De prophetarum vita et obitu (recensio anonyma)

1. Isaiah, from Jerusalem, dies under Manasseh, sawn in two, and was buried beneath the oak of Rogel, near the crossing of the waters which Hezekiah destroyed by blocking them. And God made the sign of Siloam for the prophet, because before his death, being in distress, he prayed to drink water, and immediately it was sent to him from it; for this reason it was called Siloam, which is interpreted as "sent." And in the time of Hezekiah, before he made the pools and the reservoirs, at the prayer of Isaiah a little water came forth, because the people were in a siege by foreigners and so that the city might not be destroyed as not having water. For the enemies wondered from where they drank; and having the city, they besieged Siloam. Therefore, if the Jews came, water came forth; but if foreigners, it did not. Hence even to this day it comes forth suddenly, so that the mystery may be shown. And since this happened through Isaiah, for the sake of memory the people buried him nearby carefully and honorably, so that through his prayers even after his death they might likewise have the enjoyment of the water, because an oracle was given to them concerning him. And his tomb is near the tomb of the kings, behind the tomb of the priests, on the side towards the south. For Solomon made the tombs of David, who had drawn them, to the east of Zion, which has an entrance from Gibeon, twenty stades from the city. And he made it winding, an intricate construction; and it is unknown to most even to this day, but not to the whole people. There the king kept the gold from Ethiopia and the spices.

And because Hezekiah revealed to the nations the mystery of David and Solomon and defiled the bones of the place of his fathers, for this reason God cursed that his seed would be in servitude to his enemies, and God made him barren from that day.

2. Jeremiah was from Anathoth and died in Taphnas of Egypt, stoned by the people. He lies in the place of the dwelling of Pharaoh, because the Egyptians honored him, having been benefited through him. For he prayed, and the asps left them, as did the water beasts which the Egyptians call nephoth and the Greeks crocodiles. And all who are faithful to God, even to this day, pray in that place and, taking dust from the place, heal the bites of asps. [And many of them drive away those beasts and the water creatures.] And we heard from the servants of Antigonus and Ptolemy, old men, that Alexander the Macedonian, having come to the place of the prophet and having learned his mysteries, transferred his remains to Alexandria, placing them around with honor in a circle; and the race of asps was prevented from the land, and likewise the crocodiles from the river, and thus he introduced the snakes called argolai, which are snake-fighters, which he brought from Argos in the Peloponnese, whence they are also called argolai, that is, right-hand of Argos; for they call everything on the left left-hand. This Jeremiah gave a sign to the priests of Egypt, that their idols must be shaken and fall down [through a savior born of a virgin in a manger]. For this reason even now they honor a virgin in childbirth and, placing an infant in a manger, they worship it; and to King Ptolemy, when he inquired about the cause, they said that it is a mystery handed down by tradition from a holy prophet to our fathers, and we await the fulfillment, they say, of his mystery.

This prophet before the capture of the temple seized the ark of the law and the things in it and caused them to be swallowed up in a rock, and said to those standing by: The Lord has departed from Zion into heaven and will come again in power. And a sign to you of his presence will be when all the nations worship a tree. He also said that no one will bring out this ark except Aaron, and no one will unfold the tablets in it any longer, neither priest nor prophet, except Moses the chosen of God, and at the resurrection the ark will be first to rise and will come out of the rock and be placed on Mount Sinai, and all the saints will be gathered together there awaiting the Lord and fleeing the enemy who wishes to destroy them. On the rock he sealed the name of God with his finger, and the impression became like an engraving of iron, and a cloud covered the name, and no one knows the place nor can read it until today and until the consummation. And the rock is in the desert, where the ark was first, between the two mountains on which Moses and Aaron lie. And at night a cloud like fire appears according to the ancient pattern, because the glory of God will not cease from his law. And God gave grace to Jeremiah, that he himself might accomplish the end of his mystery, so that he might become a fellow participant with Moses, and they are together until today.

3. Ezekiel. He is from the land of Arara, from the priests, and died in the land of the Chaldeans during the captivity, having prophesied many things to those in Judea. The leader of the people of Israel there killed him, because he was rebuked by him for the worship of idols. And they buried him in the field of Maour, in the tomb of Shem and Arphaxad, the ancestors of Abraham, and the tomb is a double cave, because Abraham also in Hebron made the tomb of Sarah in imitation of it. It is called double because it is twisted and hidden, with an upper chamber above ground level, and it hangs on a rock above the ground. This prophet gave a sign to the people, to watch the river Chobar: when it dries up, to expect the sickle of desolation at the end of the earth, and when it floods, the return to Jerusalem. For the holy man dwelt there, and many gathered around him. And once, when a crowd was with him, the Chaldeans feared that they might revolt, and they attacked them to kill them. And he made the water stand still, so that they might escape by crossing to the other side. And those of the enemies who dared to pursue were drowned. Through his prayer, he spontaneously provided them with abundant food of fish, and for many who were dying he entreated God to grant them life. When the people were being destroyed by the enemies, he approached the leaders, and through wonders they were frightened and desisted. He said this to them: We have failed, our hope is lost, and by a wonder of the bones of the dead he convinced them that there would be hope for Israel both here and in the future. While there, he showed the people of Israel what was happening in Jerusalem and in the temple.

He was snatched away from there and came to Jerusalem to rebuke the unbelievers. He saw the type according to Moses, whose wall and outer wall are broad, just as Daniel also said, that it would be built. He judged in Babylon the tribe of Dan and that of Gad, because they were impious toward the Lord, persecuting those who kept the law; and he performed a great portent for them, that serpents were devouring their infants and all their livestock, and he foretold that because of them the people would not return to their land, but would be in Media until the end of their error. And one of them was the one who killed him. For they opposed him all the days of his life.

