sin, but renewed and awakened by the memory of better things. VERS. 39. A « Remove my reproach. » Every just man suspects sinful men of the reproach with which they are accustomed to taunt them whenever they have strayed even the slightest bit from virtue. But God, using gentle and benign judgments, does not overlook their reproach, but removes it by correcting them, if they have happened to stray even in a small matter. VERS. 68. « Thou art good, O Lord. » It is the work of a just man, gladly accepting everything that happens from Providence with contentment, even in those things which are reckoned more bitter, to say to God that which is written: « Thou art good; » and also that: B « I will bless the Lord at all times, » holding fast to the same disposition of soul.
OF HESYCHIUS, PRESBYTER OF JERUSALEM
POETICAL ARRANGEMENT OF THE TWELVE PROPHETS, AND ISAIAH [AND DANIEL], HAVING IN THE MARGINS THE INTERPRETATIONS OF THE MORE DIFFICULT PASSAGES.
C That is indeed an ancient practice among the prophets, namely, to set forth their prophecies for the most part in versicles, for the clarification of the subjects being treated. For thus you may see David singing to the harp, the author of the Proverbs setting forth his parables, and the author of Ecclesiastes his prophecies; thus the book written about Job; thus the Canticles of Canticles divided into versicles. Moreover, since I also found the apostolic book composed in a certain way, I have not without cause followed this same method in the twelve books of the prophets. But since the division into versicles illuminates many things that are indeed obscure, and also teaches where most of the doubtful punctuation should be arranged, so that both the unlearned and the highly skilled may derive some utility from the labor, whether small or great, D that—
A the Spirit has bestowed beyond what is deserved, which is extremely necessary for the one who studies, I have added a brief explanation of the points that are doubtful or perhaps obscure, or even entirely ambiguous, which I have annexed to the verses so that alongside the reading itself, an understanding may be acquired. Do not be surprised that most things are expressed for the purpose of anagogical interpretation; for the book itself is prophecy. It is the concern of the prophets, or rather of the One who speaks within them, to say nothing in a way that is easily accessible to others, namely to those who have not attained the Holy Spirit—to treat, that is, of the predictions concerning God, and the narration of the miracles which He dispenses, and the mysteries that were to come many ages after those who uttered them; these things are not to be thought of in a vulgar way; for that would be an insult to the revealing Spirit. B Indeed, no one will be able to attain the explanation of the prophets who attempts to strip it away from the vision of the Spirit. For what will you say that these words of Hosea intend: "Ephraim is an evil spirit," and for what reason, "he carried oil into Egypt," and what sort of rebuke is this, and what is it worthy of reproach? What is the vessel of the catcher which Amos handed down? What is the tin stone, bearing seven eyes, as the prophet Zechariah wrote? And many other things similar to these; concerning which He Himself, who spoke these things through the pen of the prophets, testifies that Hosea said: "I have multiplied visions, and I have been likened to the hands of the prophets." C His word, however, briefly hands down this fact, namely that some of the prophets were concealed from the kings under whom they issued their prophecies, or that they prophesied among the nations, or happened to have sprung from the nations. For even if the prophecy was sent primordially to Israel, nevertheless, it happened that some prophets were heard by some of the nations. Does not Jonah seem to indicate this to us most especially, being himself from the nations and having prophesied among the nations? For the prophet was sent to proclaim to the Ninevites, and the book of Kings declares him to be from Gath, which is one of the foreign satrapies; for it says: "The word of the Lord God of Israel, which He spoke by the hand of His servant Jonah, the son of Amittai, the prophet from Gath-Hepher." D And for this reason he set forth the prophecy without a time-frame. But also Joel, having written his own proem in this way: "Hear this, O elders, and give ear, all you who inhabit the earth." The same is true of Obadiah: "I have heard a report from the Lord, and He has sent an envoy to the nations." And furthermore, Nahum, saying "A burden of Nineveh," compels us to think similar things about them. For as for Habakkuk, if he is the one whom the angel, having snatched him away, carried to Babylon, I do not have anything clear to say; except that he himself in the proem of his book makes mention not only of Judea, or of Samaria, or of Israel, but also of the whole earth. For he does not introduce an accusation of only Judea in his entire prophetic book. But if you search for Malachi, you will find him distributing the main part of his prophecy to the nations, who, though he is called the angel of the Lord, was nevertheless a man: for the prophets of God were called angels; because
