Jasher, Chapter 8

1 And it was in the night that Abram was born, that all the servants of Terah, and all the wise men of Nimrod, and his conjurors came and ate and drank in the house of Terah, and they rejoiced with him on that night.
2 And when all the wise men and conjurors went out from the house of Terah, they lifted up their eyes toward heaven that night to look at the stars, and they saw, and behold one very large star came from the east and ran in the heavens, and he swallowed up the four stars from the four sides of the heavens.
3 And all the wise men of the king and his conjurors were astonished at the sight, and the sages understood this matter, and they knew its import.
4 And they said to each other, This only betokens the child that has been born to Terah this night, who will grow up and be fruitful, and multiply, and possess all the earth, he and his children for ever, and he and his seed will slay great kings, and inherit their lands.
5 And the wise men and conjurors went home that night, and in the morning all these wise men and conjurors rose up early, and assembled in an appointed house.
6 And they spoke and said to each other, Behold the sight that we saw last night is hidden from the king, it has not been made known to him.
7 And should this thing get known to the king in the latter days, he will say to us, Why have you concealed this matter from me, and then we shall all suffer death; therefore, now let us go and tell the king the sight which we saw, and the interpretation thereof, and we shall then remain clear.
8 And they did so, and they all went to the king and bowed down to him to the ground, and they said, May the king live, may the king live.
9 We heard that a son was born to Terah the son of Nahor, the prince of your host, and we yesternight came to his house, and we ate and drank and rejoiced with him that night. 10 And when your servants went out from the house of Terah, to go to our respective homes to abide there for the night, we lifted up our eyes to heaven, and we saw a great star coming from the east, and the same star ran with great speed, and swallowed up four great stars, from the four sides of the heavens.
11 And your servants were astonished at the sight which we saw, and were greatly terrified, and we made our judgment upon the sight, and knew by our wisdom the proper interpretation thereof, that this thing applies to the child that is born to Terah, who will grow up and multiply greatly, and become powerful, and kill all the kings of the earth, and inherit all their lands, he and his seed forever.
12 And now our lord and king, behold we have truly acquainted you with what we have seen concerning this child.
13 If it seems good to the king to give his father value for this child, we will slay him before he shall grow up and increase in the land, and his evil increase against us, that we and our children perish through his evil.
14 And the king heard their words and they seemed good in his sight, and he sent and called for Terah, and Terah came before the king.
15 And the king said to Terah, I have been told that a son was yesternight born to you, and after this manner was observed in the heavens at his birth.
16 And now therefore give me the child, that we may slay him before his evil springs up against us, and I will give you for his value, your house full of silver and gold.
17 And Terah answered the king and said to him: My lord and king, I have heard your words, and your servant shall do all that his king desires.
18 But my lord and king, I will tell you what happened to me yesternight, that I may see what advice the king will give his servant, and then I will answer the king upon what he has just spoken; and the king said, Speak.
19 And Terah said to the king, Ayon, son of Mored, came to me yesternight, saying,
20 Give unto me the great and beautiful horse that the king gave you, and I will give you silver and gold, and straw and provender for its value; and I said to him, Wait till I see the king concerning your words, and behold whatever the king saith, that will I do.
21 And now my lord and king, behold I have made this thing known to you, and the advice which my king will give unto his servant, that will I follow.
22 And the king heard the words of Terah, and his anger was kindled and he considered him in the light of a fool.
23 And the king answered Terah, and he said to him, Art you so silly, ignorant, or deficient in understanding, to do this thing, to give your beautiful horse for silver and gold or even for straw and provender?
24 Art you so short of silver and gold, that you shouldst do this thing, because you canst not obtain straw and provender to feed your horse? and what is silver and gold to you, or straw and provender, that you shouldst give away that fine horse which I gave you, like which there is none to be had on the whole earth? 25 And the king left off speaking, and Terah answered the king, saying, Like unto this has the king spoken to his servant;
26 I beseech you, my lord and king, what is this which you didst say unto me, saying, Give your son that we may slay him, and I will give you silver and gold for his value; what shall I do with silver and gold after the death of my son? who shall inherit me? surely then at my death, the silver and gold will return to my king who gave it.
27 And when the king heard the words of Terah, and the parable which he brought concerning the king, it grieved him greatly and he was vexed at this thing, and his anger burned within him.
28 And Terah saw that the anger of the king was kindled against him, and he answered the king, saying, All that I have is in the king's power; whatever the king desires to do to his servant, that let him do, yea, even my son, he is in the king's power, without value in exchange, he and his two brothers that are older than he.
29 And the king said to Terah, No, but I will purchase your younger son for a price.
30 And Terah answered the king, saying, I beseech you my lord and king to let your servant speak a word before you, and let the king hear the word of his servant, and Terah said, Let my king give me three days' time till I consider this matter within myself, and consult with my family concerning the words of my king; and he pressed the king greatly to agree to this.
31 And the king hearkened to Terah, and he did so and he gave him three days' time, and Terah went out from the king's presence, and he came home to his family and spoke to them all the words of the king; and the people were greatly afraid.
32 And it was in the third day that the king sent to Terah, saying, Send me your son for a price as I spoke to you; and shouldst you not do this, I will send and slay all you hast in your house, so that you shall not even have a dog remaining.
33 And Terah hastened, (as the thing was urgent from the king), and he took a child from one of his servants, which his handmaid had born to him that day, and Terah brought the child to the king and received value for him.
34 And YAHWEH was with Terah in this matter, that Nimrod might not cause Abram's death, and the king took the child from Terah and with all his might dashed his head to the ground, for he thought it had been Abram; and this was concealed from him from that day, and it was forgotten by the king, as it was the will of Providence not to suffer Abram's death.
35 And Terah took Abram his son secretly, together with his mother and nurse, and he concealed them in a cave, and he brought them their provisions monthly.
36 And YAHWEH was with Abram in the cave and he grew up, and Abram was in the cave ten years, and the king and his princes, soothsayers and sages, thought that the king had killed Abram.