4. Daniel. He was from the tribe of Judah, of the lineage of those prominent in the royal service, but while still a child he was brought from Judea to the land of the Chaldeans. He was born in Upper Beth-horon and was a man of such self-control that the Jews thought him a eunuch. He mourned greatly over the city and practiced fasting from all desirable food, and he was a man dry in appearance but beautiful in the grace of the Most High. He prayed much for Nebuchadnezzar at the request of his son Belshazzar, when he became a wild beast and a brute, so that he might not perish. His front parts were like an ox with the head, and his feet with the hind parts were a lion. It was revealed to the holy man concerning this mystery, that he had become a brute because of his love of pleasure and his stubbornness, and that like an ox under the yoke they become servants of Beliar. These things happen to rulers in their youth; at the end they become beasts, seizing, destroying, killing, and striking. The saint knew through God that he ate grass like an ox and became food for human nature. Because of this, Nebuchadnezzar, after digestion, having become of human heart, wept and besought the Lord every day and night, praying forty times. Behemoth came upon him and it escaped his notice that he had become a man; his tongue was taken away so that he could not speak; and understanding immediately he wept; his eyes were like flesh from weeping. For many going out of the city saw him. Daniel alone did not wish to see him, because all the time of his transformation he was in prayer for him; he said that he would become a man again, and they did not believe him.

Daniel made the seven years, which he called seven seasons, become seven months; the mystery of the seven seasons was fulfilled for him, because he restored seven months, and for six years and six months he was subject to the Lord and confessed his impiety, and after the remission of his lawlessness he gave him back the kingdom. He ate neither bread nor meat nor drank wine while confessing, because Daniel commanded him to propitiate the Lord with soaked legumes and greens. For this reason he called him Belshazzar, because he wished to make him a co-heir of his children. But the holy man said: "It is pleasing to me to renounce the inheritance of my fathers and to be joined to the inheritances of the uncircumcised." And to the other kings of the Persians he performed many wonders, which they did not record. There he died and was buried in the royal cave alone and with honor. And he himself gave a sign in the mountains above Babylon, that: when the smoke from the north is kindled, the end of Babylon will come; but when it lies as if in fire, the end of the whole earth; but when pure water flows forth in the east, then God will appear on earth as a man and will take upon himself the lawlessnesses of the earth, when he is crucified by the priests of the law [and elders of the people of Israel. Then there will be a slaughter of Beliar]. Immediately joy will be poured out upon all the nations; but when in the south it burns with fire, the end of the whole earth will be. If the water in the south flows, the people will return to their land, and if blood flows, there will be a slaughter of Beliar throughout the whole earth. And the holy man fell asleep in peace.

5. Hosea. He was from Belemoth of the tribe of Issachar and was buried in his own land in peace. And he gave a sign: that the Lord would come upon the earth, if the oak in Shiloh were divided of itself and became twelve oaks.

6. Micah the Morasthite was from the tribe of Ephraim. After doing many things for Ahab, he was killed by Jehoram, his son, by being thrown from a precipice, because he reproached him for the impieties of his fathers. And he was buried in his own land alone, near the common burial ground of the Enakim.

7. Amos was from Tekoa. And Amaziah, after repeatedly beating him with a club, finally killed him, his son striking him on the temple with a cudgel; and while still breathing he came to his own land and after some days died and was buried there.

8. Joel was from the land of Ruben, in the field of Bethomor, having prophesied concerning famine and the oppression of sacrifices and the suffering of a righteous prophet, and that through him creation would be renewed for salvation. He died in peace and was buried there.

9. Obadiah was from the land of Sychem, in the field of Bethacharam. He was a disciple of Elijah and, having endured much on his account, was preserved. He was the third pentekontarchos whom Elijah spared, and he went down to Ochozias. After this, having abandoned the service of the king, he prophesied and died, and was buried with his fathers. Of Ahab, having besought Elijah, he became his disciple, and having suffered much on his account, and having abandoned the service of the king, he followed Elijah, and prophesied, and was buried with his fathers.

10. Jonah was from the land of Kariathmos near the Greek city of Azotus by the sea. And having been cast out from the whale and having gone to Nineveh, upon returning he did not remain in his own land, but taking his mother he settled in the land of Shur, a region of foreign nations; for he said, "Thus I will remove my reproach, because I falsely prophesied against Nineveh, the great city." At that time Elijah was reproaching the house of Ahab and, having called down a famine upon the land, fled. And coming, he found the widow with her son; for he was not able to remain with the uncircumcised, and he blessed her. And when her son died, God again raised him from the dead through Elijah; for he wished to show him that he cannot flee from God. And after the famine, he arose and came to the land of Judah. And when his mother died on the way, he buried her near the oak of Deborah. And having settled in the land of Saraar, he died and was buried in the cave of Kenezeou, who was a judge of one tribe in the days of the anarchy. And he gave a sign concerning Jerusalem and the whole land: when they see a stone crying out piteously, the end is near. And when they see in Jerusalem all the nations, that the city has been utterly destroyed to the ground. At that time the prophet Elijah was reproaching Ahab, king of Samaria; and he called down a great famine upon the land; he fled into the desert and was fed by the ravens of the desert, and he drank water from the winter torrent, and when the winter torrent dried up, the prophet became hungry and came to Sarephtha and found the widow with her son Jonah, and blessed her with grain and oil, and remained with him.