Haggai thus called both himself and the other prophets whose services he claimed for his own prophecy. For he says: "And Haggai, the angel of the Lord, said among the angels of the Lord to the people." It is possible that the prophet also possessed this as a proper name. A Moreover, it is worth adding, for a more accurate understanding of the prophetic books, that the grace of prophecy is ancient, having begun from the very creation of man. Thus Adam, clearly by a prophetic gift, said of Eve: "For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh." And Abraham was called a prophet by God Himself, who said to Abimelech: "Restore the wife to the man, for he is a prophet." Therefore, those are not the only prophets under whose name a prophecy is inscribed. For how was Samuel called the chief of the prophets? How were those who were gathered by Elijah called sons of the prophets? B For no written prophecy is recorded under the name of these men or those. Therefore, all those who were perhaps skilled in philosophy beyond others, and who also became illustrious through prophetic study, were either recorded in the historical books of the inspired Scripture regarding whatever they said or did by the prophetic Spirit, as were Samuel, Elijah, and Elisha; or, being moved by the Spirit, they themselves composed prophetic books, such as the twelve, and Isaiah, and Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, and Daniel. Among these, Ezekiel and Daniel, Haggai and Zacharias, prophesy later, during the captivity of the Jewish people among the Assyrians. C Jeremiah, however, prophesies of this very captivity. Zephaniah flourished not for the whole time of his prophecy, but only in part, prophesying during the reign of Josiah, under whom Jeremiah also began to prophesy. The others were contemporaries of Isaiah, but later than Samuel, Elijah, and Elisha. This is evident from the fact that Joash, the king of Israel, was present at the death of Elisha. In the days of Jeroboam—not the son of Nebat, but the son of Joash—Hosea published his prophecy. At the same time as him flourished Amos, Micah, and Isaiah; as the kings listed at the head of each prophecy can show to one who studies and examines them diligently. D Moreover, we must necessarily add to the prologue what is missing: namely, that Amos and Hosea prophesied in Judea and Samaria, and for this reason they numbered among the kings of Judah Jeroboam, who held the scepter of the ten tribes that had been separated for Israel. But it is evident that Amaziah, the priest of Bethel, said these things to Amos: "Depart into the land of Judah, and live there, and prophesy there; but do not add any more to Bethel." However, as many as proclaimed the prophecy of the future of Judea mention only those kings who reigned over it.
CHAPTERS OF THE PROPHET HOSEA
A I. Image of the synagogue of the Jews, from whom Christ is born according to the flesh; and how one part of the people remained in incredulity, while the other subsequently converts and is saved.
II. Threats against the synagogue, namely that it will be stripped of all the good things accepted from God, and indeed even those things which it presumed to possess from its idols.
III. Prediction of how the synagogue of the Jews is humbled and liberated from the servitude of idols. Those who from it shall believe will participate with the nations in the new covenant and in the mysteries in Christ.
B IV. Accusation of the synagogue, that, whereas it was loved by God, it ran after idols. And a prediction of how its ancient way of life will be completely voided for it, but it itself shall subsequently turn to Christ.
V. Narratives of those things in which the people of the Jews and their priests were impious and committed sin.
VI. Accusation of the princes of the Jews, that through their fault the people sinned, and did not turn wholeheartedly to God; but rather sought Him with illegitimate victims, and for that reason did not find Him.
VII. Command that it be proclaimed how the people of the Jews sinned; and what Christ accomplished through the mystery of His resurrection and ascension.
VIII. Demonstration of God’s love for mankind and of the ungrateful spirit of the Jews; and an exhortation to them that they might become partakers of the conversion of the nations and of the robber who was saved at the time of the cross.
C IX. Accusation against the sensual Israel, namely, how many and how great were the sins they committed against Christ; and that, their way of life having grown old, they did not perceive it, but emulated the ancient impiety of the nations, for which crimes He threatens them with humiliation.
X. Lamentation of the people of the Jews, how much they sinned against God, and by how many things they were chastised by Him; and how, because of the error of idolatry, their temple and their land perished, as did the ordinances they had received from God.
XI. Failure of the Jewish joy, in that, having emulated the impiety of the nations, they contaminated God’s sacrifices and offerings, and introduced the error of idols into the temple.
XII. How God uniquely chose Israel for Himself; but they ran to idols, and departed from the servitude of God, nor did they revere Christ, who was incarnate among them; whence a curse of sterility and of dispersion among the nations is brought upon them.
D NOTES.
The chapters may be compared with those of Eusebius, which are prefixed to the edition of Procopius of Gaza on Isaiah.
A
XIII. Accusation of sensible Israel, that while it previously cultivated piety, afterwards it not only served idols, but also rejected the kingdom of Christ. And threats as to the extent of the punishment they are to endure.
