiganga kanye netinyoni telizulu. Nome ngukuphi lapho tidalwa tihlala khona, wena ukwente waba ngumbusi wato tonkhe. Wena ungulenhloko yegolide. “Emvakwakho, kuyawuvela lomunye umbuso lomncane kunalowakho. Lolandzelako, ngumbuso wesitsatfu, umbuso welitfusi, uyawubusa umhlaba wonkhe. Ekugcineni, kuyawuba nembuso wesine loyawucina ube njengensimbi, ngobe phela insimbi iyacheketa iphihlite konkhe, futsi-ke njengobe insimbi iphihlita tintfo tibe ticucu nje, kanjalo lombuso uyawucindzetela uchekete yonkhe lena leminye. Njengobe ubonile nje kutsi tinyawo netintwane, incenye yako bekulibumba lelishisiwe kantsi lena lenye incenye bekuyinsimbi, ngako lowo kuyawuba ngumbuso lowehlukene ekhatsi; noko uyawuba nemandla ensimbi kuwo, kuye njengobe ubonile, lensimbi beyihlangene nelibumba. Njengobe tintwane betihlanganiswe kwaba yinsimbi nelibumba, kanjalo nalowo mbuso nganhlanye uyawuba nemandla, kutsi nganhlanye ube yintekenteke. Kantsi futsi njengobe ubone insimbi ihlanganiswe nelibumba lelishisiwe, kanjalo-ke nebantfu bayawulinga kubumbana ngekuganiselana bangabe basahlangana babe munye, kufanane nensimbi lengakabumbani nelibumba. “Ngesikhatsi salawo makhosi, Nkulunkulu welizulu uyawumisa umbuso longasoze wabhujiswa lutfo, futsi ngeke unikwe labanye bantfu. Uyawupitjita yonkhe leminye imibuso uyicedze, kodvwa wona uyawukuma kuze kube phakadze. Ngiyo leyo-ke inchazelo yalombono welidvwala lelahleshulwa entsabeni, kodvwa hhayi ngetandla temuntfu, ngilo lelidvwala lelabhidlita insimbi, nelitfusi, nelibumba, nesiliva kanye negolide, kwaba ticucu. “Nkulunkulu lomkhulu wembulele inkhosi loko lokutakwenteka kuletikhatsi letitako. Leliphupho liliciniso, nalokuchazwa kwalo kwetsembekile.” Inkhosi Nebukhadnezari yakhotsama yawa ngebuso embikwaDanyela, imhlonipha, yatsi akentelwe umnikelo, ashiselwe imphepho. Inkhosi yakhuluma kuDanyela, yatsi: “Impela, loNkulunkulu wakho unguNkulunkulu wabo bonkhe bonkulunkulu, neNkhosi yemakhosi, neMembuli wetimfihlakalo, ngobe wena ukhonile kwembula lemfihlakalo.” Inkhosi yase ibeka Danyela esikhundleni lesiphakeme kakhulu, yambhumbela ngetipho letinyenti letinkhulu. Yamenta waba ngumbusi etikwesifundza sonkhe saseBhabhulona, yambeka waba ngumengameli wato tonkhe tati takhona. Ngetulu kwaloko, ngesicelo saDanyela, inkhosi yabeka boShadraki, naMeshaki, na-Abednego kutsi babe tiphatsimandla kulesifundza saseBhabhulona, kwase kutsi Danyela yena wasala esigodlweni. Inkhosi Nebukhadnezari yenta sithico segolide, lesasingemamitha labengaba ngema-30 kuphakama, nemamitha labengaba matsatfu bubanti, yasibeka etsafeni laseDura esifundzeni saseBhabhulona. Yabe seyibita baholi, netindvuna, nebabusi, nebeluleki, nebagcinitikhwama, nebehluleli, nabomantji kanye nato tonkhe tiphatsimandla tetifundza, kutsi bete batewunikela lesithico, Nebukhadnezari, inkhosi, labesimisile. Ngako-ke baholi, netindvuna, nebabusi, nebeluleki, nebagcinitikhwama, nebehluleli, nabomantji kanye nato tonkhe tiphatsimandla tetifundza bahlangana batewunikela lesithico Nebukhadnezari, inkhosi, labesakhile; befika bema embikwaso. Ummemeteli wevakala amemeta kakhulu, atsi: “Naku lokufanele kutsi nikwente, yebo, nine bantfu, nani tive, nani nonkhe nine bantfu betilwimi tonkhe: Kutawutsi kungevakala kukhala kwempalampala, nekwemntjingozi, nekwezitha, nekwelire, nekwehabhu, nekwetimveve, nekwato tonkhe tinhlobo tekuhlabela, kufanele niwe phansi nikhotsame kulesithico segolide lesimiswe yinkhosi Nebukhadnezari. Lowo longawi phansi asikhotsamele, utawujikijelwa masinyane ekhatsi elangabini lemlilo lowesabekako nalohhumako.” Ngako-ke batsi kube beve umsindvo wempalampala, newemntjingozi, newezitha, newelire, newehabhu, newato tonkhe tinhlobo tekuhlabela, bonkhe bantfu, netive, nebantfu bato tonkhe tilwimi bawa phansi bakhotsama kulesithico segolide lesasimiswe yinkhosi Nebukhadnezari. Ngalesikhatsi labanye bosonkhanyeti beta bafike banyundzela emaJuda. Bakhuluma enkhosini Nebukhadnezari, batsi: “Bayethe nkhosi, lunwele loludze! Wena waphakathi! Ukhiphe simiso, wena waphakathi, kutsi wonkhe umuntfu, nakeva kukhala kwempalampala, nekwemntjingozi, nekwezitha, nekwelire, nekwehabhu, nekwetimveve, nekwato tonkhe tinhlobo tekuhlabela, kufanele awe phansi akhotsame kulesithico segolide, nekutsi wonkhe longawi akhotsame uyawujikijelwa kulelilangabi lemlilo lowesabekako nalohhumako. Kodvwa kukhona emaJuda lamanye lowabeke kutsi engamele tonkhe tindzaba talesifundza saseBhabhulona, boShadraki, naMeshaki, na-Abednego, labangenandzaba nawe, nkhosi. Ababakhonti bonkulunkulu bakho, kantsi futsi nalesithico segolide losimisile abasikhotsameli.” Nebukhadnezari watfukutsela wabila, wabita boShadraki, naMeshaki kanye na-Abednego kutsi bete kuye. Ngako lamadvodza aletfwa embikwenkhosi. Nebukhadnezari wakhuluma kuwo, watsi: “Kuliciniso yini, wena Shadraki, nawe Meshaki, nawe Abednego, kutsi anibakhonti labonkulunkulu bami nekutsi lesithico segolide lengisakhile anisikhotsameli? Manje, naniva umsindvo wempalampala, newemntjingozi, newezitha, newelire, newehabhu, newetimveve, newato tonkhe tinhlobo tekuhlabela, nase nilungele kuwa nikhotsame kulesithico segolide lengisimisile, kulungile. Kodvwa naningasikhotsameli, nitawujikijelwa ngekushesha lokukhulu ekhatsi kulamalangabi emlilo lowesabekako nalohhumako. Ngumuphi-ke lowo nkulunkulu lotaba nemandla ekunephula esandleni sami?” BoShadraki, naMeshaki, na-Abednego baphendvula inkhosi, batsi: “Nkhosi Nebukhadnezari, tsine asidzingi kutivikela kuwe ngalendzaba. Nasijikijelwa ekhatsi kulamalangabi emlilo lowesabekako nalohhumako, loNkulunkulu wetfu lesimkhontako unemandla ekusisindzisa kuwo, futsi uyakusephula esandleni sakho, nkhosi. Kodvwa-ke nome angakakwenti loko, sifuna kutsi wena wati, nkhosi, kutsi tsine singeke sibakhonte labonkulunkulu bakho, nome sikhotsame kulesithico sakho segolide losimisile.” Nebukhadnezari watfukutselela boShadraki, naMeshaki, na-Abednego, nesimo sakhe kubo sagucuka. Watfumela kutsi kubaswe lamalangabi emlilo lowesabekako nalohhumako kutsi ushise ngalokuphindvwe kasikhombisa, watfuma lamanye emadvodza emphi labenemandla kakhulu kutsi abophe boShadraki, naMeshaki, na-Abednego bese abajikijela ekhatsi kulamalangabi emlilo lohhumako. Ngako-ke lamadvodza labembetse imijiva yawo, nemabhuluko, nemishuculo, naletinye nje timphahla tawo aboshwa, ajikijelwa ekhatsi kulamalangabi emlilo lohhumako. Lomlayeto wenkhosi bewuphutfuma kakhulu, nalamalangabi emlilo lowesabekako nalohhumako abesashisa kangangekutsi lamalangabi alomlilo adzimate abulala wona lamadvodza labejikijele boShadraki, naMeshaki, na-Abednego ekhatsi kuwo, kwatsi wona lamadvodza lamatsatfu, aboshisisiwe, akhalakatsiselwa ekhatsi emalangabini alomlilo lowesabekako nalohhumako. Inkhosi Nebukhadnezari yagcuma yema ngetinyawo imangele, yabuta labeluleki bayo, yatsi: “Abengematsatfu yini lamadvodza lesiwabophe sawajikijela lapha ekhatsi emlilweni?” Bayiphendvula, batsi: “Impela, nkhosi, kunjalo.” Yatsi: “Ase nibuke! Ngibona emadvodza lamane ahambahamba lapha ekhatsi emlilweni, atfukululiwe, futsi akalimali ndzawo, kantsi lona wesine ufanana nendvodzana yabonkulunkulu.” Nebukhadnezari wasondzela emnyango walomlilo lowesabekako nalohhumako longemalangabi lavutsako, wamemeta, watsi: “Shadraki, naMeshaki, nawe Abednego, nine tinceku taNkulunkulu Longetulu Kwako Konkhe, phumani! Wotani lapha!” Ngako boShadraki, naMeshaki, na-Abednego baphuma emlilweni, kwatsi mpu kubo baholi, netindvuna, nebabusi, netati, basondzela kubo bababunganyela. Babona kutsi lomlilo awuzange ubatsintse emitimbeni yabo, ngisho nalunye nje lunwele lwetinhloko tabo aluzange seluhashuke; imijiva yabo ayizange ishe, babenganuki ngisho neliphungana nje lemlilo imbala. Nebukhadnezari-ke wakhuluma watsi: “Akadvunyiswe Nkulunkulu waboShadraki, naMeshaki, na-Abednego lotfume ingilosi yakhe kutsi itewulamlela tinceku takhe! Babemetsembile bangete bawutsatsa umyalo wenkhosi, batimisela kulahlekelwa nakuphila kwabo kunekutsi bakhonte nome bakhotsamele lomunye nkulunkulu ngaphandle kwaNkulunkulu wabo. “Ngako-ke sengikhipha umtsetfosimemetelo kutsi bonkhe bantfu bato tonkhe tive netilwimi labakhuluma lokuphambene naNkulunkulu waboShadraki, naMeshaki, na-Abednego abajutjwe batokwe babe ticucu, netindlu tabo tibhidlitwe tibe tindvundvuma tetimfuhlululu, ngobe kute lomunye nkulunkulu longasindzisa ngalendlela.” Ngako inkhosi yase iphakamisa boShadraki, naMeshaki, na-Abednego ibanika tikhundla letiphakeme kakhulu esifundzeni saseBhabhulona. Inkhosi Nebukhadnezari yatfumela nankhu umlayeto kubantfu, netive, nebantfu bato tonkhe tilwimi emhlabeni wonkhe, jikelele, watsi: “Philani nonkhe bekunene! Ngiyajabula kutsi nginitjele ngaletibonakaliso letimangalisako netimangaliso latentele mine, Nkulunkulu Longetulu Kwako Konkhe. “Maye, tikhulu tibonakaliso takhe, maye, tinemandla timangaliso takhe! Umbuso wakhe ngumbuso waphakadze; bukhosi bakhe buyawuhlala bukhona titukulwane ngetitukulwane. “Mine, Nebukhadnezari, ngangisekhaya esigodlweni sami, ngenelisekile, futsi ngiphumelela etintfweni tonkhe. Ngabhudza liphupho lelangenta ngesaba kakhulu. Ngatsi ngisalele embhedzeni wami, imicabango nemibono leyabonakala engcondvweni yami kwangetfusa. Ngako ngayala kutsi tonkhe tati taseBhabhulona tite lapha embikwami, titengichazela leliphupho lami. Kwatsi kube tangoma, nebatsebuli, nabosonkhanyeti, netinyanga befike, ngabalandzisa ngaleliphupho, kodvwa behluleka kungichazela lona. Ekugcineni kwefika Danyela, wema embikwami, ngabe sengimlandzisa ngaleliphupho lami. Ubitwa ngekutsi Bhelteshasari, lekulibito lankulunkulu wami; umoya wabonkulunkulu labangcwele ukuye. “Ngakhuluma kuye, ngatsi: Bhelteshasari, mholi wetangoma, ngiyati kutsi umoya wabonkulunkulu labangcwele ukuwe, kute imfihlakalo lelukhuni kakhulu kuwe. Nali liphupho lami, ase ungichazele lona. Lena ngimibono lengayibona ngesikhatsi ngisalele embhedzeni wami: Ngatsi ngiyabuka, ngabona embikwami kume sihlahla, sisekhatsi nelive. Budze baso babesabeka. Lesihlahla sakhula saba sikhulu, sacina futsi, sihloko saso saze satsintsa sibhakabhaka, sasibonakala emhlabeni wonkhe jikelele. Emacembe aso abemahle netitselo taso titinyenti, lapha kuso bekunekudla kwabo bonkhe. Ngaphansi kwaso tilwane tesiganga tatfola umtfunti wekuphumula, netinyoni tasemoyeni takhela tidleke tato emagaleni aso; tonkhe tidalwa tondliwa kuso. “Kulemibono lengayibona ngisalele embhedzeni wami, ngatsi ngiyabuka, ngabona embikwami sitfunywa lesingcwele, sehla siphuma ezulwini. Samemeta ngelivi lelikhulu, satsi: ‘Sijube leso sihlahla, ucote emagala aso; phundla emacembe aso, usakate titselo taso. Tilwane letingaphansi kwaso atibaleke, netinyoni letisemagaleni aso tindize tisuke kuso. Kodvwa siphunti saso netimphandze taso kuboshwe ngensimbi nangelitfusi kusale emhlabatsini, etjanini besiganga. “ ‘Lomuntfu akanetfwe ngematolo asezulwini, futsi akaphile netilwane, ahlale emkhatsini walokumila emhlabeni. Ingcondvo yakhe ayigucuke ekubeni yemuntfu, yena anikwe ingcondvo yetilwane kuze tikhatsi letisikhombisa tendlule kuye. “ ‘Sincumo simenyetelwa titfunywa; labangcwele bamemetela sigwebo, kuze kutsi labaphilako bati kutsi Longetulu Kwako Konkhe wengamele yonkhe imibuso yebantfu, futsi uyinika nome ngubani latsandza kumupha yona, bese ubeka etikwayo labo labatfobeke kakhulu kunabo bonkhe bantfu.’ “Ngilo leli-ke liphupho lengilibhudzile, mine Nebukhadnezari. Manje-ke, Bhelteshasari, ngitjele kutsi lisho kutsini, ngobe kute nome munye wetati letilapha embusweni wami longangichazela lona. Kodvwa wena ungangichazela, ngobe umoya wabonkulunkulu labangcwele ukuwe.” Ngako Danyela, labebitwa ngekutsi nguBhelteshasari, wadideka kakhulu kwesikhashana, imicabango yakhe yametfusa. Ngako inkhosi yakhuluma kuye, yatsi: “Bhelteshasari, ungavumi likwetfuse leliphupho kanye nenchazelo yalo.” Bhelteshasari waphendvula, watsi: “Nkhosi yami, kube mane leliphupho belicondzene netitsa takho nenchazelo yalo icondzene nalabo labemelene nawe! Lesihlahla losibonile, lesikhule sabuye sacina, nesihloko saso sitsintsa sibhakabhaka, sibonakala emhlabeni wonkhe, sinemacembe lamahle netitselo letinyenti, sinekudla kwabo bonkhe, singumtfunti wekuhlala tilwane tesiganga, sinetidleke emagaleni aso kutsi kutekwakhela tinyoni tasemoyeni, nguwe lesihlahla, nkhosi yeluhlanga! Ube mkhulu, waba nemandla, bukhulu bakho bukhule baze befikela etulu esibhakabhakeni, nembuso wakho wenaba waze wefika etindzaweni letikhashane emhlabeni. “Wena, nkhosi, ubone sitfunywa, lesingcwele, sehla siphuma ezulwini, sitsi: ‘Sijube leso sihlahla usibhubhise, kodvwa ushiye siphunti saso, siboshwe ngensimbi nangelitfusi etjanini besiganga, timphandze taso tisesele phansi emhlabatsini. Lomuntfu akanetfwe ngematolo asezulwini; akahlale njengetilwane tesiganga, kuze kwendlule tikhatsi letisikhombisa ngakuye.’ “Nansi-ke inchazelo yaleliphupho, wena waphakathi, loku simisomtsetfo lesikhishwe nguLongetulu Kwako Konkhe samelana ngco nenkhosi yami. Utawucoshwa emkhatsini webantfu, uhlale netilwane tesiganga; utawudla tjani njengetinkhomo, unetfwe ngematolo asezulwini. Kutakwendlula tikhatsi letisikhombisa kuwe, uze uvume kutsi Longetulu Kwako Konkhe wengamele imibuso yonkhe yebantfu, uyinika nome ngubani lowo latsandza kumupha yona. Lomyalo wekushiya siphunti sesihlahla netimphandze taso kusho kutsi lombuso wakho uyawubuyiselwa kuwe, wena nase uvume kutsi Lizulu ngilo lelibusako. Ngako-ke, wena waphakathi, asemukeleke kuwe leseluleko sami: Yekela tono takho, wente lokulungile, uyekele nekukhohlakala kwakho, ngekutsi ube nemusa kulabo labacindzetelwe. Kungenteka kutsi kuchubeka kahle kwakho nekuphumelela kwakho kuchubekele embili.” Konkhe loku kwayehlela inkhosi Nebukhadnezari. Emvakwetinyanga letili-12, yatsi inkhosi isahambahamba etulu eluphahleni lwesigodlo sayo saseBhabhulona, yatsi: “Lena akusiyo yini iBhabhulona lenkhulu lengiyakhile yaba sigodlo sekuhlala inkhosi, ngemandla ami lamakhulu ngayakhela ludvumo lwebukhosi bami?” Emavi abesesemlonyeni wayo, nayiva livi liphuma ezulwini, litsi: “Naku lese kumiselwe wena, nkhosi Nebukhadnezari: Emandla ebukhosi bakho asatsetfwe kuwe. Wena sewutawukhishwa emkhatsini webantfu, uyewuhlala emkhatsini wetilwane tesiganga; utawudla tjani njengetinkhomo. Kutakwendlula tikhatsi letisikhombisa kuwe, uze uvume kutsi Longetulu Kwako Konkhe wengamele yonkhe imibuso yebantfu, nekutsi uyinika nome ngubani umuntfu latsandza kumupha yona.” Ngekushesha nje loko lokwakukhulunyiwe ngaNebukhadnezari kwagcwaliseka. Wakhishwa emkhatsini webantfu, wadla tjani njengetinkhomo. Umtimba wakhe wanetfwa ngematolo asezulwini, tadzimate tinwele takhe takhula taba ngangetinsiba telusweti, netingalo takhe tafanana netingalo tenyoni. “Ekugcineni kwaleso sikhatsi mine, Nebukhadnezari, ngaphakamisela emehlo ami ngabheka ngasezulwini, kukhanyelwa kwengcondvo yami kwabuyiselwa kimi. Ngabe sengidvumisa Longetulu Kwako Konkhe. Ngamhlonipha ngamdvumisa lowo lophila kuze kube phakadze. “Umbuso wakhe ungumbuso waphakadze; bukhosi bakhe buyawuhlala bumile titukulwane ngetitukulwane. Tonkhe tive temhlaba titsatfwa njengelite. Wenta njengobe yena atsandza kuwo emandla asezulwini nakuto tive temhlaba. Kute namunye longavimbela sandla sakhe, nome atsi kuye: ‘Sewenteni?’ “Ngasona leso sikhatsi lekwabuyiselwa ngaso kusanguluka kwengcondvo yami, kuhlonishwa kwami neludvumo lwami kwabuyiselwa kimi, kwaba ludvumo lwembuso wami. Beluleki bami netikhulu tami bangifunisisa bangibuyisela esihlalweni sami sebukhosi, ngaba ngulomkhulu kakhulu kwendlula kucala. Manje, mine Nebukhadnezari, ngibabata ngiphakamise ngekudvumisa iNkhosi yelizulu, ngobe konkhe lekwentako kulungile, nato tonkhe tindlela tayo tiphelele ngekulunga. Labo labahamba ngekutigcabha, uyakwati kubatfobisa.” Inkhosi Bhelshasari yenta lidzili lelikhulu yentela tindvuna tayo letatiyinkhulungwane, yanatsa nato liwayini. Kwatsi Bhelshasari asanatsa liwayini lakhe, walayeta kutsi kulandvwe tindzebe tegolide netesiliva letatitsetfwe nguNebukhadnezari, uyise, ethempelini eJerusalema, khona inkhosi, netindvuna tayo, nebafati bayo, nemaphovela ayo batewunatsa ngato. Ngako-ke baletsa letindzebe tegolide letatitsetfwe ethempelini laNkulunkulu eJerusalema, kwase kutsi inkhosi, netindvuna tayo, nebafati bayo, nemaphovela ayo banatsa ngato. Batsi basanatsa liwayini, babe badvumisa bonkulunkulu begolide, nebesiliva, nebelitfusi, nebensimbi, nebetigodvo, nebematje. Ngekushesha kwabonakala iminwe yesandla semuntfu ibhala elubondzeni, macondzana nelutsi lwesibane esigodlweni senkhosi. Inkhosi yasibuka lesandla lesibhalako. Buso bayo bagucuka baphaphatseka, yatfutfumela kangangekutsi kwaze kwagedletela emadvolo ayo, kwatsamba nemilente yayo. Inkhosi yamemeta kutsi kulandvwe bonkhe batsebuli, nabosonkhanyeti, netangoma. Yakhuluma kuletati taseBhabhulona, yatsi: “Nome ngabe ngubani longafundza lombhalo, angitjele kutsi usho kutsini, utakwembeswa ngaletibukhwebeletane, agacwe umgaco wegolide entsanyeni yakhe, entiwe abe ngumbusi wesitsatfu embusweni.” Tonkhe tati tenkhosi tangena; kodvwa atizange tikwati kuwufundza lombhalo nome titjele inkhosi kutsi wawusho kutsini. Ngako inkhosi Bhelshasari yatfutfumela kakhulu, nebuso bayo bachubeka baphaphatseka. Tindvuna tayo nato tacakeka. Indlovukazi yatsi kube ive emavi enkhosi netindvuna, yeta yangena endlini yelidzili. Yafike yatsi: “Bayethe, nkhosi, lunwele loludze, wena waphakathi! Ungetfuki! Ungesabi! Kukhona indvodza lapha embusweni wakho lenemoya wabonkulunkulu labangcwele. Ngesikhatsi seyihlo yatfolakala inako kubonisisa, nekucondzisisa, nekuhlakanipha lokufanana nekwabonkulunkulu. Inkhosi Nebukhadnezari, uyihlo, yambeka kutsi abe ngumphatsi wetinyanga, nebatsebuli, nabosonkhanyeti kanye netangoma. Lendvodza lenguDanyela, inkhosi leyayetsa yatsi nguBhelteshasari, yatfolakala inengcondvo lekhaliphile, inelwati nekucondza, kantsi futsi yatfolakala ikwati kuchaza emaphupho, nekucaca timfumbe, icatulule netinkinga letilukhuni. Bita Danyela, yena utakutjela kutsi lombhalo usho kutsini.” Ngako Danyela wangeniswa embikwenkhosi, inkhosi yakhuluma kuye, yatsi: “Wena unguDanyela yini, lomunye webatfunjwa labatfunjwa ngubabe, inkhosi, leyabuya nabo kaJuda? Ngivile kutsi umoya wabonkulunkulu ukuwe nekutsi uyakubona lokusitsekile, unengcondvo kantsi unekuhlakanipha lokugcamile. Letati nebatsebuli bangeniswe lapha embikwami kutsi batewufundza lombhalo bangitjele kutsi usho kutsini, kodvwa behlulekile kuwuchaza. Ngivile-ke wena kutsi ungakwati kuveta tinchazelo nekucatulula tinkinga letilukhuni. Nawungafundza lombhalo, ungitjele kutsi usho kutsini, utakwembatsiswa letibukhwebeletane, kugacwe umgaco wegolide entsanyeni yakho, bese wentiwa uba ngumbusi wesitsatfu embusweni.” Danyela waphendvula inkhosi, watsi: “Letipho takho ungatigcinela tona, uyinike lomunye leyo mivuzo yakho. Noko lombhalo inkhosi ngitakuyifundzela wona ngiyichazele kutsi usho kutsini. “Nkhosi, Nkulunkulu Longetulu Kwako Konkhe wapha uyihlo Nebukhadnezari bukhosi, nebukhulu, neludvumo kanye nebukhatikhati. Ngenca yesikhundla lesiphakeme lamupha sona, bonkhe bantfu, netive, nebantfu bato tonkhe tilwimi babetfutfumela bamesaba. Labo inkhosi leyayifuna kutsi babulawe, yayibabulala; nalabo leyayifuna kubaphephisa, yayibaphephisa; nalabo leyayifuna kubaphakamisela etikhundleni, yayibaphakamisa; nalabo leyayifuna kubatfobisa, yayibatfobisa. Kodvwa watsi kube inhlitiyo yakhe ibe nekutigcabha yaba lukhuni ngenca yekutigcabha, wehliswa esihlalweni sakhe sebukhosi, wemukwa ludvumo lwakhe. Wakhishwa emkhatsini webantfu, wanikwa ingcondvo yesilwane; wahlala emkhatsini wetimbongolo tesiganga, wadla tjani njengetinkhomo; nemtimba wakhe wanetfwa ngematolo asezulwini, waze wavuma kutsi Nkulunkulu Longetulu Kwako Konkhe wengamele yonkhe imibuso yebantfu nekutsi ubeka etikwayo nome ngumuphi lowo latsandza kumbeka. “Kodvwa wena ndvodzana yakhe, Bhelshasari, awukatitfobi, lite nome bewukwati konkhe loku. Esikhundleni saloko, sewutiphakamisile wamelana naNkulunkulu welizulu. Baletsa letindzebe tasethempelini lakhe kuwe, kwatsi wena netindvuna takho, nemakhosikati akho, nemaphovela akho nanatsa ngato liwayini. Nikhuleke nadvumisa bonkulunkulu besiliva nebegolide, nebelitfusi, nebensimbi, nebetigodvo kanye nebematje labangakwati kubona, nome kuva, nome kucondza. Kodvwa awukamdvumisi Nkulunkulu lophetse kuphila kwakho nato tonkhe tindlela takho esandleni sakhe. Ngako-ke utfumele lesandla lesibhale lombhalo. “Lona ngumbhalo lobhaliwe: “MENE, MENE, THEKELI, PHARISINI. Nansi inchazelo yalamagama: Mene: Nkulunkulu sewuwabalile emalanga ekubusa kwakho, wawafikisa ekugcineni kwawo. Thekeli: Sewukaliwe etikalweni, kwatfolakala kutsi ulula. Pharisini: Umbuso wakho wehlukanisiwe wanikwa emaMede nemaPheresiya.” Ngekushesha Bhelshasari watfumela livi kutsi Danyela akembatsiswe ngaletibukhwebeletane, kwagacwa entsanyeni yakhe umgaco wegolide, kwamenyetelwa kutsi yena sewungumbusi wesitsatfu embusweni. Ngabo bona lobo busuku Bhelshasari, inkhosi yemaBhabhulona, wagwazwa wafa. Dariyusi, umMede, watsatsa umbuso, asaneminyaka lengema-62. Kwaba kuhle kuDariyusi kutsi abeke tikhulu letili-120 kutsi tengamele wonkhe umbuso wakhe; ngetulu kwato tonkhe letikhulu kwakunebengameli labatsatfu, lomunye wabo kwakunguDanyela. Letikhulu tatingaphansi kwabo labengameli, kuze inkhosi ingetiwulahlekelwa lutfo. Danyela wakhombisa likhono lebuholi lelaliphakeme emkhatsini wabo bonkhe labengameli naletikhulu, kangangekutsi inkhosi yadzimate yafuna kumbeka kutsi engamele wonkhe lombuso wayo. Ngenca yaloko labengameli kanye naletikhulu, betama kutfola tizatfu tekutsi Danyela atfolakale anemacala macondzana nekuphatsa kwakhe tindzaba tembuso, kodvwa behluleka kukwenta loko. Abazange bayitfole inkhohlakalo kuye, ngobe abetsembekile, abengakakhohlakali, futsi anakekela kahle konkhe. Ekugcineni lamadvodza atsi: “Singeke sisitfole sizatfu lesingambeka ngaso emacala Danyela ngaphandle kwentfo letsintsana nemtsetfo waNkulunkulu wakhe.” Ngako labengameli naletikhulu babutsana baba sicumbi baya enkhosini, bafike batsi: “Bayethe, nkhosi Dariyusi, lunwele loludze! Nkhosi! Bengameli bembuso, netindvuna, netikhulu, nebeluleki kanye nebabusi bonkhe bavumelene ngekutsi inkhosi kufanele ikhiphe umtsetfosimemetelo bese icinisa lesimemetelo ngekutsi nome ngubani lothandaza kulomunye nkulunkulu nome umuntfu ngaphandle kwakho, nkhosi, kulamalanga langema-30 letako uyawujikijelwa emgodzini wemabhubesi. Manje-ke, nkhosi, khipha lesimemetelo usibhale phansi, kuze singetiwuguculwa ngumuntfu, njengekwemitsetfo yemaMede nemaPheresiya lengeke iguculwe ngumuntfu.” Ngako inkhosi Dariyusi, yase iwubhala phansi lomtsetfosimemetelo. Watsi kube Danyela eve kutsi sekubhalwe lomtsetfosimemetelo, wahamba waya ekhaya lakhe ekamelweni lelisetulu, lapho emafasitelo akhona abevulekela ngaseJerusalema. Abeguca ngemadvolo katsatfu ngelilanga, athandaze, abonga Nkulunkulu wakhe, njengobe abevame kwenta ngaphambili. Lamadvodza ase ayahamba asicumbi aya kuDanyela, afike amkhandza athandaza kuNkulunkulu acela lusito. Ngako ahamba aya enkhosini, afike akhuluma kuyo ngalesimemetelo sayo sebukhosi, atsi: “Awuzange yini ukhiphe umtsetfosimemetelo kutsi kulamalanga langema-30 letako umuntfu lothandaza kunome ngumuphi nkulunkulu nome umuntfu ngaphandle kwakho, nkhosi, utawujikijelwa emgodzini wemabhubesi?” Inkhosi yaphendvula, yatsi: “Lesimemetelo simile njengekwemitsetfo yemaMede nemaPheresiya, lengeke iguculwe ngumuntfu.” Base bakhuluma enkhosini, batsi: “Danyela, longulomunye webatfunjwa bakaJuda, akakunaki wena, nkhosi, nalesimemetelo sakho lowasibhala phansi akasishayi mkhuba. Usathandaza katsatfu ngelilanga.” Inkhosi yatsi kube ikuve loko, yakhatsateka kakhulu, yetama konkhe lokwakusemandleni ayo kutsi imsindzise Danyela kwadzimate kwashona lilanga. Lamadvodza abutsana aba sicumbi aya enkhosini, afike atsi: “Khumbula, Silosikhulu, kutsi ngekwemtsetfo wemaMede nemaPheresiya kute simemetelo nome umtsetfo lokhishwa yinkhosi longabuye uguculwe ngumuntfu.” Ngako inkhosi yatfumela livi, kwalandvwa Danyela, wajikijelwa emgodzini wemabhubesi. Inkhosi yakhuluma kuDanyela, yatsi: “Shangatsi Nkulunkulu wakho, lomkhonta njalonjalo, angakulamlela!” Kwaletfwa litje, labekwa emnyango walomgodzi wemabhubesi, inkhosi yalivalisisa ngekubeka luphawu ngendandatho yayo kanye nangetindandatho tetiphatsimandla tayo, kuze kutsi loko lokuncunyiwe ngaDanyela kungaguculwa. Inkhosi yase iyancandzeka ibuyela esigodlweni sayo, busuku bonkhe yayihleti ingadli lutfo, akuzange kuletfwe ngisho nentfo yekuyijabulisa embikwayo. Ayizange ilale. Kwatsi nakudzabuka kusa, inkhosi yavuka yaphutfuma emgodzini wemabhubesi. Yatsi kube ifike edvute nemgodzi wemabhubesi, yamemeta Danyela ngeliphimbo lelidzabukile, yatsi: “Danyela, nceku yaNkulukulu lophilako, loNkulunkulu wakho, lomkhonta njalonjalo, ukhonile yini kukulamlela emabhubesini?” Danyela waphendvula watsi: “Lunwele loludze, nkhosi! Nkulunkulu wami utfumele ingilosi yakhe, lefike yavala imilomo yemabhubesi. Akangilimati, ngobe ngitfolakele ngite licala emehlweni akhe, kantsi nakuwe, nkhosi, kute lengikonile.” Inkhosi yajabula kakhulu, yatfumela kutsi kuyewukhishwa Danyela emgodzini wemabhubesi. Danyela watsi nasakhishwe emgodzini wemabhubesi, kwangete kwatfolakala ngisho nemyocu emtimbeni wakhe, ngobe abemetsembile Nkulunkulu wakhe. Inkhosi yakhipha umyalo, kwaletfwa kuyo onkhe lamadvodza labebeke Danyela licala ngekumcalela emanga, ajikijelwa emgodzini wemabhubesi, wona, nabomkawo, kanye nebantfwabawo. Emabhubesi atseleka etikwabo, abadzabudzabula abacedza bangakefiki ngisho nasesiyilweni salomgodzi wemabhubesi, ababhasha ngisho nematsambo abo. Inkhosi Dariyusi yabhalela bonkhe bantfu, netive, nebantfu bato tonkhe tilwimi emhlabeni wonkhe jikelele, yatsi: “Nginifisela inchubekela embili! “Ngikhipha umtsetfosimemetelo kutsi kuyo yonkhe indzawo lelapha embusweni wami bantfu kufanele bamesabe babuye bamhloniphe Nkulunkulu waDanyela. “Ngobe unguNkulunkulu lophilako, futsi uyawuhlala akhona phakadze naphakadze; umbuso wakhe ungeke ubhujiswe, yebo, umbuso wakhe ungeke uphele. Uyalamulelana abuye asindzise; wenta tibonakaliso netimangaliso emazulwini kanye nasemhlabeni. Ulamulele Danyela emandleni emabhubesi.” Ngako Danyela waphumelela ngesikhatsi sekubusa kwaDariyusi nangesikhatsi sekubusa kwaKhuresi, umPheresiya. Kwatsi ngemnyaka wekucala waBhelshasari, inkhosi yaseBhabhulona, Danyela wabhudza liphupho, kwendlula imibono engcondvweni yakhe aselele embhedzeni wakhe ngalobo busuku. Walibhala phansi leliphupho alandzisa lobekucuketfwe ngilo leliphupho. Danyela watsi: “Embonweni wami ebusuku, ngabona embikwami kwakunemimoya yomine yasezulwini, ivumbuka elwandle lolukhulu. Kwakhuphuka letikhulu tilo letine, nguleso sehlukile kulesinye, taphuma elwandle. “Sekucala sasinjengelibhubesi, futsi sasinetimphiko telusweti: Ngabukisisa, taze timphiko taso tahleshulwa, lesilo saphakanyiswa emhlabatsini kuze sime ngetinyawo taso letimbili njengemuntfu, sase sinikwa inhlitiyo yemuntfu. “Ngatsi ngisabukile, naku embikwami sekume lesinye silo sesibili, sona-ke sasinjengelibhele. Saphakanyiswa ngalomunye wemihlubulo yaso, sasinetimbambo letintsatfu emlonyeni waso emkhatsini wematinyo aso, satjelwa kwatsiwa: ‘Vuka, udle, wesutse inyama.’ “Emvakwaloko, ngatsi ngiyabuka, ngabona embikwami lesinye futsi silo, sona-ke sasifanana nengwe. Lapha emhlane waso sasinetimphiko letine letinjengetenyoni. Lesilo sasinetinhloko letine, sanikwa emandla ekubusa. “Emvakwaloko, embonweni wami ebusuku ngabuka, ngabona embikwami lesinye futsi silo sesine, sasesabeka, setfusana kakhulu futsi sinemandla lamakhulu. Sasinetimbabela tematinyo ensimbi, sasikufihlita sikushwabudzele loko lesikubambile sigcobagcobe loku lokwakusele kwako ngetinselo taso. Sasehlukile kuto tonkhe leta takucala tilo, futsi sasinetimphondvo letilishumi. “Ngatsi ngisacabanga ngaletimphondvo, ngase ngibona sekunalolunye luphondvo embikwami, luluncane, lolwamila nje emkhatsini wato; kwatsi letintsatfu taleta tekucala timphondvo tazuphuneka embikwalo. Lolu-ke luphonjwana lwase lunemehlo lanjengewemuntfu, nemlomo lowawukhuluma ngekutigabatisa.” “Ngatsi ngisabukile, tihlalo tebukhosi tabekwa ngabolonina, Lophila Phakadze Naphakadze wahlala kusakhe. Tembatfo takhe tatimhlophe njengangcocwane; tinwele tenhloko yakhe tatimhlophe njengeboya betimvu. Sihlalo sakhe sebukhosi sasivutsa emalangabi, nemasondvo aso onkhe abelavuka emalangabi. Kwakugeleta umfula wemlilo, siyalu sawo sicubuka embikwakhe. Tinkhulungwane tetinkhulungwane tatimsingatsile. Tinkhulungwane letilishumi tiphindvwe katinkhulungwane letilishumi tatime embikwakhe. Behluleli bahlala phansi. Tincwadzi tavulwa. “Ngachubeka ngabukisisa ngenca yekuhlokoma kwemavi ekutigabatisa lakhulunywa luphondvo. Ngangibukisisile saze sahlatjwa lesilo, umtimba waso wabhujiswa, wajikwa emlilweni lovutsa emalangabi. Nato leti letinye tilo temukwa emandla ato ekubusa, kodvwa tavunyelwa kuphila sikhashana. “Embonweni wami wasebusuku, ngabona embikwami kwakume umuntfu labenjengendvodzana yemuntfu, abehla ngemafu asezulwini. Wasondzela kuloLophila Phakadze Naphakadze, waholeleka ebukhoneni bakhe. Wanikwa emandla ekubusa, nenkhatimulo, nebukhosi. Bonkhe bantfu, netive, nebantfu bato tonkhe tilwimi bakhotsama kuye bamkhonta. Kubusa kwakhe kukubusa kwaphakadze naphakadze lokungasoze kwaphela, nembuso wakhe ngulowo longasoze wacitfwa.” “Mine Danyela ngakhatsateka emoyeni wami, nalemibono leyendlula engcondvweni yami yangiphatamisa emphefumulweni. Ngasondzela ngakulomunye walabo lababeme lapho, ngambuta liciniso lako konkhe loku. “Ngako wase uyangitjela, wangichazela kahle nekutsi kusho kutsini konkhe loku: ‘Letilo letine tingimibuso lemine leyawuba khona emhlabeni. Kodvwa labangcwele balowo Longetulu Kwako Konkhe bayawunikwa umbuso loyawuba ngewabo phakadze naphakadze, yebo, waphakadze naphakadze.’ “Ngase ngifuna kutfolisisa kahle ngalesilokati sesine kutsi sasisho kutsini, ngobe sona sasehlukile kuto tonkhe leti letinye, sesabeka kakhulu ngalamatinyo aso etinsimbi, netidladla telitfusi, silo lesasikufihlita sikushwabudzele loko lesikubambile, sigcobagcobe loko lokwakusele kwako ngetinselo taso. Ngabuta futsi nangaletimphondvo letatilishumi letatisenhloko yaso, nangalolu lolunye luphonjwana lolwase luyamila, lapho kwatsi letintsatfu takucala tase tiyahhohloka embikwalo, loluphondvo lwalunemehlo nemlomo lowawukhuluma ngekutigabatisa kantsi lwalubukeka lwengama leti letinye. Kwatsi ngisabuka, loluphondvo lwaphekehla imphi yekutsi kuliwe nalabangcwele, futsi lwabehlula, kwadzimate kwefika loLophila Phakadze Naphakadze, wakhipha sigwebo avikela labangcwele bakhe Longetulu Kwako Konkhe, kwase kufika sikhatsi lapho batsatsa khona umbuso waba ngewabo. “Wase utsi: ‘Lesilo sesine ngumbuso wesine loyawuvela emhlabeni. Uyawukwehluka kuyo yonkhe leminye imibuso, futsi uyawushwabudzela wonkhe umhlaba, uwugcobagcobe phansi uwufihlite. Letimphondvo letilishumi ngemakhosi lalishumi layawuvela kulombuso. Emvakwawo kuyawuvela lenye inkhosi leyakwehluka kulawa lamanye akucala; iyawutfobisa emakhosi lamatsatfu. Iyawukhuluma ihlambalate Longetulu Kwako Konkhe, icindzetele labangcwele bakhe, yetame kugucula tikhatsi temikhosi lemisiwe nemitsetfo. Labangcwele bayawunikelwa kuyo kube sikhashana, netikhatsi, nencenye yesikhatsi. “ ‘Kodvwa behluleli bayawuhlala, lenkhosi iyakwemukwa emandla ayo ekubusa, icitfwe kokuphela. Lapho-ke kubusa, nemandla, nebukhulu bemibuso yonkhe lengaphansi kwelizulu, kuyawunikelwa etandleni talabangcwele, sive saLongetulu Kwako Konkhe. Umbuso wakhe kuyawuba ngumbuso waphakadze naphakadze, bonkhe babusi bayawukhotsama kuye bamkhonte, bamlalele.’ “Loku-ke kuphela kwendzaba yonkhe. Mine Danyela, ngakhatsateka kakhulu ngimicabango yami, buso bami baze baphaphatseka, kodvwa lendzaba yaba sifuba sami ngedvwa.” Ngemnyaka wesitsatfu wekubusa kwenkhosi Bhelshasari, mine Danyela ngabona umbono, ngemvakwalowo lowase ubonakele kimi. Embonweni wami ngatibona mine ngisenqabeni yaseSusa esifundzeni sase-Elamu; kulombono ngangiseceleni kwemfula, i-Ulayi. Ngatsi ngiphakamisa emehlo, ngabona embikwami kunesihhanca sinetimphondvo letimbili, sime eceleni kwalomfula, letimphondvo tatitindze. Lolunye lwaletimphondvo lwaluludze kunalolu lolunye, kodvwa lwamila kamuva. Ngasibuka lesihhanca sisahlasela sibheke ngasenshonalanga, nangasenyakatfo, nangaseningizimu. Kute ngisho nasinye silwane lesasingemelana naso, kute nalokwakungalanyulelwa emandleni aso, sasijangaza nje senta lesikutsandzako, saze saba sikhulu kakhulu. Ngatsi ngisacabanga ngaloku, kwachamuka siphongo sineluphondvo lolugcamile emkhatsini wemehlo aso, sachamuka ngasenshonalanga sadzabula wonkhe umhlaba, sagijima singakaze sawutsintsa umhlabatsi. Sasondzela ngakulesihhanca lesinetimphondvo letimbili lengangisibone sime eceleni kwemfula, sasukela lesihhanca sasishishimeta ngelulaka lolumatima kabi. Ngasibona sihlasela lesihhanca kabuhlungu kabi, sagadla lesihhanca safohlota letimphondvo taso letimbili. Lesihhanca sona sasingenamandla ekutivikela kulesiphongo, lesiphongo sasihlaba sasijika phansi, sasigcobagcoba ngemasondvo aso, kwabate ngisho namunye labengasilamlela lesihhanca emandleni alesiphongo. Lesiphongo satikhukhumukisa saba sikhulu kakhulu, kodvwa kwatsi lapho sesinemandla, lwephuka loluphondvo lwaso lolukhulu, kwatsi esikhundleni salo kwamila timphondvo letine letigcamile, takhula taya etulu emimoyeni yomine yelizulu. Kwatsi kulolunye lwato kwamila lolunye luphondvo, lolwacala luluncane, kodvwa lwakhula ngemandla kuya ngaseningizimu, nangasemphumalanga, nangaseveni lelihle. Lwakhula lwadzimate lwefikela nasemabutfweni lasemazulwini, lwajikijela phansi emhlabeni letinye tetinkhanyeti, lwatigcobagcoba. Lwatikhulisa lona kutsi lube lukhulu lube ngangembusi walamabutfo, lwasusa imihlatjelo yemalanga onkhe kuye, nendzawo yakhe lengcwele yehliselwa phansi. Ngenca yebuphekula, libandla lalabangcwele nemihlatjelo yemalanga onkhe kwaniketelwa kulo. Lwachubeka lwaba nemphumelelo kuko konkhe lolwalukwenta, liciniso lase lidzicelwa phansi emhlabatsini. Ngase ngiva longcwele akhuluma, nalomunye longcwele wakhuluma kuye, watsi: “Kutawutsatsa sikhatsi lesidze kangakanani kuze kugcwaliseke lombono, umbono lomacondzana nemihlatjelo yemalanga onkhe nalobuphekula lobubanga incitsakalo, namacondzana nekunikelwa kwendzawo lengcwele nekwelibutfo lasezulwini lelitawugcotjwagcotjwa ngetinyawo?” Watsi kimi: “Kuyawutsatsa tikhatsi tekuhlwa netekusa letiti-2 300. Ngulapho-ke lithempeli liyawuhlanjululwa kabusha khona.” Ngatsi mine Danyela ngisabukisisa umbono, ngetama kuwuvisisa kahle, ngabona sekume embikwami lokwakunjengemuntfu ngesimo. Ngeva livi lemuntfu lichamuka ngase-Ulayi limemeta litsi: “Gabriyeli, tjela lomuntfu inchazelo yalombono.” Watsi asasondzela kulendzawo lapho ngangime khona, ngesaba kakhulu ngawa phansi ngebuso. Watsi kimi: “Ndvodzana yemuntfu, visisa kahle kutsi lombono umacondzana nesikhatsi sekugcina.” Watsi asakhuluma nami, ngabe sengikulobukhulu butfongo, buso bami bubheke phansi. Wase uyangitsintsa ngesandla, wangisukumisa, ngema ngetinyawo tami. Watsi: “Ngitakutjela kutsi kutakwentekani kamuva, ngesikhatsi selulaka, ngobe lombono umacondzana nesikhatsi sekugcina lesimisiwe. Lesihhanca losibonile lesinetimphondvo letimbili, simele emakhosi aseMediya newasePheresiya. Lesiyephuyephu sesiphongo siyinkhosi yaseGrisi, naloluphondvo lolukhulukati lolusemkhatsini wemehlo aso, yinkhosi yekucala. Letimphondvo letine letamila esikhundleni salolwa lolwephulwa, timele imibuso lemine leyawuvela kuleso sive, kodvwa ingeke ibe nemandla lafananako. “Kuyawutsi ngasekupheleni kwekubusa kwayo, lapho buphekula sebubunyenti ngalokuphelele, kuyawuvela inkhosi lenebuso lobulukhuni, inkhosi yemanga yekwakha emacebo. Iyawuba nemandla kakhulu, kodvwa hhayi ngekwemandla ayo. Iyawukwenta umonakalo lowesabekako, iphumelele kuko konkhe leyikwentako. Iyawubhubhisa emadvodza lanemandla lamakhulu nesive lesingcwele. Iyawuphumelelisa lokungemanga, ititsatse ngekutsi yona ingulongetulu. Bayawutsi nasebativela kutsi bavikelekile, ibabhubhise linyenti labo, imelane nembusi webaphatsi. Noko yona iyawubhujiswa, kodvwa hhayi ngemandla ebantfu. “Lombono wemihlatjelo yasebusuku neyasekuseni lowukhonjisiwe uliciniso, kodvwa uwugcine usifuba sakho, ngobe wona umacondzana netikhatsi tekugcina.” Mine Danyela ngaphela emandla, ngalala ngigula emalanga lamanyenti. Ngase ngiyavuka ngachubeka nemsebenti wenkhosi. Ngangimangaliswe ngulombono, futsi wawungetulu kwengcondvo yemuntfu. Ngemnyaka wekucala waDariyusi, umsa wa-Ahashiveroshi, umMede ngekutalwa, lowabekwa waba yinkhosi etikwembuso waseBhabhulona, ngemnyaka wakhe wekucala abekiwe, mine Danyela ngafundza ngeva kahle emiBhalweni njengekwelivi laSimakadze kuJeremiya, umphrofethi, kutsi kubhidlitwa kweJerusalema kuyawutsatsa iminyaka lengema-70, lapho iyawusala khona ikhala libhungane. Ngako ngagucukela kuSimakadze longuNkulunkulu ngamncenga ngemthandazo nangekuncusa ngizila kudla, ngembatse emasaka, ngatitsela ngemlotsa. Ngathandaza kuSimakadze Nkulunkulu wami ngivuma tono ngitsi: “Awu Simakadze, wena unguNkulunkulu lomkhulu nalowesabekako, logcina sivumelwane sakhe nelutsandvo kubo bonkhe labamtsandzako bente imiyalo yakhe, sonile kuwe senta lokubi. Besibabi kakhulu, futsi sakuvukela; siphambukile sashiya imiyalo yakho nemitsetfo yakho. Asikatilaleli tinceku takho baphrofethi, lababekhuluma egameni lakho, kuwo emakhosi etfu, nakubabusi betfu, nakubobabemkhulu, nakubo bonkhe bantfu belive. “Simakadze, wena ulungile, kodvwa lamuhla nje sesitseleke ngelihlazo, bantfu bakaJuda netakhamiti taseJerusalema, nawo onkhe ema-Israyeli, yebo, labasedvute nalabakhashane kuwo onkhe emave, lapho usisakatele khona ngenca yekungetsembeki kwetfu kuwe. Awu Simakadze, tsine nemakhosi etfu, nebabusi betfu, nabobabemkhulu, sitseleke ngelihlazo nendlisamahloni, ngobe sonile kuwe. Simakadze Nkulunkulu wetfu unemusa nekutsetselela, nome nje sihlubukile kuye; asikalilaleli livi laSimakadze Nkulunkulu wetfu, futsi asikayigcini imitsetfo lasinika yona ngetinceku takhe baphrofethi. Wonkhe Israyeli uwephulile umtsetfo wakho, weduka wala kulalela livi lakho. “Ngako-ke ticalekiso letibhalwe emtsetfweni waMosi, inceku yaNkulunkulu, setitfululelwe etikwetfu ngenca yekona kwetfu kuwe. Uwagcwalisile emavi akho lowawakhuluma ngatsi nangebabusi betfu, uwagcwalise ngekwehlisela inhlekelele lenkhulu etikwetfu. Kute nakunye lokwake kwenteka ngaphansi kwelizulu lokunjengaloku lokwenteke kuyo iJerusalema. Njengobe kubhaliwe emtsetfweni waMosi, yonkhe lenhlekelele yehlele etikwetfu, kodvwa tsine sisengakabufunisisi buso baSimakadze Nkulunkulu wetfu, ngekutsi siphendvuke etonweni tetfu, sinakekele ngekucophelela liciniso lakho. Simakadze akazange angabate kwehlisela lenhlekelele etikwetfu, ngobe Simakadze Nkulunkulu wetfu ulungile kuko konkhe lakwentako; noko tsine asikalilaleli livi lakhe. “Manje-ke, awu Simakadze, Nkulunkulu wetfu, wena lowakhipha sive sakho eveni laseGibhithe, ngesandla sakho lesinemandla, wena watakhela Libito lelihle, lelema kwadzimate kwaba ngulamuhla, sonile sente lokubi. Awu Simakadze, ngako konkhe kulunga kwakho mane ugucule intfukutselo yakho nelulaka lwakho kuyo iJerusalema, lidolobha lakho, leliyintsaba yakho lengcwele. Tono tetfu nekona kwabobabe sekwente iJerusalema nesive sakho kwaba lihlazo kubo bonkhe labakhelene natsi. “Manje-ke Nkulunkulu wetfu, vani umthandazo nekuncusa kwenceku yakho. Ngenca yakho nje, Simakadze, mane ubuke ngesihawu lithempeli lakho lese libhidlitiwe. Awu Nkulunkulu wami, mane ubeke indlebe, uve, vula emehlo akho ubone kubhidlitwa kwetfu nekwelidolobha lelibitwa ngeLibito lakho. Asiletsi kuncusa kwetfu kuwe, ngobe tsine silungile, kodvwa kungenca yemusa wakho lomkhulu. Awu Simakadze, lalela! Awu Simakadze, tsetselela! Awu Simakadze, vani, wente! Awu, Nkulunkulu wami, ngenca yakho mane ungete wabina, ngobe lidolobha lakho nesive sakho kubitwa ngeLibito lakho.” Ngatsi ngisakhuluma ngithandaza, ngivuma tono tami netono tesive sema-Israyeli akitsi, ngiletsa kuncusa kwami kuSimakadze Nkulunkulu wami ngentsaba yakhe lengcwele, ngatsi ngisesemthandazweni, kwefika Gabriyeli, leyo ndvodza lengangiyibone embonweni wakucala, wefika kimi njengembane, ngesikhatsi semnikelo wakusihlwa. Wangitjela watsi: “Danyela, nyalo sengitele kutekukhutsata kutsi ubone futsi ucondzisise. Watsi nje ucala kuthandaza, wanikwa imphendvulo, lengitekutjela yona, ngobe utsandzekile. Ngako visisa lelivi, uwucondzisise lombono: “Tikhatsi letingema-70 timiselwe bantfu bakini, nelidolobha lakini kutsi bayekele kona nekwephula imitsetfo, bacedze tono, bahlawulele bubi, bangenise kulunga kwaphakadze, kuciniselwe umbono netiphrofetho, kugcotjwe lowo Longcwelengcwele. “Yati loku ukucondzisise: Kusukela ekumisweni kwesimiso sekutsi kubuye kuvuswe kabusha iJerusalema yakhiwe, kuze kufike umbusi Logcotjiwe, kuyawuba netikhatsi letisikhombisa netikhatsi letingema-62. Iyakwakhiwa kabusha netitaladi tayo, kumbiwe nemsele wayo, kodvwa kuyawube sekutikhatsi tenhlupheko. Emvakwetikhatsi letingema-62, Logcotjiwe uyawuncanyulwa, akayiwuba nalutfo. Bantfu bembusi lomunye loyawufika, bayawulibhubhisa lelidolobha kanye nelithempeli. Siphetfo siyawufika njengesihhuhhula semvula. Kuyawuchubeka kulwa kuze kube ngusekugcineni, kuyawube kwehle incitsakalo. Lombusi uyawuvumela sivumelwane nalabanyenti ngesikhatsi sinye, kodvwa ekhatsi naleso sikhatsi uyawucedza umhlatjelo nemnikelo. Uyawubeka sinengisoncitsakalo esicongweni selithempeli, kuze sitfululelwe kuye siphetfo lesimisiwe.” Ngemnyaka wesitsatfu waKhuresi, inkhosi yasePheresiya, kwefika umbono kuDanyela, labebitwa ngekutsi nguBhelteshasari. Emavi awo abeliciniso, futsi abemacondzana nekulwa lokukhulu. Kuwacondzisisa kahle kwakhe kweta ngembono. Ngaleso sikhatsi, mine Danyela, ngalila emaviki aze aba matsatfu. Ngangingadli kudla kwelikhetselo, nome inyama; kute nelitfonsi leliwayini lelake latsintsa umlomo wami; angigcobisanga ngisho nakancane, kwadzimate kwaphela lawo maviki lamatsatfu. Kwatsi ngelilanga lema-24 enyangeni yekucala, ngiseme elusentseni lwemfula lomkhulu iThigrisi, ngatsi ngiyabuka, ngabona embikwami kume umuntfu embetse telineni, atibophe ngelibhande legolide lecengekile elukhalo. Umtimba wakhe wawufanana nelitje lekhrisolithe, buso bakhe bunjengembane, emehlo akhe anjengetidlwane letivutsa emalangabi, imikhono yakhe nemilente yakhe imengetela njengelitfusi lelilongiwe, livi lakhe lalinjengemsindvo wesicumbi. Mine Danyela, kwaba ngimi ngedvwa lengawubona lombono; lamadvodza labekanye nami akazange awubone, kodvwa efikelwa ngulokukhulu kwesaba nekutfutfumela, aze abaleka ayawutifihla. Ngako ngatikhandza sengisele ngedvwa ngigolotele lombono lomkhulu kangaka ngingenamandla, buso bami bagwala baba bovu tju, ngaba yingici. Ngase ngimuva uyakhuluma, ngatsi ngisemlalele, ngatikhandza ngikulobukhulu butfongo, ngase ngilele, buso bami buse mbo phansi. Kwaba khona sandla lesingitsintsako, ngatfutfumela, kwachachatela emadvolo netandla. Watsi: “Danyela, wena lotsandzekile, caphelisisa lamavi lesengitakutjela wona, sukuma ume, ngobe nyalo ngitfunyelwe kuwe.” Watsi kube asho njalo kimi, ngasukuma ngichachatela. Wachubeka watsi: “Ungesabi, Danyela. Kusukela ngelilanga lekucala, mzukwana utimisela engcondvweni yakho kutsi ufuna kucondza kahle nekutitfoba embikwaNkulunkulu, emavi akho evakala kahle onkhe, mine sengitele kutawuletsa imphendvulo yawo. Kodvwa ingilosi yembuso wasePheresiya, yangivimbela kwadzimate kwaphela emalanga langema-21, kwaze kwefika Mikhayeli, lomunye wetingilosi letitikhulu, atengelekelela, ngobe bengishiywe lapho ngedvwa nemakhosi asePheresiya. Manje-ke sengitele kutakuchazela kutsi kutakwentekani kubantfu bakini ngemalanga letako, ngobe lombono umayelana netikhatsi letiseta.” Watsi asasho njalo kimi, ngakhotsama, buso bami bubheke phansi ngingasakhoni ngisho nekukhuluma. Kwaba khona lonjengemuntfu lowatsintsa tindzebe temlomo wami, ngase ngiyakhuluma; ngakhuluma kulowo labeme embikwami, ngatsi: “Ngehlulwa kwesaba ngenca yalombono, nkhosi yami, angisenamandla. Kungenteka kanjani kutsi mine, nceku yakho, ngikhulume nawe, nkhosi. Emandla ami asangishiyile, sengehluleka ngisho nekuphefumula.” Waphindza futsi lona labenjengemuntfu wangitsintsa, wanginika emandla. Watsi: “Ungesabi, wena ndvodza letsandzeke kakhulu. Kuthula! Cina manje, ube nesibindzi.” Watsi kube akhuluma nami, ngacina lidvolo, ngatsi: “Khuluma, nkhosi yami, ngobe naku sewungicinise emandla.” Ngako watsi: “Uyati yini kutsi ngiteleni lapha kuwe? Masinyane ngitawuncandzeka kuze ngitekulwa nengilosi yasePheresiya, ngitawutsi ngisuka nje kuyo, kufike ingilosi yaseGrisi, kodvwa ngitawucala ngikutjele kutsi kubhalweni encwadzini yeliciniso. Kute namunye longelekelelako kutsi emelane nato, ngaphandle kwaMikhayeli, inkhosi yenu. “Ngemnyaka wekucala wekubusa kwaDariyusi umMede, mine-ke ngasukuma, ngema ngakuye ngamvikela.” “Manje-ke, sengikutjela liciniso: Kusetawuvela lamanye emakhosi lamatsatfu ePheresiya, bese kuba yesine leyawunjinga kakhulu kunawo onkhe lalamanye. Kuyawutsi nase iwatfolile emandla ngebunjinga bayo, bese ivusa wonkhe umhlaba kutsi akuvukelwe iGrisi. Lapho-ke kuyawuvela inkhosi lenemandla, leyawubusa ngemandla ayo lamakhulu, ihlamahlame njengekutsandza kwayo. Iyawutsi nase ivele, umbuso wayo bese uyehlukaniswa ubhekiswe emimoyeni yomine yasezulwini. Ngeke wendlulele etitukulwaneni tayo, futsi ngeke ube nalamandla leyayiwasebentisa, ngobe lombuso wayo uyawusishulwa unikwe labanye. “Inkhosi yaseningizimu iyawuba nemandla, kodvwa lomunye webakhuteli bayo bemphi, uyawuba nemandla langetulu kwalawa ayo, futsi uyawubusa lombuso wayo ngemandla lamakhulu. Kuyawutsi emvakweminyaka bese bayahlangana basitane. Kuyawusuka indvodzakati yenkhosi yaseningizimu iyekwendza enkhosini yasenyakatfo kuze kwakheke buhlobo. Kodvwa angeke iwagcine emandla ayo, futsi-ke nenkhosi nemandla ayo angeke eme. Ngalawo malanga kuyawunikelwa ngalenkhosikati kanye nawo wonkhe lomtsimba lowawuyichubile, nemntfwana nendvodza yayo. “Kuyawuvela lomunye entalelwaneni yakabo loyawutsatsa sikhundla sayo. Uyawuhlasela emabutfo enkhosi yasenyakatfo, angene nasenqabeni yayo; uyawulwa nabo abehlule. Uyawutfumba bonkulunkulu babo, netitfombe tabo tetinsimbi, netimphahla tabo letingemagugu tesiliva netegolide, atetfwale aye nato eGibhithe. Kuyawuba sikhatsi lesidze ayiyekele inkhosi yasenyakatfo atimele yedvwa. Inkhosi yasenyakatfo iyawusuka ihlasele live lenkhosi yaseningizimu, kodvwa iyawubuyela eveni layo ilengise tandla. Emadvodzana ayo ayawutilungiselela imphi, abutse emabutfo lamanyenti, lomunye wawo nemphi yakhe bayawukhukhula kungatsi sihhuhhula semvula, ayidvudvule imphi, badzimate bahlasele nenqaba yenkhosi yaseningizimu. “Inkhosi yaseningizimu iyawube seyishuca nayo ngemfutfo lomkhulu iyekulwa nenkhosi yasenyakatfo leyawubutsa lenkhulu imphi, kodvwa iyakwehlulwa. Kuyawutsi imphi nase itfunjiwe, inkhosi yaseningizimu ikhukhumuke ngeligcabho, ibulale tinkhulungwane ngetinkhulungwane, noko ngeke ihlale ingungcongcoshe. Ngobe inkhosi yasenyakatfo iyawubutsa lamanye futsi emabutfo emphi, layawuba manyenti kakhulu kunalawa akucala; kuyawutsi emvakweminyaka leminyenti, bese ishuca nalenkhulu imphi lehlome yaphelela. “Ngaleto tikhatsi labanyenti bayawusukela inkhosi yaseningizimu. Nasemkhatsini wenu kuyawuvuka bantfu labanelutfutfuva, kube kugcwaliseka kwembono, kodvwa bangeke baphumelele. Inkhosi yasenyakatfo iyawuta itekwakha lutsango lwekuvimbetela, ivimbetele idle lidolobha leliyinqaba. Emabutfo aseningizimu ayawubate emandla lenele ekutivikela, ngisho neticheme tawo telikhetselo atiyiwuba nawo emandla ekuma. Umhlaseli uyawujangaza alihlamahlame ngekutsandza kwakhe, kute loyawukhona kumelana naye. Uyawukwakha atinte eveni lelihle, abe nemandla ekulibhubhisa. Uyawutimisela kuta ngemandla embuso wakhe wonkhe atihlanganise nenkhosi yaseningizimu, amendzisele nenkhosatana, khona atewuketula kahle lombuso wayo, kodvwa lawo masu akhe angeke aphumelele futsi ngeke amsite. Uyawujikisa ingcondvo yakhe ayibhekise emaveni lagudla tilwandle atsatse lamanyenti awo, kodvwa umkhuteli wemphi uyawucedza kutigabatisa kwakhe, akugucule lokutigabatisa kwakhe abuyisele lihlazo kuye. Emvakwaloko uyawujikela ngasetinqabeni taseveni lakhe, kodvwa uyawukhubatela awe, angasayiwuphindza abonwe. “Lowo loyawutsatsa sikhundla emvakwakhe uyawukhipha umtselisi, kuze akwati kugcina lomcebo wasebukhosini umile. Naye futsi uyawubhujiswa kungakapheli minyaka mingaki, noko hhayi ngentfukutselo nome emphini.” “Uyawulandzelwa ngumfokatana nje longazange asanikwe ludvumo lwebukhosi. Uyawufika ngesikhatsi bantfu bawo bativela bavikelekile, atsatse umbuso ngemacebo. Sikhukhula semphi lenkhulu siyawukhukhuleka sisuswe embikwakhe; kokubili, imphi kanye nesikhulu sesivumelwane, kuyawubhujiswa. Kuyawutsi nase bente sivumelwane naye, bese uyakhohlisa, uyawukhula abe nemandla, kantsi nje unesive lesinebantfu labambalwa. Kuyawutsi emave lanjingile nase ativela kutsi avikelekile, awahlasele, futsi uyakwenta loko ngisho naboyise labangazange sebakwente bona kanye naboyisemkhulu. Uyawukwaba imphango, netimphahla kanye nemcebo emkhatsini webalandzeli bakhe. Uyawukwakha luzungu lwekuketula tinqaba, noko kube kwesikhashana nje. “Uyawuvusa emandla akhe ngemphi yakhe lenkhulu, atikhutsate kubhekana nenkhosi yaseningizimu. Inkhosi yaseningizimu iyakulwa kulwa lokukhulu inemphi lenkhulu nalenemandla kakhulu, kodvwa ngeke ikhone kuma ngenca yemacebo layawube entelwe yona. Labo labadla kanye nenkhosi bayakwetama kuyibhubhisa, imphi yayo iyawukhukhuleka, labanyenti bayawufela emphini. Lawo makhosi lamabili layawube tinhlitiyo tawo ticondze bubi, ayawuhlala etafuleni linye ayengane odvwa, kodvwa loko kungasiti lutfo, ngobe siphetfo sona siyawuhlale sifike ngesikhatsi saso lesibekiwe. Inkhosi yasenyakatfo iyawujika ibuyele eveni layo seyinjinge kakhulu. Kodvwa inhlitiyo yayo iyawube imelene nesivumelwane lesingcwele. Iyawusitsatsela tinyatselo, bese ibuyela emuva eveni layo. “Kuyawutsi ngesikhatsi lesimisiwe, iphindze ihlasele laseningizimu futsi, kodvwa ngaleso sikhatsi umphumela uyawukwehluka kulowo wakucala. Imikhumbi yemave angasenshonalanga lagudla lwandle iyawumelana nayo, bese iyajabha. Iyawube seyiyagucuka bese itfukutselela sivumelwane lesingcwele. Iyawubuya ivelane nalabo labafulatsela sivumelwane lesingcwele. “Emabutfo ayo lahlomile ayawuvuka angcolise inqaba yelithempeli, acedze imihlatjelo yemalanga onkhe. Bese-ke emisa sinengiso lesingusona sibanga incitsakalo. Ngekuyenga nangemavi ekuwunga inkhosi iyakonakalisa labo labephule sivumelwane, kodvwa noko bantfu labamati kahle Nkulunkulu wabo bayawumelana nayo bacinile. “Labo labahlakaniphile bayawufundzisa labanyenti, noko kube kwesikhashana solo bawa ngenkemba, nome bashiswe, nome batfunjwe, nome baphangwe. Bayawutsi nabawa, batfole lusito loluncane, labanyenti labatentisako bayawutihlanganisa nabo. Labanye balabahlakaniphile bayawukhubatela, kuze bahlanjululwe ngekucengwa, bangcweliswe, bentiwe bangabi nasici kuze kube sikhatsi sesiphetfo, ngobe sona siyawufika ngesikhatsi lesimisiwe.” “Inkhosi yasenyakatfo iyawukwenta njengekutsandza kwayo. Iyawutikhukhumeta, itibongelele yona, itibeke ngetulu kwato tonkhe tithico, ikhulume tintfo letingazange tikhulunywe ngumuntfu ngaNkulunkulu wabonkulunkulu. Iyawuphumelela kudzimate kuphelele sikhatsi selulaka, ngobe loko lokuhlosiwe kufanele kwenteke. Ayiyiwubanaka bonkulunkulu baboyise nome lowo lotsandvwa ngulabasikati, futsi ingeke inake nome ngumuphi nkulunkulu, kodvwa iyawutigabatisa yona itibeke ngetulu kwabo bonkhe. Esikhundleni sabo iyawuhlonipha nkulunkulu wetinqaba, nkulunkulu labangazange bamati boyise, iyawumhlonipha ngegolide nangesiliva, nangematje laligugu, nangetipho letidulile. Iyawuhlasela tinqaba leticine kakhulu, isitwa ngulonkulunkulu, iyawubadvumisa kakhulu labo labamvumako. Iyawubabeka babe babusi etikwetive letinyenti, yabe live libe ngumvuzo wabo. “Ngesikhatsi sekugcina, inkhosi yaseningizimu iyawuhlaselana nayo emphini, kodvwa inkhosi yasenyakatfo iyawuyidvumela iyekulwa nayo ngetincola temphi nangemasotja lagibele emahhashi emphi, nangalelikhulu lifu lemikhumbi yemphi. Iyawungenela emave lamanyenti, iwakhukhule kube shangatsi ngungesihhuhhula semvula. Iyawubuye ingenele nelive lelihle. Emave lamanyenti ayakuwa, kodvwa bo-Edomu neMowabi, kanye nebaholi baka-Amoni bayawukhululwa esandleni sayo. Iyakwandzisa kubusa kwayo etikwemave lamanyenti; neGibhithe ngeke idzabule. Iyawuba nemandla ekulawula umcebo wegolide newesiliva, netimphahla tonkhe taseGibhithe letidule kakhulu, itfobise baseLibiya nebaseKushe. Kodvwa imibiko levela emphumalanga nasenyakatfo iyakuyetfusa, bese itihlelela kuphuma nemphi lenkhulu, iyewubhubhisa labanyenti bangaphindzi babe khona. Iyawumisa emathende ayo ebukhosi emkhatsini wetilwandle entsabeni lenhle nalengcwele. Noko iyawufika esiphetfweni sayo, futsi kute namunye loyawuyilamulela.” “Ngaleso sikhatsi Mikhayeli, ingilosi lenkhulu lengumvikeli wesive sakini, uyawuvela. Kuyawuba sikhatsi sekuhlupheka lokukhulu, lesingazange sesibe khona, seloku kwacala kuba netive kuze kube nguleso sikhatsi. Kodvwa ngaleso sikhatsi, bonkhe bantfu bakini lekwatfolakala emabito abo abhaliwe encwadzini yaNkulunkulu, bayawukhululwa. Ticumbi ngeticumbi lesetalala elutfulini lwemhlaba tiyawuvuka, labanye bavukele ekuphileni kwaphakadze, labanye ehlazweni nasekwedzelelekeni kwaphakadze. Labo labahlakaniphile bayawucwebetela njengekumanyatela kwemazulu, nalabo labaholele labanye ekulungeni, bakhanye njengetinkhanyeti kuze kube nguphakadze naphakadze. Kodvwa wena Danyela, wavalele uze uwashicilele lamavi alencwadzi legocotwako, kuze kube nguleso sikhatsi sekugcina. Labanyenti bayawukwehla benyuka bafuna kwati kutsi kwentekani.” Mine Danyela, ngase ngiyabuka, ngabona embikwami sekume labanye lababili, lomunye eme ngala elusentseni lwemfula, lomunye eme ngesheya kwemfula malungana naye. Lomunye wabo wakhuluma kulona labembetse telineni, labesetikwalamanti alomfula, watsi: “Kuyawuze kube ngunini, solomane tingakagcwaliseki tonkhe letintfo letimangalisa kangaka?” Lomuntfu labegcoke telineni, labesetikwalamanti emfula, waphakamisa sandla sakhe sekudla nesancele, watibhekisa ezulwini, ngamuva afunga ngaye lophila phakadze atsi: “Kuyawuba ngiminyaka lemitsatfu nesigamu. Nakuphelela kuhlushwa kwebantfwana baNkulunkulu, tonkhe letintfo tiyawube setentekile.” Ngakuva loko labekukhuluma, kodvwa angizange ngikucondze kutsi kusho kutsini. Ngako ngabuta ngatsi: “Awu nkhosi yami, uyawuba yini umphumela wako konkhe loko?” Wangiphendvula watsi: “Hamba ngendlela yakho, Danyela, ngobe lamavi asavalelwe ashicilelwa, kuyawudzimate kube sikhatsi sekugcina. Labanyenti bayawuhlanjululwa babe msulwa, bacengisiswe kahle bangabi nasici, kodvwa lababi bayawuchubeka babe babi kakhulu. Kute namunye walababi loyawukuvisisa, kodvwa laba labahlakaniphile bayawukuvisisa kahle. “Kusukela ngesikhatsi lekwasuswa ngaso umhlatjelo wemalanga onkhe, kwemiswa sinengiso lesibanga incitsakalo kuyawutsatsa emalanga layi-1 290. Ubusisiwe lowo loyawulindza aze efike ekugcineni kwalamalanga layi-1 335. “Kodvwa wena Danyela, hamba endleleni yakho kuze kube ngusekugcineni. Uyawuphumula, kuyawutsi ekupheleni kwemalanga, uvuke utekwemukeliswa sabelo sakho lekulifa lakho.” Livi laSimakadze lelefika kuHoseya, umsa waBheri, ngesikhatsi sekubusa kwemakhosi bo-Uziya, naJothamu, na-Ahazi, naHezekiya, emakhosi akaJuda, nakubusa inkhosi Jerobowamu, umsa waJehoyashi, inkhosi yaka-Israyeli: Watsi kube Simakadze acale kukhuluma naHoseya, Simakadze wakhuluma kuye, watsi: “Hamba utsatse umfati loyingwadla lonebantfwana labatelwe ngebugwadla, ngobe live linelicala lebugwadla lobesabekako, selisukile kuSimakadze.” Ngako-ke Hoseya watsatsa Gomeri, indvodzakati yaDiblayimu; watetfwala, wamtalela indvodzana. Simakadze wakhuluma kuHoseya, watsi: “Metse libito utsi nguJezreyeli, ngobe ngekushesha nje ngitayijezisa indlu yakaJehu ngenca yekubulawa kwebantfu eJezreyeli, futsi ngitawucedza umbuso waka-Israyeli. Ngalelo langa ngitabephula butjoki baka-Israyeli, ngicedze emabutfo alo eSigodzini saseJezreyeli.” Gomeri waphindze futsi watetfwala, watala indvodzakati, Simakadze wabe sewukhuluma kuHoseya, watsi: “Metse libito utsi nguLo Ruhama, ngobe angiseyiwuphindze ngiyihawukele indlu yaka-Israyeli, lokwekutsi ngingaze vele ngibatsetselele. Noko ngiyakuyihawukela indlu yakaJuda; ngiyakubasindzisa, kodvwa hhayi ngebutjoki, nangenkemba, nangemphi, nangemahhashi, nangebagibeli bemahhashi, kodvwa ngiyakubasindzisa mine, Simakadze longuNkulunkulu wabo.” Watsi kube alumule Lo Ruhama, Gomeri watala lenye indvodzana. Simakadze wase utsi: “Lendvodzana yetse libito utsi nguLo Ami, ngobe anisiso sive sami, nami futsi angisiye Nkulunkulu wenu.” “Noko ema-Israyeli ayawuba manyenti ngangesihlabatsi saselugwini lwelwandle, lesingeke sikalwe nome sibalwe. Endzaweni lapho kwakukhulunywa khona kubo kwatsiwa: ‘Nine anisiso sive sami,’ bayawubitwa ngekutsi: ‘Ngemadvodzana aNkulunkulu lophilako.’ Bantfu bakaJuda nebantfu baka-Israyeli bayawuphindze bahlanganiswe, bese babeka umholi wabo abe munye, bahlume eveni labo, ngobe liyawuba likhulu lelo langa lakaJezreyeli. “Khulumani kubomnakenu nitsi: ‘Bantfu bakitsi,’ kubodzadzewenu nitsi: ‘Labatsandzekako bami.’ ” “Yekhutani make wenu, mekhuteni, ngobe akasesiye umkami, nami angisesiyo indvodza yakhe. Ase akususe lokubukeka kwebugwadla ebusweni bakhe, nalokungetsembeki lokusemkhatsini wemabele akhe. Ngaphandle kwaloko ngitamhlubula abe ngcunu, ngimente abe ngcunu njengamhlazane atalwa; ngitawumenta abe njengelihlane, ngimgucule abe live leligagadzekile, afe ngekoma. Ngingeke ngibahawukele labantfwana bakhe, ngobe babantfwana bebugwadla. Unina abengaketsembeki, wabemitsa ngekwelihlazo, watsi: ‘Ngitawulandzela emashende ami, labo labangipha kudla kwami nemanti ami, insontfo yami, nelineni yami, emafutsa ami kanye nesinatfo sami.’ Ngako-ke ngiyakuyivimba indlela yakhe, ngiyivale ngemahlahla emanyeva; ngiyawumvimbetela, kuze angasayitfoli nendlela. Uyawucoshana nemashende akhe, kodvwa ngeke awakhandze; uyakuwafuna, kodvwa angeke awatfole. Uyawube sewutsi: ‘Ngitawuncandzeka ngibuyele endvodzeni yami yakucala, ngobe ngaleso sikhatsi bekukuhle kakhulu kimi kunanyalo.’ Usengakatsandzi kuvuma kutsi kwakungimi lona lowamnika kudla lokutinhlavu, neliwayini lelisha, nemafutsa, lowatfululela kuye isiliva negolide, lababekusebentisa kuBhali. “Ngako-ke ngiyawutsatsa lamabele ami nase avutsiwe kanye naleliwayini lami lelisha nase lilungile. Ngiyakumemuka lensontfo yami nalelineni yami, lebeyimiselwe kutsi imbonye bungcunu bakhe. Ngako nyalo sengitabungcunula lobubheva bakhe, embikwemashende akhe abuka; kute lotamephula lapha etandleni tami. Ngitayicedza yonkhe lemikhosi yakhe: emadzili akhe eminyaka newekwetfwasa kwenyanga, newemaSabatha akhe, nawo onkhe emadzili akhe lamisiwe. Ngiyawuhliphita imivini yakhe nemikhwa yakhe, latsi: ‘Lena yinkhokhelo yami lenginikwe ngemashende ami;’ ngiyawukwenta kube lihlatsi leliminyene, tilwane tesiganga tikushwabudzele. Ngiyawumjezisa ngenca yalawo malanga lashisa ngawo imphepho kuboBhali, wativunulisa ngetindandatho nangemihlobiso yakhe lemihle, walandzelana nemashende akhe, kodvwa mine wangikhohlwa,” kusho Simakadze. “Ngako-ke manje ngitamhhungula, ngimholele ehlane, ngikhulume naye kamnandzi. Ngulapho-ke ngitambuyisela khona tivini takhe, ngente Sigodzi sase-Akhori sibe ngumnyango welitsemba. Ngulapho-ke lapho ayawuhlabela khona njengasemalangeni akhe ebusha, nanjengalelo langa laphuma ngalo eGibhithe. “Ngalelo langa uyawungibita utsi: ‘Ndvodza yami,’ ungeke uphindze ungibite utsi: ‘Bhali wami,’ ” kusho Simakadze. “Emabito aboBhali ngiyakuwesusa emlonyweni wakhe; nemabito abo angeke asacelelwa lusito. Ngalelo langa baka-Israyeli ngiyawubentela sivumelwane netilwane tesiganga netinyoni temoya kanye netidalwa letinwabutela phansi emhlabatsini. Butjoki, nenkemba, nemphi ngiyawukususa eveni, kuze kutsi bonkhe batewulala phansi baphephile. Ngiyawukwendzisela kimi kuze kube phakadze naphakadze; ngiyawukwendzisa ngekulunga, nangekwemtsetfo, nangekwelutsandvo, nangesihawu. Ngiyawukwendzisa ngekwetsembeka, uyakumhlonipha Simakadze. “Ngalelo langa ngiyawuphendvula,” kusho Simakadze, “ngiyawuphendvula emazulu, nawo ayawuphendvula umhlaba; nemhlaba uyawuphendvula ngalokutinhlavu, nangeliwayini lelisha, nangemafutsa, nako kuyawuphendvula iJezreyeli. Ngiyakutihlanyelela yena eveni; ngiyakulubonakalisa lutsandvo lwami kulowo lebengimbita ngekutsi: ‘Akusiye lotsandzekako wami.’ Ngiyawukhuluma kulabo lekwakutsiwa: ‘Abasiso sive sami,’ ngitsi: ‘Nine nisive sami,’ nabo bayawutsi: ‘Wena unguNkulunkulu wetfu.’ ” Simakadze wakhuluma kimi watsi: “Hamba, uphindze umtsandze umkakho, lite nome asatsandvwe ngulomunye futsi, ayingwadla. Mtsandze wena njengobe Simakadze atsandza ema-Israyeli, kwala nome sebagucukele kulabanye bonkulunkulu, batsandza emacebelengwane emagelebisi lomisiwe.” Ngako ngamtsenga ngesiliva lengemagremu lali-170 nangemakhilogremu langaba likhulu ebhali. Ngase ngiyamtjela lomkami, ngatsi: “Wena kufanele uhlale nami emalanga lamanyenti; akukafaneli lokutsi ube yingwadla nome wetayelane nalenye indvodza, nami ngitawuhlala nawe.” Ngako ema-Israyeli asetawuhlala emalanga lamanyenti angenambusi, angenankhosi, angenamhlatjelo nome ematje langcwele, angenasidziya sebaphristi nome sithico. Emvakwaloko ema-Israyeli ayawuphendvuka afune Simakadze, Nkulunkulu wawo, naDavide, inkhosi yawo. Bayawubuyela batitfobe kuSimakadze nakuto tibusiso taSimakadze ngemalanga ekugcina. Vanini livi laSimakadze, nine ma-Israyeli, ngobe Simakadze usenelicala latanibeka lona, nine lenihlala kulelive, utsi: “Kute kwetsembeka, kute lutsandvo, kute kuphakamisa Nkulunkulu eveni. Lokukhona ticalekiso kuphela, nekucala emanga, nekugwazana, nekweba kanye nebuphingi; bephula tonkhe tikhonkhwane teminyele letibekiwe; kucitsa ingati kulandzela kucitfwa kwengati. Ngenca yaloku live liyalila, nabo bonkhe labahlala kulo bayahusheka; tilwane tesiganga netinyoni tasemoyeni kanye netinhlanti taselwandle kuyafa.” “Kodvwa akubete umuntfu lobeka licala, akubete muntfu lobeka lomunye licala, ngobe mine ngibeka umphristi licala. Nikhubateka emini nasebusuku, nebaphrofethi bakhubateka kanye nani, nine baphristi. Ngako ngitambhubhisa unyoko, bantfu bami bayabhujiswa ngenca yekweswela lwati. “Njengobe nikulahlile kwati mine, nami-ke sengiyanilahla kutsi ningete naba baphristi bami; njengobe niwutsalalisele umtsetfo waNkulunkulu wenu, nami-ke ngiyawubatsalalisela bantfwabenu. Ngekwandza kwebaphristi kanjalo kwandza nekona kwabo kimi, ngitakwenanisa ngebukhosi babo batselwe lihlazo. Batondla ngetono tebantfu bami, bajatjuliswe bubi babo. Kuyawuba nje: Bantfu bayawufanana nebaphristi. Ngiyawubajezisa bobabili ngetindlela tabo, ngibakhokhele ngaloko lokubi labakwentile.” “Bayakudla tabelo tabo temihlatjelo, kodvwa bangeke besutse; bayawungenela bugwadla, kodvwa bangandzi, ngobe bamshiyile Simakadze, batinikela ebugwadleni, nasewayinini lelisha nalelidzala, lokususa kucondza kwebantfu bami. Indlela bayibuta etithicweni tetigodvo, baphendvulwe yindvuku yelugodvo. Umoya webugwadla uyabedukisa; abaketsembeki kuNkulunkulu wabo. Banikela imihlatjelo eticongweni tetintsaba, bashise iminikelo emagcumeni, ngaphansi kwema-okhi, nangaphansi kwemabhabhabhulomu nematherebinte, lapho kunemtfunti lomnandzi khona. Ngako-ke emadvodzakati enu agucukela ebugwadleni, nabomalukatane benu baphinga. “Ngingeke ngiwajezise emadvodzakati enu nase angenela bugwadla, nabomalukatane benu ngingeke ngibajezise nase baphinga, ngobe ngiwo lamadvodza, ngisho labaphristi cobo lwabo, labesukelana naletingwababane, bente umhlatjelo netingwababane tasethempelini. Sive lesingenakucondza siyawubhubha! “Awu Israyeli, nome sewuphinga kangaka nje, ningamenti Juda abe nelicala naye. “Ningayi eGilgali; ningayi eBhethi Aveni. Ningafungi futsi nitsi: ‘Kuphila kwaSimakadze!’ Ema-Israyeli anenkhani, anjengesitfokati lesinenkhani. Pho, Simakadze angabelusa kanjani njengemazinyane etimvu lasedlelweni? Efrayimu utihlanganise netithico; myekeleni khona lapho! Nome ngabe tinatfo tabo setiphelile, bayachubeka nebugwadla babo; baholi babo batitsandza kakhulu tindlela tabo telihlazo. Siwunguwungwana siyawubakhukhula sibalahle khashane, nemihlatjelo yabo iyawubatsela ngelihlazo.” “Lalelani lapha, nine baphristi! Nakisisani, nine ma-Israyeli! Lalelani, ninendlu yebukhosi! Lesehlulelo simelene nani: Nibe lugibe eMispa, naba linetha lelendlalelwe eThabori. Tihlubuki tingumgodzi wekubulala. Tonkhe ngiyakuticondzisa ngemphatfocotfo. Ngati konkhe nga-Efrayimu; Israyeli akafihlakali kimi. Efrayimu, wena sewugucukele ebugwadleni, Israyeli sewonakele.” “Tento tabo atibavumeli kutsi babuyele kuNkulunkulu wabo. Umoya webugwadla usetinhlitiyweni tabo, abamhloniphi Simakadze. Kutigcabha kwema-Israyeli kubufakazi lobumelene nawo; ema-Israyeli, ngisho na-Efrayimu, bayakhubateka esonweni sabo; ngisho naJuda ukhubateka kanye nabo. Nabahamba nemihlambi yabo yetimvu netimbuti kanye nemihlambi yetinkhomo kuyawufuna Simakadze, bangeke bamtfole; sewutisusile kubo. Abaketsembeki kuSimakadze; batala emavezandlebe. Manje emadzili abo ekwetfwasa kwenyanga atawubamita bona kanye nemasimi abo.” “Khalisani impalampala eGibeya, nishaye licilongo eRama. Hlabani inyandzaleyo eBhethi Aveni, nitsi: Awu, Bhenjamini, basemvakwakho. Efrayimu utakwentiwa abe yincitsakalo ngelilanga lekwehlulelwa. Emkhatsini wetive tema-Israyeli ngimemetela lokungiko. Baholi bakaJuda bafanana nalabo labakhweshisa ematje emnyele. Ngiyawulutfululela kubo lulaka lwami njengetikhukhula temanti. Efrayimu ucindzetelekile wagcotjwagcotjwa ngekwehlulelwa, ngobe utimisele kulandzela tithico. Ngifanana nemvunya ku-Efrayimu, ngibe njengekubola esiveni sakaJuda. “Watsi kube Efrayimu abone kugula kwakhe, naJuda abone emanceba akhe, Efrayimu wase ugucukela e-Asiriya, watfumela enkhosini lenkhulu kuyawucela lusito. Kodvwa iyehluleka kunelapha, iyehluleka kupholisa emanceba enu. Ngobe ngiyawuba njengelibhubesi ku-Efrayimu, ngifanane nelibhubesi lelikhulu kuJuda. Ngiyawubadzabudzabula babe ticucu, ngisuke lapho ngibashiye. Ngiyawubetfwala ngibesuse, kubete nalobalamulelako. Ngiyawube sengibuyela endzaweni yami, baze balivume licala labo. Bayawufuna buso bami; baseselusizini lwabo bayawungifunisisa.” “Wotani, asibuyele kuSimakadze. Sewusidzabule saba ticucu, kodvwa uyawusiphilisa; usilimatile, kodvwa uyakuwabopha emanceba etfu. Emvakwemalanga lamabili utasiphilisa, ngelilanga lesitsatfu utasivusa, khona sitewuphila ebukhoneni bakhe. Asimhloniphe Simakadze, sitimisele nekumnaka. Impela, njengobe kucinisekile kutsi lilanga liphuma ekuseni, kanjalo naye uyachamuka ete kitsi njengetimvula tasebusika, nanjengetimvula tasentfwasahlobo letinisela umhlaba.” “Ngingentani ngawe, Efrayimu? Ngingentani ngawe, Juda? Lutsandvo lwenu lufanana nenkhungu yasekuseni, lunjengematolo asekuseni lanyamalalako. Ngako-ke nganishaya nganijuba ticucu ngemavi ebaphrofethi bami, nganibulala ngemavi emlomo wami; tehlulelo tami timanyata njengembane etikwenu, tinehlele nome nini. Ngobe ngifuna sihawu, hhayi umhlatjelo, ngifuna nekumati Nkulunkulu kuneminikelo yekushiswa. Njenga-Adamu, sebasephulile sivumelwane, abaketsembeki kimi. IGileyadi ilidolobha lalabakhohlakele, linindvwe tinyatselo letinengati. Njengobe bosidlani balalela umuntfu endleleni, tenta njalo neticumbi tebaphristi; tiyabulalana kulomgwaco loya eShekhemu, tente budlova lobulihlazo. Ngibone intfo leyesabekako endlini yaka-Israyeli: Efrayimu utinikele ebugwadleni na-Israyeli sewaba ngulongcolile. “Nawe-ke, Juda, ulungiselwe kuvunwa. “Nase ngifuna kubuyisela inhlalakahle kubantfu bami, nase ngifuna kuphilisa Israyeli, tono ta-Efrayimu tibekwa ebaleni, nemacala eSamariya ayembulwa. Benta emacebo, emasela agcekeze tindlu, tigebengu tibamba inkunzi etitaladini; kodvwa ababoni kutsi ngitikhumbula tonkhe tento tabo letimbi. Tono tabo tiyabagabudzela, tisembikwami ngaso sonkhe sikhatsi.” “Bajabulisa inkhosi ngebubi babo, bajabulise nebabusi ngemanga abo. Bonkhe batiphingi, bashisa njengelihhavu lona lelimlilo walo lophekako akadzingi kuwukhwetela, kusukela ekubhuceni inhlama ize ikhukhumuke. Ngelilanga lemkhosi wenkhosi yetfu babusi badzakwa liwayini, yona yaselulela baphukuti sandla. “Tinhlitiyo tabo tinjengelihhavu, babhekana nayo ngekuvumelana ngemacebo. Intfukutselo yabo ibobotseka busuku bonkhe; bese kutsi ekuseni ivutse njengemalangabi emlilo. Bonkhe bashisa njengelihhavu, bashwabudzela babusi babo. Onkhe emakhosi abo ayawa, kute namunye emkhatsini wabo locela lusito kimi.” “Efrayimu utihlanganisa netive, Efrayimu ulicebelengwane lelipatalele, lelingakaguculwa. Betive bamunya emandla akhe, kodvwa yena akakuboni loko. Timvu setiyacatsatela enhloko yakhe, kodvwa yena akakunaki loko. Kutigcabha kwa-Israyeli kubufakazi lobumelene naye, kodvwa etikwako konkhe loko akabuyeli kuSimakadze Nkulunkulu wakhe, nome-ke amfune. “Efrayimu ufanana nelituba, usheshe ayengeke, akanangcondvo. Bacela lusito eGibhithe, baze babalekele e-Asiriya! Batawutsi nababaleka, ngijikijele linetha lami etikwabo. Ngiyawubadvonsela phansi njengetinyoni tasemoyeni. Nangibeva bancwabelana ndzawonye, ngiyawubabamba. Maye kubo! Ngobe besukile kimi! Imbhubhiso kubo! Ngobe bangihlubukile bemelana nami! Ngifisa kangaka kubahlenga, kodvwa bakhuluma emanga ngami. Abakhali kimi ngalokusuka etinhlitiyweni tabo, kodvwa balila emibhedzeni yabo. Babutsana ndzawonye babutsanele emabele neliwayini lelisha, kodvwa bangifulatsele mine. Ngabacecesha, ngabacinisa, kodvwa bangakhela luzungu lwebubi. Abagucukeli kuLongetulu Kwako Konkhe; bafanana nebutjoki lobungakacini. Baholi babo bayawubulawa ngenkemba ngenca yemagama abo langenanhlonipho. Ngenca yaloko bayawuba luhleko nelihlazo eveni laseGibhithe.” “Beka licilongo etindzebeni takho temlomo! Lusweti lusetikwendlu yaSimakadze, ngobe sive sisephulile sivumelwane sami, sawuhlubuka nemtsetfo wami. Israyeli ukhala kimi, utsi: ‘Awu Nkulunkulu wetfu, siyakuhlonipha.’ Kodvwa Israyeli ukulahlile loko lokungukona kukuhle, ngako-ke sitsa sitamcosha. Batibekela emakhosi bangakancutfulisi kimi, batikhetsela babusi bangakabonwa ngimi. Ngesiliva yabo nangegolide yabo batentela tithico letitababhubhisa bona. Awu, Samariya, silahle lesithico sakho selitfole! Intfukutselo yami iyanivutsela, kuyawudzimate kube ngunini solomane nehluleka kuba ngulabamsulwa? Lesithico siphuma ka-Israyeli! Lelitfole lentiwe ngumuntfu loyingcweti kutekubata, alisiye Nkulunkulu. Litakwephulwa libe ticucu, lelo tfole laseSamariya. “Bahlanyela umoya bavune siwunguwungwana. Luhlanga alunaso sishakato; lungeke lusivete sivuno. Kube belungatsela tinhlavu, betive bebangaluphanga. Israyeli umitiwe, manje sewusemkhatsini wetive njengentfo lengenamsebenti. Ngobe sebakhuphukele e-Asiriya kuyawufuna lusito njengembongolo yesiganga lezulazula yodvwana. Efrayimu sewutitsengise yena emashendeni akhe. Nome sebatitsengise bona kubetive, nyalo sengitababutsela ndzawonye. Batawucala bondze ngaphansi kwencindzetelo yenkhosi yase-Asiriya. “Lite nome Efrayimu akhe emalati lamanyenti eminikelo yesono, lamalati asagucuke aba ngemalati ekwenta tono. Ngababhalela tintfo letinyenti temtsetfo wami, kodvwa loko bakutsatsa njengentfo lengesiyo yabo. Banikela ngemihlatjelo lenikwe mine, bese badla lenyama, kodvwa Simakadze akajabuli ngayo. Manje sewutabukhumbula bubi babo, abajezisele tono tabo: Bayawubuyela eGibhithe. Israyeli sewumkhohliwe uMenti wakhe, wakha tigodlo; Juda sewubiyele emadolobha lamanyenti. Kodvwa ngitawutfumela umlilo etikwalamadolobha abo, loyawushisa letinqaba tabo uticedze.” Awu, Israyeli, ungajabuli; ungatsakasi njengaletinye tive. Ngobe nine aniketsembeki kuNkulunkulu wenu. Nitsandza inkhokhelo yebugwadla bekukhonta tithico; nifuna kukhokhelwa kuwo onkhe emabala ekubhulela kolo. Emabala ekubhulela kolo nematje ekuhluta liwayini ngeke abondle bantfu; liwayini lelisha bangeke balitfole. Bangeke basale eveni laSimakadze; Efrayimu uyawubuyela eGibhithe, adle kudla lokungcolile e-Asiriya. Bangeke bayitfululele kuSimakadze iminikelo yeliwayini, kantsi nemihlatjelo yabo ingeke imjabulise. Imihlatjelo lenjalo kubo iyawufanana nesinkhwa salabalilako; bonkhe labayidlako bayawungcola ngekwemtsetfo. Lokudla kuyawuba kwabo; kungeke kungeniswe ethempelini laSimakadze. Niyakwente njani ngelilanga lemadzili enu lamisiwe, ngemalanga emadzili aSimakadze? Ngisho nome bangaphunyula ekubhujisweni, iGibhithe iyawubabutsela ndzawonye, iMemfisi ibangcwabe. Emagugu abo esiliva ayawumbonywa ngumena wetinchachabutane, nemanyeva ayawumbonya emathende abo. Emalanga esijeziso ayeta, yebo emalanga emphindziselo asasondzele, Israyeli kufanele akwati loko. Njengobe tono tenu titinyenti kangaka nebutsa benu bubukhulu kangaka, umphrofethi sewutsatfwa njengesilima, umuntfu wesembulo atsatfwe njengeluhlanya. Umphrofethi utfunyelwe nguNkulunkulu kutsi abe ngumlindzi wa-Efrayimu, noko tingibe timele umphrofethi kuto tonkhe tindlela takhe, nebutsa busendlini yaNkulunkulu wakhe. Bonakele ngalokujulile njengasetikhatsini taseGibeya. Nkulunkulu uyawubukhumbula bubi babo, abajezisele tono tabo. “Ngesikhatsi nangitfola Israyeli, bekungatsi ngitfola emagelebisi elugwadvule; ngesikhatsi ngibona boyihlo, bekungatsi ngibona titselo tekucala esihlahleni semakhiwa. Kodvwa kwatsi nabefika eBhali Pheyori, batehlukanisela leso sithico lesilihlazo, nabo baze benyanyeka njengalentfo bebayitsandza. Bukhulu ba-Efrayimu buyawundiza bemuke njengenyoni, kubete kutalwa kwebantfwana, kubete kutetfwala, kubete ngisho nekubamba sisu. Nome ngabe bakhulisa bantfwana babo, ngiyawubemuka bona kungasali muntfu. Maye kubo, mhlazane ngibafulatsela. Efrayimu ngimbonile, njengeThire, ahlanyelwe endzaweni lenhle. Kodvwa Efrayimu uyawukhipha bantfwana bakhe, abayise kumbulali.” Simakadze, banike! Kodvwa utabanikani? Banike titalo letingabambi, ubanike nemabele late lubisi. “Ngenca yabo bonkhe baseGilgali ngabazonda khona lapho. Ngenca yetono tabo labatentile, ngitabacosha lapha endlini yami. Ngingeke ngiphindze ngibatsandze; bonkhe baholi babo bayangihlubuka. Efrayimu uhushekile, imphandze yakhe ibunile, akasatseli titselo. Ngisho nome bangatala bantfwana, ngiyakuyibulala leyo mbewu yabo labayitsandzako.” Nkulunkulu wami uyawubala, ngobe abakamlaleli yena; bayawuba ngimizulane emkhatsini wetive. Israyeli abengumvini lowenabako watitselela yena titselo. Satsi sitselo sakhe sisandza, wakha emalati lamanye; latsi live lakhe lisatfutfuka, wahlobisa ematje akhe lakhontwako. Inhlitiyo yabo iyakhohlisana, manje sekufanele baletfwale licala labo. Simakadze utawephula emalati abo, abhidlite nalamatje abo lakhontwako. Bayawube sebayakhuluma batsi: “Asinayo inkhosi, ngobe asizange simhloniphe Simakadze. Kodvwa nome ngabe besinayo inkhosi, beyitasentela ini?” Benta tetsembiso letinyenti, bafungele emanga, bente netivumelwane. Ngako kwehlulela emacala kuyahluma njengencatsavane lenebutsi emiseleni yemasimi lalinyiwe. Bantfu labahlala eSamariya bayalesabela, lelitfole lelisithico saseBhethi Aveni. Bantfu balo bayawulililela, kanjalo nebaphristi balo labalikhontako, labo lababetsakasele inkhatimulo yalo yegolide, bayawulililela ngobe itsatfwe kubo yayiswa ekutfunjweni. Nalo lelitfole liyakwetfwalwa liyiswe e-Asiriya, liyewuba setfulo enkhosini lenkhulu. Efrayimu uyawuhlazeka; Israyeli uyawuba nemahloni ngetithico takhe tetigodvo. ISamariya nenkhosi yayo kuyawuphephuka njengelusaba lwemuka etikwemanti emfula. Tindzawo letiphakeme tebubi tiyawubhujiswa, leso sono sa-Israyeli. Emanyeva nemitfuma kuyawukhula kumbonye emalati abo. Bayawube sebakhuluma etintsabeni batsi: “Simbonyeni!” nasemagcumeni batsi: “Dzilikelani etikwetfu!” “Kusukela ngesikhatsi saseGibeya, awu Israyeli, seloku niyona, futsi seloku nisachubeka niyona.” Imphi ingeke ibakhandze yini lababi eGibeya? Ngitimisele kutsi ngitabajezisa; tive titawubutsana timelane nabo, tibabophe ngenca yetono tabo letinyenti. “Efrayimu ulitfokati leliceceshiwe, lelikutsandzako kubhula emabele; ngako ngiyawubeka lijoko entsanyeni yakhe lenhle. Ngiyawubopha Efrayimu, Juda kufanele alime, Jakobe advube umhlabatsi. Ngake ngatsi: ‘Tihlanyeleleni kulunga, nivune titselo temusa longapheli, bese nilima ingcatfo; ngobe sesikhatsi sekufuna Simakadze, adzimate efike ehlisele imvula yekulunga etikwenu.’ Kodvwa senihlanyele bubi, navuna bubi, nadla sitselo senkhohlakalo. “Ngobe nisuke netsembela kuwenu emandla nasemabutfweni enu lamanyenti, kudvuma kwemphi kuyawusuka kumelane nebantfu benu, khona kutewutsi tonkhe tinqaba tenu tibhidlitwe, njengobe Shalmani abhidlita iBhethi Abeli ngelilanga lemphi, mhlazana bomake baphihlitwa phansi emhlabatsini kanye nebantfwababo. Awu, Betheli, kuyakwenteka kona loko-ke nakuwe, ngobe bubi bakho bukhulu. Kuyawutsi kusa ngalelo langa, inkhosi yaka-Israyeli iyawube seyibhujiswe yaphela.” “Ngesikhatsi Israyeli asengumntfwana, ngamtsandza, indvodzana yami ngayibita, ngayikhipha eGibhithe. Kodvwa ngatsi ngisachubeka kubita Israyeli, nabo bachubeka bakhwesha kimi. Banikela imihlatjelo kuboBhali, batfuncisela titfombe imphepho. Ngimi lowacatfulisa Efrayimu, ngamtsatsa ngambamba ngemikhono; kodvwa akazange akunake kutsi ngimi lowamphilisa. Ngabadvonsa ngetintsambo temusa webuntfu, ngetibopho telutsandvo; ngaphakamisa lijoko entsanyeni yabo, ngagobondzelela kubo, ngabafunta. “Bangeke yini babuyele eGibhithe, yona i-Asiriya ingeke yini ibuse etikwabo, njengobe naku bayala kuphendvuka? Kuyawuba bumanyamanya betinkemba emadolobheni abo, tiyawubhidlita imicabo yetinsimbi yemasango abo, tiwacedze emacebo abo. Bantfu bami batimisele kusuka kimi. Ngisho nome sebangambita Longetulu Kwako Konkhe, angeke abaphakamise ngisho nangayiphi indlela. “Ngingakuyekelela kanjani, wena Efrayimu? Ngingakulahla kanjani, wena Israyeli? Ngingakuphatsa kanjani njenga-Adma? Ngingakwenta kanjani ufanane naSeboyimu? Inhlitiyo yami iguculiwe ngekhatsi kwami; sonkhe sihawu sami sivuselelekile. Ngingeke ngiyisebentise intfukutselo yami leyesabekako, futsi ngingeke ngiphindze ngimbhubhise Efrayimu. Ngobe mine nginguNkulunkulu, angisiye umuntfu, nginguLongcwele losemkhatsini wenu. Ngingeke ngifike ngelulaka. Bayawulandzela Simakadze; uyawubhodla njengelibhubesi. Nakabhodla, bantfwabakhe bayawuta batfutfumela, bachamuka ngasenshonalanga. Bayawuta batfutfumela njengetinyoni tiphuma eGibhithe, nanjengematuba aphuma e-Asiriya. Ngiyawubahlalisa emakhaya abo,” kusho Simakadze. Efrayimu ungitungelete ngemanga, indlu yaka-Israyeli yangitungeleta ngenkhohliso. Juda naye usichomoketi lesimelene naNkulunkulu, yebo, umelene naLongcwele lowetsembekile. Efrayimu utondla ngemoya, ucoshana nemoya wasemphumalanga lonkhe lilanga, wandzise emanga nebudlova. Wakha sivumelwane ne-Asiriya, atfumele emafutsa emncumo eGibhithe. Simakadze ubeka Juda licala, utawujezisa Jakobe njengekwetindlela takhe, amkhokhele ngangekwemisebenti yakhe. Esiswini wabamba sitsendze semnakabo; asangumuntfu lomdzala walwa naNkulunkulu. Walwa nengilosi, wayehlula. Wakhala ancenga sibusiso sakhe, wakhandzana naye eBetheli, wakhuluma naye khona lapho, Simakadze Nkulunkulu longuSomandla, nguSimakadze Libito lakhe ladvume ngalo. Kodvwa wena kufanele ubuyele kuNkulunkulu wakho, umtsandze, ulalele imitsetfo yakhe, wente intsandvo yakhe, ulindzele Nkulunkulu wakho ngaso sonkhe sikhatsi. Umhwebi usebentisa tikalo letingaketsembeki; uyakutsandza kukhwabanisa timali. Efrayimu uyatigabatisa, utsi: “Nginjinge kakhulu; senginemfuyo lenyenti. Ngalobunjinga bami bonkhe bangeke bakutfole lokubi nome sono kimi.” “Mine nginguSimakadze Nkulunkulu wakho, lowakukhipha eGibhithe; ngiyawuphindze ngikwente uhlale emathendeni, njengasetikhatsini temadzili akho lemisiwe. Ngakhuluma kubaphrofethi, ngabanika imibono leminyenti, ngakhuluma imifanekiso ngabo.” Gileyadi ukhohlakele yini? Bantfu bakhe akusibantfu balutfo! Bayayenta imihlatjelo yetinkunzi eGilgali, ngako-ke emalati abo ayawufanana netincumbi tematje lasensimini lelinyiwe. Jakobe wabalekela eveni lase-Aramu; Israyeli wasebentela kutfola umfati, ngekwelusa timvu. Simakadze wasebentisa umphrofethi kuze abuyise Israyeli amkhiphe eGibhithe, wamnakekela ngesandla semphrofethi. Kodvwa Efrayimu sewucunule Simakadze kakhulu, wadzimate watfukutsela; Simakadze wakhe uyawumetfwesa licala lakhe lekucitsa ingati, amkhokhise ngaloko kumhlazisa kwakhe. Abetsi Efrayimu nakakhuluma, kutfutfumele emadvodza; abephakanyisiwe ka-Israyeli. Kodvwa waba nelicala lekukhonta Bhali, wafa. Manje bachubeka nako kona; batentela tithico ngesiliva yabo, titfombe letakhiwe ngekuhlakanipha lokukhulu. Konkhe kungumsebenti wencondzi yetekubata. “Benta imihlatjelo ngebantfu bange letithico letimise kwematfole.” Ngako-ke bayawufanana nenkhungu yasekuseni, babe njengematolo asekuseni lanyamalalako, bafanane nemakhoba laphephuka ebaleni lekubhula, babe njengentfutfu lephuma ngelifasitelo ibaleke. “Kodvwa mine nginguSimakadze longuNkulunkulu wakho, lowakukhipha eGibhithe. Animati lomunye Nkulunkulu ngaphandle kwami; kute uMsindzisi ngaphandle kwami. Ngakunakekela usesehlane, eveni lelinekushisa lokuvutsako. Ngatsi nangibondla emadlelweni lamahle, besutsa; batsi kube besutse, base bayatigabatisa, base bayangikhohlwa. Ngako ngiyakuta kubo senginjengelibhubesi, njengengwe ngiyawubalalela endleleni. Njengelibhele nalemukwe bantfwabalo, ngiyawubesukela ngibadladlabule. Njengelibhubesi ngiyawubashwabudzela, silwane sesiganga siyawubadzabudzabula. “Awu, Israyeli, ngiyawukubhubhisa ngobe umelene nami, uphambene nemsiti wakho. Iphi inkhosi yakho, kuze itewukusindzisa? Tiphi tikhulu takho kuwo onkhe lamadolobha akho lowakhuluma ngato, watsi: ‘Nginike inkhosi netikhulu’? Ngako ngekutfukutsela kwami nganinika inkhosi, nangelulaka lwami ngaphindze ngayisusa. Licala la-Efrayimu lilondvolotiwe, tono takhe tibhalwe phansi. Imihelo yemfati nasatawubeleka iyamfikela, kodvwa ungumntfwana lote kuhlakanipha; kutsi nakufika sikhatsi sakhe, angete eta ngasemnyango wesibeletfo. “Ngiyawubahlawulela yini emandleni elithuna ngibahlenge ekufeni? Ye Kufa, tiphi tifo takho letibulalanako? Ye Thuna, kuphi kubhubhisa kwakho? “Ngiyawubate sihawu. Ngisho nome angahluma njengembali emkhatsini wetinhlanga, umoya waSimakadze, wangasemphumalanga, uyakuta, uhhusha uchamuka ngasehlane, umtfombo waka-Efrayimu uyawuphelelwa ngemanti, nesicobho sakhe some. Likamelo lakhe lekulondvolota liyawuphangwa tonkhe tintfo talo letingemagugu. Bantfu baseSamariya kufanele batitfwalele licala labo, ngobe bamhlubukile Nkulunkulu wabo. Bayawubulawa ngenkemba; tinswane tabo tiyawusacatwa phansi emhlabatsini, labakhulelwe babo bahhujutwe tisu.” Awu, ma-Israyeli, buyani, nibuyele kuSimakadze Nkulunkulu wenu. Tono tenu ngito letiniwisile. Tsatsani emavi nibuyele nawo kuSimakadze. Thandazani kuye, nitsi: “Sitsetselele tonkhe tono tetfu, usemukele ngemusa, khona sitewunikela ngetitselo temilomo yetfu. I-Asiriya ngeke isisindzise; singeke siwagibele emahhashi emphi. Singeke siphindze sisho futsi, sitsi: ‘Bonkulunkulu betfu’ kuloko lokwakhiwa tandla tetfu, ngobe kuwe wena wedvwa tintsandzane letite boyise titfola sihawu.” “Ngiyawukuphilisa kunhlanhlatsela kwabo, ngibatsandze ngekukhululeka, ngobe intfukutselo yami seyisukile kubo. Ngiyawufanana nematolo ku-Israyeli; uyawuchakaza njengembali. Njengemsedari waseLebanoni uyawutishonisa phansi timphandze takhe; emahlumela akhe ayawukhula. Bukhatikhati bakhe bube njengesihlahla semncumo, emakha akhe afanane nemsedari waseLebanoni. Bantfu bayawuphindze bahlale emtfuntini wakhe. Bayawuhluma njengetinhlavu. Bayawuchakaza njengesihlahla semvini, neludvumo lwabo luyawufanana neliwayini laseLebanoni. Awu, Efrayimu, ngisenandzabani netithico? Ngiyawukuphendvula, ngikunakekele. Ngifanana nesihlahla lesiluhlata sesipheshula; kutsela kahle kwakho kuphuma kimi.” Ngubani lohlakaniphile? Uyawutibona letintfo. Ngubani lokwati kubona tintfo letifihlakele? Utaticondza kahle letintfo. Tindlela taSimakadze tilungile, labalungile bahamba ngato, kodvwa labahlubukako bayakhubeka kuto. Livi laSimakadze lefika kuJoweli, umsa waPhethuweli, latsi: Lalelani naku, nine baholi, nani nonkhe lenihlala kulelive. Kwase kwenteka yini loku ngetikhatsi tenu nome ngetikhatsi taboyihlomkhulu? Loku kutjeleni bantfwabenu, nebantfwabenu bakutjele bantfwababo, nebantfwababo bakutjele situkulwane lesilandzelako, kutsi loko lokwasala nyakana welifu lesikhonyane sekudliwe tibotfo naloko lokusele kuletibotfo sekudliwe sigegedlana, naloko lokusele kulesigegedlana, sekudliwe tinkumbi. Phaphamani, nine tidzakwa, nikhale! Lilani nonkhe nine banatsi beliwayini, lilani ngenca yaleliwayini lelisha, ngobe selisusiwe emilonyeni yenu. Sive sihlasele live lami, sive lesinemandla nalesingenakubalwa; sinematinyo lanjengewelibhubesi lelidvuna netingcovela tematinyo letinjengewelibhubesi lelisikati. Lesive sibhubhise imivini yami, safohlota imikhiwa yami. Sebule emagcolo ayo, sawalahla le khashane, sashiya emagala ato amhlophe. Lilani njengentfombi leyembetse emasaka, iwavunulele umyeni wayo webusha. Iminikelo yalokutinhlavu neyetinatfo seyiyekelwe endlini yaSimakadze. Baphristi sebayakhala, labo labakhonta embikwaSimakadze. Emasimi asonakele, nemhlaba sewomile, ngobe nesivuno sibhujisiwe, neliwayini lelisha sekwabate, nemafutsa akasatfolakali. Jabhani, nine balimi, lilani, nine lenilima tivini. Dzabukelani kolo kanye nebhali, ngobe sivuno sensimi sibhujisiwe. Umvini sewomile, nemkhiwa sewubunile kanjalo nemahananandza, nemasundvu, nesihlahla semahhabhula kanye nato tonkhe tihlahla tensimi setomile. Ngempela kujabula kweluntfu sekuphelile. Yembatsani emasaka, nine baphristi, nilile. Khalani, nine lenikhonta elatini. Wotani nitekwembatsa emasaka busuku bonkhe, nine lenikhonta embikwaNkulunkulu wami, ngobe umnikelo walokutinhlavu kanye nemnikelo wetinatfo sebakugodlile, akuseti endlini yaNkulunkulu wenu. Memetelani kuzila lokungcwele, nimemetele umhlangano longcwele, butsani baholi kanye nabo bonkhe labahlala kulelive, nibabitele endlini yaSimakadze Nkulunkulu wenu, nikhale kuSimakadze. Maye, lilanga lelesabekako! Ngobe lilanga laSimakadze lisedvute, lilanga Somandla layawuletsa ngalo imbhubhiso. Kudla akukapheli yini embikwetfu? Kujabula nekutfokota akukakhawuli yini endlini yaNkulunkulu wetfu? Inhlanyelo seyiyabuna ngaphansi kwemagadze ayo. Tingungumakamelo setiyimfuhlululu, kanjalo netingungu setibhidlikile, ngobe naloku lokutinhlavu sekomile. Maye, tinkhomo tiyabhonsa! Imihlambi ihlakatekile, ngobe ayinalo lidlelo, ngisho nemihlambi yetimvu iyahlupheka. Awu, Simakadze, ngikhala kuwe, ngobe umlilo sewukhotse onkhe emadlelo, nemalangabi asashise tonkhe tihlahla tesiganga. Ngisho netilwane tesiganga tikhalela wena, imifula yemanti seyomile, nemlilo sewuwakhotse onkhe lamadlelo. Vutselani licilongo eSiyoni, nilikhalise entsabeni yami lengcwele. Bonkhe labahlala eveni abatfutfumele, ngobe lilanga laSimakadze liyeta, yebo, selisondzele. Lelo lilanga lebumnyama nesigayegaye, lilanga lemafu nebumnyama lobukhulu. Njengekusa nakwendlaleka etintsabeni kunjalo nekuta kwemphi lenkhulu nalenemandla, lengazange seyibe khona nasendvulo, futsi ingeke iphindze ibe khona nome ngunini. Embikwaleso sive ngumlilo lokhotsako, emvakwaso lilangabi lelilavukako. Embikwaso live lifanana nensimi yase-Edeni, emvakwaso lilihlane lelingenalutfo. Kute lokusalako lapho sihambe khona. Sibonakala sifanana nemahhashi, siholobha njengemahhashi emphi lagitjelwe. Ngemsindvo waso lofanana netincola temphi sigalaja ticongo tetintsaba; sisasamba njengemlilo nawushisa tibi, sihleleke njengemphi lenemandla levivela kuhlasela. Kubonakala kwaso kutfutfumelisa tive, kwente bonkhe buso buphaphatseke. Sihlasela njengemabutfo sicance tindvonga njengemasotja. Sonkhe sihamba silandzelane ngemigca, singaphambuki endleleni yaso. Asivimbelani sodvwana endleleni, leso naleso sihamba sicondze embili. Sitseleka sifolokohlele emkhatsini wemabutfo ngaphandle kwekutsi sehlukane ekhatsi. Sitselekela lidolobha, sigijime etikwelubondza. Sikhwela singene etindlini, njengemasela singene ngemafasitelo. Embikwaso umhlaba uyatamatama, kutsi sibhakabhaka sitfutfumele, lilanga nenyanga kube mnyama, kutsi tinkhanyeti tingabe tisakhanya. Simakadze uyabhavumula embikwalemphi yakhe. Emabutfo akhe manyenti ngalokungabaleki; banemandla labo labalalela umyalo wakhe. Lilanga laSimakadze likhulu, liyesabeka. Ngubani nje longemelana nalo? Simakadze uyakhuluma utsi: “Namanje phendvukani, nibuye kimi ngenhlitiyo yenu yonkhe, ngekuzila, nangekukhala kanye nangekulila.” Dzabulani tinhlitiyo tenu, hhayi tembatfo tenu. Buyelani kuSimakadze Nkulunkulu wenu, ngobe unemusa nesihawu, uyephuta kutfukutsela, unelutsandvo loluphuphumako, atsambe, angete ayehlisa inhlekelele. Ngubani lowatiko? Mhlawumbe angaba nesihawu, ashiye sibusiso, bese kuba ngiminikelo yalokutinhlavu neyetinatfo yaSimakadze Nkulunkulu wenu. Vutselani licilongo eSiyoni, nimemetele kuzila lokungcwele, nibite umhlangano longcwele. Hlanganisani sive sibe ndzawonye, niwungcwelise lowo mhlangano; hlanganisani baholi, nihlanganise nebantfwana, yebo, ngisho nalabamunyako imbala. Umkhwenyane akashiye indlu yakhe, namakoti ashiye indlu yakhe. Baphristi labakhonta embikwaSimakadze abakhale emkhatsini wemhubhe welithempeli nelilati. Yebo, abakhale batsi: “Awu, Simakadze, hawukela sive sakho, ungavumi kutsi lifa lakho lelingitsi libe yinhlekisa nentfo yekweyiswa tive. Asikho nesidzingo sekutsi letive tingaze titsi: ‘Uphi loNkulunkulu wabo?’ ” Simakadze utawuba nenshisekelo ngelive lakhe, asihawukele sive sakhe. Simakadze utawuphendvula atsi kubo: “Nginipha sivuno salokutinhlavu, liwayini lelisha kanye nemafutsa, lokwenele kutsi kunganesutsisa; ngingeke ngiphindze nginente nibe yinhlekisa etiveni. “Imphi yesitsa sangasenyakatfo ngitayicosha isuke kini, ngiyivimbetele eveni lelilihlane. Lingembili layo licondze elwandle lwangasemphumalanga, lingemuva layo licondze elwandle lwangasenshonalanga. Luboti lwayo luyawuphakama, nekunuka kwayo kwenyuke.” Ngempela wente tintfo letinkhulu. Ungesabi, wena live, jabula utfokote. Ngempela Simakadze wente tintfo letinkhulu. Ningesabi, nani tilwane tesiganga, ngobe emadlelo asaneluhlata, tihlahla titsela titselo tato, umkhiwa nemvini nako kutsela titselo tako. Jabulani, nine sive saseSiyoni, tfokotani kuSimakadze Nkulunkulu wenu, ngobe sewuniphe umfundzisi wekulunga. Unitfumela imvula lenyenti, imvula yasekwindla neyasentfwasahlobo njengakucala. Tindzawo tekubhulela emabele titawugcwala tivuno talokutinhlavu; imiphandza itawugcwala iphuphume ngeliwayini lelisha nangemafutsa. “Ngitanikhokhela kuloko lokudliwe sikhonyane ngaleyo minyaka, loko lokwadliwa tibotfo nesigegedlana, nelifu letinkumbi, imphi yami lengayitfumela emkhatsini wenu. Nitawuba nenala, nidle nize nesutse, nitalidvumisa Libito laSimakadze Nkulunkulu wenu, lowente timangaliso emkhatsini wenu. Sive sami singeke siphindze sihlazeke. Niyawube seniyati kutsi ngika-Israyeli, nekutsi nginguSimakadze Nkulunkulu wenu, nekutsi futsi kute lomunye ngaphandle kwami. Sive sami singeke siphindze sihlazeke.” “Emvakwaloko ngiyawutfulula Moya wami etikwabo bonkhe bantfu. Emadvodzana nemadvodzakati enu ayawuphrofetha, emakhehla enu ayawuphupha emaphupho, nemajaha enu ayawubona imibono. Yebo, kulawo malanga ngiyawutfululela Moya wami etincekwini nasetincekukatini tami. Ngiyakwenta timangaliso emazulwini nasemhlabeni: ingati, nemlilo, nekushunca kwentfutfu. Lilanga liyawuba mnyama, inyanga ibe bovu njengengati, lingakefiki lilanga lelikhulu nalelesabekako laSimakadze. Bonkhe labayakulibita Libito laSimakadze bayawusindziswa, ngobe entsabeni iSiyoni naseJerusalema, kuyawuba nenkhululeko, njengobe Simakadze asashito emkhatsini waleyo nsali lebitwa nguSimakadze.” “Kulawo malanga nakuleso sikhatsi nasengibuyisela tibusiso kulakaJuda naseJerusalema, ngiyawubutsa tonkhe tive ngitehlisele eSigodzini sakaJehoshafati. Lapho-ke ngulapho ngiyawutehlulela khona ngenca yelifa lami, sive sami saka-Israyeli, ngobe tasakata sive sami, tasifaka kuto tonkhe tive, talidzabudzabula live lami. Sive sami tehlukaniselana ngaso ngenkatho, tatsengisa ngebafana, kuze titewukhokhela tingwadla; tatsengisa ngemantfombatana, kuze kutsi titewutsenga liwayini tinatse. “Pho, yini leniphambane ngayo nami, nine Thire neSidoni kanye nani nonkhe nine tifundza taseFilistiya? Kungabe nikhokha sibhongobhongo ngalengikwentile yini? Nangabe nikhokha sibhongobhongo, ngekushesha nangekuphatima kweliso, ngitawubuyisela etikwetinhloko tenu loko lenikwentile. Ngobe nitsetse isiliva yami negolide yami nakwetfwala konkhe lokungemagugu nemcebo wami lomkhulu nayawukufaka emathempelini enu. Natsengisa bantfu bakaJuda nebaseJerusalema kumaGriki, nentela kutsi batewuba khashane nemikhawulo yelive labo. “Bukani la, ngitabavusa kuleto tindzawo lenibatsengise kuto, ngitawubuyisela etikwetinhloko tenu loko lenikwentile. Ngiyawutsengisa emadvodzana nemadvodzakati enu esiveni sakaJuda, bese sibatsengisa esiveni sakaSheba, sive lesikhashane kakhulu.” Simakadze sewukhulumile. “Memetelani naku etiveni: “ ‘Tilungiseleleni imphi! Vusani emabutfo! Emasotja akasondzele atewuhlasela. Fulani emakhuba enu abe tinkemba, netikelo tekutsena tihlahla nitente tibe tikhali. Ngisho nalobutsakatsaka akatsi: “Nginemandla!” Sheshisani nite, nonkhe nine tive, tindzawo tonkhe, nihlanganele lapho.’ ” Awu, Simakadze, yehlisa emabutfo akho! “Tive ativuswe tehlele eSigodzini sakaJehoshafati, ngobe lapho ngulapho ngitawuhlala khona ngitekwehlulela tonkhe tive letikuleyo ndzawo. Faka lisikela usike, ngobe sekufanele kuvunwe. Wota, ugcobagcobe emagelebisi, ngobe litje lekuhlutela seligcwele, nemiphandza seyigcwele iyaphuphuma, bunjalo-ke nebubi babo!” Ticumbi ngeticumbi esigodzini sekwehlulela! Ngobe lilanga laSimakadze selisondzele esigodzini sekwehlulela! Lilanga nenyanga kutaba mnyama, netinkhanyeti tingabe tisakhanya. Simakadze utawubhodla aseSiyoni, abhavumule eJerusalema, umhlaba nesibhakabhaka kutfutfumele. Kodvwa Simakadze utawuba siphephelo esiveni sakhe, abe yinqaba yesive saka-Israyeli. “Niyawube seniyati-ke kutsi: Mine, Simakadze, Nkulunkulu wenu, ngihlala eSiyoni, intsaba yami lengcwele. IJerusalema iyawuba ngcwele, kute betive labayawuphindze bayihlasele. “Ngalelo langa tintsaba tiyawuntfontsa liwayini lelisha, kutsi emagcuma agelete lubisi, tihosha takaJuda tigijime emanti. Umtfombo uyawugeleta uphume endlini yaSimakadze unisele Sigodzi Semigamba. Kodvwa iGibhithe iyawuphundleka ibe lihlane, i-Edomu ibe lihlane lelingenalutfo, ngenca yebudlova lobentiwe esiveni sakaJuda, eveni labacitsa kulo ingati lengenacala. Live lakaJuda liyawuhlala lakhelwe bantfu phakadze naphakadze, kanjalo neJerusalema iyawuhlala inebantfu titukulwane ngetitukulwane. Licala labo lengati, lengisengakalitsetseleli ngiyawulitsetselela.” Simakadze uhlala eSiyoni! Lawa ngemavi a-Amose, lomunye webantfu lababefuye timvu eThekhowa, ngaloko lakuboniswa lokumacondzana nema-Israyeli iminyaka lemibili umhlaba ungakatamatami, ngesikhatsi Uziya ayinkhosi yakaJuda, Jerobowamu, umsa waJehoyashi, ayinkhosi yaka-Israyeli. Amose wakhuluma watsi: “Simakadze uyabhodla eSiyoni, yebo, Simakadze uyabhavumula aseJerusalema, emadlelo ebelusi ayoma, nesicongo sentsaba iKhameli siyabuna.” Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: “Bantfu baseDamaseko bone kwaze kwengca, ngaleso sizatfu ngingeke ngihlale ngingabajezisi. Baphatse sive sakaGileyadi ngensila nakabuhlungu, basihhudlisa phansi njengetihliphi nanjengetihhudlo. Ngako ngitakwehlisela umlilo endlini yakaHazayeli, lotawushisa ucotfule leto tigodlo takaBheni Hadadi. Ngitawubhidlita emasango aseDamaseko, ngibhubhise inkhosi leseSigodzini sase-Aveni, nalowo lophetse indvuku yebukhosi eBhethi Edeni. Sive semaSiriya sitawutfunjelwa eKhiri,” kusho Simakadze. Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: “Bantfu baseGaza bone kwaze kwengca, ngaleso sizatfu ngingeke ngihlale ngingabajezisi. Batfumba yonkhe imindeni yesive bayitsengisa ka-Edomu. Ngako-ke ngitakwehlisela umlilo etikwetibondza taseGaza, lotawucotfula tonkhe tigodlo tayo. Ngitayibhubhisa inkhosi yase-Ashdodi nalowo lophetse indvuku yebukhosi e-Ashkeloni. Ngitayivukela i-Ekroni, ngiwabhubhise onkhe emaFilisti kungasali namunye,” kusho iNkhosi Simakadze. Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: “Bantfu baseThire bone kwaze kwengca, ngaleso sizatfu ngingeke ngihlale ngingabajezisi. Batfumba yonkhe imindeni yesive bayitsengisa ka-Edomu, bangete basigcina sivumelwane sebuhlobo lesasentiwe. Ngako-ke ngitakwehlisela umlilo etikwetindvonga taseThire lotawucotfula tigodlo tayo.” Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: “Bantfu baka-Edomu bone kwaze kwengca, ngaleso sizatfu ngingeke ngihlale ngingabajezisi. Bacosha bomnakabo ngenkemba balahla sihawu, intfukutselo yabo yabhebhetseka kokuphela, yebo, nekutfukutsela kwabo kwakungasekhuteki. Ngako-ke ngitakwehlisela umlilo etikwaThemani lotawucotfula tigodlo taseBhosra.” Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: “Bantfu baka-Amoni bone kwaze kwengca, ngaleso sizatfu ngingeke ngihlale ngingabajezisi. Ema-Amoni abahlinze beva bafati labatetfwele bakaGileyadi, kuze atekwandzisa iminyele yawo. Ngako-ke ngitawulumeka umlilo etikwetibondza taseRabha lotawucotfula tonkhe tigodlo tayo emkhatsini webumayemaye bekukhala ngelilanga lekulwa imphi, nasemkhatsini wemimoya lenemandla, ngelilanga lesivunguvungu. Inkhosi yabo iyawudzingiswa kanye nato tonkhe tikhulu tayo,” kusho Simakadze. Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: “Bantfu bakaMowabi bone kwaze kwengca, ngaleso sizatfu ngingeke ngihlale ngingabajezisi. Bashise ematsambo enkhosi yaka-Edomu, adzimate aba njengemcakaco. Ngako-ke ngitakwehlisela umlilo etikwaMowabi, lotawucotfula tigodlo taseKheriyothi. Bantfu bakaMowabi bayawufela emsindvweni lomkhulu wemphi ngesikhatsi nakuliwa imphi, emkhatsini wekukhala bumayemaye bemabutfo kanye nasekukhaleni kwelicilongo. Ngitawubhubhisa umbusi wakaMowabi kanye nato tonkhe tikhulu takhe,” kusho Simakadze. Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: “Bantfu bakaJuda bone kwaze kwengca, ngaleso sizatfu ngingeke ngihlale ngingabajezisi. Bawulahlile umtsetfo waSimakadze, bangete batigcina timiso takhe, bedukiswe tithico, lekutithico letatikhontwa boyisemkhulu. Ngako-ke ngitakwehlisela umlilo etikwaJuda lotawushisa ucotfule tigodlo taseJerusalema.” Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: “Bantfu baka-Israyeli bone kwaze kwengca, ngaleso sizatfu ngingeke ngihlale ngingabajezisi. Labalungile babatsengisa ngesiliva, bese kutsi labeswele babatsengise ngetincabule letimbili. Bagcobagcoba tinhloko talabamphofu kube shangatsi bagcobagcoba lutfuli lwemhlaba, bese kutsi labacindzetelwe bangababoneleli. Indvodza nemsa wayo balala nentfombatana yinye, ngaloko bahlazise Libito lami lelingcwele. Bacambalala phansi eceleni kwalelo nalelo lati ngetingubo tesibambiso. Endlini yaNkulunkulu wabo banatsa liwayini lalabahlawulisiwe. “Kepha mine ngawabhubhisa ema-Amori embikwenu, nome abemadze njengemisedari acine njengema-okhi. Ngabhubhisa netitselo tawo ngetulu netimphandze tawo ngaphansi. “Mine futsi nganikhipha eGibhithe, nganihola iminyaka lengema-40 ehlane, ngentela kuninika live lema-Amori. Ngaphindza nganivusela baphrofethi emkhatsini wemadvodzana enu kanye nebaNaziri emkhatsini wemajaha enu. Akusilo liciniso yini lelo, sive sema-Israyeli?” kusho Simakadze. “Kodvwa nine nanatsisa baNaziri liwayini, nalela baphrofethi bami kutsi baphrofethe. “Manje-ke, ngitanipitjita njengekupitjita kwencola nayetfwele umtfwalo lomkhulu walokutinhlavu. Nalabagijima ngematubane bangeke baphunyule, nalabanemandla bangeke bakhone kuwagcogca emandla abo, kanjalo nelichawe lingeke liyisindzise imphilo yalo. Loyingcweti ekudubuleni ngebutjoki angeke akhone kucina, lisotja lelihamba phansi ngetinyawo lingeke libaleke, kanjalo nemgibeli welihhashi angeke akhone kusindzisa imphilo yakhe. Ngisho nemachawe lanesibindzi kakhulu ayawubaleka angcunu ngalelo langa,” kusho Simakadze. Lalelani nankha emavi lashiwo nguSimakadze ngani, anisola nine, sive sema-Israyeli, umelana nawo wonkhe umndeni lawukhipha eGibhithe, utsi: “Ngini kuphela lenginikhetsile emkhatsini wato tonkhe tive temhlaba; ngako-ke ngitanijezisa ngenca yato tonkhe tono tenu.” Bantfu lababili bangahambisana yini kanyekanye bangakavumelani? Libhubesi liyabhodla yini ehlatsini, lingakabambi inyamatane? Libhubesi lelincane lona lingahhonga yini endzaweni yalo, lingakabambi lutfo? Inyoni iyawela yini elugibeni loluphansi emhlabatsini, kungekho leyetsiywe ngako? Sochaka umane atisukele yini phansi, azube kungekho lutfo lolumtsintsile? Nakukhala impalampala edolobheni, abatfutfumeli yini bantfu? Inhlekelele iyalehlela yini lidolobha, ingakatfunyelwa nguSimakadze? Ngempela iNkhosi Simakadze kute lekwentako ingakayembuli inhloso yayo etincekwini tayo, baphrofethi. Nakubhodla libhubesi, ngubani longahlala angesabi? INkhosi Simakadze seyikhulumile, ngubani longahlala angaphrofethi? Memetelani etigodlweni tase-Ashdodi nasetigodlweni taseGibhithe, nitsi: “Butsanani ndzawonye etintsabeni taseSamariya; bonani umsindvo lomkhulu losemkhatsini wayo kanye nekucindzetelwa lokukuyo.” Simakadze utsi: “Abati kutsi bangakwenta njani lokulungile, labo lababutsise budlova nemphango etigodlweni tabo.” Ngaleso sizatfu naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: “Sitsa siyakulitungeleta live, sibhidlite tonkhe tinqaba tenu, siphange netigodlo tenu.” Naku-ke lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: “Njengemelusi asindzisa emlonyeni welibhubesi imilente lemibili yekugcina nome sicu sendlebe yelizinyane, ayakuhlwitfwa kanjalo nema-Israyeli lambalwa, lawo lasahlala eSamariya, emaphetselweni emibhedze yawo, lasahlala acuphele etihlalweni tawo tekuphumula.” INkhosi Simakadze, Nkulunkulu longuSomandla, utsi: “Vanini naku, niyidvonse ngendlebe indlu yakaJakobe. “Mhlazana ngijezisa ema-Israyeli ngenca yetono tawo, ngiyawubhidlita emalati aseBetheli, netimphondvo telilati tiyawujutjwa tilahleke phansi. Ngiyawubhidlita indlu yasebusika kanye nendlu yasehlobo, tindlu letihlotjiswe ngematinyo etindlovu tiyawubhidlitwa, kanjalo netindlu letibukekako tiyawuhhihlitwa,” kusho Simakadze. Lalelani nali livi, nine bafati basentsabeni yaseSamariya, leniphila kahle, nitamase njengetinkhomati taseBhashani, nine lenicindzetela labamphofu, nifihlite labeswele, niphocelele emadvodza enu kutsi aninike tjwala! INkhosi Simakadze ifungile ngebungcwele bayo, yatsi: “Lalelani la: Siyeta sikhatsi lapho niyawutsatfwa khona ngemadweba, ngisho nebekugcina benu bayawutsatfwa ngemahhuka ekudweba tinhlanti. Nitawuhudvulwa lapho ngamunye nikhishwe ngetikhala letiselubondzeni, nilahlelwe ngephandle eHemoni,” kusho Simakadze. Simakadze utsi: “Sive saka-Israyeli, hambani niye eBetheli, indzawo lengcwele, niyekona, nichubeke niye eGilgali, nandzise khona tono tenu, njengobe nitsandza kwenta. Onkhe emalanga ekuseni niletse imihlatjelo yenu, bese kutsi kanye ngeminyaka lemitsatfu niletse kwelishumi kwenu. Shisani sinkhwa senu lesinemvubelo kube ngumnikelo wekubonga, tigabatiseni ngeminikelo yenu yesihle. Gungubalani ngayo, nine ma-Israyeli, ngobe nguko loko lenitsandza kukwenta. “Ngimi lenganinika tisu letingenalutfo kuwo onkhe emadolobha enu, nekwesweleka kwesinkhwa emakhaya enu onkhe; kodvwa anikabuyeli kimi,” kusho Simakadze. “Ngaphindze ngabamba imvula, sekusele tinyanga letintsatfu nje kutsi kuvunwe; ngatfumela imvula kulelinye lidolobha, kodvwa ngayibamba kulelinye. Lenye insimi yatfola imvula, lenye yangete yayitfola imvula yaze yoma. Bantfu badzayitela besuka kulelinye lidolobha baya kulelinye, bafunana nemanti, kodvwa abazange bawatfole lenele kutsi banganatsa baze bakholwe; noko anikabuyeli kimi,” kusho Simakadze. “Sekukanyenti ngishaya tingadze tenu netivini tenu, ngatishaya ngemswenya nangasicencane. Sikhonyane sashaya sacotfula emakhiwa enu netihlahla tenu temincumo, kwaphela kwatsi nya, noko anikabuyeli kimi,” kusho Simakadze. “Nginitfumela tishayo njengaloku ngenta naseGibhithe. Emajaha enu ngawabulala ngenkemba, kanye nemahhashi enu latfunjiwe. Emakhala enu ngawagcwalisa ngeluboti etinkanjini tenu; noko anikabuyeli kimi,” kusho Simakadze. “Labanye benu ngababhubhisa njengaloku ngabhubhisa iSodoma neGomora. Nanifanana nendvuku leshako, lehlwitfwe emlilweni; noko anikabuyeli kimi,” kusho Simakadze. “Ngako-ke, ma-Israyeli, ngitanijezisa; futsi njengobe ngitakwenta njalo nje, tilungiseleleni kubhekana naNkulunkulu wenu, nine ma-Israyeli!” Ngako-ke lalelani! Yena lowo lobumba tintsaba, adale umoya, embule imicabango yakhe kumuntfu, yena lowo logucula intsatsakusa, ayente bumnyama, anyatsele tindzawo letiphakeme temhlaba, nguSimakadze Nkulunkulu longuSomandla libito lakhe. Lalelani nali livi, ninendlu yaka-Israyeli. Lesililo ngisenta ngenca yenu: “Iwile iNtfombi yaka-Israyeli, ingeke iphindze ivuke futsi, ayinakwa ngumuntfu eveni layo, kantsi futsi kute longayivusa ime.” Ngobe naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi Simakadze, itsi: “Lidolobha laka-Israyeli lebelinemasotja layinkhulungwane laphuma ayawuhlasela litawugcina linemasotja lalikhulu, kutsi lidolobha lebelinemasotja lalikhulu ligcine selinemasotja lalishumi.” Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze kuyo indlu yaka-Israyeli, utsi: “Ngifuneni, nitewuphila. Ningangifuni eBetheli, ningayi naseGilgali, ningayi ngisho naseBherisheba. Ngobe iGilgali ngempela itawudzingiswa, kutsi iBetheli incishiswe ize ibe lite.” Funanai Simakadze, nitewuphila, ngobe nakungenjalo, utawuhlasela lendlu yakaJosefa njengemlilo. Lomlilo utawukhotsisisa, iBetheli imeswele lotawucisha lowo mlilo. Nine lenigucule imphatfocotfo nayenta yababa, kulunga nakudzaceka phansi emhlabatsini! Simakadze lowenta tinkhanyeti, wadala Silimela neMtsentse. Nguye logucula bumnyama abente intsatsakusa, ente imini ibe busuku. Ubita emanti aselwandle, awatsele ebusweni bemhlaba, nguSimakadze libito lakhe. Umanyatisa imbhubhiso kulabanemandla, abhidlite lidolobha leliyinqaba. Nine bantfu niyamtondza umuntfu lomelana nebubi benu, nimedzelele umuntfu lokhuluma liciniso lodvwa enkhundleni. Nigcobagcoba labamphofu nibacindzetele kutsi baninike kudla. Ngako-ke, nome nakhe tindlu letinkhulu tematje, ningeke nihlale kuto; nome nihlanyele tivini letikhulu, ningeke nilinatse liwayini lato. Ngobe ngiyati kutsi mangaki emacala enu nekutsi tono tenu tikhulu kangakanani. Niyabacindzetela labalungile, nitsatse imidizo, nemuke labamphofu emalungelo abo etinkhundleni. Ngako-ke umuntfu locaphelako uyabindza etikhatsini letinje, ngobe tikhatsi timbi. Funani lokuhle, hhayi lokubi, khona nitewuphila. Khona-ke Simakadze Nkulunkulu longuSomandla uyawuba nani, njengobe nani nisho kutsi unani. Tondzani lokubi nitsandze lokulungile, etinkhundleni yehlulelani ngekungakhetsi. Mhlawumbe Simakadze Nkulunkulu longuSomandla angaba nesihawu kuyo insali yakaJosefa. Ngako-ke naku lokushiwo yiNkhosi, Nkulunkulu longuSomandla, Simakadze, itsi: “Kuyawuba khona kudzindza sililo kuto tonkhe titaladi, nekukhala kabuhlungu kuto tonkhe tinkhundla. Kutawubitwa balimi kutsi nabo balile, kubitwe nalabati tililo kutsi bakhale. Kuyawuba khona kudzindza sililo kuto tonkhe tivini, ngobe ngiyakwendlula emkhatsini wenu nginijezise.” Nako kini nine lenifisa lilanga laSimakadze! Nilifiselani lilanga laSimakadze? Lelo langa liyawuba bumnyama, lingabi kukhanya. Kuyawuba shangatsi ngumuntfu lobalekele libhubesi, wase utitsela etikwelibhele; kube shangatsi ngumuntfu longene endlini yakhe wabeka tandla takhe elubondzeni, kusuke inyoka imlume. Lilanga laSimakadze lingeke yini libe bumnyama lingabi kukhanya, kube bumnyama lobukhulu kubete ngisho nemushi nje wekukhanya? Simakadze utsi: “Ngiyawatondza, futsi ngiwabukela phansi lamadzili enu enkholo; ngiyehluleka kuyemukela leyo mihlangano yenu. Ngisho nome ningangiletsela imihlatjelo yekushiswa kanye neminikelo yalokutinhlavu, ngingeke ngiyemukele. Ngisho nome ningaletsa iminikelo yebudlelwane yelikhetselo, ngingeke ngiyinake. Sukani lapha nalemisindvo yenu yekuhlabela! Ngingeke ngikulalele loko kuhlabela kwenu ngemahabhu. Kodvwa kwenta tintfo ngekungakhetsi akube yintfo legeleta njengemfula, kulunga kube yintfo legeleta njengemfula longashi. “Nake nangiletsela yini imihlatjelo neminikelo kuleminyaka lengema-40 ehlane, ninendlu yaka-Israyeli? Niphakamise tithico tenu: Sakhuthi, inkhosi yenu, naKhewani, nkulunkulu wenu loyinkhanyeti, ngako-ke nitakwetfwala leto titfombe tenu lenitentele tona, ngitanenta nitfunjelwe ngesheya kweDamaseko,” usho njalo-ke Simakadze, lolibito lakhe linguNkulunkulu longuSomandla. Maye kini, nine labanetsetekile eSiyoni, nakini nine labativela bavikelekile entsabeni yaseSamariya! Maye nakini, nine madvodza lagcamile esiveni lesikhulu nalesisekucala etiveni tonkhe, nine labeta kini baka-Israyeli! Kutsiwa: “Hambani niye eKhalne, niye kuyibuka. Nibosuka lapho nicondze eHamathi lenkhulu, nisuke lapho nehlele eGathi yaseFilistiya! Nine nincono yini kunaleyo mibuso? Live labo lalilikhulu yini kunelenu?” Nikhweshisela eceleni lilanga lelibi, bese nisondzeta edvutane umbuso lowesabisako. Nilala emibhedzeni lehlotjiswe ngematinyo etindlovu, nicambalale etihlalweni tenu tekuphumula, nititika ngenyama yemawundlu elikhetselo nangeyematfokati lakhuluphalisiwe. Nanihlabela, nigubhutelisa emahabhu enu, nitakhele nine imintjingozi yemculo njengaDavide. Ninatsa liwayini ngetitja letigcwele, nitigcobise ngemafutsa lanuka kamnandzi, kodvwa anidzabuki ngekucitfwa kwaJosefa. Ngako-ke nitawuba kanye nebekucala kulabayawudzingiswa. Lokutamasa kwenu ngemadzili, nicambalale kamnandzi, kutawuphela. INkhosi Simakadze itifungile. Simakadze Nkulunkulu longuSomandla utsi: “Ngiyakwenyanya kutigcabha kwaJakobe, tiyanginenga naletinqaba takhe. Ngitaliyekelela lelo dolobha, nako konkhe lokukulo.” Nangabe kusele emadvodza lalishumi endlini yinye, nawo futsi atakufa. Nangabe sihlobo lesifanele kushisa leto tidvumbu sifika sitetikhipha kuleyondlu, leso sihlobo nasibuta lona losabhacile, sitsi: “Usekhona yini lomunye losasele kanye nawe?” yena lolomunye aphendvule atsi: “Kute,” leso sihlobo siyawuphendvula sitsi: “Shi, thulani, kufanele sicaphele singaliphatsi Libito laSimakadze.” Ngobe Simakadze ubeke umyalo, lendlu lenkhulu itawubhidlitwa, iphihlitwe ibe ticucu, kutsi nalena lencane ibe ticucu. Emahhashi ayagijima yini emadvwaleni latihhehle? Umuntfu angalima yini khona lapho ngetinkhabi? Kodvwa nine senijikise umtsetfocotfo, nawenta waba butsi, netitselo tekulunga natenta tababa, nine lenijabulela kwehlulwa kweLo Dabari bese nitsi: “Asiyitsatsanga yini iKhanayimu ngemandla etfu?” Kodvwa Simakadze Nkulunkulu longuSomandla uyakhuluma utsi: “Ngiyawuchukuluta sive, sinivukele, ninendlu yaka-Israyeli. Leso sive siyawunicindzetela yonkhe indlela kusukela eLebo Hamathi kuze kuyewufika esigodzini sase-Arabha.” Naku-ke iNkhosi Simakadze lengibonise kona: Ngiyibone yenta lifu lesikhonyane ngesikhatsi nakuphela kuvunwa kwemabele enkhosi, nakucala kuhluma kwesibili. Satsi kube sikudle konkhe lokuluhlata eveni, ngakhala kakhulu ngatsi: “Nkhosi Simakadze, cola! Jakobe angasindza kanjani? Mncane kakhulu!” Simakadze wase uyayekela, watsi: “Loko kungeke kusenteka.” Naku-ke iNkhosi Simakadze lengibonise kona: INkhosi Simakadze beyisabita kwehlulela kwemlilo, lomlilo womisa lwandle lolungaphansi kwemhlaba, waze lomlilo wacala kudla live. Ngase ngiyakhala ngitsi: “Nkhosi Simakadze, ngiyakuncenga, mane ume; Jakobe angasindza kanjani? Mncane kakhulu!” Ngako Simakadze wase uyayekela, watsi: “Naloku kungeke kusenteka nako.” Naku-ke Simakadze langibonise kona: Simakadze abeme eceleni kwelubondza lolwalwakhiwe lwalinganiswa kahle ngesilinganiso, abephetse silinganiso esandleni sakhe. Simakadze wangibuta watsi: “Ubonani, ye Amose?” Ngatsi: “Silinganiso.” Simakadze watsi: “Buka la! Ngibeka silinganiso kubantfu bami ema-Israyeli; ngingeke ngisabacolela. “Tindzawo letiphakeme taka-Isaka tekukhontela tithico tiyawubhujiswa, netindlu taka-Israyeli tekukhontela bonkulunkulu tiyawubhidlitwa. Ngenkemba yami ngiyawuvukela indlu yakaJerobowamu.” Amasiya, umphristi waseBetheli, watfumela sigijimi kuJerobowamu, inkhosi yaka-Israyeli, watsi: “Amose wakha luzungu ngawe embusweni waka-Israyeli. Live lingeke liwamele onkhe lamavi akhe. Ngobe naku lokushiwo nguAmose, utsi: “ ‘Jerobowamu utakufa ngenkemba, ema-Israyeli wona ngempela atawudzingiswa, esuswe eveni lawo lekutalwa.’ ” Amasiya wakhuluma ku-Amose, watsi: “Phuma, wena mboniswa. Buyela eveni lakaJuda. Hamba uyewuhlala khona usebentele kudla kwakho khona, uphrofethe khona. Ungaphindzi uphrofethe lapha eBetheli, ngobe lena yindzawo lekutsiwa ingcwele yenkhosi, nelithempeli lembuso.” Amose waphendvula Amasiya, watsi: “Angizange sengibe ngumphrofethi mine, ngisho nekuba ngumsa wemphrofethi nje. Kodvwa bengingumelusi nje, nanyalo ngisengumlimi wetihlahla temakhiwa. Kodvwa Simakadze wangitsatsa ekweluseni kwami timvu, watsi kimi: ‘Hamba uyewuphrofetha esiveni sami, ema-Israyeli.’ Manje-ke vani livi laSimakadze. Wena watsi: “ ‘Ungaphrofethi lokumelene na-Israyeli. uyekele nekushumayela umelane nendlu ya-Isaka.’ “Ngako-ke naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze: “ ‘Umfati wakho uyawuba yingwadla yelidolobha; emadvodzana nemadvodzakati akho ayakufa ngenkemba. Emasimi akho atawulinganiswa, abelwe labanye; wena utakufa, ufele eveni lemahedeni. Israyeli, vele, yena utawutfunjwa, esuswe eveni lakhe lekutalwa.’ ” Naku-ke iNkhosi Simakadze lengibonise kona: Ngabona libhasikidi letitselo letivutsiwe. Simakadze wase uyangibuta utsi: “Ubonani, ye Amose?” Ngamphendvula ngatsi: “Ngibona libhasikidi lelinetitselo letivutsiwe.” Simakadze wase ukhuluma kimi utsi: “Sikhatsi sesive sami saka-Israyeli sesiphelile, ngingeke ngisasicolela.” INkhosi Simakadze itsi: “Ngalelo langa, tingoma letihlatjelwa ethempelini tiyawujika tibe tekudzindza sililo. Kuyawuba nebunikilili betidvumbu letijikijelwe yonkhe indzawo. Kuyawuthula kutsi gudvu!” Lalelani lapha, nine lenigcobagcoba labeswele nibuye nicedze bonkhe labamphofu balelive, nikhuluma nitsi: “Ingabe umkhosi longcwele wekwetfwasa kwenyanga uyakwendlula nini, khona sitewutsengisa ngesivuno salokutinhlavu, neliSabatha litawuphela nini, khona sitewutsengisa ngakolo?” Ngaloko nentela kunciphisa tikali nenyuse intsengo, nitewuganga ngekusebentisa tikali letingekho emtsetfweni, nitsenge labamphofu ngesiliva, nalabeswele ngetincabule letimbili, ngisho naloku lokushanyelwe phansi esibuyeni sekubhula nikubite imali. Simakadze loludvumo lwaka-Israyeli utifunge yena, watsi: “Ngingeke ngikukhohlwe nakunye kwalabakwentile. Live lingeke yini litfutfumele ngaloku, nabo bonkhe labahlala kulo bangeke yini balile? Lonkhe live liyawukhukhumuka njengeNayili, liyawutanyatanyiswa, bese liyabotja njengalomfula waseGibhithe.” INkhosi Simakadze itsi: “Ngalelo langa ngiyakwenta lilanga lishone emini, ngente umhlaba ube mnyama emini kala bha. Emadzili enu enkholo ngiyakuwagucula abe sililo, nako konkhe kuhlabela kwenu kube kukhala. Ngiyawunenta nonkhe nembatse emasaka, nihhule tinhloko tenu. Leso sikhatsi ngiyawusenta sifanane nesekulilela indvodzana letelwe yodvwa kabo. Lelo langa liyawugcina kabuhlungu kakhulu.” INkhosi Simakadze itsi: “Lalelani la, ayeta emalanga lapho ngiyawutfumela khona indlala kulo lonkhe live, kungabi yindlala yekufuna kudla neyekomela emanti, kodvwa kube yindlala yekufuna livi laSimakadze. Bantfu bayawuyendza kusukela elwandle kuye kulolunye, bazulazule kusukela enyakatfo kuye emphumalanga, bafunana nelivi laSimakadze; kodvwa bangeke balitfole. “Ngalelo langa tintfombi letinhle nemajaha lanemandla bayawucaleka ngenca yekoma. Labo labafunga ngetithico taseSamariya nome batsi: ‘Ngekuphila kwankulunkulu wakho, Dani,’ nome: ‘Ngekuphila kwankulunkulu wakho, Bherisheba,’ bayakuwa phansi, bangaphindzi bavuke.” Ngabona Simakadze eme ngaselatini, watsi: “Shaya tihloko tetinsika, kuze tenabelo teminyango titewunyikanyika. Juba tihloko tetinsika utehlisele etinhloko tabo bonkhe bantfu; labo labasele ngiyawubabulala ngenkemba. Kute namunye loyawubaleka; yebo, kute loyawuphunyula. Nome bangemba bashone phansi ekujuleni kwelithuna, nakhona lapho sandla sami siyawubakhipha. Nome bangekhwela benyukele etulu emazulwini, nakhona lapho ngiyawubehlisela phansi. Nome bangatifihla esicongweni sentsaba iKhameli, nakhona lapho ngiyawubatingela ngize ngibabambe. Nome bangangibhacela ekujuleni kwelwandle, nakhona lapho ngiyawutfumela inyoka ibalume. Nome bangatfunjwa titsa tabo, nakhona lapho ngiyawuyala inkemba kutsi ibabulale. Emehlo ami ngiyakuwanamatselisa kubo, kube kubi kubo, kungabi kuhle.” INkhosi Simakadze lenguSomandla, yona letsintsa umhlaba bese uyancibilika, kutsi bonkhe labahlala kuwo balile, live lonkhe likhukhumuke njengeNayili, liphindze libotje njengalomfula waseGibhithe, ngiyo leyakha sigodlo sayo lesiphakeme emazulwini, sisekelo sayo isimbele emhlabatsini, yona lememeta emanti aselwandle bese iwacitsela etikwebuso bemhlaba, libito layo nguSimakadze. “Nine, ma-Israyeli, anifanani yini kimi nemaKushe?” kusho Simakadze. “Angizange ngimkhiphe yini Israyeli eGibhithe, nemaFilisti eKhaftori ngakhipha nemaSiriya eKhiri?” Naku-ke lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: “Ngempela emehlo eNkhosi Simakadze asetikwawo wonkhe lowo mbuso lowonako. Ngiyakuwubhubhisa ungabikho ebusweni bemhlaba, noko ngingeke ngiyibhubhise yonkhe indlu yakaJakobe. “Ngako ngiyawukhipha umyalo, nginyakatise indlu yaka-Israyeli emkhatsini wato tonkhe tive, njengemabele nakanyakatiswa ngesisefo, kodvwa kute ngisho nayinye inhlavu leyakuwela emhlabatsini. Tonkhe toni letisemkhatsini wesive sami, tiyakufa ngenkemba; labo labakhuluma batsi: ‘Inhlekelele ingeke isehlele nome isikhandze.’ ” “Ngalelo langa ngiyakulivusa kabusha lithende laDavide leliwile. Ngiyakutakha kabusha tindzawo talo letephukile, ngiwakhe kabusha emadzibikelo alo, ngiphindze ngilakhe libe nguloku lelake laba nguko, khona batekudla lifa lensali yaka-Edomu kanye nelato tonkhe tive letibitwa ngeLibito lami,” usho njalo Simakadze, lotawutenta tonkhe letintfo. Naku-ke lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: “Ayeta emalanga, lapho bavuni bayakwengcelelwa ngulabalimako, nalabahlanyelako bengcelelwe ngulabahluta liwayini. Liwayini lelisha liyawuntfontsa etintsabeni, ligelete kuwo onkhe emagcuma. Ngiyawusilandza sibuye sive sami ema-Israyeli lebesitfunjiwe, siyakuwakha kabusha emadolobha aso langemadzibikelo, bese sihlala kuwo. Siyawuhlanyela tivini, sinatse liwayini lato; siyawukwakha tingadze, sidle titselo tato. Ngiyakuhlanyela ema-Israyeli eveni lawo, angaphindzi futsi asishulwe kulelo live lengiwaphe lona,” usho njalo-ke Simakadze Nkulunkulu wakho. Umbono wa-Obadiya: Loku ngulokwakhulunywa yiNkhosi Simakadze ngesive saka-Edomu: Sivile livi leliphuma kuSimakadze. Utfumele lincusa lakhe etiveni, watsi: “Sukumani, sambe siyekulwa na-Edomu.” Simakadze ukhuluma ku-Edomu, utsi: “Ngitakwenta ube ngulomncane emkhatsini wetive, ngikwente wedzeleleke kakhulu. Kutigcabha kwenhlitiyo yakho kukwedukisile, wena uhlala endlunkhulu yakho lesemifantwini yemadvwala. Umuti wakho usetulu etintsabeni. Wena utitjela utsi: ‘Ngubani nje longangehlisela phansi?’ Nome likhaya lakho ungalakha etulu, njengelusweti, nome ungalakha emkhatsini wetinkhanyeti, mine ngiyawukudzilitela phansi. “Kube bewungagcekezelwa ngemasela nome-ke ungenelwe tigelekece ebusuku, betingeke tatitapela ngekufuna kwato yini? Kube bavuni bemagelebisi bebete kuwe bebangete bawachulula kusale abe mbalwa yini? Kodvwa titsa tiyakunicitsa niphele nya. Nine titukulwane ta-Esawu, umcebo wenu lebewufihliwe sewuphangiwe. Bonkhe labo bewubambisene nabo bakukhohlisile, batakuhlehlisela emnyeleni welive lakho. Bantfu benihletisene nabo ngekuthula nyalo sebakwehlulile. Bangani bakho bewudla nabo sebakwetsiyele lugibe, badzimate bakhuluma bodvwa ngawe, batsi: ‘Kuphi-ke lokuhlakanipha kwakhe?’ ” Simakadze ukhuluma utsi: “Mhlazana ngijezisa Edomu ngiyewubhubhisa netati takhe ngicedze konkhe kuhlakanipha kwakhe etintsabeni taka-Esawu. Emabutfo akho, Themani, ayakutfutfumela, bonkhe bantfu labaseveni letintsaba, lekulive laka-Edomu, bayakubulawa.” “Ngenca yebudlova bakho lobente kubomnakenu, titukulwane taJakobe, uyakwembeswa ngelihlazo, ubhujiswe ingunaphakadze. Mhlazane ume untontomele ngesikhatsi bafokati batfumba umcebo wakhe, nebetive bangena emasangweni akhe, benta inkatho ngeJerusalema, nawe kwakungatsi umdvumo munye nabo. Bekungakafaneli umbukele phansi umnakenu, nakavelelwe ngulokubi. Bewungakafaneli utsakase nangabe bakaJuda behlelwa yimbhubhiso. Yebo, bewungakafaneli kubacoloshela namzukwane behlelwa yinhlupheko. Bewungakafaneli kungena emasangweni ebantfu bami ngesikhatsi behlelwa sigemegeme. Bewungakafaneli kubabukela phansi bantfu bami ngelilanga lekuhlupheka kwabo. Bewungakafaneli kuwuphanga umcebo webantfu bami. Bewungakafaneli kuma emahlanganweni emigwaco khona utebabamba labo labaphunyulile. Bewungakafaneli kunikela ngensali yabo ngelilanga lekuhlupheka kwabo.” “Lilanga laSimakadze lekwehlulela tonkhe tive selisondzele. Njengobe wentile nawe Edomu kuyakwentiwa njalo nakuwe; tento takho tiyawuphindziselwa kuwe. Njengobe nawe wanatsa indzebe yekujezisa kwami entsabeni yami lengcwele, netive tonkhe tiyawuyinatsa khona siphelane; tiyawunatsa, tinatse kuze kube shangatsi atizange setibe khona.” “Kodvwa eNtsabeni iSiyoni kuyawuba nenkhululeko; kuyawuba yindzawo lengcwele. Umndeni wakaJakobe uyawulidla lelive lekulifa lawo. Umndeni wakaJakobe uyawuba ngumlilo, umndeni wakaJosefa ube lilangabi. Umndeni waka-Esawu uyawuba tibi, bayakuwokhela ngemlilo bawushise uze uphele. Kuyawubate insali emndenini waka-Esawu. Mine, Simakadze, sengishito.” Sive lesichamuka eNegevu siyawuhlala eveni letintsaba lekungela-Edomu. Sive lesisuka emaceleni etintsaba siyawulitfumba live lemaFilisti. Yebo, ema-Israyeli ayawulitsatsa live laka-Efrayimu nelaseSamariya. BakaBhenjamini bona bayawutsatsa lakaGileyadi. Lama-Israyeli ladzingisiwe, laseKhenani, ayawulidla lelo live, lize liyekuma ngeSarefathi. Labadzingisiwe bekusuka eJerusalema, labaseSefaradi kwanyalo, bayakuwadla emadolobha aseNegevu. Emachawe aseJerusalema ayawuyincoba iNtsaba iSiyoni alibuse lelive laka-Edomu. Lowo mbuso uyakwenganyelwa nguSimakadze. Ngalelinye lilanga livi laSimakadze lefika kuJona, umsa wa-Amithayi, latsi: “Hamba uye eNineve, lidolobha lelikhulukati, ufike umemetele kubantfu balo utsi bubi babo sebenyukele kimi.” Kepha Jona wesuka wacondza eThashishi. Wehlela eJopha, lapho afike wakhokha imali yekwekhwela, wagibela umkhumbi, waya eThashishi, abalekela Simakadze. Kodvwa Simakadze watfumela umoya lomkhulu elwandle, kwaba nesivunguvungu lesikhulu kangangekutsi umkhumbi wabasengotini yekwephuka. Onkhe ematilosi efikelwa kwesaba lokukhulu, kwaba ngulelo nalelo lakhala kunkulunkulu walo. Batijika elwandle timphahla letatisemkhunjini, batsi betama kuwuphungula umkhumbi. Kepha Jona abewukele ngaphansi ekhatsi nemkhumbi, akulobukhulu butfongo. Indvuna yemkhumbi yakhandzanisa Jona alele, yafike yatsi: “Wentani la? Uleleleni? Vuka uthandaze kuNkulunkulu wakho! Mhlawumbe yena utasivela asisindzise singabhubhi!” Ematilosi emkhumbi akhuluma odvwana, atsi: “Wotani, sitekwenta inkatho sibone kutsi ngubani lona losidvonsele lomkhokha.” Ngako-ke base benta inkatho; inkatho yadla Jona. Base bayambuta batsi: “Ngubani yena lona losibangele yonkhe lenhlupheko? Utekwentani la? Ungewekukleza kuphi wena? Usive sini?” Wabaphendvula watsi: “NgingumHebheru; ngikhonta Simakadze, Nkulunkulu welizulu, lowadala umhlaba nelwandle.” Lamadvodza esaba kakhulukati, adzimate atsi kuye: “Yini-ke lena lose uyentile?” Phela lamadvodza abesati kutsi ubalekela Nkulunkulu, ngobe Jona abesawatjelile. Sivunguvungu sachubeka sahhusha ngemandla, aze lamatilosi atsi: “Sitakwenta njani-ke ngawe, kuze lesivunguvungu sibindze?” Jona wabaphendvula watsi: “Ngitsatseni ningijikijele elwandle, sitawube sesiyabindza lesivunguvungu; ngobe vele ngiyati kutsi ngimi lona lonidvonsele lomkhokha wesivunguvungu.” Esikhundleni saloko, lamatilosi etama kuwugwedla ngemandla awo onkhe lomkhumbi kutsi ubuyele elugwini, kodvwa ehluleka, ngobe lwandle lwachubeka lwahhusha kakhulu kunakucala. Ngako base bakhala kuSimakadze, batsi: “Awu, Simakadze waJona, siyakuncenga, ungasibhubhisi ngenca yalomuntfu! Ungalibeki etikwetfu licala lengati lengenacala! Nguwe, Simakadze waJona, lowente konkhe loku!” Ngako-ke base batsatsa Jona, bamjikijela elwandle, lwase luyathula lutsi nya. Loko kwenta lamatilosi esabe Simakadze kakhulu kangangekutsi adzimate amentela umhlatjelo; etsembisa nekumkhonta. Simakadze wahlinzeka Jona ngenhlanti lenkhulu, leyafike yammita. Jona wahlala esiswini sayo emalanga lamatsatfu nebusuku lobutsatfu. Asesekhatsi esiswini senhlanti Jona wathandaza kuSimakadze longuNkulunkulu wakhe, watsi: “Ekuhluphekeni kwami ngakhala kuwe, Simakadze, wangiphendvula; ngamemeta ngisematfunjini emhlaba, ngicela lusito, wena waliva livi lami. Wangijikijela ekujuleni, enhlitiyweni yetilwandle, emanti angitungeleta; onkhe emagagasi nemanti endlula etikwami. Ngase ngitsi: ‘Sengicoshiwe emehlweni akho; noko, ngiyawuphindze ngibuke lithempeli lakho lelingcwele.’ Emanti angimbonya, angihisha; kujula kwangitungeleta, tindzembuluka tangitsandzela enhloko. Ngehlela emajukujukwini emhlaba, live lelimasango alo ahlala akhiyiwe kuze kube phakadze; kodvwa imphilo yami wayenyula emgodzini, Simakadze, Nkulunkulu wami. Ngesikhatsi umphefumulo wami uphelelwa ngemandla ngakukhumbula wena, Simakadze. Umthandazo wami wafinyelela kuwe, ethempelini lakho lelingcwele. Labo labakhonta bonkulunkulu labalite bamshiyile Nkulunkulu sibili lophatsana ngemusa. Kepha mine ngiyawuhlabela kuwe ngelivi lekubonga, nginikele ngemihlatjelo; loko lengikufungele ngiyawukufeza. Insindziso ivela kuSimakadze.” Simakadze wakhuluma enhlantini, yase ihlantela Jona elugwini, emhlabatsini lowomile. Livi laSimakadze laphindze lefika kuJona kwesibili, latsi: “Hamba, uye eNineve, kulelidolobha lelikhulu, ufike umemetele lesimemetelo lengikunike sona.” Ngako-ke wahamba Jona waya eNineve, njengekusho kwelivi laSimakadze. INineve lena kwakulidolobha lelikhulukati; bekungatsatsa emalanga lamatsatfu kutsi umuntfu alihambe lonkhe. Jona walingenela lelidolobha, wahamba lilanga lonkhe. Wase uyacala uyamemetela utsi: “Sekusele emalanga langemashumi lamane kutsi iNineve ibhujiswe!” Bantfu baseNineve balikholwa lelivi laNkulunkulu. Ngako base bamemetela kutsi bonkhe bantfu abazile, kusukela kulomkhulu kuze kube ngukulomncane, bembatse emasaka, bakhombise kutsi baphendvukile. Letindzaba tatsi natifika enkhosini yaseNineve, yasukuma esihlalweni sayo sebukhosi, yakhumula ingubo yayo yebukhosi, yatembonya ngendvwangu yemasaka, yahlala phansi emlotseni. Yakhipha simemetelo kuyo yonkhe iNineve, yatsi: “Inkhosi netiphatsimandla tayo itsi: ‘Akubete lodlako nalonambitsa lutfo nome lonatsa emanti: Umuntfu nome silwane, umhlambi wetinkhomo nome timvu ungadli unganatsi. Kodvwa bantfu netilwane akumbonywe ngetindvwangu temasaka kukhalwe kuNkulunkulu. Wonkhe umuntfu akaphendvuke endleleni yakhe lembi nasebudloveni lobusetandleni takhe. Ngobe ngubani nje lowatiko, mhlawumbe Nkulunkulu angatisola ayiyekele lentfukutselo yakhe leyesabekako, kuze singabhubhi?’ ” Watsi kube Nkulunkulu abone loko labasebakwentile, kutsi batishiye tindlela tabo letimbi, watisola ngalokubi labeshito kutsi utabehlisela kona. Akazange abajezise. Kwamkhuba kakhulu loko Jona, ngako watfukutsela kakhulu. Wathandaza kuSimakadze watsi: “Awu, Simakadze! Akusiko yini loku lengakusho ngiseseveni lakitsi kutsi kutakwenteka? Ngiko ngabaleka ngaya eThashishi; ngobe ngangati kutsi wena unguNkulunkulu lonemusa nesihawu, uyephuta kutfukutsela, unelutsandvo loluphuphumako, uyatisola ngekutfumela lokubi. Ngako-ke Simakadze, ngiyakuncenga kutsi ukususe kuphila kwami kimi; ngobe kuncono kimi kutsi ngife kunekutsi ngiphile.” Simakadze wamphendvula watsi: “Unalungelo lini lekutfukutsela?” Jona waphuma kulelidolobha wayawuhlala ngasemphumalanga yalo, watentela lidlangala lapho. Wahlala emtfuntini ngaphansi kwalo, kute atewubona lokwase kutakwenteka kulelidolobha laseNineve. Simakadze Nkulunkulu wamilisa umhlafutfo, wawukhulisa etikwaJona kutsi umentele umtfunti, kuze kuphele kutfukutsela kwakhe; Jona wamjabulisa lomhlafutfo. Ngakusasa nakudzabuka kusa, Nkulunkulu walungisa imphehla, yawuphehla lomhlafutfo, wabuna. Nakuphuma lilanga, Nkulunkulu walungisa umoya loshisako wasemphumalanga; lilanga lashaya enhloko yaJona, wadzimate waba nesiyeti, wafisa kufa; wase utsi: “Kuncono ngimane ngife kunekutsi ngiphile.” Kodvwa Nkulunkulu watsi kuJona: “Unalungelo lini lekutfukutselela lomhlafutfo?” Yena-ke watsi: “Ngenta kahle kutsi ngitfukutsele; ngitfukutsele kutsi angife ngitsi saka!” Simakadze watsi: “Wena uyawuhawukela umhlafutfo longakawujulukeli nome longakawukhulisi, lomile ebusuku bunye, waphindze wafa ebusuku lobulandzelako. Pho, mine bengingeke ngiyihawukele yini iNineve, lelidolobha lelikhulu kangaka, lapho kukhona bantfu labangakwati kwehlukanisa sandla sabo sekudla nesancele, labati-120 000, kanye netinkhomo letinyenti kangaka?” Ngesikhatsi kaJuda kusabusa boJothamu, na-Ahazi, naHezekiya Simakadze watfuma Mikha waseMoreshethi. Simakadze wembulela Mikha nati tintfo ngeSamariya neJerusalema: Lalelani naku, nine tive nonkhe: nilalele nani mhlaba wonkhe! INkhosi Simakadze iyakunilahla ngelicala. Lalelani! Ukhuluma asethempelini lakhe. Simakadze usuka endzaweni yakhe lengcwele; utakwehla ahambe eticongweni tetintsaba. Letintsaba titawuncibilika ngaphansi kwetinyawo takhe; yebo, tincibilike njengemafutsa nakafakwa emlilweni. Tiyawugeletela etigodzini nasetihosheni; yebo, tigelete njengemanti ahhuhluleka aphuma eticongweni temagcuma. Konkhe loku kuyakwenteka, ngobe Israyeli onile wahlubuka kuNkulunkulu. Empeleni nje ngubani lekufanele asoleke ngenca yekuhlubuka kwa-Israyeli? Vele, yiSamariya. Ngubani lonelicala lekukhonta tithico kaJuda? Vele, yiJerusalema matfupha. Ngako Simakadze utsi: “ISamariya ngitayenta ibe tindzala tesikhotsa, kube yindzawo yekuhlanyela umvini. Tindlu letitindzala ngiyakutitfulula tigeletele etigodzini, kutsi tisekelo telidolobha ngitihlubule tibesebaleni. Tonkhe tithico talo letiligugu ngiyakutifohlota tibe ticucu, nako konkhe lokunikwe tingwadla telithempeli kubhujiswe ngemlilo, bese kutsi tonkhe tithico letibatiwe kube libibi lesiganga. Konkhe loku iSamariya ikucokelele ngemali leyitfole ngebugwadla bayo ethempelini, ngako titsa tayo titakwetfwala tikuyise lapho kuyawubhadala bugwadla khona.” Mikha wase utsi: “Ngenca yaloko ngitawukhala ngilile kuze ngikhombise kudzabuka kwami, ngitawuhamba ngcunu ngingafaki ngisho neticatfulo, ngishaye umkhulungwane njengenja, ngikhale njengesahhukulu, ngikekele njengenshi. Emanceba ekushaywa nguSimakadze, ashaya iSamariya, angeke elapheke; yebo, naJuda utakwehlelwa ngulawo manceba. Kubhujiswa sekusemasangweni eJerusalema, lapho kuhlala khona bantfu bami.” Titsa tetfu taseGathi ungatitjeli ngekwehlulwa kwetfu, ungatikhombisi kukhala kwakho. Bantfu, baseBhethi Leyafra, khombisani kudzabuka kwenu ngekutsi nitigicite phansi elutfulini. Nine takhamiti taseShafiri, tidzingiseni nihlazekile, ningcunu. Takhamiti taseSanani tesaba kuphuma edolobheni lato. Nawuva takhamiti taseBethi Eseli tilila, uyawuvele ubone kutsi kute siphephelo lapho. Takhamiti taseMarothi timele kusitakala kwato ngekulangatelela lokukhulu, ngobe Simakadze usondzete sigemegeme emasangweni aseJerusalema. Nine lenihlala eLakhishi, bophelani emahhashi enu etincoleni, ngobe ngini lenaholela iSiyoni esonweni, tono ta-Israyeli takhandzakala kini. Ngako, nine takhamiti takaJuda, yehlukanani nelidoloba iMoreshethi Gathi. Kute lusito lolutawutfolwa ngemakhosi aka-Israyeli edolobheni lase-Akzibi. Nine-ke takhamiti taseMaresha, Simakadze utaninikela etandleni tesitsa lesitawutfumba lelidolobha lenu. Baholi labahloniphekile baka-Israyeli bayawubhaca emihumeni yase-Adulamu. Takhamiti takaJuda, hhulani tinwele tenu, nililele bantfwabenu lenibatsandzako. Singani tinhloko tenu tibe tincacadvu njengemphandla, ngobe bantfwabenu batawutfunjwa. Maye kulabo labacabanga imicabango lemibi, labo labatsi balele babe bangakalali bacabanga emasu ekwenta bubi! Kutsi kungasa bakwente loko bebakuhlosile, ngobe banemandla ekukwenta loko. Nabafuna emasimi, bavele bawatsatse ngendlovuyangena; nabafuna tindlu, bavele batidle. Kute namunye lonemndeni lovikelekile, nome lonelutfo loluphephile. Ngako Simakadze utsi: “Ngitanehlisela sehlakalo, futsi kuyawubate loyawuphepha kuso. Niyawutikhandza senisekhatsi elubishini, lapho ningaseyiwuhamba ngekutigabatisa lokungaka. Mhlazana kufika leso sikhatsi, tive tiyawubekiselana ngalendzaba yenu yesehlakalo, tiyawuhlabela ingoma ngelusizi lwesehlakalo lesiyawube sinehlele, titsi: ‘Sibhujisiwe sacedvwa, Simakadze ulitsetse live letfu, walinika labo labasitfumbile.’ ” Ngako-ke nasesifikile sikhatsi sekutsi live libuyiselwe esiveni saNkulunkulu, kute namunye wenu loyawuba nesabelo kulo. Lesive saphrofetha kimi, satsi: “Ungasiphrofethi, ungasishumayeli ngaloko. Nkulunkulu angeke asihlazise. Ucabanga kutsi sive saka-Israyeli singaphansi kwesicalekiso yini? Kungabe Nkulunkulu sewulahlekelwe kubeketela kwakhe yini? Angayenta kambe intfo lenje? “Akakhulumi kahle yini kulabo labenta lokuhle?” Simakadze waphendvula watsi: “Itolo loku sive sami sisukume phansi njengesitsa. Nihlubula tembatfo letinhle tebunjinga kulabo labendlulako, banganaki njengemabutfo labuya emphini. Nicosha bafati besive sami emakhaya abo labawatsandzako, nemuke nebantfwababo tibusiso tami taphakadze. Sukumani nihambe, lena akusiyo indzawo lapho ningabalekela khona, ngobe ingcolile; lendzawo itawubhujiswa ngelulaka lolukhulu. Lesive sifuna luhlobo lwebaphrofethi labaphrofetha emanga nenkhohliso, batsi: ‘Ngiphrofetha kutsi liwayini netjwala kuyawuba ngimifula yenu yekunatsa.’ “Kodvwa ngiyakunibutsela ndzawonye, nonkhe nine sive saka-Israyeli lenisasele. Ngiyawunibutsela nonkhe ndzawonye njengetimvu tibuyela esibayeni sato; nanjengelidlelo leligcwele timvu, live lenu lisetawubuye ligcwale bantfu labanyenti.” Nkulunkulu uyawubavulela indlela yabo, abuye abahole abakhiphe ekutfunjweni kwabo. Bayawufohla, baphume emasangweni elidolobha bahambe bakhululekile. INkhosi yabo, Simakadze cobo lwakhe, uyawubahambela embili abakhiphe. Lalelani, nine baholi baka-Israyeli! Bekufanele ngabe ninakekela kutsi esiveni sakini konkhe kwentiwe ngendlela lefanele; kodvwa esikhundleni saloko nitondza kulunga, nitsandze lokubi. Nihlinza bantfu bami, nihlube inyama yabo ematsanjeni abo. Nidla inyama yemitimba yesive sami, nihlube inyama yaso ematsanjeni aso nihlahlele ematsambo aso, nicobe inyama yemitimba yabo njengenyama icotjelwa kufakwa ebhodweni. Siyeta sikhatsi lapho nitawukhala khona kuSimakadze, kodvwa angeke aniphendvule. Angeke ayilalele imithandazo yenu, ngobe nente lokubi kuye. Sive sami sedukiswa baphrofethi labetsembisa kuthula kulabo lababapha imali, kantsi labo labangabadizeli babetsembisa babasongele ngemphi. Kulabo baphrofethi Simakadze utsi: “Baphrofethi, sekusele kancane kuniphelele; yebo, selinishonele lilanga. Njengobe naku nedukisa sive sami, ningeke niphindze nibe netiphrofetho temibono, futsi ningeke nikwati kukubona lokutako kusengakefiki.” Labo lababona lokutako kusengakefiki bayawuhlazeka bative badliwa ngemahloni ngenca yekwehluleka kwabo. Bayawujabha, ngobe Nkulunkulu angasabaphendvuli. Kepha mine, Simakadze ungigcwalisa ngaMoya nangemandla akhe, anginike luvelo lwekwenta tintfo ngekulunga, anginike nesibindzi sekutjela Israyeli lapho one khona nekutsi tono takhe ngutiphi. Lalelani la kimi, nine babusi baka-Israyeli, nine lenitondza kuvikela lokulungile bese niguculela lokuhle kube kubi. Nine nakha iJerusalema, likhaya laNkulunkulu, etikwesisekelo sekubulala kanye nekwenta tintfo ngekungalungi. Babusi balamadolobha bawabusa ngekudizelwa, kanjalo nebaphristi bayatsengwa kuze bachaze bahumushe nemtsetfo, nebaphrofethi imibono netembulo tabo batichaza ngekudizelwa; noko basajinge bachoshe ngekutsi Simakadze unabo, batsi: “Kute lokutasehlela, ngobe Simakadze unatsi.” Ngako-ke ngenca yenu, iSiyoni iyawulinywa njengensimi, iJerusalema iyakuba yincumbi yencitsakalo, intsaba yelithempeli ibe lihlatsi. Ngemalanga ekugcina intsaba yelithempeli laSimakadze iyawucina, ibe ngulephakeme kwendlula tonkhe tintsaba; iyawuphakanyiswa ibe ngetulu kwemagcuma, tive letinyenti tiyawubekelela tiye kuyo tingasakhawuli. Tive letinyenti tiyawufika titsi: “Wotani, senyukele entsabeni yaSimakadze, endlini yaNkulunkulu waJakobe. Utasifundzisa tindlela takhe, khona sitewuhamba emikhondvweni yakhe. Ngobe umtsetfo uyawuphuma eSiyoni, livi laSimakadze liphume eJerusalema.” Uyakwehlulela emkhatsini wetive, acatulule imibango yetive letinemandla, edvute nakhashane. Tona-ke tiyawukhandza tinkemba tato, titente tibe ngemakhuba, tikhali tato tibe tikelo tekutsena tihlala. Sive singeke sihlasele lesinye ngenkemba, futsi tive tingeke tisaceceshelwa kulwa imphi. Bonkhe bantfu bayawuhlala ngekuthula ngulowo nalowo esivinini sakhe nasemikhiweni yakhe, kubete lobesabisako. Loku kwetsenjiswe nguSimakadze, longuSomandla. Tonkhe tive tikhonta tihloniphe bonkulunkulu bato, kodvwa tsine siyawukhonta Simakadze Nkulunkulu wetfu phakadze naphakadze. Simakadze utsi: “Sikhatsi siyeta, mhlazane ngiyawubutsela ndzawonye sive lengasijezisa, bona labo lababuva buhlungu ekutfunjweni. Bantfu balesive batishosha kantsi bakhashane nemakhaya abo, kodvwa ngiyawukwenta sicalo lesisha ngensali yabo, babe sive lesinemandla. Ngiyawuba yiNkhosi yabo eSiyoni kuze kube phakadze naphakadze.” Nawe Jerusalema, njengobe bewuyinqaba yekulondvolota umhlambi wakho, wena ntsaba yaseSiyoni uyawuphindza futsi ube yinhlokodolobha yalowo mbuso, lowawuvele ungiyo. Nikhalelani kakhulu kangaka? Yini nikhale nijilajile njengemfati aphetfwe ngumhelo? Kungobe anisenayo yini inkhosi, nebaholi benu sebafile yini? Shumpani nibubule, bantfu baseJerusalema, nilingise umfati aphetfwe ngumhelo nasatawubeleka, ngobe nyalo senitawuphuma ekhaya niyewuhlala etigangeni. Nitakuya eBhabhulona; noko lapho niyawusindziswa, Simakadze uyakunephula etitseni tenu. Tive letinyenti setibutsanele kuhlasela nine. Titsi: “IJerusalema imelwe kutsi ibhujiswe. Sitawubona tibondza taseSiyoni setibhidlitiwe!” Kodvwa letive atati kutsi yini lesengcondvweni yaSimakadze. Atiwacondzi emasu akhe, futsi atiboni nekutsi tibutselwe ndzawonye, khona titewujeziswa kahle, tibhujiswe njengekubhulwa kwemabele labutselwe ndzawonye, abutsaniselwa kubhulwa. Simakadze utsi: “Sive saseJerusalema, hambani nijezise titsa tenu, nitibhule njengemabele! Ngiyakunenta nibe nemandla njengenkunzi lenetimphondvo letiyinsimbi ibe nemasondvo elitfusi. Niyawucotfula tive letinyenti, bese kutsi umcebo letatiwutfole ngendluzula niwuletse kimi, mine Simakadze, iNkhosi yemhlaba wonkhe.” Bantfu baseJerusalema, butsanani ndzawonye! Sesivinjetelwe! Sebahlasela umholi waka-Israyeli! Simakadze utsi: “Betlehema Efratha, nome ungulomunye wemiti lemincane yakaJuda, kodvwa ngiyawuveta kuwe umbusi loyawubusa sive saka-Israyeli. Lusendvo lwakhe luyawusukela kulolo lwaluvele lukhona kwasekucaleni.” Ngako Simakadze lesive sakhe uyawusiyekelela etitseni taso, kuze kufike sikhatsi sekutalwa kwendvodzana. Kuyawutsi bonkhe bakubo, labayawube basakatekile batfumbeka, bahlanganiselwe ndzawonye babe sive sinye. Nakefika lowo mbusi, uyawubelusa ngemandla aSimakadze, yebo, uyawubaphatsa ngebukhosi baSimakadze longuNkulunkulu wakhe. Sive sakhe siyawuphila ngekuphepha, ngobe bantfu bemhlaba bayawumatisa badvumise bukhulu bakhe. Uyawuba kuthula kwaso. Ngesikhatsi ema-Asiriya avimbetela live letfu afohla tinqaba tetfu, tsine, ma-Israyeli, siyawutfumela baholi betfu labanemandla kakhulu bayekulwa nawo. Bayakuyehlula bayincobe i-Asiriya, lekulive laNimrodi; yebo, bayakuyibusa ngemkhonto. Ngalendlela siyakuphephiswa kuma-Asiriya, nakahlasela live letfu. Ema-Israyeli layawusindza ayawufanana nematolo lahlumelelisako latfunyelwe nguSimakadze etiveni letinyenti, afanane nemvula lenetsa lokumilako. Ayawuncika kuNkulunkulu, hhayi kumuntfu. Insali yema-Israyeli iyakubasemkhatsini wetive letinyenti, ifanane nelibhubesi lelitingela ehlatsini noma edlelweni: Lisuka lingene emkhatsini wetimvu, litisukele litidzabudzabule ticucwana, litsemba lato lekusindza lingabikho. Israyeli, titsa takho uyakutiphakamisela sandla utincobe, bonkhe labakutondzako bayawubhujiswa. Simakadze utsi: “Ngaleso sikhatsi ngiyakubulala emahhashi akho, ngibhubhise tincola nemahhashi ato. Ngiyawubhubhisa emadolobha elive lakho, ngidzilite tonkhe tinqaba takho. Ngiyakuyicitsa yonkhe imilingo yakho loyisebentisako, ngikushiye ute netangoma. Ngiyawubhidlita tithico takho kanye netinsika tato tematje langcwele. Ungeke uphindze utikhonte letintfo letibatwe nguwe matfupha. Ngiyawudzephuna tonkhe tinsika tesithicokati lesingu-Ashera eveni lakho, ngibhidlite emadolobha akho. Ngekutfukutsela kwami lokukhulu ngiyakutenanela etiveni tonkhe letingazange tingilalele.” Lalelani kutsi Simakadze umbeka cala lini Israyeli: “Sukuma, Simakadze, usho licala lombeka lona Israyeli. Tintsaba nemagcuma akakuve kutsi utsini, akabe bofakazi. Nine tintsaba, nani tisekelo taphakadze temhlaba lalelani licala lelibekwa nguSimakadze! Simakadze ubeka sive sakhe licala. Utsi sive sakhe, lesingu-Israyeli, sinelicala.” Simakadze utsi: “Sive sami, ngenteni kini? Nginetfwese mtfwalo muni? Ngiphendvuleni. Nganikhipha eGibhithe; nganikhipha ebugcilini, ngatfumela boMosi na-Aroni, naMiriyamu kutsi banihole. Sive sami, khumbulani inkhosi Bhalaki waseMowabi kutsi abefuna kwentani kini; nikhumbule nekutsi Bhalamu, umsa waBheyori, wamphendvula kanjani. Khumbulani konkhe lokwanehlela endleleni nisuka emathendeni aseShithimu niya eGilgali. Khumbulani yonkhe imisebenti yaSimakadze, khona-ke nitabe seniyabona kutsi ngatihlupha kanganani kuze nginisindzise.” Ngiyawuletsani mine kuSimakadze, Nkulunkulu wemazulu, nangitemkhonta? Ngiyawuletsa emazinyane lamnyaka munye abe ngumnikelo wekushiswa kuye yini? Kungabe Simakadze uyawujabula yini, nangimletsela tinkhulungwane tetimvu nome imifula lengancamuki yemafutsa emncumo? Ngifanele yini kunikela kuye ngelitubulo lami, lekusitselo semtimba wami, kutsi libe yinhlawulo yetono tami? Cha, Simakadze usitjelile lokungukona kukuhle. Lakufunako kitsi ngunaku: Ufuna sente kulunga, siphatsane ngemusa, siphilele Nkulunkulu ngentfobeko. Kuhlakanipha kumesaba Simakadze. Uyamemeta edolobheni utsi: “Lalelani nine bantfu lenibutsana edolobheni! Etindlini talababi kugcwele umcebo labawutfola ngebubi. Basebentisa tikali ngebucili, lekunguyonantfo lengiyitondzako. “Ngingabatsetselela kanjani bantfu labasebentisa tikali ngebucili netisindvo letiphambene nemtsetfo? “Bantfu bakini labatinjinga baphanga laba labamphofu, nani nonkhe ningulabacalemanga nalabakhohlisanako. Manje sengicalile kunigulisa nginibhubhise ngenca yekona kwenu. Niyawudla kudla, kodvwa ningesutsi; empeleni, niyawuchubeka nilambe. Niyawutibekela tivuno, kodvwa aniyiwukhona konga. Konkhe lenikongako ngiyawukucedza ngemphi. “Niyawuhlanyela, kodvwa aniyiwuvuna. Niyawuhluta emafutsa etitselweni tawo, kodvwa aniyikuwasebentisa. Niyawuphisa liwayini, kodvwa ningalinatsi. Loko kuyakwenteka, ngobe nilandzele imikhuba lemibi yenkhosi Omri nendvodzana yakhe Ahabi. Nichubeke nalandzela imitsetfo yabo, ngaloko-ke ngiyawunibhubhisa; bonkhe bantfu bayawunibukela phansi. Bantfu yonkhe indzawo bayawunedzelela ngendzelelo.” Kute litsemba! Mine ngifanana nemuntfu lolambile lotfole tihlahla tite titselo nemagelebisi kute emvinini. Onkhe emagelebisi kanye nemakhiwa lamnandzi bawakhe bawacedza. Kute nome munye umuntfu lowetsembekile losasele eveni, kute losetsembekile kuNkulunkulu. Wonkhe umuntfu ufunana nematfuba ekubulala. Wonkhe umuntfu utingelana newakubo. Bonkhe batingcweti ekwenteni lokubi. Tiphatsimandla nebehluleli bacela kudizelwa. Umuntfu lomkhulu uvele atjele labantfu loko lakufunako, bese babopha lisu. Ngisho labancono babo nalabetsembeke kakhulu kunabo bonkhe abanamsebenti, bafana nelukhula. Selifikile lilanga lapho Nkulunkulu ayakujezisa bantfu, njengobe vele abebacwayisile ngebalindzi bakhe lababaphrofethi. Kwamanje sebadzidzekile. Ungamkholwa makhelwane wakho, nome-ke ungametsembi umnganakho. Uwabale emavi akho lowakhulumako, ngisho nakumkakho lomtsandzako imbala. Kuletikhatsi emadvodzana aphatsa boyise njengetilima, nemadvodzakati aphindzilitana nabonina, bese kutsi bomakoti baphambane naboninatala; yebo, titsa temuntfu bantfu bemndeni wakhe. Kodvwa mine ngitakwetsembela kuSimakadze, ngilindzele Nkulunkulu ngesibindzi, ngobe nguye lotangiphephisa. Nkulunkulu wami utangiva. Titsa tetfu kute letingasicoloshela ngako. Nome sesiwile, sitawuvuka futsi. Nome sesisebumnyameni kwanyalo, kodvwa Simakadze utawuba kukhanya kwetfu. Sonile kuSimakadze, ngako nyalo kufanele kutfukutsela kwakhe sikubeketelele kwesikhashana. Kodvwa ekugcineni uyawusivikela, acondzise loko lokubi lokwentiwe kitsi. Uyawusiletsa asifake ekukhanyeni; yebo, siyawuphila, simbone asisindzisa. Titsa tetfu tiyawutsi tingakubona loko tidliwe ngemahloni; tona leto titsa letake taba liphela endlebeni ngekusibuta titsi: “Uphi loSimakadze longuNkulunkulu wenu?” Siyawutibona setehluliwe tapitjitwa phansi, sincane seludzaka lwendlela. Nine bantfu baseJerusalema siyeta sikhatsi sekwakha kabusha tibondza telidolobha. Ngaleso sikhatsi live lakini liyawukwandziswa. Bantfu bakini bayawubuya, baphuma yonkhe indzawo; e-Asiriya emphumalanga, eGibhithe eningizimu, etifundzeni teYufrathe, nasetilwandle letikhashane, nasetintsabeni letikhashane. Umhlaba uyawuba lugwadvule ngenca yebubi balabo bantfu labahlala kuwo. Simakadze, bani ngumelusi wesive sakho losikhetsile. Nome bantfu bakho bahlala babodvwa ehlane, kodvwa batungeletwe live lelivundzile. Abasukume batondle emadlelweni laneluhlata lolunyenti, eBhashani nakaGileyadi, njengobe babenta kadzenidzeni. Sentele timangaliso, Simakadze, njengobe wenta emalangeni ekusikhipha kwakho eGibhithe. Tive tiyawukubona loku, bese tiyagongonyeka, ngobe beticabanga kutsi tinemandla onkhe. Tiyawuvala imilomo yato, timbonye netindlebe tato ngenca yekujabha. Tiyawuhuma phansi elutfulini njengetinyoka; tiyawuphuma etinqabeni tato titfutfumela ngenca yekwesaba. Ngekwesaba tiyawugucukela kuSimakadze longuNkulunkulu wetfu. Kute nkulunkulu lofana nawe, Simakadze; wena utsetselela tono tensali yakho lesele ekubhujisweni. Awuhlali utfukutsele siphelane, kodvwa ujabulela kusikhombisa umusa wakho. Uyawuphindze ube nemusa futsi kitsi. Tono tetfu utatigcobagcoba ngetinyawo utigcumukisele tishone ekujuleni kwelwandle! Kwetsembeka nemusa wakho utakukhombisa sive sakho lekutitukulwane ta-Abrahama naJakobe, njengobe wetsembisa ngekufunga kubokhokho betfu endvulo. Leli livi lesembulo macondzana neNineve, yincwadzi yembono waNahume wase-Elkhoshi. Simakadze nguNkulunkulu lonesikhwele nalophindziselako. Simakadze uyabuyisela, futsi ugcwele intfukutselo. Simakadze uyatiphindziselela etitseni takhe, ehlisele njalo lulaka lwakhe kulabo labemelene naye. Simakadze akasheshi atfukutsele, kodvwa unemandla lamakhulu. Simakadze angeke ahlale angabajezisi labanelicala. Indlela yakhe isesiwunguwungwini nasesivunguvungwini; emafu alutfuli lwetinyawo takhe. Wekhuta lwandle, kome emanti alo; womisa yonkhe imifula yemanti. Tikhotsa taseBhashani tiyoma, iNtsaba iKhameli ihamuke, timbali taseLebanoni tibune. Tintsaba tiyatfutfumela embikwakhe, nemagcuma ancibilike aphele. Umhlaba nalabahlala kuwo kuyatfutfumela, nakuchamuka yena. Ngubani nje longamelana nentfukutselo yakhe? Ngubani longabhekana nelulaka lwakhe lolwesabeka kangaka? Nakacitsa intfukutselo yakhe lenjengemlilo, emadvwala agayeka phansi abe tincetu embikwakhe. Simakadze ulungile, usiphephelo ngetikhatsi tekuhlupheka. Uyabanakekela labo labakhosela kuye. Ngesikhukhula lesinemandla baseNineve labaphambene naye uyawubacedza, abacoshe baye ebumnyameni. Onkhe emacebo labamakhela wona labamelene naSimakadze uyawacedza. Kute labaphindze bamvukele. Bayawugigeleka bona emanyeveni, nasekudzakweni liwayini labo. Bayawushwabudzeleka njengemahlanga lomisiwe. Kuwe, Nineve, kuphume umuntfu loceba emacebo lamabi ngaSimakadze, umuntfu longumsunguli walokubi. Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: “Nome ema-Asiriya anemandla futsi amanyenti, ayakubhujiswa aphele. Nome senginihluphe nganishaya kangaka, nine maJuda, ngingeke ngisachubeka nekunihlupha. Nyalo sengitawuncamula lijoko labo lelisentsanyeni yenu, ngidzabule naletinketane tabo letinibophile.” Simakadze sewukhiphe umyalo mayelana nawe, Nineve, lotsi: “Awusayikuba natitukulwane letiyawumisa libito lakho. Ngitawutibhubhisa tonkhe titfombe takho netithico takho letisemathempelini abonkulunkulu bakho. Ngitanilungiselela emathuna, ngobe nibabi kakhulu!” Bukani lapha etikwetintsaba, tinyawo talowo loniletsela tindzaba letimnandzi, lowo lomemetela kuthula. Gubhani imikhosi yenu, nine maJuda, nigcwalise tifungo tenu. Sekute lababi labayakunihlasela. Bayawubhubha bonkhe baphele. Nasi sitsa sikuhlasela, Nineve! Lindzani tinqaba, nicaphele imigwaco; tilungiseleleni. Bambanani ngemandla enu! Simakadze utawubuyisela ludvumo lwakaJakobe njengeludvumo lwaka-Israyeli, nome nje babhubhisi sebabacekele phansi babhubhisa netihlahla tabo temagelebisi. Emahawu emabutfo etitsa abovu, emabutfo avunule lokubovu ngalobutopele, tinsimbi letisetincoleni temphi tiyamanyatela ngelilanga lekulungiswa kwato; tikhali tawo tiyamengetela. Tincola tawo temphi tijubalata etitaladini, tehla tiyenyuka nelidolobha. Tifanana netidlwane letivutsako, tigijime, tiklwebhe njengembane. Kuhlanganiswa emabutfo aseNineve elikhetselo. Noko ayakhubatela endleleni yawo. Agijima aye elubondzeni lwelidolobha, tivikelo tiyemiswa. Emasango emifula ayavuleka, sigodlo siyabhidlika. Kushaywa umtsetfo wekutsi lelidolobha alidzingiswe lisuswe lapha. Emantfombatana akhona latigcili adzindza sililo; adzindza sililo atikhalela. Njengesitiba semanti, injalo neNineve; bantfu bayo bayabaleka kuyo, banjengemanti lageleta esuka esitibeni sawo. Bamemeta batsi: “Manini! Manini!” Kodvwa kute ngisho namunye lobanakako. Phangani isiliva! Phangani igolide! Imphango yinyenti kakhulu, nengcebo isuke kuyo yonkhe imigodzi yayo. INineve seyiyabhujiswa, iphangiwe, ihlutjuliwe. Tinhlitiyo tiyancibilika, emadvolo ayaceka, imitimba iyatfutfumela, bonkhe buso buyaphaphatseka. Seliphi-ke nyalo lelidolobha lebelingumhume wemabhubesi, indzawo lapho abebondlela khona bantfwabawo, lapho emabhubesi lamadvuna nalamasikati abeshangashanga khona, nebantfwabawo awakhulisela khona, angesabi lutfo? Libhubesi litingele tinyamatane, letenele kondla bantfwabalo kanye nemkalo, ligcwalise sikhundla salo ngetinyamatane, lihlohle nemgodzi walo ngalelikutingele. Simakadze longuSomandla utsi: “Mine ngiphambene nawe, Nineve. Tincola takho temphi ngitatishisa tibe yintfutfu, inkemba itawudla emazinyane akho elibhubesi, anginakushiyela nyamatane emhlabeni. Emavi etitfunywa takho angeke aphindze evakale.” Maye kulo lidolobha lengati leligcwele emacebo, naleligcwele imphango, nalelingabesweli bantfu lekubahlupha. Ase nilalele kubhoma kwesiswebhu, nebuklekekleke bemasondvo, nebugidzigidzi bemahhashi, nebunsegensege betincola temphi. Bagibeli bemahhashi bayajijimeta, kumanya tinkemba, tikhali bumengemenge. Imphi yatfolana etulu, kwadzindzibala tindvundvuma tetidvumbu letingeke tibalwe nekubalwa; bantfu bagijima etikwato, tiyabagila. Konkhe loku kuye ngebunyenti benkhanuko yengwadla lebukekako, umhhunguli wabo bonkhe butsi, ingwababane leyagcilata tive ngebugwadla bayo netive tonkhe ngebutsi bayo. Simakadze longuSomandla utsi: “Mine ngiphambene nawe, ngitawuphakamisa tidvwaba takho tibheke etulu. Tonkhe tive temhlaba ngitatikhombisa bungcunu bakho, nemibuso yemhlaba ngiyikhombise lihlazo lakho. Ngiyawukujikijela ngemanyala, ngikuphatse dlephu, ngikwente ube yinhlekisa. Bonkhe labakubonako bayawukubalekela, batsi: ‘INineve seyiwile, sengusemaboleleni, ingabe itawukhalelwa ngubani?’ Ngingamtfolaphi umuntfu longahle akudvudvute?” Wena Nineve, uncono yini kuneThebesi, lekuyindlunkhulu yaseGibhithe, letungeletwe ngemanti? Lawo manti bekulubondza lwayo. IKushe neGibhithe bekungemandla ayo lamakhulu; iPhuthi neLibhiya, bangani bayo. Noko, yatfunjwa yesuswa eveni layo, yadzingiswa. Bantfwabayo labancane bashaywa baphihlitwa kuwo onkhe emakona etitaladi, baholi bayo bashayelwa inkatho; bonkhe bahlonishwa bayo baboshwa ngetinketane. Nawe-ke, Nineve, utawudzakwa, uhambe uyekubhaca, ufune kukhoseliswa titsa. Tonkhe tinqaba takho tinjengemikhiwa lenemakhiwa ayo ekucala lasavutsiwe; nangabe inyakatiswa, lamakhiwa adzilikela emlonyeni walowo lowadlako. Ase ubheke emasotja akho! Onkhe abafati nje. Emasango elive lakho, avulekele titsa takho kabanti, umlilo uyishise yonkhe imicabo yawo. Khani lamanti utilungiselele kuvinjetelwa, ucinise tinqaba takho. Tsatsa inhlabatsi ubhuce ludzaka, utilungiselele, ufolome sitini. Umlilo utakudlela khona lapho, nenkemba itakudla ikucedze, njengetintsetse tidla tjani, nawe umlilo utakudla ukucedze, wandze njengesikhonyane. Bahwebi bakho ubandzise baba banyenti, bendlula tinkhanyeti tesibhakabhaka. Kodvwa nyalo balingise tintsetse ngekutsi bahluphulute live, bese bayabaleka. Balindzi bakho bafanana nesikhonyane, netindvuna takho tinjengelibulo lesikhonyane lesihlala elubondzeni nakumakhata, kodvwa kutsi nakuphuma lilanga, sindize siye le khashane, singatiwa lapho sikhona. Awu, mbusi wase-Asiriya, belusi bakho bayetela, kantsi netakhamiti takho letihloniphekile setilele kokuphela. Bantfu bakho basakateke bagcwala tintsaba, kute nalongahle abagcogce babuye ekhaya. Kute lokungelapha lesilondza sakho, lelinceba lakho linengati yekufa. Bonkhe labo labeva letindzaba takho bagidza batibetsele. Utsi ukhona nje lowase waphunyula wasindza kulolunya lwakho lolungenamkhawulo? Leli livi lelembulelwa Habakhuki, umphrofethi. Awu, Simakadze, kuyawudzimate kube ngunini solo ngikhala ngicela lusito, kodvwa wena solomane ungalaleli? Kuyawudzimate kube ngunini ngimemeta ngikhala kuwe ngitsi: “Budlwangudlwangu!” kodvwa wena ungasindzisi? Wentelani kutsi ngibone bubi lobungaka? Ukubeketelelani kuhlushwa kwalabacindzetelekile? Imbhubhiso nebudlwangudlwangu busembikwami njalo; kukhona kulwa nekubanga lokunyenti. Ngako-ke umtsetfo sewuchwale waze waba butsakatsaka, akusehlulelwa ngebucotfo. Lababi behlula labalungile, kuze kutsi bucotfo bemtsetfo buphanjukiswe. “Bukani tive letinye, nicaphelisise, nimangale nife. Ngobe ngitakwenta intfo emalangeni enu, intfo leningasoze nayikholwa, nome beningatjelwa. Ngobe bukani-ke, ngivusa baseBhabhulona, leso sive lesingenamusa, nalesiphulukundlelako, lesidzabula wonkhe umhlaba sitewuphanga tindzawo tekuhlala letingasito taso. Basive lesesatjwako nalesitfutfunyelelwako, bona bangumtsetfo wabo cobo lwabo, batibabatela bona ludvumo lwabo. “Emahhashi abo agijima kwendlula tingwe, esabeka kwendlula timphisi ebusuku. Emasotja abo lagibela emahhashi agijima ashiye inyosi. Bagibeli babo bemahhashi bachamuka khashane. Bandiza njengelusweti naluhlwitsa kudla. “Bonkhe beta basahlose kulwa nekubhubhisa. Emabutfo abo agijima ashulungane njengemoya waselugwadvule, abutse batfunjwa njengesihlabatsi. BaseBhabhulona basive lesiphukuta emakhosi, sihlekise ngebabusi. Siwahleka onkhe emadolobha latinqaba; sakha lutsango lwemhlabatsi lwekuvimbetela, siwahlasele siwadle. Bese sishulungana sendlulele embili njengemoya, emadvodza lanemacala, lamandla awo angunkulunkulu wawo.” Awu, Simakadze, awusiye yini wena wasendvulo? Nkulunkulu wami, wena Longcwele wami, singeke sife. Awu, Simakadze, ubeke bona baseBhabhulona kutsi behlisele kitsi sijeziso. Awu, dvwala letfu, umise bona kutsi batewusishaya. Emehlo akho ahlanteke kakhulu kutsi angabuka bubi; ungeke ukubeketelele kuhlushwa kwalabacindzetelwe. Manje-ke ubabeketelelani laba labambulutako? Ubindzeleni ngesikhatsi lababi bamita labo labalunge kwengca bona? Bantfu ubaphatselani njengetinhlanti taselwandle, babe njengetilwanyakatana letinwabutelako letingenambusi? BaseBhabhulona babadvonsa bonkhe ngemadweba, bababamba ngemanetha abo, bababutsele ndzawonye, enetheni labo lekuhudvula; bajabula ngaloko, futsi batsakasa. Ngako-ke benta umhlatjelo emanetheni abo ekuhudvula, bashisele imphepho emanetheni abo ekuhudvula, ngobe ngalamanetha abo badla ngaloludzala, batijabulise ngekudla kudla lokukhetsekile. Kungabe batawuchubeka yini, batfulule emanetha abo, babhubhise tive ngelunya? Ngitawuma embonisweni yami ngibuke, ngitimise kahle etingosini tami, ngitawubukisisa kahle ngitewubona kutsi Nkulunkulu utawutsini kimi, nekutsi ngitawuphendvula ngitsini ngalokukhonona. Simakadze wase uyaphendvula, watsi: “Bhala phansi lesembulo, usibhale sicace kuletibhelekeca, kuze kutsi kufundzeke kahle. Ngobe lesembulo silindzele sikhatsi lesimisiwe; sikhuluma ngesiphetfo lesiphutfumako, futsi ngeke sibonakale singemanga. Nome sephutisa nje, silindzele, sona sitawufika nome kanjani, futsi ngeke sephute. “Nasi sembulo: Lotiphakamisako angeke aphephe, kodvwa lolungile uyawuphila ngekukholwa kwakhe.” Yebo, liwayini liyamyenga, ungumuntfu lotigcabhako, futsi akasenakuphumula. Njengobe ungugubhela kusakhe njengelidliza nanjengekufa akaze eneliseke, utibutsela kuye tonkhe tive, atfumbe bonkhe bantfu, babe bakhe. “Abayikumchukuluta bonkhe yini ngemagama ekumeya, bahlekise ngaye batsi: ‘Maye kulowo lompongisa timphahla letebiwe, atinjingise ngekweba! Loku kutawuchubeka kuze kube ngunini?’ Labo lobakweledako abayiwuvuka masinyane yini? Abayiwuvuka bakwesabise yini? Lapho-ke uyawuba yimphango yabo. Njengobe uphange tive letinyenti, letive letisele tiyawukuphanga nawe. Ngobe ucitse ingati yebantfu, wabhubhisa emave nemadolobha kanye nabo bonkhe labebahlala kuwo. “Maye kulowo lowakha likhaya lakhe ngenzuzo lengakalungi, atakhele sidleke sakhe etulu ekuphakameni, kuze atewuphunyula etidladleni tembhubhiso. Wakhe luzungu lwekubhubhisa tive letinyenti, wahlazisa indlu yakho; walahlekelwa nakuphila kwakho. Ematje elubondza ayawukhala ngetento takho, nemishayo yeluphahla iyawuklaza ivumelane nawo. “Maye kulowo lowakha lidolobha ngekucitsa ingati, emise lidolobha ngebugebengu! Kungabe kambe Simakadze longuSomandla akakumisi yini engcondvweni yakhe kutsi kushikashikeka kwebantfu kungemafutsa nje ekubhebhetela umlilo, nekutsi tive tishikashikeke, titikhandlekele lite? Ngobe umhlaba uyawugcwala kwati bukhosi baSimakadze, njengaloku emanti asibekela lwandle. “Maye kulowo muntfu lonatsisa bomakhelwane bakhe tjwala, abutfululele kuso sikhumbasikhwama, banatse baze badzakwe, entele kutsi atewubukela imitimba yabo nase bangcunu. Wena uyawudliwa ngemahloni esikhundleni sekudvunyiswa. Manje-ke selitfuba lakakho! Natsa nawe, ungcunuleke! Lendzebe lesuka esandleni saSimakadze sangasekudla seyijikela ngakuwe, nelihlazo liyawumbonya ludvumo lwakho. Lobudlova lobente kuyo iLebanoni buyawukwehlula, nekubhubhisa kwakho tilwane kuyawukwesabisa. Ngobe ucitse ingati yebantfu, wabhubhisa emave nemadolobha kanye nabo bonkhe labebahlala kuwo. “Sinamsebenti muni sithico, njengaloku sibatwe ngumuntfu nje? Yebo, sisitani sitfombe lesifundzisa emanga? Ngobe lowo losibatako wetsembela emsebentini wetandla takhe, wakha tithico letingeke tize tikhulume. Nako kulowo muntfu losho esigodvweni atsi: ‘Phila!’ nome etjeni lelingenamphilo atsi: ‘Vuka!’ Lingasinika yini seluleko? Lembeswe ngegolide nangesiliva, kute umphefumulo kulo. “Kodvwa Simakadze usethempelini lakhe lelingcwele. Umhlaba wonkhe awuthule embikwakhe.” Umthandazo waHabakhuki, umphrofethi, ngeShigiyonothi. Awu Simakadze, ngivile ngeludvumo lwakho; ngimangaliswa tento takho, wena Simakadze. Phindza utivusetele nangalamalanga etfu, tente tatiwe nangaletikhatsi tetfu. Elulakeni lwakho khumbula umusa. Nkulunkulu uchamuka eThemani, Longcwele wesuka eNtsabeni iPharani. Cabanga. Inkhatimulo yakhe isibekela emazulu, ludvumo lwakhe lugcwalisa umhlaba. Kucwebetela kwakhe kunjengekuphuma kwelilanga; kubaneka imisebe etandleni takhe, lapho kufihlakele khona emandla akhe. Sishayo sihamba embikwakhe, mashayacotfule wesifo ulandzela etinyatselweni takhe. Nakema, kunyikanyika umhlaba, nakabuka, kutfutfumela tive. Tintsaba takudzala tiyahhihlika, nemagcuma akadzenidzeni ayagocana. Tindlela takhe taphakadze naphakadze. Ngabona emathende aseKushani aselusizini, nemakhaya akaMidiyani ayatfutfumela. Awu, Simakadze, kungabe bewuyitfukutselele yini imifula? Kungabe lulaka lwakho belumelene nemifudlana yini? Walutfukutselela yini lwandle ngesikhatsi ugibele emahhashi akho, netincola takho tekuncoba? Wagwabula butjoki bakho, wabita imicibisholo leminyenti. Cabanga. Wadzabula umhlaba ngemifula, tintsaba takubona tatfutfumela. Kwendlula tikhukhula temanti, kujula kwabhodla, kwaphakamisela emagagasi ako etulu. Lilanga nenyanga kwema emazulwini ngekumanyatela kwemicibisholo yakho legijimako nangekubaneka kwekumanyatela kwesikhali sakho. Ngelulaka wahambahamba wadzabula umhlaba, ngentfukutselo wagcobagcoba tive. Waphumela kutawukhulula bantfu bakho, nekutawusindzisa logcotjiwe wakho. Wambhubhisa umholi waseveni lalababi, wabahlubula kusukela etinweleni tenhloko kuye etintwaneni tetinyawo. Cabanga. Wamhlaba ngesakhe sikhali enhloko, ngesikhatsi emabutfo akhe aphutfuma aphuma atsi atesihlakata, asivutela tince shangatsi asatawudla labamphofu lababebhacile. Wagcobagcoba lwandle ngetinselo temahhashi akho, abhodla emanti lamakhulu. Ngeva, nenhlitiyo yami yabhakuta, netindzebe temlomo wami tavevetela ngalomsindvo, kubola kwakhasabela ematsanjeni ami, imilente yami yachachatela. Noko ngiyakulilindzela ngekubeketela lilanga lesehlakalo leliyawusifikela sive lesisihlasele. Nome sihlahla semkhiwa singahlumi, nemagelebisi kute esihlahleni semvini, nome umncumo ungatseli, nemasimi angasatitseli tivuno, nome sekute timvu esibayeni, netinkhomo sekute esibayeni, noko ngitawujabula ngaSimakadze, ngijabulele Nkulunkulu, uMsindzisi wami. Simakadze loyiNkhosi ungemandla ami; wenta tinyawo tami tibe njengetenyamatane, ungenta ngihambe ngiphephile etindzaweni letiphakeme. Lemhlabelisi wetemiculo. Elugujini lwami lolunetintsambo. Livi laSimakadze lelefika kuZefaniya, umsa waKushi, umsa waGedaliya, umsa wa-Amariya, umsa waHezekiya, ngesikhatsi sekubusa kwaJosaya, umsa wa-Amoni, inkhosi yakaJuda, latsi: “Ngiyawutsanyela ngisuse konkhe, ngikususe ebusweni bemhlaba,” kusho Simakadze. “Ngiyawutsanyela bonkhe bantfu netilwane; ngiyawutsanyela tinyoni tasemoyeni kanye netinhlanti taselwandle. Lababi ngiyakubacedza kanye nato tonkhe tikhubekiso, nase ngisusa bonkhe bantfu ebusweni bemhlaba,” kusho Simakadze. “Ngiyakwelula sandla sami ngimelane naJuda, ngimelane nabo bonkhe labahlala eJerusalema. Yonkhe imisalela yaBhali ngiyakuyisusa kulendzawo: Emabito emahedeni nebaphristi labakhonta tithico, nalabo labakhotsama etulu etingcongwaneni tetindlu bakhonte tinkhanyeti telizulu, nalabo labakhotsama bafunge batsi batakwetsembeka kuSimakadze baphindze bafunge nangaMoloki nalabo lase bancandzekile bakuyekela kulandzela Simakadze bangete bamfuna Simakadze bangabuti nekubuta kuye. “Thula embikweNkhosi Simakadze, ngobe lilanga laSimakadze selisondzele. Simakadze sewulungise umhlatjelo; ubehlukanisile labo labamemile. Ngelilanga lemhlatjelo waSimakadze ngiyawujezisa tikhulu, netiphatsimandla, nabo bonkhe labo labembetse tingubo tebetive. Ngalelo langa ngiyawubajezisa bonkhe labo labagwema kunyatsela emnyango, besaba tithico, labagcwalisa lithempeli labonkulunkulu babo ngebudlova nangenkhohliso.” Simakadze utsi: “Ngalelo langa kuyawuvela kukhala eSangweni Lenhlanti, kuvele kulila eNcenyeni Lensha yelidolobha, nekuphihlika lokukhulu lokuphuma emagcumeni. Hhewulani, nine lenihlala esigodzini semakethe, bonkhe batsengisi benu batawucitfwa baphele, bonkhe labatsenga batsengise ngesiliva bayawubhujiswa. “Ngaleso sikhatsi ngiyakuyiphenya ngetibane iJerusalema, ngijezise labo labatesutsisako, labafanana neliwayini lelisele emashiceni alo, bacabange batsi: ‘Simakadze angeke ente lutfo, loluhle nome lolubi.’ Ingcebo yabo iyawuphangwa, netindlu tabo tibhidlitwe. Bayawukwakha tindlu, kodvwa bangahlali kuto; bayawuhlanyela tivini, kodvwa bangalinatsi liwayini lato.” “Lilanga lelikhulu laSimakadze selisondzele, yebo, lisedvute, futsi lita ngekushesha. Lalelani! Kukhala kwangalelo langa laSimakadze kuyawuba munyu, sekuhhewula libutfo lapho. Lelo langa kuyawuba lilanga lelulaka, lilanga lelusizi nebuhlungu, lilanga lenhlupheko nembhubhiso, lilanga lebumnyama nelitfunti, lilanga lemafu nebumnyama lobukhulu, lilanga lelicilongo nelekuhlaba inyandzaleyo yekumelana nemadolobha latinqaba neyekumelana nemibhoshongo yemakona. “Ngiyakwehlisela lusizi ebantfwini bahambe njengetimphumphutse, ngobe bonile kuSimakadze. Ingati yabo iyawutfululwa njengelutfuli, nematfumbu abo atfululwe njengebulongo.” Isiliva yabo negolide yabo kungeke kubasindzise ngelilanga lelulaka lwaSimakadze. Emlilweni wesikhwele sakhe umhlaba wonkhe uyawushiswa, ngobe uyakwenta siphetfo lesisheshisako sabo bonkhe labahlala emhlabeni. Buyani ndzawonye, nihlangane ndzawonye, nine sive lesilihlazo, sikhatsi lesibekiwe sisengakefiki nisengakapheshulwa njengemakhoba, lusengakehleli etikwenu lulaka lwaSimakadze lolwesabekako, lisengakefiki lilanga lelulaka lwaSimakadze etikwenu. Funani Simakadze, nonkhe nine lenitfobekile belive, nine lenenta loko latsi kwenteni. Funani kulunga, nifune kutfobeka, mhlawumbe ningahle nivikeleke ngelilanga lentfukutselo yaSimakadze. IGaza iyawushiywa yodvwa, ne-Ashkeloni iyawusala itindzala. Emini i-Ashdodi iyawucitfwa, kutsi i-Ekroni isishulwe. Nako kini lenihlala ngaselwandle, nine sive semaKherethi. Livi laSimakadze limelene nani, awu Khenani, live lemaFilisti. “Ngiyawunibhubhisa nonkhe, kute namunye loyawusala.” Live lelingaselwandle, lapho kuhlala khona emaKherethi, liyawuba yindzawo yebelusi netibaya tetimvu. Liyawuba lemisalela yendlu yakaJuda, ngulapho-ke lapho bayawutfola khona emadlelo. Kusihlwa bayawulala phansi etindlini tase-Ashkeloni. Simakadze Nkulunkulu wabo uyawubanakekela; uyawubuyisela kubo tinhlanhla tabo. “Ngitivile tinhlamba tebakaMowabi netibhinco tema-Amoni, labetfuka ngato sive sami basongela nelive laso. Ngako-ke, kuphila kwami,” kusho Simakadze Somandla, longuNkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, “impela Mowabi uyawuba njengeSodoma, nema-Amoni abe njengeGomora, indzawo yelukhula nemigodzi yeluswayi, live lelilihlane phakadze naphakadze. Insali yesive sami iyawubaphanga; besive sami labayawusala bayawulidla live labo.” Nguloku bakaMowabi nema-Amoni labayawukutfola kube ngumvuzo wekutigcabha kwabo, ngenca yekwetfuka nekuphukuta kwabo sive saSimakadze longuSomandla. Simakadze uyakwesabeka kubo, nase abhubhisa bonkhe bonkulunkulu balelo live. Tive letikulo lonkhe lusentse lwelwandle tiyakumkhonta, nguleso naleso sive eveni laso. “Nani futsi, maKushe, niyawubulawa ngenkemba yami.” Simakadze uyakwelula sandla sakhe amelane nenyakatfo, abhubhise i-Asiriya, iNineve ayishiye ilihlane, yome njengelugwadvule. Imihlambi yetimvu neyetimbuti kanye nemihlambi yetinkhomo iyawulala phansi khona lapho, tilwane netidalwa talo lonkhe luhlobo. Sikhova selihlane nesikhova lesiklabalazako kuyawuhlala etihlokweni tetinsika tayo ebusuku. Kukhala kwato kuyakwenta kutsi umsindvo wekuhokoma uphume ngemafasitelo, imfuhlululu iyawubaseminyango, tinsika temsedari tiyawubekeka ebaleni. Leli lidolobha lelinganaki lutfo, lelaliphila liphephile. Latikhulumela lona, latsi: “Ngimi ngimi, kute futsi lelinye ngaphandle kwami.” Maye, imbhubhiso lese lingiyo, seliyindzawo yekubutsanela tilwane tesiganga! Bonkhe labendlula ngakulo bayalishalatelela, balihheletele ngetandla tabo. Nako kulelo dolobha lebacindzeteli, labahlubukako nalabangcolile! Alihloniphi muntfu, alivumi kucondziswa. Aletsembeli kuSimakadze. alisondzeli kuNkulunkulu walo. Tiphatsimandla talo tingemabhubesi labhodlako, tikhulu talo titimphisi takusihlwa, letingashiyi lutfo lwangakusasa ekuseni. Baphrofethi balo bayatigcabha; bangemadvodza labotulujane. Baphristi balo bahlazisa indzawo lengcwele, bephule umtsetfo waNkulunkulu. Simakadze ulungile ekhatsi kwalelidolobha; akenti lutfo lolungakalungi. Kusa ngekusa bantfu bakhe ubaphatsa ngekungakhetsi, kulelo nakulelo langa lelisha akayekeli kwehlulela ngebucotfo, noko labangakalungi abalati lihlazo. “Tive ngiticedzile, tinqaba tato tibhidlitiwe. Titaladi tato ngitishiye tikhala libhungane, kute namunye lowendlula ngato. Emadolobha ato abhujisiwe; kute namunye lotawusala kulo, kute namunye. Ngakhuluma kulelidolobha, ngatsi: ‘Impela, uyawungesaba uvume kucondziswa!’ Lendzawo yalo-ke ingeke icitfwe, kantsi netijeziso tami tonkhe tingeke tehliselwe etikwalo. Kodvwa babesolo banenshisekelo yekukwenta ngebubi konkhe labakwentako.” Simakadze utsi: “Ngako-ke ngimeleni, ngalelo langa ngiyawuma ngifakaze. Ngincume kuhlanganisa tive, ngibutsele ndzawonye imibuso, bese ngitfululela lulaka lwami etikwato, yonkhe intfukutselo yami leyesabekako. Umhlaba wonkhe uyawubhujiswa ngemlilo wekukhweleta kwentfukutselo yami. “Tindzebe tetive ngiyawube sengiyatihlambulula-ke, kuze kutsi bonkhe lababite libito laSimakadze, bacela lusito kuye, bamkhonte bahlangene lihlombe ngelihlombe. “Kusukela ngesheya kwemifula yaseKushe tikhonti tami, bantfu bami labasakatekile, bayawungiletsela iminikelo. Ngalelo langa ungeke udliwe ngemahloni ngako konkhe lokubi lokwentile kimi, ngobe kulelidolobha ngiyawubesusa labo labajabula ngeligcabho labo. Ungeke uphindze utigcabhe etikwaleligcuma lami lelingcwele. Kodvwa ngiyawushiya ekhatsi kuwe labamnene nalabatfobekile, labetsembele kulo libito laSimakadze. “Imisalela yaka-Israyeli ingeke ikwente lokubi; ingeke iwakhulume emanga, nenkhohlakalo ingeke itfolakale emilonyeni yayo. Lemisalela iyakudla, icambalale phansi, kute futsi umuntfu loyakuyesabisa.” Hlabela, Ndvodzakati yaseSiyoni; memeta kakhulu, wena Israyeli! Jabula utfokote ngayo yonkhe inhlitiyo yakho, Ndvodzakati yaseJerusalema! Simakadze usisusile sijeziso sakho, watincandzekisa netitsa takho. Simakadze, iNkhosi yaka-Israyeli, inawe; ungeke uphindze wesabe nome nguyiphi ingoti. Ngalelo langa bayawusho kuyo iJerusalema, batsi: “Ungesabi, Siyoni, netandla takho ungatiyeketsisi. Simakadze Nkulunkulu wakho unawe, unemandla ekusindzisa. Uyawukujabulela kakhulu wena, uyawukupha kuthula ngelutsandvo lwakhe; uyawukujabulela ngekuhlabela.” “Tinsizi temadzili labekiwe ngiyakutisusa kuwe; tingumtfwalo nelihlazo kuwe. Ngaleso sikhatsi ngiyawubajezisa bonkhe labo lababekucindzetela; labachutako ngiyawubaphephisa, ngibabutse bonkhe labo labebasakatiwe. Ngiyawubadvumisa ngibatisise emhlabeni wonkhe lapho bebahlazeke khona. Ngaleso sikhatsi ngiyawunibutsa; ngaleso sikhatsi ngiyawunibuyisela ekhaya. Ngiyawuninika kuhlonipheka neludvumo emkhatsini wato tonkhe tive temhlaba, nase nginibuyisela tinhlanhla tenu embikwemehlo enu nibuka,” kusho Simakadze. Ngemnyaka wesibili wekubusa kwenkhosi Dariyusi ngelilanga lekucala lenyanga yesitfupha, livi laSimakadze lefika ngaHagayi, umphrofethi, kuZerubhabheli, umsa waSheyaltiyeli, umbusi wakaJuda, nakuJeshuwa, umsa waJehosadaki, umPhristi Lomkhulu, latsi: “Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze longuSomandla, utsi: Labantfu batsi: ‘Sikhatsi asikefiki sekutsi kwakhiwe kabusha indlu yaSimakadze.’ ” Livi laSimakadze lase liyefika ngemphrofethi Hagayi, latsi: “Ngabe kambe ngiso yini lesi sikhatsi sekutsi nihlale etindlini letihlotjiswe kahle kakhulu, kube kantsi indlu yaSimakadze yona ibukeka itindzala nje?” Manje-ke, naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze longuSomandla, utsi: “Cabangisisani ngetindlela tenu. Nihlanyele kakhulu, navuna kuncane. Niyadla, anesutsi; niyanatsa, kodvwa anikholwa. Niyembatsa, kodvwa anifutfumali. Niyahola imali yenu, niyifake esipatjini lesinetimbobo.” Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze longuSomandla, utsi: “Cabangisisani ngetindlela tenu. Khuphukelani etintsabeni niyewugawula khona tingodvo nitekwakha lendlu, kuze nami ngitewutijabulisa kuyo, ngidvunyiswe,” kusho Simakadze. “Benilindzele sivuno lesikhulu, kodvwa navuna kuncane. Loko lenikubuyise ekhaya ngikuphuphutsile, kwahamba. Leni?” kusho Simakadze longuSomandla. “Ngenca yendlu yami lesolomane ihleti itindzala, ngalesikhatsi lapho kungulowo nalowo wenu aphishaneke ngeyakhe indlu. Ngako-ke ngenca yenu emazulu ayigodlile imvula, nemhlaba wagodla sivuno sawo. Ngehlisela somiso emasimini, nasetintsabeni, nasetikwalokutinhlavu, nakulo liwayini lelisha, nakuwo emafutsa, nakuko konkhe lokuvetwa ngumhlaba, etikwebantfu nemihlambi, nasetikwemisebenti yonkhe yetandla tenu.” Ngako-ke boZerubhabheli, umsa waSheyaltiyeli, naJeshuwa, umsa waJehosadaki, umPhristi Lomkhulu, nayo yonkhe insali yesive yalilalela livi laSimakadze Nkulunkulu wabo nemavi emphrofethi Hagayi, ngobe Simakadze longuNkulunkulu wabo abemtfumile. Bantfu base badvumisa Simakadze. Hagayi, sitfunywa saSimakadze, wetfula nasi simemetelo saSimakadze kubantfu, watsi: “Nginani, kusho Simakadze.” Ngako Simakadze wavuselela umoya waZerubhabheli, umsa waSheyaltiyeli, umbusi wakaJuda, nemoya waJeshuwa, umsa waJehosadaki, umPhristi Lomkhulu, nemoya wayo yonkhe insali yesive. Beta bafike bacala kusebenta, bakha indlu yaSimakadze longuSomandla Nkulunkulu wabo, ngelilanga lema-24 lenyanga yesitfupha ngemnyaka wesibili wekubusa kwenkhosi Dariyusi. Ngelilanga lema-21 lenyanga yesikhombisa ngalowo mnyaka, livi laSimakadze lefika ngemphrofethi Hagayi, latsi: “Khuluma kuZerubhabheli, umsa waSheyaltiyeli, umbusi wakaJuda, nakuJeshuwa, umsa waJehosadaki, umPhristi Lomkhulu, nakuyo insali yesive, utsi: ‘Ngubani losesele kini lowake wayibona lendlu isenenkhatimulo yayo yakucala? Seyibukeka njani kini nyalo? Kini ayisafanani nje nelite? Kodvwa-ke nyalo cinani, wena Zerubhabheli, nawe Jeshuwa, msa waJehosadaki, umPhristi Lomkhulu. Cinani nonkhe nine bantfu balelive,’ kusho Simakadze, ‘sebentani, ngobe mine nginani,’ kusho Simakadze longuSomandla. ‘Nguko loku lengenta ngako sivumelwane nani, mhlazane niphuma eGibhithe. Moya wami usahlala emkhatsini wenu. Ningesabi.’ “Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze longuSomandla, utsi: ‘Kusetakuba sikhashana lesincane futsi ngibuye ngiwanyakatise emazulu, nemhlaba, nelwandle, nelive lelomile. Ngitawunyakatisa tonkhe tive, nako konkhe lokulangatelelwa tive tonkhe kutawufika, ngitawugcwalisa lendlu ngenkhatimulo,’ kusho Simakadze longuSomandla. ‘Isiliva yami, negolide ngeyami,’ kusho Simakadze longuSomandla. ‘Inkhatimulo yalendlu lena itawuba yinkhulu kakhulu kunenkhatimulo yendlu yakucala,’ kusho Simakadze longuSomandla. ‘Futsi kulendzawo ngiyawuletsa kuthula,’ kusho Simakadze longuSomandla.” Ngelilanga lema-24 lenyanga yemfica, ngemnyaka wesibili wekubusa kwaDariyusi, livi laSimakadze lefika kumphrofethi Hagayi, latsi: “Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze longuSomandla, utsi: ‘Buta kubaphristi kutsi umtsetfo utsini: Nangabe umuntfu aphetse inyama leyehlukaniselwe Nkulunkulu ishumphetelwe engutjeni yakhe, bese kutsi lomphetfo wakhe utsintse sinkhwa, nome sitjulo, nome liwayini, nome emafutsa, nome lokunye nje kudla, kuyaye bese kuba ngulokwehlukaniselwe Nkulunkulu yini?’ ” Baphristi baphendvula, batsi: “Cha.” Hagayi wabe sewutsi: “Nangabe umuntfu etfuke wangcoliswa kutsintsana nesidvumbu, bese utsintsa lokunye kwaletintfo, kuyaye bese kuba ngulokungcolile yini ngekwemtsetfo?” Baphristi baphendvula, batsi: “Yebo, kuyaye bese kuba ngulokungcolile.” Hagayi wabe sewutsi: “ ‘Ngako-ke banjalo nalabantfu, sinjalo nalesive lesisembikwami. Konkhe labakwentako, nako konkhe labakunikelako lapho kungcolile,’ kusho Simakadze.” “ ‘Manje-ke, cabangisisani kahle ngaloku kusukela lamuhla kuye embili, bukisisani kutsi tintfo tatinjani kucala, kungakabekwa litje lelinye etikwalelinye ethempelini laSimakadze. Nakufika nome ngubani endvundvumeni yalokutinhlavu lokutilinganiso letingema-20, tatilishumi kuphela. Nangabe ngunome ngubani aye emphongolweni weliwayini atsi uyewukha tilinganiso letingema-50, betingema-20 kuphela. Ngashaya yonkhe imisebenti yetandla tenu ngesikhutsa, nangekuhanguka, nangesangcotfo, noko nine anizange nigucukele kimi,’ kusho Simakadze. ‘Kusukela lamuhla, ngisho kusukela ngelilanga lema-24 lenyanga yemfica, cabangisisani kahle. Kusukela ngelilanga lesabekwa ngalo sisekelo sendlu yaSimakadze, cabangisisani kahle: Isekhona yini inhlanyelo lesasele emiphandzeni? Kudzimate kube ngunyalo umvini, nesihlahla semkhiwa, nesemahananandza, nesemncumo akukaze kwatsela titselo. “ ‘Kodvwa kusukela kulelilanga lalamuhla sengiyakunibusisa.’ ” Livi laSimakadze lefika kuHagayi, umphrofethi, kwesibili ngelilanga lema-24 laleyo nyanga, latsi: “Tjela Zerubhabheli, umbusi wakaJuda, kutsi ngitawunyakatisa emazulu nemhlaba. Ngitawuketula tihlalo tebukhosi ngibhidlite emandla emibuso yebetive. Ngitawuketula tincola temphi kanye nebashayeli bato, emahhashi kanye nebagibeli bawo bayawuwela phansi, ngulowo ngenkemba yemnakabo. “ ‘Ngalelo langa,’ kusho Simakadze longuSomandla, ‘ngiyawukutsatsa wena, nceku yami Zerubhabheli, msa waSheyaltiyeli,’ kusho Simakadze, ‘ngikwente ube yindandatho yami yeluphawu, ngobe ngikukhetsile,’ kusho Simakadze longuSomandla.” Ngenyanga yesiphohlongo emnyakeni wesibili wekubusa kwaDariyusi, livi laSimakadze lefika kumphrofethi Zakhariya, umsa waBherekhiya, umsa wa-Ido, latsi: “Simakadze wabatfukutselela kakhulu bokhokho benu. Ngako-ke tjela bantfu, utsi: Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze longuSomandla, utsi: ‘Buyelani kimi,’ kusho Simakadze longuSomandla, ‘nami ngitawubuyela kini,’ kusho Simakadze longuSomandla. Ningafanani nabokhokho benu, lekwatsi baphrofethi bakucala nabakhuluma kubo, batsi: Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze longuSomandla, utsi: ‘Phendvukani etindleleni tenu letimbi nakulokubi lenikwentako.’ Kodvwa abazange bangilalele, futsi abanginakanga nekunginaka, kusho Simakadze. Baphi labokhokho benu nyalo? Labaphrofethi benu bona baphila kuze kube nguphakadze yini? Kodvwa lamavi ami netimiso tami, lengabayala ngako ngemlomo webaphrofethi, tinceku tami, akuzange kufike yini etindlebeni taboyihlomkhulu? Base bayaphendvuka batsi: ‘Simakadze longuSomandla wente kitsi loko lobekusifanele ngekwetindlela tetfu nangalesikwentako, njengobe abesatimisele kukwenta.’ ” Ngelilanga lema-24 enyangeni yeli-11, lenguShebathi, emnyakeni wesibili wekubusa kwaDariyusi, livi laSimakadze lefika kumphrofethi Zakhariya, umsa waBherekhiya, umsa wa-Ido. Kwatsi ebusuku ngaba nembono, kwatsi embikwami ngabona indvodza leyayigibele lihhashi lelibovu! Yayime emkhatsini wetihlahla temibomvana, emfudlaneni. Emvakwayo bekunemahhashi labovu, nalabubendze, nalamhlophe. Ngabuta ngatsi: “Nkhosi yami, bayini laba?” Bekunengilosi lebeyikhuluma nami, yaphendvula, yatsi: “Ngitakubonisa kutsi bayini.” Kwase kutsi lendvodza leyayime emkhatsini wetihlahla temibomvana yachaza, yatsi: “Bangulabo lababetfunywa nguSimakadze kutsi baye emhlabeni wonkhe.” Babika engilosini yaSimakadze leyayime emkhatsini wemibomvana, batsi: “Sesihambe emhlabeni wonkhe, sakhandza kutsi umhlaba wonkhe uphumulile, futsi unekuthula.” Ingilosi yaSimakadze yatsi: “Simakadze Somandla, kuyawuze kube ngunini solomane sihawu sakho usigodlele iJerusalema nemadolobha akaJuda, lowawuwatfukutselele kuleminyaka lengema-70?” Ngako Simakadze wakhuluma emavi lamnandzi ekudvudvuta kulengilosi leyayikhuluma nami. Lengilosi leyayikhuluma kimi, yatsi: “Memetela lelivi, utsi: Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze longuSomandla, utsi: ‘Nginenshisekelo lenkhulu ngeJerusalema neSiyoni. Bengingakatfukutseli kangaka, kodvwa tive letitibona kutsi tiphephile setengete kulenhlekelele, tangitfukutselisa kakhulu.’ “Ngako-ke, naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: ‘Ngiyawubuyela ngesihawu eJerusalema, ngulapho kuyawukwakhiwa khona kabusha indlu yami. Intsambo yekukala iyakwelulelwa etikweJerusalema, yakhiwe kabusha,’ kusho Simakadze longuSomandla. “Chubeka umemetele utsi: Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze Somandla, utsi: ‘Emadolobha ami ayawuphindze aphuphume ngemnotfo, Simakadze aphindze ayidvudvute iSiyoni, akhetse iJerusalema.’ ” Ngase ngiphakamisa emehlo ami ngabuka, ngabona embikwami kunetimphondvo letine. Ngabe sengibuta lengilosi leyayikhuluma nami, ngatsi: “Kuyini loku?” Yangiphendvula, yatsi: “Leti timphondvo letasakata Juda, na-Israyeli kanye neJerusalema.” Simakadze wabe sewungibonisa tincondzi letine kutekubata. Ngabuta ngatsi: “Batekwentani laba lapha?” Yangiphendvula, yatsi: “Leti timphondvo letasakata Juda kuze kubete namunye lophakamisa inhloko yakhe, kodvwa letincondzi titele kutekwetfusa babusi betive nekutijika phansi letimphondvo tetive letatiphakamise timphondvo tato temelana nelive lakaJuda kutewusakata bantfu bakaJuda.” Ngase ngiphakamisa emehlo ami ngabuka, ngabona embikwami kume indvodza leyayiphetse intsambo yekukala esandleni sayo. Ngayibuta, ngatsi: “Uyaphi?” Yangiphendvula, yatsi: “Ngiyawukala iJerusalema, ngitewutfola kutsi ibanti kangakanani nekutsi yindze kangakanani.” Lengilosi leyayikhuluma kimi yesuka yahamba, kwefika lenye ingilosi iteyihlangabeta, yafike kuyo yatsi: “Gijima uyewutjela lelijaha, utsi: ‘IJerusalema itawuba lidolobha lelite tibondza ngenca yebunyenti bebantfu labahlala kuyo nangenca yemfuyo lenyenti lengekhatsi kwayo. Mine matfupha ngiyawuba lubondza lwemlilo loluyitungeleta luyivikele, ngibe yinkhatimulo yayo ngekhatsi kwayo,’ kusho Simakadze.” “Balekani! Balekani! Sukani eveni lasenyakatfo,” kusho Simakadze, “ngobe nginisakatele emimoyeni yomine yelizulu,” kusho Simakadze. “Awu Siyoni! Balekani! Phunyulani, nine lenihlala eBhabhulona!” Ngobe naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze longuSomandla, longitfumile wangipha emandla kutsi ngimelane netive letiniphangile, ngobe umuntfu lotsintsa nine utsintsa inhlavu yeliso laSimakadze. Utsi: “Impela ngiyawuphakamisa sandla sami ngimelane nato, khona titewuba yimphango yetigcili tato. Ngulapho-ke niyawukwati khona kutsi nguSimakadze longuSomandla longitfumile. “Hlabela ujabule, wena Ndvodzakati yaseSiyoni. Ngobe ngiyeta, futsi ngiyawuhlala emkhatsini wenu,” kusho Simakadze. “Tive letinyenti tiyawutihlanganisa naSimakadze ngalelo langa, tibe sive sami. Ngiyawuhlala emkhatsini wenu, nani niyawukwati-ke kutsi Simakadze longuSomandla ungitfume kini. Simakadze uyakudla lifa lelinguJuda libe sabelo sakhe eveni lelingcwele, aphindze akhetse iJerusalema. “Thulani embikwaSimakadze, nonkhe nine bantfu bemhlaba, ngobe sewuvukile waphuma endzaweni yakhe lengcwele.” Simakadze wabe sewungibonisa Jeshuwa, umPhristi Lomkhulu, eme embikwengilosi yaSimakadze, naSathane eme ngasesandleni sakhe sekudla atekummangalela. Simakadze wakhuluma kuSathane, watsi: “Simakadze uyakwekhuta wena Sathane! Simakadze, lokhetse iJerusalema, uyakukwekhuta! Lendvodza ayisiso sikhuni lesivutsako yini lesephulwe emlilweni?” Jeshuwa abembetse tembatfo letingcolile ngesikhatsi aseme embikwalengilosi. Lengilosi yakhuluma kulabasiti lababeme embikwayo, yatsi: “Mkhumuleni letimphahla takhe letingcolile.” Yakhuluma kuJeshuwa, yatsi: “Ase ubuke, sono sakho sengisisusile, futsi ngitakwembatsisa imijiva lehlantekile lemihle kakhulu.” Ngase ngitsi: “Mshuculiseni ngemshuculo lohlobile.” Ngako bamshuculisa ngemshuculo lohlobile enhloko yakhe, bamembatsisa, ngesikhatsi ingilosi yaSimakadze isemile eceleni kwakhe. Ingilosi yaSimakadze yetsembisa Jeshuwa, yatsi: “Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze longuSomandla, utsi: ‘Nawutawuhamba etindleleni tami ugcine nemiyalo yami, indlu yami-ke uyakuyibusa uphatse netibuya telithempeli lami; mine ngiyawukunika indzawo emkhatsini waletingilosi letime lapha. “ ‘Lalela, wena mPhristi Lomkhulu Jeshuwa, kanye nalabo bangani bakho labahleti embikwakho, labangemadvodza lasibonakaliso setintfo letitako: Ngitawuletsa inceku yami, Ligala. Buka, litje lengilimise embikwaJeshuwa. Kunemehlo lasikhombisa kulelitje linye, mine ngitawucopha umbhalo kulo, nesono salelive ngiyawusisusa ngalanga linye,’ kusho Simakadze longuSomandla. “ ‘Ngalelo langa ngulowo nalowo wenu uyawumema makhelwane wakhe kutsi atewuhlala ngekuthula ngaphansi kwemvini nemkhiwa wakhe,’ kusho Simakadze longuSomandla.” Lengilosi leyayikhulume nami yabuya, yangivusa, njengemuntfu nakavuswa ebutfongweni. Yangibuta, yatsi: “Ubonani?” Ngaphendvula, ngatsi: “Ngibona lutsi lwetibane luyigolide lonkhe, lunesitja lesinemafutsa ngetulu, netibane letisikhombisa kulo, netimbobo letisikhombisa tetintsambo tetibane talo. Futsi ngibona netihlahla letimbili temncumo eceleni kwalo, lesinye ngesekudla kwaso lesitja, lesinye ngesancele saso lesitsha.” Ngayibuta lengilosi leyakhuluma nami, ngatsi: “Kuyini loku, nkhosi yami?” Yangiphendvula yatsi: “Awati yini kantsi kutsi loku kuyini?” Ngaphendvula, ngatsi: “Cha, nkhosi yami.” Ngako yakhuluma kimi, yatsi: “Leli livi laSimakadze leliya kuZerubhabheli, litsi: ‘Akuyi ngetikhwepha nangemandla, kodvwa kuya ngaMoya wami,’ kusho Simakadze longuSomandla. “Uyini wena, wena ntsaba lenemandla? EmbikwaZerubhabheli uyawuba litsafa lelibekile. Yena-ke uyawubeka litje lekwephetsa lithempeli, kumenyetwe kutsiwe: ‘Nkulunkulu akalibusise! Nkulunkulu akalibusise!’ ” Livi laSimakadze lase liyefika kimi, latsi: “Tandla taZerubhabheli tibeke sisekelo salelithempeli; netandla takhe futsi titalicedza. Nine-ke niyawube seniyati kutsi Simakadze longuSomandla ungitfume kini. “Ngubani lowedzelela lilanga letintfo letincane? Emadvodza ayawujabula nakabona intsambo yekucondzisa isesandleni saZerubhabheli. “Lamehlo lasikhombisa ngewaSimakadze, azulazula emhlabeni wonkhe, jikelele.” Ngabe sengibuta lengilosi, ngatsi: “Iyini lemincumo lemibili lengasekudla nangesancele kwalolutsi lwetibane?” Ngaphindze ngayibuta futsi, ngatsi: “Ayini lamagala lamabili emncumo emaceleni aletimbobo letimbili tegolide letitfulula emafutsa egolide?” Yangiphendvula, yatsi: “Awati yini kantsi kutsi loku kuyini?” Ngaphendvula, ngatsi: “Cha, nkhosi yami.” Ngako yatsi: “Laba ngulababili labagcotjelwe kutsi bakhonte Simakadze wemhlaba wonkhe.” Ngaphindza ngaphakamisa emehlo ami ngabuka, ngabona embikwami kundiza incwadzi legocotwako! Lengilosi yangibuta, yatsi: “Ubonani?” Ngaphendvula, ngatsi: “Ngibona kundiza incwadzi legocotwako, ingemamitha langaba yimfica budze, nemamitha langaba mane nesigamu bubanti.” Yakhuluma kimi, yatsi: “Lesi sicalekiso lesiphumela kuwo wonkhe umhlaba; ngobe macondzana naloko lesikushoko nganhlanye kwalencwadzi, onkhe emasela ayawucitfwa eveni, kantsi ngaloko lesikushoko ngala nganhlanye kwayo, bonkhe labafungela emanga bayawucoshwa. Simakadze longuSomandla utsi: ‘Ngiyawutfumela lesicalekiso, siyewungena endlini yelisela nasendlini yalowo lofungela emanga ngeLibito lami. Siyawuhlala lapha endlini yakhe siyibhubhise kanye netigodvo nematje ayo.’ ” Lengilosi leyayikhuluma nami yasondzela kimi, yafike yatsi: “Phakamisa emehlo akho ubone kutsi kuyini loku lokuvelako.” Ngabuta, ngatsi: “Kuyini?” Yangiphendvula, yatsi: “Libhasikidi lekukala.” Yaphindze yachubeka yatsi: “Loku bubi bebantfu kuwo wonkhe umhlaba.” Kwase kutsi simbonyo salo lesasentiwe ngemtfofu saphakanyiswa: ekhatsi kwalelo bhasikidi bekuhleti umfati! Yakhuluma yatsi: “Lobu bubi,” yabe seyimfucela ekhatsi ebhasikidini, yacindzetela lesimbonyo salo semtfofu emlonyeni walelibhasikidi, walimbonya ngaso. Ngase ngiphakamisa emehlo ami ngabuka, ngabona embikwami kunebafati lababili bandiza emoyeni ngetimphiko tabo. Letimphiko tabo tatifanana netadvoye, base baphakamisa lelibhasikidi, laze labasemkhatsini welizulu nemhlaba. Ngabuta lengilosi leyayikhuluma nami, ngatsi: “Baliyisaphi lelibhasikidi?” Yangiphendvula, yatsi: “Baliyisa eveni laseBhabhulona, bayakulakhela indlu khona. Itakutsi nase ilungile lendlu, bese balibeka khona lapho endzaweni yalo.” Ngatsi ngiphakamisa emehlo njalo ngiyabuka, ngabona kuchamuka tincola letine, tiphuma emkhatsini wetintsaba letimbili, tintsaba telitfusi! Incola yekucala yayinemahhashi labovu, yesibili inemahhashi lamnyama, yesitsatfu inemahhashi lamhlophe, yesine yayinemahhashi lamabalabala, onkhe anemandla, kutinjomane sibili. Ngabuta lengilosi leyayikhuluma nami, ngatsi: “Nkhosi, lamahhashi naletincola kusho kutsini?” Lengilosi yangiphendvula, yatsi: “Lena ngimimoya yomine yasezulwini, iyaphuma ekumeni embikwaSimakadze wemhlaba wonkhe. Lencola ledvonswa ngemahhashi lamnyama iya eveni langasenyakatfo, lena ledvonswa ngemahhashi lamhlophe icondze ngasenshonalanga, bese kutsi lena ledvonswa ngemahhashi lamabalabala ibheka ngaseningizimu.” Kwatsi nakuphuma lawa lamabalabala, tinjomane letatinemandla kakhulu, atimisela kuwuhlamahlama wonkhe umhlaba. Ingilosi yatsi: “Phumani, niwuhlamahlame wonkhe umhlaba!” Ngako ase ayaphuma awuhlamahlama wonkhe umhlaba. Ingilosi yabe seyiyangimemeta, yatsi kimi: “Ase ubuke, lawa lacondze ngaseveni langasenyakatfo asatawubeka Moya wami phansi abe nekuthula eveni lasenyakatfo.” Livi laSimakadze lefika kimi, latsi: “Tsatsa isiliva negolide kulabatfunjiwe boHeldayi, naThobiya, naJedaya, lababefike baphuma eBhabhulona. Hamba ngalona lelo langa uye endlini yakaJosaya, umsa waZefaniya. Ubotsatsa lesiliva negolide, wakhe ngayo umchele, bese uwubeka enhloko yemPhristi Lomkhulu, Jeshuwa, umsa waJosadaki. Ufike umtjele kutsi naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze longuSomandla, utsi: ‘Nangu umuntfu lolibito lakhe nguLigala, futsi uyawuhluma akhule endzaweni yakhe, akhe lithempeli laSimakadze. Nguye-ke longuyena loyawukwakha lithempeli laSimakadze. Uyawukwembatsiswa bukhosi, futsi uyawuhlala esihlalweni sakhe sebukhosi abuse. Uyawuba ngumphristi esihlalweni sakhe sebukhosi. Futsi-ke kuyawuba nekuvana emkhatsini walababili.’ Lomchele uyawubasethempelini laSimakadze ube sikhumbuto ngabo boHeldayi, naThobiya, naJedaya, naHeni, umsa waZefaniya. “Labo labakhashane kakhulu bayakuta batewusita ngekwelekelela ekwakheni lithempeli laSimakadze; ngulapho-ke niyawukwati khona kutsi Simakadze longuSomandla ungitfumele kini. Loku kuyawukwenteka, nanimhlonipha nimlalela Simakadze longuNkulunkulu wenu.” Ngemnyaka wesine wekubusa kwenkhosi Dariyusi, kwefika livi laSimakadze kuZakhariya ngelilanga lesine enyangeni yemfica, inyanga yaKhislevu. Bantfu baseBetheli bebatfumele boShareseri, naRegemi Meleki kanye nemancusa abo kutsi bayewuncenga Simakadze ngekutsi babute baphristi basendlini yaSimakadze longuSomandla kanye nebaphrofethi, batsi: “Ngilile yini ngizile nekudla ngenyanga yesihlanu, njengaloku bengivele ngenta kuleminyaka leminyenti leyendlulile?” Livi laSimakadze longuSomandla lase liyefika kimi, latsi: “Buta kubo bonkhe bantfu bakulelive nakubaphristi babo, utsi: ‘Ngalesikhatsi nizila kudla nilila ngenyanga yesihlanu neyesikhombisa kuleminyaka lengema-70 leyendlulile, benivele nizilela mine yini? Kona ngesikhatsi nidla ninatsa, anitenteli nine yini lawo madzili? Akusiwo yini emavi aSimakadze lawo lamenyetelwa ngebaphrofethi bakucala, ngesikhatsi iJerusalema kanye nemadolobha layitungeletile asephumulile, aphumelela lapho khona kwaze kwatinta iNegevu nelihlanze langasenshonalanga?’ ” Livi laSimakadze laphindze lefika futsi kuZakhariya, latsi: “Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze longuSomandla, utsi: ‘Yehlulelani ngekwemtsetfocotfo, niphatsane ngemusa nangeluvelo kulowo nakulowo. Ningabacindzeteli bafelokati, netintsandzane, nemihambima kanye nalabamphofu. Etinhlitiyweni tenu ningafiselani lokubi lomunye nalomunye.’ “Kodvwa bala kulalela, bavuka inkhani bafulatsela, bavala tindlebe tabo. Benta tinhlitiyo tabo taba lukhuni njengelitje, bangete bawulalela umtsetfo, bangawalaleli nemavi lakhulunywa nguSimakadze longuSomandla, lawatfumela ngaMoya wakhe ngebaphrofethi bakadzeni. Ngako-ke Simakadze longuSomandla watfukutsela kakhulu. “Simakadze longuSomandla utsi: ‘Ngatsi nangibabita bangete balalela ngekusabela, ngako-ke nabo nabamemeta, angizange ngibalalele. Ngabasakata ngesiwunguwungwana, ngabasa kuto tonkhe tive, lapho bafike baba tihambi khona. Live lasala likhala libhungane emvakwabo, kangangekutsi kute muntfu labengaphuma angene kulo. Balenta kanjalo-ke lelive lelalijabulile kutsi libe ngusehlane kahlongasibi.’ ” Livi laSimakadze longuSomandla laphindze futsi lefika kimi, latsi: “Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze longuSomandla, utsi: ‘Nginenshisekelo kakhulu ngeSiyoni. Ngiyasha ngenca yesikhwele ngayo.’ ” Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze, utsi: “Ngiyawubuyela eSiyoni, ngihlale eJerusalema. Lapho-ke iJerusalema sekuyawutsiwa Lidolobha Lekwetsembeka, nentsaba yaSimakadze longuSomandla iyawubitwa ngekutsi yiNtsaba Lengcwele.” Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze longuSomandla, utsi: “Emachegu kanye netalukati, bayawuphindze bahlale etitaladini taseJerusalema, nguloyo aneludvondvolo esandleni sakhe ngobe asakhulile. Titaladi telidolobha tiyawuphitsitela bafana nemantfombatana labayawube badlala khona.” Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze longuSomandla, utsi: “Nangabe kubonakale kusimangaliso kulensali yalabantfu ngaleso sikhatsi, kodvwa ingabe nakimi kuyawuba simangaliso yini?” kusho Simakadze longuSomandla. Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze longuSomandla, utsi: “Ngiyawubasindzisa bantfu bami eveni langasemphumalanga nakulo langasenshonalanga. Ngiyawubabuyisa batewuhlala eJerusalema; bayawuba bantfu bami, nami ngibe nguNkulunkulu wabo ngekwetsembeka nangekulunga.” Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze longuSomandla, utsi: “Nine leniwevako nyalo lamavi labekhulunywa baphrofethi lababekhona ngesikhatsi kubekwa tisekelo tendlu yaSimakadze longuSomandla, cinisani tandla tenu kuze litekwakhiwa lelithempeli. Ngaphambili kwalawo malanga kwakute inkhokhelo yebantfu nome yetilwane. Kute namunye labengaphuma angene ngenca yesitsa sakhe, ngobe ngagucula wonkhe umuntfu kutsi emelane namakhelwane wakhe. Kodvwa nyalo ngingeke ngisayiphatsa lensali yalabantfu njengaloku ngake ngakwenta ngemalanga akucala,” kusho Simakadze longuSomandla. “Inhlanyelo seyiyawukhula kahle, sivini siyawutsela titselo taso, umhlaba uyawuveta sivuno sawo, nemazulu ayakwehlisa ematolo awo. Tonkhe letintfo ngiyawutipha insali yalesive tibe lifa laso. Njengobe beniyintfo yesicalekiso emkhatsini wetive, awu nine bakaJuda nani ma-Israyeli, ngiyakunisindzisa kanjalo-ke, niyawuba sibusiso. Ningesabi, kodvwa cinani emadvolo.” Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze longuSomandla, utsi: “Njengaloku ngatimisela kwehlisela inhlekelele etikwenu ngingasagucuki ngesikhatsi bangitfukutselisa boyihlo,” kusho Simakadze longuSomandla, “kanjalo-ke nyalo sengitimisele kwenta lokuhle futsi kuyo iJerusalema naJuda. Ningesabi. Nati tintfo lokufanele nitente nine: Khulumani liciniso lomunye kulomunye, emasangweni enu nikhiphe sigwebo lesiliciniso nalesiveta kuthula. Ningambopheli luzungu makhelwane, futsi ningabokutsandza kufungela emanga. Ngiyakwenyanya konkhe loko,” kusho Simakadze. Livi laSimakadze longuSomandla laphindze lefika kimi, latsi: “Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze longuSomandla, utsi: ‘Lokuzila kudla kwenyanga yesine, neyesihlanu, neyesikhombisa, neyelishumi sekuyawuba ngemalanga enjabulo, nekutsakasa, nemadzili ekutijabulisa akaJuda. Ngako-ke litsandzeni liciniso nekuthula.’ ” Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze longuSomandla, utsi: “Tive letinyenti nalabahlala emadolobheni lamanyenti basetawuta; labahlala kulelinye lidolobha bayakuya kulelinye batsi: ‘Asambeni ngekushesha siyewuncenga kuSimakadze, sifunisise Simakadze longuSomandla. Mine ngekwami ngiyahamba.’ Tive letinyenti netive letinemandla tiyawuta eJerusalema titewufunisisa Simakadze longuSomandla, timncenge.” Naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze longuSomandla, utsi: “Ngalawo malanga emadvodza lalishumi lasuka kuto tonkhe tilwimi netive ayawunkonkoshela umJuda munye ngemphetfo wesembatfo sakhe, atsi: ‘Asihambisane nani, ngobe sivile kutsi Nkulunkulu unani.’ ” Livi lesembulo: Livi laSimakadze limelene nelive lakaHadraki; nayo iDamaseko iyawuba yindzawo yekuhlala kwalelivi, ngobe emehlo aSimakadze asetikwabo bonkhe bantfu nakuto tonkhe tive tema-Israyeli, nasetikweHamathi futsi lengumnyele wabo, nasetikweThire kanye neSidoni, nome bona bahlakaniphe kakhulu. IThire yona seyitakhele inqaba; seyicokelele isiliva kwaba shangatsi lutfuli, negolide njengeludzaka lwasesitaladini. Kodvwa Simakadze uyawutsatsa lowo mcebo wayo, abhubhise emandla ayo elwandle, futsi iyawudliwa ngumlilo. I-Ashkeloni iyawukubona loko, yesabe; iGaza iyawujilajileka ngenca yeminjunju, kanye ne-Ekroni futsi, ngobe litsemba layo liyawubuna liphele. IGaza iyawulahlekelwa yinkhosi yayo, ne-Ashkeloni iyawushiywa itindzala. Bachamuki bayawuhlala e-Ashdodi, mine ngiyawucedza kutigabatisa kwemaFilisti. Ngiyawukhipha inyama leyingati emilonyeni yabo, ngivungule kudla lekutinengiso lebekunikelwe etithicweni lokusasele emkhatsini wematinyo abo. Labo labayawube basele sebayawuba baNkulunkulu wetfu babe baholi kaJuda, i-Ekroni iyawuba njengemaJebhusi. Kodvwa ngiyakuyivikela indlu yami, ngimelane nanome nguyiphi imphi lengahle yendlule kuyo. Bacindzeteli abasayiwuphindze basibuse sive sami, ngobe nyalo sengiyaselusa ngemehlo ami. Jabula kakhulu, Ndvodzakati yaseSiyoni! Memeta ngekujabula, Ndvodzakati yaseJerusalema! Ase ubuke, inkhosi yakho ita kuwe, ilungile, futsi iphetse insindziso, ita itfobekile, igibele embongolweni, etikwelitfole lembongolo, inkhonyane yembongolo. Ngiyawutisusa tincola temphi ka-Efrayimu, nemahhashi emphi ngiwesuse eJerusalema, nebutjoki bemphi buyakwephulwa. Inkhosi iyawumemetela kuthula etiveni. Kubusa kwayo kuyakwandza, kusuke elwandle kuyewugcina ngelwandle, kusuke eMfuleni kuyewugcina emikhawulweni yemhlaba. Kodvwa nine, ngenca yengati yesivumelwane sami nani, ngiyawutikhulula tiboshwa takini emgodzini lote emanti. Buyelani enqabeni yenu, nine tiboshwa lese ninelitsemba, ngisho nanyalo solo ngiyamemetela, ngitsi ngitanibuyisela ngalokuphindziwe. Juda ngiyawumgoba njengobe ngigoba butjoki bami, ngibugcwalise nga-Efrayimu, kutsi abe ngumcibisholo wami. Awu Siyoni, ngiyawukuvusela emadvodzana akho emelane nemadvodzana akho, Grisi, sive sami ngisente inkemba yelichawe. Simakadze uyawube sewuyabonakala kubo, umcibisholo wakhe uyawugijima njengembane. INkhosi Simakadze iyawushaya impalampala, iyawushuca ngetivunguvungu taseningizimu, Simakadze longuSomandla uyakubavikela bantfu bakhe. Bayawubhubhisa bancobe ngematje etilingi. Bayawunatsa ingati babhodle kube shangatsi ngungeliwayini; bayawucitsa ingati yetitsa tabo iphuphume njengesitja lesisetjentiswa ekunyenyeteni emakona aselatini. Simakadze Nkulunkulu wabo uyawubasindzisa ngalelo langa njengemhlambi webantfu bakhe. Bayawumanyatela eveni lakhe njengematje laligugu lacwebetelako kuwo umchele. Maye, live lakhe liyawuba lihle bo! Futsi liyawubukeka lilihle kakhulu. Lokutinhlavu kuyawukwenta tinsizwa tiphumelele, neliwayini lelisha lente emantfombatane ondleke. Celani imvula kuSimakadze nakungusentfwasahlobo; nguSimakadze lowenta emafu lanemvula, nguye lowehlisela tihlambi temvula kubantfwana bebantfu, aphe netitselo tesiganga kubo bonkhe bantfu. Tithico tikhuluma lokuyinkhohliso, labaphengulako babona imibono yemanga, bakhuluma emaphupho langesilo liciniso. Badvudvutana mahhala nje ngelite. Ngako-ke bantfu bazulazula njengetimvu, bacindzetelekile ngekweswela umelusi. Simakadze utsi: “Intfukutselo yami ivutsela belusi, futsi ngitabajezisa baholi; ngobe Simakadze longuSomandla uyawutinakekela timvu takhe, indlu yakaJuda, abente bafanane nelihhashi lelilichalachala emphini. KaJuda kuyawuvela litje lesisekelo, kuye kuyawuphuma sikhonkhwane sekusimisa lithende, nebutjoki basemphini, kuvele kuye bonkhe babusi. Nasebahlangene bayawuba njengemadvodza lanemandla lamakhulu, abhocota ludzaka etitaladini nakuliwa imphi. Bayawukulwa bancobe, ngobe Simakadze unabo, bayawuncoba bagibeli bemahhashi. “Ngiyakuyicinisa indlu yakaJuda, ngiyisindzise indlu yakaJosefa. Ngiyakubabuyisela, ngobe nginesihawu ngabo. Bayakuba shangatsi angizange sengibalahle, ngobe mine nginguSimakadze Nkulunkulu wabo, futsi ngiyawubaphendvula. Baka-Efrayimu bayawuba njengemadvodza lanemandla kakhulu, tinhlitiyo tabo tiyawutfokota kube shangatsi ngungeliwayini. Bantfwababo bayawukubona bajabule. Tinhlitiyo tabo tiyawujabula ngaSimakadze. “Ngiyawubakhweba ngibabutse bangene. Ngempela ngiyawubahlenga; bayawuba banyenti njengakucala. Noko ngibasakatela kuletinye tive, kodvwa kuwo lawo mave lakhashane bayakungikhumbula. Bona kanye nebantfwababo bayawuphila, baphindze babuye. Ngiyawubabuyisa besuke kulaseGibhithe, ngibabutse kulase-Asiriya. Ngiyawubayisa kaGileyadi naseLebanoni, lapho bayakweswela nendzawo yekuhlala. Bayakwendlula elwandle lwetinhlupheko, lwandle loludlondlobele luyawubindziswa, nako konkhe kujula kweNayili kuyawukoma. Kutigcabha kwase-Asiriya kuyawudzilitwa, nendvuku yebukhosi yaseGibhithe iyawunyamalala. Baka-Israyeli ngiyawubacinisa kuSimakadze, nabo bayawuhamba kulo Libito lakhe,” kusho Simakadze. Awu, Lebanoni, vula iminyango yakho, kuze umlilo utekuyishwabudzela lemisedari yakho! Awu, sihlahla sesipheshula, khala, ngobe umsedari sewuwile; tihlahla letikhulu letinesitfunti setibhujisiwe! Lilani, ma-okhi aseBhashani; lihlatsi lebelenile seligecwe lonkhe! Lalelani kulila kwebelusi betimvu, emadlelo abo laluhlata asabhujisiwe. Lalelani kubhodla kwemabhubesi; lomenakati welihlatsi laseJordane ubhujisiwe. Naku lokukhulunywa nguSimakadze Nkulunkulu wami, utsi: “Yelusa timvu letimiselwe kuhlatjwa. Batsengi bato bayatihlaba bangete bajeziswa. Labo labatitsengisako, batsi: ‘Akadvunyiswe Simakadze, sesinjingile!’ Ngisho nebelusi bato abanasihawu nato. “Ngobe ngingeke ngisaba nesihawu kubantfu balelive,” kusho Simakadze. “Ngiyawunikela ngulowo nalowo esandleni samakhelwane wakhe nesenkhosi yakhe. Bayakulicindzetela live, nami futsi ngingeke ngibephule etandleni tabo.” Labo lababetsengiselana ngetimvu base bayangicasha; ngayelusa lemihlambi leyase imiselwe kuhlatjwa. Ngase ngitsatsa tindvuku letimbili, lenye ngayetsa libito ngatsi nguMusa, nalenye ngatsi nguNhlanganiso, ngabe sengiyawelusa-ke lomhlambi. Nganyanga yinye ngesusa labelusi labatsatfu. Umhlambi wangenyanya, nami ngadzinwa nguwo, ngatsi kuwo: “Ngingeke ngisanelusa. Leto letifako atife, naleto letibhubhako atibhujiswe. Leto letisele atidlane todvwana, nguleyo inyama yalenye.” Ngase ngitsatsa indvuku yami lenguMusa, ngayephula, ngephula sivumelwane lengase ngisente kanye nato tonkhe tive. Sacitfwa ngalelo langa, ngako labantfu labatsenga letimvu nalabo labatsengisa ngato babengibukile sebati kutsi lelo bekulivi laSimakadze. Ngabatjela laba labatsengiselana ngetimvu, ngatsi: “Nangabe nibona kuncono kakhulu loko, ngiholeleni; kodvwa nangabe anikuboni loko, lowo mholo wugcineni.” Ngako bangiholela tinhlavu letingema-30 tesiliva. Simakadze wakhuluma kimi, watsi: “Yijikijele kumbumbi,” lentsengo lenkhulu labangitsengisa ngayo. Ngase ngitsatsa letinhlavu letingema-30 tesiliva ngatijikijela kumbumbi endlini yaSimakadze. Ngase ngephula lendvuku yami yesibili leyayinguNhlanganiso, ngephula buhlobo emkhatsini waJuda na-Israyeli. Simakadze wase ukhuluma kimi, watsi: “Phindza futsi utsatse tikhali temelusi, kodvwa nyalo utsatse talosilima. Ngobe ngiyawuvusa umelusi etikwalelive longeke atinakekele timvu letilahlekile, longeke atifune letincane, longeke atiphilise letilimele, nalongeke atibonelele ondle leticinile naletikhuluphele, kodvwa uyawudla inyama yetimvu telikhetselo abhoncule tinselo tato. “Maye kumelusi longasiti lutfo, loshiya umhlambi! Shangatsi inkemba ingashaya umkhono wakhe neliso lakhe langesekudla! Shangatsi umkhono wakhe ungashwaphana, neliso lakhe langesekudla livaleke ngci!” Livi lesembulo: Leli livi laSimakadze nga-Israyeli. Simakadze, lowendlale emazulu, lobeke tisekelo temhlaba, nalowabumba umoya wemuntfu ekhatsi kuye, utsi: “IJerusalema ngitayenta ibe yindzebe leyenta tonkhe tive letiyitungeletile tidzayitele. Emadolobha akaJuda atawuvinjetelwa kanye neJerusalema. Ngalelo langa, mhlazane tonkhe tive temhlaba tibutsene ndzawonye kutawumelana nayo, iJerusalema ngiyakuyenta ibe lidvwala lelisindzako kuto tonkhe tive. Bonkhe labetama kulisundvuta bayakutilimata bona. Ngalelo langa onkhe emahhashi ngiyakuwashaya ngeluvalo, bagibeli bawo bona ngibashaye ngekuhlanya,” kusho Simakadze. “Liso lami liyawubasetikwendlu yakaJuda liyeluse, kodvwa onkhe emahhashi ebetive ngiyakuwaphumphutsekisa. Baholi bakaJuda bayakutsi etinhlitiyweni tabo: ‘Bantfu baseJerusalema bacinile, ngobe Simakadze longuSomandla unguNkulunkulu wabo.’ “Ngalelo langa baholi bakaJuda ngiyawubenta bafanane nelibhodo lemlilo encunjini yetigodvo, bafanane nesidlwane lesivutsa emalangabi esitfungweni. Bayawucotfula ngesekudla nangesancele tonkhe tive letibatungeletile, kodvwa iJerusalema iyawusala seloku injalo nje endzaweni yayo. “Simakadze uyawusindzisa emakhaya akaJuda kucala, kuze kutsi ludvumo lwendlu yaDavide kanye nelwetakhamiti taseJerusalema lungabi lukhulu kunelwakaJuda. Ngalelo langa Simakadze uyawubavikela labo labahlala eJerusalema, kuze kutsi lababutsakatsaka kakhulu emkhatsini wabo babe njengaDavide, bese kutsi indlu yaDavide yona ifanane naNkulunkulu, ibe njengengilosi yaSimakadze lehamba embikwabo. Ngalelo langa ngiyawuphuma ngiyewubhubhisa tonkhe tive letihlasela iJerusalema.” “Ngiyawutfululela etikwendlu yakaDavide nasetikwabo bonkhe labahlala eJerusalema Moya wemusa newekuncusa. Bayakumbuka lowo lebamgwaza, bese bayamlilela njenganakulilelwa umntfwana lotelwe waba yedvwa kabo, bamdzabukele kakhulu, njengemuntfu nakadzabukela indvodzana yematubulo. Ngalelo langa kulila kwaseJerusalema kuyakuba kukhulu, kube njengekulila kwaHadadi Rimoni etsafeni laseMegido. Live liyawulila, lolo nalolo lusendvo ngekwalo, nebafati balo balile ngekwabo; lusendvo lwendlu yakaDavide nebafati balo, lusendvo lwendlu yakaNathani nebafati balo, lusendvo lwendlu yakaLevi nebafati balo, nabo bonkhe balolo nalolo lusendvo ngekwalo nebafati balo ngekwabo.” “Ngalelo langa umtfombo uyawuvulekela indlu yakaDavide kanye nalabo labahlala eJerusalema, kutsi utewubahlanta esonweni nasekungcoleni. “Ngalelo langa ngiyakuwadzingisa emabito etithico kulelive, futsi tingeke tiphindze tikhunjulwe. Baphrofethi nemoya wekungahlanteki kokubili, ngiyawukususa eveni,” kusho Simakadze longuSomandla. “Nangabe kukhona losachubeka nekuphrofetha, uyise nenina, labamtalako, bayakutsi kuye: ‘Wena kufanele ufe, ngobe ukhulume emanga egameni laSimakadze;’ nasaphrofetha, batali bakhe bayawumgwaza. “Ngalelo langa ngulowo nalowo mphrofethi uyawuba nemahloni ngembono wakhe. Angeke aphindze ayembatse ingubo yeboya yebuphrofethi kuze atekukhohlisa. Uyakutsi: ‘Angisiye umphrofethi, ngingumlimi; kusukela ebusheni bami seloku ngisebentana nemhlaba.’ Nangabe abutwa ngumuntfu, atsi: ‘Pho, lamanceba lasemtimbeni wakho ngewani?’ uyawuphendvula atsi: ‘Lamanceba ngawatfola endlini yebangani bami.’ ” “Awu nkemba, vuka umelane nemelusi wami, umelane nemuntfu longumngani wami,” kusho Simakadze longuSomandla. “Shaya umelusi umbulale, timvu tiyawuhlakateka. Ngiyawugucula sandla sami etikwaletincane, ngimelane nato.” Simakadze utsi: “Eveni lonkhe tincenye letimbili kulokutsatfu kuyawushaywa kubhujiswe; noko incenye yesitsatfu iyawusala kulo. Lencenye yesitsatfu ngiyakuyimikisa emlilweni, ngibacenge njengesiliva, ngibahlolisise njengegolide. Bayakulibita Libito lami, bese mine ngiyabaphendvula; ngiyawutsi: ‘Bona babantfu bami;’ nabo batsi: ‘Simakadze nguNkulunkulu wetfu.’ ” Lilanga laSimakadze liyeta, lapho iyakwehlukaniswa khona embikwemehlo enu imphango letsatfwe kini. Ngiyakubutsela tonkhe tive eJerusalema kutekulwa nayo; lelidolobha liyawutfunjwa, tindlu tiphangwe, nebesifazane badlwengulwe. Incenye yebantfu balelidolobha iyawutfunjwa, kodvwa laba labanye bantfu labayawube basele bangeke basuswe kulelidolobha. Simakadze uyawuphuma ayekulwa naleto tive, njengobe avama kulwa ngelilanga lemphi. Ngalelo langa tinyawo takhe tiyakuma etikweNtsaba Yemincumo, ngasemphumalanga kweJerusalema, bese kutsi leNtsaba Yemincumo ichekeke ekhatsi kusukela ngasemphumalanga kuye ngasenshonalanga, kwakheke sigodzi lesikhulu, incenye yalentsaba iyawukhweshela ngasenyakatfo, kutsi incenye lenye ikhweshele ngaseningizimu. Niyawubalekela ngasesigodzini sentsaba yami, ngobe lesigodzi siyawufikela e-Aseli. Yebo, niyawubaleka njengamhlazane nibalekela kutamatama kwemhlaba ngesikhatsi sa-Uziya, inkhosi yakaJuda. Simakadze-ke longuNkulunkulu wami uyawube sewuyefika kanye nabo bonkhe labangcwele bakhe. Ngalelo langa kuyawubate kukhanya, nekucandza, nesitfwatfwa. Kuyakuba lilanga leliyincophamlandvo, leliyawubate imini nebusuku, lilanga lelatiwa nguSimakadze. Kuyawutsi nakutakuhlwa, kuvele kukhanya. Ngalelo langa emanti laphilako ayawugeleta aphuma eJerusalema, incenye yawo igeletele elwandle lolungasemphumalanga, kutsi incenye yawo igeletele elwandle lolungasenshonalanga, busika nehlobo. Simakadze uyawuba yinkhosi emhlabeni wonkhe. Ngalelo langa kuyawuba naSimakadze munye, Libito lakhe kube Libito lakhe kuphela. Lonkhe live, kusukela eGeba kuye eRimoni, eningizimu neJerusalema, liyawufanana ne-Arabha. Kodvwa iJerusalema iyawuphakanyiswa ihlale isendzaweni yayo, kusukela eSangweni lakaBhenjamini kuye endzaweni yeliSango Lekucala, eSangweni Lasekoneni, nekusukela eMbhoshongweni waHananeli kuye ematjeni enkhosi ekuhluta liwayini. Iyakuhlalwa bantfu; ingeke iphindze ibhujiswe. IJerusalema iyawulamuleleka. Lesi-ke sishayo Simakadze layawushaya ngaso tonkhe tive letalwa neJerusalema: Umtimba wabo uyawubola baseme ngetinyawo tabo, emehlo abo ayawubola etingojeni tawo, netilwimi tabo tiyawubola emilonyeni yabo. Ngalelo langa bantfu bayawushaywa nguSimakadze ngekutfutfumela lokukhulu. Ngulowo nalowo uyawubamba sandla salomunye bahlaselane bodvwana. NaJuda uyakulwa amelane neJerusalema. Ingcebo yato tonkhe tive letakhelene nayo iyawubutsiselwa ndzawonye, kube tincumbi letinkhulu tegolide, netesiliva kanye netetimphahla tekwembatsa. Sishayo lesifanana naso siyawushaya emahhashi neminyuzi, nemakamela, netimbongolo, kanye nato tonkhe tilwane kuleto tinkambu. Kuyawutsi bonkhe labayawube basele etiveni tonkhe lebetihlasela iJerusalema benyuke iminyaka ngeminyaka kuyawukhonta iNkhosi, Simakadze longuSomandla, nekugubha uMkhosi Wemadlangala. Nangabe letinye tive temhlaba tingayi eJerusalema kuyawukhonta iNkhosi, Simakadze longuSomandla, tiyawubate imvula. Nangabe emaGibhithe akenyuki kuyawuhlanganyela, nawo ayawubate imvula. Simakadze uyakwehlisela etikwabo leso sishayo lashaya ngaso tive letingenyuki kuyewugubha uMkhosi Wemadlangala. Lesi kuyakuba sijeziso seGibhithe nesijeziso setive tonkhe letingenyuki kuyewugubha uMkhosi Wemadlangala. Ngalelo langa umbhalo lotsi “kwehlukaniselwe simakadze” uyawucoshwa ngisho nasetinsimbini letincencetsa tisematomini emahhashi; nemabhodo ekupheka endlini yaSimakadze ayawufanana netindishi letingcwele letisembikwelilati. Onkhe emabhodo aseJerusalema newakaJuda ayakwehlukaniselwa Simakadze longuSomandla, kutsi bonkhe labetako kutakwenta umhlatjelo batsatse lamanye alamabhodo bapheke ngawo. Ngalelo langa sewuyawubate umtsengisi endlini yaSimakadze longuSomandla. Sembulo: Livi laSimakadze lelefika kuma-Israyeli ngemphrofethi Malakhi. Simakadze utsi: “Nginitsandzile. Kodvwa nine niyabuta nitsi: ‘Usitsandze kanjani?’ ” Simakadze utsi: “Esawu bekungesiye yini umnakaboJakobe? Noko ngase ngimtsandzile Jakobe, kodvwa Esawu ngamtondza. Ngagucula tintsaba takhe taba lugwadvule, lifa lakhe ngalishiyela timphungutja tasehlane.” Edomu angasho atsi: “Nome sipitjitiwe, kodvwa sitawutakha kabusha letindzala.” Kodvwa naku lokushiwo nguSimakadze longuSomandla, utsi: “Bangakha, kodvwa ngitawuphindze ngibhidlite. Bayawubitwa ngekutsi Live Lenkhohlakalo, sive lesihlala njalo singaphansi kwelulaka lwaSimakadze. Niyawukubona nine ngemehlo enu, bese nitsi: ‘Mukhulu Simakadze, kuze kwendlulele nangesheya kweminyele yaka-Israyeli!’ ” Simakadze Somandla utsi: “Indvodzana ihlonipha uyise, kantsi nesisebenti sihlonipha inkhosi yaso. Nangabe nginguyihlo, aningihloniphi leni? Nangabe ngiyinkhosi, aningihloniphi ngani? Ngini nine baphristi, lenedzelela Libito lami. “Kodvwa niyabuta nitsi: ‘Siledzelele kanjani Libito lakho?’ “Nibeke kudla lokungcolile ngekwemtsetfo etikwelilati lami. “Kodvwa niyabuta nitsi: ‘Sikungcolise kanjani?’ “Ngekutsi nitsi litafula laSimakadze liyenyanyeka. Naniletsa tifuyo letitindlobho kutsi titewuba ngumhlatjelo, kulungile yini loko? Nanenta umhlatjelo ngesifuyo lesichutako nome lesigulako, kulungile yini loko? Yetamani kunikela ngato kumbusi wenu! Anganijabulela yini? Anganemukela yini?” kusho Simakadze longuSomandla. Nitsi: “Ncusani kuNkulunkulu kutsi atewuba nemusa kitsi.” “Ngaleminikelo lenjena lephuma etandleni tenu utanemukela yini?” kusho Simakadze longuSomandla. “Awu, shangatsi lomunye wenu angavala iminyango yelithempeli, kuze ningetikuyokhela imililo lengenamsebenti elatini lami! Angijabuli ngani, futsi ngingeke ngiwemukele umnikelo lophuma etandleni tenu,” kusho Simakadze longuSomandla. “Libito lami liyawuba likhulu etiveni kusukela ekuphumeni kwelilanga kuze kube ngusekushoneni kwalo. Kuyo yonkhe indzawo imphepho neminikelo lehlantekile iyawuletfwa kulo Libito lami, ngobe Libito lami liyawuba likhulu etiveni,” kusho Simakadze longuSomandla. “Kodvwa nine niyalihlambalata ngekukhuluma ngelitafula laSimakadze nitsi: ‘Lingcolile,’ nangekudla kwalo, nitsi: ‘Kuyenyanyeka!’ Niphindze nitsi: ‘Maye, ngumtfwalo!’ bese nikumfumfutsa ngaphandle kwenhlonipho,” kusho Simakadze longuSomandla. “Naniletsa tifuyo letitsetfwe ngebudlova nome letichutako, nome letigulako nitinikele tibe ngumhlatjelo, kufanele ngitemukele yini kuleto tandla tenu?” kusho Simakadze. “Ucalekisiwe umuntfu lotsi anesifuyo lesemukelekako lesidvuna emhlambini wakhe, afunge kutsi utawunikela ngaso, kodvwa bese uyesuka lapho unikela kuSimakadze ngalesinye lesinesici. Ngobe mine ngiyinkhosi lenkhulu, neLibito lami liyesatjwa etiveni tonkhe,” kusho Simakadze longuSomandla. “Manje-ke, lomyalo ucondzene nani, nine baphristi: Naningalaleli, futsi naningatimiseli ngenhlitiyo yenu kutsi nihloniphe Libito lami, ngitanitfumelela sicalekiso, netibusiso tenu ngiticalekise. Yebo, vele sengiticalekisile, ngobe anikatimiseli enhlitiyweni yenu kutsi ningihloniphe,” kusho Simakadze longuSomandla. “Ngenca yenu, ngiyakutekhuta titukulwane tenu; ngiyakuwendlala ebusweni benu lamatfumbu emihlatjelo yenu yemadzili, nani niyawususwa kanye nawo. Nitawukwati-ke kutsi nginitfumelele lesecwayiso, khona kutawutsi sivumelwane sami naLevi sichubeke,” kusho Simakadze longuSomandla. “Sivumelwane sami naye bekusivumelwane sekuphila nekuthula, nguloko lengamnika kona, kutsi angihloniphe, futsi wavele wangihlonipha wema ekulesabeni Libito lami. Sifundziso lesiliciniso sasisemlonyeni wakhe, kute inkhohliso leyatfolakala etindzebeni temlomo wakhe. Wahamba nami ngekuthula nangebucotfo, wakhipha labanyenti esonweni. “Ngobe tindzebe temlomo wemphristi kufanele tilondvolote lwati, emlonyeni wakhe kufanele bantfu bafune sifundziso semtsetfo wami, ngobe phela yena usitfunywa saSimakadze longuSomandla. Kodvwa nine senisukile kuleyo ndlela, kwatsi ngalemfundziso yenu nakhubatelisa bantfu labanyenti, bawa; nisephulile sivumelwane sami naLevi,” kusho Simakadze longuSomandla. “Ngako-ke mine senginente nedzeleleka natfotjiswa embikwabo bonkhe bantfu, ngobe anikatilandzeli tindlela tami, kodvwa nine niyaye nikhetse bantfu nanisebentisa umtsetfo.” AsinaBabe munye sonkhe yini? Asidalwanga nguNkulunkulu munye yini? Pho, sisihlambalatelani lesivumelwane sabokhokho betfu ngekungetsembeki kwetfu lomunye kulomunye? Juda abengaketsembeki. Intfo lesinengiso seyentiwe ka-Israyeli naseJerusalema: Juda sewungcolise indzawo lengcwele letsandvwa nguSimakadze, emadvodza akaJuda ateka bafati labakhonta sithico sebetive. Umuntfu lowenta loko, nome ngabe ngubani, shangatsi Simakadze angamsusa emathendeni akaJakobe, lite nome ngabe uyayiletsa iminikelo kuSimakadze longuSomandla. Lokunye lenikwentako naku: Nilitsela ngetinyembeti lilati laSimakadze. Niyalila nikhale ngobe angasayinaki iminikelo yenu, nome angasayemukeli ngekujabula etandleni tenu. Niyabuta nitsi: “Leni?” Kungobe Simakadze abengufakazi emkhatsini wakho nemfati webusha bakho, ngobe awuketsembeki kuye, nome yena usengumkakho, umfati wesivumelwane semshado. Simakadze akabenti baba munye yini? Enyameni nasemoyeni bakhe. Bamunye leni? Ngobe abefuna bantfwana labesaba Nkulunkulu. Ngako tilindze wena emoyeni wakho, wetsembeke kumfati webusha bakho. Simakadze Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli utsi: “Ngiyakutondza kwehlukana kwalabashadile, kantsi futsi ngiyayenyanya indvodza levimbanisa ngebudlova njengesembatfo,” kusho Simakadze. Ngako ticaphele wena emoyeni wakho, ungabi ngulongaketsembeki. Senimkhatsatile Simakadze ngemavi enu. Niyabuta nitsi: “Simkhatsate ngani?” Nimkhatsate ngekukhuluma nitsi: “Bonkhe labenta lokubi bahle emehlweni aSimakadze, futsi uyajabula ngabo,” nome: “Uphi loNkulunkulu wema-Israyeli lowehlulela ngebucotfo?” “Bukani la, ngiyawutfumela sitfunywa sami, lesiyawulungisa indlela embikwami. Masinyane loSimakadze lenimfunako uyakuta ethempelini lakhe. Yebo, sitfunywa sesivumelwane lenisifisako siyawufika,” kusho Simakadze longuSomandla. Kodvwa ngubani nje longamelana nelilanga lekufika kwakhe? Ngubani longema ekubonakaleni kwakhe? Ngobe uyawufanana nemlilo wemcengi nome nensipho yemgezi. Uyawuhlala njengemcengi nanjengemhlanti wesiliva; uyawuhlanta emaLevi awacenge njengegolide nesiliva. Simakadze uyawuba nemadvodza layawuletsa iminikelo ngekulunga, neminikelo yakaJuda neyaseJerusalema iyawuphindze yemukeleke kuSimakadze, njengasemalangeni akadzeni, eminyakeni yasemandvulo. “Ngako, ngiyawusondzela kini kutakwehlulela. Ngiyawushesha kutsi ngifakaze ngimelane netangoma, netiphingi, nabofakazi bemanga, ngimelane nalabo labadlelela tisebenti emaholo ato, labo labacindzetela bafelokati netintsandzane, bemuke betive emalungelo abo, kodvwa bangangesabi mine,” kusho Simakadze longuSomandla. “Mine, Simakadze, angigucuki. Ngako nani titukulwane taJakobe, anikabhujiswa. Kusukela esikhatsini sabokhokho benu nisukile etimisweni tami, nangete natigcina. Buyelani kimi, nami ngiyawubuyela kini,” kusho Simakadze longuSomandla. “Kodvwa niyabuta nitsi: ‘Pho, singabuyela kanjani?’ “Umuntfu angemebela yini Nkulunkulu? Noko niyangebela. “Kodvwa niyabuta nitsi: ‘Sikwebela njani?’ “Ngekwelishumi nangeminikelo. Ningaphansi kwesicalekiso, nonkhe nine sive, ngobe nichubeka nekungebela. Letsani konkhe kwelishumi endlini yengcebo, kuze kutewuba nekudla endlini yami.” Simakadze utsi: “Ase ningilinge ngaloko, nitewubona kutsi ngingeke yini nginivulele emafasitelo asezulwini ekutfulula, nginitfululele tibusiso letinyenti, nize nehluleke kutfola indzawo leyenele yekutigcina. Ngiyawuvimba tilwanyakatana kutsi tingatidli tilimo tenu, nemivini emasimini enu ingasali ite titselo,” kusho Simakadze longuSomandla. “Lapho-ke tonkhe tive tiyawutsi nine ningulababusisiwe, ngobe live lenu liyakuba live lelihle,” kusho Simakadze longuSomandla. Simakadze utsi: “Nikhulume kimi emavi lanelulaka nalabuhlungu. “Noko niyabuta nitsi: ‘Sikhulumeni lokumelene nawe?’ “Nine nitsite: ‘Akunamsebenti kukhonta Nkulunkulu. Yini nje lesiyizuzile ngekwenta lakufunako nangekuhamba njengebantfu labalilako embikwaSimakadze longuSomandla? Kodvwa nyalo sibita labatigabatisako sitsi bangulababusisiwe. Impela benti balokubi bayaphumelela, ngisho nalabo labamelene naNkulunkulu nabo bayaphunyula.’ ” Nalabo-ke labesaba Nkulunkulu bakhulumisana bodvwana, Simakadze walalela weva. Incwadzi legocotwako yesikhumbuto yabhalwa embikwakhe macondzana nalabo labesaba Simakadze bahloniphe Libito lakhe. Simakadze longuSomandla utsi: “Bayawuba bami ngelilanga lengiyawulungisa ngalo konkhe, babe bantfu bami labaligugu lami. Ngiyawubaphephisa njengendvodza nayiphephisa indvodzana yayo leyisebentelako. Niyawuphindze niwubone kahle umehluko emkhatsini walabalungile nalababi, ngisho emkhatsini walabo labakhonta Nkulunkulu nalabo labangamkhonti.” “Impela lilanga liyeta; liyawushisa njengemlilo lowesabekako nalohhumako. Bonkhe labatigcabhako bangangihloniphi nalabenta lokubi bayawuba tinhlanga, lelo langa lelitako liyawubalumekela ngemlilo,” kusho Simakadze longuSomandla. “Kute imphandze nome ligala leliyawusala kubo. Kodvwa kini lenilesabako Libito lami, lilanga lekulunga liyawuphuma linekuphilisa etimphikweni talo. Niyawuphuma nitjakadvule njengemankhonyane lakhululwe etisingeni tawo. Lapho-ke niyawubagcobagcoba phansi lababi; bayawuba lutfuli ngaphansi kwetinyawo tenu ngalelo langa lengiyawulungisa ngalo konkhe,” kusho Simakadze longuSomandla. “Khumbulani umtsetfo wenceku yami Mosi, timiso nemitsetfo lengamnika kona eHorebe kuwo onkhe ema-Israyeli.” “Bukani la, ngiyawunitfumelela umphrofethi Elija, lingakefiki lelo langa lelikhulu nalelesabekako laSimakadze. Uyawuguculela tinhlitiyo taboyise kubantfwababo, netinhlitiyo tebantfwana kuboyise; ngaphandle kwaloko ngiyawuta ngitewushaya lelive ngesicalekiso.” Lona ngumlandvo wekutalwa kwaJesu Khristu, labesitukulwane saDavide, naye abesitukulwane sa-Abrahama. Abrahama watala Isaka; Isaka watala Jakobe; Jakobe watala Juda kanye nabomnakabo. Juda watala boPheresi naZara, unina wabo bekunguThamari; Pheresi watala Hesroni; Hesroni watala Ramu; Ramu watala Aminadaba; Aminadaba watala Nasoni; Nasoni watala Salmoni; Salmoni watala Bowazi kuRahabi; Bowazi watala Obedi kuRuthe; Obedi watala Jese; Jese watala inkhosi Davide. Davide watala Solomoni, unina abengumfati wa-Uriya; Solomoni watala Rehobhowamu; Rehobhowamu watala Abiya; Abiya watala Asafa; Asafa watala Josafati; Josafati watala Joramu; Joramu watala Oziya; Oziya watala Jothamu; Jothamu watala Ahazi; Ahazi watala Hezekiya; Hezekiya watala Manase; Manase watala Amoni; Amoni watala Josaya; Josaya watala Jekhoniya nabomnakabo, ngesikhatsi bantfu baka-Israyeli batfunjwa bayiswa eBhabhulona. Emvakwekutfunjwa kwabo kuya eBhabhulona Jekhoniya watala Sheyaltiyeli; Sheyaltiyeli watala Zerubhabheli; Zerubhabheli watala Abiyudi; Abiyudi watala Eliyakimu; Eliyakimu watala Azori; Azori watala Sadoki; Sadoki watala Akhimu; Akhimu watala Eliyudi; Eliyudi watala Eliyezeri; Eliyezeri watala Mathani; Mathani watala Jakobe; Jakobe watala Josefa, indvodza yaMariya, unaboJesu lobitwa ngekutsi nguKhristu. Tili-14 titukulwane kusukela ku-Abrahama kuya kuDavide. Kusukela kuDavide kuya esikhatsini sekutfunjwa kwabo kuya eBhabhulona nakhona tili-14. Kusukela esikhatsini sekutfunjelwa eBhabhulona kuya esikhatsini saKhristu nakhona tili-14. Kutalwa kwaJesu Khristu kwaba nje-ke: Kwatsi Mariya unina asamiselwe Josefa, basengakahlangani, watfolakala asakhuleliswe nguMoya Longcwele. Kepha Josefa, indvodza yakhe, abengumuntfu lolungile, akatsandzanga kumtsela ngelihlazo. Wacabanga, asafuna kumlahla ngasese. Kodvwa asakucabanga loko, kwefika ingilosi yeNkhosi kuye ngeliphupho yatsi: “Josefa, ndvodzana yaDavide, ungesabi kumtsatsa Mariya umkakho, ngobe loko lakukhulelwe kwaMoya Longcwele. Mariya utakutala indvodzana uyetse libito utsi nguJesu, ngobe nguye loyakusindzisa bantfu bakhe etonweni tabo.” Konkhe loku kwentekela kugcwalisa loko lokwashiwo yiNkhosi ngemphrofethi lowatsi: “Bheka, intfombi iyawukhulelwa itale indvodzana, libito layo kuyawutsiwa ngu-Imanuweli,” lokusho kutsi: “Nkulunkulu unatsi.” Josefa nakavuka ebutfongweni, wenta njengaloku ingilosi yeNkhosi imtjelile; watsatsa Mariya waba ngumkakhe. Kodvwa akazange ahlangane naye waze watubula ngendvodzana; wayetsa libito, watsi nguJESU. Kwatsi kube kutalwe Jesu eBhetlehema esigodzini saseJudiya ngesikhatsi Herodi ayinkhosi, kwefika tati eJerusalema tiphuma emphumalanga, tabuta tatsi: “Uphi lomntfwana lotelwe loyinkhosi yemaJuda? Ngobe sabona inkhanyeti yakhe iphuma emphumalanga. Site kutemkhotsamela.” Inkhosi Herodi isakuva loko, yakhatsateka kakhulu kanye neJerusalema yonkhe. Yatsi kube ibite bonkhe baphristi labakhulu netati temtsetfo tesive, yababuta kutsi Khristu utawutalelwa kuphi. Bamtjela batsi: “EBhetlehema yaseJudiya, njengobe umphrofethi wabhala watsi: “ ‘Nawe, Bhetlehema, live lakaJuda, awumncane kangako kunebabusi bakaJuda; ngobe kuwe kuyawuphuma umbusi loyakwelusa sive sami sema-Israyeli.’ ” Ngako-ke Herodi wase ubita tati emhlanganweni wangasese, watibutisisa sikhatsi inkhanyeti leyayibonakale ngaso, wase utitfumela eBhetlehema utsi: “Hambani nimfunisise kahle lomntfwana; nasenimtfolile, nibobuya nitewungatisa, khona nami ngitekuya, ngiyewumkhotsamela.” Tati setiyivile inkhosi, tesuka tahamba; setisendleleni taphindza tayibona inkhanyeti letatiyibone emphumalanga, yase ihamba embikwato, yaze yema lapho bekukhona khona umntfwana. Tatsi natiyibona lenkhanyeti, tafa kujabula. Tangena endlini, tabona umntfwana naMariya, unina. Taguca phansi, tadvumisa iNkhosi; tase tivula tikhwama tato, tamupha tipho: igolide, nemphepho, nemakha. Tadvonswa nguNkulunkulu ngendlebe ephusheni kutsi tingahambi tibuyele kuHerodi. Ngako-ke tabuyela emuva eveni lato ngalenye indlela. Kwatsi kube tati tisuke lapho, ingilosi yeNkhosi yatibonakalisa kuJosefa ephusheni itsi: “Vuka, utsatse umntfwana nenina, nibalekele eGibhithe, nifike nihlale khona niyawuze nitjelwe ngimi; ngobe Herodi utawufuna lomntfwana kuze ambulale.” Ngako-ke Josefa wavuka watsatsa umntfwana nenina, bahamba ebusuku balibhekisa eGibhithe. Wahlala khona, waze Herodi wafa, kuze kugcwaliseke lokwakhulunywa yiNkhosi ngemphrofethi nakatsi: “Ngayibita iNdvodzana yami kutsi iphume eGibhite.” Kwatsi Herodi asabonile kutsi tati timyengile, watfukutsela wagcwala kokana, watfumela kutsi akubulawe bonkhe bantfwana labadvuna baseBhetlehema nakuto tonkhe tindzawo tangakhona lababeneminyaka lemibili nome ngephansi, kwaya ngesikhatsi labesibutisise etatini. Ngako-ke kwagcwaliseka lokwakhulunywa ngumphrofethi Jeremiya nakatsi: “Livi levakala eRama, kukhala nekulila lokukhulu, Rakheli akhalela bantfwabakhe, angasavumi nekudvudvutwa, ngobe vele bebangasekho.” Kwatsi kube kufe Herodi, ingilosi yeNkhosi yabonakala kuJosefa ngeliphupho eGibhithe itsi: “Vuka! Tsatsa umntfwana nenina, ubuyele eveni laka-Israyeli, ngobe labo bebafuna kubulala umntfwana sebafile.” Josefa wavuka, watsatsa umntfwana nenina, wabuyela eveni laka-Israyeli. Kodvwa watsi nakeva kutsi sekubusa Akhelawusi eJudiya esikhundleni seyise Herodi, wesaba kuya khona; asayalwe ngeliphupho, wajika waya esifundzeni saseGalile. Wayawuhlala edolobheni lekutsiwa yiNazaretha, kuze kugcwaliseke lokwashiwo baphrofethi kutsi: “Uyawubitwa ngekutsi ngumNazaretha.” Ngalawo malanga kwavela Johane uMbhabhatisi ashumayela ehlane laseJudiya atsi: “Phendvukani, ngobe umbuso welizulu sewusondzele.” Nguye lona abekhuluma ngaye umphrofethi Isaya nakatsi: “Livi lalomemeta ehlane litsi: ‘Lungisani indlela yeNkhosi, nente imikhondvo yayo icondze.’ ” Johane abegcoka ingubo yeboya belikamela, avunule libhande lesikhumba elukhalweni lwakhe. Kudla kwakhe kwakutintsetse neluju lwetinyosi tesiganga. Kweta kuye bonkhe baseJerusalema nebaseJudiya, nebaseveni lonkhe lelingaseJordane. Wababhabhatisa emfuleni iJordane, bavuma tono tabo. Kepha watsi nakabona labanyenti bebaFarisi nebaSadusi beta embhabhatisweni, wababuta watsi: “Ntalo yetinyoka, ngubani lonitjele watsi: ‘Balekelani lolulaka lolutako’? Vetani titselo letikhombisa kuphendvuka. Ningatiyengi nje nitsi: ‘Sinaye Abrahama longubabe wetfu,’ ngobe ngiyanitjela ngitsi: Nkulunkulu angamvusela Abrahama bantfwana kulamatje. Nanyalo lizembe libekiwe etimphandzeni tetihlahla, ngako-ke sihlahla lesingatseli titselo letihle siyajutjwa sifakwe emlilweni. “Mine nginibhabhatisa ngemanti, kubonakalisa kuphendvuka; kepha lona longilandzelako unemandla kakhulu kunami, mine lengingakafaneli nekutsi ngingaphatsa tincabule takhe; yena utawunibhabhatisa ngaMoya Longcwele nangemlilo. Sitja sakhe sekwela sisesandleni sakhe; uyawushanelisisa sibuya sakhe abutsele emabele esilulwini sakhe, kepha emakhoba uyawuwashisa ngemlilo longacimeki.” Kwatsi kusenjalo, wachamuka Jesu avela eGalile naye ete eJordane kutewubhajatiswa nguJohane. Kepha Johane wetama kumalela atsi: “Ngimi lengidzinga kubhajatiswa nguwe, wena sewute kimi?” Kodvwa Jesu wamphendvula watsi: “Vuma nyalo, ngobe kufanele sigcwalise kanjalo intsandvo yaNkulunkulu.” Ngako wase uyamvumela. Jesu watsi kube abhajatiswe, asakhuphukile emantini, kwavuleka lizulu, kwabonakala Moya waNkulunkulu anjengelituba, ehlela etikwakhe. Kusenjalo kwevakala livi livela ezulwini litsi: “Lena yiNdvodzana yami, letsandzekako, lengijabula ngayo.” Khona lapho nje Jesu waholelwa nguMoya waNkulunkulu ehlane, kuze atewulingwa nguSathane. Asazilile kudla emalanga langema-40 nebusuku bakhona, wase uyalamba. Umlingi wase uyefika kuye utsi: “NawuyiNdvodzana yaNkulunkulu, tjela nankha ematje agucuke abe tinkhwa!” Jesu waphendvula watsi: “Kubhaliwe kutsi: “ ‘Umuntfu angeke aphile ngesinkhwa sodvwa, kodvwa uphila ngawo onkhe emavi laphuma emloyeni waNkulunkulu.’ ” Wesuka lapho Sathane wamyisa edolobheni lelingcwele, wammisa esicongweni selithempeli, watsi kuye: “NawuyiNdvodzana yaNkulunkulu, tijike phansi, ngobe kubhaliwe kutsi: “ ‘Uyawuyaleta tingilosi takhe ngawe kutsi tikwetfwale ngetandla tato, ungete wakhutjwa nalitje etinyaweni takho.’ ” Jesu watsi kuye: “Kantsi kubhaliwe futsi nekutsi: “ ‘Ungaboyilinga iNkhosi, Nkulunkulu wakho!’ ” Waphindza futsi Sathane wamtsatsa, wamenyusela esicongweni sentsaba, wamkhombisa yonkhe imibuso nebucwebecwebe bayo, watsi kuye: “Konkhe loku ngitakunika kona, nawungamane uwe phansi nje, ungikhotsame.” Jesu watsi kuye: “Suka, Sathane, ngobe kubhaliwe kutsi: “ ‘Ubokhonta iNkhosi, Nkulunkulu wakho, umkhotsamele yena yedvwa!’ ” Wesuka Sathane wamshiya, kwase kufika tingilosi titewusita Jesu. Watsi Jesu nakeva kutsi Johane abesafakwe ejele, wahamba waya eGalile. Wesuka eNazaretha wayawuhlala eKhaphanawume eceleni kwelwandle, eveni lakaZebuloni nelakaNaftali, kuze kugcwaliseke lokwashiwo ngumphrofethi Isaya kutsi: “Wena, live lakaZebuloni, nawe, live lakaNaftali, nine, leningasendleleni lengaselwandle, nani leningesheya kweliJordane, nawe, Galile, live lebetive, sive lebesihleti ebumnyameni, nikubonile kukhanya lokukhulu; nine, lebenihleti eveni nasetfuntini lekufa, kuphumele kini kukhanya.” Kusukela ngaleso sikhatsi Jesu wacala kushumayela watsi: “Phendvukani, ngobe umbuso welizulu sewusondzele.” Jesu asahamba ngaseLwandle lwaseGalile, wabona telamani letimbili letatibadwebi, Simoni labetsiwa nguPhetro, na-Andreya, umnakabo, babedweba tinhlanti ngelinetha. Jesu watsi kubo: “Ngilandzeleni, ngitawunenta badwebi bebantfu.” Bashiya emanetha abo masinyane, bamlandzela. Asachubeka lapho, wabona letinye telamani letimbili, boJakobe naJohane, emadvodzana aZebedi, lababesesikebheni naZebedi, uyise, bachibela emanetha abo, wababita. Masinyane bamshiya uyise kanye nesikebhe, balandzela Jesu. Jesu walihamba lonkhe laseGalile, afundzisa emasinagogeni abo, ashumayela liVangeli lembuso, aphilisa bantfu kuto tonkhe tifo nasekuguleni kwabo. Ludvumo ngaye lwandza nalo lonkhe laseSiriya, kangangekutsi kwaletfwa kuye bonkhe bantfu lababegula, baphetfwe tinhlobonhlobo tekufa, nalababekhatsatwe tinhlobonhlobo tetinhlupheko: lababenemadimoni, nalababenesitfutfwane, nalababefe tinhlangotsi; Jesu wabaphilisa bonkhe. Ticumbi letikhulu tebantfu tamlandzela tisuka eGalile, naseDekhapholisi, naseJerusalema, naseJudiya, naseveni lelingesheya kwemfula iJordane. Jesu watsi kube abone ticumbi tebantfu, wase wenyukela entsabeni, wefika wahlala phansi. Bafundzi bakhe base beta kuye, wacala wabafundzisa watsi: “Babusisiwe labamphofu emoyeni, ngobe umbuso welizulu wabo. Babusisiwe labakhalako, ngobe bayawudvudvutwa. Babusisiwe labamnene, ngobe bayawudla lifa lemhlaba. Babusisiwe labalambele bomele kulunga, ngobe bayakwesutsiswa. Babusisiwe labanesihawu, ngobe bayawuhawukelwa. Babusisiwe labahlantekile enhlitiyweni, ngobe bayawumbona Nkulunkulu. Babusisiwe labalamulako, ngobe bayawutsiwa bantfwana baNkulunkulu. Babusisiwe labatingelwa bahlushwe ngenca yekulunga, ngobe umbuso welizulu wabo. “Nibusisiwe nabanetfuka, banitingele, banihluphe, bakhulume konkhe lokubi ngani, banicalele emanga ngami. Jabulani nitfokote, ngobe umvuzo wenu mkhulu ezulwini; ngobe nebaphrofethi labanendvulela babatingela babahlupha kanjalo.” “Nine niluswayi lwelive, kodvwa nangabe luswayi selulahlekelwe bunandzi balo, pho, lobunandzi balo bungabuyiselwa njani? Alusenamsebenti walutfo, kuphela nje kutsi lulahlwe ngephandle, lunyatselwe ngetinyawo. “Nine nikukhanya kwelive. Lidolobha lelakhiwe entsabeni lephakeme lingeke lisitseke. Kute umuntfu lokhanyisa sibane bese usibeka ngephansi kwesitja; kodvwa usibeka endzaweni yaso, kuze sikhanyisele wonkhe umuntfu losendlini. Kanjalo-ke akukhanye kukhanya kwenu embikwebantfu, kuze babone lokulungile lenikwentako, bese badvumisa uYihlo losezulwini.” “Ningacabangi kutsi ngitele kutewucitsa umtsetfo netimfundziso tebaphrofethi. Angiketeli kutewucitsa, kodvwa ngitele kutewugcwalisa. “Ngicinisile, ngitsi kini: Kuyakudzimate kwendlule lizulu nemhlaba seloku kute ngisho nalelincane nje lichashatana lelitawususwa emtsetfweni, kuze kufezeke konkhe. Ngako-ke lowo lowephula munye kulemiyalo lemincanyana, aphindze afundzise labanye kanjalo, uyakuba ngulomncane embusweni welizulu; kepha loyigcinako ayifundzise, lowo kuyawutsiwa mkhulu embusweni welizulu. Ngobe ngiyanitjela impela ngitsi: Ngaphandle kwekutsi kulunga kwenu kwendlule kwetati temtsetfo nekwebaFarisi, ningeke ningene embusweni welizulu.” “Nivile kutsi kwatsiwa kubakadzeni: ‘Ungabulali, ngobe lowo lobulalako uyawulahlwa licala.’ Kepha mine ngitsi kini: Lowo lotfukutselela umnakabo, uyawulahlwa licala; nalowo lowetfuka umnakabo, uyakuba nelicala emtsetfweni; nalowo lotsi kumnakabo: ‘Silima,’ uyawufanelwa ngumlilo wesihogo. Ngako nangabe utawunikela ngesipho sakho elatini kuNkulunkulu, bese ukhumbula kutsi umnakenu unemavundvo nawe, sishiye khona lapho embikwelilati sipho sakho, uhambe uyekubuyisana nemnakenu, bese uyabuya-ke utewunikela ngesipho sakho. “Sheshisa ucolisane nalowo lenimangalelane naye nisaya enkantolo, funa akunikele kumehluleli, umehluleli akunikele ephoyiseni, liphoyisa likuvalele ejele. Ngicinisile, ngitsi: Ungeke usaphuma lapho ungakakhiphi isenti yekugcina.” “Nivile kutsi kwatsiwa: ‘Ungaphingi.’ Kepha mine ngitsi kini: Ngulowo nalowo lobuka lomsikati, bese uyamkhanuka, sewuphinge naye enhlitiyweni yakhe. Nangabe liso lakho langesekudla likonisa, likhokhe ulilahle; ngobe kuncono kuwe kulahlekelwa sitfo sinye semtimba kunekutsi umtimba wakho wonkhe ulahlwe uphelele esihogweni. Nangabe sandla sakho sangesekudla sikonisa, sijube usilahle; ngobe kuncono kuwe kulahlekelwa sitfo sinye semtimba kunekutsi umtimba wakho wonkhe ulahlwe uphelele esihogweni.” “Kwatsiwa: ‘Lowo lolahla umkakhe akamnike incwadzi yesehlukaniso.’ Kepha mine ngitsi: Lowo lolahla umkakhe ngaphandle kwebugwadla, uyamphingisa; nalotsatsa umfati lolahliwe, uyaphinga.” “Nivile futsi kutsi kubakadzeni kwatsiwa: ‘Ungawafungeli emanga, kepha feza tifungo takho eNkhosini.’ Kodvwa mine ngitsi kini: Ningafungi sanhlobo: nome ngelizulu, ngobe lingumchele waNkulunkulu; nome ngemhlaba, ngobe usenabelo setinyawo takhe; ngisho nangeJerusalema, ngobe kulidolobha leNkhosi yemakhosi. Ungafungi ngisho nangenhloko yakho, ngobe ungeke ugucule ngisho nalunye lunwele kutsi lube mhlophe, nome lube ntima. Nanivuma nibotsi: ‘Yebo’ nome-ke nitsi: ‘Cha’ nangabe niyala; ngobe lokwendlula lapho kuvela kuLomubi.” “Nivile futsi kutsi kwatsiwa: ‘Liso ngeliso, litinyo ngelitinyo.’ Kodvwa mine ngitsi kini: Ningamelani nalokubi; umuntfu nakakumukula esihlatsini sangesekudla, mnike nalesi lesinye. Nangabe umuntfu akwemuka lihembe, mnike nelijazi futsi. Nangabe umuntfu akucindzetela kutsi uhambe naye likhilometha libe linye umetfwalele umtfwalo wakhe, hamba naye abe mabili. Muphe locela lutfo kuwe, ungamtsalaliseli lofuna kuboleka kuwe.” “Nivile kutsi kwatsiwa: ‘Ubotsandza makhelwane wakho, utondze sitsa sakho.’ Kodvwa mine ngitsi kini: Tsandzani titsa tenu, nibakhulekele labanitingelela kunihlupha, kuze nitewuba ngemadvodzana eYihlo losezulwini. Ngobe yena uphumisa lilanga lakhe kulababi nalabahle, anise imvula yakhe kulabalungile nalabangakalungi. Kambe nanitsandza labanitsandzako, ninamvuzo muni? Abenti njalo yini nebatselisi? Futsi nanibingelela bazalwane benu bodvwa, nenta buncono buni-ke? Abenti njalo yini nebetive? Ngako-ke nani banini ngulabaphelele, njengobe neYihlo losezulwini aphelele.” “Kepha caphelani ningakwenti kulunga kwenu embikwebantfu ngenhloso yekutsi nibonwe ngibo, funa nibete umvuzo kuYihlo losezulwini. “Ngako-ke nawupha lutfo kumuntfu loswele, ungamemeteli, njengobe kwenta batentisi emasinagogeni nasetitaladini, khona batewudvunyiswa bantfu. Ngicinisile, ngitsi kini: Sebawemukele umvuzo wabo. Kepha wena nawupha sipho, sandla sakho sangesancele asingakwati lesikwentako sangesekudla, kuze sipho sakho sibesekusitsekeni, khona uYihlo lobona ekusitsekeni utakuvuza.” “Nanithandazako, ningalingisi batentisi; ngobe batsandza kuthandaza bemile emasinagogeni, nasemajikeni etitaladi, kuze batekubonwa bantfu. Ngicinisile, ngitsi kini: Sebavele bawutfolile umvuzo wabo. Kepha wena nawuthandaza, ngena endlini yakho uvale umnyango, uthandaze kuYihlo losekusitsekeni, khona uYihlo lobona ekusitsekeni utawukunika umvuzo. “Kodvwa nanithandazako, ningalibali kukhuluma emagama lamanyenti langasho lutfo, njengebetive labacabanga kutsi batawuvakala ngekukhuluma kwabo lokunyenti. Ningabalingisi-ke, ngobe Nkulunkulu uYihlo ukwati kucala lenikudzingako nine ningakakuceli. Nanithandazako nibotsi: “ ‘Babe wetfu losezulwini, alingcweliswe libito lakho. Umbuso wakho awute. Intsandvo yakho ayentiwe emhlabeni, njengobe yentiwa ezulwini. Siphe lamuhla kudla kwetfu njengasemalangeni onkhe. Sitsetselele tono tetfu, njengobe natsi sibatsetselela labasonako. Ungasingenisi ekulingweni, kodvwa usisindzise kulokubi. [Ngobe umbuso wakho, nemandla, nebukhosi, kuze kube phakadze. Amen.]’ “Ngobe nangabe niyabatsetselela bantfu tono tabo, neYihlo losezulwini uyakunitsetselela. Kodvwa naningabatsetseleli bantfu tono tabo, neYihlo angeke anitsetselele tono tenu.” “Futsi-ke nanizila kudla, ningabunyukumalisi buso benu njengebatentisi, ngobe bona banyukumalisa buso babo, kuze batekubonakalisa kubantfu kuzila kwabo. Ngicinisile, ngitsi kini: Sebawemukele umvuzo wabo. Kepha wena nawuzila, gcobisa inhloko yakho ugeze nebuso bakho, kuze bantfu bangakuboni kutsi uzilile, kodvwa ubonwe nguYihlo losekusitsekeni; neYihlo lobona ekusitsekeni utakukunika umvuzo.” “Ningatibekeli umcebo wenu lapha emhlabeni, ngobe umvunya nekutfomba kutawudla, nemasela angagcekeza awube. Lokungenani tibekeleni umcebo wenu ezulwini, lapho kungekho khona umvunya, nekutfomba lokuwudlako, nemasela angeke agcekeze awube. Phela lapho kukhona umcebo wakho khona, nenhlitiyo yakho itakuba khona.” “Sibane semtimba liso. Ngako-ke nangabe liso lakho liphilile, nemtimba wakho wonkhe uyakubasekukhanyeni. Kodvwa nangabe liso lakho lingaphili, nemtimba wakho wonkhe uyakubasebumnyameni. Ngako-ke nangabe kukhanya lokukuwe kubumnyama, bukhulu-ke bumnyama lobukuwe.” “Kute umuntfu longakhonta emakhosi lamabili; ngobe uyakutondza lenye, atsandze lenye; uyakwetsembeka kulenye ayedzelele lenye. Ungeke ukhonte Nkulunkulu nemcebo. “Ngako-ke ngitsi kini: Ningakhatsateki ngetimphilo tenu kutsi nitakudlani ninatseni, nangemitimba yenu kutsi nitakwembatsani. Imphilo ayiyinkhulu yini kunekudla, nemtimba kunekwekwembatsa? Bukani tinyoni temoya kutsi atihlanyeli, ativuni, atibeki lutfo etilulwini, kodvwa uYihlo losezulwini uyatondla. Anincono kakhulu yini nine kunato? Kukhona yini emkhatsini wenu longatengetela umzuzwana ebudzeni bemphilo yakhe ngekutihlupha kwakhe? “Nitihluphelani ngetimphahla? Bukani timbali temhlaba kutsi tikhula njani, atikhandleki, futsi atitfungi. Kepha ngitsi kini: NaSolomoni ebukhatikhatini bakhe bonkhe abengeke afanane ngisho nayinye yato ngekwembatsa. Kodvwa nangabe Nkulunkulu abembatsisa kangaka tjani besiganga, lobuphilako lamuhla, kusasa bushe, akayiwunembatsisa kakhulu yini nine leninekukholwa lokuncane? “Ngako-ke ningakhatsateki ngekutsi: ‘Sitawudlani?’ nome: ‘Sitawunatsani?’ nome: ‘Sitakwembatsani?’ Ngobe nebetive bafuna tona leto tintfo, kantsi uYihlo losezulwini uyati kutsi niyatidzinga tonkhe letintfo. Kodvwa funani kucala umbuso waNkulunkulu kanye nekulunga kwakhe, khona tonkhe letintfo titakwengetelwa kini. Ngako-ke ningakhatsateki ngelikusasa lenu, ngobe likusasa liyakutikhatsalela lona. Inhlupheko yelilanga yenele lona.” “Ningabehluleli labanye, kuze nani ningetikwehlulelwa nguNkulunkulu. Ngobe ngaloko kwehlulela lenehlulela ngako labanye, nani niyakwehlulelwa ngako; nangaleso silinganiso lenilinganisa ngaso, nani niyakulinganiswa ngaso. Pho, ulunakeni lutsi lolusesweni lwemzalwane wakho, kodvwa ube ungalunaki lolugodvo lolusesweni lakho? Nome-ke ungasho kanjani kumzalwane wakho utsi: ‘Ase ngikukhiphe nalu lutsi lolusesweni lakho,’ ibe kantsi kuvundle lugodvo esweni lakho? Mtentisi, cala kucala ukhiphe lugodvo lolusesweni lakho, emvakwaloko-ke utakubonisisa kahle kutsi ukhiphe lutsi lolusesweni lwemzalwane wakho. “Ningatiniki tinja lokungcwele, ningawalahli etihhontjini ematje enu laligugu, funa tiwagcobagcobe ngetinselo tato, bese tigucukela kini tiyanidzabudzabula.” “Celani, nitawuphiwa; funani, nitakutfola; nconcotsani, nitakuvulelwa. Ngobe wonkhe locelako uyakuphiwa, nalofunako uyatfola, nalonconcotsako uyavulelwa. Ngubani emkhatsini wenu lekungatsi umsa wakhe nakacela sinkhwa, yena amnike litje? Nome acela inhlanti, yena amnike inyoka? Nangabe-ke nine lenibabi kangaka nikwati kubapha bantfwabenu tipho letinhle, kakhulu kangakanani-ke uYihlo losezulwini utakubapha lokuhle labacela kuye. “Ngako-ke konkhe lenifisa kutsi bantfu bakwente kini, kwenteni nani kubo; ngobe ngulowo umgogodla wemtsetfo newemfundziso yebaphrofethi.” “Ngenani ngelisango lelincane, ngobe lisango libanti nendlela ibanti leyisa ekubhujisweni, banyenti labangena ngalo. Kepha lisango lincane nendlela yincane leyisa ekuphileni, nebantfu labayitfolako bambalwa.” “Caphelani baphrofethi bemanga, labeta kini banjengetimvu ngaphandle, kodvwa ngekhatsi banjengetimphisi letibukhali. Niyawubati ngemisebenti yabo, njengetihlahla tatiwa ngetitselo tato. Emagelebisi angakhiwa yini etihlahleni temanyeva, nome emakhiwa elugaganeni? Sihlahla lesimnandzi sitsela titselo letimnandzi, kantsi sihlahla lesibi sitsela titselo letimbi. Sihlahla lesimnandzi singeke sitsele titselo letimbi, kanjalo futsi nesihlahla lesibi singeke sitsele titselo letimnandzi. Sonkhe sihlahla lesingatseli titselo letimnandzi, siyajutjwa, silahlwe emlilweni. Ngako-ke baphrofethimbumbulu niyawubati ngetitselo tabo.” “Akusibo bonkhe labatsi kimi: ‘Nkhosi, Nkhosi,’ labayawungena embusweni welizulu, kodvwa ngulabo labenta intsandvo yaBabe losezulwini. Ngalelo langa labanyenti bayakutsi kimi: ‘Nkhosi, Nkhosi, asizange siphrofethe yini ngelibito lakho? Asiwakhiphanga yini emadimoni ngelibito lakho? Asiyentanga yini imisebenti leminyenti nalemikhulu ngelibito lakho?’ Kepha ngiyawubaphendvula ngitsi: ‘Angizange nginati. Sukani kimi, nine benti balokubi!’ ” “Ngako-ke wonkhe umuntfu lova lamavi ami awente, ufanana nendvodza lehlakaniphile, leyakha indlu yayo etikwelidvwala. Kwase kuna imvula, imifula yagcwala, nemimoya yahhusha, yetama kuyiphephula lendlu, kodvwa ayizange iwe, ngobe yayakhelwe esisekelweni lesasilidvwala. “Lowo lova lamavi ami angawenti, ufanana nendvodza lesilima, leyakha indlu yayo esihlabatsini. Kwase kuna imvula, imifula yagcwala, nemimoya yahhusha yayiphephula lendlu, yaze yawa. Maye! Kwaba kukhulu loko kuwa kwayo!” Kwatsi Jesu nacedza lenkhulumo yakhe, ticumbi tebantfu tase timangele ngalemfundziso yakhe, ngobe abebafundzisa njengemuntfu lonemandla, hhayi njengetati tabo temtsetfo. Kwatsi Jesu nehla entsabeni, walandzelwa ticumbi letinyenti tebantfu. Kwase kufika umuntfu labenebulephelo, wakhuleka kuye watsi: “Nkhosi, nawutsandza, ungangihlambulula.” Jesu welula sandla, wamtsintsa watsi: “Ngiyatsandza, hlambuluka!” Nembala wahlambuluka masinyane ebulephelweni bakhe. Jesu wase utsi kuye: “Lalela la! Ungatjeli muntfu, kodvwa hamba uye kumphristi akubone, bese wenta umnikelo wekubonga lowamiswa nguMosi, ukhombise nebantfu kutsi sewuhlantekile.” Kwatsi Jesu asangena eKhaphanawume, wahlangabetwa yindvuna yelikhulu lemasotja, yamncenga yatsi: “Nkhosi, sisebenti sami silele phansi endlini, sife luhlangotsi, sisebuhlungwini lobukhulu.” Jesu watsi kuyo: “Ngiyeta, mine ngitamphilisa.” Lendvuna yaphendvula yatsi: “Nkhosi, angikafanelwa nekutsi ungene ngaphansi kweluphahla lwendlu yami, kepha shano livi nje, khona sisebenti sami sitawuphila. Nami nginetiphatsimandla letingetulu kwami, nginemasotja langaphansi kwami; ngitsi kulelinye: ‘Hamba,’ lihambe; ngitsi kulelinye: ‘Wota la,’ lite; nencekwini yami ngitsi: ‘Yenta loku,’ ikwente.” Jesu nakuva loko, wamangala, watsi kulaba babemlandzela: “Ngicinisile, ngitsi kini: Ngisho naka-Israyeli angizange sengikutfole kukholwa lokunje. Kepha ngiyanitjela ngitsi: Labanyenti bayawuchamuka emphumalanga nasenshonalanga, bahlale etafuleni kanye na-Abrahama, na-Isaka, naJakobe embusweni welizulu. Kodvwa bantfwana bembuso bayawukhishelwa ebumnyameni bangaphandle, lapho kuyawuba khona kukhala nekugedletela kwematinyo.” Jesu wase utsi endvuneni: “Hamba, akwenteke kuwe njengekukholwa kwakho!” Lesisebenti sasindza ngaso leso sikhatsi. Jesu wase ungenisa ekhaya laPhetro, lapho efika wakhandza uninatala waPhetro alele embhedzeni, aphetfwe ngumkhuhlane. Jesu watsintsa sandla sakhe, umkhuhlane wase uyamyekela; wasukuma wamlungisela kudla. Kwatsi nase kuhlwa, baletsa kuye labanyenti lababenemadimoni; wabakhipha bonkhe bomoya lababi ngelivi nje, waphilisa bonkhe lababegula, kuze kugcwaliseke loko lokwakhulunywa ngumphrofethi Isaya nakatsi: “Wasetfwalela butsakatsaka betfu, watisusa kitsi tifo tetfu.” Jesu watsi kube abone sicumbi simkakile, wase utsi akwewelelwe ngesheya kwelwandle. Kwase kufika sati semtsetfo satsi: “Mfundzisi, ngitakulandzela, ngisho nome uyaphi.” Jesu wamphendvula watsi: “Timphungutja tinemigodzi, netinyoni tinetidleke, kodvwa iNdvodzana yeMuntfu ite indzawo yekulala iphumule.” Lomunye webafundzi bakhe watsi kuye: “Nkhosi, asewungivumele kucala sengiyewungcwaba babe!” Kepha Jesu watsi kuye: “Ngilandzele, uyekele labafile, bangcwabe labafile babo!” Kwatsi Jesu nasangena esikebheni, bafundzi bakhe bamlandzela. Kwase kuvuka sivunguvungu selwandle lesikhulu, sikebhe sadzimate sagujetelwa ngemagagasi; kepha Jesu abelele. Bafundzi baya kuye bayakumvusa batsi: “Nkhosi, sisindzise! Sesiyafa!” Jesu wabaphendvula watsi: “Nesabani, nine bekukholwa lokuncane?” Wasukuma wasekhuta lesivunguvungu kanye nelwandle, kwase kuba khona kuthula lokukhulu. Bantfu bamangala, badzimate batsi: “Kantsi muntfu muni lona, ngobe imimoya nelwandle kuyamlalela?” Kwatsi Jesu nasafikile ngesheya, eveni lemaGadara, wahlangabetwa bantfu lababili lababenemadimoni, baphuma emathuneni. Babeyingoti lenkhulu kangangekutsi kwakungasahambi muntfu ngaleyo ndlela. Bamemeta batsi: “Sinamsebenti muni nawe, Ndvodzana yaNkulunkulu, sewutele kutesivisa buhlungu yini sikhatsi sisengakefiki?” Madvutane nalapho kwakudla umhlambi lomkhulu wetingulube. Emadimoni ancenga Jesu atsi: “Nawusikhipha la, sitfumele singene kunankhu umhlambi wetingulube!” Jesu watsi kuwo: “Hambani!” Ngako aphuma angena etihhontjini, wonkhe lowo mhlambi wagijima wewusa sihosha, wangena elwandle, wacwila, wafa. Lamadvodza abelusile abaleka aya edolobheni, afike abalandzisa yonkhe indzaba, nekutsi kwentekani kulamadvodza lamabili labenemadimoni. Ngako-ke wonkhe umuntfu kulelo dolobha waphuma wayawuhlangabeta Jesu; batsi kube bambone, bamncenga batsi akesuke kulelo live labo. Jesu wangena esikebheni, wewelela ngesheya, wangena edolobheni lakubo. Baletsa kuye umuntfu lobekafe luhlangotsi alaliswe eluhlakeni. Nakabona kukholwa kwabo, Jesu watsi kulobekafe luhlangotsi: “Mani sibindzi, ndvodzana yami! Tono takho titsetselelwe.” Letinye tati temtsetfo takhuluma todvwana tatsi: “Lomuntfu uyahlambalata.” Kodvwa Jesu ayati imicabango yabo, watsi: “Yini nicabange lokubi etinhlitiyweni tenu? Ngukuphi lokulula ekutseni: ‘Tono takho titsetselelwe,’ nasekutseni: ‘Sukuma uhambe’? Ngitanikhombisa-ke kutsi iNdvodzana yeMuntfu inemandla ekutsetselela tono emhlabeni.” Wase utsi kulobekafe luhlangotsi: “Sukuma, tsatsa luhlaka lwakho, uhambe ubuyele ekhaya!” Wasukuma, wahamba, waya ekhaya lakhe. Bantfu batsi kube bakubone loko, betfuka badvumisa Nkulunkulu lonika bantfu emandla lanjalo. Jesu asengca lapho, wabona umuntfu, libito lakhe kunguMatewu, ahleti endzaweni yekutselisa, watsi kuye: “Ngilandzele!” Nembala wasukuma wamlandzela. Kwatsi Jesu asesendlini adla, batselisi labanyenti netoni letinyenti beta badla kanye naye nebafundzi bakhe. BaFarisi nababona loku, base batsi kubafundzi bakhe: “Kwentiwa yini kutsi lomfundzisi wenu adle kanye nebatselisi netoni?” Jesu nakuva loko, wabaphendvula watsi: “Bantfu labaphilako abayidzingi inyanga, kodvwa ngulabagulako kuphela labayidzingako. Kepha hambani nifundze kutsi kusho kutsini kutsi: ‘Ngifuna sihawu, hhayi umhlatjelo;’ ngobe angiketeli kubita labalungile kepha toni.” Kusenjalo kwefika bafundzi baJohane uMbhabhatisi kuJesu batsi: “Kwentiwa yini kutsi tsine nebaFarisi sizile, kepha bafundzi bakho bangazili?” Jesu watsi kubo: “Likhetfo lingakhala yini umkhwenyane asenalo? Kodvwa kutawufika sikhatsi lapho umkhwenyane atawususwa kulo, kube ngukhona-ke litawuzila. “Kute umuntfu lochibela ingubo lendzala ngesichibi lesisha; ngobe lesichibi sitayidzabula lengubo, sente imbobo lenkhulu. Kute nalongatsela liwayini lelisha kuso sikhumbasikhwama lesidzala, ngobe nakenta njalo, lesikhumbasikhwama singapumuka, kucitseke leliwayini. Esikhundleni saloko, liwayini lelisha litselwa kuso sikhumbasikhwama lesisha, kuze kutsi kokubili kuphatsane kahle.” Watsi Jesu asakhuluma loko, kwefika umphatsi welisinagoge, waguca embikwakhe watsi: “Indvodzakati yami isandza kufa nyalo, kodvwa kota ubeke sandla sakho etikwayo, itawuphila!” Jesu wasukuma wamlandzela, kanye nebafundzi bakhe. Bekukhona umfati lotsite labenesifo sekopha, sesimgulise iminyaka leli-12. Weta ngemvakwaJesu, watsintsa umphetfo wengubo yakhe, ngobe abecabanga atsi: “Nangingamane nje ngitsintse umphetfo wengubo yakhe, ngitawusindza.” Jesu wagucuka wambuka watsi: “Mani sibindzi, ndvodzakati, kukholwa kwakho kukuphilisile.” Kusukela kuleso sikhatsi lomfati waphila. Kwatsi Jesu asefikile endlini yalomphatsi, abona bashayi bemintjingozi nesicuku lesijokotelako, watsi: “Phumani nonkhe; lesidzandzane asikafi, silele.” Bamane bamhleka bulima nje. Nase bakhishiwe bonkhe bantfu, Jesu wangena wasibamba ngesandla, sidzandzane savuka. Lendzaba yandza nalo lonkhe lelo live. Jesu asendlula lapho, timphumphutse letimbili tamlandzela, timemeta titsi: “Ndvodzana yaDavide! Sihawukele!” Watsi kube Jesu angene endlini, letimphumphutse teta kuye, watsi kuto: “Niyakholwa yini kutsi ngingakwenta loku?” Taphendvula tatsi: “Yebo, Nkhosi.” Jesu watsintsa emehlo ato watsi: “Akwenteke kini njengekukholwa kwenu!” Ase ayavuleka emehlo ato. Jesu watiyalisisa watsi: “Ningatjeli muntfu ngaloku!” Kepha taphuma lapho, takhuluma ngaye kulo lonkhe lelo live. Batsi baphuma nje, kwabe kungeniswa lenye indvodza leyayisimungulu inelidimoni. Latsi kube likhishwe lelidimoni, lendvodza yase iyakhuluma. Bantfu bonkhe bamangala, baze batsi: “Akuzange sekubonwe lokunje ka-Israyeli!” Kepha baFarisi batsi: “Ukhipha emadimoni ngembusi wemadimoni.” Jesu wahamba ajikeleta emadolobheni nasemitini. Abehamba afundzisa emasinagogeni abo, ashumayela liVangeli lembuso, aphilisa nebantfu etifeni tabo tonkhe nasemikhuhlaneni letinhlobonhlobo. Nabona ticumbi tebantfu, inhlitiyo yakhe yagcwala sihawu, ngobe bebakhatsatekile bahlakatekile, banjengetimvu letite umelusi. Ngako wase utsi kubafundzi bakhe: “Kuvuna kukhulu, kodvwa tisebenti timbalwa. Ngako-ke ncusani eNkhosini yekuvuna kutsi itfumele tisebenti ekuvuneni kwayo!” Jesu wase ubitela ndzawonye bafundzi bakhe labali-12, wabanika emandla etikwemimoya lemibi, ekutsi bayikhiphe, newekuphilisa tifo tonkhe nekugula konkhe. Nankha emabito ebaphostoli lababeli-12: Wekucala nguSimoni, lotsiwa nguPhetro, nemnakabo Andreya; Jakobe nemnakabo longuJohane, emadvodzana aZebedi; Filiphu naBhatalomewu; Tomase naMatewu, umtselisi; Jakobe, umsa wa-Alfiyose, naThadiyosi; Simoni, wephathi yemaKhenani, naJudasi Skariyothi lowatsengisa Jesu. Jesu wawatfuma lamadvodza labeli-12 wawayala watsi: “Ningangeni eveni lebetive nasemitini yemaSamariya. Esikhundleni saloko hambani niyewufuna timvu letilahlekile letisive sema-Israyeli. Hambani nishumayele nitsi: ‘Umbuso welizulu sewusondzele.’ Philisani labagulako, nivuse labafile, niphilise emalephelo, nikhiphe emadimoni. Nemukeliswe ngesihle, ngako-ke nani phanini ngesihle. Ningayiphatsi imali, negolide, nesiliva, nemasenti emakhikhini enu. Ningaphatsi ngisho nemgodla wendlela wekucela, nemabhantji lamabili, neticatfulo, nentfonga, ngobe sisebenti sifanelwe kudla kwaso. “Naningena edolobheni nome emtini, nibofuna umuntfu lotimisele kunemukela, bese nihlala naye, nize nihambe kuleyo ndzawo. Naningena kulowo muti, nibobabingelela. Nangabe bantfu balowo muti banemukela, shiyani sibusiso senu sekuthula sihlale khona; kodvwa nangabe abanemukeli, sitsatseni lesibusiso senu sibuyele kini. Kantsi futsi nangabe anemukelwa, nelivi lenu lingalalelwa, nibotsi naniphuma kulelo dolobha nome umuti, nitsintsitse lutfuli lwetinyawo tenu. Ngicinisile, ngitsi kini: Kuyawuba ncono eveni laseSodoma nelaseGomora ngelilanga lekwehlulela kunakulowo muti.” “Lalelani! Nginitfuma njengetimvu emkhatsini wetimphisi. Ngako-ke hlakaniphani njengetinyoka, nibete bucili njengematuba. Kepha nicaphele bantfu, ngobe bayawunibopha banifake etinkantolo, banibhambabule emasinagogeni abo. Niyawumiswa embikwebabusi nemakhosi ngelibito lami, kuze kube bufakazi kubo nakubetive. Kepha-ke nabanimangalele, ningahlupheki ngekutsi niyawutsini nekutsi nikusho kanjani; ngobe nakufika leso sikhatsi, niyawunikwa lenifanele nikusho. Ngobe akusini leniyakukhuluma, kepha nguMoya weYihlo wasezulwini loyawukhuluma ngani. “Kepha umuntfu uyawunikela umnakabo ekufeni, neyise umntfwanakhe; bantfwana bayawuvukela batali babo babanikele ekufeni. Niyawutondvwa bantfu bonkhe ngenca yelibito lami; kodvwa lokhutsatelako kuze kubesekupheleni, uyawusindziswa. Nabanitingela kulelinye lidolobha, nibobalekela kulelinye; ngobe ngicinisile, ngitsi kini: Ningeke niwacedze onkhe emadolobha aka-Israyeli, iNdvodzana yemuntfu ingakabuyi. “Kute umfundzi lomkhulu kunemfundzisi wakhe, futsi kute nenceku lengetulu kwenkhosi yayo. Ngako-ke umfundzi kufanele eneliswe kutsi ufanana nemfundzisi wakhe, nenceku kufanele yeneliswe kutsi ifanana nenkhosi yayo. Nangabe inhloko yemuti kwatsiwa nguBhelzebule, emalunga alowo muti ayawubitwa ngemagama lamabi kakhulu!” “Ningabesabi-ke bantfu, ngobe kute lokumbonyiwe lokungayikwembulwa, nalokufihlakele lokungayikwatiwa. Loku lenginitjela kona lapha ekusitsekeni kukhulumeni ebaleni, naloku lenikuva etindlebeni kumemeteleni yonkhe indzawo. Ningabesabi lababulala umtimba kodvwa babe bangeke bawubulale umphefumulo; lokungenani, mesabeni Yena, lokwati kubulala umtimba nemphefumulo kokubili esihogweni. Abatsengwa yini boncedze lababili ngesenti? Noko kute nome munye longawa phansi afe ngaphandle kwemvume yeYihlo. Kodvwa kini kubalwe ngisho netinwele tonkhe tenhloko yenu. Ngako-ke ningesabi; ngobe nine nibaluleke kakhulu kunaboncedze labanyenti.” “Ngako-ke wonkhe loyawungivuma embikwebantfu, nami ngiyawumvuma embikwaBabe losezulwini. Kodvwa lowo longiphika embikwebantfu, nami ngiyawumphika embikwaBabe losezulwini.” “Ningacabangi kutsi ngitele kuletsa kuthula emhlabeni; cha, angiketeli kuletsa kuthula kepha inkemba. Ngitele kuphambanisa indvodzana neyise, indvodzakati nenina, malukatane neninatala. Titsa letinkhulu temuntfu kuyawuba bakabo. “Lotsandza uyise nome unina kwengca mine, akangifaneli; nalotsandza indvodzana yakhe nome indvodzakati yakhe kwengca mine, akangifaneli. Longetjatsi siphambano sakhe angilandzele, akangifaneli. Lofuna kutfola imphilo yakhe, uyawulahlekelwa ngiyo; nalolahlekelwa yimphilo yakhe ngenca yami, uyakuyitfola.” “Lonemukelako nine, wemukela mine; nalowemukela mine, wemukela longitfumile. Lowemukela umphrofethi ngobe angumphrofethi, uyakutfola umvuzo wemphrofethi; nalowemukela lolungile ngobe angulolungile, uyakwemukela umvuzo walolungile. Ngulowo nalowo loyawunatsisa abe munye kulaba labancane nome yinye nje inkomishi yemanti, ngobe angumfundzi wami, ngicinisile, ngitsi kini: Ngeke alahlekelwe ngumvuzo wakhe.” Kwatsi kube Jesu acedze kuyala bafundzi bakhe labebali-12, wesuka lapho wayawufundzisa ashumayela emadolobheni akuleyo ndzawo. Kwatsi-ke Johane uMbhabhatisi asesejele weva ngemisebenti yaKhristu, wase utfumela labanye bafundzi bakhe kuye. Befike batsi kuye: “Wena unguye yini lona lotako, nome kusafanele silindzele lomunye?” Jesu waphendvula watsi kubo: “Ncandzekani niyemtjela Johane ngako konkhe lenikuvako nalenikubonako: Timphumphutse setiyabona, tinchute netishosha setiyahamba, emalephelo ayahlanteka, tihhulu setiyeva, labafile bayavuswa, neliVangeli seliyashunyayelwa kulabamphofu. Ubusisiwe longakhubeki ngami.” Kwatsi nasebancandzeka, Jesu wacala wakhuluma eticunjini ngaJohane watsi: “Nanisuka niya ehlane naniyewubonani kani? Naniyewubona umhlanga uveveteliswa ngumoya yini? Kantsi nanisukele kuyawubonani, vele? Naniyewubona umuntfu lowembetse tingubo letinhle yini? Anati yini kutsi labanjalo basetindlini temakhosi? Kodvwa vele nje, nanisukele kuyawubonani, umphrofethi? Yebo, empeleni nabona lomkhulu kakhulu kunemphrofethi. Nguye lona lekubhalwe ngaye kutsi: “ ‘Bheka, ngitfumela sitfunywa sami embikwakho, lesiyawulungisa indlela yakho embikwakho.’ “Ngicinisile, ngitsi kini: Kubo bonkhe labake baba khona emhlabeni kute lowake waba mkhulu kunaJohane uMbhabhatisi; kepha lomncane embusweni welizulu mkhulu kunaye. Kusukela etikhatsini taJohane uMbhabhatisi kuze kube ngulamuhla umbuso welizulu uyaphangwa, nalabo labawuphangako bayawuhlwitsa. Ngobe bonkhe baphrofethi nemtsetfo kwaphrofetha, kwaze kwefika Johane. Nanivuma kukwemukela loko, ngu-Elija lona labetawufika. Lowo lonendlebe yekuva akeve. “Konje ngingasifanisa nani nje lesitukulwane salamuhla? Sinjengebantfwana labasemakethe nabamemetana batsi: ‘Sanishayela tigubhu, anigidzanga; sahlabela tingoma tesililo, kodvwa anikhalanga.’ Ngobe Johane wefika angadli, anganatsi, base batsi: ‘Unelidimoni.’ INdvodzana yeMuntfu yona yefika, yadla yanatsa, base batsi: ‘Ase nibheke, nansi indvodza! Simiti nemnatsi weliwayini, kantsi futsi ungumngani webatselisi netoni!’ Noko, kuhlakanipha kwaNkulunkulu kubonakala kuliciniso ngemiphumela yako.” Jesu wase ucala kusola emadolobha, lekwakwenteke kuwo imisebenti yakhe yemandla leminyenti, ngobe abengaphendvuki. Watsi: “Maye kuwe, Khorazini! Maye nakuwe, Bhethsayida! Ngobe kube lemisebenti yemandla lebeyenteke kini beyenteke eThire naseSidoni, ngabe kadze batitsela ngemlotsa bembatsa emasaka bakhombisa kuphendvuka. Kepha ngitsi kini: Kuyawuba ncono kuyo iThire neSidoni kunakini ngelilanga lekwehlulela. “Nawe-ke Khaphanawume, ucabanga kutsi uyawuphakanyiselwa ezulwini yini? Uyakwehliselwa endzaweni yalabafile, ngobe kube yayentiwe eSodoma imisebenti yemandla leyayentiwe kuwe, ngabe ikhona nalamuhla. Kepha ngitsi kini: Kuyawuba ncono kulo live laseSodoma kunakuwe ngelilanga lekwehlulela.” Ngaleso sikhatsi Jesu wakhuluma watsi: “Ngiyabonga, Babe, Nkhosi yelizulu nemhlaba, ngobe ukufihlile loku kulabahlakaniphile nalabanekucondza, wakwembula kulabo lababantfwana. Yebo, Babe, ngobe kwaba kuhle ebusweni bakho kutsi kube njalo. “Konkhe ngikuphiwa nguBabe, kute loyatiko iNdvodzana ngaphandle kweYise, kantsi futsi kute lomatiko uYise ngaphandle kweNdvodzana nalowo iNdvodzana letsandza kumembulela yena. “Wotani kimi, nine nonkhe lenikhatsele nalenisindvwa yimitfwalo, ngitaniphumuta. Bekani lijoko lami etikwenu, nifundze kimi, ngobe mine ngimnene, ngitfobekile ngenhlitiyo, khona niyawutfola kuphumula kwemiphefumulo yenu; ngobe lijoko lami lilula, nemtfwalo wami awusindzi.” Ngaleso sikhatsi Jesu abehamba adzabula emasimi kuliSabatha. Bafundzi bakhe besebalambile, ngako bafula, badla. Kepha baFarisi batsi nabakubona loko, batsi kuJesu: “Asubuke, labafundzi bakho benta lokungakavunyelwa kutsi kwentiwe ngeliSabatha.” Jesu wabaphendvula watsi: “Anifundzanga yini ngalokwentiwa nguDavide ngesikhatsi yena nalamadvodza labehamba nawo asalambile, kutsi wangena endlini yaNkulunkulu wadla tinkhwa tekubekwa embikwaNkulunkulu, lebekungakafaneli kutsi tidliwe nguye, kanye nalabo labenabo, ngaphandle kwebaphristi kuphela? Khona kantsi anikafundzi yini emtsetfweni kutsi ngeliSabatha baphristi bephula umtsetfo weliSabatha ngekusebenta ethempelini, babuye bangabi nacala? Ngiyanitjela ngitsi: Lapha kukhona lokukhulu kunelithempeli. Kepha kube benati kutsi kusho kutsini kutsi: ‘Ngifuna sihawu, hhayi umhlatjelo,’ ngabe anibalahlanga labo labangenalo licala. Ngobe iNdvodzana yeMuntfu iyiNkhosi yeliSabatha.” Jesu wesuka lapho wangena esinagogeni labo. Kwakukhona indvodza leyayinesandla lesasishwaphene, bambuta batsi: “Kuvunyelwe yini kutsi kuphiliswe ngeliSabatha?” Phela babentela kutsi batemmangalela. Kepha Jesu waphendvula watsi: “Ukhona yini umuntfu kini lokungatsi anemvu yinye, nayiyele emgodzini, angete ayikhipha ngobe kuliSabatha? Pho-ke, umuntfu ubaluleke kakhulu kanganani-ke kunemvu? Ngako-ke kuvunyelwe kwenta lokuhle ngeliSabatha.” Ngako wase utsi kulendvodza: “Yelula sandla sakho.” Yaselula, saphila njengalesi lesinye. BaFarisi besuka lapho baphuma bayakwakha lisu lekumbulala. Kepha Jesu asakwati loko, wesuka kuleyo ndzawo; labanyenti bamlandzela, wabaphilisa bonkhe. Wabadvonsa ngendlebe kutsi bangatjeli muntfu ngaye, kuze kugcwaliseke loko lokwashiwo ngemphrofethi Isaya nakatsi: “Nansi inceku yami lengiyikhetsile, lotsandzekako wami, lotfokota ngaye umphefumulo wami. Ngiyawubeka Moya wami etikwakhe, amemetele kwehlulela kubetive. Angeke abange, angeke akhale, kantsi futsi kute naloyakuliva livi lakhe etitaladini. Umhlanga lofecekile angeke awephule; intsambo yesibane lebhunyako angeke ayicime, adzimate aphelelise kwehlulela. Tive tiyakwetsembela egameni lakhe.” Khona kwase kuletfwa kuye umuntfu labenelidimoni ayimphumphutse angakhulumi, wamphilisa. Kwatsi lona bekasimungulu wakhuluma wabona. Tonkhe ticumbi tebantfu tamangala, tatsi: “Akusiyo yini indvodzana yaDavide lena?” Kepha baFarisi nabakuva loku, batsi: “Lo, ukhipha emadimoni ngaBhelzebule, umbusi wemadimoni, kuphela.” Kepha Jesu ayati imicabango yabo, watsi kubo: “Wonkhe umbuso lowehlukene ekhatsi, uyacitseka. Kute lidolobha nome likhaya lelingema nalehlukene ekhatsi. Ngako-ke nangabe Sathane akhipha Sathane, kusho kutsi yena yedvwa wehlukene ekhatsi. Pho, umbuso wakhe ungema njani? Nanitsi mine ngikhipha emadimoni ngaBhelzebule, pho, emadvodzana enu awakhipha ngabani? Ngako-ke ngiwo layakuba bagwebi benu. Kepha nangabe ngikhipha emadimoni ngaMoya waNkulunkulu, kusho kutsi umbuso waNkulunkulu sewufikile-ke kini. “Futsi umuntfu angangena kanjani endlini yesichwaga, atsatse timphahla taso, ngaphandle kwekubopha lesichwaga kucala; bese-ke uchwaga lendlu? “Longekho ngakimi, umelene nami; nalongabutsi kanye nami, uyasakata. Ngaloko-ke ngitsi kini: Bantfu bayawutsetselelwa tonkhe tono kanye nekuhlambalata, kepha kuhlambalata Moya Longcwele kungeke kutsetselelwe. Wonkhe lokhuluma kabi ngeNdvodzana yeMuntfu uyawutsetselelwa; kodvwa lokhuluma kabi ngaMoya Longcwele, angeke atsetselelwe, kuleli nakulelitako.” “Nangabe sihlahla simnandzi, netitselo taso tiyawuba mnandzi, nome-ke nangabe sihlahla sisibi, netitselo taso tiyawuba timbi; ngobe sihlahla satiwa ngetitselo taso. Nine, ntalo yetinyoka, ningakukhuluma kanjani lokuhle nine nibabi kangaka nje? Ngobe umlomo ukhuluma loko lokugcwele enhlitiyweni. Umuntfu lolungile ukhipha lokulungile engungwini yakhe lelungile; nemuntfu lomubi ukhipha lokubi engungwini yakhe lembi. “Kepha ngiyanitjela ngitsi: Ngelilanga lekwehlulela, bantfu bayawutilandza ngawo onkhe emagama lalite labawakhulumako. Ngobe ngemavi akho uyawutfolakala umsulwa, nangemavi akho uyawulahlwa.” Base bayaphendvula labanye baFarisi, netati temtsetfo, batsi: “Mfundzisi, besitsandza kubona sibonakaliso lesentiwe nguwe.” Kepha yena waphendvula watsi: “Situkulwane lesibi nalesiphingako ngekungetsembeki kuNkulunkulu sifuna sibonakaliso, kepha singeke sisitfole ngisho nasinye, ngaphandle kwesibonakaliso saJona, umphrofethi. Njengobe naJona ahlala emalanga lamatsatfu nebusuku lobutsatfu esiswini semkhoma, kanjalo futsi neNdvodzana yeMuntfu iyawuhlala emalanga lamatsatfu nebusuku lobutsatfu ematfunjini emhlaba. Bantfu baseNineve bayakusukuma kanye nalesitukulwane ekwehlulelweni basilahle, ngobe bona baphendvuka ngekushunyayelwa nguJona; ase nibuke-ke, ngobe lapha kukhona lomkhulu kunaJona. Indlovukazi yaseningizimu iyawusukuma kanye nalesitukulwane ekwehlulelweni, isilahle, ngobe yesuka emikhawulweni yemhlaba yatawulalela kuhlakanipha kwaSolomoni; ase nibuke-ke, ngobe lapha kukhona lomkhulu kunaSolomoni!” “Umoya lomubi nawuphumile kumuntfu, uhamba udzabule tindzawo letomile ufuna kuphumula, ungakutfoli, ubese utsi: ‘Ngitawubuyela endlini yami, lapho ngiphume khona.’ Nawufika khona, ukhandze kungenalutfo, kutsanyelisisiwe, konkhe kubekwe ngabolonina, ubese uyahamba ulandze leminye imimoya lesikhombisa lemibi kakhulu kunawo, ite ingene ihlale khona. Ngako siphetfo salowo muntfu siyawuba sibi kakhulu kunesimo sakhe sekucala. Kuyawuba njalo nakulesitukulwane lesibi.” Watsi asakhuluma eticukwini, kwabonakala unina waJesu nabomnakabo beme ngephandle bafuna kukhuluma naye. [ Lomunye walabantfu watsi kuye: “Nangu unyoko nabomnakenu beme ngephandle, bafuna kukhuluma nawe.”] Kepha yena waphendvula watsi: “Ngubani make? Bobani bomnaketfu?” Wase ukhomba bafundzi bakhe utsi: “Bukani la; nangu make nabomnaketfu! Ngobe lowo lowenta intsandvo yaBabe losezulwini, nguye longumnaketfu, nadzadzewetfu, namake.” Ngalo lelo langa Jesu waphuma endlini wayawuhlala ngaselwandle. Sicumbi sebantfu sasondzela kuye samtungeleta, bantfu baba banyenti kangangekutsi wangena esikebheni wahlala ekhatsi, bantfu bema elusentseni. Wabatjela tintfo letinyenti ngemifanekiso, watsi: “Bekukhona umuntfu lowahamba wayawuhlanyela. Ekuhlanyeleni kwakhe lenye inhlanyelo yawela endleleni, kwefika tinyoni tayidla tayicedza. Kepha lenye yawela emhlabatsini losemadvwaleni, yasheshe yamila, ngobe yayite umhlabatsi lowenele. Latsi ngekuphuma lilanga lahashula titfombo tabuna, ngenca yekutsi tatite timphandze letijulile. Lenye inhlanyelo yawela emanyeveni, yamila; emanyeva akhula aminyetela titfombo. Kodvwa lenye yawela emhlabatsini lovundzile, yatsela titselo: lenye ngelikhulu, lenye ngema-60, lenye ngema-30. “Lonendlebe yekuva akeve!” Kwase kufika bafundzi bakhe kuye batsi: “Ukhulumelani kubo ngemifanekiso?” Wabaphendvula watsi: “Nine ninikiwe lwati lwetimfihlakalo tembuso welizulu, kodvwa bona abakanikwa. Ngobe lowo lonako uyawunikwa kube kunyenti, kodvwa lowo lote uyakwemukwa naloko lokuncane lanako. Kungako nje ngikhuluma kubo ngemifanekiso, ngobe nome babuka ababoni, nome beva abevisisi, abacondzi. Kugcwaliseka kubo siprofetho sa-Isaya lesitsi: “ ‘Ngekuva niyakuva, ningete nacondza; ngekubuka niyawubuka, ningete nabona. Ngobe inhlitiyo yalesive seyaba lukhuni, netindlebe tabo tiva kamatima, emehlo abo bawavalile; funa mhlawumbe ngemehlo abo babone, nangetindlebe tabo beve, nangetinhlitiyo tabo bacondze baphendvuke, bese ngiyabaphilisa.’ “Kodvwa-ke nine nibusisiwe, ngobe emehlo enu ayabona, netindlebe tenu tiyeva. Ngobe ngicinisile, ngitsi kini: Banyenti baprofethi nebantfu labalungile lababefisa kubona loku lenikubonako, kodvwa abazange bakubone; futsi babefisa kuva loku lenikuvako, kodvwa abazange bakuve.” “Lalelani-ke kutsi umfanekiso ngemhlanyeli usho kutsini. Bantfu labatsi nabeva livi lembuso kepha bangete balicondza, bayaye befikelwe nguLomubi, abemuke loko bekuhlanyelwe etinhlitiyweni tabo: loko-ke kusho inhlanyelo leyayihlanyelwe endleleni. Kuhlanyelwa kwenhlanyelo emhlabatsini losemadvwaleni kusho labo labalivako livi lembuso balemukele masinyane ngekujabula. Kepha ngekubate timphandze letijulile etinhlitiyweni tabo, bahlala sikhashana nje. Kutsi kungavela tinhlupheko nome kutingelwa ngenca yelivi, bese bahlubuka masinyane. Kuhlanyelwa kwenhlanyelo emanyeveni kusho labalivako livi lembuso, kodvwa tinhlupheko macondzana nalemphilo nelutsandvo lwebunjinga kuyaye kuliminyetele livi bangabe basatsela titselo. Lena leyayihlanyelwe emhlabatsini lovundzile ifanekisa lowo lolivako livi, alicondze, bese utsela titselo: lomunye ngelikhulu, lomunye ngema-60, nalomunye ngema-30.” Lomunye umfanekiso lawubeka utsi: “Umbuso welizulu ufanana nendvodza leyahamba yayawuhlanyela inhlanyelo lenhle ensimini yayo. Kepha ebusuku, bantfu sebalele bonkhe, kwefika sitsa sayo sahlanyela lukhula emkhatsini walamabele, sesuka sahamba. Latsi kube likhule likhaba litsele titselo, kwase kubonakala lukhula. Tisebenti talendvodza teta kuyo tatsi: ‘Mnumzane, njengobe wawuhlanyele inhlanyelo lenhle ensimini yakho, pho, lolukhula luphumaphi?’ Lendvodza yaphendvula yatsi: ‘Loko kwentiwa sitsa.’ Tase tiyabuta titsi: ‘Uyafuna yini siyeluzuphuna lolukhula?’ Kodvwa yena watsi: ‘Cha, ngobe nitawutsi nizuphuna lukhula, kantsi senizuphuna nalamabele. Yekelani nje kukhule kokubili ndzawonye, kuze kube sikhatsi sekuvuna, kuvunwe; nasekuvunwa ngitawutjela labavunako kutsi babutse lukhula kucala, balubophe tincumbi, kuze lutewushiswa; bese-ke nibutsela emabele ndzawonye esiteni sami.’ ” Lomunye umfanekiso labatjela wona wawutsi: “Umbuso welizulu ufanana nenhlavu yendlulamitsi, layitsatsa lomunye umuntfu wayihlanyela ensimini yakhe. Yona yincane kakhulu, kepha naseyikhulile iba yinkhulu kunato tonkhe tihlahla, kudzimate kufike netinyoni temoya, takhele tidleke tato emagaleni aso.” Waphindze wabatjela lomunye umfanekiso watsi: “Umbuso welizulu ufanana nembiliso leyatsatfwa ngumfati wayibhica nemabinta lamatsatfu emphuphu, kwabila konkhe.” Konkhe loku Jesu wakukhuluma esicukwini ngemifanekiso. Ngaphandle kwemifanekiso kute lakukhuluma kuso, kuze kugcwaliseke loko lokwakhulunywa ngemprofethi kutsi: “Ngiyawukhuluma ngemifanekiso, ngiphumisele lokufihlakele seloku kwasekelwa umhlaba.” Jesu wesuka lapho watishiya ticumbi, wangena endlini. Bafundzi bakhe beta kuye, befika batsi: “Ase usichasisele lomfanekiso ngelukhula ensimini kutsi usho kutsini.” Yena wabaphendvula watsi: “Lona lowahlanyela inhlanyelo lenhle yiNdvodzana yeMuntfu. Insimi ngulomhlaba, inhlanyelo lenhle bantfwana bembuso, kepha lukhula bantfwana baLomubi. Sitsa lesahlanyela lukhula nguSathane. Kuvuna kusho siphetfo saletikhatsi, bavuni-ke tingilosi. “Ngako-ke njengobe lukhula lwabutfwa lwashiswa, kuyawuba njalo nasekupheleni kwelive. INdvodzana yeMuntfu iyawutfumela tingilosi tayo tiyewubutsa tikhiphe konkhe lokubanga kona nabo bonkhe benti balokubi embusweni wayo, tibalahle emlilweni lowesabekako, lapho bayawukhala kudzimate kugedletele ematinyo. Lapho bantfu baNkulunkulu bayawukhanya njengelilanga embusweni weYise. “Lalelani-ke, naninendlebe yekuva.” “Umbuso welizulu ufanana nemcebo lofihlwe ensimini. Kwenteka indvodza yawutfola, yabuye yawugcibedzela. Yajabula kangangekuba yahamba yayawutsengisa ngako konkhe leyayinako yancandzeka, yayawutsenga leyo nsimi.” “Futsi umbuso welizulu ufanana nemtsengi labefuna ematje laligugu lelikhulu. Watsi kube alitfole lelinye lawo lelalidule kakhulu, wase uyahamba wayawutsengisa ngako konkhe lanako, wabuyela wayawulitsenga.” “Futsi umbuso welizulu ufanana nelinetha lelafakwa elwandle, labutsa tonkhe tinhlobo tetinhlanti. Latsi nase ligcwele, badwebi balidvonsela elusentseni lwelwandle bahlala phansi, behlukanisa letinhlanti. Letinhle batifaka etitjeni, kwatsi letimbi batilahla. Kuyawuba njalo ekupheleni kwelive, kuyawuphuma tingilosi tikhiphe lababi emkhatsini walabalungile, tibajike emlilweni lowesabekako, lapho bantfu bayawukhala kakhulu bagedletelise nematinyo.” Jesu wababuta watsi: “Nikuve kahle yini konkhe loku?” Baphendvula batsi: “Yebo, sikuvile.” Wase utsi kubo: “Ngako-ke wonkhe umfundzisi wemtsetfo loba ngumfundzi embusweni welizulu, unjengemnikati wemuti lokhipha engcebeni yakhe lokusha nalokudzala.” Watsi Jesu nasacedzile ngalemifanekiso, wase uyesuka kuleyo ndzawo. Wabuyela edolobheni lakubo. Wabafundzisa esinagogeni labo, bamangala badzimate batsi: “Lomuntfu wakutfolaphi lokuhlakanipha lokungaka, nalemisebenti yemandla? Akusiyo yini indvodzana yembati le? Unina akusiye yini lona lekutsiwa nguMariya, bomnakabo akusibo yini boJakobe, naJosefa, naSimoni, naJudasi? Bodzadzewabo bona akusibo yini laba labahlala natsi? “Kepha lona ukutsatsaphi konkhe loku?” Bakhubeka ngaye. Kepha Jesu watsi: “Umprofethi uhlonishwa nome kukuphi, ngaphandle kwasendzaweni yakubo, nakubantfu bakubo.” Akazange ayente imisebenti yemandla leminyenti lapho ngenca yekungakholwa kwabo. Kwaba nguleso sikhatsi lapho Herodi, inkhosi yaseGalile, eva umbiko ngaJesu. Watsi etisebentini takhe: “Lona nguJohane uMbhabhatisi. Sewuvukile ekufeni. Ngiko nje lamandla asebenta kuye.” Ngobe phela Herodi abebambe Johane, wambopha wamfaka ejele, ngenca yaHerodiyasi, umkaFiliphu, umnakabo. Ngobe Johane abetsi kuye: “Akukalungi kutsi wena umtsatse!” Herodi abefuna kumbulala, kodvwa wesaba bantfu, ngobe bebamtsatsa ngekutsi ngumphrofethi. Kwatsi ngelilanga lekutalwa kwaHerodi indvodzakati yaHerodiyasi yeta yagidza embikwetivakashi tonkhe. Herodi wajabula kangangekutsi wayetsembisa watsi: “Ngiyafunga kutsi ngitakunika nome ngabe yini loyicelako!” Yona seyitjelwe ngunina yatsi: “Ngiphe inhloko yaJohane uMbhabhatisi ibekwe emgcwembeni.” Inkhosi yadzabuka kakhulu, kepha ngenca yesifungo sayo lebeseyisentile embikwabo bonkhe lebeyihleti nabo ekudleni, yayaleta kutsi inikwe njengekufisa kwayo. Ngako-ke kwatfunyelwa, Johane wajutjwa inhloko ejele. Inhloko yakhe yaletfwa ngemgcwembe, yanikwa intfombatana, yona yabe seyiyimikisa kunina. Bafundzi baJohane beta, basitsatsa sidvumbu sakhe, basingcwaba; base bayahamba bayawubikela Jesu. Watsi kube Jesu ayive lendzaba, wesuka kuleyo ndzawo wakhwela sikebhe, wewela waya endzaweni lete bantfu afuna kuba yedvwana. Bantfu batsi kube bakuve loko, baphuma emitini yabo bamlandzela ngetinyawo. Jesu watsi uyehla esikebheni, wabona sicumbi lesikhulu sebantfu, waba nesihawu nabo. Wabaphilisa bonkhe lababegula. Entsambama bafundzi bakhe beta kuye batsi: “Selishonile lilanga, kantsi nala kulihlane. Sale ubahambisa labantfu, baye emadolobheni bayewutifunela labangahle bakudle.” Kepha Jesu watsi kubo: “Akudzingeki kutsi bahambe, bapheni nine kudla, badle.” Batsi kuye: “Asinalutfo lapha ngaphandle kwetinkhwa letisihlanu netinhlanti letimbili.” Watsi yena: “Tiletseni lapha kimi.” Jesu wase utjela bantfu kutsi bahlale phansi etjanini, watsatsa letinkhwa letisihlanu naletinhlanti letimbili, wabuka etulu, wabusisa. Wahlephula tinkhwa wanika bafundzi bakhe, bona base bemukelisa leticumbi. Bonkhe bantfu badla, besutsa. Bafundzi babutsa timvutfuluka, tacwaba emabhasikidi lali-12. Bantfu lababedla kwakungemadvodza labengacishe abe ti-5 000 ngaphandle kwebafati nebantfwana. Jesu wase utjela bafundzi bakhe kutsi bangene esikebheni bahambe embili bewelele ngesheya, yena wasale akhulula ticumbi tebantfu. Watsi asatihambisile ticumbi, wenyukela entsabeni yedvwa wayawuthandaza, kwadzimate kwahlwa solo ayedvwa kuleyo ndzawo. Sikebhe satsi sesihambe emakhilometha lamanyenti kusuka elusentseni, sashukunyiswa ngemagagasi, ngobe umoya bewuphambene nabo. Kwatsi ekuseni kuseluvivi Jesu weta kubo ahamba etikwemanti. Batsi kube bambone ahamba etikwemanti, bafundzi besaba kakhulu, betfuka bamemeta ngekwesaba batsi: “Sipoko!” Jesu washesha wakhuluma kubo watsi: “Ningesabi, manini sibindzi, ngimi!” Phetro wamphendvula watsi: “Nkhosi, nakunguwe, ngibite ngite lapho kuwe, ngihamba etikwemanti!” Jesu watsi: “Kota!” Ngako Phetro wehla esikebheni waya kuJesu ahamba etikwemanti. Kodvwa watsi kube abone umoya kutsi unemandla, wesaba; asacwila wakhala watsi: “Nkhosi! Ngisindzise!” Masinyane Jesu welula sandla sakhe, wambamba watsi: “Maye, kukholwa kwakho kuncane-bo! Ungatsitelani?” Basangena esikebheni umoya wabindza. Labo labebasesikebheni bamkhotsamela batsi: “Ngempela wena uyiNdvodzana yaNkulunkulu!” Batsi nase bewelele ngesheya, befika eveni laseGenesaretha. Atsi kube emadvodza aleyo ndzawo ambone atfumela tigijimi kulo lonkhe lelo live. Bantfu baletsa kuye bonkhe labebagula. Bamncenga kutsi sale batsintsa nje umphetfo wengubo yakhe. Bonkhe labawutsintsa baphiliswa. Kwatsi baFarisi netati temtsetfo beta kuJesu besuka eJerusalema, bambuta batsi: “Kwentiwa yini kutsi bafundzi bakho bangalihloniphi lisiko lalabadzala? Ngobe abatigezi tandla tabo ngendlela lefanele nase batakudla.” Kepha yena waphendvula watsi: “Nine nentiwa yini kutsi ningawuhloniphi umtsetfo waNkulunkulu ngenca yemasiko enu? Ngobe Nkulunkulu watsi: ‘Hlonipha uyihlo nenyoko,’ nekutsi: ‘Wonkhe lokhuluma kabi ngeyise nome ngenina, ufanele afe nekufa.’ Kepha nine nifundzisa nitsi: ‘Nangabe umuntfu atjela uyise nome unina atsi: “Loko lengabe ukutfole kimi, sekunikelwe kuNkulunkulu,” akusadzingeki kumhlonipha uyise nome unina.’ Kanjalo nilente laba lite livi laNkulunkulu, nase nilandzela emasiko enu. Batentisi, waphrofetha kahle ngani Isaya nakatsi: “ ‘Lesive singidvumisa ngetindzebe temlomo, kepha inhlitiyo yaso ikhashane nami,’ kusho iNkhosi. ‘Bangikhonta ngelite, ngobe bafundzisa imitsetfo leshaywe bantfu bente shangatsi iphuma kimi.’ ” Jesu wase uyababita bantfu watsi: “Lalelani, nive kahle! Akusiko lokungena emloyeni lokumngcolisako umuntfu, kodvwa ngulokuphuma emlonyeni loku lokumngcolisako.” Bafundzi bakhe beta kuye batsi: “Uyati yini kutsi loku lokushito kubaphatse kabi emoyeni baFarisi?” Jesu waphendvula watsi: “Sonkhe sitfombo lesingazange sihlanyelwe nguBabe losezulwini siyawuzishunwa. Bayekeleni, ngobe ngibo baholi labatimphumphutse; kepha nangabe imphumphutse ihola lenye imphumphutse, totimbili tiyawuwela emgodzini.” Phetro waphendvula watsi: “Sitjele kutsi usho kutsini lomfanekiso!” Watsi yena: “Hhawu, kantsi nani nisengakabi nakuva? Anikaboni nanyalo kutsi konkhe lokungena ngemlomo kuya esiswini, nakhona kufike kwendlule kuphindze kuphume? Kodvwa loko lokuphuma ngemlomo kusuke kusuka enhlitiyweni, futsi nguko lokumngcolisako umuntfu. Ngobe enhlitiyweni kuvela imicabango lemibi, nekubulala, nekuphinga, nebugwadla, nekuba, nekucalemanga, nekuhlambalata. Nguleto-ke tintfo letimngcolisako umuntfu, kodvwa kudla ngetandla letingakagezwa akumngcolisi umuntfu.” Jesu wesuka lapho, waya etindzaweni tangaseThire naseSidoni. Umfati labengumKhenani wakuyo leyo ndzawo weta kuJesu akhala atsi: “Ngihawukele, Nkhosi! Ndvodzana yaDavide! Indvodzakati yami iphetfwe lidimoni kabi.” Kodvwa Jesu akazange amphendvule. Bafundzi bakhe base basondzela kuye batsi: “Mcoshe lomfati! Ngobe nangu solomane uyasilandzela uyakhala.” Jesu waphendvula watsi: “Angikatfunyelwa kulomunye umuntfu, kuphela etimvini letilahlekile letingema-Israyeli.” Kepha lomfati wasondzela, waguca embikwakhe, watsi: “Nkhosi, ngisite!” Jesu wamphendvula watsi: “Akukalungi kutsi kudla kwebantfwana kulahlwe etinjeni.” Umfati waphendvula watsi: “Yebo, Nkhosi, ucinisile, kodvwa netinja tiyawatfola emavutfuluka lasele kubanikati bato.” Ngako Jesu wamphendvula watsi: “Awu, make, kukholwa kwakho kukhulu! Akwenteke kuwe njengekufisa kwakho!” Indvodzakati yakhe yasindza ngaleso sikhatsi. Jesu wesuka lapho, waya ngaseLwandle lwaseGalile. Wenyukela entsabeni, wefika wahlala phansi. Ticumbi letikhulu teta kuye, tiletse tinchute netingini, netimphumphutse, netimungulu, netigulane letinyenti. Tabekwa embikwakhe; watiphilisa tonkhe. Ngako ticumbi tamangala natibona timungulu tikhuluma, tingini tiphelele, tinchute tihamba, netimphumphutse tibona; tase tidvumisa Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli. Jesu wabita bafundzi bakhe watsi: “Ngiyabadzabukela labantfu, ngobe sengemalanga lamatsatfu banatsi lapha, bangenalutfo labangahle baludle. Angitsandzi kubahambisa balambile, funa bacaleke endleleni.” Bafundzi bakhe batsi kuye: “Konje lapha ehlane singakutfolaphi nje kudla lokungenela lesicumbi sebantfu lesingaka?” Jesu wababuta watsi: “Ninetinkhwa letingakhi?” Baphendvula batsi: “Sinetinkhwa letisikhombisa netinhlanti letimbalwa.” Jesu wase utjela lesicumbi sebantfu kutsi asihlale phansi. Watsatsa letinkhwa letisikhombisa netinhlanti, wabonga, watihlephula watinika bafundzi, bona banika bantfu. Badla bonkhe, besutsa. Bafundzi babutsa timvutfuluka letatisele nabadlako, bagcwalisa emabhasikidi lasikhombisa. Bantfu labadla lapho kwakungemadvodza lati-4 000 ngaphandle kwebafati nebantfwana. Kwatsi Jesu nasatihambisile leticumbi tebantfu, wangena esikebheni, wewelela ngesheya eveni laseMagadani. BaFarisi nebaSadusi beta kuJesu batemlinga, bamcela batsi akabakhombise sibonakaliso lesivela ezulwini. Kepha yena wabaphendvula watsi: “Nalishonako lilanga, niyaye nitsi: ‘Litawubalela, ngobe sibhakabhaka sibhejile.’ Nasekuseni niye nitsi: ‘Lamuhla litakuna, ngobe sibhakabhaka sibhejile sinemafu.’ Niyakwati kuchaza simo sesibhakabhaka, kepha anikwati kuchaza tibonakaliso tesikhatsi? Situkulwane lesibi nalesiphingako ngekungetsembeki kuNkulunkulu sifuna sibonakaliso, kepha ngeke sisitfole ngisho nasinye ngaphandle kwesibonakaliso saJona.” Wesuka lapho, wahamba. Batsi nabewelela ngesheya kwelwandle, bafundzi bakhohlwa kuphatsa sinkhwa. Jesu watsi kubo: “Nibocaphela, ningangenwa yimbiliso yebaFarisi nebaSadusi!” Base bakhuluma bodvwana batsi: “Usho ngobe asikatiphatsi tinkhwa.” Kepha Jesu akwati loko watsi kubo: “Nine bantfu bekukholwa lokuncane, nentiwa yini kutsi nikhulumisane nodvwana ngekutsi kwentiwa ngobe nite tinkhwa? Anikeva namanje? Anikhumbuli yini mhlazana ngihlephula tinkhwa letisihlanu, letesutsisa emadvodza lati-5 000, nekutsi ngacwalisa emabhasikidi lamangaki? Tona letinkhwa letisikhombisa letesutsisa emadvodza lati-4 000, niyatikhumbula yini? Nagcwalisa emabhasikidi lamangaki? Aniboni ngani kutsi bengingakhulumi kini ngesinkhwa? Kepha caphelani imbiliso yebaFarisi nebaSadusi!” Base bayabona bafundzi kutsi abengasho yona imbiliso yesinkhwa, kepha abesho timfundziso tebaFarisi nebaSadusi. Jesu wesuka lapho, waya eveni lelisedvute nelidolobha laseKhesariya Filiphi, lapho afike wabuta bafundzi bakhe watsi: “Bantfu batsi iNdvodzana yeMuntfu ingubani?” Bamphendvula batsi: “Labanye batsi inguJohane uMbhabhatisi, labanye batsi ingu-Elija, kantsi labanye batsi inguJeremiya nome ingulomunye nje webaphrofethi.” Wababuta watsi: “Nine-ke, nitsi ngingubani?” Simoni Phetro waphendvula watsi: “UnguKhristu, iNdvodzana yaNkulunkulu lophilako.” Jesu waphendvula watsi kuye: “Ubusisiwe wena Simoni waJohane, ngobe loko awukakwembulelwa ngumuntfu kepha nguBabe losezulwini. Nami-ke ngitsi: UnguPhetro. Etikwalelidvwala ngiyakulakha libandla lami, nemandla ekufa angeke alehlule. Ngiyawukunika tikhiya tembuso wasezulwini; lotakubopha lapha emhlabeni kuyawube kuboshiwe nasezulwini; nako konkhe lotakukhulula lapha emhlabeni kuyawube kukhululiwe nasezulwini.” Ngako wabayalisisa bafundzi bakhe kutsi bangatjeli muntfu kutsi unguKhristu. Kusukela lapho Jesu wacala wakhuluma ngalokusebaleni nebafundzi bakhe watsi: “Kufanele ngiye eJerusalema, ngiyewuhlushwa tibondza telibandla, nebaphristi labakhulu, nebafundzisi bemtsetfo. Ngitawubulawa, kodvwa ngelilanga lesitsatfu ngiyawuvuswa.” Phetro wase umdvonsela eceleni wamekhuta watsi: “Nkhosi, Nkulunkulu akakusite, loku kungete kwenteka kuwe!” Jesu wagucuka watsi kuPhetro: “Suka kimi, Sathane! Usitsikameti kimi, ngobe awukuboni lokukwaNkulunkulu, kodvwa ubona kwebantfu!” Jesu wakhuluma kubafundzi bakhe watsi: “Umuntfu nakafuna kungilandzela, akatidzele, etjatse siphambano sakhe, angilandzele. Lofuna kusindzisa imphilo yakhe, uyawulahlekelwa ngiyo; kepha lolahlekelwa yimphilo yakhe ngelibito lami, uyawuyitfola. Ngobe kuyawumsita ngani umuntfu kutfola live lonkhe, kepha alahlekelwe ngumphefumulo wakhe? Ingabe angakhiphani umuntfu kuhlenga umphefumulo wakhe? Ngobe iNdvodzana yeMuntfu iyawufika ngenkhatimulo yeYise, ikanye netingilosi tayo, ngulapho-ke iyawukhokhela wonkhe umuntfu njengekwenta kwakhe. Ngicinisile, ngitsi kini: Kukhona labanye la emkhatsini wenu labangeyikuva kufa, badzimate bayibone iNdvodzana yeMuntfu ita embusweni wayo.” Emvakwemalanga lasitfupha, Jesu watsatsa boPhetro, naJakobe, naJohane, umnakabo, wenyukela nabo entsabeni lendze, baba bodvwa. Jesu wagucuka lesinye simo embikwabo, buso bakhe bakhatimula njengelilanga, tingubo takhe taba mhlophe njengekukhanya. BoMosi na-Elija babonakala kubo, bakhuluma naye. Ngako Phetro watsi kuJesu: “Nkhosi, kuhle lokuba lapha kwetfu; nawutsandza ngitakwakha emathende lamatsatfu lapha: lelinye libe lakho, lelinye libe laMosi, lelinye libe la-Elija.” Watsi asakhuluma loko, kwachamuka lifu lelikhatimulako, labasibekela. Kwevakala livi kulelifu litsi: “Lena yiNdvodzana yami letsandzekako, lengitfokota ngayo; yilaleleni!” Batsi nabeva loko, bafundzi bawa phansi ngebuso besaba kakhulu. Kepha Jesu weta kubo, wafike wabatsintsa watsi: “Sukumani, ningesabi!” Kepha batsi nabaphakamisa emehlo abo, bangete babona muntfu ngaphandle kwaJesu yedvwa. Basehla kulentsaba Jesu wabadvonsa ngendlebe, watsi: “Ningatjeli muntfu ngalombono leniwubonile, kuze kuvuswe iNdvodzana yeMuntfu kulabafile.” Bafundzi babuta batsi: “Basho ngani bafundzisi bemtsetfo kutsi kufanele kufike Elija kucala?” Jesu wabaphendvula watsi: “Empeleni Elija uyeta, uyawubuyisela konkhe esimeni sako. Kepha ngitsi kini: Elija sewefika, kuphela nje kutsi bantfu abazange bamati, kodvwa benta kuye konkhe labakutsandzako. Kanjalo-ke neNdvodzana yeMuntfu iyawuhlushwa ngabo.” Ngako bafundzi base bayabona kutsi abekhuluma kubo ngaJohane uMbhabhatisi. Kwatsi nabefika esicunjini sebantfu, kwefika indvodza yaguca embikwaJesu, yatsi: “Nkhosi, hawukela indvodzana yami, ngobe inesitfutfwane, ihlupheka kabi, iwela futsi emlilweni nasemantini. Ngiyiletse kubafundzi bakho, kodvwa behluleka kuyiphilisa.” Jesu waphendvula watsi: “Yehheni, situkulwane lesingakholwa nalesiphambene, kuyawudzimate kube ngunini nginani? Kuyawudzimate kube ngunini nginibeketelela? Yiletseni la kimi!” Jesu walekhuta lelidimoni, lomfana waphila ngaleso sikhatsi. Bafundzi base beta kuJesu ngasense, bafike bambuta batsi: “Kwentiwe yini kutsi tsine sehluleke kulikhipha lelidimoni?” Jesu wabaphendvula watsi: “Kwentiwe kutsi nine ninekukholwa lokuncane, ngobe ngicinisile, ngitsi kini: Naningaba nekukholwa lokuncane lokungangenhlavu yendlulamitsi, ningatsi kulentsaba: ‘Suka la, uye lapha,’ ivele isuke. Kute lokungete kwenteka kini. [ Kepha loluhlobo aluphumi ngaphandle kwekukhuleka nekuzila.]” Ngesikhatsi baseseGalile, Jesu watsi kubo: “INdvodzana yeMuntfu itawunikelwa etandleni tebantfu; batayibulala, kodvwa ngelilanga lesitsatfu iyawuvuswa ekufeni.” Badzabuka kakhulu. Batsi kube befike eKhaphanawume, Jesu kanye nebafundzi bakhe, labo lababutsa umtselo welithempeli beta babuta kuPhetro batsi: “Umfundzisi wenu uyawukhipha yini umtselo welithempeli?” Phetro wabaphendvula watsi: “Yebo.” Ngesikhatsi Phetro angena endlini, Jesu wambuta kucala watsi: “Simoni, ngembono wakho wena utsini? Emakhosi emhlaba ayitsatsa kubobani imitselo? Ayitsatsa emadvodzaneni awo yini, nome ebafokatini?” Phetro wamphendvula watsi: “Ayitsatsa ebafokatini.” Jesu wase utsi: “Ngako-ke kusho kutsi emadvodzana akhululekile ekutseleni. Kodvwa-ke kuze singabakhubi, hamba uye elwandle ufike ujike lidweba lakho udwebe. Leyo nhlanti lotayibamba kucala emlonyeni wayo uyawukhandza luhlavu lwemali; ulutsatse, ubanike, utselele mine nawe, sobabili.” Ngaleso sikhatsi bafundzi baJesu beta kuye, babuta batsi: “Pho, ngubani lomkhulu kakhulu embusweni welizulu?” Wase ubita umntfwana, wammisa emkhatsini wabo watsi: “Ngicinisile, ngitsi kini: Naningaphendvuki nibe njengebantfwana, ningeke ningene embusweni welizulu. Ngako-ke wonkhe muntfu loyawutitfoba njengalomntfwana, nguye lomkhulu embusweni welizulu. Nalowo lowemukela umntfwana lonje egameni lami, wemukela mine.” “Kodvwa lokhubekisa abe munye kulaba labancane labakholwa kimi, kuncono kuye kutsi litje lekusila liboshelwe entsanyeni yakhe, acwiliswe ekujuleni kwelwandle. Maye kulomhlaba ngekutsi kukhona tikhubekiso, ngobe tikhubekiso kufanele kutsi tibe khona, kodvwa maye kulowo muntfu letita ngaye! “Nangabe sandla nome lunyawo lwakho lukonisa, lujube ululahle khashane nawe; ngobe kuncono kuwe kungena ekuphileni uyingini, nome uyinchute kunekutsi ube netandla totimbili nome unetinyawo totimbili kepha ulahlwe emlilweni waphakadze. Futsi nangabe liso lakho likonisa, likupulute ulilahle khashane, kuncono kuwe kungena ekuphileni uneliso linye, kunekutsi ube nemehlo omabili, kantsi utawulahlwa esihogweni semlilo.” “Caphelani ningedzeleli ngisho namunye kulaba labancane; ngobe ngitsi kini: Tingilosi tabo ezulwini tibubona njalo buso baBabe losezulwini. [ “Ngobe iNdvodzana yeMuntfu itele kusindzisa lokulahlekile.] “Nitsini-ke? Nangabe umuntfu anetimvu letilikhulu, bese kulahleka yinye yato, angeke yini atishiye leti letingema-99 tidla eceleni, ahambe yena ayewufuna lena lelahlekile? Nginitjela ngitsi: Nakayitfola, utfokota kakhulu ngayo kunaleti letingema-99 lebetingakalahleki. Kanjalo-ke akusiyo intsandvo yeYihlo losezulwini kutsi kubhubhe nome ngabe munye kulaba labancane.” “Nangabe umzalwane onile nome akonile, hamba kuye umbonise liphutsa lakhe ninobabili. Nakulalela, uyawube umzuzile lomzalwane. Kodvwa nangakulaleli, tsatsa lomunye nome babili bantfu uye kuye, kuze kutsi ‘yonkhe inkhulumo yenu ibe nabofakazi lababili nome labatsatfu,’ njengobe kusho umBhalo. Kodvwa nangabalaleli nabo, yonkhe lendzaba yetfule ebandleni. Kantsi, nangabe akalilaleli nelibandla, sale sewumtsatsa njengemfokati nome njengemtselisi.” “Ngicinisile, ngitsi kini: Konkhe leniyakubopha lapha emhlabeni kuyawube kuboshiwe nasezulwini; nako konkhe leniyakukhulula lapha emhlabeni kuyawube kukhululiwe nasezulwini. “Futsi ngicinisile, ngitsi kini: Nangabe lababili benu lapha emhlabeni bavumelana nome ngaluphi ludzaba labalucelako, bayawulwentelwa nguBabe losezulwini. “Ngobe lapho kuhlangene khona lababili nome labatsatfu egameni lami, nami ngikhona emkhatsini wabo.” Kwase kusondzela Phetro lowatsi kuye: “Nkhosi, umzalwane uyawungona kangaki solomane ngimtsetselela? Kuze kube kasikhombisa yini?” Jesu watsi kuye: “Angisho kuwe kutsi kube kasikhombisa, kodvwa kuze kube ngemahlandla langema-70 laphindvwe kasikhombisa. Ngako-ke umbuso welizulu ufanana nenkhosi, leyayifuna kutsi tonkhe tisebenti letatiyikweleda tisale setiyikhipha yonkhe imali yayo. Kwekucala kwaletfwa embikwayo lesasiyikweleda emaRandi latigidzi letinyenti. Kepha ngobe sasite lutfo lwekukhokha lesikwelede, lenkhosi yatsi akutsengiswe ngaso, nangemkaso, nangebantfwabaso, kanye nangako konkhe lesasinako, kuze kutewukhokhwa lesikwelede. Lesisebenti sase siwa phansi sikhotsamela lenkhosi sadzimate satsi: ‘Ase umane ungibeketelele, ngitawusikhokha sonkhe lesikwelede sami.’ Inkhosi yaleso sisebenti yaba nesihawu, yasesula sonkhe leso sikwelede, yasikhulula. “Kepha satsi siphuma nje leso sisebenti, sahlangana nalesinye sisebenti lesasikanye naso, lesasisikweleda emaRandi lalishumi. Sasibamba sasekhama, satsi: ‘Khipha imali yami!’ Lesisebenti sawa phansi satincengela satsi: ‘Ase umane ungibeketelele, ngitakubhadala.’ Kepha sona sala, sahamba sayawusifaka ejele, size siyikhokhe. “Letinye tisebenti letatikanye naso natikubona loko, tadzabuka kakhulu, taya tayawubikela inkhosi yato konkhe lokwase kwentekile. “Inkhosi yaso yasibita yatsi kuso: ‘Sisebenti lesibi, lonkhe lelicala lesikwelede ngikutsetselele ngalesula ngobe ungincengile. Pho, wena awukasihawukeli ngani lesisebenti lesikanye nawe, njengobe nami ngikuhawukele?’ “Inkhosi yaso yatfukutsela yabila yasinikela kubaphatsi belijele, size sikhokhe sonkhe sikwelede. “Kanjalo-ke naBabe wami wasezulwini uyawukwenta loko kini naningatsetseleli bazalwane benu ngetinhlitiyo letiphelele.” Kwatsi Jesu asacedze kukhuluma, wesuka eGalile waya eveni laseJudiya, ngesheya kwemfula iJordane. Ticumbi letikhulu tebantfu tamlandzela, watiphilisa khona lapho. Labanye baFarisi beta kuye bamlinga batsi: “Kuvunyelwe yini kutsi indvodza idivose umkayo nome ngasiphi sizatfu?” Jesu wabaphendvula watsi: “Anizange niwufundze yini lomBhalo lotsi: ‘Ekucaleni uMdali wenta umuntfu lomdvuna nalomsikati’? Watsi: ‘Ngenca yaloko-ke indvodza iyawushiya uyise nenina inamatsele kumkayo, labo-ke bobabili sebayawuba nyamanye.’ Ngako-ke abasebabili, kodvwa sebamunye. Ngako-ke loko lakuhlanganisile Nkulunkulu, akungabe kusehlukaniswa ngumuntfu.” Batsi kuye: “Pho, Mosi wasinikelani lomyalo wekutsi indvodza ingamnika umfati wayo incwadzi yedivosi bese iyamlahla?” Jesu watsi kubo: “Mosi waninika imvume yekudivosa nebafati benu ngenca yebulukhuni betinhlitiyo tenu. Kodvwa kwakungenjalo kusukela ekucaleni. Kodvwa ngitsi kini: Wonkhe umuntfu lodivosa umkakhe ngaphandle kwanakaphingile, bese ushada lomunye umfati, uyaphinga; naloshada umfati lodivosiwe uyaphinga.” Bafundzi bakhe batsi kuye: “Nangabe injalo kantsi indzaba yendvodza nemfati, kuncono kungashadi.” Kepha watsi kubo: “Akusibo bonkhe labangalemukela lelivi, ngaphandle kwalabo labakuphiwe. Ngobe kukhona batsenwa labatalwa banjalo kwasetiswini tabonina; kukhona nebatsenwa labatsenwa bantfu; kukhona futsi nebatsenwa labatitsena bona ngenca yembuso welizulu. Lowo longakhona kukwemukela loko, akakwemukele!” Kwase kuletfwa bantfwana kuJesu, kuze atewubeka tandla etikwabo, abathandazele; kepha bafundzi bakhe babekhuta labo bantfu. Jesu watsi: “Vumelani bantfwana bete kimi, ningabaleli, ngobe umbuso welizulu ungewalabanjalo.” Wababeka tandla, wase uyesuka uyahamba. Kwase kufika lijaha lelitsite kuJesu latsi: “Mfundzisi, ngingahle ngenteni lokulungile kuze ngitewuba nekuphila lokuphakadze?” Jesu watsi kulo: “Ungibutelani ngalokulungile? Munye kuphela lolungile. Kepha nawutsandza kungena ekuphileni, gcina imiyalo!” Labuta latsi: “Miphi?” Jesu waliphendvula watsi: “Ungabulali; ungaphingi; ungebi; ungafakazi emanga; hlonipha uyihlo nenyoko; utsandze makhelwane wakho njengobe utitsandza wena.” Lelijaha laphendvula latsi: “Konkhe loku ngikugcinile, manje yini lesasele?” Jesu watsi kulo: “Nawufuna kuphelela, hamba utsengise ngako konkhe lonako, uphe labaphuyile, uyawuba nemcebo ezulwini; bese uyabuya uyangilandzela.” Lelijaha nalikuva loko, lahamba lidzabukile, ngobe belicebe kakhulu. Kepha Jesu watsi kubafundzi bakhe: “Ngicinisile, ngitsi kini: Kulukhuni kumuntfu lonjinge kakhulu kungena embusweni welizulu. Futsi ngitsi kini: Kulula kutsi likamela lingene embotjeni yenyalitsi, kunekutsi umuntfu lonjingile angene embusweni waNkulunkulu.” Batsi nabakuva loko bafundzi, bamangala batsi: “Pho, ngubani-ke longasindziswa?” Jesu wababukisisa, wase uyabaphendvula utsi: “Angeke akwente umuntfu loko; kodvwa kuNkulunkulu konkhe kungenteka.” Phetro waphendvula watsi: “Asubuke, tsine sishiye konkhe, salandzela wena. Kepha siyawutfolani?” Jesu watsi kubo: “Ngicinisile, ngitsi kini: Nine leningilandzelako, kuyawutsi nakudalwa kabusha tintfo tonkhe, ngesikhatsi iNdvodzana yeMuntfu seyihleti esihlalweni senkhatimulo yebukhosi bayo, nani niyawuhlala etihlalweni tebukhosi letili-12, nehlulele tive letili-12 taka-Israyeli. Wonkhe lodzele tindlu, nome bomnakabo, nome bodzadzewabo, nome uyise, nome unina, nome bantfwana, nome emasimi ngenca yami, uyakwemukela ngalokuphindvwe kanyenti, adle nelifa lekuphila lokuphakadze. Kodvwa labanyenti lababekucala bayawuba bekugcina, nalababekugcina bayawuba bekucala.” “Umbuso welizulu ufanana nemnikati wesivini, lowaphuma ekuseni ayawucasha emadvodza ekusebenta esivinini sakhe. Watsi asavumelene naletisebenti kutsi utatiholela denariyo munye ngelilanga, wase ubatfumela esivinini sakhe, watsi uyaphuma futsi ngeli-awa lemfica, wabona lamanye emadvodza emile nje emakethe ayingilekile, nakuwo watsi: ‘Hambani nani niyewusebenta esivinini sami, ngitaniholela loko lokunifanele.’ Bahamba-ke. Waphindze waphuma futsi emini ngeli-awa leli-12, kwaba njalo, nangeli-awa lesitsatfu entsambama wenta njalo. Kwakungacishe kube li-awa lesihlanu entsambama lapho atsi uyaphuma futsi, wakhandza labanye bemile. Wafike wababuta watsi: ‘Nimeleni lapha lonkhe lelilanga seloku ningenti lutfo?’ Batsi kuye: ‘Kute losicashile.’ Wase utsi nakubo: ‘Kulungile, hambani nani niye esivinini sami!’ “Kwatsi entsambama lomniyo wesivini watsi endvuneni yakhe: ‘Bita tonkhe tisebenti, utiholele imali yato, ucale ngaleti tekugcina, ugcine ngaleti tekucala!’ Kutsite natifika leti teli-awa lesihlanu entsambama, watiholela denariyo munye sisinye. Nabefika laba bekucala, bebacabanga kutsi utabaholela kakhudlwana, kodvwa nabo wabaholela denariyo munye, umuntfu amunye. Batsi nabamemukela, bacala bakhonona kulomnikati wesivini, batsi: ‘Laba bekugcina basebente li-awa linye nje, ubalinganiseleni natsi lesitfwele bumatima lobungaka, sashiswa nalilanga lasensimini?’ “Waphendvula watsi kulomunye wabo: ‘Mnganami, phela angikoni; kantsi kakadze besingakavumelani ngadenariyo munye yini nawe? Tsatsa lokukwakho sehlukane; kepha mine ngiyatitsandzela kunika nalona wekugcina liholo lelingangelakho. Kantsi angikavumeleki yini kwenta lengikutsandzako ngalokukwami? Nome unemona ngekutsi ngiyephana?’ “Kanjalo bekugcina bayawuba bekucala, nebekucala babe bekugcina.” Watsi Jesu asesendleleni enyukela eJerusalema, wabitela bafundzi bakhe ngasense, wakhuluma nabo endleleni, watsi: “Lalelani la, sesiya eJerusalema, lapho iNdvodzana yeMuntfu itawunikelwa kubaphristi labakhulu netati temtsetfo, bese bayilahla ngelicala kutsi ibulawe. Batayinikela etandleni tebetive, kuze iphukutwe, bayishaye, bese bayibetsela esiphambanweni; kodvwa ngelilanga lesitsatfu itawuvuswa ekufeni.” Kwase kufika kuye unina wemadvodzana aZebedi nalamadvodzana akhe, wakhotsama embikwakhe, wabeka sicelo. Jesu wambuta watsi: “Ufunani?” Watsi yena: “Yetsembisa kutsi lamadvodzana ami lamabili ayawuhlala, lenye ngesekudla sakho, lenye ngesancele sakho embusweni wakho.” Jesu waphendvula watsi: “Anikwati lenikucelako. Ningayinatsa yini lendzebe yelusizi lesengitayinatsa?” Baphendvula batsi: “Singayinatsa.” Jesu watsi: “Yebo-ke, nitayinatsa leyo ndzebe, kantsi kuhlala ngesekudla sami nangesancele akusiko kwami kutsi ngephane ngako, kodvwa kwalabo labakulungiselelwe nguBabe.” Batsi nabakuva loko labafundzi labalishumi, batitfukutselela letelamani letimbili. Kepha Jesu wababita watsi: “Niyati kutsi babusi betive babusa etikwato, netikhulu tato titiphetse ngetandla letimatima. Akunjalo-ke lapha kini, kodvwa wonkhe umuntfu lofuna kuba mkhulu emkhatsini wenu, akabe sikhonti senu, nalofuna kuba wekucala emkhatsini wenu, akabe sisebenti senu. Njengobe neNdvodzana yeMuntfu ayitelanga kukhontwa, kepha yetela kutawukhonta nekunikela ngemphilo yayo, kutsi ibe yinhlawulo yalabanyenti.” Batsi nabaphuma eJerikho, sicumbi lesikhulu salandzela Jesu. Timphumphutse letimbili, letatihleti elusentseni lwemgwaco, teva kutsi nguJesu lona lowengcako, tase tiyamemeta titsi: “Nkhosi, Ndvodzana yaDavide! Sihawukele!” Kepha sicumbi sebantfu satitsetsisa sitsi atibindze. Kodvwa kwaba ngukhona timemeta kakhulu titsi: “Nkhosi, Ndvodzana yaDavide! Sihawukele!” Kepha Jesu wema watibita, watibuta watsi: “Nifuna nginenteleni?” Tatsi kuye: “Nkhosi, sifuna kutsi emehlo etfu avuleke.” Jesu watihawukela, watsintsa emehlo ato, tabona masinyane, tase tiyamlandzela. Batsi kube basondzele eJerusalema, sebefikile eBhethifage, ngaseNtsabeni Yemincumo, Jesu watfuma bafundzi bakhe lababili, watsi kubo: “Hambani niye edolobhaneni lelibhekene nani, nitawukhandza imbongolo iboshiwe inelitfole layo; titfukululeni, nitiletse kimi! Nakukhona lokhuluma lutfo ngato kini, nibotsi: ‘INkhosi iyatidzinga, itatibuyisa masinyane.’ ” Loku kwenteka kuze kugcwaliseke lokwashiwo ngumphrofethi nakatsi: “Khulumani kuyo iNdvodzakati yaseSiyoni kutsi: ‘Bheka iNkhosi yakho ita kuwe, itfobekile, igibele embongolweni, yebo, etfoleni, enkhonyaneni yembongolo.’ ” Ngako bafundzi bahamba, benta njengobe Jesu abebatjelile. Bayiletsa imbongolo kanye nelitfole layo, bagaca tingubo etikwato, wase uyagibela. Sicumbi lesikhulu sebantfu sendlala tingubo taso phansi emgwacweni, labanye bageca emagala etihlahla, bawendlala phansi. Leticumbi letatihamba embikwakhe naletatimlandzela tatimemeta titsi: “Hosana kuyo iNdvodzana yaDavide! Ubusisiwe lotako egameni leNkhosi! Hosana kulelisetulu kakhulu!” Kwatsi nakangenako Jesu eJerusalema, kwanyakatela lidolobha lonkhe, bantfu babutana batsi: “Ngubani-ke yena lo?” Ticumbi taphendvula tatsi: “Lona nguJesu, umphrofethi waseNazaretha yaseGalile.” Jesu wangena ethempelini, wakhipha bonkhe lababetsengisa nalababetsenga ethempelini, waketula ematafula alababentjintja timali, netitulo talabo lababetsengisa ematuba. Watsi kubo: “Kubhaliwe kutsi: ‘Indlu yami iyawubitwa ngekutsi yindlu yekuthandaza,’ kepha nine seniyente umgedze wetigelekece.” Asesethempelini kwase kufika kuye timphumphutse netinchute, watiphilisa tonkhe. Baphristi labakhulu netati temtsetfo tatfukutsela tacansuka natibona letimangaliso labetenta Jesu, nebantfwana bamemeta ethempelini batsi: “Hosana kuyo iNdvodzana yaDavide!” Ngako batsi kuJesu: “Uyeva yini kutsi batsini?” Wabaphendvula watsi: “Yebo, ngiyeva. Anizange nifundze yini kutsi: ‘Emlonyeni webantfwana nakulabamunyako utilungiselele ludvumo’?” Jesu waphuma kulelo dolobha wabashiya, waya eBhetani, lapho wefika walala khona. Ngakusasa ekuseni, nasekubuyelwa edolobheni, Jesu abesalambile. Wabona umkhiwa lowawuwodvwa eceleni kwendlela, wenyukela kuwo, kodvwa akatfolanga lutfo kuwo ngaphandle kwemacembe. Ngako wase utsi kuwo: “Akungabe kusavela sitselo kuwe!” Ngekushesha umkhiwa wabuna. Batsi nabakubona loko bafundzi bamangala, batsi: “Kwentiwe yini kutsi lomkhiwa ubune masinyane kangaka?” Jesu wabaphendvula watsi: “Ngicinisile, ngitsi kini: Naninekukholwa ningangabati, ngeke nente emkhiwaneni kuphela, kodvwa nome nitsi kulentsaba: ‘Cukuleka, uye ujikeke elwandle,’ kuyakwenteka. Konkhe leniyakucela ngekukhuleka nikholwa, niyakukwemukeliswa.” Jesu wabuyela ethempelini kuyawufundzisa, baphristi labakhulu netibondza temaJuda beta kuye bambuta batsi: “Loku ukwenta ngamaphi emandla? Kona ngubani lona lokunike lamandla?” Jesu wabaphendvula watsi: “Nami ngitanibuta livi libe linye; naninginika imphendvulo, ngitanitjela kutsi lamandla lengenta ngawo letintfo ayini. Kubhabhatisa kwaJohane kwavelaphi? KuNkulunkulu nome kubantfu?” Base bakhulumisana bodvwana batsi: “Sitawutsini? Nasitsi: ‘KuNkulunkulu,’ utawutsi: ‘Pho, animkholwanga ngani?’ Kodvwa nasitsi: ‘Kubantfu,’ sicuku siyasesaba, ngobe bonkhe bavumelana ngekutsi Johane abengumphrofethi.” Base bayamphendvula Jesu batsi: “Asati.” Naye-ke wase utsi kubo: “Nami-ke ngingeke nginitjele kutsi loku ngikwenta ngamaphi emandla.” “Kepha nitsini-ke? Umuntfu lotsite abenemadvodzana lamabili. Waya kuleyekucala, wefike watsi: ‘Msawami, hamba uyewusebenta esivinini lamuhla!’ Yaphendvula yatsi: ‘Yebo, Babe, ngitakuya,’ kepha yangete yaya. Wase uya kulelenye, washo njalo nakuyo. Yaphendvula yatsi: ‘Angifuni;’ kodvwa emvakwaloko yacabanga, yase iyaphendvuka iyaya. Ngumuphi-ke emkhatsini wabo bobabili lowenta intsandvo yeyise?” Baphendvula batsi: “Ngulona wesibili.” Wase utsi: “Ngicinisile, ngitsi kini: Batselisi, netingwadla, netiphingi bayanengcelela embusweni waNkulunkulu. Ngobe Johane weta kini ngendlela yekulunga, anizange nimkholwe; kodvwa batselisi, netingwadla, netiphingi tamkholwa. Kodvwa nine, nome senibone loko, anizange niphendvuke kuze nimkholwe.” “Lalelani nangu lomunye umfanekiso: Kwake kwaba khona umlimi labenelipulazi. Wahlanyela sivini, wasibiyela ngelutsango, wemba umgodzi wekuhlutela emagelebisi etjeni, wakha nendlwana lesetulu yekulindza, wase uyasicashisa lesivini. Yena-ke wase uyahamba uya khashane. Kwatsi nasekufika sikhatsi sekuvuna emagelebisi, watfumela tisebenti takhe kuleto ticashi kutsi timlandzele incenye yesivuno lekuyakhe. Leticashi tatibamba letisebenti, lesinye tasishaya, lesinye tasibulala, lesinye tasigcoba ngematje. Waphindze watfumela tisebenti letinyenti kunetekucala; tenta njalo futsi nakuleto tisebenti. Ekugcineni lomnikati watfumela umsa wakhe, atsi: ‘Batayihlonipha indvodzana yami.’ Kodvwa tatsi ticashi natiyibona lendvodzana, takhuluma todvwana, tatsi: ‘Lena yindlalifa yakhe; wotani siteyibulala, khona sitewudla lifa layo.’ Tase tiyayibamba, tiyikhiphela ngephandle kwesivini, tayibulala. “Manje-ke nakufika lomnikati wesivini, uyawutenta njani leticashi?” Bamphendvula batsi: “Uyawutibhubhisa kabi leticashi letimbi, atsatse lesivini sakhe acashise ngaso kuletinye ticashi letiyakumnika titselo ngetikhatsi tato.” Jesu watsi kubo: “Anizange nifundze yini emiBhalweni kutsi: “ ‘Litje lelaliwa bakhi, ngobe batsi alinamsebenti, ligucuke laba litje lekusimisa indlu? Loko kwentiwa yiNkhosi. Maye, kuyasimangalisa!’ “Ngako-ke, nginitjela kutsi: Umbuso waNkulunkulu uyawutsatfwa kini, unikwe bantfu labayawutsela titselo letifanele. [ Wonkhe lowela etikwalelitje uyawuhlifika, abe ticucu; kantsi leliyakuwela etikwakhe, lelitje liyawumsila, abe ngumcaba.]” Baphristi labakhulu nebaFarisi bayiva lemifanekiso yaJesu bati kutsi ukhuluma ngabo. Ngako bafuna kumbopha. Kodvwa besaba ticumbi tebantfu, ngobe tatitsi ungumprofethi. Jesu waphindze futsi wakhuluma kubo ngemifanekiso watsi: “Umbuso welizulu ungafaniswa nenkhosi leyalungisela indvodzana yayo lidzili lemshado. Yatfumela tisebenti tayo kutsi tiyewubita lababemenyiwe kuta emshadweni, kodvwa abavumanga kuta. Yaphindze yatfumela letinye tisebenti yatsi: ‘Tjelani labo labamenyiwe kutsi lidzili lami selilungile, tinkhabi tami netinkhomo tami letikhuluphalisiwe setihlatjiwe, konkhe sekulungile; wotani edzilini!’ Kodvwa letimenywa atinakanga, tesuka tahamba: Lesinye satiyela ensimini, lesinye satiyela ebhizinisini yaso. Letinye timenywa tabamba letisebenti, tatiphatsa dlephu, tatishaya, tatibulala. Inkhosi yatfukutsela kakhulu, yaze yakhipha imphi yemasotja leyafike yabulala bonkhe labo babulali, yashisa nelidolobha labo. Ngako yatsi etisebentini tayo: ‘Lidzili selilungile, kodvwa labo labebamenyiwe abakalifaneli. Ngako-ke hambani niye etinhlanganweni tetindlela nemigwaco; nimeme bonkhe lenibabonako kutsi bete edzilini.’ Ngako-ke tisebenti taphuma, taya etindleleni, tabutsa bonkhe letatihlangana nabo, lababi nalabahle ngalokufananako; indlu yemshado yagcwala letimenywa. “Inkhosi yatsi iyangena itewubona timenywa, yabona kukhona lomunye labengakayembatsi ingubo yemshado, yatsi kuye: ‘Mnganami, ungene njani lapha ungenayo ingubo yemshado?’ Kepha yena wathula. Inkhosi yatjela tisebenti tayo yatsi: ‘Mbopheni tandla netinyawo, nimlahle ngephandle ebumnyameni. Lapho kuyawuba khona kukhala nekugedletelisa ematinyo.’ “Ngobe banyenti labamenyiwe, kodvwa bambalwa labakhetsiwe.” Besuka lapho baFarisi bayakwakha licebo lekumgiba ngemibuzo. Base batfumela kuye labanye bafundzi babo kanye nemalunga ephathi yemaHerodi. Befike batsi: “Mfundzisi, siyati kutsi wena uneliciniso, ufundzisa indlela yaNkulunkulu ngeliciniso, awunaki muntfu, ngobe awubuki buso bemuntfu. Sitjele-ke kutsi wena utsini. Kuvunyelwe yini kutsela kuKhesari nome cha?” Kepha Jesu abati bubi babo watsi: “Batentisi, ningilingelani? Ngikhombiseni imali lenitsela ngayo!” Base bamkhombisa denariyo. Wase uyababuta utsi: “Lomfanekiso nalelibito kwabani?” Bamphendvula batsi: “KwaKhesari.” Ngako watsi kubo: “Yebo-ke, nikani Khesari lokukwaKhesari; ninike Nkulunkulu lokukwaNkulunkulu!” Batsi sebakuvile loko, bamangala kakhulu, bamshiya bahamba. Ngalo lelo langa kwefika kuye baSadusi labatsi kute kuvuka kulabafile, batsi: “Mfundzisi, Mosi watsi: ‘Nakufa indvodza ingenabantfwana, umnakabo uyamngena lomfelokati wakhe, kuze atalele umufi bantfwana.’ Manje le ngakitsi kwakunetelamani letatisikhombisa. Lona lomdzala watsatsa umfati, kodvwa wafa ate bantfwana, ngako umnakabo wamngena lomfati. Kwenteka kona loko nakuwesibili nakuwesitsatfu, kwaze kwefika kuwesikhombisa. Ekugcineni nalomfati wafa. Pho, nasekuvukwa ekufeni, lomfati uyawuba wabani kulaba labasikhombisa, ngobe bonkhe abengumfati wabo?” Jesu watsi kubo: “Maye! Nedukile, ngobe aniyati imiBhalo kanye nemandla aNkulunkulu! Ngobe ekuvukeni kulabafile abateki, abatekwa, banjengetingilosi tasezulwini. Kepha macondzana nekuvuswa kwalabafile: Anifundzanga yini lokwakhulunywa nguNkulunkulu kini nakatsi: ‘Mine nginguNkulunkulu wa-Abrahama, naNkulunkulu wa-Isaka, naNkulunkulu waJakobe’? Akasiye Nkulunkulu walabafile, kodvwa walabaphilako.” Natikuva loko ticumbi tebantfu, tamangala ngalokufundzisa kwakhe. Batsi nasebevile baFarisi kutsi Jesu ubathulisile baSadusi, base babutsana ndzawonye. Lomunye wabo labesati semtsetfo wamlinga ngekumbuta, watsi: “Mfundzisi, ngumuphi umyalo lomkhulu emtsetfweni seyiyonkhe?” Jesu watsi kuye: “ ‘Uboyitsandza iNkhosi, Nkulunkulu wakho, ngayo yonkhe inhlitiyo yakho, nangawo wonkhe umphefumulo wakho, nangayo yonkhe ingcondvo yakho.’ Ngulowo-ke umyalo lomkhulu newekucala. Wesibili ufanana nawo utsi: ‘Ubotsandza makhelwane wakho, njengobe utitsandza wena.’ Kuleyo miyalo yomibili kubambelele wonkhe umtsetfo kanye nemfundziso yebaphrofethi.” Kwatsi basebutsene ndzawonye baFarisi, Jesu wababuta, watsi: “Nitsini ngaKhristu? Nitsi uyiNdvodzana yabani?” Bamphendvula batsi: “YaDavide.” Jesu watsi kubo: “Pho, Davide wambita njani akuMoya ngekutsi: ‘YiNkhosi,’ nakatsi: “ ‘INkhosi yatsi eNkhosini yami: “Hlala lapha ngesekudla sami, ngize ngibeke titsa takho ngaphansi kwetinyawo takho” ’? “Ngako-ke nangabe Davide wambita ngekutsi: ‘YiNkhosi,’ uyiNdvodzana yakhe njani?” Kwabate ngisho namunye lowaba nelivi labengamphendvula ngalo; kusukela ngalelo langa kute lowaphindze waba nesibindzi sekumbuta. Jesu wakhuluma eticunjini tebantfu nakubafundzi bakhe, watsi: “Tati temtsetfo nebaFarisi bahleti esihlalweni saMosi bafundzisa umtsetfo. Ngako-ke kwenteni konkhe labanitjela kona nikugcine, kodvwa ningenti njengemisebenti yabo, ngobe bayakhuluma bangabe basenta. Babopha imitfwalo lesindzako, bayibeke emahlombe alabanye bantfu, kepha bona abafuni kuyifukula, ngisho nangemuno wabo. Konkhe labakwentako kwekutiveta kubantfu. Ngobe la etinhloko tabo sebandzise emabhande lanetikhehle temabhokisana letinemavesi emiBhalo, bese belula timvakaza temijiva yabo. Batsandza tindzawo letingenhla emadzilini, netitulo letisembili emasinagogeni, batsandza nekubingelelwa ngenhlonipho etimakethe, bantfu bababite ngekutsi: ‘Mfundisi!’ Kepha nine ningabobitwa ngumuntfu ngekutsi: ‘Mfundisi,’ ngobe nonkhe nibazalwane, munye uMfundzisi wenu. Ningabiti muntfu emhlabeni ngekutsi: ‘Babe,’ ngobe munye uYihlo losezulwini. Futsi ningabitwa ngumuntfu ngekutsi nibaholi, ngobe munye umholi wenu, longuKhristu. “Kodvwa lomkhulu kunani nonkhe kufanele abe sikhonti senu. Ngobe wonkhe umuntfu lotiphakamisako uyawutfotjiswa, nalotitfobako uyawuphakanyiswa.” “Maye kini, bafundzisi bemtsetfo nebaFarisi! Batentisi! Nivimbela bantfu umbuso welizulu, nibe nine ningangeni, nebantfu labafuna kungena anibavumeli kutsi bangene. [ “Maye kini, bafundzisi bemtsetfo nebaFarisi! Batentisi! Ngobe nidla tindlu tebafelokati, nangekutentisa nenta imithandazo lemidze. Ngako niyakwemukeliswa kulahlwa lokukhulu.] “Maye kini, bafundzisi bemtsetfo nebaFarisi! Batentisi! Ngobe niwela tilwandle, nidzabule nemave, kuze nidwebele enkholweni yenu abe munye wetive; nasenimtfolile, nimenta abe yindvodzana yesihogo ngalokuphindziwe kunani. “Maye kini, baholi labatimphumphutse! Ngobe nitsi: ‘Lofunga lithempeli, akanandzaba; kepha lofunga igolide yelithempeli, utibopha yena ngesifungo sakhe.’ Tiphukuphuku letitimphumphutse! Kantsi ngukuphi lokubaluleke kakhulu, yigolide nome lithempeli lelingcwelisa igolide yalo? Futsi nitsi: ‘Lowo lofunga lilati, akanandzaba; kodvwa lofunga umnikelo losetikwalo, utibopha yena ngesifungo sakhe.’ Timphumphutse, ngukuphi lokubaluleke kakhulu, sipho nome lilati, lelenta sipho sibe ngcwele? Ngako-ke umuntfu nakafunga lilati, ufunga lona kanye nako konkhe lokukulo; lofunga lithempeli, ufunga lona kanye nalowo lohlala kulo. Umuntfu lofunga lizulu, ufunga sihlalo saNkulunkulu kanye nalowo lohlala kuso. “Maye kini, bafundzisi bemtsetfo nebaFarisi! Batentisi! Ngobe nikhipha kwelishumi kwashaladi, napelepele, nelidile, niyekele lokungukona kubalulekile kwemtsetfo: kwehlulela, bubele, nekukholwa; loko benifanele kukwenta ngaphandle kwekuyekela loku. Baholi labatimphumphutse, nikhetsa imphungane ekudleni, kodvwa nimite likamela. “Maye kini, bafundzisi bemtsetfo nebaFarisi! Batentisi! Nigeza lingephandle lendzebe nesitja, kantsi ngekhatsi kugcwele buphangi kanye nebumiti. MFarisi loyimphumphutse! Geza kucala lingekhatsi lendzebe, kuze kutsi nelingephandle ligezeke. “Maye kini, bafundzisi bemtsetfo nebaFarisi! Batentisi! Nifana nemathuna lacakaciwe aba mhlophe, abukeka amahle ngephandle, kodvwa ngekhatsi abe agcwele ematsambo ebantfu labafile nekungcola konkhe. Kanjalo nani nibonakala nilungile emehlweni ebantfu, kodvwa ngekhatsi nigcwele kutentisa nekuphambana nemtsetfo.” “Maye kini, bafundzisi bemtsetfo nebaFarisi! Ngobe nakha emathuna ebaphrofethi abe mahle, nihlobise netikhumbuto talabo lababelungile, bese nitsi: ‘Kube sasiphila ngesikhatsi sabokhokho, sasingayikwenta loko labakwenta ngekubulala baphrofethi.’ Kanjalo nitifakazela nine kutsi ningemadvodzana alabo lababulala baphrofethi. Chubekani-ke nicedzele loko lokwacalwa bokhokho benu! Tinyoka, ntalo yemabululu! Nitakubalekela njani kulahlwa esihogweni? Ngako nginitjela kutsi: Ngiyawunitfumelela baphrofethi, netati, nebafundzisi. Labanye babo niyawubabulala, nibabetsele etiphambanweni, labanye nibabhambabule emasinagogeni enu. Niyawubatingela emadolobha ngemadolobha; kuze kwehlele etikwenu yonkhe ingati lelungile leyacitfwa emhlabeni, kusukela engatini ya-Abela labelungile, kuze kube ngusengatini yaZakhariya, umsa waBarakhiya, lenambulala emkhatsini welithempeli nelilati. Ngicinisile, ngitsi kini: Konkhe loku kuyakwehlela etikwalesitukulwane.” “Jerusalema, Jerusalema! Wena lobulala baphrofethi, ubagcobe ngematje labatfunywe kuwe! Kukangaki ngifisa kubutsela ndzawonye bantfu bakho, njengesikhukhukati sifukamela emantjwele aso, kodvwa awuzange sewungivumele! Bukani-ke lelidolobha lenu selisele lodvwana, lite bantfu. Ngiyanitjela ngitsi: Ningeke niphindze ningibone nize nitsi: ‘Ubusisiwe lotako egameni leNkhosi.’ ” Jesu abephuma ethempelini; abesahamba ngesikhatsi bafundzi bakhe beta kuye batemkhombisa takhiwo telithempeli. Kepha waphendvula watsi: “Angitsi, niyakubona konkhe loku? Nginitjela ngitsi: Kute ngisho nalinye litje leliyawusala lihleti etikwalelinye lingakadzilitelwa phansi.” Watsi Jesu asehleti eNtsabeni Yemincumo, bafundzi bakhe beta kuye ngasense, batsi: “Sitjele kutsi letintfo tiyakwenteka nini, kuyakwentekani lokuyawukhombisa kutsi sesikhatsi sekubuya kwakho nekutsi sekuphela kwetikhatsi?” Jesu waphendvula watsi: “Caphelani, kutsi kubete umuntfu lonedukisako. Ngobe bantfu labanyenti bayawuta ngelibito lami, befike batsi: ‘NginguKhristu!’ bedukise labanyenti. Niyawuva ngetimphi nangemahemuhemu etimphi; caphelani ningetfuki, ngobe loko kufanele kwenteke, kodvwa umhla wekuphela uyawube ungakefiki. Ngobe sive siyawuvukela lesinye sive, nembuso uyawuvukela lomunye umbuso. Kuyawuba khona tindlala nekutamatama kwemhlaba tindzawo ngetindzawo. Konkhe loku kukucala kwemihelo. “Lapho-ke bayawuninikela etinhlungwini, banibulale. Tonkhe tive tiyawunitondza ngenca yelibito lami. Labanyenti bayawuhlubuka, batsengisane bodvwana, batondzane. Kuyakuvela baprofethi bemanga labanyenti, bedukise bantfu labanyenti. Ngekwandza kwekona kuyawuphola lutsandvo kulabanyenti. Kodvwa lowo loyawubambelela kuze kube ngusekupheleni, uyawusindziswa. LeliVangeli ngembuso liyawushunyayelwa emhlabeni wonkhe, kuze kube bufakazi etiveni tonkhe, bese-ke kuyefika kuphela.” “Ngako-ke nanibona sinengisoncitsakalo sime endzaweni lengcwele, njengobe asho umphrofethi Danyela,” (lofundzako akacaphele inchazelo yaloku), “labo labaseJudiya ababalekele etintsabeni. Umuntfu losetikwendlu angabe asehla kuyawutsatsa lutfo lolusendlini yakhe, nalowo losensimini angabuyeli endlini kuyawutsatsa kwekwembatsa. Kepha maye kulabayawube batetfwele nakulabayawube bamunyisa ngaleto tikhatsi! Thandazelani kutsi kubaleka kwenu kungabi kusebusika nome ngeliSabatha! Ngobe lapho kuyawuba khona kuhlupheka lokukhulu lokungazange sekube khona kusukela seloku kwasekelwa umhlaba, kuze kube ngulamuhla, futsi akuseyiwuba khona. Kube lawo malanga akafinyetwanga bekuyakubate longasindziswa; kepha ngenca yalabakhetsiwe lawo malanga ayawufinyetwa. “Nome umuntfu asatsi kini: ‘Bukani, nangu Khristu,’ nome: ‘Nanguya lapho akhona,’ ningamkholwa! Ngobe kuyawuvela bokhristumbumbulu, nebaphrofethi bemanga, bente tibonakaliso letinkhulu netimangaliso, kuze kudukiswe nalabakhetsiwe nakunekwenteka. Bukani-ke, senginitjele ngaphambili kungakenteki. “Ngako-ke nabatsi: ‘Bukani usehlane,’ ningayi khona; nome batsi: ‘Bukani usendlini,’ ningakholwa! Ngobe iNdvodzana yeMuntfu iyawufika njengembane umanyata esibhakabhakeni kusukela emphumalanga kuye enshonalanga. “Nome ngukuphi lapho kunesidvumbu khona emangce abutsana khona.” “Kepha masinyane nje emvakwaleto tinhlupheko, “ ‘lilanga liyawufiphala, nenyanga iyawubate kukhanya, netinkhanyeti tidzilike esibhakabhakeni, nemandla emkhatsi ayawunyakatiswa.’ “Lapho-ke kuyawubonakala sibonakaliso seNdvodzana yeMuntfu esibhakabhakeni; tonkhe tive temhlaba tiyawukhala natibona iNdvodzana yeMuntfu ita ngemafu elizulu, ngemandla, nangenkhatimulo lenkhulu. Iyawutfumela tingilosi tayo ngekukhala lokukhulu kwelicilongo, tibutse bonkhe labakhetsiwe bayo emagumbini omane emhlaba, kusukela emkhawulweni lomunye welizulu kuze kube kulomunye.” “Ase nifundze sifundvo ngesihlahla semkhiwa. Ngesikhatsi emagala aso advumba, nemacembe ahluma, niyaye nati kutsi lihlobo selidvutane. Kanjalo-ke nani, nanibona konkhe loku kwenteka, nibokwati kutsi sekusedvute ngasemnyango. Ngicinisile, ngitsi kini: Lesitukulwane ngeke sendlule kungakenteki konkhe loku. Lizulu nemhlaba kuyakwendlula, kodvwa emavi ami wona angeke endlule.” “Noko kute lowatiko kutsi lelo langa nemzuzu kuyawufika nini, ngisho netingilosi ezulwini neNdvodzana ayati, lowatiko nguBabe kuphela. Njengasemalangeni aNowa kuyawuba njalo nekufika kweNdvodzana yeMuntfu. Njengemalanga labengembili kwazamcolo, bantfu babedla banatsa, labadvuna nalabasikati batsatsana, kwaze kwaba lilanga langena ngalo Nowa emkhunjini; abazange bati, kwaze kwefika zamcolo wabacedza, kuyawuba njalo nekufika kweNdvodzana yeMuntfu. Ngaleso sikhatsi emadvodza lamabili ayawube asebenta ensimini; lenye iyawutsatfwa, lenye isale. Bafati lababili bayawube basila; lomunye uyawutsatfwa, lomunye asale. Ngako-ke caphelani, ngobe anilati lilanga iNkhosi yenu leyawubuya ngalo. Nibokwati kutsi kube umniyo wendlu abesati sikhatsi sekufika kwelisela, abengeke alale, entele kuvimbela lelisela lingayigcekezi lendlu yakhe. “Ngako-ke nani hlalani nilindzele, ngobe iNdvodzana yeMuntfu iyawufika ngesikhatsi leningakasibheki.” “Pho, ngubani losisebenti lesetsembekile nalesihlakaniphile, inkhosi yaso lesimise etikwebendlu yayo, kutsi sibanike kudla ngesikhatsi lesifanele? Sibusisiwe leso sisebenti lesiyawukhandvwa yinkhosi yaso senta njalo. Ngicinisile, ngitsi kini: Iyawusimisa ngetulu kwako konkhe lenako lenkhosi. Kodvwa nangabe leso sisebenti lesibi sicabanga enhlitiyweni yaso sitsi: ‘Inkhosi yami isalibele,’ bese sicala kushaya letisebenti letikanye naso, sidle sinatse naletinye tidzakwa, inkhosi yaleso sisebenti iyawufika ngalelo langa, leso sisebenti singakayibheki, nangesikhatsi lesingasati. Iyawusijezisa kakhulu kanye nebatentisi. Lapho kuyawuba khona kukhala nekugedletelisa ematinyo.” “Ngaleso sikhatsi umbuso welizulu uyawufanana netintfombi letilishumi letatsatsa tibane tato, taphuma tayawuhlangabeta umyeni. Letisihlanu tatitilima, letinye letisihlanu tatihlakaniphile. Leti letatitilima tatsatsa tibane tato, kodvwa tangete tawaphatsa emafutsa ekukhanyisa; kantsi leti letatihlakaniphile tatsatsa tibane tato, tatiphatsela nemafutsa. Ngenca yekwephuta kwemyeni kufika, tetela tonkhe talala. “Kwatsi ekhatsi nebusuku kwevakala umsindvo kumenyetwa kutsiwa: ‘Nangu umyeni! Phumani, nimhlangabete!’ Tavuka-ke tonkhe leto tintfombi letatilishumi talungisa tibane tato. Leti letatitilima tatsi kuleti letatihlakaniphile: ‘Sipheni emafutsa kulawa enu, ngobe tibane tetfu tiyacisha.’ Kepha letatihlakaniphile taphendvula tatsi: ‘Cha, ngeke asenele tsine nani. Lokuncono hambani niye kulabawatsengisako, niyetitsengela kubo!’ Tatsi tisehambile tiyewutsenga, wefika umyeni; leti letatilungele tangena kanye naye edzilini lemshado, umnyango wavalwa. “Emvakwesikhatsi tefika leti letinye tintfombi tatsi: ‘Nkhosi, Nkhosi! Sivulele!’ Kodvwa umyeni waphendvula watsi: ‘Ngicinisile, ngitsi kini: Anginati.’ “Ngako-ke lindzani, ngobe lilanga nemzuzu ningakwati.” “Kunjengendvodza leyatsi seyitawuhamba emtini wayo yabita tisebenti tayo, yatinika emandla ekuphatsa timphahla tayo. Lesinye yasinika emathalenta lasihlanu, lesinye yasinika aba mabili, lesinye laba linye: nguleso njengemandla aso; yesuka ekhaya yahamba. “Masinyane lesi lesemukela lasihlanu sawatalisa, saze satfola lamanye lasihlanu. Kanjalo futsi nalesi lesemukela emathalenta lamabili sawatalisa, atala lamanye lamabili. Kepha lesi lesemukela linye sahamba sayawulimbela emhlabatsini, salifihla lithalenta lenkhosi yaso. “Emvakwesikhatsi lesidze lenkhosi yefika seyitewubalisana nato. Seta lesisebenti lesasinikwe emathalenta lasihlanu, saletsa lamanye emathalenta lasihlanu, satsi: ‘Nkhosi, wanginika emathalenta lasihlanu; nankha lamanye lasihlanu lengiwatalisile.’ Inkhosi yaso yatsi kuso: ‘Wente kahle, sisebenti lesihle nalesetsembekile; wetsembekile etintfweni letincane, ngako ngitakubeka wengamele lokunyenti. Ngena ekujabuleni kwenkhosi yakho!’ “Seta nalesi lesinye sisebenti lebesemukele emathalenta lamabili, satsi: ‘Nkhosi, wanginika emathalenta lamabili; nankha lamanye lamabili lengiwatalisile.’ Inkhosi yaso yatsi kuso: ‘Wente kahle, sisebenti lesihle nalesetsembekile; wetsembekile etintfweni letincane, ngako ngitakubeka wengamele lokunyenti. Ngena ekujabuleni kwenkhosi yakho!’ “Kwase kungena lesisebenti lesasinikwe lithalenta linye, safike satsi: ‘Nkhosi, ngatile kutsi ungumuntfu lonelulaka. Uvuna lapho ungazange sewuhlanyele khona, ubutse lapho ungazange sewusakate khona. Ngekwesaba ngahamba ngayawulimbela lithalenta lakho. Ngako-ke naku lokukwakho.’ “Inkhosi yaso yatsi kuso: ‘Wena sisebenti lesibi nalesivilaphako! Bewati kutsi ngivuna lapho ngingakahlanyeli khona, ngiphindze ngibutse lapho ngingakasakati khona. Ngako-ke, ngabe utsatse lemali yami wayifaka ebhange, bengitayikhandza seyinentalo. “ ‘Memukeni lelithalenta, nilinike lona lonemathalenta lalishumi! Ngobe ngulowo nalowo lonako uyakwengetelwa abe nako kakhulu, kodvwa lowo longenako uyakwemukwa naloko lanako. “ ‘Lesisebenti lesingenalusito silahleni ngephandle ebumnyameni, lapho kuyawuba khona kukhala nekugedletelisa ematinyo.’ ” “INdvodzana yeMuntfu nayita ngenkhatimulo yayo netingilosi tayo tonkhe, iyawuhlala esihlalweni sayo sebukhosi, tonkhe tive temhlaba tiyawubutselwa embikwayo. Iyawubehlukanisa labanye kulabanye, njengemelusi ehlukanisa timvu netimbuti. Iyawumisa timvu ngesekudla sayo, netimbuti ngesancele. “Lapho-ke iNkhosi iyawutsi kulabo labangesekudla sayo: ‘Wotani, nine lenibusiswe nguBabe! Wotani nitewudla lifa lembuso, lenawulungiselelwa seloku kwasekelwa umhlaba. Ngobe ngangilambile, nangipha kudla; ngangomile, nanginatsisa; ngangisihambi, nangemukela emitini yenu; ngangingcunu, nangigcokisa; ngangigula, nangivakashela; ngangisejele, neta kimi.’ “Laba labalungile bayakumbuta batsi: ‘Nkhosi, kunini lapho sakubona khona ulambile sakupha kudla, nome womile sakunatsisa? Sakubona nini usihambi sakwemukela emitini yetfu, nome ungcunu sakwembatsisa? Sakubona nini ugula, nome usejele sakuvakashela?’ INkhosi iyawubaphendvula itsi: ‘Ngicinisile, ngitsi kini: Konkhe loko lenanikwenta kulomunye walabanaketfu labancane, nanikwenta kimi!’ “Iyawutsi kulaba labangesancele: ‘Khweshani kimi, nine labacalekisiwe, niye emlilweni waphakadze lolungiselwe Sathane netingilosi takhe! Ngobe ngangilambile, kodvwa aningiphanga kudla; ngangomile, aninginatsisanga. Ngangisihambi, kodvwa aningingenisanga emitini yenu; ngangingcunu, kodvwa aningigcokisanga; ngangigula, ngangisejele, kodvwa aningivakashelanga.’ “Bayakumbuta batsi: ‘Nkhosi, sakubona nini ulambile, nome womile, nome usihambi, nome ungcunu, nome ugula, nome usejele, sangete sakusita?’ INkhosi iyawubaphendvula itsi: ‘Ngicinisile, ngitsi kini: Loko leningakwentanga kulomunye walaba labancane, anikwentanga kimi.’ Labo-ke bayawuhamba baye ekujezisweni kwaphakadze; kodvwa labalungile bayakuya ekuphileni kwaphakadze.” Jesu watsi kube acedze kufundzisa, watsi kubafundzi bakhe: “Njengobe nati kutsi sekusele emalanga lamabili kutsi kube nguMkhosi weliPhasika, iNdvodzana yeMuntfu itawunikelwa kuze ibetselwe esiphambanweni.” Baphristi labakhulu netibondza temaJuda babutsana esigodlweni sakaKhayafase, umPhristi Lomkhulu, bakha lisu lekubamba Jesu ngebucili, bambulale. Kepha batsi: “Kufanele singakwenti ngesikhatsi semkhosi, ngobe bantfu bangahle bente siphitsiphitsi.” Watsi Jesu aseseBhetani endlini yaSimoni labenebulephelo, kwefika umfati kuye aphetse sigujana lesasakhiwe ngelitje lembiza, sigcwele emafutsa langemakha ladule kakhulu, wawatsela enhloko yaJesu, asadla. Kepha bafundzi, nabakubona loku, batfukutsela batsi: “Kumoselwani? Ngobe lamakha ngabe atsengiswe ngemali lenkhulu, kwanikwa labamphofu!” Kepha Jesu akwati loko, watsi kubo: “Nimhluphelani lomfati? Ngobe wente umsebenti lomuhle kimi. Ngobe labamphofu nihlala nabo onkhe emalanga; kepha mine, anihlali nami onkhe emalanga. Ngekutsela lamakha kimi ungilungiselele lithuna. Ngicinisile, ngitsi kini: Nome ngukuphi lapho liyawushunyayelwa khona leliVangeli emhlabeni wonkhe, kuyawukhulunywa ngalesento sakhe, kube sikhumbuto ngaye.” Kwase kusuka lomunye webafundzi labali-12, longuJudasi Skariyothe, uya kubaphristi labakhulu. Wafike watsi: “Nitanginikani nanginganiniketa loJesu?” Base bamnika tinhlavu tesiliva letingema-30. Kusukela ngalelo langa Judasi wacala kufuna litfuba lekunikela Jesu kubo. Ngelilanga lekucala leMkhosi Wesinkhwa Lesingenambiliso bafundzi beta kuJesu batsi: “Ungatsandza sikulungiselele kuphi Sidlo seliPhasika?” Watsi kubo: “Hambani niye kumuntfu lotsite edolobheni, nifike nimtjele nitsi: ‘UMfundzisi utsi: “Sikhatsi sami sesifikile; mine nebafundzi bami siyeta sitawudlela liPhasika endlini yakho.” ’ ” Bafundzi-ke benta njengobe Jesu abebatjelile, befike balungisa Sidlo seliPhasika. Kusihlwa Jesu nebafundzi bakhe labali-12 bahlala, badla. Batsi basadla, Jesu watsi kubo: “Ngicinisile, ngitsi kini: Lomunye wenu utangitsengisa.” Bafundzi badzabuka kakhulu, bacala babuta, kwaba ngulowo watsi: “Kungahle kube ngimi yini, Nkhosi?” Jesu waphendvula watsi: “Lowo lofaka sandla kanye nami esitjeni sinye, nguye lotangitsengisa. INdodzana yeMuntfu itawufa kambe, njengobe kubhaliwe ngayo, kepha maye kulowo muntfu, iNdvodzana yemuntfu letawutsengiswa nguye! Bekuyawuba ncono kulowo muntfu kube fane akatalwanga!” Wase uyabuta naJudasi labetamtsengisa watsi: “Kungabe ngimi yini, Mfundzisi?” Jesu wamphendvula watsi: “Usho kona.” Batsi basadla, Jesu watsatsa sinkhwa, wasibusisa, wasihlephula, wasinika bafundzi, watsi: “Tsatsani nidle, loku ngumtimba wami.” Wase utsatsa indzebe uyabonga, wabanika watsi: “Natsani kuyo nonkhe, ngobe loku kuyingati yami yesivumelwane, lecitselwe labanyenti kube kutsetselelwa kwetono. Kepha ngitsi kini: Kusukela lamuhla angisayiwunatsa kulesitselo semvini, kuyawudzimate kufike lelo langa lengiyakusinatsa ngalo nani sesisisha embusweni waBabe.” Batsi sebacedze kuhlabela liculo lekubonga, baphuma baya eNtsabeni Yemincumo. Jesu watsi kubo: “Nonkhe nitangihlamuka kulobusuku, ngobe umBhalo utsi: “ ‘Ngitawushaya ngibulale umelusi, umhlambi wetimvu uhlakateke.’ “Kepha emvakwekuvuka kwami ekufeni ngiyawuhamba kucala kunani kuya eGalile.” Phetro watsi kuye: “Nome bangakushiya bonkhe, kepha mine ngeke ngikushiye!” Jesu watsi kuye: “Ngicinisile, ngitsi kuwe: Kulobusuku balamuhla, lichudze litawutsi likhala, utabe sewungiphike katsatfu.” Phetro waphendvula watsi: “Nome ngingaze ngife nawe, ngingeke ngikuphike!” Nalaba labanye bafundzi basho njalo. Jesu wahamba nebafundzi bakhe, waze wefika eGetsemane, watsi kubo: “Salani la, mine ngisaya kuyawuthandaza lapha.” Watsatsa Phetro nemadvodzana lamabili aZebedi. Wacala kufikelwa ngumunyu nelusizi, watsi kubo: “Umphefumulo wami ulusizi, kuze kubesekufeni. Salani la, nilindze kanye nami.” Yena wachubeka libangana, wawa phansi ngebuso, athandaza atsi: “Babe, nakungenteka, yendlulise kimi lendzebe yelusizi. Kepha hhayi ngekufisa kwami, kodvwa kuye ngentsandvo yakho.” Wabuyela kubafundzi bakhe wabakhandza balele, watsi kuPhetro: “Beningeke yini nilindze kanye nami li-awa libe linye nje? Lindzani, nithandaze, kuze ningetikungena ekulingweni! Umoya uyavuma, kodvwa inyama ibutsakatsaka.” Waphindze wahamba futsi kwesibili wathandaza atsi: “Babe, nangabe lendzebe ingeke yendlule kimi ngingakayinatsi, akwenteke intsandvo yakho!” Waphindze futsi wabuya, wabakhandza balele, ngobe emehlo abo abesindvwa butfongo. Waphindze wabashiya futsi, wahamba wayawuthandaza kwesitsatfu, asho wona lawo mavi. Jesu wefika kubafundzi bakhe watsi: “Nisalele namanje, niyaphumula? Bukani-ke, sikhatsi sesisondzele, iNdvodzana yeMuntfu seyiniketwe etandleni tetoni. Sukumani sambe! Bukani, lona longitsengisako sewusondzele!” Watsi asakhuluma loko, kwefika Judasi labengulomunye walababeli-12, anesicuku lesikhulu sebantfu, sihlome ngetinkemba netindvuku, sitfunywe baphristi labakhulu kanye netibondza temaJuda. Lona labemtsengisa abevumelene nabo watsi: “Lendvodza lengitawuyanga, ngiyo-ke lena leniyifunako. Nibobamba yona!” Wefika kuJesu masinyane watsi: “E, Mfundzisi!” Wamanga. Jesu watsi kuye: “Mngami, yenta loko lokutele la!” Base bayamdvumela bambamba. Lomunye walaba babehamba naJesu wakhipha inkemba yakhe, wahhumbula indlebe yesigcili semPhristi Lomkhulu, yalahleka phansi. Jesu watsi kuye: “Buyisela inkemba yakho emgodleni wayo, ngobe bonkhe labaphatsa inkemba bayawufa ngenkemba. Ucabanga kutsi bengingete ngacela yini mine kuBabe angehlisele tinkhulungwane letingetulu kweli-12 tetingilosi? Pho, ingagcwaliseka kanjani imiBhalo letsi kumele kube njalo?” Ngaleso sikhatsi Jesu watsi eticukwini: “Bekudzingeke ngani kutsi nite netinkemba kanye netindvuku kutengibopha shangatsi ngisigebengu? Bengihleti nani ethempelini onkhe emalanga ngifundzisa, kodvwa anizange seningibophe. Kodvwa konkhe loku kwentekele kutsi kugcwaliseke loko lokwabhalwa baphrofethi emiBhalweni.” Bafundzi bakhe bonkhe bamshiya khona lapho, babaleka. Ngako labo lababebophe Jesu bamyisa kuKhayafase, umPhristi Lomkhulu, lapho kwakuhlangene khona bafundzisi bemtsetfo netibondza. Kepha Phetro bekamlandzela khashane, waze wangena esibuyeni sendlu yemPhristi Lomkhulu. Wafike wahlala nebalindzi, afuna kubona kutsi sigcino kutawuba yini. Baphristi labakhulu neLiqoqo lonkhe baphenyisisa Jesu bafuna bufakazi lobungemanga, khona batewumlahla ngelicala lekufa. Kodvwa abazange babutfole ngisho nabunye, kwala nome bofakazi labanyenti bemacebo sebetama kubuveta. Ekugcineni kweta ngembili emadvodza lamabili, afike atsi: “Lendvodza yatsi: ‘Mine ngingalibhidlita lelithempeli laNkulunkulu, ngibuye ngilakhe ngemalanga lamatsatfu.’ ” UmPhristi Lomkhulu wasukuma watsi kuJesu: “Akukho yini longatiphendvulela ngako kuloku labakubeke licala ngako?” Kodvwa Jesu wabindza. Waphindze wakhuluma umPhristi Lomkhulu watsi kuye: “Egameni laNkulunkulu lophilako, sengiyakufungisa-ke manje kutsi sitjele nawunguKhristu, iNdvodzana yaNkulunkulu.” Jesu waphendvula watsi: “Usho kona. Noko ngitsi kini: “ ‘Kusukela manje seniyakuyibona iNdvodzana yeMuntfu ihleti ngesekudla saLonemandla, ita ngemafu asezulwini.’ ” Nasasho loku, umPhristi Lomkhulu wadzabula tingubo takhe watsi: “Vele, sewuhlambalatile; asisabudzingi lobunye bufakazi, seniyivile inkhulumo yakhe lehlambalatako! Nine nitsini-ke?” Baphendvula batsi: “Kufanele afe!” Base bamkhafulela ngematse ebusweni, bamhlukumeta kamatima, bammukula batsi: “Phrofetha, Khristu, usitjele kutsi ngubani lokushayile!” Phetro bekahleti ngephandle esibuyeni. Kweta intfombatana leyayisisebenti yafike yatsi: “Nawe bewunaye lomGalile longuJesu.” Kodvwa wakuphika embikwabo bonkhe watsi: “Angikwati loku lokhuluma ngako.” Watsi asesukile asatimele eceleni kwemphundvu yesibuya, kwaphindze kwefika lenye intfombatana lesisebenti yambuka yase ikhuluma kulamadvodza labelapho, imkhomba, yatsi: “Nalona abenaye loJesu waseNazaretha.” Wabuye waphika, afunga atsi: “Angimati lomuntfu.” Emvakwesikhashana lamadvodza labeme lapho asondzela kuPhetro afike atsi: “Ngempela nawe ungulomunye wabo, ngisho nekukhuluma kwakho kuyatisho nje.” Phetro wacala kuticalekisa nekufunga watsi: “Angimati lomuntfu!” Asasho njalo lakhala lichudze. Phetro wase uyawakhumbula emavi aJesu ngesikhatsi atsi: “Lichudze litakutsi likhala, utakube sewungiphike katsatfu.” Wase uphumela ngephandle, wakhala kabuhlungu. Ekuseni lokwa ngeluvivi baphristi labakhulu netibondza tesive benta lisu lekubulala Jesu. Bambopha, bamtsatsa, bammikisa kuLusibalukhulu Philatu. Judasi, labengumtsengisi wakhe, nakabona kutsi Jesu bamlahle ngelicala lekufa, watisola, wabuyisela letinhlavu letingema-30 kubaphristi labakhulu kanye netibondza, atsi: “Ngonile ngekutsengisa ngengati lengenacala!” Bona batsi kuye: “Pho, singenaphi lapho tsine? Tibonele wena!” Judasi wasakata phansi lemali ethempelini, wahamba wayawutikhunga. Baphristi labakhulu bayicobonga lemali batsi: “Lemali ngeyengati, kantsi kuphambene nemtsetfo wakitsi kutsi imali lenje ifakwe esikhwameni selithempeli.” Emvakwekuvumelana ngaloko, lemali batsenga ngayo iNsimi yeMbumbi, kuze ibe yindzawo yekungcwabela tihambi. Ngiko nje lensimi kuze kube ngulamuhla ibitwa ngekutsi: “YiNsimi yeNgati.” Ngako kwagcwaliseka loko lokwashiwo ngumphrofethi Jeremiya kutsi: “Batsatsa tinhlavu letingema-30 tesiliva, intsengo yakhe. Lentsengo ngaye yalungiswa ngulabanye bemadvodzana aka-Israyeli. Batsenga ngayo insimi yembumbi, njengobe iNkhosi ingiyalile.” Jesu wemiswa embikwaLusibalukhulu lowambuta watsi: “Wena ungiyo yini inkhosi yemaJuda?” Jesu waphendvula watsi: “Usho kona.” Kepha ngesikhatsi baphristi labakhulu netibondza bametfwesa emacala abengaphendvuli. Ngako Philatu watsi kuye: “Awuweva yini lamacala langaka labakubeka wona?” Kepha Jesu akazange amphendvule, ngisho nangalinye nje. Lusibalukhulu wamangala kakhulu. Ngesikhatsi semkhosi Lusibalukhulu abenemkhuba wekukhulula sinye siboshwa lesasifunwa sicuku sebantfu. Ngaso leso sikhatsi-ke kwakunesiboshwa lesasidvume ngebubi baso lebesinguBharaba. Ngako-ke satsi kube lesicumbi sibutsane, Philatu wasibuta watsi: “Nifuna nginikhululele bani emkhatsini waBharaba naJesu lowatiwa ngekutsi nguKhristu?” Abati kahle kamhlophe kutsi Jesu babemletse ngobe babenemona naye. Watsi Philatu asahleti esihlalweni sekwehlulela, umfati wakhe watfumela kuye livi atsi: “Ungatifaki endzabeni yalowo muntfu longenacala, ngobe angikalali ngihlushwa ngaye ngeliphupho ebusuku balamuhla.” Kepha baphristi labakhulu netibondza bativumisa leticumbi kutsi ticele Bharaba, kubulawe Jesu. Kodvwa Lusibalukhulu wababuta watsi: “Nifuna nginikhululele muphi emkhatsini walaba lababili?” Baphendvula batsi: “Bharaba!” Philatu wababuta watsi: “Ngenteni-ke ngaloJesu lekutsiwa nguKhristu?” Bonkhe baphendvula batsi: “Mbetsele esiphambanweni!” Kodvwa Philatu wababuta futsi watsi: “Ngobe ente cala lini?” Kepha kwaba ngukhona bamemeta bonkhe batsi: “Mbetsele esiphambanweni!” Watsi kube abone Philatu kutsi kute langaphindze akwente, nekutsi sekusuka siphitsiphitsi, watsatsa emanti, wageza tandla embikwebantfu bonkhe watsi: “Anginacala ngengati yalomuntfu! Tiboneleni nine!” Sonkhe sive saphendvula satsi: “Ingati yakhe ayibesetikwetfu nasetikwebantfwana betfu!” Philatu wase ubakhululela Bharaba; kepha Jesu asashayiwe wase umnikela kubo kutsi abetselwe esiphambanweni. Emasotja aLusibalukhulu ase atsatsa Jesu ammikisa esigodlweni saLusibalukhulu. Lonkhe libutfo lemasotja lasondzela lamtungeleta. Lamhlubula tingubo takhe, lamembatsisa ingubo lebovu. Lase leluka umchele ngemanyeva, lawufaka enhloko yakhe, lambambisa umhlanga ngesekudla, laguca embikwakhe, lamphukuta latsi: “Bayethe! Nkhosi yemaJuda!” Lamkhafulela ngematse, latsatsa lomhlanga, lamshaya enhloko. Naselicedzile kumphukuta, lamkhumula lengubo lebovu, laphindze futsi lamembatsisa letakhe tingubo, lase liphuma naye layakumbetsela esiphambanweni. Libutfo lemasotja latsi lisaphuma nje lahlangana nalenye indvodza yaseSirene, lenguSimoni libito layo, layicindzetela kutsi yetfwale siphambano saJesu. Nasebafikile endzaweni lekutsiwa yiGolkotha, lokusho kutsi: “YiNdzawo yeSikobho,” lamnatsisa liwayini lelalibhicwe nenyongo; watsi kube alive walala, wangete walinatsa. Selimbetsele esiphambanweni, lase lenta inkatho, lehlukaniselana ngetingubo takhe. Lahlala phansi, lamgadza. Ngetulu kwenhloko yakhe labeka satiso selicala lagwetjwe ngalo sitsi: “lona ngujesu, inkhosi yemajuda.” Kwase kubetselwa kanye naye tigebengu letimbili, lesinye ngesekudla, lesinye ngesancele. Bantfu lababendlula lapho babemetfuka banikine tinhloko, batsi: “Wena lobhidlita lithempeli uphindze ulakhe ngemalanga lamatsatfu! Tisindzise phela, nangabe uyiNdvodzana yaNkulunkulu! Yehla lapho esiphambanweni!” Kanjalo futsi nebaphristi labakhulu, netati temtsetfo, netibondza bamphukuta, batsi: “Wabasindzisa labanye, kodvwa yena angeke atisindzise! Kantsi akasiyo iNkhosi yema-Israyeli yini? Akehle phela! Nangabe angehla esiphambanweni, sitawukholwa nguye! Wetsembele kuNkulunkulu. Akamehlise phela loNkulunkulu wakhe namtsandza! Ngobe watsi: ‘NgiyiNdvodzana yaNkulunkulu.’ ” Ngisho nalabo lababili lababebetselwe kanye naye, bametfuka nabo. Kepha kusukela ngeli-awa leli-12 emini umhlaba wonkhe waba mnyama, kwaze kwaba li-awa lesitsatfu. Kwatsi ngensimbi yesitsatfu entsambama Jesu wakhala kakhulu watsi: “Eli, Eli, lama sabakthani?” lokusho kutsi: “Nkulunkulu wami, Nkulunkulu wami, ungishiyeleni?” Labanye bantfu lababelapho labamuva batsi: “Ase nimuve! Ubita Elija!” Lomunye wabo wagijima masinyane waya kuye nesiponji, wasenya ewayinini lelimunyu, wasihloma elutsini lwemhlanga wetama kumnatsisa. Kodvwa labanye batsi: “Ase nimyekele, sibone kutsi lo-Elija utawufika yini atemsindzisa!” Jesu waphindze wakhala ngelivi lelikhulu kakhulu, wase uyafa. Bheka, indvwangu leyayilenga ethempelini yadzabuka ekhatsi, kusukela etulu kuya phansi. Umhlaba watamatama, emadvwala achekeka ekhatsi, emathuna avuleka, bantfu labanyenti baNkulunkulu labebafile bavuswa ekufeni. Bawashiya emathuna; emvakwekuvuka kwaJesu ekufeni baya bangena edolobheni lelingcwele, lapho babonwa bantfu labanyenti. Indvuna yemphi nemasotja labenawo labelindze Jesu, nabakubona lokutamatama kwemhlaba, nako konkhe lokwenteka, befikelwa kwesaba lokukhulu baze batsi: “Ngempela lomuntfu abeyiNdvodzana yaNkulunkulu!” Kwakunebafati labanyenti lapho lababemlandzela basita Jesu kusukela eGalile; babebukela, babucalu. Emkhatsini wabo bekukhona Mariya waseMagdala, naMariya, unina waJakobe naJosefa, nenina wemadvodzana aZebedi. Nakuhwalalako, kwefika Josefa labeyinjinga yase-Arimathiya, naye futsi abengulomunye webafundzi baJesu. Waya kuPhilatu kuyawucela sidvumbu saJesu. Philatu wakhipha livi watsi akanikwe. Ngako Josefa wasitsatsa lesidvumbu, wasigocota ngendvwangu lenhle, yelineni lecolisakele, wasibeka ethuneni lelisha labesandza kuligubha edvwaleni. Wase ugicitela litje lelikhulu emnyango walelithuna wavala ngalo, wesuka wahamba. Kepha Mariya waseMagdala nalomunye Mariya babehleti khona lapho, macondzana nelithuna. Ngakusasa, lokusho kutsi, ngelilanga lelilandzela lelemalungiselelo, baphristi labakhulu nebaFarisi bahlangana naPhilatu, batsi kuye: “Nkhosi, siyakhumbula kutsi lomkhohlisi asaphila watsi: ‘Ngiyawuvuka emvakwemalanga lamatsatfu.’ Ngako khipha umyalo kutsi lelithuna lakhe ligadzisiswe kahle kuze kube lilanga lesitsatfu, kuze bafundzi bakhe bangayi kuyawumeba, bese batjela bantfu batsi: ‘Uvusiwe kulabafile,’ bese kutsi lamanga akhe ekugcina abe makhulu kakhulu kunalawa ekucala.” Philatu watsi kubo: “Tsatsani naba balindzi nihambe niyekulelusa njengekubona kwenu.” Besuka bahamba, bayawuligadzisisa lelithuna: balivalisisa, baze bashiya neluphawu etjeni, babeka nebalindzi. EmvakweliSabatha, ekuseni ngeluvivi ngeliSontfo, Mariya waseMagdala nalomunye Mariya baya kuyawubona lithuna. Kwaba khona kutamatama kwemhlaba lokukhulu, ingilosi yeNkhosi yehla ezulwini, yaligicita lelitje, yase ihlala etikwalo. Lengilosi yayinjengembane, timphahla tayo tatimhlophe njengesitfwatfwa. Kepha balinidzi befikelwa kwesaba, bachachatela, baze baba njengalabafile. Ingilosi yatsi kulabafati: “Ningesabi, ngiyati kutsi nifuna Jesu labebetselwe esiphambanweni. Akekho lapha; uvukile, njengobe abeshito. Wotani nitewubona indzawo lapho abelele khona. Hambani masinyane niyewutjela bafundzi bakhe nitsi: ‘Sewuvukile kulabafile, nyalo nje sewusembili kunani uya eGalile; nitawumbona khona.’ Nibokukhumbula loku lenginitjela kona.” Base basheshe bayesuka ethuneni, ngobe babesaba, kantsi futsi babejabule kakhulu, bagijima bayawutjela bafundzi bakhe. Jesu wefika kubo watsi: “Kuthula akube kini!” Beta kuye, bambamba tinyawo, base bakhuleka kuye. Jesu watsi kubo: “Ningesabi! Hambani nibikele bomnaketfu kutsi, abahambe baye eGalile, bayawungibona khona.” Batsi labafati basahamba, bancandzeka, labanye balindzi baya edolobheni, babikela baphristi labakhulu ngako konkhe lokwase kwentekile. Kwatsi baphristi labakhulu netibondza nasebahlangene bakha lisu, banika balindzi imali lenkhulu, batsi: “Nibotsi: ‘Bafundzi bakhe befike ebusuku, baseba sidvumbu sakhe, tsine sisatunywe butfongo.’ Lusibalukhulu nakuva loko, tsine siyawumchazela, eve kahle, ningahlupheki nine.” Balindzi bayitsatsa lemali, benta njengobe babetjeliwe. Kuze kube ngulamuhla emaJuda abambelele kulawo mavi. Kepha bafundzi labali-11 baya kulentsaba yaseGalile, lapho Jesu abebatjele kutsi baye khona. Batsi nabambona bakhuleka kuye, noko labanye babo babesangabata. Jesu wasondzela kubo watsi: “Ngiphiwe emandla onkhe ezulwini nasemhlabeni. Ngako-ke hambani, nente tive tonkhe tibe bafundzi bami, nibabhabhatise egameni leYise, neleNdvodzana, nelaMoya Longcwele, nibafundzise kugcina konkhe lenginiyale ngako. Nibokwati kutsi mine nginani onkhe emalanga, kuze kube ngusekupheleni kwetikhatsi.” LiVangeli ngaJesu Khristu, iNdvodzana yaNkulunkulu, licala kanje: Encwadzini yemphrofethi Isaya kubhaliwe kutsi: “Nasi sigijimi sami, lengisitfumela kutsi sikuhambele embili sitekubholela indlela. “Livi lalomemeta ehlane litsi: “ ‘Lungisani indlela yeNkhosi, nente imikhondvo yayo icondze.’ ” Nangempela kwavela Johane uMbhabhatisi ehlane ashumayela bantfu atsi: “Phendvukani nibhajatiswe, Nkulunkulu utanitsetselela tono tenu.” Bonkhe bantfu besifundza saseJudiya nebaseJerusalema babephuma bayewulalela Johane. Babetsi bangefika ababhabhatise emfuleni iJordane, bavume tono tabo. Johane abembatsa ingubo leyayentiwe ngeboya belikamela atibophe ngelibhande lesikhumba elukhalweni, abedla tintsetse neluju lwetinyosi tesiganga. Abeshumayela atsi: “Kukhona lota emvakwami, lonemandla kakhulu kunami. Mine angikafaneli nekutsi ngigobondzele ngitfukulule imichilo yeticatfulo takhe. Mine benginibhabhatisa ngemanti, kepha yena utanibhabhatisa ngaMoya Longcwele.” Kulawo malanga Jesu wefika aphuma eNazaretha yaseGalile, naye wabhajatiswa nguJohane eJordane. Watsi uyaphuma nje Jesu emantini, wabona lizulu livuleka naMoya Longcwele ehlela etikwakhe anjengelituba. Kwevakala livi livela ezulwini litsi: “Wena uyiNdvodzana yami lengiyitsandzako. Ngiyatfokota ngawe.” Masinyane Moya Longcwele wachubela Jesu ehlane. Kwaphela emalanga langema-40 asehlane, alingwa nguSathane. Jesu bekahlala emkhatsini wetilwane tesiganga. Tingilosi tatimsita kuloko labekudzinga. Emvakwekuboshwa kwaJohane Jesu waya eGalile, ahamba ashumayela liVangeli laNkulunkulu. Abetsi: “Sikhatsi sesifikile, umbuso waNkulunkulu sewusondzele. Phendvukani nikholwe liVangeli.” Kwatsi Jesu asahamba agudla Lwandle lwaseGalile, wabona boSimoni bana-Andreya, umnakabo, badweba tinhlanti ngelinetha; phela bebabadwebi. Jesu watsi kubo: “Ngilandzeleni, ngitawunenta nibe badwebi bebantfu.” Masinyane bashiya emanetha abo, bamlandzela. Jesu watsi nasachubachubekile, wakhandza boJakobe naJohane, emadvodzana aZebedi. Bebasesikebheni balungisa emanetha abo. Watsi kube ababone Jesu, wababita nabo, base bayamlandzela, bashiya uyise, Zebedi, asesikebheni kanye netisebenti labeticashile. Bahamba-ke baze bangena eKhaphanawume. Kwatsi kube kufike liSabatha, Jesu wangena esinagogeni wafundzisa bantfu. Kwabamangalisa kufundzisa kwakhe, ngobe wabafundzisa njengalonemandla, hhayi njengetati tabo temtsetfo. Masinyane kwevakala umuntfu labenelidimoni esinagogeni labo, akhala amemeta, atsi: “Ufunani kitsi, Jesu waseNazaretha? Sewutesibhubhisa yini? Ngiyakwati kutsi ungubani. UnguLongcwele waNkulunkulu.” Jesu walekhuta watsi: “Thula! Phuma kuye!” Lelidimoni lamklinklitisa lomuntfu, lakhala limemeta laphuma kuye. Bonkhe bantfu bamangala betfuka, kangangoba badzimate babutana bodvwana batsi: “Seyini-ke le? Yimfundziso lensha lenemandla. Kantsi nemadimoni uyawekhuta amlalele!” Masinyane tidvumo taJesu tandza nalo lonkhe laseGalile. Base bayaphuma esinagogeni baya kaSimoni na-Andreya; bahamba naJakobe naJohane. Umkhwekati waSimoni abelele embhedzeni aphetfwe ngumkhuhlane. Watsi kube efike Jesu, bambikela ngaye. Waya kuye, wamphakamisa ambambe ngesandla. Umkhuhlane wesuka kuye, waphila, wase ubalungisela kudla. Kwatsi kusihlwa selishonile baletsa kuJesu bonkhe lababegula nalababephetfwe ngemadimoni. Bonkhe bantfu bakulelo dolobha babutsana ngasemnyango. Jesu waphilisa bantfu labanyenti lababephetfwe tinhlobonhlobo tetifo, wakhipha nemadimoni lamanyenti. Akawavumelanga emadimoni kutsi akhulume, ngobe abemati. Ekuseni kusemnyama kakhulu Jesu wavuka wahamba, waphumela ngephandle kwelidolobha waya ehlane, lapho afike wathandaza khona. BoSimoni nalabenabo baphuma sebayawumfuna. Batsi kube bamtfole, bamtjela batsi: “Bonkhe bantfu bayakufuna.” Kepha Jesu watsi kubo: “Asichubekele kulamanye emadolobha lasedvutane kuze ngishumayele nakhona, ngobe ngulowo umsebenti wami lengiwutele.” Wahamba kulo lonkhe laseGalile, ashumayela emasinagogeni abo, akhipha nemadimoni. Kwasondzela umuntfu labenebulephelo, wancenga Jesu aguce embikwakhe watsi: “Nkhosi, nawutsandza, ungangihlambulula.” Jesu wamhawukela, welula sandla sakhe, wamphatsa watsi: “Ngiyatsandza, hlambuluka.” Masinyane bulephelo baphela, wahlambuluka. Jesu wamdvonsa ngendlebe amfica, watsi kuye: “Caphelisisa-ke, ungacali ukhulume kumuntfu ngaloku; hamba uye kumphristi akuhlole, bese ukhipha umnikelo wekubonga lokuhlanjululwa kwakho, njengaloku Mosi ayala, khona bonkhe bantfu batawuciniseka kutsi uhlambulukile.” Kepha lomuntfu wahamba ayifafata lendzaba, yandza kakhulu, kangangekutsi Jesu abengasakhoni kungena nakulinye nje lidolobha abonwa bantfu. Abesatihlalela emaphandleni nje, kepha bantfu labanyenti babeta kuye bachamuka magangana onkhe. Emvakwemalangana Jesu wabuyela eKhaphanawume; kwevakala kutsi ubuyile ekhaya. Kwakungasibantfu nje lababeta kuye, kwadzimate kwasweleka nendzawo yekufaka lunyawo endlini, ngisho nangephandle emnyango. Abebashumayela livi laNkulunkulu. Kwaletfwa kuye umuntfu labefe luhlangotsi, etfwelwe ngemadvodza lamane. Behluleka kumsondzeta edvute naJesu ngenca yemminyaminya wesicuku, ngako base bavula sikhala eluphahleni lwendlu macondzana naJesu, bamehlisa ngeluhlaka lwakhe, bambeka embikwaJesu. Jesu abona kukholwa kwabo, watsi kuye: “Mntfwanami, tono takho titsetselelwe.” Letinye tati temtsetfo, letatihleti lapho, tatitibuta etinhlitiyweni tato titsi: “Lomuntfu wentiwa yini lokutsi akhulume kanjena? Wetfuka Nkulunkulu. Ngubani longatsetselela tono ngaphandle kwaNkulunkulu?” Kona loko Jesu wati emoyeni wakhe kutsi bacabangani, ngako watsi kubo: “Nizindlelani kanjalo? Ngukuphi lokulula kukusho kulona lofe luhlangotsi kutsi: ‘Utsetselelwe tono takho’, nome kutsi: ‘Sukuma utsatse luhlaka lwakho uhambe’? Ngitanikhombisa-ke kutsi mine, Ndvodzana yeMuntfu, nginemandla ekutsetselela tono emhlabeni.” Wase utsi kulesigulane: “Ngitsi kuwe: Sukuma utsatse luhlaka lwakho, uhambe uye ekhaya.” Ngekushesha lomuntfu wasukuma watsatsa luhlaka lwakhe, wahamba bonkhe bambukile. Bamangala bonkhe, badvumisa Nkulunkulu, batsi: “Asizange sesikubone lokunje.” Jesu waphindze waphuma waya ngaseLwandle lwaseGalile. Bantfu labanyenti beta babutsana kuye, wabafundzisa. Watsi uyendlula ngasendzaweni yekutsela, wabona Levi, umsa wa-Alfiyose, ahleti, asebenta, wase utsi kuye: “Kota ungilandzele.” Levi wasukuma wahamba naye. Jesu wase uyakudla ekhaya kaLevi. Batselisi labanyenti naletinye toni bebalandzela Jesu. Ngako-ke labanyenti babo bangena naye endlini kaLevi, badla naye kanye nebafundzi bakhe. Tati temtsetfo telicembu lebaFarisi tambona adla netoni nebatselisi, tabuta bafundzi bakhe tatsi: “Kwentiwa yini kutsi adle netoni kanye nebatselisi?” Jesu wakuva loko watsi kuto: “Akusibo bantfu labaphilile labadzinga inyanga, kodvwa ngulabagulako kuphela. Angiketeli kutawubita labalungile, kodvwa ngitele kubita toni.” Ngesikhatsi bafundzi baJohane uMbhabhatisi kanye nebaFarisi bazile kudla, labanye bantfu beta kuJesu bambuta batsi: “Bafundzi baJohane kanye nebebaFarisi bayakuzila kudla. Kwentiwa yini kutsi laba bakho bangazili?” Wabaphendvula Jesu watsi: “Likhetfo lingakuzila yini kudla emshadweni umkhwenyane lisamsingatsile? Cha, lingeke likuzile nasoloku umkhwenyane analo. Kodvwa kuyawufika sikhatsi lapho liyakwemukwa khona umkhwenyane, kulapho-ke liyawuzila khona. “Ingubo lendzala ayichitjelwa ngesichibi lesisha. Nakungentiwa njalo, lesichibi lesisha singadzabula lengubo lendzala, kwenteke imbobo lenkhulu kuneyakucala. Liwayini lelisha alitselwa kuso sikhumbasikhwama lesidzala, ngobe nakungentiwa njalo, lesikhumbasikhwama singapumuka, kucitseke leliwayini. Esikhundleni saloko liwayini lelisha kufanele litselwe kuso sikhumbasikhwama lesisha, kuze kutsi kokubili kuphatsane kahle.” Ngalelinye liSabatha Jesu abehamba ngendlela ledzabula emkhatsini wemasimi akolo, akanye nebafundzi bakhe, besuka bona bafula. BaFarisi base batsi kuye: “Asubuke-ke labafundzi bakho! Bakwentelani ngeliSabatha loku lokungakavunyelwa ngumtsetfo?” Wabaphendvula Jesu watsi: “Angitsi nafundza kutsi Davide wentani mzukwane asadzinga kudla, yena kanye nalamadvodza labehamba nawo sebalambile? Wangena endlini yaNkulunkulu ngesikhatsi kuphetse Abiyatha, umPhristi Lomkhulu, wadla tinkhwa lekwakunikelwe ngato kuNkulunkulu, nome kwakungakavunyelwa ngekwemtsetfo kutsi tidliwe ngulomunye umuntfu ngaphandle kwebaphristi kuphela. Kepha Davide watidla, wapha nalamadvodza labehamba nawo.” Jesu wachubeka watsi kubo: “LiSabatha lamiselwa kuphumuta bantfu; bantfu abamiselwanga kugcilatwa liSabatha. Ngako-ke iNdvodzana yeMuntfu iyiNkhosi ngisho neyalo liSabatha.” Waphindza Jesu wangena esinagogeni, bekunemuntfu labenesandla lesishwaphene. Bekukhona lababefuna kubeka Jesu licala, ngako-ke bamcaphelisisa kutsi utawumphilisa yini lomuntfu, njengobe kwakuliSabatha nje. Jesu watsi kulomuntfu labenesandla lesishwaphene: “Sukuma ute la ngembili.” Wabuta kubo watsi: “Kulungile yini kwenta lokuhle ngeliSabatha, nome kwenta lokubi, kusita umuntfu nome kumyekelela aze afe?” Kepha bathula. Wabatsi cala cala, acansukile, wadzabuka ngobe tinhlitiyo tabo tatilukhuni, tinenkhani, wase utsi kulomuntfu: “Yelula sandla sakho!” Waselula, saphila. Masinyane baFarisi baphuma esinagogeni, bayawuhlanganisa tinhloko nemaHerodi, bakha lisu lekubulala Jesu. Jesu wahamba nebafundzi bakhe baya ngaseLwandle LwaseGalile. Ticumbi tebantfu letatiphuma eGalile naseJudiya tamlandzela. Letinye ticumbi tatiphuma eJerusalema, nase-Idumiya, nangesheya kweJordane, nangasemadolobheni aseThire naseSidoni. Tonkhe leticumbi tatite kuye, ngobe tative ngaloko abekwenta. Jesu watjela bafundzi bakhe kutsi bamlungisele sikebhe, hleze sicumbi sebantfu simminyetele. Loko wakwenta emvakwekuphilisa labanyenti. Bonkhe lababenetifo babephangelana kuye batewumtsintsa. Lababenemadimoni babetsi bangambona, baguce embikwakhe bamemete batsi: “Wena uyiNdvodzana yaNkulunkulu!” Kepha Jesu wabadvonsa ngendlebe kutsi bangamhlakati ebantfwini. Jesu wase ukhuphukela entsabeni. Wababita labo labefuna kubatfuma; beta kuye. Wabamisa baba li-12, lababetawuba naye, [wabetsa watsi baphostoli,] wabatfuma kutsi bayewushumayela, wabapha nemandla ekukhipha emadimoni. Naba-ke laba labali-12 labakhetsa: Simoni, lametsa watsi nguPhetro; boJakobe naJohane, emadvodzana aZebedi, labetsa watsi boBhowanegese, lokusho kutsi “Emadvodzana Ekudvuma Kwelitulu”; na-Andreya, naFiliphu, naBhatalomewu, naMatewu, naTomasi, naJakobe, umsa wa-Alfiyose, naThadiyosi, naSimoni, wephathi yemaKhenani, naJudasi Skariyothi labetamtsengisa. Jesu wase uyesuka ubuyela ekhaya. Ticumbi taphindze tabutsana ngalokwengcile, kangangekutsi Jesu kanye nebafundzi bakhe badzimate baswela ngisho sikhatsi sekudla. Bakubo batsi kube bakuve loko, baphutfuma bamlandza, ngobe kwase kutsiwa: “Usangene ingcondvo!” Kepha tati temtsetfo letatichamuka eJerusalema tatsi: “UnaBhelzebule,” labanye batsi: “Yinkhosi yemadimoni lena lakhipha ngayo emadimoni.” Jesu wababita, wakhuluma nabo ngemifanekiso atsi: “Kodvwa Sathane angamcosha njani Sathane? Nangabe umbuso wehlukene ekhatsi, lowo mbuso ngeke ume. Nangabe likhaya lehlukene ekhatsi, alichubi. Nangabe umbuso waSathane wehlukene ekhatsi, sewuvukelana kwawona, ungeke ume, kodvwa uyakuwa uphele. “Kute umuntfu longagcekeza indlu yesichwaga aphange timphahla taso, ngaphandle kwekutsi acale ngekubamba sona asibophe; emvakwaloko-ke angangena aphange timphahla endlini yaso. “Ngiyacinisa ngitsi kini: Tonkhe tono tebantfu tiyawutsetselelwa, nome ngabe sebahlambalate kangakanani; kodvwa umuntfu lohlambalata Moya Longcwele, ngeke atsetselelwe nanini, kepha unelicala laphakadze.” Jesu wakusho loko, ngobe labanye bebatsi unelidimoni. Kwase kufika unina waJesu nabomnakabo bema ngephandle, base batfumela livi kutsi abambite. Bantfu babegcwele batungelete Jesu bahleti phansi, base bayambikela batsi: “Nangu unyoko la ngephandle nabomnakenu, [nabodzadzewenu] bafuna wena.” Jesu wabaphendvula watsi: “Ngubani make? Bobani bomnaketfu?” Wacalata ababuka bonkhe labebasedvute naye watsi: “Nangu make nabomnaketfu. Ngobe wonkhe lowenta intsandvo yaNkulunkulu ngumnaketfu, nadzadzewetfu, namake.” Jesu waphindza futsi wafundzisa bantfu eceleni kweLwandle lwaseGalile. Ticuku ngeticuku tebantfu tabutsana ngakuye, wadzimate wakhwela wahlala esikebheni lesasiselwandle, bantfu bema elusentseni lwelwandle. Wabafundzisa tintfo letinyenti ngemifanekiso atsi: “Lalelani la: Umuntfu lotsite wake wahamba wayawuhlanyela. Kwatsi ngesikhatsi ahlanyela, lenye inhlanyelo yawela endleleni, kwefika tinyoni tayidla. Lenye yawela edvwaleni lelalimbonywe ngumhlabashana, yashesha yamila, ngobe lomhlabashana bewungemnyenti. Kwefika lilanga labalela, latishisa letitfombo, tabuna ngobe timphandze tato tatingakashoni ngalokwenele. Lenye yawela elukhuleni lwemanyeva, lwakhula lwaminyetela titfombo ngemanyeva alo tangabe tisatsela. Lenye yawela emhlabatsini lovundzile, yamila kahle, yakhula, yatsela titselo: lenye ngema-30, lenye ngema-60, lenye ngelikhulu.” Jesu wephetsa ngekutsi: “Lonendlebe yekuva akeve.” Kwatsi Jesu asasele nebafundzi bakhe lababeli-12 nalabanye lababemlandzela, bambuta ngalemifanekiso. Waphendvula watsi: “Nine niphiwe imfihlakalo yembuso waNkulunkulu, kodvwa laba labangephandle konkhe bakutfola ngemifanekiso, kuze kutsi: “ ‘Nome babona, bangakhanyelwa kahle, nome beva, bangacacelwa kahle, bangetiwuphendvuka babuyele kuNkulunkulu, batsetselelwe tono tabo.’ ” Jesu watsi kubo: “Nisho kutsi nani lomfanekiso aniwuva? Pho, nitayiva kanjani leminye imifanekiso? Umhlanyeli uhlanyela livi laNkulunkulu. Kuhlanyelwa kwaleyo leyawela endleleni kufanekisa labo labatsi bangaliva livi, masinyane kufike Sathane alitsatse lelivi lelihlanyelwe kubo. Kuhlanyelwa kwaleyo leyawela emadvwaleni kufanekisa labo labatsi bangaliva livi basheshe balemukele ngekujabula, kepha babe bate timphandze letishona ngalokwenele, balibamba kwesikhashana nje, batsi ngekuhlaselwa tilingo netinhlupheko ngenca yalo basheshe bahlubuke. Kuhlanyelwa kwaleyo leyawela emanyeveni kufanekisa labo labalivako livi, kepha kunaka tintfo tasemhlabeni nekujabulela umcebo, nekukhangwa nguletinye tintfo letinyenti kubangene, kuliminyetele livi, bangabe basatsela titselo. Kuhlanyelwa emhlabatsini lovundzile kufanekisa labo labalivako livi balemukele batsele titselo: ngema-30 nome ngema-60 nome ngelikhulu.” Wachubeka Jesu watsi: “Kodvwa kuke kwenteke yini kutsi kokhelwe sibane siletfwe endlini, bese simbonywa ngesitja nome sifakwe phansi kwembhedze? Singete sabekwa endzaweni yaso yini? Konkhe lokufihlakele kuyawuvetwa ebaleni, naloko lokumbonyiwe kuyawugwatjulwa. Lonendlebe yekuva akeve.” Wachubeka watsi: “Caphelani inshokutsini yaloku lenikuvako. Leso silinganiso lenilinganisa ngaso nani niyawulinganiswa ngaso, nibuye nengetelwe futsi. Lowo lonako uyakwengetelwa; lowo lote uyakwemukwa naloko lokuncane lanako.” Jesu wachubeka watsi: “Umbuso waNkulunkulu ufanana nanaku: Umuntfu usakata inhlanyelo ensimini yakhe, ebusuku uyalala, emini avuke, nenhlanyelo iyamila ikhule, kodvwa yena abe angati kutsi ikhula njani. Umhlaba ngekwawo uveta kudla: Kucala kube likhaba, bese kuyabhaceka, kube netibhuluja leticinile, kuyaye kutsi kungoma, kutsatfwe lisikela kuyewuvunwa, ngobe sikhatsi sekuvuna sesifikile.” Jesu wabuta watsi: “Kodvwa umbuso waNkulunkulu singawufananisa nani nje? Singawubekisa ngani kodvwa? Unjengenhlanyelo yendlulamitsi lencane kakhulu. Kepha umuntfu nakayihlanyela emhlabatsini, itsi ingamila, ikhule ibe sihlahla lesikhulu lesiveta emagala lamakhulu lanemtfunti, ngisho netinyoni tesiganga tifike takhe tidleke tato kuso.” Jesu abekhuluma kubantfu ngemifanekiso leminyenti lenjalo, abashumayela livi ngalokubalingene kutsi bakuve. Abengakhulumi lutfo angasebentisi imifanekiso, kantsi nase babodvwana nebafundzi bakhe, bona abebachazela konkhe. Kusihlwa ngalelo langa Jesu watjela bafundzi bakhe watsi: “Aseweleleni ngesheya kwelwandle.” Besuka basishiya sicumbi sebantfu, bahamba ngalesikebhe labekuso. Bekunaletinye tikebhe letatihambisana nalesabo. Kwesuka lesikhulu sivunguvungu, emagagasi angena esikebheni adzimate acishe asigcwalisa. Jesu abengemuva esikebheni, acamele emcamelweni, alele. Bamvusa batsi: “Mfundzisi, walala nje sifa?” Wavuka wekhuta lomoya watsi kulolwandle: “Thula, utsi nya!” Umoya wakhawula khona lapho, kwathula kwatsi nya. Watsi kubafundzi: “Nesabani kodvwa? Nentiwa yini lokutsi nibete kukholwa?” Bafikelwa kwesaba lokukhulu; kwaba ngulowo wabuta lomunye atsi: “Kantsi ngubani lona? Wekhuta umoya ngisho nelwandle kumlalele!” Base bewelela ngesheya kweLwandle LwaseGalile eveni laseGerasa. Watsi Jesu uyaphuma nje esikebheni, wahlangabetwa yindvodza lebeyinelidimoni iphuma emathuneni, lapho yase ihlala khona. Kwase kute namunye umuntfu labengakhona kuyibopha ngisho nangetinketane. Beyike yetanywa ngaphambili kutsi iboshwe ngetindilimo nangetinketane, kodvwa beyitidzabula incamule naletinketane tibe ticucu. Kute labenemandla ekuyehlula. Busuku nemini beyikhala impongoloze etintsabeni nasemathuneni, itihhwebhe ngematje. Yatsi nayibona Jesu abucalu, yesuka ngematubane yaya kuye yafika yamkhotsama ikhuleka. Yamemeta ngelivi lelikhulu yatsi: “Ufunani kimi wena, Jesu, Ndvodzana yaNkulunkulu Losetikwako Konkhe? Mane ungangihluphi!” Yakusho loku, ngobe Jesu abesatsite kuyo: “Phuma dimoni kulomuntfu!” Jesu wase uyabuta utsi: “Ungubani libito lakho?” Yamphendvula yatsi: “Libito lami nguSibanyenti, ngobe silibutfo.” Emadimoni ase ancenga Jesu kutsi angawacoshi kulelo live. Bekukhona umhlambi lomkhulu wetihhontji kuleyo ndzawo utse bhidli, udla eceleni lentsaba. Yase iyatincengela lemimoya lemibi itsi: “Mane usitfumele lapha etihhontjini singene kuto.” Wayivumela. Yaphuma-ke imimoya lemibi kulowo muntfu yangena etihhontjini. Wonkhe lowo mhlambi lowawungahle ube tihhontji letiti-2 000 wagijima, wahholokoshela eweni, wagcumkela elwandle, wacwila, wafa. Bantfu lababeluse letingulube babaleka bayawubika kubantfu edolobheni nasemaphandleni. Bantfu beta batawutibonela loko lokwase kwentekile. Befika kuJesu bayibona lendvodza lebeyikadze inemadimoni, lebeyibitwa ngekutsi nguSibanyenti. Beyihleti phansi, yembetse kahle, isangulukile nasemcondvweni. Betfuka, besaba. Labo lababebonile babachazela konkhe lokwakwentekile kulomuntfu labenemadimoni, nalokwakwentekile etihhontjini. Base bancenga Jesu kutsi akesuke eveni labo. Kwatsi Jesu nakakhwela esikebheni, lendvodza lebeyinemadimoni yacela kuJesu kutsi ihambe naye. Kepha Jesu wala, watsi kuyo: “Buyela ekhaya kubantfu bakini, ubatjele kutsi iNkhosi ikwentele tintfo letinkhulu kangakanani, nekutsi ikuhawukele kanjani.” Yahamba-ke lendvodza yacala kumemetela eDekhapholisi kutsi Jesu uyentele tintfo letinkhulu kangakanani. Bonkhe bamangala nabakuva loko. Jesu wewela ngesikebhe wabuyela ngesheya kwelwandle. Sicuku lesikhulu sebantfu seta kuye ngaselwandle. Kwefika kuye indvodza, libito layo kunguJayiru, umphatsi welisinagoge, yanelela kubona Jesu yatilahla phansi embikwakhe. Yamncenga yatsi: “Indvodzakati yami lencane igulela kufa, sekubonwa ngekusa. Mane ute uteyibeka tandla itekusindza iphile.” Jesu wavuma wahamba nayo. Sicumbi lesikhulu sebantfu samlandzela simkakile. Bekukhona umfati labegula, aphetfwe sifo sekopha, lesase sicedze iminyaka leli-12 simphetse. Abesagule kakhulu, asaphelelwe timali kulabelaphako, angasenalutfo esandleni, kodvwa kujinge kubete buncono, kugula kuya embili. Abesake weva tidvumo ngaJesu, ngako watfumbeleta ngemuva kwaJesu watsintsa ingubo yakhe, ngobe wacabanga watsi: “Nangingamane nje ngitsintse ingubo yakhe, ngitawuphila.” Kopha kwancamuka khona lapho, wativa asaphilile esifeni lebesimphetse. Masinyane Jesu wativela kutsi kukhona emandla lasaphumile kuye, wagucuka, wacalata, watsi: “Ngubani lotsintse ingubo yami?” Bafundzi bakhe batsi kuye: “Hhawu, ungatsi usibona nje lesiminyaminya lesikukakile ube utsi: ‘Ngubani lotsintse ingubo yami?’ ” Wacalata afuna kubona kutsi ngubani lona lomtsintsile. Kodvwa lomfati ati kahle kutsi kwentekeni kuye, wasondzela ngembili achachatela, ngenca yekwesaba, waguca phansi embikwakhe, wamtjela lonkhe liciniso. Jesu watsi kuye: “Ndvodzakati yami, kukholwa kwakho kukuphilisile. Hamba ngekuthula, uphile esifeni sakho.” Asakhuluma nje Jesu, kwefika tigijimi tiphuma kaJayiru tambikela tatsi: “Indvodzakati yakho seyifile. Sale umyekela loMfundzisi, ungasamhluphi.” Kodvwa Jesu, angakunaki loku letatikusho, watsi kuJayiro: “Ungesabi, kholwa kuphela.” Jesu wesuka lapho wahamba; wabalela bonkhe kutsi bamlandzele, ngaphandle kwaboPhetro, naJakobe, naJohane, umnakaboJakobe. Batsi nabefika endlini yalomphatsi welisinagoge, beva sililo kutse mpu, bantfu bakhala. Watsi kube angene, watsi kubo: “Nikhalelani, nidzindza sililo nje? Lomntfwana akafi, ulele.” Bamane bamhleka bulima nje. Wabakhiphela ngephandle bonkhe, watsatsa uyise nenina walomntfwana, nalabo labebanaye, wangena nabo lapho bekunemntfwana khona. Wafike wabamba lomntfwana ngesandla, watsi kuye: “Thalitha, khumi,” lokusho kutsi: “Ntfombatana, ngitsi kuwe: Vuka!” Intfombatana yasukuma masinyane, yahamba. Bese ineminyaka leli-12 budzala. Masinyane bantfu behlelwa kwesaba nekumangala lokukhulu. Jesu wabayalisisa kutsi bangatjeli muntfu ngaloku. Watsi abayiphe kudla lentfombatana. Jesu wesuka lapho wabuyela endzaweni yakubo, bafundzi bakhe bamlandzela. Kwatsi ngeliSabatha wacala wafundzisa esinagogeni. Labanyenti labamuva bamangala, batsi: “Lomuntfu wakutsatsaphi konkhe loku? Nhlakanipho lenjani lena layiphiwe? Letimangaliso letingaka utenta kanjani? Akusiye yini umbati, indvodzana yaMariya, umnakaboJakobe, naJose, naJudasi, naSimoni? Angitsi bodzadzewabo balapha emkhatsini wetfu?” Base bayamcansukela. Jesu watsi kubo: “Umphrofethi uyahlonipheka kuyo yonkhe indzawo ngaphandle kwaseveni lakubo nakubantfu bakubo, ngisho nakubemndeni wakubo imbala.” Akakhonanga kwenta imisebenti yemandla kuleyo ndzawo ngaphandle kwekutsi nje wabeka tandla kulabambalwa lababegula, wabaphilisa. Wamangaliswa kungakholwa kwabo. Jesu abehamba angenela imiti ngemiti yangakubo afundzisa bantfu. Wabita bafundzi labali-12 watsi abete kuye. Wabatfuma ngababili, wabanika emandla ekukhipha imimoya lemibi kubantfu. Wabayala kutsi bangaphatsi lutfo lwendlela ngaphandle kweludvondvolo; watsi bangasiphatsi ngisho nesinkhwa, nome sikhwama sekucela, nome imali etipatjini tabo. Kodvwa watsi bafake tincabule, bangatihlindzekeli ngeliyembe lesibili. Watsi kubo: “Nabaningenisa endlini, nibohlala kuleyondlu, nize nihambe kuleyo ndzawo. Nakukhona lapho banganemukeli khona bangavumi nekunilalela, nibobashiya nihambe, nitsintsitse lutfuli etinyaweni tenu, kuze kube bufakazi bekunala kwabo.” Bahamba-ke baphostoli bashumayela bantfu kutsi baphendvuke. Bakhipha emadimoni lamanyenti kubantfu, nalabanyenti lababegula babagcobisa ngemafutsa babaphilisa. Inkhosi Herodi yakuva loko, ngobe ligama laJesu lase lidvume kakhulu. Labanye babetsi: “Johane uMbhabhatisi sewuvukile kulabafile. Ngiko nje enta letimangaliso letingaka.” Kodvwa labanye babetsi: “Ngu-Elija.” Labanye batsi: “Ngumphrofethi njengalabanye baphrofethi bakadzeni.” Kodvwa Herodi, nakeva ngesimo setintfo, watsi: “Johane, lengamjuba inhloko, sewuvusiwe, uyaphila.” Herodi phela abesandza kutfumela kutsi kubanjwe Johane afakwe ejele. Abekwente loko, ngobe abesatsetse Herodiyasi, wamenta umkakhe. LoHerodiyasi abengumkaFiliphu, umnakaboHerodi. Phela Johane abekhute Herodi watsi: “Umtsetfo awukuvumeli kutsi utsatse umfati wemnakenu, umente wakho.” Nguko-ke Herodiyasi waba nemagcubu naJohane, afisa kutsi abulawe, kodvwa abete indlela. Herodi bekamesaba Johane amati kahle kutsi ungumuntfu lolungile nalongcwele, ngako-ke abemvikela. Abetsi, nakamuva akhuluma, adzidzeke, noko ajabulele kumlalela. Kodvwa litfuba lavuleka ngesikhatsi Herodi agubha lusuku lwakhe lwekutalwa. Wenta sibhimbi, wabita bonkhe bantfu besigodlo sakhe, netindvuna takhe temphi, kanye netiphakanyiswa taseGalile. Indvodzakati yaHerodiyasi yeta yabagidzela kahle kakhulu. Herodi wajabula kanye netivakashi takhe, wadzimate watsi kulentfombatana: “Cela kimi nome ngabe yini lokufunako, ngitakupha kona.” Wafunga watsi kuyo: “Nome yini lotayicela kimi, ngitakupha yona, nome ngabe yihhafu yembuso wami.” Yaphumela ngephandle intfombatana yaya kuyawubuta kunina yatsi: “Ngingacelani?” Unina watsi: “Cela inhloko yaJohane uMbhabhatisi.” Masinyane intfombatana yabuya igijima, yafika enkhosini yacela yatsi: “Ngifuna ungiphe nyalo nje inhloko yaJohane uMbhabhatisi, ibekwe emgcwembeni.” Inkhosi yadzabuka kakhulu; kodvwa ngenca yesifungo, lebeseyisentile embikwetivakashi tayo, ayitsandzanga kusephula. Masinyane inkhosi yatfumela lisotja kutsi aliletse inhloko yaJohane. Lahamba layawujuba inhloko yaJohane ejele. Yaletfwa-ke inhloko yaJohane isemgcwembeni, yaniketwa intfombatana, intfombatana yayinika unina. Batsi kube bakuve loko bafundzi baJohane, bahamba bayawutsatsa sidvumbu sakhe bayawusingcwaba. Baphostoli babuya kuJesu bafike bambikela ngako konkhe lababekwentile nalababekufundzisile. Watsi kubo: “Ase sibonane sodvwa, siphumule kancane.” Ngobe bekuphitsitela bantfu behla benyuka, loko kwenta kutsi Jesu nebafundzi bakhe babete nalesincane nje sikhatsi ngisho nesekudla imbala. Ngako bahamba ngemkhumbi baya endzaweni lete bantfu, baba bodvwana. Noko bantfu labanyenti bababona nase bahamba, babalandzela ngematubane, batsi phitsilili bavela kuwo onkhe emadolobha, baze befika kucala nakuleyo ndzawo abeya kuyo Jesu nebafundzi bakhe. Watsi uyehla nje Jesu esikebheni wabona lesikhulu sicumbi sebantfu, wabahawukela ngobe bebanjengetimvu letite umelusi. Wabafundzisa ngetintfo letinyenti. Kwatsi nase liyawushona, bafundzi bakhe beta kuye batsi: “Lendzawo ilihlane, kantsi futsi nelilanga seliya kunina. Bahambise labantfu baye emitini nasemadolobhaneni lasedvute bayetitsengela kudla.” Kepha Jesu wabaphendvula watsi: “Banikeni nine labangahle bakudle.” Batsi bona: “Singaya yini kuyawutsenga tinkhwa ngabodenariyo labangema-200 sibanikete badle?” Watsi kubo: “Ase niyewuhlola kutsi ninetinkhwa letingaki.” Batsi nase bahlolile, babuya batsi: “Sinetinkhwa letisihlanu netinhlanti letimbili.” Wabayala bafundzi bakhe watsi abahlalise labantfu ngetigaba tabo etjanini lobuluhlata. Ngako bahlala phansi ngeticheme tabo: ngemakhulu nangema-50. Watsatsa letinkhwa letisihlanu naletinhlanti letimbili wabuka etulu ezulwini, watibusisa. Wahlephula letinkhwa watiniketa bafundzi bakhe kutsi batabele labantfu; wacetuna naletinhlanti letimbili wabanika bonkhe. Badla bonkhe besutsa. Bafundzi babutsa timvutfuluka tetinkhwa netetinhlanti, bagcwalisa emabhasikidi lali-12. Emadvodza ladla kuleto tinkhwa abe ti-5 000. Masinyane Jesu wangenisa bafundzi bakhe esikebheni, wabahambisa ngembili kwakhe, wabewetela ngesheya eBhethsayida, yena wasala ahambisa lesicuku sebantfu. Watsi nasabahambisile, wenyukela entsabeni wayawukhuleka. Kwatsi nakuhwalalako, sikebhe sabe sisekhatsi nelwandle, yena waba yedvwa elusentseni. Wababona kutsi basigwedla kamatima sikebhe, ngobe umoya bewuphambene nabo. Kwatsi ekuseni kungakasi, emkhatsini weli-awa lesitsatfu nelesitfupha, Jesu weta kubo ahamba etikwemanti. Wacondza embili, washaya kungatsi uyendlula. Bona-ke bambona ahamba etikwemanti bakhala bamemeta batsi: “Sipoko!” Ngobe bambona bonkhe betfuka, besaba kakhulu. Masinyane wakhuluma nabo, watsi: “Manini sibindzi, ningesabi, ngimi.” Wangena esikebheni sabo, umoya wathula, ngako bamangala kakhulu. Bebangacondzisisi kahle kutsi tinkhwa betichazani, imicondvo yabo yayivalekile. Batsi nase bewelile, bakhunga sikebhe elusentseni lwelwandle, behlela eGenesaretha. Batsi nabehla esikebheni, bantfu bambona masinyane Jesu. Bagijima bonkhe bachamuka kuto tonkhe tigodzi letatimadvutane, baletsa labagulako ngetinhlaka, babaletsa lapho beve kutsi ungakhona Jesu. Yonkhe indzawo lapho abeya khona Jesu emitini, nasemadolobheni, nasemaphandleni, babeletsa kuye tigulane etimakethe. Tamncenga kutsi sale avuma kutsi titsintse umphetfo wengubo yakhe. Nembala tonkhe letawutsintsa taphila. BaFarisi kanye naletinye tati temtsetfo babutsana kuJesu, baphuma eJerusalema. Babona kutsi bafundzi bakhe badla ngetandla letatingakagezwa, letatingcolile ngekwelisiko lebuJuda. Phela baFarisi, njengemaJuda onkhe, bebasabambelele kakhulu emasikweni abokhokho babo, babengadli bangakagezi tandla. Ngisho nekudla lokuphuma etimakethe bebangakudli bangakakuhlambululi. Kukhona nalamanye emasiko labawagcinako, njengekugezwa kwetinkomishi, nekwemabhodo, nekwetindishi telitfusi. Ngako-ke baFarisi netati temtsetfo babuta Jesu batsi: “Kwentiwa yini lokutsi bafundzi bakho bangawenti emasiko abokhokho, kodvwa besuke badle nje ngetandla letingcolile?” Jesu wabaphendvula watsi: “Hho, kantsi abecinisile Isaya umphrofethi ngesikhatsi aphrofetha ngani, batentisi-ndzini, nakatsi: “ ‘Lesive singidvumisa ngetindzebe temilomo, kepha tinhlitiyo taso tikhashane nami. Bangikhonta ngelite, ngobe bafundzisa imitsetfo leshaywe bantfu, bente shangatsi iphuma kimi!’ ” Jesu wachubeka watsi: “Niyekela imitsetfo yaNkulunkulu nibambelele emitsetfweni yebantfu.” Wabuye watsi kubo: “Ninemacebo lahlakaniphile ekulahla imiyalo yaNkulunkulu, khona nitewubambelela emasikweni enu. Mosi watsi: ‘Hlonipha uyihlo nenyoko,’ nekutsi: ‘Umuntfu lowetfuka uyise nome unina, akabulawe afe.’ Kodvwa nine nitsi: ‘Umuntfu nakanelutfo langahle asite ngalo uyise nome unina, kepha bese utsi: “Sekuyikorbani”,’ (lokusho kutsi sekwehlukaniselwe Nkulunkulu), ‘lowo muntfu akasavumeleki kutsi asite unina nome uyise ngaleyontfo.’ Ngaleyo ndlela nilenta lite livi laNkulunkulu, nilicitsa ngetimfundziso tenu temasiko leninikana wona. Kunyenti lenikwentako lokufanana naloku.” Jesu wabuye wabita sicuku lesikhulu sebantfu watsi kuso: “Lalelani nonkhe nitekuva kutsi ngitsini. Kute kudla lokungena ngemlomo lokungahle kumngcolise umuntfu, kepha lokumngcolisako umuntfu nguloko lokuphuma kuye. [ “Lonendlebe akeve loko lengikushoko.”] Kwatsi nase angene endlini asehlukene nebantfu, bafundzi bakhe bambuta batsi: “Usho kutsini lomfanekiso?” Wabaphendvula watsi: “Kantsi nani nisengakangiva? Nani aniboni kutsi kute lokungena ngemlomo lokungamngcolisa umuntfu? Phela kudla akuyi enhlitiyweni, kodvwa kucondza esiswini, nakhona kufike kwengce.” Ngaloko Jesu abechaza kutsi konkhe kudla kuhlantekile. Wachubeka watsi: “Nguloko lokuphuma ngekhatsi lokumngcolisako umuntfu. Ngobe enhlitiyweni yemuntfu kuphuma imicabango lemibi, nebugwadla, nekuba, nekubulala, nekuphinga, nekukhanuka, nekukhohlakala, nekuyengana, nemanyala, nemona, nekunyundza, nekutigcabha, nebulima. Bonkhe bubi lobunjalo buchamuka ngekhatsi kumuntfu bumngcolise.” Jesu wesuka lapho wahamba waya esigodzini saseThire [naseSidoni]. Wefika wangena endlini wabhaca, kodvwa abengenakutifihla. Lomunye umfati labegulelwa yindvodzakati yakhe inelidimoni weva ngaye, weta watilahla phansi etinyaweni takhe. Lomfati abengewetive, angumSirofenikhe ngekutalwa. Wancusa Jesu kutsi akhiphe lelidimoni kulendvodzakati yakhe. Kepha Jesu watsi kuye: “Asekwenele kucala bantfwana bendlini, ngobe akukalungi kutsi sitsatse kudla kwebantfwana bendlini sikunikete tinja.” Kodvwa lomfati watsi kuye: “Yebo, kona Nkhosi, ucinisile; kodvwa noko netinja letingaphansi kwelitafula tiyawatfola emavutfuluka lawa kubantfwana.” Jesu wase utsi kuye: “Mahle emavi lowakhulumile. Ungahamba, lidimoni seliphumile endvodzakatini yakho.” Lomfati wahamba wabuyela ekhaya, wakhandza lendvodzakati yakhe icambalele embhedzeni, lidimoni seliphumile kuyo. Jesu wesuka esifundzeni saseThire wayakujika eSidoni, wadzabula sifundza saseDekhapholisi acondze eLwandle lwaseGalile. Kwaletfwa kuye indvodza lebeyisihhulu, futsi ingakhulumi nakahle. Bacela kutsi Jesu ayibeke tandla. Jesu wayehlukanisa nebantfu yaba yodvwa, wase ufaka iminwe yakhe etindlebeni tayo, wakhafula, wase utsintsa lulwimi lwayo. Wabheka ezulwini wabubula watsi kuyo: “Efatha,” lokusho kutsi: “Vuleka.” Tindlebe tayo tavuleka, ngekushesha lulwimi lwayo lwacatuluka, yase ikhuluma ngalokuvakala kahle. Jesu wabayala bantfu kutsi bangatjeli muntfu ngaloku. Kwaba shangatsi ubabangile, batsi besuka babe bayisakata nelive lonkhe. Bamangala kakhulu batsi: “Lomuntfu utenta kahle tonkhe tintfo. Wenta labangeva beve, nalabangakhulumi bakhulume!” Kwatsi nje kuwo lawo malanga ticumbi tebantfu tabutsanela kuJesu, tase teswele kudla letatingakudla. Ngako-ke Jesu wabita bafundzi bakhe watsi kubo: “Ngiyabadzabukela labantfu, ngobe bebakanye nami lapha kwaze kwaba ngemalanga lamatsatfu. Manje sebate lutfo loludliwako. Futsi nangibahambisa ngendlala kutsi baye emakhaya, batawucaleka ngendlela, ngobe labanye babo besuka khashane kakhulu.” Bafundzi bakhe bamphendvula batsi: “Kepha vele, umuntfu angabaphani la ehlane, kute netinkhwa nje?” Jesu wababuta watsi: “Ninetinkhwa letingakhi?” Bamphendvula batsi: “Tisikhombisa.” Wase utsi kulabantfu abahlale phansi, watsatsa letinkhwa letisikhombisa watsi kube atibusise wase uyatihlephula watinika bafundzi bakhe kuze babele labantfu. Nangempela-ke bababela. Babenetinhlantana nje letimbalwa, nato watibusisa, watsi nato atabelwe labantfu. Bantfu badla besutsa; babutsa timvutfuluka letatisele, tagcwala emabhasikidi lasikhombisa. Bantfu lababelapho babengacishe babe ti-4 000. Jesu-ke wase utsi sale babuyela emakhaya abo. Waphutfuma yena wangena esikebheni kanye nebafundzi bakhe, balibangisa eDalmanutha. BaFarisi beta kuJesu bacondze kuphikisana naye. Bamlinga batsi akente sibonakaliso sasezulwini. Jesu wabubula ngalokujulile emoyeni wakhe watsi: “Lesitukulwane sisifunelani sibonakaliso? Ngicinisile, ngitsi kini: Kute nasinye sibonakaliso lesiyawukhonjiswa kulesitukulwane.” Wesuka wabashiya, wangena esikebheni walibangisa ngesheya kwelwandle. Bafundzi baJesu bakhohlwa kutiphatsela tinkhwa; bese basele nesinkhwa sinye kuphela esikebheni. Jesu wabadvonsa ngendlebe watsi: “Caphelani imbiliso yebaFarisi neyaHerodi.” Bakhulumisana bodvwana batsi: “Kumbe usho ngobe kute sinkhwa.” Jesu ababona kutsi batsini, watsi kubo: “Nikhulumelani ngendzaba yekubate kwenu sinkhwa? Nanyalo anikacondzi, futsi anikaboni? Kantsi tinhlitiyo tenu senitente taba lukhuni yini? Naloku ninemehlo kaniboni? Nangetindlebe kaniva? Anisakhumbuli? Namzukwana ngihlephula tinkhwa letisihlanu, ngihlephulela ti-5 000, nagcwalisa emabhasikidi lamangaki?” Bamphendvula batsi: “Lali-12.” Jesu wachubeka wababuta watsi: “Naletinkhwa letatisikhombisa lengatihlephulela ti-4 000, nagcwalisa emabhasikidi lamangaki ngetimvutfuluka letatisele?” Batsi kuye: “Lasikhombisa.” Watsi kubo: “Solomane nanyalo anikeva?” Jesu watsi efika nje eBhethsayida, baletsa kuye imphumphutse, bamcela kutsi ayitsintse ngesandla. Wayibamba ngesandla lemphumphutse wayikhiphela ngephandle kwemuti. Watsi kube ayikhafulele emehlweni wayibeka tandla wayibuta watsi: “Kukhona yini lokubonako?” Lemphumphutse yaphakamisa inhloko yatsi: “Ngibona bantfu, kodvwa banjengetihlahla letihambako.” Waphindza futsi Jesu wabeka tandla emehlweni ayo. Yabukisisa, yaphiliswa, yabona kahle konkhe. Wase uyayiyala kutsi ayiye ekhaya layo, watsi: “Ungasaphambukeli edolobheni.” Emvakwaloko Jesu wesuka wahamba nebafundzi bakhe baya emadolobhaneni langaseKhesariya Filiphi; basesendleleni wababuta bafundzi bakhe watsi: “Bantfu batsi mine ngingubani?” Bamtjela batsi: “Batsi unguJohane uMbhabhatisi, kantsi labanye batsi ungu-Elija; labanye batsi: ‘Ngulomunye nje webaphrofethi.’ ” Wase ubuta bona utsi: “Nine-ke nitsi ngingubani?” Phetro wamphendvula watsi: “Wena unguKhristu.” Jesu wabayala abafica kutsi bangatjeli muntfu ngaye. Jesu watjela bafundzi bakhe kutsi iNdvodzana yemuntfu ifanele kuhlushwa ngalokunyenti, ilahlwe natibondza telibandla, nebaphatsi bebaphristi, netati temtsetfo, ibulawe, ivuke emvakwemalanga lamatsatfu. Loko wakusho ngalokucacile. Phetro wamdvonsela eceleni wamekhuta. Kodvwa Jesu waphendvuka wabuka bafundzi, wakhahla Phetro, watsi: “Suka kimi, Sathane! Awukunakekeli lokukwaNkulunkulu, kodvwa unakekela kwebantfu!” Jesu wabita bafundzi bakhe kanye nesicuku watsi kubo: “Umuntfu nakafuna kungilandzela, akatidzele, etjatse siphambano sakhe angilandzele. Ngobe wonkhe lofuna kusindzisa kuphila kwakhe, uyawulahlekelwa nguko, nalowo lolahlekelwa kuphila kwakhe ngenca yami nangenca yeliVangeli, uyawukusindzisa. Ngabe kambe kuyawumsita ngani umuntfu kuzuza live lonkhe, kepha alahlekelwe ngumphefumulo wakhe? Ingabe angakhiphani umuntfu kuhlenga umphefumulo wakhe? Lowo lonemahloni ngami, nangemavi ami, kulesitukulwane lesonakele nalesiphingako, neNdvodzana yeMuntfu iyawuba nemahloni ngaye, nayifika ebukhosini beYise kanye netingilosi letingcwele.” Jesu waphindza watsi: “Ngicinisile, ngitsi kini: Bakhona labeme lapha emkhatsini wenu labangayikubona kufa bangakaboni Nkulunkulu abusa ngemandla.” Emvakwemalanga lasitfupha Jesu watsatsa boPhetro, naJakobe, naJohane, wenyukela nabo entsabeni lendze, baba bodvwana. Wagucuka lesinye simo bambukile. Tingubo takhe tacwebetela taba mhlophe nke, kwakungekho muntfu emhlabeni jikelele labengatenta tibe mhlophe njengato. Kwabonakala kubo bo-Elija banaMosi, bakhuluma naJesu. Phetro watsi kuJesu: “Mfundzisi, kuhle lokutsi sibe lapha. Asakhe emathende lamatsatfu, linye litawuba lakho, lelinye libe laMosi, lelinye libe la-Elija.” Phela loko wakusho angasati kutsi utsini, ngobe base bafile luvalo. Kwefika lifu labambonya, kwevakala livi liphuma efini litsi: “Lena yiNdvodzana yami letsandzekako, yilaleleni.” Batsi batsi cala cala, bangete babona muntfu ngaphandle kwaJesu yedvwa. Basehla entsabeni Jesu wabayala kutsi bangacali batjele muntfu ngaloku labakubonile, iNdvodzana yeMuntfu ingakavuswa kulabafile. Nangempela basigcina leseluleko, kodvwa babutana bodvwa batsi: “Kusho kutsini ‘kuvuka kulabafile’?” Bambuta batsi: “Tisho ngani tati temtsetfo lokutsi: ‘Kufanele kufike Elija kucala’?” Jesu wabaphendvula watsi: “Vele, Elija uyabuya kutawubuyisela tonkhe tintfo ngabolonina. Pho, isho kutsini imiBhalo nayitsi iNdvodzana yeMuntfu ifanele kuhlushwa ngetintfo letinyenti, yedzelelwe? Kodvwa ngiyanitjela ngitsi: Elija sewefika, noko bantfu benta kuye konkhe labakutsandzako, njengaloku kubhaliwe ngaye.” Batsi nabefika kubafundzi labanye, bakhandza sicumbi lesikhulu sibakakile netati temtsetfo tiphikisana nabo. Masinyane nje sicuku satsi kube simbone Jesu, samangala kakhulu, sagijima saya kuye sayawumbingelela. Wababuta watsi: “Niphikisana ngani nabo?” Lomunye kulesicuku watsi kuye: “Mfundzisi, ngiletse nansi indvodzana yami kuwe, ngobe inelidimoni lelisimungulu. Litsi lingambamba limlahle phansi, limkliklitise, akhihlite emagwebu, abhashe ematinyo, ome atsi nkhwa. Ngicele labafundzi bakho kutsi balikhiphe, kodvwa behlulekile.” Wabaphendvula watsi: “Awu, situkulwane lesingakholwa, kuyawudzimate kube ngunini nginani? Kuyawudzimate kube ngunini nginibeketelela? Mletseni la kimi!” Bamletsa kuJesu lomfana. Lanelela kumbona nje lelidimoni, lamlahla phansi umfana, lamekhama, washumpha aphukuhla emagwebu emlonyeni. Jesu wabuta uyise walomfana watsi: “Selinesikhatsi lesingakanani limphetse?” Uyise wamphendvula watsi: “Kusukela ebuntfwaneni bakhe. Belihle limjika nasemlilweni, nasemantini, lifuna kumbulala. Kodvwa nakukhona longakwenta, mane usihawukele usisite.” Jesu watsi kuye: “Utsi: ‘Nakukhona longakwenta.’ Phela konkhe kuyenteka kulowo lokholwako.” Masinyane uyise walomfana wakhala amemeta atsi: “Ngiyakholwa, sita kungakholwa kwami.” Jesu watsi kube abone sicumbi sibutsana, wawekhuta lomoya lomubi watsi: “Moya webumungulu nebuhhulu! Ngiyakutjela ngitsi: Phuma kuye! Ungaphindzi futsi ubuye kuye!” Lidimoni latswilila, lamhlukumeta kamatima lomfana, laphuma kuye. Lomfana walala watsi dzalakaca, wafanana nesidvumbu. Labanyenti babo badzimate batsi: “Ufile.” Kodvwa Jesu wambamba ngesandla; wamsukumisa, nembala wasukuma. Jesu nasangene endlini nebafundzi bakhe babodvwa, bambuta batsi: “Kwentiwe yini kutsi tsine sehluleke kulikhipha lelidimoni?” Wabaphendvula Jesu watsi: “Loluhlobo lolu aluphumi ngalutfo lolunye ngaphandle kwemkhuleko [nekuzila kudla].” Jesu nebafundzi bakhe besuka lapho bachubekela embili, badzabula eGalile. Abengatsandzi kutsi bantfu bati kutsi ukuphi. Jesu wabafundzisa bafundzi bakhe atsi: “INdvodzana yeMuntfu itawuniketwa etandleni tebantfu. Bona batayibulala. Nase bayibulele itawuvuka ngelilanga lesitsatfu.” Kodvwa abazange bayive leyo nkhulumo, besaba nekumbuta. Befika eKhaphanawume; batsi nase bangekhatsi endlini, Jesu wababuta watsi: “Beniphikisana ngani endleleni?” Bathula batsi cwaka; ngobe endleleni bebabutana ngekutsi ngubani lomkhulu emkhatsini wabo. Jesu wahlala phansi, wabita bafundzi bakhe labebali-12, watsi kubo: “Lofuna kuba mkhulu kunabo bonkhe, kufanele atitfobe ngaphansi kwabo bonkhe, abe sisebenti sabo bonkhe.” Wasondzeta umntfwana wammisa emkhatsini wabo, wamgona ngemikhono yakhe, watsi kubo: “Lowo lowemukela lomunye walabantfwana egameni lami, wemukela mine; nalowo lowemukela mine, akemukeli mine kuphela, kodvwa wemukela nalowo longitfumile.” Johane watsi kuye: “Mfundzisi, sibone lomunye akhipha emadimoni egameni lakho; samalela tsine, ngobe akahambisani natsi.” Kodvwa Jesu watsi: “Ningamaleli, ngobe kute longenta imisebenti yemandla egameni lami, longajika masinyane akhulume kabi ngami. Ngobe lowo longakemelani natsi, ukanye natsi. Ngicinisile, ngitsi kini: Lowo loyakuninatsisa nome yinkomishi yinye nje yemanti, ngobe ningebaKhristu, nakanjani uyakwemukela umvuzo wakhe.” “Lowo lowenta munye nje walaba labancane labakholwa ngimi aphambuke endleleni yaNkulunkulu, bekuyakuba ncono kuye kutsi kunkinkelwe inguzanguza yelitje entsanyeni yakhe, agcumkiselwe elwandle, amite afe. “Sandla sakho nasikonisa, sijube! Kuncono umane ungene ekuphileni uyingini, kunekutsi ube netandla totibili uyekungena esihogweni, emlilweni longacimeki. [ ‘Kuleyo ndzawo timphetfu takhona atifi, nemlilo wakhona awucimi.’] Nangabe lunyawo lwakho lukonisa, lujube! Kuncono umane ungene ekuphileni uyinchute, kunekutsi ube netinyawo totimbili kodvwa uyewulahlwa esihogweni. [ ‘Kuleyo ndzawo timphetfu takhona atifi, nemlilo wakhona awucimi.’] Nangabe liso lakho likonisa, likupulute ulilahle khashane! Kuncono umane ungene embusweni waNkulunkulu uneliso linye, kunekutsi ube nemehlo omabili kodvwa uyewulahlwa esihogweni. ‘Kuleyo ndzawo timphetfu takhona atifi, nemlilo wakhona awucimi.’ “Ngobe phela wonkhe umuntfu uyawuvangwa ngemlilo, njengobe kudla kuvangwa ngeluswayi. “Luswayi lona luhle, kodvwa luswayi nase lulahlekelwe bunandzi balo, buyawubuyiselwa ngani? “Banini neluswayi ngekhatsi kwenu, nibe nekuthula lomunye kulomunye, nivane.” Jesu wesuka lapho waya eveni laseJudiya adzabula live lelingesheya kweJordane. Ticumbi letikhulu tebantfu taphindza tabutsanela kuye, watifundzisa njengenhlalayenta. Kwase kuta baFarisi kuye batakumlinga, bambuta batsi: “Kuvumelekile yini emtsetfweni kutsi indvodza idivose umkayo?” Jesu wabaphendvula watsi: “Mosi waniyala watsini?” Batsi bona: “Mosi wasivumela kutsi indvodza ingayibhala incwadzi yedivosi imlahle umkayo.” Kodvwa Jesu watsi kubo: “Mosi wanibhalela loko ngenca yebulukhuni betinhlitiyo tenu. Kodvwa ekucaleni kwendalo ‘uMdali wenta umuntfu lomdvuna nalomsikati. Ngaloko-ke indvodza iyawushiya uyise nenina [inamatsele kumkayo], labo bobabili sebayawuba nyamanye.’ Ngako-ke abasebabili, sebamunye. Loko losekuhlanganiswe nguNkulunkulu, akungabe kusehlukaniswa ngumuntfu.” Sebasendlini, bafundzi bakhe bambuta futsi ngalendzaba. Watsi kubo: “Lowo lodivosa umkakhe bese utsatsa lomunye umfati, unelicala kumkakhe lekuphinga. Nalowo lodivosa indvodza yakhe bese wendza kulenye indvodza, unelicala endvodzeni yakhe lekuphinga.” Labanye bantfu baletsa bantfwana kuye, khona atewubeka tandla etikwabo ababusise; bafundzi babakhalimela. Kodvwa watsi kube akubone loko Jesu, watfukutsela watsi kubo: “Vumelani bantfwana bete kimi, ningabavimbeli, ngobe umbuso waNkulunkulu walabanjalo. Ngicinisile, ngitsi kini: Lowo longawemukeli umbuso waNkulunkulu njengemntfwana, angeke angene kuwo.” Wabatsatsa labantfwana, wabagona, wabeka tandla etikwabo, wababusisa. Kwatsi Jesu nasatawuhamba, kwachamuka indvodza ita igijima, yefika yaguca embikwakhe yambuta yatsi: “Mfundzisi lolungile, ngingentani kuze ngitfole kuphila lokuphakadze?” Jesu watsi kuye: “Ungibitelani ngekutsi ngilungile? Kute lolungile, nguNkulunkulu kuphela. Uyayati imiyalo letsi: ‘Ungabulali, ungaphingi, ungebi, ungafakazi emanga, ungatsatsi lutfo ngebucili, hlonipha uyihlo nenyoko.’ ” Yamphendvula yatsi: “Mfundzisi, konkhe loko ngakugcina kusukela ebuntfwaneni bami.” Jesu asambuka wamtsandza watsi kuye: “Kunye lokusasele kutsi ukwente: Hamba uyewutsengisa ngako konkhe lonako, wabele labamphofu lemali, khona uyawuba nemcebo ezulwini, bese-ke uyeta uyangilandzela.” Yajabha kakhulu nayikuva loko, ngobe beyinjinge kakhulu, yahamba umoya wayo sewushone phansi. Jesu wabuka bafundzi bakhe watsi kubo: “Maye, kuyawuba lukhuni kulabo labanjingile kungena embusweni waNkulunkulu!” Bafundzi bakhe bamangala ngalawo mavi akhe. Kodvwa Jesu waphindze watsi kubo: “Bantfwabami, kumatima kungena embusweni waNkulunkulu. Kulula kungena kwelikamela embotjeni yenyalitsi kunekungena kwemuntfu lonjingile embusweni waNkulunkulu.” Bafundzi bamangala kakhulu babutana bodvwana batsi: “Kepha nakunjalo, ngubani longasindziswa?” Jesu wababuka emehlweni wase utsi: “Kubantfu kungeke kwenteke loku, kodvwa kuNkulunkulu kungenteka, ngobe kuNkulunkulu konkhe kuyenteka.” Phetro watsi kuye: “Buka la, tsine sishiye konkhe, salandzela wena.” Jesu watsi: “Ngicinisile, ngitsi kini: Lowo loshiye umuti, nome bomnakabo, nome bodzadzewabo, nome unina, nome uyise, nome bantfwana, nome emasimi, ngenca yami nangenca yeliVangeli, uyakwemukeliswa lokunyenti aselapha kulomhlaba. Uyawuphiwa ngalokuphindvwe kalikhulu: imiti, nabomnakabo, nabodzadzewabo, nabonina, nebantfwana, nemasimi, yebo, ngisho netinhlupheko, bese kutsi kulelitako atfole kuphila lokuphakadze. Labanyenti lababekucala bayawuba bekugcina, nalabo lababekugcina bayawuba bekucala.” Batsi basendleleni benyukela eJerusalema, Jesu abahola embili, bafundzi bakhe bebasamangele, nalabo labebamlandzela befikelwa kwesaba. Waphindza watsatsa bafundzi bakhe labali-12, wakhweshela nabo eceleni, wabafundzisa, abatjela ngaloko lebekutamehlela, watsi: “Ase nilalele la, sesenyukela eJerusalema, iNdvodzana yeMuntfu itawunikelwa kubaphristi labakhulu nasetatini temtsetfo, batayilahla ngelicala kutsi ibulawe. Batayinikela kubetive. Batawuhlekisa ngayo, bayikhafulele ngematse, bayibhambabule, bayibulale, kodvwa kuyawutsi ngelilanga lesitsatfu ivuke kulabafile.” BoJakobe, naJohane, emadvodzana aZebedi, basondzela kuJesu batsi: “Mfundzisi, kukhona lesicela kutsi usentele kona.” Wababuta watsi: “Nifuna nginenteleni?” Batsi kuye: “Sicela kutsi lomunye wetfu ahlale ngesekudla sakho, lomunye ahlale ngesancele sakho ebukhosini bakho.” Kodvwa Jesu watsi kubo: “Anikwati lenikucelako. Nitakumela yini kuyinatsa lendzebe yelusizi lengitayinatsa nome kubhajatiswa ngalombhabhatiso lengitawubhajatiswa ngawo mine?” Batsi kuye: “Singakumela.” Jesu watsi kubo: “Yebo kona, lendzebe lengitayinatsa nani nitayinatsa; nangalombhabhatiso lengitawubhajatiswa ngawo nani nitawubhajatiswa ngawo. Kodvwa tikhundla tekuhlala ngesekudla nome ngesancele sami akusiko kwami kutsi ngephane ngato; kodvwa talabo labalungiselelwe tona nguNkulunkulu.” Batsi nabakuva loko lababelishumi, babacansukela boJakobe naJohane. Jesu wababita wabatjela watsi: “Niyati kutsi babusi betive babusa etikwato, netikhulu tato titiphetse ngesandla lesimatima. Kodvwa akukafaneli kutsi kube njalo kini, lowo lofuna kuba ngulomkhulu kini nonkhe, akabe sisebenti senu nonkhe. Nalowo lofuna kuba wekucala kini, akabe sigcili senu nonkhe. Ngobe neNdvodzana yeMuntfu ayitelanga kutawukhontwa, kodvwa yetela kutawukhonta, nekunikela ngekuphila kwayo kutsi ibe yinhlawulo yalabanyenti.” Befika eJerikho. Jesu nase aphuma khona kanye nebafundzi bakhe, nesicuku lesikhulu sebantfu, Bhathimeyosi, imphumphutse, umsa waThimeyosi, abehleti ngasemgwacweni acela kuphiwa. Watsi kube eve kutsi nguJesu waseNazaretha, wamemeta kakhulu atsi: “Jesu, Ndvodzana yaDavide! Ngihawukele!” Labanyenti bamkhahlameta, batsi akathule; kodvwa kwaba shangatsi bambangile, washo kakhulu watsi: “Ndvodzana yaDavide, ngihawukele!” Jesu wema watsi: “Mbiteni.” Bayibita lemphumphutse, batsi: “Ungesabi, sukuma, uyakubita Jesu.” Yalahla phansi lijazi layo, yasukuma yabanga kuJesu. Jesu wayibuta watsi: “Ufuna ngikwenteleni?” Lemphumphutse yatsi: “Mfundzisi wami, mane ngibone nje.” Jesu watsi kuyo: “Hamba; kukholwa kwakho kukuphilisile.” Masinyane avuleka emehlo ayo abona, yase ilandzela Jesu eluhambeni lwakhe. Batsi kube basondzele eJerusalema sebasedvute naseBhethifage neBhetani, ngaseNtsabeni Yemincumo, Jesu watfumela bafundzi bakhe lababili, watsi kubo: “Hambani nize ningene edolobhaneni lelimacondzana nani; nitawukhandza kukhungwe litfole lembongolo, lelingazange seligitjelwe. Nifike nilikhumule, nililetse la. Nakukhona lonibutako atsi: ‘Nikwentelani loko?’ nibotsi: ‘INkhosi iyalidzinga, italibuyisa masinyane.’ ” Bahamba-ke labo lababili balikhandza lelitfole likhungwe ngasesangweni, ngephandle kwemuti, ngasemgwacweni, balitfukulula. Labo lababeme lapho bababuta batsi: “Nentani? Nilikhumulelani lelitfole?” Babatjela loko labebakutjelwe nguJesu; nembala bantfu babayekela bahamba. Baliletsa kuJesu lelitfole. Bagaca tingubo tabo etikwalo, Jesu waligibela. Labanyenti bendlala tingubo tabo emgwacweni, labanye bendlala emagala etihlahla labebawagawule esigangeni. Labo labebahamba embili nalabebahamba ngemuva babememeta batsi: “Hosana! Ubusisiwe lotako egameni leNkhosi! Ubusisiwe umbuso lotako wababe Davide! Hosana kulelisetikwako konkhe!” Jesu wangena-ke eJerusalema, wacondza ngekhatsi ethempelini. Watsi kube acedze kubuka konkhe, wase uyengca uya eBhetani ngobe kwase kuhlwile, abehamba kanye nebafundzi bakhe lababeli-12. Ngakusasa nase babuya eBhetani, Jesu wativa asalambile. Wabona bucalu sihlahla semkhiwa sinemacembe, waya kuso ayewufuna emakhiwa. Watsi uyefika wakhandza kute, kungemacembe odvwa, ngobe bekungesiso sikhatsi semakhiwa. Watsi kulesihlahla: “Sale kubate muntfu loyakudla emakhiwa la kuwe nanini.” Bafundzi bakhe bamuva nakasho njalo. Befika eJerusalema. Jesu wangena ethempelini wakhipha bonkhe lababetsenga nalababetsengisa. Wagumbucela ematafula alababentjintja timali kanye netihlalo talabebatsengisa ngematuba. Abengavumeli muntfu kutsi ahambe adzabule emabaleni elithempeli atfwele. Wabafundzisa watsi: “Akashongo yini Nkulunkulu emBhalweni wakhe watsi: ‘Indlu yami iyawubitwa ngekutsi yindlu lapho kuthandaza khona tonkhe tive’? Kodvwa nine seniyigucule yaba ngumhume wabosidlani!” Baphristi labakhulu kanye netati temtsetfo batsi kube bakuve loko, bafuna indlela lababengabulala ngayo Jesu, ngobe phela babemesaba, kwatise kutsi tonkhe ticuku tatitsatsekile ngalemfundziso yakhe, timangele. Kwatsi nakuhwalala Jesu nebafundzi bakhe baphuma edolobheni laseJerusalema. Ekuseni nase babuyela emuva, basibona lesihlahla semkhiwa sesome ngisho netimphandze taso. Phetro wayikhumbula indzaba yangayitolo, wase utsi: “Mfundzisi, buka lesa sihlahla losicalekise itolo, sesomile.” Jesu wakhuluma kubo watsi: “Kholwani kuNkulunkulu. Ngicinisile, ngitsi kini: Nome ngubani loyawutsi kulentsaba: ‘Cukuleka uyewuphonseka le elwandle,’ angangabati enhlitiyweni yakhe, kodvwa akholwa kutsi loko lasakushito kutakwenteka, uyakwentelwa kona. Ngako-ke ngitsi kini: Konkhe leniyawukucela ngemkhuleko, kholwani kutsi seninako, niyawube seniyaphiwa-ke. Ngaso sonkhe sikhatsi nanithandazako, nibobacolela leniphambene nabo, kuze kutsi neYihlo losezulwini anitsetselele tono tenu. [ Kodvwa naningatsetselelani, neYihlo losezulwini angeke anitsetselele emacala enu.]” Babuyela-ke eJerusalema; watsi asaya ethempelini, baphristi labakhulu netati temtsetfo netibondza beta kuye, bambuta batsi: “Ulitsatsaphi ligunya lekwenta letintfo, kona ngubani lokunike leligunya lekutenta?” Jesu watsi: “Nami ngitanibuta livi libe linye; naninginika imphendvulo, ngitanitjela kutsi leligunya lengenta ngalo letintfo, ngilitsatsaphi. Ase ningitjele kutsi umbhabhatiso waJohane bewuphuma kuNkulunkulu yini nome bewuphuma kubantfu?” Bacale bakhulumisana bodvwana batsi: “Nasitsi: ‘KuNkulunkulu,’ utawutsi: ‘Animkholwanga ngani kepha?’ Kodvwa nasingatsi: ‘Kubantfu,’ ngeke silunge.” Phela babesaba bantfu, ngobe bonkhe bebabambelele ekutseni Johane abengumphrofethi cobo. Ngako base baphendvula Jesu batsi: “Awu, asati.” Jesu-ke yena watsi: “Nami-ke ngeke nginitjele kutsi letintfo ngitenta ngaliphi ligunya.” Jesu wacala wakhuluma kubo ngemifanekiso watsi: “Bekukhona lenye indvodza leyahlanyela sivini sayo, yase iyasibiyela, ekhatsi kwaso yemba umgodzi wekuhlutela emagelebisi etjeni, yakha nenyango yekulindza; yase icashisa ngaso kubacashi, yona yahamba yaya kulelinye live. Kwatsi nakufika sikhatsi sekuvuna, yatfumela sisebenti kulabacashi kutsi siyewuyilandzela sabelo sayo sesivuno. Basidvumela, basishaya, basincandza mahhala. Yaphindza futsi yatfumela lesinye sisebenti, naso basibhobota tindvuma, basihlazisa. Yaphindza yatfumela lesinye sisebenti sayo, sona-ke sefika basibulala. Tinyenti letinye letatitfunywa: letinye tatishaywa, letinye tibulawe. Ekugcineni kwase kusele umuntfu munye lebeyingamtfumela, umsa wayo lebeyimtsandza kakhulu. Beyicabanga kutsi batamhlonipha ngobe kuyindvodzana yayo. Kodvwa labacashi batsi kube bayibone lendvodzana, bakhulumisana bodvwana batsi: ‘Nanso indlalifa yakhe, wotani siteyibulala, khona lelifa kutakuba letfu.’ Bayibamba, bayibulala, bayijika ngephandle kwesivini. “Uyakwenta njani-ke lomnikati walesivini? Uyawuta atetibhubhisa leticashi atsatse lesivini acashise ngaso kulabanye. “Anifundzanga yini kulomBhalo lotsi: “ ‘Lelo litje lelaliwa bakhi, ngobe bebatsi alinamsebenti, seligucuke laba litje lekusimisa indlu? Loko kwentiwa yiNkhosi. Maye! Kuyasimangalisa!’ ” Betama kubamba Jesu, kodvwa besaba ticuku tebantfu, ngobe babona kahle kutsi ngalomfanekiso ukhuluma ngabo, base bayamshiya, bahamba. Base batfumela labanye bebaFarisi, kanye nemaHerodi, kutsi atewugiba Jesu ngenkhulumo yakhe. Bafike batsi kuye: “Mfundzisi, siyati kutsi wena uneliciniso, awuwatsengi emehlo emuntfu ngobe awesatjiswa bunjalo bemuntfu. Ufundzisa indlela yaNkulunkulu ngeliciniso. Kulungile yini kukhipha umtselo kuKhesari, uMbusi wemaRoma, nome cha? Sifanele siwukhiphe yini nome singawukhiphi?” Kodvwa Jesu abati kahle bumbulu babo, watsi kubo: “Ningilingelani? Ase ningikhombise loluhlavu lwemali.” Baluletsa. Wababuta watsi: “Lesitfombe naloku lokubhalwe la kulo kwabani?” Bamphendvula batsi: “KwaKhesari.” Jesu watsi kubo: “Yebo-ke, nikani Khesari kwaKhesari, naNkulunkulu kwaNkulunkulu.” Bamangala kakhulu ngalamavi akhe. Kwase kuta kuJesu baSadusi, labatsi bona kute kuvuka kulabafile, bambuta umbuzo batsi: “Mfundzisi, Mosi wasibhalela kutsi indvodza nayifa, ishiya umfati wayo angakabi namntfwana, umnakabomufi kufanele angene lomfati, khona atewuvusela umufi umuti. Manje-ke bekunetelamani letatisikhombisa; wekucala watsatsa umfati, wase uyafa asete bantfwana. Ngako-ke lona wesibili wase ungena lomfelokati, naye wafa ate bantfwana, wesitsatfu futsi kwaba ngiso sona leso. Bobasikhombisa abazange batale ngisho namunye umntfwana. Ekugcineni-ke wase uyafa nalomfati. Ekuvukeni kwalabafile lomfati uyawuba wabani, ngobe bobasikhombisa abengumfati wabo?” Jesu watsi kubo: “Maye, nedukile, kwatisa kutsi nemiBhalo aniyati, futsi nemandla aNkulunkulu aniwati! Phela nase bavuka kulabafile, abasatekani, ngobe sebanjengetingilosi tasezulwini. Kona-ke macondzana nekuvuka kulabafile anifundzanga yini encwadzini yaMosi endzabeni yesihlahla lesasivutsa emalangabi, kutsi Nkulunkulu watsini kuye? Watsi: ‘NginguNkulunkulu wa-Abrahama, naNkulunkulu wa-Isaka, naNkulunkulu waJakobe.’ Nkulunkulu akasiye walabafile, kodvwa walabaphilako. Nine nje neduke kabi.” Lesinye sati semtsetfo sasondzela, sabeva baphikisana naye. Sesibonile kutsi ubaphendvula kahle, sambuta satsi: “Ngumuphi umyalo lomkhulu kunayo yonkhe?” Jesu wasiphendvula watsi: “Wekucala utsi: ‘Lalelani, nine baka-Israyeli, iNkhosi Nkulunkulu wetfu, iNkhosi yinye. Uboyitsandza iNkhosi Nkulunkulu wakho, ngayo yonkhe inhlitiyo yakho, nangawo wonkhe umphefumulo wakho, nangayo yonkhe ingcondvo yakho, nangawo onkhe emandla akho.’ Wesibili utsi: ‘Ubotsandza makhelwane wakho, njengobe utitsandza wena.’ Kute-ke lomunye umyalo lomkhulu kunaleyo.” Lesati satsi kuye: “Ucinisile, Mfundzisi, ushito kahle kutsi Nkulunkulu munye, futsi kute lomunye ngaphandle kwakhe. Kutsandza Nkulunkulu ngenhlitiyo yami yonkhe, nangekucondza kwami konkhe, nangemandla ami onkhe, kanye nekutsandza makhelwane wami njengobe ngititsandza mine, kuncono kakhulu kuneminikelo leshiswako nakunemihlatjelo.” Jesu wabona kutsi siphendvule kahle, watsi: “Cha, awukho khashane kakhulu nembuso waNkulunkulu.” Emvakwaloko kute lowaba nesibindzi sekumbuta umbuzo. Jesu asafundzisa ethempelini wababuta bantfu watsi: “Tati temtsetfo tisho ngani kutsi Khristu wesitukulwane saDavide? Davide, agcwele Moya Longcwele, washo watsi: “ ‘INkhosi yatsi eNkhosini yami: “Hlala lapha ngesekudla sami, ngize ngibeke titsa takho ngaphansi kwetinyawo takho.” ’ “Nangabe Davide cobo ambita ngeNkhosi yakhe, pho, uwesitukulwane sakhe njani?” Ticumbi letikhulu tebantfu tamlalela ngekujabula. Ekufundziseni kwakhe Jesu watsi: “Caphelani tati temtsetfo, letitsandza kuhamba tembetse imijiva lemidze, tihambe tibingelelwa bantfu etimakethe. Titsandza titulo letincono emasinagogeni, netindzawo letihloniphekile emadzilini. Tidla tindlu tebafelokati, titentise ngekuthandaza imithandazo lemidze. Tiyakwemukela sijeziso lesikhulu.” Jesu wahlala phansi macondzana nelibhokisi leminikelo, wabukela ticuku tinikela tifaka timali ebhokisini. Labanyenti lababenjingile bafaka timali letinkhulu. Umfelokati lotsite labephuyile weta wafaka tinhlavu letimbili telitfusi letenta isenti. Jesu wabita bafundzi bakhe watsi kubo: “Ngicinisile, ngitsi kini: Lomfelokati lophuyile unikele kakhulu kunabo bonkhe. Ngobe bona bebacupha kulokunyenti, kodvwa yena ukhiphe konkhe labenako, nalabengahle aphile ngako.” Watsi Jesu nakaphuma ethempelini, lomunye webafundzi bakhe watsi kuye: “Mfundzisi, asewubuke lamatje naletakhiwo kutsi takheke kahle kangakanani.” Jesu watsi kuye: “Uyatibona yini letakhiwo letinkhulu? Kute nalinye litje leliyawusala lisetikwalelinye lelingayiwudzilitelwa phansi.” Jesu abehleti eNtsabeni Yemincumo abhekene nelithempeli. BoPhetro, naJakobe, naJohane, na-Andreya bambuta babodvwana naye batsi: “Ase usitjele kutsi kuyakwenteka nini loko? Kuyakwentekani lokuyawuba sibonakaliso saleso sikhatsi sekuphela?” Jesu wabatjela watsi: “Caphelani kutsi kubete lonedukisako. Kuyawuta labanyenti egameni lami batsi: ‘Nginguye!’ Ngaloko bayakwedukisa labanyenti. Naniva emahemuhemu etimphi, netindzaba tetimphi, ningetfuki, ngobe letintfo tifanele kutsi tenteke, kodvwa noko umhla wekuphela uyawube ungakefiki. Sive siyawuvukela lesinye sive, umbuso uvukele lomunye umbuso, kuyawuba nekutamatama kwemhlaba tindzawo ngetindzawo, kuyawuba netindlala. Loko kuyawube kukucala kwetinsizi, kube njengemhelo walomsikati nasatawuteta. “Ticapheleni nine, ngobe bayawunimangalela etinkantolo, niyawushaywa emasinagogeni, nimiswe embikwebabusi nemakhosi ngenca yami, nize nibeke bufakazi ngami kubo. LiVangeli kufanele lishunyayelwe etiveni tonkhe kucala. Nabanimikisa etinkantolo baninikele, ningahlupheki ngekucabanga kutsi niyawutsini, kodvwa shanoni loko leniyakuphiwa ngalowo mzuzu, ngobe kuyawube kungasesini leniyakube nikhuluma, kodvwa Moya Longcwele uyakukhuluma ngemilomo yenu. Umuntfu uyawunikela umnakabo ekufeni, neyise umntfwanakhe, bantfwana bayawuvukela batali babo bababulalise. Niyawutondvwa ngabo bonkhe ngenca yeligama lami. Kepha lowo loyawucinisela kuze kube ngusekugcineni, uyakusindziswa.” “Kodvwa nanibona ‘Sinengisoncitsakalo’ eme endzaweni lengakamfaneli,” (lofundzako akacaphele inchazelo yaloku), “labo labaseJudiya ababalekele etintsabeni. Naloyabe asetikwendlu angabe asehla, angasangeni nasendlini yakhe kuyawutsatsa timphahla takhe. Losensimini angasabuyeli emuva kuyawutsatsa kwekwembatsa kwakhe. Maye kulabo labayawube batetfwele, nalabo labayawube bamunyisa ngalawo malanga! Thandazelani kutsi loko kungete kwenteka ebusika. Ngobe kulawo malanga kuyawuba netinhlupheko letinkhulu, letingazange setibekhona kusukela ekucaleni kwendalo yaNkulunkulu kudzimate kube ngulamuhla, futsi tingeke tiphindze tibe khona. Kube futsi Nkulunkulu abengakawafinyeti lawo malanga, kute namunye labeyawusindziswa; kodvwa ngenca yalabakhetfwe nguye wawafinyeta lawo malanga. “Ngaleso sikhatsi nakufika lomunye atsi kini: ‘Ase nibuke, nangu Khristu,’ nome atsi: ‘Nanguya,’ ningamkholwa. Bokhristu bemanga nebaphrofethimbumbulu batawuvela bakhombise tibonakaliso netimangaliso kuze kwedukiswe nalabakhetsiwe, nakunekwenteka. “Kodvwa caphelani, ngobe senginitjele konkhe loku kungakenteki.” “Ngalawo malanga emvakwaleto tinhlupheko, “ ‘lilanga liyawufiphala, nenyanga iyawubate kukhanya, netinkhanyeti tidzilike esibhakabhakeni, nemandla emkhatsi ayawunyakatiswa.’ “Lapho-ke bayawuyibona iNdvodzana yeMuntfu ita ngemafu inemandla lamakhulu nebukhosi. Iyawutfumela tingilosi tayo kutsi tiyewubutsa labo labakhetsiwe bayo emimoyeni yomine, nasemikhawulweni yonkhe yemhlaba.” “Ase nifundze sifundvo esihlahleni semkhiwa. Ngesikhatsi emagala aso advumba, bese sihluma emacembe, niyabe seniyati kutsi seletfwese lihlobo. Kanjalo-ke nani, nanibona letintfo tenteka, nibokwati kwekutsi iNdvodzana yeMuntfu seyisedvute, seyingasemnyango. “Ngicinisile, ngitsi kini: Lesitukulwane singeke sendlule kungakenteki konkhe loku. Kuyakwendlula lizulu nemhlaba, kodvwa emavi ami wona angeke endlule.” “Kepha noko kute lowatiko kutsi lelo langa nalelo awa kuyawufika nini. Netingelosi tasezulwini atati, neNdvodzana ayati; nguYise kuphela lokwatiko loko. Caphelani nilindze, ngobe anati kutsi leso sikhatsi siyawufika nini. Kufanana nendvodza leyayitawuya khashane; yatsi nase itawusuka ekhaya, yabeka tisebenti tayo etikhundleni tato, nguleso nemsebenti waso lotsite. Yayala umgcini welisango kutsi alindze kahle. Ngako-ke lindzani, ngobe animati umnikati wendlu kutsi uyawubuya nini. Angahle abuye ebusuku nome ekhatsi nebusuku, angabuya ekukhaleni kwekucala kwelichudze, nome ekuseni. Nakefika ningakamlindzeli, akanganikhandzi nilele. Loku lengikusho kini, ngikusho kubo bonkhe ngitsi: Lindzani.” Bese kusele emalanga lamabili kube nguMkhosi weliPhasika, kudliwe sinkhwa lesite imbiliso. Baphristi labakhulu netati temtsetfo tatifuna lisu lekubamba Jesu ngebucili, timbulale. Kepha babetsi: “Akufuneki simbambe ngesikhatsi semkhosi, ngobe bantfu bangahle besuse siphitsiphitsi.” Jesu abeseBhetani, ekhaya kaSimoni lowake waba lilephelo. Watsi Jesu asadla, kwefika umfati aphetse sigujana lesasakhiwe ngelitje lembiza, sigcwele emafutsa langemakha enadi ladule kakhulu. Wasivula lesigujana, watsela lamakha enhloko yaJesu. Kodvwa bekukhona labatfukutsela, bakhuluma bodvwana batsi: “Kudlalelwani ngalamafutsa? Ngobe ngabe atsengiswe ngabodenariyo labangema-300, kwabelwa labamphofu lemali.” Bamsola kakhulu lomfati. Kodvwa Jesu watsi: “Myekeleni; nimhluphelani? Ngobe wente umsebenti lomuhle kakhulu kimi. Labamphofu nihlala nabo onkhe emalanga, nome ngunini nanitsandzako ningabentela lokuhle; kodvwa mine aninawuhlala nami sonkhe sikhatsi. Naye-ke wente loko langahle akwente, ugcobise umtimba wami awulungiselela kungcwatjwa usengakangcwatjwa. Ngicinisile, ngitsi kini: Nome kukuphi lapho liVangeli liyawushunyayelwa khona emhlabeni wonkhe, loku lakwentile kuyawuba sikhumbuto ngaye.” Judasi Skariyothe, labengulomunye walababeli-12, waya kubaphristi labakhulu wayawutsengisa ngaJesu. Batsi nabakuva loko, bajabula bafa, bametsembisa kumnika imali. Wacala-ke Judasi wafuna litfuba lelikahle lekunikela Jesu kubo. Ngelilanga lekucala leMkhosi Wesinkhwa Lesingenambiliso, mhla kunikelwa imvana yeliPhasika, bafundzi baJesu baya kuye bambuta batsi: “Ungatsandza kutsi siyekulungiselela kuphi Sidlo seliPhasika?” Jesu watfumela bafundzi bakhe lababili watsi kubo: “Hambani niye edolobheni, niyawuhlangabetana nemuntfu etfwele imbita yemanti; nibomlandzela. Nitawufike nikhulume nalomnikati wendlu, latawungena kuyo lomuntfu, nitsi: ‘UMfundzisi utsi: “Liphi likamelo lapho ngingadlela khona liPhasika ngikanye nebafundzi bami?” ’ Lomnikati wendlu utanikhombisa likamelo lelikhulu lelingetulu, lelilungiswe kahle; bese nisilungiselela khona.” Bafundzi bahamba-ke baya edolobheni, bakhandza kunjengobe Jesu abebatjelile; bavele basilungiselela Sidlo seMkhosi weliPhasika. Kwatsi sekuhlwile, Jesu wefika akanye nebafundzi bakhe labali-12. Batsi basadla, Jesu watsi kubo: “Ngicinisile, ngitsi kini: Lomunye emkhatsini wenu, nine lenidla kanye nami, utangitsengisa.” Bacala kudzabuka, kwaba ngulowo watibutela yena atsi: “Kungabe ngimi yini?” Jesu watsi kubo: “Ngulomunye wenu nine labali-12, lowo lowenya lucetu lwesinkhwa ndishi yinye nami. Vele kambe iNdvodzana yeMuntfu itawufa, njengobe kubhaliwe ngayo; kodvwa maye kulowo muntfu iNdvodzana yeMuntfu letawutsengiswa ngaye! Bekuyawuba ncono kulowo muntfu kube mane akatalwanga.” Batsi basadla, Jesu watsatsa sinkhwa, wabusisa, wase uyasihlephula, wabanika watsi: “Tsatsani, loku ngumtimba wami.” Watsatsa nendzebe, watsi nasabongile, wabanika, bonkhe banatsa kuyo. Watsi kubo: “Loku kuyingati yami yesivumelwane, lecitselwa labanyenti. Ngicinisile, ngitsi kini: Angeke ngiphindze nginatse kulesitselo semvini, kuyawudzimate kube ngulelo langa nase ngisinatsa sisisha embusweni waNkulunkulu.” Batsi kube bacedze kuhlabela ingoma yekubonga, baphuma baya eNtsabeni Yemincumo. Jesu watsi kubafundzi bakhe: “Nonkhe nitangihlamuka, ngobe kubhaliwe kutsi: “ ‘Ngiyawushaya ngibulale umelusi, timvu tiyawuhlakateka.’ “Kodvwa nase ngivusiwe kulabafile, ngiyawuhamba ngembili kwenu ngiye eGalile.” Kepha Phetro watsi kuye: “Nome bangakuhlamuka bonkhe, mine ngingeke.” Jesu watsi kuye: “Ngicinisile, ngitsi kuwe: Kubo lobusuku balamuhla, lichudze litawutsi lingakakhali kwesibili, wena utabe sewungiphike katsatfu.” Kepha Phetro wagcizelela watsi: “Nome bangangibulala kanye nawe, mine ngeke ngikuphike.” Bafundzi bonkhe basho njalo. Besuka lapho baya endzaweni lekwakutsiwa yiGetsemane, Jesu watsi kubafundzi bakhe: “Hlalani lapha, mine ngisaya kukhuleka.” Watsatsa boPhetro, naJakobe, naJohane, wachubachubeka nabo. Wafikelwa ngumunyu nekudzabuka nekwesaba, watsi kubo: “Umphefumulo wami ucindzetelwe lusizi, ngidzabuke lokwekufa. Salani lapha nilindze.” Yena wachubachubeka libangana, watilahla phansi, wakhuleka kutsi sendlule kuye lesikhatsi selusizi, nakungenteka. Watsi: “Aba, Babe, konkhe kungenteka kuwe. Yendlulise kimi lendzebe yelusizi, noko kungayi ngentsandvo yami kodvwa kuye ngentsandvo yakho.” Weta kubafundzi labatsatfu wabakhandza sebalele, watsi kuPhetro: “Simoni, ulele? Ungabe usalindza neli-awa linye nje? Lindzani nikhuleke kuze ningangeni ekulingweni. Umoya uyavuma, kodvwa inyama ibutsakatsaka.” Wabuyela futsi wayawuthandaza, asho wona lawo mavi. Waphindza wabuyela kulabafundzi labatsatfu, wabakhandza balele. Phela emehlo abo abesindvwa butfongo, behluleka kutsi bangamphendvula batsini. Wabuya kwesitsatfu watsi kubo: “Kantsi nisalele nanyalo? Nisaphumulile? Sekwenele; sikhatsi sesifikile. Ase nibuke-ke, iNdvodzana yeMuntfu seyiniketwa etandleni tetoni. Sukumani sambe! Bukani nangu longitsengisako asakhona.” Masinyane nje asakhuluma, kwatseleka Judasi, lomunye walabebali-12. Abehamba nesicuku lesikhulu sebantfu sihlome ngetinkemba nangetindvuku, sitfunywe baphristi labakhulu, netati temtsetfo kanye netibondza. Lona labemtsengisa-ke abebanike siboniso watsi: “Lowo lengitamanga, nguye-ke lowo. Nimbambe, niphume naye, nimbone angaphunyuli.” Watsi kube efike nje Judasi wacondza ngco kuJesu, watsi: “Mfundzisi!” Wamanga. Batselekela Jesu, bambamba, bambopha. Kodvwa lomunye walabo lababeme eceleni kwaJesu wahoshula inkemba yakhe wagalela esigcilini semPhristi Lomkhulu, wasihhumbula indlebe. Jesu watsi kubo: “Nidzimate nihlome kangaka, shangatsi nihlomele sigebengu, niphetse tinkemba netagila nje, kantsi nitewubamba mine. Imihla nemalanga bengihlala nani ethempelini ngifundzisa, anizange seningibophe. Kodvwa kufanele kugcwaliseke umBhalo.” Bonkhe bafundzi bakhe bamshiya babaleka. Lelinye libhungu lalilandzela Jesu, lembetse indvwangu yelineni kuphela. Batsi bayalibamba, laphunyula labashiya babambe lendvwangu, lacela empunzini, lingcunu. Bachuba Jesu bammikisa kumPhristi Lomkhulu; bonkhe baphristi labakhulu, netibondza, netati temtsetfo tabutsana khona. Phetro wamlandzela ahambela emuva le, waze wangena ebaleni lakamPhristi Lomkhulu. Wefika wahlala kanye nabogadzi, wotsa umlilo. Baphristi labakhulu kanye neLiqoqo lonkhe bafuna bufakazi labangahle bambeke licala ngabo Jesu, khona batemlahla ngelicala lekufa, kodvwa abazange babutfole ngisho nabunye. Labanyenti baletsa bufakazi bemanga ngaye, kodvwa nalobo bufakazi babo abuzange buhlangane. Labanye basukuma bafakaza emanga ngaJesu, batsi: “Simvile tsine atsi: ‘Ngitalibhidlita lelithempeli lelakhiwe ngetandla, ngibuye ngakhe lelinye lelingakakhiwa ngetandla tebantfu, ngilakhe ngemalanga lamatsatfu.’ ” Nakhona lapho bufakazi babo abuzange buhlangane. UmPhristi Lomkhulu wasukuma wema emkhatsini wabo bonkhe, wabuta Jesu watsi: “Awutiphendvuleli ngani kuloku labakushoko ngawe labantfu?” Kodvwa Jesu wathula, wangete wamphendvula. Waphindza futsi umPhristi Lomkhulu wambuta watsi: “Unguye yini Khristu, iNdvodzana yaLobongekako?” Jesu watsi: “Nginguye; ngitsi: Niyawuyibona iNdvodzana yeMuntfu ihleti ngesekudla saSomandla, ita ngemafu elizulu.” UmPhristi Lomkhulu wadzabula imijiva yakhe, atsi: “Sisabufunelani lobunye bufakazi? Nikuvile kuhlambalata kwakhe. Nitsini-ke nine?” Bonkhe bamlahla ngelicala, batsi kufanele abulawe. Labanye bamkhafulela ngematse, bammbonya buso bakhe, bamshaya batsi: “Phrofetha!” Nabogadzi imbala bammukula. Phetro asehleti entansi nelibala, kweta kuye intfombatana leyayingulesinye setisebenti temPhristi Lomkhulu; yatsi kube ibone Phetro otsa umlilo, yambuka yase itsi kuye: “Nawe futsi bewuhamba naye lomNazaretha longuJesu.” Kodvwa waphika Phetro watsi: “Angati, futsi angikuva nekutsi ukhuluma ngani.” Waphumela ngephandle esibuyeni. [Lichudze lase liyakhala.] Yaphindza yambona lentfombatana, yase ikhuluma nalababeme naye yatsi: “Lo, ungulomunye wabo.” Kodvwa Phetro waphindze waphika. Emvakwesikhashana lababeme naye batsi kuPhetro: “Kuliciniso kutsi ungulomunye wabo, ngobe naku ungumGalile.” Kodvwa Phetro wafunga aticalekisa, watsi: “Angimati lomuntfu lenikhuluma ngaye!” Masinyane lichudze lakhala kwesibili. Nembala Phetro wawakhumbula emagama aJesu ngesikhatsi atsi kuye: “Lichudze lingakakhali kwesibili wena utawube sewungiphike katsatfu.” Wadzabuka kakhulu enhlitiyweni yakhe, wakhala. Kwanelela kwasa nje kwabutsana lonkhe Liqoqo, baphristi labakhulu, netibondza, netati, kanye nalamanye emalunga alo, bahlanganisa inkhulumo. Babopha Jesu bamchuba bayawumetfula kuPhilatu. Philatu wambuta watsi: “Ungiyo yini inkhosi yemaJuda?” Jesu wamphendvula watsi: “Sewushito wena.” Baphristi labakhulu bambeka emacala lamanyenti. Waphindza Philatu wambuta watsi: “Ute yini imphendvulo longayisho? Buka kutsi bakubeka emacala lamanyenti kangakanani!” Kodvwa Jesu akabange asamphendvula ngalutfo. Loko kwammangalisa kakhulu Philatu. Kulomkhosi-ke Philatu abevamise njalo nje kubakhululela siboshwa sibe sinye lesicelwe ngulesicuku. Ngaleso sikhatsi bekunesiboshwa ejele lesasinguBharaba, sasiboshwe kanye nalabanye lababevukele umbuso: ngekususa tiphitsiphitsi nangekubulala. Sicuku sebantfu sasondzela kuPhilatu samncenga kutsi asentele leso sisa njengasemihleni. Philatu wase uyababuta utsi: “Niyafuna yini kutsi nginikhululele inkhosi yemaJuda?” Philatu abesabonile kutsi baphristi labakhulu babephetfwe ngumona nje lokutsi baze baletse Jesu la kuye. Kodvwa baphristi labakhulu basifaka umoya lesicuku kutsi sicele Philatu asikhululele Bharaba, hhayi Jesu. Philatu waphindza watsi kubo: “Ngitakwentani ngalomuntfu lenitsi yinkhosi yemaJuda?” Bamemeta kakhulu futsi batsi: “Mbetsele esiphambanweni!” Philatu watsi kubo: “Ngani, wenteni lengakalungi?” Kodvwa bamemeta kakhulu kunakucala batsi: “Mbetsele esiphambanweni!” Ngako-ke Philatu atsandza kujabulisa ticumbi, wabakhululela Bharaba. Jesu asabhanjabuliwe, Philatu wabe sewumnikela esicukwini kutsi siyewumbetsela esiphambanweni. Emasotja achuba Jesu amngenisa ngekhatsi kwesigodlo saPhilatu, ase abita yonkhe imphi yemasotja. Amembatsisa umjiva lobovu webukhosi, eluka umchele lonemanyeva, awuhlisibetela enhloko yakhe. Ase amshayela sihlutfu atsi: “Bayethe! Nkhosi yemaJuda!” Abehle amshaya enhloko ngendvuku yenhlangamlambo, amkhafulele ngematse, aguce embikwakhe amkhotsamele. Asamphukutile aze enela, ase ayamkhumula lomjiva lobovu webukhosi, amembatsisa tingubo takhe. Amkhiphela ngephandle aya kumbetsela esiphambanweni. Emasotja asesendleleni ahlangana nendvodza yaseSirene, libito layo lalinguSimoni. Beyiphuma emaphandleni ite edolobheni. Beyinguyise wabo-Alekzanda naRufusi. Emasotja ayicindzetela kutsi yetfwale siphambano saJesu. Achuba Jesu amyisa endzaweni lekwakutsiwa yiGolkotha, lokusho kutsi: “YiNdzawo yeSikobho”. Wanikwa liwayini lelalibhicwe nemure, kodvwa wala kulinatsa. Emasotja ambetsela esiphambanweni, abelana ngetingubo takhe, entelana inkatho kuze kubonakale kutsi lilinye belitawutfolani. Bekuli-awa lemfica ekuseni nababetsela Jesu esiphambanweni. Satiso selicala lakhe lesasibhalwe esiphambanweni besitsi: “INKHOSI YEMAJUDA.” Kwabetselwa kanye naye tigelekece letimbili, lesinye ngesekudla, lesinye ngesancele sakhe. [ Ngako kwagcwaliseka umBhalo lotsi: “Wabalwa kanye netoni.”] Bantfu labendlulako lapho babemetfuka banikine tinhloko batsi: “Wo! Wena longabhidlita lithempeli ubuye ulakhe ngemalanga lamatsatfu! Tisindzise phela, wehle lapho esiphambanweni!” Nebaphristi labakhulu kanye netati temtsetfo bebahlekisa ngaye, batsi: “Wabasindzisa labanye, kodvwa akasakwati kutisindzisa yena. Nango-ke, Khristu, iNkhosi yaka-Israyeli! Sale wehla lapho esiphambanweni, kuze sitewubona sikholwe.” Nalaba lababebetselwe kanye naye nabo babemetfuka. Kwatsi ngeli-awa leli-12 emini kwaba mnyama emhlabeni wonkhe, kwaze kwaba li-awa lesitsatfu. Ngalelo awa Jesu wakhala ngelivi lelikhulu, watsi: “Eloyi! Eloyi! Lama sabakthani?” lokusho kutsi: “Nkulunkulu wami! Nkulunkulu wami! Ungishiyeleni?” Labanye labebeme khona lapho nabamuva batsi: “Ase nimuve, ubita Elija.” Lomunye wagijima watsatsa siponji wasicwilisa ewayinini lelimunyu, wasihloma endvukwini yenhlangamlambo, wamnatsisa, atsi: “Ase nime sesibone kutsi lo-Elija utawuta yini atemsita, ametfule lapha etulu.” Jesu waphindze wamemeta ngelivi lelikhulu, wase uyafa. Indvwangu yesihenco leyayilenga ethempelini yadzabuka ekhatsi kusukela etulu kwaya kuphuma phansi. Kwatsi indvuna yelikhulu lebeyime lapho imbuka nakafa ngalendlela, yavuma yatsi: “Ngempela lomuntfu abengiyo iNdvodzana yaNkulunkulu.” Bekukhona nebafati lababebuka beme bucalu, emkhatsini wabo bekukhona Mariya waseMagdala, naSalome, naMariya, unina waboJosese naJakobe labemncane. Labo-ke ngulababenaye aseseGalile, babemsita, bamkhonta. Bekukhona nalabanye nje-ke bafati labanyenti, lababete kanye naye eJerusalema. Kwase kucalile kuhwalala. Phela kwakulilanga lekwenta emalungiselelo, lokusho kutsi kwakunguLesihlanu, kutakusa kuliSabatha. Josefa wase-Arimathiya, umhlonishwa walelo Liqoqo, labe ngulomunye walababelindzele umbuso waNkulunkulu, wacunga sibindzi waya kuPhilatu ayewucela sidvumbu saJesu. Philatu wamangala kwekutsi Jesu sewufile; wabita indvuna yemasotja wabuta kutsi ngabe sesikhatsi lesingakanani Jesu afile. Watsi kube atfole imphendvulo endvuneni, wase uyavuma kutsi Josefa asitsatse lesidvumbu. Josefa watsenga indvwangu yelineni, wasetfula sidvumbu saJesu, wasigocota ngalendvwangu, wayawusibeka ethuneni lelalimbiwe edvwaleni, wagicitela litje wavala ngalo umnyango walelithuna. BoMariya waseMagdala naMariya, unaboJosese, babona lapho angcwatjwa khona Jesu. Emvakwelilanga leliSabatha boMariya waseMagdala, naMariya, unaboJakobe, naSalome batsenga emakha bentela kuya bayewugcobisa ngawo sidvumbu saJesu. Ekuseni ngeluvivi, ngeliSontfo, lilanga lekucala evikini, baya ethuneni; befika lilanga seliphuma. Basesendleleni babehamba babutana bodvwana batsi: “Ngubani lotasigicitela lelitje lekuvalwe ngalo ethuneni?” Batsi batsi ganganana, babona lelitje selisusiwe, phela kwakuyinguzanguza yelitje. Batsi bayangena ethuneni, bakhandza libhungu lihleti ngesekudla, lembetse umjiva lomhlophe; bashaywa luvalo. Latsi kubo: “Ningesabi! Nifuna Jesu waseNazaretha lona bekabetselwe esiphambanweni. Uvusiwe ekufeni, akasekho lapha. Nasi sikhundla lapho bebambeke khona. Hambani nitjele bafundzi bakhe kanye naPhetro kutsi sewusembili, uya eGalile. Nitambona khona, njengobe anitjela.” Baphuma babaleka ethuneni, ngobe bese bachachatela besaba kakhulu. Abazange sebayitsi vu ngisho nakumunye, ngobe bebesaba kakhulu. Jesu asavukile ekufeni ekuseni ngeliSontfo, lilanga lekucala evikini, watibonakalisa kucala kuMariya waseMagdala, lona labekhiphe kuye emadimoni lasikhombisa. Mariya wesuka lapho wahamba wayawutjela labo labekadze anabo; wabakhandza bakhala balila. Kodvwa batsi nome beva kutsi uyaphila nekutsi yena sewumbonile, bangete bamkholwa kahle. Emvakwaloko Jesu watibonakalisa, angulesinye simo, kulabanye bafundzi lababili lababehamba bacondze emaphandleni. Babuyela emuva bafike batjela laba labanye bafundzi, kodvwa nabo abazange babakholwe. Emvakwaloko Jesu watibonakalisa kubafundzi bakhe labebali-11, wabakhandza basadla. Wabasola ngekungakholwa kwabo nangebulukhuni betinhlitiyo tabo. Phela bebangabakholwa labo lababetsi bambonile kutsi sewuvukile. Watsi kubo: “Hambani niye emhlabeni wonkhe, nishumayele liVangeli kubo bonkhe bantfu. “Lowo lokholwako abhajatiswe, uyawusindziswa; kodvwa lowo longakholwa, uyawulahlwa. Labakholwako bayawuba nanati tibonakaliso: Bayawukhipha emadimoni ngelibito lami, bakhulume ngetilimi letinsha, ngeke behlelwe lutfo nababamba tinyoka nome nabanatsa lokubulalanako. Bayakubeka tandla kulabagulako baphile.” Emvakwaloko, iNkhosi Jesu seyikhulumile nabo yatsatfwa yenyuselwa ezulwini, yahlala ngesekudla saNkulunkulu. Bafundzi base bayahamba-ke bashumayela kuyo yonkhe indzawo. INkhosi yaba nabo yalifakazela livi layo, ngekwenta tibonakaliso ngalo. Amen. Labafati baya kuboPhetro nalabo labenabo bayawubabikela kafisha ngako konkhe lababekutjeliwe. Emvakwaloko Jesu matfupha watfumela ngebafundzi bakhe liVangeli lelingcwele lelingeke libhubhe. Wabatfumela kutsi leliVangeli lensindziso yaphakadze balishumayele emhlabeni wonke, jikelele. Tiyofilusi, Labanyenti bente kahle ngekubhala umbiko ngetintfo letentekile emkhatsini wetfu. Bakubhala loko lesakutjelwa baphatsi belivi lababetibona letintfo kusukela ekucaleni kwato. Ngako-ke, Mhlonishwa, ngobe ngitifundzisise kahle kusukela ekucaleni letindzaba, ngikubone kufanele kutsi ngikubhalele ngikulandzise kahle ngato. Loko ngikwentela kutsi wati ngalokugcwele liciniso lato tonkhe letindzaba lotifundzisiwe. Ngesikhatsi kubusa Herodi, inkhosi yaseJudiya, kwakunemphristi labebitwa ngekutsi nguZakhariya, abewelicembu la-Abiya lebuphristi. Umkakhe abewesitukulwane sa-Aroni, libito lakhe kungu-Elizabethe. Bobabili babephila imphilo lengcwele kuNkulunkulu, babeyigcina yonkhe imiyalo nemitsetfo yeNkhosi. Babete bantfwana, ngobe Elizabethe abengatali, futsi bobabili besebakhulile. Ngalelinye lilanga kwakuligema laZakhariya lekwenta umsebenti wakhe webuphristi kuNkulunkulu njengalokwakwetayelekile. Ngelisiko lebuphristi, abedliwe yinkatho yekutsi ashise imphepho elatini. Ngako-ke wangena ethempelini leNkhosi. Sicumbi sonkhe sebantfu sasithandaza ngephandle ngesikhatsi ashisa imphepho. Ingilosi yeNkhosi yabonakala kuye, ime ngesandleni sekudla selilati lapho kwakushiselwa khona imphepho. Nakayibona Zakhariya, wetfuka wesaba. Kodvwa ingilosi yatsi kuye: “Ungesabi, Zakhariya! Umthandazo wakho sewuvakele, umkakho Elizabethe utakutalela indvodzana. Utayetsa libito layo utsi nguJohane. Maye! Utawujabula utfokote kakhulu, nebantfu labanyenti batakujabula kanye nawe ngekutalwa kwakhe, ngobe uyakuba ngumuntfu lomkhulu ebusweni baNkulunkulu, akayiwulinatsa liwayini nome-ke yini ledzakisako, uyawugcwaliswa ngaMoya Longcwele kusukela angakatalwa. Uyawubuyisela bantfu labanyenti baka-Israyeli kuNkulunkulu, iNkhosi yabo. Uyawuhamba embikwakhe ngemoya nangemandla njengemphrofethi Elija. Uyawuhlanganisa boyise nebantfwana babo babuye babe nebudlelwane, agucule bantfu labangalaleli babe ngulabalungile; uyakwenta bantfu balungele kuta kweNkhosi yabo.” Zakhariya watsi engilosini: “Ngiyawukwati ngani kutsi loku kungiko? Mine nemkami sesibadzala kakhulu.” Ingilosi yamphendvula yatsi: “NginguGabhriyeli, loma embikwaNkulunkulu, ngitfunywe kutsi ngikhulume kuwe, ngikutjele lendzaba lemnandzi. Kodvwa awukalikholwa livi lami, lelitawugcwaliseka ngesikhatsi lesifanele. Ngako-ke utawuba simungulu; uhlale ungakwati kukhuluma, kuze kufike lelo langa lekuyawugcwaliseka ngalo setsembiso sami.” Konkhe loku kwenteka nje bantfu babeloku balindzele Zakhariya, sebamangele kutsi sewephuteleni kangaka ethempelini. Waphuma angasakwati kukhuluma, ngako bavele bati kutsi wembulelwe umbono ethempelini. Njengobe abesasimungulu, wavele wakhuluma nabo ngetandla. Nasacedze emalanga emsebenti wakhe webuphristi ethempelini, wabuyela ekhaya lakhe. Emvakwesikhatsi umkakhe Elizabethe wakhulelwa, watifihla endlini tinyanga letisihlanu. Wase utsi: “Manje ekugcineni iNkhosi seyingisitile. Seyilisusile lihlazo lami ebantfwini.” Ngenyanga yesitfupha Elizabethe atetfwele, Nkulunkulu watfumela ingilosi Gabhriyeli edolobheni laseGalile, lelitsiwa yiNazaretha. Beyitfunywe entfombini lenguMariya labesamiselwe Josefa, lijaha lelusendvo lwenkhosi Davide. Ingilosi yeta kuye, yefika yatsi: “E! Sikhulekile! Wena lobusisekile, iNkhosi inawe.” Mariya yamkhatsata kakhulu lenkhulumo yengilosi, wamangala kutsi lenkhulumo isho kutsini. Ingilosi yase itsi kuye: “Ungesabi, Mariya, ngobe utfole umusa kuNkulunkulu. Utawukhulelwa utale indvodzana, uyetse libito utsi nguJesu. Uyawuba mkhulu, abitwe ngekutsi yiNdvodzana yaNkulunkulu Losetikwako Konkhe. Nkulunkulu iNkhosi iyawumnika sihlalo sebukhosi sakhokho wakhe Davide, uyawuba yiNkhosi yetitukulwane taJakobe nini nanini; umbuso wakhe ungeke ube nesiphetfo.” Mariya wase utsi engilosini: “Kepha loko kungenteka kanjani ngingakahlangani nendvodza?” Ingilosi yamphendvula yatsi: “Moya Longcwele uyakwehlela kuwe, emandla aNkulunkulu Losetikwako Konkhe akusibekele. Ngako-ke lomntfwana Longcwele lotawutalwa nguwe uyawubitwa ngekutsi yiNdvodzana yaNkulunkulu. Khumbula sihlobo sakho Elizabethe, lebekutsiwa angeke abe nemntfwana, kepha nyalo sewunetinyanga letisitfupha atetfwele, lite asamdzala kangaka. Nkulunkulu akehlulwa lutfo.” Mariya wase utsi: “Ngiyincekukati yeNkhosi; akwenteke kimi loko, njengobe sewushito.” Yase iyamshiya ingilosi. Kulawo malanga Mariya watilungiselela ngekushesha waya emtini loseJudiya, eveni letintsaba, wafike wangena kaZakhariya, wabingelela Elizabethe. Kwatsi lapho Elizabethe nakeva kubingelela kwaMariya, umntfwana wagcuma esiswini sakhe. Elizabethe wagcwaliswa ngaMoya Longcwele, wakhuluma kakhulu watsi: “Ubusisiwe kubo bonkhe labasikati, nentalo yesisu sakho ibusisiwe! Yini ngibe nenhlanhla kutsi ngivakashelwe ngunina weNkhosi yami? Ngesikhatsi ngiva ungibingelela, umntfwana lengimetfwele udzimate wagcuma entiwa yintfokoto. Maye! Ubusisiwe lowo lokholwe kutsi tiyawugcwaliseka letintfo letakhulunywa kuye yiNkhosi!” Mariya watsi: “Umphefumulo wami uyayidvumisa iNkhosi, umoya wami uyatfokota ngaNkulunkulu, uMsindzisi wami, ngobe ungikhumbulile, mine ncekukati yakhe leyedzelelekile. Kusukela lamuhla tonkhe titukulwane tiyawungibita titsi ngibusisekile, ngobe Somandla ungentele tintfo letinkhulu. Libito lakhe lingcwele. Ubonakalisa sihawu sakhe kubo bonkhe labamesabako, kusukela esitukulwaneni, kuya esitukulwaneni. Welulile sandla sakhe lesinemandla, wasakata labatigcabhako etinhlitiyweni tabo. Wehlisa emakhosi lanemandla etihlalweni tawo, waphakamisa labedzelelekile. Wesutsisa labalambile ngalokumnandzi, wacosha labanjingile bahamba bate lutfo. Usite inceku yakhe Israyeli ngekukhumbula umusa wakhe, njengobe akhuluma kubokhokho betfu, ku-Abrahama, nakuto tonkhe titukulwane takhe, kuze kube ngunini nanini!” Mariya wahlala na-Elizabethe tinyanga letatingacishe tibe tintsatfu, wase ubuyela ekhaya. Sefika sikhatsi sa-Elizabethe sekubeleka, wabeleka umfana. Bomakhelwane netihlobo takhe beva kutsi iNkhosi imbusise kanganani, bajabula kanye naye. Ngelilanga lesiphohlongo umntfwana atelwe beta ekusokweni kwakhe; base batawumetsa ngelibito leyise lelalinguZakhariya, kodvwa unina watsi: “Cha! Libito lakhe kutakuba nguJohane.” Batsi kuye: “Ingani kute ngisho nasinye sihlobo senu lesinalelibito.” Base bakhuluma neyise ngetandla, babuta kutsi yena ufuna lomfana etsiwe ngaliphi libito. Zakhariya wacela kwekubhala, wabhala watsi: “Libito lakhe nguJohane.” Bonkhe bantfu bamangala. Ngasona leso sikhatsi lulwimi lwaZakhariya lwatfukululeka, wakhuluma, wadvumisa Nkulunkulu. Bonkhe bomakhelwane befikelwa kwesaba lokukhulu, yandza indzaba ngaloko lokwakwentekile kulo lonkhe live letintsaba laseJudiya. Bonkhe labayiva bacabanga ngayo batibuta batsi: “Ingabe lomntfwana utawuba yini?” Ngobe kwavele kwakhanya kutsi emandla eNkhosi abekuye. Uyise Zakhariya wagcwaliswa ngaMoya Longcwele, wase uyaphrofetha utsi: “Ayidvunyiswe iNkhosi, Nkulunkulu wema-Israyeli, ngobe ibahambele bantfu bayo, yabakhulula. Usivusele uMsindzisi lonemandla, lositukulwane senceku yakhe Davide. Ngiko loku lakusho ngemlomo webaphrofethi labangcwele basendvulo. Wasetsembisa kusisindzisa etitseni tetfu, nasemandleni abo bonkhe labasitondzako. Watsi utawubonakalisa sihawu kubokhokho betfu, akhumbule sivumelwane sakhe lesingcwele, wenta sifungo kukhokho wetfu Abrahama, watsi utawusenta kutsi, nase sikhululiwe esandleni setitsa tetfu, simkhonte ngaphandle kwekwesaba, sibe ngcwele, silunge kuye ngawo onkhe emalanga ekuphila kwetfu. Nawe-ke, mntfwana, uyawubitwa ngekutsi ungumphrofethi waNkulunkulu Losetikwako Konkhe; uyakwendvulela iNkhosi kulungisa tindlela tayo, nekutjela bantfu bayo kutsi bayawusindziswa ngekutsetselelwa kwetono tabo, ngenca yesihawu setibilini saNkulunkulu kitsi, ngaloko-ke kukhanya kuyawusa kitsi kuvela ngetulu kuletse kukhanya kulabo labasebumnyameni nasetfuntini lekufa, acondzise tinyawo tetfu endleleni yekuthula.” Umntfwana wakhula waba nemandla emoyeni; wahlala ehlane, kwaze kwaba lilanga lavela ngalo ebaleni kubantfu baka-Israyeli. Kulawo malanga Khesari, Agustusi, wamemetela kubo bonkhe bantfu bembuso kutsi kubhaliselwe lubalo. Lolubalo lwekucala lwentiwa ngesikhatsi Kwiriniyusi anguLusibalukhulu waseSiriya. Wonkhe umuntfu wahamba wayawubhalisa edolobheni lakubo. NaJosefa wesuka eNazaretha yaseGalile waya eBhetlehema yaseJudiya, edolobheni laDavide, ngobe abeyintalelwane yaDavide, waya kuyawubhalisa yena naMariya labetsembise kumshada. Mariya abetetfwele. Kwatsi baseBhetlehema, sase siyefika sikhatsi saMariya sekubeleka. Watubula ngendvodzana, wayigocota ngetindvwangu, wayilalisa emkhombeni wekudlela tinkhomo, ngobe phela kwakungenandzawo yekuhlala endlini yetihambi. Bekunebelusi kulelo live lababeluse imihlambi yetimvu ebusuku etsafeni. Ingilosi yeNkhosi yabonakala kubo, nebukhatikhati beNkhosi babakhanyisela, baze besaba kakhulu. Kodvwa ingilosi yatsi kubo: “Ningesabi; ngobe nginiletsele indzaba lemnandzi, yekutfokota lokutawuba kwebantfu bonkhe; ngobe lamuhla nitalelwe emtini waDavide uMsindzisi longuKhristu iNkhosi. Loku kutaba sibonakaliso kini: Niyawukhandza umntfwana agocotwe ngetindvwangu alele emkhombeni wekudlela tinkhomo.” Masinyane kwabonakala lengilosi inesicumbi lesikhulu setingilosi tasezulwini sihlabelela sidvumisa Nkulunkulu sitsi: “Akube bukhosi kuNkulunkulu kulelisetulu kakhulu nekuthula emhlabeni kubantfu labatfokotelwa nguye!” Kwatsi lapho tingilosi setibuyele ezulwini, belusi bakhulumisana batsi: “Asambeni siye eBhetlehema siyewubona loko lokwentekile, lesitjelwe kona yiNkhosi.” Ngako-ke bashesha bahamba, bakhandza Mariya naJosefa nemntfwana alele emkhombeni wekudlela tinkhomo. Kwatsi nabambona belusi, babatjela loko lababekuve ngengilosi ngalomntfwana; bonkhe labakuva loko bamangala ngalababekutjelwe belusi. Yena-ke Mariya watikhumbula tonkhe leto tintfo, wazindla ngato enhlitiyweni yakhe. Belusi babuyela emuva badvumisa babonga Nkulunkulu ngako konkhe lababekuvile nalababekubonile; kwakunjengobe ingilosi yayibatjelile. Ekupheleni kwemalanga lasiphohlongo umtfwana atelwe wasokwa, wase wetsiwa libito kwatsiwa nguJesu, labeletsiwe yingilosi asengekho nasesiswini senina. Kwatsi kube kuphele sikhatsi sekuhlanjululwa kwabo lokwamiswa ngumtsetfo waMosi, base bamletsa eJerusalema kuze batewumnikela eNkhosini, njengobe kubhaliwe emtsetfweni weNkhosi, lotsi: “Onkhe ematubulo lamadvuna ayawuba ngcwele eNkhosini,” banikele nangemnikelo njengekusho kwemtsetfo weNkhosi lotsi: “Ematuba lamabili nome emavukutfu lamabili lasemancane.” Ngaleso sikhatsi bekukhona indvodza leyayilungile yesaba Nkulunkulu, ihlala eJerusalema, libito layo kunguSimeyoni. Abelindzele indvudvuto ngensindziso yesive sema-Israyeli, Moya Longcwele abesetikwakhe. Abesambulelwe nguMoya Longcwele kutsi abengetikufa angakamboni Khristu weNkhosi. Achutjwa nguMoya waya ethempelini; batali base baletsa lomntfwana longuJesu kutsi bente loko lokwakulisiko lemtsetfo. Simeyoni wamtsatsa wamgona lomntfwana, wase ubonga Nkulunkulu utsi: “Nkhosi, sengimbonile lona wawungetsembise kutsi ngitambona, ngako sengingafa ngekuthula, ngobe emehlo ami asayibonile insindziso yakho lowuyilungise wayihlela embikwato tonkhe tive, lekukhanya lokwembulelwe betive, neludvumo esiveni sakho saka-Israyeli.” Uyise nenina wemntfwana bamangala ngaloko lokwakushiwo nguSimeyoni ngaye. Simeyoni wababusisa, wase utsi kuMariya, unina: “Lalela, lomntfwana ukhetfwe nguNkulunkulu kutsi abe kuwa nekuvuka kwalabanyenti esiveni sema-Israyeli, uyawuba luphawu loluphikiswa ngulabanyenti, kuze imicabango lefihlekile yebantfu labanyenti yembulwe. Ngisho nenhlitiyo yakho imbala iyawudzabuka kube sengatsi igwazwa sikhali.” Bekunemphrofethikati labesamdzala kakhulu, libito lakhe kungu-Ana, ayindvodzakati yaFanuweli wesive saka-Asheri. Waba ngumfelokati emvakweminyaka lesikhombisa endzile, nyalo-ke abengumfelokati waze waba neminyaka lengema-84 budzala. Abehlale ethemphelini, akhonta, azila kudla, athandaza imini nebusuku. Ngaso leso sikhatsi weta wefika wabonga Nkulunkulu, wase ukhuluma ngalomntfwana kubo bonkhe lababelindzele inkhululeko yeJerusalema. Batsi kube bacedze kwenta konkhe lababefanele kukwenta ngekwemtsetfo weNkhosi, base bayancandzeka babuyela edolobheni lakubo iNazaretha eGalile. Umntfwana wakhula waba nemandla; wagcwala inhlakanipho; umusa netibusiso taNkulunkulu tabasetikwakhe. Batali baJesu bebaya eJerusalema minyaka yonkhe ngemikhosi yeliPhasika. Kwatsi lapho Jesu asaneminyaka leli-12 budzala, wahamba nabo njengekwelisiko lemkhosi. Kutsite sekuphele emalanga emkhosi, bantfu bacala bahamba babuyela emakhaya abo, kodvwa umntfwana longuJesu wasala emuva eJerusalema. Batali bakhe babengati ngaloko. Babecabanga kutsi uhambisana nabontsanga yakhe, ngako-ke badzimate bahamba libanga lelilanga, emvakwaloko bacala bamfuna kubontsanga yakhe nasetihlotjeni tabo; kwatsi kube bangamtfoli, base bayancandzeka bayawumfuna eJerusalema. Ngelilanga lesitsatfu bamkhandza ethempelini, ahleti netati temtsetfo, atilalela futsi atibuta nemibuzo; bonkhe labamuva bamangaliswa kucondzisisa kwakhe kanye netimphendvulo takhe. Batali bakhe bamangala kakhulu nabambona lapho; waze watsi unina: “Mntfwanami, ukwenteleni loku kitsi? Uyihlo kanye nami sesiphatseke kabi ngekukufuna singakutfoli.” Jesu wabaphendvula watsi: “Beningifunelani? Beningati yini kutsi kufanele ngibesemsebentini waBabe?” Kodvwa abayivanga kahle lemphendvulo yakhe. Noko Jesu wahamba nabo waya eNazaretha; lapho wafike watitfoba, waba ngephansi kwabo; kodvwa unina watigcina enhlitiyweni yakhe tonkhe leto tintfo. Jesu wakhula emtimbeni nasengcondvweni, watsandvwa nguNkulunkulu nebantfu. Kwakungumnyaka weli-15 wekubusa kwaThibheriyusi, uMbusi; Phontiyuse Philatu bekanguLusibalukhulu waseJudiya, Herodi ayinkhosi yaseGalile, umnakabo Filiphu bekayinkhosi yesigodzi sase-Ithureya naseTrakhonithisi; Lisaniyasi abeyinkhosi yase-Abilene. Bo-Anasi naKhayafase babebaphristi labakhulu. Livi laNkulunkulu lefika kuJohane, indvodzana yaZakhariya, ngaso leso sikhatsi, asehlane. Ngako-ke Johane wasihamba sonkhe sigodzi lesingasemfuleni iJordane ashumayela atsi: “Phendvukani nibhajatiswe, Nkulunkulu utanitsetselela tono tenu.” Njengobe umphrofethi Isaya wabhala encwadzini yakhe watsi: “Livi lalomemeta ehlane litsi: ‘Lungisani indlela yeNkhosi! Nente imikhondvo yayo icondze! Tonkhe tigodzi atigcwaliswe, tintsatjana netintsaba tentiwe tihlangane; netindlela letingakacondzi ticondziswe, tindlela letimbi tentiwe tihambeke. Bonkhe bantfu bayakuyibona isindziso yaNkulunkulu!’ ” Ticumbi tebantfu teta kutakubhajatiswa nguJohane. Watsi kubo: “Tinyoka-ndzini! Nitjelwe ngubani kutsi ningalubalekela lolulaka lwaNkulunkulu lolutako? Vetani titselo letikhombisa kuphendvuka. Ningacali nicabange kutsi: ‘Abrahama ngukhokho wetfu.’ Ngiyanitjela ngitsi: Nkulunkulu angawatsatsa nalamatje awente titukulwane ta-Abrahama! Lizembe selibekwe emphandzeni yetihlahla. Sonkhe sihlahla lesingatseli titselo letimnandzi, sitakugecwa siwe, bese silahlwa emlilweni.” Bantfu bambuta batsi: “Kepha kufanele sente njani?” Waphendula watsi: “Nangabe unemahembe lamabili, nika lomunye longenalo libe linye, lonekudla akacetunele labanye.” Labanye batselisi beta nabo kutakubhajatiswa, bafike bambuta batsi: “Mfundzisi, kufanele sente njani?” Wabatjela watsi: “Ningabe nisatselisa ngalokungetulu kweyemtsetfo.” Emabutfo nawo ambuta atsi: “Tsine-ke? Sifanele sente njani?” Watsi-ke yena kubo: “Ningemuki muntfu imali yakhe ngemacebo, yeneliswani ngumholo wenu.” Bantfu bacala kwetsemba bacabangisisa ngaJohane, bacabanga kutsi mhlawumbe kungahle kube nguye loKhristu. Ngako Johane wabatjela bonkhe watsi: “Nginibhabhatisa ngemanti, kodvwa kukhona lomkhulu kunami lotako, lengingakafaneli ngisho nekutfukulula imichilo yeticatfulo etinyaweni takhe. Utakunibhabhatisa ngaMoya Longcwele nangemlilo. Esandleni sakhe unesitja sekwela emabele lasabhuliwe, awatsele esilulwini, bese kutsi emakhoba awashise ngemlilo longeke ucishe.” Johane washumayela ngetindlela letinyenti ancusa bantfu ngesineke abatjela ngeliVangeli. Kodvwa Johane abeyisola inkhosi Herodi ngekutsatsa umkhula wayo lobekanguHerodiyasi. Kantsi futsi kunyenti lokubi labesakwentile loHerodi. Herodi wase wenta lokubi kakhulu-ke manje ngekubopha Johane amfake ejele. Kwatsi nase babhajatiswe bonkhe, kwase kubhajatiswa naJesu. Watsi asathandaza kwavuleka lizulu, Moya Longcwele wehlela kuye afana nelituba. Kwevakala livi liphuma ezulwini litsi: “Wena uyiNdvodzana yami letsandzekako. Ngitfokotile ngawe.” Nakacala lomsebenti wakhe Jesu abeneminyaka lecishe ibe ngema-30 budzala; bantfu babecabanga kutsi uyindvodzana yaJosefa labengumsa wa-Eli, umsa waMathati, umsa waLevi, umsa waMelkhi, umsa waJanayi, umsa waJosefa, umsa waMathathiyase, umsa wa-Amosi, umsa waNahume, umsa waHesli, umsa waNagayi, umsa waMahathi, umsa waMathathiyase, umsa waSemeyini, umsa waJoseki, umsa waJoda, umsa waJowanani, umsa waResa, umsa waZerubhabheli, umsa waSheyaltiyeli, umsa waNeri, umsa waMelkhi, umsa wa-Adi, umsa waKhosamu, umsa wa-Elmadamu, umsa wa-Eri, umsa waJoshuwa, umsa wa-Eliyezeri, umsa waJorimu, umsa waMathati, umsa waLevi, umsa waSimeyoni, umsa waJuda, umsa waJosefa, umsa waJonamu, umsa wa-Eliyakhimu, umsa waMeliya, umsa waMena, umsa waMathatha, umsa waNatani, umsa waDavide, umsa waJese, umsa wa-Obedi, umsa waBhowazi, umsa waSala, umsa waNasoni, umsa wa-Aminadabi, umsa wa-Admini, umsa wa-Arini, umsa wa-Hezroni, umsa waPheresi, umsa waJuda, umsa waJakobe, umsa wa-Isaka, umsa wa-Abrahama, umsa waThara, umsa waNahori, umsa waSerugi, umsa waRehu, umsa waPhelegi, umsa wa-Ebheri, umsa waShela, umsa waKhenani, umsa wa-Aphakisadi, umsa waShemi, umsa waNowa, umsa waLameki, umsa waMethusala, umsa wa-Enoki, umsa waJarede, umsa waMahalaleli, umsa waKhenani, umsa wa-Enoshi, umsa waSethi, umsa wa-Adamu, umsa waNkulunkulu. Jesu wabuya eJordane, asagcwele Moya Longcwele. Moya Longcwele wamholela ehlane, lapho alingwa nguSathane emalanga langema-40. Abengadli lutfo kulawo malanga, kodvwa indlala wayiva ekupheleni kwawo. Sathane watsi kuye: “Nangabe uyiNdvodzana yaNkulunkulu, tjela nali litje ligucuke libe sinkhwa.” Jesu wamphendvula watsi: “UmBhalo utsi: ‘Umuntfu angeke aphile ngesinkhwa sodvwa.’ ” Sathane wamphakamisa, wamkhombisa ngekushesha lokukhulu yonkhe imibuso yemhlaba, watsi: “Ngitakunika onkhe lamandla, nabo bonkhe lobunjinga, ngobe bonkhe banikwa mine, futsi ngingabunika nome ngubani lengimtsandzako. Konkhe loku kungaba kwakho nawungamane ungikhotsamele kanye nje.” Jesu wamphendvula watsi: “UmBhalo utsi: ‘Khotsama iNkhosi Nkulunkulu wakho, umkhonte yena yedvwa!’ ” Sathane wamtsatsa wamyisa eJerusalema wafike wambeka esicongweni selithempeli watsi: “NawuyiNdvodzana yaNkulunkulu, tijike lapha phansi. “Ngobe umBhalo utsi: ‘Uyawutfumela tingilosi takhe tikunakekele.’ Futsi utsi: ‘Tiyawukugona ngetandla tato, kuze ungalimali netinyawo takho tingakhutjwa ngematje.’ ” Jesu wamphendvula watsi: “UmBhalo futsi utsi: ‘Ungayilingi iNkhosi, Nkulunkulu wakho.’ ” Sathane asacedze kumlinga ngako konkhe, wesuka wamshiya kwesikhashana. Jesu wabuyela eGalile agcwele emandla aMoya Longcwele. Indzaba yakhe yandza yasakateka naso sonkhe leso sigodzi. Wafundzisa emasinagogeni abo, bonkhe bantfu bamdvumisa. Jesu waya eNazaretha lapho abekhulele khona, kwatsi ngeliSabatha waya esinagogeni njengaloku abevamisile. Wasukuma asatawufundza imiBhalo. Bamnika incwadzi ya-Isaya, umphrofethi. Wayisombulula watfola indzawana, wayifundza itsi: “UMoya weNkhosi ukimi, ngobe ungigcobile kutsi ngishumayele tindzaba letimnandzi etimphuyeni; ungitfumile kutsi ngimemetele inkhululeko kulabatfunjiwe, nekuvula emehlo etimphumphutseni, nekukhulula labacindzetelekile, ngimemetele umnyaka iNkhosi letakukhombisa umusa wayo ngawo.” Wase uyayigocota lencwadzi uyinika sikhonti ubuyela phansi uyahlala. Bonkhe bantfu esinagogeni bambukisisa. Wacala wakhuluma kubantfu watsi: “Lamuhla lomBhalo ugcwalisekile, njengobe nitivele nje kutsi utsini.” Bonkhe bantfu batsatseka ngaye bamangala ngalamagama lamahle lawakhuluma batsi: “Akusiye umsa waJosefa yini lona?” Watsi kubo: “Ngiyati kutsi nitangivulela lamavi alesiga lesitsi: ‘Nyanga tiphilise,’ niphindze futsi nitsi kimi: ‘Yenta nakuwo lomuti wakini letintfo leseva kutsi utentile eKhaphanawume!’ ” Jesu wachubeka watsi: “Ase nginitjele naku, kutsi umphrofethi akemukeleki endzaweni yangakubo. “Lalelani la kimi, kuliciniso kutsi bekunebafelokati labanyenti ka-Israyeli ngesikhatsi sa-Elija, ngesikhatsi lingani iminyaka lemitsatfu netinyanga letisitfupha, kwase kuba khona indlala lenkhulu eveni lonkhe. Noko Elija akatfunyelwanga ngisho nakumunye wabo, kepha watfunyelwa kulomfelokati abewaseSarepta, esigodzini saseSidoni. Kwakunemalephelo lamanyenti ka-Israyeli ngesikhatsi semphrofethi Elisha, noko kute nalinye lelaphiliswa emkhatsini wawo ngaphandle kwaNahamani, umSiriya.” Bonkhe bantfu esinagogeni bagcwala kutfukutsela nabeva loko, basukuma ngekutfukutsela, bamcosha kulelidolobha bamcondzisa esiweni salentsaba, lapho belakhiwe khona, bentela kumhholokoshisela kuso, kodvwa waphicaphicela emkhatsini wesicumbi sebantfu, wahamba. Jesu wehlela eKhaphanawume, lidolobha laseGalile, lapho afundzisa khona ngemaSabatha. Bamangala bonkhe bantfu ngendlela labekafundzisa ngayo, ngobe emavi akhe bekanemandla. Bekunendvodza lapho esinagogeni lebeyinelidimoni; yamemeta kakhulu yatsi: “Awu! Jesu waseNazaretha ufunani kitsi? Sewutele kutesibhubhisa yini? Ngiyakwati kutsi ungubani; unguLongcwele waNkulunkulu.” Jesu wawekhuta lomoya watsi: “Thula! Phuma futsi kulomuntfu!” Lidimoni lamjika phansi embikwabo bonkhe, noko laphuma kuye lingakamlimati. Bantfu betfuka bonkhe, bakhuluma bodvwana batsi: “Livi lini leli? Ngeligunya nangemandla lamakhulu lomuntfu ukhalimela imimoya lemibi iphume.” Lendzaba ngaJesu yandza naso sonkhe leso sigodzi. Jesu wesuka esinagogeni waya ekhaya kaSimoni. Uninatala waSimoni abephatseke kakhulu ngumkhuhlane; base babikela Jesu ngalowo mkhuhlane wakhe. Jesu waya kuye, wafike wema eceleni kwembhedze wakhe wawekhuta lomkhuhlane; umkhuhlane waphela masinyane kuye, wasukuma khona lapho wayawubalungisela labakudzingako. Kwatsi ekushoneni kwelilanga bonkhe labebagulelwa tihlobo tabo tiphetfwe tifo letehlukene batiletsa kuJesu; tonkhe watibeka tandla, watiphilisa. Kwaphuma nemadimoni ebantfwini labanyenti. Amemeta atsi: “Wena uyiNdvodzana yaNkulunkulu!” Jesu abewekhuta angawavumeli kutsi akhulume, ngobe abemati lamadimoni kutsi unguKhristu. Jesu waphuma kuseluvivi kulelo dolobha waya lapho kungenabantfu khona. Bantfu base bacala kumfuna, batsi kube bamtfole, betama kumvimbela kutsi angabashiyi. Kodvwa watsi kubo: “Kufanele ngishumayele liVangeli ngembuso waNkulunkulu nakulamanye emadolobha, ngobe Nkulunkulu ungitfume kwenta kona loko.” Ngako washumayela emasinagogeni kulo lonke laseJudiya. Jesu bekeme elusentseni lwelwandle lwaseGenesaretha ngesikhatsi bantfu beta banyatselana batewuva livi laNkulunkulu. Wabona tikebhe letimbili time elusentseni, kodvwa badwebi bebaphumile kuto bageza emanetha abo. Watsi asangena kulesinye sato lebesisaSimoni, wamcela kutsi ase akhweshe kancane elusentseni lwemanti. Wase uhlala phansi kulesikebhe, wacala wafundzisa bantfu. Watsi kube acedze kufundzisa, watsi kuSimoni: “Ase uchubekele ekujuleni kwelwandle, nehlise emanetha enu, nibambe tinhlanti.” Simoni waphendvula watsi: “Mfundzisi, sishikaneke busuku bonkhe lapha, kodvwa asikabambi lutfo, noko njengobe sekushito wena ngitalicwilisa linetha lami.” Nembala batsi bayawafaka emanetha abo acwila, babamba incumbi yetinhlanti adzimate acishe adzabuka ekhatsi emanetha, badzimate bakhweba labanye bangani babo lababekulesinye sikebhe kutsi batebabambisa; beta batigcwalisa totimbili, tikebhe taphose tacwila. Kodvwa Simoni Phetro abona loku, waguca ngemadvolo etinyaweni taJesu watsi: “Ncono usuke kimi, Nkhosi, ngobe mine ngingumuntfu losoni!” Yena nebangani bakhe bamangaliswa bunyenti betinhlanti labebatibambile. Kwaba ngiso sona leso nakuboJakobe naJohane, emadvodzana aZebedi. Jesu watsi kuSimoni: “Ungesabi, kusukela nyalo sewutawudweba bantfu.” Batsi kube bakhiphele tikebhe tabo ngetulu elusentseni, bashiya konkhe khona lapho, balandzela Jesu. Abesakulelinye lidolobha nakufika indvodza leyayinebulephelo, nayibona Jesu, yatilahla embikwakhe yamncenga yatsi: “Nkhosi, nawutsandza, ungangihlambulula.” Jesu welula sandla sakhe wayitsintsa watsi: “Ngiyatsandza; hlambuluka.” Ngekushesha bulephelo besuka kuyo. Jesu wayiyalisisa kutsi ingatjeli muntfu, kodvwa yente umyalo waMosi ngekutsi iyewutibonakalisa kumphristi, yente nemnikelo wekuhlambuluka kwayo, kuze kube bufakazi kubantfu. Kodvwa noko indzaba ngaye yandza nayo yonkhe indzawo; ticumbi letikhulu teta kutemlalela nekutsi titewuphiliswa etifeni tato. Wase uyabahlamuka wayawuthandaza ehlane. Ngalelinye lilanga Jesu abefundzisa, baFarisi netati temtsetfo tihleti, tiphuma kuwo onkhe emadolobha aseGalile, naseJudiya, naseJerusalema. Emandla eNkhosi abenaye kutsi aphilise labagulako. Lamanye emadvodza eta atfwele lenye indvodza ngeluhlaka leyayife luhlangotsi, etama kuyingenisa endlini ayibeke embikwaJesu. Ehluleka kuyingenisa, ngobe bantfu bebabanyenti baminyetelene kakhulu. Ngako base bayayetfwala bakhwela nayo etulu eluphahleni, bavula sikhala, bayehlisela phansi ngeluhlaka lwayo, bayibeka embikwaJesu. Jesu nakabona kukholwa kwabo lokungaka, watsi: “Ndvodza, tono takho titsetselelwe.” Bafundzisi bemtsetfo nebaFarisi bacala bavungatela bakhuluma bodvwa batsi: “Ngubani lona lohlambalata Nkulunkulu? Ngubani longatsetselela tono ngaphandle kwaNkulunkulu?” Jesu wakubona lokubutana kwabo, wabaphendvula watsi: “Yini lena leniyibuta etinhlitiyweni tenu? Ngukuphi lokulula ekutseni: ‘Utsetselelwe tono takho,’ nome kutsi: ‘Sukuma uhambe’? Ngitanikhombisa-ke kutsi iNdvodzana yeMuntfu inemandla ekutsetselela tono emhlabeni,” wase utsi kulobekafe luhlangotsi: “Ngitsi kuwe, sukuma, utsatse luhlaka lwakho uhambe uye ekhaya.” Ngekuphatima kweliso lendvodza yasukuma embikwabo bonkhe, yatsatsa luhlaka lwayo, yahamba yaya ekhaya, idvumisa Nkulunkulu. Bonkhe bantfu bamangala ngekwesaba lokukhulu badvumisa Nkulunkulu batsi: “Maye, tsine sibone tintfo letimangalisako lamuhla lapha!” Emvakwaloko Jesu waphuma wahamba, wabona Levi labengumtselisi ahleti endzaweni yekutsela, watsi kuye: “Ngilandzele!” Levi wasukuma, washiya konkhe labekwenta wamlandzela. Levi wase wentela Jesu lidzili lelikhulu endlini yakhe, kwaba nebatselisi nebantfu labanyenti lababehleti nabo lapho. Labanye baFarisi netati temtsetfo telicembu labo tasola bafundzi baJesu. Tabuta tatsi: “Nidlelani nebatselisi kanye netoni nibuye ninatse nato?” Jesu wabaphendvula watsi: “Bantfu labaphilako abayidzingi inyanga, kodvwa ngulabo labagulako. Angiketeli kubita labalungile, kodvwa ngitele kubita toni kutsi tiphendvuke.” Labanye batsi kuJesu: “Bafundzi baJohane bavame kuzila bathandaze, nebafundzi bebaFarisi nabo benta njalo; kodvwa bafundzi bakho bona bayadla banatse.” Jesu wabaphendvula watsi: “Nicabanga kutsi ningema likhetfo kudla emshadweni, umkhwenyane asenalo? Cha! Ngeke! Kodvwa sikhatsi siyeta lapho liyakwemukwa khona umkhwenyane walo; liyawuzila-ke lingadli kulawo malanga.” Jesu wabatjela nankhu umfanekiso: “Kute umuntfu longadzabula sicephu sengubo lensha achibele ngaso ingubo lendzala. Nakenta njalo, utabe udzabule ingubo lensha, lesicephu lesisha singeke sivane nalengubo lendzala. “Futsi kute umuntfu longatsela liwayini lelisha kuso sikhumbasikhwama lesidzala sigcwale. Nakente njalo, leliwayini lelisha lingapumuta lesikhumbasikhwama nalo licitseke, kufe nalesikhumbasikhwama sipumuke siphele. Cha! Liwayini lelisha lifanele litselwe kuso sikhumbasikhwama lesisha. “Futsi losanatse liwayini lelidzala angabe asalifuna lelisha, angatsi: ‘Lelidzala lincono!’ ” Jesu abehamba emasimini akolo ngeliSabatha. Bafundzi bakhe base bakha ematimba akolo, bawahlikihla ngetandla badla tinhlavu tawo. Labanye baFarisi batsi: “Nikwenteleni loku, njengobe umtsetfo utsi anikafaneli kwenta loko ngeliSabatha?” Jesu wabaphendvula watsi: “Anifundzanga yini ngalokwentiwa nguDavide ngesikhatsi ahamba nemadvodza sebalambile? Wangena endlini yaNkulunkulu, watsatsa sinkhwa lesasinikelwe kuNkulunkulu, wasidla wapha nalamadvodza abehamba nawo, kantsi kuphambene nemtsetfo kutsi singadliwa ngulomunye umuntfu ngaphandle kwebaphristi.” Jesu watsi kubo: “INdvodzana yeMuntfu iyiNkhosi yeliSabatha.” Ngalelinye liSabatha Jesu wangena esinagogeni wafundzisa. Bekunendvodza leyayinesandla sangasekudla lesasishwaphene. Labanye bafundzisi bemtsetfo nebaFarisi bafuna lichinga lekubeka Jesu licala lekutsi wonile, bebamciphile bafuna kubona kutsi, njengobe kuliSabatha nje, utawuphilisa yini. Kodvwa Jesu ayati imicabango yabo watsi kulendvodza lenesandla lesasishwaphene: “Sukuma ute la ngembili.” Nembala indvodza yasukuma yeta ngembili yafike yema. Jesu wase utsi kubo: “Ase ngibute. Umtsetfo wetfu usivumela kutsi asenteni ngeliSabatha? Sisite nome silimate? Sisindzise imphilo yemuntfu nome siyibulale?” Wabacalacalata bonkhana, wase utsi kulendvodza: “Yelula sandla sakho.” Yaselula indvodza, sandla seluleka. Kodvwa baFarisi batfukutsela babila, bafakana imilomo bodvwana ngekutsi bafanele bente njani ngaloJesu. Ngaleso sikhatsi Jesu wenyukela egcumeni ayewuthandaza, wacitsa busuku bonkhe khona lapho athandaza kuNkulunkulu. Ekuseni wabita bafundzi bakhe, wakhetsa baba li-12 kubo. Labo wababita ngekutsi baphostoli: Simoni, lambita ngekutsi nguPhetro, nemnakabo labe ngu-Andreya, Jakobe naJohane, Filiphu naBhatalomewu, Matewu naTomase, Jakobe umsa wa-Alfiyose, naSimoni labekatiwa ngekutsi ngumZelothi, naJudasi umsa waJakobe, kanye naJudasi Skariyothi lowaba ngumtsengisi waJesu. Wehla nabo, wefika wema endzaweni leyayibekile kanye nabo bonkhe bafundzi bakhe labanyenti. Sicumbi sebantfu sase sikhona lapho siphuma eJudiya lonkhe, naseJerusalema, naselusentseni lwelwandle lwaseThire naseSidoni. Babetele kutamlalela nekutawuphiliswa; labo bebahlushwa ngimimoya lemibi babephiliswa. Bonkhe bantfu betama kumtsintsa, ngobe emandla abephuphuma kuye, wabaphilisa bonkhe. Jesu wabuka bafundzi bakhe watsi: “Nibusisiwe nine timphuya, ngobe umbuso waNkulunkulu wenu. Nibusisiwe nine lenilambile manje, ngobe niyakwesutsiswa. Nibusisiwe nine lenikhalako manje, ngobe niyawujatjuliswa. “Nibusisiwe, bantfu nabanitondza banishalatela ngekuninyembenya, banetfuka banigceke batsi anikalungi, ngenca yeNdvodzana yeMuntfu. Nakwenteka loko, nibojabula nize nigcumagcume, ngobe mkhulu umvuzo wenu lenigcinelwe wona ezulwini; ngobe bokhokho babo benta njalo kubaphrofethi. “Kodvwa maye, kubuhlungu kini nine leninjingile manje, ngobe phela seninako konkhe lokunijabulisako. “Maye kini nine lenesutsi manje, ngobe nisetawulamba. Maye kini nine lenihlekako nyalo, ngobe nisetawukhala nilile. Maye kini, nangabe wonkhe umuntfu ukhuluma kahle ngani; ngobe bokhokho babo bebenta njalo kubaphrofethi bemanga.” “Kodvwa anginitjele naku, nine leningilalele: Tsandzani titsa tenu, niphatse kahle labo labanitondzako! Babusiseni labanicalekisako, bathandazeleni labo labaniphatsa kabi! Nangabe umuntfu akumukula esihlatsini, mnike nalesi lesinye, naso asimukule; nakatsatsa libhantji lakho, mnike nelihembe futsi! Wonkhe locela lutfo kuwe, mnike; nangabe umuntfu atsatsa intfo yakho, ungamhambeli! Yentani kulabanye bantfu loko lenifuna kutsi bakwente kini! “Nanitsandza labanitsandzako, pho, ningasibheka kanjani sibusiso? Ngisho netoni titsandza labatitsandzako! Naniphatsa kahle labaniphatsa kahle, pho, ningasibheka kanjani sibusiso? Ngisho netoni nato tenta njalo. Nanetjeleka labo lenetsemba kutsi batawuphindze banibuyisele, pho, ningasibheka kanjani sibusiso? Ngisho netoni tiyetjelekana tibuyiselane. Cha! Tsandzani titsa tenu nitentele lokuhle, nitjeleke ningabheki lutfo! Niyawuba nemvuzo lomkhulu ezulwini, nibe ngemadvodzana aLosetikwako Konkhe. Ngobe unemusa kulabangabongi nakulababi. Nibe nesihawu, njengobe neYihlo anesihawu!” “Ningabehluleli labanye bantfu, khona ningetikwehlulelwa nguNkulunkulu; ningabalahli labanye, khona ningetiwulahlwa; tsetselelani, nani niyawutsetselelwa. “Phanini, nani nitawuphiwa tipho letingangcingcwa tigcwalise konkhe lebeningaphatsa ngako. Lesilinganiso lenilinganisa ngaso labanye nani Nkulunkulu uyakunilinganisa ngaso.” Jesu wabatjela nankhu umfanekiso watsi: “Imphumphutse ingayihola yini lenye imphumphutse? Tingete tagcumkela totimbili emgodzini yini? Umfundzi akamkhulu kunemfundzisi wakhe, kodvwa wonkhe umfundzi nasafundziswe ngalokuphelele, uyawuba njengemfundzisi wakhe. “Ubukelani lutsi lolusesweni lemzalwane, kodvwa ube utsalalisela lugodvo lolusesweni lakho? Ungasho kanjani kumzalwane wakho kutsi: ‘Awu, mzalwane, ase ngikukhiphe nalu lutsi esweni lakho’? Mtentisi! Cala kucala ukhiphe lugodvo lolusesweni lakho, khona utabe sewuyakwati kukhipha lutsi lolusesweni lemzalwane wakho.” “Sihlahla lesimnandzi asititseli titselo letimbi, kantsi nesihlahla lesibi asititseli titselo letimnandzi. Tonkhe tihlahla tatiwa ngetitselo tato. Ungeke ukhandze emakhiwa atsele emanyeveni. Futsi ungeke uwakhe emagelebisi elugaganeni. Umuntfu lolungile uveta lokulungile lokuphuma engungwini yenhlitiyo yakhe lenhle. Nemuntfu lomubi uveta tintfo letimbi letivela enhlitiyweni yakhe lembi, ngako umlomo wemuntfu ukhuluma loko lokugcwele enhlitiyweni yakhe.” “Ningibitelani kutsi: ‘Nkhosi, Nkhosi,’ nibe ningenti lenginitjela kona? Wonkhe lota kimi eve emavi ami, awente, ngitanitjela kutsi ufanana nani. Ufanana nemuntfu lowakha indlu; wemba kwashona, wase wakha sisekelo edvwaleni. Emanti netikhukhula kwagcwala kwaphuphuma emfuleni, kwetama kuyikhukhula lendlu, kodvwa ayizange inyakate, ngobe yayakheke kahle la edvwaleni. Kodvwa lona lova emavi ami angawenti, ufanana nemuntfu lowakha indlu yakhe esihlabatsini ngaphandle kwekubeka sisekelo. Yatsi nase ishaywa ngemanti netikhukhula, yasheshe yawa. Yeka kubhidlika kwayo kwaba kukhulu!” Watsi nase akhulume konkhe loku kubantfu, wesuka waya eKhaphanawume. Indvuna yelibutfo lemaRoma yayinesisebenti leyayisitsandza kakhulu, sasigulela kufa. Yatsi nayiva ngaJesu lendvuna, yatfumela kuye lamanye emaJuda lamadzala kutsi ayewucela Jesu kutsi ete ateyiphilisela lesisebenti sayo. Befika kuJesu bamncengisisa batsi: “Impela lomuntfu ulufanele lusito lwakho. Uyasitsandza sive sakitsi, futsi nguye lowasakhela lelisinagoge.” Ngako Jesu wahamba nabo. Watsi nase asedvute nalapho ihlala khona lendvuna, yatfumela bangani bayo kuJesu kutsi bafike batsi: “Nkhosi, ungatihluphi ngekuta lapha. Angikafaneli nekutsi ngingakungenisa nasemtini wami, ngako-ke, ngitikhandza ngingakafaneli nekutsi ngite kuwe. Mane usho livi nje, sisebenti sami sitawuphila. Nami ngiyindvuna lephetfwe ngulabakhulu, nginemabutfo lengiwaphetse, ngitsi kulelinye: ‘Hamba!’ lihambe; ngitsi kulelinye: ‘Wota!’ lite; ngitsi esigcilini sami: ‘Yenta naku!’ sikwente.” Jesu wamangala nakeva loku, wagucuka wabuka lesicumbi sebantfu lesasimlandzela watsi: “Angizange sengikubone kukholwa lokungaka ngisho naka-Israyeli imbala.” Titfunywa tatsi tibuyela emuva endlini yalendvuna, takhandza lesisebenti sesiphilile. Emvakwaloko Jesu waya edolobheni lelalitsiwa yiNayini. Bafundzi bakhe nesicumbi sebantfu lesikhulu sasihamba naye. Nakefika esangweni lelidolobha, wahlangana nebantfu baya emngcwabeni. Lendvodzana lebeyifile beyiyemfelokati, futsi bekukuphela kwayo. Sicumbi sebantfu sasimsingatsile lomfelokati. INkhosi yamdzabukela nayimbona lomfelokati yatsi kuye: “Ungakhali!” Wahamba Jesu watsintsa loluhlaka lwalunalesidvumbu, bantfu lababelutfwele base bayema. Jesu watsi: “Ngitsi kuwe: Vuka, jaha!” Lelijaha lelalifile lavuka lahlala ngetibunu, lacala lakhuluma. Jesu wase ulinika unina. Bonkhe bantfu bafikelwa kwesaba, badvumisa Nkulunkulu batsi: “Sifikelwe ngumphrofethi lomkhulu!” Baphindze batsi: “Nkulunkulu sewubahambele bantfu bakhe!” Lendzaba ngaJesu yandza neliJudiya lonkhe kanye netigodzi letatakhelene nalo. Bafundzi baJohane bamtjela ngato tonkhe tintfo tatentiwa nguJesu. Johane wase ubita babili babo. Wabatfumela eNkhosini kuyawubuta kutsi: “Unguye yini lona lofanele kufika, nome kusafanele silindzele lomunye?” Nase befikile kuJesu, befika batsi: “Johane uMbhabhatisi usitfumile kutsi sitewubuta kutsi: ‘Unguye yini lona lotawufika, nome kusafanele silindzele lomunye?’ ” Ngaso leso sikhatsi Jesu waphilisa labanyenti labebaphetfwe ngimikhuhlane, netifo, nemadimoni, wavula emehlo etimphumphutse letinyenti. Titfunywa taJohane watiphendvula watsi: “Ncandzekani nifike nimtjele konkhe lenikubone kwenteka nalenikuvile kukhulunywa: Timphumphutse tiyabona, tinchute netishosha tiyahamba, emalephelo ayaphiliswa, tihhulu tiyeva, labafile bayavuswa, neliVangeli liyashunyayelwa etimphuyeni. Maye, ubusisiwe lowo longangabati ngami!” Tatsi kube tihambe titfunywa taJohane, Jesu wacala wakhuluma eticunjini tebantfu watsi: “Ngesikhatsi niya kuJohane ehlane nanilindzele kubonani? Nanilindzele kubona tjani bulaliswa ngumoya yini? Naniyewubonani? Naniyele kuyawubona indvodza legcoke tingubo letinhle nje kuphela? Empeleni anati yini kutsi bantfu labahlobe ngemvunulo lenhle batfolakala etigodlweni? Ase ningitjele kahle nine, nanibheke kubonani? Umphrofethi? Yebo, ngiyanivumela, empeleni nabona lomkhulu kunalomphrofethi nanimbhekile. “Nguye loJohane imiBhalo lekhuluma ngaye kutsi: ‘Bheka, ngiyawutfumela sitfunywa sekungendvulela lesiyawungiphendlela indlela.’ ” Wachubeka watsi: “Ngiyanitjela ngitsi, akekho namunye, lotelwe ngumfati, lomkhulu kunaJohane, kepha loyo lomncane embusweni waNkulunkulu, mkhulu kunaye.” Bonkhe bantfu labebamlalele labebabhajatiswe nguJohane, ngisho nebatselisi imbala bavuma kutsi tindlela taNkulunkulu tilungile. Kodvwa baFarisi netati temtsetfo atiyemukelanga injongo yaNkulunkulu ngato, bala kubhajatiswa nguJohane. Jesu wachubeka watsi: “Konje bantfu balesitukulwane ngingabafanisa nani nje? Banjengebantfwana labahleti emakethe, lesinye sicumbi sabo simemeta lesinye sitsi: ‘Sanishayela tigubhu engomeni yesibhaca, kodvwa anizange nigidze; sahlabela tingoma temngcwabo, kodvwa anizange senikhale.’ “Johane uMbhabhatisi wazila kudla wangete wanatsa neliwayini, nase nitsi: ‘Unelidimoni!’ INdvodzana yeMuntfu yase iyefika, yona-ke yadla yanatsa, nase nitsi: ‘Ase nibheke! Lomuntfu usimiti nemnatsi, futsi ungumngani webatselisi netoni.’ Noko inhlakanipho yaNkulunkulu ibonakaliswa iliciniso kulabo labayemukelako.” Jesu wamenywa ngumFarisi kutsi ete atewudla ekhaya kakhe. Nangempela Jesu waya wafike wadla. Kulelo dolobha bekunemfati labephila imphilo lengcolile; wase uyeva kutsi Jesu usadla endlini yemFarisi, ngako weta nemakha agcwele libhodlela lelalakhiwe ngembiza, wafike wema emvakwaJesu, ngasetinyaweni takhe akhala, taze tinyawo taJesu taba manti tinyembeti. Watesula ngetinwele takhe lomfati, watanga, watitsela ngemakha. Nakabona loko lomFarisi lobekameme Jesu, watsi enhlitiyweni yakhe: “Kube lomuntfu ungumphrofethi ngempela, ngabe uyati kutsi ungubani lomfati lomtsintsako. Ngabe uyati kutsi uphila imphilo leyonakele kangakanani.” Jesu wakhuluma waphumisela watsi: “Simoni, kukhona lengifuna kukutjela kona.” Waphendvula watsi: “Yebo, Mfundzisi, ngitjele.” Jesu watsi: “Kwake kwaba khona emadvodza lamabili labekweleda umtjelekisi wetimali. Lenye yayimkweleda tinhlavu tesiliva letingema-500, lenye yayimkweleda tinhlavu tesiliva letingema-50. Atsi kube ehluleke omabili kuyibuyisa lemali yakhe, wawacolela. Nguyiphi emkhatsini wawo leyamtsandza kakhulu?” Simoni waphendvula watsi: “Ngiyabona kutsi kufanele kube ngulena lebeyimkweleda kakhulu.” Watsi Jesu: “Uphendvule kahle.” Wase ugucukela kulomfati, utsi kuSimoni: “Uyambona lomfati? Seloku ngingenile lapha endlini yakho awukanginiki emanti ekugeza tinyawo tami, kodvwa yena sewugeze tinyawo tami ngetinyembeti takhe, waze watesula ngetinwele takhe. Wena awukangemukeli ngekunganga, kodvwa yena seloku efikile wanga tinyawo tami. Wena awukayigcobisi ngemafutsa inhloko yami, kodvwa yena sewugcobise tinyawo tami ngemakha. “Ngako-ke ngikutjela ngitsi: Tono takhe lebetitinyenti setitsetselelwe, ngobe unelutsandvo lolukhulu, kodvwa lowo lotsetselelwe lokuncane, utsandza kancane.” Wase utsi kulomfati: “Tono takho titsetselelwe.” Labanye labebahleti naye badla, bavungatela bodvwana batsi: “Ngubani lona lotsetselela netono?” Kodvwa Jesu wase utsi kulomfati: “Kukholwa kwakho kukusindzisile, hamba ngekuthula.” Emvakwesikhatsi Jesu wahamba wadzabula emadolobha nemadolobhana ashumayela liVangeli ngembuso waNkulunkulu. Bafundzi bakhe labali-12 babehamba naye, kanye nalabanye bafati lababephiliswe emadimonini nasetifeni: Mariya waseMagdala lebekukhishwe kuye emadimoni labesikhombisa, Jwana umkaKhuza, indvuna yesigodlo saHerodi, naSusana, nalabanye labanyenti bafati lababekhonta Jesu nebafundzi bakhe ngaloko lababenako. Kwatsi lapho bantfu labanyenti sebabutsene bachamuka emadolobheni lehlukene, Jesu wase ubatjela nankhu umfanekiso lotsi: “Umhlanyeli waphuma wayawuhlanyela inhlanyelo yakhe. Ekuhlanyeleni kwakhe lenye inhlanyelo yakhe yawela endleleni, lapho yanyatselwa khona bantfu, kwafika netinyoni tayidla. Lenye yawela emhlabatsini losemadvwaleni, yashesha yamila, kodvwa yashesha yaphelelwa ngemandla yabuna, ngobe yayingenawo umhlabatsi lonemswakama. Lenye yawela emanyeveni, yakhula kanye nawo, ase ayayiminyetela. Lenye yawela emhlabatsini lovundzile, yamila, yatsela ngemakhulu.” Jesu wase utsi-ke: “Lonendlebe yekuva akeve!” Bafundzi baJesu bambuta kutsi usho kutsini lomfanekiso. Wabatjela watsi: “Nine niphiwe lwati lwetimfihlakalo tembuso waNkulunkulu, kodvwa kulabanye kushunyayelwa ngemifanekiso, kuze batsi bayabona kodvwa bangabonisisi, batsi bayeva kantsi abevisisi kahle.” “Lomfanekiso uchaza loku: Inhlanyelo livi laNkulunkulu. Kuhlanyelwa kwaleyo leyawela endleleni kufanekisa labo labalivako livi laNkulunkulu bese kufika Sathane uyalisusa etinhlitiyweni tabo, kuze bangakholwa funa basindziswe. Kuhlanyelwa kwaleyo leyawela emhlabatsini losemadvwaleni kufanekisa labo labatsi nabalivako livi laNkulunkulu balemukele ngekutfokota, kodvwa ngenca yekungalijulisi kwabo etinhlitiyweni tabo, bakholwa sikhashana. Kutsi kungefika kulingwa, bese balilahla phansi. Kuhlanyelwa kwaleyo leyawela emhlabatsini losemanyeveni kusho labo labatsi sebalivile livi laNkulunkulu, kodvwa tinhlupheko nebunjinga, netinjabulo talomhlaba kubaminyetele batsele titselo letingavutfwa. Kuhlanyelwa kwaleyo leyawela emhlabatsini lovundzile kufanekisa labo labalivako livi laNkulunkulu baligcine ngekutitfoba lokukhulu babeketele, baze batsele titselo letihle.” “Kute umuntfu longakhanyisa sibane, bese usimbonya ngesitja nome asibeke phansi kwembhedze. Esikhundleni saloko usibeka etikwelitafula, kuze kutsi labangenako bakubone lokukhanya. “Konkhe lokufihlakele kuyawuvetwa ebaleni. Nalokufihliwe kuyawubonakaliswa ekukhanyeni. “Caphelani-ke kutsi niva njani; ngobe lonako uyakwengetelwa, kodvwa longenalutfo uyakwemukwa naloko lokungatsi unako.” Unina nabomnakaboJesu beta kuye, kodvwa behluleka kusondzela madvutane naye, ngobe bantfu bebaminyetelene kakhulu. Bamtjela Jesu batsi: “Unyoko nabomnakenu beme la ngephandle, bacela kukubona.” Kodvwa yena watsi: “Make nabomnaketfu ngulabo labeva livi laNkulunkulu balente.” Ngalelinye lilanga Jesu nebafundzi bakhe bakhwela esikebheni, wase utsi kubo: “Asambeni sewelele ngesheya kwalolwandle.” Nembala bentjweza, yena wase uyalala. Kwase kufika sivunguvungu sihhusha la elwandle, kwaze kwangena nemanti esikebheni, ngako babasengotini. Baya kuye bafike bamvusa batsi: “Mfundzisi, Mfundzisi, sesiyafa!” Waphaphama wase uyasikhalimela lesivunguvungu nemagagasi; kwabindza, kwaba khona kuthula. Wase utsi kubo: “Kuphi kukholwa kwenu?” Besaba bamangala, badzimate bakhulumisana bodvwana batsi: “Ngubani kantsi lona, ngobe ukhalimela umoya nemanti kumlalele?” Bahamba ngesikebhe bewelela eveni laseGegesa ngesheya kweLwandle lwaseGalile. Nakehlela elusentseni lwemanti, Jesu wahlangana nendvodza leyayiphume edolobheni. Yayinemadimoni. Kwase kusikhatsi lesidze ihamba ngcunu lendvodza ingasahlali nekhaya, seyihlala emadlizeni. Yatsi nayibona Jesu, yakhala kakhulu, yaze yatilahla embikwakhe, yatsi: “Jesu, Ndvodzana yaNkulunkulu Losetikwako Konkhe! Ufunani kimi? Ngiyakuncenga ngitsi ungangihluphi.” Yayisho loko nje, ngobe Jesu abesawekhutile lomoya lomubi kutsi awuphume kuyo. Lomoya wase uyibambe kanyenti kwale nome seyibanjwe njengesiboshwa, yaboshwa tandla netinyawo ngetinketane. Yayitidzabula itilahle le, lelidimoni liyihambise iyewuhlala etsafeni. Jesu wayibuta watsi: “Ungubani libito lakho?” Lendvodza yamphendvula yatsi: “Sibanyenti,” ngobe yayingenwe ngemadimoni lamanyenti. Emadimoni abese ancenga Jesu kutsi amane angawatfumeli emgodzini longenamkhawulo. Kwakunetingulube letinyenti edvute, tidla eceleni lentsaba. Emadimoni amncenga Jesu kutsi amane awavumele angene etingulubeni; wawavumela. Aphuma-ke emadimoni kulendvodza angena etingulubeni; tonkhe tingulube tesuka ngematubane tewusa sihosha taye tatitsela ekhatsi eLwandle lwaseGalile, tacwila tonkhe tafa. Lamadvodza labeluse letingulube akubona loko lokwakwentekile, ase ayagijima ahamba atifafata edolobheni nasemitini letindzaba. Bantfu baphuma sebayawubona lokwasekwentekile. Batsi beta kuJesu, bakhandza lomuntfu labenemadimoni ahleti ngasetinyaweni taJesu, embetse kahle, nemcondvo wakhe sewusangulukile; bonkhe bantfu besaba. Base bayabachazela labo bebabonile kutsi kwenteke njani nekutsi lomuntfu uphile kanjani. Sonkhe lesicumbi sebantfu baseGegesa samcela Jesu kutsi sale esuka kuleyo ndzawo, ngobe bonkhe befikelwa kwesaba lokukhulu. Ngako-ke Jesu wase ukhwela esikebheni, wahamba. Lendvodza lekwakukhishwe kuyo emadimoni yancusa Jesu yatsi: “Ngicela ngisale sengihamba nawe.” Kodvwa Jesu wamhambisa watsi: “Buyela ekhaya ubatjele ngaloko Nkulunkulu lakwentele kona.” Lendvodza yahamba kuso sonkhe leso sigodzi, ihamba ilandzisa bantfu ngaloko Nkulunkulu labesayentele kona. Sicuku sebantfu samhlangabeta Jesu nasabuya, ngobe bonkhe babelindzele yena. Kwase kufika indvodza, libito layo kunguJayiru, siphatsimandla selisinagoge. Yatijika etinyaweni taJesu yamncenga kutsi aye ekhaya layo, ngobe lesidzandzane sayo lekwakukuphela kwaso, sineminyaka leli-12, sasigulela kufa. Watsi Jesu asahamba, bantfu bamkaka ngala nangala. Umfati labesagule iminyaka leli-12 opha asacedze imali yakhe yonkhe aya etinyangeni, setehluleke tonkhe, wasondzela emvakwaJesu; wafike watsintsa umphetfo wengubo yaJesu, kopha kwaphela khona lapho konkhe swe! Jesu wabuta watsi: “Ngubani longitsintsile?” Bonkhe batilandvula, kodvwa Phetro watsi: “Mfundzisi, kufanele, ngobe bantfu banyenti labakukakile nalabakuminyetele!” Kodvwa Jesu watsi: “Kukhona longiphatsile! Ngiyeva kutsi kukhona emandla laphumile kimi.” Lomfati asabonile kutsi abengeke asatifihla, wase uyativeta kuJesu watilahla phansi embikwakhe asachachatela luvalo, watilandza kuye embikwebantfu bonkhe, kutsi umphatseleni nekutsi sewuphile masinyane kangakanani. Jesu watsi kuye: “Ndvodzakati, kukholwa kwakho kukusindzisile; hamba ngekuthula.” Watsi asakhuluma Jesu, kwachamuka sigijimi site kulesiphatsimandla lesasinguJayiru, safike satsi: “Indvodzakati yakho seyifile, sale ungabe usamhlupha uMfundzisi.” Kepha Jesu nakuva loko, watsi kuJayiru: “Ungesabi wena, kholwa nje kuphela; itawuphila.” Lapho Jesu efika ekhaya wabalela kutsi bangene bonkhe ngaphandle kwaPhetro, naJohane, naJakobe, neyise wemntfwana kanye nenina. Bonkhe bantfu bebakhala badzindza sililo, kodvwa Jesu watsi: “Ningakhali, ngobe akafi, ulele nje.” Bamane bamhleka bulima nje, ngobe besebati kutsi sewufile. Kodvwa Jesu wambamba ngesandla watsi kuye: “Ntfombatane! Vuka!” Umphefumulo wabuya, umntfwana wavuka masinyane. Jesu watsi abamuphe lokudliwako adle. Batali bakhe bamangala kakhulu. Kepha Jesu wabadvonsa ngendlebe kutsi bangatjeli muntfu ngaloko lokwakwentekile. Jesu wabita bafundzi bakhe labali-12 watsi abasondzele kuye; wase ubanika emandla, neligunya lekukhipha emadimoni nekuphilisa labanetifo. Wase uyabatfuma kutsi bayewushumayela umbuso waNkulunkulu baphilise nalabagulako. Watsi kubo: “Ningaphatsi lutfo lwalendlela, ningaphatsi naludvondvolo lwekudvondvolotela, nemgodla wetihambi, nekudla, nemali, ngisho nemphahla yekuntjintja. Lapho banemukela khona, hlalani kulelo khaya nize nihambe kulelo dolobha. Lapho banganemukeli khona lishiyeni lelo dolobha, nitsintsitse lutfuli etinyaweni tenu, kuze kube bufakazi bekunala kwabo.” Bahamba-ke, bangenela imiti ngemiti bashumayela liVangeli, baphilisa kuto tonkhe tindzawo. Herodi, inkhosi yaseGalile, weva ngato tonkhe letintfo letatenteka; wadzidzeka kakhulu, ngobe labanye bantfu bebatsi: “Johane uMbhabhatisi sewuvukile ekufeni;” labanye bebatsi ngu-Elija lotibonakalisile; kantsi labanye bebatsi ngulomunye webaphrofethi basendvulo lovuke ekufeni. Herodi watsi: “Ngayijuba inhloko yaJohane; kodvwa manje sengubani lona lesengiva ngaye konkhe loku?” Wase wetama kumbona. Nase babuyile baphostoli, bafike batjela Jesu konkhe lababekwentile. Wase uhamba nabo uya edolobheni eBhethsayida. Tatsi kube tikuve loko leticumbi tebantfu, tamlandzela. Watemukela, wakhuluma ngembuso waNkulunkulu, waphilisa nalabo bebadzinga kuphiliswa. Nalishonako lilanga, baphostoli labali-12 beta kuye batsi: “Bacitse labantfu bahambe baye emitini nasemakhaya bayewutifunela kudla kanye nendzawo yekulala, ngobe ilihlane kakhulu lendzawo lesikuyo.” Kodvwa Jesu watsi kubo: “Banikeni nine matfupha labangahle bakudle.” Baphendvula batsi: “Lesinako tinkhwa letisihlanu netinhlanti letimbili, ngaphandle kwekutsi siyewutsenga lokunye sitekwengeta, kuze kutekwenela bonkhe labantfu.” Bekungaba ti-5 000 temadvodza labelapho. Jesu watsi kubafundzi bakhe: “Hlalisani labantfu ngema-50 sicumbi sisinye.” Bafundzi bakhe benta njengobe abeshito, babahlalisa phansi bonkhe. Jesu wase utsatsa letinkhwa letisihlanu netinhlanti letimbili wabuka ezulwini, watibusisa, watihlephula wase utinika bafundzi bakhe kutsi babele bantfu. Bonkhe badla besutsa; bafundzi base babutsa timvutfuluka letatisele, kwagcwala emabhasikidi lali-12. Kwatsi Jesu asathandaza yedvwana bafundzi bakhe banaye, wababuta watsi: “Bantfu batsi ngingubani?” Bafundzi bamphendvula batsi: “Labanye batsi unguJohane uMbhabhatisi, labanye batsi ungu-Elija, kantsi labanye batsi ungulomunye webaphrofethi basendvulo uvukile ekufeni.” Wababuta watsi: “Nine nitsi ngingubani?” Phetro wamphendvula watsi: “UnguKhristu waNkulunkulu.” Jesu wabadvonsa ngendlebe watsi loko bangakutjeli muntfu, wachubeka watsi: “INdvodzana yeMuntfu ifanele kuhlupheka kakhulu, ilahlwe tibondza tenkholo, nebaphristi labakhulu nebafundzisi bemtsetfo. Iyawubulawa, ivuswe ekufeni ngelilanga lesitsatfu.” Wase utsi kubo bonkhe: “Lofuna kungilandzela, kufanele atidzele, etjatse siphambano sakhe onkhe emalanga, angilandzele. Ngobe lofuna kusindzisa imphilo yakhe, uyawulahlekelwa ngiyo, kodvwa lolahlekelwa yimphilo yakhe ngenca yami, uyakuyisindzisa. “Kodvwa kuyawumbuyiselani umuntfu kuzuza live lonkhe, bese ulahlekelwa nguye lucobo lwakhe nome abhujiswe? Nangabe umuntfu unemahloni ngami nangemavi ami, neNdvodzana yeMuntfu iyawuba nemahloni ngaye nayita ngenkhatimulo yayo nangebukhosi beYise kanye neyetingilosi letingcwele. Ase nginitjele naliciniso kutsi, bakhona lapha emkhatsini wenu labangeyikufa bangakawuboni umbuso waNkulunkulu.” Ngemuva kweliviki akushito loko, Jesu watsatsa boPhetro, naJohane, naJakobe wenyukela nabo entsabeni ayewuthandaza. Asathandaza buso bakhe bagucuka, netimphahla takhe taba mhlophe tamengetela. Kusenjalo kwabonakala emadvodza lamabili asakhuluma naye, kwakuboMosi na-Elija; babonakala ngebukhatikhati banenkhatimulo yasezulwini bakhuluma naJesu ngeluhambo lwakhe belutawugcwaliseka eJerusalema lokwakuyinjongo yaNkulunkulu. Phetro nebangani bakhe babephetfwe butfongo lobukhulu, kodvwa babebhekile bayibona inkhatimulo yaJesu kanye nalamadvodza. Atsi nasehlukana lamadvodza, Phetro watsi kuye: “Mfundzisi, kuhle lokutsi sibe lapha. Asakhe emathende lamatsatfu: lelinye libe lakho, lelinye libe laMosi, lelinye libe la-Elija.” Empeleni abengati kutsi utsini. Asakhuluma loko, kwachamuka lifu labasitsa ngesitfunti salo, bafundzi besaba nababona kusondzela lelifu. Kwase kuvakala livi liphuma kulelifu litsi: “Lena yiNdvodzana yami, lengiyikhetsile, yilaleleni!” Latsi libindza lelivi, kwabesekusele Jesu yedvwana. Bafundzi bakufihla loko, abazange batjele muntfu ngalababekubonile ngalawo malanga. Ngakusasa sebehlile entsabeni, sicumbi lesikhulu seta sihlangabeta Jesu. Kwase kumemeta indvodza emkhatsini waso itsi: “Mfundzisi, ase ungibonele nangu umsa wami, indvodzana yekuphela. Kunemoya lomhlaselako ummemetise kakhulu, bese uba nesitfutfwane, aze akhihlite emagwebu emlonyeni; kumshumphisa kangangekutsi uze ehluleke ngisho nekuhamba, kulukhuni kuphuma kwawo. Ngancenga bafundzi bakho kutsi bawukhiphe lomoya, kodvwa behluleka.” Jesu waphendvula watsi: “Yehheni, nine situkulwane lesonakele nalesingakholwa, ngiyawuhlala nani kuze kube ngunini nginibeketelela? Mletse lapha lomsa wakho.” Watsi naketa lomfana, lidimoni lamjika phansi, waba nesitfutfwane. Jesu wawekhuta lomoya lomubi, wamphilisa lomfana, wase umbuyisela kuyise. Bonkhe bantfu bamangala ngalamandla aNkulunkulu lamakhulu kangaka. Bantfu bebasamangele ngako konkhe lokwakwentiwa nguJesu, nakatsi kubafundzi bakhe: “Ningabokukhohlwa naku lengitanitjela kona! INdvodzana yeMuntfu itawunikelwa etandleni tebantfu.” Kodvwa abazange bayive lenkhulumo kutsi isho kutsini, ngobe beyifihlakele kubo futsi ingevakali, kantsi babesaba nekumbuta ngalendzaba. Bafundzi baJesu babese bayaphikisana ngekutsi ngubani lomkhulu kunabo bonkhe. Kodvwa Jesu asabonile kutsi bacabangani, wase uletsa umntfwana, wammisa eceleni kwakhe. Wase utsi kubo: “Umuntfu lowemukela lomntfwana ngelibito lami, wemukela mine; nalowo lowemukela mine, wemukela lowo longitfumile. Ngobe lowo lomncane kakhulu kunani nonkhe, nguye lomkhulu kunani nonkhe.” Johane wakhuluma watsi: “Mfundzisi, sibone umuntfu akhipha emadimoni ngelibito lakho, samtjela satsi akakhawule, ngobe akahambisani natsi.” Jesu wase utsi kuye: “Ningamyekelisi, ngobe longalwi nani ungakini.” Sekusele emalangana ekutsi Jesu atsatfwe ayiswe ezulwini, watimisela kutsi aye eJerusalema. Watfumela titfunywa ngembili kwakhe, letesuka tangena edolobheni lemaSamariya kuyawumlungisela khona. Kodvwa bantfu balapho abazange bamemukele, ngobe kwakukhanya kutsi ucondze kuya eJerusalema. BoJakobe naJohane, bafundzi bakhe, nabakubona loku, batsi: “Nkhosi, uyafuna yini sibite umlilo wehle ezulwini ubacedze bonkhe?” Kodvwa Jesu wagucuka wabekhuta. Base bachubekela kulelinye lidolobha. Basesendleleni, kwefika indvodza kuJesu yatsi: “Ngitakulandzela nome ngukuphi lapho uya khona.” Jesu watsi kuyo: “Timphungutja tinemigodzi, netinyoni tinetidleke, kodvwa iNdvodzana yeMuntfu ayinandzawo yekulala iphumule.” Wase utsi kulenye indvodza: “Ngilandzele!” Kodvwa yona yatsi: “Nkhosi, asewungivumele ngiyewungcwaba babe.” Jesu waphendvula watsi: “Yekela labafile bangcwabane bodvwana. Wena hamba uyewushumayela umbuso waNkulunkulu!” Lenye indvodza yatsi: “Ngitakulandzela, Nkhosi, kodvwa asewungivumele sengiyewuvalelisa likhaya lami.” Jesu watsi kuye: “Wonkhe lobambe likhuba alima bese ubuka emuva, akawufaneli umbuso waNkulunkulu.” Ngemuva kwaloko iNkhosi yakhetsa labanye labangema-72, leyabatfuma ngababili kutsi bahambe ngembili kwayo bangene kuwo onkhe emadolobha netindzawo, lapho yayitawuhamba khona. Yase itsi kubo: “Kuvuna kukhulu, kodvwa tisebenti tincane. Thandazani kumnikati wekuvuna kutsi atfumele letinye tisebenti tekuvuna. Hambani-ke, nginitfumela njengetimvu emkhatsini wetimphisi. “Ningasiphatsi sipatji nome sikhwama salabacelako, nome ticatfulo; ningalitjatiswa ngisho nakubingelela bantfu endleleni. Nome ngukuyiphi indlu leningena kuyo nibotsi: ‘Kuthula akube kulendlu!’ Nangabe lapho kuhlala umuntfu wekuthula, kumbingelela kwenu kutawuhlala kuye; nangabe akunjalo, loko kuthula kwenu kutawubuyela kini. Hlalani kulendlu, nidle ninatse loko labataninika kona; ngobe sisebenti kufanele sitfole liholo laso. Ningahambi ningena tindlu ngetindlu. Njalo nje naningena edolobheni banemukela, nibodla labaniphakela kona, nibaphilise labagulako kulelo dolobha, bese nibatjela nitsi: ‘Umbuso waNkulunkulu sewusondzele kini.’ Kodvwa nabanganemukeli kulelo dolobha, phumelani ngephandle etindleleni, bese nitsi: ‘Nelutfuli lwelidolobha lenu lolunamatsele etinyaweni tetfu silutsintsitsela kini, kodvwa khumbulani kutsi umbuso waNkulunkulu sewusondzele kini!’ Nginitjela kutsi: Ngelilanga lekwehlulela labakulelo dolobha Nkulunkulu uyawubajezisa kamatima kunebaseSodoma.” “Maye kuwe Khorazini! Maye nakuwe Bhethsayida! Ngobe kube letimangaliso letentiwe kuwe betentiwe eThire naseSidoni, bantfu balapho ngabe kadze baphendvuka; bebayawuhlala phansi, bembatse emasaka, batitsele ngemlotsa bentele kubonakalisa kutsi batishiyile tono tabo. “Ngelilanga lekwehlulela niyawujeziswa kamatima kunebaseThire nebaseSidoni. Wena-ke Khaphanawume, ucabanga kutsi uyawuphakanyiselwa ezulwini yini? Cha! Uyakwehliselwa esihogweni.” Wase utsi kubafundzi bakhe: “Lonilalelako, ulalela mine; longanemukeli, akemukeli mine; nalowo longangemukeli, akamemukeli nalowo longitfumile.” Labangema-72 babuya bajabule kakhulu. Befika batsi: “Nkhosi, ngisho nemadimoni ayasilalela nasiwekhuta ngelibito lakho.” Jesu wabaphendvula watsi: “Ngabona Sathane awa ezulwini ehla njengembane. Bukani la! Ngininike emandla ekunyatsela tinyoka, nabofecela, nemandla ekuncoba sitsa; kute lokuyawunilimata. Ningajabuli ngobe imimoya lemibi initfobela; kodvwa jabulani kutsi emabito enu abhaliwe ezulwini.” Ngaso leso sikhatsi Jesu wajabula kuMoya Longcwele, watsi: “Yebo, Babe, Nkhosi yelizulu nemhlaba, konkhe loku utifihlele tati netihlakaniphi, kodvwa wakwembula kubantfwana. Yebo, Babe, loko kwaba yintsandvo yakho. “Konkhe nginikwe nguBabe. Kute lowatiko kutsi iNdvodzana ingubani ngaphandle kweYise, kantsi kute lowatiko kutsi uYise ngubani ngaphandle kweNdvodzana nalabo iNdvodzana lefuna kumbonakalisa kubo.” Jesu wase ugucukela kubafundzi bakhe emasitseleni utsi: “Maye, abusisiwe emehlo labona lenikubonako! Ngiyanitjela ngitsi: Baphrofethi nemakhosi lamanyenti abefisa kukubona loku lenikubonako, kodvwa abakubonanga, bebafuna nekuva loku lenikuvako, kodvwa abazange bakuve.” Lesinye sati semtsetfo seta satawulinga Jesu sicondze kumetsiya. Sabuta satsi: “Mfundzisi, kufanele ngenteni kuze ngitewutfola kuphila lokuphakadze?” Jesu wasiphendvula watsi: “Umtsetfo utsini? Uwufundza njani?” Lendvodza yamphendvula yatsi: “Kufanele utsandze Nkulunkulu, iNkhosi yakho, ngenhlitiyo yakho yonkhe, nangemphefumulo wakho wonkhe, nangemandla akho onkhe, nangengcondvo yakho yonkhe; bese utsandza makhelwane wakho njengobe utitsandza wena.” Jesu watsi kuye: “Imphendvulo yakho ilungile; yenta loko uyawuphila.” Kepha sati semtsetfo sifuna kutitsetselela, sabuta satsi: “Ngubani makhelwane wami?” Jesu waphendvula ngekutsi: “Umuntfu lotsite abephuma eJerusalema aya eJerikho. Wahlaselwa tigebengu, tadzabula tingubo takhe, tamshaya, tamshiya asatawufa. Kwenteka kwendlula umphristi ehla ngaleyo ndlela; watsi kube ambone lomuntfu, wamgega. Kanjalo nemLevi wefika lapho, waya wambuka lomuntfu, naye washaya ngale kwakhe. Kepha umSamariya lotsite labehamba ngaleyo ndlela wamkhandza; watsi kube ambone lomuntfu, wamhawukela. Waya kuye, wamtsela ngeliwayini amgcobisa nangemafutsa emancebeni, wawabopha ngendvwangu, wase umgibelisa embongolweni yakhe, wamyisa endlini yetihambi lapho amongela khona. Ngakusasa lomSamariya wakhipha imali lengemasiliva lamabili, wayinika umnikati walendlu yetihambi. Watsi kuye: ‘Ngongele nangu umuntfu wami, nase ngibuya ngitakukhokhela tonkhe tindleko takhe.’ ” Jesu wephetsa ngekutsi: “Ngumuphi-ke walabantfu labatsatfu longatsi waba ngumakhelwane kulomuntfu lowahlaselwa tigebengu?” Sati semtsetfo saphendvula satsi: “Ngulona lowaba nesihawu kuye.” Jesu waphendvula ngekutsi: “Hamba, nawe wente njalo!” Kwatsi asahamba Jesu nebafundzi bakhe, wase yena uphambukela emtini lotsite lapho emukelwa nguMata endlini yakhe. Abenadzadzewabo labenguMariya lowafike wahlala phansi ngasetinyaweni teNkhosi alalela kufundzisa kwayo. Mata waze wacansulwa kudlangelwa ngumsebenti labewenta; ngako wefika watsi: “Nkhosi, awusangiboneleli dzadzewetfu angibukelela ngemsebenti longaka? Mtjele kutsi atengisita.” INkhosi yamphendvula yatsi: “Mata, ye Mata! Utikhatsata ngetintfo letinyenti, kodvwa yinye kuphela ledzingekile. Mariya ukhetse intfo lengiyo sibili, kunjalo nje angeke ayemukwe ngumuntfu leyo ntfo.” Ngalelinye lilanga Jesu abethandaza endzaweni letsite. Nasacedzile, lomunye webafundzi bakhe watsi kuye: “Nkhosi, sifundzise kuthandaza njengaJohane lowafundzisa bafundzi bakhe.” Jesu wase utsi kubo: “Nanithandaza, nibotsi: ‘Babe, alingcweliswe libito lakho, umbuso wakho awute. Siphe lamuhla kudla kwetfu njengasemalangeni onkhe. Sitsetselele netono tetfu, njengobe natsi sibatsetselela labo labasonako. Ungasingenisi ekulingweni.’ ” Jesu wase utsi kubafundzi bakhe: “Ase ngitsi lomunye wenu nangabe aye endlini yemngani wakhe ekhatsi nebusuku afike atsi: ‘Mngami, ngicela ungenanisele tinkhwa letintsatfu. Ngifikelwe ngumngani wami lophuma khashane, kantsi anginako nalokuncane nje lokuya ngasetfunjini lengingamnika kona!’ Ase ngitsi-ke lomnganakhe uyawuphendvula atsi: ‘Ungangiyabuli, umnyango sewukhiyiwe, bantfwabami nami sesilele, ngingeke ngivukele kukunika loko!’ Manje-ke bese kwentekani? Ase nginitjele naku kutsi: Nome abengeke avuke amnike letinkhwa ngobe angumngani wakhe, kodvwa utamnika konkhe lakudzingako, ngobe abengenamahloni ekumbekela siye ngekumcela. “Ngako-ke ngiyanitjela ngitsi kini: Celani, niyawunikwa; funani, niyawutfola; nconcotsani, niyawuvulelwa umnyango; ngobe wonkhe locelako uyaphiwa, lofunako uyatfola, nalonconcotsako uyavulelwa. Nine bobabe, ningakwenta yini kutsi nangabe umsa wakho acela inhlanti bese umnika inyoka? Nome kukhona yini longanika umsa wakhe fecela, kantsi ucela licandza? Nome ningakalungi kodvwa niyakwati kupha bantfwabenu tintfo letinhle, kakhulu kangakanani-ke, Babe losezulwini uyawubanika Moya Longcwele labo labamcelako.” Jesu abekhipha lidimoni lelingakhulumi; nasalikhiphile lelidimoni, lendvodza yacala yakhuluma; tamangala ticumbi tebantfu, kodvwa labanye batsi: “NguBhelzebule, inkhosi yemadimoni, lomnika emandla ekukhipha lamadimoni.” Labanye batimisela kumgiba, ngako-ke, base bamcela kutsi ente sibonakaliso lesivela ezulwini. Kodvwa Jesu ayibona imicabango yabo, wase utsi kubo: “Lonkhe live lelehlukana emacembu bese alwa odvwana, alimi, lisheshe liwe; umndeni lowehlukene ekhatsi awumi, uyacitseka. Ngako-ke nangabe umbuso waSathane wehlukene emacembu lalwa odvwana, ungema njani? Nitsi ngikhipha emadimoni, ngobe nginikwe nguBhelzebule emandla ekwenta loko. Nangabe emadimoni ngiwakhipha kanjalo, pho, lenihambisana nabo bawakhipha kanjani? “Ngako-ke labo lenihambisana nabo ngibo labanilahlako. Kodvwa nangabe ngiwakhipha ngemandla aNkulunkulu, loko-ke kufakazela kutsi umbuso waNkulunkulu sewufikile kini. “Nangabe umuntfu lonemandla, ahlome aphelele, bese ugadza indlu yakhe, tonkhe timphahla takhe tiphephile. Kodvwa nangabe umuntfu lonemandla kunaye alwa naye amehlule, uchwaga tonkhe letikhali abegungubele ngato, atenetise bangani bakhe. “Wonkhe longekho ngakimi, uphambene nami; longangisiti ekubutseni, uyasakata.” “Umoya lomubi nasewuphumile kumuntfu, uhamba yonkhe indzawo leyomile ehlane ufuna indzawo yekuphumula; nangabe ungayitfoli bese utsi: ‘Angibuyele kulendlu yami lengayishiya!’ Ngako-ke uyancandzeka ukhandze lendlu ishanyelwe, ikhanya, ihlobile, konkhe kubekwe ngabolonina. Bese uyahamba ulandza leminye imimoya lesikhombisa, lemibi kakhulu kunawo, bese iyangena seyihlala lapho. Ngako emvakwaloko lomuntfu sewubasesimeni lesibi kakhulu kunesakucala.” Watsi asakhuluma Jesu, kwase kuphahluka lomunye umfati esicunjini watsi kuye: “Maye, ubusisiwe lomfati lowakutala nalamabele lakumunyisa!” Kodvwa Jesu wamphendvula watsi: “Yebo, kunjalo, kodvwa lokukhulu kutsi: Babusisiwe labo labeva livi laNkulunkulu, bese bayalenta.” Sicumbi sisandza, Jesu wachubeka watsi: “Lesitukulwane lesi situkulwane lesibi, sifuna sibonakaliso, kepha kute sibonakaliso lesitawunikwa sona ngaphandle kwesibonakaliso saJona. Njengobe Jona waba sibonakaliso kubantfu baseNineve, kanjalo neNdvodzana yeMuntfu iyawuba sibonakaliso kulesitukulwane. Mhlazana welilanga lekwehlulelwa indlovukazi yaseningizimu iyawusukuma isilahle ngelicala lesitukulwane salamuhla, ngobe yahamba yadzabula umhlaba yayawulalela kuhlakanipha kwemfundziso yaSolomoni; ngiyanitjela ngitsi: Kukhona lomkhulu kunaSolomoni la. Ngelilanga lekwehlulelwa bantfu baseNineve bayawusukuma basilahle ngelicala lesitukulwane; ngobe baphendvuka nabashunyayelwa nguJona, ngiyanitjela ngitsi: Kukhona lomkhulu kunaJona la.” “Kute umuntfu lowokhela sibane abese usifihla ngaphansi kwesitja; kodvwa esikhundleni saloko usibeka elutsini, entele kutsi labangenako batewubona lokukhanya. Liso lakho lisibane semtimba wakho. Nangabe liso lakho likhanya, nemtimba wakho wonkhe unekukhanya; kodvwa nangabe liso lakho lingaboni kahle, nemtimba wakho wonkhe ubasebumnyameni. Caphelani-ke kutsi lokukhanya lokukini kungabi bumnyama. Nangabe umtimba wakho wonkhe unekukhanya, kungabikho nalencane indzawana lesemnyameni, utawukhanya wonkhe, njengesibane nasikhanya kakhulu.” Jesu nasacedze kukhuluma, lomunye umFarisi wammema kutsi ayewudla kakhe; waya, wafike wadla. LomFarisi wamangala kakhulu nakabona kutsi Jesu udle angakagezi. Ngako iNkhosi yatsi: “Nine baFarisi, nigeza lingephandle lenkomishi nelipulede, kodvwa ngekhatsi nigcwele bumiti nebubi. Nine tilima! Lona lowenta lingephandle akusiye yini lowenta lingekhatsi? Kodvwa banikeni labaphuyile lokusetinkomishini nemapuledini enu, konkhe kutabe kuhlambulukile kini. “Kodvwa maye kini, baFarisi! Ngobe nikhipha kwelishumi kwashaladi, napelepele, netinandzisi tonkhe nivilaphele kulunga nekutsandza Nkulunkulu; loko benifanele kukwenta ngaphandle kwekukuvilaphela loku. “Maye kini, baFarisi! Nitsandza titulo letincono emasinagogeni nibingelelwe ngekuhlonishwa nasetimakethe. Maye kini! Ninjengemadliza langasabonakali, nebantfu sebahamba etikwawo ngobe bangasawaboni.” Lomunye wetati temtsetfo wase utsi kuye: “Mfundzisi, nawusho loko wetfuka natsi phela.” Jesu waphendvula watsi: “Maye kini nani futsi, tati temtsetfo! Netfwesa bantfu imitfwalo lekulukhuni kuyetfwala, kodvwa nani matfupha aniyitsintsi ngisho nangemuno wenu leyo mitfwalo. “Maye kini! Nenta emadliza ebaphrofethi lababulawa bokhokho benu abe mahle. Nani matfupha niyakuvuma kutsi loko lokwentiwa bokhokho benu kulungile; ngobe babulala baphrofethi, nine senakha emadliza abo. Ngako-ke kuHlakanipha kwaNkulunkulu kwatsi: ‘Ngiyawubatfumela baphrofethi nebaphostoli; labanye babo bayawubabulala babahluphe!’ Ngako yonkhe ingati yebaphrofethi leyacitfwa seloku kwasekelwa umhlaba iyawubitwa etikwalesitukulwane, kusukela ekucitfweni kwengati ya-Abela kuze kufike ekucitfweni kwengati yaZakhariya, lowabulawa emkhatsini welilati nendzawo lengcwele. Yebo, ngiyanitjela, iyawubitwa kulesitukulwane. “Maye kini, tati temtsetfo! Nitsatse sikhiya sekuvula umnyango welwati, nine matfupha anikangeni ngekhatsi, konje nibavimbele labo labafuna kungena ngekhatsi.” Nasesuka kuleyo ndzawo, tati temtsetfo nebaFarisi bacala kumchukuluta bacondze kumcansula ngekumbuta imibuzo leminyenti ngetintfo letinyenti. Betama kumetsiya bentela kumgiba ngalokubi labengahle akukhulume. Tatsi lapho ticumbi tebantfu tisondzela madvutane, bantfu banyatselana ngenca yebunyenti, Jesu wase utsi kubafundzi bakhe kucala: “Caphelani imvubelo yebaFarisi yekutentisa. Konkhe lokumbonyiwe kuyawugwatjulwa, yonkhe imfihlo iyakwatiwa. Ngako-ke, konkhe lenakusho ebumnyameni kuyawuvakala ekukhanyeni, lenake nakuhleba emasitseleni kuyawuba yindzaba lesematseni.” “Ngiyanitjela, tihlobo tami, ngitsi: Ningabesabi labo lababulala umtimba kodvwa bangenamandla ekwenta lokubi lokungetulu kwaloko. Kodvwa ngitaneluleka ngalenifanele kumesaba. Mesabeni lowo longuYena anemandla ekubulala umtimba aphindze ashisane esihogweni; yebo, nginitjela ngitsi: Yesabani lowo! “Boncedze labasihlanu ababiti emasenti lamabili yini? Noko Nkulunkulu akakhohlwa ngisho nome munye wabo. Hhawu, ingani netinwele tenhloko yenu tibaliwe. Ngako ningesabi; nine nibaluleke kakhulu kunaboncedze labanyenti.” “Nginitjela kutsi: Longivuma embikwebantfu kutsi wami, iNdvodzana yeMuntfu nayo iyawumvuma embikwetingilosi taNkulunkulu. Kodvwa lowo longiphika embikwebantfu kutsi akasiye wami, iNdvodzana yeMuntfu nayo iyawumphika embikwetingilosi taNkulunkulu. “Nome ngubani lokhuluma kabi ngeNdvodzana yeMuntfu, uyawutsetselelwa; kodvwa lowo lowetfuka Moya Longcwele, angeke atsetselelwe. “Nabaniletsa kutenigweba emasinagogeni, nome embikwebabusi nemakhosi, ningakhatsateki ngekutsi niyawutsini nitiphendvulele njani. Ngobe Moya Longcwele uyawunifundzisa ngaso leso sikhatsi lenifanele kukusho.” Lomunye abesesicunjini wase utsi kuJesu: “Mfundzisi, tjela umnaketfu kutsi angabele incenye yelifa.” Kodvwa wamphendvula watsi: “Ndvodza, ngubani losangente umehluleli nemenetisi kini?” Watsi kubo: “Caphelani, nikubalekele konkhe kufisa lokubi; ngobe imphilo yemuntfu ayinconotiswa bunjinga bakhe.” Wase ubatjela umfanekiso watsi: “Emasimi esicebi enta sivuno lesikhulu; sase sicabanga enhlitiyweni yaso satsi: ‘Manje sengitakwente njani, ngobe ayisekho indzawo yekugcina lesivuno sami?’ Sachubeka satsi: ‘Ngitakwenta naku: Ngitawubhidlita tonkhe tinyango tami, bese ngakha letinkhulu, lapho ngitawugcina khona sonkhe sivuno netimphahla tami, bese ngikhuluma ngedvwana ngitsi: Cha, senginetimphahla lengitibekele tona teminyaka leminyenti; angikhululeke, ngidle, nginatse, ngijabule!’ Kodvwa Nkulunkulu watsi kuso: ‘Silima! Kulobusuku balamuhla umphefumulo wakho uyabitwa kuwe; pho, letintfo lesewutilungisile titawuba tabani?’ “Kunjalo-ke kulowo lotibekela umcebo, kantsi akacebi kuNkulunkulu.” Jesu wase utjela bafundzi bakhe utsi: “Ngako-ke nginitjela kutsi: Ningakhatsateki ngemphilo yenu, nekutsi nitawudlani, nangekutsi nitakwembatsani emitimbeni yenu. Ngobe imphilo ibaluleke kakhulu kunekudla, nemtimba ubaluleke kakhulu kunetimphahla. Ase nibuke emangangane! Akahlanyeli akavuni; ate tincolobane netilulu, kodvwa noko Nkulunkulu uyawondla. Nibaluleke kakhulu kangakanani-ke nine kunetinyoni! Ngubani nje lapha emkhatsini wenu longatsi ngekunanta kwakhe kwengeteke iminyaka lembalwa ngetulu kwemphilo yakhe? Nangabe ningeke nibe nemandla ekwenta loku lokuncane kangaka, nitihluphelani ngaloku lokunye? “Ase nibheke kutsi timbali tikhula njani! Atisebenti nome tititfungele timphahla. Kodvwa nginitjela kutsi, naSolomoni, labenjinge kangaka, abete timphahla letatihlotjiswe kwendlula ngisho nayinye yaletimbali. Nangabe Nkulunkulu embatsisa tjani besiganga lobukhona lamuhla, kusasa abusekho sebushile, angeke yini etsembeke kutsi anganembatsisa nani? Maye, bantfu bekukholwa lokuncane! Ngako ningakhatsateki ngekufuna leningahle nikudle nikunatse; netingcondvo tenu tingakhatsateki. Ngobe tonkhe tive temhlaba tifuna letintfo; neYihlo uyati kutsi niyatidzinga letintfo. Esikhundleni saloko, funani umbuso wakhe, khona-ke tonkhe letintfo titawuba tenu.” “Ningesabi, mhlambi lomncane, ngobe uYihlo utfokotela kona kutsi aninike umbuso. Tsengisani ngako konkhe leninako, bese nabela labeswele. Tiphatseleni tipatji letingagugi, nigcine umcebo wenu ezulwini, lapho ungeke unciphe khona, kute nelisela lelingefika kuwo, kute ngisho nemvunya longawudla. Ngobe lapho umcebo wenu ukhona, ngulapho nenhlitiyo yenu itawuba khona.” “Hlalani tinkhalo tenu tiboshiwe netibane tenu tivutsa, Njengetisebenti letilindzele kufika kwemnumzane wato aphuma edzilini, khona atewutsi nakefika anconcotsa, tisheshe timvulele umnyango. Maye, tibusisekile leto tisebenti letiyakukhandvwa ngumnumzane wato tilindzele tingakalali! Ngicinisile, ngitsi kini, uyawubopha acinise libhande lakhe elukhalweni, atihlalise phansi, atiphe kudla. Maye, tibusisiwe nakatikhandza tilindzele, nome ngabe ufike ekhatsi nebusuku nome kusengakasi! Kodvwa yatini loku, kutsi kube lomniyo wendlu bekati sikhatsi sekufika kwelisela, abeyawulindza indlu yakhe kuze ingetikugcekezwa. Nani futsi, lindzani, ngobe iNdvodzana yeMuntfu iyawufika ngesikhatsi leningakasilindzeli.” Phetro watsi: “Nkhosi, utjela tsine sodvwa yini lomfanekiso, nome uwucondzise kubo bonkhe bantfu?” INkhosi yaphendvula yatsi: “Ngubani-ke losisebenti lesetsembekile nalesihlakaniphile lesiyawutfunywa kutsi sicize indlu yenkhosi kanye nekunika letinye tisebenti kudla lokutifanele nangesikhatsi lesifanele? Sibusisiwe leso sisebenti lesiyawukhandvwa yinkhosi yaso senta tonkhe timfanelo talelo khaya nayibuyako. Ecinisweni leso sisebenti siyawunikwa umsebenti wekutsi siphatse tonkhe timphahla talenkhosi, kodvwa nangabe lesisebenti sicabange satsi: ‘Inkhosi yami isalibele,’ bese sishaya tonkhe letinye tisebenti, letidvuna naletisikati, sihlaphate kudla, sinatse sidzakwe, lenkhosi yaso iyawufika ngelilanga nangesikhatsi lesingakasilindzeli isijezise, isihlanganise nalabangetsembeki. “Sisebenti lesatiko kutsi inkhosi yaso ifuna senteni, kodvwa singatilungiseleli kutsi sente loko lokufunwa yinkhosi yaso, siyawujeziswa ngekushaywa kakhulu; kodvwa sisebenti lesingati kutsi inkhosi yaso ifunani, bese senta lokubi lesifanele sishayelwe kona, siyawujeziswa ngekushaywa kancane. Umuntfu lonikwe lokukhulu, kuyawudzingeka lokukhulu kuye; umuntfu lonikwe lokukhulu kakhulu, kuyawudzingeka lokukhulu kakhulu kuye.” “Ngitele kutakokhela umlilo emhlabeni, maye, ngifisa shangatsi ngabe sewokhelekile! “Kunembhabhatiso lengitawemukela; maye, ngicindzetelekile, uyawudzimate wendlule! Nicabanga kutsi ngiletse kuthula yini emhlabeni? Cha, hhayi kuthula, kodvwa ngiletse kwehlukana. Kusukela manje indlu lenebantfu labasihlanu itakwehlukana, labatsatfu bacabane nalababili, lababili nalabatsatfu. Bayawucabana, uyise nendvodzana, indvodzana neyise, unina nendvodzakati, indvodzakati nenina, uninatala nemalukatane, malukatane neninatala.” Jesu wachubeka watsi eticumbini tebantfu: “Nanibona lifu lemvula lichamuka ngasenshonalanga, niyaye nitsi: ‘Litakuna,’ livele line. Naniva umoya lochamuka eningizimu uhhusha, niyaye nitsi: ‘Kutawushisa,’ livele lishise. Batentisi! Ngekubuka umhlaba nesibhakabhaka niyakwati kufundza lesikushoko; pho, nehlulwa yini kufundza inchazelo yaletikhatsi talamuhla?” “Anitiboneli ngani kutsi ngukuphi lokulungile? Nangabe umuntfu akumangalele enkantolo, yetama ngawo onkhe emandla akho kulungisana naye endleleni nisaya kuyawuliteka lelicala, kuze angetikufikisa embikwemehluleli, ngobe umehluleli utakunikela emaphoyiseni, wona akufake ejele. Lapho-ke ngikutjela kutsi, ungeke uphume ungakayikhiphi yonkhe inhlawulo.” Ngaso leso sikhatsi labanye bantfu batjela Jesu ngebantfu baseGalile labatsi banikela umnikelo wekushiswa kuNkulunkulu, Philatu wababulala. Jesu wabaphendvula watsi: “Njengobe babulawa-ke laba baseGalile, nicabanga kutsi loko kusho kutsi bona babetoni kakhulu yini kunalabanye bantfu baseGalile? Cha! Nginitjela kutsi, nangabe nani ningatishiyi tono tenu, niyawubhubha njengabo. Nome-ke nicabanga kutsi laba labebali-18 baseSilowama lokwawela kubo umbhoshongo wababulala, bona babebabi kakhulu yini kunabo bonkhe bantfu lababehlala eJerusalema? Cha! Nginitjela kutsi, nangabe nani ningashiyi tono tenu, niyawubhubha njengabo.” Jesu wase ubatjela nankhu umfanekiso lotsi: “Lenye indvodza beyinesihlahla semkhiwa engadzeni yayo. Yaya kuyawufuna emakhiwa kulesihlahla, yakhandza kutsi kute. Ngako yase itsi esisebentini sayo sengadze: ‘Ase ubuke lesihlahla, sengite lapha iminyaka lemitsatfu ngitewukha emakhiwa kodvwa angiwakhandzi, sigece siwe! Yini siloku sichubeka sisebentisa lomhlabatsi mahhala?’ Kodvwa sisebenti sengadze samphendvula satsi: ‘Mnumzane, ase umane usiyekele kulomnyaka kuphela; ngitase ngisimbele umsele usitungelete, bese ngisifakela umcuba. Nangabe-ke sitsela nyakenye, kuyawuba ncono; kodvwa nasingatseli, utabe sewuyasijuba-ke.’ ” Ngalelinye liSabatha Jesu abefundzisa esinagogeni. Khona lapho bekunemfati labenemoya lomubi lowase umgulise iminyaka leli-18; abesagobene angasakwati nekuhamba eme acondze atsi tfwi! Jesu watsi nakambona, wambita watsi: “Mfati, sewukhululekile ekuguleni kwakho.” Wambeka tandla, masinyane umfati weluleka waphila, wadvumisa Nkulunkulu. Siphatsimandla selisinagoge satfukutsela ngekutsi Jesu abesaphilise ngeliSabatha; ngako sakhuluma kubantfu satsi: “Asitfupha emalanga lesifanele sisebente ngawo; ngako-ke nibota ngalawo malanga kutewuphiliswa, kodvwa hhayi ngeliSabatha.” INkhosi yasiphendvula yatsi: “Nine batentisi! Lomunye wenu angete ayikhipha yini inkhabi nome imbongolo esibayeni ayeyinatsisa ngeliSabatha? Manje-ke nansi lendvodzakati lesitukulwane sa-Abrahama lebeseyiboshwe nguSathane iminyaka leli-18, akukafaneli yini kutsi ikhululwe ekuboshweni kwayo ngeliSabatha?” Lemphendvulo yakhe yenta tonkhe titsa takhe taba nemahloni, kantsi bantfu bonkhe bebajabulela tonkhe timangaliso labetenta. Ngako-ke Jesu watsi: “Umbuso waNkulunkulu ufanana nani? Ngingawufanisa nani nje? Ufanana nenhlanyelo yendlulamitsi leyatsatfwa ngumuntfu wayihlanyela ensimini yakhe. Lenhlanyelo yakhula yaba sihlahla, netinyoni letindiza emoyeni takha tidleke tato emagaleni aso.” Jesu waphindze wabuta watsi: “Umbuso waNkulunkulu ngingawufanisa nani nje? Ngingawufanisa nembiliso leyatsatfwa ngumfati wayihlanganisa nemabinta lamatsatfu afulaha, yakhukhumuka lenhlama.” Jesu wadzabula emkhatsini wemadolobha nemadolobhana acondze eJerusalema, ahamba afundzisa. Lomunye wambuta watsi: “Nkhosi, kutawusindziswa bantfu labambalwa yini kantsi?” Jesu watsi kubo: “Phikelelani kungena ngemnyango lomncane; ngobe banyenti bantfu labatakwetama kungena ngawo, kodvwa bayakwehluleka. “Umnikati wendlu nasekasukumile wavala umnyango, niyakuma ngephandle ninconcotse nitsi: ‘Nkhosi, sivulele umnyango!’ Uyakuniphendvula atsi: ‘Anginati lapho niphuma khona!’ Niyawube seniphendvula nitsi: ‘Sadla, sanatsa nawe; wafundzisa futsi, etitaladini telidolobha lakitsi.’ Kodvwa yena uyawutsi: ‘Ngiyanitjela ngitsi: Anginati lapho niphuma khona. Nyamalalani lapha embikwami, benti balokubi!’ “Lapho niyawukhala kudzimate kugedletele ematinyo, nanibona Abrahama, na-Isaka, naJakobe, nabo bonkhe baphrofethi embusweni waNkulunkulu nibe nine nivalelwe ngephandle. “Bantfu bayawuta baphuma emphumalanga nasenshonalanga, enyakatfo naseningizimu bahlale etafuleni embusweni waNkulunkulu. Lapho-ke laba lababekugcina bayawuba bekucala, laba lababekucala babe bekugcina.” Khona lapho nje kwase kufika labanye baFarisi bete kuJesu batsi kuye: “Suka lapha uhambe uye kulenye indzawo, ngobe Herodi ufuna kukubulala.” Jesu wabaphendvula watsi: “Hambani nitjele leyo mphungutja nitsi: ‘Ngikhipha emadimoni ngiphilise lamuhla nakusasa, lomsebenti wami ngiyawucedzela ngemhlomunye.’ Noko kufanele kutsi ngibesendleleni lamuhla nakusasa nangemhlomunye, ngobe kungeke kwenteke kutsi umphrofethi abulawelwe nome kukuphi ngaphandle kwaseJerusalema. “Jerusalema, Jerusalema! Ubulala baphrofethi, ugcobe ngematje titfunywa taNkulunkulu letitfunyelwe kuwe! Sekukangaki ngifuna kufukamela bonkhe bantfu bakho, njengesikhukhukati sifukamela emantjwele ngaphansi kwemaphiko aso, kodvwa awuzange ungivumele! Buka-ke manje likhaya lakho selilahliwe, ngiyakutjela kutsi, ungeke usangibona, kuze kufike sikhatsi lapho uyawutsi: ‘Ubusisiwe lotako egameni leNkhosi.’ ” Ngalelinye liSabatha Jesu abeyewudla emtini walesinye siphatsimandla selicembu lebaFarisi, bantfu bebacaphelisisile kutsi Jesu utakwentani. EmbikwaJesu kwakunendvodza leyayinesifo sekuvuvuka. Jesu wakhuluma, wabuta tati temtsetfo nebaFarisi watsi: “Umtsetfo wetfu uyasivumela yini kutsi siphilise ngeliSabatha, nome cha?” Kodvwa abazange batsi vu. Jesu wayitsatsa lendvodza wayiphilisa, wase utsi ayihambe. Wase utsi kubo: “Ngubani emkhatsini wenu lokungatsi imbongolo yakhe nome inkhabi yakhe ibhajwe eludzakeni angete ayikhipha ngobe kuliSabatha?” Kodvwa behluleka kumphendvula kuloko. Jesu wabona kutsi laba bebamenyiwe babekhetsa tindzawo letinhle, ngako wase ubatjela bonkhe umfanekiso lotsi: “Nangabe umenyiwe emshadweni ungabohlala etindzaweni letiphakeme, ngobe kusenekwenteka kutsi kukhona lomunye lomenyiwe loncono kunawe. Bese lona lonimemile uta kuwe utsi: “ ‘Ase ukhweshele nangu, ahlale lapha.’ Ngako uyawuba nemahloni ngekwehliselwa endzaweni lephansi. Lokungenani nawumenyiwe, kuncono uhlale endzaweni lephansi, kuze kutsi lokumemile afike atsi: ‘Yenyuka, mngami, utewuhlala kunansi indzawo lencono,’ loko kutakuletsela kuhlonishwa emkhatsini walabo bebamenyiwe. Ngobe wonkhe umuntfu lotiphakamisako uyawutfotjiswa, nalotitfobako uyawuphakanyiswa.” Jesu wase utsi kulona lammemile: “Nawente lidzili, ungabomema tihlobo takho, nome banakenu, nome tinini, nome bomakhelwane bakho labacebile, ngobe nawe bayawukumema, ngalendlela-ke uyawube sewuwutfolile umvuzo waloko kwenta kwakho. Nawente lidzili, ubomema timphuya, netishosha, netinchute, netimphumphutse. Uyawubusiswa, ngobe bangeke babe nemandla ekukwenana loko. Uyawubuyiselwa nguNkulunkulu ekuvukeni kwalabalungile.” Lomunye walamadvodza bekahleti adla naye nakeva loko, watsi kuJesu: “Maye, ubusisiwe loyawuhlanganyela ekudleni embusweni waNkulunkulu!” Jesu watsi: “Kwake kwaba khona umuntfu lowenta lidzili lelikhulu, wamema bantfu labanyenti. Sesifikile sikhatsi sekudla, watfumela sisebenti kutsi siyewubita labamenyiwe, watsi sifike sitsi: ‘Wotani, konkhe sekulungile!’ Kodvwa bonkhe ngalokufananako bacala babeka taba tekungaphumeleli. Wekucala watsi: ‘Ngitsenge lipulazi, kufanele ngiyewulibona; ngicela ufike ungicolisele!’ Lomunye watsi: ‘Ngitsenge tinkhabi letilishumi, manje ngisayawutilinga kutsi tinjani; ngicela ungicolisele!’ Lomunye watsi: ‘Ngisandza kuteka umfati, ngaleso sizatfu ngingeke ngiphumelele.’ “Sisebenti sancandzeka, safike satjela lomnumzane waso. Lomnumzane watfukutsela, watselwa ngemanti, waze watsi kuso: ‘Sheshisa uye etindleleni nasetitaladini edolobheni ubite timphuya, netishosha, netimphumphutse netinchute.’ Sisebenti satsi: ‘Mnumzane, sengikwentile lokushito, kodvwa kusasele indzawo.’ Lomnumzane wase utsi esisebentini: ‘Hamba uye etindleleni nasemigwacweni lesetikhotseni uncenge bonkhe bantfu kutsi bete, khona itewugcwala lendlu yami. Nginitjela ngitsi: Kute nome munye loyawudla kulelidzili lami kulabo bebamenyiwe!’ ” Ticumbi letinkhulu tebantfu betihamba naJesu. Wagucukela kuto watsi: “Lota kimi angeke abe ngumfundzi wami ngaphandle kwekutsi adzele uyise nenina, umfati wakhe nebantfwabakhe, bomnakabo nabodzadzewabo, yebo, kanye nemphilo yakhe lucobo lwayo. Longetjatsi siphambano sakhe angilandzele, angeke abe ngumfundzi wami. “Ngubani emkhatsini wenu longatsi afuna kwakha sitezi lesikhulu, angahlali phansi kucala, abale tindleko, abukisise kutsi unayo yini imali leyenele kutsi angasicedza lesitezi? Nangabe akanayo kantsi sewubeke nesisekelo saso, angasasicedzi, bonkhe lababonako bangahlekisa ngaye batsi: ‘Lendvodza yacala yakha, kodvwa seyiyehluleka kuwucedza lomsebenti!’ “Nangabe inkhosi inemabutfo lati-10 000 iyawulwa nalenye inkhosi lenemabutfo lati-20 000, leyo nkhosi ifanele kutsi ihlale phansi ibukisise kutsi ingaba nawo yini emandla ekubhekana nalenkhosi. Nangabe ayinawo, itawuvele itfumele tigijimi kulelenye inkhosi isesekhashane, tiyewutsi: ‘Mayoyo, ayiphele!’ ” Jesu wagcina ngekutsi: “Kunjalo-ke nakini, kute longaba ngumfundzi wami ngaphandle kwekutsi adzele konkhe lanako.” “Luswayi lulungile, kodvwa nangabe selulahlekelwe bunandzi balo, kungentiwa lisu lini kutsi luphindze lulunge? Alusekalungeli ngisho nemhlabatsi nome sengumcuba, nebantfu bayalulahla. “Lonendlebe yekuva akeve.” Ngalelinye lilanga kwefika batselisi netilahlwa titewulalela Jesu. Kodvwa baFarisi netati temtsetfo tahhingatela tatsi: “Lomuntfu wemukela tilahlwa abuye futsi adle nato!” Ngako-ke Jesu wase ubatjela umfanekiso lotsi: “Nangabe lomunye wenu anetimvu letilikhulu bese kulahleka lenye, angente njani? Angete atishiya etsafeni yini leti letingema-99, ahambe ayewufuna lena lenye lelahlekile, adzimate ayitfole? Angatsi nase ayitfolile, atfokote ayetjatse ehlombe abuyele nayo ekhaya. Atsi nase afike ekhaya, ameme tihlobo takhe nabomakhelwane atsi kubo: ‘Tfokotani kanye nami, ngobe sengiyitfolile imvu yami lebeyilahlekile.’ ” Jesu wachubeka watsi: “Ngalokufananako, ngitsi kini: Kuyawuba khona kutfokota lokukhulu ezulwini ngesoni sinye lesiphendvukako kunebantfu labalungile labangema-99 labangakudzingi kuphendvuka.” “Nome-ke ake sitsi: Umfati lonetinhlavu tesiliva letilishumi alahlekelwe ngulolunye, wente njani? Akasikhanyisi yini sibane atsanyele indlu yakhe alufunisise adzimate alutfole? Atsi angalutfola, ameme tihlobo takhe, nabomakhelwane bakhe atsi kubo: ‘Tfokotani kanye nami, ngobe sengilutfolile luhlavu lebelulahlekile.’ ” Jesu wachubeka watsi: “Ngalokufananako-ke, ngitsi kini: Tingilosi taNkulunkulu tiyawutfokota ngesoni sinye lesiphendvukako.” Wachubeka Jesu watsi: “Bekukhona umuntfu labenemadvodzana lamabili. Indvodzana lencane yatsi kuyise: ‘Babe, nginike sabelo lesilifa lami.’ Ngako-ke uyise wawehlukanisela lifa emadvodzana akhe. “Kwatsi ngemalangana indvodzana lencane yatsengisa lifa layo, yahamba nalemali yalibangisa eveni lelikhashane, lapho yayihlaphata khona imali ihleti ngekonakala. Yayidla yonkhe imali. Kwefika indlala lenkhulu kulelo live, ingasenalutfo yahlupheka kakhulu. Ngako-ke yahamba yayawufuna umsebenti kumuntfu walelo live, wayitfumela enhlonhleni yakhe kuyakwelusa tingulube. Yayilamba idzimate ifise kudla imidvumba ledliwa tingulube, ngobe yayinganikwa ngumuntfu kudla. “Sigcino yasanguluka engcondvweni yacabanga yatsi: ‘Tonkhe tisebenti tababe tidla tidzimate titibekele, kepha mine lapha ngilamba kangaka. Ngitawuhamba ngiye kubabe ngitsi kuye: “Babe, ngonile kuNkulunkulu nakuwe. Angisafanele nekutsi ngibitwe ngekutsi ngiyindvodzana yakho; sale umane ungenta lomunye wetisebenti takho.” ’ Ngako-ke yesuka yahamba yaya kuyise. “Yayisekudzeni kabi nelikhaya ngesikhatsi uyise ayibona. Inhlitiyo yeyise yagcwala sihawu, wayihawukela wagijima wayihlangabeta. Wayigaca ngemkhono wakhe, wayanga. Lendvodzana yatsi kuyise: ‘Babe, ngonile kuNkulunkulu nakuwe, angisafanele nekutsi ngibitwe ngekutsi ngiyindvodzana yakho.’ Kepha uyise wabita tisebenti watsi: ‘Phangisani niletse ingubo lenhle niyembatsise, niyifake nendandatho emnweni wayo, neticatfulo etinyaweni. Nifune litfole lelihle lelikhuluphele nilihlabe sitewudla sijabule. Ngobe lendvodzana yami beyifile, kodvwa nyalo seyiyaphila; beyilahlekile, kodvwa nyalo seyitfolakele.’ Ngako kwase kuyadliwa, kuyajatjulwa. “Ngaleso sikhatsi indvodzana lenkhulu beyingekho isensimini, yatsi seyibuya yeva umsindvo wekuhlabela nekugidza ingakangeni ekhaya, yase ibita lesinye setisebenti iyabuta kutsi kwente njani lapha ekhaya kunemsindvo nje. Sisebenti satsi kuye: ‘Umnakenu sewubuyile, ngako-ke uyihlo umhlabise litfole lelikhuluphele, ngobe umnakenu ubuye asaphila.’ “Indvodzana lenkhulu yatfukutsela yabila, yase iyala nekungena lapha ekhaya. Kwadzimate kwaphuma uyise wayakuyincenga; yamphendvula yatsi: ‘Kodvwa, babe, mine yonkhe leminyaka bengihleti nawe ngikusebentela. Angizange sengephule namunye umyalo wakho, kodvwa awuzange sewunginike nangalinye lilanga ngisho nelizinyane nje, kutsi nami ngitijabulise kanye nebangani bami. Kodvwa lendvodzana yakho nayibuya kuyawuhlaphata lifa lakho netingwadla, yona uyihlabisa litfole lelikhuluphele!’ “Uyise watsi kuye: ‘Ndvodzana yami, wena unami njalo, nako konkhe lokukwami ubokwati kutsi kwakho. Kepha kusifanele kutsi sijabule sidle ngekutfokota, ngobe umnakenu abefile, kepha manje sewuyaphila; abelahlekile, kepha manje sewutfolakele.’ ” Jesu wase utsi kubafundzi bakhe: “Kwake kwaba khona indvodza leyayisicebi lesasinendvuna. Sase sitjelwe kutsi lendvuna ihlaphata imali yaso. Sayibita lendvuna satsi: ‘Yini loku lengikuvako ngawe? Ngikhombise kutsi imphahla yami uyiphatsa kanjani, ngobe ungeke uchubeke ube yindvuna yami, nawuhamba ngalolunyawo!’ Lendvuna yacabanga yatsi: ‘Inkhosi yami itangicosha emsebentini. Ngitakwente njani? Ngingeke ngikumele kuba simbamgodzi, kantsi nekucela futsi ngiyakwesaba. Sengibonile lengitawukwenta, kuze nase ngiphelelwe ngumsebenti, bangani bami bangemukele, bangihlalise emakhaya abo.’ “Ngako wabita bonkhe lababekweleda lesicebi ngamunye ngamunye. Kulona wekucala watsi: ‘Uyikweleda malini inkhosi yami?’ Wamphendvula watsi: ‘Nasi sikwelede, ngikweleda emabhodlela emafutsa eliphehla lati-4 000.’ Lendvuna yamtjela yatsi: ‘Nali libhuku lakho lesikwelede. Hlala phansi ubhale ti-2 000.’ Kulomunye watsi: ‘Wena-ke ukweleda malini?’ Waphendvula watsi: ‘Nasi sikwelede, ngikweleda emasaka emmbila lalikhulu.’ Lendvuna yatsi: ‘Nali libhuku lesikwelede sakho. Hlala phansi ubhale ema-80.’ “Inkhosi yayidvumisa lendvuna lengaketsembeki ngekwenta lentfo lenebucili kangaka, ngobe bantfu balomhlaba bahlakaniphile esitukulwaneni sabo kunebantfu bekukhanya.” Jesu wachubeka watsi: “Nginitjela ngitsi: Tenteleni bangani ngemcebo wemhlaba, kuze kutsi ungaphela banemukele ekhaya laphakadze. “Lowo lowetsembekile etintfweni letincane, uyakwetsembeka nasetintfweni letinkhulu, longetsembeki etintfweni letincane, angeke etsembeke etintfweni letinkhulu. Ngako naningaketsembeki ekuphatseni umcebo walomhlaba, ningetsembeka kanjani emcebeni lokunguwo sibili? Nani naningaketsembeki entfweni yalomunye umuntfu, ngubani loyawuninika lokukwenu? “Asikho sisebenti lesingasebenta emakhosi lamabili ngasikhatsi sinye. Siyawutondza lenye, sitsandze lenye; siyawunamatsela kulenye, sedzelele lenye. Ngako-ke ningeke nikhonte Nkulunkulu nemcebo.” BaFarisi nabakuva loku, bamphukuta Jesu, ngobe phela babeyitsandza imali. Kodvwa Jesu watsi kubo: “Nitenta labalungile emehlweni ebantfu, kodvwa Nkulunkulu uyatati tinhlitiyo. Loko bantfu labacabanga kutsi kuyintfo lenkhulu lebalulekile, kusinengiso ebusweni baNkulunkulu. “Umtsetfo netimfundziso tebaphrofethi kwasebenta kwaze kwefika sikhatsi saJohane uMbhabhatisi. Kusukela ngaleso sikhatsi sekushunyayelwa liVangeli ngembuso waNkulunkulu, wonkhe umuntfu ulwela kungena kuwo, kodvwa kulula kutsi lizulu nemhlaba kwendlule kunekutsi lichashatana lemtsetfo lendlule liphele. “Nangabe indvodza idivosa umkayo bese iteka lomunye umfati, iyaphinga; nendvodza letsatsa umfati lodivosiwe, iyaphinga.” “Bekukhona indvodza leyayicebile igcoka timphahla letatidule kakhulu. Yayinekudla lokunyenti idla kahle onkhe emalanga. Esangweni lemuti wayo bekuhlala umuntfu labechakile, libito lakhe kunguLazaro, abenetilondza wonkhe umtimba, abedzinga kondliwa ngetimvutfuluka tekudla letatiwa etafuleni lalesicebi. Netinja tatita timkhotse tilondza. “Lendvodza leluphuya yafa yemukelwa tingilosi, tayiyisa edzilini lasezulwini, lapho tefike tayibeka edvute na-Abrahama; nesicebi safa sangcwatjwa. Sabasebuhlungwini lobukhulu endzaweni yalabafile; satsi sibuka ngetulu sabona Abrahama akhashane, anaLazaro. Sase siyamemeta sitsi: ‘Babe Abrahama, ngihawukele ungitfumelele nango Lazaro enye sihloko semuno wakhe emantini atengiphotisa elulwimini, ngobe ngisebuhlungwini lobukhulu, ngiyasha!’ “Kodvwa Abrahama watsi: ‘Khumbula, ndvodzana yami, kutsi usaphila emhlabeni wanikwa konkhe lokuhle, kepha Lazaro abenikwe lokubi kodvwa. Sewuyajatjuliswa-ke lapha, kantsi wena sewusekuhluphekeni. Nangaphandle kwaloko nje kuneludvonga lolukhulu lapha emkhatsini wetfu, lolusivimbelako kutsi labamshiya ngalo bangakwati kwewelela ngalapho, nalabo labangesheya bangete bakwati kwewelela mshiya ngalo.’ Lesicebi sase sitsi: ‘Sengiyakuncenga, babe, umane sale nje umtfumela ekhaya lababe. Lapho nginebanaketfu labasihlanu, efike abatjele kutsi bangete beta lapha kulendzawo lengikuyo.’ “Abrahama watsi: ‘Bomnakenu banemtsetfo waMosi netincwadzi tebaphrofethi letingabatjela, abalalele tona.’ Lesicebi samphendvula satsi: ‘Cha-ke, babe Abrahama, nakungavuka lomunye ekufeni aye kubo, bayawuphendvuka etonweni tabo.’ Kodvwa Abrahama watsi: ‘Nabangalaleli boMosi nebaphrofethi nababeluleka, nome bekungavuka lomunye kulabafile, bangeke baneliswe!’ ” Jesu watsi kubafundzi bakhe: “Tilingo tetono kufanele kutsi tenteke; kodvwa maye kulowo letita ngaye! Bekuyawuba ncono kutsi kuboshelwe litje entsanyeni yakhe, bese ujikijelwa elwandle, kunekutsi ente nome munye walaba labancane kutsi one. Caphelani! Nangabe umnakenu ona, mekhute, nangabe uyaphendvuka, mtsetselele. “Nangabe akona emahlandla lasikhombisa ngelilanga linye solomane atsi kuwe: ‘Ngiyacolisa,’ kufanele umtsetselele.” Baphostoli base batsi eNkhosini: “Yandzisa kukholwa kwetfu.” INkhosi yabaphendvula yatsi: “Kube beningaba nekukholwa lokungangenhlavu yendlulamitsi, beningatsi kulesihlahla: ‘Dzephuneka uyewumila elwandle!’ Besiyawunilalela.” “Ase ngitsi lomunye wenu unesisebenti lesilimako nome leselusa tinkhomo nome timvu. Nase sibuya ensimini angasho yini kuso kutsi: ‘Hlala phansi kucala udle naku kudla’? Cha! Esikhundleni saloko angatsi kuso: ‘Faka sidziya sakho, ungilungisele kudla kwami, unginike ngidle nginatse; emvakwaloko-ke nawe utawuhlala phansi udle unatse.’ Uyasibonga yini sisebenti lesisuke sente loko lebesifanele sikwente? Kanjalo-ke nani nanente konkhe lenitjelwe kutsi nikwente, nibotsi: ‘Sitisebenti letingakafaneli kubongwa, ngobe sente lebesifanele kutsi sikwente.’ ” Endleleni Jesu asaya eJerusalema wendlula emkhatsini weSamariya neGalile. Asangena emtini wahlangabetwa ngemadvodza labelishumi labephetfwe bulephelo ema bucadlwana naye, amemeta atsi: “Nkhosi Jesu, sihawukele.” Watsi nakawabona Jesu, watsi: “Hambani nitibonakalise kubaphristi.” Nangempela atsi asahamba, bulephelo bahhohloka. Lenye yatsi kube ibone kutsi seyiphilile, yancandzeka idvumisa Nkulunkulu ngelivi lelikhulu. Yefika yatilahla phansi etinyaweni taJesu imbonga. Yona-ke beyingumSamariya. Jesu watsi: “Beningesilo yini lishumi ekuphilisweni kwenu? Baphi labayimfica? Akatfolakalanga namunye yini, lowabuyela emuva weta kutawubonga Nkulunkulu ngaphandle kwalomchamuki?” Wase utsi kuye: “Sukuma uhambe; kukholwa kwakho kukusindzisile.” Labanye baFarisi babuta Jesu batsi: “Umbuso waNkulunkulu uyawufika nini?” Wabaphendvula watsi: “Umbuso waNkulunkulu awuti ngendlela lebonakalako. Kute loyawutsi: ‘Ase nibuke nankhu!’ nome: ‘Nankhuya!’ Ngobe umbuso waNkulunkulu ukini.” Wase utsi kubafundzi bakhe: “Siyeta sikhatsi lapho niyawufisa shangatsi ningabona linye nje lemalanga eNdvodzana yeMuntfu, kodvwa ningeke nilibone. Bayawuba khona labayawutsi kini: ‘Ase nibuke lapha!’ nome batsi: ‘Ase nibuke naku!’ Kodvwa ningayi, ningabalandzeli. Njengembane ubaneka uvundla kabili esibhakabhakeni, iyawuba njalo neNdvodzana yeMuntfu ngelilanga layo. Kodvwa kwekucala ifanele ihlupheke kakhulu ilahlwe bantfu balesitukulwane. “Njengobe kwakunjalo ngemalanga aNowa, kuyawuba njalo nangemalanga eNdvodzana yeMuntfu. Bonkhe bantfu bebadla, banatsa, bateka bafati, bendziswa, kwaze kwaba lilanga Nowa langena ngalo emkhunjini lana zamcolo wababulala bonkhe. Kuyawuba njengesikhatsi saLoti; bebadla, banatsa, batsenga, batsengisa, balima, bakha tindlu. Mhlazana Loti esuka eSodoma, umlilo nesibabule kwana kuphuma ezulwini, kwababulala bonkhe. Kuyawuba njalo nangelilanga leyiyakwembulwa ngalo iNdvodzana yeMuntfu. “Umuntfu loyawube asetikwendlu yakhe ngalelo langa, angehli kuyawutsatsa timphahla takhe endlini, kanjalo futsi nemuntfu losensimini, angabuyeli emuva. Khumbulani umkaLoti. Umuntfu lowetama kusindzisa imphilo yakhe, uyawulahlekelwa ngiyo. Kodvwa umuntfu lolahlekelwa yimphilo yakhe, uyawuyisindzisa. Nginitjela kutsi: Kulobo busuku bantfu bayawube balele bababili embhedzeni munye; lomunye uyawutsatfwa, lomunye asale ngemuva. Bafati lababili bayawube bagaya ndzawonye; lomunye uyawutsatfwa, lomunye asale ngemuva. [ Emadvodza lamabili ayawube asensimini; lenye iyakutsatfwa, lenye isale ngemuva.]” Bafundzi bambuta batsi: “Kuphi, Nkhosi?” Jesu wabaphendvula watsi: “Lapho kunesidvumbu khona, nemangce ahlangana khona.” Jesu wase ubatjela lomfanekiso abafundzisa kutsi kufanele bathandaze sonkhe sikhatsi bangadzinwa. “Kwake kwaba khona umehluleli kulelinye lidolobha lelikhulu labengamesabi Nkulunkulu angahloniphi nebantfu. Kwakukhona umfelokati kulelo dolobha labevame kuta kulomehluleli atewucela emalungelo akhe afike atsi: ‘Ngisite kulona lolwa nami!’ Kwaba sikhatsi lesidze umehluleli angavumi, kodvwa ekugcineni watsi: ‘Nome ngingamesabi Nkulunkulu ngingahloniphi muntfu, kodvwa ngaloluhlupho lengilutfola kulomfelokati, kuncono kutsi ngimnike emalungelo akhe, funa achubeke nalokunginakashela, adzimate angiphuphise!’ ” INkhosi yachubeka yatsi: “Lalelani kutsi watsini lomehluleli lomubi! Pho, Nkulunkulu utakwehlulwa yini kubevela labakhetsiwe bakhe, labakhala kuye imini nebusuku bacela lusito? Uyawubina yini ekubasiteni? Nginitjela kutsi uyawubevela ngekushesha. Kodvwa ingabe iNdvodzana yeMuntfu nayibuyako iyawukukhandza kukhona yini kukholwa emhlabeni?” Jesu wabatjela futsi nankhu umfanekiso acondzise kubantfu labetsemba kulunga kwabo bese bababukela phansi labanye bantfu: “Emadvodza lamabili enyukela ethempelini kuyawuthandaza, lomunye abengumFarisi, lomunye angumtselisi. “UmFarisi wakhwesha wema yedvwa wathandaza watsi: ‘Ngiyakubonga, Nkulunkulu, kutsi mine angifanani nalabanye bantfu labatigebengu, nalabangakalungi, netiphingi, nanjengalomtselisi. Ngizila kudla emalanga lamabili ngeliviki ngikunika kwelishumi kwako konkhe lengikwemukelako.’ “Kodvwa umtselisi eme khashane akazange abhekise ngisho nebuso bakhe ezulwini, kepha ngekutisola wathandaza watsi: ‘Nkulunkulu, ngihawukele mine soni!’ ” Jesu watsi: “Nginitjela kutsi lendvodza lengumtselisi yabuyela ekhaya seyemukelwe nguNkulunkulu kutsi ilungile kunalona lomunye, ngobe phela wonkhe umuntfu lotiphakamisako, uyawutfotjiswa, wonkhe lotitfobako, uyawuphakanyiswa.” Ngaleso sikhatsi baletsa ngisho netinswane kutsi Jesu atetibeka tandla. Kodvwa bafundzi batsi nabakubona loko, babatsetsisa. Kodvwa Jesu wababita labantfwana atsi: “Vumelani bantfwana bete kimi! Ningabavimbeli, ngobe umbuso waNkulunkulu walabanjalo. Ngicinisile, ngitsi kini: Longawemukeli umbuso waNkulunkulu njengemntfwana, angeke angene kuwo.” Lesinye sikhulu sambuta satsi: “Mfundzisi lolungile, kufanele ngenteni kuze ngidle lifa lekuphila lokuphakadze?” Jesu watsi kuso: “Ungibitelani ngekutsi ngilungile? Kute lolungile ngaphandle kwaNkulunkulu. Uyayati imiyalo letsi: ‘Ungaphingi, ungabulali, ungebi, ungacali emanga, hlonipha uyihlo nenyoko’?” Lendvodza yaphendvula yatsi: “Yonkhe lemiyalo ngayenta kusukela ebuncaneni bami.” Nakakuva loko Jesu, watsi kuyo: “Kusadzingeka wente intfo yinye, tsengisa ngako konkhe lonako, bese wabela timphuya lemali, uyawuba nemcebo ezulwini, bese uyeta uyangilandzela.” Kodvwa yatsi kube ikuve loko lendvodza, yadzabuka kakhulu, ngobe beyinjinge kakhulu. Jesu abona lokutsi idzabukile, wase utsi: “Maye, kulukhuni etinjingeni kutsi tingene embusweni waNkulunkulu! Kulula kutsi likamela lingene embotjeni yenyalitsi kunekutsi injinga ingene embusweni waNkulunkulu.” Nabeva loku bantfu, bambuta batsi: “Kepha nakunjalo, ngubani longasindziswa?” Jesu waphendvula watsi: “Lokungeke kwenteke kubantfu, kuNkulunkulu kuyenteka.” Phetro watsi: “Buka tsine, sishiye konkhe kwetfu salandzela wena.” Jesu watsi kubo: “Empeleni wonkhe loshiya likhaya lakhe, nome umfati wakhe, nome bomnakabo, nome batali bakhe, nome bantfwabakhe ngesimanga sembuso waNkulunkulu, uyakwemukela lokuphindzaphindziwe kulamalanga, nekuphila lokuphakadze etikhatsini letitako.” Jesu wabadvonsela eceleni bafundzi bakhe labali-12 watsi kubo: “Lalelani, sesiya eJerusalema, lapho konkhe lokwabhalwa baphrofethi ngeNdvodzana yeMuntfu kutakugcwaliseka khona. Itawunikelwa etandleni tetive letitawuhlekisa ngayo tiyetfuke, tiyikhafulele. Titawuyibhambabula tiyibulale, kodvwa ngelilanga lesitsatfu iyawuvuka iphile.” Bafundzi bakhe abazange beve kutsi ucondze kutsini, ngobe inchazelo yalamavi akhe yayifihlekile kubo, bebangati kutsi Jesu ukhuluma ngani. Jesu asasondzela ngaseJerikho wakhandza indvodza leyayiyimphumphutse ihleti elusentseni lwemgwaco icela. Yatsi nayiva sicumbi sebantfu sendlula, yabuta yatsi: “Yini leyo?” Bayitjela batsi: “NguJesu waseNazaretha lowendlulako.” Yase iyamemeta itsi: “Jesu, Ndvodzana yaDavide! Ngihawukele!” Bantfu labebangembili bayekhuta lendvodza batsi ayibindze. Kodvwa yamemeta kakhulu kunakucala yatsi: “Ndvodzana yaDavide, ngihawukele!” Ngako Jesu wase uyema utsi abayiletse kuye; nase isondzele wayibuta watsi: “Ufuna ngikwenteleni?” Yaphendvula yatsi: “Nkhosi, ngicela kubona.” Jesu watsi kuyo: “Bona; kukholwa kwakho kukuphilisile.” Ngekushesha yabona, yase ilandzela Jesu, idvumisa Nkulunkulu; nabakubona loko, bonkhe bantfu badvumisa Nkulunkulu. Jesu wangena eJerikho endlula. Lapho-ke kwakukhona umtselisi lomkhulu kunguZakewu, futsi anjingile. Wetama kubona Jesu, kodvwa wehluleka ngenca yesicumbi ngobe phela abemfisha. Ngako wase ugijimela ngembili wakhwela esihlahleni semkhiwa isikhamore kuze atewubona Jesu, labetakwendlula ngaleyo ndlela. Watsi kube efike lapho Jesu, wase ubuka etulu watsi kuye: “Zakewu, shesha wehle, ngobe kufanele ngiyewungenisa endlini yakho lamuhla.” Ngako-ke Zakewu washesha wehla, wamemukela ngekujabula lokukhulu. Bantfu labakubona loko bacala bavungama basola batsi: “Hhawu-u, lomuntfu bekasivakashi emtini walesoni!” Zakewu wasukuma watsi eNkhosini: “Nkhosi, ngiyawukhipha incenye yalenginako ngenetise labaswele; futsi nakukhona lengimdlelele, ngitakubuyisela sekuphindvwe kane.” Jesu wase utsi kuye: “Lamuhla seyifikile insindziso kulomuti; ngobe phela lendvodza nayo isitukulwane sa-Abrahama. Phela, iNdvodzana yeMuntfu itewufuna nekusindzisa lokulahlekile.” Basalalele loko, Jesu wachubeka wabatjela lomunye umfanekiso, ngobe abesasondzele eJerusalema, nangobe bantfu base bacabanga kutsi umbuso waNkulunkulu wawutawuvela ngaleso sikhatsi. Ngako wase utsi: “Kwakukhona umnumzane labehloniphekile, lowahamba waya eveni lelikhashane kakhulu ayawubekwa inkhosi, bese uyabuya-ke. Asengakahambi, wabita tisebenti takhe letatilishumi, nguleso wasinika luhlavu lwegolide, wase utitjela kutsi: ‘Ase nibone kutsi ningatitalisa kangakanani letinhlavu ngesikhatsi ngingekho.’ Kantsi takhamiti tatimtondza, ngako tase titfumela tigijimi kutsi tiyewubika tifike titsi: ‘Asimfuni lowo muntfu abe yinkhosi yetfu.’ “Watsi kube abuye lomnumzane abesabekwe inkhosi kuleyo ndzawo, wase ubita tonkhe tisebenti takhe, labetinike imali, watsi atite titemlandzisa kutsi tase tiyitalise kangakanani. Wekucala watsi: ‘Mnumzane, ngitalise letinye tinhlavu letilishumi ngalolo lowanginika lona.’ Wase utsi kuye: ‘Wente kahle, sisebenti lesihle. Njengobe wetsembeke kulokuncane, ngitawukubeka wengamele emadolobha lalishumi.’ “Sisebenti sesibili seta satsi: ‘Mnumzane, ngitalise letinye tinhlavu letisihlanu ngalolo lowanginika lona.’ Kulesi wase utsi: ‘Utakwengamela emadolobha lasihlanu.’ “Lesinye sisebenti seta sefika satsi: ‘Mnumzane, nalu loluhlavu lwakho; ngalugocotela ngeliduku, ngase ngiyalufihla. Ngakwesaba ngobe ungumuntfu lonelulaka. Utsatsa lokungesiko kwakho, uvune lapho ungazange uhlanyele khona.’ Yase itsi lenkhosi kuso: ‘Wena sisebenti lesibi, ngitakulahla ngelicala ngemavi akho! Uyati kutsi ngingumuntfu lonelulaka, ngitsatsa lokungesiko kwami, ngivune lapho ngingazange ngihlanyele khona! Pho, manje, loluhlavu lwami awulufakanga ngani ebhange? Bengitawutsi ngibuya ngilutfole selunentalo.’ Wase utsi kulabo lababeme madvutane: ‘Memukeni, ninike lona lonetinhlavu letilishumi.’ “Base batsi kuye: ‘Mnumzane, ingani lona unetinhlavu letilishumi.’ Wabaphendvula watsi: ‘Nginitjela kutsi: Ngulowo lonako, uyakwengetelwa; kodvwa lowo longenalutfo, uyakwemukwa naloko lokuncane lanako. Njengamanje nje, tonkhe letitsa tami betingafuni kutsi ngibe yinkhosi yato, tiletseni la nitibulale embikwami.’ ” Jesu watsi kube acedze kukusho loko, wase uchubekela embili alibangise eJerusalema. Kwatsi lapho Jesu asasondzela eBhethifage naseBhetani, eNtsabeni yetihlahla temiNcumo, watfumela bafundzi lababili, wabayala watsi: “Hambani niye edolobhaneni lelisembikwenu, nisangena kulo nitawubona sidonkana lesingazange sesigitjelwe, sikhungiwe. Nifike nisitfukulule nisiletse lapha kimi. “Nakukhona lonibutako atsi: ‘Nisitfukululelani?’ nibomtjela nitsi: ‘INkhosi iyasidzinga.’ ” Bahamba-ke, bakhandza kunjengobe Jesu abebatjelile. Basasitfukulula sidonkana, baniyo baso batsi kubo: “Nisitfukululelani?” Babaphendvula batsi: “INkhosi iyasidzinga.” Base basimikisa kuJesu. Bagaca tingubo tabo etikwaso, bamkhweta kuso. Asasigibele, bendlala tingubo tabo endleleni embikwakhe. Nase asatawufika, edvute neJerusalema, lapho indlela yehlela khona eNtsabeni Yemincumo, sicuku lesikhulu sebafundzi bakhe sacala sabonga Nkulunkulu samemeta kakhulu, njengobe base babone timangaliso letikhulu, batsi: “Ibusisiwe iNkhosi letako egameni leNkhosi! Akube nekuthula ezulwini, neludvumo kulelisetulu kakhulu!” Khona lapho labanye baFarisi bakhuluma kuJesu esicukwini batsi: “Mfundzisi, yekhuta bafundzi bakho babindze!” Jesu wabaphendvula watsi: “Ngiyanitjela ngitsi: Nababindza laba, ematje lucobo atawumemeta.” Asasondzela eJerusalema wayibuka wayililela. Watsi: “Kube mane lamuhla bewati lokudzingwa kuthula! Kodvwa manje kufihlakele emehlweni akho. Ngobe ayeta emalanga lapho titsa takho tiyawukuhlasela, tikuvimbetele tikuvalele ndzawo tonkhe. Tiyawukubhidlita uphele nya kanye nebantfu labangekhatsi kwakho; alikho nome linye litje leliyawusala ngetulu kwalelinye, ngobe awusicaphelisisanga sikhatsi Nkulunkulu lakuhambela ngaso.” Jesu wangena ethempelini wacala wacosha labo bebatsengisa, watsi kubo: “Kubhaliwe emiBhalweni kutsi: ‘Indlu yami iyawuba yindlu yemthandazo.’ Kodvwa nine seniyigucule, nayenta yaba ngumgedze wetigebengu.” Jesu abefundzisa ethempelini onkhe emalanga. Baphristi labakhulu nebafundzisi bemtsetfo, nebaholi bebantfu bamtingela bafuna kumbulala, kodvwa behluleka kukwenta loko, ngobe bonkhe bantfu babenamatsele kuye, bangafuni kulahlekelwa nome ngulinye livi lakhe. Ngalelinye lilanga Jesu asafundzisa ashumayela bantfu ethempelini ngeliVangeli, baphristi labakhulu netati temtsetfo kanye netibondza beta kuye batsi: “Sitjele, unagunya lini lekwenta letintfo? Wanikwa ngubani leligunya lekutenta?” Jesu wabaphendvula watsi: “Nami ase nginibute; ngitjeleni: Ligunya laJohane lekubhabhatisa laphuma kuNkulunkulu yini nome kubantfu?” Base baphikisana bodvwana batsi: “Sitawutsini? Nasitsi: ‘Laphuma kuNkulunkulu,’ utawutsi: ‘Pho, anikholwanga ngani kuJohane?’ Kodvwa nasitsi: ‘Laliphuma kubantfu,’ sonkhe lesicumbi sebantfu sitasigcoba ngematje, ngobe bayakholwa kutsi Johane abengumphrofethi.” Ngako baphendvula batsi: “Awu, asati kutsi laliphuma kubani lelo gunya.” NaJesu wase utsi kubo: “Nami-ke ngeke nginitjele kutsi ligunya lini lengenta ngalo letintfo.” Jesu wabatjela lomfanekiso, watsi: “Indvodza letsite yahlanyela insimi yemagelebisi, yase iyayicashisa yahambisisa sikhatsi lesidze. Satsi kube sifike sikhatsi sekuvuna emagelebisi, yatfumela sisebenti kuleticashi kuyawutsatsa sabelo sakayo sesivuno. Kodvwa leticashi tasishaya lesisebenti, tasincandza mahhala. Yaphindze yatfumela lesinye sisebenti, naso tasishaya futsi, tasiphatsa kabuhlungu, tasincandza mahhala. Yase itfumela sisebenti sesitsatfu; ticashwa tasilimata naso, futsi tasikhiphela ngephandle. “Lomnikati wensimi wase utsi: ‘Ngitakwente njani? Sengitawutfumela umsa wami lengimtsandzako; mhlawumbe yena bayawumhlonipha!’ Kodvwa tatsi kube ticashi timbone, tase tikhuluma todvwana titsi: ‘Lona yinkhosana yemnikati wensimi. Asimbulale, khona lensimi itawuba yetfu!’ Tamkhiphela ngephandle kwesivini tambulala.” Jesu wase uyabuta utsi: “Manje lomnikati walesivini uyakwente njani kuleticashi?” Wachubeka watsi: “Uyawubuya atibulale leticashi ayinike labanye lensimi.” Nabakuva loko bantfu, base batsi: “Cha, empeleni akungabi njalo!” Kodvwa Jesu wababuka, wase uyababuta utsi: “LomBhalo uchazani? “ ‘Litje lelaliwa bakhi ngobe batsi alinamsebenti, seligucuke laba litje lekusimisa indlu.’ “Wonkhe umuntfu lowela etikwalelitje, uyawuhlifika abe ticucu; kantsi lelitje naliwela etikwemuntfu, liyawumsila abe timvutfu.” Tati temtsetfo nebaphristi labakhulu betama kumbopha Jesu khona lapho, ngobe bebati kutsi lomfanekiso wawucondze kulahla bona; kodvwa besaba bantfu. Ngako betama kutfola sikhatsi lesikahle. Batsenga labanye bantfu kutsi babe timpimpi, batente shangatsi batimisele kantsi bentela kugiba Jesu ngemibuzo, kuze bamnikete kulabakhulu nasemandleni embusi. Letimpimpi tase titsi kuJesu: “Mfundzisi, siyati kutsi awunaki simo semuntfu, kodvwa ufundzisa liciniso ngentsandvo yaNkulunkulu ngemuntfu. Asusitjele, kuphambene yini nemtsetfo wetfu kukhipha umtselo kuKhesari, uMbusi wemaRoma, nome cha?” Kodvwa Jesu wabona ngale ngemuva kwalobucili babo, wase utsi kubo: “Ase ningikhombise luhlavu lwemali loluyisiliva. Lomfanekiso nelibito lokubhalwe kulo kwabani?” Bamphendvula batsi: “KwaKhesari.” Wabaphendvula watsi: “Yebo-ke, khiphani kuKhesari lokukwakhe, nikhiphe kuNkulunkulu lokukwaNkulunkulu.” Behluleka kumgiba ngalakushito embikwebantfu, ngako babindza, bamangaliswa yimphendvulo yakhe. Labanye baSadusi beta kuJesu, ngulaba labatsi bantfu bangeke bavuke ekufeni, bambuta batsi: “Mfundzisi, Mosi wasibhalela umtsetfo lotsi: ‘Indvodza nayifa ishiya umfati ate bantfwana, umnakabo lendvodza uyamngena lomfelokati avusele lomufi indlu ngekumtalela bantfwana.’ Manje-ke kwake kwaba khona emadvodza layinkhotsa labelamana. Lona lomdzala wase uteka umfati, kodvwa wase uyafa angakabatfoli bantfwana. Lona-ke lomelamako wamngena lomfelokati, newesitsatfu; kwenteka loko kuwo onkhe lamadvodza layinkhotsa, afa angenabantfwana. “Kwatsi ekugcineni kwafa lomfati. Asewusho kutsi bonkhe labantfu nase bavuka ngelilanga lekuvuka, lomfati uyawuba wabani, njengobe onkhe lamadvodza lasikhombisa abengumfati wawo?” Jesu wabaphendvula watsi: “Bantfu balesikhatsi bayatsatsana, kodvwa bantfu labayawuvuswa ekufeni baphile kulesikhatsi lesitako abatsatsani. Banjengetingilosi, abafi. Bangemadvodzana aNkulunkulu, ngobe sebavusiwe ekufeni. Kodvwa ngekuvuka kwalabafile naMosi uyakucinisa loko nasencwadzini lekhuluma ngesihlahla lesasivutsa emalangabi lapho abita iNkhosi ngekutsi Nkulunkulu wa-Abrahama, naNkulunkulu wa-Isaka, naNkulunkulu waJakobe. Loku kusho kutsi unguNkulunkulu walabaphilako, hhayi walabafile; ngobe bonkhe bayaphila kuye.” Letinye tati temtsetfo takhuluma tatsi: “Uphendvule kahle, Mfundzisi,” ngobe base besaba kumbuta leminye imibuzo. Jesu wase utsi kubo: “Bangasho kanjani kutsi Khristu uyiNdvodzana yaDavide? Ngobe encwadzini yeTihlabelelo Davide matfupha utsi: “ ‘INkhosi yatsi eNkhosini yami: Hlala lapha ngesekudla sami, ngize ngehlule titsa takho, ngitifake ngaphansi kwetinyawo takho!’ “NaDavide wambita ngekutsi ‘INkhosi!’ Ngako-ke, kungenteka kanjani kutsi abe yindvodzana yakhe?” Bantfu labanyenti kakhulu bebasalalele, Jesu nakatsi kubafundzi bakhe: “Caphelani tati temtsetfo, letihamba tigcoke imijiva yato, titsandza kubingelelwa ngenhlonipho etindzaweni temibutsano, titsandza tihlalo letisembili emasinagogeni, netindzawo letiphakeme emadzilini; tidla tindlu tebafelokati, bese titentisa ngekuthandaza imithandazo lemidze. Tiyakwemukela sijeziso lesikhulu.” Jesu abebukela tinjinga tibeka iminikelo ebhokisini leminikelo yelithempeli, wase ubona umfelokati labephuye kakhulu lowanikela ngetinhlavu temali letimbili letenta lisenti. Wase utsi: “Nginitjela kutsi lomfelokati lophuyile unikele kakhulu kunabo bonkhe labanikele, ngobe laba labanye banikele ngalokusele ebunjingeni babo; kodvwa yena, njengobe aphuyile nje, unikele ngako konkhe labengahle aphile ngako.” Labanye bebakhuluma ngelithempeli, nebuhle balo nangekuhlotjiswa kwalo ngematje lamahle, nangaletinye tintfo letatinikelwa kuNkulunkulu; Jesu watsi: “Niyakubona konkhe loku, sikhatsi siyeta lapho kuyawubate litje leliyawusala lihleti etikwalelinye; onkhe ayawudzilitelwa phansi.” Babuta batsi: “Mfundzisi, kuyakwenteka nini loko? Siyini sibonakaliso lesiyawubona ngaso kutsi sengiso sikhatsi sekwenteka kwaletintfo?” Jesu watsi: “Caphelani, ningedukiswa. Kuyawufika bantfu labanyenti egameni lami, batsi: ‘Nginguye!’ batsi: ‘Sikhatsi sesifikile!’ Kodvwa ningabalandzeli! Ningesabi naniva ngetimphi nengucuko, ngobe letintfo kufanele tenteke kucala, kodvwa atisho kutsi siphetfo sesifikile.” Wachubeka watsi: “Sive siyawuvukela lesinye, umbuso uvukele lomunye. Kuyawuba nekutamatama kwemhlaba lokwesabekako lokunyenti, kuvame indlala netifo letingelapheki naletitsatselwanako etindzaweni letinyenti, kube netesabekiso netibonakaliso letikhulu letivela esibhakabhakeni. “Noko, ngembili kwako konkhe loku niyawutingelwa, niboshwe niletfwe emasinagogeni, nibekwe emacala bese nifakwa emajele; niyawuletfwa embikwemakhosi nebabusi ngenca yelibito lami. Lelo kuyawuba litfuba lenu lekufakaza ngaleliVangeli. Timiseleni etinhlitiyweni nasetingcondvweni tenu, ngekutsi ningatihluphi ngekucabanga kutsi niyawutivikela kanjani; ngobe phela ngiyawuninika emavi nekuhlakanipha lekuyawubate nome sinye setitsa tenu lesiyawuba nemandla ekumelana nekuphikisana nani. Niyawunikelwa ngisho nabatali benu, nabomnakenu, netihlobo tenu, nebangani benu; labanye benu bayawubulawa nekubulawa. Wonkhe umuntfu uyawunitondza ngenca yelibito lami. Kodvwa kute nome lunye nje lunwele loluyawulahleka etinhloko tenu. Ciniselani ngekubeketela kwenu, niyawutisindzisa ngaloko.” “Nanibona iJerusalema itungeletwe timphi, nibovele nati kutsi seyitawubhidlitwa. Labo labaseJudiya babalekele etintsabeni, kutsi labo labakulelo dolobha babaleke, bese kutsi labo labasetigangeni bangabe basangena kulelo dolobha. Phela lamalanga ngesijeziso, newekugcwaliseka kwako konkhe lokushiwo ngimiBhalo. “Maye kulabo labayawube bakhulelwe, nakulabo labayakube bamunyisa tinswane kulawo malanga! Kuyakufika lusizi lolukhulu kulelive, nentfukutselo yaNkulunkulu iyakulwa nalesive; bayawubulawa ngenkemba, batsatfwe bentiwe babe titfunjwa etiveni tonkhe; nebetive bayakuyigcobagcoba iJerusalema, kuze kugcwaliseke sikhatsi sabo.” “Kuyawuba netibonakaliso elangeni, nasenyangeni, nasetinkhanyetini; emhlabeni tonkhe tive tiyawufikelwa kudzidzeka nekudzangala, tesabe kudvungutela nekudvuma kwelwandle nemagagasi alo, bantfu bayawucaleka babe nesiyeti ngenca yekwesaba loko labayawube babheke kutsi kwenteke emhlabeni wonkhe; ngobe emandla emkhatsi ayawutanyatanyiswa. Kusenjalo iNdvodzana yeMuntfu iyawubonakala, ita ngelifu ngemandla lamakhulu neludvumo. Nakucala kwenteka letintfo, sukumani niphakamise tinhloko tenu, ngobe insindziso yenu iyawube seyisedvutane.” Jesu wabatjela lomfanekiso watsi: “Khumbulani sihlahla semkhiwa naletinye tihlahla; nasenibona kuhluma emagala aba luhlata nivele nati kutsi lihlobo seliyetfwasa. Ngalokufanako-ke, nanibona letintfo tenteka, nibokwati kutsi umbuso waNkulunkulu sewutawufika. Impela ngiyanitjela ngitsi: Tonkhe letintfo tiyakwenteka singakapheli lesitukulwane salamuhla. Lizulu nemhlaba kuyawushabalala, kodvwa emavi ami ngeke endlule.” “Ticaphelisiseni! Ningatifaki kakhulu emadzilini nasekunatseni lokudzakanako, nasekunakeni tintfo talomhlaba, funa lelo langa linitume; ngobe liyawufika njengasochaka kubantfu bonkhe emhlabeni wonkhe. Lindzani nithandaze onkhe emalanga, khona nitawuba nemandla ekuphunyula kuletintfo letitakwenteka nitekwati kuma embikweNdvodzana yeMuntfu.” Emini Jesu abefundzisa ethempelini, bese kutsi ebusuku ayewukhosela eNtsabeni Yemincumo. Bonkhe bantfu babevukela ethempelini bayewumlalela nakakhuluma. Sikhatsi seMkhosi Wesinkhwa Lesingenambiliso, lokutsiwa liPhasika, sasesimadvutane. Baphristi labakhulu netati temtsetfo betama kwenta lisu lekubulala Jesu; noko babesaba bantfu. Sathane wase ungena kuJudasi Skariyothe, labengulomunye webafundzi lababeli-12. Ngako wahamba wayawukhuluma nebaphristi labakhulu netindvuna tebalindzi belithempeli kutsi angabatsengisela kanjani loJesu. Bajabula bavumelana kutsi batambhadala imali. Judasi wakuvuma loko, wase wetama kutfola litfuba lelikahle lekutsengisa Jesu kubo, sicumbi singekho. Lefika lilanga leMkhosi Wesinkhwa Lesingenambiliso lekusikhatsi sekuhlatjwa kwemazinyane eSidlo seliPhasika. Jesu watfuma boPhetro naJohane watsi: “Hambani niyewulungisela liPhasika sitewudla.” Bambuta batsi: “Ufuna siyekulungisa kuphi?” Wase utsi kubo: “Lalelani-ke, naningena edolobheni nitawuhlangana nemuntfu etfwele imbita yemanti. Mlandzeleni aze angene endlini, bese nitsi kulomnikati wendlu: ‘Umfundzisi utsi kuwe: Iphi indlu lapho ngitawudlela khona liPhasika nebafundzi bami?’ Utanikhombisa indlu lenkhulu lesetulu lenako konkhe kwekuhlala, lapho nitawulungisa khona.” Bahamba bakhandza konkhe kunjengobe abebatjelile, bafike basilungisa Sidlo seliPhasika. Satsi nasishaya sikhatsi, Jesu wahlala endzaweni yakhe ekudleni kanye nebaphostoli. Wase utsi kubo: “Bengifisa kakhulu kudla nani leliPhasika kucala ngingakahlupheki; ngobe nginitjela kutsi: Ngingeke ngiphindze ngilidle futsi, lize ligcwaliseke embusweni waNkulunkulu.” Jesu wemukela indzebe, wabonga kuNkulunkulu wase utsi: “Tsatsani loku nenetisane; ngobe nginitjela kutsi ngingeke ngiphindze ngilinatse leliwayini kusukela manje, kuze kufike umbuso waNkulunkulu.” Wase utsatsa sinkhwa, wabonga kuNkulunkulu, wasihlephula, wabanika watsi kubo: “Loku ngumtimba wami [lonikelwe esikhundleni senu. Yentani loku kuze kube sikhumbuto ngami.” Wenta njalo futsi ngekubanika indzebe emvakwekudla, atsi: “Lendzebe sivumelwane lesisha sengati yami lecitselwe nine.] “Kodvwa bukani la, lona longitsengisako ukhona la etafuleni kanye nami; vele, iNdvodzana yeMuntfu itawufa, njengobe kwamiswa, kodvwa maye kulowo muntfu loyitsengisako!” Bacala babutana bodvwana kutsi ngubani emkhatsini wabo labetakwenta loko. Kwase kuba nembango emkhatsini webafundzi ngekutsi ngubani lotaba mkhulu kunabo bonkhe. Jesu watsi kubo: “Emakhosi alomhlaba anemandla etikwebantfu bawo, nebabusi babitwa ngekutsi: ‘Benti balokuhle’. Kodvwa kini akunjalo; lokungenani lomkhulu kakhulu emkhatsini wenu kufanele afanane nalomncane kakhulu, nemholi kufanele afane nesisebenti. Ngubani lomkhulu, ngulohlalako angene ngekudla yini, nome ngulona lolungisela lomunye kudla? Vele, ngulona lohlalako angene ngekudla. Kodvwa mine ngisemkhatsini wenu njengemuntfu lonilungiselako. “Nine senibeketele kanye nami kuko konkhe kulingwa kwami; njengobe Babe anginikile ligunya lekubusa, nami-ke ngitaninika lona. Niyawudla ninatse etafuleni embusweni wami, niyawuhlala etihlalweni nehlulele tive tema-Israyeli letili-12.” “Simoni! Simoni! Lalela! Sathane sewucele imvume kuNkulunkulu yekunilinga, njengemfati ela emabele awehlukanisa nemakhoba. Noko sengikukhulekele, Simoni, kuze kungehluleki kukholwa kwakho. Nase uphendvukile wabuya kimi, kufanele ucinise nalabanakenu.” Waphendvula watsi: “Nkhosi, ngitimisele kukulandzela ngisho nasekuboshweni nasekufeni.” Jesu waphendvula watsi: “Phetro, ngikutjela kutsi: Lamuhla lichudze litawukhala sewungiphike katsatfu utsi awungati.” Wase utsi Jesu kubo: “Mhlazana nginitfuma ngitsi ningaphatsi sipatji, nesikhwama, neticatfulo, nake neswelani?” Baphendvula batsi: “Kute lesakweswela.” Jesu watsi: “Kodvwa lowo lonesipatji nalonesikhwama, akasitsatse; nalowo longenankemba, akatsengise lijazi lakhe atsenge inkemba. Ase nginitjele naku: UmBhalo lotsi: ‘Wabalwa kanye netigelekece,’ kufanele ugcwaliseke ngami. Phela lokwabhalwa ngami sekuyagcwaliseka.” Bafundzi batsi: “Buka! Nati tinkemba letimbili, Nkhosi!” Waphendvula watsi: “Sekwenele!” Jesu wesuka wahamba, waya eNtsabeni Yemincumo njengobe abevamile; nebafundzi bakhe bahamba naye. Watsi kube efike kuleyo ndzawo, watsi kubo: “Thandazani, kuze ningangeni ekulingweni.” Kodvwa yena wesuka kubo, wachubeka libanga lelingaba ngangemjikijelo, waguca phansi wathandaza. Watsi: “Babe, nawutsandza, susa kimi lendzebe yelusizi. Noko kungabi ngentsandvo yami, kodvwa akwenteke intsandvo yakho.” Ingilosi leyayiphuma ezulwini yefika kuye yamcinisa. Inhlitiyo yakhe yayilusizi; wathandaza ngekuciniseka lokukhulu, titfukutfuku takhe taze taba njengematfonsi engati, atfontsela phansi. Wesuka ekuthandazeni, wabuyela kubafundzi bakhe wabakhandza sebalele, ngobe bebakhatsateke kakhulu etinhlitiyweni tabo. Watsi kubo: “Nilaleleni? Vukani nithandaze kuze ningangeni ekulingweni.” Watsi asakhuluma, kwase kufika sicumbi sebantfu; Judasi, labengulomunye webafundzi labali-12 labesihola embili, weta kuJesu wafike wamanga. Kodvwa Jesu watsi: “Judasi, nembala iNdvodzana yeMuntfu uyitsengisa ngekuyanga?” Bafundzi lababenaJesu babona lokwakutakwenteka, base batsi: “Nkhosi! Sigadle yini ngaletinkemba tetfu?” Lomunye wabo wagadla sigcili semPhristi Lomkhulu wasihhumbula indlebe yangasekudla. Kodvwa Jesu waphendvula watsi: “Manini! Sekwenele!” Watsintsa lendlebe yaleyo ndvodza wayiphilisa. Jesu watsi kubaphristi labakhulu kanye netiphatsimandla tebalindzi belithempeli netibondza letatite kutembamba: “Niteleni la netinkemba netagila, kube sengatsi ngisigebengu? Nganginani onkhe emalanga ethempelini, anizange netame kungibopha. Kodvwa lesikhatsi senu nesemandla ebumnyama.” Base bayambopha Jesu bamtsatsa bamfaka endlini yemPhristi Lomkhulu; Phetro abelandzela khashane ngemuva. Kwakubaswe umlilo ekhatsi nendzawo yelibala lenkantolo, naPhetro weta wahlala wotsa nabo umlilo. Kwatsi kube intfombatana, leyayisisebenti, imbona otsa umlilo, yambukisisa yatsi: “Nalendvodza beyihamba naye!” Kodvwa Phetro waphika watsi: “Ntfombatana! Angimati nekumati!” Emvakwesikhashana, indvodza lenye yamfanisa yatsi: “Ungulomunye wabo nawe.” Kodvwa Phetro waphendvula watsi: “Ndvodza-ndzini, angisiye!” Ngemvakwesikhatsi lesidzanyana lesingaba li-awa lenye indvodza yambelesela ngemandla yatsi: “Akukho nalokuncane nje kungabata kutsi lendvodza yayinaye, ngobe ingumGalile!” Kodvwa Phetro waphendvula watsi: “Ndvodza, angiyati lentfo lokhuluma ngayo!” Ngekushesha, asakhuluma, lichudze lakhala. INkhosi yagucuka yabuka Phetro, naPhetro wase uyawakhumbula emavi eNkhosi nayitsi: “Lamuhla lichudze lingakakhali, utabe sewushito katsatfu kutsi awungati.” Phetro waphumela ngephandle wafike wakhala kabuhlungu kakhulu. Lamadvodza abegadze Jesu amenta inhlekisa amshaya; abemvala emehlo bese ayambuta atsi: “Combelela kutsi ngubani lokushayile?” Akhuluma ametfuka ngetinhlamba letinyenti. Ekuseni Liqoqo letibondza temaJuda, nebaphristi labakhulu, netati temtsetfo tahlangana ndzawonye, naJesu waletfwa kuleLiqoqo labo. Batsi kuye: “Sitjele, unguye yini loKhristu?” Waphendvula watsi: “Nanginitjela, ningeke nikholwe, kani futsi nanginganibuta umbuzo, ningeke ningiphendvule. Kodvwa kusukela manje iNdvodzana yeMuntfu itawuhlaliswa ngasesandleni sekudla saNkulunkulu, Somandla.” Bonkhe batsi: “Pho, ungiyo yini iNdvodzana yaNkulunkulu?” Wabaphendvula watsi: “Niyasho kutsi ngingiyo.” Base batsi kuye: “Asisadzingi labanye bofakazi! Tsine matfupha sesitivele inkhulumo yakhe!” Lonkhe lelo Liqoqo lasukuma latsatsa Jesu lamyisa kuPhilatu. Base batsi: “Lomuntfu simbambe edukisa sive sakitsi, asitjela kutsi singatseli kuKhesari, atigabatisa ngekutsi yena unguKhristu, iNkhosi.” Philatu wambuta watsi: “Ungiyo yini inkhosi yemaJuda?” Jesu waphendvula watsi: “Usho kona.” Philatu watsi kubaphristi labakhulu naseticunjini tonkhe: “Angitfoli cala kulomuntfu.” Kodvwa baphikelela ngemandla batsi: “Lomuntfu ususa lutfutfuva emkhatsini webantfu ngalemfundziso yakhe! Wacala eGalile, wadzabula iJudiya yonkhe, manje sewuze wefika nalapha.” Nakeva loko Philatu, wabuta watsi: “UngumGalile yini lomuntfu?” Watsi kube achazelwe kutsi lomuntfu abephuma esifundzeni lesasibuswa nguHerodi, wase umtfumela kuHerodi, naye lobekaseJerusalema ngaleso sikhatsi. Watfokota kakhulu Herodi nakabona Jesu, ngobe phela abesevile ngaye, futsi abesanesikhatsi lesidze afisa kumbona. Abebheke kutsi utambona enta simangaliso. Ngako-ke Herodi wabuta Jesu imibuzo leminyenti, kodvwa Jesu akazange atsi vu. Baphristi labakhulu netati temtsetfo tasondzela ngembili titfukutsele, tacindzetela Jesu ngemacala lamanyenti. Herodi nemabutfo akhe bahlekisa ngaJesu bamhhalatisa ngekwedzelela bamembesa umjiva wengubo, bambuyisela kuPhilatu. Bacala ngalelo langa boHerodi naPhilatu baba bangani; kantsi ngembili kwaloko bebatitsa. Philatu wabita umhlangano webaphristi labakhulu, nebaholi, nebantfu. Wase utsi kubo: “Lomuntfu nimletse lapha kimi natsi wedukisa bantfu. Manje, kumangalelwa kwakhe sengikuhlolisisile khona la embikwenu, ngimtfole ate licala ngaletintfo lenimmangalele ngato. NaHerodi umtfole angenacala, ngobe naku umbuyise la kitsi. Kute lokubi lokwentiwe ngulomuntfu lokungenta kutsi aze ajeziswe ngekubulawa. Noko-ke ngitamshaya ngimbhambabule, bese ngiyamkhulula.” [Njalo nje ngesikhatsi semkhosi Philatu kwakufanele abakhululele sinye siboshwa.] Sonkhe sicumbi samemeta satsi: “Msuse loJesu! Sikhululele Bharaba!” Bharaba abeboshelwe kubulala kanye nekususa lutfutfuva kulelo dolobha. Njengobe Philatu abefuna kukhulula Jesu, waphindze wamemeta kulesicumbi sebantfu; kodvwa saphendvula ngekumemeta satsi: “Mbetsele! Mbetsele esiphambanweni!” Philatu waphindza kwesitsatfu watsi kubo: “Kodvwa cala lini lalentile? Kute lengikhandze kutsi ukwentile lokungaze kwente kutsi adzimate abulawe. Ngako-ke ngitamshaya ngimbhambabule, bese ngiyamkhulula.” Kodvwa bajinge bachubeka bamemeta kakhulu batsi Jesu kufanele abetselwe esiphambanweni. Ekugcineni kumemeta kwabo kwaphumelela. Ngako Philatu wakhipha sigwebo lababeloku basicela ngaJesu. Wakhulula lendvodza lababeyifuna, lena leyayisejele ngekuboshelwa lutfutfuva nekubulala, wabanika Jesu kutsi bente labakutsandzako ngaye. Batsi basahamba naye Jesu, bahlangana nendvodza yaseSirene, libito layo lalinguSimoni, abephuma emaphandleni ete edolobheni. Bambamba, bametfwesa siphambano batsi akalandzele Jesu. Sicumbi lesikhulu sebantfu sasimlandzela; emkhatsini waso kwakunebafati labebadzatimula bamkhalela. Jesu wagucukela kubo watsi: “Bomake baseJerusalema, ningangikhaleli mine, kodvwa tikhaleleni nine nebantfwana benu. Ngobe ayeta emalanga lapho bayawutsi: ‘Maye, baba nenhlanhla labo bafati labangazange batale bantfwana, nalawo mabele langazange amunyise.’ “Ngaleso sikhatsi bayakutsi etintsabeni: “ ‘Welani etikwetfu!’ Nasemagcumeni batsi: ‘Simbonyeni!’ “Ngobe tintfo letinje natentiwa esihlahleni lesiseluhlata, kuyaba njani-ke kulesomile?” Bebatsatse tigelekece letimbili letatiyawubulawa kanye naJesu. Batsi kube befike endzaweni leyayibitwa ngekutsi “Sikobho” bambetsela loJesu, kanye naletigelekece letimbili, lesinye ngesekudla nalesinye ngesancele. [Jesu watsi: “Batsetselele, Babe; abakwati labakwentako.”] Behlukaniselana timphahla takhe ngekwenta inkatho. Bantfu bema babukela, kodvwa baholi bemaJuda bamhhalatisa, bamphukuta, bahlekisa ngaye, batsi: “Wabasindzisa labanye; ake atisindzise naye, nangabe anguKhristu lokhetfwe nguNkulunkulu!” Nemasotja amphukuta nawo eta kuye amnika liwayini lelimunyu, adzimate atsi: “Tisindzise, nawuyiNkhosi yemaJuda!” Emagama labebhalwe ngetulu kwakhe abetsi: “LONA YINKHOSI YEMAJUDA.” Lesinye saletigelekece letatilengisiwe setfuka Jesu satsi kuye: “Awusiye yini Khristu? Tisindzise wena kanye natsi!” Lesi lesinye sasekhuta, satsi: “Awumesabi yini Nkulunkulu? Naku silapha sonkhe ngesigwebo lesifanako. Noko, setfu silungile, ngobe sitfola loko lokusifanele ngalesikwentile; kodvwa yena kute lakonile.” Wase utsi kuJesu: “Ungikhumbule, Jesu, nase ufikile ebukhosini bakho.” Jesu watsi kuso: “Ngikutjela kutsi: Lamuhla utakuba nami ePharadisi.” Kwatsi kungusemini lenkhulu, ngensimbi yeli-12, lilanga lafiphala, bumnyama bembesa live lonkhe, kwaze kwaba ngesikhatsi santsambama, ngensimbi yesitsatfu, nendvwangu leyayilenga ethempelini yaklebhuka emkhatsini taba timbili. Jesu wakhala ngelivi lelikhulu watsi: “Babe! Ngibeka umoya wami etandleni takho!” Wakusho loko wase uyafa. Indvuna yelibutfo nayibona loko kwenteka, yabonga Nkulunkulu, yatsi: “Impela abelungile lomuntfu!” Bonkhe labantfu babetewubukela nabakubona loko kwenteka, babuyela emakhaya kuceka emadvolo. Bonkhe lababemati Jesu, kanye nebafati lababemlandzela kusukela eGalile, bema khashane batibona tonkhe letintfo natenteka. Kwakukhona indvodza leyayinguJosefa ngekutalwa awase-Arimathiya, lidolobha lemaJuda. Abelilunga leLiqoqo, alungile, atsembekile, alindzele kufika kwembuso waNkulunkulu. Nome abelilunga lalelo Liqoqo kodvwa akazange avumelane nesincumo nekwenta kwabo, *** waya kuPhilatu, wafike wacela sidvumbu saJesu. Wasetfula lesidvumbu wasigocota ngendvwangu lenhle, wasifaka ethuneni labelimbe kahle edvwaleni, lalingazange selisetjentiswe ngembili. KwakunguLesihlanu, lilanga Lemalungiselelo; liSabatha lase litawucala. Bafati lababelandzela Jesu kusukela eGalile, bahamba naJosefa, balibona lelithuna nekutsi sidvumbu saJesu sasingcwatjwe kanjani. Base babuyela ekhaya bayawulungisa emakha nemafutsa ekugcobisa sidvumbu. Baphumula ngeliSabatha, njengobe kusho umtsetfo. Ekuseni kuseluvivi ngeliSontfo, lilanga lekucala evikini, bafati baya ethuneni baphetse emakha lababewalungisile. Bakhandza litje ligicitelwe eceleni kwemnyango welithuna, kodvwa batsi nabangena ekhatsi abazange basikhandze sidvumbu seNkhosi Jesu. Bema bangacondzisisi kahle ngaloku, batsi betfuka, kwase kume eceleni kwabo emadvodza lamabili embetse tingubo letikhatimulako. Ngekwesaba lokukhulu labafati bakhotsama, lamadvodza ase atsi kubo: “Nimfunelani lophilako kulabafile? Akekho lapha; sewuvukile. Khumbulani kutsi watsini kini ngesikhatsi aseseGalile nakatsi: ‘INdvodzana yeMuntfu kufanele inikelwe etandleni tetoni, ibetselwe esiphambanweni, bese iyavuswa ngelilanga lesitsatfu.’ ” Labafati base bayawakhumbula emagama aJesu. Besuka ethuneni, bayawutjela bafundzi bakhe labali-11, nalabanye. Labafati kwakunguMariya waseMagdala, naJwana, naMariya, unina waJakobe; bona nalabanye bafati lababenabo befika babikela baphostoli ngaloko. Kodvwa baphostoli bayitsatsa lenkhulumo yalabafati ngekutsi bayabhedza, bangete bakukholwa loko. Kodvwa Phetro wasukuma wagijima waya ethuneni. Wagobondzela, wahlola, wabona timphahla letatigocote sidvumbu kuphela. Wase uyancandzeka ubuyela ekhaya, amangele ngaloko kwakwentekile. Ngalo lona lelo langa bafundzi lababili babehamba baya edolobhaneni i-Emawusi, lelingaba ngemakhilometha lali-11 kusuka eJerusalema. Babehamba bakhulumisana ngato tonkhe leto tintfo letatentekile. Batsi basacoca, Jesu wasondzela kubo, wahambisana nabo. Bambona, kodvwa abatanga kutsi ungubani. Jesu watsi kubo: “Yini lena lenihambe nikhulumisana ngayo?” Bema babukeka badzabukile. Lomunye wabo, kunguKleyophase, wambuta watsi: “Usho kutsi nguwe wedvwa yini sihambi lapha eJerusalema lesingati lokwentekile kulamalangana lendlulile?” Wabuta watsi: “Tintfo tini?” Baphendvula batsi: “Loko lokwenteke ngaJesu waseNazaretha, labeyindvodza lengumphrofethi lonemandla ngetento nangemavi, embikwaNkulunkulu nebantfu bonkhe, nekutsi baphristi betfu labakhulu nebabusi banikela kutsi abulawe, base bambetsela esiphambanweni. Kantsi besetsemba kutsi nguye labetawukhulula ema-Israyeli. Lamuhla selilanga lesitsatfu loku kwentekile. Futsi ngetulu kwaloko labanye bafati balelicembu lakitsi basetfusile; ngobe bahambe kuseluvivi baya ethuneni, kodvwa bakhandze sidvumbu sesingekho. Babuye bafike batsi kubonakaliswe tingilosi kubo letibatjele kutsi uvukile, uyaphila. Labanye betfu babese baya ethuneni bakhandza kunjengobe kusho labafati, kodvwa abazange bambone.” Jesu wase utsi kubo: “Maye, nilibele, nekukholwa kwenu kubutsakatsaka ekwemukeleni loko lokwashiwo baphrofethi! Kwakungadzingeki yini kutsi loKhristu ahlupheke ngalendlela bese ungena ebukhosini bakhe?” Jesu wase uyabachazela ngako konkhe lokwakuphatselene naye emiBhalweni, kusukela etincwadzini taMosi netebaphrofethi. Base basondzele kulomuti labebaya kuwo, Jesu washaya sengatsi uyendlula, kodvwa bamcela batsi: “Hlala natsi sekuhlwile, futsi sekumnyama.” Ngako wangena wahlala nabo. Nasekudliwa, watsatsa sinkhwa, wasibusisa, wase uyasihlephula, sewuyabanika. Kwase kuyabakhanyela, bacondzisisa kutsi ngubani; kodvwa wase uyanyamalala, bangabe basambona. Babutana bodvwana batsi: “Angitsi sivele satsintseka etinhlitiyweni tetfu ngesikhatsi akhuluma asichazela imiBhalo endleleni?” Basukuma ngaso leso sikhatsi bancandzeka baya eJerusalema, lapho bakhandza khona bafundzi labali-11 nalabanye bandzawonye, bafike batjelwa kutsi: “INkhosi ivuke ngempela! Simoni uyibonile!” Nalaba lababili base bayachaza ngaloko lokwakwenteke emgwacweni, nekutsi baze babona kutsi ngiyo iNkhosi ngekuhlephula kwayo sinkhwa. Batsi basakhuluma loko, iNkhosi Jesu yema emkhatsini wabo yatsi: “Kuthula akube kini!” Kodvwa bona besaba kakhulu batfutfumela, bacabanga kutsi sipoko. Yena watsi kubo: “Netfuswa yini kangaka? Ningabatelani etinhlitiyweni tenu? Ase nibheke tandla netinyawo tami nibone lokutsi ngimi cobo. Ngitsintseni, nitewubona, ngobe phela sipoko asinawo ematsambo nenyama, njengobe ningibona mine nginako.” [ Watsi kube asho njalo, wase ubakhombisa tandla takhe netinyawo takhe.] Bajinge bangete bakholwa, ngobe babejabulile, bamangele kakhulu; ngako wase uyababuta utsi: “Kukhona yini lokudliwako lapha?” Bamnika licatsa lenyama yenhlanti leyayosiwe, walitsatsa walidla embikwabo. Wase utsi kubo: “Ngito-ke letintfo lenganginitjela tona ngisenani, kutsi konkhe lokubhaliwe ngami emtsetfweni waMosi, nasemiBhalweni yebaphrofethi, naseTihlabelelweni bekufanele kugcwaliseke.” Wase uvula tingcondvo tabo, kuze bacondzisise imiBhalo. Watsi kubo: “Naku lokubhaliwe kutsi Khristu ufanele kuhlupheka abulawe abuye avuswe ekufeni ngelilanga lesitsatfu, nekutsi egameni lakhe kumelwe kushunyayelwe etiveni tonkhe kuphendvuka kube kutsetselelwa kwetono, kucalwe eJerusalema. Nine nibofakazi baletintfo. Mine-ke ngiyawunitfumelela sipho lesetsenjiswa nguBabe; kodvwa hlalani eJerusalema, nize nemukeliswe emandla lavela ngetulu.” Wase uphuma nabo, wabahola, waze wefika eBhetani, waphakamisa tandla takhe, wababusisa. Asababusisa, watsatfwa kubo [wenyuselwa ezulwini.] Bamdvumisa, base babuyela eJerusalema banekujabula lokukhulu; sonkhe sikhatsi basicitsa ethempelini babonga Nkulunkulu. Ekucaleni kungakadalwa lutfo, abevele akhona Livi. Livi abekuNkulunkulu, Livi abenguNkulunkulu. Yena lowo labekhonanchanti, abenaNkulunkulu. Konkhe kwadalwa ngaye, ngaphandle kwakhe kute lokwadalwa kuko konkhe lokudaliwe. Nguye labengumtfombo wekuphila, naloko kuphila bekukukhanya kwebantfu bonkhe. Lokukhanya kukhanya ebumnyameni, bumnyama abukakwemukeli. Bekukhona umuntfu labetfunywe nguNkulunkulu, libito lakhe bekunguJohane. Lowo abetele bufakazi, atewufakaza ngaloko kukhanya, kutsi ngaye bonkhe bantfu bakholwe. Yena abengesiko loko kukhanya, kepha abetewufakaza ngaloko kukhanya. Kukhanya kweliciniso, lokukhanyisa wonkhe umuntfu, bekuseta emhlabeni. Livi abesendalweni. Indalo yavela ngaye, kepha umhlaba awuzange umati. Weta kubakubo, kodvwa bantfu bakubo abazange bamemukele. Kepha bonkhe labamemukela, ngekukholwa egameni lakhe, wabapha emandla ekutsi babe bantfwana baNkulunkulu. Abazange batalwe ngengati, nangenyama, nangentsandvo yendvodza, kodvwa batalwa nguNkulunkulu. Livi waba ngumuntfu, wahlala kanye natsi, agcwele umusa neliciniso. Sayibona inkhatimulo yakhe, lengeyalotelwe yedvwa kuYise. Johane wafakaza ngaye, amemeta atsi: “Nguye lona lebengikhuluma ngaye ngitsi: ‘Lowo lota emvakwami mkhulu kunami, ngobe yena abekhonanchanti kunami.’ ” Ngobe ekupheleleni kwakhe sonkhe saphiwa umusa etikwemusa. Umtsetfo waniketwa ngaMosi; umusa neliciniso kwavela ngaJesu Khristu. Kute lowase wabona Nkulunkulu, ngaphandle kweNdvodzana letelwe yodvwa lenguNkulunkulu, lesesifubeni seYise, ngiyo lembonakalisile. Lobu bufakazi baJohane mhlazana emaJuda atfumela baphristi nebaLevi, baphuma eJerusalema kutembuta batsi: “Wena ungubani?” Wavuma, akazange aphike, watsi: “Angisiye mine Khristu.” Bambuta batsi: “Pho, ungubani? Ungu-Elija yini?” Waphendvula watsi: “Cha, angisiye.” Bambuta batsi: “Ungumphrofethi yini?” Waphendvula watsi: “Cha.” Base batsi kuye: “Kepha ungubani? Tisho wena kutsi ungubani, khona sitebaphendvula laba labasitfumile.” Yena watsi: “Ngilivi lalomemeta ehlane, atsi: ‘Lungisani indlela yeNkhosi,’ njengobe asho Isaya, umphrofethi.” Labanye kuletitfunywa bekubaFarisi. Bambuta-ke batsi: “Pho, ubhabhatiselani nangabe awusiye Khristu, nome Elija, nome umphrofethi?” Johane wabaphendvula watsi: “Mine ngibhabhatisa ngemanti; kepha la emkhatsini wenu kume leningamati. Yena lowo lotako emvakwami, mine angikafaneli ngisho nekutfukulula imichilo yeticatfulo takhe.” Loko-ke kwenteka ngesheya kweJordane, eBhetani, lapho bekubhabhatisela Johane khona. Ngakusasa Johane wabona Jesu eta kuye watsi: “Nalo liWundlu laNkulunkulu lelisusa sono selive! Nguye lona lebengikhuluma ngaye ngitsi: Ukhona lota emvakwami lomkhulu kunami, ngobe yena abekhonanchanti, ngingakabikho. Nami bengingamati, kodvwa kuze abonakaliswe ku-Israyeli, kwafanela ngite ngitewubhabhatisa ngemanti.” Johane wafakaza watsi: “Ngimbonile Moya ehla ezulwini anjengelituba, wahlala etikwakhe. Nami bengingamati, kodvwa lona lowangitfuma kutawubhabhatisa ngemanti watsi kimi: ‘Lowo loyawubona Moya ehla ahlala etikwakhe, nguye loyawubhabhatisa ngaMoya Longcwele.’ Mine ngimbonile, ngingufakazi wekutsi: ‘Lona yiNdvodzana yaNkulunkulu.’ ” Ngakusasa futsi Johane abeme kanye nebafundzi bakhe lababili. Wabona Jesu atihambela nje watsi: “Bukani! Nalo liWundlu laNkulunkulu!” Bafundzi lababili labamuva nakakhulumako, besuka balandzela Jesu. Jesu watsi uyagucuka wababona bamlandzela, wababuta watsi: “Nifunani?” Bamphendvula batsi: “Rabi” (lokusho kutsi: “Mfundzisi”), “uhlalaphi?” Wabaphendvula watsi: “Wotani nitewubona.” Ngako-ke base bayeta, bafike babona lapho abehlala khona. Bahlala naye ngalelo langa, kwakungaba li-awa lesine ntsambama. Lomunye walabafundzi lababili, labeva Johane akhuluma base bahamba naJesu, bekungu-Andreya, umnakaboPhetro. Yena watfola kucala umnakabo, Simoni, watsi kuye: “Sesimtfolile Mesiya.” (Lelibito lisho kutsi: “Khristu.”) Wamyisa kuJesu, Jesu wambuka, watsi: “Wena unguSimoni, umsa waJohane. Libito lakho sekutaba nguKhefase.” (Lelibito lisho kutsi: “Phetro, lidvwala.”) Ngakusasa Jesu watimisela kuya eGalile. Watfola Filiphu watsi kuye: “Ngilandzele.” Filiphu abewaseBhethsayida, lapho bekuhlala bo-Andreya naPhetro khona. Filiphu watfola Nathanayeli, watsi kuye: “Simtfolile lowo labhala ngaye emtsetfweni Mosi kanye nebaphrofethi, Jesu waseNazaretha, umsa waJosefa.” Nathanayeli wambuta watsi: “Kungase kuvele yini lokuhle eNazaretha?” Filiphu wamphendvula watsi: “Kota utewutibonela.” Jesu wabona Nathanayeli eta kuye, wakhuluma ngaye watsi: “Bheka, nango-ke um-Israyeli wangempela, lekute bucili kuye.” Nathanayeli watsi kuye: “Ungatelaphi-ke wena?” Jesu watsi kuye: “Ngikubone ngesikhatsi uhleti ngaphansi kwesihlahla semkhiwa, Filiphu asengakefiki kutakubita.” Nathanayeli waphendvula watsi: “Mfundzisi, wena uyiNdvodzana yaNkulunkulu, uyiNkhosi yaka-Israyeli!” Jesu wamphendvula watsi: “Ukholwa ngobe ngitsite kuwe ngakubona ungaphansi kwemkhiwa yini? Utawubona lokukhulu kunaloko.” Wase utsi kuye: “Ngicinisile, ngicinisile, ngitsi kini: Nitawubona lizulu livulekile netingilosi taNkulunkulu tehla tenyuka etikweNdvodzana yeMuntfu.” Kwatsi ngelilanga lesitsatfu kwaba nemshado eKhana laseGalile. Unina waJesu abekhona naye. Kulowo mshado Jesu abemenywe kanye nebafundzi bakhe. Kwatsi kube linatfwe liphele liwayini, unina waJesu weta kuye watsi: “Sebate liwayini.” Jesu watsi kuye: “Make, ungena ngani emsebentini wami? Sikhatsi sami sisengakefiki.” Unina watsi etincekwini: “Nibokwenta konkhe latanitjela kona.” Bekunetimbita tematje letatisitfupha khona lapho, tihlelenjiswe kahle, ngelisiko lekugeza kwemaJuda. Leyo naleyo mbita beyingagcwatjiswa ngemalitha labengacishe abe likhulu. Jesu watsi kuletinceku: “Gcwalisani letimbita ngemanti.” Batigcwalisa tatsi nswi. Wase utsi kuto: “Khanini niyewuvisa lona lophetse lomshado.” Bammikisela-ke. Wawanambitsisisa lamanti labesagucuke aba liwayini; abengati noko kutsi lelo wayini-ndzini laliphumephi, kodvwa letisebenti tona betati, ngako-ke wase ubita umkhwenyane. Wefike watsi kuye: “Wonkhe umuntfu ucala ngekukhipha liwayini lelimnandzi kucala, bese-ke kutsi nase banatse kakhulu, benela, kube ngukhona akhipha lelingemnandzi kunelakucala; kodvwa wena usuka ubeka leli lelimnandzi kuze kube ngunyalo!” Jesu wenta lesibonakaliso sakhe sekucala eKhana laseGalile, wabonakalisa bukhosi bakhe, bafundzi bakhe bakholwa nguye. Emvakwaloko, Jesu nenina, nabomnakabo, nebafundzi bakhe behlela eKhaphanawume, befika bahlala khona emalangana. Besekusondzele sikhatsi seMkhosi weliPhasika lemaJuda, ngako Jesu wakhuphukela eJerusalema. Wakhandza bantfu ethempelini batsengiselana tinkhomo, netimvu, nematuba; labanye bebantjintja timali bahleti ematafuleni. Wesuka weluka siswebhu ngetintsambo, wabacosha bonkhe ethempelini, kanye netimvu netinkhomo; wacitsa timali tebantjintji, wagenula ematafula. Watsi kulabo labebatsengisa ngematuba: “Susani loku lapha! Ningayenti lendlu yaBabe ibe yindlu yekutsengiselana.” Bafundzi bakhe base bayakhumbula kutsi umBhalo utsi: “Yebo, Nkulunkulu, kushisekela indlu yakho kuvutsa njengemlilo ngekhatsi kwami.” Ngako-ke emaJuda ambuta atsi: “Usikhombisa sibonakaliso sini-ke nawenta nje?” Jesu waphendvula watsi: “Bhidlitani lelithempeli, mine ngitalivusa, ngilakhe ngemalanga lamatsatfu.” Ngako bambuta batsi: “Utsi utalakha ngemalanga lamatsatfu? Utsi uyati nje kutsi latsatsa iminyaka lengema-46 lakhiwa lelithempeli?” Kodvwa lelithempeli labekhuluma ngalo Jesu bekulithempeli lelingumtimba wakhe. Watsi nase avukile ekufeni, bafundzi bakhe base bayakhumbula kutsi watsini. Bakholwa ngumBhalo nangemavi akhe labewakhulumile. Kwatsi ngesikhatsi aseJerusalema ngeMkhosi weliPhasika, bantfu labanyenti bakholwa nguye ngekubona tibonakaliso takhe latenta. Kepha Jesu akazange atsembane nabo, ngobe abebati kahle bonkhe. Futsi-ke sasingekho nesidzingo sekutsi angachazelwa ngulomunye ngebantfu, ngobe yena bekati lingekhatsi lemuntfu. Kwase kwaba khona umuntfu wakubaFarisi, libito lakhe bekunguNikhodemu; abeyindvuna yemaJuda. Weta kuJesu ngalobunye busuku, wefike watsi: “Mfundzisi, siyati kutsi wena ungumfundzisi lophuma kuNkulunkulu. Ngobe kute umuntfu longenta timangaliso letingaka, nakate Nkulunkulu.” Jesu watsi kuye: “Ngicinisile, ngicinisile, ngitsi kuwe: Ngaphandle kwekutsi umuntfu atalwe kabusha ngekwasezulwini, angeke awubone umbuso waNkulunkulu!” Nikhodemu wabuta watsi: “Kodvwa umuntfu losamdzala angatalwa njani kabusha? Angangena yini ngekwesibili esiswini senina aphindze atalwe?” Jesu wamphendvula watsi: “Ngicinisile, ngicinisile, ngitsi kuwe: Ngaphandle kwekutsi umuntfu atalwe ngemanti nangaMoya, angeke angene embusweni waNkulunkulu. Loko lokutelwe yinyama kuyinyama, naloko lokutelwe nguMoya kungumoya. Ungamangali, ngobe naku ngitsi kuwe: ‘Nifanele kutsi nitalwe kabusha.’ Umoya uhhusha lapho utsandza khona, uyakuva kuhhusha kwawo, kodvwa awati lapho uphuma khona nalapho uya khona. Loko-ke kufanana naye wonkhe umuntfu lotelwe nguMoya.” Nikhodemu wambuta watsi: “Loku kungenteka kanjani?” Jesu waphendvula watsi: “Wena, ungumfundzisi waka-Israyeli. Pho, awukucondzi ngani loku? Ngicinisile, ngicinisile, ngitsi kuwe: Sikhuluma lesikwatiko sifakaze ngalesikubonile, kepha anibemukeli bufakazi betfu. Nanginitjela ngetintfo talelive, aningikholwa; pho, ningangikholwa kanjani, nasenginitjela ngetintfo tasezulwini? Kute lowase wenyukela ezulwini ngaphandle kweNdvodzana yeMuntfu, leyehla ezulwini. “Njengobe naMosi aphakamisa inyoka ehlane, kanjalo-ke neNdvodzana yeMuntfu ifanele kuphakanyiswa, kuze kutsi wonkhe umuntfu lokholwa ngiyo abe nekuphila lokuphakadze. Nkulunkulu walitsandza live kakhulu kangangekutsi wadzimate wanikela ngeNdvodzana yakhe lekukuphela kwayo, kuze kutsi nome ngubani lokholwa ngiyo angabhubhi, kodvwa abe nekuphila lokuphakadze. Ngobe Nkulunkulu akazange atfumele iNdvodzana yakhe emhlabeni kutsi itewulahla live ngelicala, kodvwa kwekutsi live litewusindziswa ngayo. “Lokholwa kuyo akalahlwa ngelicala, kodvwa longakholwa vele sewulahliwe, ngobe angakholwa egameni leNdvodzana yaNkulunkulu lekukuphela kwayo. Kwehlulelwa ngiko loko kutsi: Kukhanya kutsi sekufikile emhlabeni, kepha bantfu babe batsandza bumnyama kunekukhanya, ngenca yemisebenti yabo lemibi. Umuntfu lowenta lokubi uyakutondza kukhanya; aketi ekukhanyeni, funa imisebenti yakhe ibonakale ebaleni. Kepha lowenta liciniso uyeta ekukhanyeni, kuze kubonakale imisebenti yakhe, kutsi yentiwe kuNkulunkulu.” Emvakwaloko Jesu wahamba nebafundzi bakhe baya eveni laseJudiya, befika bahlala khona, kwabhajatiswa bantfu. NaJohane-ke abebhabhatisa, yena-ke ase-Enoni madvutane nje neSalimi, ngobe emanti abemanyenti kuleyo ndzawo, bantfu beta lapho befike babhajatiswa. Phela ngaleso sikhatsi Johane abesengakafakwa ejele. Kwabe sekuvela kuphikisana kubafundzi baJohane neliJuda lelitsite mayelana nekuhlambuluka ngekugeza tandla. Ngako-ke base beta kuJohane, befika batsi: “Mfundzisi, uyayikhumbula yini lendvodza bewunayo uyifakazela ngesheya kweJordane? Seyiyabhabhatisa nyalo, bonkhe bantfu sebaya kuyo!” Wabaphendvula Johane watsi: “Kute umuntfu longaba nelutfo angakaluphiwa luvela ezulwini. Nani ngekwenu ningangifakazela kutsi ngake ngasho ngatsi: ‘Angisiye mine Khristu, kodvwa ngitfunyelwe kumvulela indlela.’ Lowo lonamakoti ungumyeni; kepha umngani wemyeni nakaliva livi lemyeni, ujabula kakhulu. Ngako-ke lenjabulo yami seyiphelele. Kufanele akhule yena, nginciphe mine.” “Lowo lophuma etulu, ungetulu kwako konkhe; lowo lophuma emhlabeni wemhlaba, futsi ukhuluma tintfo temhlaba. Lophuma ezulwini ungetulu kwako konkhe. Ufakaza ngaloko lakubonile nalakuvile, kodvwa kute umuntfu lowemukela bufakazi bakhe. Lowemukela bufakazi bakhe ulubekile luphawu lwekutsi: Nkulunkulu ucinisile. Ngobe lowo lotfunywe nguNkulunkulu ukhuluma emavi aNkulunkulu; ngobe Moya akaniki ngekwesilinganiso. UYise uyayitsandza iNdvodzana, waniketa konkhe etandleni tayo. Lokholwa yiNdvodzana, unekuphila lokuphakadze; kodvwa longakholwa yiNdvodzana, ute kuphila lokuphakadze; kodvwa lulaka lwaNkulunkulu lulengela etikwakhe.” BaFarisi beva kutsi Jesu abetfola, futsi abhabhatisa bafundzi labanyenti kunaJohane. Empeleni, Jesu ngekwakhe abengazange asabhabhatise namunye umuntfu, kodvwa bekubafundzi bakhe kuphela labebabhabhatisa bantfu. Ngako-ke kwatsi Jesu nakakuva lokwase kukhulunywa, wesuka eJudiya wancandzeka wabuyela eGalile. Bekudzingekile kutsi ahambe ngendlela ledzabula eSamariya. Jesu wangena edolobheni laseSikhari lelaliseSamariya edvutane nensimi yaJosefa, layinikwa nguJakobe. Umtfombo waJakobe bewukhona lapho. Jesu asadziniwe ngenca yeluhambo, wahlala phansi eceleni kwawo waphumula. Bekungacishe kube li-awa lelishumi nambili emini. Kwase kuchamuka umfati waseSamariya atekukha emanti. Jesu watsi kuye: “Ase unginatsise tsine.” Bafundzi bakhe babesengekho bayewutsenga kudla edolobheni. Lomfati wemSamariya waphendvula watsi: “Kodvwa njengobe wena ungumJuda mine ngingumSamariya, ungicelelani kutsi ngikunatsise?” Ngobe phela emaJuda akadlelani nemaSamariya. Jesu waphendvula watsi: “Kube mane bewusati sipho saNkulunkulu nekutsi ngubani lona lotsi: ‘Nginatsise,’ ngabe ucele kuye, yena abetakunika emanti laphilako.” Lomfati watsi: “Nkhosi, awunalutfo lwekukha, kantsi nalomtfombo uyashona; pho, utawatsatsaphi lawo manti laphilako? Kantsi wena umkhulu yini kunababe wetfu Jakobe lowasinika lomtfombo? Yena wanatsa kuwo kanye nemadvodzana akhe nemihlambi yakhe.” Jesu wamphendvula watsi: “Wonkhe lonatsa lamanti lawa, uphindze ome futsi. Kepha lowo loyawunatsa emanti lengiyawumnika wona, angeke aphindze ome naphakadze; ngobe emanti lengiyawumnika wona, ekhatsi kuye ayawuba ngumtfombo wemanti laphuphumako, kube kuphila lokuphakadze.” Umfati waphendvula watsi: “Nkhosi, ngiphe lawo manti, khona ngingaseyiwuphindze ngome; ngingetiwuphindza ngite lapha kutewukha emanti.” Jesu watsi kuye: “Hamba ubite indvodza yakho, nite lapha.” Umfati wamphendvula watsi: “Ngite indvodza.” Jesu waphendvula watsi: “Usho sibili nawutsi: ‘Ngite indvodza.’ Ngobe sewuke waba nemadvodza lasihlanu, nalena lonayo nyalo akusiyo yakho. Ukhulume liciniso.” Umfati watsi: “Nkhosi, sengiyabona kutsi ungumphrofethi. Bokhokho betfu bemaSamariya bebakhonta Nkulunkulu kuyo lentsaba, nine maJuda-ke nitsi iseJerusalema indzawo lapho kufanele kukhontelwe Nkulunkulu khona.” Jesu watsi kuye: “Mfati, kholwa nguloku lengikushoko. Sikhatsi siyeta lapho ningetimkhonta Babe etikwalentsaba nome eJerusalema. Nine maSamariya nikhonta leningakwati, tsine maJuda sikhonta lesikwatiko, ngobe insindziso ivela kumaJuda. Kodvwa sikhatsi siyeta, nanyalo sesifikile, lapho labo labakhonta ngeliciniso bayawukhonta Babe ngaMoya nangeliciniso. Ngobe Babe ufuna labamkhonta kanjalo. Nkulunkulu unguMoya, nalabo labamkhontako bafanele kumkhonta ngaMoya nangeliciniso.” Umfati watsi kuye: “Ngiyati kutsi Mesiya, lokutsiwa nguKhristu, utawufika. Nasefikile yena utakusitjela konkhe.” Jesu watsi: “Nginguye mine lengikhuluma nawe.” Kwatsi kusenjalo kwefika bafundzi bakhe. Bamangala kakhulu nabamkhandza akhuluma nalomfati. Kodvwa kute namunye lowase watsi kuye: “Ufunani?” nome ambute atsi: “Ukhulumelani nalomfati?” Lomfati washiya imbita yakhe yemanti, wabuyela edolobheni, wafike watsi kubantfu: “Wotani nitewungibonisa umuntfu longitjele konkhe lengake ngakwenta. Kungete kwaba nguye yini Khristu?” Bantfu baphuma edolobheni beta kuJesu. Bafundzi bakhe base bayamncenga batsi: “Mfundzisi, asewudle phela.” Kodvwa Jesu wabaphendvula watsi: “Nginekudla lengikudlako, leningakwati nine.” Ngako bafundzi bacala babutana bodvwa, batsi: “Ngabe kukhona yini loke wamletsela kudla?” Jesu waphendvula watsi: “Kudla kwami kukwenta intsandvo yalongitfumile, nekucedzela umsebenti wakhe langinike wona. Nine niyaye ningete nasho yini kutsi: ‘Sekusele tinyanga letine sivune’? Lalelani la, phakamisani emehlo enu nibone kutsi emasimi asamhlophe, asalungele kuvunwa. Lovunako uyaholelwa, abutse sivuno kube kuphila lokuphakadze, kuze lohlanyelako ajabule kanye nalowo lovunako. Ngobe kuloko licinisile lelivi lelitsi: ‘Lomunye uyahlanyela, lomunye avune.’ Mine nganitfumela kutsi niyekuvuna loko leningakusebentanga. Labanye basebentile, nine-ke ningene emsebentini wabo.” EmaSamariya lamanyenti akulelo dolobha akholwa kuJesu ngelivi lalowo mfati, lowafakaza ngekutsi: “Ungitjele konkhe lengake ngakwenta.” Atsi kube ete kuye emaSamariya, ase ayamncenga kutsi ase ahlalahlale nawo. Ngako-ke, wahlala khona emalanga lamabili. Labanyenti futsi bakholwa ngenca yelivi lakhe. Base batsi kulomfati: “Manje asisakholwa ngobe kushito wena, kodvwa ngobe natsi nje, matfupha, sesitivele futsi sesitibonele kutsi nguye ngempela uMsindzisi welive.” Ngemvakwemalanga lamabili Jesu wesuka lapho waya eGalile. Ngobe Jesu matfupha wafakaza ngekutsi: “Umphrofethi akahlonishwa eveni lakubo.” Bantfu baseGalile bamemukela ngemoya lomuhle, ngobe bebake baya eMkhosini weliPhasika eJerusalema, bafike bakubona konkhe loko labekwenta ngalawo malanga. Jesu wesuka lapho wancandzeka waya eKhana laseGalile, lapho agucula khona emanti aba liwayini. Bekunesiphatsimandla sakahulumende eKhaphanawume. Sasigulelwa ngumsa waso. Satsi kube sive kutsi Jesu sewusukile eJudiya sewuseGalile, saya kuye. Samcela kutsi ehle aye eKhaphanawume, ayewusiphilisela lendvodzana yaso leyase igulela kufa. Ngako-ke Jesu watsi kuso: “Naningaboni tibonakaliso netimangaliso, ngeke nikholwe.” Siphatsimandla satsi: “Nkhosi, yehla ingakafi indvodzana yami!” Jesu watsi kuye: “Hamba, indvodzana yakho seyiphilile.” Lendvodza yakholwa ngemavi aJesu, yavele yahamba. Watsi asehla nje, tisebenti takhe tamhlangabeta ngembiko wekutsi: “Indvodzana yakho seyiyaphila.” Wababuta watsi: “Bekusikhatsi sini nayicala kuba ncono indvodzana yami?” Baphendvula batsi: “Bekungusemini, ngensimbi yekucala, itolo, nakusuka lomkhuhlane kuye.” Uyise wakhumbula kutsi bekunguleso sikhatsi Jesu lasho ngaso kutsi indvodzana yakhe seyiphilile. Ngako-ke yena kanye nemuti wakhe wonkhe bakholwa. Leso-ke kwaba sibonakaliso sesibili lasenta Jesu ngemvakwekubuyela kwakhe eGalile, nase aphuma eJudiya. Emvakwaloko kwaba khona umkhosi wemaJuda, naJesu wakhuphukela eJerusalema. Lapha eJerusalema, eceleni kweliSango Letimvu, bekunelichibi lebekutsiwa ngesiHebheru yiBhethesda, belinemihubhe lesihlanu. Bekulele kuyo ticumbi tetigulane, timphumphutse, netinyonga, nalababefe tinhlangotsi, [bonkhe bebalindzele kutanyatanyiswa kwemanti. Bekuvame njalo kutsi kwehle ingilosi yeNkhosi, ifike iwatamatamise lamanti. Bekutsi lowo longene kucala emuva kwekutanyatanyiswa kwemanti, aphile esifeni sakhe, nome ngabe saluphi luhlobo.] Bekunendvodza lapho leyase igule iminyaka lengema-38. Jesu watsi kube ayibone ilele lapho, ati nekutsi sekuphele sikhatsi lesingakanani igula, watsi kuyo: “Uyatsandza yini kuphiliswa?” Lendvodza yaphendvula yatsi: “Nkhosi, ngite umuntfu longangifaka echibini, nakutanyatanyiswa emanti. Ngiyaye ngitsi ngetama kungena, kusuke lomunye umuntfu angengcelele.” Jesu watsi kuye: “Sukuma, utsatse licansi lakho uhambe.” Ngekucwabita kweliso lendvodza yaphila. Yasukuma yatsatsa licansi layo yahamba. BekuliSabatha ngalelo langa. Ngako emaJuda atjela lendvodza lebeyiphilisiwe atsi: “Phela lamuhla liSabatha, awukavumeleki kwetfwala lelicansi.” Yona yaphendvula yatsi: “Lona longiphilisile, nguye lotsite kimi: ‘Tsatsa licansi lakho uhambe.’ ” Ambuta atsi: “Ngubani yena lowo muntfu lotsite kuwe: ‘Tsatsa licansi lakho uhambe’?” Kodvwa lendvodza lebeyiphilisiwe beyingamati kutsi ngubani, ngobe bekunesicumbi sebantfu kuleyo ndzawo, futsi naJesu abesahambile. Ngemvakwaloko, Jesu wahlangana nayo seyisethempelini watsi kuyo: “Uyabona kambe kutsi sewuphilile? Ungaphindzi-ke wone, funa wehlelwe ngulokukhulu kakhulu kunaloku.” Lendvodza yesuka lapho, yahamba yayawutjela emaJuda kutsi nguJesu lona labeyiphilisile. Ngaloko-ke emaJuda amtingela Jesu, ngobe loko abekwente ngeliSabatha. Kodvwa Jesu wabaphendvula watsi: “Babe wami seloku usasebenta kuze kube manje; nami-ke ngenta njalo.” Kwaba shangatsi uwabangile emaJuda ngaloko kusho njalo kwakhe, afuna kumbulala kakhulu kunakucala, ngobe abengakephuli liSabatha kuphela, kodvwa waphindze watsi Nkulunkulu nguYise, watenta lolingana naNkulunkulu. Ngako Jesu wabaphendvula watsi: “Ngicinisile, ngicinisile, ngitsi kini: INdvodzana ingeke itentele lutfo ngekwayo, kuphela yenta loko lebona uYise akwenta, ngobe loko lakwentako yena, neNdvodzana iyakwenta. Ngobe uYise uyayitsandza iNdvodzana, uyikhombisa konkhe lakwentako yena. Utayikhombisa imisebenti lemikhulu kunalena, nize nimangale. Njengobe uYise avusa labafile baphile, nayo-ke iNdvodzana iyabaphilisa labo letsandza kutsi baphile. UYise akehluleli muntfu, konkhe kwehlulela ukunike iNdvodzana, kuze bonkhe bahloniphe iNdvodzana njengobe bahlonipha uYise. Lowo longayihloniphi iNdvodzana, akahloniphi neYise loyitfumile. “Ngicinisile, ngicinisile, ngitsi kini: Lowo lova livi lami akholwe ngulongitfumile, unekuphila lokuphakadze. Akayi ekwehlulelweni, kodvwa sewuphumile ekufeni, wangena ekuphileni. Ngicinisile, ngicinisile, ngitsi kini: Sikhatsi siyeta, nanyalo sesifikile lapho labafile bayawuliva livi leNdvodzana yaNkulunkulu, nalabo labalivako bayawuphila. Njengobe uYise anekuphila ngekwakhe, kanjalo uyiphile neNdvodzana kutsi ibe nekuphila ngekwayo. Uyiphile emandla ekwehlulela, ngobe iyiNdvodzana yemuntfu. Kunganimangalisi loko, ngobe sikhatsi siyeta lapho bonkhe bantfu labasemathuneni bayawuliva livi layo. Labo labente kulunga bayawuvukela ekuphileni, labente lokubi bayawuvukela ekulahlweni.” “Mine ngingeke ngitentele lutfo ngekwami; ngehlulela njengaloko lengikuvako, kwehlulela kwami kulungile, ngobe angifuni yona intsandvo yami, kepha intsandvo yalowo longitfumile. “Nangitifakazela mine, bufakazi bami abusilo liciniso. Kodvwa kukhona longifakazelako, futsi ngiyati nekutsi bufakazi labufakazako ngami buliciniso. Nine nitfumele titfunywa tenu kuJohane, wafike walifakazela liciniso. Kepha mine angikasimi ebufakazini bemuntfu, kodvwa loko nginitjelela kutsi nitewusindziswa. Yena-ke abesibane lesivutsako nalesikhanyako, nine-ke benitimisele kujabula kwesikhashana ekukhanyeni kwakhe. Kepha nginebufakazi lobukhulu kunebaJohane, ngobe imisebenti Babe langinike yona kutsi ngiyente, yona lemisebenti lengiyentako iyangifakazela kutsi ngitfunywe nguBabe. NaBabe longitfumile ufakazile ngami. Anizange nilive livi lakhe, anizange nisibone nesimo sakhe; kunjalo nje aniligcini nelivi lakhe etinhlitiyweni tenu, ngobe yena lowo lamtfumile anikholwa kuye. Niphenya imiBhalo, ngobe nicabanga kutsi nitawutfola kuphila lokuphakadze kuyo, kantsi ngiyo lucobo lefakaza ngami. Kepha anivumi kuta kimi kuze phela nitewuba nekuphila. “Mine angilwemukeli ludvumo kubantfu. Kepha ngiyanati kutsi nine nite lutsandvo lwaNkulunkulu etinhlitiyweni tenu. Mine ngite egameni laBabe, kodvwa aningemukeli; kepha nakuta lomunye atitela egameni lakhe, yena nitamemukela. Ningakholwa kanjani nine nidvumisana nodvwana nje, ningalufuni ludvumo loluvela kuNkulunkulu, lokunguye yedvwa? “Ningacabangi-ke kutsi ngitanimangalela kuBabe. Ukhona lonimangalelako, yena loMosi lenetsembele kuye. Kube benikholwa nguMosi, ngabe niyakholwa nangimi, ngobe yena wabhala ngami. Kodvwa naningakholwa ngulokubhalwe nguye, pho, emavi ami nitawakholwa njani?” Emvakwaloko Jesu wahamba waya ngesheya kweLwandle lwaseGalile lolulwaseThibheriyase. Sicumbi lesikhulu sebantfu samlandzela, ngobe sasibone tibonakaliso labetente kulabagulako. Jesu wenyukela entsabeni, wefike wahlala phansi akanye nebafundzi bakhe. UMkhosi wemaJuda weliPhasika bese usedvute. Jesu watsi uphakamisa emehlo, wabona kutsi sicuku lesikhulu sita kuye, watsi kuFiliphu: “Labantfu sitabatsengela kuphi tinkhwa batewudla?” Abembuta loko amhlola nje, ngobe yena abekwati labetakwenta. Filiphu wamphendvula watsi: “Tinkhwa temaLangeni langema-200 tingeke tibenele, kube ngulowo nalowo atfole lucetwana nje.” Lomunye webafundzi bakhe, Andreya, umnakaboSimoni Phetro, watsi kuye: “Kukhona umfana lapha lonetinkhwa tebhali letisihlanu netinhlanti letimbili. Kepha kungentani loko, bantfu babanyenti kangaka nje?” Jesu watsi: “Hlalisani labantfu.” Bekunetjani lobunyenti kuleyo ndzawo. Emadvodza lahlaliswa phansi abengacishe abe ti-5 000. Jesu watitsatsa letinkhwa, wabonga, wase utiphakululela laba bebahleti phansi, wabuye, wenta njalo futsi nangetinhlanti, kwaya ngekutsi basakufuna yini kudla. Kwatsi nase besutsi, watsi kubafundzi bakhe: “Butsani timvutfuluka letisele, kubete lokulahlekako.” Batibutsa, bagcwalisa emabhasikidi la-12 ngetimvutfuluka tetinkhwa tebhali letatisihlanu letatisele kulababedla. Kwatsi bantfu nababona lesibonakaliso lasenta Jesu, batsi: “Impela, lona ngumphrofethi labefanele kuta emhlabeni.” Ngako-ke Jesu ati kutsi batawuta bambambe bambeke inkhosi, wamonyuka waya entsabeni yena yedvwa. Ekushoneni kwelilanga bafundzi baJesu behla baya elwandle. Bangena esikebheni, bewela lwandle baya eKhaphanawume, kwase kuhlwile, Jesu abesolo angakefiki kubo. Kwavunguta umoya lomkhulu, lwandle lwavuka indlwabane. Bafundzi bese bagwedle emakhilometha lasihlanu nome lasitfupha ngesikhatsi babona Jesu ahamba etikwemanti, asondzela esikebheni, betfuka besaba kakhulu. Kodvwa watsi kubo: “Ningesabi, ngimi.” Bese bajabulele kutsi bamekhwete esikebheni sabo. Batsi bangakabheki babona sebefikile eveni labebaya kulo. Ngakusasa lesicumbi sebantfu lebesisasele ngesheya kwelwandle, sabona kutsi bese kute lesinye sikebhe, sakhumbula nekutsi bese sisinye kuphela, nekutsi Jesu abengakahambi ngesikebhe sebafundzi bakhe, kodvwa babehambe bodvwa. Kodvwa letinye tikebhe lebetiphuma eThibheriyase, tefika edvutane naleyo ndzawo, lapho lesicumbi sasidlele khona tinkhwa emvakwekubonga kweNkhosi. Satsi kube sibone lesicumbi sebantfu kutsi Jesu nebafundzi bakhe abasekho lapho, sakhwela etikebheni saya eKhaphanawume, sifuna Jesu. Batsi kube bamtfole asangesheya kwelwandle, batsi kuye: “Mfundzisi, ufike nini lapha?” Jesu wabaphendvula watsi: “Ngicinisile, ngicinisile, ngitsi kini: Aningifuni ngobe nibone tibonakaliso, kepha ningifuna ngobe nidle tinkhwa, nesutsa. Ningabosebentela kudla lokuphelako, kepha nibosebentela kudla lokutawukhonsa kuze kubesekuphileni lokuphakadze leyawunipha kona iNdvodzana yeMuntfu. Ngobe Nkulunkulu uYise ulubekile luphawu kuyo.” Base bayambuta-ke batsi: “Singentani lokungukona kuyimisebenti yaNkulunkulu?” Jesu wabaphendvula watsi: “Umsebenti waNkulunkulu kutsi nikholwe nguye lamtfumile.” Base batsi kuye: “Sibonakaliso sini semandla longasenta kuze sibone, sitewukholwa nguwe? Msebenti muni lowentako? Bokhokho betfu badla imana ehlane, njengobe kubhaliwe kutsi: ‘Wabapha sinkhwa lesehla ezulwini, kutsi badle.’ ” Jesu watsi kubo: “Ngicinisile, ngicinisile, ngitsi kini: Bekungesiye Mosi lona lowanipha sinkhwa lesavela ezulwini, kepha Babe unipha sinkhwa sibili sivela ezulwini. Ngobe sinkhwa laphana ngaso Nkulunkulu nguleso lesehla siphuma ezulwini, lesiletsa kuphila emhlabeni.” Base batsi kuye: “Nkhosi, siphe leso sinkhwa onkhe emalanga.” Jesu watsi kubo: “Mine ngisinkhwa sekuphila, lowo lota kimi, angeke alambe; nalowo lokholwa ngimi, angeke aphindze ome. Kepha nginitjelile kutsi ningibonile, kodvwa anikakholwa. “Konkhe langipha kona Babe kutawuta kimi; lotako kimi, angeke ngimlahlele ngephandle. Ngobe kwehla kwami ezulwini akusiko kutsi ngetela kutakwenta intsandvo yami, kepha kutakwenta intsandvo yalowo longitfumile. Intsandvo yalona longitfumile kutsi ngingalahlekelwa lutfo kuko konkhe loko langiphe kona, kepha ngikuvuse ngemhla wekuphela. Ngobe loko kuyintsandvo yaBabe kutsi, bonkhe lababone iNdvodzana, base bakholwa kuyo, babe nekuphila lokuphakadze; mine-ke ngiyawubavusa ngemhla wekuphela.” EmaJuda ase acala kukhonona ngaye, ngobe phela abetsite: “Mine ngisinkhwa lesehla ezulwini.” Ngako batsi: “Lona akusiye yini Jesu, umsa waJosefa, uyise nenina lesibatiko? Pho, usho kanjani kutsi: ‘Ngehle ezulwini’?” Jesu wabaphendvula, watsi: “Anisiwuvungama nodvwana! Kute umuntfu longeta kimi nangabe Babe, lokunguyena angitfumile, angamdvonsi. Ngemhla wekuphela mine-ke ngiyawumvusa aphile. Kubhaliwe kubaphrofethi kutsi: ‘Bonkhe bayawuba ngulabafundziswe nguNkulunkulu.’ Bonkhe labevile kuBabe, bafundza kuye, bayeta kimi. Kute umuntfu loke wambona Babe, ngaphandle kwalowo lovela kuNkulunkulu; nguyena-ke lambonile Babe. Ngicinisile, ngicinisile, ngitsi kini: Lowo lokholwako, unekuphila lokuphakadze. Mine ngisinkhwa sekuphila. Bokhokho benu badla imana ehlane, kodvwa bafa. Lesi sinkhwa lesehla ezulwini, kuze wonkhe umuntfu asidle angabe asafa. Mine ngisinkhwa lesinekuphila lesehla ezulwini, umuntfu nakadla lesinkhwa uyawuphila ingunaphakadze. Futsi-ke lesinkhwa, lengitasinikelela kuphila kwelive, siyinyama yami.” EmaJuda aphikisana odvwana atsi: “Kodvwa lomuntfu angasinika kanjani inyama yakhe, kutsi siyidle?” Jesu watsi kubo: “Ngicinisile, ngicinisile, ngitsi kini: Naningayidli inyama yeNdvodzana yeMuntfu, ninatse nengati yayo, nite kuphila. Lodla inyama anatse nengati yami, unekuphila lokuphakadze; mine-ke ngemhla wekuphela ngiyawumvusa aphile. Ngobe inyama yami ikudla sibili, nengati yami isinatfo sibili. “Lodla inyama yami, anatse ingati yami, unekuphila; uhlala kimi, nami ngihlala kuye. Njengobe Babe lophilako angitfumile, nami ngiphila ngaBabe, kanjalo-ke lodla mine, uyawuphila ngami. Lesi-ke sinkhwa lesehla ezulwini, asifanani nesinkhwa lesadliwa bokhokho benu, babuye bafa. Lodla lesinkhwa uyawuphila kuze kube phakadze.” Konkhe loko Jesu wakukhuluma asesinagogeni eKhaphanawume, afundzisa. Linyenti lebafundzi bakhe lelayiva lenkhulumo latsi: “Ilukhuni-ke lemfundziso. Ngubani nje longayiva?” Kepha Jesu ati enhlitiyweni yakhe kutsi bafundzi bakhe bayakhonona ngalenkhulumo yakhe, watsi: “Kuyanenyanyisa yini loko? Kepha niyawutsini nase nibona iNdvodzana yeMuntfu yenyuka iya lapho beyivele ikhona kucala? Lokunika imphilo nguMoya; inyama ayinamsebenti; emavi lengiwakhuluma kini anguMoya, futsi akuphila. Noko bakhona labanye lapha emkhatsini wenu labangakholwa.” Ngobe Jesu bekati kwasekucaleni kutsi bobani labangakholwa, nekutsi ngubani labetamtsengisa. Wachubeka watsi: “Ngiko nje ngitsite kini: Kute longeta kimi, nangakakuphiwa nguBabe.” Emvakwaloko labanyenti bebafundzi bakhe bamhlubuka, abazange baphindze bahambe naye. Ngako Jesu watsi kulabo labebali-12: “Nani nifuna kuncandzeka yini?” Simoni Phetro wamphendvula watsi: “Nkhosi, singasuka kuwe siyephi? Ngobe emavi ekuphila lokuphakadze akuwe. Nyalo sesiyati, futsi siyakholwa, kutsi wena unguLongcwele waNkulunkulu.” Jesu wabaphendvula watsi: “Anginikhetsanga naba li-12 yini nine? Noko lomunye wenu ungusathane.” Abekhuluma ngaJudasi, umsa waSimoni Skariyothi, ngobe nguye labetamtsengisa, naye futsi abengulomunye walabo labebali-12. Emvakwaloko Jesu walihambahamba laseGalile; akatsandzanga kuya eJudiya, ngobe emaJuda abefuna kumbulala. Bese kusondzele uMkhosi wemaJuda wemaDlangala. Bomnakabo batsi kuye: “Suka kulendzawo uye eJudiya, kuze bafundzi bakho batewubona lemisebenti yakho loyentako. Kute lofihla lakwentako nakafuna kutsi atiwe. Njengobe wenta letintfo nje, tibonakalise wena kulo lonkhe live.” Ngisho nabomnakabo imbala, babengakholwa kuye. Waphendvula Jesu watsi: “Sikhatsi sami asikefiki, kodvwa kini sonkhe sikhatsi silungile. Live lingeke linitondze nine, kodvwa mine liyangitondza, ngobe ngifakaza ngalo kutsi imisebenti yalo mibi. Nine yenyukani niye emkhosini, kepha mine ngingeke ngenyuke kwanyalo ngiye kulomkhosi, ngobe sikhatsi sami sisengakefiki.” Watsi kube asho njalo, wachubeka wahlala eGalile. Batsi kube benyuke baye emkhosini labomnakabo, yena-ke wanyenya, wenyuka abalandzela. EmaJuda wona abetingelana naJesu lapha kulomkhosi, abutana odvwa atsi: “Uphi-ke yena?” Kwaba nekuvungatela lokukhulu ngaye emkhatsini weticumbi. Labanye batsi: “Ulungile mosi lomuntfu,” labanye batsi: “Lomuntfu uyaganga, ngobe wedukisa bantfu.” Noko bekute labekhulumela etulu, ngobe babesaba emaJuda. Kwatsi sekungusekhatsi nemkhosi, Jesu wenyukela ethempelini, wacala wafundzisa. EmaJuda amangala kakhulu, adzimate atsi: “Kodvwa lomuntfu lolwati lolungaka ulutsatsaphi, angazange asalufundzele nje?” Jesu wabaphendvula watsi: “Loku lengikufundzisako akusiyo imfundziso yami, kodvwa yalongitfumile. Umuntfu nakatsandza kwenta intsandvo yaNkulunkulu utakwati ngalemfundziso yami, nome iphuma kuNkulunkulu, nome ngitikhulumela kwami nje. Lotikhulumela kwakhe ufuna ludvumo lwakhe, kepha lofuna ludvumo lwalowo lamtfumile, lowo ucinisile, futsi kute kungalungi kuye. Mosi akaninikanga yini umtsetfo? Kodvwa kute namunye emkhatsini wenu lowulalelako lowo mtsetfo. Nentiwa yini lokutsi nifune kungibulala?” Sicumbi samphendvula satsi: “Unelidimoni wena, ngubani lofuna kukubulala?” Jesu wabaphendvula watsi: “Ngenta umsebenti munye ngeliSabatha, kodvwa namanje nisamangele ngawo. Mosi waninika lisiko lekusoka, (noko kungasho kutsi liphuma kuye kodvwa kubokhokho benu), umuntfu niyamsoka nome kuliSabatha. Nangabe-ke umuntfu niyamsoka ngeliSabatha, kuze phela ningawephuli umtsetfo waMosi, pho, ningitfukutselelelani-ke mine nangiphilisa umuntfu ngeliSabatha? Ningabokwehlulela ngekubuka kwemehlo enu, kodvwa yehlulelani ngekwehlulela lokulungile!” Base batsi labanye baseJerusalema: “Lomuntfu akusiye yini lona labafuna kumbulala? Ase nimbuke, ukhuluma nje ebaleni, akafihli, kute labamphikisa kuko. Kungahle kube kwentiwa kutsi baphatsi nabo sebayati yini kutsi lomuntfu vele unguKhristu? Kodvwa Khristu nakefika, kute loyawumati kutsi uphuma kuphi, kepha lona siyamati mosi kutsi uphuma kuphi.” Jesu wakhuluma ngelivi lelikhulu afundzisa ethempelini, watsi: “Niyangati, futsi niyati nekutsi ngiphumaphi; mine-ke angikatiteli lapha, kodvwa lowo longitfumile, leningamati nine, ucinisile. Kodvwa mine ngiyamati yena, ngobe ngiphuma kuye, nguye longitfumile.” Ngako base bafuna kumbamba, kodvwa kute lowake wambeka sandla, ngobe sikhatsi sakhe sasisengakefiki. Kodvwa labanyenti kulesicumbi bakholwa nguye batsi: “Nasefikile Khristu, uyakwenta tibonakaliso letinyenti letendlula leti letentiwe ngulona yini?” BaFarisi beva sicuku sivungatela ngaye ngaletintfo. Ngako baphristi labakhulu nebaFarisi base batfumela tinceku kutsi timbambe. Jesu wase utsi: “Ngisetawuba nani kwesikhashana, bese ngiyahamba ngibuyela kulowo longitfumile. Nitangifuna, kodvwa ngeke ningitfole, ngobe lapho ngiya khona, ningeke nine nikhone kuta.” Ngako emaJuda ase akhuluma odvwana atsi: “Utakuya kuphi lapho singetimtfola khona? Kungabe utakuya kulabasakatekile bemaGriki ayewufundzisa bona yini? Nkhulumo yini yona lena? Usho kutsini nakatsi: ‘Niyawungifuna ningete nangitfola;’ nalokutsi: ‘Lapho ngikhona, nine ningeke nikhone kuta’?” Kepha ngelilanga lelikhulu lekugcina lemkhosi, Jesu wasukuma wema, wamemeta ngelivi lelikhulu watsi: “Nakukhona lowomile, akete kimi anatse. Lokholwa ngimi, njengekusho kwemiBhalo, etibilinini takhe kuyawuhlala kugobhota imifula yemanti ekuphila.” Jesu abekhuluma ngaMoya labebatawumemukela laba lababekholwa kuye, ngobe Moya abengakefiki, kwatise kutsi Jesu abesengakakhatimuliswa. Batsi nabaweva lamavi, labanye kulabo bantfu batsi: “Ngempela lomuntfu ungumphrofethi.” Labanye batsi: “UnguKhristu.” Kodvwa labanye batsi: “Kungenteka yini kutsi Khristu avele eGalile? UmBhalo kawushongo yini kutsi: ‘Khristu uvela entalweni yaDavide, eBhetlehema lapho abehlala khona Davide’?” Ngako lesicumbi sase sehlukana ekhatsi ngaye. Labanye babo babefuna kumbamba, kepha kwabate lowabeka sandla etikwakhe. Tinceku tancandzeka tabuyela kubaphristi nebaFarisi, bona bafike batsi: “Yini ningakamletsi la kitsi?” Tinceku tabaphendvula tatsi: “Kute umuntfu lowake wakhuluma njengalowa muntfu.” BaFarisi baphendvula batsi: “Nani senedukisiwe? Nise nambona yini nobe munye nje webaholi nobe webaFarisi, akholwa kulomuntfu? Lesicumbi asiwati umtsetfo, ngako-ke singaphansi kwesicalekiso saNkulunkulu!” Nikhodemu abengulomunye wabo, lona lowaya kuyawubonana naJesu ebusuku ngalelinye lilanga, watsi kubo: “Kodvwa ngekwemtsetfo wetfu umuntfu uyanikwa yini sigwebo angakaze abutwe kuvakale kahle kutsi cala lini lalentile?” Bamphendvula batsi: “Wo, kantsi nawe uphuma eGalile yini? Asewuphenye kahle imiBhalo, utawukhandza kutsi akukho mphrofethi loyawuvela eGalile.” [ Base bayahamba-ke, ngulowo nalowo watibuyelela ekhaya lakhe. Jesu wesuka lapho waya eNtsabeni Yemincumo. Ekuseni ngeluvivi wabuya weta ethempelini. Bantfu bonkhe beta kuye; wase uhlala phansi uyabafundzisa. Kepha tati temtsetfo nebaFarisi baletsa kuye umfati labebambambe aphinga, beta bamfake ekhatsi. Batsi kuJesu: “Mfundzisi, lomfati ubanjwe aphinga. Emtsetfweni Mosi wasiyala ngebantfu labanje kutsi bafanele bagcotjwe ngematje baze bafe. Wena-ke utsini?” Phela bakusho loko bamlinga kuze babe nesizatfu sekummangalela, kepha Jesu wesuka wagobondzela wabhala ngemuno emhlabatsini. Batsi basambuta ngaloko, wavuka watsi kubo: “Lote sono emkhatsini wenu, akacale kucala amgcobe ngelitje!” Waphindza wagobondzela, wabhala phansi emhlabatsini. Batsi nabakuva loko baphuma ngamunye ngamunye, kwacala labadzala kwaze kwaba wekugcina. Jesu wasala yedvwa, nalomfati abeseloku eme khona lapho. Jesu waphakamisa inhloko watsi kulomfati: “Hhawu! Mfati, sebaphi kantsi laba bebatekumangalela? Sekute yini lokulahla ngelicala?” Yena watsi: “Kute, Nkhosi.” Jesu watsi: “Nami-ke angikulahli. Hamba ungabe usona.”] Jesu wakhuluma kubo futsi watsi: “Mine ngikukhanya kwelive. Lowo longilandzelako angeke asahamba ebumnyameni, kodvwa uyawuba nekukhanya kwekuphila.” BaFarisi batsi kuye: “Manje utifakazela wena. Bufakazi bakho abukaciniseki.” Jesu wabaphendvula watsi: “Cha, nome ngingatifakazela, bufakazi bami bucinisile, ngobe mine ngiyati lapho ngiphuma khona, nalapho ngiya khona ngiyati; kepha nine anati lapho ngiphuma khona, nalapho ngiya khona futsi anati. Nine nehlulela ngekwebuntfu, mine angehluleli muntfu. Nome ngehlulela, kwehlulela kwami kungulokucinisile, ngobe angingedvwa kuloku, kodvwa ngikanye naBabe lowangitfuma. Kubhaliwe emtsetfweni wenu kutsi bufakazi bebantfu lababili bucinisile. Mine ngiyatifakazela, naBabe longitfumile futsi ufakaza ngami.” Base batsi kuye: “Uphi uyihlo?” Jesu wabaphendvula watsi: “Aningati mine, naBabe animati. Kube beningati mine, ngabe naBabe niyamati.” Jesu wakusho konkhe loku ngesikhatsi afundzisa asethempelini, lapho kwakubekwe khona emabhokisi eminikelo. Kute lowambopha, ngobe sikhatsi sakhe sasisengakefiki. Jesu waphindza futsi watsi kubo: “Ngiyahamba mine, niyawungifuna, nifele etonweni tenu. Ningeke nikhone kuya lapho ngiya khona mine.” Ngako emaJuda ase atsi: “Kungabe utatibulala yini, ngobe naku utsi: ‘Lapho ngiya khona mine, nine ningeke nikhone kuya’?” Watsi kubo: “Nine navela phansi, mine ngavela etulu. Nine nibelive, kodvwa mine angisiye wakulelive. Ngiko nje ngatsi kini: ‘Nitawufela etonweni tenu, naningakholwa kutsi: “Mine Nginguye leNginguye.” ’ ” Base batsi kuye: “Ungubani?” Jesu wabaphendvula watsi: “Nguloko lenganitjela kona kwasekucaleni. Nginalokunyenti lengingakusho ngani, nalenginganehlulela ngako. Noko, lona longitfumile ucinisile, nami live ngilitjela loko lengikuve kuye.” Babengacondzisisi kahle kutsi ukhuluma kubo ngeYise. Ngako Jesu wase utsi kubo: “Nase niyiphakamisile iNdvodzana yeMuntfu, nitakwati kutsi: ‘Mine Nginguye leNginguye;’ nekutsi futsi angenti lutfo ngekwami; kepha ngikhuluma loko, njengobe ngifundziswe nguBabe. Lowo longitfumile unami; akangishiyi ngedvwa, ngobe sonkhe sikhatsi ngenta lokutsandzekako kuye.” Labanyenti labamuva Jesu akhuluma letintfo bakholwa kuye. Ngako Jesu wakhuluma kulamaJuda labesakholwe nguye watsi: “Nanime emavini ami, nibafundzi bami sibili; niyawulati liciniso, neliciniso liyawunikhulula.” Baphendvula batsi: “Tsine siyintalelwane ya-Abrahama. Asizange sesibe tigcili temuntfu. Usho kutsini-ke nawutsi: ‘Nitawuba ngulabakhululekile’?” Jesu watsi kubo: “Ngicinisile, ngicinisile, ngitsi kini: Wonkhe umuntfu lowenta sono, usigcili sesono. Angitsi kambe sigcili asihlali endlini siphelane, kepha indvodzana ihlala siphelane ngobe yakhona. Ngako-ke nangabe iNdvodzana inikhulula, nitawuba ngulabakhululekile sibili. Ngiyati kutsi niyintalelwane ya-Abrahama. Kepha nifuna kungibulala, ngobe livi lami aliyitfoli indzawo etinhlitiyweni tenu. Mine ngikhuluma ngaloko lengikubone kuBabe, nani-ke nenta loko lenikutjelwe nguyihlo.” Bamphendvula batsi: “Babe wetfu ngu-Abrahama.” Jesu wabaphendvula watsi: “Kube benibantfwana ba-Abrahama ngempela, ngabe nenta imisebenti ya-Abrahama. Kodvwa manje nifuna kungibulala mine lenginitjela liciniso lengilive kuNkulunkulu: Abrahama akazange asakwente loko. “Nine nenta imisebenti yeyihlo.” Batsi kuye: “Tsine asisibo bekuphingwa, sinaBabe munye, nguNkulunkulu lucobo.” Jesu watsi kubo: “Kube Nkulunkulu abenguYihlo, ngabe niyangitsandza mine, ngobe ngefika ngiphuma kuNkulunkulu. Angikamane ngatitela nje, kepha ngitfunywe nguye. Nentiwa yini kutsi ningete nayivisisa lenkhulumo yami? Kungobe niyehluleka kuliva livi lami. Nine nibeyihlo Sathane. Nitsandza kwenta tinkhanuko teyihlo. Yena abevele angumbulali webantfu kusukela ekucaleni, akemi ecinisweni, ngobe liciniso kute kuye. Nakakhuluma emanga, ukhuluma intfo yakhe, ngobe ungumcambimanga neyise wawo onkhe emanga. “Kepha anikholwa ngimi, ngobe mine nginitjela liciniso. Ngubani nje emkhatsini wenu longangilahla ngesono? Pho, aningikholwa ngani, nanginitjela liciniso? “Umuntfu lowaNkulunkulu uyaweva emavi aNkulunkulu, ngiko nje nine ningeva, ngobe anisibo baNkulunkulu.” EmaJuda amphendvula atsi: “Sicala emanga yini, nasitsi ungumSamariya, nekutsi unelidimoni?” Jesu wabaphendvula watsi: “Anginadimoni mine, ngidvumisa Babe, nine-ke seniyangetfuka. Mine-ke angifuni lwami ludvumo. Ukhona lolufunako nalowehlulelako. Ngicinisile, ngicinisile, ngitsi kini: Nangabe umuntfu agcina livi lami, angeke akubone kufa nini nanini.” EmaJuda atsi kuye: “Cha, sesibonile ngempela kutsi unelidimoni. Abrahama wafa, nebaphrofethi futsi bafa. Kepha wena utsi: ‘Lowo lowenta livi lami, angeke afe.’ Wena umkhulu yini kunababe wetfu Abrahama losewafa kanye nebaphrofethi lasebafa? Wena-ke ucabanga kutsi ungubani?” Jesu wabaphendvula watsi: “Nangitidvumisa mine, ludvumo lwami lulite. NguBabe longidvumisako, lona lenitsi nani unguNkulunkulu wenu. “Kodvwa nine anikamati, mine ngiyamati. Kube bengitsite angimati, bengitawube ngicala emanga njengani. Kepha mine ngiyamati. Livi lakhe ngiyaligcina. Uyihlo Abrahama wajabulela kubona lilanga lami. Walubona, wajabula.” EmaJuda ase atsi kuye: “Usete neminyaka lengema-50 budzala, kepha sewusitjela kutsi sewubonane na-Abrahama?” Jesu watsi kubo: “Ngicinisile, ngicinisile, ngitsi kini: Asengakabikho Abrahama, solo ngikhona mine.” Batsi basatsatsa ematje kutsi batemgcoba ngawo, Jesu watsi phicephice waphuma ethempelini, wahamba. Jesu watsi endlula nje, wabona umuntfu labeyimphumphutse seloku atalwa. Bafundzi bakhe bambuta batsi: “Mfundzisi, kwabangelwa sono sabani lokutsi lomuntfu atalwe ayimphumphutse? Sono sakhe yini nome sebatali bakhe?” Jesu wabaphendvula watsi: “Kute lowona; yena nome batali bakhe, abazange sebente sono lesabangela lobumphumphutse, kepha loku kwenteka khona kutawubonakaliswa imisebenti yaNkulunkulu kuye. Kufanele sisebente imisebenti yalowo longitfumile, kusesemini; buyeta busuku, lapho kuyawubate loyawuba nemandla ekusebenta. Ngisesekhona lapha emhlabeni ngikukhanya kwemhlaba.” Watsi nasakushito loko Jesu, wakhafulela ematse emhlabatsini, wenta ludzaka ngawo, wase ulunindza emehlweni alemphumphutse. Watsi kuyo: “Hamba uyewugeza echibini laseSilowama!” (Lelibito lisho kutsi: “Utfunyiwe”.) Lendvodza yavele yahamba yayawugeza, yabuya seyibona. Ngako bomakhelwane bayo kanye nebantfu nje lababeyibona ihleti icela kuphiwa, babutana batsi: “Lendvodza akusiyo yini lena beyihlalela kucela kuphiwa?” Labanye batsi: “Ngiyo.” Labanye batsi: “Cha, akusiyo, kodvwa ufanana nayo.” Yena watsi: “Nginguye.” Bambuta batsi: “Pho, emehlo akho avuleke kanjani?” Wabaphendvula watsi: “Lomuntfu lokutsiwa nguJesu, wente ludzaka walunindza emehlweni ami, wase utsi kimi: ‘Hamba uyewugeza eSilowama!’ Ngako-ke ngaya, ngageza, ngase ngiyabona.” Bambuta batsi: “Uphi yena?” Watsi: “Angimati.” Base bayimikisa kubaFarisi lendvodza lebeyiyimphumphutse. BekuliSabatha mhlazana Jesu enta loludzaka, avula emehlo alemphumphutse. BaFarisi-ke bayibuta futsi lendvodza kutsi emehlo ayo avuleke kanjani. Yabatjela yatsi: “Unindze ngeludzaka emehlweni ami, ngageza, ngase ngiyabona.” Labanye baFarisi batsi: “Lomuntfu lowente loku akaphumi khona kuNkulunkulu, ngobe naku akawuhloniphi umtsetfo weliSabatha.” Labanye batsi: “Umuntfu losoni angatenta kanjani tibonakaliso letinje?” Kwaba khona kwehlukana emkhatsini wabo. Ngako baFarisi baphindza bayibuta lendvodza batsi: “Wena utsini ngaye, njengaloku avule emehlo akho nje?” Yona yaphendvula yatsi: “Ungumphrofethi.” Noko emaJuda akazange ayikholwe kutsi beyiyimphumphutse, nekutsi seyitfole kubona. Badzimate babita batali bayo. Bababuta batsi: “Lena yindvodzana yenu yini? Nisho kutsi seloku yatalwa beyingaboni? Pho, seyibona kanjani nyalo?” Batali bayo baphendvula batsi: “Siyati kutsi lona uyindvodzana yetfu, nekutsi watalwa ayimphumphutse. Kepha kutsi sewubona njani nyalo, nekutsi ngubani lovule emehlo akhe, asati. Butani yena, sewukhulile utatiphendvulela.” Batali bakhe bakusho loko ngobe bebesaba emaJuda. Phela abesavumelene ngekutsi lotawufakaza kutsi Jesu unguKhristu, abeyawuncunywa esinagogeni. Ngiko nje batali bakhe batsi: “Sewukhulile. Butani yena.” Baphindza futsi kwesibili bayibita lendvodza lebeyiyimphumphutse batsi kuyo: “Ase unike Nkulunkulu ludvumo, ukhulume liciniso. Tsine siyati kutsi lomuntfu lona usoni.” Yona yatsi: “Kwekutsi usoni nome akasiso, angikwati; kepha kunye lengikwatiko, kutsi mine bengiyimphumphutse, kodvwa nyalo sengiyabona.” Batsi kuye: “Wente njani kuwe? Uwavule njani emehlo akho?” Yaphendvula yatsi: “Kadze nginitjela solomane ningeva. Nifunelani kuphindze nive? Niyafuna yini nani kuba bafundzi bakhe?” Bametfuka batsi: “Nguwe umfundzi wakhe. Tsine sibafundzi baMosi. Siyati kutsi Nkulunkulu wakhuluma kuMosi, kepha lona asimati nekutsi uphumaphi.” Lendvodza yaphendvula yatsi: “Simangaliso-ke lesi, nine anati kutsi uphumaphi! Ingani emehlo ami uwavulile! Siyati kutsi Nkulunkulu akativa toni; kodvwa nangabe umuntfu amesaba Nkulunkulu, ente intsandvo yakhe, lowo uyamuva. Seloku kwadalwa umhlaba, akuzange sekuvakale kutsi ukhona lowake wavula emehlo emuntfu lowatalwa ayimphumphutse. Kube lomuntfu abengaveli kuNkulunkulu, abengeke ente lutfo.” Bayiphendvula batsi: “Wena watalelwa esonweni; wena futsi sewufundzisa tsine?” Base bayincuma esinagogeni labo. Jesu weva kutsi bayincumile. Wahlangana nayo watsi kuyo: “Uyakholwa yini eNdvodzaneni yeMuntfu?” Yaphendvula yatsi: “Nkhosi, ngitjele kutsi ingubani, kuze ngitewukholwa kuyo.” Jesu watsi kuyo: “Sewuyibonile, ngiyo lena lokhuluma nayo.” Lendvodza yaguca embikwaJesu, yatsi: “Nkhosi, ngiyakholwa.” Jesu watsi: “Mine ngitele kwehlulela kulelive, kuze labangaboni babone, nalababonako babe timphumphutse.” Labo baFarisi lababelapho bamuva nakasho njalo, batsi kuye: “Pho, tsine sitimphumphutse yini?” Jesu watsi kubo: “Kube benitimphumphutse, ngabe nite sono, kepha ngobe nitsi: ‘Siyabona,’ licala lenu lisanihlalele.” “Ngicinisile, ngicinisile, ngitsi kini: Longangeni ngelisango esibayeni setimvu kodvwa asuke afohle, ekhwele kulenye indzawo, ulisela nemphangi. Kepha longena ngelisango ungumelusi wetimvu. Umgadzi welisango uyamvulela lowo, netimvu tiyaliva livi lakhe. Takhe timvu utibita ngemabito ato atiholele ngephandle. Nasaphume nato tonkhe utihola embili, tona timlandzele ngemuva, ngobe tiyalati livi lakhe. Ngeke timlandzele lomunye umuntfu, kodvwa tiyawumbalekela; ngobe atiwati emavi ebafokati.” Jesu wabatjela lomfanekiso, kodvwa bona abazange beve kahle kutsi kuyini loku labekukhuluma kubo. Ngako Jesu waphindza watsi kubo: “Ngicinisile, ngicinisile, ngitsi kini: Mine ngilisango letimvu. Bonkhe labefika kucala kunami bangemasela nebaphangi; kodvwa timvu atizange setibalalele. Mine ngilisango, umuntfu nakangena ngami uyawusindziswa; uyawungena, aphume, akhandze lidlelo. Lisela litela kweba, nekubulala, nekubhubhisa. Mine ngitele kwekutsi bantfu babe nekuphila; babe nako kuphuphume. “Mine ngingumelusi lolungile. Umelusi lolungile udzela kuphila kwakhe ngenca yetimvu. Umuntfu locashiwe, longesiye umelusi wetimvu, naletimvu kungesito takhe, nakabona imphisi ita, ushiya letimvu, abaleke, imphisi itisukele itihlakate. Ngobe phela lomuntfu ucashiwe, ngako akatinakekeli letimvu. Mine ngingumelusi lolungile, ngiyatati timvu tami, nato futsi tiyangati. Njengobe naBabe uyangati, nami ngiyamati, ngidzela kuphila kwami ngenca yetimvu. Nginaletinye timvu letingesito noko takulesibaya, nato futsi kufanele ngitiletse, titakuliva livi lami. Titawuba mhlambi munye tonkhe nemelusi munye. “Ngaloko-ke Babe uyangitsandza, ngobe ngidzela kuphila kwami khona ngitawubuya ngikutsatse futsi. Kute longangemuka kuphila kwami. Ngikubeka phansi mine ngekwami. Nginawo emandla ekukubeka phansi, newekuphindze ngikutsatse futsi. Nguloko lengikutfunywe nguBabe kutsi ngikwente.” Kwaphindze kwaba khona kwehlukana futsi emkhatsini wemaJuda ngalamavi akhe. Lamanyenti awo atsi: “Unelidimoni! Uyahlanya! Nine nimlalelelani?” Kodvwa labanye babo batsi: “Lamavi akusiwo emavi emuntfu lonelidimoni. Lidimoni lingawavula yini emehlo emphumphutse?” Kwase kufika sikhatsi sekugubha uMkhosi Wekuhlanjululwa kweliThempeli eJerusalema, bekungusebusika. Jesu abehamba eMhubheni waSolomoni ethempelini. Ase ayamkaka emaJuda atsi: “Kutawudzimate kube ngunini solomane usibambelela wena, ulibatisa tinhlitiyo tetfu? Nangabe unguKhristu sitjele ngalokuvakalako.” Jesu wawaphendvula watsi: “Nganitjela, kodvwa anizange senikholwe. Imisebenti lengiyenta egameni laBabe, ngiyo lengifakazelako. Kodvwa nine anikholwa, ngobe vele anisibo betimvu tami. Timvu tami tiyaliva livi lami, nami ngiyatati; tiyangilandzela. Ngitinika kuphila lokuphakadze, futsi tingeke tisabhubha naphakadze, kute nalongatihlwitsa esandleni sami. Babe longinike tona mkhulu kunabo bonkhe; kute longatitsatsa esandleni saBabe. Mine naBabe simunye.” EmaJuda aphindza atsatsa ematje afuna kumgcoba ngawo. Jesu wawaphendvula watsi: “Minyenti imisebenti lengiyente embikwenu lengiyinikwe nguBabe. Ngumuphi-ke lona lenifuna kungigcobela wona ngalamatje?” EmaJuda amphendvula atsi: “Kute umsebenti lomuhle lesifuna kukugcobela wona, kuphela nje kutsi wena uyahlambalata; ungatsi kantsi ungumuntfu nje nawe, ube sewutenta Nkulunkulu!” Jesu wawaphendvula watsi: “Akukabhalwa yini emtsetfweni wenu kutsi: ‘Ngitsite nibonkulunkulu’? Wababita ngekutsi bonkulunkulu labo babenelivi laNkulunkulu, umBhalo ungeke uguculwe. Mine ngingulowehlukaniselwe Babe, ngitfunywe nguye emhlabeni. Ningigwebelani ngekuhlambalata ngobe ngitsite: ‘NgiyiNdvodzana yaNkulunkulu’? Nangabe angenti yona imisebenti yaBabe ningabongikholwa. Kodvwa nangabe ngenta yona, nome ngabe anikholwa kimi, kholwani ngulemisebenti lengiyentako, kuze nitekwati, nihlale nati kutsi Babe uhlala kimi, nami ngihlala kuye.” Aphindza futsi afuna kumbamba, kodvwa waphunyula etandleni tawo. Jesu waphindze wancandzeka futsi, wahamba wewelela ngesheya kweJordane, lapho acala khona Johane kubhabhatisa, wefike wahlala khona. Bantfu labanyenti beta kuye batsi: “Ngempela Johane akazange asente nasinye sibonakaliso, kepha konkhe Johane lakusho ngalomuntfu kuliciniso.” Bantfu labanyenti lababekhona bakholwa kuye. Bekukhona indvodza lebeyigula, libito layo kunguLazaro. BeyiyaseBhetani, lidolobha lekhaboMariya nadzadzewabo, Mata. LoMariya bekungulona lowagcobisa tinyawo teNkhosi ngemakha watesula ngetinwele takhe. LoLazaro labegula-ke bekungumnakabo. Bodzadzewabo base batfumela umlayeto kuJesu batsi: “Nkhosi, umngani wakho lomtsandzako uyagula.” Jesu nakakuva loko, watsi: “Lokugula akusiko kwekufa, kepha kungenca yenkhatimulo yaNkulunkulu, kuze iNdvodzana yaNkulunkulu idvunyiswe ngako.” Jesu abebatsandza boMata nadzadzewabo kanye naLazaro. Ngako-ke watsi kube eve kutsi uyagula, wachubeka wahlala emalanga lamabili lapho abekhona. Emvakwaloko watsi kubafundzi bakhe: “Asibuyele eJudiya.” Bafundzi bakhe batsi: “Mfundzisi, khona nyalo emaJuda abesandza kufuna kukugcoba ngematje, kepha wena usafuna kubuyela khona nanyalo?” Jesu watsi kubo: “Angitsi lilanga liyaphuma libuye lishone? Umuntfu nakahamba emini akakhutjwa, ngobe ukhanyiselwa ngulokukhanya kwalapha emhlabeni. Kepha nakahamba ebusuku, uyakhutjwa, ngobe kute kukhanya kuye.” Emvakwekusho njalo Jesu wachubeka watsi kubo: “Lazaro, sihlobo setfu, sewulele, kodvwa ngitakuya ngiyemvusa.” Bafundzi bamphendvula batsi: “Nkhosi, nangabe ulele, utawusindza.” Kepha Jesu abesho kutsi Lazaro sewufile; bona-ke bacabanga kutsi ulele butfongo. Ngako Jesu wabatjela kahle kamhlophe watsi: “Lazaro sewufile. Ngiyanitfokotela kwati kutsi bengingekho kuye, kuze nikholwe; kepha asambeni siye kuye.” Tomase, labebitwa ngekutsi liPhahla, watsi kulaba labanye bafundzi: “Natsi asihambe kanye naye, kuze sitewufa kanye naye.” Nakefika Jesu, wakhandza kutsi sekuphele emalanga lamane Lazaro angcwatjiwe. IBhetani beyisedvutane neJerusalema; kungaba ngemakhilometha lamatsatfu kusuka eJerusalema uye eBhetani. EmaJuda lamanyenti abesetile kutawulilela boMata naMariya ngalokufa kwemnakabo. Ngako Mata asevile kutsi Jesu uyeta, wahamba wayawumhlangabeta, kepha Mariya wasala afukeme. Mata wakhuluma kuJesu watsi: “Nkhosi, kube mane bewukhona, ngabe umnaketfu akafi. Kepha ngiyati kutsi nanyalo Nkulunkulu angakunika nobe yini longayicela kuye.” Jesu watsi kuye: “Umnakenu utawuvuka aphile.” Mata watsi kuye: “Ngiyati kutsi uyawuvuka aphile, nase kuvukwa ngemhla wekuphela.” Jesu watsi kuye: “Mine ngikuvuka nekuphila, lokholwa ngimi, nome angafa, uyawuphila. Lowo lophila akholwe ngimi, angeke afe naphakadze. Uyakukholwa loku?” Waphendvula watsi: “Yebo, Nkhosi, ngiyakholwa kutsi wena unguKhristu, iNdvodzana yaNkulunkulu, labetakuta emhlabeni.” Watsi kube asho njalo Mata, wahamba wayawubita Mariya ngasense watsi: “Sheshisa, uMfundzisi sewukhona, uyakubita.” Nakakuva loko Mariya, wasukumela etulu waya kuye. Jesu abesengakefiki kulowo muti, kodvwa abesakuleyo ndzawo lapho abehlangabetwe nguMata khona. LamaJuda abefukeme kanye naMariya amlilela, amlandzela, nakambona asukuma aphuma ngekushesha; abecabanga kutsi uyawukhala ethuneni. Mariya nakefika lapho bekunaJesu khona, wambona, watilahla phansi etinyaweni takhe watsi: “Nkhosi, kube mane bewukhona, ngabe umnaketfu akafi.” Ngako Jesu nakambona akhala, nalamaJuda labefike naye akhala, wabibitseka, wadzabuka kakhulu. Wababuta watsi: “Nimbekephi?” Batsi kuye: “Nkhosi, kota utewubona.” Jesu wakhala tinyembeti. Ngako emaJuda atsi: “Ase nibheke kutsi abemtsandza kangakanani!” Kodvwa labanye batsi: “Utsi kambe lona lowavula emehlo emuntfu labeyimphumphutse, abengeke akwenta yini kutsi amvimbe angafi lomufi?” Ngako Jesu waphindze wabibitseka, wahamba waze wefika ethuneni. Belingumhume nje limbonywe ngelitje emnyango. Jesu watsi: “Susani lelitje.” Mata, dzadzewabomufi, watsi: “Nkhosi, kutawunuka, ngobe sekwendlule emalanga lamane angcwatjiwe!” Jesu watsi kuye: “Angikakutjeli yini kutsi nawukholwa utawubona inkhatimulo yaNkulunkulu?” Base bayalisusa-ke lelitje. Jesu wabuka etulu watsi: “Ngiyabonga, Babe, ngobe ungivile. Bengati mine kutsi uyangiva ngawo onkhe emalanga, kepha loko ngikukhulume ngenca yalabantfu labalapha, khona batekwati kutsi ngitfunywe nguwe.” Asakushito loko, wamemeta ngelivi lelikhulu watsi: “Lazaro! Phuma!” Umufi waphuma aboshwe tandla netinyawo ngetindvwangu, buso bakhe bumbonywe ngeliduku. EmaJuda lamanyenti labevakashele Mariya ambona Jesu nakwenta loko, ase ayakholwa kuye. Kodvwa labanye babo besuka baya kubaFarisi, bafike babatjela ngako konkhe lakwentile Jesu. Ngako baFarisi nebaphristi labakhulu bahlangana neLiqoqo batsi: “Senta njani? Lomuntfu wenta tibonakaliso letinyenti. Nasimyekela achubeka ngalendlela, bonkhe bantfu batawukholwa kuye. EmaRoma atawufika abhidlite lendzawo atfumbe nesive sakitsi.” Lomunye wabo labenguKhayafase angumPhristi Lomkhulu ngalowo mnyaka watsi kubo: “Anati lutfo nine! Aniboni kutsi kunilungele kutsi kufe munye umuntfu, afele bantfu, kuze kutsi kungabhubhi sive sonkhe.” Empeleni loko wakusho angatikhulumeli yena. Kepha njengemPhristi Lomkhulu ngalowo mnyaka waphrofetha kutsi Jesu abetawufela sive; kungesiso sive kuphela, kepha kuze atekubutsela ndzawonye bantfwana baNkulunkulu, labasakateke nemhlaba wonkhe, babe munye. Kusukela ngalelo langa tiphatsimandla temaJuda tenta emasu ekubulala Jesu. Ngako-ke Jesu akabange asahamba ebaleni emkhatsini wemaJuda, kodvwa wesuka lapho, wahamba waya endzaweni lesedvute nelihlane, emtini lobitwa ngekutsi yi-Efrayimu, wayawutihlalela khona nebafundzi bakhe. Umkhosi wemaJuda weliPhasika bese usedvute. Bantfu labanyenti lababephuma emaphandleni, bakhuphukela eJerusalema, liPhasika lingakacali, bentela kutetihlambulula. Babefuna Jesu, nasebahlangene ethempelini, babutana bodvwana batsi: “Nisho kutsi kambe aketi kulomkhosi?” Baphristi labakhulu nebaFarisi base bakhipha simemetelo sekutsi nakukhona lowatiko lapho akhona Jesu, abobabikela, kuze batembamba. Kwatsi sekusele emalanga lasitfupha kufike lilanga leliPhasika, wefika Jesu eBhetani, lapho bekunaLazaro khona, lona lamvusa kulabafile. Base bamentela kudla khona lapho. Mata abephakela kudla, Lazaro angulomunye walababedla naJesu. Mariya watsatsa emakha labedule kakhulu, entiwe ngenadi; abengaba nesisindvo semagremu langema-340, wagcobisa tinyawo taJesu, wabuye watesula ngetinwele takhe. Liphunga lelimnandzi lalamakha latsaphuka nayo yonkhe lendlu. Kepha Judasi Skariyothi, lomunye webafundzi bakhe, lona labetamtsengisa, watsi: “Yini lamakha angakatsengiswa ngemaLangeni langema-300, kwaphiwa labamphofu lemali?” Abesho loku, hhayi ngobe abevelana netimphuya kodvwa ngobe abelisela, angumgcinisikhwama, eba loko bekufakwa esikhwameni. Kodvwa Jesu watsi: “Myekele, kuze atekuwalondvolotela lilanga lami lekungcwatjwa. Labamphofu nihlala nabo ngaso sonkhe sikhatsi, kepha mine anihlali nami sonkhe sikhatsi.” Sicumbi lesikhulu semaJuda seva kutsi Jesu abeseBhetani; ngako-ke seta kuye, hhayi ngobe sasifuna kubona Jesu kuphela, kepha sasifuna kubona naLazaro labemvuse kulabafile. Kepha baphristi labakhulu benta emacebo ekubulala naLazaro; ngobe ngenca yekuvuswa kwakhe emaJuda lamanyenti abesabahlubukile akholwa kuJesu. Ngelilanga lelilandzelako bantfu labanyenti babete eMkhosini weliPhasika, beva kutsi Jesu uyeta eJerusalema. Batsatsa emagala etihlahla telisundvu, baya bamhlangabeta, bamemeta batsi: “Hosana! Ubusisiwe lotako egameni leNkhosi! Yebo, uyiNkhosi yaka-Israyeli!” Jesu wakhandza litfole lembongolo, waligibela, njengekusho kwemBhalo lotsi: “Ungesabi, Ndvodzakati yaseSiyoni, bheka iNkhosi yakho seyiyeta, igibele litfole lembongolo.” Bafundzi bakhe abazange bakucondzisise loko ngaleso sikhatsi, kodvwa kwatsi Jesu nasakhatimulisiwe, bakhumbula kutsi loko kwakubhaliwe ngaye nekutsi loko babekwentile kuye. Besifakazile leso sicuku lesasinaye ngesikhatsi abita Lazaro, kutsi akaphume ethuneni, amvusa kulabafile. Ngiko nje sicuku seta samhlangabeta, ngobe sase sivile kutsi Jesu wente lesibonakaliso. Ngako baFarisi bakhuluma bodvwana batsi: “Niyabona yini kutsi shangatsi asenti lutfo; live lonkhe liyamlandzela lomuntfu!” Bekukhona nemaGriki latsite emkhatsini walabo lababetewudvumisa kulowo mkhosi. Wona-ke aya kuFiliphu waseBhethsayida laseGalile, afike atsi kuye: “Nkhosi, sicela kubona Jesu.” Filiphu wahamba wayawutjela Andreya, base baya bobabili kuyawutjela Jesu. Jesu wabaphendvula watsi: “Sesifikile sikhatsi sekutsi iNdvodzana yeMuntfu ikhatimuliswe. Ngicinisile, ngicinisile, ngitsi kini: Inhlanyelo yakolo nayiwela emhlabatsini ingete yafa, ihlala iyodvwa; kepha nayifa, itsela titselo letinyenti. Lowo lotsandza kuphila kwakhe, uyawulahlekelwa ngiko; nalowo lotondza kuphila kwakhe kulelive, uyawukulondvolotela kuphila lokuphakadze. Lowo losikhonti sami akangilandzele, lapho ngikhona khona mine nesisebenti sami siyawuba khona. Losikhonti sami uyawutuswa nguBabe.” “Manje inhlitiyo yami ilusizi. Ngitawutsini nje? Ngitsi: ‘Babe, ngisindzise kulomzuzu’? Cha, phela lapha emhlabeni ngetela lomzuzu. Babe, dvumisa ligama lakho.” Kusenjalo kwefika livi livela ezulwini litsi: “Sengilidvumisile, ngisetalidvumisa futsi.” Bantfu lababeme lapho baliva lelivi bacabanga batsi: “Belidvuma.” Labanye batsi: “Ingilosi ikhulume kuye.” Kodvwa Jesu watsi kubo: “Lelivi alikakhulumi ngenca yami kodvwa ngenca yenu. Manje sesikhatsi sekwehlulelwa kwalelive, nembusi walelive sewutawucitfwa. Mine nase ngiphakanyisiwe emhlabeni, bonkhe bantfu ngitabadvonsa bete kimi.” Loko-ke wakusho akhombisa indlela labetawufa ngayo. Lesicumbi samphendvula satsi: “Sivile emtsetfweni kutsi Khristu uyawuphila kuze kube phakadze. Kepha wena usho kanjani kutsi iNdvodzana yeMuntfu itawuphakanyiswa? Ngubani yona leNdvodzana yeMuntfu?” Jesu wabaphendvula watsi: “Kukhanya kusetawuba nani kwesikhashana nje. Ngako hambani kusenekukhanya, kuze ningetikwehlelwa bumnyama, ngobe lohamba ebumnyameni akaboni lapho aya khona. Kholwani kukhanya nisenako, kuze nitewuba bantfwana bekukhanya.” Jesu watsi kube acedze lenkhulumo, wesuka kubo watifihla. Kepha nome abetentile tibonakaliso letinyenti kangako embikwabo, abazange bakholwe kuye, kuze kugcwaliseke livi la-Isaya umphrofethi lelitsi: “Nkhosi, ngubani lowakholwa ngumbiko wetfu? Yembulwa kubani ingalo yeNkhosi?” Ngako-ke abazange bakholwe, ngobe Isaya waphindze watsi: “Nkulunkulu sewuphumphutsekise emehlo abo, netingcondvo tabo sewutivalile, kuze emehlo abo angaboni, netingcondvo tabo tingacondzisisi, bangabe baseta kimi, kuze ngitebaphilisa, kusho iNkhosi.” Isaya wakusho loko ngobe wabona inkhatimulo yeNkhosi, wase ukhuluma ngayo. Noko-ke labanyenti ngisho nakutiphatsimandla bakholwa kuJesu, kodvwa ngenca yekwesaba baFarisi abazange bafakaze ngako, ngobe bebangahle bancunywe esinagogeni. Babetsandza kakhulu kudvunyiswa bantfu kunekudvunyiswa nguNkulunkulu. Jesu wakhuluma ngelivi lelikhulu watsi: “Lowo lokholwa ngimi, akakholwa ngimi kodvwa ukholwa ngulowo longitfumile. Lowo lobona mine, ubona lowo longitfumile. Ngite ngikukhanya emhlabeni, kuze kutsi wonkhe lokholwa ngimi angahlali ebumnyameni. Umuntfu nakaweva emavi ami kepha angete awenta, angimehluleli; ngobe angiketeli kutakwehlulela live, kodvwa ngitele kutewulisindzisa. Longalako, angawemukeli emavi ami, unemehluleli; livi lengilikhulumile liyawuba ngumehluleli wakhe ngemhla wekuphela. Ngobe mine angikatikhulumeli ngekwami, kodvwa Babe, lokunguyena angitfumile, nguye longinike imiyalo yekutsi ngifanele ngitsini, ngikhulumeni. Ngiyati kutsi imiyalo yakhe ikuphila lokuphakadze. Ngako-ke loko lengikushoko, ngikusho njengobe Babe angitjelile.” Kwatsi sekutakusa kube lilanga lelilandzelwa nguMkhosi weliPhasika, Jesu ati kutsi sikhatsi sakhe sesifikile sekutsi awushiye lomhlaba aye kuYise, njengobe abebatsandzile bakhe emhlabeni, wabatsandza kwaze kwaba ngusekugcineni. Sathane abesakufake enhlitiyweni yaJudasi, umsa waSimoni Skariyothi, kutsi atsengise ngaJesu. Kwatsi nasekudliwa entsambama, Jesu ati kutsi uYise abesanikele konkhe etandleni takhe, nekutsi abephuma kuNkulunkulu, futsi aya kuNkulunkulu, wasukuma etafuleni wakhumula ingubo yakhe, wabopha lithawula elukhalweni lwakhe. Watsela emanti emgezelweni, wacala kugeza tinyawo tebafundzi bakhe, watesula ngelithawula labelivunule elukhalweni. Wefika kuSimoni Phetro, yena watsi kuJesu: “Nkhosi, wena utawugeza tinyawo tami?” Jesu wamphendvula watsi: “Kwanyalo awukakwati loku lengikwentako, kodvwa emvakwaloko utakwati.” Phetro watsi kuye: “Nkhosi, ungeke ugeze tinyawo tami nekadzeni.” Jesu wamphendvula watsi: “Nangingatigezi tinyawo takho, ute budlelwane nami.” Simoni Phetro watsi kuye: “Nkhosi, akungabi tinyawo todvwa; ngigeze netandla nenhloko.” Jesu watsi: “Lowo logezile akadzingi lutfo lolunye kuphela kugezwa tinyawo. Kepha ugezekile wonkhe. Nine-ke senigezekile, kodvwa hhayi nonkhe.” Ngobe abati kutsi ngubani labetamtsengisa. Ngiko nje atsi: “Anikagezeki nonkhe.” Nasacedzile kubageza tinyawo, wabuye watsatsa ingubo yakhe wembatsa wabuyela endzaweni yakhe wahlala phansi. Wababuta watsi: “Niyakwati yini loku lengikwentile? Ningibita ngeMfundzisi neNkhosi, nenta kahle, ngobe vele nginguko. Nangabe-ke mine lengiyiNkhosi yenu neMfundzisi wenu, nginigeza tinyawo, nani-ke kufanele nigezane tinyawo. Ngobe nginentele sibonelo, kuze nani nente njengobe nami ngentile kini. Ngicinisile, ngicinisile, ngitsi kini: Sisebenti asisikhulu kunemcashi waso, nalowo lotfunyiwe akamkhulu kunalowo lamtfumile. Nanitati-ke letintfo futsi nitenta, nibusisiwe. “Angikhulumi ngani nonkhe; ngiyabati labo lengibakhetsile. Kodvwa kufanele kugcwaliseke umBhalo lotsi: ‘Lowo lodla sinkhwa sami, sewungigucukele, waphambana nami.’ Nginitjela loku nyalo kusengakenteki, kuze kutsi nase kwenteka nikholwe kutsi ‘Nginguye leNginguye.’ Ngicinisile, ngicinisile, ngitsi kini: Lowo lowemukela nome ngubani lengimtfumile, wemukela mine; nalowo lowemukela mine, wemukela lowo longitfumile.” Jesu asakushito loku, wakhatsateka kakhulu emoyeni wakhe, wadzimate waphumisela watsi: “Ngicinisile, ngicinisile, ngitsi kini: Lomunye emkhatsini wenu utangitsengisa.” Bafundzi babukana bodvwana badzidzekile kutsi ingabe ukhuluma ngabani. Lomunye webafundzi labetsandvwa nguJesu abehleti edvute naye. Ngako Simoni Phetro wamkhweba watsi: “Sitjele kutsi ngubani lona lakhuluma ngaye.” Ngako-ke lomfundzi labehleti edvute naJesu watsi: “Nkhosi, ngubani lowo?” Jesu wamphendvula watsi: “Ngulowo lengitamenyela lucetu lwesinkhwa ngimnike.” Ngako-ke watsatsa lucetu lwesinkhwa, walwenya, walunika Judasi, umsa waSimoni Skariyothi. Emvakwalolo lucetu, Sathane wase ungena kuJudasi. Jesu watsi kuye: “Loko lohlose kukwenta kwente masinyane.” Kute kulaba lababesetafuleni lowati kutsi usho kutsini Jesu, nakasho njalo kuye. Labanye bacabanga kutsi njengobe Judasi abengumphatsisikhwama, Jesu abetsi kuye akayewutsenga loko lababetakudzinga emkhosini, nome aphe timphuya lokutsite. Judasi watsi kube alwemukele lolucetu lwesinkhwa, waphuma ngekushesha. Bekungusebusuku. Ngako-ke asaphumile Judasi, Jesu watsi: “Manje iNdvodzana yeMuntfu ikhatimulisiwe, naNkulunkulu ukhatimulisiwe kuyo. Nkulunkulu nakakhatimulisiwe kuyo, naye iNdvodzana yeMuntfu uyawuyikhatimulisa kuye; loko akwente masinyane. Bantfwabami, ngisetawuba nani sikhashana. Nitangifuna, kodvwa njengaloku ngasho nakumaJuda nakini ngiyasho ngitsi: Lapho ngiya khona ningeke nine nikhone kuta. Ngininika umyalo lomusha wekutsi: Njengobe nami nginitsandzile, nani tsandzanani. Nanitsandzanako, bonkhe bantfu bayawunati kutsi nibafundzi bami.” Simoni Phetro wambuta watsi: “Nkhosi, uyaphi?” Jesu wamphendvula watsi: “Kwamanje ungeke ungilandzele lapho ngiya khona, kodvwa uyawungilandzela kamuva.” Phetro watsi: “Nkhosi, kwanyalo kwalani kutsi ngikulandzele? Ngikulungele nekufa ngenca yakho!” Jesu wamphendvula watsi: “Usho kutsi wena ukulungele nekufa ngenca yami? Ngicinisile, ngicinisile, ngitsi kuwe: Lichudze litawutsi likhala, wena utawube sewungiphike katsatfu.” “Inhlitiyo yenu ingakhatsateki, kholwani nguNkulunkulu nikholwe nangimi. Ekhaya laBabe kunetindlu letinyenti; ngisaya kunilungisela indzawo. Ngabe anginitjeli loko kube akunjalo. Nase ngiyile nganilungisela indzawo, ngiyawubuya nginilandze, nite kimi, kuze kutsi lapho ngikhona nibe khona nani. Niyayati indlela leya lapho ngiya khona.” Tomase watsi kuye: “Nkhosi, asati lapho uya khona. Indlela singayati njani?” Jesu watsi kuye: “Mine ngiyindlela, neliciniso, nekuphila. Kute longeta kuBabe nakangeti ngami. “Kube beningati mine ngabe niyamati naBabe. Kepha kusukela manje niyamati, nimbonile.” Filiphu watsi kuye: “Nkhosi, sibonise uYihlo, sitakweneliseka.” Jesu watsi kuye: “Senginesikhatsi lesidze nginani, kodvwa nanyalo awukangati, Filiphu? Lowo losabone mine, umbonile naBabe. Usho kanjani kutsi: ‘Sibonise uYihlo’? Filiphu, awukholwa yini kutsi ngikuBabe, naBabe ukimi? Lamavi lengiwakhulume kini, angitikhulumeli mine, kodvwa Babe lohlala kimi nguye lowenta umsebenti wakhe ngami. Ngikholweni kutsi ngikuBabe, naBabe ukimi. Nakungenjalo ngikholweni ngenca yalemisebenti. “Ngicinisile, ngicinisile, ngitsi kini: Lowo lokholwa ngimi uyawuyenta lemisebenti lengiyentako; yebo, uyakwenta nalengetulu kwalena, ngobe mine ngiya kuBabe. Ngiyakwenta nome ngabe yini leniyicelako egameni lami, kuze inkhatimulo yaBabe ibonakaliswe eNdvodzaneni. Nanicela nome yini kimi egameni lami, ngiyawunentela yona.” “Naningitsandza, nitawugcina imiyalo yami. Ngiyawucela kuBabe kutsi aniphe lomunye uMdvudvuti kutsi abe kanye nani kuze kube phakadze, yena unguMoya weliciniso, live lelingeke limemukele, ngobe lingamboni futsi lingamati. Kodvwa nine niyamati, ngobe uhlala nani, futsi uyawuhlala kini. “Ngingeke nginishiye nitintsandzane, ngitawubuya ngite kini. Kodvwa sekusele sikhashana live lingabe lisangibona, noko nine niyawungibona, ngobe mine ngiphila, nani futsi niyawuphila. Ngalelo langa nine niyakwati kutsi ngikuBabe nekutsi nine nikimi, njengobe nami ngikini. “Lowo lonemiyalo yami futsi ayigcine, nguye-ke longitsandzako. Lowo lotsandza mine uyawutsandvwa nguBabe, nami ngiyawumtsandza ngitibonakalise kuye.” Judasi, kungesiye Judasi Skariyothi, watsi kuye: “Nkhosi, utatibonakaliselani kitsi? Yini ungatibonakalisi eveni?” Jesu wamphendvula watsi: “Umuntfu nakangitsandza, uyawugcina emavi ami. Babe uyawumtsandza. Tsine-ke naBabe siyawuta kuye, sihlale naye. Umuntfu longangitsandzi mine, akawagcini emavi ami. Lamavi leniwevile akasiwo emavi ami, kodvwa ngaBabe longitfumile. “Letintfo ngitikhulumile kini ngesikhatsi ngisenani. Kepha uMeluleki, Moya Longcwele, Babe latamtfumela egameni lami, utanifundzisa konkhe, anikhumbute konkhe lenginitjele kona. “Nginishiya nekuthula. Lokuthula lenginipha kona akufanani nesipho selive. Tinhlitiyo tenu tingabokhatsateka futsi tingesabi. Ningivile ngitsi kini: ‘Ngiyahamba, kodvwa ngitawubuya ngite kini.’ Kube beningitsandza, ngabe niyajabula kutsi ngiya kuBabe, ngobe Babe mkhulu kunami. Manje senginitjele loku ngaphambili kwekutsi kwenteke, kuze kutsi nakwenteka, nikholwe. Angisenakukhuluma kabanti nani, ngobe nangu umbusi walelive aseta, akanamandla etikwami. Kodvwa konkhe loku kwentekela kutsi live lati kutsi Babe ngiyamtsandza, nekutsi ngenta njengobe yena angiyalile. “Sukumani, sambe!” “Mine ngingumvini longuwo sibili. Babe ungumlimi. Onkhe emagala lakimi langatseli titselo uyawajuba. Onkhe emagala latsela titselo uyawatsena, kuze atewutsela kakhulu. Nine-ke senigezekile ngalelivi lesengilikhulume kini. Hlalani kimi nami kini. Njengobe ligala lingeke likwati kutsela titselo ngekwalo, kuphela nalihleti esicwini, kanjalo-ke nani kuphela nanihlala kimi. “Mine ngingumvini, nine ningemagala. Lowo lohlala kimi nami kuye, uyawutsela titselo letinyenti, ngobe kute leningakwenta ngaphandle kwami. Umuntfu longahlali kimi, uyawulahlwa ngephandle njengeligala, abune, ome, kufike bantfu batfote lamagala bayekuwabasa emlilweni, lapho afike ashe khona. Nanihlala kimi nemavi ami ahlala kini, niyawucela lenikutsandzako, nikuphiwe. Ludvumo lwaBabe lubonakaliswa ngaloko kutsi nitsele titselo letinyenti, nibe bafundzi bami. Njengaloku Babe angitsandzile, nami nginitsandzile. Hlalani elutsandvweni lwami. Nanigcina imiyalo yami, niyawuhlala elutsandvweni lwami, njengobe nami ngigcina imiyalo yaBabe, ngihlala elutsandvweni lwakhe. “Senginitjele konkhe loku, kuze kutsi kujabula kwami kuhlale kini, nekutsi kujabula kwenu kupheleliswe. Nankhu umyalo wami: ‘Tsandzanani, ngengobe nami nginitsandzile.’ Kute umuntfu lonelutsandvo lolukhulu kunalolu kwekutsi adzele kuphila kwakhe ngenca yetihlobo takhe. Nine nitihlobo tami, nanenta loku lenginiyale ngako. Kusukela manje angisete nganibita ngekutsi nitisebenti, ngobe phela sisebenti asati kutsi umphatsi waso wentani. Esikhundleni saloko nginibita ngekutsi nitihlobo tami, ngobe senginitjele konkhe lengikuve kuBabe. Akusini lenangikhetsa, kodvwa ngimi lenganikhetsa nganitfuma kutsi nihambe nitsele titselo letinyenti, leto titselo time futsi, kuze kutsi nobe yini leniyakuyicela kuBabe egameni lami aniphe yona. Ngaloko ngiyaniyala ngitsi: ‘Tsandzanani!’ ” “Nangabe live liyanitondza, nibokhumbula kutsi lacala latondza mine. Kube benibelive, live belitanitsandza. Kodvwa anisibo belive, ngobe nganikhetsa eveni. Ngako-ke live liyanitondza. Khumbulani livi lenganitjela lona kutsi: ‘Kute sisebenti lesikhulu kunemcashi waso.’ Nangabe mine bangihlupha, nani futsi bayawunihlupha; nangabe bawagcina emavi ami, newenu bayakuwagcina. Kodvwa konkhe loku bayawukwenta ngobe nilivuma ligama lami, ngobe futsi bangamati nalona longitfumile. Ngobe bebangeke babe nelicala lekona, kube angikefiki ngakhuluma kubo. Kodvwa nyalo sebate taba ngetono tabo. Umuntfu lotondza mine, utondza naBabe. Kube bengingakenti imisebenti lemikhulu lengazange seyentiwe ngumuntfu emkhatsini wabo, ngabe bate licala lesono, kodvwa manje sebangibonile base batondza naBabe. Kodvwa noko, loko bekufanele kwenteke, kuze kutewugcwaliseka loko lokwabhalwa emtsetfweni wabo kwekutsi: ‘Bangitondza ngaphandle kwesizatfu.’ “Kodvwa nasefikile uMcondzisi, Moya weliciniso, lengiyawumtfumela kini avela kuBabe, yena uyawufakaza ngami; nani futsi nibofakazi bami, ngobe benisolo ninami kusukela ekucaleni. “Loku-ke nginitjelele kutsi ningalahlekelwa kukholwa kwenu. Bayakunincuma emasinagogeni. Yebo, sikhatsi siyeta, lapho bayawunibulala, bacabange kutsi basebentela Nkulunkulu. Bayawukwenta konkhe loku, ngobe bangamati Babe, nami bangangati. Kodvwa nginitjela loku kuze kutsi, nase kufika sikhatsi sekutsi bakwente, nikhumbule kutsi nganitjela ngako.” “Bengisengakanitjeli letintfo ekucaleni, ngobe bengisenani. Manje sengibuyela kulowo lowangitfuma; kodvwa kute lapha emkhatsini wenu longibutako kutsi: ‘Uyaphi?’ Kodvwa njengobe senginitjelile nje, tinhlitiyo tenu setilusizi. Kodvwa noko nginitjela liciniso: Kuncono kini kutsi ngihambe, ngobe nangingahambi, angeke ete kini uMeluleki. Kodvwa nangihamba, ngitamtfumela kini. Nakefika yena, uyawukhanyisela bantfu balelive kutsi yini sono, nekulunga, nekwehlulela: “Sono, kutsi abakakholwa ngimi; kulunga, kutsi mine ngiya kuBabe, ningeke niphindze ningibone; kwehlulela, kutsi umbusi walelive sewehlulelwe. “Ngisenalokunyenti lenginganitjela kona. Kodvwa kwanyalo ningeke nikwati kukwetfwala. Kodvwa Moya weliciniso nakefika, uyawuniholela kulo lonkhe liciniso. Angeke atikhulumele kwakhe, kodvwa uyawukhuluma lakuvako, anitjele nangetintfo letisetakwenteka. Uyawubonakalisa bukhosi bami, njengobe ayawutsatsa loko lengiyawumtjela kona kutsi anitjele. Konkhe lanako Babe kwami, ngiko nje ngitsi: Moya uyakutsatsa loko lengiyakumnika kona anitjele.” “Kusetawuba sikhashana nje ningabe nisangibona; kantsi futsi emvakwesikhashana nitawuphindze ningibone.” Labanye kubafundzi bakhe bakhuluma bodvwa batsi: “Kusho kutsini loko? Usho kutsini nakatsi: ‘Kusetawuba sikhashana nje ningabe nisangibona; kantsi futsi emvakwesikhashana nitawuphindze ningibone,’ nalokutsi: ‘Ngobe kwanyalo ngisaya kuBabe’?” Babutana batsi: “Usho kutsini nakatsi: ‘Sikhashana’? Asati nje tsine kutsi ukhuluma ngani!” Jesu bekati kutsi bafuna kumbuta, ngako-ke watsi kubo: “Senibutana ngaloku lengikushoko yini kwekutsi: ‘Kusetawuba sikhashana nje ningabe nisangibona; kantsi emvakwesikhashana nitawuphindze ningibone futsi’? Ngicinisile, ngicinisile, ngitsi kini: Nitawukhala, nilile, kodvwa live litawujabula. Niyawuba nelusizi, noko lusizi lwenu luyawugucuka lube yinjabulo. Nangabe umfati asatawubeleka, ubaselusizini, ngobe sikhatsi sebuhlungu sesifikile. Kodvwa nasambelekile umntfwana, ubukhohlwa bonkhe lobo buhlungu, ngobe ujatjuliswa kutalwa kwemntfwana. Kunjalo-ke nakini, kwamanje niselusizini, kodvwa ngitawuphindze nginibone futsi, tinhlitiyo tenu tiyawujabula kakhulu. Kute futsi umuntfu loyakunemuka loko kujabula kwenu. “Ngalelo langa aniyiwubuta lutfo kimi. Ngicinisile, ngicinisile, ngitsi kini: Nome ngabe yini leniyicela kuBabe, uyawuninika yona egameni lami. Sekuze ngunyalo anikaceli lutfo egameni lami. Celani nitawuphiwa, kuze kutfokota kwenu kuphelele.” “Tonkhe letintfo senginitjele ngemifanekiso. Siyeta sikhatsi lapho ngingaseyiwukhuluma kini ngemifanekiso, kodvwa ngiyawuvele nginitjele ngaBabe ngalokukhanyako. Ngalelo langa niyawucela ngelibito lami; angisho nekutsi ngiyawunicelela mine kuBabe. Ngobe phela Babe ngekwakhe uyanitsandza, unitsandza ngobe niyangitsandza; futsi senikholiwe nekutsi ngiphuma kuNkulunkulu. Ngaphuma kuBabe ngeta emhlabeni; manje sengiyawushiya futsi lomhlaba, sengibuyela kuBabe.” Bafundzi bakhe batsi kuye: “Buka-ke manje, ngukhona ukhuluma kahle, sekuyacaca nje ngaphandle kwekukhuluma ngemifanekiso! Manje sesiyati-ke kutsi wati konkhe; awudzingi kutsi umuntfu akubute imibuzo. Ngako-ke siyakholwa kutsi uphuma kuNkulunkulu.” Jesu wabaphendvula watsi: “Seniyakholwa kambe nyalo? Siyeta sikhatsi, nanyalo sesifikile, lapho nonkhe nitawusakateka, ngulowo nalowo abuyele ekhaya lakhe. Nitangishiya ngedvwa; kodvwa noko angingedvwa, ngobe Babe unami. Senginitjele loku, kuze nitewuba nekuthula kimi. Eveni niyawuhlupheka nibe nelusizi. Kodvwa manini sibindzi, ngobe mine ngilincobile live.” Jesu watsi kube acedze kukhuluma lamavi, wabheka etulu watsi: “Babe, sikhatsi sesifikile. Khatimulisa iNdvodzana yakho, kuze iNdvodzana itekukhatimulisa. Ngobe uyiphe emandla ngetulu kwabo bonkhe bantfu, kuze itebapha kuphila lokuphakadze bonkhe labo loyiphe bona. Kuphila lokuphakadze nguloku: kutsi bakwati wena, Nkulunkulu longuye yedvwa weliciniso, bamati naJesu Khristu lomtfumile. Babe, ngikudvumisile eveni ngekucedzela umsebenti lowanginika wona kutsi ngiwente. Manje-ke, Babe, ngikhatimulise kuwe ngaleyo nkhatimulo lenganginayo ngisenawe, umhlaba ungakasekelwa. “Ligama lakho ngilatisile kulabo longiphe bona. Babevele babakho, wangipha bona. Baligcinile livi lakho. Manje-ke sebayati kutsi konkhe longinike kona kuphuma kuwe, ngobe ngibanikile lamavi lowanginika wona, nabo bawemukela. Bayati kutsi kuliciniso kutsi ngaphuma kuwe. Bayakholwa futsi kutsi ngitfunywe nguwe. “Ngiyabathandazela, Babe; angithandazeli lona live, kodvwa labo longiphe bona, ngobe babakho. Bonkhe lababami bakho, nabo bonkhe lababakho bami; mine ngidvunyisiwe kubo. Manje mine sengita kuwe; angisekho eveni, kodvwa bona baseseveni. Babe Longcwele, bagcine egameni lakho longiphe lona, kuze nabo babe munye, njengobe wena nami simunye. Ngisesenabo, ngabalondvolota egameni lakho lowangipha lona. Ngabalondvolota, kwabate ngisho namunye emkhatsini wabo lowalahleka, ngaphandle kwalowo labesafanele kulahlwa, kuze kugcwaliseke imiBhalo. “Kodvwa manje sengita kuwe, letintfo ngitikhuluma ngiselapha emhlabeni, khona batewuba nekutfokota lokuphelele etinhlitiyweni tabo. Ngibanikile livi lakho; live labatondza ngobe bangesibo belive, njengobe nami ngingesiye walelive. Angiceli kutsi ubasuse eveni, kodvwa ngicela kutsi ubalondvolote bangatfunjwa nguLomubi. Njengobe nami ngingesiye walelive, nabo abasibo balelive. Tehlukanisele bona ngeliciniso babe bakho, livi lakho liliciniso. Njengobe nawe wangitfumela eveni, nami ngibatfumela eveni. Ngitinikela kuwe ngenca yabo, kuze nabo futsi babe bakho ngeliciniso. “Angithandazeli laba bodvwa, kodvwa ngithandazela nalabo labayawukholwa kimi ngelivi labo. Ngithandazela kutsi babe munye bonkhe, njengaloku wena, Babe, ukimi, nami ngikuwe, kuze kutsi nabo babe kitsi, khona live litawukholwa kutsi ngitfunywe nguwe. Ngibanike kona loko kukhatimula lowanginika kona, kuze babe munye, njengobe tsine nawe simunye; mine ngikubo, nawe ukimi, bapheleliswe ebunyeni, kuze live lati kutsi wangitfuma nekutsi nabo uyabatsandza, njengobe nami wangitsandza. “Babe, ngifisa kutsi labo longiphe bona nabo babe khona lapho nami ngikhona, kuze batewubona inkhatimulo yami lowangipha yona, ngobe wangitsandza, umhlaba ungakasekelwa. Babe lolungile, live alikwati wena, kodvwa mine ngiyakwati; nalaba bayati kutsi ngitfunywe nguwe. Ngibatisile libito lakho, futsi ngisetawuchubeka ngente njalo, kuze kutsi lutsandvo longitsandze ngalo lube khona nakubo, nami ngibe kubo.” Jesu watsi kube acedze kuthandaza, wahamba kanye nebafundzi bakhe, bewelela ngesheya kwemfudlana lokwakutsiwa yiKhidroni. Bekunengadze langena kuyo Jesu kanye nebafundzi bakhe. Judasi, lowamtsengisa, naye bekayati leyo ndzawo. Phela Jesu abevamise kuhlanganela khona nebafundzi bakhe. Ngako-ke Judasi wavele wacondza khona kuleyo ndzawo, ahamba nesicuku lesikhulu semasotja, nalabanye bogadzi belithempeli lababetfunywe baphristi labakhulu bakanye nebaFarisi. Babehlome tikhali, baphetse emalambu netidlwane. Ngako Jesu, akwati konkhe lokwakutamehlela, wasondzela embikwabo watsi: “Nifuna bani?” Bamphendvula batsi: “Jesu waseNazaretha.” Jesu watsi kubo: “Ngimi.” Judasi, lowamtsengisa, bekeme nabo. Kwatsi Jesu nakabaphendvula atsi: “Ngimi,” bakhwesha nyova, baze bawela phansi. Jesu waphindza wababuta watsi: “Kantsi nifuna bani?” Bamphendvula batsi: “Jesu waseNazaretha.” Jesu watsi kubo: “Ingani nginitjelile ngatsi ngimi. Ngako-ke nangabe nifuna mine, bayekeleni bahambe laba!” Loku wakusho kuze kutewugcwaliseka livi labesalikhulumile kuYise lekutsi: “Babe, kute ngisho namunye lowalahleka kulaba lowangipha bona.” Simoni Phetro abenenkemba, wayihoshula wagalela ngayo esigcilini semPhristi Lomkhulu, wasihhumbula indlebe yangesekudla. Libito lalesigcili kwakunguMalkhusi. Jesu watsi kuPhetro: “Buyisela inkemba yakho esikhwameni sayo! Kantsi angisete ngayinatsa yini lendzebe yelusizi lengiyinikwe nguBabe?” Ngako-ke lesicumbi semasotja nendvuna yawo kanye nabogadzi bemaJuda bambamba Jesu bambopha. Kwekucala bammikisa ku-Anasi, ngobe abenguyisetala waKhayafase, labengumPhristi Lomkhulu kulowo mnyaka. Bekunguye, yena loKhayafase, lowayala emaJuda kutsi bekufanele kufe umuntfu munye, afele bonkhe bantfu. Simoni Phetro nalomunye umfundzi babeloku balandzela Jesu. UmPhristi Lomkhulu abemati kahle lona lomunye umfundzi. Ngako-ke wangena naJesu ngekhatsi esibuyeni sendlu yemPhristi Lomkhulu. Phetro yena bekeme ngephandle nje eyeme umnyango. Ngako lomfundzi lomunye labatiwa ngumPhristi Lomkhulu, wancandzeka waphuma wakhuluma nentfombatana leyayingasemnyango ingugonsa, yase iyamngenisa-ke naPhetro. Lentfombatana yabuta Phetro yatsi: “Awusiye yini lomunye webafundzi balomuntfu?” Phetro watsi: “Cha, angisiye.” Kwakumakhata, ngako-ke tisebenti kanye nabogadzi bese babase umlilo wemalahle bawutungeletile botsa, naPhetro wema kanye nabo, wotsa umlilo. UmPhristi Lomkhulu wabuta Jesu ngebafundzi bakhe nangetimfundziso takhe. Jesu wamphendvula watsi: “Ngikhulume ebaleni ngikhuluma nemhlaba wonkhe. Ngato tonkhe tikhatsi bengifundzisa emasinagogeni nasethempelini, lapho kubutsana khona onkhe emaJuda. Angizange sengikhulume lutfo emasitseleni. Manje, ungibutelani-ke? Buta kulabantfu bebangiva. Ubabute kutsi bengibatjela kutsini, ngobe bayakwati konkhe loku bengibafundzisa kona.” Asakhuluma loko Jesu, lomunye wabogadzi labesedvutane naye wammukula ngemphama watsi: “Uphendvula umPhristi Lomkhulu nawusho nje?” Jesu wamphendvula watsi: “Nangikhulume kabi, shano phela kutsi ngitsiteni; kodvwa nangikhulume liciniso, ungishayelani?” Ngako Anasi watfumela Jesu asaboshiwe kuKhayafase, umPhristi Lomkhulu. Phetro abeseloku emile lapho otsa umlilo, base batsi kuye: “Awusiye yini lomunye webalandzeli balomuntfu?” Kodvwa Phetro wakuphika loko watsi: “Cha, angisiye.” Lomunye wetigcili temPhristi Lomkhulu, labesinini salona lowahhunjulwa nguPhetro indlebe, wambuta watsi: “Angikubonanga yini unaye engadzeni?” Waphindza waphika Phetro. Masinyane nje lichudze lakhala. Base bayamtsatsa Jesu ekhaya laKhayafase bamyisa ekwehlulelweni, kwakungusekuseni ngeluvivi. EmaJuda wona akazange angene kuleyondlu, ngobe abentela kutigcina angangcoli ngekwemtsetfo, kuze phela alungele kudla Sidlo seliPhasika. Ngako-ke Philatu waphuma, waya kubo, wababuta watsi: “Cala lini lalentile lomuntfu?” Bamphendvula batsi: “Kube lomuntfu abete licala, ngabe asikamletsi lapha kuwe.” Philatu watsi kubo: “Mtsatseni nine niteke lelo cala lakhe ngekwemtsetfo wenu!” EmaJuda aphendvula atsi: “Site lilungelo lekubulala umuntfu.” Loku kwenteka kuze kutewugcwaliseka livi laJesu lalisho, nakachaza indlela labetawufa ngayo. Philatu wancandzeka wabuyela endlini, wabuta Jesu watsi: “Ye Jesu, wena ungiyo yini inkhosi yemaJuda?” Jesu wamphendvula watsi: “Ngekwakho lombuzo usuka kuwe yini, nome kukhona labakutjele kona ngami?” Philatu waphendvula watsi: “NgingumJuda yini mine? Sive sakini nebaphristi bakini labakhulu labakuletse la kimi. Wenteni wena?” Jesu wamphendvula watsi: “Umbuso wami awusiwo wakulelive. Kube bewuwakulelive, ngabe balandzeli bami bangilwele, kuze ngingetiwuniketwa kumaJuda. Kepha noko umbuso wami awusiwo wakulelive.” Ngako Philatu watsi: “Ngempela ungiyo yini inkhosi?” Jesu waphendvula watsi: “Uyasho wena kutsi ngiyiNkhosi. Mine ngatalelwa kona loko, futsi ngetela kona loko kulomhlaba kuze ngifakazele liciniso. Lowo loweliciniso uyaliva livi lami.” Philatu wabuta watsi: “Yini-ke liciniso?” Emvakwekusho njalo Philatu waphindze waphuma, waya kumaJuda, watsi kuwo: “Angilitfoli licala kulomuntfu. Kodvwa ngelisiko lenu kufanele nginikhululele siboshwa sinye njalo ngeliPhasika. Nginganikhululela yini inkhosi yemaJuda?” Bamphendvula bamemeta batsi: “Hhayi lowo! Sifuna Bharaba!” Bharaba abesigelekece. Philatu-ke wanikela Jesu ekubhanjabulweni. Emasotja eluka umchele lonemanyeva, awugigela enhloko yaJesu, amembatsisa umjiva lobovu webukhosi, amphukuta, eta kuye afike atsi: “Bayethe! Nkhosi yemaJuda!” Ammukula ngetimphama. Philatu waphindze waphuma, wafike watsi kulawo maJuda: “Bukani la, ngimkhiphele kini kuze nitekwati kutsi: Mine angilitfoli licala kulomuntfu.” Ngako-ke Jesu waphuma asatfwele umchele wemanyeva, embetse umjiva lobovu webukhosi. Philatu watsi kubo: “Bukani! Nangu lomuntfu!” Batsi kube bambone baphristi labakhulu nabogadzi, bamemeta batsi: “Mbetsele esiphambanweni! Mbetsele esiphambanweni!” Philatu watsi kubo: “Mtsatseni nine nimbetsele esiphambanweni, mine angilitfoli licala kulomuntfu!” EmaJuda amphendvula atsi: “Tsine sinemtsetfo: Ngalowo mtsetfo lomuntfu kufanele afe, ngobe utenta iNdvodzana yaNkulunkulu.” Philatu nakabeva basho njalo, wesaba kakhulu. Wancandzeka futsi wangena endlini, watsi kuJesu: “Wena uphumaphi?” Kodvwa Jesu akazange amphendvule. Philatu watsi kuye: “Awutikhulumeli kimi? Utsi uyati nje kwekutsi ngimi lenginemandla ekukukhulula newekukubetsela esiphambanweni?” Jesu wamphendvula watsi: “Ngabe kawunamandla etikwami kube bewungakawabelwa ngetulu. Kepha lona longinikele kuwe nguye lonelicala lelikhulu.” Philatu nakayiva lenkhulumo, wafisa kakhulu kumkhulula, kodvwa emaJuda amemeta atsi: “Nawumkhulula lowo muntfu, kusho kutsi awusiso sihlobo saKhesari! Ngobe wonkhe lotenta inkhosi, usitsa saKhesari!” Nakeva loko Philatu, wamkhiphela ngephandle loJesu, wahlala esihlalweni sekwehlulela, endzaweni lekwakutsiwa: Yindzawo Leyilwe Ngematje. (NgesiHebheru yiGabhatha). Lelo langa bekulemalungiselelo eliPhasika. Ngeli-awa leli-12 emini Philatu wakhuluma kumaJuda watsi: “Nanso inkhosi yenu!” Bamemeta kakhulu batsi: “Msuse! Msuse! Mbetsele esiphambanweni!” Philatu wababuta watsi: “Ngibetsele inkhosi yenu esiphambanweni?” Baphristi labakhulu bamphendvula batsi: “Site tsine lenye inkhosi ngaphandle kwaKhesari!” Philatu-ke wase umniketela kubo kutsi bayewumbetsela esiphambanweni. Ngako base bayamtsatsa-ke Jesu. Waphuma etfwele siphambano sakhe, waze wefika endzaweni lekutsiwa yiNdzawo yeSikobho, ngesiHebheru kutsiwa yiGolkotha. Bafike bambetsela esiphambanweni, khona kuleyo ndzawo. Base babetsela lamanye emadvodza lamabili etiphambanweni, lenye ngesekudla nalenye ngesancele, Jesu asemkhatsini wawo. Philathu wabhala satiso lesashayelwa esiphambanweni sitsi: “JESU, WASENAZARETHA, INKHOSI YEMAJUDA.” EmaJuda lamanyenti akufundza loko, ngobe lendzawo labebetselwe kuyo Jesu beyisedvutane kakhulu nelidolobha. Lesatiso sasibhalwe ngelulwimi lwesiHebheru nesiLatini kanye nesiGriki. Baphristi labakhulu bemaJuda batsi kuPhilatu: “Awusikubhala utsi: ‘Inkhosi yemaJuda’; kodvwa tsani: ‘Lendvodza yatsi: “Ngiyinkhosi yemaJuda.” ’ ” Philatu wabaphendvula watsi: “Loko lesengikubhalile, ngikubhalile.” Lamasotja atsi kube ambetsele esiphambanweni, ase atsatsa timphahla takhe, ehlukaniselana ngato ngetigaba letine, lilinye lisotja latfola sinye. Baphindze batsatsa ingubo yakhe leyayentiwe ngendvwangu yinye kusukela etulu kuya phansi, ite umtfungo. Emasotja akhuluma odvwana atsi: “Asingayisiki, kodvwa asente inkatho sitewubona kutsi itawuba yabani.” Loko kwenteka kuze kutewugcwaliseka umBhalo lotsi: “Behlukaniselana ngetimphahla tami, bentelana inkatho ngengubo yami.” Ngako emasotja akwenta loko. Lapha eceleni kwesiphambano saJesu bekume unina wakhe nadzadzewabonina, naMariya umkaKlophase, naMariya waseMagdala. Jesu wabona unina nemfundzi labekamtsandza beme khona lapho, ngako wase utsi kunina: “Make, nanso indvodzana yakho!” Watsi kulomfundzi: “Buka la, nango unyoko!” Kusukela ngaleso sikhatsi lomfundzi watsatsa lonina waJesu wayawuhlala naye ekhaya kakhe. Ngaleso sikhatsi Jesu besati kutsi konkhe sekuphelele, kuze kugcwaliseke umBhalo, watsi: “Ngomile.” Bekunendishi leyayigcwele liwayini lelimunyu, benya khona siponji, basihloma endvukwini yehisophu, bayiphakamisa, bayibeka etindzebeni temlomo wakhe. Watsi kube alemukele leliwayini Jesu, wase utsi: “Kuphelele.” Wagebisa inhloko yakhe, wakhulula umoya wakhe, wafa. EmaJuda ase acela Philatu kutsi awavumele ephule imilente yalamadvodza labebulewe, atewehlisa etiphambanweni. Phela besekunguLesihlanu kungakafaneli kuse kulenga tidvumbu etiphambanweni ngelilanga leliSabatha, ikakhulu ngobe lelo Sabatha bekulilanga lelikhulu. Ngako-ke emasotja afike ephula imilente yendvodza yekucala, neyalena lenye futsi leyayibetselwe kanye naJesu. Kodvwa batsi nabefika kuJesu, babona kutsi sewuvele ufile, ngako-ke bangabe basayephula imilente yakhe. Lomunye wemasotja wagwaza Jesu emhlubulweni, masinyane nje kwageleta emanti nengati. Lona lowakubona loko wafakaza ngako. Siyati futsi kutsi loko labekusho kuliciniso, futsi naye uyati kutsi ukhuluma liciniso, kuze nani nitewukholwa. Ngobe loko kwenteka kuze kugcwaliseke umBhalo lotsi: “Kute nobe linye litsambo lakhe leliyakwephulwa.” Kukhona nalomunye umBhalo lotsi: “Bayawumbuka lowo labamgwaza.” Emvakwaloko Josefa, labewase-Arimathiya, wacela sidvumbu saJesu kuPhilatu. Josefa phela abengumfundzi waJesu, kodvwa abetifihla ngenca yekwesaba emaJuda. Philatu wamvumela, ngako wasitsatsa sidvumbu saJesu. Nikhodemu, lona loweta kutawubonana naJesu ebusuku, wahamba kanye naJosefa. Nikhodemu abephetse emakha, labeyinhlanganisela yemure nenhlaba, labenesisindvo lesasingaba ngemakhilogremu langema-32. Basitsatsa-ke sidvumbu saJesu, basigocotela ngetindvwangu telineni, basifaka nemakha njengelisiko lemaJuda lekungcwaba. Kuleyo ndzawo lapho abebetselwe ngakhona Jesu bekunengadze. Kulengadze bekunelithuna lelisha, lebekungazange sekungcwatjwe umuntfu kulo. Ngako-ke Jesu bamngcwaba kulelithuna lelalisedvute, ngobe kwakulilanga lekulungiselela liSabatha. NgeliSontfo ekuseni ngeluvivi, Mariya waseMagdala wahamba waya ethuneni, wakhandza kutsi litje selisusiwe emnyango welithuna. Masinyane waya kuSimoni Phetro, wamkhandza analomfundzi labetsandvwa nguJesu, wafike wabatjela watsi: “Sebayitsatsile iNkhosi ethuneni; asati kutsi bayibeke kuphi!” Phetro nalomfundzi lomunye besuka, baya ethuneni. Bobabili bagijima, kodvwa lona lomunye umfundzi wagijima kakhulu kunaPhetro, wafika kucala ethuneni. Wagobondzela, wahlola, ekhatsi wabona tindvwangu telineni, noko akangenanga ekhatsi. Emvakwakhe wefika naSimoni Phetro, yena wangena ekhatsi ethuneni. Watibona tindvwangu telineni tifutjatwe phansi, kanye nalena leyayigigelwe enhloko yaJesu. Yona beyingekho kanye naleti letinye; yayigocotwe yodvwana. Lona lomunye umfundzi labefike kucala, wase uyangena naye ethuneni, wabona, wakholwa. Noko babenguloku bangawucondzisisi kahle umBhalo lowawutsi kufanele avuswe ekufeni. Base bayancandzeka babuyela ekhaya. Kepha Mariya wema edvute nelithuna akhala; asachubeka akhala wahlola ngekhatsi ethuneni. Wabona tingilosi letimbili tembetse lokumhlophe tihleti lapho bekunesidvumbu saJesu khona, lenye ingasenhloko, lenye ingasetinyaweni. Tambuta tatsi: “Make, ukhalelani?” Watiphendvula watsi: “Sebatsetse iNkhosi yami, angati nekutsi bayibeke kuphi!” Emvakwekusho njalo, watsi uyagucuka, wabona Jesu emile, kodvwa akatanga kutsi nguJesu. Jesu wambuta watsi: “Make, ukhalelani? Ufuna bani?” Masinyane acabanga kutsi ngumlindzi wengadze, watsi kuye: “Nkhosi, nangabe utsetfwe nguwe, ngilayele lapho umbeke khona, ngitakuya ngimlandze.” Jesu watsi kuye: “Mariya!” Wagucuka wasabela ngesiHebheru watsi: “Rabhuni,” lokusho kutsi: “Mfundzisi.” Jesu watsi: “Ungangitsintsi, ngobe ngisengakenyukeli kuBabe, kodvwa hamba uye kubazalwane bami ubatjele kutsi sengiyenyuka ngibuyela kuye longuBabe wami neYihlo, Nkulunkulu wami naNkulunkulu wenu.” Ngako Mariya waseMagdala wahamba wayawutjela bafundzi baJesu watsi: “Ngiyibonile iNkhosi;” washo nekutsi imtjele loko. Kwatsi kusihlwa kwangalelo Sontfo bafundzi bakhe batikhiyele endlini ngekwesaba emaJuda, Jesu wefika kubo, bambona aseme emkhatsini wabo watsi: “Kuthula akube kini!” Asababingelele wabakhombisa tandla takhe nemhlubulo wakhe. Bafundzi bakhe bajabula kakhulu, nabayibona iNkhosi. Jesu waphindza futsi watsi kubo: “Kuthula akube kini! Njengaloku Babe angitfumile mine, nami ngiyanitfuma.” Watsi kube asho njalo, wabaphefumulela watsi: “Yemukelani Moya Longcwele. Nome ngubani lenimtsetselela tono, utsetselelwe; kantsi futsi nome ngubani leningamtsetseleli tono, akatsetselelwa.” Lomunye webafundzi bakhe labali-12, Tomase, lekwakutsiwa liPhahla, abengekho emkhatsini wabo nakufika Jesu kubo. Ngako-ke laba labanye bafundzi base bayamtjela batsi: “Siyibonile iNkhosi.” Kodvwa yena watsi kubo: “Ngaphandle kwekutsi ngibone emanceba etipikili etandleni takhe, ngifake umuno wami lapho bekunetipikili khona, ngifake nesandla sami emhlubulweni wakhe, ngeke ngikholwe.” Kwatsi sekwendlule liviki bafundzi bakhe bandzawonye futsi kuyona leyondlu, naTomase akhona, iminyango ikhiyiwe, Jesu wefika wema emkhatsini wabo, watsi: “Kuthula akube kini!” Jesu watsi kuTomase: “Faka umuno wakho la, ubone tandla tami; welule nesandla sakho, usifake emhlubulweni wami. Khawula kungakholwa, kodvwa bani ngulokholwako!” Tomase waphendvula watsi: “Nkhosi yami, Nkulunkulu wami!” Jesu watsi kuye: “Uyakholwa ngobe sewungibonile? Maye, babusisiwe labo labakholwa bangakaboni!” Jesu wenta tibonakaliso letinyenti, embikwebafundzi bakhe, letingakabhalwa kulencwadzi. Leti tibhalelwe kutsi nitewukholwa kutsi Jesu unguKhristu, iNdvodzana yaNkulunkulu, nekutsi ngekukholwa kwenu nibe nekuphila ngelibito lakhe. Emvakwaloko Jesu waphindza watibonakalisa futsi kubafundzi bakhe ngaseLwandle lwaseThibheriyase. Loko wakwenta kanje: Simoni Phetro, naTomase, lotsiwa liPhahla, naNathanayeli waseKhana laseGalile, nemadvodzana aZebedi, nalabanye bafundzi baJesu lababili, bonkhe laba babendzawonye. Simoni Phetro watsi kulaba labanye: “Ngisayawudweba.” Nabo batsi: “Sitawuhamba nawe.” Ngako bahamba bekhwela esikebheni; kodvwa ngabo bonkhe lobo busuku abazange sebabambe lutfo. Latsi naliphuma lilanga, Jesu wema elusentseni lwemanti; kodvwa bafundzi abatanga kutsi nguJesu. Jesu watsi kubo: “Bantfwana, kute yini tinhlanti lenitibambile?” Bamphendvula batsi: “Kute.” Watsi kubo: “Jikani linetha lenu ngesekudla kwesikebhe, nitawutitfola khona.” Ngako base bayalijika linetha labo; babe sebehluleka nekulidvonsa, ngobe babebambe tinhlanti letinyenti kakhulu. Lomfundzi labetsandvwa nguJesu watsi kuPhetro: “YiNkhosi!” Simoni Phetro neva kutsi yiNkhosi, waphutfuma timphahla takhe, wembatsa, (phela abekhumulele kusebenta angcunu,) wase ugcumkela emantini. Labanye bafundzi beta ngesikebhe, babesedvutane nesihlabatsi, kwakungacishe kube tinyatselo letilikhulu. Badvonsa linetha ligcwele tinhlanti letinyenti. Batsi nabefika esihlabatsini, babona umlilo wemalahle ubasiwe etikwawo kunenhlanti kanye nesinkhwa. Jesu watsi kubo: “Letsani letinye tinhlanti kuleto lenitibambile!” Simoni Phetro waya esikebheni, wadvonsa linetha lekudweba, lelaligcwele tinhlanti letinkhulu, tatili-153. Nome-ke tatitinyenti kangako, kodvwa linetha alizange lidzabuke. Jesu watsi kubo: “Wotani nitewudla.” Emkhatsini wabo bafundzi kwabate ngisho namunye lowaba nesibindzi sekumbuta kutsi: “Wena kambe ungubani?” Bavele batatela nje kutsi yiNkhosi. Jesu waya kubo, wafika watsatsa sinkhwa, wabanika, wachubeka wenta njalo futsi nasetinhlantini. Loku-ke bese kukwesitsatfu Jesu atibonakalisa kubafundzi bakhe emvakwekuvuka kwakhe kulabafile. Batsi sebacedzile kudla, Jesu watsi kuPhetro: “Simoni, msa waJohane, ungitsandza ngetulu kwalaba yini?” Waphendvula watsi: “Yebo, Nkhosi, uyati kutsi ngiyakutsandza.” Jesu watsi kuye: “Yondla emawundlu ami.” Waphindza Jesu watsi kuye: “Simoni, msa waJohane, uyangitsandza yini?” Watsi kuye: “Yebo, Nkhosi, uyati kutsi ngiyakutsandza.” Jesu watsi kuye: “Yelusa timvu tami.” Waphindza futsi kwesitsatfu wambuta watsi: “Simoni, msa waJohane, uyangitsandza yini?” Phetro wadzabuka enhlitiyweni yakhe, ngobe Jesu abesambute katsatfu atsi: “Uyangitsandza yini?” Phetro wamphendvula watsi: “Nkhosi, wati konkhe nje wena, uyati kutsi ngiyakutsandza.” Jesu watsi kuye: “Yondla timvu tami. Ngicinisile, ngicinisile, ngitsi kuwe: Ngesikhatsi usemusha, wawuvele ubophe libhande lakho uye lapho utsandza khona, kodvwa nase umdzala uyakwelula tandla, lomunye akubophe, akutsatse, akuyise lapho ungatsandzi khona.” Loko wakusho akhombisa kufa Phetro labetawudvumisa Nkulunkulu ngako. Emvakwaloko Jesu watsi kuye: “Ngilandzele!” Phetro wagucuka wabona umfundzi labekatsandvwa nguJesu abalandzela, ngulona labehleti edvute naJesu ekudleni, nguye yena lowo lowabuta watsi: “Nkhosi, ngubani lona lotakutsengisa?” Phetro nakabona lomfundzi, watsi kuJesu: “Nkhosi, lomuntfu lona-ke?” Jesu wamphendvula watsi: “Nangifuna kutsi aphile, ngidzimate ngibuye, kukuhlupha ngani wena loko? Wena landzela mine!” Ngako kwabe sekwandza inkhulumo emkhatsini webafundzi baJesu kutsi lomfundzi angeke afe. Kodvwa Jesu abengazange asasho kutsi lomfundzi angeke afe; watsi: “Nangifuna kutsi aphile, ngidzimate ngibuye, kukuhlupha ngani wena loko?” Lona nguye-ke lomfundzi lofakaza ngako konkhe loku; nguye futsi lowabuye wakubhala phansi; futsi siyati kutsi bufakazi bakhe buliciniso. Kodvwa kukhona letinye tintfo letinyenti Jesu latenta. Kube tonkhe tabhalwa phansi, ngabe nemhlaba lucobo ngeke ukhone kutigcina leto tincwadzi letingabe tabhalwa. Tiyofilusi, Encwadzini yami yekucala ngabhala ngako konkhe Jesu lacala kukwenta nekukufundzisa, kwaze kwaba lilanga latsatfwa ngalo mhlazana aya ezulwini. Angakenyukeli ezulwini wanika imiyalo ngemandla aMoya Longcwele kubaphostoli labebakhetsile. Emvakwekuhlupheka kwakhe kwaphela emalanga langema-40 avukile ekufeni. Wativeta kubo ngetindlela letinyenti letaticinisa ngalokungangabateki kutsi uyaphila; wabonwa ngabo akhuluma kubo ngembuso waNkulunkulu. Kwatsi nase bahlangene ndzawonye, wabanika umyalo lotsi: “Ningesuki eJerusalema, kodvwa hlalani nimele sipho lenetsenjiswa sona nguBabe, lenganitjela ngaso. Johane wabhabhatisa ngemanti, kodvwa emvakwemalangana nine nitawubhajatiswa ngaMoya Longcwele.” Kwatsi nase bahlangene ndzawonye baphostoli naJesu, bambuta batsi: “Nkhosi, sengiso yini lesikhatsi lotawubuyisela ngaso umbuso kuma-Israyeli?” Yena waphendvula watsi kubo: “Tikhatsi nematfuba kuhlelwa ngemandla aBabe, akusiko kwenu kwati kutsi kuyakwenteka nini. Kodvwa nine nitawugcwaliswa ngemandla, nasefikile kini Moya Longcwele, niyawuba bofakazi bami eJerusalema, naseJudiya lonkhe, naseSamariya, kuze kube ngusekugcineni kwemhlaba.” Emvakwekusho loko wenyuselwa ezulwini basambuka, lifu lamsusa emehlweni abo. Babeloku babukisisile etulu nakahamba, kwase kubonakala emadvodza lamabili embetse letimhlophe eme eceleni kwabo. Atsi kubo: “Madvodza aseGalile, nimeleni nibuke etulu? LoJesu, lotsetfwe lapha kini wayiswa ezulwini, uyawubuya futsi ngayo yona leyo ndlela njengobe nimbonile nje aya ezulwini.” Baphostoli besuka eNtsabeni Yemincumo babuyela eJerusalema, kulibangana nje lelingaphansana kancane kwelikhilometha. Sebefikile eJerusalema baya bangena endlini leyayisetulu lapho babengenise khona. BekuboPhetro, naJohane, naJakobe, na-Andreya, naFiliphu, naTomase, naBhatalomewu, naMatewu, naJakobe, umsa wa-Alfiyose, naSimoni labekatiwa ngekutsi ngumZelothi kanye naJudasi, umsa waJakobe. Bonkhe laba bacinisela njalo nganhlitiyo yinye ekukhulekeni nasekuncuseni kunye, kanye nebafati naMariya, unina waJesu, nabomnakaboJesu. Kulawo malanga kusahlangene emakholwa labengaba li-120 asawonkhe, Phetro wasukuma watsi: “Madvodza, bazalwane, umBhalo bewufanele ugcwaliseke njengekusho kwaMoya Longcwele, lowakhuluma kadzeni ngaDavide macondzana naJudasi, lowahola labo lababopha Jesu. Judasi abengulomunye wetfu, ngobe naye abekhetsiwe kutsi abe nalakwentako kulomsebenti. “Ngalemali labeyitfole ngesento sakhe lesibi Judasi watsenga insimi. Wawa ngenhloko; kwadzabuka sisu, kwacitseka tonkhe tibilini takhe. Bonkhe lababehlala eJerusalema bakuva loko, ngako-ke ngelulwimi lwabo lendzawo base bayibita ngekutsi: ‘Yi-Akheldama’, lokusho kutsi: ‘Yindzawo Yengati’. “Ngobe kubhaliwe nasencwadzini yeTihlabelelo kutsi: “ ‘Likhaya lakhe alihlale lite lutfo, kubete nalohlala kulo,’ “nekutsi futsi: “ ‘Lomunye akasitsatse sikhundla sakhe.’ “Ngako-ke kufanele kukhetfwe lomunye walamadvodza besishuca nawo sehla senyuka sisenaJesu iNkhosi, kusukela embhabhatisweni waJohane kuze kube lilanga lekutsatfwa kwakhe emkhatsini wetfu, abe ngufakazi kanye natsi ngekuvuka kweNkhosi Jesu.” Ngako-ke bazalwane base bancoma emagama emadvodza lamabili: Josefa, labebitwa ngekutsi nguBhasabasi (nome nguJustusi) kanye naMathiyasi. Base bayathandaza batsi: “Nkhosi, wena lowati tonkhe tinhlitiyo tebantfu, sikhombise kutsi ngubani lomkhetsile kulaba lababili kutsi atsatse sikhundla sekuba ngumphostoli ente lomsebenti loshiywe nguJudasi waya lapho abewakhona.” Base benta inkatho emkhatsini walabo bobabili. Inkatho yadla Mathiyasi, wase uyengetwa kulabaphostoli labesebali-11. Ngesikhatsi kufika lilanga lePhentekhoste babehlangene bonkhe ndzawonye. Batsi betfuka kwabe kuchamuka umsindvo lomkhulu esibhakabhakeni lowevakala sengatsi kuhhusha kwemoya lomkhulu, wagcwalisa yonkhe lendlu babehleti kuyo. Kwabonakala kubo inkhehlenkhehle yemlilo kusengatsi yetilimi letehlukana ekhatsi, tahlala emuntfwini ngamunye ngamunye. Bonkhe bagcwaliswa ngaMoya Longcwele; base bakhuluma ngaletinye tilimi, njengobe Moya wabapha kuphumisela. Kwakukhona emaJuda labehlala eJerusalema, bantfu lababesaba Nkulunkulu bavela etiveni tonkhe temhlaba. Kwatsi kube kuvakale lomsindvo, ticumbi tebantfu tabutsana ndzawonye. Bamangala badzidzeka bonkhe, ngobe ngulowo nalowo wabeva bakhuluma ngelulwimi lwakubo; babutana ngekwetfuka nangekumangala batsi: “Kantsi akusibo baseGalile bonkhe yini labantfu labakhuluma kanje? Pho, kwentiwa yini kutsi sonkhe sibeve bakhuluma ngetilimi takitsi? Siphuma ePhathiya, eMediya nase-Elamu, eMesophothamiya, eJudiya naseKhaphadosiya, ePhontusi nase-Asiya, eFrigiya nasePhamfiliya, eGibhithe kanye nasetifundzeni taseLibhiya ngaseSirene, kantsi labanye betfu baphuma eRoma, emaJuda nebetive lababephendvukele enkholweni yemaJuda, nalabanye betfu baphuma eKhrethe nase-Arabiya, kodvwa sonkhe lapha sibeva ngetilimi takitsi bakhuluma ngemisebenti lemikhulu yaNkulunkulu.” Basamangele badzidzekile babutana bodvwana batsi: “Kusho kutsini loku?” Kodvwa labanye bahlekisa ngawo lamakholwa batsi: “Labantfu badzakiwe.” Kodvwa Phetro wasukuma akanye nebaphostoli labali-11, wakhuluma ngelivi lelikhulu watsi: “Sive semaJuda, nani nonkhe lenakhile eJerusalema, yatini loku; bekani indlebe ningilalele kahle. Laba abakadzakwa njengaloku nicabanga nine; empeleni kusesekuseni ngeli-awa lemfica. Kodvwa loku nguloko lokwakhulunywa ngumphrofethi Joweli lowatsi: “ ‘Utsi Nkulunkulu: “Naku lengiyawukwenta ngetikhatsi tekugcina: Ngiyakutfululela Moya wami etikwabo bonkhe bantfu. Emadvodzana nemadvodzakati enu ayawuphrofetha, emajaha enu ayawubona imibono, emakhehla ayawuphupha emaphupho. Yebo, kulawo malanga ngiyawutfululela Moya wami etincekwini nasetincekukatini tami, tiyawuphrofetha. Ngiyakwenta timangaliso etulu esibhakabhakeni, netibonakaliso emhlabeni phansi: ingati, nemlilo, nekushunqa kwentfutfu. Lilanga liyawuba mnyama, inyanga ibe bovu njengengati, lingakefiki lilanga lelikhulu nalelimatima leNkhosi. Labo-ke, labayawulibita libito leNkhosi, bayawusindziswa.” ’ “Madvodza aka-Israyeli, vanini lamavi! Jesu waseNazaretha abeyindvodza leyafakazelwa nguNkulunkulu embikwenu, ngemisebenti lemikhulu yemandla, nangetimangaliso kanye nangetibonakaliso letentiwa nguNkulunkulu ngaye; nani matfupha niyakwati loku, ngobe kwenteka emehlweni enu. Nkulunkulu ngekwatinchanti kwakhe nangentsandvo yakhe abesakumisile kutsi Jesu uyawuniketwa kini; nine-ke nambulala ngekumbetsela esiphambanweni ngetandla tetoni. Kodvwa Nkulunkulu wamvusa kulabafile; wamkhulula etinhlungwini tekufa, ngobe kwakungeke kwenteke kutsi kufa kumbambe. NaDavide wakhuluma ngaye watsi: “ ‘Ngayibona iNkhosi embikwami ngetikhatsi tonkhe, ngobe ingasesandleni sami sekudla, kuze nginganyakatiswa. Ngako-ke inhlitiyo yami iyajabula, nemavi ami agcwele intfokoto; ngetulu kwaloko umtimba wami uyawuhlala etsembeni, ngobe awuyikuwushiya umphefumulo wami endzaweni yalabafile, ungeke uvume kutsi Longcwele wakho abole ethuneni. Ungikhombisile tindlela letingiholela ekuphileni, ngebukhona bakho uyawungigcwalisa ngekujabula.’ “Bazalwane, ngifanele ngikhulume ngalokukhanyako ngakhokho wetfu Davide kutsi wafa wangcwatjwa, nelidliza lakhe likhona la kitsi nalamuhla. Njengemphrofethi-ke ati futsi kutsi Nkulunkulu abetsembisile ngesifungo kuye kutsi uyawukhetsa lomunye wesitukulwane sakhe amente abe yiNkhosi njengaye. Davide abekubone kucala kuvuka kwaKhristu ekufeni nakatsi: “ ‘Akayekelwanga endzaweni yalabafile, nemtimba wakhe awuzange ubole ethuneni.’ “Yena loJesu, Nkulunkulu wamvusa ekufeni, sonkhe sibofakazi balendzaba. Asaphakanyiselwe ngasesandleni sekudla saNkulunkulu wemukeliswa nguYise setsembiso lesinguMoya Longcwele lebesetsenjiswe Yena, wabuye wamtfululela kitsi. Ngiko loku lenikubonako nalenikuvako. NaDavide lucobo lwakhe akenyukelanga ezulwini, noko watsi: “ ‘INkhosi yatsi eNkhosini yami: Hlala la ngesekudla sami, ngize ngibeke titsa takho ngaphansi kwetinyawo takho.’ “Bonkhe bantfu baka-Israyeli, kufanele bati kahle kutsi nguye yena loJesu, lenambetsela esiphambanweni, Nkulunkulu lasamente iNkhosi naKhristu!” Kwatsi bantfu nabakuva loku, bahlabeka etinhlitiyweni base batsi kuPhetro nakulabanye baphostoli: “Pho, bazalwane, sitakwenta njani?” Phetro wabaphendvula watsi: “Phendvukani nibhajatiswe nonkhe ngamunye ngamunye egameni laJesu Khristu, kuze nitsetselelwe tono tenu nemukeliswe nesipho lesinguMoya Longcwele. Ngobe setsembiso saNkulunkulu senu nesebantfwabenu kanye nabo bonkhe labakhashane, lowo nalowo loyawubitwa nguNkulunkulu, iNkhosi yetfu, kutsi ete kuye.” Phetro wafakaza kubo abancenga ngemavi lamanyenti, atsi: “Tisindziseni kulesitukulwane lesiphambene!” Labo labalemukela livi lakhe babhajatiswa; babengacishe babe ti-3 000 tebantfu letengetelwa kubo ngalelo langa. Bacinisela njalo bahlanganyela etimfundzisweni tebaphostoli, nasebudlelwaneni, nasekuhlephuleni sinkhwa, nasemithandazweni. Bonkhe bantfu befikelwa kwesaba: timangaliso netibonakaliso letinyenti tentiwa baphostoli. Bonkhe labakholwako bachubeka ngebudlelwane ndzawonye, benetisana ngetimphahla tabo. Batsengisa ngetitandi, nangemapulazi nangetimphahla tabo bentela kwenetisana ngaleyo mali, kuye ngekutsi lowo nalowo udzingani. Onkhe emalanga babecinisela njalo ekuhlanganeni ethempelini, banhlitiyonye, babevakashelana emakhaya, badle ndzawonye ngetinhlitiyo letijabulako naletitfobekile, badvumisa Nkulunkulu, babetsandzeka kubo bonkhe bantfu. Onkhe emalanga iNkhosi yayibengetela ngalabo babesindziswa. Ngalelinye lilanga boPhetro naJohane baya ethempelini ntsambama ngeli-awa lesitsatfu, ngesikhatsi semkhuleko. Kwakukhona indvodza letsite leyayisishosha seloku yatalwa. Yayihleti endzaweni lekutsiwa “Intfunja Lenhle”. Yayetfwalwa onkhe emalanga ibekwe ngasentfunjeni yentele kucela kubantfu lababengena ethempelini. Yatsi nayibona boPhetro naJohane bangena, yacela kutsi bayiphe noma ngayini lababengahle bayiphe kona. Bayibukisisa, Phetro watsi kuyo: “Ase ubuke ngala ngakitsi.” Yababuka, seyilindzele kutsi bayiphe lutfo. Phetro watsi kuyo: “Anginamali, kodvwa ngitakunika loko lenginako: Ngelibito laJesu Khristu waseNazaretha ngitsi kuwe: Sukuma uhambe!” Wase uyibamba ngesandla sangasekudla ayisita kutsi isukume. Masinyane tinyawo tayo nemacakala ayo acina. Yesuka emankayi yaya etulu, yema ngetinyawo tayo, yahamba, yangena ethempelini kanye nabo, ihamba isuka emankayi idvumisa Nkulunkulu. Bonkhe bantfu bayibona seyihamba idvumisa Nkulunkulu; batsi nase babone kahle kutsi ngiyo lendvodza lebeyihlala ngase “Ntfunjeni Lenhle” yelithempeli, bamangala kakhulu ngaloko lokwase kwentekile. Lendvodza yalandzela boPhetro naJohane, bonkhe bantfu bamangala bagijima baya endzaweni leyayibitwa ngekutsi: “NguMhubhe waSolomoni”. Nakabona labantfu Phetro, watsi kubo: “Madvodza aka-Israyeli, kunimangaliselani loku, nisigolotelelani kangaka? Nicabanga kutsi kungebungcwele betfu yini nome ngemandla etfu yini kutsi sente lomuntfu wahamba? Nkulunkulu wa-Abrahama na-Isaka naJakobe, Nkulunkulu wabokhokho, usikhatimulisile Sisebenti sakhe lesinguJesu, lenamniketa etiphatsimandleni, namlahla embikwaPhilatu, namala nome Philatu asatimisele kumkhulula. Abengcwele alungile, kodvwa namala, namlahla, esikhundleni sakhe nacela Philatu kutsi anikhululele sigelekece. Ngako nabulala uMtfombo Wemphilo. Kodvwa Nkulunkulu wamvusa kulabafile, tsine-ke sibofakazi baloko. Ligama laJesu nekukholwa egameni lakhe lokucinise lendvodza leniyibonako naleniyatiko; nekukholwa lokungaJesu kunike imphilo lephelele kulomuntfu, njengobe nani nibona nje. “Noko, bomnaketfu, ngiyati kutsi loko nakwentiswa kungati njengebaholi benu. Nkulunkulu wakumemetela kucala ngabo bonkhe baphrofethi kutsi Khristu abefanele kuhlupheka; nembala loko sekugcwalisekile ngalendlela. Ngako, phendvukani, nibuyele kuNkulunkulu, kuze esule licala letono tenu, kuze kufike tikhatsi Nkulunkulu ahlumelelise imiphefumulo yenu ngekutfumela Jesu longuKhristu, lanikhetsela yena kucala. Kufanele ahlale ezulwini kuze kufike sikhatsi lapho konkhe kuyakwentiwa kube kusha, njengobe Nkulunkulu amemetela emandvulo ngebaphrofethi bakhe labangcwele. NaMosi watsi: ‘INkhosi, Nkulunkulu wenu, iyawunitfumelela umphrofethi, njengobe nami angitfuma, loyawuba wesive sakini. Nibolalela konkhe latanitjela kona. Lowo longalaleli loko lokushiwo ngulowo mphrofethi uyakwehlukaniswa nesive saNkulunkulu abhujiswe.’ Nebaphrofethi bonkhe lababenelivi njengaSamuweli nalabeta emvakwakhe, bamemetela ngawo lamalanga. Tetsembiso taNkulunkulu ngebaphrofethi bakhe ngetenu, ninesabelo nani kulesivumelwane lesentiwa nguNkulunkulu kubokhokho benu. Washo naku-Abrahama watsi: ‘Ngesitukulwane sakho ngiyawubusisa bonkhe bantfu emhlabeni.’ Ngako Nkulunkulu wasikhetsa wasitfuma Sisebenti sakhe kini kucala kutenibusisa ngekunenta nonkhe niphendvuke nitishiye tindlela tenu tekonakala.” Kwatsi boPhetro naJohane basakhuluma kubantfu, kwasondzela kubo baphristi, nemphatsi wabogadzi belithempeli, nebaSadusi. Babecansulwe ngulabaphostoli, ngobe bebafundzisa bantfu kutsi Jesu wavuswa ekufeni, lokufakaza kutsi nalabafile bayawuvukela ekuphileni. Ngako bababopha babafaka ejele kwaze kwaba ngakusasa, ngobe lase lishonile lilanga. Kodvwa labanyenti labaliva livi bakholwa; emadvodza andza acishe aba ti-5 000. Ngakusasa baholi bemaJuda, netibondza tenkholo yemaJuda, netati temtsetfo bahlangana eJerusalema. Bahlangana na-Anasi labengumPhristi Lomkhulu, naKhayafase, naJohane, na-Alekzanda, nelusendvo lwemPhristi Lomkhulu. Baphostoli babemisa embikwabo bababuta batsi: “Loku nikwente ngamaphi emandla nome ngaliphi ligama?” Phetro agcwele Moya Longcwele wabaphendvula watsi: “Baholi, nani tibondza, lamuhla nasibutwa ngaloku lokuhle lesikwente kulesishosha nekutsi siphile kanjani, kufanele nonkhe nati, nabo bonkhe bantfu baka-Israyeli bafanele bati, kutsi lomuntfu ume lapha embikwenu aphile saka ngemandla elibito laJesu Khristu waseNazaretha, lenambetsela, kodvwa Nkulunkulu wamvusa ekufeni. “Jesu nguye umBhalo lokhuluma ngaye kutsi: ‘Litje lenaledzelela, nine bakhi, selijike laba litje lesisekelo.’ “Kute kusindziswa ngalomunye; ngobe kute lelinye libito ngaphansi kwelizulu lelinikwe nguNkulunkulu kubantfu, lesingasindziswa ngalo.” Emalunga aleLiqoqo letiphatsimandla amangala kubona sibindzi saboPhetro naJohane, nekubona kutsi babebantfukatana nje labebangakafundzi. Bavele babona kutsi babehamba naJesu. Kodvwa kwakute lababengahle bakusho, ngobe babeyibona nalendvodza leyayiphilisiwe ime eceleni kwebaphostoli. Base bacela kutsi bake baphumele ngephandle, basale bakhuluma bodvwana. Batsi: “Sitakwente njani ngalabantfu? Bonkhe bantfu labahlala lapha eJerusalema sebayati kutsi lesigemegeme sesimangaliso sentiwe ngabo, futsi singeke sikuphike loko. Kodvwa kuze siyicitse lendzaba, ingandzi la kubantfu, asibafice, sibatjele kutsi bangaphindzi bakhulume nome kukubani ngelibito laJesu.” Base bayababita kutsi bangene; babadvonsa ngendlebe kutsi bangaphindzi bakhulume nome bafundzise ngelibito laJesu. Kodvwa boPhetro naJohane babaphendvula batsi: “Nine ngekwenu ake senisho kutsi ngukuphi lokulungile ebusweni baNkulunkulu, kulalela nine yini nome kulalela Nkulunkulu? Ngako singeke tsine siyekele kukhuluma ngaloko lesikubonile nalesikuvile.” Liqoqo lelo labaficisisa kakhulu, lase liyabakhulula, ngobe alisitfolanga sizatfu sekubajezisa, ngobe bonkhe bantfu bebadvumisa Nkulunkulu ngaloko lebekwentekile. Lendvodza lebekwentiwe kuyo lesibonakaliso sekuphiliswa yayineminyaka lengetulu kwema-40 budzala. Batsi kube bakhululwe, boPhetro naJohane babuyela kubazalwane, bafike babatjela lokwakushiwo baphristi labakhulu netibondza takhona. Kwatsi kube bakuve loko, bahlangana ndzawonye bathandaza kuNkulunkulu batsi: “Somandla, Mdali welizulu, nemhlaba, nelwandle, nako konkhe lokukuwo! NgaMoya Longcwele wakhuluma ngakhokho wetfu Davide, inceku yakho, mhlazana utsi: “ ‘Kuya ngani betive batfukutsele basongele lite? Emakhosi emhlaba atilungiselela, nebabusi bahlangana ndzawonye baphambene neNkhosi naKhristu wakhe.’ “Nembala kulelidolobha Herodi naPhontiyuse Philatu bahlangana ndzawonye nebetive, nebaka-Israyeli baphambana naJesu, Sisebenti sakho lesiNgcwele, lowasenta kutsi sibe nguKhristu. Bahlangana benta konkhe loko, wena ngemandla nentsandvo yakho, wawuvele ukumisenchanti kutsi kwenteke. “Manje-ke, Nkhosi, ake ubukisise lokusesabisa kwabo bese uyasivumela, tsine tinceku takho, kutsi sikhulume livi lakho ngaso sonkhe sibindzi. Yelula sandla sakho uphilise, uvume kutsi tibonakaliso netimangaliso tentiwe ngelibito leSisebenti sakho lesiNgcwele lesinguJesu.” Nabacedza kuthandaza, lendzawo babehlangene kuyo yatanyatanyiswa. Bonkhe bagcwaliswa ngaMoya Longcwele, bacala bakhuluma livi laNkulunkulu ngesibindzi. Lesicumbi semakholwa sasimcondvo munye nanhlitiyo yinye. Akekho labetsi kwakhe ngekwakhe yedvwa, kodvwa bonkhe benetisana ngako konkhe labebanako. Ngemandla lamakhulu baphostoli banika bufakazi ngekuvuka kweNkhosi Jesu, naNkulunkulu wehlisela imvula yetibusiso etikwabo bonkhe. Akekho namunye emkhatsini wabo labeswele. Lababenemapulazi nome tindlu bakutsengisa, base baletsa lemali lebabeyitfolile, bayinika baphostoli kutsi babehlukanisele bonkhe, kuye ngekweswela kwabo. Kwadzimate kwatsi Josefa, labengumLevi lowatalelwa eSiphrosi, baphostoli labametsa batsi nguBhanabasi (lokusho kutsi “Lowo Lokhutsatanako”), watsengisa ngensimi yakhe waletsa imali, wayetfula kubaphostoli. Kwakukhona indvodza libito layo kungu-Ananiyase, umkayo kunguSafira, leyatsengisa ngendzawo, kodvwa yatigodlela lenye imali, nemkayo abekwati loko, yase iletsa lena lenye kubaphostoli. Phetro watsi kuyo: “Ananiyase, umvumeleleni Sathane kutsi abuse inhlitiyo yakho akwente ucale emanga kuMoya Longcwele ngekugodla incenye yalemali leyintsengo yalendzawo? Ngaphambi kwekutsi uyitsengise lendzawo bekungesiyo yakho yini? Nasewuyitsengisile beyingekho yini emandleni akho? Pho, utimiseleleni enhlitiyweni yakho kwenta intfo lenje? Awukacali emanga kubantfu kodvwa kuNkulunkulu.” Watsi nakeva lamavi Ananiyase washayeka phansi wafa; bonkhe labeva ngalesehlo besaba kakhulu. Emajaha aphutfuma, asisonga sidvumbu sakhe, asikhiphela ngephandle, asingcwaba. Emvakwema-awa lamatsatfu umkakhe wangena, kodvwa abengati ngalokwentekile. Phetro watsi kuye: “Ngitjele, ngulena kuphela yini imali leniyitfolile nendvodza yakho ngekutsengisa lendzawo yenu?” Waphendvula watsi: “Yebo, ngulena kuphela.” Phetro watsi kuye: “Hhawu, nitimiseleleni nalendvodza yakho ngekulinga Moya weNkhosi? Lamajaha labengcwaba indvodza yakho asalapha emnyango, lo ngikhuluma nje nawe, atakutfwala akukhiphele ngephandle.” Masinyane Safira washayeka phansi ngasetinyaweni taPhetro, wafa. Angena futsi emajaha abona kutsi sewufile, asayamtfwala amkhiphela ngephandle amngcwaba eceleni kwendvodza yakhe. Libandla lonkhe nalabanye bonkhe nabeva loku bafikelwa kwesaba lokukhulu. Tibonakaliso netimangaliso letinyenti tatentiwa baphostoli emkhatsini webantfu. Onkhe emakholwa abehlangana ndzawonye eMhubheni waSolomoni. Kwabate namunye lowaba nesibindzi sekuhlanganyela nabo, lite nome bantfu babebadvumisa kangaka. Kodvwa lesicuku sabo sengeteka kakhulu ngebantfu labakholwa eNkhosini, labadvuna nalabasikati. Ngemiphumela yaloku, lokwakwentiwa baphostoli, labagulako babetfwalwa ngemibhedze nangemacansi babekwe emigwacweni kuze kutsi loPhetro nakendlula, mane nje sitfunti sakhe sihambe etikwabo. Ticumbi ngeticumbi tebantfu teta eJerusalema tiphuma emadolobheni labesedvutane, tiletse labagulako nalababehlushwa bomoya lababi; bonkhe baphiliswa. Kwase kutsi umPhristi Lomkhulu nabo bonkhe labenabo, kanye nemalunga lamanye ebaSadusi, baba nemona lomkhulu ngebaphostoli; bavumelana ngekutsi babatsatsele tinyatselo. Bababopha baphostoli, babafaka ejele, kodvwa kwatsi ebusuku ingilosi yeNkhosi yavula iminyango yelijele, yabahola yabakhiphela ngephandle, yatsi kubo: “Hambani niye ethempelini, nitjele bantfu bonkhe ngalemphilo lensha.” Baphostoli balalela, ekuseni ngeluvivi bangena ethempelini bafundzisa. UmPhristi Lomkhulu nabo bonkhe labenabo babita tonkhe tibondza temaJuda kutsi kube nemhlangano weLiqoqo; batfumela kutsi kulandvwe baphostoli baletfwe embikwabo. Kodvwa tatsi natifika tinceku, takhandza baphostoli bangekho ejele; ngako tabuyela emuva tayawubika loko kuleLiqoqo tatsi: “Nasifika lapha ejele sikhandze likhiyiwe nabogadzi bagadze eminyango; kodvwa nasivula asikakhandzi muntfu ngekhatsi!” Nasikuva loko siphatsimandla lesiphetse bogadzi belithempeli, nebaphristi labakhulu nabakuva loko, bamangala kutsi ngabe kwentekeni kubaphostoli. Basemangele kwefika indvodza yatsi kubo: “Lalelani la! Lamadvodza beniwafake ejele sikhuluma nje aphishekile afundzisa bantfu ethempelini.” Ngako lesiphatsimandla sahamba netinceku taso, sefike satsatsa baphostoli sababuyisa. Kodvwa ababaphocanga ngenkhani, ngobe babesaba kutsi bantfu babengahle babagcobe ngematje. Baletsa baphostoli babemisa embikweLiqoqo, umPhristi Lomkhulu wabagweba ngemibuzo. Watsi: “Saniyalisisa kutsi ningafundzisi ngelibito lalomuntfu, kodvwa ase nibuke lesenikwentile! Senisakate lemfundziso yenu yaze yagcwala lonkhe lelidolobha laseJerusalema, senifuna kutsi sibe nelicala ngekufa kwakhe!” Phetro nalabanye baphostoli baphendvula batsi: “Kufanele silalele Nkulunkulu kunekulalela bantfu. Nkulunkulu wabokhokho betfu wamvusa loJesu ekufeni, emvakwekuba senimbulele ngekumbetsela esiphambanweni. Nkulunkulu wamenyusela ngasesandleni sakhe sekudla njengeMholi neMsindzisi, kuze anike bantfu baka-Israyeli litfuba lekuphendvuka, kutsetselelwe tono tabo. Sibofakazi baletintfo tsine naMoya Longcwele, losipho saNkulunkulu kulabo labamlalelako.” Batsi nabakuva loko, batfukutsela kakhulu, bancuma kutsi babulawe. Kepha lomunye wabo, umFarisi labenguGamaliyeli, abengumfundzisi wemtsetfo kantsi futsi abehlonishwa kakhulu bantfu bonkhe, wasukuma wema embikwaleLiqoqo, wacela kutsi baphostoli sebakhishelwe ngephandle kwesikhashana. Wase ukhuluma kuleLiqoqo utsi: “Madvodza aka-Israyeli, caphelisisani ngaloko lenifuna kukwenta kulamadvodza. Kuleta tikhatsi letendlula kwake kwachamuka Thoyidasi, watibeka embili ngekutsi ungumuntfu lomkhulu; bantfu labangema-400 bamlandzela. Kodvwa wabulawa, kwase kutsi bonkhe balandzeli bakhe basakateka, kwaba kuphela kwakhe njalo. Emvakwaloko, kwavela Judasi abengumGalile ngesikhatsi selubalo; naye wadvonsa sicumbi lesikhulu sebantfu samlandzela, kodvwa wabulawa naye, kwase kutsi balandzeli bakhe bayasakateka. Manje-ke kulendzaba, ase nginitjele naku: Ningacali nitsatse sinyatselo sekumelana nalabantfu. Bayekeleni bahambe, ngobe nangabe loluhlelo nalomsebenti wabo kuyintfo leyentiwa ngumuntfu, kutawuphela; kodvwa nangabe kuphuma kuNkulunkulu, ningeke nibehlule. Nitatikhandza kutsi senilwa naNkulunkulu.” Liqoqo lawulalela umyalo waGamaliyeli. Base bangenisa baphostoli, babashaya babayala futsi kutsi bangaphindzi bakhulume ngelibito laJesu, base bayabakhulula. Baphostoli balishiya Liqoqo, batfokota kakhulu ngekwetfwala lihlazo ngenca yelibito laJesu. Bachubeka bafundzisa onkhe emalanga ethempelini nasemitini yebantfu bashumayela liVangeli lekutsi Jesu nguKhristu. Emvakwesikhatsi, seloku bafundzi bandza ngebunyenti, kwaba khona kucabana nekungevani emkhatsini wemaJuda lakhuluma siGriki nemaJuda ekutalwa. EmaJuda lakhuluma siGriki asola kutsi bafelokati bawo babenganakwa ekwenetisweni kwemihla ngemihla. Ngako-ke baphostoli labali-12 babita umhlangano, bahlanganisa sonkhe sicumbi sebafundzi batsi: “Akukafaneli kutsi tsine siyekele kushumayela livi laNkulunkulu bese siyawuphatsa timali. Ngako-ke, bazalwane, khetsani emkhatsini wenu emadvodza lasikhombisa leniwatiko kutsi aneludvumo loluhle nalagcwele Moya Longcwele nekuhlakanipha, ngawo-ke lesitakuwanika aphatse lomsebenti. Tsine-ke, sitakutinika sikhatsi lesenele emthandazweni nasemsebentini wekushumayela livi.” Bonkhe bantfu basijabulela lesincomo sebaphostoli; ngako bakhetsa Stefano, indvodza leyayigcwele kukholwa naMoya Longcwele, naFiliphu, naPhrokhorusi, naNikhano, naThimoni, naPhamenasi, kanye naNikholawusi wase-Antiyokhi, yena-ke abengewetive, kodvwa abephendvukele enkholweni yebuJuda. Lesicumbi sabaletsa kubaphostoli, babathandazela bababeka tandla. Ngako-ke livi laNkulunkulu lachubeka landza kakhulu. Nebunyenti bebafundzi eJerusalema bandza kakhulu, kantsi nelinyenti lebaphristi lakwemukela kukholwa. Stefano, labegcwele umusa nemandla aNkulunkulu, wenta tibonakaliso netimangaliso emkhatsini webantfu. Kodvwa labanye bantfu lababemphikisa babengemalunga elisinagoge leBantfu Labakhululiwe, lalilemaJuda labephuma eSirene nase-Alekzandriya. Bona nalamanye emaJuda aseSilisiya nase-Asiya bacala baphikisana naStefano. Kodvwa Moya wanika Stefano kuhlakanipha kangangobe abetsi nakakhuluma behluleke nekumphikisa. Ngako-ke base batsenga lamanye emadvodza kutsi afike atsi: “Simvile lomuntfu ahlambalata Mosi naNkulunkulu!” Ngalelicebo labo benta kutsi bonkhe bantfu, netibondza, netati temtsetfo timvukele kamatima. Bamdvumela Stefano, bambamba, bammikisa embikweLiqoqo letiphatsimandla. Base baletsa bantfu bekutsi bamcalele emanga, batsi: “Onkhe emalanga lomuntfu ukhuluma kabi ngelithempeli lelingcwele nangemtsetfo. Ngobe samuva atsi, loJesu waseNazaretha utawubhidlita lithempeli, agucule onkhe emasiko lesawatfola kuMosi.” Bonkhe lababehleti phansi kuleLiqoqo letiphatsimandla bambukisisa Stefano, babona kutsi buso bakhe base bufana nebengilosi. UmPhristi Lomkhulu wabuta Stefano watsi: “Ngabe kunjalo yini?” Stefano waphendvula watsi: “Bazalwane, nani bobabe, lalelani kimi! Nkulunkulu weludvumo wabonakala kukhokho wetfu Abrahama asahlala eMesophothamiya, asengakatfutsi kuyakwakha eHarani, watsi kuye: ‘Suka ushiye lusendvo lwakini nelive lakini uye eveni lengiyawukukhombisa lona!’ Wesuka-ke kulelive lemaKhaledi waya eHarani. Asafile uyise, Nkulunkulu wamsusa Abrahama wamletsa kulelive, lona leli lenakhe kulo. Nkulunkulu akamnikanga Abrahama lendzawo kutsi ibe yakhe, ngisho neligajana nje lemhlaba imbala; kepha Nkulunkulu wetsembisa kutsi uyawumnika lelive libe lakhe netitukulwane takhe emvakwakhe. Ngalesikhatsi Nkulunkulu enta lesetsembiso Abrahama abengenamntfwana. Nkulunkulu watsi kuye: ‘Titukulwane takho tiyawuhlala eveni letive, lapho tiyawuba tigcili khona tiphatseke kabuhlungu, kuze kuphele iminyaka lengema-400. Kodvwa ngiyakusehlulela leso sive lesiyawube sibagcilata, emvakwaloko bayawusuka baphume kulelo live bete batengikhonta kulendzawo.’ Nkulunkulu wanika Abrahama lisiko lekusoka, kwaba sibonakaliso sesivumelwane. Ngako Abrahama watala Isaka, wamsoka ngemvakweliviki atelwe; na-Isaka wasoka Jakobe, naJakobe wasoka bokhokho labali-12. “Bokhokho baba nemona ngaJosefa, bamtsengisa njengesigcili eGibhithe. Kodvwa Nkulunkulu waba naye, wamsindzisa kuto tonkhe tinhlupheko takhe. Josefa watsi nakema embikwaFaro, inkhosi yaseGibhithe, Nkulunkulu wamnika umoya lomuhle nekuhlakanipha. Faro wamenta umbusi etikwalo lonkhe laseGibhithe nasetikwendlu yakhe yonkhe. Kwase kuba khona indlala kulo lonkhe laseGibhithe naseKhenani, leyaletsa kuhlupheka lokukhulu. Nabokhokho kwabaphelela kudla. Ngako-ke watsi Jakobe nakeva kutsi kukhona kudla eGibhithe, watfumela emadvodzana akhe, labokhokho betfu, kutsi aye khona kwekucala. Nase babuyela eGibhithe kwesibili, Josefa wase uyativeta kubomnakabo, kulapho-ke naFaro acala khona kulwati lusendvo lwakuboJosefa. Ngako-ke Josefa watfumela umlayeto kuyise Jakobe, ambita kutsi akete nendlu yakhe yonkhe eGibhithe; sebabonkhe labo bantfu babengema-75. Wehla-ke Jakobe waya eGibhithe, lapho yena nabokhokho betfu, bahlala khona baze bafa. Tidvumbu tabo tamikiswa eShekhemu, lapho tangcwatjwa khona edlizeni lelalitsengwe ngu-Abrahama ngemali esiveni saHamori eShekhemu. “Kwatsi nase sisondzele sikhatsi sekugcwaliseka kwesetsembiso Nkulunkulu lasenta ku-Abrahama, sive sakitsi sandza kakhulu saba sinyenti eGibhithe. Ekugcineni lenye inkhosi leyayingamati Josefa yacala kubusa eGibhithe. Yacala yasihlupha sive sakitsi, yaba nelulaka kubokhokho betfu, ibaphoca ngekutsi ibalahlise tinswane tabo, khona phela titewufa. Ngiso-ke lesikhatsi latalwa ngaso Mosi, labengumntfwana lotsandzekako kuNkulunkulu. Wakhulela ekhaya tinyanga letintsatfu. Kwatsi nasasusiwe ekhaya lakubo iNkhosatana yaFaro yamtsatsa, yamfaka esiswini sayo yamkhulisa imphatsa njengendvodzana yayo. Mosi wafundziswa yonkhe inhlakanipho yemaGibhithe, waba lijaha leliyindvodza leyayinemandla ekukhulumeni nasetentweni. “Nasaneminyaka lengema-40 Mosi watimisela kutsi avakashele bantfu bakubo ema-Israyeli. Wabona lomunye wabo ashaywa ngumGibhithe; wase uvikela lowakubo, wamkhiphela sibhongo ngekubulala lomGibhithe. Abecabanga kutsi emaJuda, bantfu bakubo, abetakubona kutsi Nkulunkulu utawusebentisa yena ekuwakhululeni kulobugcili; kodvwa wona akakubonanga loko. Ngakusasa wabona ema-Israyeli lamabili alwa, wetama kuwalamula. Watsi kubo: ‘Madvodza, lalelani la, nine nibandzawonye, nibangani?’ Kodvwa lona abeshaya lomunye wakhweshisa Mosi watsi: ‘Ngubani losakwente waba ngumbusi nemehluleli etikwetfu wena? Sewufuna kungibulala nami, njengalomGibhithe lombulele itolo?’ Watsi nakuva loko Mosi wabaleka eGibhithe waye wahlala njengesihambi eveni lakaMidiyani. Watalela khona emadvodzana lamabili. “Ngemuva kweminyaka lengema-40, ingilosi yatibonakalisa kuMosi isemalangabini esihlahla lesasivutsa ehlane madvutane neNtsaba yaseSinayi. Mosi wamangala ngaloko lakubona, asasondzele madvutane kuyawubukisisa lesihlahla lesasivutsa weva livi leNkhosi litsi: ‘NginguNkulunkulu wabokhokho bakho, Nkulunkulu wabo-Abrahama, na-Isaka, naJakobe.’ Mosi wavevetela entiwa kwesaba, wehluleka nekusibukisisa kahle. INkhosi yase itsi kuye: ‘Khumula tincabule etinyaweni takho, ngobe lendzawo lome kuyo ingcwele. Ngibukile ngabona kuhlupheka kwesive sami eGibhithe. Sengikuvile kukhala nekububula kwaso, sengehlile kutasisindzisa. Wota-ke manje, ngitekutfumela eGibhithe.’ “Nguye loMosi lowaliwa bantfu baka-Israyeli labambuta batsi: ‘Ngubani losakwente umbusi nemehluleli etikwetfu?’ Nguye lowatfunywa nguNkulunkulu kutsi abe ngumbusi nemkhululi, ngekusitwa yingilosi layibona esihlahleni lesasivutsa umlilo. Wabahola wabakhipha bantfu eGibhithe, enta timangaliso netibonakaliso eGibhithe naseLwandle Lolubovu, elugwadvule nasehlane iminyaka lengema-40. Nguye loMosi lowatsi kubantfu baka-Israyeli: ‘Nkulunkulu uyawunitfumelela umphrofethi, njengobe angitfuma nami, uyawuba ngumuntfu wesive sakini.’ “Nguye labehlangene nebantfu baka-Israyeli ehlane; abelapho nabokhokho betfu kanye nengilosi leyakhuluma kuye eNtsabeni yaseSinayi; wemukela emavi laphilako aNkulunkulu kuze awendlulisele kitsi. “Kodvwa bokhokho betfu bala kumlalela; bamkhweshisela eceleni bafisa shangatsi ngabe babuyela emuva eGibhithe. Ngako base batsi ku-Aroni: ‘Sentele titfombe letitawuhamba embikwetfu. Asati kutsi sewudliwe yini loMosi lowasikhipha eGibhithe.’ Ngulapho-ke benta khona sitfombe lesaba nesimo lesinjengeselitfole, base banikela imihlatjelo kuso, benta lidzili badvumisa lobekungumsebenti wetandla tabo. Kodvwa Nkulunkulu wabashiya basale bakhonta tinkhanyeti tasezulwini, njengobe kubhaliwe encwadzini yebaphrofethi kutsi: “ ‘Bantfu baka-Israyeli! Kwakungimi yini lona lenamhlabela imihlatjelo yetilwane, iminyaka lengema-40 ehlane? Cha! Kwakulithende lesitfombe lesinguMoloki lenanisetfwele, nemfanekiso wenkhanyeti lengunkulunkulu wenu Refani, bekubonkulunkulu benu lenabadvumisa. Ngako-ke ngiyawunilahla khashane kuneBhabhulona.’ “Bokhokho betfu babenelithende lapho kwakuhlala khona Nkulunkulu emkhatsini wabo ehlane. Lalentiwe njengobe Mosi abetjelwe nguNkulunkulu kutsi alente, Mosi walenta ngalendlela abekhonjiswe yona. Emvakwaloko, bokhokho betfu labemukela lelithende kuboyise babo baletfwala bahamba nalo naJoshuwa, balitsatsa lelive Nkulunkulu lacosha letinye tive kulo. Baligcina kwaze kwaba sikhatsi saDavide. Davide watsandzeka kuNkulunkulu, wase ucela kuNkulunkulu kutsi amvumele kube amakhele indlu leyawusetjentiswa titukulwane taJakobe, kodvwa nguSolomoni lowaze wamakhela indlu. Kodvwa loNkulunkulu Losetikwako Konkhe akahlali etindlini letakhiwe ngetandla, njengekusho kwemphrofethi lotsi: “ ‘Nkulunkulu utsi: “Lizulu lisihlalo sami, umhlaba senabelo setinyawo tami. Yindlu lenjani leningayakhela mine? Iphi indzawo lapho ngingaphumula khona? Akusimi matfupha yini lowenta tonkhe letintfo?” ’ “Maye, ninenkhani! Maye, anikholwa etinhlitiyweni tenu! Maye, nitihhulu ekuveni livi laNkulunkulu! Nifute bokhokho benu, nani niphikisana naMoya Longcwele. Ukhona nje yena munye umphrofethi longazange ahlushwe bokhokho benu? Babulala titfunywa taNkulunkulu, letatimemetela ngembili ngekufika kweSisebenti sakhe lesilungile. Manje senimtsengisile nambulala. Ningibo labemukela umtsetfo waNkulunkulu, lowendluliselwa tingilosi kini, nawo anizange seniwulalele!” Liqoqo letiphatsimandla lisalalele Stefano latfukutsela kakhulu, lacucudza imihlatsi. Kodvwa Stefano agcwele Moya Longcwele, wabuka ezulwini wabona bukhatikhati baNkulunkulu, naJesu eme ngasesandleni sekudla saNkulunkulu. Watsi: “Ase nibuke! Ngibona lizulu livulekile neNdvodzana yeMuntfu ime ngesandleni sekudla saNkulunkulu.” Bamemeta kakhulukati bavala tindlebe tabo, bamtselekela bonkhe kanyekanye, bamhudvulela ngephandle kwelidolobha, bamgcoba ngematje. Bofakazi babeka timphahla tabo phansi kutsi tigadvwe lijaha lelalibitwa ngekutsi nguSawula. Basachubeka bamgcoba ngematje Stefano, wakhala ngelivi lelikhulu watsi: “Nkhosi Jesu, yemukela umoya wami.” Waguca phansi wamemeta ngelivi lelikhulu watsi: “Nkhosi! Ungababekeli sono ngaloku labakwentako!” Wase uyafa. Sawula abevumelene nabo kutsi abulawe loStefano. Ngalo lelo langa libandla laseJerusalema lacala lahlupheka ngekutingelwa kabuhlungu. Onkhe emakholwa, ngaphandle kwebaphostoli, asakateka netigodzi tonkhe taseJudiya naseSamariya. Lamanye emadvodza lakholwako asingcwaba sidvumbu saStefano; akhala kakhulu amlilela. Kodvwa Sawula wetama kulibhubhisa libandla, aphuma angena tindlu ngetindlu, awahudvula emakholwa, labadvuna nalabasikati, abafaka ejele. Lamakholwa lasakateka kuto tonkhe tindzawo, abehamba alishumayela lelivi. Filiphu waya edolobheni laseSamariya ayawushumayela ngaloKhristu kubantfu bakhona. Sicumbi sebantfu salalela nganhlitiyo yinye loko kwakukhulunywa nguFiliphu, sabona netimangaliso labetenta. Bomoya lababi babephuma kubantfu bakhala kakhulu; bonkhe lababefe tinhlangotsi nalababechuta nabo baphiliswa. Kwaba nekutfokota lokukhulu kulelo dolobha. Kulelo dolobha kwakukhona indvodza leyayinguSimoni, lobesanesikhatsi lesidze amangalisa emaSamariya ngemilingo yakhe. Abetigabatisa ngekutsi ungumuntfu lomkhulu kabi. Bonkhe bantfu, betinhlobo tonkhe, babembukisisa bese batsi: “Ungemandla ankulunkulu latiwa ngekutsi: ‘Ngemandla Lamakhulu.’ ” Abesabamangalise ngemilingo yakhe sikhatsi lesidze kangangekutsi base bambukisisa. Kodvwa kwatsi nase bakholwa yinshumayelo yaFiliphu ngeliVangeli lembuso waNkulunkulu nangelibito laJesu Khristu, babhajatiswa, labadvuna nalabasikati. NaSimoni matfupha wakholwa; emvakwekubhajatiswa kwakhe wahlala njalo asedvute kwaFiliphu, wamangala nakabona letimanga letinkhulu kanye netibonakaliso labetenta. Baphostoli eJerusalema beva kutsi bantfu baseSamariya balemukele livi laNkulunkulu; ngako batfumela boPhetro naJohane kubo. Nase befikile, bawathandazela emakholwa kutsi emukele Moya Longcwele. Phela Moya Longcwele abesengakehleli nome kumunye nje wabo; bebabhajatiselwe egameni leNkhosi Jesu kuphela. Ngako boPhetro naJohane babeka tandla etikwabo, base bemukela Moya Longcwele. Watsi Simoni nakabona kutsi Moya bamemukele ngekubekwa tandla baphostoli, wakhipha imali afuna kuyinika boPhetro naJohane, watsi: “Nami nginikeni lamandla, kuze kutsi nami lowo lengibeka tandla etikwakhe emukele Moya Longcwele.” Kodvwa Phetro waphendvula watsi: “Wena nemali yakho hamba uyekufa; ucabanga kutsi ungatsenga sipho saNkulunkulu ngemali? Awunasabelo nalifa kulomsebenti, ngobe inhlitiyo yakho ayikalungi emehlweni aNkulunkulu. Ngako, phendvuka kulelichinga lakho lelibi, uthandaze eNkhosini kutsi ikutsetselele ngekucabanga intfo lembi kangaka. Ingani ngiyabona kutsi ugcwele umona, kantsi usiboshwa sesono.” Simoni watsi kuPhetro naJohane: “Ngiyacela kutsi ningithandazele eNkhosini, khona tingetikwenteka kimi letintfo lenitishoko.” Emvakwekufakaza nekushumayela livi leNkhosi boPhetro naJohane babuyela eJerusalema, bahamba bashumayela liVangeli emitini leminyenti yaseSamariya. Ingilosi yeNkhosi yakhuluma kuFiliphu yatsi: “Tilungiselele kuya endleleni leseNingizimu lesuka eJerusalema yehlele eGaza.” (Lendlela ilihlane). Wasukuma, wahamba. Bheka, wabona umTopiya labengumtsenwa, asiphatsimandla saKhandase, indlovukazi yaseTopiya, abebalulekile futsi angumgcinisikhwama sendlovukazi; abephuma eJerusalema kuyawudvumisa Nkulunkulu, asabuyela ekhaya agibele inkalishi abefundza encwadzini yemphrofethi Isaya. Moya Longcwele watsi kuFiliphu: “Sondzela kulenkalishi uhambe eceleni kwayo!” Nangempela Filiphu wagijima wasondzela, weva umTopiya afundza incwadzi yemphrofethi Isaya, wase uyabuta Filiphu utsi: “Uyakuva yini loku lokufundzako?” Waphendvula watsi: “Ngingeva kanjani kute longichazelako nje?” Wase ucela yena Filiphu kutsi agibele ahlale eceleni kwakhe. Abefundza indzawana emBhalweni lapho kutsi: “Njengemvu ilandzelwe kuyawuhlatjwa, nome lizinyane lemvu embikwemhhuli walo lithulile, akazange awuvule umlomo wakhe. Wedzelelwa, wehlulelwa ngalokungemtsetfo. Ngubani longachaza imphandze yakhe? Akashiyanga namliba, ngobe imphilo yakhe yesuswa emhlabeni.” Siphatsimandla satsi kuFiliphu: “Ngiyakubuta ngitsi: Abekhuluma ngabani lomphrofethi la, abetisho yena yini, nome abekhuluma ngalomunye umuntfu?” Filiphu wakhuluma nalesiphatsimandla, wacala ngalendzawana emBhalweni asitjela liVangeli ngaJesu. Basachubeka nendlela yabo befika lapho kunemanti khona siphatsimandla satsi: “Ingani nankha emanti, kwalani kutsi ngibhajatiswe?” [ Filiphu watsi kuso: “Nawukholwa ngenhlitiyo yakho yonkhe, kungentiwa.” Saphendvula satsi: “Ngiyakholwa kutsi Jesu Khristu yiNdvodzana yaNkulunkulu.”] Wase utsi akumiswe inkalishi yakhe, behla bobabili, baya emantini, siphatsimandla naFiliphu, wase uyasibhabhatisa. Batsi kube baphume emantini, Moya weNkhosi watsatsa Filiphu, siphatsimandla asizange siphindze simbone, noko sachubeka neluhambo lwaso sesihamba sijabula. Kodvwa Filiphu wabonakala asase-Azothosi ahamba ashumayela liVangeli kuwo onkhe emadolobha, waze wefika naseKhesariya. Ngaso lesikhatsi Sawula abesachubeka ngekusongela nekubulala bafundzi beNkhosi. Waya kumPhristi Lomkhulu. Wafike wacela tincwadzi tekumetfula emasinagogeni emaJuda aseDamaseko, kuze atsi nakakhandza lapho nobe bobani lababalandzeli baleNdlela yeNkhosi, abe nemandla ekubabopha, labadvuna nalabasikati, abatsatse abamikise eJerusalema. Asahamba aya eDamaseko, asasedvute nje nalelo dolobha, kwavela kukhanya lokukhulu esibhakabhakeni, kwambaneka ndzawo tonkhe ngekuphatima kweliso. Washayeka phansi, weva livi litsi kuye: “Sawula! Ye Sawula! Ungihluphelani?” Waphendvula watsi: “Ungubani, wena Nkhosi?” Livi laphendvula latsi: “NginguJesu, lomhluphako! Sukuma-ke uye kulelo dolobha, lapho utawutjelwa khona lokufanele ukwente.” Nalamadvodza labehamba naSawula abesamile, abindze ase dvu; abeliva lelivi, kepha akazange ambone lona labekhuluma. Sawula wasukuma phansi, wavula emehlo, kodvwa emehlo ehluleka kubona. Ngako base bambamba ngesandla bamhola baze bayawungena naye eDamaseko. Kwaphela emalanga lamatsatfu angakwati kubona, ngaleso sikhatsi abengadli anganatsi lutfo. Kwakukhona umfundzi lapha eDamaseko libito lakhe kungu-Ananiyase. Wabona umbono lapho iNkhosi yatsi kuye: “Ananiyase!” Wasabela watsi: “Ngilapha, Nkhosi.” INkhosi yatsi kuye: “Tilungiselele kuhamba uye eSitaladini Lesicondzile, endlini yaJudasi ucele indvodza yaseThasusi libito layo nguSawula. Uyathandaza. Ekwembulelweni kwakhe ubone indvodza lengu-Ananiyase ingena ibeka tandla etikwakhe kuze aphindze abone.” Kepha Ananiyase waphendvula watsi: “Nkhosi, bantfu labanyenti sebangitjelile ngalendvodza, nangabo bonkhe budlova lebentile kubantfu bakho eJerusalema. Futsi seyite lapha eDamaseko ngemandla nangemvume yebaphristi labakhulu kutewubopha bonkhe bantfu lababita libito lakho.” INkhosi yatsi kuye: “Hamba, ngobe lowo muntfu usitja sami lengisikhetsile kutsi siphatse libito lami kubetive nakumakhosi, nakubantfu baka-Israyeli. Mine ngekwami ngitamkhombisa konkhe lafanele ahlupheke ngako ngelibito lami.” Ngako-ke Ananiyase wahamba, wangena endlini wabeka tandla etikwaSawula. Watsi: “Mzalwane, Sawula, iNkhosi Jesu lebonakele kuwe endleleni ingitfumile kutsi ubone futsi, ugcwaliswe ngaMoya Longcwele.” Masinyane kwawa tincwencwe letatifanana nenkhwetfu tisuka emehlweni aSawula, waphindze wabona futsi. Wasukuma wabhajatiswa. Emvakwekudla waphindze wacina futsi. Sawula wahlala nebafundzi emalangana lambalwa eDamaseko. Masinyane wacala kushumayela emasinagogeni ngaJesu atsi: “UyiNdvodzana yaNkulunkulu.” Bonkhe labamuva bamangala babutana bodvwana batsi: “Akusiyo yini lendvodza lebeyibulala bonkhe lababita lelibito eJerusalema? Khona kantsi nje ayiketi lapha ngalenjongo yekubabopha ibamikise kubaphristi labakhulu yini?” Kodvwa Sawula wachubeka kushumayela ngemandla wawadzidza nemaJuda labehlala eDamaseko, awakhombisa ngalokusebaleni kutsi Jesu unguKhristu. Emvakwemalanga lamanyenti, emaJuda ahlangana enta lisu lekumbulala. Kodvwa Sawula weva ngalelisu labo kutsi bamlindza imini nebusuku emagedeni elidolobha kuze bambulale. Kodvwa balandzeli bakhe Sawula bamtsatsa ebusuku bamehlisa ngelibhasikidi elubondzeni lwelidolobha. Sawula waya eJerusalema wetama kutihlanganisa nebafundzi, kodvwa abazange bamkholwe lokutsi abesangumfundzi, bonkhe babemesaba. Noko Bhanabasi wamsita ngekutsi amtsatse amyise kubaphostoli. Wafike wabachazela kutsi Sawula wayibona kanjani iNkhosi endleleni, nekutsi iNkhosi yakhuluma naye. Wabatjela futsi nekutsi Sawula washumayela kanjani ngesibindzi ngelibito laJesu eDamaseko. Ngako-ke Sawula wahlanganyela kanye nabo behla benyuka nelidolobha lonkhe laseJerusalema, bashumayela ngesibindzi ngelibito leNkhosi. Wakhuluma waphikisana nemaJuda labekhuluma siGriki; kodvwa abefuna kumbulala. Kwatsi bazalwane nabakhandza tintfo time kanje, bamtsatsa Sawula bamyisa eKhesariya bamtfumela eThasusi. Ngako-ke libandla kulo lonkhe laseJudiya naseGalile naseSamariya laba nesikhatsi sekuthula. Lakhiwa, lakhula ngebunyenti ngekusitwa nguMoya Longcwele liphila imphilo yekwesaba iNkhosi. Phetro asahambahamba emkhatsini wabo bonkhe, waze wehlela kulabangcwele lababehlala eLida. Kulapho akhandza khona indvodza leyayingu-Ayeneyasi, leyayife luhlangotsi ingakwati nekuvuka embhedzeni iminyaka lesiphohlongo. Phetro watsi kuye: “Ayeneyasi, Jesu Khristu uyakuphilisa. Sukuma ugcebe umbhedze wakho!” Ayeneyasi wasukuma ngekushesha. Bonkhe bantfu lababehlala eLida nasesigodzini saseSharoni bambona, baphendvukela eNkhosini. EJopha kwakunemfati labelikholwa anguThabitha. Libito lakhe ngesiGriki kwakunguDokhasi, (lokusho kutsi “inyamatane”), abecitsa sonkhe sikhatsi sakhe ngekwenta lokuhle ngekusita timphuya. Ngaso leso sikhatsi wagula, wafa. Sidvumbu sakhe basigeza basilalisa endlini esitezi. IJopha yayisedvute naseLida, kwatsi bafundzi nabeva kutsi Phetro abeseLida, batfumela emadvodza lamabili nemlayeto lotsi: “Sicela unonophe ute lapha kitsi.” Ngako Phetro watilungisela wahamba nabo. Nasafikile bamtsatsa bamyisa kulendlu leyayisesitezi. Bonkhe bafelokati bamsingatsa, bakhala bamkhombisa emahembe nemajazi labentiwe nguDokhasi asengakafi. Phetro wabakhiphela ngephandle bonkhe labantfu, waguca phansi wathandaza; wase ugucukela kulesidvumbu watsi: “Thabitha, sukuma!” Thabitha wavula emehlo, watsi kube abone Phetro wahlala ngetibunu. Phetro wambamba ngesandla wamsukumisa. Wase ubita emakholwa nebafelokati, wabanika yena asaphilile. Lendzaba yasakateka neJopha yonkhe, bantfu labanyenti bakholwa eNkhosini. Phetro wahlala eJopha emalanga lamanyenti nemshuki wetikhumba labenguSimoni. Kwakukhona indvodza leyayinguKhoneliyuse eKhesariya, beyiyindvuna yelibutfo lemaRoma lelalibitwa ngekutsi: “Libutfo laseTaliyane.” Abekholwa, amesaba Nkulunkulu yena nendlu yakhe abesita labanyenti labamphofu bemaJuda, ahlala emkhulekweni ngaso sonkhe sikhatsi. Kwakungeli-awa lesitsatfu entsambama, lapho abona ngalokusebaleni embonweni ingilosi yaNkulunkulu ingena kuye itsi: “Khoneliyuse!” Wayibukisisa ngekwesaba lengilosi wase utsi: “Utsini, Nkhosi?” Ingilosi yaphendvula yatsi: “Nkulunkulu uyemukele imithandazo yakho nemisebenti yakho yesihawu, ngako-ke sewukukhumbulile. Ngako tfumela emadvodza eJopha ayewubita indvodza lebitwa ngekutsi nguSimoni Phetro, isivakashi emtini wemshuki wetikhumba lotsiwa nguSimoni, lohlala ngaselwandle.” Lengilosi leyayikhuluma naye yase iyahamba, Khoneliyuse wase ubita tisebenti tasekhaya kakhe letimbili kanye nelisotja, indvodza leyayikholwa, ingulenye yabogadzi bakhe. Wabatjela konkhe lokwase kwentekile, wase ubatfumela eJopha. Ngakusasa, nase basondzele eJopha, Phetro waya egumeni lelalisetulu eluphahleni lwendlu emini ayewuthandaza. Walamba, wakhanuka kudla; kusalungiswa kudla watsatseka wabona umbono. Wabona lizulu livulekile kwehla intfo leyayifana nendvwangu lenkhulu kusengatsi ilengiswe ngemakona ayo omane yehliselwa emhlabeni, ekhatsi kwayo kwakunetinhlobo tonkhe tetilwane temhlaba, letihamba ngetinyawo letine, naletihamba ngesisu, netinyoni temoya. Kwevakala livi litsi kuye: “Sukuma, Phetro; hlaba udle!” Kodvwa Phetro watsi: “Ngeke, Nkhosi! Angizange sengiyidle intfo leyatiwa ngekutsi ingcolile.” Livi lakhuluma kuye futsi latsi: “Ungasho kutsi kungcolile loko lokuhlantwe nguNkulunkulu.” Loku kwenteka katsatfu; kwase kuyatsatfwa kubuyela ezulwini. Phetro kwammangalisa kutsi usho kutsini lombono lawubonile. Ngaso leso sikhatsi lamadvodza labetfunywe nguKhoneliyuse abesawutfolile lomuti waSimoni aseme emnyango. Sebakhulekile babuta batsi: “Asikho yini sivakashi lapha lesibitwa ngekutsi nguSimoni Phetro?” Phetro asacabangisisa inchazelo yalombono, Moya Longcwele watsi kuye: “Lalela! Emadvodza lamatsatfu ayakufuna. Ngako sukuma wehle uhambe nawo ungangabati, ngobe atfunywe ngimi.” Ngako Phetro wehla waya kulamadvodza wafike watsi: “Ngimi lona lenimfunako. Ningifunelani?” Baphendvula batsi: “Khoneliyuse, indvuna yelibutfo, usitfumile. Uyindvodza lelungile naleyesaba Nkulunkulu, futsi uhlonishwa ngiso sonkhe sive semaJuda. Watjelwa yingilosi lengcwele kutsi akumeme ute emtini wakhe, kuze atewuva emavi akho.” Phetro wabacela labantfu kutsi sale balala, ngobe lase lishonile. Ngakusasa watilungiselela kuhamba nabo; labanye bazalwane baseJopha bamphekeletela. Ngakusasa befika eKhesariya, lapho abelindzelwe nguKhoneliyuse khona, kanye netihlobo nebangani bakhe labakhulu labebamemile. Nasatawungena nje ekhaya Phetro, Khoneliyuse waphuma wamhlangabeta, waguca ngemadvolo wakhotsama embikwakhe. Kodvwa Phetro wamsukumisa. Watsi kuye: “Sukuma, nami ngingumuntfu nje.” Phetro wachubeka wakhulumisa Khoneliyuse basangena endlini, lapho akhandza bantfu labanyenti bahlangene. Watsi kubo: “Nani matfupha niyati kutsi umJuda akavunyelwa yinkholo yakhe kutsi avakashele nome atihlanganise nebetive. Kodvwa Nkulunkulu ungikhombisile kutsi angifanele kusho kutsi umuntfu ungcolile nome akahlanteki. Ngako-ke njengobe utfumele kimi, ngivele ngeta ngaphandle kwekungatsita. Sengiyabuta-ke, manje, ungibiteleni?” Khoneliyuse waphendvula watsi: “Kwakucishe kube ngito letikhatsi kutsanti kwayitolo ngesikhatsi ngithandaza endlini yami ngeli-awa lesitsatfu ntsambama ngabona indvodza yembetse tingubo letikhatimulako ime embikwami itsi: ‘Khoneliyuse, Nkulunkulu uwuvile umthandazo wakho, uyikhumbulile imisebenti yakho yesihawu. Tfumela umuntfu eJopha ayewubita indvodza lebitwa ngekutsi nguSimoni Phetro, usivakashi emtini waSimoni, umshuki wetikhumba, lohlala ngaselwandle.’ Nganonopha ngatfumela kuwe, wavele wavuma ngenhlitiyo lemhlophe kuta njengobe sewulapha nje. Nanyalo sesihlangene sonkhe embikwaNkulunkulu, simele kuva loko iNkhosi lekutfume kona.” Wacala wakhuluma Phetro watsi: “Nembala sengibonile kutsi Nkulunkulu akakhetsi libala lemuntfu, kodvwa lowo lomesabako ente lokulungile uyemukeleka kuye, nome angewasiphi sive. Niyalati livi lalitfumela kubantfu baka-Israyeli, ashumayela liVangeli lekuthula ngaJesu Khristu, loyiNkhosi yabo bonkhe bantfu. Niyayati nalendzaba lenkhulu leyenteka eJudiya lonkhe, kusukela eGalile, ngemuva kwembhabhatiso lowawuyinshumayelo yaJohane. Niyati futsi ngaJesu waseNazaretha, kutsi Nkulunkulu wamgcoba kanjani ngaMoya Longcwele nangemandla nekutsi waya kuyo yonkhe indzawo enta lokuhle aphilisa bonkhe lababecindzetelwe ngemandla aSathane, ngobe Nkulunkulu abenaye. “Tsine sibofakazi bako konkhe loko labekwenta eveni lemaJuda kanye naseJerusalema. Bambulala ngekumbetsela esiphambanweni. Kodvwa Nkulunkulu wamvusa ekufeni ngelilanga lesitsatfu, wambonakalisa; noko akabonwanga ngabo bonkhe bantfu, kodvwa ngitsi kuphela lesibofakazi, tsine lesasivele sikhetfwe nguNkulunkulu. Sadla sanatsa naye ngemuva kwekuvuswa kwakhe nguNkulunkulu ekufeni. Wasitfuma kutsi sishumayele kubantfu, sifakaze nekutsi nguye lokhetfwe nguNkulunkulu kutsi abe nguMehluleli walabaphilako nalabafile. Bonkhe baphrofethi bafakaza ngaye, batsi wonkhe umuntfu lokholwa nguye uyawutsetselelwa tono ngelibito lakhe.” Asakhuluma Phetro, Moya Longcwele wehlela kubo bonkhe labaliva lelivi. Emakholwa emaJuda labephuma eJopha kanye naPhetro amangala kutsi Nkulunkulu utfululele sipho sakhe lesinguMoya Longcwele, ngisho nakubetive imbala; ngobe babeva sebakhuluma ngetilimi badvumisa bukhulu baNkulunkulu. Khona Phetro wakhuluma watsi: “Labantfu sebemukele Moya Longcwele, njengobe natsi samemukela. Kepha ukhona yini longahle abavimbele kutsi babhajatiswe ngemanti?” Ngako wabatjela kutsi kufanele babhajatiswe egameni laJesu Khristu. Base bayamcela kutsi ahlale nabo emalangana. Baphostoli nebazalwane kulo lonkhe laseJudiya beva kutsi betive nabo balemukele livi laNkulunkulu. Kwatsi lapho Phetro akhuphukela eJerusalema, labo labatsandza kusoka kwebetive bamsola, batsi: “Uvumeleni kuya emtini webetive labangakasoki futsi udle nabo?” Ngako-ke Phetro wabalandzisa ngalokwenteka, kusukela ekucaleni, watsi: “Bengithandaza emtini eJopha, ngatsatseka, ngabona umbono. Ngabona kwehla intfo leyayibukeka njengendvwangu lenkhulu yehla ezulwini kusengatsi ibanjwe ngemakona ayo omane yehliselwa kimi. Ngasondzela ngabuka ekhatsi ngabona tilwane letihamba ngetinyawo letine, netesiganga, naletihamba ngesisu kanye netinyoni temoya. Ngeva livi litsi kimi: ‘Sukuma, Phetro; hlaba udle!’ Kodvwa ngatsi: ‘Ngeke, Nkhosi, ngobe akuzange sekungene nakunye lokungcolile emlonyeni wami.’ Livi lakhuluma futsi ezulwini latsi: ‘Ungasho kutsi lokuhlantwe nguNkulunkulu kungcolile.’ Loku kwenteka emahlandla lamatsatfu, ekugcineni yonkhe intfo yakhushulelwa emuva yenyuselwa ezulwini. “Ngasona leso sikhatsi emadvodza lamatsatfu labetfunyelwe kimi achamuka eKhesariya efika endlini lapho ngangihlala khona. Moya Longcwele wangitjela kutsi angihambe nabo ngingangatsiti. Labazalwane labasitfupha labangiphekeletela sahamba nabo saya eKhesariya, sonkhe sangena endlini yaKhoneliyuse. Wasitjela ngekubona kwakhe ingilosi ime endlini yakhe itsi kuye: ‘Tfumela emadvodza eJopha ayekubitela Simoni lokutsiwa nguPhetro. Uyawukhuluma emavi lokuyawutsi ngawo usindziswe wena nendlu yakho yonkhe.’ “Ngisacala nje kukhuluma, Moya Longcwele wehlela kubo njengobe ehlela kitsi ekucaleni. Ngase ngikhumbula lokwashiwo yiNkhosi nayitsi: ‘Johane wabhabhatisa ngemanti, kodvwa nine niyawubhajatiswa ngaMoya Longcwele.’ Nangabe-ke Nkulunkulu wabapha laba betive lesipho lesifana naleso lasipha sona tsine nasikholwa eNkhosini Jesu Khristu, mine-ke bengingubani kutsi ngingemelana naNkulunkulu?” Batsi nabeva loko, babindza, base badvumisa Nkulunkulu batsi: “Nembala Nkulunkulu sewunike nebetive litfuba lekuphendvukela ekuphileni.” Emakholwa, labesakatwe kuhlushwa lokwalandzela kubulawa kwaStefano, ahamba aze efika eFenisiya naseSiphrosi nase-Antiyokhi, atjela emaJuda kuphela ngalelivi leNkhosi. Labanye babo babengemadvodza aseSiphrosi naseSirene labatsi nabefika e-Antiyokhi batjela nebetive livi leNkhosi, babashumayela liVangeli lekutsi Jesu yiNkhosi. Sandla seNkhosi sasinabo, bantfu labanyenti bakholwa baphendvukela eNkhosini. Tindzaba ngaloko tefika ebandleni laseJerusalema, ngako-ke batfumela Bhanabasi e-Antiyokhi. Lapho efika wabona kutsi Nkulunkulu abebabusisile bantfu, watfokota wabancusa bonkhe kutsi betsembeke baciniseke eNkhosini ngetinhlitiyo tonkhe tabo. Bhanabasi abengumuntfu lolungile agcwele Moya Longcwele nekukholwa. Bantfu labanyenti bengetekela eNkhosini. Bhanabasi wase uya eThasusi ayewufuna Sawula. Kwatsi lapho amkhandza, wamletsa e-Antiyokhi. Umnyaka wonkhe bobabili babehlanganyela nebantfu belibandla, babefundzisa sicuku lesikhulu. Kwakuse-Antiyokhi lapho bafundzi babitwa kwekucala ngekutsi ngemaKhristu. Ngaleso sikhatsi labanye baphrofethi behla besuka eJerusalema baya e-Antiyokhi. Lomunye wabo longu-Agabusi wasukuma ngemandla aMoya wabatjela ngendlala leyayitawufika emhlabeni wonkhe. Yaze yaba khona ngesikhatsi sekubusa uMbusi Klawudiyusi. Bafundzi bavumelana kutsi ngulowo nalowo atfumele loko langakutfumela kusita bazalwane baseJudiya. Bakwenta loko batfumela imali kubabonisi belibandla ngaboBhanabasi naSawula. Ngalesikhatsi Herodi, inkhosi, wacala kutingela nekuhlupha emalunga elibandla. Wabulala Jakobe, umnakaboJohane, ngenkemba. Watsi nakabona kutsi emaJuda ayakujabulela loko lakwentako, wachubekela nasekubopheni Phetro. Loko kwenteka ngesikhatsi seSidlo Sesinkhwa Lesingenambiliso. Watsi kube ambambe wamfaka ejele lapho aniketwa etigabeni letine temasotja lamane sigaba sisinye, letatimlindza ngekuntjintjana. Herode abehlose kutsi amletse embikwemaJuda emvakweliPhasika. Ngako-ke Phetro walondvolotwa ejele, kodvwa libandla belithandaza limncusela kuNkulunkulu. Ngebusuku bekugcina Herodi atamkhipha amletse ebantfwini, Phetro abelele emkhatsini webalindzi lababili. Abeboshwe ngetinketane letimbili, kwakunebalindzi lapho emnyango welijele balindzile. Masinyane kwefika ingilosi yeNkhosi, kwakhanya ngekhatsi ejele. Lengilosi yanyikinyisa Phetro ngelihlombe, yamvusa yatsi: “Phangisa! Vuka!” Khona lapho tinketane tadzilika etandleni takhe. Ingilosi yase itsi kuye: “Tibophe ngelibhande, ufake tincabule takho.” Wakwenta loko Phetro, ingilosi yatsi: “Yembatsa ingubo yakho ungilandzele!” Phetro waphuma ejele wayilandzela. Noko akatanga kutsi loku lokwentiwa yingilosi kwenteka ngempela yini; wacabanga kutsi ubona umbono. Bendlula balindzi bekucala, nebesibili, befika kubekugcina esangweni lensimbi lelivulekela edolobheni, lativulekela. Baphumela ngephandle. Bahamba bengca sitaladi saba sinye, khona lapho ingilosi yamshiya Phetro. Kwangukhona kumkhanyela Phetro kutsi bekwentekani kuye, wase utsi: “Manje sengiyati kutsi kuliciniso kutsi iNkhosi itfumele ingilosi, yangikhulula emandleni aHerodi nakuko konkhe emaJuda abebheke kutsi kutangehlela.” Watsi nabona loko, wahamba waya ekhaya laMariya, unina waJohane Makho. Bantfu labanyenti bebabutsene lapho bathandaza. Phetro wanconcotsa emnyango; Roda, intfombatana leyayisisebenti, weta kutamvulela. Waliva livi laPhetro wajabula kakhulu, wagijima wabuyela emuva angakawuvuli umnyango. Wefika wabatjela kutsi nguPhetro lome ngephandle. Batsi kuye: “Uyahlanya!” Kepha wacinisa watsi kuliciniso. Base baphendvula batsi: “Yingilosi yakhe.” Phetro abeseloku anconcotsa. Batsi bavula umnyango bambona Phetro, bamangala. Waphakamisa sandla sakhe wababindzisa, wabachazela kutsi iNkhosi imkhulule njani ejele. Watsi kubo: “Nibotjela Jakobe nebazalwane.” Wase uyabashiya uya encenye. Ekuseni kwesuka lesikhulu sidvumo kubalindzi kutsi ushonephi Phetro. Herodi watfumela kutsi afunwe, kepha abazange bamtfole. Ngako-ke wabita balindzi wababutisisa, wase utsi ababulawe. Emvakwaloko Herodi wehlela eKhesariya aphuma eJudiya, wahlala sikhatsi khona. Wabatfukutselela kakhulu Herodi bantfu baseThire naseSidoni; ngako-ke baya kanyekanye bayawubonana naye. Kwekucala bavumelana naBlastusi, labengumgcini wesigodlo. Baya kuHerodi bayawucela kuthula, ngobe live labo lalitfola kudla eveni lakhe. Ngelilanga lelalikhetsekile Herodi wembatsa tingubo takhe tebukhosi, wahlala esihlalweni sebukhosi, wabeka inkhulumo kubantfu. Bamemeta batsi: “Akusiye umuntfu lona lokhulumako, kepha ngunkulunkulu.” Khona lapho ingilosi yeNkhosi yashaya Herodi, ngobe abengamniki Nkulunkulu ludvumo. Wadliwa tibungu waze wafa. Livi leNkhosi lachubeka landza. Bhanabasi naSawula bacedza umsebenti wabo babuyela eJerusalema, bahamba kanye naJohane Makho. Ebandleni lase-Antiyokhi kwakunebaphrofethi nebafundzisi: Bhanabasi, naSimeyoni (lobitwa ngekutsi Mnyama), naLusiyusi waseSirene, naManayeni lowakhula naHerodi, umbusi, naSawula. Basakhonta iNkhosi, bazila, Moya Longcwele watsi kubo: “Ngehlukaniseleni boBhanabasi naSawula, nibehlukanisele umsebenti lengibabitele wona.” Emvakwekuzila nekuthandaza babeka tandla etikwabo, base bayabatfuma. BoBhanabasi naSawula, sebatfunyelwe nguMoya Longcwele, behlela eSeloyisiya bahamba ngemkhumbi besuka khona balibangisa esichingini saseSiphrosi. Lapho befika eSalamisi, bashumayela livi leNkhosi emasinagogeni emaJuda. BabenaJohane labebalekelela emsebentini. Bahamba yonkhe indlela lejuba esichingini baya ePhafosi, lapho bahlangana naBhajesu labesangoma, umJuda labengumphrofethi wemanga. Abenembusi waleso sichingi, Segiyusi Pawulusi, labeyindvodza lehlakaniphile. Umbusi wabita boBhanabasi naSawula kutsi abete kuye ngobe afuna kuva livi laNkulunkulu. Kepha baphikiswa ngu-Elimasi labesangoma, leyo yinchazelo yelibito lakhe lesiGriki; wetama kuvimbela umbusi ekukholweni. Kodvwa Sawula lokunguPawula, agcwele Moya Longcwele, wasibukisisa lesangoma. Watsi: “Wena ndvodzana yaSathane! Usitsa sako konkhe lokuhle; ugcwele onkhe emachinga ebubi, uyawuyekela nini kuvimbela liciniso leNkhosi ngemanga? Sandla seNkhosi sitakwehlela etikwakho nyalo; utawuba yimphumphutse, awunakubona kukhanya kwelilanga sikhatsi lesitsite.” Khona lapho Elimasi wehlelwa yinkhungu yebumnyama yavala emehlo akhe, wahambahamba ajikeleta afuna longamhola amdvonse ngesandla. Umbusi wakholwa nakabona loko lokwase kwentekile, ikakhulu wamangaliswa yimfundziso yeNkhosi. Pawula nebangani bakhe bahamba ngemkhumbi besuka ePhafosi baya ePhega yasePhamfiliya, kepha Johane Makho wabashiya wabuyela emuva eJerusalema. Bahamba besuka ePhega befika e-Antiyokhi yasePhisidiya. Ngelilanga leliSabatha bangena esinagogeni bahlala phansi. Sekufundvwe umtsetfo nemiBhalo yebaphrofethi, baphatsi belisinagoge batfumela livi batsi: “Bazalwane, sicela nikhulume kubantfu nangabe ninawo emavi ekubakhutsata.” Pawula wasukuma waphakamisa sandla kuze batemlalela watsi: “Nine baka-Israyeli, nani lenimesabako Nkulunkulu, lalelani! Nkulunkulu wesive saka-Israyeli wakhetsa bokhokho betfu, wabandzisa ngesikhatsi basahlala njengetihambi eveni laseGibhithe. Nkulunkulu wabakhipha eGibhithe ngemandla akhe lamangalisako. Wababeketelela ehlane iminyaka lengema-40. Wabulala tive letisikhombisa eveni laseKhenani, walinika bona kutsi libe labo. “Emvakweminyaka lengema-450 wabanika baholi besive lekwakutsiwa tikhulu, kwaze kwefika sikhatsi semphrofethi Samuweli. Lapho bacela inkhosi, Nkulunkulu wabanika Sawula, indvodzana yaKishi, wesive sakaBhenjamini, waba yinkhosi yabo iminyaka lengema-40. Nkulunkulu asamkhiphile wabeka Davide, waba yinkhosi yabo. Nkulunkulu wafakaza kahle ngaye nakatsi: ‘Ngitfole kutsi Davide, indvodzana yaJese, ungumuntfu wenhlitiyo yami, umuntfu lotakwenta konkhe lengifuna kutsi akwente.’ Entalweni yakhe Nkulunkulu waletsela ema-Israyeli uMsindzisi longuJesu njengobe abebatsembisile. Asengakefiki Jesu, Johane washumayela esiveni sonkhe saka-Israyeli kutsi siphendvuke etonweni sibhajatiswe. Johane nasatawucedza umsebenti wakhe, watsi kubantfu: ‘Nicabanga kutsi ngingubani mine? Angisiye lona lenimlindzele. Kepha bukani la! Yena uta emvakwami, mine angikafaneli ngisho kumkhumula ticatfulo takhe etinyaweni.’ “Bazalwane, ntalo ya-Abrahama, nani nonkhe lenimesabako Nkulunkulu, lelivi lensindziso litfunyelwe kitsi. Bantfu labahlala eJerusalema nebaholi babo abazange bati kutsi Jesu unguMsindzisi, abevanga nemavi ebaphrofethi labawafundza njalo ngemaSabatha, kepha bawagcwalisa ngekubulala Jesu. Naloku bangasitfolanga sizatfu sekumlahla ngelicala lekufa, kepha bacela kuPhilatu kutsi akabulawe. Ngemuva sebakwentile konkhe njengobe kubhaliwe ngaye, bametfula esiphambanweni bamfaka engcwabeni. Kodvwa Nkulunkulu wamvusa kulabafile. Ngemalanga lamanyenti wabonwa ngulabo labehamba nabo kusuka eGalile kuya eJerusalema. Manje sebabofakazi bakhe esiveni saka-Israyeli. “Futsi silapha kube siniletsele liVangeli lekutsi loko Nkulunkulu lakwetsembisa bokhokho sewukugcwalisile kitsi tsine lesisitukulwane sabo ngekuvusa Jesu aphile; njengobe kubhaliwe eSihlabelelweni sesibili kutsi: “ ‘Wena uyiNdvodzana yami, lamuhla senginguYihlo.’ “Naku Nkulunkulu lakusho ngekumvusa kwakhe kulabafile angeyiwubola ethuneni watsi: “ ‘Ngiyawuninika tibusiso letingcwele lengatetsembisa Davide;’ “njengobe asho nakulesinye Sihlabelelo atsi: “ ‘Awuyiwuvumela Longcwele wakho abole ethuneni.’ “Phela Davide wenta intsandvo yaNkulunkulu ngesikhatsi sekuphila kwakhe; wase uyafa, wembelwa eceleni kwabokhokho bakhe, wabola; kepha lona Nkulunkulu lamvusa ekufeni akabolanga. “Ngako-ke, bazalwane, akwateke kini kutsi ngaye lowo muntfu kutsetselelwa kwetono kuyashunyayelwa kini; nekutsi ngaye wonkhe lokholwa kuye uyakhululwa etonweni takhe labengeke akhululeke kuto ngemtsetfo waMosi. *** Ngako-ke caphelani, kuze kutsi lokwashiwo baphrofethi kungenteki kini: “ ‘Caphelani, nine tedzeleli! Nimangale nife! Ngobe umsebenti lengiwenta emihleni yenu, nguleningeke niwukholwe, ngisho nome lomunye asanichazela ngawo.’ ” Batsi boPawula naBhanabasi nabaphuma esinagogeni, bantfu babacela kutsi babuye ngeliSabatha lelilandzelako batewubatjela ngalokunyenti kwaleto tintfo. Bantfu sebahambile emhlanganweni, boPawula naBhanabasi balandzelwa ngemaJuda lamanyenti nalabanye labanyenti lababephendvukele enkholweni yemaJuda. Baphostoli bakhuluma kubo babakhutsata kutsi bachubeke baphile emseni waNkulunkulu. NgeliSabatha lelilandzelako cishe bonkhe bantfu edolobheni beta batewulalela livi leNkhosi. Lapho emaJuda abona ticuku, aba nemona; aphikisa Pawula kuloko abekusho, ametfuka. Kepha boPawula naBhanabasi bakhuluma ngesibindzi batsi: “Bekufanele kutsi livi leNkhosi likhulunywe kini kucala. Kepha njengobe ningalifuni, ningaticabangeli nine kutsi nifanelwe kuphila kwaphakadze, bhekani-ke sesiyanishiya siya kubetive. Lona ngumyalo lesawunikwa yiNkhosi lotsi: “ ‘Ngikutfumele kutsi ube kukhanya kubetive, ube yinsindziso emhlabeni wonkhe.’ ” Lapho betive beva loko, batfokota badvumisa livi leNkhosi; nalabo labebakhetselwe kuphila lokuphakadze bakholwa. Livi leNkhosi landza kuyo yonkhe leyo ndzawo. Kodvwa emaJuda afaka umoya wetikhova ebafatini lababehloniphekile lababephendvukele enkholweni yebuJuda nasemadvodzeni labesembili kulelo dolobha. Bacala bahlupha boPawula naBhanabasi, babacosha kuleyo ndzawo yakubo. Baphostoli batsintsitsa lutfuli lwetinyawo tabo bachubekela e-Ikhoniyumi. Bafundzi base-Antiyokhi bagcwala kujabula naMoya Longcwele. Kwabuye kwenteka lokufanako nase-Ikhoniyumi boPawula naBhanabasi bangena esinagogeni lemaJuda bakhuluma ngendlela leyenta kutsi linyenti lemaJuda nemaGriki likholwe. Kepha emaJuda labengakholwa afaka lulwimi lolubi kubetive kuze bavukele bazalwane. Baphostoli bahlala lapho sikhatsi lesidze. Bakhuluma ngesibindzi ngeNkhosi, leyafakaza kutsi inshumayelo yabo ngemusa wayo iliciniso, ibanika emandla ekwenta tibonakaliso netimangaliso ngetandla tabo. Bantfu belidolobha behlukana ekhatsi, labanye baba ngakumaJuda, labanye baba ngakubaphostoli. Kwatsi nakusuka siphitsiphitsi emkhatsini webetive, nemaJuda, nebaholi bawo, bafuna kuhlupha nekugcoba baphostoli ngematje, baphostoli nabakuva loko, babalekela eListra naseDebe, emadolobha lamakhulu aseLikhawoniya, naseveni lelakhelene nawo. Nakhona lapho bashumayela liVangeli. EListra batfolana nendvodza ihleti, beyisishosha kusukela ekutalweni kwayo, yayingazange seyihambe. Yalalela emavi aboPawula. Pawula wabona kutsi iyakholwa kutsi ingaphiliswa, ngako-ke wayibukisisa, wamemeta kakhulu watsi: “Sukuma ume ngetinyawo.” Lendvodza yazuba yema ngetinyawo, yacala kuhamba. Lapho sicumbi sibona lokwentiwe nguPawula, sacala samemeta ngelulwimi lwesiLikhawoniya sitsi: “Bonkulunkulu batsatse simo sebantfu behlela kitsi.” Betsa Bhanabasi batsi unguZeyusi, naPawula bametsa batsi nguHemesi, ngobe nguye labekhuluma. Umphristi waZeyusi labenelithempeli lelalakhiwe ngephandle kwelidolobha, waletsa tinkunzi nemhlobiso wetimbali emasangweni. Yena nesicumbi abefuna kunikela umnikelo kubaphostoli. Lapho boBhanabasi naPawula beva loko bese batakwenta, badzabula tingubo tabo bagijima bacondza emkhatsini wesicumbi, bamemeta batsi: “Madvodza, nikwentelani loku? Natsi sibantfu nje, labafanana nani! Site lapha kuniletsela liVangeli, kuze nigucuke nisuke kuletintfo letingenamsebenti niye kuNkulunkulu lophilako, lowenta lizulu, nemhlaba, nelwandle, nako konkhe lokukuko. Ngesikhatsi lesendlulile watiyekela tonkhe tive tatihambela ngetindlela tato. Kodvwa akayekelanga kutifakazela ngekwenta imisebenti lemihle: Unehlisela imvula nekudla ngesikhatsi lesifanele; uninika kudla agcwalise tinhlitiyo tenu ngenjabulo.” Nangawo lawo mavi baphostoli babemisa kalukhuni bantfu kutsi babanikelele iminikelo. Lamanye emaJuda efika aphuma e-Antiyokhi yasePhisidiya nase-Ikhoniyumi; asasivumisile sicuku, agcoba Pawula ngematje, amhudvulela ngephandle kwelidolobha acabanga kutsi sewufile. Kodvwa ngesikhatsi emakholwa abutsana kuye, wasukuma wabuyela edolobheni. Ngelilanga lelilandzelako yena naBhanabasi bahamba baya eDebe. BoPawula naBhanabasi bashumayela liVangeli eDebe, batfola balandzeli labanyenti. Base babuyela emuva eListra, nase-Ikhoniyumi, nase-Antiyokhi lesePhisidiya. Bacinisa emakholwa bawakhutsata ekubambeleleni ekukholweni. Babafundzisa kutsi: “Sifanele sendlule ekuhluphekeni lokunyenti kuze singene embusweni waNkulunkulu.” Kulelo nalelo bandla babakhetsela babonisi, ngemithandazo nangekuzila babaletsa eNkhosini labayikholwako. Kwatsi sebadzabule esifundzeni sasePhisidiya, befika ePhamfiliya, bashumayela livi ePhega, base behlela e-Athaliya. Nabesuka lapho bantjweza ngemkhumbi babuyela emuva e-Antiyokhi, indzawo lababenikelwe khona umsebenti waNkulunkulu labase bawentile. Lapho sebefike e-Antiyokhi babutsela bantfu belibandla ndzawonye babatjela konkhe Nkulunkulu labekusebentile ngabo, nekutsi nebetive ubavulele indlela yekukholwa. Bahlala lapho nemakholwa sikhatsi lesidze. Lamanye emadvodza laphuma eJudiya aya e-Antiyokhi acala afundzisa bazalwane atsi: “Ningeke nisindziswe naningakasoki njengekusho kwelisiko laMosi.” BoPawula naBhanabasi baphikisana nabo kuloko, ngako-ke kwase kuncunywa kutsi Pawula naBhanabasi nalabanye base-Antiyokhi kufanele bahambe baye eJerusalema bayewubonana nebaphostoli nebabonisi ngaleyo ndzaba. Endleleni yabo batfunywe libandla, basadzabula eFenisiya naseSamariya babika kutsi betive baphendvukela kanjani kuNkulunkulu; letindzaba taletsa kujabula lokukhulu kubazalwane bonkhe. Kwatsi nabefika eJerusalema, bemukelwa libandla, nebaphostoli, nebabonisi, babatjela ngako konkhe Nkulunkulu lakusebente ngabo. Kepha lamanye emakholwa elicembu lebaFarisi asukuma atsi: “Kufanele basoke, batjelwe kutsi bagcine umtsetfo waMosi.” Baphostoli nebabonisi bahlangana ndzawonye kumungunya lendzaba. Emvakwemphikiswano lendze Phetro wasukuma watsi: “Bazalwane bami, niyati kutsi sekusikhatsi lesidze lesendlulile Nkulunkulu angikhetsa emkhatsini wenu kube ngishumayele liVangeli kubetive, khona batewuva bakholwe. Nkulunkulu, lowati tinhlitiyo tebantfu, wakhombisa kuvumela betive ngekubanika Moya Longcwele, njengobe enta nakitsi. Akentanga umehluko emkhatsini wetfu nabo; ngekukholwa wabahlanta tinhlitiyo. Pho, nifunelani kulinga Nkulunkulu ngekubeka lijoko emahlombe emakholwa lokungazange bokhokho nome tsine sibe nemandla ekuletfwala? Cha! Sikholwa kutsi tsine nabo sisindziswa ngalokufananako ngemusa weNkhosi yetfu Jesu.” Sicumbi sonkhe sasibindzile silalele boBhanabasi naPawula basasilandzisa ngato tonkhe tibonakaliso netimangaliso Nkulunkulu labetente ngabo kubantfu betive. Sebacedzile kukhuluma, Jakobe wakhuluma watsi: “Bazalwane, ngilaleleni! Simoni usandza kuchaza kutsi Nkulunkulu wacala kunakekela betive ngekutitsatsela sive emkhatsini wabo kutsi sibe sakhe. Loku kuvumelana ncamashi nemavi ebaphrofethi, njengobe imiBhalo itsi: “ ‘Emvakwaloko ngiyawuncandzeka, ngiyawuvusa indlu yaDavide lewile; ngiyawuvusa tindvonga tayo ngibuye ngitakhe futsi, kuze labanye bantfu nato tonkhe tive letibitwa ngelibito lami batewufuna iNkhosi, kusho iNkhosi, leyenta loko kwateke kusukela emandvulweni.’ ” Jakobe wachubeka watsi: “Kungumcondvo wami kutsi akukafaneli sibatsikamete laba betive labaphendvukela kuNkulunkulu, kuphela nje asibabhalele incwadzi sibatjele kutsi bangakudli kudla lokungcoliswe ngekunikelwa etithicweni, babalekele bugwadla, bangadli lokucumbelene, bangayidli nengati. Ngobe nemtsetfo waMosi sewushunyayelwe kuwo onkhe emadolobha wafundziswa sikhatsi lesidze emasinagogeni ngemalanga onkhe emaSabatha.” Baphostoli nebabonisi, kanye nelibandla lonkhe, bancuma kukhetsa lamanye emadvodza emkhatsini wabo kutsi bawatfumele e-Antiyokhi naboPawula naBhanabasi. Bakhetsa Judasi lokutsiwa nguBhasabasi, naSilasi, lekwakungemadvodza lahloniphekile emkhatsini webazalwane. Kwatfunyelwa ngabo incwadzi leyayitsi: “Yemukelani nanso incwadzi levela kubaphostoli nebazalwane labababonisi lababingelela bazalwane betive ngekutalwa, labahlala edolobheni lase-Antiyokhi nasetifundzeni taseSiriya naseSilisiya. “Sivile kutsi labanye betfu befike lapho banikhatsata banidzidza tingcondvo ngetimfundziso tabo; noko abakatfunywa ngitsi kutsi bakwente loko. Ngako-ke sibese siyahlangana savumelana sonkhe ngalivi linye lekutsi sitawutfumela kini lamadvodza lesiwakhetsile kanye nebahlobo betfu labatsandzekako boBhanabasi naPawula, labanikele ngetimphilo tabo emsebentini weNkhosi yetfu Jesu Khristu. Ngako-ke sinitfumelele boJudasi naSilasi, labatanitjela bona ngemlomo kona loko lesikubhalile. “Moya Longcwele kanye natsi sivumelene ngekutsi singanetfwesi lomunye umtfwalo ngaphandle kwalemiyalo ledzingekile: Ningakudli kudla lokungcoliswe ngekunikelwa etithicweni, ningayidli ingati, ningadli lokucumbelene; nibalekele bugwadla. Niyawube nente kahle naniyigcinile lemiyalo. Salani kahle.” Titfunywa tahamba taya e-Antiyokhi, lapho tahlangana nabo bonkhe lababengemakholwa, tabanika lencwadzi. Lapho bantfu sebayifundzile incwadzi bajatjuliswa ngemavi ekubakhutsata. BoJudasi naSilasi, lababebaphrofethi ngekwabo, bacoca sikhatsi lesidze nebazalwane babacinisa emadvolo ngekubakhutsata. Bahlala sikhatsi lapho. Bazalwane base bayabakhulula kutsi bancandzeke ngekuthula, babaphatsisa nemikhontiso yabo leyayiya kulabo bazalwane labebabatfumile. [ Kodvwa Silasi wakhetsa kuhlala lapho.] BoPawula naBhanabasi bahlala sikhatsi e-Antiyokhi babehlanganyela nalabanyenti, babefundzisa bashumayele livi leNkhosi. Emvakwesikhatsi Pawula watsi kuBhanabasi: “Asibuyele emuva sivakashele bazalwane kuwo onkhe emadolobha lapho sashumayela khona livi leNkhosi, sibone kutsi bachubeka njani.” Bhanabasi wafuna kutsi batsatse Johane Makho ahambe nabo, kepha Pawula akakubonanga kulungile kumtsatsa, ngobe akachubekanga nabo emsebentini wabo wonkhe, kepha abebuyele emuva wabashiya ePhamfiliya. Bacabana kabi ngalendzaba, baze behlukana. Bhanabasi wahamba naMakho ngemkhumbi walibangisa eSiphrosi. Kodvwa Pawula wakhetsa Silasi, wahamba naye asanikelwe bazalwane emseni weNkhosi. Wahamba wadzabula eSiriya naseSilisiya, acinisa emabandla. BoPawula bahamba behlela eDebe naseListra, lapho bekukhona likholwa lelitsite, libito lalo kunguThimothi, indvodzana yemfati labengumJuda lokholwako, kodvwa uyise abengumGriki. Bazalwane baseListra nase-Ikhoniyumi babemncoma Thimothi; Pawula abetsandza kutsi ahambe naThimothi, ngako-ke wamtsatsa wamsoka ngenca yemaJuda labekhona kuleto tindzawo, ngobe onkhe abemati kutsi uyise abengumGriki. Basahamba badzabula emadolobheni batjela emakholwa tincumo letemiswa baphostoli nebabonisi lababeseJerusalema kutsi batigcine. Ngako-ke emabandla acinisela ekukholweni, bengeteka ngebunyenti emalanga ngemalanga. Base badzabula live laseFrigiya nelaseGalathiya, ngobe Moya Longcwele wabalela kushumayela livi leNkhosi eveni lase-Asiya. Sebefikile emnyeleni waseMisiya, balinga kuya eveni laseBhithiniya, kodvwa Moya waJesu akabavumelanga. Ngako-ke bendlula eMisiya behlela eThrowasi. Ebusuku Pawula wabona umbono, wabona indvodza yaseMasedoniya imile imncenga itsi: “Yewelela eMasedoniya utesisita!” Kwatsi Pawula asawubonile lombono satilungiselela masinyane kuwelela eMasedoniya, ngobe sase sibonile kutsi Nkulunkulu usibitele kutsi siyewushumayela liVangeli kubo. Ngako-ke santjweza ngemkhumbi sisuka eThrowasi sacondza eSamothrakhe, ngakusasa sabe singena eNeyapholisi lapho safike sehla khona. Sesuka lapho saya eFiliphi, lidolobha lelisesifundzeni sekucala saseMasedoniya, lelingephansi kwembuso wemaRoma. Sahlala emalanga lambalwa kulelo dolobha. Kwatsi ngeliSabatha saphumela ngephandle kwelidolobha saya ngasemfuleni, lapho sabona khona kutsi kungahle kube yindzawo yekuthandaza. Sahlala phansi sakhuluma nalabasikati lababebutsene lapho. Lomunye walabo lowasilalela nguLidiya, waseThiyathira, umtsengisi wetingubo letibukhwebeletane; abengumfati losikhonti saNkulunkulu. INkhosi yavula inhlitiyo yakhe kuze eve emukele loko lokwakukhulunywa nguPawula. Watsi kube abhajatiswe yena nendlu yakhe, wasincenga watsi: “Nangabe niyangibona kutsi ngetsembekile ngempela eNkhosini yami, wotani nitewuhlala endlini kami.” Wasicindzetela saze savuma. Satsi sisahamba siya endzaweni yekuthandaza, sahlangana nesigcili sentfombatana lesasinemoya wekuphengula. Ngaleyo ndlela sasitfolela baniyo baso imali lenyenti. Sasivamise kulandzela tsine naPawula, simemete sitsi: “Labantfu laba tinceku taNkulunkulu Losetikwako Konkhe, bamemetela kini indlela yensindziso.” Loku wakwenta emalanga lamanyenti, kodvwa Pawula wacansuka waze wagucuka watsi kulomoya: “Ngiyakuyala ngelibito laJesu Khristu ngitsi: Phuma kuye!” Umoya lomubi waphuma kuye ngaleso sikhatsi. Kodvwa baniyo bakhe sebabonile kutsi litsemba labo lekutfola imali seliphelile, bababamba boPawula naSilasi babahudvulela enkantolo embikweticumbi tebantfu nebabusi. Babayisa etimantjini temaRoma befike batsi: “Labantfu bangemaJuda, futsi bayahlupha lapha edolobheni letfu. Bafundzisa emasiko laphambene nemitsetfo yetfu, tsine maRoma lesingakafaneli kuwavuma nekuwenta.” Sicuku sabavukela naso salwa nabo; netimantji tadzabula tingubo taboPawula naSilasi, tatsi ababhanjabulwe ngemizaca. Batsi sebashaywe imivimba leminyenti tase titsi abafakwe ejele, tayala umgcinijele kutsi abagcine kahle, abagadzisise. Nembala wabavalela ejele lelingekhatsi wabophela tinyawo tabo etizemuzemini tetigodvo. Kwatsi ekhatsi nebusuku boPawula naSilasi bathandaza bahlabela tingoma tekudvumisa Nkulunkulu, tiboshwa letinye tatibalalele. Masinyane kwaba khona kutamatama kwemhlaba lokukhulu, lokwatamatamisa tisekelo telijele. Khonapho yonkhe iminyango yavuleka, tinketane tato tonkhe tiboshwa tadzilika. Umgcinijele waphaphama, lapho abona iminyango yelijele ivulekile wacabanga kutsi tonkhe tiboshwa tibalekile; wanyomula inkemba yakhe asafuna kutibulala. Kodvwa Pawula wamemeta ngelivi lelikhulu watsi: “Ungatilimati! Sikhona sonkhe.” Umgcinijele watsi akukhanyiswe, wagijima wangena ngekhatsi, agedletela, watilahla phansi etinyaweni taboPawula naSilasi. Wase ubakhiphela ngephandle wababuta watsi: “Makhosi, kufanele ngente njani kuze ngisindziswe?” Bona batsi: “Kholwa eNkhosini Jesu, utawusindziswa, wena nendlu yakho.” Base bashumayela livi leNkhosi kuye nakubo bonkhe bendlu yakhe. Ngasona leso sikhatsi ebusuku wabatsatsa wayawubageza emanceba abo, wase uyabhajatiswa khonapho yena nebendlu yakhe bonkhe. Wenyusela boPawula naSilasi endlini yakhe wabapha kudla, badla. Yena nebendlu yakhe bajabula kakhulu, ngobe bese bakholwe kuNkulunkulu. Sekusile ngakusasa timantji tatfumela emaphoyisa kumgcinijele tatsi: “Khulula labo bantfu!” Umgcinijele watjela Pawula watsi: “Timantji titfumele livi lekutsi Silasi nawe anikhululwe. Ngako-ke seningaphuma, nihambe ngekuthula.” Kepha Pawula watsi kubo: “Sitfolakale singenacala nakancane, sibhanjabulwe embikwebantfu loku singemaRoma ngekutalwa, safakwa ejele. Manje setifuna kusikhulula ngasese? Cha, ngeke! Akute tona matfupha titesikhipha!” Emaphoyisa akubikela timantji loko, kodvwa tatsi nativa kutsi boPawula naSilasi bangemaRoma, tesaba. Ngako tase tiyeta titawucolisa kubo, tabakhipha; tabacela kutsi abesuke kulelo dolobha. Ngako-ke baphuma ejele baya kaLidiya. Bafike babona bazalwane, babakhutsata base bayahamba. BoPawula bahamba badzabula emadolobheni ase-Amfipholisi nase-Apholoniya, bangena eThesalonika lapho bekunelisinagoge lemaJuda khona. Njengemvamisa Pawula wangena esinagogeni, waphikisana nabo ngetemiBhalo emaSabatha lamatsatfu, abachazela abakhombisa ngekwemiBhalo kutsi Khristu bekufanele afe aphindze avuke kulabafile, asho nekusho kutsi: “LoJesu lengimshumayelako kini nguye loKhristu.” Labanye babo bakholwa base batihlanganisa naboPawula naSilasi, njengobe kwenta sicuku lesikhulu semaGriki labesaba Nkulunkulu, kanye nalabasikati labanyenti lababehloniphekile. Kodvwa emaJuda aba nemona ase abutsa tihlophoyi letatitizulela etitaladini atihlanganisa, atsi atisuse umsindvo tihlasele umuti waJasoni, afuna kukhipha boPawula naSilasi abaletse embikwemkhambatsi. Kwatsi kube bangabakhandzi lapho, base bahudvula Jasoni nalabanye bazalwane babayisa etimantjini telidolobha, batsi: “Labantfu labadvungutelise umhlaba bawubhekisa phansi, sebadzimate befika nakulelidolobha lakitsi. NaJasoni ubemukele emtini wakhe. Labantfu labephula umtsetfo waKhesari, uMbusi, batsi kukhona lenye inkhosi lenguJesu.” Bantfu kanye netiphatsimandla talelo dolobha tadvungutela natikuva loko, timantji tatsatsa sibambiso kuboJasoni nalabanye tase tiyabakhulula. Kwatsi ebusuku bazalwane bababalekisa boPawula naSilasi babatfumela eBheriya. Batsi kube befike khona bangena esinagogeni lemaJuda. Bantfu balapho babencono kakhulu kunebaseThesalonika, ngobe livi balemukela ngalenkhulu inshisekelo. Onkhe emalanga babephenyisisa imiBhalo bahlolisise kutsi kunjalo ngempela yini. Labanyenti babo nalabasikati labasembili bemaGriki kanye nalabadvuna labanyenti bemaGriki bakholwa. Kwatsi kube emaJuda aseThesalonika eve kutsi livi laNkulunkulu belishunyayelwa nguPawula naseBheriya, efika nakhona kutewususa sidvungudvungu. Masinyane bazalwane babalekisa Pawula bamyisa elusentseni lwelwandle, kodvwa boSilasi naThimothi basala eBheriya. Labo labaphekeletela Pawula bahamba naye baze bambeka e-Athene. Nase babuyela emuva eBheriya, babuya nemlayeto waboSilasi naThimothi uvela kuPawula kutsi babononopha befike kuye. Ngesikhatsi Pawula asehleti e-Athene alindzele boSilasi naThimothi, umoya wakhe wakhatsateka kakhulu, nakabona titfombe tabonkulunkulu letatigcwele kulelidolobha. Ngako waphikisana nemaJuda nebetive labakholwako esinagogeni, kantsi futsi abephindze akhulume onkhe emalanga etinkhundleni, aphikisana nalabo lekwakwenteka babelapho. Letinye tati letitsite tema-Ephikhuri nemaStoyiki taphikisana naye. Letinye tatsi: “Lesibhungayeti setama kutsini?” Letinye tatsi: “Shangatsi ushumayela ngabonkulunkulu labangatiwa.” Takusho loku ngobe Pawula abeshumayela ngaJesu nangekuvuka kwalabafile. Base bayamtsatsa Pawula bamyisa enhlanganweni yase-Ariyophagusi, batsi: “Singatsandza kutsi sati ngalemfundziso yakho lensha loyishumayelako, ngobe usiletsele tindzaba letingazange setingene etindlebeni tetfu. Ngako-ke singatsandza kutsi usichazele kutsi tisho kutsini.” Phela tonkhe takhamiti netihambi tase-Athene taticitsa sonkhe sikhatsi sato ekukhulumeni nasekulaleleni nome ngabe yini lensha. Pawula wema enhlanganweni yase-Ariyophagusi watsi: “Bantfu base-Athene, ngiyanibona kutsi niyakholwa impela. Ngobe ngitsite ngisahambahamba kulelidolobha lenu ngibuka letindzawo lenikhontela kuto, ngakhandza nelilati lelibhalwe kutsi: ‘KUNKULUNKULU LONGATIWA.’ “Ngako-ke loko lenikukhonta ningakwati, ngiko-ke loku lengikushumayela kini. LoNkulunkulu lowenta yonkhe indalo yemkhatsi, nguNkulunkulu welizulu nemhlaba, akahlali emathempelini lakhiwe ngetandla tebantfu. Futsi akadzingi nalutfo lolungumsebenti webantfu labangamnika lona, ngobe yena nguye loniketa imphilo nekuphefumula nako konkhe kubantfu bonkhe. Wenta tonkhe tive ngamuntfu munye kutsi tihlale ebusweni bonkhe bemhlaba, wemisa tikhatsi tekuphakama netekwehla kwato kanye nemikhawulo lapho kufanele tigcine khona. Wakwenta loko kuze timfune kumbe tingamtfola ngesikhatsi tisamfuna, ibe kantsi Nkulunkulu akekho khashane ngisho nakumunye wetfu. Ngobe siphila sihambe sikuye, njengobe sinje, netimbongi takini tishito tatsi: “ ‘Natsi futsi singumliba wakhe.’ “Njengobe singumliba wakhe, akukafaneli kutsi sicabange kutsi simo saNkulunkulu sifanana negolide nome nesiliva nome nelitje lokungumsebenti lobatwe ngebungcweti nangekucabanga kwemuntfu. “Nkulunkulu watitsalalisela tikhatsi tekungati kwebantfu, kepha-ke manje sewuyala bantfu bonkhe etindzaweni tonkhe kutsi baphendvuke, ngobe umisile lilanga lapho ayakwehlulela khona umhlaba wonkhe ngeliciniso lelimsulwa ngemuntfu munye lamkhetsile; ngaye sewuvete siciniseko kubantfu bonkhe ngekutsi amvuse kulabafile.” Kwatsi nabamuva akhuluma ngekuvuka kulabafile, labanye bamhleka bulima, kepha labanye batsi: “Sitawubuye sikuve nawukhuluma ngaloko.” Ngako Pawula wesuka emkhatsini wabo. Kepha lamanye emadvodza atihlanganisa naye akholwa. Emkhatsini wawo bekukhona naDiyonisiyusi labelilunga le-Ariyophagusi nemfati labenguDamarisi kanye nalabanye. Emvakwaloko Pawula wesuka e-Athene waya eKhorinte. Lapho akhandzana neliJuda, libito lalo kungu-Akhwila lekutalwa ePhontusi belisandza kubuya eTaliyane nemkalo Phrisila, ngobe Klawudiyuse bekacoshe onkhe emaJuda kutsi akesuke eRoma. Pawula wase uyawubabona, njengobe naye abenta umsebenti lofanana newabo, wekutfunga emathende, wahlala wasebentisana nabo. Bekavamise kutsi njalo ngemaSabatha aye esinagogeni aphendvulane nemaJuda nemaGriki etama kuwazuza. Kwatsi kube kufike Silasi naThimothi baphuma eMasedoniya, Pawula wase utinikela ngalokuphelele ekushumayeleni nasekufakazeni kumaJuda kutsi Jesu unguKhristu. Batsi nabamphikisa bangavumelani naye bametfuka, watsintsitsa lutfuli etingutjeni takhe wase utsi kubo: “Ingati yenu ayibesemahlombe enu, mine sengite licala. Kusukela nyalo sengitakuya kubetive.” Wesuka lapho wayawuhlala endlini yalomunye umuntfu bekutsiwa nguThithiyusi Justusi, sikhonti saNkulunkulu, indlu yakhe yayisedvute nelisinagoge. Kepha Khrispusi, umphatsi welisinagoge, wakholwa eNkhosini kanye nendlu yakhe, nebantfu labanyenti baseKhorinte lababeve livi kuPawula, bakholwa, base bayabhajatiswa. Kepha kwatsi ngalelinye lilanga ebusuku Pawula wabona umbono, iNkhosi yatsi kuye: “Ungesabi, chubeka ukhulume ungabindzi, ngobe nginawe, futsi kute umuntfu lotakuhlasela akulimate, ngobe nginebantfu bami labanyenti kulelidolobha.” Ngako-ke wabe sewuhlala umnyaka netinyanga letisitfupha afundzisa bantfu livi laNkulunkulu. Kwatsi ngesikhatsi kuphetse Galiyo e-Akhaya, onkhe emaJuda ase ahlanganyela Pawula ambamba amyisa enkantolo, atsi: “Lomuntfu lona ucindzetela bantfu kutsi bakhonte Nkulunkulu ngendlela lephambene nemtsetfo.” Kodvwa kwatsi Pawula nakatsi uvula umlomo, Galiyo wamjuba lulwimi watsi kumaJuda: “MaJuda-ndzini, kube bekusento lesibi nome licala lelilukhuni nami bekutawuba nesizatfu sekutsi nginibeketelele nginilalele, kodvwa njengobe kusitfungo semibuzo nje ngemavi, nangemagama, nangemitsetfo yenu, tiboneleni nine ngekwenu; angingeni mine ekwehluleleni tintfo letinje.” Wabakhiphela ngephandle kwenkantolo. Besuka bonkhe babamba Sostenesi, umphatsi welisinagoge, bamshaya embikwenkantolo, kodvwa Galiyo akakunakanga loko. Pawula wahlala nebazalwane emalanga lamanyenti. Wase uyabashiya wahamba ngemkhumbi naboPhrisila na-Akhwila baya eSiriya. Angakahambi eKhenkhariya wahhula inhloko yakhe, ngobe abente sifungo. Batsi nabefika e-Efesu, wabashiya lapho boPhrisila na-Akhwila, yena waya wangena esinagogeni waphendvulana nemaJuda. Batsi bayamcela kutsi asahlale nabo sikhashana lesidze wala, kodvwa nasabavalelisa watsi: “Ngitawubuye ngite kini, Nkulunkulu nakavuma.” Wantjweza ngemkhumbi losuka e-Efesu. Watsi nakefika eKhesariya, wakhuphukela eJerusalema kuyawubingelela libandla, wase wehlela e-Antiyokhi. Emvakwekuhlala sikhashana lapho wase uyesuka udzabula tigodzi tetifundza taseGalathiya naseFrigiya ahambe akhutsata bonkhe bazalwane. Kwefika liJuda e-Efesu, libito lalo kungu-Apolosi, kungelekudzabuka e-Alekzandriya. Belikwati kukhuluma futsi liyati kakhulu imiBhalo. Belifundzisiwe ngeNdlela yeNkhosi, ligcwele inshisekelo emoyeni walo; lafundzisa lichaza kahle emaciniso macondzana naJesu, kepha-ke lona belati ngembhabhatiso waJohane kuphela. Lo-Apolosi wacala kushumayela ngesibindzi esinagogeni kwatsi kube Phrisila na-Akhwila bamuve, bamtsatsa bamyisa ekhaya bafike bamchazela kahle ngeNdlela yaNkulunkulu. Kwatsi nasafuna kwewelela eGrisi, bazalwane bamkhutsata, base babhalela bazalwane kutsi babomemukela. Watsi kube efike, waba lusito lolukhulu kulabo bese bakholiwe ngemusa waNkulunkulu; ngobe emaJuda wawehlula eshashalatini ngekuhlakanipha lokukhulu, awakhombisa ngekwemiBhalo kutsi Jesu unguKhristu. Kwatsi ngesikhatsi Apolosi aseseKhorinte, Pawula wahamba wadzabula esifundzeni lesingenhla nelive waze wefika e-Efesu. Wakhandza bafundzi labatsite, wababuta watsi: “Namemukela yini Moya Longcwele ngesikhatsi nikholwa?” Baphendvula batsi: “Asizange sesive ngisho nekuva kutsi kukhona Moya Longcwele.” Pawula wababuta watsi: “Kepha nabhajatiswa ngamuphi umbhabhatiso?” Bamphendvula batsi: “Ngembhabhatiso waJohane.” Pawula watsi: “Phela Johane abebhabhatisa bantfu lababephendvuka, abatjela kutsi abakholwe ngulowo labetawufika emvakwakhe, longuJesu.” Batsi kube bakuve loko, base bayabhajatiswa egameni leNkhosi Jesu. Kwatsi Pawula asabeka tandla etikwabo, behlelwa nguMoya Longcwele. Bakhuluma ngetilwimi letehlukene baphrofetha. Babe ngemadvodza labengacishe abe li-12 sebabonkhe. Kwaphela tinyanga letintsatfu seloku Pawula ahle aya esinagogeni abashumayela ngesibindzi ngembuso waNkulunkulu aphikisana nabo etama kubavumisa. Kodvwa labanye kubo baba lukhuni bangete bavuma kukholwa, bakhuluma kabi ngaleNdlela yeNkhosi embikwabo bonkhe bantfu. Wase uyabashiya Pawula wahamba nebafundzi. Onkhe emalanga waba netinkhulumo aphikisana nabo eHholeni yaThiranusi. Loku kwachubeka iminyaka lemibili, kwaze kwatsi onkhe emaJuda nemaGriki labehlala e-Asiya aliva livi leNkhosi. Nkulunkulu wenta timangaliso letatingakavami ngetandla taPawula; kwakuze kutsi emaduku netidziya letike tamtsintsa timikiswe kulabagulako tifo tibayekele, nemimoya lemibi iphume kubo. Lamanye emaJuda bekajikeleta akhipha emadimoni, nawo etama kusebentisa libito laJesu ekuwakhipheni, atsi kubomoya lababi: “Egameni laJesu loshunyayelwa nguPawula siyakukhipha.” Bekungemadvodzana lasikhombisa labetalwa ngumPhristi Lomkhulu wemaJuda, lekwakutsiwa nguSkheva lawo labenta loko. Kepha umoya lomubi watsi kubo: “Jesu, ngiyamati; naPawula, ngiyamati; kepha nine nibobani?” Lomuntfu labekhwelwe ngumoya lomubi wabesukela wabadladlabula ngelulaka nangemandla wabehlula. Babaleka bonkhe baphuma kuleyondlu bangcunu balimele kakhulu. Onkhe emaJuda nebaletinye tive lababehlala e-Efesu nabeva loko, besaba kakhulu, kwatsi libito leNkhosi Jesu ladvunyiswa kakhulu. Labanyenti labese bakholiwe beta bavuma konkhe labebakwentile. Labanyenti balabo lababenemilingo baletsa tincwadzi tabo temilingo ndzawonye batokhela ngemlilo, bonkhe bantfu babuka. Bahlanganisa imali yaletincwadzi, kwatfolakala tinhlavu tesiliva letiti-50 000. Ngalendlela livi leNkhosi lachubeka landza laba nemandla. Emvakwaloko Pawula watimisela emoyeni wakhe kudzabula eMasedoniya nase-Akhaya aze ayewufika eJerusalema, atsi: “Nangisuka kuletindzawo kufanele ngifike naseRoma.” Asatfumele boThimothi na-Erastusi, lababebasiti bakhe, eMasedoniya, wase uyahlalahlala eveni lase-Asiya. Ngaleso sikhatsi e-Efesu kwesuka lesikhulu siphitsiphitsi ngaleNdlela yeNkhosi. Indvodza lebeyisebentisa isiliva, libito layo kunguDemetriyusi, yayenta titfombe letincane telithempeli laDiyana, labengunkulunkulu lomsikati. Lomsebenti bewungenisa imali lenyenti kubakhandzi. Wababitela ndzawonye kanye nalabanye lababesebenta umsebenti lofanana nalona, watsi kubo: “Madvodza, nani niyati kutsi lomsebenti siphila ngawo. Niyatibonela, futsi niyativela konkhe lokwentiwa ngulendvodza lenguPawula. Utsi bonkulunkulu labakhiwe ngetandla abasibo bonkulunkulu sibili, sewugucule bantfu labanyenti, hhayi kuleli lase-Efesu kuphela kodvwa cishe kulo lonkhe lase-Asiya. Kukhona ingoti yekutsi lomsebenti wetfu utfole ligama lelibi. Akusiko loko kodvwa kepha nengoti yekutsi lithempeli lankulunkulu lomkhulu, Diyana, lingeke lisanakwa ngumuntfu, kutawuphela bonkhe bukhulu bakhe, lonkulunkulu lokhontwa kulo lonkhe lase-Asiya nasemhlabeni wonkhe jikelele.” Kwatsi kube bantfu bakuve loko, batfukutsela babila, bacala bamemeta batsi: “Lomkhulu nguDiyana webase-Efesu!” Kwesuka lesikhulu siphitsiphitsi kulo lonkhe lidolobha. Sicuku sadvumela boGayusi na-Aristakhusi sabadvungulula sabayisa enkhundleni yemidlalo. Bona-ke babebaseMasedoniya, bahambisana naPawula. Pawula bekafuna kuya yena matfupha abhekane nalesicuku, kepha bafundzi bamalela. Labanye kulababephetse esifundzeni sase-Asiya lababevana naye batfumela ligama lekumncenga kutsi angaveli enkhundleni. Kwesuka lesikhulu siphitsiphitsi, labanye bantfu bamemeta basho loku, labanye basho lokwa, labanyenti bebangati nekwati kutsi konje babetekwentani kulomhlangano. Ngesikhatsi emaJuda asafucela Alekzanda ngembili, labanye betama kumtjela kutsi kwentekani. Alekzanda-ke waphakamisa sandla afuna kukhuluma ashwelete kulesicumbi. Batsi kube babone kutsi ungumJuda, base bayamemeta kanyekanye sikhatsi lesingaba ngema-awa lamabili batsi: “Lomkhulu nguDiyana webase-Efesu!” Ekugcineni mabhalane welidolobha waze wabathulisa, watsi: “Madvodza ase-Efesu, nonkhe niyati kutsi lelidolobha lase-Efesu ngulapho kuhlala khona lithempeli laDiyana lomkhulu kanye nelitje lelingcwele lelehla ezulwini. Kute longakuphika loku. Ngako-ke musani kubanga umsindvo, ningatitsatseli etulu tintfo. Niletse lamadvodza lapha, kani akazange agcekeze emathempelini enu, futsi akazange asho lutfo lolubi ngalonkulunkulu wetfu lomsikati. Nakukhona lokungamenelisi kahle Demetriyusi kanye nalabanye bakhandzi, umtsetfo nemantji kukhona; ngako-ke bangamangalelana khona. Nakusekhona lokunye lenikufunako kufanele kuyewulungiswa emhlanganweni wetakhamiti losemtsetfweni. Ngobe sesisengotini yekubekwa licala ngalomsindvo lowenteke lapha lamuhla. Kute nesizatfu lesingasibeka mayelana nalomsindvo lowentekile.” Ngalamavi wawucitsa umhlangano. Emvakwalesiphitsiphitsi Pawula wabita labakholwako wabakhutsata, wabavalelisa, wabashiya, waya eMasedoniya. Wadzabula tindzawo takhona ahamba akhutsata avuselela labakholwako ngemavi lamanyenti, waze wefika eGrisi, lapho ahlala khona tinyanga letintsatfu. Besalungisela kuya eSiriya ngemkhumbi, nakeva kutsi emaJuda afuna kumbulala, wase ubona kutsi kuncono abuyele emuva ahambe ngaseMasedoniya. Abephekeletelwa boSopateri, umsa waPhurosi waseBheriya, kanye na-Aristakhusi, naSekhundusi baseThesalonika, naGayosi waseDebe, naThimothi, naThikhikhusi, naTrofimusi base-Asiya. Bona-ke bahamba embili bayawusilindzela eThrowasi. Kepha tsine sahamba ngemkhumbi sisuka eFiliphi emvakweMkhosi Wesinkhwa Lesingenambiliso; kwatsi emvakwemalanga lasihlanu sahlangana nabo eThrowasi, lapho sacedza khona liviki. Kwatsi ngeMgcibelo kusihlwa sahlangana ndzawonye enkonzweni yeSidlo. Pawula wakhuluma kubantfu kwaze kwabasekhatsi nebusuku, ngobe abetawuhamba ngakusasa. Kwakukhanyiswe tibane letinyenti endlini lesetulu lapho besihlanganele khona. Libhungu lebekutsiwa ngu-Oyithikhusi lalihleti efasitelweni. Kwatsi ngekuchubeka kwetinkhulumo taPawula Oyithikhusi wefikelwa butfongo walala, waze wawela phansi esuka esitezi sesitsatfu. Nase bamtsatsa, bakhandza kutsi sewufile. Kodvwa Pawula wehla watijika etikwakhe wamgaca ngemikhono, wase utsi kulabo bebalapho: “Ningakhatsateki, akafi.” Emvakwekube Pawula asabuyele etulu esitezi, wefika wahlephula sinkhwa wadla, wakhuluma nabo sikhatsi lesidze kwaze kwadzabuka kusa, wase uyahamba. Balitsatsa lelibhungu balibuyisela ekhaya liphila, bajabula kakhulu. Sachubeka saya emkhunjini sakhwela saya e-Asosi, lapho sasitawufike sitsatse khona Pawula njengekusho kwakhe, ngobe abehambe ngetinyawo. Watsi kube ahlangane natsi e-Asosi, sase siyamekhweta saya naye eMithilene. Sachubeka ngemkhumbi kusukela lapho, saze sefika malungana neKhiyosi ngakusasa. Ngelilanga lelilandzelako sabe sendlula eSamosi, kwatsi kulelilandzelako sefika eMilethusi. Pawula bekemise kutsi ufuna kuya e-Efesu, kuze angacitsi sikhatsi eveni lase-Asiya. Bekajake kutsi efike eJerusalema ngelilanga lePhentekhoste nakwenteka. AseseMilethusi Pawula watfumela umlayeto e-Efesu wacela babonisi belibandla kutsi bamhlangabete. Batsi nabefika, watsi kubo: “Nani niyati kutsi bengiphila njani ngisesemkhatsini wenu ngaso sonkhe sikhatsi kusukela ngelilanga lengefika ngalo e-Asiya, ngikhonta iNkhosi ngekutfobeka konkhe, nangetinyembeti, nangekulingwa lengahlangana nako ngemacebo emaJuda. Niyati nekutsi kute lenganigodlela kona kunitjela nekunifundzisa embikwebantfu nasemakhaya enu, lokwakungahle kube lusito kini. Kuwo emaJuda nemaGriki, ngalokufananako ngayala kakhulu ngiwatjela kutsi akaphendvukele kuNkulunkulu, nekutsi akholwe yiNkhosi yetfu Jesu. “Manje-ke ngekulalela Moya Longcwele sengiya eJerusalema, kodvwa angati kutsi kutakwentekani kimi khona. Kepha-ke Moya Longcwele ungatisile kulelo nakulelo dolobha kutsi ngilindzelwe kuboshwa netinhlupheko. Kepha ngikhandza kutsi imphilo yami ayisho lutfo kimi, nangabe nje ngingaphumisela indzima yami ngicedze nemsebenti lengawunikwa yiNkhosi Jesu, wekutsi ngifakaze ngeliVangeli lemusa waNkulunkulu. “Bengihamba emkhatsini wenu nonkhe ngishumayela ngembuso waNkulunkulu. Manje-ke sengiyati kutsi kute namunye wenu loyawuphindze abone buso bami. Ngako-ke ngiyafakaza kulelilanga lalamuhla ngitsi anginacala lengati yenu nonkhe. Ngobe angizange nginifihlele lutfo lwentsandvo yaNkulunkulu. Ticapheleni nine kanye nemhlambi wonkhe lobekwe etandleni tenu nguMoya Longcwele, neluse libandla laNkulunkulu latitsengela lona ngengati yeNdvodzana yakhe. Ngiyati kutsi emvakwekuhamba kwami timphisi letesabekako tiyawufika emkhatsini wenu tihlasele tilimate umhlambi wetimvu. Emkhatsini wenu kuyawuvela bantfu labayawufundzisa lokuphambene neliciniso badvonse emakholwa lamanyenti alandzele bona. Ngako-ke caphelani nikhumbule kutsi ngetinyembeti letinyenti imini nebusuku benginifundzisa ngamunye ngamunye, kwaze kwaphela iminyaka lemitsatfu. Manje-ke senginibeka esandleni seNkhosi kanye nasevini lemusa wayo, yona lenemandla ekunakha inikhulise ininike lifa labo bonkhe labahlantiwe. “Angizange ngifise isiliva negolide nome imphahla yemuntfu. Nani lucobo niyati kutsi ngangisebenta ngaletandla tami, ngentela kutfola konkhe lengangikudzinga kanye nalabo ngangisebenta nabo. Nginikhombisile kanyenti kutsi ngekusebenta kakhulu kanje kufanele sibasite labeswele, nikhumbule nemavi eNkhosi Jesu lawasho nakatsi: ‘Kubusisiwe kupha kunekwemukela.’ ” Watsi kube acedze kukhuluma nabo, waguca wathandaza nabo bonkhe. Bakhala bonkhe, Pawula bamgaca ngemikhono, bamanga. Babedzabukiswe kakhulu ngemavi akhe labekawashito ekutsi ngeke baphindze babubone buso bakhe. Base bayamphekeletela baya naye emkhunjini. Satsi kube sehlukane nabo, santjweza ngemkhumbi saze sefika eKhosi. Ngakusasa sefika eRodosi, satsi nasisuka lapho, sacondza ePhatara. Sakhandza umkhumbi loya eFenisiya, sekhwela sahamba ngawo. Sefika endzaweni lapho sabona khona sichingi saseSiphrosi, sasigudla ngaseningizimu saya eSiriya. Sehlela eThire, ngobe lapho bekutakwehla khona timphahla betisemkhunjini. Sakhandza emakholwa, sahlala nawo liviki. Ngemandla aMoya Longcwele batjela Pawula kutsi angayi eJerusalema. Kepha kwatsi kube kuphele sikhatsi sekuhlala kwetfu nabo, sabashiya sachubeka neluhambo lwetfu. Basiphekeletela bonkhe kanye nalabasikati nebantfwana, baze basibeka ngephandle kwalelidolobha. Sefika elugwini saguca sathandaza. Sase siyavalelisana sakhwela emkhunjini, bona-ke babuyela emuva emakhaya. Sachubeka neluhambo lwetfu sesuka eThire ngemkhumbi saya ePhitolemayisi, lapho sefika sabingelela bazalwane. Sahlala nabo lilanga linye. Ngakusasa sahamba saze sefika eKhesariya. Sefike sangenisa sahlala emtini wemvangeli Filiphu lobekangulomunye webasiti lababesikhombisa. Bekanemadvodzakati, tintfombi letine letatiphrofetha. Satsi sisahleti emalangana, kwefika umphrofethi, libito lakhe kungu-Agabusi aphuma eJudiya. Wefika kitsi watsatsa libhande laPawula walibopha etinyaweni nasetandleni takhe watsi: “Naku lokushiwo nguMoya Longcwele: ‘Umnikati walelibhande utawuboshwa ngemaJuda kanje eJerusalema amnikele etandleni tebetive.’ ” Satsi nasiva loko, tsine kanye nebantfu baleyo ndzawo samncenga Pawula kutsi angasayi eJerusalema. Kodvwa waphendvula watsi: “Nikhalelani kanjena nize ningidzabukise enhlitiyweni? Angikalindzeli kuphela kutsi ngiboshwe eJerusalema kepha ngilungele nekutsi ngife ngenca yeNkhosi Jesu.” Sehluleka kumvimbela, sase siyamyekela satsi: “Akwenteke intsandvo yeNkhosi!” Emvakwalawo malanga salungisa timphahla tetfu sakhuphukela eJerusalema. Labanye bafundzi baseKhesariya bahamba natsi basiyisa emtini wendvodza lebesitawuhlala kayo, Mnasoni wekuchamuka eSiphrosi, lobekasalikholwa sikhatsi lesidze. Nasifika eJerusalema, bazalwane basemukela ngenjabulo. Ngakusasa Pawula wahamba natsi sayawubona Jakobe. Kwakukhona nebabonisi bonkhe belibandla. Pawula wababingelela wase ubanika umbiko lophelele mayelana nemsebenti lowentiwe nguNkulunkulu kubantfu betive ngaye. Batsi kube bamuve bonkhe, badvumisa Nkulunkulu. Base batsi kuPawula: “Uyabona-ke, mzalwane, kukhona tinkhulungwane temaJuda letikholwako, bonkhe babambelele kakhulu emtsetfweni. Futsi sebatjeliwe ngawe kutsi bewufundzisa onkhe emaJuda lahlala emaveni aletinye tive kutsi akayekele umtsetfo waMosi, uwatjela nekutsi akayekele kusoka bantfwabawo nekwenta emasiko. “Nakanjani batawuva kutsi sewufikile. Kufanele kwentiwe njani-ke ngaleyo ndzaba? Yenta naku-ke lesikutjela kona. Kukhona emadvodza lamane lapha lente sifungo. Hamba nalamadvodza utihlanganise nawo nitihlambulule ngekwelisiko, bese uwakhokhela tindleko tawo; atawube asahhula tinwele tetinhloko tawo. Ngekwenta njalo-ke bonkhe bantfu batakwati kutsi kute liciniso kuto tonkhe letintfo labatjelwe tona ngawe, kepha batakwati kutsi nawe uhamba ngawo umtsetfo waMosi. Kepha-ke mayelana nebetive labakholwako sibatfumelele incwadzi, sabatjela kutsi bangakudli kudla lokwentelwe tithico, nengati, nesilwane lesitifele, nekutsi babalekele bugwadla.” Pawula wase utsatsa lamadvodza kwatsi ngakusasa bahlanjululwa, wase uya ethempelini wayawubatjela kutsi lokutihlambulula kutaba sikhatsi lesinganani, bese kwentiwa umnikelo walowo nalowo kubo. Kwatsi lapho sekusele kancane kutsi kuphele emalanga lasikhombisa, emaJuda ase-Asiya abona Pawula asethempelini, ase afaka kubantfu umoya wetikhova wekutsi basuse siphitsiphitsi, ambamba, amemeta atsi: “Madvodza aka-Israyeli, sitani! Nangu lomuntfu lohamba tonkhe tindzawo afundzisa bantfu lokuphambene nesive sakitsi, nemtsetfo waMosi kanye nalendzawo. Manje-ke sewudzimate wafaka bantfu betive ethempelini kutsi batewungcolisa lendzawo lengcwele.” Bakusho loko ngobe babebone Trofimusi wase-Efesu ahamba naPawula kulo lelidolobha, base bacabanga kutsi ungene naye kulelithempeli. Kwaba nesiphitsiphitsi kulo lonkhe lelidolobha, bantfu bagijimela ndzawonye babamba Pawula bamhudvulela ngephandle kwelithempeli, masinyane iminyango yavalwa. Babesetama kumbulala Pawula ngesikhatsi kutfunyelwa ligama kukhenela wemabutfo aseRoma kutsi kukhona umsindvo losukile eJerusalema. Masinyane khenela wahamba naletinye tindvuna temabutfo nemasotja baphutfuma kulesicuku. Satsi kube simbone lesicuku eta ahamba nemasotja, sayekela kushaya Pawula. Khenela wacondza kuPawula wambamba, watsi akaboshwe ngetinketane letimbili. Wase uyababuta kutsi ngubani yena lomuntfu, nekutsi wenteni. Labanye kulesicumbi bamemeta basho loku, nalabanye basho lokwa. Kwaba khona kungavumelani lokunyenti lokwaze kwabanga kutsi khenela angatfoli kahle kutsi kubangwani. Wase utsi kulamadvodza labehamba nawo akatsatse loPawula amyise emalawini emabutfo. Atsi emasotja nakefika etitebhisini, ametjatsa, ngobe abona kutsi sicumbi sesimfuna ngetandla. Sicumbi sebantfu sasimlandzela ngemuva simemeta sitsi: “Akabulawe!” Kwatsi nase bafuna kumfaka esitokisini, Pawula wakhuluma nakhenela watsi: “Ngivumelekile yini kukhuluma nawe?” Khenela wambuta watsi: “Uyakwati yini kukhuluma siGriki? Nakunjalo, pho, akusiwe yini lomGibhithe losandza kususa lutfutfuva ngekubutsa ti-4 000 temadvodza latidlova, lavukela umbuso, wawaholela ehlane?” Pawula waphendvula watsi: “Mine ngiliJuda lekutalwa eThasusi esigodzini saseSilisiya, ngisakhamuti selidolobha lelibaluleke kakhulu. Ase ungivumele ngikhulume nalabantfu!” Khenela wamvumela. Pawula wema etitebhisini, waphakamisa tandla wababindzisa, batsi kube babindze wacala wakhuluma kubo ngesiHebheru watsi: “Madvodza, bazalwane, nani bobabe, ase ningilalele sengibeke emavi ekutivikela embikwenu.” Batsi kube bamuve akhuluma ngesiHebheru, babindza batsi dvu, wachubeka watsi: “Mine ngiliJuda lekutalwa, ngatalelwa eThasusi leseSilisiya, kodvwa ngifundze la eJerusalema, ngifundziswa nguGamaliyeli. Ngatfola kuceceshwa lokushubile ngemtsetfo wabokhokho betfu, futsi ngangitinikele ngenshisekelo lenkhulu kuNkulunkulu njengani nonkhe lenilapha embikwami lamuhla. Ngangibahlupha kakhulu kuze kubesekufeni bonkhe lababelandzela leNdlela, ngibabophe ngibafake nasemajele bonkhe labadvuna nalabasikati; ngisho umPhristi Lomkhulu neLiqoqo lonkhana lingangifakazela kutsi loku lengikushoko kuliciniso. Nganikwa ngabo tincwadzi letatiyimvume ticondziswe kubazalwane labangemaJuda eDamaseko, ngako-ke ngangicondze khona kuyawubopha labo bantfu ngibaletse la eJerusalema, baboshwe ngetinketane, batewujeziswa.” “Ngangisahamba sengitawufika eDamaseko, kwatsi sekutawuba ngusemini lenkhulu, kukhanya lokukhulu lokwakuphuma ezulwini kwangibaneka ndzawo tonkhe. Ngawela phansi ngeva livi litsi: ‘Sawula! Ye Sawula! Ungihluphelani?’ Ngabuta ngatsi: ‘Ungubani wena, Nkhosi?’ Wangiphendvula watsi: ‘NginguJesu waseNazaretha, lona lomhluphako.’ “Lamadvodza bengihamba nawo akubona lokukhanya, kodvwa akazange alive livi lalona abekhuluma nami. Ngabuta ngatsi: ‘Kufanele ngenteni, Nkhosi?’ INkhosi yatsi kimi: ‘Sukuma uye eDamaseko, lapho utawutjelwa khona konkhe lokhetselwe kutsi ukwente.’ “Njengobe ngase ngiyimphumphutse ngiphandlwe ngulokukhanya, lamadvodza bengihamba nawo angidvonsa ngesandla saze sayawungena eDamaseko. Kwakukhona indvodza, leyayingu-Ananiyase libito layo; yayikholwa, iwuhlonipha umtsetfo yatiswa ngiwo onkhe emaJuda labehlala eDamaseko, yeta kimi, yafike yema eceleni kwami yatsi: ‘Mzalwane Sawula, ngibuke!’ Ngekuphatima kweliso ngabona, ngayibuka. Yase itsi kimi: ‘Nkulunkulu wabokhokho betfu ukukhetsile kutsi wati intsandvo yakhe, ubone Lolungile wakhe, umuve akhuluma nawe ngeliphimbo lakhe, ngobe utawuba ngufakazi wakhe wekutjela bonkhe bantfu loko lokubonile nalokuvile. Pho, usebanjwe yini? Sukuma ubhajatiswe, utsetselelwe tono takho, ukhuleke egameni lakhe.’ ” “Ngancandzeka ngabuyela eJerusalema, ngatsi nje ngisathandaza ethempelini, ngatsatfwa ngumbono, ngabona iNkhosi itsi kimi: ‘Nonopha uhambe lapha eJerusalema, ngobe bangeke babemukele bufakazi bakho ngami!’ Ngaphendvula ngatsi: ‘Nkhosi, ingani bati kahle-hle kutsi bengingena emasinagogeni ngibabophe ngibashaya bonkhe labakholwa nguwe. Nangesikhatsi kubulawa Stefano, fakazi wakho, nami matfupha ngangikhona lapho, ngibambisene nalabo babulali bakhe ngekutsi ngibaphatsele timphahla tabo.’ INkhosi yatsi kimi: ‘Hamba, ngobe ngitakutfumela khashane kubetive.’ ” Bantfu babeloku balalele Pawula, waze wefika kuwo lamagama, kodvwa base bamemeta kakhulu batsi: “Msuseni! Umuntfu lonje akafuneki emhlabeni!” Bamemeta badzabula timphahla tabo, basakata inhlabatsi emoyeni. Lokhenela watsi Pawula akafakwe emalawini emasotja, nekutsi bamhlolisise ngekumbhambabula, kuze batewutfola kahle kutsi kwentiwa yini lokutsi bantfu baphambane naye kangaka. Kodvwa kwatsi nase bambophile sebatawumbhambabula Pawula wakhuluma nalendvuna yelibutfo leyayime eceleni kwakhe watsi: “Kungumtsetfo yini kutsi wena ubhambabule umRoma asengakalahlwa licala?” Indvuna yelibutfo yatsi kube ikuve loko, yahamba yaya kukhenela yabuta yatsi: “Utawutsini-ke nyalo, ngobe lendvodza ingumRoma?” Ngako-ke khenela waya kuPawula, wefike wambuta watsi: “Ase ungitjele, ungumRoma yini?” Pawula watsi: “Yebo.” Lokhenela wase utsi: “Mine ngabukhiphela imali lenhle lobuRoma.” Pawula wamphendvula watsi: “Kodvwa mine ngabutfola ngekutalwa.” Ngako-ke labo babetawuphenya Pawula ngemibuzo bakhwesha kuye ngekushesha, nakhenela wesaba, nakabona kutsi Pawula ngumRoma ngekutalwa nekutsi abesambophe ngetinketane. Khenela watsandza kwati kahle-hle kutsi emaJuda abembeka licala lani loPawula. Ngako-ke ngakusasa watsi akatfukululwe tinketane. Wase ubita umhlangano wetikhulu tebaphristi kanye nalo lonkhe Liqoqo. Waletsa Pawula embikwabo. Pawula walibukisisa leLiqoqo watsi: “Madvodza, bazalwane, nembeza wami ungufakazi wami embikwaNkulunkulu kutsi imphilo yami yonkhe beyimsulwa, kwaze kwaba ngulamuhla lo ngila.” UmPhristi Lomkhulu, Ananiyase, watjela labo lababeseceleni kwaPawula kutsi abammukule emlonyeni. Pawula watsi kuye: “Nakanjani Nkulunkulu utakumukula nawe, wena ludvonga-ndzini lolupendwe lwaba mhlophe! Kantsi uhlalele kwehlulela mine ngekwemtsetfo, kodvwa wena ube uwephula ngekubatjela kutsi abangimukule?” Lamadvodza abeme eceleni kwaPawula atsi: “Umetfukelani lomPhristi Lomkhulu waNkulunkulu?” Pawula wase utsi: “Bengingati, bazalwane, kutsi ungumPhristi Lomkhulu, ngobe umBhalo utsi: ‘Ungakhulumi kabi ngalophetse sive sakini.’ ” Kodvwa njengobe Pawula abesabonile kutsi babehlukene kabili, labanye kubaSadusi, labanye kubaFarisi, waphakamisa livi alicondzise kuleLiqoqo watsi: “Madvodza, bazalwane, mine ngingumFarisi lotalwa baFarisi; la ngimangalelwe ngelitsemba lekutsi labafile bayawuvuka baphile.” Watsi kube asho njalo, baFarisi nebaSadusi bacala baphikisana bodvwana, umhlangano wehlukana ekhatsi. Phela baSadusi bebatsi kute kuvuka kulabafile, kute tingilosi, nekutsi kute nemimoya; kodvwa baFarisi babekholwa kutsi kokutsatfu kukhona. Lomsindvo wekuphikisana waya ngekwandza, letinye tati temtsetfo telicembu lebaFarisi tasukuma tabeka inkhulumo lecosheme tatsi: “Asiliboni licala kulomuntfu. Kutawutsiwani-ke, nangabe umoya nome ingilosi yakhuluma ngempela kuye?” Kuphikisana kwandza, kwadzimate kwashuba ngemandla kangangekutsi khenela waze wesaba kutsi Pawula bangahle bamdzabule ticucwana. Ngako-ke watfuma emasotja kutsi ewuke aye kulomhlangano efike amtsatse ngendluzula ayemfaka emalawini emasotja. Ngebusuku lobulandzelako iNkhosi yema eceleni kwaPawula yatsi: “Mani sibindzi, njengobe ungifakazele nje la eJerusalema, kufanele wente njalo futsi naseRoma.” Ngakusasa ekuseni lamanye emaJuda ahlangana enta lisu, ase atibopha ngesifungo kutsi ngeke akudle kudla, nekunatsa angeke anatse angakambulali Pawula. Labo labatibopha ngalesifungo babengetulu kwema-40. Base baya kubaphristi labakhulu netibondza tenkholo yemaJuda, bafike batsi: “Sesente sibopho lesimatima lapha, satsi ngeke sikufake kudla emlonyeni singakambulali Pawula. Ngako-ke, nine neLiqoqo, tfumelani livi kukhenela wemaRoma nicele ehlise Pawula ete la kini, nente shangatsi kukhona lenifuna kukutfolisisa kahle ngalendzaba yakhe. Tsine-ke sitatilungiselela kutsi simbulale angakefiki lapha kini.” Kodvwa umshana waPawula weva nakwakhiwa lelisu; ngako-ke waya emalawini emasotja wefike watjela Pawula. Pawula wase ubita lenye yetindvuna wefike watsi kuyo: “Mikisa nali lijaha kukhenela; kukhona lelitambikela kona.” Lendvuna yalitsatsa lelijaha, yaliyisa kukhenela yefike yatsi: “Siboshwa lesinguPawula singibitile sefike sangicela kutsi angiletse nali lijaha la kuwe, ngobe kukhona lelifuna kukutjela kona.” Khenela walibamba ngesandla waya nalo emasitseleni, wefike walibuta watsi: “Yini lena lofuna kungitjela yona?” Lamtjela latsi: “EmaJuda asavumelene ngekutsi akucele kutsi kusasa nje wehlise Pawula aye kulelibandla leLiqoqo, bente shangatsi leLiqoqo lifuna kutfolisisa kahle ngaye. Kodvwa ungavumi, ngobe kukhona emadvodza langetulu kwema-40 latawube amlalele endleleni atembulala. Asente nesifungo kutsi angeke akudle kudla, nekunatsa angeke anatse angakabulali Pawula. Njengamanje nje, asalungele kukwenta loko, aseme ngawe nje kutsi eve kutsi wena utsini.” Khenela, angakalikhululi lelijaha, walifica watsi: “Ungatjeli muntfu kutsi lendzaba sewuyibikile kimi.” Khenela wase ubita tindvuna takhe letimbili utsi kuto: “Khetsani emasotja langema-200 niwatjele kutsi akatilungiselele kuya eKhesariya, nebagibeli bemahhashi labangema-70, nalabahlome ngetikhali babe ngema-200, nitilungiselele kusuka ngeli-awa lemfica kusihlwa. Lamanye emahhashi niwalungiselele kugibelisa Pawula, nimphekeletele nize nifike naye kuLusibalukhulu Feliksi, nimetfule aphephile engotini.” Wase ubhala incwadzi leyayitsi: “Mine, Klawudiyusi Lisiyasi, ngibhalela wena, Lusibalukhulu Mhlonishwa Feliksi. Ngiyakubingelela. “Lendvodza yabanjwa ngemaJuda, kwatsi asatakuyibulala ngefika mine kanye nemasotja ngayilamulela, sengivile kutsi ingumRoma. “Njengobe ngangifuna kwati kutsi woneni, ngamewusela kuleLiqoqo lawo. Ngakhandza kutsi kute nome kunye lakwentile lokungaze kumente afanelwe kubulawa nome afakwe advonse ejele; kuphela nje uboshelwe imibuzo nemitsetfo yabo. Ngitsite kube ngive kutsi lamanye emaJuda atamlalela endleleni afuna kumbulala, ngase ngincoma kutsi ngimtfumele lapho kuwe masinyane, ngaphindze ngatjela nalabo labambeka licala kutsi bete batewuchaza kahle kuwe, kutsi bambeka licala lani lomuntfu.” Emasotja enta njengobe abetjeliwe, atsatsa Pawula ahamba naye ebusuku, aze efika e-Antiphatrisi. Ngakusasa emasotja labehamba ngetinyawo ancandzeka abuyela amalawini awo ashiya lawo abegibele emahhashi kutsi achubeke naye. Efika eKhesariya, anika Lusibalukhulu lencwadzi, etfula naPawula etandleni takhe. Lusibalukhulu watsi kube ayifundze lencwadzi, wase ubuta Pawula kutsi abephuma kusiphi sifundza. Watsi kube eve kutsi abephuma eSilisiya, watsi: “Licala lakho ngitawulilalela kahle, nase kufike bamangaleli bakho.” Wase uyalisisa kutsi loPawula agcinwe ngekugadvwa esigodlweni saHerodi. Emvakwemalangana lasihlanu umPhristi Lomkhulu Ananiyase wehlela eKhesariya netibondza tenkholo yemaJuda kanye naThethulusi, ummeli. Befika kuLusibalukhulu Feliksi batewubeka Pawula licala. Kwabitwa Thethulusi wefike wabeka Pawula licala watsi: “Mhlonishwa! Sifanele kukubonga ngenhlakanipho yebuholi bakho lesiletsele kuthula sikhatsi lesidze kangaka, nekutsi tingucuko letinyenti letifanele kuba khona tiyenteka ekusiteni sive. “Mhlonishwa Feliksi, konkhe loko sikwemukela ngenhlitiyo lemhlophe, nome kwentiwa ngayiphi indlela nome kwentiwa kuyiphi indzawo. Kodvwa kuze ngingakubambeleli, bengisakucela ngemusa wakho kutsi sewumane usiboleke indlebe kancane. Sikhandze kutsi lomuntfu uyingoti, ngobe ususa tiphitsiphitsi emkhatsini wemaJuda wonkhe umhlaba, kantsi futsi ungumholi walelicembu lekutsiwa ngemaNazaretha. Wadzimate wetama nekuhlambalata lithempeli, sabe sesiyambopha, [sasifuna kumgweba ngekwemtsetfo wetfu, kodvwa Khenela Lisiyasi, weta wafike wasemuka yena wamtsatsa ngenkhani. Wakhipha umyaleto kutsi bonkhe labambeka licala abete kuwe.] “Nawe matfupha nawungahle umbute nje, utativela ngekwakho uwatfole onkhe lamacala lesimbeka wona la embikwakho.” NemaJuda asukuma nawo amvumela, atsi vele kunjalo. Lusibalukhulu nasamkhombile Pawula kutsi akhulume, Pawula watsi: “Ngiyati kutsi bewungumgwebi walesive iminyaka leminyenti, ngako-ke ngiyatfokota kubeka inkhulumo yami yekutivikela la embikwakho. “Njengobe nawe ungatibonela nje, kutsi abengakapheli emalanga lali-12 ngifikile kutawukhonta eJerusalema, abazange sebangikhandze mine ngiphikisana nemuntfu nome ngetama kususa siphitsiphitsi emkhatsini webantfu ethempelini, emasinagogeni nome-ke edolobheni. Nabo bate nebufakazi baloko labangahle bangibeke licala ngako nje la embikwakho nyalo. Kodvwa naku lengikuvuma kuwe kutsi: Mayelana naleNdlela, lebatsi bona kweduka, ngikhonta Nkulunkulu wabokhokho ngekukholwa konkhe lokusemtsetfweni nalokubhalwe kubaphrofethi, ngekubeka litsemba kuNkulunkulu lababambelele kulo nabo lekutsi bonkhe bantfu, labalungile nalabangakalungi, bayawuvuka ekufeni. Ngako-ke nami ngetama ngemandla ami onkhe ngetikhatsi tonkhe, kuze kutsi ngihlale nginanembeza longenacala kuNkulunkulu nakubantfu. “Emvakweminyaka leminyenti ngahamba, bengibuyele kuletsa tipho esiveni sakitsi kanye nekunikela imihlatjelo. Bangikhandza ethempelini sengihlanjululiwe. Kwakungekho sicumbi sebantfu, kungekho nasiphitsiphitsi. Kodvwa kwakunemaJuda lambalwa labephuma esifundzeni sase-Asiya lebekufanele nawo abe la embikwakho angibeke emacala, nome-ke basho bona ngekwabo laba labalapha kutsi cala lini lengatfolakala nginalo ngesikhatsi ngisembikweLiqoqo labo, ngaphandle kwentfo yinye nje lengayikhuluma ngisesemkhatsini wabo, ngamemeta ngatsi: ‘Lamuhla ngimangalelwe ngelitsemba lekutsi labafile bayawuvuka baphile.’ ” Kodvwa Feliksi labesayatisisa kahle lendzaba yaleNdlela, kutsetfwa kwalelicala wakugucisa ngekutsi: “Lelicala ngiyawulijuba nasekufike Khenela Lisiyasi.” Wase utfumela indvuna kutsi igadze Pawula, kodvwa abe nenkhululeko letsite, nekutsi bangani bakhe bangalelwa kutawumsita nome ngani layeswele. Emvakwemalangana Feliksi weta nemkakhe Drusila labengumJuda; watfumela kwalandvwa Pawula lafike wamlalela asakhuluma ngekukholwa kuKhristu Jesu. Kodvwa asachubeka achaza ngekutiphatsa kahle, kutibamba nangekugwetjwa lokuseta, Feliksi wetfuka watfutfumela wadzimate watsi: “Kwamanje ase uhambe. Ngitawuphindze ngikubite, nase ngitfole lesinye sikhatsi.” Abenelitsemba lekutsi Pawula abetamdizela ngemali; ngako-ke abevame kuhle ambita akhulume naye. Ekupheleni kweminyaka lemibili sikhundla saFeliksi satsatfwa nguPhokhiyusi Festusi. Njengobe Feliksi abefuna kutsandvwa ngemaJuda, wavele washiya Pawula asesejele. Emvakwemalanga lamatsatfu Festusi afikile kuleso sifundza, wesuka eKhesariya waya eJerusalema. Baphristi labakhulu nebaholi bemaJuda bachazisisa kungevani kwabo naPawula; base bancenga Festusi kutsi amane ababonelele ngekuletsa Pawula eJerusalema, ngobe phela base bente lisu lekumenta silo sengubo endleleni. Festusi wabaphendvula watsi: “Pawula siboshwa lesiseKhesariya, nami ngitawuncandzeka masinyane ngiye khona. Ngako-ke nangabe kukhona emacala lenimbeka wona, khululani tiphatsimandla tenu ngihambe nato.” Festusi wahlala nabo emalanga lasiphohlongo nome lalishumi, wase wehlela eKhesariya. Ngakusasa wahlala esihlalweni sakhe sekwehlulela, wase utfumela kutsi akuletfwe Pawula. Watsi kube Pawula angene, lamaJuda bekete naye esuka eJerusalema amkaka ngala nangala, ambeka emacala lamanyenti nalamabi, labehluleka nekubeka bufakazi bawo. Kodvwa Pawula wativikela ngekutsi: “Kute lengikonile lokuphambene nemtsetfo wemaJuda, nome nelithempeli, nome naKhesari.” Festusi afuna kujabulisa emaJuda wabuta Pawula watsi: “Ungatsandza yini kuya eJerusalema kuyewutekwa lamacala labakubeke wona la embikwami?” Kodvwa Pawula watsi: “Ngime embikwesihlalo sekwehlulela saKhesari, uMbusi, ngulapho-ke lakufanele licala lami litsetfwe khona. Kute lengiwone ngako emaJuda, njengobe nawe ukwati nje loko. Nangabe kukhona lapho ngephule khona umtsetfo, ngenta lokufanele kutsi ngijeziswe ngekufa, angiceli kuphepha ekufeni; kodvwa nalingekho liciniso kulamacala labangibeka wona, kute umuntfu lofanele kunginikela etandleni tabo. Ngicela kuyakwembula ingubo kuKhesari, uMbusi.” Festusi wase ufakana imilomo nebeluleki bakhe uphendvula Pawula utsi: “Sewucele kutsi lelicala lendluliselwe kuKhesari, ngako-ke utawuvele uhambe uye kuKhesari.” Emvakwemalanga inkhosi Agripha naBhenise bavakashela eKhesariya ngenjongo yekwemukela Festusi. Kulawo malanga basahleti lapho, Festusi wase utekela inkhosi ngalendzaba yaPawula utsi: “Kukhona indvodza lesiboshwa lesashiywa nguFeliksi; nangiya eJerusalema, baphristi labakhulu bemaJuda netibondza tenkholo yabo bambeka emacala lamanyenti, bangicele nekutsi ngimehlulele ngekumlahla ngelicala. Ngabaphendvula ngekutsi akusiwo umtsetfo wetfu tsine maRoma kutsi silahle umuntfu ngelicala, angakalitfoli litfuba lekubhekana nebamangaleli bakhe buso nebuso atiphendvulele ngaloko labambeka ngako licala. Batsi kube befike bahlangane lapha, angizange ngicitse sikhatsi, kodvwa kwatsi kusa ngakusasa ngavele ngahlala esihlalweni sekwehlulela, ngatfumela kutsi ayiletfwe lendvodza. Bamangaleli bakhe abambekanga emacala langako ebugelekece, njengobe ngangibhekile. “Kodvwa basuke baphikisana naye ngenkholo yabo nangendvodza letsite lenguJesu lese yafa, lacinisa ngayo Pawula kutsi iyaphila. Ngadzidzeka nje kutsi ngingayihlolisisa kanjani lendzaba yakhe, ngako-ke ngase ngibuta yena kutsi angatsandza yini kuya eJerusalema kuyewutekwa lamacala akhe khona. Kodvwa Pawula wacela kutsi lokutekwa kwelicala lakhe akwendluliselwe ku-Agustusi, uMbusi, lofanele alijube; ngase ngitjela emasotja kutsi amgadze, kuze kufike sikhatsi sekumetfula kuKhesari.” Agripha watsi kuFestusi: “Ngifuna kutivela nayikhuluma lendvodza.” Festusi waphendvula watsi: “Utamuva kusasa.” Ngakusasa bo-Agripha naBhenise beta ngekuhlonipheka lokukhulu, bafike bangena ehholweni lenkhulu yekuhlangana bahamba nabokhenela bemphi kanye nemadvodza labebalulekile kulelo dolobha. Festusi wase utfumela emasotja kutsi alandze Pawula. Festusi wase utsi: “Nkhosi Agripha kanye nani nonkhe lenikhona lapha kanye natsi, ngiyo-ke lendvodza lesengemukele tikhalo ngayo kuwo onkhe emaJuda lalapha naseJerusalema; bakhala ngekutsi kufanele iye entsanjeni. Kodvwa mine ngekwami kute lokubi lengitfole kutsi ikwentile lokungayenta ize ijeziswe ngentsambo. Kodvwa njengobe yona icele kutsi ilendlulisele ku-Agustusi, nami-ke sengincume kuyitfumela kuye. Kodvwa kute lokumcoka lenginako lengingahle ngikubhalele uMbusi ngayo. Ngiko nje ngiyiletse la embikwenu, ikakhulu kuwe, Nkhosi Agripha, khona litawutsi lingahlolwa lelicala layo nami ngibe nako lengingakubhala. Ngobe ngibona shangatsi kungaba bulima kimi kutsi ngingatfumela siboshwa kuye ngingachazi kutsi cala lini lesibekwe lona.” Agripha watsi kuPawula: “Ukhululekile, kutsi ungatikhulumela nawe, utivikele.” Pawula wase uphakamisa sandla sakhe uyatikhulumela ativikela watsi: “Nkhosi Agripha! Ngitivela nginenhlanhla kutsi lamuhla embikwakho ngitatikhulumela ngitivikele kuwo onkhe lamacala lengibekwe wona ngemaJuda, kakhulu ngobe naku wena utetayele timphikiswano nemasiko emaJuda, ngako-ke ngiyakuncenga kutsi ungilalele ngekubeketela. “Onkhe emaJuda ayayati imphilo yami kusukela ebuncaneni bami, ngisahlala eveni lakitsi kanye naseJerusalema. Ngihleti sikhatsi lesidze nabo bayangati; futsi bangakufakaza loko, nabatsandzako, kutsi ngekwenkholo ngangiphila ngililunga lebaFarisi, licembu lelikhonta Nkulunkulu ngekulandzela tibopho temiyalo nemitsetfo. Manje lo ngime lapha ngibekwe licala lekwetsemba setsembiso saNkulunkulu lasetsembisa kubokhokho betfu. Ngiso lesetsembiso lesasibhekwe tive takitsi letili-12 kutsi sigcwaliseke, njengobe tikhonta Nkulunkulu ngesineke imini nebusuku. Nguleso setsembiso-ke, Nkhosi, langibeke licala ngaso emaJuda. Kwentiwa yini lokutsi nine ningakholwa kutsi Nkulunkulu uyabavusa bantfu labafile? “Mine matfupha ngangikholwa kutsi kufanele ngente konkhe lokusemandleni ami kutsi ngiphambane nelibito laJesu waseNazaretha. Ngavele ngakwenta loko eJerusalema. Nganikwa baphristi labakhulu emandla neligunya lekubabopha ngibafake ejele bonkhe labangcwele, sasitsi sijubo selicala singaba yintsambo nami ngisisekele ngevoti. Ngadlanga ngekubajezisa emasinagogeni ngibacindzetela kutsi bakugceke kukholwa kwabo. Ngangibacansukela kakhulu kangangekutsi ngadzimate ngabalandzela nome sebabalekele kulamanye emadolobha langephandle.” “Kwabangelwa nguloko-ke kuya kwami eDamaseko sengitfole emandla neligunya kubaphristi labakhulu. Kwakusemini lenkhulu emgwacweni, Nkhosi, nangibona kukhanya lokwakwendlula kwelilanga kuphuma ezulwini kwangibaneka kwangitungeleta kanye nalabo ngangihamba nabo. Sonkhe sawela phansi, ngeva livi likhuluma kimi ngesiHebheru litsi: ‘Sawula! Ye Sawula! Ungihluphelani? Kulukhuni kuwe kukhahlela etinchijini.’ “Mine ngase ngitsi: ‘Ungubani wena, Nkhosi?’ INkhosi yaphendvula yatsi: ‘NginguJesu, lona lomhluphako. Kodvwa sukuma ume ngetinyawo takho, ngobe ngitibonakalisele loko kuwe kutsi ngikwente ube sisebenti sami nafakazi wami ngaloku lokubonile ngami lamuhla, kanye naloko lengitawutibonakalisa ngako kuwe. Ngitawukusindzisa esiveni saka-Israyeli nebetive lengikutfuma kubo. Utawuvula emehlo abo, kuze besuke ebumnyameni bagucukele ekukhanyeni besuke nasemandleni aSathane baye kuNkulunkulu, kuze batsetselelwe tono tabo babelwe nendzawo emkhatsini walabahlantwe ngekukholwa kimi.’ ” “Ngako-ke, Nkhosi Agripha, angitsandzanga kungawulaleli lombono wasezulwini, kodvwa ngashumayela kusukela khona eDamaseko, naseJerusalema, nakulo lonkhe laseJudiya nakubetive ngimemetela kutsi abaphendvuke babuyele kuNkulunkulu bente imisebenti lekhombisa kuphendvuka. Ngiko loko-ke lokwenta emaJuda angibambe ethempelini afune kungibulala. Kodvwa kuze kube ngulamuhla Nkulunkulu usangisitile. Ngako-ke namanje lo ngime la ngifakaza kubo bonkhe bantfu, labancane nalabakhulu, hhayi lokunye, kodvwa kona loko lokwashiwo baphrofethi naMosi kutsi kuyakwenteka, kutsi Khristu kufanele ahlupheke afe nekutsi abe wekucala kuvuka ekufeni, bese umemetela kukhanya kumaJuda nakubetive.” Asabeka inkhulumo yekutivikela Pawula, Festusi wamemeta watsi: “Suka Pawula, uyahlanya! Lokufundza kakhulu kwakho kuyakuhlanyisa.” Kodvwa Pawula waphendvula watsi: “Angihlanyi, Mhlonishwa Festusi! Kodvwa ngikhuluma liciniso leliphilile nalelimsulwa. Nkhosi Agripha! Ngikhuluma kuwe ngaso sonkhe sibindzi, ngobe uyakwati konkhe loku. Ngineliciniso kutsi tonkhe letintfo utibonile ngobe atentekanga emasitseleni. Nkhosi Agripha, uyabakholwa yini baphrofethi? Noko ngiyati kutsi uyabakholwa!” Agripha wase utsi kuPawula: “Cishe wangenta umKhristu ngesikhashana!” Pawula waphendvula watsi: “Nome sikhashana nome sikhatsi lesidze, ngithandaza kuNkulunkulu kutsi kungabi nguwe wedvwa kodvwa bonkhe labangivako lamuhla nabo babe nguloku lengingiko, ngaphandle kwaletinketane.” Inkhosi yase iyasukuma, naLusibalukhulu, naBhenise, nabo bonkhe lababelapho basukuma. Nase baphumile, sebakhulumisana bodvwana batsi: “Lendvodza ayikenti lutfo lolufanele kutsi ife nome iboshwe.” Agripha wase ukhuluma kuFestusi utsi: “Lendvodza bekufanele ikhululwe, kube beyingakaceli kutsi lelicala layo lendluliselwe kuKhesari.” Kwatsi sekuncunyiwe kutsi sewelele eTaliyane, base baniketela Pawula naletinye tiboshwa kuJuliyusi, indvuna yembutfo lebekutsiwa ngeweMbusi, Agustusi. Sakhwela emkhunjini lowawusuka e-Adramithiyamu lowase utawusuka uye etikhumulweni temikhumbi elugwini lwase-Asiya, nembala salucala luhambo lwetfu siphekeletelwa ngu-Aristakhusi labewaseMasedoniya esuka eThesalonika. Ngakusasa sangenisa eSidoni, naJuliyusi wamphatsa kahle Pawula, wamvumela nekutsi ayewubonana nebangani bakhe asho nekusho kutsi abonakekelwa kahle. Sesuka lapho sachubeka ngemkhumbi; kodvwa njengobe umoya bewuphambene natsi, sahamba sagudla sichingi saseSiphrosi. Sancamula lwandle ngaseSilisiya nePhamfiliya, saze sangena eMira yaseLisiya, lapho indvuna yatfola umkhumbi lowawuchamuka e-Alekzandriya nawo lowawucondze eTaliyane, ngako yase isigibelisa kuwo. Sahamba sesihamba kancane emalanga lamanyenti, nangebulukhuni lobukhulu, kodvwa ekugcineni saze sefika ngasedolobheni laseKhinidusi. Umoya wasivimbela kutsi sichubeke ngaleyo ndlela, ngako sase siyajika sigudla sichingi saseKhrethe sehla saze sendlula eKapa laseSalmone. Sehla singafuni kukhweshela lusentse lwesihlenge, noko sihamba kalukhuni kabi saze sefika endzaweni leyayibitwa ngekutsi Sikhumulo Sekuphepha, sesisedvutane nelidolobha laseLaseya. Njengobe sikhatsi lesidze sase sendlulile sikuleyo ndzawo neluhambo lwetfu seluyingoti kakhulu ngobe ngaleso sikhatsi lilanga lekuzila lase lendlulile, ngako Pawula wabeluleka watsi: “Madvodza, ngiyabona kutsi kusukela lapha luhambo lwetfu lutawugcwala tingoti; kutaba khona umonakalo lomkhulu kabi, hhayi etimphahleni letisemkhunjini nasemkhunjini kuphela, kodvwa nasemphilweni yetfu.” Kodvwa indvuna yabo yayinakekele kakhulu loko beyikutjelwa litilosi lemkhumbi kanye nemphatsi wemkhumbi yangete yakunaka loko lokwakushiwo nguPawula. Ngobe-ke kwakuyingoti nekuhlala kuleso sikhumulo ebusika labanyenti bebancokombele kona kutsi akuchutjekwe kwetanywe kuyawufika eFeniksi, nakwenteka. Leso bekusikhumulo saseKhrethe lesasibheke eNshonalanga yeNingizimu neNshonalanga yeNyakatfo, lapho bebangahle bacitse khona lobo busika. Umoyana waseningizimu wacala kuhhusha, nabo bacabanga kutsi sebatawuphumelela, ngako base bakhuphula sisimiso semkhumbi bantjweza bagudla lusentse lwaseKhrethe. Kodvwa masinyane nje kwachamuka umoya lomkhulu lobewubitwa ngekutsi yiNyakatfo-Mphumalanga, lowahhusha uchamuka esichingini. Umkhumbi wawubhekene nawo, ngako wehluleka kuchubeka sase siyawuvumela kutsi usiphephule. Saze satfola kukhosela nasigudla sichingana lesitsiwa iKhawuda. Lapho-ke nome kwakulukhuni, kodvwa sakhona kusibamba sikebhe semkhumbi. Basikhweta base bankinkela umkhumbi ngetindophi esiswini sawo, ngobe bebesaba kutsi bangahle baphahlateke esihlabatsini lesingaselugwini lweLibhiya; ngako kwehliswa liseyili, kwayekelwa umkhumbi kutsi wemuke nemoya. Sachubeka sihhushuhhushu semoya sawuphephula umkhumbi, kwatsi ngelilanga lelilandzelako bacala kuphungula umtfwalo ngekulahla letinye tintfo letatisindza. Kwatsi ngelilanga lesitsatfu bachubeka banyomula letinye tigcobo temkhumbi letatisindza batilahla bona ngetandla tabo. Kwaba ngemalanga lamanyenti singaliboni lilanga netinkhanyeti, nesiphepho sachubeka nekucinisa kuhhusha, saze saphelelwa nalitsemba lekutsi singaphindze siphile. Emvakwemalanga singasafaki lutfo etfunjini, Pawula wasukuma wema emkhatsini wabo watsi: “Madvodza, kube nangilalela nangete nesuka eKhrethe, ngabe asikangeni kulenhlupheko lengaka. Namanje ngiyanincenga, manini sibindzi. Kute namunye lotawufa, kodvwa umkhumbi wona utakufa uphele nya. Ngobe kulobusuku balamuhla ingilosi yaNkulunkulu, lengiwakhe nalengimkhontako, ime eceleni kwami yatsi: ‘Ungesabi, Pawula, ufanele ume embikwaKhesari; Nkulunkulu ukunikile bonkhe laba lohamba nabo.’ Ngako-ke, madvodza, manini sibindzi, ngobe ngiyametsemba Nkulunkulu kutsi kutawuba njengaloku angitjelile. Kodvwa kufanele silahlelwe esichingini lesitsite.” Kwase kulilanga leli-14 sintanta elwandle lwase-Adriya, sekungusekhatsi nebusuku bashayeli bemkhumbi basola shangatsi besebasondzele eveni lelitsite. Ngako base behlisa insimbi yekukala kutsi sekushona kangakanani, batfola kutsi lamanti angemamitha langema-40 kushona kwawo; bachubeka sikhashana baphindza bakala futsi, base batfola kutsi asangemamitha langema-30 kushona kwawo. Babesaba kutsi umkhumbi wetfu ungahle uphahlateke ematjeni, ngako base behlisa tisimiso temkhumbi letine ngemuva kwemkhumbi, bafisa kutsi kuse, ngako bashayeli bemkhumbi betama kubaleka ngekwehlisela umkhumbi emantini bashaya sengatsi behlisela letinye vtisimiso ngembili kwemkhumbi. Kodvwa Pawula watjela lendvuna yembutfo watsi: “Nangabe labashayeli balomkhumbi babaleka, kute lotawuphila lapha emkhunjini.” Ngako emasotja atijuba letintsambo letatisimise sikebhe, asiyekela sahamba. Lilanga lase litawuphuma, ngako Pawula wabancenga bonkhe kutsi badle kudla watsi: “Senicedze emalanga lali-14 solomane ningadli lutfo! Ngako-ke ngiyanicela kutsi nidle, nidzinga kudla khona nitewuba nemandla. Ngeke kulahleke ngisho nalunye lunwele lwetinhloko tenu.” Watsi kube asho loko Pawula watsatsa sinkhwa wabonga kuNkulunkulu embikwabo bambuka bonkhe, wasihlephula wacala wadla. Ngako-ke nabo bema sibindzi bacala badla. Sesisonkhe la emkhunjini sasingema-276. Kwatsi nase sidle sonkhe sesutsa, kwase kuphungulwa umkhumbi ngekulahla kolo emantini. Kwatsi sekusa, bashayeli bemkhumbi solo bangaluboni lusentse, babona sikhumbi sinesihlabatsi, base bancoma kutsi bayewufika kuso nakwenteka, ngobe bebafuna kuwumisa khona lapho umkhumbi. Ngako base bajuba tintsambo letatibambe tisimiso, batiyekela tacwila elwandle, ngaso leso sikhatsi bakhumula imiphini yekucondzisa umkhumbi, baphakamisa liseyili lelingembili, kuze kutsi umoya ufucele umkhumbi esihlabatsini lesasingembili. Kodvwa umkhumbi washayisa ngenhloko esibundvumeni wabhajwa. Inhloko yemkhumbi yembeleka yangabe isakwati kufuceka, kwabe kungulapho lingemuva lemkhumbi lifohloteka, laze laba tincetu lephulwa sihhushuhhushu semagagasi. Emasotja enta lisu lekubulala tonkhe tiboshwa, kubete nasinye lesitawuhlamba sidzimate siphunyule. Kodvwa indvuna yelibutfo ifuna kusindzisa Pawula, yawalela kuloko, esikhundleni salokho yatsi: “Bonkhe labakwatiko kuhlamba abadvumele emantini kucala bahlambe baye elusentseni. Laba labanye batawulandzela ngemuva bahlambe ngekugibela emapulangweni nome etincentwini temkhumbi, baze befike elusentseni.” Sasindza kanjalo-ke sonkhe, sahlamba saze sefika elusentseni, sewela. Satsi sesisindzile sonkhe sesisesichingini, satfola kutsi lesichingi kutsiwa kuseMaltha. Bantfu bakulesichingi baba nemusa lomkhulu kitsi. Lase licale kuna, ngako kwase kumakhata, base basibasela umlilo, sotsa. Pawula wasabutela tinkhunyana; watsi asatibasa, kwachamuka inyoka, icoshwa kushisa, yaluma Pawula, yaze yanamatsela yalenga esandleni sakhe. Lesive saseMaltha satsi nasibona lenyoka inamatsele esandleni saPawula, samsola satsi: “Lomuntfu ngumtsakatsi, nome asaphunyulile elwandle nkulunkulu wekujezisa, longuDikhe, akamvumeli kutsi aphile.” Pawula wamane wayitsintsitsela emlilweni nje lenyoka angakalimali ndzawo. Babeloku babheke kutsi bambone avuvuka nome bambone ashayeka phansi afe. Kodvwa emvakwekuba sebabheke kwaze kwaba sikhatsi lesidze, babona kungenteki lutfo kuPawula, bajikisa tingcondvo tabo batsi: “Lomuntfu ungunkulunkulu.” Bucamamana nje kwaleyo ndzawo bekunemasimi aPhupliyuse, umbusi walesichingi, wasemukela kahle nangemusa emalanga lamatsatfu asiphatsa njengetivakashi takhe. Uyise waPhupliyuse abesembhedzeni agula, aphetfwe yimbo nesisu sengati. Pawula wangena endlini yakhe, wakhuleka, wambeka tandla, wamphilisa. Kwatsi kube kwenteke loko, tonkhe tigulane takulesichingi taletfwa tafike taphiliswa tonkhe. Ngako base basipha tipho letinyenti. Kwatsi nome sesihamba, basipha lesasingahle sikudzinge endleleni. Ngemvakwetinyanga letintsatfu sesuka ngemkhumbi wase-Alekzandriya, lowawubitwa ngekutsi: “Emaphahla Asezulwini.” Wawucitse busika esichingini. Sefika edolobheni laseSirakhusi, sahlala emalanga lamatsatfu. Sesuka lapho sajikeleta, saze sefika edolobheni laseRegiyumu. Ngakusasa umoya wacala kubhenguta uchamuka eningizimu, kwatsi ngemalanga lamabili sefika edolobheni lasePhutheyoli. Sakhandza bazalwane, basicela kutsi sihlale nabo liviki, sahlala; sabe sesendlulela eRoma. Bazalwane baseRoma bese bevile ngatsi, ngako base bayasihlangabeta eMakethe yaka-Aphiyusi neMahhotela Lamatsatfu. Pawula watsi kube ababone labazalwane, wabonga Nkulunkulu wase uma nesibindzi. Satsi nasifika eRoma, Pawula wavunyelwa kutsi ahlale yedvwa, wabekwa nelisotja lekumgadza. Emvakwemalanga lamatsatfu Pawula wabita umhlangano webaholi bemaJuda. Batsi nase baphelele ndzawonye, wabatjela watsi: “Bazalwane bami! Nome ngingazange sengente lutfo loluphambene nebantfu bakitsi, nanemasiko lesawemukela kubokhokho betfu, ngaboshwa eJerusalema nganikelwa etandleni temaRoma. Angiphenya asafuna kungikhulula ngobe angalitfolanga licala lelalifanele kutsi ngilifele. Kodvwa kwatsi ngobe emaJuda akuphikisa loko, ngacindzeteleka kutsi ngitetikhalela kuKhesari, hhayi ngobe ngangihlose kubeka sive sakitsi licala. Kungako ngicele kunibona nje ngikhulume nani; ngobe ngiboshwe ngaletinketane ngenca yakhe lolitsemba lebantfu baka-Israyeli.” EmaJuda atsi kuye: “Kute tincwadzi lesititfolile tsine letikhuluma ngawe tiphuma eJudiya, kute namunye kubazalwane lowabuya netindzaba khona, ngisho kukhuluma lutfo nje lolubi ngawe. Kodvwa noko sifuna kuva ngawe umcondvo wakho, ngobe siyati kutsi live lonkhe likhuluma kabi ngalenkholo lohambisana nayo.” Ngako-ke emaJuda amisa lilanga lekubonana naPawula. Ngalelo langa bantfu befika baba banyenti lapho bekuhlala khona Pawula. Kusukela ekuseni laze layawumbamba unina seloku afakaza ngekubachazela ngembuso waNkulunkulu. Wetama kubenelisa ngaJesu ngekubakhumbuta lokusemtsetfweni waMosi nangemiBhalo yebaphrofethi. Labanye beneliswa ngulamavi akhe, noko labanye abazange bakholwe. Ngako base bahamba baphikisana bodvwana, lapho Pawula asabeke inkhulumo letsi: “Maye, washo kahle Moya Longcwele nakakhuluma ngemphrofethi Isaya kubokhokho benu, watsi: “ ‘Hamba utsi kulesive: Ngekuva niyakuva ningete nevisisa, ngekubuka niyawubuka ningete nabona, ngobe inhlitiyo yalesive seyaba lukhuni, nangetindlebe tabo beva kamatima, emehlo abo bawavalile; funa mhlawumbe emehlo abo abone, nangetindlebe tabo beve, nangetinhlitiyo tabo bacondzisise, baphendvuke, bese ngiyabaphilisa.’ ” Wase uyavalelisa Pawula ngekutsi: “Akwateke kini kutsi lensindziso yaNkulunkulu seyitfunyelwe kubetive, futsi batawuyemukela.” [ Watsi kube acedze kusho njalo Pawula, ase ayahamba emaJuda ahamba aphikisana odvwana adzatisana inkhani.] Wacedza iminyaka lemibili Pawula ahleti lapho, ahlala endlini labeyicashile. Abemukela ngetandla totibili bonkhe labebeta batemvakashela. Abeshumayela ngembuso waNkulunkulu, afundzisa ngeNkhosi Jesu Khristu akhuluma ngesibindzi nangekukhululeka lokukhulu. Lencwadzi iphuma kuPawula, inceku yaKhristu Jesu, nemphostoli lokhetsiwe wabitwa nguNkulunkulu kutsi ashumayele liVangeli. LeliVangeli letsenjiswa nguNkulunkulu emandvulweni, waletsembisa ngebaphrofethi bakhe, labhalwa emiBhalweni leNgcwele. LingeNdvodzana yakhe, iNkhosi yetfu Jesu Khristu, ebuntfwini bakhe watalwa awesitukulwane saDavide; ngebungcwele bakhe basezulwini kwakhonjiswa ngemandla lamakhulu kutsi uyiNdvodzana yaNkulunkulu ngekutsi avuswe ekufeni. Ngaye loJesu semukele umusa nebuphostoli, kuze kutsi egameni lakhe bantfu etiveni tonkhe sibaholele ekukholweni nasekutfobeleni Nkulunkulu. Nani nikuleto tive, nibitelwe kutsi nibe baJesu Khristu. Lencwadzi iya kubo bonkhe labatsandzekako baNkulunkulu labaseRoma, lababitelwa kutsi babe ngulabangcwele. Akube kini umusa nekuthula lokuvela kuBabe wetfu Nkulunkulu naseNkhosini Jesu Khristu. Kwekucala, ngibonga Nkulunkulu wami ngaJesu Khristu, ngani nonkhe; ngobe umhlaba wonkhe ubabata kukholwa kwenu. Nkulunkulu lengimkhonta ngemoya wami wonkhe ngekushumayela liVangeli leNdvodzana yakhe ungufakazi wami wekutsi nginikhumbula kangakanani emithandazweni yami onkhe emalanga. Sonkhe sikhatsi emikhulekweni yami ngincusa kutsi Nkulunkulu, ngentsandvo yakhe, awente ematfuba ekutsi nginivakashele nome nini. Maye, ngiyafisa kunibona khona ngitewucetunelana nani sipho saMoya kuze nitewucina. Ngisho kutsi nine nami sitewusitakala kanyekanye, nine ngekukholwa kwami, nami ngekukholwa kwenu. Kufanele nati, bazalwane bami, kutsi sengemahlandla lamanyenti kanganani ngetama kunivakashela, kodvwa bengisolomane ngivimbeleka, kwadzimate kwaba ngulamuhla. Kukhona lengifuna kubazuza baphendvuke emkhatsini wenu, njengobe ngentile nakulabanye betive, ngobe nginemtfwalo kubo bonkhe, emaGriki nalabangakaphucuki, labafundzile nalabangakafundzi. Ngiko nje ngilambele kushumayela liVangeli nakini lenihlala eRoma. Anginamahloni ngeliVangeli, ngobe lingemandla aNkulunkulu ekusindzisa bonkhe bantfu labakholwako, kucala emaJuda, kulandzele emaGriki. Ngobe liVangeli lembula kutsi Nkulunkulu wenta kanjani kutsi bantfu balungelane naye: Kungekukholwa, kusuka ekucaleni kuye ekugcineni, njengobe umBhalo utsi: “Lolungile ngekukholwa utawuphila.” Lulaka lwaNkulunkulu lubonakala luphuma ezulwini lwehlela etikwako konkhe kungamesabi Nkulunkulu nekungalungi kwebantfu labavimba liciniso ngekungalungi kwabo. Nkulunkulu uyabajezisa, ngobe loko labangahle bakwati bantfu ngaNkulunkulu kusebaleni, njengobe yena cobo lwakhe akubonakalisile kubo. Kusukela ekudalweni kwemhlaba nemkhatsi emandla akhe laphakadze nebuNkulunkulu bakhe bebufihlekile emehlweni ebantfu; noko bebukhona etingcondvweni kutsi bubonakale etintfweni latentile. Ngako-ke bate taba; ngobe batsi kantsi Nkulunkulu bayamati bangete bambonga bamnike neludvumo lolumfanele njengaNkulunkulu. Esikhundleni saloko imicabango yabo yaba lite, netinhlitiyo tabo taba mnyama. Batsi bahlakaniphile, besuka baba tilima; bashiya bukhosi baNkulunkulu longabhubhi, bakhonta umfanekiso wemuntfu lobhubhako, newetinyoni, newetilwane letihamba ngetinyawo letine, newaletihamba ngesisu. Ngako-ke Nkulunkulu ubayekelele etinkhanukweni tetinhlitiyo tabo, emanyaleni nasekungcolisaneni imitimba yabo. Baguculele liciniso laNkulunkulu balenta emanga; bakhonta, badvumisa indalo kunekukhonta nekudvumisa uMdali lokunguyena abongeka kuze kube phakadze. Amen. Ngako-ke Nkulunkulu ubayekelele etinkhanukweni letilihlazo. Labasikati bakhona bagucule imvelo lengabe bayenta kulabadvuna, kodvwa bagucuke balalana bodvwana, benta labebangakadalelwa kona. Kanjalo nemadvodza ayekele kulalana nalabasikati, kodvwa adliwa yinkhanuko ase alalana odvwana; ngako atfola sijeziso lesifanele kona kwawo. Njengobe abafunanga kumati Nkulunkulu, ngako wababukelela, tingcondvo tabo taba butsakatsaka, netimilo tabo tonakala. Bagcwele tonkhe tinhlobo tebubi: kona, nekuhawukela, nekuzindlekela; bagcwele umona, nekubulala, nekulwa, nemacebo, nebucili, nenhlebo. Bakhuluma kabi ngalabanye, batondze Nkulunkulu, bangahloniphi, batigcabhe, batikhukhumete, bacambe lokubi, bangahloniphi batali babo; abehlukanisi lokuhle kulokubi, abatigcini tetsembiso tabo, abanalutsandvo, abanasihawu. Bayawati umtsetfo waNkulunkulu lotsi bantfu labenta tintfo letinje bafanele kufa, kepha bona abagcini ngekutenta kuphela kodvwa besuka bavumelana nalabo labatentako. Ngako-ke ngeke utilandvulele, wena muntfu-ndzini, nome ngabe ungubani wena lowehlulelako; ngobe ngekwehlulela lomunye utilahla wena, ngobe nawe lowehlulelako uyakwenta kona loko. Siyati kutsi Nkulunkulu akasenti siphosiso nakehlulela bantfu labenta lokubi. Kodvwa wena muntfu-ndzini, wenta loko nawe lowehlulela ngako labanye bantfu! Ucabanga kutsi uyawuphepha yini ekwahlulelweni kwaNkulunkulu? Kumbe uyayedzelela yini ingcebo yemusa wakhe, nekubeketela kwakhe, nekumela bulukhuni kwakhe? Awati yini kutsi umusa waNkulunkulu nguwo lokuholela ekuphendvukeni? Kodvwa ngebulukhuni nangenkhani yekungaphendvuki kwenhlitiyo yakho, utibekela lulaka lube lukhulu ngelilanga lelulaka. Ngalelo langa iyawukhanya indlela Nkulunkulu lehlulela ngayo kutsi imsulwa. Phela Nkulunkulu uyawuvuza wonkhe umuntfu njengekwemisebenti yakhe. Labanye bantfu bachubeka benta lokuhle, bafuna tibusiso, neludvumo nekuphila lokungabhubhi; labo-ke Nkulunkulu uyawubanika kuphila lokuphakadze. Labanye bantfu baticabanga bona, bangakwemukeli loko lokuliciniso, bese balandzela loko lokungesiko; kulabo Nkulunkulu uyawutfululela lulaka nentfukutselo yakhe. Kuyawuba khona kuhlupheka nebuhlungu lobumatima kubo bonkhe bantfu labenta lokubi, kucale kumaJuda bese kulandzela betive. Kepha kuyawuba khona inkhatimulo, neludvumo, nekuthula kubo bonkhe labenta lokuhle, kucale emaJuda bese-ke kulandzela betive. Ngobe Nkulunkulu akakhetsi muntfu. Bonkhe labone bate umtsetfo bayawubhujiswa ngaphandle kwemtsetfo, nalabo labone banemtsetfo bayakwehlulelwa ngemtsetfo. Ngobe akusibo labawuvako umtsetfo labalungile kuNkulunkulu, kepha ngulabo labawentako umtsetfo labayakwemukelwa nguNkulunkulu ngekutsi balungile. Ngekwemvelo betive bate umtsetfo, kodvwa nabatentela loko lokufunwa ngumtsetfo, kungumtsetfo kubo, nome bate umtsetfo. Batiphatsa ngendlela lekhombisa kutsi loko lokufunwa ngumtsetfo kubhalwe etinhlitiyweni tabo. Nanembeza wabo uyabafakazela kutsi loko kuliciniso, njengobe nemicabango yabo ngaletinye tikhatsi iyabalahla, nangaletinye tikhatsi iyabavumela. NgekweliVangeli lami ngaKhristu Jesu kuyawuba njalo nangalelo langa Nkulunkulu layakwehlulela ngalo lokufihlekile kwebantfu. Ase ufanekise ngawe. Wena uliJuda, wetsembele emtsetfweni, futsi utigabatisa ngekutsi Nkulunkulu wakho. Uyayati intsandvo yaNkulunkulu ngekuyifundza emtsetfweni, uyakwati nekukhetsa lokuncono. Uneliciniso kutsi wena ungumkhombi wendlela kulaba labatimphumphutse, nekukhanya kulabasebumnyameni. Nguwe umceceshi walabangati nemfundzisi walabangakafundzi, wati kahle kutsi emtsetfweni kunelwati loluphelele ngeliciniso. Pho, njengobe ufundzisa labanye, wena awutifundzisi ngani? Wena ushumayela kutsi kungebiwa, pho, wena ubelani? Utsi akungaphingwa, pho, wena uphingelani? Utondza tithico, kodvwa uwagcekezelani emathempeli? Utigabatisa ngekuba nemtsetfo waNkulunkulu, kepha umhlaziselani Nkulunkulu ngekwephula umtsetfo wakhe? Kubhaliwe kutsi: “Ngenca yenu, betive bahlambalata ligama laNkulunkulu.” Kusoka kwakho kunalo lusito nawugcina umtsetfo, kepha nawephula umtsetfo kusoka kwakho kuyafanana nekungasoki. Nangabe wetive, longakasoki, agcina imiyalo yemtsetfo, angeke yini Nkulunkulu amtsatse njengemuntfu losokile? Ngako-ke wena mJuda, uyawulahlwa ngumuntfu wetive, ngekutsi yena ugcina umtsetfo nome angazange asasoke enyameni, ngobe wena wephula umtsetfo nome unawo ubhalwe phansi, kantsi futsi usokile. UmJuda akusiye umJuda ngalokubonakalako, nekusoka akusiko loko lokubonakala emehlweni kuphela. Kodvwa umJuda weliciniso ngumuntfu longumJuda ngekhatsi, lokusho kutsi, usoke enhlitiyweni ngaMoya, hhayi ngalokubhaliwe. Umuntfu lonjalo-ke ubongeka kuNkulunkulu, hhayi kubantfu. Pho, emaJuda ancono ngani kunalabanye bantfu? Kusita ngani kusoka? Vele kusita ngalokuphelele. Kwekucala Nkulunkulu emavi akhe wawaphatsisa emaJuda. Pho, nangabe lamanye emaJuda angazange etsembeke-ke, ngabe loko kusho kutsi kungetsembeki kwawo kungacedza kwetsembeka kwaNkulunkulu yini? Cha, akusho loko. Nkulunkulu wetsembekile, nome bonkhe bantfu bangaba nemanga, njengobe kubhaliwe kutsi: “Kukhuluma kwakho kuyabonakalisa kutsi uneliciniso; nawubekwa licala, utfolakala umsulwa.” Kodvwa kunjani nangabe kwenta kwetfu lokungakalungi kusita ekubonakaliseni ngalokukhanyako kwenta kwaNkulunkulu lokulungile? Singatsini? Singatsi Nkulunkulu akenti kahle ngekusijezisa? Ngikhuluma njengemuntfu. Cha, akunjalo. Pho, nangakalungi Nkulunkulu, angawehlulela kanjani umhlaba? Kodvwa nangabe bucili bami busita ludvumo lwaNkulunkulu ngekwenta liciniso lakhe libonakale kakhulu, ngingalahlelwani njengesoni? Pho, akushiwo ngani-ke kutsi: “Asente lokubi, khona kutawuvama lokuhle”? Labanye bantfu, badzimate bangetfuka ngekungibeka licala ngekutsi ngikhuluma kanjalo! Bayawulahlwa njengobe kufanele. Tsine maJuda sincono yini kunalabanye? Cha, asincono. Njengaloku sengishito kutsi tsine maJuda nebetive singephansi kwemandla esono ngalokufananako, njengobe kubhaliwe kutsi: “Kute namunye lolungile, kute ngisho namunye locondzisisako, kute lofuna Nkulunkulu. Bonkhe bamfulatsele, bagucuke baba ngimibungu, babantfu labangenamsebenti walutfo balahleke bonkhe; kute lowenta lokulungile, ngisho namunye, umphimbo wabo ulidliza lelikhamisile, ngetilimi tabo bayakhohlisa, ngaphansi kwetindzebe temilomo yabo kubindze shevu webunyoka. Imilomo yabo igcwele ticalekiso nebutsi. Tinyawo tabo tiyashesha kuya ekucitseni ingati. Tindlela tabo tigcwele incitsakalo nelusizi, nendlela yekuthula abazange sebayati. Abamesabi Nkulunkulu.” Siyati kutsi konkhe lokusemtsetfweni kucondzene nalabo labangephansi kwawo, khona kutewuvinjwa tonkhe taba tebantfu, nemhlaba wonkhe utfolakale unelicala kuNkulunkulu. Ngobe kute umuntfu loyakwemukeleka kuNkulunkulu kutsi ulungile ngekugcina umtsetfo. Umtsetfo wenta bantfu basati sono. Kodvwa nyalo kulunga kwaNkulunkulu sekwembuliwe, akusiko kwemtsetfo; umtsetfo nebaphrofethi bayawufakazela loko. Nkulunkulu wenta kutsi bonkhe labakholwako balungelane naye ngekukholwa kwabo nguJesu Khristu, bonkhe ngalokufananako. Bonkhe bantfu bonile, bakhashane kakhulu nenkhatimulo yaNkulunkulu. Kodvwa ngesipho samahhala semusa waNkulunkulu bonkhe bentiwe bemukeleka kuye kutsi balungile ngekuhlengwa lokukuKhristu Jesu. Nkulunkulu wamnikelela kutsi abe yinhlawulo ngengati yakhe; lenhlawulo-ke yemukeleka ngekukholwa. Ngalendlela Nkulunkulu sewubonakalise kulunga kwakhe ngekutsi ngaJesu ahlawule tono letatentiwa kadzeni Nkulunkulu angakatehluleli, ngenca yekubeketela kwakhe. Kodvwa kwanyalo Nkulunkulu sewubonakalisa kulunga kwakhe, kuze kukhanye kutsi yena ulungile nekutsi wonkhe umuntfu lokholwa nguJesu uyamemukela kutsi ulungile. Pho-ke, singatigabatisa ngani? Kute! Ngasiphi sizatfu? Ngesizatfu semisebenti yini? Cha, kodvwa ngesizatfu sekukholwa. Ngako sibona kutsi umuntfu wemukelwa nguNkulunkulu kutsi ulungile ngekukholwa kuphela, hhayi ngekwenta lokufunwa ngumtsetfo. Empeleni Nkulunkulu ngabe unguNkulunkulu wemaJuda kuphela yini? Akasiye yini futsi Nkulunkulu webetive? Vele, unguNkulunkulu newebetive, ngobe phela Nkulunkulu munye. Bekusoka bayakwemukelwa nguNkulunkulu kutsi balungile ngekukholwa; kanjalo nebekungasoki balungisiswa ngekukholwa. Pho, siyawulahla yini umtsetfo ngalokukholwa? Cha, asiwulahli, esikhundleni saloko siyawusekela umtsetfo. Pho, singatsini-ke ngakhokho wetfu Abrahama lesiyintalelwane yakhe? Watfolani? Nangabe Abrahama emukelwa nguNkulunkulu kutsi ulungile ngenca yemisebenti yakhe, angaba nako kutigabatisa. Kodvwa ngeke atigabatise embikwaNkulunkulu. UmBhalo utsini-ke? Utsi: “Abrahama wakholwa nguNkulunkulu, ngenca yekukholwa kwakhe Nkulunkulu wamemukela kutsi ulungile.” Umuntfu losebentako uyaholelwa; leliholo lakhe alitsatfwa njengesipho, kepha litsatfwa njengentfo lafanele kuyihola. Kodvwa nangabe umuntfu angaketsembeli emisebentini yakhe lemihle kodvwa ngekukholwa etsembele kulowo lolungisisa longamesabi Nkulunkulu, kukholwa kwakhe nguko lokumenta emukeleke kuNkulunkulu kutsi ulungile. Abesho loku Davide, nakakhuluma ngekubusiseka kwemuntfu lobitwa nguNkulunkulu ngekutsi ulungile ngaphandle kwemisebenti, nakatsi: “Babusisiwe labo Nkulunkulu labatsetselele tiphambuko tabo, nalabo labatono tabo tisitjekelwe. Ubusisiwe umuntfu, iNkhosi lengeyumbalela sono.” Kambe ngabe lokubusiseka kwalabasokile bodvwana yini? Cha, kwabo nalabangakasoki. Ngobe sitsatsa ngekutsi: “Abrahama wakholwa nguNkulunkulu, ngenca yekukholwa kwakhe Nkulunkulu wamemukela kutsi ulungile.” Loku kwenteka nini? Kwenteka asasokile yini Abrahama nome angakasoki? Kwenteka angakasoki, hhayi asasokile. Wasoka muva, lokusoka kwaba luphawu lwekucinisa kutsi ngenca yekukholwa kwa-Abrahama Nkulunkulu abesamemukele ngekutsi ulungile, ngaphambi kwekutsi asoke. Ngako-ke Abrahama waba nguyise wabo bonkhe labakholwa nguNkulunkulu bese bemukelwa nguye kutsi balungile, nome bangakasoki. Uphindze abe nguyise walabo labasokile, hayi ngobe basokile, kodvwa ngobe baphila imphilo yekukholwa lefanana nalena leyaphilwa ngubane wetfu Abrahama asengakasoki. Setsembiso sekutsi uyawuba yindlalifa yemhlaba asinikwanga Abrahama nome situkulwane sakhe ngobe agcine umtsetfo, kodvwa ngobe wakholwa wase wemukelwa nguNkulunkulu kutsi ulungile. Ngobe nangabe tindlalifa kungulabo labalalela umtsetfo, kukholwa kucitsekile, nesetsembiso sibhidlikile. Umtsetfo uletsa intfukutselo; kodvwa lapho kute umtsetfo khona, kute nekuwephula. Ngako-ke setsembiso semukelwa ngekukholwa, khona konkhe kuyawuba ngemusa waNkulunkulu, ngaleyo ndlela-ke setsembiso siphiwe wonkhe umuntfu loyintalo ya-Abrahama. Lentalo ya-Abrahama-ke akusibo labo labagcina umtsetfo nje kuphela, kodvwa ngibo nalabo labakholwa njengaye. Abrahama ungubabe wetfu sonkhe, njengobe kubhaliwe kutsi: “Ngikukhetsele kutsi ube nguyise wetive letinyenti.” Lesetsembiso wasemukela kuNkulunkulu labemetsemba; lowo-ke nguNkulunkulu lovusa labagfile baphile. Nguye lokhuluma bese kuba khona lokungazange sekube khona. Abrahama wakholwa, wetsemba, kungekho tsemba, ngako wase uba “nguyise wetive letinyenti”, njengobe umBhalo utsi: “Titukulwane takho tiyawuba ngaka.” Kukholwa kwakhe akuzange kube butsakatsaka nome abesaneminyaka lengacishe ibe likhulu asatibonela nje kutsi umtimba wakhe bese kufanana nekutsi ufile, nekutsi sitalo saSara sase sifile. Noko akazange asingabate setsembiso saNkulunkulu ngekungasikholwa. Kodvwa wacina ekukholweni anika Nkulunkulu ludvumo. Waba neliciniso leliphelele kutsi Nkulunkulu unawo emandla ekukwenta loko labekwetsembisile. Ngiko nje ngekukholwa kwakhe: “Nkulunkulu wamemukela ngekutsi ulungile.” Lamavi latsi: “Wamemukela ngekutsi ulungile,” akabhalwanga ngaye kuphela, kodvwa abhalwa nangatsi lesemukelwe ngekutsi silungile, tsine lesikholwa nguye lowavusa Jesu iNkhosi yetfu kulabafile. Wanikelelwa kutsi afe ngenca yetiphambuko tetfu, wavuswa khona atewusenta semukeleke kuNkulunkulu kutsi silungile. Njengobe sesentiwe semukeleka kuNkulunkulu kutsi silungile ngekukholwa, sesinekuthula naNkulunkulu ngeNkhosi yetfu Jesu Khristu. Ngaye loJesu Khristu sinekungena ngekukholwa kulomusa lesesime kuwo; siyabonga sijabulela litsemba lebukhosi baNkulunkulu lobutawuba betfu. Ngetulu kwaloko siyabonga nasetinhluphekweni tetfu, ngobe siyati kutsi tinhlupheko tiveta kubeketela. Kubeketela kuveta kuciniseka, kuciniseka kudala litsemba. Litsemba alijabhisi, ngobe lutsandvo lwaNkulunkulu selutselwe etinhlitiyweni tetfu ngaMoya Longcwele, lesinikwe yena. Ngobe kwatsi sisebutsakatsaka, Khristu wafela labangamesabi Nkulunkulu; wafa ngesikhatsi lesifanele. Kulukhuni kabi kutsi umuntfu afele lomunye umuntfu nome ngabe umsulwa. Mhlawumbe kukhona longaba nesibindzi sekufela umuntfu lolungile. Kodvwa-ke Nkulunkulu sewulukhombisile lutsandvo lwakhe kitsi ngekutsi sisetoni Khristu wafa esikhundleni setfu. Sesentiwe ngengati yaJesu semukeleka kuNkulunkulu kutsi silungile, ngetulu kwaloko siyawusindziswa ngaye elulakeni lwaNkulunkulu. Ngobe nangabe kwatsi sisetitsa satfola kubuyisana naNkulunkulu ngekufa kweNdvodzana yakhe, kakhulu kanganani-ke nase sibuyisene naye siyawusindziswa ngekuphila kwayo. Noko akusiko loko kuphela, kodvwa siphindze sijabula kuNkulunkulu ngaJesu Khristu iNkhosi yetfu lokungaye semukeliswe kubuyisana naNkulunkulu. Sono sangena ngemuntfu munye emhlabeni, sangena nekufa, kufa kwase kwendlulela kubo bonkhe bantfu, njengobe bonkhe bonile. Sono sasikhona emhlabeni usengakabekwa umtsetfo; kodvwa lapho kute khona umtsetfo, sono asibalelwa kumuntfu. Kodvwa kusukela esikhatsini sa-Adamu kuye esikhatsini saMosi bonkhe bantfu babuswa kufa, ngisho nalabo labangazange bone njenga-Adamu. Adamu abesitfunti salowo abetawufika. Kodvwa sono sa-Adamu singeke silinganiswe nesipho saNkulunkulu semusa; ngobe nangabe ngesiphambuko semuntfu munye kwafa labanyenti, kakhulu kangakanani-ke ngesipho lesingumuntfu longuJesu Khristu, umusa waNkulunkulu wenela bantfu labanyenti. Kukhona umehluko emkhatsini wesipho saNkulunkulu nemphumela wesono salowo muntfu munye: Nganhlanye kunesehlulelo ngenca yesono sinye kube kubhujiswa; nganhlanye kunesipho saNkulunkulu semusa lesisusa tono letinyenti kube kulunga lokwemukeleka kuNkulunkulu. Nangabe ngesono semuntfu munye kufa kwacala kubusa ngaye, kakhulu kanganani-ke labo labemukela umusa lochichimako nesipho sekulunga bayawubusa ekuphileni ngemuntfu munye longuJesu Khristu. Njengobe ngesono sinye bonkhe bantfu banesijeziso sekufa, ngalokufananako ngesento sinye lesilungile bonkhe bayakwentiwa balungelane naNkulunkulu ekuphileni. Njengobe ngekungalaleli kwemuntfu munye labanyenti baba toni, ngalokufananako ngekulalela kwemuntfu munye longuKhristu labanyenti bentiwa balungelana naNkulunkulu. Umtsetfo wefikela kwandzisa siphambuko, kodvwa ngekwandza kwesono nemusa waNkulunkulu wandza kakhulu. Ngako-ke, njengobe sono sabusa kwaba kufa, ngalokufananako kubusa kwemusa kwaba kulunga lokusiholela ekuphileni kwaphakadze ngaJesu Khristu iNkhosi yetfu. Pho, siyawutsini-ke? Kufanele yini sichubeke siphile esonweni kuze kwandze umusa? Cha, akungabi njalo. Tsine lesesafa sehlukana nesono, pho, singachubeka kanjani siphile kuso? Kantsi anati yini kutsi tsine sonkhe lesabhajatiselwa kuKhristu Jesu, sabhajatiselwa ekufeni kwakhe? Ngako-ke ngekubhajatiswa kwetfu sangcwatjwa kanye naye, kuze kutsi njengobe Khristu avuswa kulabafile ngemandla ebukhosi baBabe, kanjalo-ke natsi singayiphila imphilo lensha. Nangabe saba munye naye ekufeni kwakhe, ngempela siyawuba munye naye nasekuvukeni kwakhe; siyati kutsi umuntfu wetfu lomdzala wabetselwa esiphambanweni kanye naye, khona kutewutsi umtimba wetfu wesono utewufa, singabe sisagcilatwa sono. Umuntfu lofile ukhululiwe emandleni esono. Siyakholwa kutsi nasife naKhristu siyawuphila kanye naye. Siyati nekutsi Khristu wavuswa kulabafile, angeke aphindze afe; nekufa sekute emandla etikwakhe. Ngobe kufa lakufa kwaba kanye ngenca yesono, kuphila lakuphilako ukuphilela Nkulunkulu. Kanjalo nani kufanele nitsatse ngekutsi nifile nehlukana nesono, kodvwa niphilela Nkulunkulu nikuKhristu Jesu. Ngako-ke ningasivumeli sono kutsi siphindze siyibuse lemitimba yenu lebhubhako. Ningabobe nisatilandzela ngisho netinkhanuko temitimba yenu. Futsi akusafanele kutsi ninikele titfo tenu esonweni tibe tikhali tekungalungi; kodvwa tinikeleni nine matfupha kuNkulunkulu njengobe ningulabavuswe ekufeni base bayaphila. Ngako-ke titfo tenu tinikeleni tibe tikhali tekulunga kuNkulunkulu. Sono akusafanele sibuse etikwenu, ngobe anisaphili ngaphansi kwemtsetfo, kodvwa niphila ngaphansi kwemusa. Pho-ke, sitakona yini, ngobe singekho ngaphansi kwemtsetfo, singaphansi kwemusa? Cha, ngeke. Anati yini kutsi lowo lenitinikele kuye nitigcili takhe tekumlalela? Nitigcili talowo lenimlalelako, nome tesono kube kufa, nome tekulalela Nkulunkulu kube kwemukeleka kuye kutsi nilungile. Akabongwe Nkulunkulu, ngobe benitigcili tesono kodvwa seniwatfobele ngenhlitiyo yenu yonkhe emaciniso emfundziso leseniyemukele. Nakhululwa esonweni, nase niba tigcili tekulunga. Ase ngikhulumise kwemuntfu ngenca yebutsakatsaka bebuntfu benu, ngitsi: Njengaloku nake natinikela ngalokuphelele kutsi nibe tigcili temanyala nekukhohlakala lokukhulu, kanjalo-ke namanje tinikeleni kutsi nibe tigcili tekulunga kube kungcweliswa kwenu. Ngesikhatsi nisetigcili tesono, nanikhululekile kutsi ningakwenti lokulungile. Natfolani-ke ngekwenta leto tintfo leseninemahloni ngato nyalo? Phela siphetfo saleto tintfo kufa! Kodvwa nyalo senikhululiwe esonweni, senitigcili taNkulunkulu; nitfola sitselo senu sekungcweliswa. Siphetfo saloko kuphila lokuphakadze. Inkhokhelo yesono kufa; kodvwa sipho semusa saNkulunkulu sikuphila lokuphakadze ngaKhristu Jesu iNkhosi yetfu. Bazalwane, ase ngikhulume naku kini, nine lenati umtsetfo: Niyati kutsi umuntfu ubuswa ngumtsetfo kuphela yingci asaphila. Njengekutsi nje, umfati losendzile umtsetfo umbophele endvodzeni yakhe nayisaphila; kodvwa nayifa, sewukhululekile kulomtsetfo bewumbophele kulendvodza yakhe. Ngako-ke, umfati nakahlala nalenye indvodza, kantsi indvodza yakhe isaphila, ubitwa ngekutsi yingwadla. Kodvwa nakufa lendvodza yakhe, ngekwemtsetfo sewungumfati lokhululekile, futsi angeke abitwe ngekutsi yingwadla, nome angendza kulenye indvodza. Kunjalo-ke nakini, bazalwane bami; nani-ke senifile kuwo umtsetfo, ngobe niyincenye yemtimba waKhristu; nyalo senibakhe lowo lowavuswa ekufeni kuze tsine sitewutselela Nkulunkulu titselo. Ngesikhatsi sisaphila ngekwelive tinkhanuko tetono letativusetelwa ngumtsetfo tasebenta etitfweni temitimba yetfu, sasisebentela kufa. Noko, nyalo, sesikhululekile ekubeni ngaphansi kwemtsetfo, ngobe safa sehlukana naloko kwakusente tiboshwa, asisakhonti ngendlela lendzala yekwenta lokufunwa ngumtsetfo lobhaliwe, kodvwa sikhonta ngendlela lensha yaMoya. Pho, siyawutsini-ke? Sitakutsi umtsetfo usono? Cha, awusiso. Kodvwa-ke sono ngabe angizange ngisati kutsi siyini kube akufikanga umtsetfo. Ngabe angizange sengati nekutsi kuyini kona kufisa kube umtsetfo awuzange usho kutsi: “Ungafisi.” Kodvwa sono satfola litfuba ngemyalo, kwavuka kufisa konkhe kimi. Ngobe ngaphandle kwemtsetfo sono sifile. Nami matfupha ngase ngaphila ngaphandle kwemtsetfo; kodvwa kwatsi kube kufike umyalo, sono savuka indlwabane, ngase ngiyafa, lomyalo lowawufanele kuba kuphila wagucuka waba kufa kimi. Ngobe sono senelela kutfola litfuba ngekusebenta ngemyalo sangikhohlisa sangibulala ngawo. Kuyakhanya-ke kutsi umtsetfo ungcwele, nemyalo ungcwele, ulungile, futsi muhle. Pho, loko lokuhle kwaletsa kufa yini kimi? Cha, akuzange. Loko kwentiwa sono, ngobe ngekusebentisa lokuhle sangiletsela kufa, khona kutekwembuleka sono kutsi sisono. Ngobe ngemyalo sono sibonakaliswa sisono kakhulu. Siyati kutsi umtsetfo waMoya, kodvwa mine ngingumuntfu wemhlaba, lotsengiswe esonweni. Loko lengikwentako angikucondzisisi, ngobe loko lengikutsandzako angikwenti, kodvwa ngenta loko lengikutondzako. Nangabe-ke ngikwenta loko lengingakutsandzi kukwenta, ngiyawuvumela umtsetfo kutsi ulungile. Kepha-ke akusesimi lona lowenta loko kodvwa sono lesihlala kimi. Ngobe ngiyati kutsi kute lokulungile lokuhlala kimi, ngisho emtimbeni wami; nome sifiso sikhona kimi sekwenta lokulungile, kodvwa ngite emandla ekukwenta. Ngobe lokulungile lengitsandza kukwenta, angikwenti, kodvwa lokubi lengingafuni kukwenta, ngiyakwenta. Nangabe ngenta lengingatsandzi kukwenta, loko kusho kutsi akusesimi lowo lokwentako, kodvwa ngulesono lesihlala kimi. Ngako ngikhandza kutsi kunemtsetfo losebenta kimi: Nangifuna kwenta lokulungile, lokubi kunami shaqa. Ngobe ngekwemuntfu longekhatsi ngitfokotela umtsetfo waNkulunkulu. Kodvwa ngibona umtsetfo lomunye losebenta emalungeni ami ulwa nemtsetfo wengcondvo yami. Ungenta ngibe sigcili semtsetfo wesono lesihlala emalungeni ami. Maye kimi! Mine sihlupheki! Ngitawukhululwa ngubani mine kulomtimba wekufa? Akabongwe Nkulunkulu ngeNkhosi yetfu Jesu Khristu! Ngako-ke mine ngekwami ngikhonta umtsetfo waNkulunkulu ngengcondvo yami, kodvwa ngekwemvelo yami ngikhonta umtsetfo wesono. Sekute kulahlwa kulabo labakuKhristu Jesu. Ngobe umtsetfo waMoya wekuphila lokukuKhristu Jesu ungikhululile emtsetfweni wesono newekufa. Loko-ke lokwehlula umtsetfo ngenca yebutsakatsaka besimo semvelo yemuntfu, Nkulunkulu wakwenta: Ngenca yesono watfumela iNdvodzana yakhe, leyeta ngesimo semuntfu lesonakele, kwatsi ngayo wehlulela sono ebantfwini, kuze sente loko lokufunwa ngumtsetfo tsine lesingahambi ngekwenyama, kepha sihamba ngaMoya. Ngobe labahamba ngekwenyama banaka kwenyama, kodvwa labahamba ngaMoya banaka kwaMoya. Kunaka kwenyama kukufa, kodvwa kunaka kwaMoya kukuphila nekuthula. Ngako-ke labanaka kwenyama batitsa kuNkulunkulu, ngobe abawutfobeli umtsetfo waNkulunkulu; empeleni bate emandla ekuwutfobela. Labo labanaka kwenyama bangeke bamtfokotise Nkulunkulu. Kepha nine anibuswa yinyama, kodvwa nibuswa nguMoya, nangabe phela Moya waNkulunkulu ahlala kini. Umuntfu longenaye Moya waKhristu, akasiye waKhristu. Kodvwa nangabe Khristu akini, nome umtimba wenu ufa ngenca yesono, noko Moya uninika kuphila, ngobe senentiwe nemukeleka kuNkulunkulu kutsi nilungile. Kodvwa nangabe Moya waNkulunkulu lowavusa Jesu kulabafile, ahlala kini, lowo lowavusa Khristu Jesu kulabafile uyawuphindze aninike kuphila emitimbeni yenu lebhubhako niphile ngebukhona baMoya wakhe lohlala kini. Ngako-ke, bazalwane, asisekho sidzingo sekutsi siphile ngekwemvelo yenyama yetfu leyonakele. Ngobe naniphila ngekwenyama, nitawufa; kodvwa nangabe nibulala imisebenti yenyama ngaMoya, nitawuphila. Labo labaholwa nguMoya waNkulunkulu bangemadvodzana aNkulunkulu. Ngobe anemukelanga umoya webugcili wekutsi nibuye nesabe, kodvwa nemukela Moya losenta emadvodzana, sikhulume ngaye kuNkulunkulu sitsi: “Babe! Babe wami!” NguMoya lucobo lofakazelana nemoya wetfu kutsi sibantfwana baNkulunkulu. Njengobe sibantfwana bakhe nje, sitindlalifa futsi: Sitindlalifa taNkulunkulu, yebo, sitindlalifa kanye naKhristu; nangabe phela sihlupheka kanye naye siyawukhatimuliswa kanye naye. Ngiyakholwa kutsi lolusizi lwekuhlupheka lesikulo nyalo lungeke lulinganiswe nenkhatimulo yebukhosi leyakwembulwa kitsi. Indalo yonkhe ilindzele ngekulangatelela lokukhulu kutsi Nkulunkulu embule emadvodzana akhe. Ngobe indalo ibekwe esimeni sebute, hhayi ngekutsandza kwayo, kodvwa ngentsandvo yalowo lowayibeka etsembeni lekutsi nendalo ngalelinye lilanga iyawukhululwa kulobugcili bekubola, ibe nesabelo kulenkhululeko nebukhosi bebantfwana baNkulunkulu. Siyati kutsi kudzimate kube ngulesikhatsi indalo yonkhe iyabubula ngebuhlungu lobufana nemhelo. Kodvwa akusiyo indalo yodvwa; natsi futsi lesiphiwe Moya losibambiso siyabubula etinhlitiyweni tetfu silindzele ngekulangatelela lokukhulu kunikwa simo sebudvodzana, kube kukhululwa kwemitimba yetfu. Sisindziswe sisetsembeni; kodvwa nasikubona loko lesikwetsembako, akusesilo litsemba. Ngobe ngubani longahle etsembe intfo lasayibonile? Kodvwa nasetsemba loko lesingakuboni, sikulindzela ngekubeketela. Ngalokufanako Moya uyasisita ebutsakatsakeni betfu. Ngobe asati kutsi kufanele sithandaze kanjani; kodvwa Moya usincusela kuNkulunkulu ngekububula lokungeke kukhulumeke ngemavi. Kepha yena lophenya tinhlitiyo uyati kutsi uyini umcondvo waMoya; ngobe Moya uncusela labangcwele ngekwentsandvo yaNkulunkulu. Siyati kutsi Nkulunkulu usebentisa konkhe kube lusito kulabo labamtsandzako, lababitwe ngekwenjongo yakhe. Ngobe labo labatinchanti Nkulunkulu wabakhetsanchanti kutsi babe nesimo seNdvodzana yakhe kuze yona itewuba litubulo kubazalwane labanyenti. Kodvwa labo labakhetsanchanti wababita wabenta bemukeleka kuye kutsi balungile, bona labo futsi wabanika bukhosi bakhe. Siyawutsini-ke ngaloku? Nangabe Nkulunkulu angakitsi ngubani longamelana natsi? Yena longazange ayigodle iNdvodzana yakhe, kodvwa wayinikela ngenca yetfu sonkhe, pho, akayusinika yini tonkhe tintfo mahhala kanye nayo? Ngubani loyakumangalela bantfu baNkulunkulu labakhetsiwe? Kute: Ngobe ukhona Nkulunkulu lowenta umuntfu emukeleke kuye kutsi ulungile. Pho, kukhona yini longahle abalahle ngelicala? Kute: Ngobe ukhona Khristu Jesu lowafa, kodvwa wavuswa waphila, sewungesekudla saNkulunkulu, nguye losincuselako. Pho, ngubani-ke longasehlukanisa nelutsandvo lwaKhristu: kuhlupheka nome bulukhuni, nome kutingelwa, nome yindlala, nome kuhlubula, nome yingoti, nome kufa? Kubhaliwe kutsi: “Ngenca yakho sibasengotini yekufa lonkhe lilanga; sitsatfwa njengetimvu tekuhlatjwa.” Kepha kuko konkhe loku siyancoba nekuncoba ngaye lowasitsandza. Ngobe ngineliciniso lekutsi nekufa, nekuphila, netingilosi, nebabusi, nalokukhona, nalokutako, nemandla, nalokuphakeme, nalokujulile, nome ngusiphi sidalwa, kungeke kube nemandla ekusehlukanisa nelutsandvo lwaNkulunkulu lolukuKhristu Jesu, iNkhosi yetfu. Ngikhuluma liciniso ngikuKhristu, angikhulumi emanga; nanembeza wami lokuMoya Longcwele uyangifakazela kutsi nginelusizi lolukhulu, nebuhlungu lobungapheli enhlitiyweni yami ngebazalwane bami labayingati yami ngekwebuve. Bengingafisa kutsi lokungenani ngibe ngulocalekisiwe nome ngisuswe kuKhristu kube loko bekungaba lusito kubo. Ema-Israyeli sive saNkulunkulu lasenta emadvodzana akhe. Wawanika sabelo ebukhosini bakhe, watenta nawo tivumelwane, wawanika umtsetfo, nendlela lengiyo yekukhonta ethempelini, wabapha netetsembiso. Wona angumliba wabokhokho, lapho kwavela khona Khristu waba ngumuntfu, yena longuNkulunkulu, Losetikwako Konkhe, akadvunyiswe phakadze naphakadze. Amen. Kodvwa akusiko kutsi livi laNkulunkulu selehlulekile. Ngobe akusibo bonkhe labasitukulwane sa-Israyeli labangema-Israyeli. Akusibo bonkhe lababantfwana ba-Abrahama ngekutsi basitukulwane sakhe, kodvwa kutsiwa: “Situkulwane sakho siyakwetsiwa nga-Isaka.” Loko kusho kutsi akusibo bantfwana bengati lababantfwana baNkulunkulu kodvwa bantfwana besetsembiso labemukeleka njengesitukulwane. Ngobe nguloko lokwashiwo setsembiso kutsi: “Ngiyawubuya ngalesikhatsi nyakenye, Sara uyawutala indvodzana.” Futsi akusiko loko kuphela, kodvwa neyise wemaphahla latalwa nguRebheka abe munye kungu-Isaka, khokho wetfu. Injongo yaNkulunkulu yekukhetsanchanti ayigucuki. Kwatsi lamaphahla angakatalwa, asengakenti lutfo lokulungile nalokungakalungi, Rebheka watjelwa kutsi: “Lomdzala uyawuba ngaphansi kwalomncane.” Loko-ke kwentiwa ngentsandvo yaNkulunkulu lengayi ngemitamo yemuntfu, kodvwa leya ngelubito lwakhe, Nkulunkulu; njengobe kubhaliwe kutsi: “Jakobe ngimtsandzile, kodvwa Esawu ngamtondza.” Pho, siyawutsini-ke? Sitsi kukhona yini lokungakalungi kuNkulunkulu? Cha, kute. Ngobe watsi kuMosi: “Ngiyawuba nemusa kulowo lenginemusa kuye, ngibe nesihawu kulowo lenginesihawu kuye.” Ngako-ke akuyi ngekutsandza nangekutihlupha kwemuntfu, kodvwa kuya ngebubele baNkulunkulu. Ngobe umBhalo utsi kuFaro: “Ngikuvusele kona loko kutsi ngikhombise emandla ami kuwe, kuze libito lami libatjatwe emhlabeni wonkhe.” Ngako-ke, unemusa kulowo latsandza kuba nemusa kuye, kodvwa amente abe lukhuni lowo latsandza kumenta abe lukhuni. Ngako-ke uyawutsi kimi: “Nangabe kunjalo, pho, Nkulunkulu angambekelani umuntfu licala? Ngubani longamelana nentsandvo yaNkulunkulu?” Kodvwa-ke wena muntfu-ndzini, ungubani kutsi ungaphikisana naNkulunkulu? Ludziwo lungasho yini kumbumbi walo kutsi: “Wangibumbelani kanje?” Empeleni, umbumbi ute yini lilungelo lekusebentisa libumba ngekutsandza kwakhe, nekutsi ente titja letimbili ngasinye sigadla selibumba, lesinye setikhatsi letitsite, lesinye sekusetjentiswa nje nome kunini? Loku akusiko yini Nkulunkulu labefuna kukwenta? Nome abefuna kubonakalisa lulaka lwakhe nekwatisa emandla akhe, noko watimela ngekubeketela lokukhulu titja telulaka lwakhe letatimiselwe kubhujiswa. Loko wakwentela kutsi kwatiwe ingcebo yenkhatimulo yakhe etitjeni temusa wakhe labesavele atilungiselele inkhatimulo yakhe. Tsine-ke singuleto titja temusa wakhe, latibita, hhayi kumaJuda kuphela kepha nakubetive. Naku-ke lakushoko encwadzini yaHoseya: “Bantfu lababengesibo bami, ngiyawubabita ngekutsi: ‘Bantfu bami;’ sive lengingazange ngisitsandze ngiyawusibita ngekutsi: ‘Ngulabatsandzekako bami.’ Nakuleyo ndzawo, lapho batjelwa khona kutsi: ‘Anisibo bantfu bami,’ bayawubitwa ngekutsi: ‘Ngemadvodzana aNkulunkulu lophilako.’ ” Na-Isaya wamemeta nga-Israyeli atsi: “Nome bantfu baka-Israyeli bangaba banyenti babe ngangesihlabatsi saselwandle, noko kuyawuba yinsali yabo kuphela leyawusindziswa; ngobe iNkhosi iyawunonopha yephetse emacala nemhlaba wonkhe.” Kunjengobe Isaya kucala watsi: “Kube iNkhosi Somandla akasishiyelanga letinye tetitukulwane, ngabe safanana neSodoma, safanana neGomora.” Pho, siyawutsini-ke? Betive labangazange bakufune kulungelana naNkulunkulu noko sebakunikwe ngekukholwa kwabo. Kepha baka-Israyeli lababetihlupha bafuna kulunga ngekwenta lokufunwa ngumtsetfo, noko abazange bakhone kuwugcina umtsetfo. Ngani-ke? Ngobe kulunga abazange bakufune ngekukholwa, kodvwa benta sengatsi kutfolakala ngekutsi bakusebentele. Bakhubeka, bakhutjwa litje lesikhubekiso, njengobe kubhaliwe kutsi: “Bheka, ngibeka eSiyoni litje lekukhubekisa nelidvwala lekuwisa; kepha lowo lokholwa kuye, angeke ajabhiswe.” Bazalwane, sifiso senhlitiyo yami nemthandazo wami kuNkulunkulu ngebaka-Israyeli kutsi bamane basindziswe. Ngiyabafakazela kutsi banenshisekelo lenkhulu kuNkulunkulu; kodvwa ayikho ekulatini kahle liciniso. Ngobe ngekungakwati kahle kulunga lokuvela kuNkulunkulu, bafuna kutimisela lokungekwabo kulunga, abazange batinikele ngekutfobeka ekulungeni kwaNkulunkulu. Ngobe Khristu usiphetfo semtsetfo, kuze kutsi wonkhe lokholwako entiwe emukeleke kuNkulunkulu kutsi ulungile. Macondzana nekulunga lokutfolakala ngekugcina umtsetfo Mosi wabhala watsi: “Umuntfu lowenta lokufunwa ngumtsetfo uyawuphila ngako.” Kodvwa ngekulunga kwekukholwa utsi: “Ungasho enhlitiyweni yakho utsi: ‘Ngubani-ke lotakwenyukela ezulwini?’ ” Loko kusho kwehlisa Khristu. “Ungasho futsi nekutsi: ‘Ngubani lotakwehlela endzaweni yalabafile?’ ” Loko kusho kuvusa Khristu kulabafile. Kodvwa umBhalo utsi: “Livi laNkulunkulu lisedvute nawe lisemlonyeni wakho nasenhlitiyweni yakho.” Lelo livi lekukholwa lesilishumayelako. Nangabe uyavuma ngemlomo wakho kutsi Jesu uyiNkhosi, ukholwe nasenhlitiyweni yakho kutsi Nkulunkulu wavusa Jesu kulabafile, uyawusindziswa. Ngobe umuntfu uyakholwa ngenhlitiyo entiwe emukeleke kuNkulunkulu kutsi ulungile, avume ngemlomo wakhe kube kusindziswa kwakhe. UmBhalo utsi: “Umuntfu lokholwa kuye, angeke ajabhiswe.” Kute umehluko emkhatsini wemJuda nemGriki ngobe yona leyo Nkhosi yiNkhosi yabo bonkhe, bonkhe labatibika ngekubita libito layo ibenetisa ngetibusiso ngalokuphuphumako. Ngobe “wonkhe umuntfu lotibika abite libito leNkhosi, uyawusindziswa.” Kodvwa bangatibika njani kulowo labangakholwa nguye? Bangamkholwa njani labangazange sebeve ngaye? Bangeva njani nakute lobashumayelako? Bangashumayela njani bangakatfunywa? Njengobe kubhaliwe kutsi: “Maye, tinhle tinyawo talabo labashumayela liVangeli.” Kodvwa liVangeli abalemukelanga bonkhe, ngobe Isaya utsi: “Nkhosi, ngubani lokholwe loko lakuve kitsi?” Ngako-ke kukholwa kuvela ekuveni, kuva kuvela ngekutsi kushunyayelwe ngaKhristu. Kodvwa ngiyabuta ngitsi: “Abakeva yini?” Empeleni bevile, “ngobe inkhulumo yabo iphumele emhlabeni wonkhe, nemavi abo asafike emikhawulweni yonkhe yemhlaba.” Sengiyabuta futsi ngitsi: “Ngabe Israyeli akevisisanga yini?” Kwekucala Mosi wamemetela livi laNkulunkulu lelitsi: “Ngiyawunenta nibe nesikhwele ngebantfu labangesiso sive; ngiyawunitfukutselisa ngesive lesilibele.” Na-Isaya waba nesibindzi nakamemetela livi laNkulunkulu atsi: “Ngatfolwa ngulabo lababengakangifuni, ngatibonakalisa kulabo lababengakangiceli.” Kodvwa nga-Israyeli utsi: “Lonkhe lilanga ngelulela tandla tami esiveni lesingalaleli nalesinenkhani.” Sengiyabuta-ke, ngitsi: Nkulunkulu wasilahla yini sive sakhe? Cha, akazange! Nami matfupha ngingum-Israyeli, situkulwane sa-Abrahama, ngiwesive saBhenjamini. Nkulunkulu akazange asilahle sive sakhe lasikhetsanchanti. Anati yini kutsi umBhalo utsini nga-Elija, nakamangalela ema-Israyeli kuNkulunkulu? Watsi: “Nkhosi, sebabulele baphrofethi bakho, babhidlita emalati akho; sengimi ngedvwa losasele, nami bayangitingela bafuna kungibulala.” Kodvwa Nkulunkulu wamphendvula watsini? Watsi: “Ngitigcinele bantfu labati-7 000 labangakasikhonti sithico lesinguBhali.” Nanyalo kulesikhatsi kunjalo, bakhona labasele ngekukhetfwa ngemusa. Kukhetsa kwakhe kungemusa wakhe, hhayi ngemisebenti. Ngobe kube kukhetsa kwaNkulunkulu bekungemisebenti, ngabe lomusa wakhe awusesiwo. Pho-ke yini? Kusho kutsi bantfu baka-Israyeli abakakutfoli loko bebakufuna, kodvwa kwatfolwa ngulabakhetsiwe; laba labanye bentiwa baba lukhuni, njengobe kubhaliwe kutsi: “Nkulunkulu wabanika umoya webulima, nemehlo ekungaboni, netindlebe tekungeva, kuze kube ngulamuhla.” NaDavide utsi: “Shangatsi lidzili labo lingaba ngusochaka nelugibe, libe sikhubekiso nesijeziso. Shangatsi emehlo abo angafiphatwa bangete babona, nemigogodla yabo igobane kokuphela.” Sengiyabuta-ke ngitsi: EmaJuda, nakakhutjwa, awa aphela yini? Cha, akazange. Kodvwa ngekona kwawo insindziso yase ifika nakubetive, kuze nemaJuda avukelwe sikhwele ngayo. Kodvwa nangabe sono semaJuda saletsa tibusiso letikhulu kubantfu, nebuphuya bawo ngekwaMoya baletsa tibusiso letikhulu kubetive, pho, letibusiso titawuba tikhulu kangakanani-ke nasaphelele onkhe emaJuda! Sengikhuluma kini betive: Njengobe ngingumphostoli kubetive nje, ngiyawudvumisa umsebenti wami. Mhlawumbe ngingabavusela sikhwele bantfu besive sakitsi, ngize ngisindzise labanye babo. Ngobe nangabe kulahlwa kwabo bekukubuyisana kwaNkulunkulu nemhlaba wonkhe, pho, kwemukelwa kwabo kungaba yini, nakungesiko kuphila kulabafile? Nangabe litsantana lenhlama lehlukaniselwe Nkulunkulu, nenhlama yonkhe yehlukaniselwe Nkulunkulu; futsi nangabe imphandze ingcwele, nemagala angcwele. Lamanye emagala ajutjwa, kwase kutsi endzaweni yawo kwahlunyeleliswa wena bewuligala lemncumo wesiganga, khona utewuba nenhlanganyelo emcebeni wemncumo wasekhaya. Ngako-ke ungawedzeleli lamagala, ukhumbule kutsi akusiwe losimise imphandze, kodvwa yimphandze lesimise wena. Utawutsi: “Emagala ajutjwa, khona kutawuhlunyeleliswa mine.” Ucinisile kuloko, ajutjwa ngenca yekungakholwa kwawo, kodvwa wena usime ngekukholwa kwakho. Ngako-ke ungatigabatisi, kodvwa mani ngekwesaba. Ngobe nangabe Nkulunkulu angazange awaphephise emagala emvelo, kuyakhanya kutsi nawe angeke akuphephise. Bheka-ke bumnene nesandla lesilukhuni saNkulunkulu: bulukhuni bakhe kulabo labawile, kodvwa umnene kuwe, nawuchubeka uphile ngebumnene bakhe; nakungenjalo nawe utawujutjwa. Nalabo labanye futsi nabakuyekela kungakholwa kwabo bayawuhlunyeleliswa, ngobe Nkulunkulu unawo emandla ekuphindza abahlumelelise. Nangabe wena wajutjwa emncumeni wesiganga ngemvelo, wahlunyeleliswa ngalokuphambene nemvelo emncumeni wasekhaya, kakhulu kangakanani-ke lamagala emvelo, atawuhlunyeleliswa esihlahleni sawo semvelo. Bazalwane, ngitsandza kutsi niyati lemfihlakalo yeliciniso; ngobe naningayati, ningahle nicabange kutsi nihlakaniphile. Lemfihlakalo kutsi labanye bema-Israyeli behlelwa bulukhuni khona kutewutsi betive bahlunyeleliswe ngalokuphelele. Onkhe ema-Israyeli ayawusindziswa kanjalo-ke, njengobe kubhaliwe kutsi: “UMkhululi uyawuvela eSiyoni loyawususa konkhe konakala kuJakobe. Lesi sivumelwane sami nabo, nangisusa tono tabo.” NgekweliVangeli baka-Israyeli batitsa taNkulunkulu, khona kutewusitakala nine, kodvwa ngekwelukhetfo bangulabatsandzekako ngenca yabokhokho babo. Phela Nkulunkulu akakuguculi kwephana kwakhe kwamahhala nekubita kwakhe. Empeleni nine animlalelanga Nkulunkulu, kodvwa nyalo senemukeliswe sihawu ngenca yekungamlaleli kwebaka-Israyeli. Ngalokufananako nabo abakalaleli, kuze kutsi sihawu leniphetfwe ngaso nabo basemukeliswe. Ngobe Nkulunkulu bonkhe bantfu sewubayekelele ekutseni bangamlaleli, adzimate atebahawukela bonkhe. Maye, kujula kwemcebo, nekwenhlakanipho, nekwelwati lwaNkulunkulu! Ngubani nje longaphenya kwehlulela kwakhe ahlolisise imfihlakalo yetindlela takhe? “Ngubani lowase wati ingcondvo yeNkhosi, nome-ke, lowase waba ngumeluleki wayo? Ngubani lowase wanika Nkulunkulu lutfo kuze naNkulunkulu ambonge ngelutfo?” Ngobe konkhe kuvela kuye, kukhona ngaye, kukhonela yena. Akube kuye ludvumo nini nanini! Amen. Ngako-ke, bazalwane, njengobe Nkulunkulu ube nesihawu lesikhulu kangaka kitsi, ngiyanincenga ngitsi nikelani imitimba yenu ibe ngumnikelo lophilako, nalongcwele, nalowemukeleka kuNkulunkulu; leyo-ke nguyona nkonzo yenu sibili. Ningalilingisi lelive, kodvwa niguculwe ngekwentiwa kabusha kwengcondvo yenu, khona nitekwati kuhlolisisa loko lokuyintsandvo yaNkulunkulu, nikwati lokuhle, nalokwemukelekako, nalokuphelele. Ngenca yesipho semusa saNkulunkulu kimi, ngitsi kini nonkhe: Ningacabangi kutsi nibakhulu kunaloku leningiko. Esikhundleni saloko zitsani ekucabangeni kwenu, ngulowo nalowo atehlulele ngebungako bekukholwa kwakhe lakunikwe nguNkulunkulu. Njengobe umtimba umunye unetitfo letinyenti, tonkhe leto titfo tinemisebenti leyehlukene, kanjalo-ke, natsi sibanyenti nje singumtimba munye kuKhristu, sititfo letehlukene lesinye kulesinye. Ngako kufanele sisebentise tipho tetfu letehlukene ngekwemusa lesinikwe wona: Nakusekuphrofetha, asisisebentise ngekwesilinganiso sekukholwa kwetfu; nakungusenkonzweni yemsebenti, asitinikele kuyo; umfundzisi akasebentise sipho sakhe ekufundziseni. Lonesipho sekukhutsata labanye, akabakhutsate; lowabako akwente ngekungakhetsi; longumholi ahole ngesineke, lonesihawu, akasente ngekujabula. Lutsandvo kufanele lubete kutentisa. Tondzani lokubi, nibambisise lokuhle. Tsandzanani ngelutsandvo lwebuzalwane, nijakiselane ngekuhloniphana. Khutsalani, ningaphelelwa ngumdlandla, nivutse emoyeni, nikhonte iNkhosi. Tfokotani etsembeni, nibeketele elusizini, nicinisele njalo emthandazweni. Hlanganyelani nalabangcwele ekwesweleni kwabo, nikhutsale ekungeniseni tihambi. Busisani labanitingelela kunihlupha; yebo, nibusise ningacalekisi. Nijabule nalabajabulako, nikhale nalabakhalako. Nibambisane ngamoya munye nonkhe. Ningafisi lokuphakeme, kodvwa nibe nebudlelwane nalabatfobekile. Ningacabangi kutsi nihlakaniphile. Ningabuyiseli kunobe ngubani lokubi ngalokubi, kodvwa yentani lokubonakala kukuhle emehlweni abo bonkhe bantfu. Nakunekwenteka, yentani konkhe lokusemandleni enu kutsi nihlalisane ngekuthula nebantfu bonkhe. Bazalwane bami, ningatiphindziseleli, kodvwa yekelelani konkhe elulakeni lwaNkulunkulu; ngobe kubhaliwe kutsi: “Kuphindzisela ngekwami, mine ngiyawubuyisela, kusho iNkhosi.” Cha, “nangabe sitsa sakho silambile, siphe kudla, nangabe somile, sinatsise; ngobe ngekwenta njalo utawube umtsela ngemahloni ekutisola.” Ningehlulwa ngulokubi, kodvwa yehlulani lokubi ngalokuhle. Wonkhe umuntfu kufanele atitfobele ngenhlonipho tiphatsimandla tembuso, ngobe kute emandla embuso langaveli kuNkulunkulu, naleto tiphatsimandla letikhona tibekwe nguNkulunkulu. Ngako-ke lowo lomelana nemandla embuso umelana nalokumiswe nguNkulunkulu, nalabo labenta loko batibangela kwehlulelwa. Ngobe babusi abesabeki kulabo labenta lokuhle, kodvwa besabeka kulabo labenta lokubi. Ungatsandza yini kutsi ungamesabi losiphatsimandla sakho? Ngako yenta lokuhle, utakudvumisa. Ngobe usisebenti saNkulunkulu lesikwentela lokuhle. Kodvwa nawenta lokubi, mesabe, ngobe unawo emandla ekukujezisa. Usisebenti saNkulunkulu, lesingumphindziseli lowehlisela lulaka lwaNkulunkulu kulowo lowenta lokubi. Ngako-ke umuntfu akatitfobe ngenhlonipho, hhayi ngobe abalekela lulaka lwaNkulunkulu kuphela, kodvwa nangebucotfo banembeza. Kungaso lesizatfu nitsela nje; letiphatsimandla letitisebenti taNkulunkulu ngetaloko, njengobe titinikela emsebentini wato. Bonkhe banikeni lokubafanele: umtselo kulofanelwe ngumtselo, inkhokhelo kulofanele kukhokhelwa; mesabeni lofanele kwesatjwa, nihloniphe lofanele kuhlonishwa. Ningakweledi muntfu nome seyini ngaphandle kwekutsi nitsandzane, ngobe lowo lotsandza makhelwane wakhe sewuwugcwalisile umtsetfo. Lemiyalo letsi: “Ungaphingi, ungabulali, ungebi, ungafisi,” nome sengumuphi-ke lomunye umyalo, yonkhe imiyalo ihlanganiswe kulomusho munye lotsi: “Tsandza makhelwane wakho, njengobe utitsandza wena.” Lutsandvo alukwenti lokubi kumakhelwane; ngako-ke lutsandvo lukugcwaliseka kwemtsetfo. Yentani loko nati kutsi sikhatsi sesifikile, ngiso lesikhatsi sekutsi nivuke ebutfongweni. Ngobe nyalo insindziso yetfu seyisedvute kunangalesa sikhatsi lesakholwa ngaso. Busuku sebuyaphela, imini seyisondzele. Ngako-ke asilahle yonkhe imisebenti yebumnyama, sihlome tikhali tekukhanya. Asitiphatse ngalokufanele njengalabahamba emini, hhayi ngekumita nangekudzakwa, hhayi ngekuphinga nangekugwadla, hhayi ngekucabana nangemona, kodvwa yembatsani iNkhosi Jesu Khristu ninganakekeli kutsi lesimo senu semtimba lesonakele ningasenelisa kanjani ngetinkhanuko taso. Mayelana nalobutsakatsaka ekukholweni, memukeleni kahle, kodvwa hhayi kutsi nitewuphikisana naye inkhani ngemibono. Lomunye lukholo lwakhe lumvumela kutsi angadla nome yini, kantsi lobutsakatsaka ekukholweni udla tibhidvo kuphela. Lodla konkhe angabombukela phansi longadli konkhe, kantsi nalongadli konkhe angamehluleli lona lodla konkhe; ngobe Nkulunkulu umemukele naye. Ungubani wena kutsi ungehlulela sisebenti salomunye? Kuma nekuwa kwaso kwenkhosi yaso; kodvwa siyakuma ngobe iNkhosi inemandla ekusimisa. Lomunye umuntfu ucabanga kutsi lelinye lilanga libaluleke kakhulu kunalamanye, kantsi lomunye umuntfu ucabanga kutsi onkhe emalanga ayafanana. Ngulowo nalowo kufanele eneliseke ngalokuphelele engcondvweni yakhe. Lowo lohlonipha lilanga ulihloniphela iNkhosi; nalowo lodlako udlela iNkhosi, ngobe naye ubonga kuNkulunkulu; kantsi nalowo longadli uyekelela iNkhosi, ngobe naye ubonga kuNkulunkulu. Kute la emkhatsini wetfu lotiphilelako, futsi kute nalotifelako. Nasiphila, siphilela iNkhosi, nome sifa sifela iNkhosi, ngako-ke nome siphila nome sifa sibeNkhosi. Ngobe Khristu wafa waphindze waphila, khona atewuba yiNkhosi yalabaphilako nalabafile. Wena-ke umehlulelelani umzalwane wakho? Nawe-ke umeyiselani umzalwane wakho? Empeleni sonkhe siyakuma embikwesihlalo sekwehlulela saNkulunkulu. Ngobe kubhaliwe kutsi: “Njengobe ngiphila, isho iNkhosi, onkhe emadvolo ayawukhotsama kimi, tonkhe tilimi tiyawudvumisa Nkulunkulu.” Ngako-ke, sonkhe siyawulandza ngatsi matfupha ngamunye ngamunye kuNkulunkulu. Ngako-ke akubete lowehlulela lomunye. Esikhundleni saloko asitimisele kutsi kubete lobekela lomunye umzalwane sikhubekiso, nome umgoco longahle umwise. Njengobe mine ngiseNkhosini Jesu, ngiyati futsi ngicinisekile kutsi kute lutfo lolungcolile ngekwalo; kodvwa kukhona lokungcolile kunome ngubani locabanga kutsi kungcolile. Nangabe umzalwane wakho uyakhubeka ngaloko lokudlako, anisahambisani naye ngelutsandvo. Ngaloko lokudlako ungambulali lowo muntfu lowafelwa nguKhristu. Ngako-ke ungakuvumeli loko lokuhle kuwe kutsi kukhulunywe kabi ngako. Ngobe umbuso waNkulunkulu awusiko kudla nekunatsa, kepha ukulunga, nekuthula, nekujabula kuMoya Longcwele. Lowo lokhonta Khristu ngalendlela, uyemukeleka kuNkulunkulu, futsi wetsembekile nakubantfu. Ngako-ke, asilangatelele lokuletsa kuthula nekwakhana. Lesekwentiwe nguNkulunkulu ungakucitsi ngesizatfu sekudla. Konkhe kuhlantekile, kepha akukalungi kumuntfu kutsi loko lakudlako kube sikhubekiso. Lokuncono kungayidli inyama, nekunganatsi lokudzakisanako, nekungenti nome yini lokungahle kwente umzalwane wakho awe. Kukholwa lonako kugcine emkhatsini wakho naNkulunkulu. Ubusisiwe lowo longatilahli ngaloko lakubone kutsi kufanele. Kodvwa lowo lonekungabata ngalakudlako, sewulahliwe, ngobe ukwenta ngekungakholwa; phela konkhe lokungesiko kwekukholwa, kusono. Tsine lesicinile ekukholweni kufanele sitfwalisane nalababutsakatsaka ekwehlulekeni kwabo, singatijabulisi tsine. Ngako-ke akube ngulowo ajabulise makhelwane wakhe, khona atekwakheka. Ngobe naKhristu akatijabulisanga yena, njengobe kubhaliwe kutsi: “Tinhlamba letatikhishwa ngulabo lababekwetfuka tehlela etikwami.” Konkhe kwasendvulo lokusemBhalweni kwabhalelwa kufundzisa tsine, kuze sibe nelitsemba lelingumphumela wekubeketela newekucinisela lesikutfola kulowo mBhalo. Shangatsi Nkulunkulu, longumtfombo wekubeketela newekucinisela, anganinika kuphilelana ngekuthula lomunye kulomunye ngekwentsandvo yaKhristu Jesu, kuze kutsi nonkhe ngalivi linye nidvumise Nkulunkulu longuYise weNkhosi yetfu Jesu Khristu. Ngako-ke yemukelanani, njengobe naKhristu anemukela, khona kutewudvunyiswa Nkulunkulu. Nginitjela kutsi Khristu waba sisebenti sebekusoka, khona atewubonakalisa buciniso baNkulunkulu ngekugcwalisa tetsembiso taNkulunkulu kubokhokho, kuze kutsi nebetive badvumise Nkulunkulu ngesihawu sakhe, njengobe kubhaliwe kutsi: “Ngako-ke ngiyawukudvumisa emkhatsini webetive, ngiyawuhlabela ngidvumise libito lakho.” Kuphindze futsi kutsiwe: “Tfokotani, nine betive, kanye nesive sakhe.” Kuphindze futsi kutsiwe: “Dvumisani iNkhosi, nonkhe nine betive; nebantfu bonkhe abadvumise yona.” Kantsi na-Isaya utsi: “Kuyawufika umliba waJese, lowo uyawuvukela kubusa tive, tive tiyakwetsembela kuwo.” Shangatsi Nkulunkulu, longumtfombo welitsemba, anganigcwalisa ngako konkhe kujabula nekuthula ekukholweni, kuze niphuphume etsembeni ngemandla aMoya Longcwele. Mine ngekwami ngenelisekile ngani, bazalwane bami, kutsi nine ngekwenu nigcwele kulunga, nagcwaliswa nangalo lonkhe lwati, niyakwati nekuyalana. Kepha nginibhalele ngesibindzi kulokunye ngentela kunikhumbuta ngenca yemusa lengiwuphiwe nguNkulunkulu wekutsi ngibe sikhonti saKhristu Jesu kubetive, ngikhonta njengemphristi ngekushumayela liVangeli leliphuma kuNkulunkulu, khona kutewutsi umnikelo longibo betive wemukeleke ungcwelisisiwe ngaMoya Longcwele. Njengobe ngikuKhristu Jesu ngineligugu ngaloko Nkulunkulu lakwenta ngami. Ngobe ngiyawubate sibindzi sekukhuluma lutfo lolunye ngaphandle kwaleto tintfo Khristu latente ngami. Khristu wasebenta ngemavi ami nangetento tami, kuze betive bamlalele; abesebenta ngemandla etibonakaliso netimangaliso, nangemandla aMoya Longcwele. Ngako-ke, ngacala eJerusalema ngahamba ngijikeleta ngaze ngefika nangase-Ilirikhu ngihamba ngishumayela liVangeli laKhristu kuto tonkhe tindzawo. Ngihlala nginenshisekelo lenkhulu yekushumayela liVangeli etindzaweni lapho Khristu angazange eviwe khona, khona ngingetukwakha esisekelweni lesibekwe ngulomunye umuntfu, njengobe kubhaliwe kutsi: “Labangazange sebatjelwe ngaye, bayawubona; nalabo labangazange sebeve ngaye, bayawuvisisa.” Nguko nje sekungemahlandla lamanyenti ngivimbeleka kuta kini. Kodvwa njengobe nyalo sengiwucedzile umsebenti wami kulamave, nanjengobe sekungiminyaka leminyenti kangaka ngifisa kuta lapho ngitenibona, ngiyetsemba kutsi ngitakwendlula nginibone nase ngiya eSpaniya. Nase ngijabule nani sikhashane ngetsemba kutsi niyawungisita ngemalungiselelo nasengichubeka neluhambo lwami. Kodvwa kwanyalo ngisaya eJerusalema kuyawukhonta labangcwele. Ngobe kwaba kuhle kubaseMasedoniya nebase-Akhaya kutsi banikelele labangcwele labamphofu baseJerusalema. Kwaba kuhle kutsi batimisele bona kukwenta loko. Yebo, nanyalo kusadzingekile kutsi babasite labamphofu. Nangabe betive beta kutawuhlanganyela nabo etibusisweni tabo taMoya, nebetive bafanele-ke babasite ngetintfo labatidzingako kulemphilo yakulomhlaba. Nase ngikucedzile loko, sengibaniketile lokunikelwe, ngiyawuchubeka ngendlela yakini ngiye eSpaniya. Ngiyati kutsi nangifika kini, ngiyawuniphatsela inala yetibusiso taKhristu. Ngiyanincenga, bazalwane, ngeNkhosi yetfu Jesu Khristu nangelutsandvo lwaMoya kutsi nilwe kanye nami ekungikhulekeleni kwenu, kuNkulunkulu. Ngithandazeleni kutsi ngisindze engotini yalabangakholwa baseJudiya, nekutsi inkonzo yami eJerusalema yemukeleke kahle kulabangcwele, kuze kutsi ngite kini ngentsandvo yaNkulunkulu nangenjabulo ngitewuphumula kanye nani. Nkulunkulu wekuthula akabe nani nonkhe. Amen. Ngetfula kini nango dzadzewetfu Foyibe longumdikhonikati welibandla laseKhenkhariya. Memukeleni egameni leNkhosi njengalokufanele labangcwele, nimnike lonkhe lusito langahle aludzinge kini, ngobe ube lusito kubantfu labanyenti ngisho nakini lucobo. Hambisani boPhrisila na-Akhwila, labasebentela Khristu Jesu kanye nami, labanikela ngemphilo yabo kutsi ibesengotini ngenca yami. Ngiyababonga kakhulu, hhayi mine ngedvwa, kepha nawo onkhe emabandla ebetive. Hambisani nalelo bandla lelihlanganela endlini yabo. Hambisani Ephayinethosi wami lotsandzekako lowaba yindvodza yekucala leyakholwa kuKhristu eveni lase-Asiya. Hambisani Mariya lowanisebentela kakhulu. Hambisani Andronikhusi naJuniyasi, tihlobo tami letatisejele kanye nami. Bona babalulekile kubaphostoli, baba ngemaKhristu kucala kunami. Hambisani Ampliyatusi lotsandzekako kimi eNkhosini. Hambisani Ubhanusi, losebentela Khristu Jesu kanye nami; hambisani nalotsandzekako wami Stakhusi. Hambisani Apelesi lotsembekile kuKhristu. Nihambise nalabo lababendlu ya-Aristobulusi. Hambisani Herodiyoni, sihlobo sami, nihambise nebazalwane bami kuKhristu labasendlini yaNasisusi. Hambisani boTrayifina naTrayifosa, tisebenti teNkhosi; nihambise naPhesisi lotsandzekako lowasebenta kakhulu eNkhosini. Hambisani Rufusi, sisebenti lesibalulekile eNkhosini, nenina wakhe longumake wami. Hambisani bo-Asinkrithusi, naFlegoni, naHemesi, naPhatrobasi, naHemasi, nabo bonkhe bazalwane labanabo. Hambisani boFilologusi naJuliya naNeriyusi nadzadzewabo, na-Olimpasi, nabo bonkhe labangcwele labanabo. Bingelelanani ngekwangana lokungcwele. Onkhe emabandla aKhristu ayanibingelela. Ngiyanincenga, bazalwane bami, kutsi nicaphele labo lababanga kwehlukana netikhubekiso, baphambane nemfundziso lenayemukela; labo bagegeni. Ngobe labo labenta njalo, abakhonti yena Khristu iNkhosi yetfu, kodvwa bakhonta tisu tabo; nangemavi lamahle nalamnandzi bayenga tinhlitiyo talabo labangakahlakaniphi. Ngiyajabula ngani ngobe kulalela kwenu kuyatiwa kubo bonkhe. Ngifisa kutsi nihlakaniphe kulokulungile, nibe msulwa kulokungakalungi. Nkulunkulu, longumtfombo wekuthula, uyawumpitjita masinyane Sathane ngaphansi kwetinyawo tenu. Umusa weNkhosi yetfu Jesu awube nani. Thimothi, losebenta kanye nami, uyanihambisa, kanye naLukhiyosi, naJasoni, naSosipateri, tihlobo tami. Mine, Thethiyusi, umbhali walencwadzi, ngiyanihambisa eNkhosini. Gayusi, lengingenise kakhe nalapho kuhlanganela khona libandla lonkhe, naye uyanihambisa. Uyanihambisa na-Erastusi, umgcinisikhwama welidolobha; nemzalwane wetfu Kwathusi naye uyanihambisa. [ Umusa weNkhosi yetfu Jesu Khristu awube nani nonkhe. Amen.] Asimdvumise Nkulunkulu! Nguye lonemandla ekunicinisa ngeliVangeli lami nangetinshumayelo ngaJesu Khristu, ngekwesembulo semfihlakalo yeliciniso lelalifihlakele kusukela phakadze, kodvwa nyalo seyembuliwe. Leyo mfihlakalo yabhalwa baphrofethi, yamenyetelwa kuto tonkhe tive ngekwemiyalo yaNkulunkulu waphakadze, kuze bonkhe batewukholwa balalele yena. KuNkulunkulu, lokunguye yedvwa lonekuhlakanipha, akube ludvumo ngaJesu Khristu phakadze naphakadze. Amen. Lencwadzi iphuma kuPawula, lowabitwa ngentsandvo yaNkulunkulu kutsi abe ngumphostoli waKhristu Jesu, kanye nakuSostene, umzalwane. Iya ebandleni laNkulunkulu leliseKhorinte, kubo labangcwelisiwe kuKhristu Jesu, babitelwa kuba ngulabangcwele kanye nabo bonkhe, etindzaweni tonkhe, labakhuleka egameni laJesu Khristu, loyiNkhosi yabo neyetfu. Akube kini umusa nekuthula lokuvela kuNkulunkulu longuBabe wetfu, naseNkhosini yetfu Jesu Khristu. Ngibonga Nkulunkulu wami ngato tonkhe tikhatsi. Ngimbonga ngani ngenca yemusa wakhe leniwuphiwe kuKhristu Jesu, kutsi nicetjiswe ngetindlela tonkhe kuye, ekukhulumeni konkhe naselwatini lonkhe. Ngisho nebufakazi ngaJesu Khristu baciniswa kini, khona ningetiwusilalelwa nangusinye sipho semusa ngesikhatsi nisemele kubonakaliswa kweNkhosi yetfu Jesu Khristu. Yena uyawunicinisa nani, kudzimate kube ngusekupheleni, nitfolakale nite licala mzukwana welilanga leNkhosi yetfu Jesu Khristu. Wetsembekile Nkulunkulu lowanibitela ebudlelwaneni neNdvodzana yakhe Khristu iNkhosi yetfu. Bazalwane bami labatsandzekako, ngiyanincenga ngelibito leNkhosi yetfu Jesu Khristu kutsi nivumelane ngantfo yinye nonkhe; kubete kwehlukana emkhatsini wenu, kodvwa nipheleliswe emcondvweni munye nasembonweni munye. Loku ngikusho ngobe sengivile ngani, bazalwane bami, ngitjelwe bendlu yakaKlowe, kutsi kukhona siphitsiphitsi sekwehlukana emkhatsini wenu. Ngisho loku kwekutsi lomunye utsi: “Mine ngiwakaPawula,” lomunye atsi: “Mine ngiwaka-Apolosi,” nalomunye atsi: “Mine ngiwakaKhefase,” nalomunye atsi: “Mine ngiwakaKhristu.” Khristu wehlukene yini? NguPawula yini lowabetselwa ngenca yenu? Nabhajatiselwa egameni laPawula yini? Noko ngibonga Nkulunkulu nje kutsi angizange sengibhabhatise muntfu emkhatsini wenu, ngaphandle kwaKhrispu naGayusi; ngako kute longatsi nabhajatiselwa egameni lami. Labanye lengababhabhatisa bakaStefanasi. Ngaphandle kwalabo angisho kutsi ukhona lomunye lengambhabhatisa. Ngobe mine Khristu akangitfumelanga kona kuyawubhabhatisa, kodvwa wangitfumela kutsi ngiyewushumayela liVangeli, hhayi ngekuhlakanipha kwemavi, funa sentiwe lite siphambano sakhe. Livi lesiphambano libulima kulababhubhako, kodvwa kitsi tsine lesisindziswako lingemandla aNkulunkulu. Ngobe kubhaliwe kutsi: “Ngiyawucitsa kuhlakanipha kwalabahlakaniphile, nekucondza kwetati ngikwente kube lite.” Siphi sihlakaniphi? Siphi sati semtsetfo? Uphi umphikisi walesikhatsi? Nkulunkulu akakwenti bulima yini kuhlakanipha kwalelive? Ngobe phela ekuhlakanipheni kwaNkulunkulu live alizange limati Nkulunkulu ngekuhlakanipha kwalo. Kwaba kuhle kuye kusindzisa labakholwako ngenshumayelo lebulima. Ngobe emaJuda afuna tibonakaliso, kantsi emaGriki wona afuna kuhlakanipha. Kodvwa tsine sishumayela Khristu abetselwe esiphambanweni, losikhubekiso kumaJuda nebulima kubetive. Kodvwa kulabo lababitiwe, kumaJuda nakumaGriki, sishumayela Khristu longemandla aNkulunkulu nekuhlakanipha kwaNkulunkulu. Ngobe bulima baNkulunkulu buhlakaniphile kunekuhlakanipha kwebantfu, nebutsakatsaka baNkulunkulu bunemandla kunemandla ebantfu. Bazalwane bami, khumbulani kubitwa kwenu, kutsi ababanyenti labahlakaniphile ngekwasemhlabeni, ababanyenti nalabanemandla, ababanyenti nalabahloniphekile ngekutalwa kwabo. Kodvwa Nkulunkulu wakhetsa lokubulima emhlabeni, kuze ajabhise labahlakaniphile, wakhetsa lokubutsakatsaka, kuze ajabhise lokunemandla. Nkulunkulu wakhetsa lokubukeleka phansi nalokwedzelelekile emhlabeni; wakhetsa netintfo letingekho, khona atewucitsa letikhona, kuze kubete muntfu lotibongako embikwaNkulunkulu. Yena ungumtfombo wemphilo yenu kuJesu Khristu, lamenta waba kuhlakanipha kwetfu, nekulunga, nekungcweliswa, kanye nekuhlengwa. Ngako-ke: “Lotibongako, akatibonge ngeNkhosi,” njengobe kusho umBhalo. Nami, bazalwane, ekufikeni kwami, indzaba yaNkulunkulu leyimfihlakalo, angizange ngiyimemetele ngebungcweti nangenhlakanipho. Ngobe ngatimisela kutsi angiyikwati lutfo lolunye emkhatsini wenu ngaphandle kwaJesu Khristu, naye ngimati abetselwe esiphambanweni. Ngangihleti nani nginebutsakatsaka nekwesaba nekutfutfumela lokukhulu. Kukhuluma kwami nekushumayela kwami akuzange kube ngemavi ekuhlakanipha lokuhunganako, kodvwa kwaba sibonakaliso saMoya nesemandla. Ngentela kutsi kukholwa kwenu kungasimi ekuhlakanipheni kwebantfu, kepha kusime emandleni aNkulunkulu. Kodvwa sikhuluma inhlakanipho kubantfu lasebakhulile eNkhosini. Kepha lenhlakanipho akusiyo yalesikhatsi nome yebabusi lababhubhako balesikhatsi. Kodvwa sikhuluma inhlakanipho yaNkulunkulu leyimfihlo lefihlekile, Nkulunkulu layimisa umhlaba ungakasekelwa, kutsi ibe ludvumo lwetfu. Ayatiwa ngisho nangumunye webaholi balesikhatsi salamuhla. Ngobe kube bebayati ngabe abayibetselanga iNkhosi yenkhatimulo. Kodvwa njengobe kubhaliwe kutsi: “Loko liso lelingazange selikubone, nendlebe lengazange seyikuve, lokungazange kuphume enhlitiyweni yemuntfu, Nkulunkulu wakulungiselela labamtsandzako.” Nkulunkulu ukwembulile kitsi ngaMoya wakhe; ngobe Moya Longcwele uhlolisisa konkhe, ngisho nalokujulile kwaNkulunkulu. Empeleni kute umuntfu lowati kwalomunye umuntfu, ngaphandle kwemoya wakhe lokuye. Kuyafanana-ke, nekwaNkulunkulu akwatiwa ngumuntfu ngaphandle kwaMoya waNkulunkulu. Kodvwa tsine asikanikwa wona umoya welive; kepha sinikwe Moya lovela kuNkulunkulu, khona sitekwati lesikuphiwe nguNkulunkulu ngemusa wakhe. Lesikhuluma ngako futsi akusiwo emavi lafundziswa bantfu ngekuhlakanipha, kodvwa afundziswa nguMoya, ngobe sichaza emaciniso aMoya ngaMoya kubantfu labanaMoya. Umuntfu wemvelo akakwemukeli lokukwaMoya, ngobe kubulima kuye, futsi angeke akuve, ngobe kuphenyisiswa ngaMoya. Kepha umuntfu lonaMoya waNkulunkulu uphenyisisa konkhe, kantsi kute muntfu longamphenyisisa yena. UmBhalo utsi: “Ngubani lowati umcondvo weNkhosi? Ngubani longayifundzisa?” Kodvwa tsine sinawo umcondvo waKhristu. Nami-ke, bazalwane, ngangehluleka kukhuluma kini njengakubantfu baMoya; kodvwa ngangikhuluma kini njengakubantfu bemhlaba, tinswane kuKhristu. Nganondla ngelubisi. Anginiphanga kudla lokucinile; ngobe nanisengakakulungeli kukudla, ngisho nanyalo nisengakakulungeli. Nine nisebantfu benyama; ngobe nangabe nisenemona nekubangisana, anisibo yini benyama? Anilingisi bantfu bemvelo yini? Ngobe nangabe lomunye atsi: “Mine ngiwaPawula,” lomunye atsi: “Mine ngiwa-Apolosi,” anisibo yini bantfu bemvelo? Pho, uyini Apolosi? Uyini Pawula? Batisebenti nje taNkulunkulu lenakholwa ngato, letisebenta njengekwaba kweNkhosi kuleso nakuleso sato. Mine ngahlanyela nje, Apolosi yena wafike wanisela, kepha nguNkulunkulu lokhulisile. Kepha lohlanyelako nome loniselako akasilutfo, kuphela nguNkulunkulu lokhulisako. Lohlanyelako ulingana naloniselako, kodvwa ngulowo uyakwemukela umvuzo longangemsebenti wakhe. Ngobe tsine sitisebenti nje taNkulunkulu letibambisene naye, nine niyinsimi yakhe. Nine futsi niyindlu yaNkulunkulu. Ngemusa waNkulunkulu lengiwuphiwe, nanjengachwephesha wetekwakha, ngabeka sisekelo sendlu, lomunye wakha etikwaso. Kodvwa akube ngulowo nalowo acaphelisise kahle kutsi wakhela njani etikwaso. Ngobe kute lomunye longabuye abeke lesinye sisekelo, ngaphandle kwaleso lesibekiwe lesinguJesu Khristu. Umuntfu angakha etikwalesisekelo ngegolide, nome ngesiliva, nome ngematje ladule kakhulu, nome ngetingodvo, nome ngetjani, nome ngetinhlanga. Kepha umsebenti walowo nalowo uyawuvela ebaleni; ngobe lilanga leNkhosi liyakuwuhlakata liwembule ngemlilo. Yebo, kuyawuhlolwa ngemlilo kutsi umsebenti walowo nalowo unjani. Nangabe umsebenti wemuntfu lawakhe esisekelweni ungashi, uyakwemukela umvuzo. Nangabe-ke umsebenti wemuntfu usha, uyawube ulahlekelwe, kepha yena lucobo lwakhe uyawusindziswa, noko kuyawuba shangatsi uphunyule emlilweni. Anati yini kutsi nine nilithempeli laNkulunkulu nekutsi Moya waNkulunkulu uhlala ekhatsi kini? Nangabe umuntfu abhidlita lithempeli laNkulunkulu, Nkulunkulu, uyakumbhidlita naye. Ngobe lithempeli laNkulunkulu lingcwele, nine-ke ningilo lelithempeli. Akubete lotiyengako, nangabe umuntfu atsi uhlakaniphile emkhatsini wenu kulesikhatsi, akabe silima, khona atewuba ngulohlakaniphile. Ngobe kuhlakanipha kwalomhlaba kubulima kuNkulunkulu; futsi kubhaliwe kutsi: “Ubamba labahlakaniphile ebucilini babo,” nekutsi: “INkhosi iyayati imicabango yalabahlakaniphile kutsi ilite.” Ngaloko-ke akubete lotigabatisako atibonge yena ngebantfu, ngobe konkhe kwenu. Nome nguPawula, nome ngu-Apolosi, nome nguKhefase, nome live, nome kuphila, nome kufa, nome ngulokukhona, nome ngulokusetawuba khona, konkhe kwenu. Nine-ke nibaKhristu, Khristu waNkulunkulu. Kufanele satiwe kutsi sitikhonti taKhristu nebaphatsi betimfihlakalo taNkulunkulu. Futsi-ke baphatsi kufuneka kutsi batfolakale betsembekile. Kodvwa-ke mine kimi kuyintfo lencane kutsi ngehlulelwe ngini nome ngekwehlulela kwebantfu, ngobe nami angitehluleli. Ngobe angitikhobosi ngalutfo ngekwami, noko-ke akusho kutsi loko kungenta ngemukeleke kuNkulunkulu kutsi ngilungile. Kodvwa yiNkhosi lengehlulelako. Ngako-ke ningacali kwehlulela lutfo sikhatsi singakefiki, neNkhosi ingakefiki. Ngiyo leyawuveta ekukhanyeni lokufihlakele ebumnyameni, ivete ebaleni imicabango yetinhlitiyo. Lapho-ke ngulowo nalowo muntfu uyawutfola kubongwa lokuvela kuNkulunkulu. Loku-ke, bazalwane, ngikucondzise kimi naku-Apolosi ngenca yenu. Fundzani kitsi kutsi ningengcisi kulokubhaliwe, ningagungubali ngalomunye umuntfu nidzele lomunye. Vele kambe ngubani lokwenta ube ncono kunalabanye? Yini lonayo longazange uyiphiwe? Nangabe-ke waphiwa, utigabatiselani wente shangatsi awuzange uphiwe? Senenele! Seninjingile! Senitente emakhosi ngaphandle kwetfu! Maye, ngifisa shangatsi ngabe ningemakhosi sibili, sitewuhlephunelana nani lokubusa! Ngiyabona kutsi Nkulunkulu usimisile tsine baphostoli kutsi sibe bekugcina, sifanane nalabagwetjwe intsambo. Ngobe sentiwe saba ngumbukiso kuyo yonkhe indalo, etingilosini, nakubantfu. Tsine sitilima ngenca yaKhristu, kodvwa nine nihlakaniphile kuKhristu. Tsine sibutsakatsaka ngenca yaKhristu, kepha nine ninemandla. Nine niyadvunyiswa, kepha tsine siyanyembenywa. Kudzimate kube ngulesikhatsi siyalamba, some, sidzikite, simuklutwe, sibe ngimihambima lete emakhaya. Siyaphishaneka sisebente ngetandla tetfu. Sitsi setfukwa sibe sibusisa; sitsi sitingelelwa kuhlushwa, sibe sicinisela. Sitsi sinyembenywa, sibe sikhuluma ngemoya lomuhle. Kuze kube ngulamuhla sentiwa tibi temhlaba, nekungcola kwetintfo tonkhe. Anginibhaleli loku ngobe ngicondze kunidlisa ngemahloni, kodvwa ngiyaneluleka njengebantfwabami lengibatsandzako. Nome nine ningaba nebeluleki labati-10 000 kuKhristu, nite boyihlo labanyenti; ngobe mine nganitala kuKhristu Jesu ngeliVangeli. Ngako-ke ngiyanincenga kutsi nilingise mine. Ngaloko-ke sengitfumele kini Thimothi, longumntfwanami lengimtsandzako nalowetsembekile eNkhosini. Nguye-ke lotanikhumbuta ngekuhamba kwami lokukuKhristu Jesu, njengobe ngifundzisa etindzaweni tonkhe nasemabandleni onkhe. Kepha labanye sebayatikhukhumeta, shangatsi angiseyikuta lapho kini. Kodvwa ngitawufika lapho kini masinyane, iNkhosi nayivuma, ngitetibonela, hhayi emavi alabo labatikhukhumetako, kodvwa emandla abo. Ngobe umbuso waNkulunkulu awuyi ngemagama ekutjelwa, kodvwa uya ngemandla. Manje-ke nifunani? Nifuna ngite kini nendvuku, nome ngite nelutsandvo nemoya lomuhle? Kubikiwe ngempela kimi kutsi kukhona bugwadla nebuphingi emkhatsini wenu, futsi buphingi lobungazange sebubekhona ngisho nakulabangakholwa, ngobe kutsiwa umuntfu ushenda nemkayise. Kodvwa ngulapho niyatikhukhumeta! Anikhali ngani, kutsi lowo lowente lentfo lembi nimkhiphe emkhatsini wenu? Ngobe nome ngingekho emkhatsini wenu ngemtimba, kodvwa ngikhona ngemoya; lowo lowente loko sengivele ngimlahle ngelicala, ngimlahle egameni leNkhosi yetfu Jesu. Nanihlangana nine, nami nginani ngemoya, nangemandla eNkhosi yetfu Jesu, lowo muntfu mnikeleni kuSathane ekufeni kwemtimba wakhe, khona kuyawusindziswa umoya wakhe ngelilanga leNkhosi Jesu. Kutibonga kwenu kubi. Kantsi anati yini kutsi imbiliso lencane ibilisa inhlama yonkhe? Khiphani imbiliso lendzala, khona nitewuba yinhlama lensha. Nine senivele nite imbiliso, ngobe liWundlu leliPhasika letfu lelinguKhristu selahlatjwa. Ngako-ke asigubhe umkhosi wetfu, hhayi ngembiliso lendzala yekushinga nebubi, kodvwa ngesinkhwa lesite imbiliso, lesinebucotfo neliciniso. Nganibhalela encwadzini yami kutsi ningahlanganyeli netingwadla netiphingi. Angisho bona bantfu labangakholwa labatingwadla netiphingi, nome lababukhali, nebaphangi, nome labakhonta tithico. Loko bekungasho kutsi kufanele nisuke ningabikho emhlabeni. Kepha manje nginibhalele ngatsi ningahlanganyeli nemuntfu lekutsiwa ungumzalwane kantsi uyingwadla, nome siphingi, nome ngulobukhali, nome ngulokhonta tithico, nome ngulowetfukanako, nome sidzakwa, nome sigebengu; ningete nadla ngisho nekudla nemuntfu lonjalo. Kodvwa vele ngabe nginandzabani nekwehlulela labangephandle? Akusilaba labangekhatsi yini labamele kwehlulelwa? Kodvwa Nkulunkulu uyabehlulela labo labangephandle; nemBhalo utsi: “Mcosheni lomubi emkhatsini wenu!” Nangabe lomunye wenu anelicala nalomunye, pho, angabe sewuyammangalela yini kubantfu labangakholwa? Yini angayi kulabangcwele? Anati yini kutsi labangcwele bayakwehlulela umhlaba? Nangabe-ke umhlaba uyakwehlulelwa ngini, ningehlulwa yini kwehlulelana emacaleni enu lamancane kangaka? Anati yini kutsi siyakwehlulela ngisho netingilosi? Kanganani-ke emacala alokuphila kwalamuhla! Nangabe ninalawo macala enu, niwayiselani kubantfu labangakabalwa nekubalwa ebandleni? Loku ngikusho khona nitewubona lihlazo lenu. Senisho kutsi sekute namunye lapho emkhatsini wenu longaba nekuhlakanipha lokwenele kutsi ehlulele bazalwane bakhe? Umzalwane uyammangalela yini umzalwane, nekwenta kubantfu labangakholwa? Kwakona loko nje kutsi nibe niloku nimangalelana, kukhomba kona kwehluleka. Yini kungabi ncono kini kutsi noniwe? Yini kungabi ncono kini kutsi nidlelelwe? Kodvwa nine niyona nidlelele, nekwenta kubazalwane. Anati yini kutsi labangakalungi abayikulidla lifa lembuso waNkulunkulu? Ningayengeki: Tingwadla, nalabakhonta tithico, netiphingi, nalabadvuna labalalanako, nemasela, nalababukhali, netidzakwa, nalabetfukako, netigebengu, bangeke balidle lifa lembuso waNkulunkulu. Babenjalo labanye emkhatsini wenu. Kodvwa-ke nyalo senagezwa, nangcweliswa, nemukeleka kuNkulunkulu kutsi nilungile egameni leNkhosi Jesu Khristu nangaMoya waNkulunkulu wetfu. Kutsiwa: “Konkhe kuvumelekile kimi,” kodvwa akusiko konkhe lokulusito. Yebo, “konkhe kuvumelekile kimi,” kodvwa kute nakunye lokunekungigcilata. Labanye batsi: “Kudla kwentelwe sisu, nesisu sentelwe kudla,” kodvwa Nkulunkulu uyawukubhubhisa kokubili. Umtimba awukentelwa bugwadla, nekujuma, nebuphingi, ngobe umtimba weNkhosi, neNkhosi yemtimba. Nkulunkulu wayivusa iNkhosi, natsi uyawusivusa ngemandla akhe. Anati yini kutsi imitimba yenu ititfo taKhristu? Pho, ngingatsatsa titfo taKhristu ngitente titfo tengwadla nome tesiphingi? Cha, ngeke! Anati yini kutsi lotihlanganisa nengwadla uba mtimba munye nayo? Ngobe kubhaliwe kutsi: “Labo bobabili sebayawuba nyamanye.” Kepha lotihlanganisa neNkhosi uyawuba moya munye nayo. Balekelani bugwadla nebuphingi. Tonkhe tono latentako umuntfu tingephandle kwemtimba wakhe; kodvwa logwadlako nome lophingako wona umtimba wakhe. Anati yini kutsi umtimba wenu ulithempeli laMoya Longcwele lohlala kini, lenamemukela kuNkulunkulu, nekutsi futsi anisibo benu? Nine nibaNkulunkulu, natsengwa ngelinani lelikhulu. Ngako-ke mdvumiseni Nkulunkulu emitimbeni yenu. Mayelana naloko lenangibhalela ngako, ngitsi kuhle kutsi lomdvuna angalali nalomsikati. Kodvwa-ke ngenca yebuphingi, akube nguleyo naleyo ndvodza ibe newayo umfati, nalowo mfati abe neyakhe indvodza. Indvodza ayenelise umfati wayo, nemfati ente njalo endvodzeni yakhe. Umfati ute emandla etikwemtimba wakhe, kepha yindvodza yakhe lenawo; nendvodza ite emandla etikwemtimba wayo, kepha ngumfati wayo lonawo. Ningagodlelani, kuphela kube kwesikhatsi lesitsite nje, kuye ngekuvumelana kwenu kutsi nitfole litfuba lekuthandaza kahle, nibuye nihlangane futsi, kuze Sathane anganilingi ngekwehluleka kwenu kutibamba. Ngiyaniyala, anginishayeli umtsetfo. Noko bengitsandza kutsi bonkhe bantfu babe njengami. Kepha-ke ngulowo nalowo muntfu unesakhe siphiwo semusa lesehlukile lasiphiwa nguNkulunkulu; lomunye unesaloluhlobo lolu, lomunye unesaloluhlobo lolwa. Kodvwa kulabasengakashadi nakubafelokati ngitsi kuhle kubo nabangahlala babe njengami. Kodvwa-ke nabangenako kutibamba, kuncono kutsi bashade, ngobe kuhle kutsi umuntfu ashade kunekutsi ashiswe yinkhanuko. Kepha labashadile ngiyabayala, kungesimi kodvwa kuyiNkhosi, kutsi umfati angehlukani nendvodza yakhe. Kepha nangabe ehlukana nayo, akahlale angendzi, nome-ke abuyisane nendvodza yakhe; nendvodza ingamlahli umfati wayo. Kepha kulabanye kusho mine, akusho yona iNkhosi, kutsi nangabe umzalwane anemfati longakholwa, yena-ke lomfati avuma kuhlala naye, angabomlahla. Nemfati nangabe anendvodza lengakholwa, kodvwa ivuma lendvodza kuhlala naye, naye-ke angaboyilahla. Ngobe indvodza lengakholwa ingcwelisiwe ngemfati wayo, nemfati longakholwa ungcwelisiwe ngendvodza yakhe lengumKhristu. Kube bekungenjalo ngabe bantfwabenu bangcolile, kepha njengamanje bangcwele. Kepha nangabe longakholwa afuna kwehlukana naye, akehlukane naye. Umzalwane nome-ke umzalwanekati ukhululekile kulokunjalo. Nkulunkulu unibitele kutsi nibe nekuthula. Wena mfati, wati ngani kutsi utayisindzisa indvodza yakho? Wena ndvodza, wati ngani kutsi utamsindzisa umkakho? Kuphela nje kutsi ngulowo nalowo akachubeke njengobe Nkulunkulu amabele, kube ngulowo njengobe Nkulunkulu ambitile. Yebo, ngiyala kanjalo emabandleni onkhe. Ukhona yini lowabitwa asasokile? Akasiwuba njengalongakasoki. Ukhona yini lowabitwa angakasoki? Akasitihlupha ngekufuna kusoka. Kusoka akusho lutfo, nekungasoki akusho lutfo. Lokusho lutfo kugcina imiyalo yaNkulunkulu. Akube ngulowo nalowo eme kuloko labitwa anguko: Ubitwe usigcili yini? Ungakhatsateki. Nome ungakhululeka, ungamane usebentise lelo tfuba lonalo. Ngobe lowabitwa yiNkhosi asigcili, ungulokhululekile weNkhosi. Ngalokufananako, nalowo lowabitwa akhululekile, usigcili saKhristu. Nine nitsengwe nguNkulunkulu ngelinani lelikhulu; ningabi tigcili tebantfu! Bazalwane, akube ngulowo ahlale naNkulunkulu kuloko labitwe anguko. Macondzana nalabasengakashadi ngite umyalo weNkhosi, kepha ngitanitjela lengikubonako njengemuntfu lowetsembekile ngekuhawukelwa yiNkhosi. Ngicabanga kutsi ngenca yekubandzeteleka lokukhona kuhle umuntfu ahlale anjengaloku anjalo. Uboshelwe yini kumfati? Ungafuni kukhululeka. Ukhululekile yini kumfati? Ungamfuni umfati. Kodvwa-ke nangabe ushada, awoni; nentfombi nayishada, ayoni. Kepha labashadile bayawuhlupheka emhlabeni, ngifisa kuniphephisa kuloko. Bazalwane, ngitsi: Sikhatsi sesinciphile; kusukela nyalo nalabanebafati ababe njengalabate bafati, nalabakhalako babe njengalabangakhali, nalabatfokotako babe njengalabangatfokoti, nalabatsengako babe njengalabangenalutfo, nalabasebentisa lelive babe njengalabangalisebentisi, ngobe simo salelive siyendlula. Angifuni kutsi nikhatsateke. Longakashadi ukhutsalela kweNkhosi, kutsi angayitfokotisa ngani iNkhosi. Kodvwa loshadile ukhatsalela kwelive, kutsi angamtfokotisa ngani umfati wakhe, iminako yakhe yehlukene ekhatsi. Nalongakendzi nome intfombi ikhutsalela kweNkhosi, kuze ibe ngcwele emtimbeni nasemoyeni. Kepha lowendzile ukhutsalela kwemhlaba, kutsi angayijabulisa ngani indvodza yakhe. Loku ngikusho kuze kusitakale nine, hhayi kutsi ngicondze kunibopha ngentsambo kepha kuze nihambe ngalokufanelekile, nibambelele eNkhosini ngalokuphelele. Kepha umuntfu nakabona kutsi angeke akhone kutibamba entfombini lasayetsembisile, nangabe inkhanuko imehlula, ingekho lenye indlela, akente loko lakufunako: abashade; akusiso sono loko. Kepha lomile acinile enhlitiyweni yakhe angacindzetelwa lutfo, angenta lakubonako; nangabe nje sewutimisele enhlitiyweni yakhe kutsi agcine lowo letsembisene naye ayintfombi, wenta kahle. Ngako-ke loshada lowo letsembisene naye wenta kahle; kepha longashadi wenta kahle kakhulu. Ngekwemtsetfo umfati uboshelwe endvodzeni nayisaphila; kepha nangabe indvodza seyifile, sewukhululekile, angendza nome ngukubani, kuye ngekubona kwakhe, kuphela nje kutsi kube ngusentsandvweni yeNkhosi. Uyetsaba nakahlala anjalo. Lowo-ke ngumbono wami, futsi-ke ngicabanga kutsi ngihambisana naMoya waNkulunkulu. Mayelana nalokuhlatjelwe tithico siyabona sonkhe, njengaloku nisho nitsi: “Sonkhe sinalo lwati.” Kwati kuyakhukhumeta, kantsi lutsandvo luyakha. Nangabe umuntfu atsi kukhona lakwatiko, akati njengaloku kufanele ati. Kodvwa nangabe umuntfu atsandza Nkulunkulu, yena-ke watiwa nguye Nkulunkulu. Ngako-ke macondzana nekudla kudla lokuhlatjelwe tithico siyati kutsi: “Kute sithico lesiphilako,” nekutsi: “Nkulunkulu munye kuphela, kute lomunye.” Ngobe nome kukhona lokutsiwa kubonkulunkulu, nome kusezulwini, nome kusemhlabeni, njengobe bakhona bonkulunkulu labanyenti, nemakhosi lamanyenti, noko kitsi kukhona Nkulunkulu munye, Babe, lokuvela kuye konkhe, natsi sikhonela yena. INkhosi yinye, nguJesu Khristu, lokuvela ngaye konkhe, natsi lesiphila ngaye. Kepha akusibo bonkhe bantfu labakwatiko loko. Labanye betayele tithico ngisho nalamuhla, bakudla nje shangatsi kuhlatjelwe sithico; ngaloko-ke nembeza wabo lobutsakatsaka uyabalahla. Kepha kudla akusisondzeti kuNkulunkulu; ngobe nome singadli asilahlekelwa lutfo, nome sidla asibuyelwa lutfo. Nibocaphela kodvwa, funa lelilungelo lenu libe sikhubekiso kulababutsakatsaka. Ngobe nangabe umuntfu lonanembeza lobutsakatsaka akubona wena lowatiko uhlanganyela edzilini letithico, angete akhutsateka yini kutsi adle lokuhlatjelwe tithico? Ngako-ke lobutsakatsaka uyabhubha ngenca yelwati lwakho, kantsi naye ungumzalwane Khristu lamfela. Ngobe nanona bazalwane kanje, nilimata nembeza wabo lobutsakatsaka, nona Khristu. Ngako-ke nangabe lokudla kwami inyama kumkhubekisa umzalwane wami, angeke ngisayidla inyama nome nini, kuze ngingamkhubekisi umzalwane wami. Angikakhululeki yini? Angisiye yini umphostoli? Angimbonanga yini Jesu iNkhosi yetfu? Nine anisiwo yini umsebenti wami eNkhosini? Nome ngingesiye umphostoli kulabanye, kodvwa kini nginguye, ngobe ngini luphawu lwebuphostoli bami eNkhosini. Naku-ke kutiphendvulela kwami kulabo labangisolako: Site yini lilungelo lekudla nekunatsa? Site yini lilungelo lekutsi lowo nalowo ahambe nemkakhe lokholwako, njengalabanye baphostoli, nabomnakabo beNkhosi, naKhefase? Kantsi ngimi naBhanabasi kuphela yini labafanele kutiholela ngekutisebentela? Likhona yini lisotja lelake laya emphini ngetalo tindleko? Ngubani lohlanyela sivini angabe asatidla titselo taso? Ngubani lowelusa umhlambi wetinkhomo kodvwa angete aludla lubisi lwato? Ngikusho ngebuntfu bami yini loko? Empeleni umtsetfo wona utsini? Kubhaliwe emtsetfweni waMosi kutsi: “Ungayifaki sifonyo inkhabi nayibhulako.” Konje ngabe Nkulunkulu loko ukucondzise etinkhabini yini? Akakucondzisi kitsi yini loko? Kwabhalelwa tsine; ngobe umlimi kufanele alime anelitsemba, nembhuli wemabele ubhula anelitsemba lekutfola imbasha. Nangabe tsine sihlanyele kini kwaMoya, kuyintfo lenkhulu yini kini nasivuna kwenu kwemhlaba? Nangabe labanye banalo lilungelo kini, pho, tsine asinalo kakhulu yini? Noko asilisebentisanga lelo lungelo, kepha sibeketelela nome yini, kuze singalivimbeli liVangeli laKhristu. Anati yini kutsi labaphetse imisebenti yelithempeli badla emnikelweni welithempeli, nekutsi labakhonta elatini banesabelo emnikelweni? Kuyafanana-ke, iNkhosi ikubekile kutsi labamemetela liVangeli baphile ngekweliVangeli. Kepha mine angiwasebentisanga lawo malungelo, futsi loko angikubhaleli kutsi kwentiwe kimi. Ngobe kimi kungaba ncono kutsi ngife kunekutsi ngemukeke ludvumo lwami lengilufanele. Nangishumayela liVangeli, angikafaneli kutigabatisa, ngobe vele ngimelwe kulishumayela. Kodvwa maye kimi, nangingalishumayeli liVangeli! Ngobe nangabe loko ngikwenta ngekutsandza kwami, bengingabheka kubongwa; kepha nangabe kuphambene nentsandvo yami, kutawube kusho kutsi ngiphatsiswe nguNkulunkulu lomsebenti. Pho, uyini umvuzo wami? Ungunaku: kutsi nangishumayela liVangeli ngingaholi lutfo, futsi ngingasebentisi lilungelo lami lenginalo eVangelini. Ngobe nome ngikhululeke kubo bonkhe, noko ngatenta sigcili kubo bonkhe, ngidzimate ngizuzele labanyenti kuKhristu. KumaJuda ngafike ngaba ngumJuda, kuze ngizuze emaJuda; njengobe bangaphansi kwemtsetfo, ngaba ngulongaphansi kwemtsetfo, nome mine ngingekho ngaphansi kwawo. Ngangentela kutsi ngitewuzuza bantfu labangaphansi kwemtsetfo. Kubetive labate umtsetfo waMosi nami ngaba njengaye lote umtsetfo; noko angisiye lote umtsetfo waNkulunkulu, kepha nami ngingaphansi kwemtsetfo waKhristu, kuze ngizuze labate umtsetfo waMosi. Kulababutsakatsaka nami ngaba butsakatsaka, kuze ngizuze lababutsakatsaka. Ngako-ke sengaba ngiko konkhe kubo bonkhe, kuze ngako konkhe ngisindzise labanye. Ngikwenta konkhe ngesimanga seliVangeli, kuze nami ngibe nesabelo kulo. Anati yini kutsi labagijima ngekuncintisana bagijima bonkhe, kodvwa munye lowemukela umklomelo? Nani-ke gijimani, khona nitewutfola lomklomelo. Bantfu labancintisanako batitsiba kuko konkhe, bukani-ke ngobe labo basuke bentela kutfola umklomelo lophelako, kangakanani-ke tsine lesiyakwemukela umklomelo longeyiwuphela. Nami-ke angigijimisi kwemuntfu longenawo umgomo, futsi nangesibhakela angigadli nje kungatsi ngigadla umoya. Kodvwa umtimba wami ngiyawucindzetela ngiwugandzaye, ngiwente sigcili, kuze mine lengishumayela labanye ngingalahlwa. Ngitsandza kutsi nati, bazalwane bami, kutsi kwentekani kubokhokho betfu. Bonkhe babengephansi kwelifu, futsi bonkhe balwewela lwandle. Bonkhe babhajatiswa kuMosi, efini naselwandle. Bonkhe badla kudla kunye kwaMoya. Bonkhe banatsa sinatfo sinye saMoya, ngobe banatsa edvwaleni laMoya lelabalandzela. Yebo, lelo dvwala lalinguKhristu. Nome kunjalo, linyenti labo alimjabulisanga Nkulunkulu, ngako labhubhela ehlane. Konkhe loko kusibonelo kitsi, kuze kutsi singakufisi lokubi, njengaloko bona bebakufisa. Futsi ningabi ngulabakhonta tithico njengalabanye babo, nanjengobe kubhaliwe kutsi: “Bantfu bahlala phansi balibala kudla nekunatsa, batsi besuka lapho basukuma bagidza.” Futsi singagwadli singaphingi njengobe labanye babo bagwadla, baphinga; bafa ngalanga linye labati-23 000. Futsi singayilingi iNkhosi njengalabanye babo labayilinga, babhujiswa tinyoka. Ningakhononi njengalabanye kubo labakhonona, babhujiswa ngumbhubhisi. Konkhe loko kwenteka kubo kuze kube sibonelo kitsi. Ngako kwabhalwa phansi njengesecwayiso kitsi tsine lesesifikelwe sikhatsi sekugcina. Ngako-ke lotsi umile, akacaphele kutsi angawi. Anikefikelwa kulingwa lokwehlukile kunekwalabanye bantfu. Kepha Nkulunkulu wetsembekile, yena angeke avume kutsi nilingwe ngalokungetulu kwemandla enu. Ngesikhatsi sekulingwa utaninika emandla ekuma, anentele nendlela yekuphepha. Ngaloko-ke, batsandzekako bami, balekelani kukhonta tithico. Ngikhuluma kini njengakubantfu labahlakaniphile; phenyisisani kahle kutsi ngisho kutsini. Kantsi indzebe yesibusiso lesiyibongako ayisiyo yini inhlanganyelo yengati yaKhristu? Sinkhwa lesisihlephulako asisiso yini sinkhwa senhlanganyelo yemtimba waKhristu? Sinkhwa sinye, ngako-ke tsine sonkhe singumtimba munye, ngobe sonkhe sihlanganyela esinkhweni sinye. Bukani baka-Israyeli ngekwelisiko: Labadla imihlatjelo abasibo yini labahlanganyela naNkulunkulu elatini? Ngitsini-ke manje? Ngitsi lokuhlatjelwe tithico kulutfo yini, nome sithico silutfo? Cha, kodvwa ngitsi: Loko lokuhlatjwe ngemahedeni akuhlabela emadimoni, akakuhlabeli Nkulunkulu. Angitsandzi kutsi nihlanganyele nemadimoni. Ningeke ninatse endzebeni yeNkhosi niphindze niyewunatsa endzebeni yemadimoni. Ningeke nihlanganyele esidlweni seNkhosi niphindze nihlanganyele esidlweni semadimoni. Sifuna kutsi iNkhosi ibe nesikhwele yini? Sinemandla yini kunayo? Nitsi: “Kuvumelekile konkhe,” kodvwa akusiti konkhe. “Kuvumelekile konkhe,” kodvwa akwakhi konkhe. Akubete lotifunela kwakhe, akube ngulowo nalowo afunele lomunye. Konkhe lokutsengiswa esilaheni kudleni, ningabuti lutfo ngenca yanembeza. Ngobe umBhalo utsi: “Umhlaba nako konkhe lokukuwo kweNkhosi.” Nangabe lomunye kulabangakholwa animema, nitsandza kuya, nibodla konkhe lakubeka embikwenu ningabuti lutfo ngenca yanembeza. Kepha nangabe lomunye atsi kini: “Loku kuhlatjelwe tithico,” ningakudli, ngenca yakhe, nangenca yanembeza. Angisho nembeza wakho, kodvwa ngisho walomunye. Nitsi: “Yini kutsi inkhululeko yami yehlulelwe ngunembeza walomunye umuntfu? Nangabe ngidla ngekubonga nginyembenyelwani ngalengikubongako?” Imphendvulo yami itsi: Nome niyadla, nome niyanatsa, nome nentani-ke lokunye, konkhe akwentelwe ludvumo lwaNkulunkulu. Ningabi sikhubekiso kumaJuda nakumaGriki, nakulo libandla laNkulunkulu, njengobe nami ngijabulisa bonkhe bantfu ngako konkhe, ngingafuni kutisita mine, kodvwa ngifuna kusita labanyenti, kuze kutsi basindziswe. Hambani etinyatselweni tami, njengobe nami ngihamba etinyatselweni taKhristu. Ngiyanincoma ngobe ningikhumbula etintfweni tonkhe, nibambelele etimfundzisweni lenganifundzisa tona. Kepha-ke ngitsandza kutsi nati kutsi, inhloko yawo onkhe emadvodza nguKhristu, nenhloko yemfati yindvodza, nenhloko yaKhristu nguNkulunkulu. Nguleyo naleyo ndvodza lesuke ithandaza nome iphrofetha ifake lutfo enhloko, isuke ihlazisa inhloko yayo, Khristu. Kepha ngulowo nalowo mfati losuke athandaza nome aphrofetha, angabophi lutfo enhloko, usuke ahlazisa inhloko yakhe, indvodza yakhe, ngobe loko kuyaye kufanane nekutsi uhhulile. Nangabe umfati angambonyi inhloko yakhe, akahhule; nangabe kulihlazo kumfati kuhhula, akashucule. Ngobe empeleni indvodza ayikafaneli kushucula enhloko, ngobe ingumfanekiso neludvumo lwaNkulunkulu, kodvwa umfati uludvumo lwendvodza. Indvodza ayitsatfwanga kumfati, kodvwa ngumfati lowatsatfwa endvodzeni, nakadalwa. Futsi indvodza ayidalelwanga umfati, kodvwa ngumfati lowadalelwa indvodza. Ngako-ke ngenca yetingilosi umfati kufanele abe neluphawu lwekuhlonipha enhloko yakhe. Noko eNkhosini umfati akasilutfo ngaphandle kwendvodza, nendvodza ayisilutfo eNkhosini ngaphandle kwemfati. Njengobe umfati atsatfwa endvodzeni, kanjalo indvodza italwa ngumfati, kepha konkhe kuvela kuNkulunkulu. Tiboneleni nine ngekwenu kutsi kulungile yini kutsi umfati athandaze kuNkulunkulu angakashuculi lutfo enhloko? Imvelo yona ngekwayo ayisiyo yini lefundzisa kutsi indvodza lenetinwele letindze iyatihlazisa? Kodvwa umfati nakanetinwele letindze, kuludvumo kuye. Ngobe kuye tinwele letindze tiliduku lemvelo lelingesuki. Kodvwa-ke nangabe umuntfu afuna kuphika inkhani, tsine site lelinye lisiko enkonzweni, nemabandla aNkulunkulu ate lelinye. Kulemiyalo lelandzelako anginincomi noko, ngobe emihlanganweni yenu yekukhonta nihlanganela kakhulu lokubi kunekuhlanganela lokulungile. Ngobe kwekucala nje, nanihlangana njengelibandla, ngiva kutsi kuyaye kube khona kwehlukana emkhatsini wenu, lengicishe ngikukholwe. Ngobe vele kubhekekile kutsi kube khona kwehlukana emkhatsini wenu, kuze kutsi labetsembekile babonakale. Nanibutsana ndzawonye, akusiko kudla Sidlo seNkhosi loko. Ngobe ekudleni kwenu ngulowo nalowo uchubeka nekudla kwakhe kudla, lomunye alambe, lomunye anatse adzakwe. Kantsi nite yini tindlu tekudlela netekunatsela, nome nedzelela libandla laNkulunkulu, nikhinyabete labo labatimphuya? Ngingatsini nje kini? Nginincome? Cha, ngeke nginincome ngaloko. Ngobe mine ngakwemukela eNkhosini loko lenganinika kona, kutsi iNkhosi Jesu ngalobo busuku latsengiswa ngabo, watsatsa sinkhwa, wabonga wasihlephula, watsi: “Loku ngumtimba wami lohleshulelwe nine. Loku kwenteni kuze ningikhumbule.” Ngalokufananako watsatsa indzebe emvakwekudla kwakusihlwa, watsi: “Lendzebe sivumelwane lesisha, lesentiwe ngengati yami; yentani loku ngetikhatsi tonkhe, naninatsa kuyo, kuze ningikhumbule.” Ngobe nanidla lesinkhwa ninatse kulendzebe, nifakazela kufa kweNkhosi, ize ibuye. Ngako-ke lowo lodla lesinkhwa aphindze anatse kulendzebe ngalokungakafaneli, unelicala lekona umtimba nengati yeNkhosi. Kodvwa umuntfu akatihlolisise yena, emvakwaloko-ke adle lesinkhwa anatse kulendzebe. Ngobe lodlako anatse, utidlela atinatsele yena licala lekwehlulelwa, nangabe angawehlukanisi umtimba weNkhosi. Ngenca yaloko labanyenti emkhatsini wenu babutsakatsaka bayagula, labanye sebafa. Kepha kube besitehlulela tsine ngalokufanele, besingeke sehlulelwe. Kepha nasehlulelwa yiNkhosi, siyalwa ngiyo, kuze singalahlwa kanye nelive. Ngako-ke, bazalwane bami, nanibutsanela sidlo, nibomelana. Nakukhona lolambile, abodla ekhaya, khona ningetiwubutsanela kulahlwa. Lokunye lokusalako sengiyawukusho, nangifika lapho. Kepha macondzana netiphiwo taMoya, bazalwane, angitsandzi kutsi ningati lutfo ngato. Niyati kutsi nisengakakholwa nedukiselwa etithicweni letatitimungulu. Ngako-ke ngitsandza kutsi nati kutsi, kute umuntfu lokhuluma ngaMoya waNkulunkulu longatsi: “Jesu akacalekiswe!” Futsi kute umuntfu longatsi: “Jesu uyiNkhosi!” ngaphandle kwemuntfu lonaMoya Longcwele. Kukhona tiphiwo temusa letehlukene, kepha munye lowo Moya. Kukhona imisebenti leminyenti leyehlukene yekusitana; kepha yinye leyo Nkhosi. Kukhona imisebenti yemandla leyehlukene, kepha munye lowo Nkulunkulu losebenta konkhe kubo bonkhe. Ngulowo nalowo uphiwa lokubonakalisa Moya, kuze sakhane. Lomunye uphiwa ngaMoya livi lekuhlakanipha, kepha lomunye livi lekwati, ngaye yena lowo Moya, lomunye kukholwa, ngaye lowo Moya, lomunye tiphiwo tekuphilisa, ngaye lowo Moya munye, lomunye kwenta imisebenti yemandla, lomunye kuphrofetha, lomunye kwehlukanisa imimoya, lomunye kukhuluma ngetilimi, lomunye kuhumusha tilimi. Konkhe loko kusetjentwa nguye lowo Moya munye, ababela ngulowo nalowo njengekutsandza kwakhe. Njengobe nemtimba umunye, kepha unetitfo letinyenti, naloku titinyenti nje, kodvwa tingumtimba munye, unjalo-ke naKhristu. Ngobe ngaMoya munye tsine sonkhe sabhajatiswa kutsi sibe ngumtimba munye, nome singemaJuda nome singemaGriki, nome sitigcili, nome singulabakhululekile, tsine sonkhe sanatsiswa Moya munye. Umtimba awusiso sitfo sinye, kodvwa titfo letinyenti. Nangabe lunyawo lungatsi: “Loku ngingesiso sandla, angisiye wemtimba,” noko nome lungasho njalo, lusengilo lwemtimba. Nome indlebe ingatsi: “Loku ngingesilo liso, angisiye wemtimba,” noko nome ingasho njalo, isengiyo yemtimba. Kube umtimba wonkhe bewuliso, ngabe uva ngani? Kube umtimba wonkhe bewuyindlebe, ngabe liphunga liviwa ngani? Kodvwa manje Nkulunkulu umisile titfo tonkhe, nguleso naleso emtimbeni, njengekutsandza kwakhe. Kube kambe titfo tonkhe betisitfo sinye, umtimba ngabe uphi? Manje titfo tinyenti, kodvwa tingumtimba munye. Liso alikafaneli kusho esandleni kutsi: “Angikudzingi;” nenhloko futsi ayikafaneli kusho etinyaweni kutsi: “Anginidzingi.” Kantsi nje ngempela leto titfo temtimba lekungatsi tibutsakatsaka kunaletinye tiyadzingeka. Naleto titfo temtimba lekungatsi tedzelelekile kunaletinye sitatisa kakhulu, naleto lesinemahloni ngato tihlonishwa kakhulu kunaleto lesingenamahloni ngato. Kepha Nkulunkulu wawuhlanganisa umtimba, wanika leti letedzelelekile ludvumo lolukhulu kakhulu, kuze kubete kwehlukana emtimbeni kepha titfo tonkhe tinakekelane ngalokufananako. Nangabe kuhlupheka sitfo sinye, kuhlupheka titfo tonkhe kanye naso; nangabe kudvunyiswa sitfo sinye, kujabula titfo tonkhe kanye naso. Kepha nine ningumtimba waKhristu netitfo ngabanye. Nkulunkulu umise labatsite ebandleni: kucala baphostoli, kwesibili baphrofethi, kwesitsatfu bafundzisi, bese kuba ngulabenta imisebenti yemandla, nalabanetiphiwo temusa tekuphilisa, nebasiti, nebaholi, nalabakhuluma ngetilimi. Babaphostoli bonkhe yini? Babaphrofethi bonkhe yini? Babafundzisi bonkhe yini? Benta imisebenti yemandla bonkhe yini? Bonkhe banetiphiwo temusa tekuphilisa yini? Bakhuluma ngetilimi bonkhe yini? Bonkhe bahumusha tilimi yini? Kepha langatelelani tiphiwo letimcoka. Ngisetawunikhombisa futsi indlela lekungiyona iyinhle kakhulu. Nome ngikhuluma ngetilimi tebantfu netetingilosi, kepha nangite lutsandvo, ngiyatikhulumela nje, ngifanana nelitfusi lelikhencetako nome insimbi lencencetsako. Nome ngingaphrofetha ngati timfihlakalo tonkhe, nelwati lonkhe, nome nginekukholwa lokukhulu kangangekutsi ngingasusa tintsaba, kepha nangite lutsandvo, angisiyontfo yalutfo. Nome ngingephana ngako konkhe lenginako ngondle timphuya, nome futsi nginganikela ngisho nangemtimba wami kutsi ushiswe, kodvwa nangite lutsandvo, akungisiti ngalutfo. Lutsandvo luyabeketela, lutsandvo lumnene, lute umona, lutsandvo alutigabatisi, futsi alutikhukhumeti. Lutsandvo alutiphatsi ngalokungakafaneli, alutifuneli kwalo, alucansuki, alunamagcubu, alukujabuleli lokubi, kodvwa lujabulela liciniso. Lutsandvo lubeketelela tintfo tonkhe, lukholwa tintfo tonkhe, lwetsemba tintfo tonkhe, lukhutsatelela tintfo tonkhe. Lutsandvo alusoze luphele; kepha nome kukhona kuphrofetha, kuyawuphela; nome kukhona tilimi, tiyawuphela; nome kukhona lwati, luyawuphela. Ngobe sati incenye, futsi siphrofetha incenye; kepha nase kufike lokuphelele, loko lokuyincenye kuyawuphela. Ngesikhatsi ngisengumntfwana ngakhuluma kwebuntfwana, ngacabanga kwebuntfwana, ngacondza kwebuntfwana. Ngesikhatsi sengiyindvodza ngakuyekela kuntfwanata. Ngobe nyalo sibona esibukweni kaluvitsi, kodvwa ngale siyawubukana buso nebuso. Nyalo ngati lokuncane, kepha ngale ngiyawukwati ngalokuphelele, njengobe ngatiwa ngalokuphelele. Kutsatfu lokuyawuhlala kumile: kukholwa, kwetsemba, nelutsandvo. Kodvwa lokukhulu kunako konkhe lutsandvo. Jongani lutsandvo, kutsi nilangatelele tiphiwo taMoya, kakhulu kuphrofetha. Lokhuluma ngetilimi akakhulumi kubantfu, kepha ukhuluma kuNkulunkulu, ngobe kute lomvako, ukhuluma timfihlakalo akuMoya. Kube kani lophrofethako ukhuluma kubantfu kutsi bakheke, bakhutsateke, badvudvuteke. Lokhuluma ngetilimi utakha yena, kodvwa lophrofethako wakha libandla. Yebo-kona bengingatsandza kutsi nonkhe nikhulume ngetilimi, kepha bengingatsandza kakhulu kutsi niphrofethe. Vele-ke mkhulu lophrofethako kunalowo lokhuluma ngetilimi, ngaphandle kwekutsi atihumushe, khona kutewusitakala libandla, lakheke. Manje-ke, bazalwane, nangita kini ngikhuluma ngetilimi, nginganisita ngani, nangingakhulumi kini ngekwembulelwa lokutsite, nome ngelwati, nome ngekuphrofetha, nome ngekufundzisa? Nemintjingozi, lengenamphefumulo, njengelivenge nelugitali, nangabe emanothi ayo angevakali kahle-hle, utakwati ngani kutsi kudlalwani? Ngobe nangabe impalampala ingakhali ngalokuvakalako, ngubani longatilungiselela kuya emphini? Kuyafanana-ke nakini naningakhiphi inkhulumo lecacile ngelulwimi lwenu, kungacondzakala kanjani loko lokushiwoko? Niyawube nikhuluma emoyeni nje. Tinyenti tinhlobo tetilimi la emhlabeni, kepha kute nalunye lolungakhulumi lokuvakalako. Kodvwa nangabe ngingalwati lulwimi lolukhulunywa ngulomunye, loko lakukhulumako akuvakali kimi, nami lengikukhulumako akuvakali kuye. Ngako-ke njengobe nani ninemdlandla ngetiphiwo taMoya, shisekelani kutsi nibe nato kakhulu, kuze kwakheke libandla. Ngako-ke lokhuluma ngetilimi, akakhulekele kutsi akwati kutihumusha. Ngobe nangikhuleka ngetilimi, kukhuleka umoya wami, ingcondvo yami ayisitakali. Pho, ngitakwenta njani? Ngitawukhuleka ngemoya nangengcondvo, ngihlabele ngekudvumisa ngemoya nangengcondvo. Ngobe nawobonga Nkulunkulu usemoyeni, lona lote letipho angasho kanjani kutsi: “Amen,” kulokubonga kwakho? Ingani phela akakuva loko lokushoko. Ngobe nome kubonga kwakho kungaba kuhle kakhulu, kodvwa akwakhi muntfu. Noko ngibonga Nkulunkulu kutsi mine ngikhuluma ngetilimi kakhulu kunani nonkhe, kodvwa ebandleni ngingatsandza kukhuluma emagama lasihlanu nje ngengcondvo yami khona ngitewufundzisa labanye, kunekukhuluma ngetilimi emagama lati-10 000. Bazalwane, ningaboba bantfwana ekucabangeni, kodvwa ebubini niboba tinswane, ekucabangeni nibe ngulabakhule impela. Kubhaliwe emtsetfweni kutsi: “ ‘Ngiyawukhuluma kulesive ngemilomo yebantfu baletinye tilimi, kepha noko bangeke bangive,’ isho njalo iNkhosi.” Tilimi tisibonakaliso kulabangakholwa, hhayi kulabakholwako; kepha kuphrofetha kusibonakaliso kulabakholwako, hhayi kulabangakholwa. Libandla nalingahlangana ndzawonye lisuke lonkhe likhulume ngetilimi, bese kungena labangativa nome emahedeni, bangete basho yini kutsi niyahlanya? Kepha nangabe bonkhe baphrofetha, bese kungena umhedeni nome longati lutfo, utawuhlatjwa ngiwo onkhe lamavi abo, ehlulelwe ngiwo. Timfihlo tenhlitiyo yakhe tiyawuvela ekukhanyeni awe phansi ngebuso, athandaze kuNkulunkulu, acinise atsi: “Impela Nkulunkulu ukhona emkhatsini wenu.” Ngako-ke, bazalwane, nanibutsanele kukhonta, nibonikana ematfuba: Lomunye akacale liculo, lomunye afundzise, lomunye etfule sembulo, lomunye akhulume ngetilimi, lomunye atihumushe. Konkhe kwenteleni kutsi kwakheke libandla. Nakukhona labakhuluma ngetilimi, ababe babili bangendluli kulabatsatfu, banikane ematfuba, lomunye ahumushe. Kepha nangabe kute lohumushako, akathule lona wetilimi nakungusebandleni, atikhulumele yena yedvwana naNkulunkulu. Mayelana nalabaphrofethako abakhulume babe babili, nome babe batsatfu, labanye bakuhlole ngaMoya. Kodvwa nangabe kwembulwa lutfo kulomunye lohleti phansi, akathule lona lokhulumako. Ngaleyo ndlela ningaphrofetha nonkhe ngamunye, baze labanye bafundze futsi bakhutsateke. Imimoya yebaphrofethi itfobela baphrofethi, ngobe Nkulunkulu akasiye Nkulunkulu wetiphitsiphitsi kodvwa wekuthula. Njengobe kunjalo kuwo onkhe emabandla alabangcwele, bafati abathule emabandleni, ngobe abakavumeleki kutsi bakhulume, kepha abatitfobe njengaloku usho njalo umtsetfo. Nakukhona labafuna kukwati, abakubute emadvodzeni abo emakhaya, ngobe kulihlazo kutsi umfati akhulume ebandleni. Kambe livi laNkulunkulu laphuma kini yini? Nobe kumbe lefika kini nodvwana yini? Nangabe umuntfu atsi ungumphrofethi nome atsi waMoya, kufanele ati kutsi loku lenginibhalela kona ngumyalo weNkhosi. Kepha umuntfu nangakunaki loku, akanganakwa naye. Ngako-ke, bazalwane bami, khutsalelani kuphrofetha; kodvwa ningakuvimbeli kukhuluma ngetilimi. Kepha konkhe kwenteni kahle ngenhlelembiso. Manje-ke, bazalwane, nginikhumbuta liVangeli lenganishumayela lona nalemukela namanje niseme kulo. Nisindziswa ngalo, nangabe nisabambelele evini lenganishumayela lona; nakungenjalo kukholwa kwenu kwaba lite. Ngobe nami nganinika loko lokubalulekile lengakwemukela, kutsi Khristu wafa ngenca yetono tetfu, njengaloko isho imiBhalo, nekutsi wembelwa, wabuye wavuswa kulabafile ngelilanga lesitsatfu, njengaloku yayivele ishito imiBhalo, nekutsi wabonwa nguKhefase, wase ubonwa ngulabali-12. Emvakwaloko wabonwa, ngasikhatsi sinye, bazalwane labendlula ema-500, liningi labo lisekhona naloku ngikhuluma nje, kodvwa labanye sebafa. Emvakwaloko wabonwa nguJakobe, wase ubonwa baphostoli bonkhe. Ekugcineni kwabo bonkhe wadzimate wabonwa nangimi lenginjengalowatalwa kungesiso sikhatsi sakhe. Ngobe mine ngingulomncane kubaphostoli, bengingakafaneli nekutsi kutsiwe ngingumphostoli, ngobe ngatingela ngahlupha libandla laNkulunkulu. Kepha ngemusa waNkulunkulu nginguloku lengingiko, nemusa wakhe kimi awuzange ube lite, kodvwa ngasebenta kakhulu kunabo bonkhe, noko kungesimi, kodvwa kungumusa waNkulunkulu lonami. Ngako-ke nome kungimi nome kungabo, sishumayela kona loko, nani nakholwa kona loko. Kepha-ke nangabe kushunyayelwa kutsi Khristu uvusiwe kulabafile, basho kanjani laba labanye emkhatsini wenu kutsi kute lapha kuvuka kulabafile? Kodvwa-ke nangabe kungekho kuvuka kulabafile, kusho kutsi akavuswanga-ke naye Khristu. Kepha nangabe Khristu akavuswanga-ke kulabafile, kusho kutsi kushumayela kwetfu kulite, nekukholwa kwenu kulite. Yebo-ke sitfolakala sibofakazi bemanga ngaNkulunkulu, ngobe sifakaze kutsi Nkulunkulu wavusa Khristu kulabafile langazange amvuse kambe, nangabe kantsi labafile abavuswa. Ngobe nangabe labafile abavuswa, kusho kutsi naKhristu akavuswanga-ke. Kepha nangabe Khristu akavuswanga, kusho kutsi kukholwa kwenu akusiti lutfo, nisesetonweni tenu, nalabo lasebafa bakuKhristu nabo babhubha. Nangabe singulabetsembela kuKhristu kulokuphila kwala kuphela, sibantfu bekulilelwa kunebantfu bonkhe. Kepha manje Khristu wavuswa kulabafile, waba ngumvuli wendlela kulabo labatawuvuka kulabafile. Njengobe kufa kweta ngemuntfu munye, nekuvuka kulabafile nako kute ngemuntfu munye. Njengobe ku-Adamu bonkhe bayafa, kanjalo futsi nakuKhristu bonkhe bayawuvuswa ekufeni. Kepha ngulowo nalowo uyawuvuka ngesigaba sakhe: Khristu kucala, bese kuba ngulabo lababaKhristu ekubuyeni kwakhe. Emvakwaloko kuyawufika kuphela, mhlazana anikela umbuso kuNkulunkulu uYise, nasacitse yonkhe imibuso, nebukhosi bonkhe, nemandla onkhe. Ngobe Khristu kumele abuse, aze Nkulunkulu ancobe tonkhe titsa takhe atibeke ngephansi kwetinyawo takhe. Sitsa sekugcina lesiyawucitfwa kufa. “Ngobe Nkulunkulu utfobise tonkhe tintfo ngephansi kwetinyawo takhe.” Kepha nangabe umBhalo utsi: “Tintfo tonkhe titfotjisiwe,” kuyakhanya kutsi ungaphandle kwato Nkulunkulu lotitfobisele ngephansi kwakhe. Kodvwa-ke nangabe tonkhe tintfo setitfotjiselwe ngephansi kwakhe, lapho-ke nayo iNdvodzana yemuntfu iyakutitfoba ngephansi kwalowo lowatfobisa tonkhe tintfo ngephansi kwayo, kuze Nkulunkulu abe nguko konkhe kuko konkhe. Kepha bayakwenta njani lababhajatiselwa kulabafile, nangabe kuliciniso kutsi abavuki? Pho, babhajatiselelwani kulabafile? Pho, tsine yini sibesengotini ngetikhatsi tonkhe? Bazalwane, ngekubongwa lenginako ngani kuKhristu Jesu iNkhosi yetfu ngiyacinisa kutsi: Ngifa mihla yonkhe le! Nangabe e-Efesu ngalwa nalokutsiwa tilwane, kungisita ngani loko? Nangabe labafile abavuswa: “Kuncono sidle sinatse, ngobe kusasa sitawufa.” Ningayengeki: “Bangani lababi bonakalisa similo lesihle.” Sangulukani; ningaphindzi none, ngobe labanye abamati Nkulunkulu. Ngikusho loko khona nitewuba nemahloni. Lomunye utawutsi: “Labafile bavuswa njani? Beta banemtimba lonjani?” Silima-ndzini, awati yini kutsi lokuhlanyelako wena akukutfoli kuphila kungakafi kucala? Futsi loko lokuhlanyelako, usuke ungahlanyeli lona likhaba, kepha usuke uhlanyela inhlanyelo lengesilo likhaba, nome ngabe yakolo, nome ngabe yalokunye nje-ke. Kepha Nkulunkulu unika inhlanyelo simo sayo ngekutsandza kwakhe, ngulolo nalolo luhlobo lwenhlanyelo lunesimo salo. Inyama ayifanani yonkhe: lenye yebantfu, lenye yetilwane, lenye yetinyoni, lenye yetinhlanti. Ikhona-ke nemitimba yasezulwini nemitimba yasemhlabeni, kepha inkhatimulo yemitimba yasezulwini iyodvwa, neyemitimba yasemhlabeni iyodvwa. Iyodvwa inkhatimulo yelilanga, iyodvwa inkhatimulo yenyanga, iyodvwa nenkhatimulo yetinkhanyeti; yebo, nguleyo nkhanyeti inekukhatimula lokwehlukile kukwalenye. Kunjalo-ke kuvuka kulabafile. Kuhlanyelwa kunekubola, kuvuswe kungasenakubola. Umtimba ungcwatjwa unekudzelelwa, uvuswe unenkhatimulo; ungcwatjwa unebutsakatsaka, uvuswe unemandla. Ungcwatjwa ungumtimba wenyama, uvuswe ungumtimba wemoya. Nangabe ukhona umtimba wenyama, kusho kutsi-ke ukhona nemtimba wemoya. Kanjalo futsi kubhaliwe kutsi: “Umuntfu wekucala Adamu waba ngumuntfu lophilako;” Adamu wekugcina waba nguMoya lonika kuphila. Kepha kwekucala akusiko kwemoya kodvwa kwenyama, bese-ke kwesibili kuba kwemoya. Umuntfu wekucala wavela emhlabeni alutfuli; umuntfu wesibili wavela ezulwini. Njengobe abenjalo umuntfu welutfuli, banjalo nalabo lababelutfuli; nanjengobe anjalo umuntfu wasezulwini, banjalo nalabo lababasezulwini. Futsi-ke njengobe sinelufuto lwalona lowelutfuli, kanjalo siyawuba nelufuto lwalona wasezulwini. Nginitjela naku, bazalwane bami, kutsi inyama nengati akunawulidla lifa lembuso waNkulunkulu, nekubola akulidli lifa lelingaboli. Lalelani, nginitjele imfihlakalo: Asite safa sonkhe, noko siyawuguculwa sonkhe ngesikhashana, ngekucwabita kweliso, ngelicilongo lekugcina. Ngobe licilongo liyawukhala, labafile bavuswe bangasenakubola, tsine siguculwe. Ngobe loku lokubolako kufanele kutsi kwembatse kungaboli, naloko lokufako kufanele kutsi kwembatse kungafi. Nangabe loko lokubolako sekwembetse kungaboli, naloku lokufako sekwembetse kungafi, kutawube sekugcwaliseke livi lelibhaliwe lelitsi: “Kufa kumitwe kuncoba.” “Kufa, kuphi kuncoba kwakho? Kufa, luphi ludvonsi lwakho?” Ludvonsi lwekufa sono, nemandla esono ngumtsetfo. Kodvwa akabongwe Nkulunkulu losinika kuncoba ngeNkhosi yetfu Jesu Khristu. Ngako-ke, bazalwane bami labatsandzekako, banini ngulabasimile labangaceki, nikhutsale emsebentini weNkhosi ngaso sonkhe sikhatsi, nati kutsi kusebenta kwenu akusilo lite eNkhosini. Macondzana neminikelo lebutselwa kusita labangcwele, njengobe ngayala emabandla aseGalathiya, yentani njalo nani. Njalo nje ngelilanga lekucala evikini, akube ngulowo nalowo alondvolote loko lokumlingene, kuze kutsi iminikelo ingentiwa sengikhona. Nase ngifikile, labo lenibakhetsile ngitawubatfumela kanye netincwadzi tekubetfula, bamikise letipho tenu telutsandvo eJerusalema. Nangabe kufanele nami ngihambe, ngiyawuhamba kanye nabo, batangiphekeletela. Ngitawufika lapho kini sengendlule eMasedoniya, ngobe ngifuna kwendlula khona kucala. Mhlawumbe ngingahle ngihlale lapho kini kudzimate kwendlule lobusika, kumbe ningangisita ekuchubekeni kwami, nome kukuphi la ngiya khona. Angeke nginibone kwamanje ngisetakwendlula, ngobe ngifuna kufike ngihlale lapho kini sikhatsi, iNkhosi nayivuma. Kepha ngitawuhlala e-Efesu, kudzimate kufike lilanga lePhentekhoste. Ngobe litfuba lekusebenta lingivulekele, noko banyenti labemelene nami. Nakufika Thimothi lapho kini, nibocaphelisisa kutsi nimemukele, ativele asekhaya, ngobe wenta msebenti munye nami, umsebenti weNkhosi. Ngako-ke kubete lomedzelelako, nimelekelele ngekumphekeletela endleleni naseta kimi, ngobe tsine nebazalwane simbhekile. Macondzana nemzalwane Apolosi ngamcela kakhulu kutsi ete kini kanye nebazalwane, kepha bekungesiyo intsandvo yakhe kutsi ete kwanyalo, noko utawuta angatfola litfuba. Lindzani nisime ekukholweni, nibe ngemadvodza, nicine. Konkhe lenikwentako, akwentiwe ngelutsandvo! Bazalwane, niyati kutsi bakaStefanasi baba bekucala kubase-Akhaya labaphendvuka nekutsi batimisela kukhonta labangcwele. Ngiyanincenga kutsi nibatfobele labanjalo nabo bonkhe labasebentisana nabo bashiphaneka. Ngiyatfokota ngekufika kwaStefanasi, naFothunatusi, na-Akhayikhusi, ngobe bayanimelela nome ningekho. Ngobe bawuhlumelele umoya wami newenu; ngako-ke bahlonipheni labanjalo. Emabandla ase-Asiya ayakhonta kini nonkhe. Bo-Akhwila naPhrisila bakhonta kakhulu kini eNkhosini, kanye nelibandla lelikhontela endlini yabo. Bazalwane bonkhe nabo bayakhonta kini. Bingelelanani ngekwangana lokungcwele. Nako-ke kukhonta kwami