For he was not able to remain among the uncircumcised. And when her son Jonah died, God raised him again from the dead through Elijah. And he gave him back to his mother because of her hospitality. And having become great, Jonah was sent by the Lord to Nineveh, the city of the Assyrians. And Jonah sought to flee from the Lord, and he was swallowed by the whale, and having been cast out, he proclaimed the destruction of Nineveh, and the men of Nineveh repented and were pitied. And Jonah grieved, and upon returning he did not remain in their land, but taking his mother, he settled in the land of Shur of the Philistines. For he said, "Thus I will remove my reproach, because I falsely prophesied against Nineveh, the great city of the Assyrians." For God wished to show him that he cannot flee from God. And having dwelt in the land of Saar, he died there and was buried in the cave of Kenezios the judge. This is Jonah, who became a type of the Lord's resurrection, and he gave a sign to Israel, saying that when many nations see Jerusalem, the city will be razed to the ground.

Nahum from Elkesi, beyond Isbhegabarin, of the tribe of Simeon. After Jonah, he gave a sign to Nineveh, that it would be destroyed by sweet waters and subterranean fire, which indeed came to pass. For the lake surrounding it flooded it in an earthquake, and fire coming from the desert burned its higher part. He died in peace and was buried in his own land.

12. Ambakoum was from the tribe of Simeon, from the village of Bethzouchar. He saw before the captivity concerning the capture of Jerusalem and mourned greatly. And when Nabouchodonosor came to Jerusalem, he fled to Ostrakine and sojourned in the land of Ismael. When the Chaldaeans and the remnant who were in Jerusalem returned to Egypt, he was dwelling in his own land and served the harvesters of his field. When he took the food, he prophesied to his own people, saying: I am going to a far country and will quickly return. But if I am delayed, bring the food to the harvesters. And having been in Babylon and given the meal to Daniel, he stood by the harvesters as they ate and told no one what had happened; but he understood that the people would return from Babylon quickly. And he dies two years before the return. And he was buried in his own field alone. He gave a sign to those in Judaea, that they would see a light in the temple and thus behold the glory of the temple. And concerning the end of the temple he foretold that it would be brought about by a western nation. Then, he says, the curtain of the Dabir will be torn into small pieces, and the capitals of the two pillars will be removed, and no one will know where they will be; but they will be carried away into the desert by angels, to the place where the tent of witness was originally erected. And by them the Lord will be known at the end, because they will illuminate those persecuted by the serpent in darkness as in the beginning. And the Lord will save them from darkness and the shadow of death; and they will be in a holy tent. This prophet prophesied many things concerning the coming of Christ.

And two years before the return of the people from Babylon, he died and was buried in his own field, alone, with honor.

13. Zephaniah was from the tribe of Symeon, of the village of Sabaratha. He prophesied concerning the city and concerning the end of nations and the shame of the impious. And when he died, he was buried in his own field.

14. Haggai, who is also the Angel, came as a young man from Babylon to Jerusalem and openly prophesied concerning the return of the people, and he saw in part the building of the Temple. And when he died, he was buried honorably near the tomb of the priests, as they were.

15. Zacharias came from the Chaldeans already advanced in years, and there he prophesied many things to the people; and he gave signs as proof. He said to Iosedek that he would beget a son and would serve as priest in Jerusalem. He also blessed Salathiel concerning his son and gave him the name Zorobabel; and under Cyrus he gave a sign for victory and foretold concerning his service, which he would perform in Jerusalem, and blessed him greatly. The visions of his prophecy he saw in Jerusalem, and he set forth concerning the end of nations and Israel and the temple and the cessation of prophets and priests, and concerning a twofold judgment; and he died in extreme old age, and having departed he was buried near Haggai.

16. Malachias. He was born after the return in Sopha, and while still very young he lived a good life. And since all the people honored him as holy and gentle, they called him Malachi, which is interpreted as "angel"; for he was also comely in appearance. Moreover, whatever he himself said in prophecy, on that same day an angel of God, appearing, confirmed it, as happened in the days of anarchy, as is written in Spharphothim, that is, in the book of Judges. And while still young, he was added to his fathers in his own field.

17. Nathan the prophet of David was from Gaba, and he it was who taught him the law of the Lord. And he saw that David would transgress with Bathsheba, and as he hastened to go and announce it to him, Beliar hindered him, because along the way he found a dead man lying naked and slain. And he remained there, and on that night he knew that he had committed the sin. And he returned mourning, and when he had slain her husband, the Lord sent him to rebuke him. And he died at a very great age and was buried in his own land. 17. Nathan the prophet of David was of the priestly tribe. He was born in Gabaon, and he it was who taught David the law of the Lord. And knowing that David would transgress with Bathsheba, he hastened to go and announce it to him, so that he might guard himself from the lawlessness. And Beliar hindered him. For as he was coming to Jerusalem, he found a dead man slain, lying naked and prepared, and taking off his own garment and covering him, he remained there, wishing to bury the dead man. And not having arrived in time to go to David on that night, he committed the lawlessness. And knowing by the Spirit, the holy man returned mourning all his days, and when he had slain her husband, God sent him to rebuke David, for God saw Nathan mourning. For he said, "This impiety has happened through me." And the Lord heeded his groaning and said to him, "Since you think the wound has come about through you, through you also the healing will come." So he went and rebuked him concerning hidden things, and he did as the Lord commanded him.

Thus, having advanced to a deep old age and in great goodness, he fell asleep in peace.

18. Achia from Shiloh, where the tabernacle was formerly, from the city of Eli. This one spoke concerning Solomon, that he would offend the Lord; and he reproved Jeroboam, that he would proceed with guile against the Lord; he saw a yoke of oxen trampling the people and rushing against the priests; he also foretold to Solomon that women would drive him out of his senses and his entire lineage; and he died and was buried near the oak of Shiloh. Shiloh, which is also Eli, where the tabernacle was formerly. Shiloh was called Eli; at the beginning of his priesthood he prophesied concerning Solomon, that he would offend because of women; that women would drive him out of his senses and pervert him from the Lord and his entire lineage; and concerning Jeroboam he said that he would proceed with guile against the Lord and against Israel; he saw a yoke of female oxen trampling the people and rushing against the priests; and that Solomon would transgress the law of the Most High; these things Eli foretold to his sons to serve as priests. And this prophet himself died in extreme old age, not well.