XIV. Exhortation to the ancient people toward piety; and threats against them because they rejected the incarnate Christ. And a prophecy regarding how, while he was a child, he was called by his Father out of Egypt.
XV. Accusation of the idolatrous error of the Jews; and that, though they were corrected by God, they did not turn back, but, having made his proclamation void, they provoked him to anger against the polity and the Temple. B
XVI. What benefits Christ bestowed upon the Jews, yet they persisted in their impiety. Accordingly, it is denounced that they are to be punished, and that Christ will be vindicated by the Father because he was disobeyed by them.
XVII. Exhortation as to how it is necessary to turn to God, and an accusation of the things the people of the Jews plotted while transgressing. And a narrative of all that Christ bestowed as benefits both through the law and the prophets, and through his own presence.
XVIII. How the people of the Jews, having heaped insults upon Christ, received their reward, and, persisting in the slavery of idols, were destroyed; and how, though they previously received benefits from God, they are punished because they subsequently became unmindful.
XIX. Objurgation against the Jews, that they themselves rejected the kingdom of Christ, but he rendered the devil void, brought death to an end, and threatened the abolition of the Synagogue and its polity. C
XX. Exhortation to confession, and a promise of forgiveness and of the participation in the mysteries which the people from the nations have enjoyed.
Hosea signifies *saved*. This man was from Belemoth of the tribe of Issachar; and he gave a sign that the Lord would come, namely, when he was conversing with men on earth. And the oak at Silom will be divided into twelve parts, and there will be twelve oaks which will hear and follow God who is seen on earth, and through him all the earth will be saved; and thus, having died, he was buried in his own land.
CHAPTERS OF THE PROPHET JOEL
I. Accusation of the Jews, and a prophecy of those things which the people of the nations were to do to the people of the Jews.
II. Lamentation of the Jewish priests because of the barrenness of the people, and the destruction of the legal sacrifices. D
III. Exhortation to Israel to repentance because of the evils now occurring to them, and those expected on the day of judgment.
IV. Prophecy of the evangelical proclamation, and of the prophets.
NOTES. The lives of the eleven prophets are found written in capital letters, but anonymously. One is not wrong to doubt the author, since they are read also in the book of Epiphanius and in Theophylact’s Interpretation; most of them are also found in Dorotheus; likewise the Life of Joel in a manuscript of Cyril of Alexandria is described no differently than here.
of the polity of the new people, and of the things that are to happen at the time of the consummation.
V. A lesson on the methods of repentance, a promise of divine compassion, and a prophecy of the mysteries through which the power of the devil is brought to an end. A
VI. A prediction of salvation through the cross, and of the tradition of the new mysteries, which Christ, having become man, granted to Israel, especially to the spiritual Israel, for the averting of previous evils.
VII. A promise of the catholic gift and of the universal Spirit; and a prediction of what things shall be at the time of the consummation, and who shall then be saved.
VIII. A threat of judgment, especially against the demons, because they had delivered the people of God into the slavery of pleasures and the worship of Greek idols, and a promise of the conversion of the ungodly. B
IX. A stirring up of divine zeal, a threat of the universal judgment, and an exhortation to the achievement of virtues.
X. A prophecy of the events that occurred at the time of the cross, of the sanctification of the new Jerusalem, of the harmony of the apostles and prophets, and of the mystical fountain which flowed from the house of the Lord, that is to say, from the Lord’s side; of the destruction of demons, of the avenging of Adam, and a promise of the judgment of the devil and of the dwelling in the spiritual Sion.
Joel signifies "beloved of God" or "beginning." He was from the tribe of Reuben, from the territory of the borderlands; he died in peace and was buried there.
CHAPTERS OF THE PROPHET AMOS
C I. A prophecy of the desolation foretold by Christ to the Jews.
II. A threat against the nations neighboring Israel, because they had sinned against him in various ways and acted impiously toward God.
III. A threat against Judah and Israel, because they had transgressed the law, sold Christ, and sinned against His disciples; they acted wantonly in the temple, and hindered those filled with the Spirit from acting within them.
IV. That Israel, having been chosen by God, fell away and is therefore chastised; and that every correction is brought by God and signified by Him to the prophets. D
V. An accusation of the sins committed in Samaria, a threat against the spiritual Tyre, and a prediction that Israel shall be saved in part.
VI. A prophecy of the things that were to happen to Jerusalem and the rest of Judea, because they transgressed the law, among other things by offering sacrifices outside of the commanded place.
VII. A narrative of what the people of the Jews were to suffer, and of what they had suffered before; and a prophecy of the arrival of the Savior.
NOTE.