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The Book of Enoch: Chapters XXV - XXXV

Chapter XXV

1. From thence I proceeded to the middle of the earth, and beheld a happy and fertile spot, which contained branches continually sprouting from the trees which were planted in it. There I saw a holy mountain, and underneath it water on the eastern side, which flowed towards the south. I saw also on the east another mountain as high as that ; and between them there were deep, but not wide valleys.
2. Water ran towards the mountain to the west of this ; and underneath there was likewise another mountain.
3. There was a valley, but not a wide one, below it; and in the midst of them were other deep and dry valleys towards the extremity of the three. All these valleys, which were deep, but not wide, consisted of a strong rock, with a tree which was planted in them. And I wondered at the rock and at the valleys, being extremely surprised.

Chapter XVI

1. Then I said. What means this blessed land, all these lofty trees, and the accursed valley between them ?
2. Then Uriel, one of the holy angels who were with me, replied, This valley is the accursed of the accursed for ever. Here shall be collected all who utter with their mouths unbecoming language against God, and speak harsh things of His glory. Here shall they be collected. Here shall be their territory.
o. In the latter days an example of judgment shall be made of them in righteousness before the saints : while those who have received mercy shall for ever, all their days, bless God, the everlasting King.
4. And at the period of judgment shall they bless Him for his mercy, as He has distributed it to them. Then I blessed God, addressing myself to Him, and making mention, as was meet, of His greatness.

Chapter XXVII

1. From thence I proceeded towards the east, to the middle of the mountain in the desert, the level surface only of which I perceived.
2. It was full of trees of the seed alluded to ; and water leaped down upon it.
3. There appeared a cataract composed as of many cataracts both towards the west and towards the east. Upon one side were trees ; upon the other water and dew.

Chapter XXVIII

1. Then I went to another place from the desert, towards the east of that mountain which I had approached.
2. There I beheld choice trees, particularly those which produce the sweet-smelling drugs, frankin- cense and myrrh; and trees unlike to each other.
3. And over it, above them, was the elevation of the eastern mountain at no great distance.

Chapter XXIX

1. I likewise saw another place with valleys of water which never wasted,
2. Where I perceived a goodly tree, which in smell resembled Zasakinon.
3. And towards the sides of these valleys I perceived cinnamon of a sweet odour. Over them I advanced towards the east.

Chapter XXX

1. Then I beheld another mountain containing trees, from which water flowed like Neketro. Its name was Sarira, and Kalboneba. And upon this mountain I beheld another mountain, upon which were trees of Alva.
2. These trees were full, like almond trees, and strong ; and when they produced fruit, it was superior to all perfume.