19. Ioad from Samareim. This is the one whom a lion struck and killed, when he reproved Jeroboam concerning the heifers; and he was buried in Bethel near the false prophet who had led him astray.

20. Azarias from the land of Sybatha, who turned back from Israel the captivity of Judah; and when he died he was buried in his own field.

21. Elijah the Thesbite, from the land of the Arabs, of the tribe of Aaron, dwelling in Galaad, because Thesbis was a gift to the priests. When he was about to be born, his father Sobacha saw that men in white were greeting him, and that they were swaddling him in fire, and giving him a flame of fire to eat; and going he reported it in Jerusalem, and the oracle said to him: Do not be afraid; for his dwelling shall be light, and his word a decree, and he shall judge Israel. The signs which he performed are these: Elijah prayed, and it did not rain for three years; and again he prayed after three years, and there was much rain. In Sarephtha of Sidonia, by the word of the Lord, he caused the widow's jar not to fail and the flask of oil not to diminish; her son who had died, God raised from the dead at his prayer. When a problem was posed by him and the prophets of Baal, as to who might be the true and real God, he chose that a sacrifice be made by him and by them, and that no fire be placed under it, but that each should pray, and the one who answered be God. So the prophets of Baal prayed and cut themselves until the ninth hour, and no one answered them; but Elijah filled the place with much water, and immediately fire fell and consumed the sacrifice, and the water disappeared; and all blessed God, and they slew the prophets of Baal, who were four hundred and fifty. To King Uzziah, who sent to consult idols, he prophesied death, and he died.

Two commanders of fifty men were sent against him by Ahaziah, the king of Israel. He called upon the Lord, and fire came down from heaven and consumed them, by the command of the Lord. Ravens brought him bread in the morning and meat in the evening. He struck the Jordan with his sheepskin, and it was divided, and they crossed on dry foot, both he and Elisha. Finally, he was taken up in a fiery chariot.

22. Elisha was from Abel-meholah in the land of Reuben. A portent occurred concerning him: when he was born in Gilgal, the golden heifer bellowed loudly, so that it was heard in Jerusalem. And the priest said through the Urim and Thummim that a prophet had been born to Israel who would destroy their carved images and molten images. And having died, he was buried in Samaria. The signs which he performed are these: he also struck the Jordan with Elijah’s sheepskin cloak, and the water was divided, and he himself crossed on dry foot. The waters in Jericho were bad and barren. And having heard from the people of the city, he called upon God and said, “I heal these waters, and from that place there will no longer be death and childlessness.” And the waters were healed until this day. When children were disobedient toward him, he cursed them, and two bears came out and tore apart forty-two of them. A prophet’s wife, whose husband had died, was harassed by creditors and, having no means to repay, came to Elisha. He instructed her to gather as many new vessels as she could and to pour the oil, which was very little, into them until the vessels were full. Having done this, she filled the vessels, repaid the creditors, and had the surplus for the sustenance of her children. Going to Shunem, he stayed with a certain woman. She was not bearing a child but desired to have one. He prayed and caused her to conceive and give birth. Then, when the child died, he prayed again and raised him from the dead.

When he came to Gilgal, he was received among the sons of the prophets. When a meat dish was boiled and a deadly herb was boiled together with the meat, and all were in danger, he made the food harmless and pleasant. When the sons of the prophets were cutting wood by the Jordan, the sickle fell out and sank; and Elisha, praying, made the sickle float. Naaman the Syrian was cleansed of his leprosy through him. His servant Elisha, called Gehazi, who went secretly against his will to Naaman and asked for silver, later came and denied it; he convicted him and cursed him, and he became a leper. When the king of Syria was warring against Israel, he secured the king of Israel by reporting to him the plans of the enemy. When the king of Syria learned this, he sent a force to bring the prophet; but Elisha, praying, made them overtaken by blindness, and he led them to Samaria to the enemies, and keeping them unharmed, he saved and fed them. When the king of Syria learned this, he ceased from war. After the death of Elisha, a certain man died and, while being buried, was thrown upon his bones; and as soon as he touched the bones of Elisha, the dead man immediately revived.

23. Zechariah, from Jerusalem, son of Jehoiada the priest, whom Joash the king of Judah killed near the altar; and the house of David shed his blood in the middle of the Ailam; and the priests took him and buried him with his father. From then on, portents occurred in the temple, apparitions, and the priests were unable to see a vision of angels of God, nor to give oracles from the Dabeir, nor to inquire by the Ephod, nor to answer the people through the lots as before. (Jadok. A man of God who came from the land of Judah to Jerusalem to Jeroboam was called Jadok. He prophesied about Josiah the king of Judah, that he would burn the bones of the priests of Baal on the altar where Jeroboam sacrificed to Baal. And while he was prophesying, the king stretched out his hand to seize him, and the king’s hand immediately withered. Simon the son of Clopas, the cousin of the Lord; falsely accused by the heresies, he was charged before the consular Atticus. And after being tortured for many days, he bore witness, so that all marveled, including the consular, how at one hundred and twenty years of age he endured the tortures; and he ordered him to be crucified.) And there were other hidden prophets, whose names are recorded in their genealogies in the books of the names of Israel; for the entire race of Israel was recorded by name (of the prophets and holy men, and their death and their offices, and when they died; and it was for a memorial of the priests and kings and prophets and the magnates and holy men). And these things are up to this point. 1.