(5) This Joel was from the field of Bethora, [or] Ephratha; a neighbor of the territory of Bethoron, [or] Doroth.
A VIII. A prophecy to the Jewish Synagogue regarding its total ruin; and an exhortation to turn back to God; and a threat of the things which those who transgressed against Christ were about to suffer. IX. Counsel of godliness, and a foretelling of the Jewish lamentation, and of the things that will befall sinners on the day of judgment. X. Rejection of the Jewish sacrifices; and an accusation that they served the idols of the neighboring nations, even though they were greater in number and power; and how, due to a multitude of pleasures, they were turned to wantonness. XI. A threat of the devastation of Israel; and a narrative of those things in which they sinned against the law and against God, for which He threatens to bring the Babylonians upon them. XII. A foretelling of the expedition of the Babylonians, and of the punishment coming upon the Jews in the time to come, and of the arrival of the Savior in the flesh, and of the things that were to happen to the Jews from Him. XIII. A narrative of the intrigue of the priest of Bethel against the prophet, and of the things which the prophet, having been commanded by God, threatened against the priest. XIV. A prophecy of the ruin brought upon the temple by Christ; and a narrative of the sins the people of the Jews committed on the Sabbaths and New Moons, for which their land, along with its inhabitants, is punished. B XV. A prophecy of the miracles that were to take place upon the cross, and of the evils that were to come upon the Jews, as grace departed from them. XVI. A foretelling of the things which Christ threatened He would do to the people and the temple; and in addition to these, He rebukes them as being aliens, just like the other foreign nations. XVII. How the faithful Israel is separated from the unfaithful through the arrival of the Savior, and the kingdom of David is renewed in them, and they shall enjoy both the law and the good things of grace. Amos signifies "firmness" or "strength." Amos was from Thecua; and Amasias, having frequently beaten him with a staff, finally killed him with a sword. While he was yet breathing, he returned to his own land. And after two days, he died there and was buried.
THE CHAPTERS OF THE PROPHET OBADIAH
I. A threat against the devil; and a foretelling of what he himself was to suffer from the apostles and from those who turned from impiety, and what those who dwell under him in error C and impiety were to suffer. II. A threat against the same [devil], that he should not rejoice at the error of the nations; and a foretelling of the mysteries which they enjoy through the evangelical calling. III. How those who exercise themselves in the virtues, they both... of the spiritual foreigners and the Jews the... Dlive and act according to the governance and faith of those who have migrated to believe in Christ.
A Abdias signifies "servant who confesses." He was from Shechem. He was the third centurion, the third after Ahaziah, and having implored Elijah, and having been saved in a miraculous manner, he became his minister. Having suffered much from Ahab on account of Elijah, finally, having despised death and abandoned the king, he followed Elijah; he prophesied and, having died in peace, he was buried with his fathers.
THE CHAPTERS OF THE PROPHET JONAH
I. The commandment of God to Jonah, the flight of the prophet, the tempest at sea, and the lot by which the fugitive prophet is convicted.
II. How the prophet Jonah is swallowed by a sea monster, and when he had spent three days and nights inside it, he prayed to God, and thus is cast out upon the land by the sea monster.
III. The second commandment of preaching to Jonah, the journey to Nineveh, and the proclamation, to which the Ninevites, having been persuaded, came to repentance, by which God, being moved to compassion, ceased from his threat.
IV. The supplication of Jonah to God, his departure from the city, the preparation of the booth, the springing up and decay of the gourd, and the discourse of God to the prophet, that he did not spare Nineveh without reason.
Jonah signifies "laboring for the Most High" or "dove." Jonah was from the land of Gath-Hepher [Gath-Hepher, as some say, near Azotus, a city of the Greeks by the sea]. And having been cast out by the sea monster, having gone to Nineveh and preached, and having returned, he did not remain in his own land, but taking his mother, he dwelt in the region of Assur among foreign nations. For he said, "In this way I shall take away my reproach, for I erred in prophesying against Nineveh, the great city." At that time Elijah was rebuking Ahab. And when he had called a famine upon the land, he fled, and coming to Zarephath, he found the widow with her son, and stayed with them; for he could not stay among the uncircumcised. And he blessed her for her hospitality, for he had known her from before. When her son had died in the midst of the uncircumcised, God again raised the dead there through Elijah; for He wished to show him that no one is able to escape God. And Jonah, having risen after the famine, came into Judea, and his mother died on the way, and they buried her beside the oak of Deborah; and he lived in the land of Saraer, and died there, and was buried in the cave of Kenaz, the judge in the days when there were no kings. And he gave a great sign in Israel, and in all the earth. When they shall see, D
see a stone crying out piteously, and a wooden beetle speaking to God, then salvation draws near. Then they shall see Jerusalem razed even to the foundations, all of it, and in it all the nations A worshipping the Lord; and they shall move the stones toward the setting of the sun, and there shall be the worship of the Anointed (Christ), because Jerusalem had been despised in the desert of wild beasts and every uncleanness; and then shall come the end of every living soul.