Chapter XXXI

1. After these things, surveying the entrances of the north, above the mountains, I perceived seven mountains replete with pure nard, odoriferous trees, cinnamon and papyrus.
2. From thence I passed on above the summits of those mountains to some distance eastwards, and went over the Erythraean sea. And when I was advanced far beyond it, I passed along above the angel Zateel, and arrived at the garden of righteousness. In this garden I beheld, among other trees, some which were numerous and large, and which flourished there.
3. Their fragrance was agreeable and powerful, and their appearance both varied and elegant. The tree of knowledge also was there, of which if any one eats, he becomes endowed with great wisdom.
4. It was like a species of the tamarind tree, bearing fruit which resembled grapes extremely tine; and its fragrance extended to a considerable distance. I exclaimed, How beautiful is this tree, and how delightful is its appearance
5. Then holy Raphael, an angel who was with me, answered and said. This is the tree of knowledge, of which thy ancient father and thy aged mother ate, who were before thee ; and who, obtaining knowledge, their eyes being opened, and knowing themselves to be naked, were expelled from the garden.

Chapter XXXII

1. From thence I went on towards the extremities of the earth ; where I saw large beasts different from each other, and birds various in their countenances and forms, as well as with notes of different sounds.
2. To the east of these beasts I perceived the extremities of the earth, where heaven ceased. The gates of heaven stood open, and I beheld the celestial stars come forth. I numbered them as they proceeded out of the gate, and wrote them all down, as they came out one by one according to their number. I wrote down their names altogether, their times and their seasons, as the angel Uriel, who was with me, pointed them out to me.
3. He showed them all to me, and wrote down an account of them.
4. He also wrote down for me their names, their regulations, and their operations.

Chapter XXXIII

1. From thence I advanced on towards the north, to the extremities of the earth.
2. And there I saw a great and glorious wonder at the extremities of the whole earth.
3. I saw there heavenly gates opening into heaven ; three of them distinctly separated. The northern winds proceeded from them, blowing cold, hail, frost, snow, dew, and rain.
4. From one of the gates they blew mildly; but when they blew from the two otJier gates, it was with violence and force. They blew over the earth strongly.

Chapter XXXIV

1. From thence I went to the extremities of the world westwards
2. Where I perceived three gates open, as I had seen in the north ; the gates and passages through them being of equal magnitude.

Chapter XXXV

1. Then I proceeded to the extremities of the earth southwards ; where I saw three gates open to the south, from which issued dew, rain, and wind.
2. From thence I went to the extremities of heaven eastwards; where I saw three heavenly gates open to the east, which had smaller gates within them. Through each of these small gates the stars of heaven passed on, and proceeded towards the west by a path which was seen by them, and that at every period of their appearance.
3. When I beheld them, I blessed ; every time in which they appeared, I blessed the Lord of glory, who had made those great and splendid signs, that they might display the magnificence of his works to angels and to the souls of men ; and that these might glorify all his works and operations ; might see the effect of his power ; might glorify the great labour of his hands ; and bless him for ever.

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The Book of Enoch: Chapters XV - XX

Chapter XV

1. Then addressing me. He spoke and said, Hear, neither be afraid, righteous Enoch, thou scribe of righteousness : approach hither, and hear my voice. Go, say to the Watchers of heaven, who have sent thee to pray for them, You ought to pray for men, and not men for you.
2. Wherefore have you forsaken the lofty and holy heaven, which endures for ever, and have lain with women; have defiled yourselves with the daughters of men ; have taken to yourselves wives have acted like the sons of the earth, and have begotten an impious offspring ?
3. You being spiritual, holy, and possessing a life which is eternal, have polluted yourselves with women ; have begotten in carnal blood ; have lusted in the blood of men ; and have done as those who are flesh and blood do.
4. These however die and perish.
5. Therefore have I given to them wives, that they might cohabit with them ; that sons might be born of them; and that this might be transacted upon earth.
6. But you from the beginning were made spiritual, possessing a life which is eternal, and not subject to death for ever.
7. Therefore I made not wives for you, because, being spiritual, your dwelling is in heaven.
8. Now the giants, who have been born of spirit and of flesh, shall be called upon earth evil spirits, and on earth shall be their habitation. Evil spirits shall proceed from their flesh, because they were created from above; from the holy Watchers was their beginning and primary foundation. Evil spirits shall they be upon earth, and the spirits of the wicked shall they be called. The habitation of the spirits of heaven shall be in heaven; but upon earth shall be the habitation of terrestrial spirits, who are born on earth.
9. The spirits of the giants shall be like clouds, which shall oppress, corrupt, fall, contend, and bruise upon earth.
10. They shall cause lamentation. No food shall they eat ; and they shall be thirsty ; they shall be concealed, and shall not rise up against the sons of men, and against women; for they come forth during the days of slaughter and destruction.