Isaiah, from Jerusalem, dies at the hands of Manasseh, sawn in two, and was placed under the oak of Rogel, near the crossing of the waters which Hezekiah destroyed by blocking them. And God made the sign of Siloam for the prophet, because before his death, being in distress, he prayed to drink water, and immediately it was sent to him from it; for this reason it was called Siloam, which is interpreted as "sent." And in the time of Hezekiah, before he made the pools and the baths, at the prayer of Isaiah a little water came forth, because the people were in a siege by foreigners and so that the city might not be destroyed as not having water. For the enemies wondered whence they drank; and having the city, they besieged Siloam. Therefore, if the Jews came, water came forth; but if foreigners, it did not. Hence even today it comes forth suddenly, so that the mystery may be shown. And since this happened through Isaiah, for the sake of memory the people buried him nearby with care and honor, so that through his prayers even after his death they might likewise have the enjoyment of the water, because an oracle was also given to them concerning it. And his tomb is near the tomb of the kings, behind the tomb of the priests, on the side towards the south. For Solomon made the tombs, David having drawn the plan, east of Zion, which has an entrance from Gabaon, twenty stadia from the city. And he made it winding, a construction not to be suspected; and it is unknown to most even to this day, and to the whole people. There the king kept the gold from Ethiopia and the spices.

And because Hezekiah revealed to the nations the mystery of David and Solomon and defiled the bones of the place of his fathers, for this reason God cursed his seed to be in servitude to his enemies, and God made him barren from that day. 2. Jeremiah was from Anathoth and dies at Taphnae in Egypt, stoned by the people. He lies in the place of the dwelling of Pharaoh, because the Egyptians honored him, having been benefited through him. For he prayed, and the asps left them, as did the beasts of the waters, which the Egyptians call nephoth and the Greeks crocodiles. And as many as are faithful to God, to this day they pray in the place and, taking dust from the place, heal the bites of asps. [And many of them drive away these beasts and those of the water.] But we have heard from the children of Antigonus and Ptolemy, old men, that Alexander the Macedonian, having come to the place of the prophet and having recognized his mysteries, transferred his remains to Alexandria, placing them around with honor; and the race of asps was prevented from the land, and likewise the crocodiles from the river, and thus he introduced the snakes called argolai, which are ophiomachi, which he brought from Argos in the Peloponnese, whence they are also called argolai, that is, right-hand men of Argos; for they call everything on the left "laian." This Jeremiah gave a sign to the priests of Egypt, that their idols must be shaken and fall down because of a savior born from a virgin in a manger.

For this reason even to this day they honor a virgin in childbirth and worship an infant placed in a manger, and when King Ptolemy inquired about the cause, they said that it is a mystery handed down by tradition from a holy prophet to our fathers, and we await the fulfillment, they say, of his mystery. This prophet, before the capture of the temple, seized the ark of the law and the things in it and caused them to be swallowed up in a rock, and said to those standing by: The Lord has departed from Zion to heaven and will come again in power. And this will be a sign to you of his coming: when all the nations worship a tree. He also said that no one will bring out this ark except Aaron, and no one will unroll the tablets in it any longer, neither priest nor prophet, except Moses the chosen one of God, and at the resurrection the ark will be the first to rise and will come forth from the rock and be placed on Mount Sinai, and all the saints will gather there to him, awaiting the Lord and fleeing the enemy who wishes to destroy them. In the rock he sealed the name of God with his finger, and the impression became like an engraving of iron, and a cloud covered the name, and no one knows the place nor can read it until today and until the end. And the rock is in the desert, where the ark was first placed between the two mountains where Moses and Aaron lie. And at night a cloud like fire appears according to the ancient pattern, because the glory of God will never cease from his law.

And God gave Jeremiah grace, so that he himself might accomplish the end of his mystery, that he might become a fellow participant with Moses, and they are together until this day. 3. Ezekiel. This man is from the land of Arira, from the priests, and he died in the land of the Chaldeans during the captivity, having prophesied many things to those in Judea. The leader of the people of Israel there killed him, being rebuked by him for the worship of idols. And they buried him in the field of Maour, in the tomb of Shem and Arphaxad, the ancestors of Abraham, and the tomb is a double cave, because Abraham in Hebron also made the tomb of Sarah in imitation of it. It is called double because it is twisted and hidden, with an upper chamber above ground level, and it hangs on a rock above the ground. This prophet gave a sign to the people, so that they should watch the river Chobar; when it dries up, they should expect the sickle of desolation at the end of the earth, and when it floods, the return to Jerusalem. For the holy man dwelt there, and many gathered around him. And once, when a crowd was with him, the Chaldeans feared that they might revolt, and they attacked them for slaughter. And he made the water stand still, so that they might escape to the other side. And those of the enemies who dared to pursue were drowned. Through prayer, he spontaneously provided them with abundant food of fish, and for many who were perishing, he entreated God to bring them life. When the people were being destroyed by the enemies, he approached the leaders, and through wonders they were frightened and ceased. He said this to them:

We have been in disagreement; our hope has perished. And by a portent of the bones of the dead, he persuaded them that there will be hope for Israel both here and in the future. This man, while there, showed the people of Israel what was happening in Jerusalem and in the temple. He was snatched from there and came to Jerusalem to convict the unbelievers. This man, like Moses, saw the form, whose wall and outer wall are broad, just as Daniel also said, that it will be built. This man judged in Babylon the tribe of Dan and of Gad, because they were impious toward the Lord, persecuting those who kept the law; and he performed a great portent for them, that serpents were devouring their infants and all their livestock, and he foretold that because of them the people would not return to their land, but would be in Media until the end of their error. And one of them was the one who killed him. For they opposed him all the days of his life. 4. Daniel. This man was from the tribe of Judah, of the lineage of those prominent in the royal service, but while still a child he was brought from Judea to the land of the Chaldeans; he was born in Upper Beth-horon and was a man of such self-control that the Jews thought him to be a eunuch. He grieved much over the city and practiced fasting from all desirable food, and he was a man dry in appearance, but beautiful in the grace of the Most High. He prayed much for Nebuchadnezzar at the request of his son Belshazzar, when he became a beast and a brute, so that he might not perish. His foreparts were like an ox with the head, and his feet with the hind parts were a lion.