CHAPTERS OF THE PROPHET MICAH
I. A prophecy of the coming of Christ, and of the things that are about to befall the Jewish people.
II. An exhortation to the impious nations, not to mock Israel, since it was from them that they were taught to act impiously; and a narrative of what things God has threatened to Israel.
III. A prediction of what things most of Israel will suffer on account of their wrong against Christ, and what things shall befall those of them who believe.
IV. Threats against the princes of the Jews and their false prophets, inasmuch as they act contrary to what they teach; and a prediction that faith in prophecy will no longer exist among them, and that the ancient Jerusalem and Zion shall be destroyed.
V. A prophecy of the gift of the Spirit poured out upon all believers; and of the entry of the nations into the new Jerusalem and Zion; and of their peace, of which they shall have Christ as their Prince; and how the Church, after the pressure from error, shall be received. B
VI. A rebuke to the Synagogue because of the erring that preceded; and a proclamation against demons through the power of the Cross, for the sake of those who have believed from within it.
VII. A prophecy announcing Christ out of Bethlehem; and how those from the nations who are converted, through the evangelical beatitudes and the gift of the Spirit, shall obtain freedom from diabolical servitude.
VIII. A prediction that the apostles will be seen as terrible to the nations, and that those from Israel who have believed shall prevail over demons, whenever the symbols of the deceit of the idols perish from among them. C
IX. The judgment of God against Israel, regarding the various ways in which He benefited them; and an exhortation to the same, as to what he must do to be saved.
X. Counsel to Israel to abstain from iniquity, and a threat that they shall be destroyed, and that they shall not taste of the mystical goods, but shall even be a reproach to the nations.
XI. A lamentation of the prophet over the barrenness of the people; and an exhortation not to have as much confidence in their own affairs as they have in God.
XII. An address of the Church to the Synagogue, not to rejoice because of her ancient impiety. For the Church herself D
will rise again through repentance, but that one will fall away even from the legal requirements and will be delivered up to the spiritual Assyrians.
XIII. An exhortation to Israel that they might be ruled by the cross, and how the nations will be put to shame by the demons; but we, through baptism, shall receive from God the remission of sins.
Micah means "humility" or "the humbled one." He was from Morathi, of the tribe of Ephraim. Having done many things with Ahab, he perished by being thrown down from a precipice by Joram, his son, because he reproved him for the impieties of his fathers; and he was buried in his own land alone, near the cemetery of Enacim.
CAPITULA OF THE PROPHET NAHUM
A I. A declaration of God's threat and of His power unto vengeance: concurrently against the demons and against the Jews, both alike.
II. A threat against the devil; and an address to the Church concerning [her] deliverance from idols; and the announcement of the saving proclamation, and of the feasts through Christ, and of the destruction and confusion of the demons.
III. A prediction of the resurrection of Christ and of the souls rising with Him, and of the plundering and spoiling of death and the devil that will occur at that time.
IV. A threat against the Jewish people, and the desolation of Jerusalem; and a prediction of the things it was destined to suffer in the Roman capture, for the reason that the people became a stumbling block to the nations. B
V. A threat against Jerusalem concerning the shame of nakedness; and how the Church will seek consolation from Jerusalem, but she herself—Jerusalem—will be engaged in various evils, seeing that she labors under insurmountable malice.
Nahum is interpreted as "comforter" or "consolation." He was from Helcesin, beyond Timbarin, of the tribe of Simeon. He, after Jonah, gave a sign, namely that Nineveh would perish by sweet waters and fire; which also came to pass. For the lake that surrounded it submerged it during an earthquake, and fire from the desert burned its upper part; but he died in peace, and was buried in his own land. C
CAPITULA OF THE PROPHET HABAKKUK
I. The lament of the prophet concerning the injustice practiced in life; and a prediction of the mystery of Christ, and of the calling of the nations and of [their] power, in which they are destined to mock and destroy the devil. D
NOTE. (9) Morathi, Marathi, Epiph. and Doroth. Ibid. 1. xxxvii. With Ahab, the same. Ibid. 1. xxxvii. For the impieties, of himself and his fathers, Epiph. (10) Beyond Bithabara. Doroth. Beyond the Jordan at Bithabar, Epiph.