mine Pawula ngesandla sami. Nangabe umuntfu angayitsandzi iNkhosi, akabe ngulocalekisiwe Wota Nkhosi! Umusa weNkhosi Jesu awube nani. Lutsandvo lwami alube nani nonkhe kuKhristu Jesu. Lencwadzi iphuma kuPawula, umphostoli waKhristu Jesu ngekwentsandvo yaNkulunkulu, nakuThimothi, umzalwane. Iya ebandleni laNkulunkulu leliseKhorinte, nakubo bonkhe labangcwele labakulo lonkhe lase-Akhaya. Umusa nekuthula lokuvela kuNkulunkulu longuBabe wetfu, naseNkhosini Jesu Khristu, akube nani. Akabongwe Nkulunkulu uYise weNkhosi yetfu Jesu Khristu, longuYise wemusa. Yebo, akabongwe Nkulunkulu longumtfombo wayo yonkhe indvudvuto. Yena uyasidvudvuta etinhluphekweni tetfu tonkhe; kuze labo labasetinhluphekweni sibe nemandla ekubadvudvuta ngaleyo ndvudvuto lesiyemukela kuNkulunkulu. Njengaloku tinhlupheko taKhristu tisiphetse kangaka, kanjalo-ke nekudvudvuteka kwetfu kuyaphuphuma ngaKhristu. Nasihlupheka kungenca yekudvudvutwa nekusindziswa kwenu; nasidvudvuteka kungenca yekudvudvuteka kwenu, khona Nkulunkulu atenidvudvuta nanicinisele kuletinhlupheko letisiphetse tsine nani. Litsemba letfu kini lisimile, sati kutsi njengobe nihlanganyela natsi etinhluphekweni, kanjalo niyahlanganyela natsi nasendvudvutweni. Asitsandzi, bazalwane, kutsi ningete nati ngetinhlupheko tetfu letasehlela ngesikhatsi sisese-Asiya. Lapho satfolana nebulukhuni lobabungetulu kwemandla etfu kangangekutsi sacishe salahlekelwa nalitsemba lekuphila. Yebo, kona, tsine ngekwetfu besesibona kutsi litfunti lekufa selisengeme. Leyontfo yasifundzisa kutsi singatetsembi tsine, kodvwa setsembe Nkulunkulu; ngobe nguye yedvwa lovusa labafile. Nkulunkulu wasikhulula kuleyo ngoti yekufa. Nanyalo usetawusikhulula futsi. Litsemba letfu silibeke kuye kwekutsi uyawusikhulula nangemuso, njengaloku nani nisiphasa ngekusikhulekela, khona kutewutsi labanyenti basibongele kuNkulunkulu ngesibusiso lesisiphiwe. Kutibonga kwetfu kunye, kutsi nembeza wetfu umhlophe embikwebantfu, ikakhulu kini. Ekutiphatseni kwetfu besimsulwa sesaba Nkulunkulu ngeliciniso, hhayi ngekuhlakanipha kwetfu, kepha ngemusa waNkulunkulu. Sinibhalele loku, lokutawutsi nanikufundza, nikuve. Ngiyetsemba kutsi niyawukuva kahle, kudzimate kube ngusekugcineni, njengaloku senibonabona kutsi tsine singaba ligugu lenu, nani nibe ligugu letfu ngalelo langa lekubuya kweNkhosi yetfu Jesu. Kucala ngangifisa kuta kini, kuze nitewutfola umusa ngalokuphindziwe. Ngangitimisele kwendlula kini, ngisaya eMasedoniya nome sengibuya khona, kuze ningisite nase ngiya eJudiya. Kodvwa ngabe bengidlala yini nangihlose loko? Kungabe ngenta tincumo tami ngekwami yini? Ngitsi: “Yebo,” ngiphindze ngitsi: “Cha,” ngasikhatsi sinye? Njengobe Nkulunkulu etsembekile, nemavi etfu kini akasiye “Yebo” na “Cha.” INdvodzana yaNkulunkulu lenguKhristu Jesu leyashunyayelwa ngitsi kini, mine nginaboSilasi, naThimothi, beyingesiye “Yebo” na “Cha”; kepha yona ingu “Yebo”. Kuto tonkhe tetsembiso takhe Nkulunkulu utsi: “Yebo” kuyo. Kungako nje-ke sidvumisa Nkulunkulu sitsi: “Amen,” ngaJesu Khristu. NguNkulunkulu losicinisako tsine kanye nani kuKhristu. NguNkulunkulu futsi lowasigcoba, wasibeka luphawu lwakhe tsine; wasipha Moya wakhe, etinhlitiyweni tetfu, losibambiso saloko lokutako. Ngibita Nkulunkulu kutsi abe ngufakazi wami wekutsi mine ngangisita nine ngekungaphindzi kwami ngite eKhorinte. Asisho kutsi tsine sitikhulu etikwekukholwa kwenu, kodvwa sibambisene nani ekusebenteleni kujabula kwenu, ngobe nisimile ekukholweni. Kungako ngatimisela ngekutsi ngingaphindzi kunivisa buhlungu ngekunivakashela. Ngobe nangabe nginivise buhlungu, ngubani longangitfokotisa? Kungaba nguye yena lowo lese ngimvise buhlungu? Nguloko lokwabangela kutsi ngibhale njengaloku ngenta. Ngangentela kutsi nangifika ngingete ngaviswa buhlungu ngulabo lekufanele bangijabulise. Mine nginati kahle kamhlophe, kangangekutsi ngingasho ngitsi nangijabulile mine, nani nijabulile. Nganibhalela ngisebuhlungwini ngidzabukile enhlitiyweni, tinyembeti tigcwele emehlo, hhayi ngobe ngifuna kunivisa buhlungu, kepha kuze nati kutsi nginitsandza kangakanani. Nakukhona lovise lomunye buhlungu, akevisi mine ngedvwa, ngalenye indlela usivise buhlungu sonkhe, noko angengeti ngekusho njalo. Kwenele nje lokwekutsi linyenti limlahlile lowo. Nyalo-ke sekufuneka nine nimcolele nibuye nimkhutsate, ningamyekeleli etinhlungwini adzimate aphele. Ngako ngiyanincenga kutsi nimkhombise kutsi nimtsandza ngempela. Empeleni ngakubhalela kutsi nginihlole nje kutsi nihlonipha kuko konkhe yini. Nome ngubani lenimtsetselelako, nami ngiyamtsetselela; ngobe mine nase ngitsetselele, ngisuke ngikwente ngempela, ngikwentele nine kube shangatsi ngusebukhoneni baKhristu. Siyawati emachinga aSathane; ngako-ke akukafaneli simvumele asehlule. Mhlazana ngifika eThrowasi kuyawushumayela liVangeli laKhristu, umnyango wawungivulekele kabanti kutsi ngisebentele iNkhosi. Kodvwa ngabate kuphumula emphefumulweni, ngobe ngangingakamboni Thithusi umzalwane. Ngako-ke ngase ngiyabavalelisa, ngaya eMasedoniya. Kodvwa akabongwe Nkulunkulu losihola njalo eludvwendvweni lwekuncoba ngaKhristu. Nkulunkulu usebentisa tsine kutsi etindzaweni tonkhe avakalise liphunga lelimnandzi lekumati Khristu. Ngempela siliphunga lelimnandzi laKhristu kuNkulunkulu, emkhatsini walabasindziswako nasemkhatsini walabasendleleni lebange ekubhujisweni. Siliphunga lekufa kube kufa kulababhujiswako, kantsi siliphunga lekuphila kube kuphila kulabasindziswako. Ngubani-ke longakumela loko? Tsine-ke asinjengabo bantfu labanyenti labenta livi laNkulunkulu libe yindali; kodvwa tsine lesikuKhristu sikhuluma kwaNkulunkulu ngekuciniseka ebukhoneni bakhe. Sesiphindze siyatincoma yini? Siyatidzinga yini tsine tincwadzi tekusincoma letiya kini nome letiphuma kini, njengobe labanye batidzinga? Cha! Nine niyincwadzi yetfu, lebhalwe etinhlitiyweni tetfu, leyatiwa ifundvwe bantfu bonkhe. Kuyakhanya kutsi niyincwadzi yaKhristu leletfwe ngitsi, lengakabhalwa ngenki, kepha ngaMoya Longcwele, waNkulunkulu lophilako, hhayi etibhelekeceni tematje kepha etinhlitiyweni tebantfu. Loko sikusho ngobe setsembele kuNkulunkulu ngaKhristu. Akusho noko kwekutsi sinemandla ekwenta lutfo ngekwetfu; kute lokuphuma kitsi, kepha emandla etfu avela kuNkulunkulu, lowasenta safaneleka kuba baphatsi besivumelwane lesisha, lesingesiso semtsetfo lobhaliwe, kodvwa saMoya; umtsetfo lobhaliwe uyabulala, kodvwa Moya uyaphilisa. Inkonzo yemtsetfo lobhalwe etibhelekeceni tematje igcine iletse kufa noko yeta ngeludvumo, kangangekutsi baka-Israyeli abazange bakhone kubuka buso baMosi ngenca yenkhatimulo yayo, nome yabuye yaphela. Iyawuba yinkhulu kangakanani-ke leyo nkhatimulo yenkonzo yaMoya? Nangabe inkonzo yemtsetfo leletsa kulahlwa yefika nenkhatimulo lengaka, iyawuba yinkhulu kangakanani-ke inkhatimulo yalenkonzo lesenta silungelane naNkulunkulu? Nangempela loko lokwase kwefika ngenkhatimulo seyakulahlekela, sekuvulele litfuba kuloko lokunenkhatimulo lenkhulu kuneyako. Ngobe nangabe loko lobekutawuphela kwaba neyako inkhatimulo, iyawuba yinkhulu kangakanani-ke inkhatimulo yaloko lokungayikuphela? Ngulelo litsemba letfu, ngiko nje sikhuluma ngesibindzi. Tsine asifanani naMosi yena lowambonya buso bakhe ngendvwangu kuze baka-Israyeli bangetiwusibona siphetfo saleyo nkhatimulo lebeyitawuphela. Kodvwa ingcondvo yabo yaba lukhuni, ngisho nalamuhla loku nakufundvwa sivumelwane lesidzala, leyo ndvwangu isehleti; nanyalo ayikembulwa, ngobe yembuleka ngaKhristu kuphela. Yebo, kudzimate kube ngulamuhla, nakufundvwa tincwadzi taMosi, kuba shangatsi kukhona indvwangu lembonye tingcondvo tabo, baka-Israyeli. Kodvwa “umuntfu nakaphendvukela kuNkulunkulu, indvwangu iyesuswa.” INkhosi inguye Moya, lapho akhona Moya nenkhululeko ikhona. Ngako tsine sonkhe lesibuka ngebuso lobembuliwe, inkhatimulo yeNkhosi ibonakala kitsi njengasesibukweni, sibe siguculwa sibe njengaye ngekusuka ezingeni lelitsite lenkhatimulo siye kulelinye lizinga. Ngulowo-ke umsebenti weNkhosi lenguMoya. Nkulunkulu ngemusa wakhe wasiniketa lenkonzo; ngiko nje singadzinwa. Sesiyilahle yonkhe imisebenti yebumnyama neyelihlazo asiphili ngebucili, asiliphambanisi livi laNkulunkulu, kepha sibeka liciniso laNkulunkulu ebaleni, kunembeza webantfu bonkhe embikwaNkulunkulu. Kepha nangabe liVangeli letfu lifihlakele, lifihlakele kuphela kulabo labalahlekako. Ngobe kubo labangakholwa nkulunkulu walomhlaba uphumphutsekise tingcondvo tabo, kuze kungasi kubo kukhanya kweliVangeli lenkhatimulo yaKhristu, lofute Nkulunkulu. Asitishumayeli tsine, kodvwa sishumayela kutsi Khristu Jesu uyiNkhosi, tsine-ke sitisebenti tenu ngenca yakhe. Ngobe yena lowo Nkulunkulu lowatsi: “Akuvele kukhanya ebumnyameni,” nguye futsi lokhanyise etinhlitiyweni tetfu, kuze sikwati kubona inkhatimulo yaNkulunkulu ebusweni baKhristu. Kepha lamagugu lesinawo siwaphetse ngetitja telibumba. Loko kubonakalisa kutsi lamandla lamakhulu kangaka akasiwo etfu kepha ngaNkulunkulu. Sicindzetelwa ndzawo tonkhe, kodvwa asibotfoki; siyacakeka, kodvwa asipheli emandla. Siyatingelwa, kodvwa Nkulunkulu akasilahli, siyamukulwa siwiswe phansi, kodvwa asibhujiswa. Solomane setfwala njalo emitimbeni yetfu kufa kwaJesu, kuze kutsi nekuphila kwakhe kubonakaliswe emitimbeni yetfu. Ngobe tsine, nome sisaphila, sinikelwa mihla le ekufeni, ngenca yaJesu, kuze kutsi nekuphila kwakhe kubonakaliswe emitimbeni yetfu lefako. Kanjalo-ke kitsi kusebenta kufa, kepha kini kusebenta kuphila. UmBhalo utsi: “Ngangikholwa kuNkulunkulu, ngako ngakhuluma.” Natsi futsi sinawo lowo moya wekukholwa kuNkulunkulu, ngako-ke sikhuluma sati kutsi yena lowo Nkulunkulu lowavusa iNkhosi Jesu, natsi uyawusivusa kanye naJesu asetfule kanye nani kuye. Ngobe konkhe loko kwentelwa nine, kuze kutsi umusa usenabela kubantfu labanyenti, kwandziswe kubonga kwabo, kube ludvumo kuNkulunkulu. Ngako-ke asidzinwa; nome lingephandle letfu libhubha, kodvwa lingekhatsi lentiwa libe lisha imihla ngemihla. Ngobe lolusizi lwetfu luncane futsi lwesikhashana, lusilungiselela inkhatimulo lengenawulinganiswa, yaphakadze. Tsine asibheki lokubonakalako kodvwa lokungabonakali, ngobe loko lokubonakalako kwesikhashana nje, kepha loko lokungabonakali kwaphakadze. Ngobe siyati kutsi nangabe lifutwa lelidlangala lelingumtimba wetfu walapha emhlabeni, sinesakhiwo saNkulunkulu ezulwini, indlu yaphakadze lengakakhiwa ngetandla. Empeleni siyabubula silangatelela kakhulu likhaya lasezulwini, kuze kutsi nasikulo singetiwutfolakala site indzawo yekuhlala. Ngobe nasisekulo lelidlangala lelingumtimba wetfu, siyabubula sikhale ngaphansi kwemtfwalo. Asifuni kuwushiya lomtimba lomdzala, kodvwa sifuna kwemukela kuphephela kulomusha, kuze kutsi loko lokubhubhako kumitwe kuphila. NguNkulunkulu matfupha lowasilungiselela loku ngekusinika Moya losibambiso. Ngako-ke ngaso sonkhe sikhatsi sinelitsemba, ngobe siyati kutsi nasisekuwo lomtimba sisekhashane nalelikhaya leliseNkhosini. Siphila ngekukholwa, hhayi ngekubona. Ngesibindzi sitsi kuncono siwushiye lomtimba siyewuhlala neNkhosi. Ngako nome sikhona la, nome singekho la, umgomo wetfu kutsi sihlale semukelekile kuyo. Ngobe sonkhe kufanele sime embikwesihlalo saKhristu sekwehlulela, kuze kutsi ngulowo nalowo atekwemukela umvuzo wakhe ngalakwentile, lokuhle nome lokubi, asekulomtimba. Ngako-ke, njengobe sati kutsi kuyini kwesaba Nkulunkulu, setama kuzuza bonkhe bantfu. Nkulunkulu usati njengobe sinjalo; nami ngiyetsemba kutsi nani niyasicondzisisa. Ngaloko-ke asetami kubuye sitincome kini. Sininika litfuba lekutsi nitigabatise ngatsi, kuze kutsi nitekwati kubaphendvula labo labatigabatisa ngalokubonakala emehlweni, esikhundleni sekutigabatisa ngalokusenhlitiyweni. Nangabe sibukeka sitinhlanya, kungenca yaNkulunkulu. Nangabe sibukeka singahlanyi, kungenca yenu. Lutsandvo lwaKhristu luyasichuba. Sesidzimate sefika kunasi siphetfo sekutsi: Munye lowafela bonkhe; ngako-ke bonkhe bafa. Wabafela bonkhe, kuze kutsi bonkhe labo labafela bangabe basatiphilela, kodvwa baphilele yena lowabafela waphindze wavuselwa bona. Ngako kusukela nyalo asiseyikwati muntfu ngekwenyama. Nome sake samati Khristu ngekwenyama nyalo asisamati kanjalo. Ngako-ke nangabe umuntfu akuKhristu, usidalwa lesisha; tintfo letindzala setendlulile, konkhe sekwentiwe kwaba kusha. Konkhe kuphuma kuNkulunkulu, lowabuyisana natsi ngaKhristu, wase usinika umsebenti wekutsi natsi sibuyisane nalabanye; loku kusho naku: Nkulunkulu ubuyisene nelive ngaKhristu. Bantfu akababambeli emagcubu ngetono tabo, kodvwa usiphatsise livi lekubuyisana. Ngako singemancusa aKhristu; Nkulunkulu uncusa ngatsi. Sinincenga egameni laKhristu sitsi: “Buyisanani naNkulunkulu.” Khristu abengenasono. Noko Nkulunkulu wamenta kutsi abe sono ngenca yetfu, kuze kutsi ngaye semukeleke kuNkulunkulu kutsi silungile. Njengobe sibambisene naNkulunkulu emsebentini wakhe, siyanincenga sitsi: Yemukelani umusa waNkulunkulu, ningawenti lite. Ngobe utsi: “Ngikuvile ngesikhatsi lesifanele; ngakusita ngelilanga lensindziso.” Lalelani la, “sikhatsi lesifanele” ngiso lesi; “lilanga lensindziso” ngilo lona leli. Kute lesimbekele sikhubekiso endleleni, kuze kutsi kubete liphutsa lelitfolakala emsebentini wetfu. Esikhundleni saloko konkhe lesikwentako sikwenta sikhombisa kutsi sitisebenti taNkulunkulu ngekutsi konkhe sikumele: ngekucinisela lokukhulu ekuhlushweni, nasebulukhunini, nasekugongonyekeni, nasekushayweni, nasekufakweni ejele, nasetiphitsiphitsini, nasekukhandlekeni, nasekucwasheni, nasekulaleni ngendlala, nangekuhlanteka, nangelwati, nangekubeketela, nangemusa, nangaMoya Longcwele, nangelutsandvo lolujulile, nangelivi leliciniso, nangemandla aNkulunkulu. Kuko konkhe loku tikhali tetfu tikulunga lesikuphetse ngesandla sangesekudla nangesandla sangesancele. Siyadvunyiswa, sihhalatiswe. Siyasolwa, sibongwe. Sitsatfwa njengebakhohlisi, kantsi sibeliciniso. Asinakwa, kodvwa satiwa kakhulu. Shangatsi siyafa, kodvwa siyaphila. Siyajeziswa, kodvwa asigwetjwa intsambo. Siviswa buhlungu, kodvwa sitfokota njalonjalo. Siphuyile, kodvwa banyenti lesibanjingisako. Asinalutfo, kodvwa sinako konkhe. Sikhuluma kini, nine baseKhorinte, inhlitiyo yetfu ivulekele kini. Kute lesinigodlele kona tsine, kodvwa ngini lenisivalele tinhlitiyo tenu. Nyalo-ke, sengikhuluma njengeyise akhuluma kubantfwana bakhe, ngitsi: “Nani-ke, vulani tinhlitiyo tenu.” Ningaboshelwa ejokeni linye nalabangakholwa. Empeleni nje, kukhona yini kuvana kwekulunga nebubi? Buyini budlelwane bekukhanya nebumnyama? Bangaba nakuvana kuni boKhristu naBheliyali? Angevana ngani umKhristu nemhedeni? Nhlanganyelo yini lesemkhatsini welithempeli laNkulunkulu netithico? Ngobe tsine silithempeli laNkulunkulu lophilako; njengobe Nkulunkulu watsi: “Ngiyawuhlala kubo, ngihambe emkhatsini wabo; ngiyawuba nguNkulunkulu wabo, bona bayawuba sive sami.” INkhosi yaphindza yatsi: “Phumani emkhatsini wabo, nehlukane nabo. Ningakutsintsi lokungcolile, ngiyawube sengiyanemukela.” INkhosi, Somandla, yaphindza yatsi: “Mine ngiyawuba nguYihlo, nine-ke niyawuba ngemadvodzana nemadvodzakati ami.” Bazalwane, njengobe letetsembiso titetfu, asitihlante kuko konkhe lokungcolisa umtimba nemoya, siphile imphilo yebungcwele lobuphelele ngekwesaba Nkulunkulu. Semukeleni ngenhlitiyo lemhlophe. Kute lesamona, kute lesamphatsa kabi, kute nalesamphamba. Loko angikushololo kutsi nginilahle; bese vele ngishito lokutsi nine nisetinhlitiyweni tetfu, ngangekutsi nome kuphila nome kufa, sifisa kutsi lokungenani sibe munye kuko. Nginesibindzi lesikhulu kini; ngitigcabha kakhulu ngani. Kuko konkhe lokuhlupheka kwetfu ngiva nginendvudvuto, nenjabulo yami iyaphuphuma. Kuliciniso kutsi nasifika eMasedoniya, asikutfolanga kuphumula. Satikhandza sisenhluphekweni macala onkhe: Kwakunekulwa ngephandle, kunekwesaba ngekhatsi. Kodvwa Nkulunkulu lodvudvuta labanetinhlitiyo letephukile, wasidvudvuta ngekufika kwaThithusi. Asidvudvutwanga ngiko kuphela, kodvwa sadvudvuteka nangekudvudvuteka kwakhe asemkhatsini wenu. Wasitjela kutsi beninesifiso sekungibona, nekutsi naba buhlungu kangakanani etinhlitiyweni, nekutsi benifisa kangakanani kuma kanye nami. Loko kwangenta ngajabula kakhulu futsi. Ngobe nome nganidzabukisa ngalencwadzi, noko angitisoli ngayo. Ngiyabona kutsi lencwadzi yanivisa buhlungu nome nje kwakukwesikhashana. Kodvwa nome ngake ngatisola, nyalo sengiyajabula, hhayi ngobe neva buhlungu, kodvwa ngobe kuva kwenu buhlungu kwanenta naphendvuka. Loko kuva kwenu buhlungu kwaya ngentsandvo yaNkulunkulu, ngako-ke kute lokwanilahlekela ngenca yetfu. Kudzabuka lokukwaNkulunkulu kuveta kuphendvuka kube kusindziswa, kubete kutisola ngako; kodvwa kudzabuka lokukwemhlaba kuveta kufa. Ase nibuke nje kutsi lokudzabuka lokukwaNkulunkulu sekuveteni kini: Kukhutsala lokungaka, nekukwati kutiphendvulela, nekutfukutsela, nekwesaba, nekulangatelela, nenshisekelo, nekujezisa. Kuko konkhe senikhombise kutsi nite licala kulendzaba. Ngako-ke nome nganibhalela, anginibhalelanga ngenca yalotsite labente lokubi, nome ngenca yalotsite labephatseke dlephu, kodvwa ngangentela kunikhombisa embikwaNkulunkulu inshisekelo yenu ngatsi. Ngako-ke siyadvudvuteka. Ngaphandle kwalendvudvuto sajabula kakhulu ngekujabula kwaThithusi, ngobe nonkhe namcinisa lidvolo. Kube benginidvumisile kuye, ngabe anikangijabhisi. Kute lesakukhuluma kini ngaphandle kweliciniso, nekunidvumisa kwetfu kuThithusi kwatfolakala kuliciniso. Inhlitiyo yakhe seyinamatsele kini, ngobe phela ukhumbula inhlonipho yenu, nekutsi namemukela ngekwesaba nangekutfutfumela. Ngiyajabula ngobe, kuko konkhe, sengingetsembela ngalokuphelele kini. Bazalwane, sitsandza kutsi nati ngemusa waNkulunkulu lawuphe emabandla aseMasedoniya. Avivinywa kakhulu ngekuhlupheka, noko emkhatsini wako konkhe loko, kujabula kwawo kwaphuphuma. Nome bekaphuye kakhulu, akhombisa kuceba ngekwephana lokukhulu ekunikeleni kwawo. Ngiyanitjela ngitsi, anikela ngemandla awo onkhe, kwadzimate kwaba ngetulu kwawo. Ngekweminikelo yawo yesihle asincengisisa kutsi abe nesabelo ekusiteni labangcwele. Loko-ke sasingakakubheki; ngobe bacale batinikela bona eNkhosini, base-ke batetfula kitsi ngekwentsandvo yaNkulunkulu. Ngiko nje sacela Thithusi kutsi acedzele lowo msebenti wemusa nakini, njengobe wawuvele usetandleni takhe kwasekucaleni. Njengobe nenta kahle kakhulu kuko konkhe: ekukholweni, nasekukhulumeni, naselwatini, nasekukhutsaleni konkhe, naselutsandvweni lwenu lese siluvutsele kini, nibovele nente kahle kakhulu nakulomusa wekwephana. Loko ngikusho, hhayi njengemtsetfo kodvwa kunitjela ngekukhutsatela kwalabanye, ngetama kutfola kahle kutsi lutsandvo lwenu lungilo sibili yini. Ngobe niyawati umusa weNkhosi yetfu Jesu Khristu, kutsi nome abecebile, kodvwa ngenca yenu waba luphuya, kuze kutsi ngebuphuya bakhe anente nicebe. Ngako ase nginivetele umcondvo wami ngalendzaba: Nine nakucala nyakenye kufaka sandla ekusiteni ngesihle. Nyalo-ke ngitsi kungaba ncono kutsi nicedzele loko lenakucala nyakenye. Nanitimisele kuba lusito ngaleso sikhatsi; ngako-ke chubekani nente njalo ngekwemandla enu. Nangabe umuntfu atimisele ngekunikela, akukabhekeki kutsi anikele ngaloko late kona, kodvwa ubhekeke kunikela ngaloko lanako. Nangisho njalo, angikacondzi kutsi ngitsi labanye abetfwale kamalula, nine-ke bese netfwala kamatima; kodvwa akwetfwaliswane ngalokulinganako. Kwanyalo nje nine ninenala letawuhlangabetana netidzingo tabo. Ngalelinye lilanga inala yabo iyawuhlangabetana netidzingo tenu, kuze kutsi kubete umehluko. NemBhalo utsi: “Lowo lowabutsa lokunyenti, akazange abe nenala; nalowo lowabutsa kwaba kuncane, akazange eswele.” Kodvwa akabongwe Nkulunkulu lobeke enhlitiyweni yaThithusi lenshisekelo lenjengeyetfu yekunisita. Samcela kutsi ete kini, wavuma; kodvwa abesavele atilungiselele kutitela lapho yena ngekwakhe. Simtfumele lapho kini kanye nemzalwane lodvunyiswa kuwo onkhe emabandla ngemsebenti wakhe wekuhambisa liVangeli. Akusiko loko kuphela, kodvwa ukhetfwe ngemabandla kutsi abe sitfunywa kanye natsi kulomsebenti wekuhambisa lomnikelo lesiwuphatsele kukhombisa ludvumo lweNkhosi nekubakhutsalela kwetfu. Setama kutsi kubete losisolako ngalesipho lesisiphetse. Injongo yetfu kutsi lesikwentako kube kuhle embikwaNkulunkulu nasembikwebantfu. Sibatfumele kanye nemzalwane wetfu lesike samvivinya kanyenti samkhandza akhutsele, kodvwa nyalo unesifiso lesikhulu kunakucala, ngobe unetsemba kakhulu. Thithusi-ke yena sibambisene naye emsebentini wekunikhonta. Labazalwane-ke, batitfunywa temabandla, baludvumo kuKhristu. Ngako-ke khombisani embikwemabandla lutsandvo lwenu kulamadvodza, nifakazele kutigcabha kwetfu ngani. Mayelana nekunikelela bazalwane, asikho sidzingo sekutsi nginibhalele. Ngiyati kutsi nitimisele kangakanani kusita. Ngiko loko lengiyaye ngitigcabhe ngako kubaseMasedoniya, ngibatjela kutsi base-Akhaya bese bavele bakulungele kunikela khona nyakenye. Inshisekelo yenu ibavusele umdlandla labanyenti. Kodvwa labazalwane ngibatfumelele kutsi kube bufakazi kutsi konkhe loko lesakusho sitigcabha ngani kulendzaba kuliciniso. Ngifuna nihlale nilungele; ngobe phela nangingafika nemaMasedoniya sikhandze ningakalungeli, tsine nani siyawuba nemahloni, ngobe besinetsembe kakhulu. Ngiko nje ngibone kufanele kutsi ngicele labazalwane bahambe embili bete lapho kini, batewulungisa lesipho lenisetsembisile, kuze kutsi sihlale sesilungile, hhayi ngekuphocelelwa, kodvwa ngesihle. Khumbulani naku: Lowo lohlanyela kancane, uyawuvuna kancane; lowo lohlanyela kakhulu, uyawuvuna kakhulu. Lowo nalowo akatincumele yena enhlitiyweni yakhe kutsi utawunikela kangakanani, bese unikela ngekukhululeka, hhayi ngekusola nangekucindzetelwa. Nkulunkulu utsandza umuntfu lonikela ngenhlitiyo lemhlophe. Nkulunkulu unawo emandla ekuninika konkhe lenikudzingako, nangetulu kwako, kuze kutsi ngaso sonkhe sikhatsi nibe nako kube kunyenti, nitekwati kusita emisebentini yonkhe lemihle. NemBhalo utsi: “Wenetisa ngekukhululeka, aphe labaphuyile; kulunga kwakhe kungeke kuphele phakadze naphakadze.” Lowo lonika inhlanyelo kumhlanyeli ephane ngesinkhwa sekudliwa, uyawuninika inhlanyelo aphindze ayente imile ikhule, asandzise nesivuno sekunikela kwenu ngekwephana. Uyawunipha konkhe lokuhle, kuze nikwati kwephana ngato tonkhe tindlela; loko kuyakwenta labanye babonge Nkulunkulu ngetipho tenu labatitfole ngatsi. Ngobe lenkonzo lesiyentako ayisiti labangcwele kuphela, kodvwa iphuphuma ngekutsi labanyenti babonge Nkulunkulu. Bantfu bayawudvumisa Nkulunkulu ngalenkonzo yenu lefakazela kulalela kwenu liVangeli laKhristu, lelisivumo senu. Lokusitana kufakazela kwephana kwenu ngekubanikelela bona kanye nabo bonkhe labanye. Bayawubona bukhulu bemusa waNkulunkulu kini, bese bafisa kakhulu kuhlanganyela nani emthandazweni. Akabongwe Nkulunkulu ngesipho sakhe lesingachazeki. Mine, Pawula matfupha, ngiyanincenga ngebumnene nangebubele baKhristu. Nginguye yena loPawula lenimtsatsa ngekutsi uyatikhobosa nasemkhatsini wenu, kodvwa abe nesibindzi kini nangekho embikwenu. Nginincenga kutsi nase ngifikile lapho kungadzingeki ngibadvumele ngesibindzi lengicondze kusisebentisa kulabanye labatsi tsine sichutjwa live. Ngobe nome siphila eveni, kodvwa asilwi ngetikhali telive. Tikhali lesilwa ngato akusito telive, kodvwa tikhali taNkulunkulu letinemandla ekubhidlita tinqaba, ticitse tinkhulumo letingenamsebenti. Tibhidlita konkhe lokuphakamele kuvimbela kwati Nkulunkulu. Titfumba yonkhe imicabango, tiyente itfobele kulalela Khristu. Nangabe senitimisele kulalela ngalokuphelele, sikulungele kujezisa konkhe kungalaleli. Tsatsani lamaciniso njengobe anjalo. Kukhona yini lokholwa kutsi yena waKhristu? Kuhle loko, kodvwa akase acabange naku: Natsi futsi sibaKhristu njengaye. Mhlawumbe ngitigabatisa kakhulu ngalamandla neligunya lami lenganikwa lona nguNkulunkulu, kutsi nginakhe nginganibulali. Kodvwa ngite emahloni ngaloko. Ningacabangi kutsi ngicondze kunetfusa nje ngaletincwadzi. Labanye batsi: “Tincwadzi takhe tinemandla nesisindvo, kodvwa bukhona bakhe abunasitfunti, nenkhulumo yakhe imalula.” Lowo locabanga loko kufanele ati kutsi loko lesikukhulume encwadzini singekho, siyawukwenta nase sifikile lapho kini. Asisho kutsi ngaloko sicondze kutilinganisa nalabo labatincomako, singeke sikwente loko. Kodvwa nabaticatsanisa bona bodvwa, batilinganise bona bodvwa, batilima. Kodvwa singeke sitigabatise kwendlula, noko sitawugcina emaphetselweni lesinikwe wona nguNkulunkulu cobo lwakhe. Lawo maphetselo anifaka ngekhatsi nine baseKhorinte. Ngitsi lesefika kini kucala neliVangeli laKhristu; ngako-ke nasitigabatisa ngani, sisengekhatsi kwemaphetselo etfu. Asitigabatisi ngephandle kwemaphetselo ngalokwentiwe ngulabanye, kodvwa siyetsemba kutsi nisakhula ekukholweni, nemsebenti wetfu utakwandza emkhatsini wenu, kuze sitewushumayela liVangeli nasemaveni langesheya kwenu, ngaphandle kwekutigabatisa ngemsebenti lese wentiwe ngulomunye umuntfu. UmBhalo utsi: “Lowo lofuna kutibonga, akatibonge ngeNkhosi.” Ngobe lowemukelela eNkhosini, akusiye lotincomako, kodvwa ngulowo lonconywa yiNkhosi. Ngicela senimane ningibeketelele ngalobulinyana lengitabukhuluma. Vele, ngiyati seningibeketelele! Nginesikhwele ngani, sikhwele saNkulunkulu; ngobe nganendzisa njengentfombi lengenasici, nganetfula kuKhristu, lekunguyona ndvodza yenu leyodvwana. Kodvwa ngineluvalo ngani, kutsi njengobe inyoka yakhohlisa Eva ngebucili bayo, nani tingcondvo tenu tingahle tedukiswe niyekele kutinikela kuKhristu ngeliciniso nangebumsulwa. Nangabe kufika lomunye umuntfu ashumayele lomunye Jesu kunalowo lesamshumayela, nome-ke nangabe nemukela lomunye umoya lowehlukile kunalowo lenamemukela, nome-ke nangabe nemukela lelinye livangeli lelehlukile kunalelo lenalemukela, konkhe loko shangatsi nikubeketelele ngalokumangalisako. Ngitsi angisiye lodzelelekile kunalabaphostoli lababonakala bagcame kakhulu. Nome ngingesilo libeka ekukhulumeni, kodvwa nginalo lwati. Loko-ke sinikhombise ngato tonkhe tindlela etintfweni tonkhe. Ngona yini ngekunishumayela liVangeli laNkulunkulu mahhala, nangekutitfoba kuze niphakanyiswe nine? Ngawaphamba lamanye emabandla ngekutsi ngitsatse liholo lami kuwo, kuze kutsi ngikhonte nine. Ngisenani, angizange ngibe ngumtfwalo kunome ngubani, nangeswele. Tonkhe tidzingo tami tacedvwa bazalwane labebaphuma eMasedoniya. Ngako-ke angizange ngibe ngumtfwalo, futsi sonkhe sikhatsi ngiyawuchubeka ngingesiwo. Njengobe liciniso laKhristu likimi, kute loyawungibindzisa kulokutigabatisa kwami etifundzeni tase-Akhaya. Leni? Ngobe nginganitsandzi yini? Nkulunkulu uyati kutsi ngiyanitsandza. Kodvwa ngitawuchubeka ngente loku lengikwentako, kuze kutsi bangalitfoli litfuba lekutiveta labo labalifunako, labenta shangatsi benta umsebenti lofanana newetfu njengobe bona basho. Ngobe labantfu babaphostolimbumbulu, tisebenti temanga; batenta shangatsi baphostoli baKhristu. Loko-ke akumangalisi, ngobe naSathane utigucula abe yingilosi yekukhanya. Ngako-ke akumangalisi nangabe tisebenti takhe titigucula tibe tisebenti tekulunga. Siphetfo sato siyawuya ngemisebenti yato. Ngiyaphindza ngitsi: Kubete longitsatsa njengesilima; kodvwa nome kunjalo, ningangitsatsa njengaso, kuze nami ngitewutfola litfutjana lekutigabatisa. Loko lengikushoko-ke nyalo, angikukhulumi ngemandla nangeligunya leNkhosi, kodvwa njengesilima lesitigabatisa ngesibindzi. Ingani bantfu labanye bayatigabatisa ngetintfo tabo temhlaba; pho, mine ngitakuyekelelani kutigabatisa? Maye, niyajabula ngekubeketelela tilima nibe nine nihlakaniphile! Niyambeketelela nome ngubani lonigcilatako, nalonichwagako, nalonicaphatako, nalotichayisako, nalonimukula ebusweni. Nginemahloni nangikuvuma kutsi mine bengehluleka kakhulu kuloko. Kodvwa nakukhona umuntfu lofuna kutigabatisa ngentfo letsite, loko-ke ngikusho njengesilima, nami futsi ngingatigabatisa. BangemaHebheru yini? Nami nginguye. Bangema-Israyeli yini? Nami nginguye. Batitukulwane ta-Abrahama yini? Mine-ke ngingiso. Batisebenti taKhristu yini? Mine ngingulesincono. Loku sengikukhuluma njengeluhlanya. Ngasebenta kakhulu kunabo, ngidvonsa matima, ngaboshwa kanyenti, ngashaywa kanyenti, ngabasengotini yekufa. Kwaze kwaba ngemahlandla lasihlanu emaJuda angibhambabula imivimba lengema-39 leyayimiswe ngumtsetfo wawo. Ngabhanjabulwa ngemzaca emahlandla lamatsatfu; ngagcotjwa ngematje kanye. Ngephukelwa yimikhumbi emahlandla lamatsatfu; ngabasesitsabatsabeni selwandle busuku bonkhe nemini yonkhe. Eluhambeni lwami ngabasetingotini temifula, nasetingotini tetigelekece, nasetingotini kubantfu bakitsi, nasetingotini kubetive, nasetingotini tasemadolobheni, nasetingotini temaphandleni, nasetingotini telwandle, nasetingotini kubazalwanembumbulu. Ngasebenta kakhulu ngidvonsa matima. Bengike ngicwashe ngingalali, ngilambe, ngome, ngeswele kudla, ngiphatfwe lichwa, ngeswele nekwekwembatsa. Ngetulu kwako konkhe, nginemtfwalo losetikwami, nginekushisekela onkhe emabandla. Nakukhona lobutsakatsaka, angitfwalisani naye yini kulobutsakatsaka bakhe? Nakukhona lowako ekukholweni, angimveli buhlungu yini? Nangabe kufanele ngitigabatise, ngiyawutigabatisa ngetintfo letibonakalisa butsakatsaka bami. Nkulunkulu neYise weNkhosi Jesu, yena lofanele kudvunyiswa phakadze naphakadze, uyati kutsi angicali wona emanga. EDamaseko Lusibalukhulu labengaphansi kwenkhosi Arethasi wagadza lidolobha lonkhe afuna kungibamba angibophe, kodvwa ngakhishwa ngelibhasikidi esikhaleni lesasentiwe elubondzeni, ngaphunyula esandleni sakhe. Kufanele ngitigabatise, nome kungasiti lutfo nje. Sengitanitjela ngemibono netembulo teNkhosi. Kukhona umuntfu lengimati akuKhristu, lekwatsi eminyakeni leli-14 leyendlulile, wenyuselwa ezulwini lesitsatfu; nome abesemtimbeni nome abekuMoya, angati; nguNkulunkulu lowatiko. Ngiyaphindza ngitsi: Nome lomuntfu abesemtimbeni nome abekuMoya, angati; nguNkulunkulu lowatiko. Kodvwa ngiyamati lomuntfu kutsi wenyuselwa ePharadisi lapho efike weva tintfo letiyimfihlo, kangangekutsi kute umuntfu lekufanele atikhulume. Ngingamgabatisa-ke umuntfu lonjalo, kodvwa mine ngingeke ngitigabatise ngalutfo, ngaphandle kwebutsakatsaka bami. Kube bengifuna kutigabatisa, bengingeke ngibente bulima, ngobe ngitabe ngikhuluma liciniso. Kodvwa ngiyativimba kuloko, kuze phela kubete longibeka ngetulu kwaloko langibona nome langiva nginguko. Bengingahle ngikhukhunyetwe kakhulu ngenca yetembulo letinyenti, ngako-ke kwabekwa linyeva enyameni yami, ingilosi yaSathane yangihlaba, khona ngingetitikhukhumeta kakhulu. Kwadzimate kwaba ngemahlandla lamatsatfu ngincusa iNkhosi kutsi ilisuse kimi. Kodvwa iNkhosi yatsi kimi: “Umusa wami ukwanele wena, ngobe emandla ami abonakaliswa aphelele ebutsakatsakeni.” Ngako-ke ngitawutigabatisa kakhulu ngebutsakatsaka bami, kuze phela emandla aKhristu atewuhlala kimi. Ngenca yaKhristu-ke, ngiyeneliswa butsakatsaka, netinhlamba, nebulukhuni, nekutingelelwa kuhlushwa kanye netingoti; ngobe nangibutsakatsaka, kulapho ngiba nemandla khona. Ngibe silima! Ngiphocelelwe ngini kulobulima, ngobe bekufanele nginconywe ngini. Empeleni angikedzeleleki kunabo bonkhe labaphostoli labagcamile, nome ngingasibani nje. Timphawu temphostoli wangempela tabonakaliswa kini, njengobe nitibonele ngemehlo enu, nati kubeketela, netibonakaliso, netimanga, nemisebenti yemandla. Empeleni nine nentiwa yini kutsi nibe nenhlanhla lembi kunalamanye emabandla ngaphandle kwekutsi nine angizange nginetfwese umtfwalo? Ngitsetseleleni kulesiphosiso! Sekwesitsatfu ngilungela kuta lapho kini. Ngingeke ngibe ngumtfwalo kini, ngobe angifuni kona lokukwenu, kodvwa ngifuna nine. Phela bantfwana akusibo labafanele kukhatsalela batali babo, kodvwa batali labafanele bakhatsalele bantfwababo. Ngiyawujabula kutsi nginikele ngako konkhe ngize nginikelwe nami lucobo, kuze kusitakale imiphefumulo yenu. Nanginitsandza kakhulu, pho, mine kufanele yini kutsi ngitsandvwe kancane? Hho! Kodvwa nitsi ngaba nebucili ngekutsi nginganetfwesi umtfwalo, kuze phela ngitenibamba kahle ngebucili. Nganicinela yini ngalabo lenganitfumelela bona? Ngakhutsata Thithusi kutsi ahambe, ngatfuma umzalwane kutsi ahambe naye. Ngobe loThithusi wanihlakaniphela yini? Sasingatenti ngamoya munye yini tintfo? Asititsatsanga yini tinyatselo letifanako? Beningacabangi yini kutsi sonkhe lesikhatsi besitivikela kini? Batsandzekako, konkhe loku besikukhuluma kuKhristu embikwaNkulunkulu, kuze nitekwakheka. Ngobe ngesaba kutsi mhlawumbe ngiyawutsi ngiyefika lapho kini nginikhandze ningesiko loko lengibheke kutsi nibe ngiko, nami ningikhandze ngingesiko loko lenibheke kutsi ngibe ngiko. Ngesaba kutsi mhlawumbe kunekulwa, nemona, nekutfukutsela, nebugovu, nenkhani, nenhlebo, nekutatisa, nesiphitsiphitsi. Ngesaba kutsi nangiphindze ngita lapho futsi, shangatsi Nkulunkulu wami angangitfobisa embikwenu, kutsi ngililele labo labonile labangakaphendvuki ekungcoleni, nasebugwadleni, nasebuphingini, nasenkhanukweni labayentile. Sekwesitsatfu ngilungiselela kuta lapho kini. “Yonkhe inkhulumo yenu iboba nabofakazi lababili nome labatsatfu,” njengobe kusho umBhalo. Ngabecwayisa labo labona kucala, namanje futsi ngiyabecwayisa naloku ngingekho, njengobe ngabatjela nangilapho ekuvakasheni kwami kwesibili kutsi nangingefika lapho ngiyakubashiya emehlo ekubuka, njengobe nifuna siciniseko kutsi Khristu ukhuluma kimi. Yena angeke aniphatse ngebutsakatsaka, kodvwa unemandla kini. Ngobe wabetselwa ebutsakatsakeni, kodvwa sewuphila ngemandla aNkulunkulu. Sibutsakatsaka kuye, kodvwa sitawuphila kanye naye ngemandla aNkulunkulu, kuze sikwati kunisita. Tihlolisiseni nine ngekwenu nitibone kutsi nibambelele yini ekukholweni kwenu. Tivivinyeni nine. Aniboni yini kutsi Jesu Khristu ukini? Ngaphandle kwaloko nitehluleki! Ngiyetsemba niyawukhandza kutsi asikehluleki. Kodvwa sithandaza kuNkulunkulu kutsi ningoni, hhayi kutsi sibonakale singulabancono, kodvwa kuze nente loko lokufanele, nome kungabonakala shangatsi sehlulekile. Ngobe site emandla ekwenta lutfo, nasimelene neliciniso, kodvwa sinawo kuphela nasimele liciniso. Ngobe tsine siyajabula nangabe nine nicinile nome tsine sibutsakatsaka. Sithandazela kutsi nine nipheleliswe kuKhristu. Loku ngikubhala ngisengakefiki kini, kuze kutsi nangifika lapho kungadzingeki kutsi nginiphatse ngesandla lesimatima lenginikwe sona yiNkhosi, kutsi ngakhe, ngingahliphiti. Kwekugcina-ke bazalwane, ngitsi: Salani kahle. Lungisani imihambo yenu, netsabele kwemukela imiyalo, nivumelane, nihlalisane ngekuthula, khona Nkulunkulu wekuthula newelutsandvo atewuba nani. Bingelelanani ngekwangana lokungcwele. Bayanihambisa bonkhe bazalwane. Umusa weNkhosi Jesu, nelutsandvo lwaNkulunkulu, nebudlelwane baMoya Longcwele akube nani nonkhe. Lencwadzi iphuma kuPawula umphostoli, longatfunywanga bantfu nome ngemuntfu, kodvwa ngaJesu Khristu naNkulunkulu longuYise lowamvusa kulabafile. Iphuma kimi nakubo bonkhe bazalwane lenginabo. Iya emabandleni aseGalathiya. Akube kini umusa nekuthula lokuvela kuNkulunkulu, longuBabe, nakuJesu Khristu, iNkhosi. Nguye lowatinikela ngenca yetono tetfu, kuze kutsi ngentsandvo yaNkulunkulu longuBabe asephule kulesikhatsi lesibi. Akube kuye ludvumo kuze kube phakadze naphakadze. Amen. Ngiyamangala kutsi senimhlubuke masinyane kangaka Nkulunkulu lowanibita ngemusa waKhristu, nase nijikela kulelinye nje livangeli. Empeleni akusho kutsi likhona lelinye livangeli, kodvwa nje kutsi kukhona labanihluphako labafuna kuguculela liVangeli laKhristu. Kodvwa-ke nakukhona umuntfu, nome ngabe ngitsi nome yingilosi lechamuka ezulwini, lofika nalelinye livangeli lelehlukile kunaleli lesanishumayela lona, lowo akabe ngulocalekisiwe. Njengobe sasho, namanje ngiyaphindza ngiyasho ngitsi: Nakukhona lonishumayela lelinye livangeli kunalelo lenalemukela, lowo akabe ngulocalekisiwe. Kungabe kambe ngitincengela kubantfu yini nome kuNkulunkulu? Nome ngetama kujabulisa bantfu yini? Nangabe ngisajabulisa bantfu, bengingeke ngibe sisebenti saKhristu. Ngako-ke ngiyanatisa, bazalwane, kutsi liVangeli lelishunyayelwe ngimi alisilo lebantfu. Ngobe angilinikwanga ngumuntfu, kantsi futsi angilifundziswanga ngumuntfu, kodvwa ngalembulelwa nguJesu Khristu. Senivile ngemphilo yami yakucala ngekwenkholo yebuJuda kutsi ngalihlupha kamatima kanjani libandla laNkulunkulu ngetama kulicedza. Ngachubeka ngekwenkholo yebuJuda, ngabendlula labanyenti lababebontsanga yetfu esiveni sakitsi ngishisekela kakhulu kugcina timfundziso tabokhokho. Kodvwa Nkulunkulu wavele wangehlukanisela ngingakatalwa, wangibita ngemusa wakhe. Kwatsi nakakhetsa kungembulela iNdvodzana yakhe kutsi ngiyishumayele kubetive, angibutanga muntfu. Angizange ngenyukele ngisho naseJerusalema kulabo babebaphostoli kucala kunami; kodvwa ngesuka ngekushesha ngaya e-Arabiya, ngase ngiyancandzeka ngiya eDamaseko. Emvakweminyaka lemitsatfu ngenyuka ngayawubonana naKhefase eJerusalema; ngefika ngahlala naye emalanga lali-15. Kodvwa angizange sengibone namunye webaphostoli ngaphandle kwaJakobe, umnakabo weNkhosi. Ngiyacinisa embikwaNkulunkulu kutsi loku lenginibhalele kona akusiwo emanga. Ngase ngiya etifundzeni taseSiriya naseSilisiya. Noko ngangisengakatiwa ngemehlo emabandleni aKhristu aseJudiya. Kodvwa babeva ngendzaba nje kutsi: “Lowo lowake wasihlupha kamatima sewushumayela kona loko kukholwa lake wetama kukucedza,” bese badvumisa Nkulunkulu ngami. Emvakweminyaka leli-14 ngaphindze ngenyukela eJerusalema ngihamba naBhanabasi kanye naThithusi. Ngenyukela kubo njengobe Nkulunkulu abengembulele kutsi ngiye khona, ngafike ngabalandzisa liVangeli lengilishumayela kubetive, labo labatiwa ngekutsi babaholi ngabalandzisa emasitseleni, funa mhlawumbe kwenteke kutsi ngigijimele lite, nome ngagijimela lite. Ngisho naThithusi, umGriki labekanye nami, abamcindzetelanga kutsi asoke. Kodvwa bazalwanembumbulu labaletfwa ngasese, bangena ngekunyelela emkhatsini wetfu, batinhloli tenkhululeko yetfu lesinayo kuKhristu Jesu, khona batesenta tigcili. Noko asibanikanga ngisho nalelincane nje litfutjana lekubatfobela, kuze kutsi liciniso leliVangeli libe kini njalo. Labo labadvume ngekutsi baholi -- kutsi babe yini akusho lutfo kimi, ngobe Nkulunkulu akakhetsi buso bemuntfu -- ngitsi: Labo baholi abazange bengete lutfo eVangelini lengilishumayelako. Kodvwa esikhundleni saloko babona kutsi ngiphatsiswe liVangeli kutsi ngilishumayele kubetive, njengobe naPhetro aphatsiswa liVangeli kutsi alishumayele kumaJuda. Ngobe yena lowo lowasebenta ngaPhetro kutsi abe ngumphostoli wemaJuda, wasebenta nangami futsi kubetive. Batsi kube boJakobe, naPhetro, naJohane, labebatiwa ngekutsi batinsika, babone umusa lengiwuphiwe banika tsine naBhanabasi sandla sekudla sebudlelwane kutsi siye kubetive, bona baye kumaJuda. Batsi nje kumelwe sikhumbule labamphofu, lebekungiyonantfo nami lebengiyikhutsalele. Kodvwa ngesikhatsi nakufika Khefase e-Antiyokhi ngaphikisana naye embikwebazalwane, ngenca yesento sakhe lesibi. Ngesikhatsi kungakefiki batnfu labatsite, abedla nebetive; kodvwa kwatsi kube kufike emadvodza labephuma kuJakobe, wase uyatehlukisa kulabo betive, ngobe phela bekesaba lamaJuda. Nalamanye emaJuda ase angena kulobo buhatsa bakhe bekutentisa, kwadzimate kwatsatseka naBhanabasi ngaloko kutentisa kwabo. Kodvwa ngatsi kube ngibone kutsi abasahambi khona ecinisweni leliVangeli, ngavele ngamtjela Phetro embikwabo bonkhe ngatsi: “Nangabe wena longumJuda, uphila njengebetive, hhayi njengemJuda, pho, yini ubacindzetele betive kutsi abaphile njengemaJuda?” Tsine singemaJuda ekutalwa, asisito toni tebetive. Siyati kutsi imisebenti yemtsetfo layentako umuntfu ingeke imente emukeleke kuNkulunkulu kutsi ulungile, kepha umuntfu wemukeleka kuNkulunkulu kutsi ulungile ngekukholwa kwakhe nguKhristu Jesu. Natsi-ke sakholwa nguKhristu Jesu, sentiwa semukeleka kuNkulunkulu kutsi silungile ngaloko kukholwa kwetfu nguKhristu, hhayi ngekwenta loko lokufunwa ngumtsetfo. Empeleni kute umuntfu lowemukeleka kuNkulunkulu kutsi ulungile ngobe ente imisebenti yemtsetfo. Nangabe tsine sifuna kwemukeleka kuNkulunkulu kutsi silungile ngaKhristu tsine ngekwetfu sibe sitfolakala sitoni, ngabe kambe naKhristu usikhonti sesono yini? Cha, akasiso. Nangabe ngiphindza ngivusa loko lengikubhidlitile, ngabe ngitenta sephulamtsetfo. Ngobe mine ngekwami ngafa ngemtsetfo emtsetfweni, kuze ngiphilele Nkulunkulu. Ngibetselwe kanye naKhristu; ngako-ke mine angisaphili, kodvwa nguKhristu lophila kimi. Nalemphilo lengiyiphilako kulomtimba, ngiyiphila ngekukholwa yiNdvodzana yaNkulunkulu leyangitsandza yatinikela yona matfupha esikhundleni sami. Angiwenti lite umusa waNkulunkulu; ngobe nangabe kulunga kutfolakala ngekwenta lokufunwa ngumtsetfo, kusho kutsi Khristu wafela lite. Hhawu, maGalathiya lalibele! Seniyengwe ngubani? Akusini yini lenakhonjiswa emehlweni enu kutsi Jesu Khristu wabetselwa? Ase ningitjele naku: Moya waNkulunkulu namemukela ngekwenta lokufunwa ngumtsetfo yini, nome namemukela ngekukholwa liVangeli lenaliva nalishunyayelwa? Kungabe nitilima kangako yini? Nicale ngaMoya waNkulunkulu, pho, niyawupheleliswa ngemandla enu yini? Ngabe kambe letintfo letinyenti kangaka lesenitibonile tilite yini? Phela loko kungasho kutsi tilite. Nkulunkulu uyaninika yini Moya wakhe ente imisebenti lemangalisako emkhatsini wenu ngobe nigcina umtsetfo, nome uninika ngobe nikholwe liVangeli lenaliva nalishunyayelwa? Abrahama “wakholwa nguNkulunkulu; ngenca yekukholwa kwakhe Nkulunkulu wamemukela watsi ulungile.” Yatini-ke kutsi ngulabakholwako labangemadvodzana a-Abrahama. UmBhalo wakubona kucala kutsi Nkulunkulu nebetive uyawubalungisisa ngekukholwa; ngiwo lowashumayela liVangeli kucala ku-Abrahama watsi: “Tive tonkhe tiyawubusiswa ngawe.” Ngako-ke labakholwako babusiswe kanye na-Abrahama lowakholwa. Bonkhe labetsembele ekwenteni lokufunwa ngumtsetfo bangephansi kwesicalekiso, ngobe kubhaliwe kutsi: “Bacalekisiwe bonkhe labangagcini konkhe lokubhaliwe emculwini wemtsetfo, kutsi bakwente.” Ngako-ke kuyakhanya kutsi kute umuntfu lowemukeleka kuNkulunkulu kutsi ulungile ngekwenta lokufunwa ngumsetfo, ngobe umBhalo utsi: “Umuntfu lowemukeleka kuNkulunkulu kutsi ulungile ngekukholwa kwakhe uyawuphila.” Umtsetfo awukasimi ekukholweni, kodvwa “lowo lowentako uyawuphila ngawo.” Khristu wasihlenga esicalekisweni lesasiletfwe ngumtsetfo, ngekutsi abe sicalekiso endzaweni yetfu; ngobe kubhaliwe kutsi: “Ucalekisiwe wonkhe umuntfu lolenga emtsini.” Loko Khristu wakwenta, kuze kutsi sibusiso lesetsenjiswa Abrahama sifike sinikwe betive ngaJesu Khristu, nekutsi semukele ngekukholwa sipho saMoya lesetsenjiswa sona. Ase nginibekisele ngentfo levamile nje, bazalwane: Bantfu lababili lasebente sivumelwane kute longasephula nome engete lutfo, yingci nasebavumelene. Mayelana netetsembiso letanikwa Abrahama nentalo yakhe: “Intalo” yinye, hhayi lenyenti. Akukhulunywa ngalenyenti, kodvwa kushiwo yinye; leyo-ke nguKhristu. Ngisho kutsi-ke: Lomtsetfo lowase uyefika emvakweminyaka lengema-430, awusephuli lesivumelwane lesasentiwe nguNkulunkulu, futsi ungeke usicitse lesetsembiso. Ngobe nangabe lifa litfolakala ngekwenta lokufunwa ngumtsetfo, alisesilo-ke lesetsembiso; kodvwa Nkulunkulu walinika Abrahama ngesetsembiso. Pho, umtsetfo wawudzingeke ngani? Wengetelwa kubonakalisa kutsi siyini sono, kudzimate kufike lowo lesasicondziswe kuye setsembiso labeyintalo ya-Abrahama. Umtsetfo waletfwa tingilosi ngesandla semlamuli. Umlamuli akadzingeki ngalutfo umuntfu nakayedvwana, vele-ke Nkulunkulu munye. Pho, ngabe kusho kutsi umtsetfo uphambene yini netetsembiso taNkulunkulu? Cha, akunjalo. Ngobe nangabe ubekiwe umtsetfo longaphilisa, nakanjani kulunga bekungatfolakala ngekwenta lokufunwa ngumtsetfo. Kodvwa umBhalo utsi bonkhe bantfu bangephansi kwemandla esono, kuze kutsi loko lokwetsenjiswa ekukholweni nguKhristu Jesu kuniketwe labakholwako. Kusengakefiki kukholwa, sasigcinwe ngumtsetfo, sivaleleke ngephansi kwemandla awo, kwaze kwefika kukholwa lobekutakwembulwa. Ngako-ke umtsetfo wasebenta njengemcondzisi wetfu wekusiyisa kuKhristu, kuze sibe ngulabemukeleka kuNkulunkulu kutsi silungile ngekukholwa kwetfu. Kodvwa nyalo ngobe kukholwa sekufikile, asisekho ngephansi kwemcondzisi. Ngako-ke nonkhe ningemadvodzana aNkulunkulu ngekukholwa nguKhristu Jesu. Nine nonkhe nabhajatiselwa kuKhristu, ngako-ke senembetse Khristu. Kute umJuda nemGriki, kute sigcili nalokhululekile, kute lomdvuna nalomsikati, nonkhe nimunye kuKhristu Jesu. Nangabe-ke nibaKhristu, niyintalelwana ya-Abrahama, nitindlalifa ngekwesetsembiso. Ngisho kutsi-ke: Ngesikhatsi indlalifa iseyincane ayikehlukani nesisebenti, nome ingumnikati wako konkhe. Iba ngephansi kwebalindzi nebaphatsi bayo kuze kufike sikhatsi lesabekwa nguyise. Kunjalo-ke nakitsi, ngesikhatsi sisebantfwana sasigcilatwe ngimimoya yemvelo. Kodvwa kwatsi sikhatsi sesifike ngalokuphelele Nkulunkulu watfumela iNdvodzana yakhe leyatalwa ngumfati, yakhula ingephansi kwemtsetfo, khona itebahlawulela labo labangephansi kwemtsetfo, kuze natsi semukeleke njengemadvodzana. Njengobe ningemadvodzana akhe nje, Nkulunkulu usitfumelele Moya weNdvodzana yakhe etinhlitiyweni tetfu lobubula atsi: “Babe, Babe wami.” Ngako-ke awusesiso sigcili, kodvwa sewuyindvodzana; nawuyindvodzana uyindlalifa yaNkulunkulu ngaKhristu. Kodvwa nisengakamati Nkulunkulu nanigcilatwe bonkulunkulumbumbulu, kodvwa nyalo seniyamati Nkulunkulu, ngetulu kwaloko senatiwa nguNkulunkulu, kwentiwa yini kutsi nifune kuncandzeka, niye kulemimoya yemvelo lebutsakatsaka nalengasiti lutfo? Niyatsandza yini kutsi iphindze inigcilate? Senihlonipha emalanga, netinyanga, netikhatsi, neminyaka. Ngineluvalo ngani, shangatsi konkhe lokukhandleka kwami lapho kini kwaba lite. Bazalwane, ngiyanincenga kutsi nibe njengami, njengobe nami nginjengani. Kute kona lenangona ngako; kepha niyati kutsi kwaba kungaphili kahle kwami lokwangenta ngatfola litfuba lekushumayela liVangeli kini kwekucala. Kodvwa nome loba butsakatsaka bami baba silingo lesikhulu kini, anizange ningedzelele nome ningangemukeli. Esikhundleni saloko, nangemukela njengesitfunywa saNkulunkulu, kwaba shangatsi nemukela Khristu Jesu. Pho, sekushonephi loko kujabula kwenu kwakucala? Ngobe nanyalo ngiyacinisa ngitsi kube beninemandla, ngabe nakhipha emehlo enu nawanika mine. Kungabe sengigucuke ngaba sitsa senu ngekunitjela liciniso yini? Labo bantfu banishisekela kakhulu, noko kungesiko ngenjongo lenhle, kepha bafuna kunivalela ngephandle kuze nishisekele bona. Kona kuhle kushisekela lokuhle njalonjalo, hhayi nangikhona emkhatsini wenu kuphela. Bantfwabami, nginemhelo ngani, kuyawudzimate kwakheke Khristu kini. Bengifisa shangatsi ngingake ngibe nani nyalo, kumbe ngingake ngikhulume ngalenye indlela, ngobe sengidzidzekile ngani. Ase ningitjele, nine lenifuna kuba ngephansi kwemtsetfo, aniva yini kutsi umtsetfo utsini? Kubhaliwe kutsi Abrahama abenemadvodzana lamabili, lenye kwakuyesigcilikati sakhe, lenye kuyemfati wakhe sibili. Kodvwa lendvodzana yesigcilikati yatalwa ngendlela latalwa ngayo wonkhe umuntfu; lena yemfati wakhe sibili yatalwa ngekwesetsembiso. Loku kungumfanekiso: Labafati lababili bamele tivumelwane letibili, lona lonebantfwana labatalelwe ebugcilini nguHagari; leso sivumelwane siphuma entsabeni yaseSinayi. Hagari umele iNtsaba yaseSinayi lese-Arabiya. Ufanekisa iJerusalema yanyalo legcilateke kanye nebantfwabayo. Kodvwa lomfati wakhe sibili ukhululekile, umele iJerusalema yasezulwini lengumake wetfu. Ngobe kubhaliwe kutsi: “Jabula, wena mfati loyinyumba, longatalanga mntfwana, jabula, nome ungahelwanga; ngobe lomfati losaliwakati unebantfwana labanyenti kunemfati loyintsandvokati.” Kodvwa nine bazalwane, njenga-Isaka nibantfwana besetsembiso saNkulunkulu. Kodvwa njengobe lona lowatalwa ngalokwetayelekile watingela lona labetelwe ngekwaMoya, namanje kusenjalo. Kodvwa umBhalo utsini? Utsi: “Cosha lesigcilikati kanye nendvodzana yaso; ngobe lendvodzana yesigcilikati ingeke ibe yindlalifa kanye nendvodzana yemfati sibili.” Ngako-ke, bazalwane, asisibo bantfwana besigcilikati, kodvwa sibantfwana bemfati sibili, lokhululekile. Khristu wasikhululela kutsi sihlale sikhululekile. Manini-ke, nicine, ningaphindzi niboshelwe ejokeni lebugcili. Ase nginitjele, mine Pawula, ngitsi kini: Nanemukela kusoka, Khristu angeke abe nelusito kini. Ngiyafakaza futsi kunobe ngubani wekusoka kutsi ubophelekile ekwenteni konkhe lokufunwa ngumtsetfo. Nine lenifuna kwemukeleka kuNkulunkulu kutsi nilungile ngekwenta lokufunwa ngumtsetfo nitehlukanisile naKhristu, ningephandle kwemusa waNkulunkulu. Tsine-ke sinelitsemba kutsi sitakwemukeleka kuNkulunkulu kutsi silungile, loko sikulindzele ngemandla aMoya Longcwele losebenta ngekukholwa. Ngobe kuKhristu Jesu kusoka nekungasoki akunamsebenti, kodvwa kuphela kukholwa lokusebenta ngelutsandvo. Benigijima kahle! Pho, ngubani lona losanivimbele kutfobela liciniso? Lokukhohliseka akuveli kuye lowanibita. Khumbulani naku: “Sibiliso lesincane nje lesibilisa yonkhe inhlama.” Ngisenelitsemba ngani eNkhosini kutsi ningeke niwutsatse lomunye umcondvo; kodvwa lowo lonihluphako uyakwetfwala sijeziso sakhe, nome ngangubani. Kodvwa, bazalwane, nangabe mine ngisashumayela kusoka, pho, ngisahlushelwani? Kube bekunjalo ngabe sesisusiwe lesikhubekiso lesisiphambano. Ngifisa shangatsi labo labaniphatamisako bangatiphakula bona! Ngobe bazalwane, nabitelwa enkhululekweni; kuphela nje ningayisebentisi inkhululeko yenu kunika ematfuba ekwenta sono, kodvwa khontanani ngelutsandvo lomunye kulomunye. Ngobe wonkhe umtsetfo upheleliswe evini linye lelitsi: “Ubotsandza makhelwane wakho njengobe utitsandza wena.” Kodvwa nanilumana nidlane nodvwana, nibocaphela kutsi ningacedzani. Kodvwa ngitsi: Hambani ngaMoya, khona ningetiwufeza tinkhanuko tenyama. Ngobe inyama ikhanuka lokuphambene naMoya, naMoya, uphambene nenyama, ngobe kokubili kuyaphikisana, kuze ningetikwenta lenikutsandzako. Kodvwa naniholwa nguMoya, anikho ngaphansi kwemtsetfo. Phela imisebenti yenyama isebaleni, ngulena: bugwadla, nebuphingi, nekungcola, nemanyala, nekukhonta tithico, nekutsakatsa, nebutsa, nenkhani, nemona, nelulaka, nekubanga, nekwehlukana, nekuhlubuka, nekuhawukela, nekudzakwa, nebudli, naletinye tintfo letifanana naleti lenganitjela ngato kucala, kutsi labo labenta letintfo bangeke balidle lifa lembuso waNkulunkulu. Kodvwa titselo taMoya nguleti: lutsandvo, nekujabula, nekuthula, nekubeketela, nebubele, nekulunga, nekwetsembeka, nekutfobeka, nekutibamba; kute umtsetfo lophambene naletintfo. BaKhristu Jesu bayibetsele esiphambanweni inyama nekushangashanga kwayo kanye netinkhanuko tayo. Njengobe siphila kuMoya, ngako asihambe ngaMoya. Asingafuni ludvumo lolulite, singacansulani, futsi singabi nemona lomunye kulomunye. Bazalwane, nangabe lomunye wenu asawele esonweni, nine bakaMoya, lowo mephuleni, loko nikwente ngemoya wekutfobeka; kodvwa nawe uticaphele, ngobe ungahle ulingeke. Tfwalisanani imitfwalo yenu, kuze nigcwalise umtsetfo waKhristu. Nangabe umuntfu aticabanga kutsi ulutfo, kantsi akasilo lutfo, uyatiyenga. Kodvwa akube ngulowo atihlolele wakhe umsebenti, khona uyawuba nekutibonga ngekwakhe yedvwana, hhayi ngekwalomunye umuntfu. Ngobe ngulowo nalowo uyawutetfwalela umtfwalo wakhe. Akutsi lowo lofundziswako ngelivi laNkulunkulu ahlephunelane etintfweni tonkhe letinhle nalowo lamfundzisako. Ningayengwa, Nkulunkulu akaphukutwa, ngobe umuntfu uyawuvuna loko lakuhlanyelako. Ngobe lowo lohlanyela enyameni yakhe, uyawuvuna kubola kuyo; kodvwa lohlanyela kuMoya waNkulunkulu, uyawuvuna kuphila lokuphakadze kulowo Moya. Asingadzinwa kwenta lokuhle; ngobe nasingadzinwa, siyawuvuna ngesikhatsi lesifanele. Ngako-ke njengobe sinematfuba nje, asente lokuhle kubo bonkhe bantfu, ikakhulu kubendlu yaketfu yekukholwa. Niyabona-ke nani, nati tinhlavu letinkhulu lesengitibhala ngesandla sami kulencwadzi. Ngulabo labafisa kubukeka emtimbeni wabo labaniphocelela kutsi nisoke, khona phela bangetiwuhlushwa ngenca yesiphambano saKhristu Jesu. Ngobe nemaJuda akakwenti lokufunwa ngumtsetfo, kodvwa bafisa kutsi nine nisoke, kuze phela batetigabatisa ngani kuloko. Kodvwa akube khashane nami kutigabatisa ngaphandle kwesiphambano seNkhosi yetfu Jesu Khristu; ngesiphambano sakhe live lifile kimi, nami ngifile kulo. Ngobe kusoka nekungasoki akusilutfo kodvwa kuphela kudalwa kabusha. Kuthula nemusa akube kubo bonkhe labahamba ngalomyalo, ema-Israyeli aNkulunkulu. Sale kubate longihluphako, ngobe emtimbeni wami nginetimphawu taJesu. Umusa weNkhosi yetfu Jesu Khristu awube nemoya wenu, bazalwane. Amen. Lencwadzi iphuma kuPawula, longumphostoli waKhristu Jesu ngekwentsandvo yaNkulunkulu. Iya kulabangcwele labase-Efesu labakholwa nguKhristu Jesu ngekwetsembeka. Akube kini umusa nekuthula lokuvela kuNkulunkulu longuBabe wetfu, nakuJesu Khristu iNkhosi. Akabongwe Nkulunkulu longuYise weNkhosi yetfu Jesu Khristu, ngobe usibusise kuKhristu ngato tonkhe tibusiso taMoya tasezulwini. Kwatsi nemhlaba ungakasekelwa, Nkulunkulu wasikhetsa ngaKhristu, kuze sibe ngcwele, singabi nasici emehlweni akhe. Njengobe asitsandza, Nkulunkulu wavele wasikhetsanchanti ngekwenjongo yentsandvo yakhe, wasenta emadvodzana akhe ngaJesu Khristu. Ngako-ke akudvunyiswe umusa wakhe webukhosi, lasipha wona ngeNdvodzana yakhe letsandzekako. Ngengati yaJesu sinekuhlengwa nekutsetselelwa kwetono, ngekwengcebo yemusa, Nkulunkulu lasipha wona, waze waphuphuma. Ngekuhlakanipha nekucondza kwakhe Nkulunkulu wakubona kufanele kutsi asatise imfihlakalo yentsandvo yakhe, labeyimisile ngaKhristu kwasekucaleni. Wakubona kufanele kutsi lelisu alifeze ngesikhatsi lesingiso ngekutsi indalo yonkhe yalokusemhlabeni nalokusezulwini ayihlanganisele ndzawonye ngaJesu Khristu loyinhloko yako konkhe. Nkulunkulu wasikhetsanchanti ngaye kutsi sibe lifa lakhe, yena lowenta konkhe ngekwentsandvo yakhe. Tsine lesetsemba kuKhristu kucala sakhetselwa kutsi siphilele kudvumisa bukhosi baNkulunkulu. Kwaba njalo-ke nakini futsi. Natsi kube nive livi leliciniso, liVangeli lekusindziswa kwenu, nakholwa nguye futsi, nani nabekwa luphawu lolunguMoya Longcwele labetsenjisiwe. Yena usibambiso selifa leliyawuba letfu ngesikhatsi Nkulunkulu ahlenga lokukwakhe, kube ludvumo lwebukhosi bakhe. Ngako-ke sengivile ngekukholwa lokukini eNkhosini Jesu, nangelutsandvo lwenu kubo bonkhe labangcwele, ngibonga ngingakhawuli ngani, nginikhumbula njalo nje emikhulekweni yami. Nkulunkulu weNkhosi yetfu Jesu Khristu, uYise lonebukhosi, aniphe umoya wekuhlakanipha nekwembulelwa ekumatini Yena. Akakhanyise emehlo etinhlitiyo tenu, kuze nati lokulitsemba lanibitela kulo, nekutsi buhle kanganani bukhosi belifa lakhe kubo labangcwele, nati nalokubukhulu lobumangalisako bemandla akhe kitsi, tsine lesikholwako. Lamandla lamakhulu wawasebentisa nakavusa Khristu kulabafile, amhlalisa ngesekudla sakhe ezulwini, ngetulu kwako konkhe kubusa, neligunya, nemandla, nebukhosi, nemagama onkhe laphatfwako, hhayi kuleli kuphela, kodvwa nakulelitako. Nkulunkulu wabeka konkhe ngaphansi kwemandla akhe, wambeka kutsi abe yinhloko etikwako konkhe ebandleni. Libandla lingumtimba waKhristu, lokuphelela kwakhe kuphelelisa konkhe kuko konkhe. Univusile nani lebenifile ngenca yetiphambuko netono tenu, lebenikadze nihamba kuto ngekwendlela yalomhlaba, ngekwembusi wemandla emkhatsi, umoya losasebenta kubantfu labangalaleli Nkulunkulu. Empeleni sonkhe sasinjengabo, sasiphila ngetinkhanuko tenyama yetfu, senta intsandvo yenyama neyengcondvo yetfu. Ngekwemvelo yetfu sasifanelwe lulaka lwaNkulunkulu njengabo bonkhe bantfu. Kodvwa Nkulunkulu, locebile ngesihawu sakhe nangebukhulu belutsandvo lwakhe lasitsandza ngalo, nome sase sifile ngetiphambuko tetfu, wasiphilisa kanye naKhristu. Nisindziswe ngemusa waNkulunkulu. Wasivusa kanye naKhristu Jesu, wabuye wasihlalisa kanye naye sikuye, embusweni welizulu, kuze kutsi etikhatsini letitako abonakalise kitsi ingcebo lenkhulu yemusa wakhe ngekusiphatsa ngebubele ngaKhristu Jesu. Empeleni kusindziswa kwenu ngekukholwa kuya ngemusa, futsi loko akuveli kini, sipho nje saNkulunkulu. Loko akuveli ngemisebenti, funa kube khona lotibongako. Ngobe tsine singumsebenti waNkulunkulu. Sidalwe ngaJesu Khristu kutsi sente imisebenti lemihle, Nkulunkulu layilungisa kucala. Ngako-ke khumbulani, nine betive ngekutalwa, kutsi emaJuda lasoke enyameni ngetandla abenibita ngekutsi ningulabangakasoki. Nikhumbule nekutsi ngaleto tikhatsi benehlukanisiwe naKhristu, ningephandle kwembuso waka-Israyeli, nitihambi letite sabelo etivumelwaneni tesetsembiso, nite litsemba, nite naNkulunkulu emhlabeni. Kodvwa nyalo nine lebenikadze nikhashane naNkulunkulu senimunye kuKhristu Jesu. Senisondzetwe ngengati yaJesu. Ngobe yena ukuthula kwetfu, lowenta lokubili kwaba kunye, ngekufa kwakhe wabhidlita lubondza lwebutsa lolwalwehlukanisa. Umtsetfo, nemiyalo, nemisimeto wakucitsa khona atewudala kabusha labo lababili: umJuda newetive, babe ngumuntfu munye kuye, kube kuthula. Bobabili wabenta kutsi babuyisane naNkulunkulu emtimbeni munye ngesiphambano, ngaloko wacedza bonkhe butsa. Weta washumayela liVangeli lekuthula kini lebenikadze nikhashane, yebo, kuthula nakubo labo lababesedvute. Ngobe ngaye sobabili sinekungena ngaMoya munye kuYise. Ngako-ke anisesito tihambi nemihambima, kodvwa nyalo seningumndeni munye nalabangcwele, senibendlu yaNkulunkulu. Lendlu yakhelwa etikwesisekelo sebaphostoli nebaphrofethi; Jesu Khristu lucobo ulitje lelisimise lendlu. Sakhiwo sonkhe sihlanganiselwe kuye, siyakhula, siyawudzimate sibe lithempeli lelingcwele leNkhosi. Nani futsi nakhiwa kulo, kuze nibe yindlu yekuhlala Nkulunkulu ngaMoya. Ngalesizatfu ngiyanithandazela mine, Pawula, lengisiboshwa saKhristu Jesu ngenca yenu, nine betive. Empeleni senivile kutsi Nkulunkulu, ngemusa wakhe, unginike lomsebenti kutsi ngiwetfwale kuze nisitakale. Nkulunkulu wangatisa imfihlakalo ngekungembulela, njengobe sengike ngatsintsa nje ekubhaleni kwami. Nanifundza loku, nitawubona kwati kwami ngemfihlakalo yaKhristu. Bonkhe bantfu abazange bayatiswe etitukulwaneni letinye, njengaloku nyalo seyembulwe ngaMoya kubaphostoli bakhe labangcwele nakubaphrofethi. Imfihlakalo ngulokutsi betive nabo sebatindlalifa kanye natsi, nekutsi sebangumtimba munye kanye natsi, futsi sebabahlanganyeli besetsembiso kanye natsi kuJesu Khristu ngeliVangeli. Ngentiwa sisebenti seliVangeli ngesipho semusa waNkulunkulu, lengiwuphiwe ngekusebenta kwemandla akhe. Mine, nome ngingulomncane kunabo bonkhe labangcwele, ngaphiwa lowo musa wekushumayela kubetive liVangeli lemcebo waKhristu longenawuphenyeka. Ngaphiwa nekutsi ngibakhanyisele bonkhe bantfu kutsi lisebenta njani lisu lemfihlakalo, lebeyifihlakele kwaphakadze kuNkulunkulu lowadala tintfo tonkhe, kuze babusi nalabanemandla emazulwini batiswe nyalo ngelibandla kuhlakanipha lokukhulu kwaNkulunkulu. Loku wakwenta ngekwenjongo yaphakadze layifeza ngaKhristu Jesu iNkhosi yetfu. Ngaye sinekuciniseka nesibindzi sekusondzela kuNkulunkulu ngekukholwa kwetfu. Ngako-ke ngiyanincenga kutsi ningadzinwa kuhlupheka kwami ngenca yenu, lokungukona kuludvumo lwenu. Ngenca yalesizatfu-ke, ngiguca ngemadvolo embikwaBabe, leyetsiwa ngaye yonkhe imindeni yasezulwini neyasemhlabeni, kuze ngekwengcebo yebukhosi bakhe aniphe kuciniseka emandleni kumuntfu wangekhatsi ngaMoya wakhe. Khristu akahlale etinhlitiyweni tenu ngekukholwa, kuze nisime, nisekeleke elutsandvweni, nibe nemandla ekucondzisisa kanye nalabangcwele bonkhe lokububanti, nebudze, nekuphakama, nekujula kwelutsandvo lwaKhristu, yebo, nekulwati lutsandvo lwakhe lolwendlula konkhe kwati, kuze ngigcwaliswe kube kuphelela konkhe kwaNkulunkulu. Kuye lonemandla ekwenta lokukhulu kakhulu kunako konkhe lesikucelako nome lesikucabangako, ngekwemandla lasebenta kitsi, akube ludvumo ebandleni nakuKhristu Jesu etitukulwaneni tonkhe, phakadze naphakadze. Amen. Ngako-ke mine siboshwa eNkhosini, ngiyanincenga kutsi nihambe ngalokufanele kubitwa lenabitwa ngako. Nikhombise lutsandvo lwenu ngekubeketelelana ngekutfobeka konkhe, nangebumnene, nangekucinisela. Nibokukhutsalela kugcina bunye baMoya ngesibopho sekuthula. Munye umtimba, munye naMoya, njengobe lilinye nelitsemba lenabitelwa kulo. Yinye iNkhosi, kunye kukholwa, munye umbhabhatiso; munye Nkulunkulu, longuBabe wetfu sonkhe, longetulu kwabo bonkhe, nalongekhatsi kwabo bonkhe, nakubo bonkhe. Kepha ngulowo nalowo emkhatsini wetfu uphiwe umusa ngekwesilinganiso sesipho saKhristu. Ngaloko kutsiwa: “Watsi nakenyukela etulu, watfumba titfunjwa letinyenti; wapha bantfu tipho.” Pho, lokutsi: “Wenyuka”, kusho kutsini, nangabe akusho kona kutsi wake wehla, waya phansi ematfunjini emhlaba? Ngako-ke lowo lowehla, nguye futsi lowenyuka, waba ngetulu kwemazulu onkhe, kuze agcwalise konkhe. Nguye futsi lowapha labanye kutsi babe baphostoli, labanye babe baphrofethi, labanye babe bavangeli, labanye babe belusi, labanye babe bafundzisi. Loko wakwentela kutsi labangcwele bahlonyiselwe umsebenti wabo wekukhonta, kuze kwakheke umtimba waKhristu, size sifinyelele sonkhe ebunyeni bekukholwa, nasekuyatini iNdvodzana yaNkulunkulu, ebudvodzeni lobuphelele kuKhristu. Ngako-ke ngeke sisaba bantfwana, sigujuteliswe ngemagagasi, sipheshulwe ngimimoya yonkhe yetimfundziso tekukhohlisa kwebantfu labanebucili bekudukisa. Kodvwa asikhulume liciniso ngelutsandvo, kuze sikhule ngako konkhe kuye, longuyena ayinhloko, Khristu. Umtimba wonkhe uhlanganiswe ngaye, ubambene ngekwelekelelana kwemalunga onkhe awo, njengekusebenta lokulinganiselwe lelo nalelo lunga kukhuliswe umtimba, wakhelwe elutsandvweni. Ngako-ke ngiyasho, ngifakaza eNkhosini ngitsi, ningabe nisahamba njengalabanye betive labanemicondvo lengacabangi. Bahlwelwe engcondvweni yabo, bakhashane nekuphila kwaNkulunkulu, ngobe abati lutfo, ngenca yebulukhuni benhlitiyo. Batsi kantsi babutfuntfu, batinikela emanyaleni, basebenta kungcola konkhe ngekuhungeka. Kepha nine anizange nimfundze Khristu kanjalo, nangabe-ke nimvile nafundziswa futsi kuye, njengobe liciniso likuJesu. Khumulani umuntfu lomdzala wesimilo sakucala, lose onakala ngetinkhanuko tenkhohliso, nentiwe nibe basha emoyeni nasengcondvweni yenu. Yembatsani umuntfu lomusha, lowadalwa wafuta Nkulunkulu ngekulunga nangebungcwele beliciniso. Ngako-ke lahlani emanga, akube ngulowo nalowo akhulume liciniso kumzalwane wakhe, ngobe sonkhe singemalunga lomunye kulomunye emtimbeni munye. Tfukutselani, kodvwa ningoni; lilanga lingashoni solomane nitfukutsele. Ningamniki Sathane litfuba. Lisela alingabe liseba, kepha kunaloko alikhutsale, lisebente lokuhle ngetandla talo, khona litewuba nako lelingahle likwabele labadzingako. Akungabe kusaphuma nalinye livi lelibolile emlonyeni wenu, kodvwa kube ngulelilungele kwakha njengalokuswelekile, kuze libavetele umusa labevako. Ningamdzabukisi Moya Longcwele waNkulunkulu lenabekwa luphawu ngaye kudzimate kube lilanga lekuhlengwa. Konkhe lokubabako, nelulaka, nekutfukutsela, nemsindvo, nekuhlambalata akususwe kini, kanye nako konkhe lokubi. Kodvwa phatsanani ngebumnene, nihawukelane, nitsetselelane, njengobe naNkulunkulu wanitsetselela ngaKhristu. Njengobe nibantfwana baNkulunkulu, futsi naye anitsandza, yetamani kutsi nibe njengaye. Niphile imphilo yelutsandvo, njengobe naKhristu asitsandza watinikela ngenca yetfu, waba ngumnikelo nemhlatjelo loliphunga lelimnandzi kuNkulunkulu. Kepha bugwadla nebuphingi, nako konkhe kungcola, nome kungeneliswa, kungaphatfwa ngisho nangeligama emkhatsini wenu, njengobe labangcwele bafanele kwenta. Akubete kungcola, nekwedzelela, nekuhhalatisa, lokutintfo letingakafaneli. Esikhundleni saloko banini nekubonga. Nifanele nati, futsi nicondze kahle, kutsi kute umuntfu loyingwadla nome losiphingi nome longcolile, nalobukhali, lokusho kutsi ukhonta tithico, longabuye abe nelifa embusweni waKhristu naNkulunkulu. Ningakhohliswa ngumuntfu ngemavi lalite, ngobe ngenca yaleto tintfo lulaka lwaNkulunkulu lwehlela etikwalabangamlaleli. Ngako-ke ningahlanganyeli nabo. Ngobe kucala nanibumnyama, kepha nyalo senikukhanya eNkhosini. Hambani njengebantfwana bekukhanya. Ngobe lapho kunekukhanya khona ngulapho kuvela khona konkhe lokuhle, nalokulungile, nalokuliciniso. Yetamani kufundza lokutfokotisa iNkhosi. Ningahlanganyeli emisebentini yebumnyama, lete titselo, kunaloko niboyeneka ebaleni. Kulihlazo lelikhulu ngisho nekukhuluma ngaleto tintfo labatenta emasitseleni. Kepha lokwenekwe ebaleni kuvela kukukhanya, ngobe konkhe lokuvetwa kukhanya kuyabonakala. Ngako-ke kutsiwa: “Phaphama, wena lolele, uvuke kulabafile, naKhristu utakukhanyisa.” Ngako-ke caphelani kutsi nitiphatsa njani. Ningatiphatsisi kwebantfu labangakahlakaniphi, kepha njengalabahlakaniphile. Nibambisise ematfuba, ngobe emalanga mabi. Ngako-ke ningabi tilima, kodvwa yatini loko lokuyintsandvo yeNkhosi. Ningadzakwa, ngobe kuvela kuko inkhanuko, kodvwa gcwaliswani ngaMoya. Niphendvulane ngemahubo, nangemaculo, nangetingoma takaMoya; nihlabele nidvumise iNkhosi ngenhlitiyo yenu yonkhe. Nimbonge njalo Nkulunkulu uYise ngako konkhe egameni leNkhosi yetfu Jesu Khristu. Nitfobelane ngenca yekwesaba Khristu. Bafati, tfobelani emadvodza enu kungatsi kuseNkhosini. Ngobe indvodza iyinhloko yemfati, njengobe naKhristu ayinhloko yelibandla, yena unguMsindzisi welibandla lelingumtimba wakhe. Ngako-ke njengobe libandla litfobela Khristu, kanjalo nebafati abatfobele emadvodza abo kuko konkhe. Madvodza, tsandzani bafati benu, njengobe naKhristu alitsandza libandla. Wanikela ngekuphila kwakhe ngenca yalo, kuze atelingcwelisa alihlambulule ngesigezo semanti, ngelivi, khona atetimisela libandla lelinebukhosi, lingabi nabala nome sici nome yini lokunjalo; kodvwa libe ngcwele lingabi nacala. Emadvodza kufanele atsandze bafati bawo, njengobe atsandza imitimba yawo. Indvodza letsandza umfati wayo ititsandza yona. Phela kute umuntfu lowake watondza umtimba wakhe, kepha uyawondla, awunakekele, njengobe naKhristu enta ebandleni, ngobe singemalunga emtimba wakhe. UmBhalo utsi: “Ngenca yaloko indvodza iyawushiya uyise nenina inamatsele kumkayo; labo bobabili bayawuba nyamanye.” Lemfihlakalo yinkhulu, mine ngiyitsatsa ngekutsi isho Khristu nelibandla. Noko-ke, akube ngulowo nalowo atsandze umkakhe, njengobe atitsandza yena, nemfati ahloniphe indvodza yakhe. Bantfwana, hloniphani batali benu eNkhosini, ngobe loko kulungile. “Hlonipha uyihlo nenyoko;” lowo ngumyalo lobalulekile nalonesetsembiso lesitsi: “Kuze kube kuhle kuwe, ube nemphilo lendze emhlabeni.” Boyise ningabaphatsi kabi bantfwabenu, badzimate babe nenzondo, kodvwa bakhuliseni ngekubayala nangekubacondzisa ngemphilo yebuKhristu. Tisebenti, labangemakhosi enu ngekwelive, bahlonipheni ngekwesaba nangekutfutfumela; loko nikwente ngebucotfo benhlitiyo yenu, kungatsi nentela Khristu. Loko ningakwenti ngekutsenga emehlo njengalabajabulisa bantfu, kodvwa njengetisebenti taKhristu, nente intsandvo yaNkulunkulu ngenhlitiyo. Ngako-ke yentani umsebenti wenu ngekujabula, kube sengatsi nisebentela iNkhosi, hhayi bantfu nje. Nati kutsi, konkhe lokuhle lakwentako umuntfu uyakwemukela lokunjalo eNkhosini, nome usigcili nome ukhululekile. Baphatsi, nani yentani njalo kuto tisebenti tenu, niyekele kutisongela, nati kutsi iNkhosi yenu neyato isezulwini, nekutsi yona ayikhetsi muntfu. Kwekugcina, cinani eNkhosini nasemandleni ayo lamakhulu. Hlomani tonkhe tikhali taNkulunkulu, khona nitewuba nemandla ekumelana nebucili baSathane. Ngobe asilwi nebantfu, kodvwa silwa netikhulu temimoya, nemandla, nebabusi bendalo yalobumnyama, nemabutfo abomoya lababi labasemkhatsini. Ngako-ke hlomani tikhali tonkhe taNkulunkulu, khona nitewuba nemandla ekulwa ngelilanga lelibi, nitsi nome senicedzile kulwa, nigcine nincobile. Ngako-ke manini tinkhalo tenu tiboshwe ngeliciniso, nifake sivikelo sesifuba lesikulunga, tinyawo tenu tigcokiswe kulungela kushumayela liVangeli lekuthula. Kunako konkhe, nitsatse lihawu lelikukholwa, lenitawuba nemandla ekucima ngalo tonkhe tikhali letivutsako taLomubi. Nitsatse impantitje leyinsindziso, nenkemba yaMoya lelivi laNkulunkulu. Khulekani ngaso sonkhe sikhatsi nikuMoya ngekukhuleka konkhe nekuncenga. Nilindzele ngesineke sonkhe, nangekuncusela labangcwele bonkhe. Ningithandazele nami, khona ngitewuphiwa livi, ngitsi nangivula umlomo wami ngiyishumayele ngaso sonkhe sibindzi imfihlakalo yeliVangeli. Ngikhulekeleni-ke, kutsi mine lengilincusa lelisetinketaneni ngenca yeliVangeli, ngilikhulume ngesibindzi njengobe kungifanele. Thikhikhusi, umzalwane wetfu lotsandzekako nalosisebenti lesetsembekile emsebentini weNkhosi, utanatisa konkhe ngami, khona nitekwati kutsi ngichubeka njani. Ngiko nje ngimtfumele kini atenitjela kutsi sichubeka njani, khona atenikhutsata etinhlitiyweni. Kuthula akube kubazalwane, nelutsandvo, kanye nekukholwa lokuvela kuNkulunkulu, longuBabe, naseNkhosini yetfu Jesu Khristu. Umusa awube nabo bonkhe labatsandza iNkhosi yetfu Jesu Khristu ngelutsandvo lolungapheli. Lencwadzi iphuma kuboPawula naThimothi, tinceku taKhristu Jesu. Iya kubo bonkhe labangcwele baseFiliphi, labakuJesu Khristu, nakubabonisi nebadikhoni: Akube kini umusa nekuthula lokuvela kuNkulunkulu, longuBabe wetfu, naseNkhosini Jesu Khristu. Ngiyambonga Nkulunkulu wami ekunikhumbuleni kwami konkhe. Ngetikhatsi tonkhe, ekuncuseni kwami, nginithandazela nonkhe ngekutfokota. Ngibonga kuhlanganyela kwenu nami eVangelini kusukela ngelilanga lekucala kuze kube ngulamuhla. Nginelitsemba leliphelele kutsi lowo lowacala umsebenti lomuhle kini, uyakuwufeza kuze kube lilanga laKhristu Jesu. Kufanele kutsi ngibe nemcondvo lonjalo ngani nonkhe, njengobe nami nginetfwele enhlitiyweni yami. Ngemusa weNkhosi nonkhe nihlanganyele nami ekuboshweni kwami ngenca yeliVangeli, nasekulivikeleni, nasekulisimiseni. Nkulunkulu ungufakazi wami kutsi nginilangatelela kanganani nonkhe ngesihe saKhristu Jesu. Ngikhulekela loku kutsi lutsandvo lwenu lukhule njalo ekwatini nasekucondzeni konkhe, nize nikwati kwehlukanisa lokuncono, nibe msulwa nibete sici, kuze kube lilanga laKhristu. Nitsele inala yetitselo tekulunga letingaye Jesu Khristu, kube yinkhatimulo neludvumo kuNkulunkulu. Ngitsandza kutsi nati, bazalwane, kutsi loko lokwangehlela kugcine sekuvete kuchubeka kweliVangeli. Kubonakele kubalindzi bami, nakubo bonkhe labanye kutsi kuboshwa kwami kungenca yaKhristu. Ngekuboshwa kwami linyenti lebazalwane litfole sibindzi lesikhulu eNkhosini sekukhuluma livi laNkulunkulu ngekungesabi. Kantsi labanye bashumayela Khristu ngemona nangembango, kepha labanye ngenhlitiyo lenhle. Laba-ke bashumayela bachutjwa lutsandvo, bayati kutsi ngimiselwe kuvikela liVangeli; kepha labo labashumayela Khristu ngembango, kungesiko ngenhlitiyo lemhlophe, bacabanga kutsi batangivusela kukhatsateka ekuboshweni kwami. Kepha kunani? Nome labanye bashumayela Khristu ngekutentisa, nome labanye bamshumayela ngeliciniso, lokumcoka kimi kutsi Khristu uyashunyayelwa nome nganguyiphi indlela. Loko-ke kuyangitfokotisa, futsi ngiyawuhlala ngitfokota. Ngiyati kutsi ngemithandazo yenu nangekusitwa nguMoya waJesu Khristu, ngiyawukhululwa. Ngukulangatelela nekwetsemba kwami kutsi ngibete emahloni, kepha ngibe nesibindzi, njengobe bengivele nginaso ngaso sonkhe sikhatsi, kutsi Khristu entiwe abe mkhulu emphilweni yami, nome kwenteka ngemphilo yami nome kwenteka ngekufa kwami. Kimi kuphila kunguKhristu, kufa kuyinzuzo. Kepha nangisetawuphila enyameni, ngisenemsebenti lengisengawenta. Angisakwati lengitawukukhetsa. Kepha ngisemkhatsini walokubili: Nginesifiso sekuhamba ngiyewuba naKhristu, ngobe ngiko lokuhle kakhulu. Kantsi-ke kuphila kulomtimba kweswelekile kakhulu ngenca yenu. Kuloko ngineliciniso, futsi nginelitsemba lekutsi ngisetawuphila. Ngisetawuhlala nani nonkhe nginisite kutsi nikhule ekukholweni kwengeteke injabulo yenu, kuze kutsi, nasengiphindza ngifika lapho kini, nitibonge kakhulu ngami kuKhristu Jesu. Kuphela hambani ngalokufanele liVangeli laKhristu, kuze kutsi nome ngita nginibona, nome ngingekho, ngive tindzaba letimnandzi ngani kutsi nime nicinile emoyeni munye, kukholwa liVangeli nikulwele ngebunye. Ningetfuswa lutfo ngalabo labamelene nani, lokusiciniseko sekubhubha kubo, kepha sekusindziswa kwenu. Loku-ke kuvela kuNkulunkulu. Ngobe ngenca yaKhristu nine nabelwa ngemusa angisho kukholwa kuye kuphela, kepha nekuhlupheka ngenca yakhe. Nikuko kona loko kulwa lenakubona kimi, njengobe nanyalo niva kutsi ngisekuko. Ngako-ke, naninendvudvuto kuKhristu, naninekudvudvuteka kwelutsandvo, naninebudlelwane baMoya, naninesisa nesihawu, gcwalisani kutfokota kwami ngekutsi nibe mcondvo munye, nelutsandvo lunye, nenhlitiyo yinye, nemgomo munye. Ningenti lutfo ngembango nangeludvumo lwelive, kepha ngekutfobeka nishaye kungatsi labanye bakhulu kunani. Ngulowo nalowo anganakekeli kwakhe yedvwa, kepha anakekele nekwalabanye: Awube kini lowo mcondvo lowawukuJesu Khristu, lowatsi anesimo saNkulunkulu, wangete washo kutsi kulingana naNkulunkulu kuyintfo yekunkonkoshelwa. Kepha watidzela, watsatsa simo senceku, waba ngumuntfu njengatsi. Watsi atfolakale anjengemuntfu ngesimo, watitfoba, walalela kwadzimate kwaba ngusekufeni, yebo, ekufeni kwesiphambano. Ngako-ke Nkulunkulu wamphakamisa kakhulu, wamnika libito lelingetulu kwemabito onkhe, kuze kutsi ngelibito laJesu emadvolo onkhe aguce, alabasezulwini, newalabasemhlabeni, newalabangaphansi kwemhlaba, netilimi tonkhe tivume kutsi Jesu Khristu uyiNkhosi, kube ludvumo kuNkulunkulu longuYise. Batsandzekako bami, benilalele ngetikhatsi tonkhe, kungasiko nangikhona kuphela, kodvwa kakhulu manje nangingekho. Ngako-ke, fezani kusindziswa kwenu ngekwesaba nangekutfutfumela, ngobe nguNkulunkulu losebenta kini kutsandza nekwenta ngekwentsandvo yakhe lenhle. Yentani konkhe ningakhononi, ningaphikisani, kuze nibe ngulabangasoleki, nalabangenacala, bantfwana baNkulunkulu labangenasici emkhatsini wesitukulwane lesigwegwile nalesiphambene. Kufanele nikhanye kuso lesitukulwane njengetinkhanyeti letikhanyisa esibhakabhakeni, nisabapha livi lekuphila. Nanenta njalo-ke, ngiyawuba nekutibonga ngelilanga laKhristu ngekutsi angigijimelanga lite nome-ke angisebentelanga lite. Kukholwa kwenu kungumhlatjelo wenu lonikelwa kuNkulunkulu. Nome ingati yami beyingengetwa kuwo lomhlatjelo, mine bengingajabula, sijabule kanye nani nonkhe. Ngako-ke ngitsi: Nani tfokotani kanye nami. Kepha ngiyetsemba eNkhosini Jesu kutsi ngitawutfumela Thimothi kini masinyane, kuze nami ngitewujabula nasengive tindzaba tenu letimnandzi. Ngite muntfu lonenhlitiyo lenjengeyakhe, lotawunakekela tindzaba tenu ngebucotfo. Ngobe bonkhe labanye batifunela kwabo, abafuni kona kwaJesu. Kepha vele niyakwati kwetsembeka kwakhe, kutsi ukhonte kanye nami eVangelini njengendvodzana ibambisene neyise. Yena-ke ngiyetsemba ngitamtfumela masinyane, nasengibonile kutsi lokucondzene nami kuphela kuphi. Kepha ngiyetsemba eNkhosini kutsi nami ngitawuta masinyane. Umzalwane Ephafrodithu, lenanimtfumele kimi kutsi atewungisita ekwesweleni kwami, usisebenti nelisotja laJesu kanye nami. Ngikubone kudzingekile kutsi ngimtfumele kini. Loku phela abenilangatelela nonkhe, asakhatsatekile emoyeni wakhe, njengobe neva kutsi abegula. Ngempela abegula, asemkhatsini wekufa nekuphila, kepha Nkulunkulu wamhawukela, kungesiye yena yedvwa, kepha wangihawukela nami kutsi ngingabi nelusizi etikwelusizi. Ngaloko-ke ngakhutsalela kakhulu kumtfuma, kuze kutsi nase nimbonile futsi nitfokote, nakimi kunciphe lusizi. Ngako-ke memukeleni eNkhosini ngekutfokota konkhe; labanjalo-ke nibobatisa. Ngobe ngenca yemsebenti waKhristu wacishe wafa, watidzela, kuze agcwalise lokusilele ekungikhonteni kwenu. Lokunye, bazalwane, tfokotani eNkhosini. Angidzinwa kunibhalela kona loko, kepha nine niyasitakala ngako. Caphelani tinja, nicaphele tisebenti tebubi, nicaphele bekusika umtimba. Ngitsi labasoke sibili, tsine lesikhonta ngaMoya waNkulunkulu, sitibonga kuKhristu Jesu, asetsembeli enyameni, nome nami bengingaba nekwetsembela enyameni. Empeleni kube bekungaba khona umuntfu lofanele kwetsembela enyameni, ngabe ngimi kakhulu. Ngobe ngasokwa ngelilanga lesiphohlongo, futsi ngiweluhlanga lwaka-Israyeli, wesive sakaBhenjamini, umHebheru wemaHebheru; ngekwemtsetfo ngingumFarisi. Ngatingela libandla ngekushisekela lokukhulu; ngekulunga lokusemtsetfweni bengingasoleki ndzawo. Kantsi-ke loko lokwakuyinzuzo kimi, ngakushaya lite ngenca yaKhristu. Yebo, konkhe ngikushaya lite ngebukhulu bekumati Khristu Jesu iNkhosi yami, lengilahlekelwe ngiko konkhe ngenca yakhe. Ngikushaya tibi, kuze ngizuze Khristu, ngitfolakale kuye ngite ngisho nalokuncane kulunga lokukwami, lokutfolakala ngekwenta lokufunwa ngumtsetfo. Kepha ngifuna kutfolakala nginekulunga lokuya ngekukholwa nguKhristu, ngisho kulunga lokutfolakala kuNkulunkulu ngekukholwa. Lengikufunako kutsi ngimati yena, nemandla ekuvuka kwakhe, nekuhlanganyela etinhluphekweni takhe, ngimfute ngekufa kwakhe, kuze kutsi nakungenteka kumbe nami ngifinyelele ekuvukeni kulabafile. Akusho kutsi konkhe loku sengikubambile nekutsi sengiphelelisiwe. Kepha ngicondze kutsi ngikubambe kube kwami, njengobe naKhristu wangizuza, wangenta kutsi ngibe wakhe. Bazalwane, angisho kutsi mine lucobo sengikubambile, kepha kunye lengikwentako: Ngikhohlwa lokungemuva, ngitelulele kulokusembili, ngibabele emgomeni, kuyakwemukela umklomelo wekuphila kwasezulwini, Nkulunkulu langibitele kuko ngaKhristu Jesu. Ngako-ke tsine sonkhe lesesikhulile eNkhosini sibocabanga kanjalo, kepha nanicabanga lokwehlukile ngelutfo lolutsite, nalapho Nkulunkulu uyakunembulela. Kuphela nje kutsi lesesifikile kuko, asihambe ngemkhondvo wako. Ngilingiseni, bazalwane, nibabukisise labahamba njengatsi, tsine lesisibonelo kini. Phela labanyenti lenganitjela kanyenti ngabo, nanyalo nginitjela ngetinyembeti ngabo ngitsi, sebahamba batitsa tesiphambano saKhristu. Kuphela kwabo kubhujiswa, nkulunkulu wabo sisu, ludvumo lwabo lusehlazweni labo, bangulabanaka tintfo temhlaba. Kepha tsine likitsi lisezulwini, lapho silindzele khona kutsi kuvele uMsindzisi wetfu, iNkhosi Jesu Khristu. Nguye loyawugucula simo sebuphansi bemtimba wetfu, ufane nemtimba wakhe wenkhatimulo, ngemandla akhe langahlela ngawo konkhe ngephansi kwakhe. Ngako-ke, bazalwane bami labatsandzekako, nalengibalangatelelako, kujabula nemchele wami, manini nisime eNkhosini. Ngiyabayala bo-Evodiya naSintike kutsi ababe nekucondza kunye eNkhosini. Yebo, ngiyakuncusa nawe, mhlobo wami locotfo, lengiboshelwe kanye naye, yelekelela labo bafati, ngobe babambisene nami eVangelini, kanye naKlemente naletinye tisebenti lengibambisene nato, emabito ato labhaliwe encwadzini yekuphila. Tfokotani eNkhosini njalonjalo. Ngiyaphindza futsi ngitsi: Tfokotani. Kubeketela kwenu ngebumnene akwatiwe bantfu bonkhe, iNkhosi isedvute. Ningakhatsateki ngalutfo. Kepha kuko konkhe ticelo tenu atatiwe nguNkulunkulu, ngekukhuleka nekuncusa kanye nekubonga. Kuthula kwaNkulunkulu lokwendlula konkhe kwati kutawulondvolota tinhlitiyo tenu nemicabango yenu kuKhristu Jesu. Lekugcina, bazalwane, gcwalisani tinhlitiyo tenu ngako konkhe lokuliciniso, nangako konkhe lokuhloniphekako, nangako konkhe lokulungile, nangako konkhe lokumhlophe, nangako konkhe lokutsandzekako, nangako konkhe lokutusekako. Nome ngabe kukhona lokuhle, nome ngabe kukhona lokubongekako, cabangani ngaloko. Loko lenakufundza, nakwemukela, nakuva, nakubona kimi, kwenteni, Nkulunkulu wekuthula utawuba nani. Ngijabule kakhulu eNkhosini, ngobe manje senite navuselela kunginakekela kwenu; noko beninginakekela, kepha benisengakabi nelitfuba lekukwenta loko. Loko angikusho ngenca yekweswela kwami, ngobe mine sengifundze kutsi ngeneliseke nome ngikusiphi simo. Ngiyakwati kuba phansi, kantsi futsi ngiyakwati nekubusa. Kuko konkhe nasetintfweni tonkhe ngifundziswe imfihlakalo yekumelana nekwesutsa nekulamba, kweneliswa nekweswela. Nginemandla ekwenta konkhe ngaye Khristu longicinisako. Noko nente kahle ngekuhlanganyela nami ekuhluphekeni kwami. Niyati nani, nine baseFiliphi, kutsi ekucaleni kwekushumayela kwami liVangeli nangiphuma eMasedoniya, bekute ngisho nalinye libandla lelahlanganyela nami endzabeni yekupha nekwemukela ngaphandle kwenu. Ngobe, nome ngiseThesalonika, nake nangitfumelela lusito, hhayi kanye kuphela nje. Akusho kutsi ngifuna sipho, kodvwa ngifuna sitselo saso lesingusona sitakwandzisa inzuzo kini. Ngemukele konkhe ngalokungetulu, ngenelisekile ngetipho lengitinikwe ngu-Ephafrodithu tichamuka kini, letingumnikelo longemakha lamnandzi, umhlatjelo lowemukelekako nalojabulisako kuNkulunkulu. Nkulunkulu wami utawuhlangabetana nako konkhe kweswela kwenu, kuye ngemcebo webukhosi bakhe lobukuKhristu Jesu. Akube ludvumo kuNkulunkulu, longuBabe wetfu, kuze kube nguphakadze naphakadze. Amen. Hambisani bonkhe labangcwele labakuKhristu Jesu. Bazalwane labakanye nami bayanihambisa. Bonkhe labangcwele bayanihambisa, kakhulu bendlu yaKhesari. Umusa weNkhosi Jesu Khristu awube nemoya wenu. Lencwadzi iphuma kuPawula, umphostoli waKhristu Jesu ngekwentsandvo yaNkulunkulu, nakuThimothi, umzalwane wakhe. Iya kubazalwane labangcwele baseKholose, labakholwa nguKhristu Jesu ngekwetsembeka. Akube kini umusa nekuthula lokuvela kuNkulunkulu, longuBabe wetfu. Sihlale simbonga njalo nje Nkulunkulu uYise weNkhosi yetfu Jesu Khristu ngesikhatsi sinikhulekela, ngobe sivile ngekukholwa kwenu nguKhristu Jesu kanye nangelutsandvo leninalo kubo bonkhe labangcwele. Sibonga litsemba lenibekelwe lona ekhaya ezulwini, leneva ngalo kucala ngesikhatsi kushunyayelwa kini livi leliciniso, liVangeli. Lona lifike kini, njengaloku likhona nasemhlabeni wonkhe jikelele; futsi litsela titselo landze, njengobe nakini kunjalo, seloku kwesukela mhlazana niva kahle ngebunjalo beliciniso lemusa waNkulunkulu. Nafundziswa ngu-Ephafrasi lotsandzekako, losisebenti kanye natsi. Nguye losimelele ngekutsi abesikhonti lesetsembekile saKhristu. Seva ngaye ngelutsandvo lwenu leninalo ngaMoya Longcwele. Kanjalo-ke natsi, kusukela mhlazana siva ngani, asizange siyekele kunithandazela, sinincusela kutsi niphelele ekwatini intsandvo yaNkulunkulu ngekuhlakanipha nekucondza konkhe kwaMoya. Sinicelela nekutsi niphile imphilo lefanele naletsandzekako eNkhosini, nitsele titselo emsebentini wonkhe lolungile, futsi nikhule nasekumatini Nkulunkulu. Sinincusela kutsi Nkulunkulu anicinise ngemandla ebukhosi bakhe, kuze kutsi nome sekuvelani kodvwa nine nisime, nime, nibeketele ngekujabula, nibonge uYise lowanenta nafanelwa sabelo selifa lalabangcwele ekukhanyeni. Wasikhulula emandleni ebumnyama, wasibeka embusweni weNdvodzana yakhe letsandzekako. Kuyo sinekuhlengwa, lokukutsetselelwa kwetono tetfu. INdvodzana ingumfanekiso waNkulunkulu longabonwa ngemehlo enyama, futsi ngiyo yematubulo ayo yonkhe indalo. Ngobe konkhe kwadalelwa kuyo, lokusezulwini nalokusemhlabeni, lokubonakalako nalokungabonakali, nome-ke kutihlalo tebukhosi, nome kubukhosi, nome babusi, nome tiphatsimandla. Konkhe kwadalwa ngayo, futsi kwadalelwa yona. Yona ikhonanchanti kwako konkhe, tonkhe tintfo time ngayo. Yona iyinhloko yemtimba wayo, libandla; ngiyo lesicalo, nelitubulo kulabafile, kuze kutsi kuko konkhe ibe yekucala. Kwakuyintsandvo nenjongo yaNkulunkulu, kutsi ahlale kuJesu ngebuNkulunkulu bakhe bonkhe, kuze kutsi ngaye abuyisane netintfo tonkhe letisemhlabeni naletisezulwini, akhe kuthula ngengati yesiphambano sakhe. Nani-ke benikadze nikhashane naNkulunkulu nititsa takhe ngemicabango nangemisebenti yenu lemibi. Kodvwa nyalo Nkulunkulu sewubuyisene nani ngekucitsa ingati yaJesu esiphambanweni, kuze kutsi animise ningcwele, ningenasici, ningenacala embikwakhe. Loko kungenteka kuphela nangabe nine nihlala ekukholweni, futsi nisekelekile, nisimile, ninganyikanyiswa lutfo ekwetsembeni kwenu liVangeli lenalitfola, naliva lishunyayelwa emhlabeni wonkhe jikelele. Mine Pawula ngentiwa ngaba sikhonti salo lelo Vangeli. Namanje ngijabulela kuhlushwa kwami ngenca yenu, emtimbeni wami ngiphelelisela loko lokwasilela elusizini lwaJesu Khristu, ngenca yemtimba wakhe lolibandla. Ngekuhlela kwaNkulunkulu, ngentiwa sikhonti salo. Ngetfweswa umtfwalo macondzana nani, kuze kutsi ngimemetele livi laNkulunkulu ngalokuphelele, imfihlakalo yalo leseloku yafihlakala kusukela ekucaleni kwetikhatsi netitukulwane, kepha manje seyembulelwe labangcwele bakhe. Nkulunkulu watsandza kutsi kwateke kubo kutsi iyini ingcebo nebukhosi balemfihlakalo kubetive. Lemfihlakalo inguKhristu kini, lolitsemba lebukhosi. Nguye lesimshumayelako, seluleka bonkhe bantfu, sifundzisa bonkhe bantfu ngekuhlakanipha konkhe, kuze sikwati kumisa bonkhe bantfu baphelele kuKhristu Jesu. Ngisebentela loko ngishikashikeka ngekusebenta kwakhe, lokusebenta ngemandla kimi. Ngiyatsandza kunatisa kutsi ngishikashikeka kangakanani ngenca yenu, nangenca yebaseLowadisiya nangabo bonkhe lengingazange ngibonane nabo buso nebuso. Loko ngikwentela kutsi tinhlitiyo tabo tikhutsateke tidvudvuteke, bahlanganiswe babe munye elutsandweni, babe nekuciniseka konkhe kwekwati lokuphelele, bayati kahle imfihlakalo yaNkulunkulu lenguKhristu. Kuye kutfukuswe emagugu onkhe ekuhlakanipha newekwati. Loku nginitjela khona kutebate muntfu loniyenga ngetinkhulumo temanga. Nome ngingekho emkhatsini wenu ngemtimba, kodvwa ngikhona ngemoya, ngijabulela kubona kuhlela kwenu lokuhle, nekusima kwekukholwa kwenu nguKhristu. Ngako-ke njengobe senemukele iNkhosi Jesu Khristu, hambani nikuye, nisime ngekugcila, futsi nakhelwe kuye, niciniswe ekukholweni, njengaloku nifundzisiwe, nivame kubonga. Caphelani-ke kutsi kubete lonitfumba ngekuhlakanipha, nangekukhohlisa lokulite, aniyenge ngemikhuba yebantfu nangetimfundziso temimoya yemvelo emkhatsini. Konkhe loko kuphambene nendlela yaKhristu. Emtimbeni waKhristu kuhlala kuphelela konkhe kwebuNkulunkulu. Nani-ke seniphelelisiwe kuye, yena loyinhloko yemibuso neyemandla onkhe. Kuye nani nasokwa, hhayi ngalokwentiwa ngetandla, kodvwa ngekusoka kwaKhristu lokungukwehlukana nemtimba wemvelo. Nembelwa kanye naye embhabhatisweni, lokungawo futsi navuswa kanye naye ngekukholwa ngemandla aNkulunkulu, lowamvusa ekufeni. Nani-ke lebenifile ngekona kwenu nangekungasoki emtimbeni wenu, Nkulunkulu sewanenta labaphilako kanye naye ngekunitsetselela tonkhe tono tenu. Wesula incwadzi yemacala etfu leyayimelene natsi ngemitsetfo yayo, wayisusa ngekuyibetsela esiphambanweni. Babusi, nalabanemandla wabemuka tikhali, wabatsela ngelihlazo ebaleni abehlula ngaso siphambano. Ngako-ke akubete umuntfu lonilahla ngekudla nangekunatsa, nome ngemikhosi, nangekwetfwasa kwenyanga, nome ngemaSabatha. Loko bekusitfunti nje saloko bekuta, lokungiko sibili ngulokukuKhristu. Akubete umuntfu lonilahla ngelicala, atsandza kutenta lotfobile, akhonte tingilosi, alibele ngimibono yakhe, atikhukhumeta ngelite engcondvweni yakhe. Lowo sewuyekele kusima kuKhristu loyinhloko, lokusitwa ngaye umtimba wonkhe, uhlanganiswe ngemalunga nemisipha, ukhule ngekukhula kwaNkulunkulu. Nangabe nafa kanye naKhristu nakhululwa etimfundzisweni temimoya yemvelo emkhatsini, nentiwa yini kutsi niphile kungatsi nisebantfu baseveni? Nititfobelelani timfundziso tekutsi: “Ungakuphatsi loku”, “Ungakuva nangelulwimi loko”, “Ungakutsintsi lokwa”? Konkhe loku kusho tintfo letiphelako natisetjentiswa, yimiyalo netimfundziso tebantfu nje. Tibonakala shangatsi tinekuhlakanipha, tineminako yetinkholo tabo, nekutitfobambumbulu, nekuhlupha umtimba, kepha tite lusito macondzana nekutitsiba etinkhanukweni tenyama. Nangabe-ke navuswa kanye naKhristu, funani tintfo tasezulwini lapho Khristu ahleti ngesekudla saNkulunkulu. Nakekelani tintfo tasezulwini, ninganaki tintfo talapha emhlabeni. Ngobe phela nafa, imphilo yenu ifihliwe kanye naKhristu kuNkulunkulu. Mhlazana Khristu, lokuphila kwetfu, abonakaliswa, nani niyawubonakaliswa kanye naye ebukhosini bakhe. Ngaloko-ke bulalani tonkhe tinkhanuko tenu talapha emhlabeni: bugwadla, nebuphingi, nekungcola, nekuhungeka, nekukhanuka lokubi, nebukhali lobukukhonta tithico. Konkhe loku kwenta Nkulunkulu ehlisele lulaka lwakhe kubantfu labangamlaleli. Nani nake natiphatsa kanjalo. Kepha manje kulahleni konkhe: kutfukutsela, nelulaka, nenzondo, nekuhlambalata, nekukhuluma emahlazo. Ningakhulumelani emanga, ngobe senikhumule umuntfu lomdzala kanye nemikhuba yakhe. Manje senembetse umuntfu lomusha, kuze nihlale nakhiwa kabusha, nifute Nkulunkulu, nimati ngalokuphelele. Kulabanjalo kute umehluko emkhatsini wemGriki nemJuda, walosokile nalongakasoki, wetive nemSikithi, sigcili nalokhululekile, kodvwa Khristu ungiko konkhe, futsi ukubo bonkhe. Ngako-ke njengebantfu labakhetsiwe baNkulunkulu, labangcwele nalabatsandzekako, yembatsani bubele benhlitiyo, nesisa, nekutitfoba, nebumnene, nekucinisela. Nibeketelelane, nitsetselelane, nangabe umuntfu akhube lomunye; ngobe phela neNkhosi yanitsetselela, nani-ke yentani njalo. Kodvwa-ke ngetulu kwako konkhe loko yembatsani lutsandvo, lolusibopho sekuphelela. Kuthula kwaKhristu, lenabitelwa kuko emtimbeni munye, akubuse etinhlitiyweni tenu; futsi netayele kubonga. Livi laKhristu alihlale ngekhatsi kwenu liphuphume. Fundzisanani niyalane ngekuhlakanipha konkhe, nifundzisane ngemahubo nangetingoma, nangemaculo akaMoya. Nihlabelele Nkulunkulu ngekumbonga etinhlitiyweni tenu. Konkhe lenikwentako kwenteni ngelibito leNkhosi Jesu, nome ngelivi, nome ngemisebenti, nibonge Nkulunkulu uYise ngaye. Bafati, tfobelani emadvodza enu, njengalokufanele eNkhosini. Madvodza, tsandzani bafati benu, ningabacansukeli. Bantfwana, lalelani batali benu etintfweni tonkhe, ngobe nguloko lokutsandvwa yiNkhosi. Boyise, ningabatfukutselisi bantfwabenu, khona bangetiwudzinwa. Tisebenti, labangemakhosi enu ngekwasemhlabeni balaleleni etintfweni tonkhe, ningamane nitsenge emehlo, njengalabajabulisa bantfu, kodvwa yesabani iNkhosi ngebucotfo benhlitiyo. Konkhe lenikwentako, kwenteni ngenhlitiyo, kube shangatsi nentela iNkhosi, hhayi bantfu. Khumbulani kutsi nikhonta iNkhosi. Nati kutsi niyakwemukeliswa umvuzo welifa kuKhristu. Ngobe lowo lowenta lokungakalungi, uyakwemukela lokungakalungi lakwentile, ngobe kuyawube kungakhetfwa bala lamuntfu. Makhosi, tiphatseni kahle nangalokulungile tisebenti tenu, nikhumbule kutsi nani nineNkhosi lesezulwini. Ciniselani ekuthandazeni, nilindze kuko ngekubonga. Nisikhulekele natsi kuNkulunkulu, kutsi asinike ematfuba ekushumayela livi lakhe, sitekwati kukhuluma imfihlakalo yaKhristu, mine lengisiboshwa ngenca yayo. Ningincusele kuze ngiyibonakalise ngalokuphelele, njengobe ngifanele kukhuluma. Tiphatseni ngekuhlakanipha nanisemkhatsini webantfu labangakholwa, bambisisani sikhatsi, niwasebentise kahle ematfuba leninawo. Kukhuluma kwenu akube nemusa ngaso sonkhe sikhatsi, nikunandzise njengeluswayi ekudleni, khona nitekwati lenifanele kubaphendvula ngako bantfu. Thikhikhusi, umzalwane lotsandzekako, nalosikhonti lesetsembekile, lesiyinceku kanye nami eNkhosini, utanatisa konkhe ngami. Ngimtfumele kini kutsi anatise kutsi tsine siphila njani, advudvute netinhlitiyo tenu. Utawube ahamba na-Onesimuse, umzalwane lomunye lowetsembekako nalotsandzekako, yena-ke ungulomunye wenu. Batanilandzisa-ke ngako konkhe lokwenteka ngalapha. Uyanihambisa Aristakhusi losiboshwa kanye nami, naMakho, umzala waBhanabasi, lenatjelwa ngaye, nakefika lapho kini nibomemukela. Uyanihambisa naJesu lowatiwa ngekutsi nguJustusi, labo-ke ngibo bodvwa lababekusoka labasebentela umbuso waNkulunkulu kanye nami, sebayindvudvuto lenkhulu kimi. Uyanihambisa na-Ephafrasi longulomunye wakini, inceku yaKhristu Jesu, lonilwela ngaso sonkhe sikhatsi emkhulekweni, kuze nime, niphelele nisime ekwenteni intsandvo yaNkulunkulu. Nami ngingufakazi wakhe wekutsi uyanisebentela, nine kakhulu, kanye nebaseLawodisiya, nebaseHiyerapholisi. NaLukha longudokodela lotsandzekako, kanye naDemasi bayanihambisa kakhulu. Ngikhonteleni nami kubazalwane baseLawodisiya nakuNimfasi, nasebandleni lelihlanganela endlini yakhe. Nangabe lencwadzi seniyifundzile, nibobafundzisa nebaseLawodisiya, nani niyifundze lena lephuma eLawodisiya. Nitjele Akhipho nitsi: “Caphela kufeza lowo msebenti lowawemukela eNkhosini.” Nako-ke kukhonta kwami, ngesandla sami, mine Pawula. Nikhumbule kutsi mine ngisaboshiwe. Umusa awube nani. Lencwadzi iphuma kuboPawula, naSilasi, naThimothi; iya kubaseThesalonika labalibandla laNkulunkulu, longuBabe, neleNkhosi Jesu Khristu. Umusa nekuthula akube kini. Sibonga Nkulunkulu njalo ngani nonkhe, sinikhulekela singakhawuli emithandazweni yetfu kuNkulunkulu wetfu, longuBabe, sikhumbula imisebenti yenu yekukholwa, nemisiphalato yelutsandvo, nekubambelela kwenu etsembeni leliseNkhosini yetfu Jesu Khristu. Siyati, bazalwane labatsandzekako kuNkulunkulu, kutsi nguye lonikhetsile. Ngobe liVangeli lesanishumayela lona alifikanga kini ngemavi kuphela, kodvwa lefika ngemandla, nangaMoya Longcwele, seneliseka kutsi inshumayelo yetfu iliciniso. Niyati kutsi sasitiphatsa kanjani ngesikhatsi sisemkhatsini wenu. Konkhe loko sasikwenta ngenca yenu. Nani naba balingisi betfu nebeNkhosi; ngobe, nome nanisenhluphekweni lenkhulu, nemukela livi ngenjabulo lenaniyinikwe nguMoya Longcwele, nadzimate naba sibonelo kubo bonkhe labakholwako eMasedoniya nase-Akhaya. Ngobe kuvakala kwelivi leNkhosi lokwachamuka lapho kini akuvakalanga eMasedoniya nase-Akhaya kuphela, kodvwa kukholwa kwenu nguNkulunkulu sekuvakele kuto tonkhe tindzawo, ngako-ke asinasidzingo sekulandzisa ngako. Ngobe bona ngekwabo babika ngatsi kutsi nasemukela kahle kangakanani, nekutsi naphendvukela kanjani kuNkulunkulu, nashiya tithico tenu, kuze nikhonte Nkulunkulu lophilako nalonguye sibili. Nonkhe nilindzele kuchamuka kweNdvodzana yakhe ezulwini, layivusa kulabafile. LeNdvodzana nguJesu losikhulula elulakeni lolutako. Bazalwane, nani ngekwenu niyati kutsi kunivakashela kwetfu akuzange kube lite. Kodvwa nome sase sihlushiwe satselwa ngelihlazo eFiliphi, njengobe nani nati, saba nesibindzi kuNkulunkulu wetfu kutsi sishumayele kini liVangeli laNkulunkulu sibhekene nebulukhuni lobukhulu. Ngobe kushumayela kwetfu akusiko kwekuduka, nekwekungcola, nekwebucili. Kodvwa njengaloku sivunyiwe nguNkulunkulu kutsi siphatsiswe liVangeli, asikhulumeli kujabulisa bantfu, kodvwa sikhulumela kujabulisa Nkulunkulu lohlola tinhlitiyo tetfu. Tsine asizange sikhulume emagama ekuyenga, njengobe nani nati, asizange futsi sibe nebucili bekufisa bunjinga, Nkulunkulu ungufakazi. Asizange sesilufune ludvumo kubantfu, ngisho nakini imbala. Noko, njengebaphostoli baKhristu, sasinalo lilungelo lekusebentisa bukhulu betfu, kodvwa saba mnene kini njengemfati anakekela bantfwabakhe. Ngenca yelutsandvo lwetfu kini satimisela kutsi sihlephunelane nani, hhayi liVangeli kuphela kodvwa nemphilo yetfu lucobo, ngobe natsandzeka kakhulu kitsi. Bazalwane, ngiyetsemba kutsi niyayikhumbula imisebenti nemisiphalato yetfu sisebenta emkhatsini wenu busuku nemini sentela kutsi singasindzi ngisho namunye wenu ngesikhatsi sisashumayela kini liVangeli laNkulunkulu. Nine naNkulunkulu nibofakazi betfu bekutsi indlela lesasitiphetse ngayo emkhatsini wenu nine labakholwako yayingcwele, ilungile ingenasici. Niyati nekutsi saniphatsa njani; saniphatsa njengendvodza iphetse bantfwabayo, sanidvudvuta ngamunye ngamunye sinikhutsata, siniyala ngekutsi nihambe ngalokufanelekile kuNkulunkulu, lonibitela embusweni wakhe nasebukhosini bakhe. Ngako-ke sibonga Nkulunkulu singakhawuli ngekutsi natsi nanemukela livi laNkulunkulu lenaliva kitsi, nalemukela, hhayi njengelivi lemuntfu nje kodvwa njengobe linjalo lilivi laNkulunkulu lelisebenta kini nine lenikholwako. Bazalwane, nani naba balingisi bemabandla aNkulunkulu aseJudiya lakuKhristu Jesu; ngobe nani nehlelwa kuhlupheka kunye ngekuhlushwa bantfu bakini, njengobe nebantfu balawo mabandla bahlushwa ngemaJuda. LamaJuda ngiwo kanye lawo labulala iNkhosi Jesu kanye nebaphrofethi, natsi asicitsa, ayekela kwenta intsandvo yaNkulunkulu, aphambana nebantfu bonkhe. Adzimate asivimbela nekutsi sishumayele insindziso kubetive. Ngaloko-ke imihla nemalanga atengetela tono. Kodvwa ekugcineni lulaka lwaNkulunkulu seluze lwabehlela. Bazalwane, njengobe besesitintsandzane kwesikhashana ngekwehlukana nani buso nebuso, hhayi enhlitiyweni, besetama ngekushisekela lokukhulu kuphindze sibonane nani, buso nebuso. Besifisa kuta kini, mine Pawula kukanyenti, kodvwa Sathane wasivimbela. Empeleni liyini litsemba letfu, nome injabulo, nome umchele wemsebenti wetfu lesingatibonga ngawo embikweNkhosi yetfu Jesu ekubuyeni kwayo? Akusini yini? Vele, ngini ludvumo lwetfu nenjabulo yetfu. Ngako-ke, sesehlulekile kubeketelela situnge senu, sase sikhetsa kusala sodvwana e-Athene; sase sinitfumelela Thimothi, umzalwane wetfu, lesibambisene naye emsebentini waNkulunkulu wekushumayela liVangeli laKhristu. Samtfumela kutsi atenicinisa anikhutsate ekukholweni kwenu, kuze kutsi kubete namunye wenu lohlubukako ngenca yekutanyatanyiswa nguletinhlupheko. Nine ngekwenu niyati kutsi simiselwe loko, ngobe ngesikhatsi sisenani, sanitjela kucala kutsi sitakuhlushwa; njengobe sekwentekile nje, nani senati. Ngako-ke ngitsite kube ngehluleke kubeketelela situnge ngani, ngase ngitfumela Thimothi, khona ngitekwati ngekukholwa kwenu. Bengesaba kutsi kungahle kube umlingi unilingile, kuze kutsi kusiphalata kwetfu kube lite. Kodvwa nyalo, Thimothi sewubuyile kitsi wasiletsela netindzaba letimnandzi ngekukholwa nangelutsandvo lwenu. Usitjele nekutsi ngaso sonkhe sikhatsi ninenkhumbulo lenhle ngatsi, nekutsi nani nifisa kusibona, njengobe natsi sifisa kunibona. Ngako-ke, bazalwane, nome sasiselusizini nasenhluphekweni, kodvwa sefika sadvudvuteka ngani ngekukholwa kwenu. Ngobe nyalo siyaphila, nanime nicinile eNkhosini. Kepha Nkulunkulu singambonga kanjani ngani, simbonge ngako konkhe kujabula lesinako ngani? Sincusa busuku nemini ngayo yonkhe inhlitiyo yetfu kutsi simane sibonane nani buso nebuso, khona sitenengetela kuloko lokusilele ekukholweni kwenu. Shangatsi Nkulunkulu, longuBabe wetfu, yena matfupha neNkhosi yetfu Jesu angacondzisa indlela yetfu kini. Shangatsi iNkhosi inganandzisa inikhulise naselutsandvweni lomunye kulomunye nakubo bonkhe bantfu, njengobe nelwetfu lunjalo kini, kuze kutsi icinise tinhlitiyo tenu tingabi nacala, kodvwa tibe ngcwele ebukhoneni baNkulunkulu, longuBabe, nakufika iNkhosi yetfu Jesu nabo bonkhe labangcwele bakhe. Bazalwane betfu, nafundza kitsi kutsi nifanele nitiphatse njani kuze nijabulise Nkulunkulu, njengobe besenivele nenta. Ngako-ke ngephetsa ngekunincenga kutsi nichubeke nikhutsale kakhulu kukwenta loko, ngobe niyayati imiyalo lesaninika yona ngeNkhosi Jesu. Kuyintsandvo yaNkulunkulu kungcweliswa kwenu, bubalekeleni bugwadla nebuphingi. Ngamunye ngamunye wenu kufanele akwati kutiphatsela yena umtimba wakhe, awuphatse ngebungcwele nangekuhlonipheka; hhayi ngekushisekela kwenkhanuko njengemahedeni langamati Nkulunkulu. Akubete lowonako aphambe umzalwane wakhe nome ngani, ngobe Nkulunkulu ungumphindziseli kuto tonkhe letintfo, njengobe saniyalisisa nje. Nkulunkulu akasibitelanga ebugwadleni nasebuphingini, kepha wasibitela ebungcweleni. Ngako-ke lomelana naloku, akamelani namuntfu, kodvwa umelene naNkulunkulu lonipha Moya wakhe Longcwele. Macondzana nelutsandvo lwebuzalwane asikho sidzingo sekunibhalela ngaloko, ngobe Nkulunkulu sewunifundzisile kutsi nifanele nitsandzane njani. Empeleni loko senikubonakalisile kubo bonkhe bazalwane labaseMasedoniya. Kodvwa siyanikhutsata, bazalwane, kutsi chubekani nikwente loko. Timiseleni kuphila ngekuthula, nicaphele lokucondzene nani, nitisebentele nine ngetandla tenu, njengobe sanitjela. Ngaleyo ndlela niyawuhlonipheka emkhatsini walabangakholwa nguJesu, ningabi timbungulu. Asitsandzi, bazalwane, kutsi ningete nati ngalabo labafile, kuze ningadzabuki njengalabo labate litsemba. Njengobe sikholwa kutsi Jesu wafa waphindze wavuka, kanjalo nalabo labafe bakuJesu: Nkulunkulu uyawubavusa ekufeni abaletse kanye naJesu. Ngaloko-ke sinitjela ngelivi leNkhosi kutsi tsine lesiyawube sisaphila ngelilanga lekubuya kweNkhosi singeke sibendvulele labo lesebafile. Ngobe iNkhosi lucobo lwayo iyakwehla ezulwini ngelivi lenhlokomo, nangeliphimbo lengilosi lenkhulu, nangelicilongo laNkulunkulu. Labo labafe bakholwa nguKhristu bayawuvuka kucala. Lapho-ke tsine lesiyawube siphila ngaleso sikhatsi sisasele siyawuhlwitfwa senyuke sihlangane kanye nabo emafini sihlangabete iNkhosi emoyeni, kuze sihlale neNkhosi njalonjalo. Ngako-ke dvudvutanani ngalamavi. Mayelana netikhatsi nangematfuba, bazalwane, anidzingi kubhalelwa ngako. Ngobe nine ngekwenu nati kahle kamhlophe kutsi lilanga leNkhosi liyawufika, njengelisela lifika ebusuku. Ngesikhatsi bantfu batsi: “Kunekuthula nenhlalakahle,” ngekushesha lokukhulu kubhujiswa kuyawubatuma njengemhelo ufikela umfati nasatawubeleka; futsi kute loyawusindza. Kodvwa nine, bazalwane, anikho ebumnyameni, anikafaneli kutunywa ngulelo langa njengekutunywa lisela. Nine nonkhe ningemadvodzana ekukhanya nemadvodzana emini; asisibo bebusuku nebebumnyama. Ngako-ke, asingalali njengalabanye; kufanele silindze sizitse. Phela labo labalalako balala ebusuku, netidzakwa tidzakwa ebusuku. Kodvwa tsine lesibemini asizitse, sembatse sivikelo sesifuba lesikukholwa nelutsandvo, sifake nempantitje lelitsemba letfu lensindziso. Ngobe Nkulunkulu akasimiselanga kwehlelwa lulaka lwakhe, kodvwa wasimisela kutsi sitfole insindziso ngeNkhosi yetfu Jesu Khristu, lowasifela kuze kutsi, nome silindza nome silala, nakabuya, siphile kanye naye. Ngako-ke dvudvutanani nakhane, njengobe nenta nje manje. Siyanincenga, bazalwane, kutsi nibahloniphe labo labasebenta emkhatsini wenu, babaholi benu eNkhosini, labaniyala ngemphilo yebuKhristu. Bahlonipheni ngelutsandvo lolukhulu ngenca yemsebenti wabo. Hlalisanani ngekuthula. Bazalwane, siyanikhutsata kutsi necwayise emavila, nibanike sibindzi labaphelelwa ngemandla emoyeni, ninakekele lababutsakatsaka, babeketeleleni bonkhe. Bonani kutsi kubete lophindzisela kulomunye lokubi ngalokubi, kodvwa ngato tonkhe tikhatsi yetamani kwenta lokuhle kubo bonkhe bantfu. Tfokotani njalo. Thandazani ningayekeli. Bongani kuko konkhe, ngobe loko kuyintsandvo yaNkulunkulu kuKhristu Jesu ngani. Ningamcishi Moya Longcwele. Ningakwedzeleli kuphrofetha. Hlolisisani konkhe, nibambisise lokulungile, nikugege konkhe lokubonakala kukubi. Shangatsi Nkulunkulu wekuthula anganingcwelisa ngalokuphelele, agcine umoya wenu, nemphefumulo wenu, nemtimba wenu, kungabi nasici ekubuyeni kweNkhosi yetfu Jesu Khristu. Yena lowo lonibitako uyawukwenta loko, ngobe wetsembekile. Bazalwane, sikhulekeleni. Bingelelani bonkhe bazalwane ngekwanga lokungcwele. Ngiyaniyalisisa egameni leNkhosi kutsi lencwadzi niyifundzele bonkhe bazalwane. Umusa weNkhosi yetfu Jesu Khristu awube nani. Lencwadzi iphuma kuboPawula, naSilasi, naThimothi; iya kubaseThesalonika labalibandla laNkulunkulu, longuBabe wetfu, neleNkhosi Jesu Khristu. Akube kini umusa nekuthula lokuvela kuNkulunkulu, longuBabe, naseNkhosini Jesu Khristu. Simele kubonga Nkulunkulu ngani, bazalwane, ngaso sonkhe sikhatsi. Yebo, kufanele simbonge, ngobe kukholwa kwenu kuyakhula kakhulu, nelutsandvo lenitsandzana ngalo luyandza. Nguko nje tsine ngekwetfu sitigabatisa ngani emabandleni aNkulunkulu; sibonga indlela lenibambelele ngayo ekukholweni kwenu nome nitingelwa kangaka, noko nikwatile kutimela tinhlupheko. Loku kusibonelo lesikhanyako ngekwehlulela kwaNkulunkulu lokunekulunga, nize nitfolakale ningulabafanele umbuso waNkulunkulu wona lowo leniwuhluphekelako. Ngempela Nkulunkulu wehlulela kahle ngekubuyisela kuhlupheka kulabo labanihluphako, bese uletsa kuphumula kini nine lenihluphekako, kanye nakitsi ngesikhatsi iNkhosi Jesu yembulwa ivela ezulwini, ikanye netingilosi tayo letinemandla. INkhosi iyawuvela emalangabini emlilo, ijezise labo labangamati Nkulunkulu, nalabo labangalilaleli liVangeli leNkhosi yetfu Jesu. Bayawujeziswa ngekubhujiswa kwaphakadze balunyulwe ebukhoneni beNkhosi nasenkhatimulweni yemandla ayo. Loko kuyakwenteka ngelilanga nayifika kutawudvunyiswa kulabangcwele bayo, bayibabate bonkhe labakholwako; nani niyawube nisemkhatsini wabo, ngobe nani nabemukela bufakazi betfu ngayo. Kunguko nje sinikhulekela onkhe emalanga, kuze kutsi Nkulunkulu wetfu anente nibe ngulabafanele lubito lwakhe, nekutsi aphelelise ngemandla akhe konkhe lokuhle lenifisa kukwenta, nemsebenti wekukholwa. Sikhulekela kutsi libito leNkhosi yetfu Jesu lidvunyiswe kini, nani kuye, ngekwemusa waNkulunkulu wetfu neweNkhosi Jesu Khristu. Bazalwane, macondzana nekubuya kweNkhosi yetfu Jesu Khristu nekuhlangana kwetfu kuye sinincenga, kutsi ningasheshi nidvungeke engcondvweni yenu, ningetfuswa ngumoya nome ngemavi, nome yincwadzi lekungatsi iphuma kitsi. Konkhe loku kunganetfusi kutsi lilanga leNkhosi selifikile. Ningayengwa ngumuntfu nome ngani, ngobe lelo langa lingeke lifike kungakefiki kuhlubuka lokukhulu kucala, kwembulwe umuntfu longenamtsetfo, indvodzana yekubhujiswa. Lowo uyakuhlala aphika atiphakamise ngetulu kwako konkhe lokubitwa ngaNkulunkulu nome lokukhontwako, kuze atewuhlala endzaweni lengcwele yaNkulunkulu, atigabatise yena ngekutsi unguNkulunkulu. Anisakhumbuli yini kutsi ngesikhatsi ngisenani nganitjela ngaletintfo? Nani niyati kutsi usabanjwe yini kwanyalo, kuze kufike leso sikhatsi lesamiswa kutsi embulwe. Ngobe emandla ekubate umtsetfo asacalile kusebenta ngendlela lefihlakele, intfo nje lona losavimbile kwamanje utawuchubeka ente njalo, adzimate asuswe, bese-ke lowo longenamtsetfo uyembulwa; Jesu iNkhosi uyawumbhubhisa ngemoya wemlomo wakhe, amcedze ngekubonakala kwenkhatimulo yekufika kwakhe. Kufika kwalongenamtsetfo ngumsebenti waSathane. Uyawufika anawo onkhe emandla, netibonakaliso, netimangaliso letingemanga, nayo yonkhe inkhohliso yekwedukisa lababhubhako, ngobe abazange balitsandze liciniso laKhristu labebangasindziswa ngalo. Ngako-ke Nkulunkulu ubatfumelela emandla enkhohlakalo, kuze bakholwe loko lokungemanga. Ngako-ke bonkhe labo labangazange balikholwe liciniso, kodvwa baba nenjabulo kuloko lokungakalungi, bayakwehlulelwa ngekulahlwa. Kodvwa tsine simelwe kutsi sibonge Nkulunkulu njalo ngani, bazalwane labatsandvwe yiNkhosi, ngobe Nkulunkulu wanikhetsela kutsi nibe bekucala ensindzisweni ngekuhlantwa nguMoya, nangekukholwa liciniso. Yena wanibitela kuko ngeliVangeli letfu, kuze nibe nesabelo ebukhosini beNkhosi yetfu Jesu Khristu. Ngako-ke, bazalwane, manini nicine, nibambelele kulawo maciniso lesanifundzisa wona ngemavi emlomo nangencwadzi yetfu. Shangatsi Jesu Khristu iNkhosi yetfu matfupha, naNkulunkulu, longuBabe lowasitsandza, kwatsi ngemusa wakhe wasikhutsata ngendvudvuto yaphakadze, wasipha nelitsemba lelihle, angadvudvuta tinhlitiyo tenu, anakhele kuyo yonkhe imisebenti lemihle nakuwo onkhe emavi lamahle. Kwekugcina-ke, bazalwane, sithandazeleni, kuze kutsi livi leNkhosi lichubeke landze ngekushesha, lemukeleke ngeludvumo, njengobe kwaba njalo nakini. Nisithandazele nekutsi sikhululeke kubantfu labonakele nalababi, ngobe akusibo bonkhe labakholwako. Kodvwa iNkhosi yetsembekile, iyawunicinisa, ineluse, iniphephise kuLomubi. Sinesibindzi eNkhosini ngani ngekutsi tonkhe letintfo lesiniyala ngato niyatenta, futsi niyawuhlala nitenta. Shangatsi iNkhosi ingacondzisa tinhlitiyo tenu elutsandvweni lwaNkulunkulu nasekubeketeleni kwaKhristu. Siyaniyala, bazalwane, egameni leNkhosi Jesu Khristu kutsi nibagege bazalwane labangemavila nalabangayilandzeli imiyalo lesaninika yona. Ngobe nani matfupha niyati kutsi kufanele nisilingise njani, tsine asizange sesivilaphe ngesikhatsi sisesemkhatsini wenu, sasingadli sinkhwa semuntfu singakasikhokheli; kodvwa sasidla ngekukhandleka sishikashikeka imini nebusuku, kuze kutsi singasindzi ngisho namunye wenu. Loko asikwentanga ngobe site lilungelo lekufuna emaholo etfu, kodvwa kuze sibe sibonelo sekutsi nisilingise. Ngesikhatsi sisenani saneluleka satsi: “Nakukhona longasebenti, akasikudla.” Siyeva kutsi labanye emkhatsini wenu abasebenti, abenti lutfo ngaphandle kwekutigaca etindzabeni talabanye bantfu. Bantfu labanjalo siyabayala sibakhutsata eNkhosini Jesu Khristu kutsi abatiphatse kahle bente imisebenti yabo, kuze badle titfukutfuku tabo. Bazalwane, ningadzinwa kwenta lokuhle. Nangabe kukhona longafuni kulalela loku lesikushoko kulencwadzi, mbukisiseni, ningahlanganyeli naye, khona atewudliwa ngemahloni. Noko ningamtsatsi njengesitsa, kodvwa nimeluleke njengemzalwane. Shangatsi iNkhosi lengumtfombo wekuthula inganinika kuthula ngaso sonkhe sikhatsi ngetindlela tonkhe. INkhosi ayibe nani nonkhe. Mine Pawula ngibhala lomkhontiso ngesandla sami, lolu luphawu lengilubhala kuto tonkhe tincwadzi tami. Umusa weNkhosi yetfu Jesu Khristu awube nani nonkhe. Lencwadzi iphuma kuPawula, umphostoli waKhristu Jesu ngekutfunywa nguNkulunkulu, uMsindzisi wetfu, naKhristu Jesu lolitsemba letfu. Iya kuThimothi, umntfwanami sibili ekukholweni. Umusa, nebubele, nekuthula lokuvela kuNkulunkulu, longuBabe, nakuKhristu Jesu iNkhosi yetfu, akube nawe. Njengobe ngakuyala, ngesikhatsi ngiya eMasedoniya, ngicela uhlale lapho e-Efesu, kukhona bantfu labanetimfundziso temanga lapho kuleyo ndzawo. Bancandze ubatjele bakuyekele loko. Ubayale nekutsi bangatinaki tinganekwane nemilandvo lengapheli yetitukulwane. Konkhe loku kubanga kuphikisana lokungasiti lutfo esikhundleni sekutsi kuphumelelise kusebentela Nkulunkulu ngekukholwa. Empeleni injongo yemyalo wetfu kuvusetela lutsandvo loluphuma enhlitiyweni lemhlophe, nakunembeza lomsulwa, nasekukholweni lokute kutentisa. Labanye ngekuyigeja lenjongo baphambukele etinkhulumeni letingenamsebenti, bafisa kuba bafundzisi bemtsetfo ngaphandle kwekukucondzisisa kahle loko labakushoko, naloko labakugcizelelako. Siyati kutsi umtsetfo ulungile, nawusetjentiswa ngendlela lefanele. Asikhumbule kutsi umtsetfo awubekelwa bantfu labalungile, kepha ubekelwa labangawugcini umtsetfo, nalabangalaleli, nalabangamesabi Nkulunkulu, netoni, nalabangenabungcwele, nalabate Nkulunkulu, nalababulala boyise nome bonina; ubekelwe lababulala labanye bantfu, wabekelwa netingwadla, netiphingi, nalabadvuna labalalanako, nebatfumbi bebantfu, nalabacala emanga, nabofakazi bemanga, nalabenta nome ngabe yini lephambene nemfundziso lengiyo. Lemfundziso ivumelana neliVangeli lebukhosi. Ngilo leliVangeli laNkulunkulu lobusisekile, lengaphatsiswa lona mine. Ngiyambonga Khristu Jesu iNkhosi yetfu longiphe emandla, ngobe wangetsemba ngekungifaka emsebentini wakhe. Nome ngaphambilini ngangimlulata ngenhlamba, ngimtingela, ngimetfuka, kodvwa ngemukela bubele, ngobe ngangikwentiswa kungati ngesikhatsi ngingakakholwa. INkhosi yamane yangibabala ngemusa wayo yangipha kukholwa nelutsandvo lolukuKhristu Jesu. Letsembekile, futsi lifanele kwemukelwa ngibo bonkhe lelivi lelitsi: Khristu Jesu weta emhlabeni kutawusindzisa toni, mine lengingulesikhulu kunato tonkhe. Kodvwa ngahawukelwa ngaso lesizatfu sekutsi kimi lengisembili, Jesu Khristu abonakalise konkhe kubeketela kwakhe, kube sibonelo kulabo labayawukholwa kuye, badzimate babe nekuphila lokuphakadze. Kuyo iNkhosi yetikhatsi, lengabhubhi, nalengabonwa ngemehlo enyama, nalekungiyo yodvwa lenguNkulunkulu, akube ludvumo nebukhosi phakadze naphakadze. Amen. Thimothi, ndvodzana yami, ngikwetfwesa lomtfwalo ngikhumbula tiphrofetho letaticondziswe kuwe, ngitsi: Lwani ngato kulwa lokuhle ngekubambelela ekukholweni uhlale unanembeza lomsulwa. Labanye batsi ngekungalaleli lonembeza wabo bephukelwa ngumkhumbi wabo wekukholwa. Labanye babo nje boHumenayosi na-Alekzanda lesengibanikele kuSathane kutsi batewufundza kungamhlambalati Nkulunkulu. Ngako-ke kwekucala ngiyala kutsi kukhuleka, nemithandazo, nekuncusa, nekubonga, akwentelwe bonkhe bantfu. Khulekelani emakhosi nabo bonkhe labasetikhundleni letiphakeme, khona sitewuphila imphilo yekuthula, ngekwesaba Nkulunkulu nangako konkhe kuhlonipheka. Loku kuhle, kuyemukeleka kuNkulunkulu uMsindzisi wetfu, lofisa kutsi bonkhe bantfu basindziswe bafinyelele ekulatini liciniso. Ngobe munye Nkulunkulu, munye neMlamuli losemkhatsini waNkulunkulu nebantfu, lomuntfu nguKhristu Jesu, lowatinikela kutsi abe yinhlawulo yabo bonkhe, loko kwaba bufakazi ngesikhatsi lesifanele. Ngiko lengakhetselwa kuba ngummemeteli nemphostoli wako, ngifundzise betive kukholwa neliciniso; ngikhuluma liciniso, hhayi emanga. Ngako-ke ngifisa shangatsi emadvodza yonkhe indzawo angakhuleka aphakamise tandla letingcwele, ate lulaka nembango. Kanjalo futsi nalabasikati bafanele kuhloba kahle, bagcoke kahle, nangekuhlonipheka, hhayi ngemichino, nome ngemihlobiso yegolide, nome yematje laligugu, nome ngetingubo letidule kakhulu, kodvwa bahlobe ngetento letinhle letifanele labasikati labatsi besaba Nkulunkulu. Lomsikati kufanele afundze ngekuthula nangekutfobeka konkhe. Kodvwa angimvumeli kutsi afundzise nome-ke engamele indvodza, kepha akathule. Ngobe phela Adamu wentiwa kucala, kwase kulandzela Eva; futsi Adamu akakhohliswanga, kepha ngumfati lowakhohliswa, wephula umtsetfo. Kodvwa umfati uyawusindziswa ngekutala bantfwana, nabahlala ngekuzitsa konkhe ekukholweni, naselutsandvweni, nasekungcwelisweni. Licinisile lelivi lelitsi: Nangabe umuntfu afisa umsebenti wekuba ngumbonisi, ufisa umsebenti lomuhle. Umbonisi kufanele kube yindvodza lengasoleki, lenemfati munye, letibambako, lezitsile, lehloniphekile, lephatsa kahle tihambi, lenemasu ekufundzisa, lengesiso sidzakwa, lengatitsatseli etulu tintfo, kodvwa lemnene, lengenalo luchweba, lengayitsandzi imali. Umbonisi kufanele abe ngulophetse kahle umuti wakhe, afundzise ngekuhlonipheka konkhe kutsi bantfwabakhe batfobeke. Kodvwa nangabe indvodza yehluleka kuphatsa umuti wayo, pho, ingaliphatsa kanjani libandla laNkulunkulu? Umbonisi akukafaneli kube ngumuntfu losandza kuphendvuka funa atigcabhe, bese-ke Sathane uyamwisa. Ngetulu kwaloko kufanele abe nebufakazi lobuhle kubangephandle, funa awele ehlazweni naselugibeni lwaSathane. Ngalokufananako futsi nebadikhoni kufanele bazitse, bangabi nalo lulwimi lolumphacambili; bangabi tigcili talokudzakisanako, bangahaheli inzuzo lembi. Emaciniso lembulekile ekukholwa kufanele bawaphatse nganembeza lomhlophe. Laba kufanele bavivinywe kucala, bese-ke bangena emsebentini webudikhoni, nabangasoleki. Kanjalo futsi nalabasikati bafanele kuzitsa, bangahlebi, batitsibe, betsembeke kuko konkhe. Umdikhoni kufanele abe yindvodza lenemfati munye, lephetse kahle bantfwabayo nemuti wayo. Ngobe labo labake bawenta kahle lomsebenti webudikhoni batizuzela ludvumo loluhle nesibindzi lesikhulu ekukholweni kuKhristu Jesu. Nome ngikubhalela ngaletintfo nje, ngiyetsemba kutsi ngitawufika lapho kuwe masinyane. Kodvwa nakwenteka ngephuta, umelwe kwati kutsi umuntfu kufanele atiphatse kanjani endlini yaNkulunkulu, lekulibandla laNkulunkulu lophilako, leliyinsika nesisekelo seliciniso. Siyavuma kutsi yinkhulu kakhulu imfihlakalo yenkholo yetfu yekutsi: Wabonakaliswa angumuntfu, wafakazelwa nguMoya, wabonwa tingilosi, washunyayelwa kubetive, wakholeka emhlabeni, wenyukela enkhatimulweni. Moya ukhuluma ngalokusebaleni kutsi ngetikhatsi tekugcina labanye bayawuhlubuka ekukholweni, balandzele imimoya ledukisako netimfundziso temadimoni. Bantfu labatentisako bayawufundzisa emanga, ngobe bonembeza babo bashiswe luphawu. Bayawuvimbela kushada nekuteka, batsi akuzilwe kudla lokutsite. Phela konkhe kudla kwadalwa nguNkulunkulu lekufanele kutsi labakholwako bakwemukele ngekubonga, njengobe babantfu labalatiko liciniso lonkhe. Ngobe konkhe lokudalwe nguNkulunkulu kulungile. Kuko konkhe lokwemukelwa ngekubonga kute lokufanele kwaliwe, ngobe konkhe kungcweliswe ngelivi laNkulunkulu nangemthandazo. Utawuba sisebenti saKhristu lesincomekako nawungayendlulisela kubazalwane lemiyalo. Nawe utakondleka emoyeni ngemavi ekukholwa nangemfundziso yeliciniso, lobambelele kuyo. Ungahambisani netinganekwane tebulukati letingakalungi. Tetayete wena kumesaba Nkulunkulu. Ngobe kwetayeta umtimba ngekwelula imisipha kunenzuzo kwesikhashana nje, kodvwa kumesaba Nkulunkulu kunenzuzo etintfweni letinyenti, ngobe kucuketse setsembiso semphilo yamanje kanye nesemphilo letako. Lelivi letsembekile, lifanele kwemukelwa ngibo bonkhe. Kuze kube manje siyasebenta sishikaneke, ngobe sibeke litsemba letfu kuNkulunkulu lophilako, longuMsindzisi wabo bonkhe bantfu, ikakhulu walabo labakholwako. Yala ufundzise ngaletintfo. Ungavumi kutsi busha bakho bedzeleleke kubantfu. Kodvwa bani sibonelo kulabakholwako; ube sibonelo ngekukhuluma, nangesimilo, nangelutsandvo, nangekukholwa, nangekuba msulwa. Tinikele kufundzela bantfu umBhalo, ubayale, ubafundzise, ngize ngifike. Ungasivilapheli sipho sakho lowasinikwa ngelivi lesiphrofetho ngesikhatsi baholi belibandla babeka tandla etikwakho. Khutsala kakhulu kuloko, khona batewubona kuchubekela kwakho embili. Uticaphele wena nekufundzisa kwakho, ungesuki kuko; ngobe ngekwenta njalo utawube utisindzisa wena kanye nalabakuvako. Ungayikhahli indvodza lendzala, kodvwa uyiyale kube shangatsi uyala uyihlo; labadvuna labasebancane ubaphatse shangatsi uphetse bomnakenu. Labasikati labadzala ubaphatse shangatsi uphetse bonyoko, nalabasikati labasebancane ubaphatse shangatsi uphetse bodzadzewenu, ube msulwa kubo bonkhe. Ubatise bafelokati, lababafelokati sibili. Nangabe umfelokati anebantfwana nome batukulu, abacale bakhombise inhlonipho yekukholwa kwabo emakhaya kubo, babuyisele kubonga kwabo kulabo lababakhulisile, ngobe nguloko lokuhle emehlweni aNkulunkulu. Kodvwa lowo longumfelokati sibili, longasenabani, litsemba lakhe lonkhe sewulibeke kuNkulunkulu. Uthandaza busuku nemini acela lusito kuNkulunkulu. Kodvwa umfelokati lotinikele etinkhanukweni ufe asaphila. Bayale ngaloko, kuze bangasoleki. Kepha nangabe umuntfu anganakekeli tihlobo takhe, ikakhulu umndeni wakhe, sewukulahlile kukholwa; futsi loko kwenta kwakhe kubi kakhulu kunekwemuntfu longakholwa. Umfelokati, loneminyaka lengetulu kwema-60, ungambhalisa, nangabe abeshade kanye. Kufanele atiwe ngetento takhe letinhle, njengemuntfu lowake wondla wakhulisa bantfwana, waphatsa kahle tihambi, wageza tinyawo talabangcwele, wasita labahluphekile, futsi kufanele abe ngulabetinikele kwenta lokuhle nome ngayiphi indlela. Kodvwa bafelokati labasebancane ungababhalisi, ngobe nangabe tinkhanuko tabo tenyama setibenta besuke kuKhristu, babe sebafisa kwendza. Ngaleyo ndlela batifaka ekwehlulelweni ngekuphambuka esetsembisweni sabo sekucala. Ngetulu kwaloko bafundza buvila ngekutfunga imiti, bangagcini ngebuvila kuphela, kodvwa babuye bahlebe, bangene kulokungesiko kwabo, bakhulume nalokungakafaneli. Ngifisa kutsi bafelokati labasebancane bendze, batale bantfwana, baphatse imindeni yabo, kuze sitsa singetilitfola litfuba lekunyembenya labakholwako. Vele, labanye sebaphambukile, balandzela Sathane. Nangabe kukhona umfati lokholwako lonebafelokati labatihlobo, akabasite; lingetfweswa umtfwalo libandla, khona litekusita labo lababafelokati labeswele ngempela. Babonisi belibandla labaphetse kahle bafanele kubongwa ngalokuphindziwe, ikakhulu labo labasebenta ngekushumayela nangekufundzisa. Empeleni umBhalo utsi: “Ungayifaki sifonyo inkhabi nayibhulako;” uphindze utsi: “Sisebenti sifanelwe liholo laso.” Ungakwemukeli kubekwa licala kwembonisi welibandla ngaphandle kwekutsi kube nabofakazi lababili nome labatsatfu. Labo labonako ubasole ubekhute embikwabo bonkhe, khona nalabo labanye batewuhlala ngekwesaba. Ngiyakuyalisisa, embikwaNkulunkulu, naKhristu Jesu, netingilosi letikhetsiwe, kutsi lemiyalo uyigcine ngebucotfo ungavuni muntfu; ungakhetsi muntfu. Ungasheshi kubeka tandla kunome ngukubani, futsi ungabambisani nemuntfu etonweni takhe; tigcine umsulwa. Yekela kunatsa emanti odvwa, ubosale unatsa nelitsantana leliwayini ngenca yesisu sakho nangebutsakatsaka lobuvama kukuhlupha. Tono talabanye bantfu tisebaleni, tiyabendvulela tibaholele ekwehlulelweni; kodvwa talabanye tiyabalandzela tibonakale kamuva. Kanjalo tento letinhle tisebaleni, naleto letingakabonakali tingeke tihlale tifihlakele. Bonkhe labangaphansi kwelijoko lekuba tisebenti ludvumo lonkhe abalunike baphatsi babo, kuze phela lingahlambalateki libito laNkulunkulu nemfundziso yakhe yonkhe. Tisebenti letinebaphatsi labakholwako kufanele tingabedzeleli ngeligunya lekutsi babazalwane; kodvwa timelwe tisebente kancono, ngobe labo labasitakala ngekusebenta kwato ngulabatsandzekako labakholwako. Ubofundzisa uyale ngaletintfo. Nangabe kukhona lofundzisa lokunye lokungavumelani nemavi laphilile eNkhosi yetfu Jesu Khristu, nemfundziso lenekumesaba Nkulunkulu, uyatikhukhumeta, akati lutfo, uguliswa ngimibuzo nekuphikisana lokuveta umona, nembango, nekuhlambalata, nekuzindlekela lokubi, nemsindvo wembango longapheli webantfu labanengcondvo leyonakele, futsi labemukwe neliciniso, bacabange kutsi kwesaba Nkulunkulu yindlela yenzuzo. Vele kuyinzuzo lenkhulu kwesaba Nkulunkulu kanye nekweneliseka. Ngobe kute leseta nako la emhlabeni, futsi kute nalesiyawuhamba nako; kodvwa nasinekudla nekwekwembatsa, aseneliseke. Kodvwa labo labafisa bunjinga bawela ekulingweni, naselugibeni, nasetinkhanukweni letinyenti tebulima, naletiyingoti letigcumukisela bantfu ekufeni nasekubhujisweni. Phela kutsandza imali kuyimphandze yako konkhe lokubi; labanye-ke ngekuyifisa kwabo bedukile, bakhwesha ekukholweni, batigwaza ngeminjunju yebuhlungu leminyenti. Kodvwa wena, muntfu waNkulunkulu, kubalekele loko; jonga kulunga, nekwesaba Nkulunkulu, nekukholwa, nelutsandvo, nekubeketela, nebumnene. Lwani kulwa lokuhle kwekukholwa, kuze uzuze kuphila lokuphakadze lowabitelwa kuko, wavuma kuvuma lokuhle embikwabofakazi labanyenti. Ngikuyala embikwaNkulunkulu lophilisa konkhe, nasembikwaKhristu Jesu lowavuma sivumo lesihle embikwaPhontiyuse Philatu, kutsi ugcine lomyalo, ungenabala, ungasoleki, kuze kube sikhatsi sekubonakala kweNkhosi yetfu Jesu Khristu. Ngesikhatsi sakhe Jesu utawubonakaliswa nguSomandla lokunguye yedvwa, lobusisekile, iNkhosi yemakhosi neMbusi webabusi. Nguye yedvwa longabhubhi lohlala ekukhanyeni lekungasondzeleki kuko, longazange asabonwe ngumuntfu, nalongeke abonwe ngumuntfu. Kuye akube ludvumo nemandla aphakadze. Amen. Yala labacebile kulelive lamanje kutsi bangatikhukhumeti, bangabeki nematsemba abo kulomcebo lophelako, kodvwa bawabeke kuNkulunkulu losipha konkhe ngalokuphelele, kuze sitfokote ngako. Ubatjele kutsi bente lokuhle, bacebe emisebentini lemihle, babelane, bephane. Ngaloko batibekela sisekelo lesihle sesikhatsi lesitako, khona batewunamatsela ekuphileni lokunguko sibili. Ye Thimothi, londvolota loko lophatsiswe kona. Ukugege kukhuluma lokulite nekuphikisana lokutsiwa lwati kube kungesilo, ngobe labanye batsi ngekulwemukela balahlekelwa ngumgomo wekukholwa. Umusa awube nani. Lencwadzi iphuma kuPawula, umphostoli waKhristu Jesu ngekwentsandvo yaNkulunkulu lowetsembisa kuphila lokukuKhristu Jesu. Iya kuThimothi, umntfwanami lotsandzekako. Akube kuwe umusa, nebubele, nekuthula lokuvela kuNkulunkulu, longuBabe, nakuKhristu Jesu iNkhosi yetfu. Ngibonga Nkulunkulu lengimkhonta nganembeza lomhlophe, njengobe nabokhokho bami babenta. Emikhulekweni yami nangimbonga Nkulunkulu, ngikukhumbula imini nebusuku ngingakhawuli. Ngikhumbula tinyembeti takho, bese ngifisa kukubona, khona kujabula kwami kutewuphelela. Ngikhunjutwa kukholwa kwakho lokute kutentisa. Ngiko kona loko kukholwa lokwacala kutfolakala kugogo wakho Lowisi nakunyoko Yunisi, ngineliciniso kutsi nakuwe kukhona. Kungako ngikukhumbuta kutsi usibasele kabusha sipho saNkulunkulu lesikuwe, lowasitfola ngekubekwa ngimi tandla. Ngobe Nkulunkulu akasiphanga umoya webugwala, kodvwa wasipha Moya wemandla, newelutsandvo, newekutekhuta. Ngako-ke ungabi nemahloni ngekufakaza ngeNkhosi yetfu. Ubete emahloni nangami, siboshwa sayo, kodvwa hlanganyela nami ekuhluphekeleni liVangeli ngemandla aNkulunkulu. Nguye lowasisindzisa wasibita ngelubito lwakhe lolungcwele, hhayi ngemisebenti yetfu, kodvwa ngelisu lakhe nangemusa wakhe, lasipha wona kuKhristu Jesu, umhlaba ungakasekelwa, kepha nyalo sewembulwe ngekubonakaliswa kweMsindzisi wetfu Khristu Jesu lowakucitsa kufa; kuphila nekungabhubhi wakuletsa ekukhanyeni ngeliVangeli. Ngamiselwa kutsi ngibe ngummemeteli, nemphostoli, nemfundzisi waleliVangeli, kungako nje ngihlupheka nanyalo. Kodvwa ngite emahloni, ngobe ngiyamati lengetsembele kuye, futsi ngineliciniso kutsi yena unawo emandla ekukulondvolota loko lakubeke kimi, kuze kube ngalelo langa. Hamba ngekukholwa nangelutsandvo lolukuKhristu Jesu. Ulandzele etinyatselweni temavi lacinile lengakufundzisa wona. Loko lokuhle lokuligugu lophatsiswe kona ukulondvolote ngaMoya Longcwele lohlala kitsi. Uyati kutsi bonkhe labase-Asiya bangifulatsela, boFigelusi naHemogenesi basemkhatsini wabo. Shangatsi iNkhosi ingaba nebubele kubaka-Onesiforusi, labevame kungihlumelelisa njalo, ngobe abengenamahloni ngekuboshwa kwami. Nakefika eRoma, wangifunisisa, wadzimate wangitfola, futsi uyayati kahle yonkhe imisebenti yakhe lemihle labetinikele kuyo e-Efesu. Shangatsi iNkhosi ingamhawukela ngalelo langa! Wena-ke, mntfwanami, cina emseni lokuKhristu Jesu. Loko lokuve kimi embikwabofakazi labanyenti, nawe kuphatsise bantfu labetsembekile labatawuba nemandla ekukufundzisa kulabanye. Hlanganyela kanye nami ekuhluphekeni njengelisotja lelilungile laKhristu Jesu. Kute lisotja lelisemphini lelibuye litikhatsate ngetintfo letingesito tebusotja; phela injongo yalo kwenelisa lowo lolibutsile. Futsi nemdlali, nakangawugcini umtsetfo wemdlalo, akawiniswa. Ngumlimi losebenta kamatima lekufanele atfole kucala sabelo esivunweni. Cabangisisa loku lengikushoko, ngobe iNkhosi itakupha kucondzisisa konkhe. Khumbula Jesu Khristu wesitukulwane saDavide, lowavuswa kulabafile, njengobe ngiyaye ngisho nangishumayela liVangeli. Ngilo leliVangeli lengilihluphekelako, ngidzimate ngaboshwa nangetinketane, kwaba shangatsi ngisigebengu. Kepha noko livi laNkulunkulu alikaboshwa. Ngako-ke ngicinisela kuko konkhe ngenca yalabakhetsiwe, kuze kutsi nabo batekwemukela insindziso lekuKhristu Jesu baphiwe nebukhosi baphakadze. Letsembekile lelivi lelitsi: “Nasafa kanye naye, siyawuphila kanye naye futsi. Nasicinisela, siyawubusa kanye naye; nasimphika, naye futsi uyawusiphika. Nasingetsembeki, yena uhlala etsembekile, ngobe angeke atiphikise.” Khumbuta bantfu ngaloku, ubayale embikwaNkulunkulu kutsi bangaphikisani ngemavi langasiti lutfo, kodvwa lasicitfo kulabawevako. Khutsalela kutiveta wemukelekile kuNkulunkulu, ube sisebenti lesetsembekile kuye lesite emahloni nalesiliphakela kahle livi leliciniso. Kodvwa utigege tinkhulumo telive letilite, ngobe tibanga kungamesabi Nkulunkulu. Inkhulumo yabo iyawubhidlika njengesilondza semgubho lesincincako. Emkhatsini wabo kukhona boHumenayosi naFiletusi, lese baphambukile ecinisweni batsi kuvuka kulabafile sekwendlula. Bacitsisa labanye kukholwa kwabo. Kodvwa sisekelo lesimiswe nguNkulunkulu solomane simile, sineluphawu lolutsi: “INkhosi iyabati lababayo,” nekutsi: “Wonkhe umuntfu lotibita ngelibito leNkhosi akakhweshe kulokubi.” Endlini lenkhulu akuhlali titja tegolide netesiliva kuphela, kodvwa kukhona netelugodvo, netelibumba. Letinye tihloniphekile, letinye tekusetjentiswa nje nome kunini. Nangabe umuntfu atihlanta yena angabi sitja sekusetjentiswa nje nome kunini, uyabe sewuba sitja lesihloniphekile lesingcweliswe sadzimate safanela umniyo wendlu, size silungele nome ngumuphi umsebenti lomuhle. Ngako-ke balekela tinkhanuko tebusha, kodvwa hambisana nalabo labakhuleka eNkhosini ngenhlitiyo lehlambululekile, ujonge kulunga, nekukholwa, nelutsandvo, nekuthula. Kodvwa ungakunaki kuphikisana kwebulima lokungenasisekelo, ngobe uyati nawe kutsi kubanga kucabana. Sisebenti seNkhosi asikafaneli kutsi silwe, kodvwa sifanele kutsi sibe mnene kubo bonkhe bantfu, sibe nelisu lekufundzisa, sibeketele, sibayale ngemoya lomnene labo labamelene naso, mhlawumbe Nkulunkulu angabanika kuphendvuka, badzimate balati liciniso, baze basanguluke etingcondvweni tabo, baphunyule elugibeni lwaSathane, lowabagcilata kuze bente intsandvo yakhe. Khumbula naku: Emalangeni ekugcina kuyawufika tikhatsi letimatima. Bantfu bayawutitsandza, batsandze imali, batigcabhe, batigabatise, balulate Nkulunkulu ngenhlamba. Bayawuba ngulabangalaleli batali babo, bangabongi, babete bungcwele, babete lutsandvo, bangatsetselelani. Bayawuba tinyoka, bangatitsibi, babe nebulwane, batondze lokuhle, batsengise ngalabanye bantfu, babe nemawala, bakhukhumukiswe kutatisa, batsandze kutijabulisa kunekutsi babe ngulabatsandza Nkulunkulu. Bayawuba nesimo sekumesaba Nkulunkulu, kodvwa babe bawaphika emandla ako; labo-ke ubakhweshele. Ngobe emkhatsini wabo laba kukhona labakhokhobela kungena etindlini talabasikati lababutsakatsaka ngekusindvwa tono tabo, baholwa tinkhanuko letimihibahiba. Laba labasikati bafundza njalonjalo, kodvwa bangeke befike ekulatini liciniso. Njengobe boJanesi naJambresi bamelana naMosi, nabo-ke labantfu bamelene neliciniso, babantfu labanengcondvo leyonakele netehluleki ekukholweni. Kodvwa bangeke bafike ndzawo; ngobe bulima babo butakwembuleka kubo bonkhe bantfu, njengebulima balabo bobabili. Kodvwa wena ungilandzele kunaku: esifundzisweni, nasekutiphatseni, nasemgomeni, nasekukholweni, nasekubeketeleni, naselutsandvweni, nasekubambeleleni, nasekutingelweni, nasekuhluphekeni lokwangehlela e-Antiyokhi, nase-Ikhoniyumi, naseListra; ngacinisela kuko konkhe lokutingelwa, futsi iNkhosi yangikhulula kuko konkhe. Yebo, bonkhe labafisa kuphila ngekukholwa nguKhristu Jesu bayawutingelwa bahlushwe, kepha lababi nebakhohlisi bayawudlanga ngebubi, bedukise, nabo bedukiswe. Kodvwa wena chubeka kuloko lokufundzile wakukholwa, wati kutsi ukufundze kubobani, nekutsi kusukela ebuntfwaneni bakho wayati imiBhalo lengcwele lenemandla ekuhlakaniphisa kube kusindziswa ngekukholwa nguKhristu Jesu. Yonkhe imiBhalo iphefumulelwe nguNkulunkulu; ilungele kufundzisa, nekusola, nekucondzisa, nekuyala ngekulunga, kuze umuntfu waNkulunkulu atewuhlonyiswa alungele kwenta wonkhe umsebenti lomuhle lamiselwe wona. Ngiyakuyala embikwaNkulunkulu naKhristu Jesu, lotakwehlulela labaphilako nalabafile, ngikuyalisisa ngekubonakala kwakhe nembuso wakhe, ngitsi: Shumayela livi, ulimele nome tikhatsi tivuma nome tingavumi; sola, ucwayise, uyale ngako konkhe kubeketela nekufundzisa. Ngobe siyeta sikhatsi lapho bangeyiwuyemukela imfundziso lephilile; kodvwa ngekwenkhanuko yabo bayawutibutsela bafundzisi babo, bafundziswe loko labatsandza kufundziswa kona. Bayawufulatselisa tindlebe tabo ecinisweni baphambukele etinganekwaneni. Kodvwa wena, zitsa etintfweni tonkhe, ubeketele ekuhluphekeni, wente umsebenti webuvangeli, utifeze tonkhe timfanelo telubito lwakho. Mine sengiyanikelwa; sesifikile sikhatsi sami. Ngikulwile kulwa lokuhle, sengiyicedzile indzima yami, ngibambelele ekukholweni. Manje sengihlalelwe kutfola umchele wekulunga, lengibekelwe wona yiNkhosi, uMehluleli lolungile. INkhosi iyawunginika lowo mchele ngalelo langa, hhayi mine kuphela kodvwa bonkhe labetsabele kubuya kwayo. Shesha ufike la kimi masinyane. Demasi sewungibalekele waya eThesalonika, ngenca yekutsandza lelive. Khresensi waya eGalathiya, Thithusi waya eDalmathiya; nguLukha kuphela lenginaye la. Ubota naMakho, ngobe ulusito kimi emsebentini. Thikhikhusi ngimtfumele e-Efesu. Ubota nalelo jazi lami lengalishiya kuKhaphusi eThrowasi, kanye naleto tincwadzi, ikakhulu leti tesikhumba. Alekzanda, umkhandzi welitfusi, wenta tintfo letinyenti letimbi kimi, iNkhosi iyawungenanela kuye. Mkhweshele nawe, ngobe wamelana kakhulu nemfundziso yetfu. Ekutiphendvuleleni kwami kwekucala kute ngisho namunye lowangimela, bonkhe bangilahla. Abangabekelwa sono! Kodvwa iNkhosi yema nami yangicinisa kuze inshumayelo yami ipheleliselwe ngami, nebetive beve. Ngako-ke ngakhululwa emlonyeni welibhubesi. INkhosi iyawungikhulula kuyo yonkhe imisebenti lemibi, ingisindzise, ngize ngifike embusweni wayo wasezulwini. Akube kuyo bukhosi phakadze naphakadze. Amen. Hambisa boPhrisila na-Akhwila kanye nebaka-Onesiforusi. Erastusi wasala eKhorinte; Trofimusi ngamshiya agula eMilethusi. Shesha ute la bungakefiki busika. Bayakuhambisa bo-Ebulusi, naPhudensi, naLinusi, naKlawudiya kanye nabo bonkhe bazalwane. INkhosi ayibe nemoya wakho. Umusa awube nani. Lencwadzi iphuma kuPawula, sisebenti saNkulunkulu, nemphostoli waJesu Khristu. Ngitfunyelwe kwakha kukholwa kwalabakhetsiwe baNkulunkulu ngibafundzise lwati lweliciniso ngekwesaba Nkulunkulu. Futsi ngitfunyelwe nekubaholela etsembeni lekuphila lokuphakadze, lekwatsi umhlaba ungakasekelwa kwetsenjiswa nguNkulunkulu longawacali emanga. Kodvwa ngesikhatsi lesifanele sekubonakaliswe evini lakhe ngekushumayela lengiphatsiswe kona mine ngekwemyalo waNkulunkulu, uMsindzisi wetfu. Lencwadzi iya kuThithusi, umntfwanami weliciniso ngekukholwa. Akube kuwe umusa nekuthula lokuvela kuNkulunkulu, longuBabe, nakuKhristu Jesu, uMsindzisi wetfu. Lokwangenta ngikushiye lapho eKhrethe kutsi usale ulungisa tintfo letitsite letifanele kulungiswa, ubeke babonisi kulelo nakulelo dolobha, njengobe ngakuyala. Umbonisi kufanele angasoleki, abe yindvodza lenemfati munye, lenebantfwana labakholwako nalabalalelako, labangakadvumi ngebubi. Umholi, njengobe asisebenti saNkulunkulu, kufanele angasoleki, angatigcabhi, abete lulaka, angabi sidzakwa, abete luchweba, futsi angahaleli inzuzo ngebubi. Kodvwa kufanele aphatse kahle tihambi, atsandze lokulungile, aticaphele abe cotfo, abe ngcwele, atibambe. Kufanele abe ngulobambelele evini leletsembekile njengobe lalifundzisiwe, khona atekwati kuyala ngekwemfundziso lephilile nekubehlula labo labamphikisako. Ngobe banyenti labangalaleli, nalabakhuluma lite, nalabacala emanga, ikakhulu labaphuma enkholweni yebuJuda. Labo bafanele kubindziswa, ngobe bacitsa emakhaya ngekufundzisa timfundziso letingakafaneli, bentele kutfola ingcebo ngebubi. Lomunye wabo labengumphrofethi wadzimate watsi: “BaseKhrethe babacali bemanga njalo nje, batilwane letimbi, batimiti letingemavila.” Lobufakazi buliciniso. Ngako-ke bekhute kamatima, khona batewucina ekukholweni, bangatinaki tinganekwane temaJuda nome imiyalo yebantfu labafulatsela liciniso. Kulabahlantekile konkhe kuhlantekile, kodvwa kulababi nalabangakholwa kute lokuhlantekile; kepha kungcole ingcondvo yabo nanembeza wabo. Bavuma ngemlomo kutsi bayamati Nkulunkulu, kepha ngetento tabo bayamphika; bayenyanyeka, abalaleli, bayehluleka kwenta nome ngabe yini lenhle. Wena fundzisa loko lokufanele imfundziso lephilile. Uyale emadvodza lamadzala kutsi atitsibe, azitse, acondze, acine ekukholweni, naselutsandvweni, nasekuciniseleni. Kanjalo nabomake labadzala ubayale kutsi bahlonipheke ngesimilo, bangabi tinhlebi nome tigcili tekudzakwa, kufanele babe bafundzisi balokulungile. Abafundzise bomakoti kutsi batsandze emadvodza abo nebantfwababo, babe ngulabacondzile nalabacotfo; baphatse kahle emakhaya abo, balunge, batfobele emadvodza abo, kuze lingahlanjalatwa livi laNkulunkulu. Ubayale nalabadvuna labasebancane kutsi batitsibe. Wena-ke ube sibonelo lesihle ngato tonkhe tindlela. Ufundzise ngebucotfo nangekutimisela, nangekukhuluma lokuphilile lokungasoleki, kuze kutsi labo labamelene natsi, bahlazeke ngekutsi bate lokubi labangahle bakusho ngatsi. Uyale netisebenti kutsi titfobele baphatsi bato kuko konkhe, tibenelise, tingaphikisani nabo inkhani. Tingebi, kodvwa tikhombise kwetsembeka kuko konkhe, kuze etintfweni tonkhe tihlobise imfundziso yaNkulunkulu uMsindzisi wetfu. Empeleni umusa waNkulunkulu wekusindzisa ubonakaliswe kubo bonkhe bantfu. Lomusa usifundzisa kutsi sikudzele kungakholwa, nekutsi sitilumule etinkhanukweni telive, bese siphila ngekuzitsa, nangekulunga, nangekumesaba Nkulunkulu kulomhlaba, ngesikhatsi sisabheke kugcwaliseka kwelitsemba lelibusisekile, kubonakala kwenkhatimulo yebukhosi baNkulunkulu lomkhulu, uMsindzisi wetfu Khristu Jesu. Yena watinikela ngenca yetfu, kuze atesihlenga ebubini bonkhe atingcwelisele sive lesisakhe, lesinenshisekelo kutsi sente imisebenti lemihle. Khuluma letintfo ngekuyala nekwekhuta ngawo onkhe emandla. Akubete lokubukela phansi. Bakhumbute kutsi batfobele babusi netiphatsimandla tabo, balalele, balungele kwenta yonkhe imisebenti lemihle. Kubete lokhuluma kabi ngalomunye, bangabi tilwi, babeketele, bakhombise bumnene kubo bonkhe bantfu. Ngobe natsi matfupha sake saba tilima, singalaleli, sidukiswa, sitigcili tato tonkhe tinkhanuko nekutamasa. Besiphila ebubini nasemoneni, sitondzekile, sitondzana. Kodvwa kwatsi Nkulunkulu uMsindzisi wetfu nakabonakalisa lutsandvo lwakhe kubantfu, wasisindzisa, hhayi ngobe besente imisebenti yekulunga, kodvwa ngesihawu sakhe. Wasisindzisa, wasigeza ngekusitala kabusha nangekusenta busha ngaMoya Longcwele, lowatfululelwa etikwetfu ngalokuchichimako ngaJesu Khristu uMsindzisi wetfu. Ngako-ke ngemusa wakhe usente semukeleka kuye kutsi silungile, sibe tindlalifa tekuphila lokuphakadze lesetsembele kuko. Lelivi licinisile. Ngifisa kutsi ukugcizelele loku, kuze labo labakholwe kuNkulunkulu bakhutsalele kwenta imisebenti lemihle. Loku kuhle, futsi kunelusito kubantfu. Kodvwa uboyikhweshela imibuzo yebulima, nemilandvo yekutalana, nemibango, nekuphikisana ngemitsetfo, ngobe konkhe loko akusiti lutfo, futsi kulite. Umuntfu lonemfundziso yekwedukisa ubomkhweshela, nasayalwe kanye nakabili, wati kutsi lowo lonjalo sewuphambukile, wonile, utehlulele yena. Nase ngitfumele Athemasi nome Thikhikhusi lapho kuwe, ubosheshe ute kimi eNikhopolisi, ngobe sengincume kubucitsa khona busika. Sheshisa utfumele Zenasi, ummeli, na-Apolosi, ucaphele nekutsi bangesweli lutfo. Bantfu bakitsi bakhutsalele kwenta imisebenti lemihle, kuze batewusita lapho kwesweleke lusito khona, bangabi ngulabangatseli titselo. Bonkhe lenginabo lapha bayakuhambisa. Hambisa labo labasitsandzako ekukholweni. Umusa awube nani nonkhe. Lencwadzi iphuma kuPawula, siboshwa ngenca yaKhristu Jesu, nakuThimothi, umzalwane wakhe. Iya kuFilemoni lotsandzekako nalosisebenti kanye natsi, naku-Aphiya, dzadzewetfu, naku-Akhiphusi, lolisotja laJesu kanye natsi, nakulo lonkhe libandla lelihlanganela endlini yaFilemoni. Akube kini umusa nekuthula lokuvela kuNkulunkulu, longuBabe wetfu, naseNkhosini yetfu Jesu Khristu. Ngaso sonkhe sikhatsi nangithandaza, ngiyakukhumbula, ngibonge Nkulunkulu, ngobe sengivile ngelutsandvo lwakho kubantfu baNkulunkulu, ngeva nangekukholwa kwakho lonako eNkhosini Jesu. Ngithandazela kutsi budlelwane betfu ekukholweni bukwente uwati kancono emagugu lesinawo kuKhristu. Lutsandvo lwakho luyangijabulisa, futsi luyangikhutsata, mzalwane wami. Tinhlitiyo talabanyenti labangcwele tihlunyelelisiwe ngalo. Ngako-ke bengingaba nesibindzi ngaKhristu kutsi ngikutfume wente lokufanele kwentiwe, kodvwa ngenca yelutsandvo ngiyakuncenga. Mine Pawula, njengemuntfu losamdzala nyalo, nalosasiboshwa ngenca yaKhristu Jesu, ngiyakuncenga mayelana na-Onesimuse, indvodzana yami, lengimtfole ngesikhatsi ngisejele. Kucala abete lusito kuwe, kodvwa nyalo sewunelusito lolukhulu kitsi sobabili. Ngimbuyisela kuwe, yena loyinhlitiyo yami. Bengingatsandza kutsi ngimgcine ngalapha ngakimi, njengobe ngisiboshwa nje, khona atewutsatsa indzawo yakho ekungisiteni ngesikhatsi ngisaboshiwe ngenca yeliVangeli. Noko angikatsandzi kwenta lutfo wena ungakavumi, kuze umusa ungayi ngekucindzetelwa, kodvwa usebente ngesihle. Ngobe encenye Onesimuse wehlukaniswa nawe kwesikhashana nje, khona atawuphindze abuyiselwe kuwe, ningasenawuphindza nehlukane. Manje akasabuyi njengesigcili, kodvwa sengumzalwane lotsandzekako. Njengobe angulotsandzeka kangaka kimi, kangakanani-ke kuwe! Phela sewuligugu kuwe, hhayi njengobe asigcili sakho kuphela, kodvwa njengemzalwane wakho eNkhosini. Ngako-ke nawutsi mine ngingumhlanganyeli kanye nawe, naye-ke, memukele ngaleyo ndlela lebewungangemukela ngayo mine. Nangabe kukhona lakona ngako, nome kukhona lakukweleda kona, sibuyise kimi leso sikwelede. Nalu-ke luphawu lwekutsi mine Pawula ngiyakumkhokhela; akudzingeki nekutsi ngibe ngikukhumbuta kutsi kwawena nje ngekwakho ungewami, nginesabelo kuwe. Yebo, mzalwane wami, ngicela kutsi ngitfokotiswe nguwe eNkhosini, ngekuhlumelelisa inhlitiyo yami kuKhristu. Ngibhalele wena, ngobe ngiyetsemba kutsi utakwenta lengikucelako; ngiyati kutsi utakwenta nalokungetulu kwaloku lengikucelile. Lokunye-ke kutsi ungilungiselele indzawo yekuhlala, ngobe ngiyetsemba kutsi imithandazo yenu itawuphendvuleka, Nkulunkulu angisite ngite lapho kini. Uyanikhontisa Ephafrasi, lesiboshwe kanye naye ngenca yaKhristu Jesu, naMakho, na-Aristakhusi naDemasi, kanye naLukha, tisebenti kanye nami. Umusa weNkhosi yetfu Jesu Khristu awube nemoya wenu. Endvulo Nkulunkulu wakhuluma kubokhokho betfu ngebaphrofethi, ngetikhatsi letinyenti nangetindlela letinyenti. Kodvwa kulamalanga ekugcina sewukhulume kitsi ngeNdvodzana yakhe ladala ngayo umhlaba nako konkhe lokukhona; wayimisa kutsi ibe yindlalifa yako konkhe. LeNdvodzana ibonakalisa bukhosi nebunjalo bonkhe baNkulunkulu. Isimise indalo yonkhe ngelivi layo lelinemandla. Yatsi kube yente intsetselelo yetono tebantfu, yahlala ezulwini ngesekudla saNkulunkulu Somandla. LeNdvodzana seyaba yinkhulu kakhulu kunetingilosi, ngekutsi yemukela libito lelikhulu kunelato. Ngobe Nkulunkulu akazange asho nakuyinye yetingilosi takhe kutsi: “Wena uyiNdvodzana yami, lamuhla ngikutele,” nekutsi: “Ngiyawuba nguYise, yena abe yiNdvodzana yami.” Nakaphindza futsi aletsa litubulo emhlabeni utsi: “Tonkhe tingilosi taNkulunkulu atilihloniphe.” Ngetingilosi utsi: “Nguye lowenta tingilosi takhe tibe ngimimoya, netikhonti takhe tibe ngemalangabi emlilo.” Kodvwa ngeNdvodzana utsi: “Sihlalo sakho sebukhosi, Nkulunkulu, sisaphakadze naphakadze. Kulunga yindvuku yebukhosi bakho lobusa ngayo bantfu bakho. Utsandze kulunga, watondza bubi; ngako-ke, Nkulunkulu, longuNkulunkulu wakho, ukugcobe ngemafutsa enjabulo ngetulu kwabomnakenu.” Uphindze atsi: “Wena, Nkhosi, ekucaleni wabeka sisekelo semhlaba, emazulu angumsebenti wetandla takho. Wona ayawubhubha, kodvwa wena ungeke; wona ayawuguga onkhe, avitsike njengengubo. Uyawuwagocota njengelicansi, ayawuntjintjwa njengekuntjintjwa kwengubo, kepha wena uyawube seloku unjalo. Iminyaka yakho ngeke iphele.” Nkulunkulu akazange asho nakuyinye yetingilosi takhe kutsi: “Hlala lapha ngesekudla sami, ngize ngente titsa takho tibe senabelo setinyawo takho.” Tiyini tona tingilosi? Tingimimoya yekusebentela Nkulunkulu, letfunyelwe kutawusita labo labayawudla lifa lensindziso. Ngako-ke ngabe siyakucaphelisisa sikubambe loko lesikuvile, funa sikhweshe kuko. Livi lelamenyetelwa tingilosi laciniseka; nako konkhe lokubi nekungalaleli kwakujeziswa ngalokufanele. Pho, tsine siyawuphunyula njani, nasingakunaki lokusindziswa lokungaka? Kwakhulunywa yiNkhosi kucala, kwaciniswa kitsi ngulabo labayiva. Nkulunkulu wafakaza kanye nabo ngetibonakaliso, nangetimangaliso, nangemisebenti yemandla leyehlukahlukene, nangetipho taMoya Longcwele lataba ngekwentsandvo yakhe. Sikhuluma ngemhlaba lotako; Nkulunkulu akawubekanga ngaphansi kwetingilosi. Kepha bukhona bufakazi lesibutfola emiBhalweni lobutsi: “Uyini umuntfu kutsi umkhumbule? Iyini indvodzana yemuntfu kutsi uyinakekele? Wamenta kutsi abe mncane kunetingilosi, sikhashana lesifishane nje. Wametfwesa umchele webukhosi neludvumo, [wammisa etikwemisebenti yetandla takho]. Tonkhe tintfo watibeka ngaphansi kwetinyawo takhe.” Kubeka tintfo tonkhe ngaphansi kwakhe kusho kutsi kute lakushiya kungakabekwa ngaphansi kwemandla akhe. Kwanyalo nje, sisengakaboni kutsi tintfo tonkhe tibekwe ngaphansi kwakhe. Kodvwa lesimbonako nguJesu, lowentiwa waba mncane kunetingilosi kwesikhashana. Wetfweswa umchele webukhosi neludvumo ngenca yekuhlupheka kwekufa. Kwaya ngebubele baNkulunkulu kutsi Jesu eve kufa ngenca yebantfu bonkhe. Konkhe lokukhona kukhona kuye nangaye Nkulunkulu. Ngako-ke kwakuvele kumfanele kutsi yena ente Jesu apheleliswe ngekuhlupheka; wamenta waba ngumvuli wendlela yekusindziswa kwemadvodzana lamanyenti ngekuwaletsa ebukhosini. Ngobe lowo longcwelisako nalabo labangcwelisiwe baphuma kuBabe munye. Ngiko nje angenamahloni kubabita ngekutsi bomnakabo, utsi: “Ngiyawushumayela kubomnaketfu libito lakho, ngihlabelele ngawe emkhatsini welibandla.” Uphindze atsi: “Ngiyawubeka litsemba lami kuNkulunkulu;” aphindze atsi: “Ngilapha mine, nebantfwana Nkulunkulu langiphe bona.” Ngako-ke njengobe bantfwana baba bantfu, naye-ke Jesu waba ngumuntfu njengabo, kuze kutsi abhubhise Sathane labenemandla etikwekufa, kuze akhulule bonkhe labo labatsi ngesikhatsi sonkhe sekuphila kwabo baboshelwa ebugcilini ngenca yekwesaba kufa. Ngobe akusito tingilosi labecondze kutisita, kodvwa titukulwane ta-Abrahama. Ngako-ke kwakudzingekile kutsi afanane nabomnakabo ngako konkhe, kuze atewuba ngumPhristi Lomkhulu lonesihawu nalowetsembekile emsebentini waNkulunkulu, kube yinhlawulo yetono tebantfu. Njengobe naye matfupha wahlupheka alingwa, unawo emandla ekubasita labo labalingwako. Ngako-ke bazalwane bami labangcwele, leninenhlanganyelo kulolubito lwasezulwini, cabangisisani ngaJesu, longumPhostoli nemPhristi Lomkhulu wesivumo setfu. Wetsembeka kuNkulunkulu lammisa, njengobe naMosi etsembeka endlini yaNkulunkulu. Noko Jesu wafanelwa ludvumo lolukhulu kakhulu kunaMosi, njengobe vele umakhi wendlu udvunyiswa kakhulu kunalendlu layakhile. Tonkhe tindlu tinebakhi bato, kodvwa Nkulunkulu ungumakhi wako konkhe. Mosi kambe abetsembekile kuko konkhe endlini yaNkulunkulu njengenceku, kuze kube bufakazi baleto tintfo lebekutawukhulunywa ngato kamuva. Kodvwa Khristu wetsembeka njengeNdvodzana endlini yaNkulunkulu. Tsine-ke siyindlu yaNkulunkulu, nasibambelele ngesibindzi etsembeni letfu [kuze kube ngusekupheleni]. NaMoya Longcwele uyasho utsi: “Lamuhla, naniliva livi laNkulunkulu, ningatenti tibe lukhuni tinhlitiyo tenu njengabokhokho benu labamelana naye ehlane. Bokhokho benu bangilinga khona bangihlola, isho iNkhosi. Loko bakwenta, nome babeyibona imisebenti yami kuleminyaka lengema-40. Nguloko-ke lokwangicansula kulabo bantfu baleto tikhatsi, ngadzimate ngatsi: ‘Solomane bayeduka ngemicabango yabo, netindlela tami abaticondzi.’ Ngako-ke ekutfukutseleni kwami, ngafunga ngatsi: ‘Bangeke basangena ekuphumuleni kwami.’ ” Caphelani-ke, bazalwane, kutsi kubete emkhatsini wenu lonenhlitiyo lembi nalengakholwa, longahle ahlubuke loNkulunkulu lophilako. Kodvwa khutsatanani onkhe emalanga yingci nakusatsiwa: “Lamuhla”, kutsi kubete lowentiwa inhlitiyo yakhe ibe lukhuni ngekuyengwa sono. Ngobe sihlanganyela naKhristu kuphela, nasibambelele etsembeni letfu lakucala kuze kube ngusekupheleni. UmBhalo usitjela utsi: “Lamuhla, naniliva livi lakhe, ningatenti tibe lukhuni tinhlitiyo tenu, njengalokwa nimelana naye.” Bekubobani laba labaliva livi lakhe bamelana naye? Bekungesibo yini bonkhe labo labaphuma eGibhithe baholwa nguMosi? Bobani laba labamcansula iminyaka lengema-40? Bekungesibo yini labo labona bafela ehlane? Bobani labo labafungela Nkulunkulu kutsi bangeke basangena ekuphumuleni kwakhe? Empeleni ngulabo lababengamlaleli. Siyabona-ke kutsi abazange bangene kuko ngenca yekungakholwa kwabo. Ngako-ke asesabe, funa kube khona emkhatsini wenu lobonakala shangatsi sewusigejile lesitfuba, ngobe sisemile lesetsembiso saNkulunkulu sekungena ekuphumuleni kwakhe. LiVangeli lishunyayelwe kitsi, njengobe lashunyayelwa nakulabo bakadzeni. Kodvwa lelivi labaliva alizange libasite; ngobe naloku baliva ngetindlebe nje abazange balikholwe ngetinhlitiyo. Tsine lesikholwako siyangena ekuphumuleni kwakhe, njengobe washo watsi: “Ekutfukutseleni kwami ngafunga ngatsi: ‘Bangeke basangena ekuphumuleni kwami.’ ” Noko imisebenti yakhe yase iphelelisiwe kusukela ekudalweni kwemhlaba. Ngobe ngiko lokushiwo ngumBhalo ngelilanga lesikhombisa kutsi: “Ngelilanga lesikhombisa Nkulunkulu waphumula kuyo yonkhe imisebenti yakhe.” Kodvwa uphindze atsi kulendzawo: “Bangeke basangena ekuphumuleni kwami.” Kuyakhanya-ke kutsi nanyalo umnyango usavuliwe kutsi labo labatsandzako basengangena ekuphumuleni kwakhe, ngobe phela labo labaliva kucala liVangeli abangenanga ngenca yekungalaleli kwabo. Loku-ke Nkulunkulu ukukhombise ngekutsi akhetse lelinye lilanga lekutsiwa ngu “lamuhla”. Wakhuluma ngaDavide emvakweminyaka leminyenti, njengobe kubhaliwe, watsi: “Lamuhla, naniliva livi lami, ningatenti tibe lukhuni tinhlitiyo tenu.” Kube Joshuwa wabanika loko kuphumula, Nkulunkulu abengeke aphindze akhulume ngalelinye lilanga. Ngako-ke kuphumula kweliSabatha kusabasalele bantfu baNkulunkulu. Ngobe lowo longene ekuphumuleni kwaNkulunkulu, naye uphumula emisebentini yakhe, njengobe naNkulunkulu aphumula kuyakhe. Ngako-ke asikhutsalele kungena kuloko kuphumula, kubete lowehluleka ngenca yekungalaleli njengabo. Livi laNkulunkulu liphilile, linemandla; likhalipha kwengca inkemba lesika ngetinhlangotsi totimbili. Lisika lidzimate lehlukanise umphefumulo nemoya, emalunga nemnkantja, lehlulele imicabango netifiso tenhlitiyo. Kute sidalwa lesifihlakele kuNkulunkulu, kodvwa konkhe kusebaleni kwembuliwe emehlweni alowo lekufanele sitilandze kuye. Njengobe sinemPhristi Lomkhulu kakhulu, Jesu iNdvodzana yaNkulunkulu, lodzabule emazulu, asibambelele kuso sivumo sekukholwa kwetfu. LomPhristi wetfu Lomkhulu akasiye lowehluleka kuvelana natsi ebutsakatsakeni betfu, kodvwa walingwa ngayo yonkhe indlela njengatsi, noko akazange one. Ngako-ke asisondzele ngesibindzi esihlalweni semusa, khona sitekwemukela sihawu, sitfole umusa lotasisita ngesikhatsi lesifanele. Lowo nalowo mPhristi Lomkhulu ukhetfwa emkhatsini webantfu amiselwe kumela bantfu kuNkulunkulu, kuze anikele tipho nemihlatjelo ngenca yetono. Lowo-ke angababeketelela labo labangati lutfo nalaba labedukako, ngobe kwayena unebutsakatsaka. Ngenca yalobo butsakatsaka bakhe, naye kudzingekile kutsi ente iminikelo yetono takhe, njengobe abentela labanye bantfu. Kute umuntfu lotitsatsela lesikhundla ngaphandle kwekutsi abitwe nguNkulunkulu, njengobe na-Aroni abitwa. Ngako-ke naKhristu akatitsatselanga lesikhundla sekuba ngumPhristi Lomkhulu; kodvwa wamiswa nguNkulunkulu lowatsi kuye: “Wena uyiNdvodzana yami; lamuhla ngikutele.” Uphindze atsi kulenye indzawo: “Wena ungumphristi loyawuhlala akhona kuze kube phakadze, ngekuma kwaMelkhisedeki.” Asesemhlabeni, Jesu wanikela ngekuthandaza, nangekuncusa, nangekukhala lokukhulu, nangetinyembeti, akhala kulowo lonemandla ekumsindzisa ekufeni, wevakala ngenca yekumesaba Nkulunkulu. Nome abeyiNdvodzana, wafundza kulalela ngekuhlupheka kwakhe, kwase kutsi ngekupheleliswa kwakhe waba ngumtfombo wensindziso yaphakadze yabo bonkhe labo labamlalelako, Nkulunkulu asammise kutsi abe ngumPhristi Lomkhulu ngekuma kwaMelkhisedeki. Mayelana naloku kunyenti lesingakusho, kodvwa kulukhuni kunichazela, ngobe naku senaba butfuntfu ekuveni. Bekufanele kutsi ngabe senibafundzisi nyalo, kodvwa nisadzinga lotanifundzisa, nicalele phansi etinyatselweni tekucala temfundziso yelivi laNkulunkulu. Solo nidzinga lubisi, hhayi kudla lokucinile. Ngobe lowo losaphila ngelubisi usengakakhuli evini lekulunga; useluswane. Kudla lokucinile kwebantfu lasebakhulile, lasebanemicondvo lehlutekile, leseyikwati kwehlukanisa lokuhle nalokubi. Ngako-ke asitishiye timfundziso tekucatfuta evini laKhristu, sendlulele kuletingembili talasebavutsiwe eNkhosini. Asikuyekele kuphindza sibeke sisekelo ngekushumayela kuphendvuka emisebentini lefile, kanye nesekukholwa kuNkulunkulu. Asikuyekele futsi kuphindza sinifundzise ngemibhabhatiso letinhlobonhlobo, nangekubekwa tandla, nangekuvuswa kwalabafile, nangekwehlulelwa kwaphakadze. Loku siyawukwenta, nakuvuma Nkulunkulu. Kukhona labake bakhanyiselwa, banambitsa sipho sasezulwini, badzimate baba nesabelo saMoya Longcwele. Labo-ke labanambitse kulunga kwelivi laNkulunkulu baweva nemandla ekuphila lokutako, nase bahlubuka, kusho kutsi bona matfupha sebaphindze batibetselela iNdvodzana yaNkulunkulu esiphambanweni, bayitsela ngelihlazo ebaleni; labo kungeke kwenteke kutsi baphindze baphendvuke. Umhlabatsi lonatsa emanti emvula nayina njalo nje, bese umilisa tilimo letiba lusito kulabo labawulimako, ubusiswa nguNkulunkulu. Kodvwa nangabe umhlaba umilisa emanyeva netinchachabutane, awunamsebenti walutfo, futsi usengotini yekucalekiswa nguNkulunkulu; nesiphetfo sawo kushiswa ngemlilo. Kodvwa, bazalwane bami, nome sikhuluma kanjena nje, asesabi lutfo ngani, ngobe siyanati kutsi ninako lokuncono lokumacondzana nensindziso yenu. Ngobe phela Nkulunkulu akakhetsi, futsi angeke ayikhohlwe imisebenti yenu nelutsandvo lenilukhombise ekusiteni labangcwele, njengobe nenta namanje. Sifisa shangatsi ngulowo nalowo kini angakhombisa loko kushisekela, nekuciniseka etsembeni lenu, kuze kube ngusekugcineni. Sifisa kutsi ningavilaphi, kodvwa nibe njengabo labo labadla lifa letetsembiso ngekukholwa nangekubeketela. Ngesikhatsi Nkulunkulu etsembisa Abrahama, bekute labemkhulu kunaye labengamfunga, ngako-ke watifunga yena matfupha. Watsi: “Ngiyawukubusisa nekukubusisa, ngikwandzise nekukwandzisa.” Abrahama wabeketela, ngako wemukela setsembiso. Nangabe umuntfu afunga, usebentisa libito lalomunye lomkhulu kunaye. Sifungo siyacinisa, sicedze kuphikisana kwebantfu. Kulabo labebafanele kwemukela loko kwakutsenjisiwe, Nkulunkulu watimisela kukukhanyisa kahle kutsi yena ngeke ayigucule injongo yakhe, ngiko nje acinisa tetsembiso takhe ngekufunga. Ngako-ke Nkulunkulu wasebentisa tintfo letimbili langeke agucuke kuto: setsembiso nesifungo. Tsine-ke lesesitfole kuphepha kuye kufanele sibe nekukhutsatela lokukhulu, siphutfume lelitsemba leselibekwe embikwetfu. Ngulelo litsemba letfu lemiphefumulo yetfu. Linjengesisimiso semkhumbi, lisiphephelo lesicinile, lingenisana ngekhatsi kwesihenco, endzaweni lengcwelengcwele, lapho Jesu angena khona njengemvuli wendlela lomele tsine, waba ngumPhristi Lomkhulu loyawuhlala akhona phakadze naphakadze, ngekuma kwaMelkhisedeki. LoMelkhisedeki kwakuyinkhosi yaseSalema, angumphristi waNkulunkulu Losetikwako Konkhe. Ngesikhatsi Abrahama aphuma emphini lapho ancoba khona emakhosi lamane, Melkhisedeki wamhlangabeta, wambusisa. Abrahama wamnika kwelishumi kwako konkhe labekutfumbile. Lelibito lakhe lelitsi Melkhisedeki lisho kutsi: “INkhosi Yekulunga”; kantsi leli lelitsi iNkhosi yaseSalema lisho kutsi: “INkhosi Yekuthula”. LoMelkhisedeki kute umlandvo lowatiwako ngeyise nome ngenina nome ngabokhokho bakhe, kute lokwatiwako ngekutalwa nangekufa kwakhe; kodvwa ufanana neNdvodzana yaNkulunkulu ngekutsi ungumphristi loyawuhlala akhona phakadze naphakadze. Ase nibuke nje kutsi abemkhulu kanganani! Abrahama, khokho wetfu, wamnika kwelishumi kwako konkhe labekutfumbile. Titukulwane taLevi letemukela buphristi tinemiyalo emtsetfweni kutsi titsatse kwelishumi kubo bonkhe bantfu. Phela bakutsatsa kubantfu besive sakubo lesaphuma ku-Abrahama. Kodvwa lomuntfu abengesiye wesitukulwane saLevi, watsatsa kwelishumi ku-Abrahama, wase ubusisa lowo abenetetsembiso. Akuphikeki kutsi lomncane ubusiswa ngulomkhulu. Kwelishumi kwemukelwa baphristi lababuye bafe; kodvwa ngaMelkhisedeki kwelishumi kwemukelwa ngulophilako, njengobe umBhalo usho. Kungashiwo nekutsi naLevi matfupha, lowemukela kwelishumi, abekukhipha nga-Abrahama, ngobe phela Levi abeselukhalweni lwakhokho wakhe Abrahama ngesikhatsi ahlangana naMelkhisedeki. Baka-Israyeli bemukela umtsetfo ngaphansi kwebaphristi. Nangabe kuphelela kwemukeleka ngebuphristi bakaLevi, sasiyawuba khona yini lesinye sidzingo semphristi ngekuma kwaMelkhisedeki, kunalowo lowemiswa ngekuma kwa-Aroni? Ngobe nakunengucuko ebuphristini, nakanjani kufanele kube nengucuko nasemtsetfweni. Ngobe lona lekukhulunywa ngaye letintfo abewalesinye sive, lekungazange sekube khona namunye kuso lowake waba ngumphristi, wakhonta elatini. Ngobe kuyakhanya kutsi iNkhosi yetfu yatalwa esiveni sakaJuda, kunjalo nje naMosi akazange akhulume ngebaphristi bakuleso sive. Loku kubuye kukhanye kakhulu, nasekuvela lomunye umphristi ngendlela yaMelkhisedeki. Waba ngumphristi, hhayi ngemtsetfo lababebekwa ngawo bantfu, kodvwa ngemandla emphilo lengabhubhi. Ngobe umBhalo uyakufakaza loko, utsi: “Wena ungumphristi loyawuhlala akhona phakadze naphakadze, ngekuma kwaMelkhisedeki.” Umyalo wekucala sewubekwe eceleni ngenca yebutsakatsaka bawo nekungabi nalusito kwawo, ngobe umtsetfo awuphelelisi lutfo. Kodvwa sesinikwe litsemba lelisha nalelincono, lesingasondzela ngalo kuNkulunkulu. Ngetulu kwaloko linesifungo saNkulunkulu. Kadzeni besingentiwa sifungo nakubekwa baphristi. Kodvwa Jesu waba ngumphristi ngesifungo ngesikhatsi Nkulunkulu atsi: “INkhosi yente sifungo, futsi ingeke iyigucule ingcondvo yayo: ‘Wena ungumphristi loyawuhlala akhona phakadze naphakadze.’ ” Nguloko-ke lokwenta kutsi Jesu abe sibambiso sesivumelwane lesincono. Baphristi bekucala babebanyenti, ngobe kufa kwakumvimba lowo nalowo kutsi achubeke nalowo msebenti. Kodvwa buphristi baJesu abupheli, ngobe yena uhlala akhona kuze kube phakadze. Ngako-ke unawo emandla ekubasindzisa ngalokuphelele labo labasondzela ngaye kuNkulunkulu, njengobe yena aphilela kubancusela ngaso sonkhe sikhatsi. Jesu-ke ungumPhristi Lomkhulu lohlangabetana netidzingo tetfu. Ungcwele, ute sici nome sono, akasoleki; wehlukaniswa netoni, waphakanyiswa waba ngetulu kwemazulu. Yena akadzingi kunikela imihlatjelo yekushiswa njengalaba labanye baphristi labakhulu lababeyinikela onkhe emalanga, ngekutinikelela bona tono tabo kucala, bese banikelela tono talabanye. Kodvwa yena loko wakwenta kwaba kanye, kwenela, ngesikhatsi anikela ngaye lucobo lwakhe. Empeleni, umtsetfo ubeka bantfu labanebutsakatsaka, ubente babe baphristi labakhulu; kodvwa livi laNkulunkulu lelaciniswa ngesifungo, nalelefika muva kunemtsetfo, ngilo lelabeka iNdvodzana leyentiwa yaphelela kuze kube phakadze. Umnyombo waloku lesesikushito ngunankhu: Tsine-ke sinalonjalo umPhristi Lomkhulu, losewahlala ngesekudla saLomkhulu losesihlalweni sebukhosi ezulwini. Nguye losikhonti endzaweni lengcwele, ethendeni lekuhlangana, lelingilo sibili lelakhiwa yiNkhosi, hhayi ngumuntfu. Wonkhe umPhristi Lomkhulu ukhetselwa kunikela kuNkulunkulu ngetipho nangemihlatjelo, ngako-ke nalomPhristi Lomkhulu kudzingekile kutsi abe nako latakunikela. Kube abesemhlabeni abengeke abe ngumphristi nakancane nje, ngobe phela lapha emhlabeni bakhona baphristi labanikela ngetipho ngekwemtsetfo. Bona bakhontela kuloko lokungumfanekiso nesitfunti saloko lokunguko sibili kwasezulwini, ngobe ngesikhatsi Mosi asatakwakha lithende lekuhlangana, Nkulunkulu wamyala watsi: “Ucaphele kutsi konkhe ukwente ngaleyo ndlela lowakhonjiswa yona entsabeni.” Kodvwa Khristu sewunikwe inkonzo lephakeme nalenkhulu kuneyabo, njengobe nalesivumelwane, languMlamuli waso emkhatsini waNkulunkulu nebantfu, singulesincono, ngobe sisekelwe tetsembiso letincono. Kube sivumelwane sekucala besite sici, besingeke sidzingeke sivumelwane sesibili. Kodvwa Nkulunkulu sive sakhe usikhandza sinesici nakatsi: “Tiyeta tikhatsi,” kusho iNkhosi, “lapho ngiyakwenta sivumelwane lesisha nesive saka-Israyeli, kanye nemndeni wakaJuda. Lesivumelwane asiyiwufanana naleso lengasenta naboyise, ngesikhatsi ngibabamba ngesandla ngibakhipha eveni laseGibhithe. Abasigcinanga leso sivumelwane sami, ngako-ke nami angibange ngisabanaka,” isho iNkhosi. “Ngulesi-ke sivumelwane lengiyawusenta nendlu yaka-Israyeli ngetikhatsi letitako,” isho iNkhosi, itsi: “Ngiyawufaka imisetfo yami etingcondvweni tabo, ngiyibhale etinhlitiyweni tabo, ngibe nguNkulunkulu wabo, bona babe sive sami. Kuyawubate sidzingo sekutsi makhelwane afundzise makhelwane, nome-ke lomunye afundzise umnakabo, atsi: ‘Yati iNkhosi,’ ngobe bonkhe bayawungati kusukela kulomncane kuze kube ngukulomdzala. Ngobe ngiyawuba nemusa ekoneni kwabo, ngingeke ngiphindze ngitikhumbule tono tabo.” Nakakhuluma ngesivumelwane “lesisha”, Nkulunkulu usho kutsi lesi sekucala sesidzala. Loko lese kukudzala kusuke sekugugile, sekutawunyamalala masinyane. Sivumelwane sekucala sasinemitsetfo yekukhonta Nkulunkulu. Indzawo yaso lengcwele yayakhiwe bantfu. Bekwakhiwe lithende lekuhlangana lelalinetindzawo letimbili: Lengephandle bekutsiwa yindzawo lengcwele lapho bekunelutsi lwetibane, nelitafula lelinetinkhwa tekunikelwa kuNkulunkulu. Ngemuva kwendvwangu yesibili bekunendzawo lebeyibitwa ngekutsi yindzawo lengcwelengcwele. Kulendzawo bekunelilati legolide lekushisela imphepho; lelilati belikanye nelibhokisi lesivumelwane. Lingephandle lalelo bhokisi lonkhe beliyigolide, ekhatsi kwalo bekuneludziwo lwegolide luphetse imana. Kulelo bhokisi bekunendvuku ya-Aroni leyahluma, netibhelekeca tematje tesivumelwane semitsetfo. Ngetulu kwalelo bhokisi bekunemakherubhi ebukhosi baNkulunkulu labengamele sihlalo semusa. Kodvwa kwanyalo ngingeke ngichazisise ngalokuphelele ngaletintfo. Konkhe-ke solomane kuhlelwa ngalendlela, baphristi bangena njalo nje kuleyo ndzawo lengcwele bente imisebenti yabo yekukhonta Nkulunkulu. Kodvwa kulendzawo lengcwelengcwele kungena umPhristi Lomkhulu kuphela, nako angene kanye ngemnyaka, aphetse ingati yekunikelela tono takhe netalabanye bantfu labatente bangati kutsi bayona. Ngaloko Moya Longcwele ukhombisa kahle kutsi indlela yekuya endzaweni lengcwelengcwele ayikavuleki, nakusekhona indzawo lengcwele ethendeni lekuhlangana. Loku ngumfanekiso waletikhatsi. Tipho nemihlatjelo lenikelwa ngaleyo ndlela lendzala kungeke kuyente ihlanteke ngalokuphelele inhlitiyo yesikhonti. Ngobe phela loko kucondzene nalokudliwako nalokunatfwako nemisimeto yekuhlantwa. Lena yimitsetfo nje lephatselene nelingephandle letfu lebekelwe kutsi isebente, kudzimate kufike ingucuko yalokusha. Kodvwa Khristu sewufike waba ngumPhristi Lomkhulu wetintfo letinhle lebetiyawufika. Lelithende lekuhlangana, lakhonta kulo, likhulu, kantsi futsi liphelele, alisilo lelakhiwe ngetandla, lokusho kutsi alisilo lalomhlaba lodaliwe. Wangena kanye kwenela endzaweni lengcwelengcwele, angakaphatsi ingati yetimbuti neyematfole, kodvwa aphetse ingati yakhe lucobo, kungako nje asizuzela kuhlengwa kwaphakadze. Ngobe nangabe bantfu labangcolile ngekwelisiko bafafatwa ngengati yetimbuti, neyetinkunzi, nangemlotsa wesitfokati bekubageza ngekwelisiko kube kuhlanteka, inganihlambulula kakhulu kangakanani-ke ingati yaKhristu! Watinikela yena kuNkulunkulu ngaMoya waphakadze, watinikela ate sici. Ingati yakhe iyawuhlambulula nembeza wenu emisebentini lefile, kuze nikhonte Nkulunkulu lophilako. Ngako-ke unguMlamuli wesivumelwane lesisha, kuze kutsi labo lababitiwe batfole lifa laphakadze; ngobe ngekufa kwakhe sebakhululwe etiphambukweni tabo tesikhatsi sesivumelwane sekucala. Ngobe nome kanjani umbhalolifa ungeke usebente kungakabikwa kufa kwembhali wawo. Phela umbhalolifa awunamsebenti nangabe umbhali wawo asaphila, kodvwa unemandla lamakhulu nasafile umbhali wawo. Kungako nje nesivumelwane sekucala sasungulwa ngengati. Ngako Mosi watsi nasamemetele kuso sonkhe sive imiyalo njengobe ibhaliwe emtsetfweni, watsatsa ingati yematfole, neyetimbuti, nemanti kanye neboya lobubovu, nehisophu; wafafata lencwadzi kanye nesive sonkhe, atsi: “Lena yingati leluphawu lwesivumelwane Nkulunkulu lanimisele sona.” Mosi abechubeka kanjalo afafate lengati ethendeni lekuhlangana nakuto tonkhe titja letatisetjentiswa emsebentini wekukhonta kulo. Empeleni, ngekwemtsetfo cishe konkhe kuhlanjululwa ngengati; ngaphandle kwekucitfwa kwengati kute kutsetselelwa kwetono. Kuyakhanya-ke kutsi nguleto tintfo kuphela letatingumfutiselo wetasezulwini letatingahlanjululwa ngaleyo ndlela. Kodvwa tintfo tasezulwini tidzinga imihlatjelo lencono kunalena. Ngobe Khristu akangenanga endzaweni lengcwelengcwele leyentiwe ngetandla nalengumfutiselo waleyo lengiyo sibili; kodvwa wangena ezulwini sibili, lapho abonakala khona asimele kuNkulunkulu. Khristu akangenanga kanyenti kuyawutinikela, iminyaka ngeminyaka, njengaloku bekwenta baphristi labakhulu labangena baphetse ingati lengesiyo yabo. Kube Khristu akangenanga kanye, bekuyawudzingeka kutsi ahlupheke kanyenti kusukela ekusekelweni kwendalo yonkhe. Kodvwa esikhundleni saloko, ubonakaliswe kwaba kanye, kwenela, ekugcineni kwetikhatsi, kuze asuse sono ngenhlawulo lenguye cobo lwakhe. Bantfu bamiselwe kutsi bafe kanye, bese kutsi emvakwaloko bayekwehlulelwa. Kanjalo-ke naKhristu, asatinikele kanye kwetfwala tono talabanyenti, uyawubonakala ngekwesibili, asangaseteli sono, kodvwa asetele kuyawusindzisa labo labahlala bamlindzele. Umtsetfo usitfunti setintfo letinhle letatitawufika; ute simo lekungiso sibili saletintfo. Ngemihlatjelo yawo, lenikelwa iminyaka ngeminyaka, lomtsetfo ungeke ubente baphelele labo labakhontako. Kube labo labakhonta Nkulunkulu bebahlanjululwa ngemtsetfo etonweni kube kanye, ngabe imihlatjelo seyayekelwa kwentiwa, futsi bebangeke baphindze bative banelicala lekona. Kodvwa ngalemihlatjelo bantfu bakhunjutwa ngetono tabo iminyaka ngeminyaka; ngobe kungeke kwenteke kutsi ingati yetinkunzi neyetimbuti itisuse tono. Kungako nje, Jesu naketa lapha emhlabeni, watsi: “Umhlatjelo neminikelo awunandzaba nayo, kodvwa ungilungiselele umtimba. Awujatjuliswanga yiminikelo yekushiswa neminikelo yetono. Ngase ngitsi: ‘Naku, ngilapha! Ngitekwenta intsandvo yakho, Nkulunkulu; njengobe kubhaliwe ngami emculwini.’ ” Kwekucala utsi: “Awuyifunanga imihlatjelo neminikelo, njengeminikelo yekushiswa neminikelo yetono, futsi awujatjuliswanga ngiyo.” Noko yonkhe leminikelo inikelwa ngekwemtsetfo. Wase uphindze utsi: “Naku, ngilapha! Ngitekwenta intsandvo yakho.” Ucitsa kwekucala, khona atewumisa kwesibili. Njengobe Jesu Khristu wenta intsandvo yaNkulunkulu, wanikela ngemtimba wakhe, sesihlanjululwe kwaba kanye kwenela. Wonkhe umphristi uma njalo nje aphindzaphindze ente inkonzo yakhe, anikela ngayo yona leyo mihlatjelo lengatisusi tono. Kodvwa kwatsi Khristu nasanikele kwaba kanye kwenela ngemhlatjelo munye wetono, wase uhlala ngesekudla saNkulunkulu, lapho asahleti khona amele kutsi titsa takhe tize tifakwe ngaphansi kwetinyawo takhe. Ngobe ngamnikelo munye ubahlante bonkhe, wabenta baphelela kuze kube phakadze. NaMoya Longcwele usinika bufakazi bakhe. Kwekucala utsi: “ ‘Ngulesi-ke sivumelwane lengiyawusenta nabo ngetikhatsi letitako,’ kusho iNkhosi. ‘Ngiyawufaka imitsetfo yami etinhlitiyweni tabo, ngiyibhale etingcondvweni tabo.’ ” Uphindze atsi: “Ngingeke ngiphindze futsi ngitikhumbule tono nebubi babo.” Ngako-ke lapho kunekutsetselelwa kwetono khona, sekute nesidzingo sekunikela ngenca yesono. Ngako-ke, bazalwane, ingati yaJesu isikhululile kutsi singangena ngesibindzi endzaweni lengcwelengcwele. Lendlela lese sivulelwe yona yinsha, futsi iyaphila, idzabula sihenco iphumele ngale kwaso, sona-ke singumtimba waJesu. Ngetulu kwaloko-ke tsine sesinemPhristi Lomkhulu lowengamele indlu yaNkulunkulu. Ngako-ke asisondzele kuNkulunkulu ngenhlitiyo lecinisile, nangekwetsemba lokuphelele kwekukholwa, tinhlitiyo tetfu tinyenyetiwe tahlanjululwa kunembeza lomubi, nemitimba yetfu igeziwe ngemanti lahlobile. Asibambelele kuso sivumo selitsemba letfu, singangabati, ngobe yena lowenta lesetsembiso wetsembekile ekutigcineni tetsembiso takhe. Ngako-ke asinakane, sisitane ngekukhutsatana elutsandvweni nasemisebentini lemihle. Singakuyekeli kuhlangana ndzawonye, njengobe labanye sebanemkhuba wekungahlangani; kodvwa asikhutsatane kakhulu, njengobe nani niyabona kutsi lilanga selisondzele. Nasona ngemabomu sesilati liciniso, sekute umhlatjelo longesula tono, kodvwa sekusele kutsi ngekwesaba lokukhulu silindzele kwehlulelwa nemlilo loshisa ngelulaka loyawucedza emaphikankhani. Umuntfu lowephula umtsetfo waMosi ufa ngaphandle kwekuhawukelwa, ngebufakazi bebantfu lababili nome labatsatfu. Nicabanga kutsi siyawuba sikhulu kangakanani-ke sijeziso salowo logcobagcoba iNdvodzana yaNkulunkulu, edzelele ingati yesivumelwane lahlanjululwe ngayo, etfuke Moya wesihawu? Siyamati lowo lowatsi: “Kubuyisela ngekwami, ngimi lotawunenanela.” Uphindze atsi: “Simakadze uyawusehlulela sive sakhe.” Maye, kuyesabeka kwehlulelwa nguNkulunkulu lophilako! Kodvwa khumbulani emalanga ekucala, lekwatsi emvakwekukhanyiswa kwenu, nacinisela ekukhutsateleni kuhlangabetana netinhlupheko. Ngaletinye tikhatsi nanetfukwa nihlukumetwe emkhatsini webantfu, nangaletinye tikhatsi nanitfwalisana nalabo bebaphetfwe ngaleyo ndlela. Naba nesihawu kulabo bebaboshiwe, nacinisela ngekujabula nanemukwa timphahla tenu, ngobe nanati kutsi nine ninalokuncono lokukhonsako. Ngako-ke ningasilahli lesibindzi senu sekwetsemba Nkulunkulu, ngobe sinemvuzo lomkhulu. Nidzinga kucinisela kuze kutsi nase nente intsandvo yaNkulunkulu, nitekwemukela loko lokwatsenjiswa nguye. UmBhalo utsi: “Kusasele sikhashana nje kutsi lowo lotako afike, angeke alibale. Kodvwa lolungile wami ngekukholwa uyawuphila; kodvwa nangabe ahlehla nyova, ngingeke ngimjabulele.” Kepha tsine asikho kulabo labahlehla nyova badzimate babhubhe; kodvwa sikulabo labanekukholwa, aze Nkulunkulu asindzise imiphefumulo yabo. Kukholwa kukuciniseka ngetintfo lesetsembele kuto, kukweneliseka ngetintfo lesingakatiboni. Bokhokho betfu bemukeleka ngaloko kukholwa kwabo kuNkulunkulu. Ngekukholwa sicondza kutsi Nkulunkulu wadala indalo yonkhe ngelivi lakhe, kwaze kwatsi loko lokubonakalako kwavela kulokungabonakali. Ngekukholwa Abela wanikela kuNkulunkulu ngemnikelo lowemukelekako kunewaKhayini. Ngiko lokwamenta wemukeleka njengemuntfu lolungile kuNkulunkulu, ngobe loko kwafakazeleka ngekutsi Nkulunkulu emukele tipho takhe. Nanyalo usakhuluma ngekukholwa kwakhe nome sekadze afa. Ngekukholwa Enoke watsatfwa, kuze angakuboni kufa; akazange aphindze abonakale, ngobe Nkulunkulu abesamtsetse. UmBhalo utsi angakatsatfwa wajabulisa Nkulunkulu. Umuntfu lote kukholwa angeke akhone kujabulisa Nkulunkulu; ngobe lota kuNkulunkulu kufanele akholwe kutsi Nkulunkulu uyaphila nekutsi uyabavuza labo labamfunako. Ngekukholwa Nowa walalela tecwayiso taNkulunkulu ngetintfo letatingakabonakali letatitakwenteka. Walalela Nkulunkulu ngekwakha umkhumbi wekuphephisa umndeni wakhe. Ngekukholwa wadalula bubi belive, wase uba yindlalifa yekulunga lokutfolakala ngekukholwa. Ngekukholwa Abrahama walalela, nakabitwa nguNkulunkulu kutsi aye endzaweni labetawunikwa yona ibe lifa lakhe; waphuma, wahamba, angati lapho aya khona. Ngekukholwa waba sihambi eveni labetsenjiswe lona. Wahlala emathendeni; benta njalo nabo-Isaka naJakobe. Nabo baba tindlalifa kanye naye kuso leso setsembiso, ngobe Abrahama abebheke lelo khaya lelinetisekelo, lelimsunguli nemakhi walo kunguNkulunkulu. Ngekukholwa Sara wemukela emandla ekukhulelwa, nome abesandlulile eminyakeni yakhe yekutetfwala. Wetsemba kutsi Nkulunkulu utasigcina setsembiso sakhe. Nome Abrahama bese kufanana nekutsi ufile ngebudzala, noko kuye yedvwa nje kwatalwa titukulwane letinyenti letingangetinkhanyeti tesibhakabhaka, nangangesihlabatsi saselugwini lwelwandle lesingenawubalwa. Bonkhe laba bafa bakholiwe bangakakwemukeli loko lababetsenjiswe kona, kodvwa bakubona bakwemukela kusekhashane, bavuma kutsi lapha emhlabeni babafokati netihambi. Labo labakhuluma kanje, bakubeka ebaleni kutsi bafuna live labo lemdzabo. Kube babelikhumbula live lababephuma kulo, ngabe bafuna litfuba lekubuyela kulo. Esikhundleni saloko, babelangatelela live lelincono, lokusho kutsi: lizulu. Ngako-ke Nkulunkulu akanamahloni kutibita ngekutsi nguNkulunkulu wabo, ngobe ubalungiselele lelo khaya. Ngekukholwa Abrahama, nakavivinywa, wanikela nga-Isaka kutsi abe ngumhlatjelo. Nome Abrahama abesatemukele leto tetsembiso, kodvwa abetimisele kunikela ngayo yona leyo ndvodzana yakhe yekuphela. Nkulunkulu abekhulume kuye watsi: “Titukulwane takho tiyawubitwa nga-Isaka.” Abrahama wabona kutsi Nkulunkulu unemandla ekuvusa umuntfu ngisho kulabafile; ngiko nje, ngekufanekisa, Abrahama emukela Isaka asaphila. Ngekukholwa Isaka wabusisa likusasa laJakobe na-Esawu. Ngekukholwa Jakobe, nasafa, wabusisa onkhe emadvodzana aJosefa, ngayinye; wakhuleka avinyelele etikweludvondvolo lwakhe. Ngekukholwa Josefa asatawufa, waphawula ngekuphuma kwema-Israyeli eGibhithe, wabanika imiyalo mayelana nekungcwatjwa kwakhe. Ngekukholwa batali baMosi, aseluswane, bamfihla tinyanga letintsatfu, ngobe bambona kutsi muhle; abesabanga kungawulaleli umtsetfo wenkhosi yaseGibhithe. Ngekukholwa Mosi, asakhulile, wala kubitwa ngekutsi yindvodzana yendvodzakati yaFaro. Wakhetsa kuhlupheka nesive saNkulunkulu kunekutijabulisa esonweni kwesikhashana. Wabona kutsi kwetfukwa ngenca yaKhristu kwakungumcebo loncono kunemcebo waseGibhithe, ngobe phela abebheke umvuzo. Ngekukholwa Mosi wesuka eGibhithe, angesabi kutfukutsela kwenkhosi yakhona; wacinisela kwaba shangatsi uyambona longabonwa. Ngekukholwa wasungula liPhasika ngekunyenyeta ingati, kuze kutsi ematubulo ema-Israyeli angabulawa ngumbulali. Ngekukholwa ema-Israyeli ewela Lwandle Lolubovu, kwaba shangatsi kusemhlabatsini lowomile; atsi emaGibhithe ayakwenta loko, acwila, afa. Ngekukholwa lubondza lwaseJerikho lwabhidlika, ema-Israyeli asatitungelete emalanga lasikhombisa. Ngekukholwa Rahabi, ingwadla, akabulawanga kanye nalabo lababengakholwa, ngobe wemukela tinhloli tema-Israyeli ngemoya lomuhle. Ngingachubeka ngitsini nje? Sikhatsi asingivumeli kutsi ngilandze ngaGideyoni, naBharaki, naSamsoni, naJafta, naDavide, naSamuweli, nebaphrofethi. Ngekukholwa balwa bancoba imibuso, benta kulunga, bazuza tetsembiso, bavimba imilomo yemabhubesi, bacima emandla emlilo, baphepha enkembeni, baphiwa emandla ebutsakatsakeni, baba ngemachawe ekulweni timphi, badzimate baticosha timphi tebetive. Labasikati bemukeliswa labafile babo bavusiwe. Labanya babetfoswa ngetinhlupho letitinhlobonhlobo bangete bavuma kukhululwa, kuze bemukeliswe lokuncono lokukuvuswa kulabafile. Labanye baphukutwa, bashaywa, baboshwa ngetinketane ejele. Bagcotjwa ngematje, [bavivinywa] bancunywa ngemasaha, babulawa ngenkemba, bazulazula bembetse tikhumba tetimvu netetimbuti, beswela, bahlushwa, baphatfwa kabi. Live lalingakabafaneli; bazulazula emahlane, nasetintsabeni, nasemihumeni, nasemigedzeni yemhlaba. Bonkhe laba, bemukeleka ngekukholwa kwabo, kodvwa abazange bakwemukele lababetsenjiswe kona, ngobe Nkulunkulu abesakubonenchanti lokuncono lokusifanele kutsi abaphelelise sebakanye natsi. Ngako-ke, njengobe situngeletwe sicumbi lesikhulu kangaka sabofakazi, asilahle konkhe lokusindzako, nesono lesigigelana njengelwanca. Asigijime ngekucinisela kulomncintiswano losembikwetfu, emehlo etfu angesuki kuJesu longumsunguli nemphelelisi wekukholwa kwetfu. Ngenca yekujabula labekubekelwe Jesu wacinisela ngekwetfwala siphambano, wangete walinaka lihlazo laso; wahlala ngesekudla sesihlalo sebukhosi saNkulunkulu. Mkhumbuleni yena lowo lowacinisela, nome toni setimhlukumeta ngenca yenzondo. Nanimkhumbula-ke, ningeke nidzinwe nome nidzangale etinhlitiyweni tenu. Nisengakemelani nesono, kudzimate kucitseke ingati yenu. Seniwukhohliwe yini lomyalo lokhuluma kini njengakumadvodzana lotsi: “Ndvodzana yami, ungakwedzeleli kuyala kweNkhosi, ungapheli emandla nawukhalinyelwa yiNkhosi; ngobe iNkhosi iyabayala lebatsandzako, ibajezise labo labemukeleka kuyo njengemadvodzana”? Ciniselani ekuyalweni. Nkulunkulu uniphatsa njengemadvodzana akhe; ngobe vele ikhona yini indvodzana lengayalwa nguyise? Naningayalwa njengawo onkhe emadvodzana, kusho kutsi anisiwo emadvodzana, ningemavezandlebe. Tsine sinabobabe betfu bengati labasiyalako sibahloniphe; pho, Babe wetfu ngekwaMoya akukafaneli yini simhloniphe ngentfobeko lenkhulu, kuze sitewutfola kuphila? Phela bobabe babesiyala kwesikhashana ngekubona kwabo, kodvwa yena usiyalela kutsi kutewusitakala tsine, kuze sibe nesabelo ebungcweleni bakhe. Ngobe ngesikhatsi sisayalwa kuvakala kubuhlungu kunekutsi kujabulise, noko kamuva sivuno saloko kuyalwa sibonakala sinesitselo sekuthula nesekulunga, kulabo labaceceshwe ngako. Ngako-ke cinisani tandla tenu letibutsakatsaka nemadvolo enu lacekako; tinyawo tenu nitentele tindlela leticondzile, kuze kutsi lunyawo loluchutako lungachubiseleki, kodvwa luphiliswe. Yetamani kuba nekuthula nabo bonkhe bantfu, nifune kungcweliswa, ngobe kute loyawuyibona iNkhosi angakangcweliswa. Nicaphelisise kutsi kubete lophunyulako emseni waNkulunkulu; kubete “imphandze lenashevu” lemila ibange luhlupho, ibulale labanyenti. Akubete logwadlako, nome lophingako, nome lonaka live njenga-Esawu, lowatsenga kudla ngemalungelo akhe onkhe ebutubulo. Emvakwaloko wafisa kudla lifa lesibusiso, kodvwa waliwa, njengobe nati. Phela, lase lingekho litfuba lekuphendvuka, nome abesakufuna ngetinyembeti. Aniketi entsabeni longayitsintsa, levutsa umlilo nalenebumnyama lobumnyamakati, nesivunguvungu, nekukhala kwelicilongo, nekuvakala kwelivi, lekwatsi nalivakala kuma-Israyeli, ancenga kutsi lingaphindzi likhulume. Kungobe babengeke bawumele lomtsetfo lababenikwe wona, lotsi: “Nome silwane siyitsintsa lentsaba, siyawugcotjwa ngematje.” Lombono wawesabeka kakhulu kangangekutsi Mosi wadzimate watsi: “Ngiyesaba kakhulu, ngiyatfutfumela.” Kodvwa, esikhundleni saloko, nite entsabeni, Siyoni, ekhaya laNkulunkulu lophilako, eJerusalema yasezulwini, esibhimbini setingilosi letingenawubalwa, kanye nelibandla lematubulo lamabito awo abhaliwe ezulwini. NisembikweMehluleli longuNkulunkulu wabo bonkhe, nakuyo imimoya yalabalungile labaphelelisiwe, nakuJesu, uMlamuli wesivumelwane lesisha. Ingati yakhe isiphatsele lokukhulu kunengati ya-Abela. Caphelani ningamali lowo lokhulumako: Nangabe bangaphunyulanga labo labamala lowo abebacaphelisa alapha emhlabeni, natsi-ke singeke siphunyule, nasala kutsatsa tecwayiso talowo lokhuluma asezulwini. Livi lakhe lanyakatisa umhlaba; kodvwa nyalo sewetsembisile watsi: “Ngitawuphindze nginyakatise, hhayi umhlaba kuphela, kodvwa nelizulu.” Lamavi latsi: “Ngitawuphindze” akhombisa ngalokukhanyako kutsi konkhe lokudaliwe kutawunyakatiswa kususwe, kuze kutsi lokungeke kunyakatiswe kusale kunjalo. Ngako-ke asibonge kwemukela umbuso longeke unyakatiswe, sikhonte Nkulunkulu ngalokwemukelekako, simhloniphe ngekutfutfumela; ngobe loNkulunkulu wetfu ungumlilo locotfulako. Hlalani njalo nitsandzana njengebazalwane. Ningakhohlwa kungenisa tihambi emakhaya enu, ngobe labanye ngekwenta njalo bangenisa tingilosi bangaketeleli. Bakhumbuleni labasemajele, kube shangatsi nani niboshwe kanye nabo. Nibakhumbule nalabo labaphetfwe kabi, kube shangatsi nihlupheka kanye nabo. Umshado awuhlonishwe ngibo bonkhe; labatsetsene kufanele betsembeke lomunye kulomunye. Nkulunkulu uyawubehlulela bonkhe labagwadlako nalabaphingako. Balekelani kutsandza imali, neneliswe nguloko leninako, ngobe Nkulunkulu watsi: “Ngingeke ngikuyekele, ngingeke ngikushiye.” Ngaloko singasho ngesibindzi sitsi: “INkhosi ingumsiti wami; ngingeke ngesabe. Umuntfu angangentani nje?” Khumbulani baholi benu, lababekhuluma kini livi laNkulunkulu, nikhumbule kuphila kwabo nekufa kwabo netitselo tabo, bese niyabalingisa. Jesu Khristu akagucuki; nguye itolo, nalamuhla, naphakadze. Ningedukiswa timfundziso letingatiwa letitinhlobonhlobo. Kuhle kutsi tinhlitiyo tetfu ticiniswe ngemusa, hhayi ngekugcina imitsetfo yekudla, ngobe labo labayigcinako ayibasiti ngalutfo. Sinelilati, lapho khona umhlatjelo losetikwalo baphristi labakhonta ethendeni lekuhlangana bate lilungelo lekuwudla. UmPhristi Lomkhulu ungena nengati yetinkhomo neyetimbuti endzaweni lengcwele, itewuba ngumnikelo, kodvwa tidvumbu taletilwane tishiswa ngephandle kwenkambu. Ngiko nje naJesu wafela ngephandle kwelisango, kuze atewungcwelisa bantfu ngengati yakhe. Ngako-ke asiphumele kuye ngephandle kwenkambu setfwalisane naye lihlazo lakhe; ngobe lapha site likhaya lelitawuma kuze kube phakadze, kodvwa sifuna likhaya lelitako. Asimbonge njalo Nkulunkulu, simdvumise ngaJesu. Lokumdvumisa akube ngumnikelo wayo yonkhe imilomo levuma libito lakhe. Ningakuyekeli kwenta lokuhle nekuhlephunelana loko leninako, ngobe iminikelo lenjalo iyamtfokotisa Nkulunkulu. Hloniphani baholi benu, nilalele imitsetfo yabo, ngobe balindza imiphefumulo yenu bangaphumuli, njengobe bayawulandzisa ngayo. Nanenta njalo, nibasita, umsebenti wabo batawenta ngekujabula, hhayi ngelusizi; ngobe nani kungeke kunisite loko. Sithandazeleni, ngobe sineliciniso kutsi nembeza wetfu umsulwa, sifisa kwenta lokulungile kuko konkhe ngaso sonkhe sikhatsi. Ngiyanincenga kutsi nisithandazele kakhulu, kuze kutsi Nkulunkulu angibuyisele kini masinyane. Shangatsi Nkulunkulu wekuthula lowavusa iNkhosi yetfu Jesu kulabafile, wamenta uMelusi Lomkhulu wetimvu ngengati yakhe yesivumelwane saphakadze, anganiphelelisa kuko konkhe lokuhle, kuze nente intsandvo yakhe, asebente kini ente ngaJesu Khristu loko lokujabulisako emehlweni akhe. Ludvumo alube kuKhristu phakadze naphakadze. Amen. Ngiyanincenga-ke, bazalwane, kutsi nilalele kuyala kwami ngekubeketela, ngobe nginibhalele incwadzi lemfisha. Kufanele nati kutsi Thimothi, umzalwane, sewukhululiwe ejele. Nasheshe wefika, ngitawufika naye lapho kini. Hambisani bonkhe baholi benu, kanye nabo bonkhe labangcwele. Bazalwane baseTaliyane bayanihambisa. Umusa awube nani nonkhe. Lencwadzi iphuma kuJakobe, inceku yaNkulunkulu neyeNkhosi Jesu Khristu. Iya etiveni letili-12 letisakatekile. Ngiyanibingelela. Bazalwane bami, nanehlelwa tinhlobonhlobo tetilingo, nibokutsatsa ngekutsi yinjabulo yodvwa, nati kutsi kuvivinywa kwekukholwa kwenu kuveta kucinisela. Kucinisela kumele kucedzela umsebenti wako, kuze nivutfwe niphelele ningenasici, ningehlulwa lutfo. Nangabe emkhatsini wenu kukhona loswele kuhlakanipha, akacele kuNkulunkulu lonika bonkhe bantfu ngekwephana lokungenakufehla, utawuphiwa. Kepha locelako akacele ngekukholwa, angangabati; ngobe longabatako ufanana neligagasi lelwandle lelichutjwa litanyatanyiswe ngumoya. Ngako-ke umuntfu lonjalo angabocabanga kutsi iNkhosi iyawumemukelisa lutfo; ungumuntfu lonetinhlitiyo letimbili, uyagucugucuka etindleleni takhe tonkhe. Umzalwane lophansi akatincome ngekuphakanyiswa kwakhe. Kepha locebile akatincome ngekwehliswa kwakhe, ngobe uyakwendlula njengembali yesiganga. Lilanga liphuma libalele libunise tjani, imbali yabo iyahhohloka, nebuhle bayo bunyamalale; kanjalo-ke nesicebi siyawunyamalala ekushiphanekeni kwaso. Ubusisiwe umuntfu lociniselako ekulingweni; ngobe nasaphumelele ekuvivinyweni kwakhe, uyakwemukeliswa umchele wekuphila lowetsenjiswa yiNkhosi kulabo labayitsandzako. Umuntfu lolingwako angabosho kutsi: “Ngilingwa nguNkulunkulu;” ngobe Nkulunkulu angeke alingwe ngalokubi, futsi akalingi muntfu. Kepha ngulowo nalowo ulingwa ahuhwe tinkhanuko takhe, adudeke. Nangabe inkhanuko seyitsatsile, itala sono; sono nase siphelele, sitala kufa. Bazalwane bami labatsandzekako, ningedukiswa. Tonkhe tipho letinhle naletiphelele tivela ngetulu, tiphuma kuBabe uMdali wetibane tasesibhakabhakeni, lote kugucugucuka, njengobe tona tigucuka, tibohle tisishiya ebumnyameni. Ngekwentsandvo yakhe wasitala ngelivi leliciniso, khona sitekuba ngematubulo ato tonkhe tidalwa takhe. Bazalwane bami labatsandzekako, khumbulani naku: Ngulowo nalowo muntfu akasheshe kuva, ephute kukhuluma, ephute nekutfukutsela; ngobe lulaka lwemuntfu alukwenti kulunga lokungukona kwemukeleka kuNkulunkulu. Ngako-ke lahlani yonkhe insila nalokubi lose kukunyenti, nemukele ngekutitfoba livi lelihlanyelwe kini, ngobe linemandla ekusindzisa imiphefumulo yenu. Nibe benti belivi, ningabi balaleli kuphela nje, nitikhohlisa. Ngobe nangabe umuntfu angumlaleli nje angesiye umenti welivi, lowo muntfu ufanana nemuntfu lobuka buso bakhe esibukweni: Umuntfu lonjalo uyatibuka, esuke ahambe akhohlwe kutsi abenjani. Kepha lobukisisa emtsetfweni losikhululako bese uhamba ngawo, angabi ngumlaleli lokhohlwako kepha abe ngulowentako, lowo-ke utawuba ngulobusisiwe ekwenteni kwakhe. Umuntfu locabanga kutsi uyakholwa, abe angalubophi lulwimi lwakhe, uyatikhohlisa enhlitiyweni yakhe, nekukholwa kwalowo muntfu kulite. Kukholwa lokumsulwa lokungenasici embikwaNkulunkulu longuBabe ngunaku: kuhambela tintsandzane nebafelokati elusizini lwabo, nekutigcina ungangcoliswa live. Bazalwane bami, nine lenikholwa yiNkhosi yetfu yenkhatimulo, Jesu Khristu, ningabobakhetsa bantfu. Nangabe emhlanganweni wenu kungena umuntfu lofake indandatho yegolide, agcoke kahle, kuphindze kungene nalomunye lophuyile, agcoke kabi, bese-ke nine ninaka lona logcoke tingubo leticwebetelako ngekutsi: “Hlala lapha, kunasi situlo,” kulona lophuyile nitsi: “Mani lapho,” nome: “Hlala lapha, entinyaweni tami,” ngekwenta njalo anikhetsi yini ngekutsi nibe behluleli ngemicabango lemibi? Ase nilalele, bazalwane bami labatsandzekako! Nkulunkulu akabakhetsanga yini labaphuyile lapha emhlabeni kutsi babe ngulabacebile ekukholweni, netindlalifa embusweni lawetsembisa labo labamtsandzako? Kepha nine nimdvumatile lona lophuyile. Akusibo labacebile yini labanicindzetelako? Akusibo yini labo labanimangalela etinkantolo? Akusibo yini labo labahlambalata lelibito laKhristu lelihloniphekile lenibitwa ngalo? Kepha nanigcina umtsetfo webukhosi ngekwemBhalo lotsi: “Tsandza makhelwane wakho njengobe utitsandza wena,” nenta kahle. Kodvwa nanikhetsa bantfu, nenta sono, nemtsetfo uyanilahla ngekutsi nitephulamtsetfo. Ngobe lowo logcina yonkhe imitsetfo, kodvwa ephule munye, unelicala layo yonkhe. Ngobe lona lowatsi: “Ungaphingi,” waphindze watsi: “Ungabulali.” Nangabe ungaphingi kodvwa ubulale, usephulamtsetfo. Ngako khulumani, nente njengalabo labayakwehlulelwa ngemtsetfo wenkhululeko. Ngobe kwehlulela akunabo bubele kulowo longenabo bubele; kodvwa bubele buyawucoloshela kwehlulela. Bazalwane bami, kusitani kutsi umuntfu atsi uyakholwa kodvwa abe angenayo imisebenti? Kungamsindzisa yini lokukholwa kwakhe? Nangabe umzalwane nome umzalwanekati bahlubulile beswele nekudla kwemalanga onkhe, bese-ke lomunye emkhatsini wenu utsi kubo: “Hambani ngekuthula, nifutfumale, nesutse,” ngaphandle kwekubapha loko labakudzingako emtimbeni, kusitani loko? Ngako-ke nangabe kukholwa, kona ngekwako, kungenayo imisebenti, kufile. Kepha lomunye angatsi: “Wena unekukholwa, mine nginemisebenti. Ngikhombise kukholwa kwakho ngaphandle kwemisebenti, nami ngitakukhombisa kukholwa kwami ngemisebenti yami.” Uyakholwa kutsi Nkulunkulu munye? Wenta kahle; nemadimoni ayakukholwa loko, atfutfumele. Wena silima-ndzini, uyafuna yini kukhonjiswa kutsi kukholwa lokungenamisebenti kulite? Khokho wetfu Abrahama ngesikhatsi anikela nga-Isaka, umsa wakhe, elatini, akazange yini emukelwe nguNkulunkulu ngekutsi ulungile ngemisebenti? Uyabona-ke kutsi kukholwa kwasebenta kanye nemisebenti yakhe, nekutsi kukholwa kwakhe kwapheleliswa ngimisebenti yakhe. Ngako kwagcwaliseka umBhalo lotsi: “Abrahama wakholwa Nkulunkulu; ngenca yekukholwa kwakhe Nkulunkulu wamemukela njengemuntfu lolungile,” wase ubitwa ngekutsi: “Ungumngani waNkulunkulu.” Niyabona-ke kutsi umuntfu wemukeleka kuNkulunkulu ngekutsi ulungile ngisho nangemisebenti, hhayi ngekukholwa kuphela. Kanjalo-ke naRahabi, ingwadla, akazange yini emukelwe nguNkulunkulu kutsi ulungile ngemisebenti yekwemukela titfunywa wabuye watikhipha ngalenye indlela? Njengobe umtimba ufile nawute umoya, ngalokufananako nekukholwa nakute imisebenti kufile. Bazalwane bami, akukuhle kutsi linyenti lenu libe bafundzisi, nati kutsi tsine lesifundzisako siyakwemukeliswa kwehlulelwa lokumatima. Ngobe sonkhe siphosisa ngetindlela letinyenti; nakukhona longaphosisi ngekukhuluma, lowo uphelele ngempela, ngobe uyakwati kubamba ngisho nemtimba wakhe wonkhe shangatsi ngematomu. Nasifaka ematomu emilonyeni yemahhashi kutsi atewusilalela, sisuke siwacondzisa umtimba wonkhe. Ase nibuke nemikhumbi, nome imikhulu kangaka, ichutjwa ngimimoya lenemandla, noko icondziswa ngeliphini lelincane nje, iye lapho bashayeli bayo bafuna iye khona. Kanjalo nelulwimi lusitfo lesincane, kantsi lutigabatisa ngetintfo letinkhulu. Ase nibuke nje umlilo lomncane wokhela lihlatsi lelikhulu! Lulwimi lungumlilo, lulive lebubi, lulwimi lusitfo lesingcolisa wonkhe umtimba, lokhela yonkhe imphilo ngemlilo lulunyekwa sihogo. Yonkhe indalo yetilwane ingatsanjiswa: ngisho tinyoni, netilwane letihamba ngetisu, netilwane taselwandle; vele, bantfu batitsambisile letilwane. Kodvwa kute longatsambisa lulwimi; lububi lobuyalukako, lugcwele shevu lobulalako. Ngalo sibonga iNkhosi lenguBabe, nangalo sicalekisa bantfu labentiwe baba ngumfanekiso waNkulunkulu. Emlonyeni munye kuphuma kubusisa nekucalekisa. Bazalwane bami, akufanele kube njalo. Kuyenteka yini kutsi esicojeni sinye kuphume emanti lamnandzi nalababako? Bazalwane bami, sihlahla semkhiwa singatitsela yini titselo temncumo, nome umvini temkhiwa? Sicobho lesikhipha emanti lababako singeke siwavete lamnandzi. Ngubani lohlakaniphile nalocondzisisako emkhatsini wenu? Akakhombise imphilo yakhe lelungile ngemisebenti yakhe ngekutfobeka lokunenhlakanipho. Kepha naninemona lobabako, nembango etinhlitiyweni tenu, ningatigabatisi; ngobe ngaloko liciniso nilenta emanga. Lokuhlakanipha akuchamuki ngetulu, kodvwa ngekwemhlaba, nekwemvelo, nekwebusathane; ngobe lapho kunemona nembango khona, kunesiphitsiphitsi nayo yonkhe imisebenti lemibi. Kodvwa kuhlakanipha lokuchamuka ngetulu kwekucala kumsulwa, bese kuba nekuthula, nekutfobeka, nekulalela, kugcwele bubele netitselo letihle; akunalo lubandlululo nekutentisa. Bantfu labaletsa kuthula, basuke bahlanyela kuthula, bese bavuna kulunga. Letimphi nalokulwa kuphumaphi emkhatsini wenu? Akuchamuki yini etinkhanukweni tenu letilwa etitfweni tenu? Niyafisa, noko anitfoli lutfo; niyabulala, nibe nemona, kodvwa niyehluleka kutfola lenikufunako. Niyalwa, nente timphi. Aninalutfo, ngobe aniceli. Niyacela ningaphiwa, ngobe nicela kabi, nicelela kutsi nikucitse etinkhanukweni tenu. Aniketsembeki, ninjengetiphingi. Anati yini kutsi kutsandzana nelive kubutsa kuNkulunkulu? Lofisa kuba ngumngani welive, utenta sitsa kuNkulunkulu. Nome-ke nicabanga kutsi kulite yini loku lokushiwo ngumBhalo, kutsi: “LoMoya, lambeka kitsi Nkulunkulu uyafutselana, kantsi futsi unesikhwele ngatsi”? Kodvwa Nkulunkulu wephana ngemusa lomkhulu, ngako umBhalo utsi: “Nkulunkulu umelana nalabatigcabhako, kepha labatfobekile ubapha umusa.” Ngako-ke tfobelani Nkulunkulu, kodvwa nimelane naSathane, uyawunibalekela. Sondzelani kuNkulunkulu, naye utawusondzela kini. Gezani tandla tenu, nine toni, nihlambulule tinhlitiyo tenu, nine bantfu labanetinhlitiyo letimbili. Khatsatekani, nidzabuke, nilile; kuhleka kwenu akugucuke kube kulila, nekujabula kwenu akube kujabha. Titfobeni embikweNkhosi, yona-ke iyawuniphakamisa. Bazalwane, ningahlebani. Lowo lohleba umzalwane nome ehlulele umzalwane wakhe, uhleba umtsetfo ehlulele umtsetfo. Nangabe wehlulela umtsetfo, awusiye umenti wemtsetfo, kodvwa ungumehluleli wawo. Munye loshaya umtsetfo, nguye futsi longumehluleli nalonemandla ekusindzisa nekubhubhisa. Kodvwa wena ungubani kutsi ungehlulela makhelwane wakho? Labanye benu banemkhuba wekutsi: “Lamuhla nakusasa sitakuya kulela dolobha, sihlale umnyaka, sitsenge sitsengise, bese sitfola inzuzo.” Ningakusho kanjani loko, njengobe ningalati likusasa lekuphila kwenu kutsi litawuba yini? Ngobe kuphila kwenu kunjengenkhungu, lechamuka ibonakale sikhashana, iphindze inyamalale. Esikhundleni saloko ngabe nitsi: “INkhosi nayivuma, sitawuphila sente loku nalokwa.” Kepha manje niyatibonga ngekutigabatisa kwenu. Konkhe kutigabatisa lokunjalo kubi. Ngako-ke lokwatiko kwenta lokuhle kodvwa angakwenti, uyona. Nine-ke tinjinga, lalelani emavi ami. Khalani, nilile ngenca yetinhlupheko letitawunehlela. Lengcebo yenu seyiyabola, netingubo tenu setidliwa ngumvunya. Igolide nesiliva yenu sekuyatfomba, nalokutfomba kwako kutawunilahla ngelicala kudle imitimba yenu njengemlilo. Nisacongelela ingcebo nakulamalanga ekugcina. Ase nibuke la, emaholo etisebenti letavuna emasimi enu leniwagodlile ayanimangalela anilahle ngelicala; nekukhala kwebavuni sekungenile etindlebeni teNkhosi Sebawothi. La emhlabeni niphile ngekutamasa nangekutijabulisa, nakhuluphalisa tinhlitiyo tenu ngelilanga lekuhlatjwa. Nimlahlile nambulala umuntfu lolungile; kantsi akamelani nani. Ngako-ke, bazalwane, beketelani kuze kufike iNkhosi. Ase nibuke umlimi lolindzela sitselo semhlaba lesiligugu; usibeketelela size sitfole imvula yekucala neyekugcina. Nani-ke beketelani. Cinisani tinhlitiyo tenu, ngobe kubuya kweNkhosi sekusondzele. Bazalwane, ningasolani, khona ningetikwehlulelwa; nangu uMgwebi aseme emnyango. Bazalwane, tsatsani sibonelo sekuhlupheka nekubeketela kwebaphrofethi labebakhuluma egameni leNkhosi. Khumbulani phela kutsi ngulabo labaciniselako lesitsi babusisiwe. Nake neva ngekukhutsatela kwaJobe, niyati-ke nekutsi iNkhosi yaletsa siphetfo sini kuye; ngobe iNkhosi inebubele nesihawu lesikhulu. Kepha, bazalwane bami, etikwako konkhe ningafungi, nome ngelizulu, nome ngemhlaba, nome ngangusiphi sifungo; kodvwa nanivuma nibotsi: “Yebo” nome-ke nitsi: “Cha” nangabe niyala, kuze ningangeni ekwehlulelweni. Ukhona yini lohluphekako emkhatsini wenu? Akathandaze. Ukhona yini lojabulile? Akadvumise ngekuhlabela. Ukhona yini logulako emkhatsini wenu? Akabite babonisi belibandla, bamthandazele ngekumgcobisa ngemafutsa egameni leNkhosi. Umthandazo wekukholwa uyawumphilisa logulako, iNkhosi imvuse, nome entile tono uyawutsetselelwa tona. Ngako-ke vumani tono tenu lomunye kulomunye, nithandazelane, kuze nitewuphiliswa. Kuncusa kwemuntfu lolungile kunemandla kakhulu. Elija labengumuntfu afana natsi, wakhuleka ngekuncusa kutsi lingani, langete lana emhlabeni iminyaka lemitsatfu netinyanga letisitfupha. Waphindze wathandaza, lase liyana futsi litulu, nemhlaba waphindze watsela titselo tawo. Bazalwane bami, nangabe lomunye emkhatsini wenu eduka ecinisweni, bese lomunye uyambuyisa, yatini kutsi lowo lobuyise soni ekwedukeni kwaso, uyawusindzisa umphefumulo waso ekufeni, asibekele tono letinyenti. Lencwadzi iphuma kuPhetro, umphostoli waJesu Khristu; iya kulabakhetsiwe lababakhoseli labasakatekele ePhontusi, naseGalathiya, naseKhaphadosiya, nase-Asiya, naseBhithiniya. Ngekwatinchanti kwakhe Nkulunkulu uYise wanikhetsa ngekuningcwelisa ngaMoya Longcwele, kuze nilalele Jesu Khristu nihlantwe ngengati yakhe. Shangatsi umusa nekuthula kungandziswa kakhulu kini! Akabongwe Nkulunkulu, longuYise weNkhosi yetfu Jesu Khristu, lowasitala kabusha ngemusa wakhe lomkhulu, kuze sibe nelitsemba leliphilako ngekuvuswa kwaJesu Khristu kulabafile. Ngalo lelitsemba sinelifa lelingapheli, lelingenasici, nalelingaphuphi, lenilondvolotelwe lona ezulwini. Nkulunkulu uyawunigcina ngemandla akhe, njengobe nimetsemba, kube kusindziswa lokutakwembulwa ngesikhatsi sekugcina. Ngaloko-ke niyajabula, nome kwanyalo nisadzatjukiswa tilingo letitinhlobonhlobo. Injongo yaletilingo kutsi kukholwa kwenu kuvivinywe, kuze kubonakale bungiko bako. Ngisho negolide lebhubhako ihlolisiswa ngemlilo bungiyo bayo, kanjalo-ke nekukholwa kwenu lokuligugu kunegolide kufanele kutsi kuvivinywe bungiko bako. Khona-ke niyawutfola kubongwa, nebukhosi, neludvumo ekwembulweni kwaJesu Khristu. Niyamtsandza, nome ningazange senimbone; niyakholwa kuye nome ningakamboni, futsi nitfokota ngenjabulo lengenawuchazeka ngemavi emlomo, ngobe nemukela kusindziswa kwemiphefumulo yenu lokungumphumela wekukholwa kwenu. Ngiyo lensindziso lababeyifuna baphrofethi, baphenyisisa ngayo. Babephrofetha ngemusa lebenitawuphiwa wona. Moya waKhristu abesavele asebenta kubo abakhombisa tinhlupheko lebetitakwehlela Khristu; waphindze wabakhombisa nebukhosi lobebutawulandzela leto tinhlupheko. Babehlolisisa kutsi kuyakwenteka nini loko, nekutsi kuyakwenteka kanjani. Bona bembulelwa kutsi tiphrofetho tabo tatingakacondzani nabo, taticondzene nani, njengobe babekhuluma ngaloko nani lese nikuve ngalabo labanishumayela liVangeli ngaMoya Longcwele lophuma ezulwini. Ngisho netingilosi tiyafisa kutibona letintfo. Ngaloko-ke bophani tinkhalo tengcondvo yenu, nititsibe, netsembe ngalokuphelele umusa lenitakwabelwa wona ekwembulweni kwaJesu Khristu. Lalelani Nkulunkulu njengebantfwana bakhe, ningabuswa tinkhanuko tenu letatinibusa nisengakati lutfo ngekukholwa nguJesu Khristu. Ngako-ke, njengobe lowo lonibitile angcwele, nani-ke banini ngcwele kuko konkhe kuhamba kwenu. UmBhalo utsi: “Banini ngcwele, ngobe nami ngingcwele.” Nanimbita ngekutsi nguBabe, lowo lowehlulela ngaphandle kwekukhetsa buso bemuntfu, ehlulele ngekwemisebenti yemuntfu, hambani ngekwesaba kulesikhatsi nisetihambi kulomhlaba. Nati kutsi nahlengwa ngani ekuhambeni kwenu lokwakulite, lenakunikwa bokhokho. Anihlengwanga ngetintfo letigugako njengesiliva negolide; kodvwa nahlengwa ngengati leligugu yeliWundlu lelinguKhristu, lelingenacala nalelingenasici. Yena watinchanti, live lisengakasekelwa, kodvwa wabonakaliswa kuletikhatsi tekugcina ngenca yenu. Ngaye loKhristu nakholwa kuNkulunkulu, lowamvusa kulabafile, wamnika bukhosi, kuze kutsi nibheke kuNkulunkulu ngelitsemba nangekukholwa. Njengobe senihlambulule imiphefumulo yenu ngekulalela liciniso ngaMoya kuze nitsandze bazalwane benu ngelutsandvo lolute kutentisa, tsandzanani ngenhlitiyo lephelele. Phela senitelwe kabusha ngelivi laNkulunkulu lelingabhubhi, kodvwa leliphila phakadze naphakadze. Ngobe umBhalo utsi: “Wonkhe umuntfu ufanana netjani; nebukhosi bakhe bunjengembali yesiganga; tjani buyabuna, nembali yabo iyahhohloka. Kodvwa livi leNkhosi limile, kuyawudzimate kube phakadze.” Lelivi ngilo lelo lelashunyayelwa kini. Ngako lahlani bonkhe bubi, nebucili bonkhe, nekutentisa, nemona, nako konkhe kuhleba. Njengebantfwana labasandza kutalwa, langatelelani lubisi lwaMoya loluhlantekile nalolungakabhicwa nalutfo, lolulivi laNkulunkulu, lenitawutsi ngekulunatsa nikhule, nize nisindziswe. Nani senitibonele ngekwenu kutsi iNkhosi inemusa, njengobe kusho umBhalo. Sondzelani eNkhosini, ngobe yona ilitje leliphilile lelaliwa bantfu, batsi alinamsebenti, kepha lakhetfwa nguNkulunkulu njengelitje leliligugu. Nani-ke wotani kuyo, nibe ngematje laphilile, nakhiwe nibe yindlu yaMoya, khona-ke niyawuba baphristi labangcwele bekunikela imihlatjelo yaMoya, leyemukelekako kuNkulunkulu ngaJesu Khristu. Ngobe umBhalo utsi: “Ase nibuke, ngibeka eSiyoni litje lekusimisa indlu, lelikhetsiwe, naleliligugu. Lowo lokholwa kulo, angeke ajabhiswe.” Ngako-ke kini lenikholwako liligugu; kodvwa kulabo labangakholwa umBhalo utsi: “Lelitje lelaliwa bakhi seligucuke laba litje lekusimisa indlu.” Kulenye indzawo utsi: “Leli litje leliyawukhuba bantfu, lidvwala lekubawisa.” Nembala bayakhutjwa labo labangalilaleli livi; vele bamiselwe kona loko. Kodvwa nine nibeluhlanga lolukhetsiwe, nibaphristi bebukhosi, sive lesingcwele; nibantfu baNkulunkulu labakhetselwe kumemetela imisebenti lemihle yaNkulunkulu. Nguye lowanibita kutsi niphume ebumnyameni nitewungena ekukhanyeni kwakhe lokumangalisako. Nine naningesiso sive, kodvwa nyalo senisive saNkulunkulu. Nake naba ngaphandle kwemusa, kepha nyalo seniwemukele. Batsandzekako, ngiyanincenga, njengobe nitihambi nalabendlulako kulomhlaba, kutsi nitikhweshele tinkhanuko tenyama letilwa nemphefumulo. Philani imphilo yekulunga emkhatsini wemahedeni, khona kutawutsi nome banihleba ngekutsi nenta lokubi, kodvwa batsi bangabona imisebenti yenu lemihle, badvumise Nkulunkulu ngelilanga lekubuya kwakhe. Tfobelani bonkhe bantfu labasetikhundleni; loko nikwente ngenca yeNkhosi: uMbusi, ngobe mukhulu, nome tindvuna, ngobe nato titfunywe nguye kutsi titewujezisa labo labenta lokubi, tibonge labo labenta lokuhle. Ngobe Nkulunkulu ufuna kona loko kutsi nibavale imilomo labo labatilima, ngekutsi nente lokuhle. Nitiphatse njengebantfu labakhululekile, kodvwa ningakusebentisi kukhululeka kwenu kube simbonyo salokubi; kodvwa tiphatseni njengetinceku taNkulunkulu. Hloniphani bonkhe bantfu, nitsandze bazalwane, nesabe Nkulunkulu, nihloniphe uMbusi. Nine tisebenti, tfobelani baphatsi benu ngako konkhe kwesaba, hhayi labalungile nalabatfobekile kuphela, kodvwa nalabatiklokloklo. Ngobe Nkulunkulu uyambusisa umuntfu lotsi ngekwesaba Nkulunkulu abeketele, nome ahlushwa ngaphandle kwesono. Sikhona yini sibusiso lenifanele kusitfola, nanibeketelela kushaywa, ngobe nente lokubi? Kepha nanibeketelela kuhlushwa, ngobe nente lokuhle, Nkulunkulu utawunibusisa ngako. Ngobe vele, nabitelwa kona loko; ngobe Khristu naye wanihluphekela, wanishiyela sibonelo sekutsi nimlandzele etinyatselweni takhe. UmBhalo utsi ngaye: “Akazange asasente sono, nasemlonyeni wakhe akuzange sekuphume emanga.” Kwatsi etfukwa, wangete waphindzisela ngenhlamba; kwatsi ahlushwa, wangete wasongela. Kodvwa watinikela kuNkulunkulu lowehlulela ngekulunga. Khristu cobo lwakhe wetfwala tono tetfu emtimbeni wakhe, emtsini, kuze kutsi tsine singabe sisabuswa tono kodvwa siphile ekulungeni. “Niphiliswe ngemivimbo yakhe.” Ngobe beninjengetimvu letedukile; kodvwa manje seniphendvukele kuMelusi neMlondvoloti wemiphefumulo yenu. Ngalokufananako-ke, nani bafati, tfobelani emadvodza enu, kuze kutsi nakukhona emadvodza langalikholwa livi, nawo azuzeke ngaphandle kwenkhulumo, azuzwe yintfobeko yebafati bawo, nakabona similo senu lesimsulwa lesinekwesaba Nkulunkulu. Kuhloba kwenu kungabi kwekubukisa ngemichino, nangekugaba, nangekufaka imihlobohlobo yegolide, nome-ke ngekugcoka. Kodvwa akube kuhloba kwemuntfu longekhatsi, lohloba ngalokungabhubhi kwemoya lomnene nalonekuthula, lokuligugu lelimcoka emehlweni aNkulunkulu. Babetihlobisa kanjalo-ke bafati bakadzeni labangcwele lababetsembela kuNkulunkulu, babewatfobela emadvodza abo. Abenta njalo-ke naSara, ahlonipha Abrahama, ambita ngekutsi “yinkhosi” yakhe, lese naba bakhe nanenta lokulungile, ningesatjiswa lutfo. Ngalokufananako nani, madvodza, hlalisanani kahle nebafati benu, nati kutsi umuntfu lomsikati unjengesitja lesibutsakatsaka; nibahloniphe, ngobe batindlalifa temusa wekuphila kanye nani; loku nikwente, khona ingetiwuvimbeleka imithandazo yenu. Kwekugcina-ke, hawukelanani, nibe munye nonkhe, nitsandzane ngebuzalwane, nibe nebubele nekutfobeka. Ningaphindziseli lokubi ngalokubi, nome inhlamba ngenhlamba; kodvwa esikhundleni saloko busisani, ngobe nabitelwa loko kutsi nidle lifa lekubusiswa. Ngobe umBhalo utsi: “Lowo lotsandza kuphila nekubona emalanga lamahle, akabambe lulwimi lwakhe kulokubi, nemlomo wakhe ekukhulumeni inkhohliso. Akakhweshe kulokubi ente lokulungile; akajonge kuthula ngemandla akhe onkhe. Ngobe emehlo eNkhosi ayababona labalungile, netindlebe teNkhosi tiyayiva imithandazo yabo. Kodvwa iNkhosi iyemelana nalabo labenta lokubi.” Pho, ngubani longahle anilimate nangabe ninenshisekelo yekwenta lokulungile? Kepha nangabe nihlushwa ngenca yekwenta lokulungile, nibusisiwe. Ningesabi muntfu, ningakhatsateki. Kepha mngcweliseni Khristu abe yiNkhosi etinhlitiyweni tenu, nimhloniphe, nihlale nilungele kubaphendvula bonkhe labanibuta ngelitsemba lelikini. Loku nikwente ngebumnene nangekuhlonipha, nibe nanembeza lomsulwa, kuze kutsi kuloko labanihleba ngako bajabhiswe labo labetfuka kuhamba kwenu lokuhle kuKhristu. Ngobe kuncono kuhlupheka ngekwenta lokuhle, nakuyintsandvo yaNkulunkulu, kunekuhlupheka ngekwenta lokubi. Khristu wafela tono tetfu, kwaba kanye, kwenela. Yena lolungile wafela labangakalungi, kuze animikise kuNkulunkulu. Wabulawa ngekwemtimba, kepha wavuswa ngaMoya waNkulunkulu. Wahamba ngaye loMoya wayawushumayela imiphefumulo yalabasekuboshweni. Labo-ke ngulabo lekwatsi endvulo bala kulalela Nkulunkulu ngesikhatsi Nkulunkulu abalindzele ngekubeketela ngemalanga ekwakhiwa kwemkhumbi waNowa. Bantfu labambalwa, lababesiphohlongo, bangena kulomkhumbi basindza emantini. Emanti wona emele umbhabhatiso. Umbhabhatiso awusiwo wekususa insila yemtimba, kodvwa wekucela nembeza lomsulwa kuNkulunkulu. Lombhabhatiso uyanisindzisa ngekuvuka kwaJesu Khristu ekufeni. Yena sewahamba waya ezulwini, lapho asahleti khona ngesekudla saNkulunkulu; emagunya, nemandla, netingilosi sekwabekwa ngaphansi kwakhe loJesu. Njengobe naKhristu wahlupheka emtimbeni ngenca yenu, nani hlomani ngalowo mcondvo, ngobe umuntfu lowake wahlupheka emtimbeni usuke asacedzile ngesono. Ngako ngesikhatsi nisesemhlabeni, ningabe nisaphila ngetinkhanuko talelive, kodvwa ngentsandvo yaNkulunkulu. Ngobe lesikhatsi lesendlulile besenele kutsi nente lokutsandvwa ngemahedeni ngekuphila ngemanyala, nangetinkhanuko, nangekudzakwa, nangekumita, nangemsindvo, nangekukhonta tithico lokungakavumeleki. Ayamangala kutsi anisahambisani ngani nawo kulomsindvo wekutiphatsa kabi, ayanetfuka. Kepha ayawutiphendvulela kulowo losalungele kwehlulela labaphilako nalabafile. Nguloko lokwabangela kutsi liVangeli lishunyayelwe ngisho nakulabafile, khona batekwehlulelwa njengabo bonkhe bantfu bemhlaba, kuze baphile kuNkulunkulu ngaMoya. Siphetfo sato tonkhe tintfo sesisondzele. Ngako-ke tibambeni, nititsibe khona nitekwati kukhuleka. Ngetulu kwako konkhe hlalani nitsandzana, ngobe lutsandvo lusibekela tono letinyenti. Nibongenisana kahle emakhaya, ningemani. Lowo nalowo lowemukele sipho semusa, akasisebentise ekukhonteni labanye njengenceku lenhle yemusa lomnyenti waNkulunkulu. Nangabe umuntfu akhuluma, akakhulume ngekwemavi aNkulunkulu; nangabe umuntfu akhonta, akakhonte ngemandla lawanikwa nguNkulunkulu, kuze kutsi kuko konkhe kudvunyiswe Nkulunkulu ngaJesu Khristu, lekukuye bukhosi nemandla phakadze naphakadze. Amen. Batsandzekako, ningamangaliswa ngulokuvivinywa lokubuhlungu kakhulu lokunikhantingako, kube shangatsi nehlelwa yintfo lengakavami. Kodvwa tfokotani, ngobe ninesabelo etinhluphekweni taKhristu, kuze kutsi nitfokote kakhulu nakwembulwa bukhosi bakhe. Nibusisiwe nanetfukwa ngenca yelibito laKhristu, ngobe loko kukhombisa kutsi Moya webukhosi, lowaNkulunkulu, unifukamele. Kodvwa akubete kini lohlupheka ngobe angumbulali, nome lisela, nome lowenta lokubi, nome lotigaca etindzabeni talabanye bantfu. Kepha nakukhona lohlupheka ngobe angumKhristu, abobate emahloni, kodvwa akadvumise Nkulunkulu ngenca yalelo bito. Ngobe sesifikile sikhatsi sekwehlulela kutsi kucale kubendlu yaNkulunkulu; kepha nakucala kitsi, pho, siyawuba njani siphetfo salabo labangalaleli liVangeli laNkulunkulu? UmBhalo utsi: “Nangabe kulukhuni kutsi kusindziswe lolungile, kuyawuba njani-ke kulongamesabi Nkulunkulu nalosoni?” Ngako-ke labo labahlupheka ngekwentsandvo yaNkulunkulu abachubeke bente lokuhle, babeke imiphefumulo yabo kuMdali lowetsembekile. Ngako ngiyabancenga babonisi labasemkhatsini wenu, njengobe nami ngingumbonisi kanye nabo, ngingufakazi wetinhlupheko taKhristu, nemhlanganyeli ebukhosini lobutakwembulwa, ngitsi: Yelusani umhlambi waNkulunkulu leniwuphetse, hhayi ngekucindzetelwa, kodvwa ngenhlitiyo levumako njengobe Nkulunkulu atsandza kutsi nente, hhayi ngekunaka inkhokhelo nje, kodvwa ngenshisekelo yekukhonta. Ningatenti emakhosi etikwalabo lenibaphetse, kodvwa nibe tibonelo letinhle emhlambini leniwelusile. Mhlazana kubonakala uMelusi Lomkhulu, niyakwemukela umchele webukhosi longagugi. Nani-ke, labasha, batfobeleni babonisi. Nonkhe yembatsani kutfobeka, nitfobelane, ngobe: “Nkulunkulu umelana nalabatigcabhako, kodvwa labatfobekile ubapha umusa.” Ngako-ke titfobeni ngephansi kwesandla lesinemandla saNkulunkulu, kuze ateniphakamisa ngesikhatsi lesifanele. Lahlelani kuye konkhe kukhatsateka kwenu, ngobe yena uyanikhatsalela. Zitsani, nilindze. Sitsa senu, Sathane, siyajangaza emkhatsini wenu njengelibhubesi lelibhodlako, sitfungatsa lesingahle simmite. Melanani naso nicinile ekukholweni, nati kutsi tona leto tinhlupheko tiyabehlela nebazalwane benu labasemhlabeni wonkhe. Emvakwekuhlupheka kwalesikhashana Nkulunkulu wemusa wonkhe, lowanibitela kutsi nihlanganyele naKhristu ebukhosini baphakadze, yena matfupha uyawuniphelelisa, anakhe anicinise, anitintise. Kuye akube ngemandla phakadze naphakadze. Amen. Nginibhalele lencwajana ngisitwa nguSilasi lengimati kutsi ungumzalwane lowetsembekile. Ngiyanikhutsata ngifakaza kutsi konkhe loku ngiwo sibili umusa waNkulunkulu; ngako-ke manini nicine kulowo musa. Liyanihambisa libandla lelikhetsiwe leliseBhabhulona; naMakho, indvodzana yami, uyanihambisa. Bingelelanani ngekwangana kwelutsandvo lwebuzalwane. Kuthula akube kini nonkhe lenikuKhristu. Lencwadzi iphuma kuSimoni Phetro, inceku nemphostoli waJesu Khristu. Iya kini lenemukele kukholwa lokuligugu njengekwetfu. Nikwemukele ngekulunga kwaNkulunkulu neMsindzisi wetfu Jesu Khristu. Shangatsi umusa nekuthula kungandziswa kini ngekwati Nkulunkulu naJesu iNkhosi yetfu. Ngemandla akhe Nkulunkulu usiphe konkhe lesikudzingako kuze siphile, simesabe njengobe simati yena lowasibitela ekuhlanganyeleni naye emandleni nasebukhosini bakhe. Ngaleyo ndlela siphiwe tetsembiso letiligugu naletikhulukati, kuze kutsi ngato nibe nenhlanganyelo nesimo sebuNkulunkulu, niphunyule ekubhujisweni kwelive lese lokheleke etinkhanukweni. Ngaleso sizatfu-ke khutsalelani kwengeta bucotfo ekukholweni, nakubo bucotfo nengete kwati, nasekwatini nengete kutitsiba, nasekutitsibeni nengete kukhutsatela, nasekukhutsateleni nengete kumesaba Nkulunkulu, nasekumesabeni Nkulunkulu nengete kutsandza bazalwane, nasekutsandzeni bazalwane nengete lutsandvo. Nangabe letintfo tikini, tivama, titawunenta nikhutsale, nitsele titselo ekuyatini ngalokugcwele iNkhosi yetfu Jesu Khristu. Ngobe lowo lote letintfo, uyimphumphutse, uyafifiyela, sewukhohliwe kutsi wahlantwa etonweni takhe takucala. Ngako-ke, bazalwane, khutsalelani kakhulu kukhombisa kutsi nibelubito nebekukhetfwa. Nanikwenta loko, ningeke nihlubuke, kodvwa niyawunikwa lilungelo leliphelele lekungena embusweni waphakadze weNkhosi neMsindzisi wetfu Jesu Khristu. Ngako-ke sonkhe sikhatsi ngiyawube ngiloku nginikhumbuta ngaleto tintfo, nome senitati nje, nihleti nicinile kuleliciniso lese nilemukele. Ngikubona kufanele, yingci ngisekhona kulomtimba, kwekutsi nginivusetele ngekunikhumbuta; ngobe ngiyati kutsi masinyane nje ngitawushiya lomhlaba, njengaloku iNkhosi yetfu Jesu Khristu yangitjela. Kepha ngitakwetama kwenta lisu lekutsi nisale nitikhumbula letintfo ngaso sonkhe sikhatsi, nome ngingasekho. Empeleni sasingalandzeli tinganekwane tebucili, ngesikhatsi sinatisa emandla nekufika kweNkhosi yetfu Jesu Khristu, kodvwa sasingulabo labawabona emandla ebukhosi bakhe. Mhlazana emukela ludvumo nenkhatimulo kuNkulunkulu uYise, sasikhona tsine. Kwaphuma livi enkhatimulweni yebukhosi, latsi: “Lo, uyiNdvodzana yami letsandzekako, lengitfokota ngayo.” Tsine sasinaye entsabeni lengcwele, nakuvakala lelivi liphuma ezulwini, saliva ngetetfu tindlebe. Ngaleyo ndlela livi lesiphrofetho laciniswa kancono kitsi. Nani nitawube nente kahle, nanililalele, naliva lakhanya njengesibane lesikhanya ebumnyameni, kuze kube ngusentsatsakusa nenkhanyeti yekusa ibonakale etinhlitiyweni tenu. Ngetulu kwako konkhe, nifanele nicondzisise kahle kutsi kute siphrofetho semBhalo lesingachasiswa ngumuntfu ngekwakhe kucondza. Kute siphrofetho lesake seta ngentsandvo yemuntfu; kodvwa bantfu bakhuluma lokukwaNkulunkulu, bachutjwa nguMoya Longcwele. Nakadzeni babevele bakhona baphrofethi bemanga emkhatsini wesive, kanjalo-ke nalapha emkhatsini wenu batawuvela baphrofethi bemanga, labatawungenisa timfundziso temanga letibhubhisako, baphike uMbusi lowabatsenga, ngaloko-ke batawube batidvonsela kubhujiswa lokusheshisako. Labanyenti bayawulandzela lawo manyala abo; ngenca yabo indlela yeliciniso iyawuhlanjalatwa. Ngenca yebudli babo bayawutsengiselana ngani ngemavi ebucili. Kusukela emandvulweni kulahlwa kwabo akulibali, nekubhujiswa kwabo akweteli. Nkulunkulu akazange atiyekele tingilosi letona, kodvwa watilahla kalasha emigodzini yebumnyama bebumnyama, kutsi titewugcinelwa kwehlulelwa. Nkulunkulu akazange awuyekele umhlaba wakadzeni, kodvwa wamlondvolota Nowa, umshumayeli wekulunga, kanye nalabanye lababesikhombisa, ngesikhatsi aletsa zamcolo emhlabeni walababengamesabi Nkulunkulu. Emadolobha aseSodoma naseGomora Nkulunkulu wawalahla ngelicala, wase uwabhubhisa ngemlilo, aphela nya, aba ngumlotsa; wawenta aba sibonelo kulabo labangayiwumesaba Nkulunkulu. Nkulunkulu wamsindzisa Loti labelungile; Loti abesavele asakhatsateke kakhulu, ngenca yekuhamba ngemanyala kwabo labangenamtsetfo. Lendvodza lelungile lebeyihlala emkhatsini wabo, onkhe emalanga beyidzatjukiswa kuva nekubona tento tabo letimbi tekungamesabi Nkulunkulu, umphefumulo wayo lolungile weva buhlungu. INkhosi iyakwati kubakhulula ekulingweni labo labesaba Nkulunkulu; kodvwa labangakalungi ibagcinela kujeziswa ngelilanga lekwehlulelwa, ikakhulu labo labahamba etinkhanukweni temvelo tekutingcolisa, bedzelela baphatsi. Bangemaphikankhani, bayatigcabha, abesabi nekuhlambalata benkhatimulo; kantsi ngisho netingilosi, letinkhulu kakhulu kunabo ngebuchawe nangemandla, atibahlambalati labo bantfu ngekubamangalela embikweNkhosi. Kodvwa labantfu labahlambalatako banjengetilwane tesiganga letingenangcondvo, ngekwemvelo titalelwe kubanjwa nekubulawa. Bahlambalata ngetintfo labangatati; kodvwa batawubhujiswa kanye naleto tilwane. Bayakwemukeliswa buhlungu, ngobe nabo bevisa buhlungu. Kujabula kwabo kumita nekutamasa, ngisho nasemini imbala. Yebo, balihlazo nendlisamahloni nase bahlanganyela nani edzilini ngaso sonkhe sikhatsi, batijabulisa ngetinkhanuko tabo. Emehlo abo agcwele buphingi, anamatsele esonweni; baholela labo lababutsakatsaka elugibeni; tinhlitiyo tabo tetayele bukhali. Bangaphansi kwesicalekiso. Bashiye indlela lecondzile bedukela endleleni yaBhalamu, umsa waBheyori, lowatsandza umvuzo lomubi. Kodvwa wekhutwa ngaloko kona kwakhe: Imbongolo lesimungulu yakhuluma ngelivi lemuntfu, yakuvimbela loko kuhlanya kwalowo mphrofethi. Labo bantfu bayimitfombo lete emanti, batinkhungu letichutjwa sivunguvungu; bagcinelwe bunyama bebumnyama. Bakhuluma emagama lalite, bayenge ngetinkhanuko nangemanyala labo labasandza kuphunyula kulabedukako. Babetsembisa inkhululeko, kantsi bona ngekwabo batigcili tekubhubha; ngobe loko lokumehlulako umuntfu, usigcili sako. Ngobe nangabe kungcoliswa ngulomhlaba bakubalekele ngekwati iNkhosi lenguMsindzisi wetfu Jesu Khristu, baphindze behlulwa ngiko, sigcino sabo sibi kakhulu kunesicalo sabo. Lokungenani bekuyawuba ncono kubo kube mane abazange sebayati indlela yekulunga, kunekutsi batsi sebayatile baphindze bawufulatsele umyalo longcwele lababenikwe wona. Kubehlele njengobe saga lesicinisile sitsi: “Inja seyibuyele emahlanteni ayo,” nekutsi: “Ingulube igezwe cedze yabuyela yayawubhocota eludzakeni.” Bazalwane bami, lena seyincwadzi yami yesibili lenginibhalele yona. Kuto totimbili ngetamile kuvusa tingcondvo tenu ngekunikhumbuta, kutsi nicabange loko lokufanele, nikhumbule emavi lakhulunywa kwakucala baphrofethi labangcwele, nikhumbule nemyalo weNkhosi neMsindzisi lenafundziswa wona baphostoli benu. Kwekucala nje yatini kutsi ngemalanga ekugcina kuyawufika baphukuti labahamba ngetinkhanuko tabo, banihleke bulima, batsi: “Uphi-ke loJesu lowanetsembisa kutsi uyabuya? Ngobe seloku kwalala bobabemkhulu, tonkhe tintfo tihamba njengobe tatinjalo kusukela ekucaleni kwendalo.” Ngobe batsandza kukhohlwa kutsi emazulu abevele asakhona kadzenidzeni, nekutsi Nkulunkulu wakhuluma ngelivi lakhe, kwavela umhlaba emantini, wabasemkhatsini wemanti. Kwabuye kwaba ngiwo lawo manti, umhlaba lowabuye wabhujiswa ngawo. Kepha ngalo lelivi emazulu nemhlaba lokukhona nyalo kugcinelwe umlilo ngelilanga lekwehlulelwa, lapho kuyawubhujiswa khona labangamesabi Nkulunkulu. Kepha, batsandzekako, ningakhohlwa kutsi lilanga lilinye eNkhosini lingangeminyaka leyinkhulungwane, nekutsi iminyaka leyinkhulungwane ingangelilanga linye. INkhosi ayibini kugcina setsembiso sayo, njengobe labanye bacabanga kutsi iyabina; kepha iyanibeketelela, ngobe ingatsandzi kutsi kubhubhe ngisho namunye umuntfu, kodvwa itsandza kutsi bonkhe bantfu baphendvuke etonweni tabo. Kepha lilanga leNkhosi liyawufika njengelisela, mhlazana emazulu ayakwendlula ngekuhlokoma; tonkhe tisekelo temkhatsi tiyakusha tincibilike, umhlaba nemisebenti lekuwo kuyawusha. Njengobe-ke tonkhe letintfo titawubhidlitwa kanjalo, nine-ke kufanele nibe bantfu labanjani? Kufanele nitinikele ngalokuphelele kuNkulunkulu, niphile ngekumesaba yena, nilindzele kufika kwelilanga laNkulunkulu, nisebentele kutsi lisheshe lifike. Lelo langa liyawuncibikilisa emazulu ngemlilo, netinkhanyeti tincibilikiswe kushisa. Kepha ngesetsembiso sakhe silindzele emazulu lamasha, nemhlaba lomusha, lapho kubusela khona kulunga. Ngako-ke, batsandzekako, njengobe nisalindzele leto tintfo, yentani konkhe lokusemandleni enu, kutsi anikhandze ninekuthula, ningenasici ningenabala. Kubeketela kweNkhosi nibokutsatsa ngekutsi kunentela ematfuba ekusindziswa, njengobe nemzalwane wetfu lotsandzekako longuPawula anibhalele ngekuhlakanipha laphiwe kona. Ngiko loko lakushoko kuto tonkhe tincwadzi takhe, nakabhala ngaletintfo. Kukhona tintfo letilukhuni kutivisisa kahle kuto leto tincwadzi. Labo labangati nalabangakacini bayatihlanekela, njengobe benta nakuletinye tincwadzi temiBhalo. Ngekwenta loko batiletsela kubhujiswa. Kodvwa nine, batsandzekako, seniyakwati loku. Ngako-ke, caphelani, kuze ningedukiswa ngemaphutsa alabangenamtsetfo, bese niyawa ekucineni kwenu. Kodvwa khulani emseni nasekuyatini iNkhosi neMsindzisi wetfu Jesu Khristu. Ludvumo alube kuye manje kuze kube phakadze. Amen. Lowo labekhona kusukela ekucaleni, lesamuva, nalesambona ngemehlo etfu, sambuka, samphatsa ngetandla tetfu bekunguLivi lekuphila. Yena lowo Sokuphila wabonakaliswa kitsi, sambona, sifakaza ngaye, simemetela kini Sokuphila waphakadze. Nguye labeneYise; wabe sewubonakaliswa kitsi. Lowo lesambona samuva simemetela yena nakini, kuze nani nibe nebudlelwane kanye natsi. Tsine-ke sinebudlelwane neYise kanye neNdvodzana yakhe lenguJesu Khristu. Ngako-ke sibhala loku kuze kutsi kujabula kwetfu kuphelele. Lona ngumlayeto lesawutsatsa emlonyeni wakhe, simemetela wona kini kutsi Nkulunkulu ukukhanya, bumnyama kute kuye. Nasitsi sinebudlelwane naye, kodvwa sibe sihamba ebumnyameni, sinemanga, futsi asiphili ngekweliciniso. Kodvwa nasihamba ekukhanyeni, njengobe yena asekukhanyeni, sinebudlelwane lomunye nalomunye, nengati yaJesu, iNdvodzana yakhe, iyasihlanta kuko konkhe kona. Nasitsi site sono, siyatiyenga, neliciniso alikho kitsi. Kodvwa nasitivuma tono tetfu, Nkulunkulu wetsembekile, futsi ulungile, utasitsetselela tono tetfu abuye asihlambulule kuko konkhe kungalungi. Nasitsi asikoni, simenta localemanga, nelivi lakhe alikho kitsi. Bantfwabami, nginibhalela loku khona ningetikona; kodvwa nangabe kukhona lotfuke enta sono, tsine sineMmeli kuYise, Jesu Khristu lolungile, nguye loyinhlawulo yetono tetfu, hhayi tetfu sodvwa, kodvwa netemhlaba wonkhe. Nasigcina imiyalo yakhe, sineleciniso lekutsi siyamati yena. Umuntfu lotsi: “Ngiyamati,” kodvwa abe angayenti imiyalo yakhe, ngulocalemanga, neliciniso kute kuye. Kodvwa lowo logcina livi lakhe, lutsandvo lwaNkulunkulu luphelelisiwe kuye; ngaloko singaba neliciniso lekutsi sikuye. Wonkhe umuntfu lotsi uhlala kuye, kufanele ahambe ngaleyo ndlela Khristu lahamba ngayo. Batsandzekako, anginibhaleli wona umyalo lomusha kodvwa wona lowo lomdzala lenawuva kusukela ekucaleni. Lomyalo lomdzala livi lenaliva. Noko nginibhalela umyalo lomusha, buciniso bawo lobubonakala kuJesu nakini, ngobe bumnyama buyendlula nekukhanya lokunguko sibili sekuvele kuyakhanya. Umuntfu lotsi usekukhanyeni, kodvwa abe atondza umzalwane wakhe, usebumnyameni nanyalo. Lowo lotsandza umzalwane wakhe, uhlala ekukhanyeni, nesikhubekiso kute kuye. Kodvwa lowo lotondza umzalwane wakhe usebumnyameni, uhamba ebumnyameni, futsi akati nekutsi uyaphi, ngobe bumnyama buphumphutsekise emehlo akhe. Ngibhalela nine, bantfwabami, ngobe tono tenu setitsetselelwe ngenca yaKhristu. Ngibhalela nine, bobabe, ngobe niyamati Yena, loseloku aphila kusukela ekucaleni. Ngibhalela nani, majaha, ngobe nimehlulile Lomubi. Ngibhalele nine, bantfwana, ngobe niyamati Babe. Ngibhalele nani, bobabe, ngobe niyamati Yena, loseloku akhona kusukela ekucaleni. Ngibhalele nine, majaha, ngobe ninemandla, nelivi laNkulunkulu lihlala kini, futsi senimehlulile Lomubi. Ningalitsandzi live netintfo letiseveni. Nangabe umuntfu atsandza live, lutsandvo lwaBabe alukho kuye. Ngobe konkhe lokuseveni, kuyinkhanuko yenyama, nenkhanuko yemehlo, nekutigabatisa lokulite ngetintfo takulomhlaba. Konkhe loku akuveli kuBabe, kodvwa kwelive. Live liyendlula netinkhanuko talo, kodvwa lowo lowenta intsandvo yaNkulunkulu, uyawuphila kuze kube phakadze. Bantfwana, sesikhatsi sekugcina; njengobe neva kutsi mphikakhristu uyeta, nanyalo bomphikakhristu labanyenti sebavelile; ngako-ke sesiyati kutsi sesikhatsi sekugcina. Baphuma emkhatsini wetfu, kodvwa babevele bangesibo bakitsi, ngobe kube bebabakitsi, ngabe bachubeka kanye natsi. Noko kwakufanele kutsi kubonakale kutsi kute namunye wabo labewakitsi. Kodvwa-ke nine nigcotjwe nguLongcwele, nonkhe ninalo lwati. Angikanibhaleli ngobe ningalati liciniso kodvwa ngobe nilati. Niyati futsi kutsi kute emanga laphuma ecinisweni. Pho, ngubani localemanga nakungesiye lophika Jesu kutsi nguKhristu? Lowo ngumphikakhristu: lophika uYise neNdvodzana. Lowo lophika iNdvodzana, ute Nkulunkulu uYise; kantsi lowo lovuma iNdvodzana unaye, Nkulunkulu uYise. Loko lenakuva kusukela ekucaleni akuhlale etinhlitiyweni tenu. Nangabe-ke loko kuhlala kini, nani-ke niyawuhlala eNdvodzaneni kanye nakuYise. Nguleso-ke setsembiso Khristu lasinika sona: kuphila lokuphakadze. Nginibhalele loku ngalabo labanedukisako. Kodvwa nine ninekugcotjwa kwaMoya lokukini lenakwemukela kuKhristu; ngako-ke asikho sidzingo sekutsi ningabuye nifundziswe ngulomunye umuntfu. Lokunigcoba kwakhe kunifundzisa tonkhe tintfo, futsi kuliciniso, akusiwo emanga; njengobe kunifundzisile-ke, hlalani nikuye. Bantfwabami, hlalani kuye, khona kutawutsi nakachamuka sibe nesibindzi sibete emahloni sinyibe kuye ekufikeni kwakhe. Nanati kutsi ulungile, ningahlala nineliciniso lekutsi wonkhe lowenta kulunga, utelwe nguye. Ase nibuke lutsandvo lolungaka Babe lasinike lona kutsi sibitwe ngekutsi sibantfwana baNkulunkulu; futsi vele singabo. Ngako-ke live alisati tsine, ngobe alimatanga yena. Batsandzekako, nyalo sibantfwana baNkulunkulu, noko akukabonakali kutsi siyawuba yini. Lesikwatiko kutsi ngesikhatsi achamuka Khristu, siyawuba njengaye, ngobe siyawumbona njengobe anjalo. Wonkhe umuntfu lonalo lelo tsemba kuKhristu uyatihlambulula, njengobe naKhristu ahlambulukile. Wonkhe umuntfu lowenta sono wephula umtsetfo, ngobe sono sikwephula umtsetfo. Futsi niyati kutsi Jesu wabonakaliselwa kususa tono, nekutsi kute sono kuye. Wonkhe umuntfu lohlala kuye akoni, lowonako akazange asambone, futsi akamati. Bantfwabami, ningayengwa ngumuntfu; umuntfu lowenta kulunga ulungile, njengobe naKhristu alungile. Umuntfu lowonako waSathane, ngobe Sathane wona kusukela ekucaleni. Kodvwa iNdvodzana yaNkulunkulu yetela kona loko, kucitsa imisebenti yaSathane. Umuntfu lotelwe nguNkulunkulu akoni, ngobe simo saNkulunkulu sikuye; ngako-ke angeke one, ngobe ungumntfwana waNkulunkulu. Bantfwana baNkulunkulu nebantfwana baSathane babonakala ngaloku: Umuntfu longenti kulunga nalongatsandzi umzalwane wakhe, akasiye waNkulunkulu. Lona ngumyalo lenawuva kusukela ekucaleni kutsi kufanele sitsandzane. Singabi njengaKhayini labe waLomubi, wabulala umnakabo. Wambulalelani-ke? Wambulala, ngobe imisebenti yakhe yayimibi, kantsi lena ya-Abela, umnakabo, yayilungile. Ningamangali, bazalwane, nanitondvwa live. Siyati kutsi sesiphumile ekufeni, sangena ekuphileni, ngobe sitsandza bazalwane; lote lutsandvo usesekufeni. Umuntfu lotondza umzalwane ungumbulali, nani-ke niyati kutsi kute umuntfu longumbulali lonekuphila lokuphakadze. Lutsandvo silwati ngaloku kutsi yena wanikela ngekuphila kwakhe ngenca yetfu; natsi-ke kufanele sinikele ngekuphila kwetfu ngenca yebazalwane. Nangabe umuntfu anako kwelive bese ubona umzalwane wakhe loswele, angamhawukeli, angasho kanjani kutsi lutsandvo lwaNkulunkulu luhlala enhlitiyweni yakhe? Bantfwabami, asingatsandzi ngemavi nje emlomo kuphela, kodvwa asitsandze ngetento nangeliciniso. Ngaloko-ke siyawukwati kutsi sibeliciniso nasembikwaNkulunkulu siyawuba nesibindzi kunembeza wetfu, ngekutsi nangabe nembeza wetfu asilahla, Nkulunkulu mkhulu kunanembeza wetfu, futsi wati konkhe. Batsandzekako, nangabe nembeza wetfu angasilahli, sinesibindzi kuNkulunkulu. Konkhe lesikucelako uyasipha, ngobe siyigcina imiyalo yakhe, futsi senta lokutsandzeka emehlweni akhe. Naku lasiyala ngako: kutsi sikholwe egameni leNdvodzana yakhe lenguJesu Khristu bese siyatsandzana, njengobe asiyala. Umuntfu logcina imiyalo yaNkulunkulu uhlala kuNkulunkulu, naNkulunkulu uhlala kuye. Nkulunkulu wasinika Moya wakhe, nguko lesibona ngako kutsi Nkulunkulu uhlala kitsi. Batsandzekako, ningabohambe nikholwa ngibo bonkhe bomoya, nibobahlola bomoya kutsi baNkulunkulu yini, ngobe banyenti baphrofethi bemanga labaphumele eveni. Moya waNkulunkulu niyawumati ngaloku: Wonkhe umoya lovumako kutsi Jesu Khristu wefika waba ngumuntfu, yena unguMoya waNkulunkulu. Wonkhe umoya longamvumi Jesu, akusiwo waNkulunkulu; lowo ngumoya wamphikakhristu leneva ngaye kutsi uyeta, nangempela sewukhona la kulomhlaba. Bantfwabami, nine nibaNkulunkulu, senibehlulile baphrofethi bemanga, ngobe lowo lokini mkhulu kunalowo losemhlabeni. Bona belive, ngako-ke nalabakukhulumako kwaseveni, futsi nelive liyabeva. Tsine sibaNkulunkulu, lomatiko Nkulunkulu uyasiva, lowo longesiye waNkulunkulu akasiva. Siwehlukanisa ngaloko-ke umoya weliciniso nemoya wekweduka. Batsandzekako, asitsandzaneni ngobe lutsandvo luvela kuNkulunkulu; wonkhe umuntfu lonelutsandvo usuke atelwe nguNkulunkulu, futsi uyamati Nkulunkulu. Kodvwa lote lutsandvo akamati Nkulunkulu, ngobe Nkulunkulu ulutsandvo. Lutsandvo lwaNkulunkulu lwabonakaliswa kitsi ngekutsi Nkulunkulu watfumela iNdvodzana yakhe leyodvwa emhlabeni, khona sitewuphila ngayo. Ngulolo-ke lutsandvo, hhayi kutsi ngitsi lesatsandza Nkulunkulu, kepha kutsi nguye lowasitsandza, wadzimate watfumela iNdvodzana yakhe kutsi ibe yinhlawulo yetono tetfu. Batsandzekako, nangabe Nkulunkulu wasitsandza kangaka, natsi sifanele kutsi sitsandzane. Kute umuntfu lowase wabona Nkulunkulu; nasitsandzana-ke, Nkulunkulu uhlala kitsi, nelutsandvo lwakhe luphelelisiwe kitsi. Siyati kutsi sihlala kuye naye kitsi, ngobe usiphile kwaMoya wakhe. Tsine sitibonele, sifakaza kutsi uYise utfumele iNdvodzana yakhe kutsi itewuba nguMsindzisi welive. Lowo lovuma kutsi Jesu uyiNdvodzana yaNkulunkulu, Nkulunkulu uhlala kuye, naye uhlala kuNkulunkulu. Tsine siyalwati lutsandvo Nkulunkulu lasitsandza ngalo, futsi siyakholwa ngilo. Nkulunkulu ulutsandvo. Umuntfu lohlala elutsandvweni uhlala kuNkulunkulu, naNkulunkulu uhlala kuye. Lutsandvo luphelelisiwe kitsi kuze sibe nesibindzi ngelilanga lekwehlulela, ngobe njengaloku abenjalo Khristu natsi sinjalo kulomhlaba. Lutsandvo lute kwesaba, kodvwa lutsandvo loluphelele luyakucosha kwesaba. Kwesaba kuhambisana nesijeziso; lowo lowesabako akapheleli elutsandvweni. Tsine sitsandza, ngobe kwacala yena wasitsandza. Umuntfu nakatsi: “Ngiyamtsandza Nkulunkulu,” kepha abe atondza umzalwane wakhe, ungulocalemanga; ngobe umuntfu longamtsandzi umzalwane wakhe lambonako, angeke amtsandze Nkulunkulu langazange asambone. Sinemyalo lasinika wona Khristu kutsi umuntfu lotsandza Nkulunkulu ufanele kutsandza nemzalwane wakhe futsi. Wonkhe umuntfu lokholwa kutsi Jesu unguKhristu, ungumntfwana waNkulunkulu; umuntfu lotsandza umtali, utsandza nemntfwanakhe futsi. Nasitsandza Nkulunkulu sigcina nemiyalo yakhe, siyati kutsi siyabatsandza bantfwana bakhe. Ngobe kutsandza Nkulunkulu kugcina imiyalo yakhe. Imiyalo yaNkulunkulu ayimatima kitsi. Wonkhe umuntfu lotelwe nguNkulunkulu uyalincoba live. Kuncoba lesincoba ngako live: kukholwa kwetfu. Ngubani umuntfu longancoba live ngaphandle kwalowo lokholwa kutsi Jesu uyiNdvodzana yaNkulunkulu? Nguye Jesu Khristu loweta ngemanti nangengati; kungesiko ngemanti odvwana kepha ngemanti nangengati, naMoya ungufakazi ngobe Moya uliciniso. Ngobe batsatfu labafakazako: nguMoya, nemanti, nengati: bufakazi babo bobatsatfu buyavumelana. Siyabemukela bufakazi bebantfu; kodvwa bufakazi baNkulunkulu bukhulu kakhulu, ngobe Nkulunkulu ufakaze ngeNdvodzana yakhe. Nome ngubani lokholwa yiNdvodzana yaNkulunkulu, unebufakazi kuye; kodvwa umuntfu longakholwa kuNkulunkulu, umente localemanga, ngobe angakholwa ebufakazini lobubekwe nguNkulunkulu ngeNdvodzana yakhe. Bufakazi ngulobu kutsi Nkulunkulu wasinika kuphila lokuphakadze, nalokuphila kuseNdvodzaneni yakhe. Wonkhe umuntfu loneNdvodzana, unekuphila; kantsi lowo lote iNdvodzana yaNkulunkulu, ute kuphila. Nginibhalela loku nine, lenikholwa egameni leNdvodzana yaNkulunkulu, kuze nati kutsi ninekuphila lokuphakadze. Sinesibindzi kutsi nasicela lutfo kuNkulunkulu ngekwentsandvo yakhe, uyasiva. Njengobe sati kutsi uyasiva kunobe yini lesiyicelako, siyati nekutsi sesikunikiwe loko lesikucela kuye. Nakukhona lobona umzalwane wakhe enta sono lesingaholeli ekufeni, kufanele amthandazele, Nkulunkulu utamupha kuphila. Loko kucondzene nalabo labenta sono lesingaholeli ekufeni. Sikhona sono lesiholela ekufeni, lengingete ngasho kutsi kungacelwa ngaleso. Konkhe lokungakalungi kusono, noko kukhona sono lesingaholeli ekufeni. Siyati kutsi wonkhe umuntfu lotelwe nguNkulunkulu akoni, ngobe iNdvodzana yaNkulunkulu iyamgcina, naLomubi akamtsintsi. Siyati kutsi sibaNkulunkulu nekutsi umhlaba wonkhe ungephansi kwemandla aLomubi. Siyati kutsi iNdvodzana yaNkulunkulu ifikile yasipha kucondzisisa kahle, khona sitewumati Nkulunkulu longuye sibili; tsine-ke sikuye Nkulunkulu sibili, eNdvodzaneni yakhe lenguJesu Khristu. Nguye longuNkulunkulu sibili, nalokuphila lokuphakadze. Bantfwabami, tikhweshiseni etithicweni. Lencwadzi iphuma kuMbonisi. Iya kuMake lokhetsiwe nakubantfwabakhe, lengibatsandza ngeliciniso, kungesimi ngedvwana, kodvwa nabo bonkhe labalatiko liciniso, ngenca yeliciniso lelihlala kitsi naleliyawuba natsi phakadze naphakadze. Shangatsi umusa, nesihawu, nekuthula lokuvela kuNkulunkulu, longuBabe, nakuJesu Khristu iNdvodzana yeYise kungaba natsi ngeliciniso nangelutsandvo. Maye, ngajabula, nangikhandza kutsi labanye bebantfwabakho bahamba ecinisweni, njengobe sayalwa nguBabe. Namanje ngiyakuncusa-ke, Make, kungesiko kutsi ngikushayela umyalo lomusha, kodvwa wona lowo lesawuva ekucaleni wekutsi sifanele sitsandzane. Ngulolo-ke lutsandvo, kutsi sihambe ngekwemiyalo yakhe; ngiwo lomyalo lekumelwe kutsi nihambe ngawo, njengobe neva kwasekucaleni. Bakhohlisi labanyenti baphumele emhlabeni, bantfu labangeke bavume kutsi Jesu Khristu weta waba ngumuntfu. Umuntfu lonjalo ungumkhohlisi namphikakhristu. Ticapheleni nine, kuze ningalahlekelwa nguloko lesikusebentele, kodvwa nemukeliswe umvuzo wenu lophelele. Umuntfu longahlali emfundzisweni yaKhristu, kodvwa ayengce ngetulu usuke ate Nkulunkulu. Kodvwa umuntfu lohlala emfundzisweni unaBabe neNdvodzana, bobabili. Nakufika umuntfu longeti nalemfundziso, ningabomemukela emakhaya enu, futsi ningambingeleli nekumbingelela, ngobe umuntfu lombingelelako ubambisana naye emisebentini yakhe lemibi. Nome nginalokunyenti lenginganitjela kona, angite ngakubhala phansi; kepha ngetsemba kutsi ngitakuta ngitenibona ngikhulume nani umlomo nemlomo, khona sitewujabula ngalokuphelele. Bantfwana badzadzewenu lokhetsiwe bayakuhambisa. Lencwadzi iphuma kuMbonisi. Iya kuGayusi lotsandzekako, lengimtsandza ngeliciniso. Wena lotsandzekako, ngiyakhuleka kutsi konkhe kukuhambele kahle, nekutsi uphile kahle, njengobe ngati kutsi uyaphila emphefumulweni wakho. Ngajabula kakhulu nakufika labanye bazalwane bafakaza ngekutimisela kwakho ecinisweni, njengobe uhamba ecinisweni. Kute kujabula lengingaba nako lokwengca loko: kuva kutsi bantfwabami bahamba ecinisweni. Wena lotsandzekako, ukwenta ngekwetsembeka konkhe lokwentela bazalwane, ikakhulu etihambini, labafakaze ngelutsandvo lwakho ebandleni. Utabe wente kahle ngekubahlinzeka ngako konkhe labangahle bakudzinge, ngiko loko lokufanelekile emsebentini waNkulunkulu. Ngobe baphuma egameni laKhristu bangatsatsi lutfo kulabangakholwa kuye. Ngako-ke sifanele kubasita bantfu labanjalo, kuze sibambisane nabo emsebentini weliciniso. Kukhona lengakubhalela libandla, kodvwa-ke Diyotrefesi lotsandza kutibeka embili uyala kusemukela. Ngako-ke nangifika lapho, ngiyawuvumbulula konkhe lokubi lakwente kitsi ngemavi lamabi, asihleba. Kodvwa loko akumenelisi, ngobe ujinge angabemukeli bazalwane; nalabo labafuna kubemukela, uyabavimbela abancume nasebandleni. Wena lotsandzekako, ungasilandzeli sibonelo lesibi, kepha ubolandzela sibonelo lesihle. Umuntfu lowenta lokulungile waNkulunkulu; kepha umuntfu lowenta lokubi akazange asambone Nkulunkulu. Demetriyusi unconywa ngibo bonkhe bantfu, ngisho neliciniso imbala liyamncoma; natsi siyamfakazela, futsi nawe uyati kutsi bufakazi betfu buliciniso. Benginetintfo letinyenti lebengingakubhalela ngato, kodvwa angifisi kutibhala phansi, ngobe ngetsemba kutsi ngitakubona masinyane, sikhulume nawe umlomo nemlomo. Kuthula akube nawe. Bonkhe bangani bayakuhambisa. Hambisa bangani, ngamunye ngamunye. Lencwadzi iphuma kumnakaboJakobe longuJuda, sisebenti saJesu Khristu. Iya kulabo lababitwe nalabatsandvwe nguNkulunkulu longuBabe, labalondvolotelwe Jesu Khristu. Ngitsi: Akwandze kini umusa nekuthula kanye nelutsandvo. Batsandzekako bami, bengitimisele kutsi nginibhalele ngikhulume ngalensindziso lesihlanganyele kuyo. Kodvwa ngibone kunesidzingo lesimatima sekutsi nginibhalele nginikhutsate kutsi nilwele kukholwa lokuphiwe bantfu baNkulunkulu kwaba kanye kwenela, sonkhe tsine lesibakhe. Ngobe kukhona labangene ngekunyelela ebandleni. ImiBhalo kadze yasho ngalabo bantfu kutsi bamiselwe kubhujiswa kwaphakadze. Abamesabi Nkulunkulu; sebaguculele umusa wakhe bawenta siyalu sebugwadla nebuphingi, baphika Jesu Khristu, iNkhosi yetfu, lekunguye yedvwa uMbusi. Nome nitati tonkhe nje letintfo, ngiyatsandza kunikhumbuta ngato. INkhosi leyabahlenga baka-Israyeli ngekubakhipha eGibhithe, yabuye yababhubhisa labo labangazange bakholwe. Nikhumbule phela kutsi netingilosi letingabugcinanga bukhosi bato ngekushiya likhaya lato, watigcina ebumnyameni tiboshwe ngetinketane letingasoze tikhunyulwe. Letingilosi timele lilanga lelikhulu lekwehlulelwa. Khumbulani futsi iGomora neSodoma nemadolobha labekakhelene nawo. Bantfu balawo madolobha nabo balingisa letingilosi. Emadvodza abelalana odvwana ngendlela lengazange seyibonwe nalephambene nemvelo ehlelwa sijeziso lesimatima, umlilo longacimeki; aba secwayiso. Benta njalo-ke nalabantfu; banemibono emaphusheni abo lebenta bahlazise imitimba yabo. Abafuni nekuyalwa yiNkhosi. Bayawedzelela emandla aNkulunkulu, betfuka netidalwa tangetulu tenkhatimulo. Ngisho naMikhayeli, ingilosi lenkhulu, mhlazane abangisana naSathane ngesidvumbu saMosi, akazange asayikhiphe inhlamba, kuze amehlule. Lakusho nje kwaba kutsi: “INkhosi ayikukhalimele.” Kodvwa labantfu betfuka nome yini labangayicondzi kahle; kantsi letintfo labativa ngekwemvelo yabo, njengetilwane tesiganga, ngito-ke letintfo letibabhubhisako. Maye kubo, ngobe bahamba ngendlela yaKhayini; bagijimela ekwedukeni kwaBhalamu ngenca yemvuzo; bahlubukile njengaKhora, nabo babhubha. Bayanonela ekudleni kwenu kwebudlelwane bate emahloni ngekumita kwabo. Babogubhela kwesabo. Banjengemafu lapheshulwa ngumoya, abe wona ate imvula. Batihlahla letingatseli titselo, ngisho nangetikhatsi tato, tihlahla letisishulwe netimphandze tato, yebo, batihlahla lese tafa. Bantfu labanjena banjengemagagasi elwandle, bakhephuta emahlazo abo; batinkhanyeti leteduka lese tagcinelwa bumnyama bebumnyama baphakadze. Enoki lowesikhombisa esitukulwaneni sa-Adamu, wakhuluma kadzeni ngalabantfu watsi: “INkhosi iyawufika kanye netinkhulungwane tetinkhulungwane talabangcwele bayo. Iyakwehlulela bonkhe bantfu, ibajezise labo labangamesabi Nkulunkulu. Iyawubajezisa ngenca yemisebenti yabo yonkhe yekwedzelela nekungamhloniphi Nkulunkulu, nangawo onkhe emavi lamabi lakhulunywe ngaye toni letingamesabi.” Labantfu laba bati kukhonona nje nekusola yonkhe intfo, bahamba ngetinkhanuko tabo letimbi, bayatigabatisa, bashaya ticetse, khona kutawuphumelela bona. Noko, bazalwane bami, khumbulani loko lokwashiwo yiNkhosi Jesu ngebaphostoli bakhe. Batsi kini: “Ngetikhatsi tekugcina kuyawufika labahleka bulima, bantfu labangenandzaba nekukholwa, labahamba ngetinkhanuko tabo.” Badala kwehlukana, ngobe babuswa tinkhanuko tabo temvelo, abanaye Moya Longcwele. Kodvwa nine, bazalwane bami, yakhanani ekukholweni lokungcwele, nikhuleke ngaMoya Longcwele. Tigcineni elutsandvweni lwaNkulunkulu ngesikhatsi nisalindzele iNkhosi yetfu Jesu Khristu, kutsi ngemusa wayo ininike kuphila lokuphakadze. Nibavele buhlungu labanekungabata. Labanye basindziseni nibahlwitse emlilweni. Kodvwa labanye nibevele ngekwesaba, ningatitsintsi tingubo letingcoliswe tinkhanuko tabo letimbi. Kuye lonemandla ekunigcina, ningete nakhubeka, kuze aniletse ebukhosini bakhe, nite licala, nitfokota kakhulu, yebo, kuNkulunkulu lokunguye yedvwa, uMsindzisi wetfu ngaJesu Khristu iNkhosi yetfu, akube ludvumo, nebukhosi, nemandla, neligunya, ngaphambi kwetikhatsi, manje, naphakadze. Amen. Lesi Sembulo saJesu Khristu, lasiniketwa nguNkulunkulu kutsi akhombise tinceku takhe loko lokufanele kwenteke masinyane. Letintfo watembula ngekutfumela ingilosi yakhe encekwini yakhe lenguJohane. Nguye futsi lowabhala lelivi laNkulunkulu, afakazela Jesu Khristu ngako konkhe labekubona. Ubusisiwe lofundza lamavi alesiphrofetho, babusisiwe nalabo labawevako bese benta loko lokubhalwe kuso, ngobe sikhatsi sesisondzele. Lencwadzi iphuma kuJohane, iya emabandleni lasikhombisa lase-Asiya. Akube kini umusa nekuthula lokuvela kuye labekhona, nalokhona, nalotako, nakuyo imimoya lesikhombisa lesembikwesihlalo sakhe sebukhosi, nakuJesu Khristu, fakazi lowetsembekile, litubulo lalabafile nembusi wemakhosi onkhe emhlaba. Kuye, lositsandzako nalowasikhulula etonweni tetfu ngengati yakhe, wasenta emakhosi nebaphristi kuNkulunkulu uYise, akube ludvumo nebukhosi phakadze naphakadze! Amen. Lalelani la, uyeta ngemafu, onkhe emehlo ayawumbona, ngisho nabo bonkhe labamgwaza, nato tonkhe tive temhlaba tiyawukhala tilile ngaye. Yebo, akube njalo. Amen. “Mine ngingu-Alfa na-Omega,” kusho iNkhosi, Nkulunkulu, Somandla lokhona, nalabekhona, nalotako. Mine Johane, umzalwane wenu, nginesabelo kanye nani kuJesu ekuhlushweni, nasebukhosini, nasekuciniseleni. Ngangisesichingini, lesibitwa ngekutsi yiPhatmose, ngenca yekushumayela livi laNkulunkulu ngekufakaza ngaJesu. Ngelilanga leNkhosi ngangikuMoya, ngase ngiva emvakwami livi lelikhulu, shangatsi lelicilongo, litsi: “Bhala encwadzini loko lokubonako, bese uyitfumela emabandleni lasikhombisa: lase-Efesu, nelaseSmuna, nelasePhegamu, nelaseThiyathira, nelaseSadesi, nelaseFiladelfiya, nelaseLawodisiya.” Ngase ngiyagucuka, ngentela kubona lona labekhuluma kimi; ngatsi nangigucukako, ngabona tibane tegolide letisikhombisa. Emkhatsini wato kwakukhona labefanana neNdvodzana yemuntfu, embetse umjiva lomudze, abophe ngembhenso wegolide esifubeni sakhe. Inhloko netinwele takhe kwakumhlophe njengeboya betimvu, kumhlophe njengangcocwane; emehlo akhe afanana nelilangabi lemlilo. Tinyawo takhe tatifanana nelitfusi lelilolongwe lacoliswa ngemlilo, livi lakhe lalifanana nekudvuma kwemanti lamanyenti. Esandleni sakhe sangesekudla abephetse tinkhanyeti letisikhombisa, emlonyeni wakhe kuphuma inkemba leyayikhalipha tinhlangotsi totimbili, buso bakhe bumengetela njengelilanga emini. Ngatsi kube ngimbone, ngawa ngasetinyaweni takhe, ngadzimate ngaba njengemuntfu lofile. Wangibamba ngesandla sakhe sangesekudla watsi: “Ungesabi, mine ngiwekucala newekugcina, nalophilako. Ngafa, kodvwa ase ubheke nyalo, sengiyaphila, kuze kube phakadze, futsi nginetikhiya tekufa neteHayidesi. Manje-ke, bhala konkhe lokubonako: lokukhona nalokutakwenteka ngemvakwaloko. Imfihlakalo yaletinkhanyeti letisikhombisa lotibone esandleni sami sangesekudla, naletibane letisikhombisa ngule: Letinkhanyeti letisikhombisa tingilosi temabandla lasikhombisa; naletibane letisikhombisa ngemabandla lasikhombisa.” “Bhalela ingilosi yelibandla lase-Efesu utsi: “ ‘Nali livi leliphuma kuye lophetse tinkhanyeti letisikhombisa esandleni sakhe sangesekudla, lohamba emkhatsini wetibane letisikhombisa tegolide, utsi: Ngiyayati imisebenti yakho, nekuphishaneka kwakho, nekubeketela kwakho, nekutsi ungeke ubamele bantfu lababi, kangangekutsi nalabo labatibita ngekutsi baphostoli, kantsi abasibo, ubahlolile, wavele wabakhandza bacala emanga. Ngiyati kutsi uyabubeketelela bulukhuni, uhlupheke kakhulu ngenca yelibito lami; kodvwa awuzange sewudzinwe. Kodvwa tsine nawe sehlukana la ekutseni wena awusangitsandzi njengobe bewungitsandza kucala. Khumbula-ke lapho uwe khona. Phendvuka wente loko lowawukwenta ekucaleni. Nakungenjalo, ungaphendvuki, ngitawuta kuwe, ngisuse sibane sakho endzaweni yaso. Noko, naku lokuhle ngawe: Uyayitondza imisebenti yemaNikholawu, njengobe nami ngiyitondza. “ ‘Lowo lonendlebe akeve loko lokushiwo nguMoya emabandleni! “ ‘Loncobako ngiyawumnika kutsi adle esihlahleni sekuphila, lesisePharadisi yaNkulunkulu.’ ” “Bhalela ingilosi yelibandla laseSmuna utsi: “ ‘Nali livi leliphuma kuye lokucala nekugcina, lowafa wabuye waphila, utsi: Ngiyakwati kuhlupheka kwakho; ngiyabati buphuya bakho, kodvwa ube unjingile. Ngiyakwati lokubi lokushiwo ngulabo labatsi bangemaJuda kantsi abasiwo, kodvwa babe balisinagoge laSathane. Ungakwesabi loko lotakuhluphekela. Buka la, Sathane utawufaka labanye benu ejele, kuze nitewuvivinywa; nitawuhlushwa emalanga lalishumi. Yetsembeka kuze kube ngusekufeni, ngiyawukupha umchele wekuphila. “ ‘Lowo lonendlebe akeve loko lokushiwo nguMoya emabandleni! “ ‘Lowo loncobako ngeke kumente lutfo kufa kwesibili.’ ” “Bhalela ingilosi yelibandla lasePhegamu utsi: “ ‘Nali livi leliphuma kuye lonenkemba lekhalipha tinhlangotsi totimbili, utsi: Ngiyati lapho uhlala khona; uhlala lapho Sathane anesihlalo sakhe sebukhosi khona. Libito lami ulibambisisile, awuzange ungihlubuke ngisho namhlazane Antipasi, fakazi wami lowetsembekile, abulawa emkhatsini wenu, lapho kuhlala khona Sathane. Kodvwa tsine nawe sehlukana la ekutseni kusenebantfu labanemfundziso yaBhalamu emkhatsini wenu. Phela Bhalamu wafundzisa Bhalaki kutsi abekele baka-Israyeli lugibe, ngekubadlisa kudla lokunikelwe etithicweni, wabafundzisa kuphinga nebugwadla. Nawe futsi unebantfu lababambelele kulemfundziso yemaNikholawu. Phendvuka-ke. Nakungenjalo, ngitawuta kuwe masinyane, ngilwe nabo ngenkemba yemlomo wami. “ ‘Lowo lonendlebe akeve loko lokushiwo nguMoya emabandleni! “ ‘Loncobako ngiyawumnika lokukwemana lefihliwe, ngiphindze ngimnike litje lelimhlophe, nelibito lelisha, lelibhalwe etjeni, lelingatiwa ngumuntfu ngaphandle kwalowo lolemukelako.’ ” “Bhalela ingilosi yelibandla laseThiyathira utsi: “ ‘Nali livi leliphuma kuye loyiNdvodzana yaNkulunkulu, lonemehlo lavutsako kube shangatsi ngemalangabi emlilo, nalonetinyawo letifanana nelitfusi lelilolongiwe, utsi: Ngiyayati imisebenti yakho, nelutsandvo, nekukholwa, nekukhonta, nekucinisela kwakho, nekutsi imisebenti yakho yamuva iyayendlula leya yakucala. Kodvwa tsine nawe sehlukana la ekutseni wena uyamvumela lomfati longuJezebeli, lotibita ngekutsi ungumphrofethikati, edukise tinceku tami ngekutifundzisa buphingi, nebugwadla, nekudla kudla lokuhlatjelwe tithico. Ngimnikile litfuba lekuphendvuka, kodvwa wala kuphendvuka ebugwadleni bakhe. Manje-ke, ngitamlalisa ngesifo ecansini; labo labaphinga naye ngitawubafaka ekuhluphekeni lokukhulu, ngaphandle kwekutsi baphendvuke kulemihambo yakhe lemibi. Bantfwabakhe ngiyawubashaya bafe. Onkhe emabandla ayawukwati kutsi nginguye lophenyisisa ingcondvo nenhlitiyo. Ngulowo nalowo emkhatsini wenu ngiyawumnika njengekwemisebenti yakhe. “ ‘Kodvwa nonkhe nine lenisasele lapho eThiyathira, lenisengakangeni kulemfundziso, nani lenisengakatifundzi letintfo, labanye labatibita ngekutsi tintfo letijulile taSathane, kini-ke ngitsi: Anginetfwesi lomunye umtfwalo. Kuphela nje bambelelani kuloko leninako, ngize ngifike. “ ‘Lowo loncobako ente intsandvo yami kuze kubesekupheleni ngiyawumnika emandla etikwetive, “atibuse ngendvuku yensimbi, atiphihlite tidzimate tibe ticucu njengetincetu tembita leyakhiwe ngelibumba,” njengobe nami ngemukele emandla kuBabe. “ ‘Ngiyawumnika inkhanyeti yekusa. “ ‘Lowo lonendlebe akeve loko lokushiwo nguMoya emabandleni!’ ” “Bhalela ingilosi yelibandla laseSadesi utsi: “ ‘Nali livi leliphuma kuye lonemimoya yaNkulunkulu lesikhombisa, netinkhanyeti letisikhombisa utsi: Ngiyayati imisebenti yakho; unelibito lekutsi uyaphila, kantsi ufile. Vuka, ucaphele, ucinise loko lokusasele lobese kutakufa, ngobe imisebenti yakho ngiyibonile kutsi ayikapheleli ebusweni baNkulunkulu wami. Khumbula-ke loko lokwemukele wakuva, ukugcine, uphendvuke. Nangabe awuvuki ucaphele, ngitawuta kuwe ngikutume njengelisela, ngeke usati sikhatsi lengiyawukufikela ngaso. Noko usenabo bantfu labambalwa lapho eSadesi labangakatingcolisi tingubo tabo, bayawuhamba nami bagcoke letimhlophe, ngobe vele bakufanele. “ ‘Lowo loncobako uyakwembatsiswa tingubo letimhlophe, nelibito lakhe ngingeke ngilesule encwadzini yekuphila. Ngiyawumfakazela embikwaBabe nasembikwetingilosi takhe kutsi wami. “ ‘Lowo lonendlebe akeve loko lokushiwo nguMoya emabandleni!’ ” “Bhalela ingilosi yelibandla laseFiladelfiya utsi: “ ‘Nali livi leliphuma kuye longcwele, loliciniso, lonesikhiya saDavide, lovula kungavali muntfu, avale kungavuli muntfu, utsi: Ngiyayati imisebenti yakho. Lalela la, ngikuvulele umnyango, kute namunye longawuvala; ngiyati kutsi unemandla lamancane, kantsi livi lami uligcinile, nelibito lami awuzange uliphike. Lalela la, labo labalisinagoge laSathane, labatsi bangemaJuda babe bangesiwo, bacala emanga, ngitawubenta bete bakhotsame etinyaweni takho, baze babone kutsi wena ngikutsandzile. Njengobe uligcinile livi lami lekucinisela ngekubeketela, ngitakugcina ngesikhatsi sekulingwa lesitawufika emhlabeni wonkhe, sitewulinga bonkhe labo labahlala emhlabeni. Ngiyeta masinyane, bambisisa loko lonako, kuze kubete umuntfu lokwemuka umchele wakho. “ ‘Loncobako ngiyawumenta insika ethempelini laNkulunkulu wami, angeke aphume kulo, ngiyawubhala kuye libito laNkulunkulu wami, ngibhale nelibito lemuti waNkulunkulu wami, iJerusalema lensha leyehla iphuma ezulwini kuNkulunkulu wami, nelibito lami lelisha ngilibhale kuye. “ ‘Lowo lonendlebe akeve loko lokushiwo nguMoya emabandleni!’ ” “ ‘Bhalela ingilosi yelibandla laseLawodisiya utsi: “ ‘Nali livi leliphuma kuye longu-Amen; nguye longufakazi lowetsembekile nalocinisile, ungumtfombo wendalo yaNkulunkulu utsi: Ngiyayati imisebenti yakho, awucandzi, awushisi. Maye, bengingatsandza kutsi umane ushise nome ucandze! Njengobe usivuvu, ungacandzi ungashisi, ngitakukhafula emlonyeni wami. Wena utsi: “Nginjingile, nginako konkhe, angidzingi lutfo.” Kodvwa awati kutsi ungumuntfu wenhlupheko, newekuhawukelwa, uphuyile, uyimphumphutse, ungcunu. Ngako-ke ngiyakuyala kutsi utsenge kimi igolide lelolongwe ngemlilo, khona utewuceba, utsenge tingubo letimhlophe tekwembatsa, khona utewufihla bungcunu bakho kutsi bungabonakali, utsenge nemutsi wekugcobisa emehlo akho kutsi ubone. Labo lengibatsandzako ngiyabakhalimela ngibajezise; ngako-ke shisekela lokuhle, uphendvuke. Lalela la, ngime emnyango ngiyanconcotsa; nangabe umuntfu eva livi lami, avule umnyango, mine ngiyawungena kuye, ngidle naye, naye adle nami. “ ‘Lowo loncobako, ngiyawumhlalisa kanye nami esihlalweni sami sebukhosi, njengobe nami ngancoba ngahlala naBabe esihlalweni sakhe sebukhosi. “ ‘Lowo lonendlebe akeve loko lokushiwo nguMoya emabandleni!’ ” Emvakwaloko ngatsi ngiyabuka, ngabona umnyango uvuliwe ezulwini. Livi lekucala lengaliva likhuluma kimi lalifanana nelelicilongo, latsi: “Yenyukela la, ngitakukhombisa loko lokufanele kwenteke emvakwaloku.” Masinyane ngaba kuMoya, kwabonakala ezulwini kume sihlalo sebukhosi, kukhona bekahleti kuso. Nalowo labehleti kuso abenebuso lobukhatimulisa kwelitje lejasiphe nesadiyu; lesihlalo sebukhosi sasitungeletwe ngumushi wenkosazana lowawufanana nelitje leliluhlata leliligugu. Sihlalo sebukhosi sasitungeletwe nguletinye tihlalo tebukhosi letatingema-24, lekwakuhleti kuto emalunga langema-24. Lamalunga abembetse tingubo letimhlophe, afake nemichele yegolide etinhloko tawo. Kulesihlalo sebukhosi bekuphuma imibane, nemavi, nekudvuma. Embikwaso bekuvutsa tidlwane letisikhombisa letingimimoya lesikhombisa yaNkulunkulu. Embikwesihlalo sebukhosi kwakukhona lokwakunjengelwandle loluyingilazi, lolwalukhanya kubonakale ngale. Kwakutungelete sihlalo sebukhosi kulolo nakulolo luhlendlo, tidalwa letine, leso naleso sinemehlo lamanyenti ngembili nangemuva. Sidalwa sekucala sasifanana nelibhubesi, sesibili sifanana nelitfole, sesitsatfu sifanana nebuso bemuntfu, sesine sifanana nelusweti lolundizako. Tonkhe letidalwa letine tatinemaphiko lasitfupha sisinye, tinemehlo yonkhe indzawo, ngephandle nangekhatsi. Tatihlabelela imini nebusuku tingakhawuli titsi: “Ingcwele, ingcwele, ingcwele iNkhosi, Nkulunkulu, Somandla, labekhona, nalokhona, nalotako!” Njalo nje nangabe letidalwa letine tatibabata bukhosi bakhe, timdvumise, tibonga lowo lohleti esihlalweni sebukhosi, nalophila kuze kube phakadze, lamalunga langema-24 awa phansi embikwakhe lohleti esihlalweni sebukhosi, amkhonte lowo lophila kuze kube phakadze. Etfula imichele yawo ayibeke embikwesihlalo sebukhosi, ahlabelele atsi: “Ufanele wena, Nkulunkulu, loyiNkhosi yetfu, kutsi wemukele bukhosi, neludvumo, nemandla, ngobe konkhe kwadalwa nguwe. Konkhe kwenteka ngentsandvo yakho, kwadalwa ngayo.” Esandleni sekudla salowo lohleti esihlalweni sebukhosi ngabona incwadzi legocotiwe ibhalwe ngekhatsi nangephandle, ivalwe yananyatseliswa ngetimphawu letisikhombisa. Ngabona ingilosi lenemandla imemeta ngelivi lelikhulu itsi: “Ngubani lofanele kuvula lencwadzi acatulule letimphawu tayo?” Kwabate ngisho namunye ezulwini, nasemhlabeni, nangaphansi kwemhlaba, lowaba nemandla ekuyivula lencwadzi ayifundze. Ngakhala kakhulu, ngobe kwabate ngisho namunye lowafaneleka kuyivula lencwadzi ayifundze. Lelinye lalamalunga latsi kimi: “Ungakhali! Asubuke! INgwenyama yesive sakaJuda, lengumliba waDavide incobile. Yona-ke ingaticatulula letimphawu letisikhombisa ivule lencwadzi.” Ngabona liWundlu sengatsi lihlatjiwe. Lalime ngasesihlalweni sebukhosi lesasitungeletwe tidalwa letine nemalunga. LeliWundlu lalinetimphondvo letisikhombisa nemehlo lasikhombisa, lekuyimimoya yaNkulunkulu lesikhombisa leyayitfunyelwe emhlabeni wonkhe. Lasondzela lafike layitsatsa lencwadzi leyayisesandleni sangesekudla salowo labehleti esihlalweni sebukhosi. Latsi kube liyitsatse lencwadzi, letidalwa letine kanye nemalunga langema-24 awa phansi embikweliWundlu, lelo nalelo liphetse ihabhu, netitja tegolide tigcwele imphepho lengimithandazo yalabangcwele. Kwahlatjelwa ingoma lensha, letsi: “Ufanele wena kuyitsatsa lencwadzi legocotiwe, ufanele futsi kuticatulula netimphawu tayo, yebo, ngobe wena wahlatjwa, ngengati yakho wahlawulela bantfu kuNkulunkulu. Labantfu bachamuka emindenini yonkhe, nasetilimini tonkhe, nasetiveni tonkhe, nasemaveni onkhe. Wabenta baba ngemakhosi nebaphristi kuNkulunkulu wetfu, bayawubusa etikwemhlaba wonkhe.” Ngatsi ngiyabuka, ngeva livi letingilosi letitungelete sihlalo sebukhosi netidalwa nemalunga. Letingilosi letatitinyenti titigidzi ngetigidzi netinkhulungwane ngetinkhulungwane, tatihlabela ngelivi lelikhulu titsi: “Lifanele liWundlu lelahlatjwa, kutsi lemukele emandla, nengcebo, nekuhlakanipha, nekuncoba, neludvumo, nebukhosi, nesibusiso!” Ngase ngiva tidalwa tonkhe nendalo yonkhe ezulwini, nasemhlabeni, nangephansi kwemhlaba, naselwandle, nako konkhe lokukuko, titsi: “Kuye lohleti esihlalweni sebukhosi, nakulo liWundlu, akube sibusiso, neludvumo, nebukhosi, nemandla, kuze kube phakadze naphakadze!” Tidalwa letine tatsi: “Amen!” Nemalunga onkhe awa phansi akhuleka. Ngabona liWundlu licatulula lolunye lwaletimphawu letisikhombisa, ngeva lesinye saletidalwa letine sikhuluma ngelivi lekudvuma sitsi: “Wota!” Kwatsi chamu lihhashi lelimhlophe, nalona labeligibele aphetse butjoki, wanikwa umchele, wahamba ancoba, ayawuncoba. Latsi liWundlu nalicatulula luphawu lwesibili, ngeva sidalwa sesibili sitsi: “Wota!” Kwaphindze kwatsi chamu lihhashi lelibovu. Lowo labeligibele wavunyelwa kutsi ayewususa kuthula emhlabeni, kuze bantfu babulalane bodvwana; wanikwa inkemba lenkhulu. LiWundlu laphindze lacatulula luphawu lwesitsatfu, ngase ngiva sidalwa sesitsatfu sitsi: “Wota!” Kwachamuka lihhashi lelimnyama, lona labeligibele aphetse silinganiso esandleni sakhe. Ngase ngiva livi shangatsi liphuma emkhatsini wetidalwa letine litsi: “Libinta lakolo wekudliwa ngelilanga lelingatsengwa ngeliholo lelilanga, nemabinta lamatsatfu emabele langatsengwa ngeliholo lelilanga; kepha ungawoni emafutsa neliwayini!” Latsi liWundlu nalicatulula luphawu lwesine, ngeva livi lesidalwa sesine litsi: “Wota!” Kwatsi chamu lihhashi lelimphofu, libito lemgibeli walo bekunguKufa, iHayidesi yamlandzela. Banikwa emandla etikwencenye yesine kukwemhlaba, kutsi bayibulale ngenkemba, nangendlala, nangesifo lesingelapheki, nangetilwane tesiganga. Latsi liWundlu nalicatulula luphawu lwesihlanu, ngabona lilati, ngaphansi kwalo kunemiphefumulo yalabo lababebulawelwe livi laNkulunkulu nebufakazi lababenabo. Bamemeta kakhulu, ngelivi lelikhulu, batsi: “Nkhosi Somandla, longcwele naloliciniso, kuyawudzimate kube ngunini ungehluleli uphindzisele ingati yetfu kulabo labahleti emhlabeni?” Ngamunye ngamunye wabo wase unikwa ingubo lemhlophe; batjelwa kutsi ase baphumule kancane, kuze kuphelele linani lalababetinceku kanye nabo nebazalwane babo, lababesetawubulawa njengabo. Latsi liWundlu nalicatulula luphawu lwesitfupha, ngabona kutamatama lokukhulu kwemhlaba. Lilanga laba mnyama njengendvwangu yelisaka leboya, inyanga yaba njengengati. Tinkhanyeti tesibhakabhaka tavutfuteleka emhlabeni njengekuhhohloka kwemakhiwa lasengakavutfwa emkhiweni, nakuhhusha umoya lomkhulu. Sibhakabhaka sanyamalala njengekugocotwa kwelicansi; tonkhe tintsaba netichingi tesuswa etindzaweni tato. Onkhe emakhosi emhlaba, netikhulu, netindvuna, nalabacebile, nalabanemandla, nabo bonkhe labatigcili, nalabakhululekile, babhaca emigedzeni nasemihumeni emkhatsini wemadvwala etintsaba. Bamemeta tintsaba nemadvwala batsi: “Welani etikwetfu, nisifihle ebusweni balowo lohleti esihlalweni sebukhosi, naselulakeni lweliWundlu, ngobe lilanga lelikhulu lelulaka labo selifikile. Ngubani longaba nemandla ekuma?” Emvakwaloko ngabona tingilosi letine time emagumbini omane emhlaba, tibambe imimoya yomine yemhlaba kutsi kubete umoya lohhusha emhlabeni, nome elwandle, nome kukusiphi sihlahla. Ngase ngibona lenye ingilosi yenyuka iphuma emphumalanga, iphetse luphawu lwaNkulunkulu lophilako; yamemeta ngelivi lelikhulu, imemeta letingilosi letine letatinikwe emandla ekulimata umhlaba nelwandle, yatsi: “Ningawulimati umhlaba, nome lwandle, nome tihlahla, singakatibeki luphawu emabuntini tisebenti taNkulunkulu wetfu.” Ngase ngitjelwa sibalo salababekwe luphawu kutsi bati-144 000. Babephuma kuto tonkhe tive taka-Israyeli: Lababekwa luphawu esiveni sakaJuda baba ti-12 000, esiveni sakaRubeni baba ti-12 000, esiveni sakaGadi baba ti-12 000, esiveni saka-Asheri baba ti-12 000, esiveni sakaNaftali baba ti-12 000, esiveni sakaManase baba ti-12 000, esiveni sakaSimeyoni baba ti-12 000, esiveni sakaLevi baba ti-12 000, esiveni saka-Isakhari baba ti-12 000, esiveni sakaZebuloni baba ti-12 000, esiveni sakaJosefa baba ti-12 000, esiveni sakaBhenjamini baba ti-12 000. Emvakwaloko ngatsi ngiyabuka ngabona sicumbi lesikhulu sebantfu lesingeke sibalwe ngumuntfu. Kwakubantfu lababephuma etiveni tonkhe, nasemindenini yonkhe, nasemaveni onkhe, nasetilimini tonkhe. Babeme embikwesihlalo sebukhosi nasembikweliWundlu, bembetse tingubo letimhlophe, etandleni baphetse emagala elisundvu. Sakhala ngelivi lelikhulu satsi: “Insindziso yaNkulunkulu wetfu, lohleti esihlalweni sebukhosi, neyeliWundlu.” Tonkhe tingilosi tema tatungeleta sihlalo sebukhosi, nemalunga, netidalwa letine, tawa phansi ngebuso embikwesihlalo sebukhosi, takhonta Nkulunkulu, tatsi: “Amen! Sibusiso, nebukhosi, nekuhlakanipha, nekubongwa, neludvumo, nemandla, nekuncoba akube kuNkulunkulu phakadze naphakadze! Amen!” Lelinye lemalunga lakhuluma kimi latsi: “Bobani laba labembetse tingubo letimhlophe, empeleni baphumaphi?” Ngatsi kulo: “Nkhosi, nguwe lobatiko.” Lase litsi kimi: “Laba-ke ngibo labaphume ekuhluphekeni lokukhulu. Bageze tingubo tabo taba mhlophe ngengati yeliWundlu. Kungako nje basembikwesihlalo sebukhosi saNkulunkulu, bamkhonta imini nebusuku ethempelini lakhe; lowo lohlala esihlalweni sebukhosi uyawubasingatsa ngebukhona bakhe. Bangeke baphindze balambe, bangeke baphindze bome, lilanga lingeke liphindze libahlabe ngekubashisa, kute nome ngayini leyawubashisa. Ngobe liWundlu laNkulunkulu lelisenkhabeni yesihlalo sebukhosi, liyawubelusa, libaholele emitfonjeni yemanti ekuphila. Nkulunkulu uyakwesula tonkhe tinyembeti tabo emehlweni abo.” Latsi kube liWundlu licatulule luphawu lwesikhombisa, kwathula ezulwini kwatsi dvu, sikhashane. Ngase ngibona tingilosi letisikhombisa time embikwaNkulunkulu, tanikwa emacilongo lasikhombisa. Lenye ingilosi yeta yema ngaselatini iphetse sitja segolide semphepho, yanikwa imphepho lenyenti kutsi iyengete iyihlanganise nemithandazo yabo bonkhe labangcwele, inikele ngayo etikwelilati legolide lelalisembikwesihlalo sebukhosi. Intfutfu yemphepho yenyukela kuNkulunkulu kanye nemithandazo yalabangcwele, isuka esandleni sengilosi. Lengilosi yasitsatsa lesitja yasigcwalisa ngemlilo lowawuselatini, yawujikijela emhlabeni; kwase kuba khona kudvuma, nemavi, nemibane nekutamatama kwemhlaba. Tingilosi letatisikhombisa letatiphetse emacilongo lasikhombisa tatilungiselela kuwashaya. Ingilosi yekucala yalishaya licilongo layo, kwase kulandzela sangcotfo nemlilo kuhlangene nengati lokwawela emhlabeni; incenye yesitsatfu yemhlaba yasha yaphela, nencenye yesitsatfu yetihlahla yasha yaphela, kanye netjani bonkhe lobuluhlata basha baphela. Ingilosi yesibili yalishaya licilongo layo. Kwabonakala intfo leyayinjengentsaba lenkhulu ivutsa umlilo, ijikijelwa ekhatsi elwandle. Incenye yesitsatfu yelwandle yaba yingati. Kwafa incenye yesitsatfu yako konkhe lokuphilako elwandle, kwabhujiswa nencenye yesitsatfu yemikhumbi. Ingilosi yesitsatfu yalishaya licilongo layo, kwase kuwa inkhanyeti lenkhulu ezulwini, ivutsisa kwesibane, yawela etikwencenye yesitsatfu yemifula nasetikwemitfombo yemifula. Libito lalenkhanyeti bekunguMhlonyane. Incenye yesitsatfu yemanti yababa, kwafa bantfu labanyenti babulawa ngulamanti, ngobe abebaba. Ingilosi yesine yalishaya licilongo layo; kwashaywa incenye yesitsatfu yelilanga, nencenye yesitsatfu yenyanga, nencenye yesitsatfu yetinkhanyeti, loko kwenta kutsi incenye yesitsatfu yekukhanya kwako ibe mnyama; nencenye yesitsatfu yemini yangete yakhanya, kanjalo futsi nencenye yesitsatfu yebusuku. Kwatsi kusenjalo ngabona lusweti lundiza emkhatsini welizulu. Ngaluva lumemeta ngelivi lelikhulu lutsi: “Maye! Maye! Maye kulabakhile emhlabeni, nasekukhala emacilongo lasetawushaywa tingilosi letintsatfu!” Ingilosi yesihlanu yalishaya licilongo layo, ngabona inkhanyeti iwa ezulwini iwela emhlabeni, yanikwa sikhiya semgodzi longenamkhawulo. Lenkhanyeti yawuvula lomgodzi longenamkhawulo, kwase kuphuma intfutfu leyayifanana nentfutfu yemlilo lomkhulu; lilanga nemoya kwaba mnyama ngenca yalentfutfu leyayiphuma kulomgodzi. Kulentfutfu kwaphuma sikhonyane sehlela emhlabeni, sanikwa emandla lafanana nemandla abofecela bemhlaba. Satjelwa kutsi singaboni tjani bemhlaba, nome yini leluhlata lekhulako, nome sihlahla, intfo nje sicondzane ngco nebantfu labangenalo luphawu lwaNkulunkulu emabuntini abo. Savunyelwa kutsi sibatfose ngetinhlupho tinyanga letisihlanu, kodvwa singababulali. Lokuhlushwa kwabo kuyawuba njengebuhlungu bafecela, nakasutela umuntfu. Kulawo malanga bantfu bayawukufuna kufa, kodvwa bangete bakutfola; bayawufisa kutsi bafe, kodvwa kufa kuyakubabalekela. Lesikhonyane sasibonakala sifanana nemahhashi lalungiselwe imphi; etinhloko taso kunalokwakufana nemichele yegolide, buso baso bufanana nebemuntfu. Tinwele taso tatifanana netalabasikati, ematinyo aso afanana nematinyo emabhubesi. Esifubeni sasinetivikelo tesifuba tensimbi, imisindvo yetimphiko taso yayifanana nemdvumo wetincola temphi letinyenti tidvonswa ngemahhashi, lagijimela ekulweni. Sasinemisila lefanana neyabofecela, inetindvonsi. Kulemisila yaso bekungulapho kunemandla aso ekuhlupha nekulimata bantfu tinyanga letisihlanu. Inkhosi yaso lesibusako bekuyingilosi yemgodzi longenamkhawulo. Libito layo ngesiHebheru ngu-Abadoni, ngesiGriki ngu-Apoliyoni. Maye wekucala sewendlulile, kodvwa kusasele bomaye lababili. Ingilosi yesitfupha yase ishaya licilongo layo. Ngeva livi liphuma etimphondvweni letine telilati legolide lelisembikwaNkulunkulu, likhuluma kulengilosi yesitfupha leyayinelicilongo litsi: “Tfukulula letingilosi letine letiboshwe emfuleni lomkhulu iYufrathe.” Ngako-ke letingilosi letine tatfukululwa. Tativele tilungiselwe li-awa, nelilanga, nenyanga, nemnyaka kutsi tibulale incenye yesitsatfu yabo bonkhe bantfu emhlabeni. Ngeva kutsi lamabutfo labegibele emahhashi abengahle abe tigidzi letingema-200. Embonweni wami lamahhashi ngawabona anje: Labagibeli babefake tivikelo tetifuba letatibovu njengemlilo, netesafire, netesibabule; tinhloko temahhashi tatinjengetinhloko temabhubesi, emilonyeni yawo kuphuma umlilo, nentfutfu, nesibabule. Incenye yesitsatfu yebantfu yafa ibulawa nguletinhlupheko letintsatfu: umlilo, nentfutfu, nesibabule, lokwakuphuma emilonyeni yawo. Ngobe emandla alamahhashi abesemilonyeni yawo nasemisileni yawo. Imisila yawo yayinetinhloko, ifanana netinyoka. Abelimata ngayo lemisila. Kepha bantfu lababesele bangete bafa kuletinhlupho, abazange baphendvuke emisebentini yetandla tabo. Kodvwa bachubeka bakhonta emadimoni netithico tegolide, netesiliva, netelitfusi, netelitje, netemitsi: tintfo letingaboni, naletingeva, naletingahambi. Abazange baphendvuke ekubulaleni kwabo, nasekutsakatseni kwabo, nasebugwadleni babo, nasebuphingini babo, nasekwebeni kwabo. Ngase ngibona lenye ingilosi lenemandla lamakhulu yehla ezulwini yehlela phansi, yembetse lifu, inemushi wenkosazana etikwenhloko yayo, buso bayo bunjengelilanga, imilente yayo injengetinsika temlilo. Yayiphetse incwajana levulekile esandleni sayo. Ngelunyawo lwayo lwangesekudla yema etikwelwandle, ngelwangesancele yema etikwemhlabatsi. Yamemeta ngelivi lelikhulu lelalinjengelekubhodla kwelibhubesi. Yatsi kube imemete, kwevakala kudvuma lokusikhombisa. Kwatsi kube kuvakale lokudvuma lokusikhombisa, ngase ngilungiselela kubhala, kodvwa ngeva livi liphuma ezulwini litsi: “Loko lokushiwo kudvuma lokusikhombisa ungakubhali phansi; kugcine kuyimfihlo.” Lengilosi lengayibona ime elwandle nasemhlabatsini, yaphakamisela sandla sayo sangesekudla ezulwini, yamfunga yena lophila kuze kube phakadze, lowadala lizulu nako konkhe lokukulo, nemhlaba nako konkhe lokukuwo, nelwandle nako konkhe lokukulo, yatsi: “Kutawubate lokutawubambelela! Kodvwa kutawutsi ngesikhatsi selivi lengilosi yesikhombisa, nase itawushaya licilongo layo, kufezeke imfihlakalo yaNkulunkulu, njengobe abetsembisile etisebentini takhe, baphrofethi.” Ngaphindza ngaliva livi liphuma ezulwini likhuluma kimi litsi: “Hamba uyewutsatsa lencwajana levulekile lesesandleni sengilosi leme etikwelwandle nasetikwemhlabatsi.” Ngako ngaya kulengilosi, ngayitjela kutsi ayinginike lencwajana. Yatsi kimi: “Yitsatse, uyidle. Itawuluma esiswini, kodvwa ibe mnandzi njengeluju emlonyeni.” Ngayitsatsa-ke lencwajana esandleni salengilosi, ngayidla. Yaba mnandzi njengeluju emlonyeni wami, kodvwa ngatsi nase ngiyidlile yaluma esiswini sami. Ngatjelwa kwatsiwa: “Kufanele uphrofethe ngebantfu labanyenti, nangetive, nangetilimi, nangemakhosi.” Ngase nginikwa umhlanga lowawufana nendvuku yekulinganisa, ngatjelwa naku: “Sukuma ulinganise lithempeli laNkulunkulu, nelilati, nalabo labakhonta kulo. Kodvwa ungasilinganisi sibuya lesingephandle kwalelithempeli, ngobe siniketwe betive labayakuwugcobagcoba lomuti longcwele tinyanga letingema-42. Bofakazi bami lababili labembetse emasaka ngiyawubanika emandla ekuphrofetha emalanga layi-1 260.” Labofakazi lababili bayimincumo lemibili, netibane letimbili letime embikweNkhosi yemhlaba. Nakukhona lotama kubalimata, kutawuphuma umlilo emlonyeni wabo utishise uticedze tonkhe leto titsa tabo; nangabe-ke kukhona lotama kubalimata, nakanjani uyawubulawa. Laba banemandla ekuvala litulu kutsi lingani ngesikhatsi sekuphrofetha kwabo. Banemandla etikwemanti kutsi bawagucule abe yingati. Banemandla futsi ekushaya umhlaba ngako konkhe kuhlupheka nome kukangaki, kuye njengekutsandza kwabo. Nase bacedze kufakaza, silo lesiphuma emgodzini longenamkhawulo siyawulwa nabo, sibehlule, sibabulale. Tidvumbu tabo tiyawulala esitaladini selidolobha lelikhulu lelibitwa ngekufanekisa kutsi yiSodoma neGibhithe, lapho iNkhosi yabo yabetselwa khona. Kuyawuphela emalanga lamatsatfu nesigamu seloku bantfu bemindeni, netive, netilimi batibuka letidvumbu bangavumi kutsi tingcwatjwe. Bantfu labahlala emhlabeni bayawukutsakasela kufa kwabo labo bofakazi. Bayawugubha imikhosi, bephane netipho, ngobe phela labaphrofethi lababili bese babahluphile emhlabeni. Kodvwa emvakwemalanga lamatsatfu nesigamu umoya wekuphila lophuma kuNkulunkulu wangena kubo, basukuma, bema ngetinyawo; bonkhe labakubona loku befikelwa kwesaba lokukhulu. Base beva livi lelikhulu liphuma ezulwini litsi kubo: “Yenyukani nite la!” Tatiloku tibabuka titsa tabo, nabenyuka ngelifu baya ezulwini. Ngaso leso sikhatsi kwaba khona kutamatama lokukhulu kwemhlaba, incenye yelishumi yelidolobha yabhidlika. Kwafa bantfu lababeti-7 000 kuloko kutamatama, laba labanye batfutfumela badvumisa Nkulunkulu welizulu. Maye wesibili sewendlulile, kodvwa masinyane maye wesitsatfu sewutawufika. Ingilosi yesikhombisa yashaya licilongo layo, kwase kuba nemisindvo lemikhulu kakhulu ezulwini itsi: “Umbuso walomhlaba sengumbuso weNkhosi yetfu, naKhristu wakhe; iyawubusa kuze kube phakadze naphakadze!” Emalunga langema-24 labehleti etihlalweni tawo tebukhosi embikwaNkulunkulu, awa phansi ngebuso, akhuleka kuNkulunkulu, atsi: “Siyakubonga, Nkhosi Nkulunkulu, Somandla, lokhona, nalabekhona, ngekutsi utsatse emandla akho lamakhulu, wabusa. Tive tatfukutsela, kepha kwefika lulaka lwakho kanye nesikhatsi sekwehlulelwa kwalabafile. Kwefika nekuniketwa imivuzo etisebentini takho, nakubaphrofethi kanye nakulabangcwele, nakulabo labesaba libito lakho, kulabakhulu nakulabancane. Kwefika nekubhujiswa kwebabhubhisi bemhlaba.” Kwavuleka lithempeli laNkulunkulu ezulwini, kwabonakala libhokisi lesivumelwane lingekhatsi kwelithempeli lakhe. Kwaba nemibane, nemisindvo lemikhulu, nekudvuma, nekutamatama kwemhlaba, nesangcotfo lesikhulu. Kwase kuba khona sibonakaliso lesikhulu ezulwini, umfati embetse lilanga, inyanga ingaphansi kwetinyawo takhe, enhloko kunemchele wetinkhanyeti letili-12. Abetetfwele, wakhala ngenca yemihelo, nekusikwa buhlungu bekubeleka. Kwavela lesinye sibonakaliso ezulwini. Kwakungunyokangwenya lobovu lomkhulu anetinhloko letisikhombisa, netimphondvo letilishumi, nemichele lesikhombisa etinhloko takhe. Umsila wakhe wahudvula incenye yesitsatfu yetinkhanyeti tesibhakabhaka, watilahla emhlabeni. Nyokangwenya wema embikwalomfati labesatawubeleka, entela kutsi alumite lusabelekwa nje loluswane. Wabeleka indvodzana, letawubusa tonkhe tive ngesandla lesimatima. Loluswane lwakhe lwahlwitselwa kuNkulunkulu, esihlalweni sakhe sebukhosi. Lomfati wabaleka waya ehlane, lapho Nkulunkulu amlungiselela indzawo yekutsi anakekelwe emalanga layi-1 260. Kwesuka imphi ezulwini. Mikhayeli netingilosi takhe balwa nanyokangwenya; nyokangwenya akanye netingilosi takhe naye walwa, kodvwa behlulwa bonyokangwenya; kwabate indzawo yabo ezulwini. Nyokangwenya lomkhulu walahlelwa phansi, leya nyoka yasemandvulo, lebitwa ngekutsi nguMhlebi nome nguSathane, uMkhohlisi wemhlaba wonkhe. Wajikijelwa phansi emhlabeni kanye netingilosi takhe. Ngeva livi lelikhulu ezulwini litsi: “Nyalo insindziso, nemandla, nebukhosi sekwaNkulunkulu wetfu, neligunya selaKhristu wakhe; ngobe sewulahlelwe phansi ummangaleli lomangalela bazalwane betfu kuNkulunkulu, imini nebusuku. Bamehlule ngengati yeliWundlu nangelivi lebufakazi babo, ngobe abakutsandzanga kuphila kwabo kwaze kwabasekufeni. Tfokotani-ke, nine mazulu, nani lenihlala kuwo! Kodvwa maye kuwe, mhlaba nelwandle, ngobe Mhlebi sewehlele kini ngentfukutselo lenkhulu, ngobe uyati kutsi sikhatsi sakhe sesifishane!” Watsi kube nyokangwenya abone kutsi sewulahlelwe phansi emhlabeni, watingela lomfati labetele indvodzana. Kodvwa lomfati wanikwa timphiko letimbili telusweti lolukhulu, kuze atewundiza abalekele lenyoka aye ehlane endzaweni lapho kufanele ondliwe khona, kuze kube sikhatsi netikhatsi nencenye yesikhatsi. Lenyoka yona yacitsa emanti ngemlomo wayo, kwaba sengatsi ngewemfula, alandzela lomfati, kuze atewumkhukhula lamanti. Kodvwa umhlaba wasita lomfati ngekutsi uvule umlomo wawo umite lomfula lowawucitfwe ngunyokangwenya ngemlomo wakhe. Nyokangwenya wamtfukutselela kakhulu lomfati, wahamba wayawulwa nensali yentalo yakhe, labo labagcina imiyalo yaNkulunkulu nalabanebufakazi baJesu. Nyokangwenya wema esihlabatsini selwandle. Ngabona silo siphuma elwandle, sasinetimphondvo letilishumi, netinhloko letisikhombisa, kuleyo nakuleyo nhloko kwakuneligama lelihlambalatako. Lesilo sasifanana nengwe, tinyawo taso tatifanana netelibhele, umlomo waso wawufanana newelibhubesi. Nyokangwenya wasinika emandla akhe, nesihlalo sakhe sebukhosi, nemagunya akhe lamakhulu. Lenye yetinhloko taso yayilinyatwe yakhehletwa sakufa, kodvwa lelinceba laso lekufa lelashwa laphola, wonkhe umhlaba wamangala wasilandzela lesilo. Bantfu bakhonta lonyokangwenya, ngobe emandla akhe abewanike lesilo; lesilo basikhonta batsi: “Ngubani longalwa naso?” Lesilo saphiwa umlomo wekukhuluma emavi lamakhulu lasinengiso newekuhlambalata. Savunyelwa kutsi sisebentise emandla aso tinyanga letingema-42. Sahlambalata Nkulunkulu, sihlambalata libito lakhe, nalapho ahlala khona, nabo bonkhe labahlala khona ezulwini. Savunyelwa nekutsi silwe nalabangcwele sibehlule, sanikwa nemandla etikwayo yonkhe imindeni, nebantfu, netilimi, netive. Bonkhe labahlala emhlabeni bayawusikhonta, bokhe labo lekwatsi umhlaba ungakasekelwa emabito abo angete abhalwa encwadzini yekuphila yeliWundlu lelahlatjwa. Lowo lonendlebe akeve! Nakukhona lofanele kutfunjwa, akatfunjwe; nakukhona lofanele kubulawa ngenkemba, akabulawe ngayo. Loku kubita kucinisela nekukholwa kwalabangcwele. Ngase ngibona lesinye silo lesaphuma emhlabatsini, sasinetimphondvo letimbili letatifanana netelizinyane lemvu, sakhuluma njenganyokangwenya. Sasebentisa onkhe emandla esilo sekucala ngeligunya laso; saphocelela umhlaba nabo bonkhe labahlala kuwo kutsi bakhonte lesilo sekucala leselashwa saphiliswa encebeni laso lekufa. Senta tibonakaliso letinkhulu, ngisho nekwehlisa umlilo ezulwini wehlele emhlabeni embikwebantfu bonkhe babuka. Silo sesibili savunyelwa kutsi sikhohlise bonkhe bantfu labahlala emhlabeni ngaletibonakaliso lesasitenta ngeligunya lesilo sekucala. Lesilo sesibili sabatjela kutsi bakhe umfanekiso, bakhele lesilo sekucala lesasinelinceba lenkemba lelelashwa laphiliswa. Silo sesibili sanikwa emandla ekuphefumulela lomfanekiso wesilo, kuze kutsi ukhulume, sente nekutsi labo labangawukhonti lomfanekiso babulawe. Lesilo saphocelela bonkhe labancane nalabakhulu, ticebi netimphuya, labakhululekile netigcili, kutsi babekwe luphawu ngulowo nalowo esandleni sakhe sangesekudla nome ebuntini. Loko kwentelwa kutsi kubete lotsengako nome lotsengisako ngaphandle kwekutsi abe neluphawu lekulibito lesilo nome inombolo yelibito laso. Loku-ke kubita kuhlakanipha: Lowo lonekucondza akabale inombolo yalesilo; ngobe lenombolo imele umuntfu. Lenombolo ingema-666. Ngatsi ngiyabuka ngabona liWundlu eNtsabeni yaseSiyoni lime nebantfu labati-144 000; babenelibito lalo, neleYise libhalwe emabuntini abo. Ngeva livi liphuma ezulwini lelevakala lifanana nemabhudlo emanti, lifanana nekudvuma lokukhulu. Lelivi lalifanana nekuhlabela kwetingitali tishaywa bashayi bato. Labantfu lababenelibito leliWundlu neleYise emabuntini abo, basukuma bahlabela ingoma lensha embikwesihlalo sebukhosi, nasembikwetidalwa letine, nasembikwemalunga. Kute lomunye labengahle abe nemandla ekufundza lengoma, ngaphandle kwabo kuphela lababehlengiwe emhlabeni lababeti-144 000. Laba bangemadvodza langazange asatingcolise ngalabasikati, bamsulwa. Ngibo laba labalandzela liWundlu nome kukuphi lapho liya khona. Kubo bonkhe bantfu ngibo labahlengiwe, balulibo lwaNkulunkulu nelweliWundlu. Akuzange sekutfolakale emanga emilonyeni yabo, abanasici. Ngase ngibona lenye ingilosi indiza emkhatsini esibhakabhakeni, iphetse liVangeli lelingunaphakadze lekushunyayelwa kulabo labahlala emhlabeni, etiveni tonkhe, nasemindenini yonkhe, nasetilimini tonkhe, nakubantfu bonkhe. Yakhuluma ngelivi lelikhulu yatsi: “Yesabani Nkulunkulu, nimnike ludvumo, ngobe sikhatsi sekwehlulela kwakhe sesifikile; mkhonteni yena lowo lowenta lizulu nemhlaba, nelwandle, nemitfombo yemanti!” Ingilosi yesibili yalandzela yatsi: “Iwile, iwile iBhabhulona lenkhulu, leyenta tonkhe tive tinatse liwayini lebugwadla bayo!” Kwalandzela ingilosi yesitsatfu; yakhuluma ngelivi lelikhulu yatsi: “Nakukhona lokhonta silo nemfanekiso waso, emukele neluphawu lwaso ebuntini lakhe nasesandleni sakhe, uyawunatsa liwayini lentfukutselo yaNkulunkulu lelinekuphelela kwemandla alo latselwa endzebeni yelulaka lwakhe. Uyawuhlushwa aviswe buhlungu ngemlilo nangesibabule, embikwetingilosi letingcwele nasembikweliWundlu. Intfutfu yekuhlupheka kwabo yenyuka, kuze kube nini nanini. Abanako kuphumula, imini nebusuku, labo labakhonta silo nemfanekiso waso, nome ngangubani lowemukela luphawu lwelibito laso.” Loku kubita kucinisela kwalabangcwele, labo labagcina imiyalo yaNkulunkulu nekukholwa nguJesu. Ngase ngiva livi ezulwini litsi: “Bhala naku: Babusisiwe labafile bafela eNkhosini kusukela kulesikhatsi.” Moya waphendvula watsi: “Babusisiwe ngempela! Bayawuphumula ekusebenteni kwabo kamatima, ngobe tento tabo tiyabalandzela.” Ngase ngibona lifu lelimhlophe, lona bekahleti etikwalo afanana neNdvodzana yemuntfu, anemchele wegolide enhloko yakhe, ngesandla sakhe aphetse lisikela lelikhaliphako. Lenye ingilosi yaphuma ethempelini, imemeta lona bekahleti etikwelifu ngelivi lelikhulu itsi: “Tfumela lelo sikela lakho, kuvunwe, ngobe sikhatsi sekuvuna sesifikile, tonkhe tilimo sekufanele tivunwe.” Ngako lowo bekahleti etikwelifu walijikijela emhlabeni lelisikela lakhe, umhlaba wase uyavunwa-ke. Kwaphuma lenye ingilosi ethempelini lelisezulwini; nayo futsi yayinelisikela lelikhaliphako. Kwase kuphuma lenye ingilosi elatini, lengilosi inemandla etikwemlilo, nayo yamemeta ngelivi lelikhulu imemeta lona bekaphetse lisikela lelikhaliphako yatsi: “Tfumela lelo sikela lakho, kujutjwe emagelebisi esivinini semhlaba, ngobe lamagelebisi asavutsiwe.” Ngako lengilosi yalijikijela emhlabeni lisikela layo, yajuba emagelebisi emvinini, yawafaka etjeni lekuhluta lentfukutselo yaNkulunkulu. Lamagelebisi ahluteka kulelitje lekuhluta lelingephandle kwelidolobha lelikhulu. Kulelitje kwaphuma ingati leyageleta; libanga lebudze lalingemastadiyu layi-1 600, kujula kwakungangekusuka phansi kuye ematomini elihhashi. Ngase ngibona ezulwini lesinye sibonakaliso lesikhulu lesimangalisako. Tingilosi letisikhombisa taletsa tinhlupho letisikhombisa. Leti tinhlupho tekugcina, ngobe ngato lulaka lwaNkulunkulu luyapheleliswa. Ngabona shangatsi lwandle lolusangilazi, luhlanganiswe nemlilo. Labo lababehlule silo, nemfanekiso waso, nenombolo yelibito laso, babeme ngakulo lolwandle lolusangilazi, baphetse emahabhu aNkulunkulu etandleni tabo. Babehlabela ingoma yaMosi, sisebenti saNkulunkulu, nengoma yeliWundlu, batsi: “Tinkhulu tiyamangalisa tento takho, Nkhosi, Nkulunkulu, Somandla! Tilungile tiliciniso tindlela takho, Nkhosi yetive tonkhe. Ngubani longayikwesaba advumise libito lakho, Nkhosi? Ngobe nguwe wedvwana longcwele. Tonkhe tive tiyawufika kuwe tikukhonte, ngobe tehlulelo takho letilungile setibonakalisiwe.” Emvakwaloko ngatsi ngiyabuka ngabona lithempeli lasezulwini livuleka, linelithende lebukhona baNkulunkulu ekhatsi kwalo. Kwaphuma kulo tingilosi letisikhombisa tiphetse tinhlupho letisikhombisa tatembetse tingubo telineni lehlantekile, tikhanya timhlophe. Etifubeni tatitibophe ngemibhenso yegolide. Lesinye saletidalwa letine sanika letingilosi letisikhombisa titja tegolide letisikhombisa tigcwele lulaka lwaNkulunkulu lophila kuze kube phakadze. Lithempeli lagcwaliswa ngentfutfu yenkhatimulo nemandla aNkulunkulu, bekute muntfu labengahle abe nemandla ekungena ethempelini tingakapheli tinhlupho letisikhombisa tetingilosi letisikhombisa. Ngase ngiva livi lelikhulu liphuma ethempelini litjela tingilosi letisikhombisa litsi: “Hambani niyewutfululela emhlabeni letitja letisikhombisa letinelulaka lwaNkulunkulu.” Ingilosi yekucala yahamba yafike yatfululela sitja sayo emhlabeni. Kwatsi bonkhe bantfu lababeneluphawu lwesilo, labebakhonta umfanekiso waso, bamilwa tilondza letibi. Ingilosi yesibili yatfululela sitja sayo elwandle. Emanti agucuka, aba njengengati yemuntfu lofile. Kwafa konkhe lokwakuphila elwandle. Ingilosi yesitsatfu yatfululela sitja sayo emifuleni nasetiyalwini temanti. Emanti agucuka, aba yingati. Ngase ngiva ingilosi lephetse emanti itsi: “Wena, Longcwele, lokhona, nalabekhona, ulungile; tehlulelo takho timsulwa: Bantfu bacitse ingati yalabangcwele, neyebaphrofethi, ngako sewubanike ingati kutsi bayinatse. Kubafanele loko!” Ngase ngiva livi liphuma elatini litsi: “Nkhosi, Nkulunkulu, Somandla! Tiliciniso, futsi timsulwa tehlulelo takho!” Ingilosi yesine yatfululela sitja sayo elangeni; lavunyelwa kutsi lishise bantfu ngekushisa lokukhulu. Bantfu bashiswa kakhulu, badzimate bacalekisa libito laNkulunkulu lonemandla etikwaletinhlupho; kodvwa abazange baphendvuke badvumise nebukhosi bakhe. Ingilosi yesihlanu yatfululela sitja sayo esihlalweni sebukhosi sesilo; umbuso waso wehlelwa bumnyama, bantfu batiluma tilwimi ngenca yebuhlungu. Bacalekisa Nkulunkulu wasezulwini ngenca yebuhlungu babo netilondza tabo, kodvwa bangete baphendvuka emisebentini yabo lemibi. Ingilosi yesitfupha yatfululela sitja sayo etikwemfula lomkhulu i-Yufrathe. Emanti awo oma, kwavuleka indlela yemakhosi laphuma emphumalanga. Ngase ngibona imimoya lemibi lemitsatfu: Lomunye wawuphuma emlonyeni wanyokangwenya, lomunye uphuma emlonyeni wesilo, lomunye uphuma emlonyeni wemphrofethi wemanga. Lemimoya beyinjengetigogodvolo. Bekungimimoya yemadimoni, lanemandla ekwenta tibonakaliso. Beyiphumele kuyawuhlanganisa emakhosi emhlaba wonkhe, iwalungiselela imphi yelilanga lelikhulu laNkulunkulu, Somandla. “Lalelani! Ngiyawufika njengelisela! Ubusisiwe lolindzile, agcine tingubo takhe kutsi angahambi ngcunu, kudzimate kubonakale lihlazo lakhe.” Lemimoya yabutsela ndzawonye emakhosi endzaweni lekutsiwa yi-Amagedoni ngesiHebheru. Ingilosi yesikhombisa yatfululela sitja sayo emoyeni, kwevakala livi lelikhulu liphuma ethempelini esihlalweni sebukhosi litsi: “Sekwentekile!” Kwaba nebumanyamanya bemibane, nemisindvo lemikhulu, nekudvuma, nekutamatama kwemhlaba lokungazange sekube khona seloku kwadalwa umuntfu; ngempela kwaba kutamatama kwemhlaba lokukhulu kakhulu. Lidolobha lelikhulu lajubeka laba tincamu letintsatfu, nemadolobha etive abhidlika. Nkulunkulu wayikhumbula iBhabhulona lenkhulu, wayinatsisa endzebeni yentfukutselo yakhe. Tonkhe tichingi tabaleka, kwabate tintsaba. Kwehla lesikhulu sangcotfo, lesingematje lamakhulu, sisindvo sawo lilinye litje bekungaba ngemakhilogremu langema-50. Lesangcotfo sehlela kubantfu labacalekisa Nkulunkulu ngenca yeluswati lababeshaywa ngalo, ngobe lwalwesabeka kakhulu. Lenye ingilosi kuleti letisikhombisa letatinetitja letisikhombisa yeta kimi, yefike yatsi: “Kota, ngitekukhombisa kwehlulelwa kwalengwadla leyatiwa kakhulu, lehleti emantini lamanyenti. Emakhosi emhlaba aphingana nayo. Bonkhe bantfu bemhlaba badzakwa kunatsa liwayini lebugwadla bayo.” Lengilosi yangitsatsa, ngikuMoya, yangimikisa ehlane, ngulapho ngabona khona umfati ahleti etikwesilo lesibovu lesasinemagama lahlambalata Nkulunkulu. Lesilo sasinetinhloko letisikhombisa netimphondvo letilishumi. Lomfati bekagcoke ingubo lebukhwebeletane nalebovu, abembeswe ngemihlobiso yegolide, nangematje laligugu, nangemapharele. Esandleni sakhe abephetse indzebe yegolide igcwele emanyala nekungcola kwebugwadla bakhe. Ebuntini lakhe kwakubhalwe libito leliyimfihlakalo litsi: “IBhabhulona lenkhulu, unina wetingwadla nemanyala emhlaba.” Ngabona kutsi lomfati abesadzakwe yingati yalabangcwele, nengati yalabo labafela kufakaza ngaJesu. Ngatsi nangimbona lomfati, ngamangala kakhulu. Kodvwa ingilosi yangibuta yatsi: “Umangaliswa yini? Ngitakutjela imfihlakalo yalomfati, neyalesilo lesimetfwele lesinetinhloko letisikhombisa netimphondvo letilishumi. Lesilo losibonile sake saphila, kodvwa nyalo asisaphili; sesitawuphuma kulomgodzi longenamkhawulo siye ekubhujisweni. Bantfu labakhe emhlabeni labamabito abo langabhalwanga encwadzini yekuphila, seloku kwasekelwa umhlaba, bayawumangala, nababona lesilo, ngobe sasiphila, kodvwa nyalo asisaphili, noko siyawuphindze sivele. “Loku kubita ingcondvo lenekuhlakanipha: Tinhloko letisikhombisa tingemagcuma lasikhombisa lapho kuhleti khona umfati, tingemakhosi lasikhombisa. Lasihlanu awo awile, yinye lekhona, lena lenye-ke isengakefiki. Nayifika, iyawubusa sikhashana. Lesilo lesasiphila, nyalo asisaphili, siyinkhosi yesiphohlongo kulawo lasikhombisa. Lesilo siya ekubhujisweni. “Letimphondvo letilishumi lotibonile tingemakhosi lalishumi lasengakacali kubusa, kodvwa ayakwemukeliswa emandla ekubusa kanye nesilo sikhashana nje. Onkhe lawa lalishumi acondze intfo yinye: Kutsi anike silo emandla awo neligunya. Ayawulwa neliWundlu; kodvwa liyakuwehlula, ngobe liyiNkhosi yemakhosi neMbusi webabusi. Liyawuwancoba likanye nalababitiwe balo, labakhetsiwe nalabetsembekile.” Lengilosi yase itsi kimi: “Lamanti lowabonile, lapho kuhleti khona lengwadla, abantfu, nemindeni, netive, netilimi ngetilimi. Letimphondvo letilishumi lotibonile nesilo tiyawuyitondza lengwadla; tiyawukutsatsa konkhe lenako tiyishiye ingcunu, tidle inyama yayo, tiyishise ngemlilo. Ngobe Nkulunkulu ukufake etinhlitiyweni tato kutsi tifeze injongo yakhe, ngekutsi tibe mcondvo munye, tinikete bukhosi bato kulesilo, kuze kugcwaliseke emavi aNkulunkulu. “Lomfati lombonile lidolobha lelikhulu lelibusa emakhosi emhlaba.” Emvakwaloko ngabona lenye ingilosi lenkhulu yehla iphuma ezulwini, ineligunya lelikhulu. Inkhatimulo yayo yakhanyisa umhlaba wonkhe. Yamemeta ngelivi lelikhulu yatsi: “Iwile, yebo, iwile iBhabhulona lenkhulu! Seyigucuke yaba likhaya lemadimoni, nesihhehle sekubhaca bonkhe bomoya lababi, nesato tonkhe tinyoni letingcolile naletenyanyekako. Ngobe tonkhe tive tilinatsile liwayini lelinenkhanuko yebugwadla bayo. Emakhosi emhlaba aphinga nayo, nebahwebi basemhlabeni bacebile ngekutamasa kwayo.” Ngase ngiphindze ngiva lelinye livi liphuma ezulwini litsi: “Sive sami, phumani kuyo, ningahlanganyeli nayo etonweni tayo, funa nehlelwe kuhlushwa kanye nayo. Ngobe tono tayo timponge tancwabelana, taze tefika etulu esibhakabhakeni, naNkulunkulu uwakhumbulile emacala ayo. Yiphatseni njengobe beyibaphetse labanye, nibuyisele kuyo ngalokuphindziwe, kuye ngemisebenti yayo. Nigcwalise indzebe yayo ibe nemandla ngalokuphindziwe kuloko leyakwenta kini. Niyihluphe kakhulu, kutfoswa kwayo ngetinhlupho nelusizi lwayo kube ngangekutiphakamisa kwayo nangangekutamasa kwayo. Ngobe enhlitiyweni yayo itsi: ‘Ngihleti njengendlovukazi! Angisiye umfelokati, ngeke ngifelwe, ngilile.’ Ngako-ke tinhlupheko tayo tiyawufika ngalanga linye: kufa, lusizi, nendlala. Iyawushiswa ngemlilo, ngobe inemandla iNkhosi Nkulunkulu leyehlulelako.” “Emakhosi emhlaba labephinga nayo atamase nayo ayawukhala alile kamatima ngayo, nasabona intfutfu yekusha kwayo. Ayawuma bucalu ngobe ayawube esaba kutfoswa kwayo ngetinhlupho, ayawutsi: ‘Maye! Maye! Hhawu, Bhabhulona! Dolobha lelikhulu lelinemandla! Kwehlulelwa kwakho sekwenteke ngesikhashana nje!’ ” “Bahwebi bemhlaba bayawuyikhalela bayililele, ngobe kuyawube sekute losatitsenga timphahla tabo: imphahla yegolide, neyesiliva, neyematje ladulile, neyemapharele, neyelineni lecolisakele, nalebubendze, neyesilika, nalebovu, neyato tonkhe tihlahla temakha, naletentiwe ngematinyo etindlovu, nato tonkhe letilitfusi, netensimbi, netemabuli, nesinamoni, netinandzisi, nemphepho, nemakha, nenhlaka, neliwayini, nemafutsa, nafulaha locolisakele, nakolo, netinkhomo, netimvu, nemahhashi, netincola, netigcili kanye nemiphefumulo yebantfu. Bahwebi bayawutsi kuyo: ‘Tonkhe titselo lebewutifisa atisekho kuwe, konkhe kutamasa nebucwebecwebe bakho abusekho, futsi ngeke uphindze ubutfole!’ Bahwebi baletimphahla labadzimate baceba ngalengwadla, bayawuma bucalu, ngobe bayawube besaba kutfoswa kwayo ngetinhlupho. Bayawukhala, balile batsi: ‘Maye! Waze wabhubha dolobha lelikhulu! Yeka kwembatsiswa kwakho ngelineni lecolisakele, nalebukhwebeletane, nalebovu, nekuhlotjiswa ngegolide, nangematje laligugu, nangemapharele! Ngesikhashana nje yonkhe lengcebo seyicitsekile.’ ” “Bonkhe bashayeli bemikhumbi, kanye nalabahamba ngayo, nematilosi ayo, nabo bonkhe labasebenta elwandle bema bucalu. Bakhala nababona iphakama lentfutfu yekusha kwalelidolobha batsi: ‘Kute lidolobha lelikhulu lelase laba ngangalo!’ Batitsela ngetintfuli etinhloko, balila, bakhala, bamemeta batsi: ‘Maye! Maye! Hhawu, yehheni, lelidolobha lelikhulu kangaka lelicebise bonkhe labanemikhumbi elwandle! Ngesikhashana nje lilahlekelwe ngiko konkhe.’ ” Jabulani, nitfokote, nine mazulu. Jabulani nani labangcwele, nani baphostoli, nani baphrofethi; ngobe Nkulunkulu sewuyehlulele iBhabhulona, waniphindziselela kuyo! Kwase kusuka ingilosi lenemandla yatsatsa inguzanguza yelitje lelingangelekusila, yalijikijela elwandle, ikhuluma itsi: “Iyakwentiwa njalo-ke neBhabhulona, lidolobha lelikhulu, iyawujikijelwa phansi ngemandla lamakhulu, ilahlwe, ingaphindzi ibonakale. Ingeke iphindze ivakale kuwe imisindvo yebashayi bemahabhu, neyebahlabeli, neyebashayi bemintjingozi, neyebashayi bemacilongo. Kungeke kuphindze kwateke kutsi kwase kwaba khona babati betintfo letitinhlobonhlobo. Ungeke uphindze uvakale nemsindvo wesigayo. Kungeke kuphindze kubonakale kuwe kukhanya kwesibane. Kungeke kuphindze kuvakale kuwe liphimbo lemyeni nelamakoti. Bahwebi bakho bekutikhulu temhlaba, wedukisa tonkhe tive ngebutsakatsi bakho. Kwatfolakala kuwe ingati yebaphrofethi, neyalabangcwele, neyabo bonkhe lababulawa emhlabeni.” Emvakwaloko ngeva shangatsi livi lelikhulu lesicumbi lesikhulu sihlabela ezulwini sitsi: “Haleluya! Insindziso, nenkhatimulo, nemandla kwaNkulunkulu wetfu; ngobe tehlulelo takhe tiliciniso timsulwa. Sewuyehlulele lengwadla lenkhulu leyabhubhisa umhlaba wonkhe ngebugwadla bayo; wakhiphela kuyo sibhongo sengati yetinceku takhe.” Saphindze sahlabela satsi: “Haleluya! Intfutfu yekusha kwayo iyawubhunya yenyuke phakadze naphakadze.” Emalunga langema-24 netidalwa letine tawa phansi takhonta Nkulunkulu lohleti esihlalweni sebukhosi tatsi: “Amen! Haleluya!” Kwevakala livi liphuma esihlalweni sebukhosi litsi: “Dvumisani Nkulunkulu wetfu, nonkhe nine tinceku takhe, nine labancane nani labakhulu lenimesabako.” Ngase ngiva lokwakungatsi livi lesicumbi lesikhulu sebantfu, linjengemsindvo wemanti lamanyenti nanjengekudvuma lokukhulu litsi: “Haleluya! INkhosi yetfu, Nkulunkulu Somandla, iyabusa. Asitfokote, siyiphakamise, siyinike ludvumo, ngobe umshado weliWundlu sewufikile, namakoti sewutilungiselele. Uphiwe kutsi embatsiswe ingubo yelineni lecolisakele, nalekhanyako, nalemsulwa.” Lelineni lecolisakele itento nemisebenti lelungile yalabangcwele. Lengilosi yatsi kimi: “Bhala utsi: Babusisiwe labo labamenyelwe edzilini lemshado weliWundlu.” Yachubeka yatsi kimi: “Lawa ngemavi aNkulunkulu laliciniso.” Ngase ngiwela ngasetinyaweni tayo ngayikhotsama, kodvwa yatsi kimi: “Ungakwenti loko! Nami ngisisebenti kanye nawe nebazalwane bakho labanebufakazi baJesu. Khotsama Nkulunkulu.” Ngobe bufakazi baJesu bunguMoya wesiphrofetho. Ngase ngibona lizulu livulekile, bekunelihhashi lelimhlophe. Lona bekaligibele abebitwa ngekutsi nguLotsembekile naLiciniso; umsulwa ekwehluleleni kwakhe nasekulweni kwakhe. Emehlo akhe abenjengemalangabi emlilo, enhloko yakhe bekunemichele leminyenti; abenelibito lebelibhaliwe lelingatiwa ngumuntfu ngaphandle kwakhe. Abembetse ingubo leyayenyiwe engatini. Libito lakhe nguLivi laNkulunkulu. Emabutfo asezulwini amlandzela agibele emahhashi lamhlophe, embetse tingubo letimhlophe letihlantekile telineni. Emlonyeni wakhe kuphuma inkemba lekhaliphako latawushaya tive ngayo, uyawutibusa ngesandla lesimatima. Uyawunyatsela litje lesikhamo seliwayini. Leliwayini liyintfukutselo yelulaka lwaNkulunkulu Somandla. Engutjeni yakhe nasetsangeni lakhe kubhalwe libito lelitsi: “INkhosi yemakhosi, uMbusi webabusi.” Ngase ngibona ingilosi ime elangeni, yamemeta ngelivi lelikhulu ibita tonkhe tinyoni letindiza emoyeni yatsi: “Butsanani nonkhe nite edzilini lelikhulu laNkulunkulu. Wotani nitewudla inyama letidvumbu temakhosi, netetindvuna, netemadvodza lanemandla, netemahhashi kanye netebagibeli bawo, netabo bonkhe bantfu, labakhululekile netigcili, labancane nalabakhulu.” Ngabona silo, nemakhosi emhlaba, nemabutfo awo ahlanganela kuyawulwa nalowo labegibele lihhashi lelimhlophe, kanye nelibutfo lakhe. Kodvwa lesilo satfunjwa, kanye nemphrofethi wemanga labenta tibonakaliso tekudukisa labo labaneluphawu lwesilo nalabasikhonta ngekukhotsamela lomfanekiso waso. Bobabili bajikijelwa baphila echibini lemlilo lelivutsa sibabule. Laba labanye babulawa ngenkemba lephuma emlonyeni walowo logibele lihhashi. Tonkhe tinyoni tesutsa inyama yetidvumbu tabo. Ngase ngibona ingilosi yehla ezulwini, esandleni sayo yayiphetse sikhiya semgodzi longenamkhawulo neluketane lolukhulu. Yabamba nyokangwenya, inyoka lendzala, lekutsiwa nguMhlebi nome nguSathane; yambopha ngeluketane iminyaka leyinkhulungwane. Yamjika emgodzini longenamkhawulo, yamvalela yase ibeka luphawu etikwakhe, kutsi angasaphindzi edukise tive, kuze kuphele leminyaka leyinkhulungwane. Emvakwaloko kufanele akhululwe sikhashane. Ngase ngibona tihlalo tebukhosi, labo bebahleti kuto banikwa emandla ekwehlulela. Ngabona nemiphefumulo yalabo bebancunywe tinhloko ngenca yekufakaza kwabo ngaJesu, nangenca yekushumayela kwabo livi laNkulunkulu. Abazange bavume kusikhonta lesilo nome umfanekiso waso, abazange balwemukela neluphawu lwaso emabuntini abo nasetandleni tabo. Bavuka ekufeni, babusa naKhristu iminyaka leyinkhulungwane. Laba labanye lababefile abazange bavuke ekufeni, kwadzimate kwaphela iminyaka leyinkhulungwane. Loku kuvuka ekufeni kwekucala. Babusisiwe futsi bangcwele labo labahlanganyela ekuvukeni kwekucala. Kufa kwesibili kute emandla etikwabo, kodvwa bayawuba baphristi baNkulunkulu naKhristu, bayawubusa naye iminyaka leyinkhulungwane. Kuyawutsi kube kuphele iminyaka leyinkhulungwane, Sathane uyawukhululwa ekuboshweni kwakhe. Uyawutsi nasaphumile ahambe ayewudukisa boGogi naMagogi, tive letisemagunjini omane emhlaba, kutsi atihlanganisele imphi. Letinye tingangesihlabatsi saselwandle. Tenyuka tahlakateka nemhlaba wonkhe, tafike tatungeleta inkambu yebantfu baNkulunkulu nemuti lotsandzekako. Kwehla umlilo uphuma ezulwini, watidla tonkhe. Sathane labedukise leto tive wabanjwa, wajikwa echibini lemlilo lonesibabule, lapho bekukhona khona silo kanye nemphrofethi wemanga. Bayawuhlushwa batfoseke imini nebusuku phakadze naphakadze. Ngase ngibona lesikhulu sihlalo sebukhosi lesimhlophe, nalohleti kuso. Lizulu nemhlaba kwambalekela kwanyamalala ebusweni bakhe, akuzange kuphindze kutfolakale ndzawo. Ngabona labafile, labakhulu nalabancane, beme embikwaso lesihlalo sebukhosi. Tincwadzi tavulwa. Nalenye incwadzi yavulwa, incwadzi yekuphila. Labafile behlulelwa ngekwemisebenti yabo, ngaloko lokwakubhalwe etincwadzini. Lwandle lwakhipha labafile lababekulo, kufa nendzawo yalabafile kwaniketa labafile lababekuko; bonkhe bantfu behlulelwa ngekwemisebenti yabo. Kufa nendzawo yalabafile kwajikwa echibini lemlilo. Loku kufa kwesibili, lichibi lelivutsa umlilo. Lowo libito lakhe lelalingakabhalwa encwadzini yekuphila, wajikwa echibini lelivutsa umlilo. Ngase ngibona lizulu lelisha nemhlaba lomusha; ngobe lizulu lekucala nemhlaba wekucala bese kwendlulile, nelwandle lungasekho. Ngabona likhaya lelingcwele, iJerusalema Lensha, lehla liphuma ezulwini kuNkulunkulu, lilungiswe kahle lahlotjiswa njengamakoti ahlobele kuyawuhlangabeta umyeni wakhe emshadweni. Ngeva livi liphuma esihlalweni sebukhosi limemeta kakhulu litsi: “Nalo likhaya laNkulunkulu likubantfu. Nkulunkulu utawuhlala emkhatsini wabo, bona babe bantfu bakhe. Nkulunkulu cobo lwakhe uyawuhlala nabo, abe nguNkulunkulu wabo. Uyakwesula tonkhe tinyembeti emehlweni abo, sekuyawubate kufa, nekulila, nekukhala, nebuhlungu, ngobe kwakucala sekwendlulile.” Lona bekahleti esihlalweni sebukhosi watsi: “Konkhe sengikwenta kube kusha.” Wachubeka watsi: “Kubhale loku lengikukhulumako, ngobe kungemavi letsembekile nalacinisile.” Wase utsi kimi: “Sekwentekile. Mine ngingu-Alfa na-Omega, sicalo nesiphetfo. Lowo lowomile ngiyawumnika lilungelo lekunatsa mahhala emtfonjeni wemanti ekuphila. Lowo loncobako uyawudla lifa lato tonkhe letintfo: Mine ngiyawuba nguNkulunkulu wakhe, yena abe yindvodzana yami. Kodvwa sabelo semagwala, nalabangakholwa, nalabanengekako, nebabulali, netingwadla, netiphingi, nebatsakatsi, nalabakhonta tithico, nalabacala emanga, kuyawuba lichibi lelivutsa umlilo nesibabule; loku kufa kwesibili.” Lenye yaletingilosi letisikhombisa letatiphetse titja letatigcwele tinhlupheko tekugcina letisikhombisa yeta kimi, yafike yatsi: “Kota, ngitekukhombisa makoti, umkaWundlu.” Yangitsatsa ngikuMoya, yangibeka esicongweni sentsaba lephakeme kakhulu. Yangikhombisa likhaya lelingcwele, iJerusalema Lensha, lehla, liphuma kuNkulunkulu ezulwini. Lalinenkhatimulo yaNkulunkulu. Kukhanya kwalo kwakumengetela njengelitje leliligugu nalelidule kakhulu; lalinjengejasiphi lecwebetelako. Belinelubondza loludze loluphakeme kakhulu, lunemasango lali-12. Kulamasango bekunetingilosi letili-12. Bekubhalwe kuwo emabito etive letili-12, emadvodzana a-Israyeli. Bekunemasango lamatsatfu ngasemphumalanga, nangasenyakatfo amatsatfu, nangaseningizimu amatsatfu, nangasenshonalanga amatsatfu. Lolubondza lwalelikhaya lwalunetisekelo tematje lali-12; etikwawo bekubhalwe emabito lali-12 ebaphostoli beliWundlu. Lengilosi lebeyikhuluma nami beyiphetse indvuku yegolide yekukala lelikhaya, nemasango alo kanye nelubondza lwalo. Lelikhaya belinetinhlendlo letine letilinganako; budze balo bebulingana nebubanti balo. Yase ilikala ngalendvuku-ke lelikhaya: Laba ngemastadiyu lati-12 000. Budze nebubanti nekuphakama kwalo bekulingana. Yase ikala lubondza lwalo, lona-ke lwaba tinyatselo letili-144 kuphakama kwalo, isebentisa leso silinganiso lesivamile. Lolubondza lwalwakhiwe ngejasiphi, likhaya lalakhiwe ngegolide, kucweba kwalo bekunjengekwengilazi. Tisekelo talolubondza lwalelikhaya betihlotjiswe ngematje laligugu nalatinhlobonhlobo: Litje lesisekelo sekucala bekuyijasiphi, lesibili kuyisafire, lesitsatfu kuyikhalkedoni, lesine kuyisimaragidu, lesihlanu kuyisadoniksi, lesitfupha kuyisadiyusi, lesikhombisa kuyikhrisolithe, lesiphohlongo kuyibherili, lemfica kuyithophazi, lelishumi kuyikhrisophrasi, leli-11 kuyihiyakinte, leli-12 kuyi-amethiste. Lamasango lali-12 bekungemapharele lali-12; lelo nalelo sango lalakhiwe ngelipharele linye. Umgwaco walelo khaya bewuyigolide lecwebile lenjengengilazi lekubonakala ngale kwayo. Angizange ngilibone lithempeli kulelo khaya, ngobe iNkhosi Nkulunkulu, Somandla, neliWundlu bekungulona lithempeli lalo. Lelo khaya alilidzingi lilanga nenyanga, kutsi kulikhanyisele, ngobe inkhatimulo yaNkulunkulu iyalikhanyisela, nesibane salo liWundlu. Tive tiyawuhamba ekukhanyeni kwalo, nemakhosi emhlaba ayakwetfula kulo emagugu ebukhosi bawo. Emasango alo ayawuhlala avuliwe sonkhe sikhatsi, ngobe sekuyawubate busuku. Tive tiyawuletsa kulo emagugu ato nebukhosi bato. Kute lokungcolile lokuyawungena kulo, ngisho nalowenta lokubi nalonemacebo angeke angene kulo; kodvwa kuyawungena kuphela labo emabito abo labhaliwe encwadzini yekuphila yeliWundlu. Lengilosi yase ingikhombisa umfula wemanti ekuphila, wawukhanya njengengilazi lekhanya kubonakale ngale. Emanti awo abegeleta aphuma esihlalweni sebukhosi saNkulunkulu neseliWundlu. Ageleta ehla nemgwaco welikhaya. Ngale nangale kwalomfula bekunesihlahla sekuphila. Besitsela titselo emahlandla lali-12 ngemnyaka, lokusho kutsi kanye ngenyanga. Emacembe aso abephilisa tive. Konkhe lokucalekisiwe kuyawubate kulelo khaya. Sihlalo sebukhosi saNkulunkulu neseliWundlu siyawuba kulo. Tinceku takhe tiyawumkhonta. Tiyawubonana naye buso nebuso; libito lakhe liyawubasemabuntini ato. Kuyawubate busuku, tingeke tikudzinge nekukhanya kwesibane nome kwelilanga, ngobe iNkhosi Nkulunkulu iyakutikhanyisela, tiyawubusa phakadze naphakadze. Ingilosi yatsi kimi: “Lamavi etsembekile, futsi acinisile. INkhosi Nkulunkulu legcwalisa baphrofethi ngaMoya wayo itfumele ingilosi yayo kutsi ikhombise tinceku tayo loko lokutakwenteka masinyane.” Jesu watsi: “Lalela la, ngiyeta masinyane! Babusisiwe labo labeva lamavi alesiphrofetho bawente.” Ngimi, Johane, loweva waphindze wakubona konkhe loku. Ngatsi kube ngikuve ngikubone konkhe loku, ngawa phansi ngasetinyaweni talengilosi lebeyingikhombisa letintfo, ngentela kuteyikhotsama. Yatsi kimi: “Ungakwenti loko. Nami ngisisebenti nje njengawe, nebazalwane bakho lababaphrofethi, kanye nabo bonkhe labawentako lamavi alencwadzi. Khotsama Nkulunkulu.” Yachubeka yatsi kimi: “Ungawafihli lamavi alesiphrofetho salencwadzi, ngobe sikhatsi sesisedvute. Lomubi akachubeke nebubi bakhe, lowonako achubeke one, lolungile achubeke nekulunga kwakhe, longcwele achubeke nebungcwele.” Jesu utsi: “Lalela la, ngiyeta masinyane! Ngita nemvuzo wami, ngitewunika ngulowo nalowo njengekwemisebenti yakhe. Ngingu-Alfa na-Omega, wekucala newekugcina, sicalo nesiphetfo. “Babusisiwe labo labatigezako tingubo tabo, kuze kutsi babe nelilungelo lekudla esihlahleni sekuphila, babe nelilungelo lekungena ngemasango ekhaya. Kepha ngephandle kunetinja, nebatsakatsi, netingwadla, netiphingi, nebabulali, nalabakhonta tithico, nabo bonkhe labatsandza kucala emanga ngekukhuluma nangetento. “Mine, Jesu, nginitfumele ingilosi yami kutsi itewuvakalisa letindzaba emabandleni. Ngisitukulwane nentalo yaDavide. Ngiyinkhanyeti yekusa lecwebetelako.” Moya namakoti batsi: “Kota!” Wonkhe umuntfu lovako akatsi: “Kota!” Lowo lowomile akete; nalowo lofuna emanti ekuphila, akawanatse mahhala. Mine, Johane, ngecwayisa wonkhe umuntfu lowevako emavi alesiphrofetho lesikulencwadzi ngitsi: Nakukhona lowengeta lutfo kuwo, Nkulunkulu uyakwengeta nakuye letinhlupho letichazwe kulencwadzi. Nakukhona lowaphungulako lamavi alesiphrofetho lesikulencwadzi, naNkulunkulu uyawuphungula sabelo sakhe esihlahleni sekuphila nasekhaya lelingcwele, njengobe sekuchaziwe kulencwadzi. Lowo lowetfula lobufakazi utsi: “Yebo, ngiyeta masinyane!” “Amen! Kota, Nkhosi Jesu!” Umusa weNkhosi awube nabo bonkhe labangcwele.