It was revealed to the holy one concerning this mystery, that he had become a beast because of love of pleasure and stubbornness, and that like an ox under a yoke they become servants of Beliar. The powerful have these things in youth; but in the end they become beasts, seizing, destroying, killing, and striking. The saint knew through God that he ate grass like an ox and became food of human nature. Because of this, also Nebuchadnezzar, after digestion, having come into a human heart, wept and besought the Lord every day and night, praying forty times. Behemoth came upon him, and he was unaware that he had become a man; his tongue was taken away so that he could not speak; and understanding, he immediately wept; his eyes were like meat from weeping. For many, going out from the city, saw him. Daniel alone did not wish to see him, because for the whole time of his transformation he was in prayer concerning him; he said that he would again become a man; and they did not believe him. Daniel made the seven years, which he called seven seasons, become seven months; the mystery of the seven seasons was fulfilled for him, because he restored him in seven months; for six years and six months he submitted to the Lord and confessed his impiety, and after remission of his lawlessness he gave him back the kingdom. He ate neither bread nor meat nor drank wine, confessing, because Daniel commanded him to propitiate the Lord with soaked legumes and greens. Because of this he called him Belshazzar, because he wished to make him co-heir of his children. But the holy one said:

... merciful to me to renounce the inheritance of my fathers and to cleave to the inheritances of the uncircumcised. And to the other kings of the Persians he performed many wonders, as many as they did not record. There he died and was buried in the royal cave alone and with honor. And he himself gave a sign in the mountains above Babylon, that: when the north is smoked, the end of Babylon will come; but when it lies as in fire, the end of the whole earth; but when pure water flows forth toward the east, then God will appear on earth as a man and will take upon himself the lawlessnesses of the earth, when he is impaled by the priests of the law [and elders of the people of Israel. Then there will be slaughter of Beliar]. Immediately joy will be poured out upon all the nations; but when the south burns in fire, the end of the whole earth will be. If the water in the south flows, the people will return to their land, and if blood flows, there will be slaughter of Beliar throughout the whole earth. And the holy one fell asleep in peace. 5. Hosea. He was from Belemoth of the tribe of Issachar and was buried in his own land in peace. And he gave a sign that the Lord would come upon the earth, if the oak at Shiloh is divided of itself and becomes twelve oaks. 6. Micah the Morasthite was from the tribe of Ephraim. Having done many things to Ahab, he was killed by Joram his son by a precipice, because he reproached him for the impieties of his fathers. And he was buried in his own land alone near the common burial ground of the Enakim. 7. Amos was from Tekoa. And Amaziah frequently beat him with a drum, and finally his son killed him, striking his temple with a club.

And while still breathing he came into his own land, and after some days he died and was buried there. 8. Joel was from the land of Reuben, in the field of Bethomoron, [having prophesied concerning famine and the oppression of sacrifices and the passion of a righteous prophet, and that through him creation would be renewed for salvation]. He died in peace and was buried there. 9. Obadiah was from the land of Shechem, in the field of Bethacharam. He was a disciple of Elijah and, having endured much for his sake, was preserved. He was the third pentekontarchos whom Elijah spared, and he went down to Ahaziah. After this, having left the service of the king, he prophesied and died, being buried with his fathers. 9.col.b. Having besought Elijah on behalf of Ahab, he became his disciple, and having suffered much for his sake, and having left the service of the king, he followed Elijah, and prophesied, and was buried with his fathers. 10. Jonah was from the land of Kariathmous, near the Greek city of Azotus by the sea. 10.col.a. And having been cast out from the whale, and having gone to Nineveh, on his return he did not remain in his own land, but taking his mother he sojourned in the land of Sour, among the foreign nations; for he said, "Thus I will remove my reproach, because I falsely prophesied against Nineveh, the great city." At that time Elijah was rebuking the house of Ahab, and having called down a famine upon the land, he fled. And coming, he found the widow with her son; for he could not remain among the uncircumcised; and he blessed her. And when her son died, God again raised him from the dead through Elijah; for he wished to show him that he cannot flee from God. And having arisen after the famine, he came into the land of Judah.

And he buried his mother, who had died along the road, near the oak of Debbora. And having settled in the land of Saraar, he died and was buried in the cave of Kenezeou, who had been a judge of one tribe in the days of the anarchy. And he gave a sign over Jerusalem and the whole land: when they see a stone crying out piteously, the end is near. And when they see in Jerusalem all the nations, that the city has been utterly razed to the ground. 10.col.b. At that time Elijah the prophet was rebuking Ahab, king of Samaria; and he called down a great famine upon the land; he fled into the wilderness and was fed by the ravens of the wilderness, and he drank water from the winter torrent; and when the winter torrent dried up, the prophet became hungry and came to Sarephtha, and found the widow with her son Jonah, and blessed her with grain and oil, and stayed with him. For he could not remain with the uncircumcised; and when her son Jonah died, God again raised him from the dead through Elijah. And he gave him back to his mother because of her hospitality. And when Jonah had grown up, he was sent by the Lord to Nineveh, the city of the Assyrians. And Jonah sought to flee from the Lord, and was swallowed by the whale, and having been cast up, he proclaimed the destruction of Nineveh, and the men of Nineveh repented and were pitied. And Jonah grieved, and returning did not remain in their land, but taking his mother, he settled in the land of Sour of the Philistines. For he said: "Thus I will remove my disgrace, because I falsely prophesied against Nineveh, the great city of the Assyrians"; for God wished to show him that he cannot flee from God.