A
II. A testimony of the justice of God, and an inquiry as to the cause for which He is long-suffering toward the sins of men, and an exposition of the hunting of the devil, through which he hunts men; concerning these things the prophet seeks an answer from God, and he is taught of the coming of Christ and the vanity of the devil’s insatiability.
III. An allocution to the devil, as to how he shall himself be despoiled by those whom he had despoiled; a complaint against him for that he has filled the life of men with evils; and a lamentation of those who had been confounded by idols; and a prediction of the arrival of the Savior.
IV. A prophecy of the coming of Christ, and thereafter of his miracles, and the preaching of the apostles, and the inertia of the demons, and the rule of the age to come.
Habacuc signifies father of resurrection. B
CHAPTERS OF THE PROPHET ZEPHANIAH
1. Threats of the perdition of sinners and of the destruction of idols and of those who have served them and departed from God; a prediction of the sacrifice of the Cross and of the punishment that awaits the judges of the people of the Jews.
II. A prediction of the lamentation of Jerusalem, and threats against those who say that our affairs happen without the providence of God; and a prediction of the day of judgment and of the evils that will come upon the impious within it. C
III. An exhortation to adhere to God, and to seek Him through good works; and a prophecy of what the foreign nations are destined to suffer, once impiety is destroyed within them; and of the ruin of idols.
IV. Threats of the evangelical sword against the demons and against the devil and against Jerusalem; and a prediction of the evils that will come upon her, especially because of her boasting against God.
V. The desolation of Jerusalem, for that she did not obey the wisdom of God; and an accusation of her princes; and a prophecy of the coming of Christ, and of the evils He is going to work upon the Jews with justice. D
IV. An announcement of the resurrection of Christ to the Church, and of the grace of tongues, and of the gathering of the nations, of the abolition of error, and of the election of the faithful—from the nations first, and from the Jews second.
VII. A prediction of the grace which is to come on account of the Lord who gives it; for He himself, according to that which is written, has multiplied visions, and Himself has spoken to the prophets, pre-announcing to them through the Holy Spirit things to come, and placing them before their eyes as though they were already present. And that they knew that they were not speaking from their own hearts, but were rather conveying to us the words that are from God, he clearly persuades us in advance, having called himself a prophet and professing to be full of the grace for this.
A mysteries, which in her were fulfilled by Christ; and of the glory which the Church has obtained throughout the whole world, now that the captivity of sinners has been turned back.
Sophonias means "watchtower of the Lord." He was from the tribe of Simeon, from the region of Sabaroth, and prophesied concerning the city of Jerusalem, the end of Israel, the substitution of the nations in its place and their salvation, the shame of the ungodly, the glory of the just, and the judge of every spirit. After his death, he was buried in his own region.
CHAPTERS OF THE PROPHET AGGAEUS
I. The indignation of God against those who are slothful in the building of the temple, and a recounting of how many evils have consequently befallen them, and how many shall yet befall them.
II. Obedience of the princes and of the people themselves, eagerness concerning the works of the temple, and God’s address to them that they take courage and act manfully, and know that the Lord Himself stands over those who persevere. B
III. A prediction of the events that will come to pass for the elements at the Cross, of the fruitfulness of the nations, of the glory of the new temple, and of the peace which has been secured for the saints by Christ through the Cross.
IV. An accusation against the Jews, in that they are not sanctified by their sacrifices, but rather defile those who draw near with their own wickedness; and a recounting of what both they and the fruits of the earth suffered because of the wickedness of the people, and a promise of the blessing that is to come through Christ. C
V. A prediction of the destruction of demons and of those possessed by them; and a prophecy concerning Christ, indicating the economy of the flesh and the divinity.
Aggaeus means "festal." He was born in Babylon and was of the tribe of Levi. While still a boy, he came from Babylon to Jerusalem and spoke openly of the conversion of the people, and saw, in part, the building of the temple. Dying in Jerusalem, he was buried near the tomb of the priests with the same honor, inasmuch as he himself was of priestly lineage. D
CHAPTERS OF THE PROPHET ZACHARIAS
I. An exhortation to repentance and a rebuke of the Jewish people, because they emulated the wickedness of their ancestors.
II. A prophecy of the apostolic courses and of the renewal, down to Jerusalem, which itself has become new.
III. An enigma of the Gospels, by which the nations were stirred up to anger against ancient Jerusalem.
IV. A prophecy that a new Jerusalem shall be founded by Christ, and that it shall have a multitude of inhabitants, and [of the]
A operation of the Spirit within her to serve as a wall.