Chapter XVI

1. And as to the death of the giants, wheresoever their spirits depart from their bodies, let their flesh, that which is perishable, be without judgment. Thus shall they perish, until the day of the great consummation of the great world. A destruction shall take place of the Watchers and the impious.
2. And now to the Watchers, who have sent thee to pray for them, who in the beginning were in heaven,
3. Say, In heaven have you been ; secret things, however, have not been manifested to you yet ; have you known a reprobated mystery.
4. And this you have related to women in the hardness of your heart, and by that mystery have women and mankind multiplied evils upon the earth.
5. Say to them, Never therefore shall you obtain peace.

Chapter XVII

1. They raised me up into a certain place, where there was the appearance of a burning fire ; and when they pleased they assumed the likeness of men.
2. They carried me to a lofty spot, to a mountain, the top of which reached to heaven.
3. And I beheld the receptacles of light and of thunder at the extremities of the place, where it was deepest. There was a bow of fire, and arrows in their quiver, a sword of fire, and every species of lightning.
4. Then they elevated me to a babbling stream, and to a fire in the west, which received all the setting of the sun. I came to a river of fire, which flowed like water, and emptied itself into the great sea westwards.
5. I saw every large river, until I arrived at the great darkness. I went to where all of flesh migrate ; and I beheld the mountains of the gloom which constitutes winter, and the place from which issues the water in every abyss.
6. I saw also the mouths of all the rivers in the world, and the mouths of the deep.

Chapter XVIII

1. I then surveyed the receptacles of all the winds, perceiving that they contributed to adorn the whole creation, and to preserve the foundation of the earth.
2. I surveyed the stone which supports the corners of the earth.
3. I also beheld the four winds, which bear up the earth, and the firmament of heaven.
4. And I beheld the winds occupying the exalted
5. Arising in the midst of heaven and of earth, and constituting the pillars of heaven.
6. I saw the winds which turn the sky, which cause the orb of the sun and of all the stars to set and over the earth I saw the winds which support the clouds.
7. I saw the path of the angels.
8. I perceived at the extremity of the earth the firmament of heaven above it. Then I passed on towards the south
9. Where burnt, both by day and night, six mountains formed of glorious stones ; three towards the east, and three towards the south.
10. Those which were towards the east were of a variegated stone ; one of which was of margarite, and another of antimony. Those towards the south were of a red stone. The middle one reached to heaven like the throne of God ; a throne composed of alabaster, the top of which was of sapphire. I saw, too, a blazing fire hanging over all the mountains.
11. And there I saw a place on the other side of an extended territory, where waters were collected.
12. I likewise beheld terrestrial fountains, deep in the fiery columns of heaven.
13. And in the columns of heaven I beheld fires, which descended without number, but neither on high, nor into the deep. Over these fountains also I perceived a place which had neither the firmament of heaven above it, nor the solid ground underneath it ; neither was there water above it, nor anything on wing ; but the spot was desolate.
14. And there I beheld seven stars, like great blazing mountains, and like spirits entreating me.
15. Then the angel said, This place, until the consummation of heaven and earth, will be the prison of the stars, and the host of heaven.
16. The stars which roll over fire are those which transgressed the commandment of God before their time arrived; for they came not in their proper season. Therefore was He offended with them, and bound them, until the period of the consummation of their crimes in the secret year.

Chapter XIX

1. Then Uriel said, Here the angels, who cohabited with women, appointed their leaders
2. And being numerous in appearance made men profane, and caused them to err ; so that they sacrificed to devils as to gods. For in the great day there shall he a judgment, with which they shall be judged, until they are consumed ; and their wives also shall be judged, who led astray the angels of heaven that they might salute them.
3. And I, Enoch, I alone saw the likeness of the end of all things. Nor did any human being see it, as I saw it.

Chapter XX

1. These are the names of the angels who watch.
2. Uriel, one of the holy angels, who presides over clamour and terror.
3. Raphael, one of the holy angels, who presides over the spirits of men.
4. Raguel, one of the holy angels, who inflicts punishment on the world and the luminaries.
5. Michael, one of the holy angels, who, presiding over human virtue, commands the nations.
6. Sarakiel, one of the holy angels, who presides over the spirits of the children of men that transgress.
7. Gabriel, one of the holy angels, who presides over Ikisat, over paradise, and over the cherubim.

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