And having settled in the land of Saar, he died there and was buried in the cave of Kenezeou, the judge. This is Jonah, who became a type of the Lord's resurrection, and he gave a sign to Israel, saying: when they see many nations against Jerusalem, that the city will be razed to the ground. 11. Naoum from Elkesi, beyond Isbega Barin, of the tribe of Symeon. He, after Jonah, gave a sign to Nineveh, that it would be destroyed by fresh waters and subterranean fire, which indeed happened. For the lake surrounding it flooded it in an earthquake, and fire coming from the desert burned its higher part. He died in peace and was buried in his own land. 12. Ambakoum was of the tribe of Symeon, from the field of Bethzouchar. He saw before the captivity concerning the capture of Jerusalem and grieved greatly. And when Nabouchodonosor came to Jerusalem, he fled to Ostrakine and sojourned in the land of Ismael. When the Chaldeans and the remnant in Jerusalem returned to Egypt, he was sojourning in his own land and served the harvesters of his field. When he took the meal, he prophesied to his own, saying: I am going to a distant land and will return quickly. But if I delay, bring the meal to the harvesters. And having gone to Babylon and given the meal to Daniel, he appeared to the harvesters while they were eating and told no one what had happened; but he understood that the people would return from Babylon quickly. And he died two years before the return. And he was buried in his own field alone. He gave a sign to those in Judea, that they would see light in the temple and thus behold the glory of the temple.

And concerning the completion of the temple, he foretold that it would be brought about by a western nation. Then, he says, the veil of the Davir will be torn into small pieces, and the capitals of the two pillars will be removed, and no one will know where they are; they will be carried away into the desert by angels, to the place where the tent of the tabernacle was originally erected. And by them the Lord will be known at the end, because they will enlighten those persecuted by the serpent in darkness, as in the beginning. [And the Lord will save them from darkness and the shadow of death; and they will be in a holy tent. This prophet prophesied many things concerning the coming of Christ. And two years before the return of the people from Babylon, he died and was buried in his own field, alone and with honor.] 13. Zephaniah was from the tribe of Symeon, of the village of Sabaratha; he prophesied concerning the city and concerning the end of nations and the shame of the impious; and having died, he was buried in his own field. 14. Haggai, who is also the angel, came as a young man from Babylon to Jerusalem and openly prophesied concerning the return of the people and saw in part the building of the temple. And having died, he was buried near the tomb of the priests with honor, as they were. 15. Zechariah came from the Chaldeans, already advanced in age, and there he prophesied many things to the people; and he gave signs as proof. He said to Josedech that he would beget a son and that he would serve as priest in Jerusalem. He also blessed Salathiel concerning his son and gave him the name Zerubbabel; and under Cyrus he gave a sign for victory and foretold concerning the liturgy which he would perform over Jerusalem, and he blessed him greatly.

The things of the prophecy he saw in Jerusalem, and concerning the end of nations and Israel and the temple and the idleness of prophets and priests, and concerning a double judgment he set forth; and he died in extreme old age and, having departed, was buried near Haggai. [Alleluia of Haggai and Zechariah the spiritual prophet David said in the last psalms: that is, praise God in psalms and choruses concerning the return from Babylon.] 16. Malachi. This one after the return was born in Sopha and while still very young had a good life. And since all the people honored him as holy and gentle, they called him Malachi, which is interpreted angel; for he was also comely in appearance. But also whatever he himself said in prophecy, on that same day an angel of God appearing confirmed, as happened in the days of anarchy as is written in Spharphothim, that is, in the book of Judges. And while still young he was added to his fathers in his own field. 17. Nathan the prophet of David was from Gaba and he was the one who taught him the law of the Lord and he saw that David would transgress with Bathsheba and when hastening to go announce it to him, Beliar hindered him, because along the way he found a dead man lying naked and slain; and he remained there and on that night he knew that he had committed the sin. And he returned mourning and when he had killed her husband, the Lord sent to rebuke him; and he himself, having grown very old, died and was buried in his own land. 17. Nathan the prophet of David was from the priestly tribe. He was born in Gabaoth and he taught David the law of the Lord.

And knowing that David would transgress at Beersheba, he hastened to go and announce it to him, so that he might guard against the lawlessness. But Beliar hindered him. For as he was coming to Jerusalem, he found a dead man, slain, prepared, naked, and taking off his garment and wrapping it around him, he remained there, wishing to bury the dead man. And not having arrived in time to go to David that night, he committed the lawlessness. And knowing by the spirit, the holy man returned, mourning all the days, and when he killed her husband, God sent him to rebuke David, for God saw Nathan mourning. For he said, "This impiety happened because of me." And the Lord heeded his groaning. And he said to him, "Since you think the wound came about through you, through you also the healing will come." So going, he rebuked him concerning hidden things, and he did as the Lord commanded him. This man, then, having advanced to a deep old age and in much goodness, fell asleep in peace. 18. Col. a. Ahijah from Shiloh, where the tabernacle was formerly, from the city of Eli. This man spoke about Solomon, that he would offend the Lord; and he rebuked Jeroboam, that he would proceed with deceit against the Lord; he saw a yoke of oxen trampling the people and running against the priests; he also foretold to Solomon that his wives would drive him mad and his whole race; and he died and was buried near the oak of Shiloh. 18. Col. b. Shiloh, who is also Eli, where the tabernacle was formerly. And Shiloh was called Eli; at the beginning of his priesthood he prophesied about Solomon, that he would offend because of the women.