V. The calling of the nations into the new Sion; and a threat against demons; and the annunciation of the Lord’s advent in the flesh into Sion, through which the nations shall be converted unto Him.
VI. A description of the purification of Jesus, the priest among them at that time, and a protestation unto him regarding what things it behooves him to observe.
VII. A prophecy of the advent of the Savior, upon whom the seven gifts of the Spirit rest; and a prediction of the remission of sins and the enjoyment of mystical goods that shall come to pass through the passion of the Savior.
VIII. Knowledge of the images of the value and operation of the Spirit, and of the law regarding it, and of the grace and power of Christ. And a rebuke against the devil, as one attempting to hinder the preaching of salvation. B
IX. A prophecy concerning Christ and the operations of the Spirit within Him; and an image of the law and of grace, and of the things that are to be administered in the appearing of the Spirit.
X. Threats against thieves and the perjured, as those who are to be destroyed together with their house.
XI. An image of the iniquity reigning among men, which sin and impiety bring forth together, and which has obtained its dwelling in the confusion of error.
XII. An image of the governance which the generations of the prophets and the law, of the patriarchs and the prophets, traversed. C
XIII. A sign of the crowns that shall be for those who have turned from sin, of whom he sets forth the high priest Jesus at that time as a character, as one purified through repentance.
XIV. A narrative of the sorts of things which certain kings of the nations, sending to the ark, were inquiring about; and an accusation of Israel, because they neither fast nor eat according to the purpose of God.
XV. An admonition as to what things please God; and an accusation of the disobedience of the people; and a threat of their dispersion and destruction.
XVI. A prediction of the good things that shall come to Jerusalem through the advent of the Savior.
XVII. An exposition of what things were done by God for the ancient people before the building of the temple of God, and what things for the new people after the building of it; and an instruction as to what they ought to correct. D
XVIII. An exhortation to fasting for those who confess, as those who shall gain joy therein; and a prediction of the conversion of the nations through the advent of the Savior.
XIX. A prophecy of the abolition of error that is to be among the nations; and a prediction of the faith which shall be planted within them, through which they no longer fear the diabolical ravaging.
XX. A prophecy concerning Christ, how, sitting upon an ass, He destroys Jewish pride; and brings peace to the nations, using the apostles as instruments for the evangelical preaching, and for the destruction of
A error, and the manifestation of the mysteries, and having utilized them for the conversion of those who had wandered.
XXI. That both the law and grace must be received from God; and the refutation of the Gentile seers, and the threat against the Jewish shepherds; and a prophecy of the conversion of the nations, which is to take place through the apostles, by means of baptism and repentance from error.
XXII. A prediction of the entry of the Spirit into the nations; and of the fall of idols; and of the lamentation of the Jewish shepherds, because the sacrifice of atonement among them ceases.
XXIII. A prophecy concerning Christ, who by the good will of the Father is to shepherd those things which had previously perished; and a threat of the plundering of the Jews, and the removal of Caiphas and Herod, and the transformation of the law, both written and natural, into Christ; and the restoration of both.
XXIV. A prophecy of the knowledge that shall be among the nations, and of the apparition of the Lord; and how His silver was shown to be of no value, namely, the covenant with the people of the Jews.
XXV. A prophecy of what the Antichrist shall do, and what he shall indeed suffer.
XXVI. A prediction of the things that shall come to pass for Jerusalem in its destruction, and of the goods that shall be for those who are to be saved by repentance; how these shall ascend into the order of the just, and the just into the order of the angels. C
XXVII. A prophecy of the destruction of demons, and of the strength of the Spirit which comes upon the faithful; and of the evils that shall come upon the Jews at the time of the consummation; and of the destruction of idols and the spirit of error; and of the extraordinary things that shall be done by the people of the Jews to Christ as He prophesies.
XXVIII. A prophecy of the Lord's cross, and of the denial of Peter, and of the scattering of the apostles, and of the destruction of the Jews, and of the acceptance of those among them who were saved by confession, and of the warfare of Christ, which He sets in array against the demons for the salvation of the nations.
XXIX. A prediction of the Assumption of Christ, from which the mystery is distributed into all the regions of the inhabited world; and a prophecy of the miracles that shall occur at that time, and of the subjection of the nations, and of the dwelling of the new Jerusalem.
XXX. Threats against the nations that have not turned; and an account of the wealth of those who have confessed; and a sentence against the sinners, that they are to suffer the same things as the impious.
XXXI. A prophecy of the removal of the error that is to be among the nations; and a prediction of the faith which is to be planted among them, for which they no longer fear the devil's persecution.
XXXII. Threats against those who will not join themselves to the new Jerusalem, so as to celebrate the new D mysteries of Christ; and a prediction that the nations are to be curbed by the evangelical word.
B Zacharias signifies "memory of the Most High" or "conqueror of the lion." He was of the lineage of Levi; he was born in Gilead. And coming from Chaldea, already advanced in age, and having prophesied much concerning the temple, he gave this as a demonstration: he said to Josedec that he would beget a son, and he would exercise the priesthood in Jerusalem as a type of the true High Priest. He also blessed Salathiel concerning his son and imposed upon him the name Zorobabel; and in the reign of Cyrus he gave a sign for victory, and he prophesied concerning his ministry which he was to accomplish in Jerusalem, and he blessed him greatly. He beheld the proposition of Jerusalem; and he published a prophecy concerning the end of Israel, the beginning of the nations, the end of the temple and its ruin from the foundations, the cessation of the prophets, the priests, and the Sabbaths, and concerning the double judgment. And he died at a great age, and being deficient [of life], he was buried near Haggai.
CHAPTERS OF THE PROPHET MALACHI
I. That God loves man, but averts Himself from and hates the devil. And a rebuke to Israel, in that they did not approach God as Savior, nor as Lord.
II. An accusation of the Jewish priests, in that they corrupted the sacrifices and defiled the altars. And a prophecy of the piety of the nations; and a threat against those who promise good things to God, but offer evil in their stead.
III. A threat against the Jewish priests, that the covenant entered into with them was about to be destroyed.
IV. A prophecy concerning Christ, and a threat against the princes of the Jews, in that they were the cause of the transgression of the law.
V. A reproof against the Jews, because they did not keep brotherly love; and a curse against those living in luxury and idolaters, and those offering such things for which others groaned.
VI. A reminder of the law concerning women given by God regarding marriage; and a reproof of those who think that God is pleased by evil.
VII. A prediction of the presence of John the forerunner, and of the arrival of the Savior, and what miracles He will perform when He comes.
VIII. An accusation of the Jewish princes and the people on account of their frequent transgressions; and he denounces their ingratitude for ancient blessings. C
IX. An address of God Himself to the righteous, because they complain that the sinners fare better. And a promise of the good things that are to be for the righteous, and of evils for the wicked, in the age to come, through the prior advent of Christ.
X. An exhortation to remember those things which were spoken by God in Horeb, since He signified Christ within them. And a promise of the advent of Elijah the Tishbite. D
Malachias signifies "Angel." This man, after the return from the captivity, was born in Sophira of the tribe of Levi. And when he was still quite a young child, he led a beautiful life; and since all the people honored him as blameless and gentle, they called him Malachias, which is "Angel"; for he was also distinguished in appearance. Furthermore, just as he himself said in the prophecy, on that very day, an angel of God was seen, whose words he repeated. But no unworthy person saw the angel; rather, they heard only his voice; but the worthy saw even his face; as happened in the days when there were no kings, as it is written in *Sopharim*, that is, in the Book of Judges. And while still young, he was gathered to his fathers in a good life, and was buried with his fathers. B
CHAPTERS OF THE PROPHET ISAIAH.
I. A testimony of the elements against the lawlessness of the Jews, and a narrative of their plagues; and a prophecy of the casting away of the feasts and sacrifices among them, because they pursued wicked deeds and murders.
II. An exhortation to baptism; and an accusation of ancient Jerusalem; and a threat against her rulers; and a promise of the renewal of Jerusalem, which is taken as the "new" one; but with her being renewed, the destruction of all those who were lawless in ancient Jerusalem is announced.
III. A prophecy that the new Jerusalem and Sion will be visible to all nations; and the casting away of the ancient temple, because they imitated lawless nations; and a prediction of the destruction of idols and the ruin of blasphemers. C
IV. A prediction that ancient Jerusalem will be deprived of the blessings of Christ's advent, because, besides other malicious acts, by rising up against Christ they imitated the lawlessness of Sodom.
V. A denunciation of the licentiousness of the Jewish people; and a prediction of the stripping of the proud among them; and a prophecy that the workings of the Spirit will be joined to the economy of Christ; and thus those from the circumcision who believe will be enrolled into life, and the whole Church will be fortified by the presence of the Spirit.
VI. The casting away of the Jewish vineyard, because at the advent of Christ they brought forth rebellion as their fruit. D
VII. A lamentation against those who live in arrogance and lawless luxury; and how for them the spiritual Hades is widened; but God will be glorified in the judgment, with the righteous then receiving as much as they are currently stripped of.
VIII. A woe upon those who add sins to sins, and who speak evil of good things but promote evil things, and who trust in their own wisdom, and who...