that women would cause him to deviate and turn him away from the Lord, and his entire race; and concerning Jeroboam he said that he would proceed with deceit against the Lord and against Israel; he saw a pair of female oxen trampling the people and running against the priests; and that Solomon would transgress the law of the Most High; these things Eli foretold to his sons to serve as priests. And this prophet himself died in extreme old age, not well. 19. Jehoiada from Samareim. This is the one whom the lion struck and he died, when he rebuked Jeroboam concerning the heifers; and he was buried in Bethel near the false prophet who led him astray. 20. Azariah from the land of Sybatha, who turned back the captivity of Judah from Israel; and having died, he was buried in his field. 21. Elijah the Tishbite from the land of the Arabs, of the tribe of Aaron, dwelling in Galaad, because Thesbis was a gift to the priests. When he was about to be born, his father Sobacha saw that men of radiant appearance greeted him, and that they swaddled him in fire, and gave him a flame of fire to eat; and coming, he announced it in Jerusalem, and the oracle said to him: Do not be afraid; for his dwelling will be light, and his word a decree, and he will judge Israel. And the signs which he performed are these: Elijah prayed and it did not rain for three years, and again he prayed after three years and there was abundant rain; in Sarepta of Sidon he made, by the word of the Lord, the widow's jar not run out and the flask of oil not diminish; her son who had died, God raised from the dead at his prayer.

When a problem was posed by him and by the prophets of Baal as to who would be the true and real god, he chose to have a sacrifice made both by himself and by them, and not to set fire underneath, but for each to pray, and the one who answered them would be god. So the prophets of Baal prayed and cut themselves until the ninth hour, and no one answered them; but Elijah filled the place with much water, and immediately fire fell and consumed the sacrifice, and the water disappeared; and all blessed the god, and they slew the prophets of Baal, who were four hundred and fifty. To King Uzziah, who sent to consult idols for divination, he prophesied death, and he died. When two centurions were sent against him by King Jehoahaz of Israel, he called upon the Lord, and fire came down from heaven and consumed them, the fire by command of the Lord. Ravens brought him bread in the morning, and meat in the evening; he struck the Jordan with his mantle, and it was divided, and they crossed on dry foot, both he and Elisha; finally he was taken up by a fiery chariot. 22. Elisha was from Abel-meholah in the land of Reuben; and a portent occurred concerning him, that when he was born in Gilgal, the golden heifer bellowed loudly, so as to be heard in Jerusalem; and the priest said through the Urim that a prophet had been born to Israel who would destroy their carved and molten images; and having died, he was buried in Samaria. And the signs that he performed are these: he also struck the Jordan with Elijah's mantle, and the water was divided, and he too crossed on dry foot; the waters in Jericho were bad and barren.

And having heard from the people of the city, he called upon God and said, "I heal these waters, and there will no longer be death and childlessness from that place." And the waters were healed until this day. When children were misbehaving against him, he cursed them, and two bears burst forth and killed forty-two of them. When the wife of a deceased prophet was troubled by creditors and had nothing to repay, she came to Elisha, and he instructed her to gather as many new vessels as she could and to pour the very little oil she had into them until the vessels were full. And having done this, she filled the vessels, repaid the creditors, and had the surplus for the sustenance of her children. Going to Shunem, he stayed with a certain woman who was not bearing a child but desired to have one; he prayed and caused her to conceive and give birth. Then, when the child died, he prayed again and raised him from the dead. Going to Gilgal, he lodged with the sons of the prophets, and when a dish was cooked and a deadly herb was cooked with it, and all were nearly in danger, he made the food harmless and pleasant. When the sons of the prophets were cutting wood by the Jordan, the sickle fell out and was sunk; but Elisha, praying, caused the sickle to float. Naaman the Syrian was cleansed of his leprosy through him. His servant, called Gehazi, who went secretly against Elisha's will to Naaman and asked for silver, later came and denied it; Elisha convicted him and cursed him, and he became a leper.

When the king of Syria was making war against Israel, he [Elisha] secured the king of Israel by reporting to him the plans of the enemy. Learning this, the king of Syria sent a force to bring the prophet. But Elisha, having prayed, caused them to be struck with blindness and led them to Samaria to the enemies, and having kept them unharmed, he saved and fed them. Learning this, the king of Syria ceased from war. After the death of Elisha, a certain person who had died and was being buried was thrown upon his bones, and as soon as he touched the bones of Elisha, the corpse immediately came back to life. 23. Zechariah, from Jerusalem, son of Jehoiada the priest, whom Joash the king of Judah killed near the altar; and the house of David shed his blood in the middle of the portico. And the priests, taking him, buried him with his father. From that time, portents and apparitions occurred in the temple, and the priests were unable to see a vision of angels of God, nor to give oracles from the Debir, nor to inquire by the Ephod, nor to answer the people through the Urim and Thummim as before. (Jadok.) A man of God who came from the land of Judah to Jerusalem to Jeroboam was called Jadok. He prophesied concerning Josiah the king of Judah, that he would burn the bones of the priests of Baal upon the altar where Jeroboam sacrificed to Baal. And while he was prophesying, the king stretched out his hand to seize him, and the king's hand immediately withered. Simon the son of Clopas, the cousin of the Lord; having been falsely accused by the heresies, he was denounced before the Attic consul.

And after being tortured for many days, he bore witness, so that everyone marveled, including the consular, at how, being one hundred and twenty years old, he endured the tortures; and he ordered him to be crucified. And there were other hidden prophets, whose names are recorded in their genealogies in the books of the names of Israel; for the entire race of Israel was recorded by name [of the prophets and holy men, and their death and their offices, and when they died; and it was for a memorial of the priests and kings and prophets and the magnates and holy men]. And these things are up to this point.